My Mom And Dad Were Divorced When I Was One. Dad Actually Managed To S

My Mom and Dad were divorced when I was one. Dad actually managed to sexually abuse me before the divorce. Karen and Janet, my two older sisters and I went to Dad's on Sundays where we had breakfast. We listened only to classical music, which we hated probably because it was Dad. We did not like him too much, he was " different." I had no idea until after he was murdered that he was gay. Well, looking back he was flamboyant, wearing scarves and brooches. He was a gourmet cook and prided himself in the feasts he made for us. My favorite was the crepes drenched in butter and cinnamon sugar. He kept house meticulously, which mirrored his career, a famous art restorer. I never told him I loved him. We had an emotionally distant co-existence. One thing I have held dear like the person in Living through Personal Crisis by Dr. Ann Kaiser Stearns who saved all the clothes of their loved one is a small crystal Easter egg that he gave to me one Easter. It is a symbol of his love, and my valuing it. Mostly, he showed his love through things and outings to plays and musical recitals. Those times were sometimes fun sometimes tedious. But today, I have come to enjoy these types of cultural events. They have helped to shape who I am today. How do you grieve someone you hardly knew, but who is supposed to mean so much I have postponed the grief some what through alcohol and drug use and avoidance. He did mean something to me because when we came home from school, in seventh grade, that day in January, I was shocked when Mom declared, "you're father is dead." What do you mean?! What happened?! What do you mean he's dead?! Then the tears started to come and the "oh my God's-" the utter shock. They told me it was a burglary but that is not what happened. The truth was withheld from me. He was actually taking advantage of two young male prostitutes. Risky behavior, that's for sure. What do you mean male?! What do you mean prostitutes?! I was humiliated! It was years later that I got this news. The whole scene was embarrassing. I thought everyone knew from the newspaper but the whole story was not in the newspaper due to plea bargaining. Back to the seventh grade when this occurred, I was supposed to give a speech dressed as Pocohontas in social studies. Needless to say I missed that one, and subsequently almost failed out of McDonogh that semester. People really don't give enough time for grieving in this society. I needed more time. You would not believe how many times I heard " I'm sorry " from acquaintances at school. It was too much. It did not help me at all to feel better. No one knew how to listen or even wanted to listen. One girl did ask me how many times he was stabbed. That was really ignorant. I would not have known what to say if someone had listened. But I'm sorry is really useless in helping a person in mourning. Not having any close friends during this time caused me to push my anger down. This began years or depression and suicidal thoughts. An awful lot can happen when one does not deal with pain and loss. My best friend, Ramsey and I did not even talk about the loss of my Dad. However I did find one coping mechanism to further lengthen my grief. It was alcohol. My first drink was with Ramsey at her grandmother's house. It was sweet white wine from my Dad's wine seller. I had no empathic friends at this time in my life, to route for me and help me to talk about my feelings. In middle school, who really has that anyway? It seems that no one I knew talked about problems, nor supported each other except the cheerleaders! The importance of empathic friends in my life today is priceless. I would not do without the recognition of growth, warmth and affection, the reminders of strengths, and the respect of my courage and sense of determination along with

