Language and culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Language and culture - Essay Example This perception of low standards on the local education is detrimental based on the fact that globalization has connected the world which requires that every country equips its future work force with the skills and abilities necessary to participate in a global economy. Abroad studies has been shown to present an opportunity for students to produce negative outcomes where students use the opportunity to have fun away from their parents’ supervision and control where habits such as overindulgence in alcohol and drug abuse are taken up to alleviate loneliness and trauma of culture shock. Nonetheless, studying abroad despite the language and cultural challenges it possess, it should be considered based on the opportunities it presents to students which is essential for personal development. Studying abroad has come to be viewed as a necessary investment for parents who would like their children to gain knowledge in a different environment as this allows them to experience other cultures. In addition, studying abroad takes place after high school when the student is 18 years when parents feel is an appropriate age to begin learning how to be independent. At this age, one can be able to get a job and be able to effectively cater for his personal expenses, a process that relieves the parents of the burdens and expenses. This is because one can get a job and fend for themselves. This brings about two important; factors- experiencing other cultures and becoming independent, both of which bring about the element of personal growth. This in my opinion is the single most valuable reason for choosing to study abroad. Personal growth goes beyond these two factors to include shaping of one’s character where one has to adjust their attitudes, develop a new mentality as they challenge their own beliefs and values in the face of a different environment where beliefs and value systems are more likely to be different.

Does the highschool disploma guarantee sucess in math corses in Research Paper

Does the highschool disploma guarantee sucess in math corses in college - Research Paper Example Students who may have not performed as required in high school need to pursue developmental courses to boost their high school diploma so as to be able to gain entry to college courses. Primarily, developmental courses have been developed to enhance certain skills among students before being accepted to do math courses in college. Policymakers and faculties of higher education recognize that there is inadequate preparation for students in high schools, thus fails to meet the demands of college courses. Moreover, success of higher education among students is dependent on adequate performance of students in high school diploma. Nevertheless, diverse nature of college courses with regards to their academic demands and expectations contributes largely to lack of understanding among high school diploma graduates (Chinwah 1). Studies have carefully analyzed geometry, statistics, data analysis and algebra skills required for success in math courses in college. Comparisons have been made with the skills needed for training in job opportunities that offer wages and salaries that are sufficient for survival of families of at least four. Math skills gained from high school diploma is considered a necessity for average and good living standards among human beings, since many occupations that offer the so-called sufficient salary require high school diploma as the necessity skills. Therefore, governments need to put in place policies that ensure all high school graduates attain particular skills necessary for higher education success. Policies have been enacted with regards to the clear understanding that math courses are very important for college courses (Heather, Rose, Betts and Julian 7). Most students are proved to having undertaken all the required courses they need to get a high school diploma without being fully qualified for success in math courses in college. High school

Risk Due To The Availability Of Resources Construction Essay

Risk Due To The Availability Of Resources Construction Essay Risks are involved in all stage of the construction project. The construction risks will arise within the contract period and it may cause the Contractors failure to keep within the cost budget, failure to complete the work within the completion date and failure to achieve the quality requirement of work (Flanagan and Norman, 1993, p.8) ². The Contractors have the responsibilities to bear for the risks that arise during the construction period (Flanagan and Norman, 1993, p.183) ². Once the contract has been signed, the contractors have the responsibility to perform the project either the project is continue for better or for worse until the project is completed (Sayers, 1997, p.1) ³. Consequently, the Contractors cannot simply tender for a project without consider those risk that involved in the project. As a result of not recognized the risks, it may cause the Contractors to lose money or become bankrupt. The risk has the capacity of eroding profit and moving the project from a profit making into a loss-making venture. A Contractor can make a profit or loss at the end of the project is depending in how accurately the risks have been assessed. Thus, the Contractors have to consider the risk factors that involved in the project in order to make a decision on whether or not to tender the project. The tender price will be influence by the risk factors. The construction risks will cause the estimated tender sum difference with the actual cost of project. Therefore, during tendering for a project, a Contractor has to consider the risks factors that may occur during the construction stage in order to ensure they have the capability to carry out the work and making a profit margin at the end of the project. 1.2 Aim and Objectives This study aim is to understand the importance of managing the risks during tender stage. In order to achieve the aim, the following objectives are conducted to support the aim:- To determine the construction risk that may occur within the contract period that faced by the Contractors. To illustrate the consequence of the risk where the risks does not be managed at the tender stage. To identify the approach of managing the risk that faced by the Contractor. 