Quotes Showing Why Anakin Skywalker Turned Evil

Quotes Showing Why Anakin Skywalker Turned Evil If you are a Star Wars fan, you have probably read up everything about Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader. Darth Vader is one of the most popular sci-fi villains. The transformation of pristinely good and golden Anakin Skywalker into the dark and dangerous Darth Vader is interesting. So what makes Anakin Skywalker, the most powerful Jedi, turn evil? Who Is Anakin Skywalker? Anakin Skywalker, the hero, once worshiped by the Jedi Order becomes a victim of his circumstance. His love for his wife Padme Amidala becomes his undoing. He turns to the dark side when he realizes that it was the only way he can save his beloved wife from dying. After a vicious battle with the Jedi led by his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin is left badly injured. He is saved by Palpatine, his Jedi mentor who is secretly a Sith Lord. Of course, Palpatines motives are to use Anakin against the Jedi Order, as he wants to manipulate Anakin Skywalkers strengths and weaknesses. The Rise of Darth Vader Lord Palpatine turns Anakin Skywalker into the dark and deadly Darth Vader for his selfish pursuits. Darth Vader rises like a phoenix with his mind filled with hatred for the Jedi. He becomes the oppressor and tyrant that fills the Jedi with trepidation. Darth Vader, the ruthless slayer of Jedi younglings, is a victim of political vendetta. He is an agent of evil with a heart of goodness. What Can You Learn From Anakin Skywalkers Character? Anakin Skywalkers complex personality makes him one of the most popular characters in sci-fi movies. The two faces of Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader remind us that it is good and evil in every one of us. It is your choice to be what you want to be. You can blame your circumstances for your misdeeds. Or you can accept reality, and work hard to be good despite the negative energy around you. The choice is yours. Here is some soul-stirring Anakin Skywalker quotes that will put you in a reflective mood. For those who love Darth Vader, read some quotes from the evil Sith Lord himself. Anakin Skywalker Prequel Quotes Episode II - Attack of the ClonesYoure asking me to be rational. That is something I know I cannot do. Believe me, I wish I could just wish away my feelings, but I cant. Episode I - The Phantom MenaceMom, you said that the biggest problem in the universe is no one helps each other. Episode II - Attack of the ClonesAttachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden. Compassion- which I would define as†¦unconditional love- is essential to a Jedis life. So, you might say that we are encouraged to love. Episode II - Attack of the ClonesWe will find out whos trying to kill you, Padmà ©. I promise you. Episode II - Attack of the ClonesSomeday I will be the most powerful Jedi ever. Episode II - Attack of the ClonesI killed them. I killed them all. Theyre dead, every single one of them. And not just the men, but the women and the children, too. Theyre like animals, and I slaughtered them like animals. I HATE THEM! Episode II - Attack of the ClonesIts all Obi-Wans fault. Hes jealous. Hes holding me back. Episode II - Attack of the Clones[Anakin uses his Force levitation to slice a fruit for Padme] If Obi-Wan caught me doing that, he would be very grumpy. Episode III - Revenge of the SithIm going there to end this war. Wait for me until I return. Things will be different, I promise. Please wait for me. Episode II - Attack of the Clones[Anakin Skywalker, after Obi-Wan Kenobi cuts off Zam Wesells arm] Jedi business, go back to your drinks!

Accountability, Uniformity and Time Management

Accountability also reflects the responsibility the unit has over each and every person in the unit. Everyone is required to report for duty so that the commander can verify that he/she has all the unit personnel accounted for.If i don’t show up and nobody notices, the commander reports 100% accountability, but no one notices that i am not physically accounted for, they may find me some time later and be uncertain of what to think because they did not know i was not physically present, which puts the unit and the unit commander at risk for some evasive action. if there are times that i must be late then i should inform someone so that i can be accounted for. Which could also tie in with uniformity.What is the importance of uniformity, dress right dress, and discipline in the army? the importance of uniformity is to make everyone become and look equal. there are no differences between us, no separation because we are all a team. what is the point of uniformity, when a whole pla toon is uniformed it shows accountability, responsibility, discipline and being in uniform is one of the things that is part of the foundation of the army. Without uniformity there cannot be discipline, and then it turns into a chain reaction and destroying the foundation of the army. being in uniformity shows soldiers how they can do things together and how working together, we as people can do anything we want to accomplish. it also teaches soldiers that uniformity also shows responsibility that when things are disorganized nothing ever gets done, but when there are no differences holding back from completing the mission anything can be done 110%. Everything needs discipline in order to be successful and uniformity, not only in dress code allows for working in harmony to get things done right and in a timely manner. Speaking of timeliness, personal time management skills are essential for professional success in any workplace. Those able to successfully implement time management strategies are able to control their workload rather than spend each day in a frenzy of activity reacting to crisis after crisis – stress declines and personal productivity soars! These highly effective individuals are able to focus on the tasks with the greatest impact to them and to the organization, which help to make them more successful in the end then those who have poor time management skills. In writing this essay the importance and purpose of these three words have become clearer to me. We need accountability, uniformity and time management in everything we do in order to be successful and efficient in all things we undergo. Read also: Time Management Accountability, Uniformity and Time Management Accountability also reflects the responsibility the unit has over each and every person in the unit. Everyone is required to report for duty so that the commander can verify that he/she has all the unit personnel accounted for.If i don’t show up and nobody notices, the commander reports 100% accountability, but no one notices that i am not physically accounted for, they may find me some time later and be uncertain of what to think because they did not know i was not physically present, which puts the unit and the unit commander at risk for some evasive action. if there are times that i must be late then i should inform someone so that i can be accounted for. Which could also tie in with uniformity.What is the importance of uniformity, dress right dress, and discipline in the army? the importance of uniformity is to make everyone become and look equal. there are no differences between us, no separation because we are all a team. what is the point of uniformity, when a whole pla toon is uniformed it shows accountability, responsibility, discipline and being in uniform is one of the things that is part of the foundation of the army. Without uniformity there cannot be discipline, and then it turns into a chain reaction and destroying the foundation of the army. being in uniformity shows soldiers how they can do things together and how working together, we as people can do anything we want to accomplish. it also teaches soldiers that uniformity also shows responsibility that when things are disorganized nothing ever gets done, but when there are no differences holding back from completing the mission anything can be done 110%. Everything needs discipline in order to be successful and uniformity, not only in dress code allows for working in harmony to get things done right and in a timely manner. Speaking of timeliness, personal time management skills are essential for professional success in any workplace. Those able to successfully implement time management strategies are able to control their workload rather than spend each day in a frenzy of activity reacting to crisis after crisis – stress declines and personal productivity soars! These highly effective individuals are able to focus on the tasks with the greatest impact to them and to the organization, which help to make them more successful in the end then those who have poor time management skills. In writing this essay the importance and purpose of these three words have become clearer to me. We need accountability, uniformity and time management in everything we do in order to be successful and efficient in all things we undergo. Read also: Time Management

Feminist Ethics (CAROL GILLIGAN) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Feminist Ethics (CAROL GILLIGAN) - Essay Example th strangely different views considering the diversity in socio-cultural factors acquired from the environment which correspondingly reflect through their mental attitude and social behavior. Apparently, ‘perceptual organization’ in this regard serves as a crucial tool in determining a person’s moral orientation. In matters concerning law and order, a rigid set of standards is set and employed to call for a mandatory obedience yet proper legal execution as we see it, still relies heavily upon weighing of perspectives or possibilities. Since the exact image of truth is not available for the sight of everyone due to limitations in the scope of our senses and intellectual reach, we bear the capacity of depending on someone else’s trusted paradigm. At times, other people see what we don’t or cannot see and equivalently, we possess the ability to know something which others struggle to gain knowledge of. This is one concrete evidence of reality by which we may agree with Gilligan at depth as she delivers the premise that â€Å"there are at least two perspectives possible in analyzing any moral problem, and that these perspectives, far from being mutually exclusive or oppositional, are in fact applied or adopted according to varying circumstances.† Hence, I suppose herein that psychological components as such play a significant role in court proceedings or even in plain settings that exhibit sharp argumentations between people who take ample pride in individual reasoning due to rich past experiences in life. This is especially true on areas they have been well engaged so it would often seem pointless to bring to discussion subjects that are perceived otherwise in their context. When exactly can one be justified as ethically right or having a better perception and approach of evaluating objects of interest? Gilligan accounts for the ‘search for clarity’ and the ‘search for justification’ in a perceptual task of examining things whose meanings come with

Case Study Denver International Airport (DIA) Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Denver International Airport (DIA) - Case Study Example Such changes may also delay completion of a project and inflate involved costs. This paper summarizes a case study on Denver International Airport in which the original plan that was formulated without incorporating stakeholders’ interest and ideas led to subsequent reviews of developed plan and consequences on the stakeholders. The paper also discusses relevant topics to the case and possible incorporation of the topics’ concepts into the case. Summary of the case The case involves a decision that was made for construction of the Denver International Airport and the involved consequences on the construction process and stakeholders to the decision. The decision followed increasing demand for services in the city and the construction offered benefits to both Denver and the Federal Aviation Administration that recognized the poor condition of the then city’s airport and its vulnerability to bad weather conditions. Original plans were developed and implementation b egan without incorporation of airlines that preferred operations from the then existing airport. The airlines alienated themselves from the plans because they were opposed to the project but sought involvement after noting that the project was bound for implementation. Such an entry prompted changes such as alteration of baggage handling system with a resultant delay in the official opening of the airport. Major issues in the case are development of the project’s strategic plan, financing of the plan and implementation of the plan. Strategic planning The Denver International Airport project was realistic because of the need that it offered to meet in the city’s air transport. The city is geographically away from other cities and air transport is the most suitable means. Denver also needed expansion in air transport facilities because of demand that was projected to increase and could undermine the then Stapleton Airport and its backup at Front Range Airport. Expansion of the airport further offered investment opportunities from international airlines and its strategic location for international flights enhanced its potentials. The project’s strengths included modern design and layout, optimization potentials, expansion potentials, support from the city, FAA and United Airlines, and high borrowing potential. Other strengths include environmental conservation and easy traffic control. Major weaknesses for the project were long distance from other cities, reliance on borrowed capital, high costs, lack of close industrial packs and possibility of unavailability qualities labor. Major opportunities were growth probability, creation of employment opportunities, commitment from cargo carriers, facilitated investments in the surrounding and development of a centre for air transport while identifiable weaknesses included poor passenger flow, high maintenance costs unhealthy competitions among airlines and competition from Front Range Airport. The D enver city, Denver International Airport management, airlines, and the Federal Aviation Administration were the stakeholders to the in the case. The United Airline did not support the plan until its realization was eminent and United Airline opposed the plan to expand Front Range Airport because the government’s involvement would liberalize operations and disadvantage high cost carriers. The airlines’