1.3 Background Risk are involved in the all stage of a construction project due to the construction process period are long, the process are complicated, and costly. A risk can be managed, reduced, transferred, shared, and accepted, but it cannot be ignored (Dallas, 2008, p. 5) ¹. Moreover, the risk has an impact over the construction objectives which in term of cost, time, quality, safety and health and environmental (Flanagan and Norman, 1993, p.8) ². Thus, before the Contractors are going to tender for a project, they have to identified all the risk that face by him to measure the impact that against by him. In order to dealing with the risks, a risk management processes are recognized as a systems process which assists the Contractors to manage the construction risks. Risk management is one of the systematic ways to manage the risk or unwanted event which influence the outcome of the project. According to Smith et al. (2006, p.2)à ¢Ã‚ Ã‚ ´, undertaken a risk management process in tender s tage can assist the Contractors to minimize the impact of the risk and making a better decision over the risk. By conducted the risk management process, it can assist the Contractors have the better understanding over the risks or problem. The risks will involve in each of the tender stage. During the estimating process, the risks factors will influence the tender price. The estimators have to ensure the risks are well pricing into the tender price. Consequently, the risk management process has to be conducted in the tender stage due to the risk management process can assist to make right decision over project. 1.4 Scope of study This study is focus on how the Malaysian private Contractor managing the risk before signed the contract for a project. The area of research is focus on Malaysian private Contractor. The scopes of this study including finding out the different type of the construction risk which may occur within the contract period and the consequence of those risk against the Contractor. A suitable approach of managing the construction must be provided in order to identify, analyze and response those risks. The questionnaire survey will conducted in order to enhance this study. This study will only focus on the group of the Malaysian private Contractor. 1.5 Research Methodology In this research, the main research methods used to complete this research are the literature review and data collection through the questionnaire survey which among the Malaysian private Contractors. The literature reviews in this research are conducted to support the objectives of this study. The resources of the literature review are from the books, journal articles, and internet sources. In order to achieve the objectives of this study, the literature review has focusing on the potential construction risk that encountered by the private Contractor, the effect to the construction against the Contractor and the approach of managing the construction risk that are required to carry out by the Contractor. Furthermore, the questionnaire survey will conducted among Malaysian private Contractor to enhance this study and achieve the objectives of this study. The questionnaire survey sent to the Contractor through either by hand, email and post. The main purpose of conduct the questionnaire survey is to obtain the information from the focusing groups of Malaysian private Contractors in order to investigate the construction risk that faced by them, the effect of construction risk among them and how the Contractor manage the construction risk. After the collected data from the questionnaire survey has been collected, then the collected data will be summarizing, arranging and analyzing by using the SPSS software. Moreover, a clear interpretation of the result will be conducted to support this study. 1.6 Structure of the Dissertation This study contains of 5 chapters and each of the chapter had summarizing as follows: Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter highlights the main reason that the Contractors have to carry out risk management during the tender stage. The aim and objectives and background of this study has determined in this chapter. Chapter 2: Literature Review This chapter discussed on the potential risk that encountered by the Contractor, the consequence of construction risk against the Contractor, importance of managed risk in tender stage, and the approach of manage the risk in tender stage and construction stage. Chapter 3: Research Methodology and Questionnaire Structuring This chapter identified the method and material that used in this study. The research method of this study will be well interpreted in this chapter. Chapter 4: Data Analysis This chapter summarized, arranged and analyzed the collected data and conduct a clearly interpretation on the result of the collected data. Chapter 5: Conclusion This chapter summarized the outline and the finding of this study, and recommend on this study for future research. ` 1.7 Reference Dallas, M. F. 2006. Value and risk management: A guide to best practice. UK: Blackwell. p.5. Flanagan, R and Norman, G. 1993. Risk management and construction. London: Blackwell. p.8, 183. Sayers, P. 1997. Competitive tendering, management and reality: Achieving value for money. London: E Fn Spon. p.1. Smith, N.J., Merna, T. and Joling, P. 1999. Managing risk in construction project. Oxford: Blackwell Science. p.2. CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Overview of various type of risks in construction project that faced by Contractors This chapter discussed on the potential risk that may occur during the contract period. The definition of risk and the various types of the risks and its consequence over the project will be discussed on this chapter. 