Organizational Behavior-Communication Essay Example for Free

Organizational Behavior-Communication Essay 1. Present which channels of communications should be emphasized and how these channels will be used to ensure that the traditional departments (e.g., IT, human resources, customer service, and sales) at SWC headquarters have necessary accurate and timely information. Communication in an organization or company is very important in achieving goals and objectives. It is oftentimes used in relaying information, messages and issues that concern the success of a company or organization. It is the medium used by most of the high ranking officials and members to have an organized and timely delivery of information in every office or department for instance. Various types of communication or channels had been used. These communication channels are used by the companies to convey and interact well with the employees in order to improve and attain growth of the organization. There are two types of channels—indirect and direct communication. Indirect communication is used when the interaction is not face-to-face. It uses medium such as different types of technologies like computers, monitors and among others. The most common type of indirect communication is the teleconferencing.   On the other hand, direct communication is a face-to-face type of communication. This is common when all of the members of the team are present in just one area. 2. Which channels will be key to those work teams with all members located within headquarters? In the case of SWC, all of the members of the team are within the headquarters, it is best to use direct communication. In relaying this message , a memo can be sent to the members of the team to inform them of the activity that will be done within the headquarters. It is a common knowledge that doing a meeting or gathering within a certain place when all of the people are present, it is best to employ the direct communication. If the head of the department do not have the time to write a memo the most common thing done is to send an email to the members stating the information and issues that should be discussed and later on meet face-to-face with the members. It is not advisable that the leader will just send an email to all the members even if all are present within one area. On the other hand, an email might be good to relay the information fast and easy but still it connotes something to the members. The members might think that the leader of the team is not interested in talking with them. So, there are also strengths and weaknesses of these channels. But in this case, a good leader nurtures a relationship with the members through constant socialization, constant talking with them and assuring that the company is still wants them and will be like a friend that whenever the company decides to change leadership and people the members will be the first to know. It is showing of sincerity with the members of the team. In a study done by the Harvard business school, they projected what a good manager is. They found out that the effective manager spends more than 80 percent of their time in interacting with their personnel and staff. Furthermore, their study said that interaction and conversations within the working area is important in leading a company or organization. It is human capital and social capital that is working in order to achieve and create what the company wants such as increasing productivity while enhancing innovation. In another research done by Ron Burt from the University of Chicago, a leading researcher on the social capital of managers has found, through numerous studies, that certain patterns of connections that individuals build with others brings them higher pay, earlier promotions, greater influence, better ideas and overall greater career success. Burt believes that good social capital provides a much higher return on investment in human capital the two work together. (K rebs, 2005) In another research done at the Norwegian school of economics, a manager or team leader with a better social networking were more productive since they are sincere with their work, they can easily coordinate with the members without hesitation and coordinate tasks in order to finish a certain project and accomplish the goals and objectives of the project (Krebs, 2005). 3. We may have virtual self-managed teams with members located in different parts of the world. The members have yet to meet each other. These teams are each focusing on designing and delivering specific products to certain customers by designated dates. On the other hand, while face-to-face interaction is important in achieving productivity the introduction of various technologies cannot be ignored. Some of the teams of SWC are located in various areas where there is difficulty of meeting face-to-face. In this kind of interaction, teleconferencing has been used by many organizations and companies in order to hold a meeting or to discuss an issue that concerns the company. Also, one of the successful interactions is through networking. This technology helps individuals communicate with each other even if it is across the world. It is a laborious and costly though but once it is set up many of the staff outside the headquarters will benefit from it. From this networking there will be better information flow and exchange of communication among the team members(Lussier, 2005) If SWC were to consider the virtual self-managed teams, below are some key areas that would be evaluated. A virtual self-managed team has been around the globe today. It is used by the outsourcing companies such as call centers, medical transcriptionist, and even tutorials online. Through the introduction of the technology people have embraced this and been nurturing and disseminating it to the others. But before going into a deeper context of the virtual self-managed team, a creation of this team is very important such as choosing the right person to manage and disseminate information. There are a lot of criteria in choosing the person. One of this is the knowledge and skills on the technology that will be used in the entire implementation of the project or program. Individuals who are adept with various types of technologies and willing to be trained again and again just to ensure that there will be no problems later on in the implementation.   Individuals who have lots of connections and networks that can assist them with their problems in terms of technology. Individuals who are willing to share later on their knowledge and not be tacit about the new information and studies so that there will be transfer of skills., and someone that cannot only design programs but can facilitate information flow and sharing of knowledge. a. What communication channel(s) would you recommend for the initial meeting? For the initial meeting of the team, it would be best that is done face-to-face. This is the first meeting so it should build rapport with each other. Even if there are the use of technologies later on, at least during the initial meeting and introduction of each other there already a communication among them. b. What communication channel(s) would you recommend as key interactions (you are not limited to those channels listed in the exhibit)? Later on, after the initial meeting the team can discuss issues through teleconferencing, phone calls, chat messengers and among others that might not require the presence of each other and spend costly fares just to be in one place. Organization of the issues beforehand is also important because this will identify how urgent the meeting should be or is it just one of the meetings and phone calls would be enough. c. Explain how these teams will meet the challenges of each of the stages of group/team development. Engaging in this kind of set-up, virtual self-managed team, is difficult to maintain though. It will require energy because this does not only entail communication but it also needs feedback and learning (source) among the team members. In order to meet these challenges there should be a constant communication even it is called â€Å"virtual† because through this monitoring can be done as well as learning along the way. d. What challenges does diversity present? What must be done to meet these challenges? Diversity in people is very challenging. Every person has its own personality, culture and attitude. Constant learning through trainings can be a good answer to it. e. From a communications point of view, what are the advantages and what are the disadvantages of virtual self-managed-teams? Virtual self-managed team is cost-effective. The only costs that will be incurred are the gadgets that will be used during the networking and conferencing. It can also be done anywhere and anytime of the day. Just put the set up and voila there will be a meeting in the middle of beach. On the other hand, it has also disadvantages. Since it will not require the presence of the person it does not nurture a relationship and does not build rapport among the team. Oftentimes than not, the reaction and the feelings will be not be felt if it is only in the monitor or phone calls. Conversations can be faked and might build walls.

Arts Education Essays :: Education

1. Describe how recent advancements in technology (since 1975 or so) have changed the arts and arts education. Answer: Since 1975 or so there has been many changes in technology that have affected arts education. Advancements in technology such as the internet, computers, and more art education programs have played a major effect. Before this era students could not really get the full picture of visual arts unless the instructor has the actual prints. The students did learn about colors, elements, and the ideas of art, but not students are not only learning about these things, but they can actually see these important elements. This came about primarily due to the internet. Students now can log on the internet and find pictures made by any artists. Also, since this era art has become very important in the concept of learning. I believe that people now realize that art education isn't just for fun, but it's a way that students can think beyond the books and explore the world through art. Computers have played a major role in this development of art. It's very important because students can l earn the different eras of art such as the neoclassical era and romanticism. I know that when I think of art I just think of drawing and painting, but now I believe that art can relate to almost anything. Everything in life is art and with the advancements of technology students can see that this is true. Art history is very important because we can see how the advancements of art have changed over time. For example in music there used to be barely any instruments and composers would make art through voice and now since we have advance so much in technology music today is very complex, usually filled with many instruments and heavy sound. Art education and the arts itself have changed dramatically throughout the years due to the advancements in technology. 2. Describe (A) the stylistic trends and innovations and (B) the characteristics of the art works from one historical period of your choice. During the contemporary period many new stylistic trends and innovations came about. This era was the post war era and occurred after the holocausts of World War II as well as the Nazi death camps where the first use of atomic weapons were put to use.