2.1.1 Definition of risks Risks that involved in the construction project can be described as the probability of occur something or occur some unwanted or unfavorable event which that will has an impact over the project (Mostata Ghadak Zadeh, 2010, p.9). Flanagan and Norman (1993, p.8) emphasized that, risk is an uncertain event the may cause a construction project failure to keep within the objective of project which in term of cost, time, quality, safety and environmental sustainability. Moreover, Begum Ongel (2009) stated that, risks can be described as the unforeseen event that might be occur in the future and may have negative consequences over the project objectives. The construction risk can be described as an uncertainty or probability of occurrence of something that has an impact over the project outcome as shown as Figure 2.1. Figure 2.1: The Concept of the risk (Source: Merna and A-Thani, 2008, p.8) Merna and A-Thani (2008, p.13) suggested that, the risk can be described into 3 categorized:- Known risk- The known risk can be described as the risks that happen every day on construction industry. Basically, the known risk will be the variation work and the inflation in construction resource costs. Those known risk will cause the additional work needed to be carry out and delay for the work. If the known risk has happen in the construction stage, then those work will usually covered by the contingency sum of the contract. Known unknowns- The known unknowns are the risk event that can be predicted or foreseen. The effect of the known unknowns and their probability of occurrence will be easily to be known. Unknown unknowns- The unknown unknowns are the risk that cannot easily be predicted. Generally, those events that cannot be easily foreseen are the force majeure event. 2.1.2 Type of risk in tender stage According to Odeyinka et al (2006), the risk sources in the construction industry that are occur during the tender stage are including the estimating risks, design risks, tender evaluation risks and the competitive tendering risks. Moreover, Cooke and Williams (2009, p.123) mentioned that, the risk factors that require to consider by the Contractors during the tender stage are including the tender risks, quantity risks, subcontractors risks, design risks, programme schedule risks, method risks, health and safety risks, and documentation risks. 2.1.2.1 Design risks Poor design can cause the Contractors bid be influenced and affecting the ability to win the project. The Contractors have the responsibility for the quality of work. 2.1.2.2 Estimating error risks During the preparation of the tender price, the estimators may estimate wrongly or make some mistake on quantities of the work. Thus, this will influence the accuracy of the tender price. According to Cooke and Williams (2009, p.123), the Contractors are require to assess the accuracy of the quantities in the bills of quantities. In case of the quantity error is done in the bills, the Contractors have to accept the error and bear for the losses after the contract award to the Contractors. 2.1.2.3 Competitive tendering risks In traditional tender process, the tender will awarded by the lowest bidder. Many of the Contractors will try to lower down the tender price in order to winning the bid. In this case, the Contractors may not have sufficient resource to complete or carry out the work. Consequently, lose the profit margin. 2.1.2.4 Documentation risks According to Cooke and Williams (2009, p.125), clarity of tender documentation is important. The Contractors requires referring the tender documentation such as the drawing and specification carefully in order to price accurately. Cooke and Williams (2009, p.125) stated that, the Contractors require to refer to the tender documentation very carefully in order to assess implication of onerous contract term, clauses deleted from standard contracts, high levels of liquidated damages, unrealistic contract period, possible innovation of the design and contract bonds and guarantees required. 2.1.2.5 Method risks The Contractors choice of construction method is one of the important decisions during the tender stage. Cooke and Williams (2009, p.125) mentioned that, the Contractors choice of construction method can win the contract but it may cause risks over the project. One of the example is that the type of the earthwork support required may be require more expensive earthwork support to support the foundation in case of week site condition. 2.1.2.6 Subcontractors risks 2.1.2.7 Health and safety risks 2.1.3 Type of risks in construction stage The construction risks are the risks that occur during the construction stage. According to Nafisah Binti Abdul Rahiman (2006, p.24), the construction risks are the unforeseen or unwanted events that occur within the construction period. Flanagan and Norman (1993, p.) stated that, the risk are involved in the construction project due to the construction activities process are taken long duration, complicated, influenced by environment factor and costly. According to Boussabaine and Richard (2004, p.180), the construction risks has an affect the over the cost, time and work quality of the project. During the construction stage, the Contractors have the responsibility to bear for the risk. Thus, the Contractors are requiring focusing on the construction risk that may face by them in order to reduce the effect against them. Boussabaine and Richard (2004, pp.181-184) mentioned that, the construction risks that face by the Contractors during the construction period are including the avail ability of resources risks, industrial disruption risks, productivity of labour and plant and machinery risks, safety and health risks, performance of subcontractor risks, poor workmanship risks, schedule programme accuracy risks, capability of the contractors risks, materials or components risks, site condition risks, unfavorable weather conditions risks, quantities of work risks, price inflation risks and etc. 2.1.3.1 Risk due to the availability of resources The availability of material, labour and plant and machinery will influence the construction cost be increased. The price of the material, labour and plant and machinery are expensive in the condition of those resources are not readily available in the area of the construction site. It may require the extra transportation fees to deliver the material and plant and machinery to the construction site. Moreover, when the certain labour is not readily available in the area of the construction site, it may require employing them from an area where such labour is available. 2.1.3.2 Risk due to industrial disruption The industrial disruption risk may occur due to the strike action among the labour. The strike event may occur when the labour is unwilling to follow any matter that instruct by the Contractor. In this case, the construction work will be delayed and cannot be completed within the completed date. Consequently, the Contractors suffer the losses of paying for the cost to settle down the strike event and pay the liquidated damage over the delayed work. 2.1.3.3 Risk due to the productivity of labour and plant and machinery The productivity of labour and plant and machinery is important due to it may caused the work be delayed. The Contractors can provide the training for the labour to increase labours productivity and provide adequate maintenance for the plant and machinery to ensure the plant and machinery operate efficiently. 2.1.3.4 Risk due to safety and health The safety and health risk will occur due to the impact of hazards which involved in construction site. Risk of accidents is occurring during the construction period and that cause the personal injury. The Contractors are required to compensate for the labour in case of the labour are injured during carry out the construction work. The Contractor has the responsibility to ensure the construction site is safety. Consequently, the Contractors have to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act in order to reduce the accident risk during the construction stage. 2.1.3.5 Risk due to the subcontractors coordination In case of the subcontractors are fail to coordinate the work plan correctly, it can lead to work be delayed and cost be overrun. Moreover, the specialist subcontractors work can account a high percentage of the overall capital cost. Thereby, the effect of the specialist subcontractors are fail to coordinate the work on the overall project is of a greater magnitude. 2.1.3.6 Risk due to poor workmanship The poor workmanship can cause the quality of construction work is not meet with the standard requirement. A Contractor has the responsibilities to ensure the construction work is meet and according to the contract requirement. In case of the quality of work are not meet with the standard requirement, the Contractors may require to reconstruct the work and to rectify the work by his own cost. 2.1.3.7 Risk due to project programme accuracy Sometime the process of the actual work will not keep within project schedule and plan. Failure on scheduling the time, unforeseen delay in material delivery, plant and labour availability will lead to cost overruns and work be delayed. 2.1.3.8 Risk due to capability of the contractors The Contractors have to ensure he has sufficient capital and resource in order to carry out the work. The Contractors must consider the size of the project in order to ensure that he has sufficient resource to carry out the work of the project. Besides, the Contractor must ensure that the type of project is the work that he has the experience and he has performed the similar type of work in the past. This is to ensure the Contractors can carry out the project successfully. 2.1.3.9 Risk due to the materials or components The Contractors have the responsibilities to ensure the works meet with the quality requirement. Failure in maintain the components of the work can lead to expensive maintenance cost. Thus, the Contractors have to ensure the quality of the material and be careful on selecting the material. 2.1.3.10 Risk due to differing site condition Sometime the actual site condition may different with the expectation condition. The type of the earthwork support may require support by an expensive foundation as the ground condition of site is weak. An investigation of the site condition should be conducted in order to reduce the differing site condition risks. 2.1.3.11 Risk due to unfavorable weather conditions Weather is an unforeseen risk during the construction period and it will cause delay of work. Moreover, the adverse weather will damage the components and element in the construction site. Thus, the Contractors should provide regular updates of weather in order to ensure the work plan can be altered due to the adverse weather condition can interrupt the work programme. 2.1.3.12 Risk due to quantities of work The Contractors has to bear for the loss due to the quantity in the bill of quantities is not accuracy. It will cause the construction cost and time overrun if the quantity work is subsequently reduce (Cooke and Williams, 2009, p.123). Moreover, the differences between the actual and planned work will lead to cost and time be overrun. 2.1.3.13 Price inflation risks The price inflation is means a persistent rise in the price of the construction resources such as the cost of material, transportation fees, cost of labour and cost of plant or machineries. The inflation on the price of construction resources is difficult to forecasting. During the recession, the price of resources may be increased and this may cause that the Contractors to losses a lot of money. 2.1.3.14 Design risks The design risks are the risks that involved in a concept design or a detailed. According to Jackson (2010, p. 313), the Contractors are responsible for the design and in those cases it is critically important that design risks are given serious review and consideration in the overall risk mitigation plan. The design risks may influence the Contractors ability to construct the project on time, within budget, and within the quality requirement. To continue with Jackson (2010, p. 314), the design risks that may faced by the Contractors are including the followings:- Poor quality and inadequate of the design drawing or specifications The information and detail of drawing and specification that needed to construct the construction works are not completed, inaccurate, or unavailable. The Contractors are require to obtain the drawing or information from the Architect, thus, delay on work be occurred. Noncompliance with the design standard The design of the project does not meet with the standard requirement, building code or the other regulations. In case of the Contractors are build according to the design the not meet with the standard requirement, building code or the other regulations, it may cause the Contractors fail to keep within the quality of the works. Changes in design standard or regulation requirement The regulatory requirement in place at the commencing of the project may change during construction stage. Variation on design The Client changes the design during the construction stage. The contractors are require extra time carry out the variation work, thus, delay on time. Inaccuracies associated with supplemental design information. The information of the soil report, environmental report and etc that provide by the Architect to the Contractors is not accurate. Latent design defects affecting Contractors warranty Defective design details that result in flawed construction after occupancy of the facility such as a roof flashing leaks because of poor design. Jackson (2010, p.314) stated that, The Contractors are require to do some background investigation about the Architect and Engineer before tender the project which in case of the Contractors not familiar with the Architect or the Engineer who designed the project. This is to ensure that the quality of works that the Architect or Engineer produces in order to reduce the design risks. 