Malthus and Boserup Population Theory

MALTHUS AND BOSERUP The world population is the total number of living humans on the planet Earth. Recently the world has just hit over 7 billion people. It is expected that if the worlds population continues to increase at the rate it is doing now, then we will become overpopulated. Overpopulation is where an organism's numbers exceed the carrying capacity of its habitat. There are various views on this population crisis and throughout this essay I will describe theses views. Thomas Malthus was a pessimist , his theory is that the growth of human populations always tends to outstrip the productive capabilities of land resources.The result is that resources place a restriction on population growth and size and ‘positive’ checks (famine and disease) or preventative checks (limitation of family size) work to reduce population growth. Writing before the agricultural revolution, Malthus presumed that the productivity of resources were permanent because agricultural technolog y was largely fixed. From a Malthusian perspective, technology and environment (considered in terms of land resources) are therefore seen as independent variables that work together to determine the dependant variable of population, which he sees mainly in terms of population growth and size.According to him, human society could never be perfected. He believed that man is a lazy animal, who would lead a satisfied life and procreate as long as his family was well fed. However, as soon as human population would feel constraints in food supply due to increase in population, he would again work hard to provide enough for his family. This might lead to an increase in agricultural production to provide for all, but at the same time man would be back to his complacent stage, where all his needs would be fulfilled. This would start the cycle of overpopulation and food shortage, all over again.Having been a clergy, Malthus validated his theory on moral grounds that suffering was a way of mak ing human beings realize the virtues of hard work and moral behavior. Such kind of suffering due to overpopulation and food supply was inevitable. Malthus' theory had great influence on both Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace, who are the co-founders of the modern evolutionary theory. By the end of the 19th Century, when living standards improved and birth rates dropped in the Western countries, concerns of overpopulation became irrelevant.However, in underdeveloped countries which have agrarian economies, Malthus' theory often finds credibility. On the other hand, Ester Boserup was an optimist. Her theory focuses on the relationships between three factors; population, environment and technology. Her concept of ‘population’ in contrast to Malthus, encompasses population density as well as population size and growth. Ester Boserup stated that an increase in population would stimulate technologists to increase food production.As Boserup said any rise in population would in crease demand for food and this would act as an incentive to change agrarian technology and produce more food. Therefore population growth will inspire innovators who will solve the problem s the increasing population has caused therefore making it sustainable for a growing population. Even though they are two opposing theories they do have some similarities. They are both based on ‘closed’ communities which at a global scale is not true. They are similar by the way they both agree that an rise in population will increase demand for food.However they completely differ on what the consequences will be. As Malthus says increased demand for food will eventually cause food production to decrease due to the law of diminishing returns. As Boserup has a completely opposing view that increased population would increase food production. We have to remember that Malthus wrote his essay in 1798 before the agriculture revolution therefore he excluded technology from his theory ther efore making it slightly inaccurate. As Boserup wrote her theory in 1968 and has seen the effect technology can have crop yield therefore the two theories contrast.Also Mathus and Boserup disagree on the outcomes of increased population as Malthus stated that population cant increase above the food supplies otherwise positive checks would occur. Malthus talks about controlling a population by preventative checks and how the population must be kept below the crisis point otherwise these positive checks will occur. In contrast Boserup does the opposite and stated that famine and war will be prevented by human solutions. Therefore the two theories have different answers as to how to make a sustainable population which will survive in food resources.I personally agree with Malthus and believe that the power of population is much greater than the power of the earth to provide subsistence for man although Boserup states that an increase in population would stimulate technologists to incre ase food production etc. There is only a limit of resources available that can be used and the use of new technology and manufacturing is a massive contributor to the green house effect. Also we cannot rely on an increases in population to stimulate people to find new ways so that we can live sustainably.Some people may argue that ‘positive checks’ are meant to happen. I don’t believe in parts of this theory however if we can reduce the population to a sustainable level then these positive checks will not have to take place. We can reduce positive checks by encouraging people to have fewer children however this has been taken a bit too far in some areas, for example – Chinas One Child Policy. Although this was a massive success in reducing the population, there are also problems that China is now faced with including gender imbalance (for every 6 males there are 5 females) and an ageing population.