2.1.3.15 Political risks According to Jackson (2010, p.317), the political risks can be described as third-party risks which the Contractors are usually have least amount of control over it. Although the Contractors are aware that the political risks are exist, but there is no ways to accurately predict how various jurisdictions and agencies will act. Contractors are required try to anticipate the political risks that may affect the ability to fulfill the expected contract requirement before submit a bid. According to Jackson (2010, p.317), the political that involved in the construction project are including the followings:- Changes in law Change in sales tax or other tax structures that increase in sales or use taxes will impact material costs Constraints on the accessibility and employment of expatriate staff 2.1.3.16 Environmental risks Environmental risk is an important issue that the Contractors are requires to concerns due to it may influence the cost and time of the construction project. The material and chemicals that used at the construction project may cause the pollution over the surrounding area. Moreover, the environmental risks are the risks that the Contractors have less control over it. According to Jackson (2010, p. 319), the environmental issues that can influence Contractors budget and schedule planning which are including the followings:- Environmental permits and approvals The environmental permits and approval are cannot be getting on the planned time due to the environmental permits and approvals are delayed or require more time to negotiate than expected. Hazardous materials or site contamination The unknown hazardous materials or site contaminates be found after the construction work has commenced. Archeological findings The unknown artifacts are founded or an unknown burial site or cemetery is unearthed during the construction period, that may requiring the construction work to stop. Endangered species The project has known or unknown endangered species sightings that will require protection and special care during construction. Wetlands, coastal protection or flood plain issues Wetlands, coastlines or flood plain are require the special protection, thus can influence the construction approach. According to Osborn and Schreyer (1988, p.1), before the construction project commencing, the Contractors are require to appreciate the potential for additional costs due to the existence of hazardous substances and other environment concerns. 2.1.3.17 Financial risks According to Jackson (2010, p.317), the financial risks can be described as the risks that associated with the Contractors own financial position. The Contractors are required to maintain sufficient working during project execution, thus the financial standing of the Contractors are require be good. The financing risks that faced by the Contractors are including the followings:- Contractors cash flow In case of the Contractors have insufficient of the credit can cause delays in supplying the material, late payment to subcontractor. It may cause the construction work be delayed and the subcontractor not willing to carry out the work. Interest rate increases In case of the borrowing money from bank by the Contractors to fund the project, once the interest rate is increased it would have an adverse effect on the project. Insufficient Client funds If the Clients is unable to make payment on time to the Contractors, then it will causing the Contractors do not have sufficient cash flow to fund the project. Subcontractor or supplier bankruptcy In case of the bankruptcy of the subcontractors or suppliers, the Contractors are requiring to hire another subcontractors or suppliers to take over the job. Thus, it may cause delays, cost overruns for the project. 2.2 The importance of managing risk in tender stage This chapter discussed the various reasons for the Contractor to managing the risk in the early stage of the project which at the tender stage and the consequences of the risks that against the Contractors. 2.2.1 Why should the risk be managed at the tender stage According to Boyce (2003, p.6), during the tender stage, a risk management should be undertaken in order to look at the potential problem on preparing an attractive bid on time, to winning the project, and to consider whether or not the project can be completed successfully. By providing the risk management process during the tender stage, the potential risk and problem can be identified and forecasted. Thus, a mitigation risk plan can be conducted to avoid and reduce arise during the construction stage. A risk management process has to provide at the tender stage which when there is still has a possibility for fundamental changes of any decision (Anna Klemetti, 2006, p.24). To tender for a contract will costs a lot of money and therefore the Contractors cannot simply accept to bid a contract without consider of any risk factors and profit potential in the project (Cooke and Williams, 2004). Boussabaine and Richard (2004, p. 181) emphasized that, the Contractors has to bears and take on the risk that occur during the construction stage. Thus, this is important for the Contractors to aware of all the construction risks that faced by him before the contract is being signed. The main objectives of the construction project will likely to be influence by the construction risk (Smith et al., 2006, p.2). The risks will cause the Contractors failure to keep within the cost budget, failure to complete the work within the completion date and failure to achieve the quality requirement of work (Flanagan and Norman, 1993, p.8).As a result of this, the Contractors need to recognize the risk involved in the project and manage the risks at tender stage in order to ensure the objectives of the project are achieved over the contract period. Moreover, the Contractors have to make the right decision on whether or not to tender the project. Once the contract was signed, the Contractors have to bear for all risk that involved the project until the project is completed (Sayers, 1997, p.1). The Contractors will face two risks during they tender for the project which are the risk of losing the project and the risk of winning the project (Boyce, 2003, p.9). Once the Contractors have winning the project, the Contractors have started to perform the contract. In case of