Exploring the Universality and Diversity of Human Language Essay

Language is an all-important tool of mankind for expression. We think, speak and write in languages. Indeed, our use of sophisticated mode of expression such as language is what distinguishes us from animals. Language is already very much a part of us, but we often take it for granted. We do not give it much thought and probably quite a few attempt to make sense out of its nature and its complexities. Distinguished authorities in psychology, philosophy and linguistics support the concept of language as a universal human faculty. If it is not, why is it that despite little knowledge of language and its correct usage, children as young as two years, of any race or ethnicity, quickly learn to speak and understand any language they are exposed to? It is astonishing how thousands of various languages and dialects have evolved since the confusion at Babel in Genesis. The Ethnologue has listed more than six thousand (6,000) languages from all over the world (Grimes, 2001). Note that we do not only refer to civilized languages, and there could probably be more that have not been documented yet, or, have not even been heard of by the civilized population (i. e. tribal languages). Now, with the innumerable modes of pronunciation and styles of language use, we can probably come up with a million varieties of languages. If language is a universal human faculty, why are human languages so different? Universality of Language Even the scriptures provided some evidence to substantiate the concept that language is universal. Before the Tower of Babel incident, as cited in the book of Genesis, remember that mankind had one language. Ever since God intervened to cause confusion at Babel and men dispersed to various parts of the earth, human language have evolved into various kinds. Still, however, human languages are astoundingly similar! In what way are human languages the same, and why? Kumar (1997) cited that children could learn almost any language with the right timing. Children learn at a remarkable rate if they are immersed in the language during their critical period for language development, which is usually between the age of two to five years. Such that at the age of six, they would have â€Å"learned to use and understand about thirteen thousand (13,000) words† (Dunbar, 1996). Further, children of average intellectual capacity learn about ten (10) new words a day by the time they reach their first birthday. If we have to do our math, this is the â€Å"equivalent of a new word every 90 minutes of (their) waking life† (Dunbar, 1996). It is amazing how children learn a language in such a short time and, only by hearing a few words and short sentences from their parents and others, they are able to come up with virtually many others, most of which even follow correct grammatical principles. There are no set rules or systems of teaching children their first language. Just by the mere exposure to the language in their natural environment, they begin to mimic what they hear, experiment on words and phrases, then adults correct them at one point, and quite easily, they learn to speak the language despite its complexities. This is referred to as the â€Å"environmental input† in the article of Nowak and his colleagues (2002), that appeared in the 6 June 2002 of the Nature. Because of this environmental input, â€Å"children construct an internal representation of the underlying grammar. Children are not told of the grammatical rules. Neither children nor adults are ever aware of the grammatical rules that specify their own language† (p. 614). Wilhelm von Humboldt (as cited in Chomsky, 1968) believes that: â€Å"underlying any human language we will find a system that is universal, that simply expresses man’s unique intellectual attributes. For this reason, it was possible for him to maintain the rationalist view that language is not really learned – certainly not taught – but rather develops from within, in an essentially predetermined way, when the appropriate environmental conditions exist. One cannot really teach a first language, he argued, but can only provide the thread along which it will develop of its own accord, by processes more like maturation than learning† (Chomsky, 1968). Moreover, it does seem that languages transcend cultural boundaries. A good evidence of this would be how children learn in the same way regardless of cultural background. We can only wonder why when a family moves to another community with a different dialect for instance, children are the quickest to adapt and learn the new language. Do humans have the innate ability and mechanism for acquiring language within the brain? Lee (1997 ) looked into this innateness of language from a neurobiological standpoint. He asserted that there is â€Å"certain preexisting universal biological order in the brain. If they did not preexist, how would the many brains build synaptic connections that were similar to one another, even the brains of people that speak different languages? † Certain parts (such as Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas) of the brain are responsible for specialized linguistic functions, which means, â€Å"there are innate physical structure of the brain which govern our learning of language. † Chomsky (1975), a noted linguist, believes that we are â€Å"specifically designed† to learn language. As Biehler (1976) puts it, there are â€Å"striking uniformities† in languages of other cultures that follow grammatical patterns (universal grammar). Even Farrel (1978) agrees that there is â€Å"an underlying design original to all languages. † For all of them, language is simply a part of our genetic endowment, or as the evolutionist Haugen (1973) would say it, we have the â€Å"gift of language,† or the â€Å"universal gift of tongues. † Chomsky and other linguists believe that there are system of principles, conditions, and rules that are elements of all human languages. Human languages contain structure, which means they are composed of several words grouped basically by function (verbs, nouns, etc. ) and this is referred to in linguistic literatures as innate universal grammar. â€Å"The human brain is equipped with a learning algorithm, which enables us to learn certain languages. This algorithm can learn each of the existing 6,000 human languages and presumably many more, but it is impossible that algorithm could learn every computable language† (Nowak, Komarova and Niyogi, p. 615). What are the implications of all these? Regardless of cultural background, whatever language we know or use now, we are all innately predisposed to comprehend design in languages and we can easily grasp and work around grammatical rules, however complex or elaborate they are. Although of course, young children are at an advantage in using this gift, as timing in acquiring a language is important as well. Nonetheless, as a general statement, regardless of cultural or ethnic background, man’s remarkable ability to communicate through language, in itself, is already a good proof of the universality of language as a human faculty. As mentioned in the Atlas of Languages (1996), there is no known society or community in the world that is language-less. From the evolutionists’ point of view, language is essentially a human trait and this is a powerful evidence on the universality of language. While animals of the same kind have their own way of communicating, only humans had â€Å"the power of recursion to create an open-ended and limitless system of communication† Hauser, Chomsky and Fitch, 2002, p. 1578). Why and how humans acquired the faculty of language and managed to â€Å"spread from human to human and from culture to culture,† (Knezek, 1997) are often the usual subjects of discussion of scholars. Evolutionists would agree that â€Å"the faculty meditating human communication appears remarkably different from that of other living creatures†¦. that the human faculty of language appears to be organized like the genetic code with respect to its scope of expression. † Animals have been â€Å"designed on the basis of highly conserved developmental systems that read an almost universal language coded in DNA base pairs,† however, â€Å"they lack a common universal code of communication† (Hauser, Chomsky and Fitch, 2002, p. 1569).