awarded a project that is difficult to be completed or managed, it may cause the Contractors suffer for losing their financial or reputation (Boyce, 2003, p.9). According to Smith et al. (2006, p.94), the risk management process can help the Contractors to concern on the decision of to or not to bid for the project. Consequently, the decision that make by the Contractors are very important due to the risks may cause the Contractors to lose money or become bankrupt. During preparation of the tender price, the risk will influence the accuracy of the tender sum. The estimating risk can cause the Contractors to lose money or become bankrupt in case of the tender price was pricing wrong. The risk has the capacity of eroding profit and moving the project from a profit making into a loss-making venture. A Contractor can make a profit or loss at the end of the project is depending in how accurately the risks have been assessed. Smith et al. (2006, p.2) mentioned that, the risk management provides a better reviewing, understood, consideration over the project issues. To continues with Smith et al. (2006, p.94), a lack of understanding the risk may cause the Contractors pricing the tender price wrongly and as a result of this the additional cost will required to pay by the Contractors. Smith et al. (2006, p.193) suggested that, the risk management is used in the project due to it provide the following benefits:- To assist Contractors to aware of the risk that involved in the project and impact of the risks. Thus, the Contractors can focus on minimizing the risk or try to allocate risks to the other parties. To assist the Contractors to provide better decision over the potential risks or problem. To provides a better understanding of the risks or problem. To provide a better understanding over the project detail. This may assists Contractors to provide the realistic plan in term of programme schedule and cost estimate. To gives knowledge of the risk in projects. This may allow assessment of contingencies that actually reflect the risks and also tend to discourage the acceptance of financially unsound project. To provide the better management over the major risks that involved in the project. According to Burtonshaw-Gunn (2009, p.21), the risk management can assist the Contractor on the following:- To plan and taken necessary action to reduce the risk before the risk has been occur and assist the Co

Essay --

Religions of India India is the second largest populated country in the world, and for being only the seventh largest country India populates over 1.2 billion people. Holding 1/7th of the world’s population, India has quickly become the largest populous country in the world. India therefore is home to many different religions with the most popular including: Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. The development of these three religions has shaped India into a wonderful multi-cultural nation. Buddhism is now considered a world religion, with excess of over 708 million followers. Buddha, which can also be translated to the enlightened one, was known as a man named Gautama Sidhatha, and was Son of Suddhodana. He lived in a small village on the border of India and Nepal around the time period of 563 BCE. The facts and knowledge of Buddha’s life is represented in a book known as Book of Great Decease. This book was written about 200 years after Buddha’s death and has been passed down over ma ny generations. The Book of Great Decease was written with both fact and fiction mixed together. When his mother became pregnant she experienced a dream where an elephant and a lotus flower were lying by her side. She had this dream interpreted and the results came back explaining that she was to have a baby boy and that he would become a universal emperor or a universal teacher. As a child Buddha grew up learning all of the skills appropriate for a prince and later became a Kshatriya. Gautama (Buddha) showed off his excellent skills and qualities including his intelligence and strength. He later married but his father, however, was concerned that he would not become a universal teacher if he underwent any kind of misery. Gautama led a normal life but o... ...gious freedom to all Hindus and Buddhists under his control.† This source signifies that the Muslim invasion was not one of making people convert, it was a decision that people could make if they chose. Nothing was forced upon the people of India. As a result the spread for Islam throughout India happened very quickly and easily. Many of the people form India saw Islam as a way of becoming a part of a bigger organization and many Muslims were able to achieve higher social status than those of Buddhists or Jains. Subsequently, India became a dominant Muslim country with the help of political leaders such as Mahmud of Ghanzi and Muhammad Tughaluq who helped drive the Islamic expansion in India without altering, changing, or conflicting with the Indian culture. Due to the expansion of Islam through India other religions quickly declined, including the fall of Buddhism

Observational Essay Essay

Observations are a type of primary research that involves spending time watching people or other creatures interact with each other and the world around them. Observations are used in nearly every field and can be incredibly useful in gathering information. Types of Participation Before observing, consider how you as an observer may alter the event being observed.  ·How fully will you participate in the event?  ·Will you simply sit, watch, and take notes with no interaction?  ·Will you interact with the participants?  ·Will you become a participant yourself? These different choices can radically change what you end up observing. The mere presence of an observer may alter the events–and if you interact with participants, you further risk changing what takes place. The other side to this is that by not participating in an event, you may not gain a complete understanding of that event. How to Observe When observing, it is especially important to separate observations from your feelings or reactions to observations. A good way to do this is to take your observations in a double-entry notebook. A double-entry notebook has two columns, one for what is directly observed and one is for what the observer interprets from the events. Here is an example: Observation: The teacher walks around the circle and speaks to each student individually. Interpretation: The teacher seems to want to make sure that each student understands the assignment. If you are observing a group that is not found in public (such as a group of card players, a sports team, or a special-interest group), it may be wise to plan to spend multiple sittings with the group. This will allow the group some time to adjust to your presence (and hence, for you to get more accurate observations). Recordings vs. Note-taking How will you be observing? Will you be taking notes in a notebook? With a laptop? Will you be recording your observations in some way (with a digital camera, video camera, digital recorder, etc? How you choose to observe is  another important consideration that can affect the quality and results of your observations. Remember that you cannot capture everything that takes place with a recording or by even by taking detailed notes. What to Observe Observational skills require some practice! The key to being a good observer is to pay attention to the details of a situation, write as much as you can, and write it as detailed as possible. Before you observe, you should consider how you will focus your observations–because you can’t focus on everything! Research is required for this essay. Read the sample observational essays and note how the students integrated research into their work. source: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/559/07/ Write an observational essay about an intriguing place, person, or activity in your community. Your essay may be a brief profile of an individual based on one or two interviews: a description of a place or activity observed once or twice; or a longer, more fully developed profile of a person, place, or activity based on observational visits and interviews conducted over several days. Observe your subject closely, and then present what you have learnedin a way that both informs and engages readers. Use lots of description. Possible topicideas for observation (see your text for more ideas): -a church or temple (interview the minister/members) -a classroom (interview teacher/students) -a popular hangout -a hospital -any place that’s different or gets you outside of your comfort zone -a ride along with an officer -an AA meeting -a protest -a jail -hospice -homeless shelter -shelter for abused women with children

Importance of Learning English Essay

Introduction: The importance of learning English cannot be overemphasized in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world. English is the most spoken language in the world as billions of people sheer English language as their official language. It is the primary language used in different international activities. Even in nations where English is not the primary spoken language has official status. English is indisputably the primary language of global trade, commerce, and education. So, for career build up there is no alternate to learn English. What is Language? A language is a systematic means of communication by the use of sounds or conventional symbols. It is the code we all use to express ourselves and communicate to others. It is a communication by word of mouth. It is the mental faculty or power of vocal communication. It is a system for communicating ideas and feelings using sounds, gestures, signs or marks. Any means of communicating ideas, specifically, human speech, the expression of ideas by the voice and sounds articulated by the organs of the throat and mouth is a language. This is a system for communication. A language is the written and spoken methods of combining words to create meaning used by a particular group of people. Read more: Importance of English speech essay Language, so far as we know, is something specific to humans, that is to say it is the basic capacity that distinguishes humans from all other living beings. Language therefore remains potentially a communicative medium capable of expressing ideas and concepts as well as moods, feelings and attitudes. Written languages use symbols (characters) to build words. The entire set of words is the language’s vocabulary. The ways in which the words can be meaningfully combined is defined by the language’s syntax and grammar. The actual meaning of words and combinations of words is defined by the language’s semantics. English as an International language: English is part of the Germanic branch of the Indo-European family of languages. It is spoken as a native language by around 377 million and as a second language by around 375 million speakers in the world. Speakers of English as a second language will soon outnumber those who speak it as a first language. Around 750 million people are believed to speak English as a foreign language. English has an official or a special status in 75 countries with a total population of over 2 billion. The domination of the English language globally is undeniable. English is the language of diplomacy and international communications, business, tourism, education, science, computer technology, media and Internet. Because English was used to develop communication, technology, programming, software, etc, it dominates the web. 70% of all information stored electronically is in English. The latest and the most advanced discoveries and inventions in science and technology are being made in the universities located in the United States of America where English language is the means of scientific discourse. So, it is undeniably true that English is the main international language in the world. The historical circumstances of Bangladesh to learn English: After two hundred years communal rule by the British Raj English language has been using all over the Indian subcontinent as official language. Now-a-days language medium of maximum higher education in Bangladesh is English. Widespread use of internet also paves the way to establish English as inevitable language to learn. With out being fluent in English it is impossible to get job in any corporate business centre in Bangladesh. Learning English for professional purpose: Now-a-days without English language it is impossible to live in a single day. For professional purpose it is a Must to learn English. No person can be explored his/her professional excellence without proper implementation of English language. From very early part of professional development to the higher stage of profession a person need appropriate use of English. So, importance of learning English is never be overlooked. Necessity of learning English in Different professional purposes: In early part of career development, i.e. during educational stage: English