A Comparison And Contrast Of Nature Essays - Literature, Poetry

A Comparison And Contrast Of Nature Essays - Literature, Poetry A Comparison And Contrast Of Nature A Comparison and Contrast of Nature Professor Liberman 4-02-99 In the Nineteenth century Realism, Naturalism, and Symbolism were popular modes of expression by writers of that era. Such modes of expression were the use of nature in their writings. Two poets that really stand out among the rest are Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867) and Paul Verlaine (1844-1896). Baudelaire was referred to by many as the first Modern Poet and the father of modern criticism. Verlaine like Baudelaire was a symbolist poet, he was also French and referred to as the Prince of Poets. Both these poets touch on nature in their poems. It was in Baudelaire's Song of Autumn I and Verlaine's Autumn Song that similarities and differences were most evident. Their views of autumn had melodramatic view of death and at the same time can contrast with one another. Throughout this paper I will discuss the parallelism and divergence between these two poems. In Baudelaire's first stanza of Song of Autumn I, he explains how the end of summer is near and the weather will become cold. He starts the reader off in the end of summer. Soon we shall plunge into the chilly fogs; Farewell, Swift light! Our summers are too short (line 1-2, pg. 1151). Baudelaire then begins to explain the chopping down of the trees to gather firewood. This idea of the rhythmic thump firewood being delivered is repeated throughout his poem. In Verlaine's Autumn Song, the first stanza is told in a very monotonous tone much like the first stanza of Song of autumn. Verlaine talks about long sobs and the feeling he has in heart, what he describing is the end of summer and begging of the gloomy season of autumn. This is exactly the same that Baudelaire describes in his first stanza. Verlaine difference in this stanza is that he starts the poem already in autumn whereas Bauderlaire starts his poem in the end of the summer. In the second stanza of Autumn Song, Verlaine discusses the feeling he has inside of him. Choking and pale when I mind the tale the hours keep(lines 6-9, pg. 1169). Verlaine then relates back to memories of the summer and this makes him cry. My memory strays down other days and I weep,(lines 10-12, pg. 1169). He also even makes references to idea of daylight savings time, the hours keep,(line 9, pg.1169). In that line he is saying that along with the gloomy aura of autumn there is now an extra hour. In Song of Autumn I, Baudelaire's second stanza follows the theme of Verlaine. Here Baudelaire like Verlaine explains his personal feeling of autumn. All of winter will gather in my soul: Hate, anger, horror, chills, the hard forced work;(lines 4-5, pg. 1151). Baudelaire however has a more cynical approach to his feeling; he describes in several adjectives the extent of his pain. Baudelaire's next two lines really personify his feelings, And. Like the sun in his hell by the North Pole, My heart will be only a red and frozen block,(lines 6-8, pg. 1151). What he is exemplifying in these lines is the strong hate that burns inside of him. Baudelaire seems to loathe everything that deals with autumn. As these poems progress there is an evident contrast in the tones of the poets writings. Verlaine has maintained a very slow and monotonous tone throughout, whereas Bauderlaire has been very boisterous about his feelings. Similar to a fire that has gasoline thrown on his fire his raging bigger and bigger with each stanza. In Song of Autumn I, stanza three, there really is no correlation between this stanza and the third stanza in Autumn Song. There is however a major contrast with this stanza and the whole poem by Verlaine. Baudelaire has kept a pattern of mentioning the idea of the chopping of firewood. He has kept it to an ever-other stanza pattern. Verlaine has no correlation between autumn and firewood. Baudelaire looks at autumn in a way that squirrel might. A squirrel spends autumn preparing for long haul of winter so the squirrel his constantly working through autumn. Baudelaire explains All of winter will gather in my soul, the hard forced work,(lines4-5, pg.

Theodore Roosevelt as a president Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Theodore Roosevelt as a president - Essay Example Mahatma Gandhi, on the other hand, believed in speaking softly and carrying no stick. He is believed to achieve Independence through the use of soft power or non-violence. "Soft" power is the strength of your ability to make yourself attractive according to Professor Nye. America displays its soft power in its exports of products and culture around the world shown by people's appreciation for what America has to offer. To address the changing realities and the dynamism in today's politics, it has become imperative for the United States to follow a new or rather a different approach adapted to the facts of a new century. Such a policy will require an in-depth analysis of the policies implemented by various rulers at different points in time and contrasting those with the needs of the present era. The "war on terror" has been fought with military force which has not produced the desired results.

Efficient Markets hyphotesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Efficient Markets hyphotesis - Essay Example This simple concept has remarkable repercussions for the financial markets and investors alike. In this paper we will talk about the efficient market hypothesis in great detail with reference to technical and fundamental analysis. We will talk about market efficiency and types of market efficiencies. The concepts of ‘random walk’ and ‘fair game model’ will also be discussed. In the end test and studies conducted to prove the efficient market hypothesis will be presented alongside with the conclusion. The efficient market hypothesis proposes that assets in financial markets are priced after taking all the public information available into account. This means that people might not be able to earn abnormal profit consistently for a long period of time. Efficient market hypothesis entails that investors cannot earn more than the average market returns by taking similar risk exposure as the market. This hypothesis therefore suggests that markets are efficient inf ormation wise and all the public information about an asset is perfectly reflected in the market. An obvious consequence of efficient market hypothesis, if accepted, is that markets always go towards equilibrium and this in turn means that financial markets are rational in general. Critics of efficient market hypothesis tend to dispute the ‘rationality of the markets’ as they feel that this hypothesis is not able to explain market crashes (Fox, 2009). If market is overall rational then all investors should immediately.