language is that window through which we can see the world easily. We need this language for our higher education. Technical subjects are taught in English. Most of the books in modern technology are found in English. If we have no knowledge of English, we can’t study those books. Many important and great books are written in English. We can enjoy reading various literary books in English. Higher education in first world In universities and colleges in Great Britain, the Unites States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, which attract the most number of international students, the primary language of instruction is English. So, without obtaining higher score in IELTS or TOFEL no student can enter the universities located in these countries. Job Opportunities in home and abroad: Knowing English opens job and employment opportunities in home and abroad. Multilateral institutions and agencies in aboard recruit professionals with multilingual skills but also expect the candidates to have good English-speaking skills. Without having good commend in both writing and speaking English no body will get job in international agencies, import oriented business agencies and even in local high profile agencies or business centers. Former British colonies or dependencies, also offers numerous employment opportunities to those who understand and communicate in English. We can get a good job easily, if we have good command in spoken or written English. Nowadays we require English even to operate computer, which is a compulsory thing in modern society. Digital Age: While progress has been made in language-translation software and allied technologies, the primary language of the ubiquitous and all-influential World Wide Web is English. English is typically the language of latest-version applications and programs and new freeware, shareware, peer-to-peer, social media networks and websites. Software manuals, hardware-installation guides and product fact sheets of popular consumer electronics and entertainment devices usually are available in English first before being made available in other languages. So, to be a good corporate officer in this digital era there is no option without learning English.

The Outsider and The Metamorphosis Essay Example

The Outsider and The Metamorphosis Essay Example The Outsider and The Metamorphosis Essay The Outsider and The Metamorphosis Essay Essay Topic: Literature The Breadwinner The Metamorphosis In the Outsider and the Metamorphosis, the central characters are indicted by the Universal Pragmatics of society. The Universal Pragmatics are the formal and necessary conditions for an understanding through communication. 1 This is seen as the accepted means of communicating in society, in which ones demeanor is judged on their understandability. Furthermore, this understandability is deemed as intelligent and true. These ways of communication serve as a basis for what our society acclaims as acceptable. Gregor and Meursault distinctively choose an unconventional path, which stand to question the underpinnings of our humanity. In this distinctive way, they stand perpendicular to what our society has commended as the right way and choose a diverse manner of adapting to the external world. The purpose of this essay is to examine the ways that these central characters commune in their environments. In a practical sense, both central protagonists are directly inclined with the physical world, as a means of communication. Meursault, in the Outsider, reacts in a practical manner to the events in his day, rather than being effected by emotional tribulations. Emotion is something that is not ascertained, and cannot be proven in any physical manner. I could feel my eyes getting tired watching the street like this with its mass of people and lights. The street lamps were making reflections on the wet pavement, and the trams, passing at regular intervals, would light up a smile or some shiny hair or a silver bracelet. 2 In this passage, Meursault proves to be very detailed with his physical sensations, carefully observing each person who walks by his apartment. His analytical abilities are accustomed to his sensory capabilities, as he is able to capture every observation and objectify them into something that he is able to understand. The street lamps making reflections and the trams passing by are related to a smile, shiny hair, or a silver bracelet. These are things that he is able to understand in his everyday life. Gregor, in the Metamorphosis, strives throughout his life in order to provide. He is obliged as the eldest son to create a living for his entire family, after his father is incapable of working. As shown with his desire for the woman in the fur boa, he secretly yearns to be an independent individual; however it is something that he is not able to physically become. His transition from a human to a bug has proven to change his physical role in the family. and turning half unconsciously and not without a slight feeling of shame, he scuttled under the couch his back was a little crushed3. Gregor has lost his high ranking position in the family, and most importantly his physical human form. His uncomfortable nature shows that he does not belong inside the body of an insect, however, he must adapt for this is what remains available to him. Gregor finds it hard to adjust to his new condition, and therefore he does not accept it. His belief is that he will one day return to being the breadwinner, and this transformation is a temporary measurement. In the meanwhile, he must work through his physical sentiments, seeking for physical satisfaction. However, this physical satisfaction is not achieved, and therefore, he dies, disappearing as unimportant to the family. In the both novels, the protagonists reject the conventionality in society by being antagonistic to their reasoning. Meursault does not seem to be in agreement with what classifies as normal in society. He does not weep at his mothers funeral, nor does he want to see her body before the burial. He also mentioned I hardly ever went to see her any more 4 . In our society, we would view such a person as immoral, which is exactly why he is condemned. Humanity is unable to understand the way Meursault functions; therefore, he is manifested as a danger. He also does not conform to crying, and stands antagonistic towards this demeanor. The woman who was very close to Mrs. Meursault at her death bed went on crying. [Meursault] was very surprised because [he] didnt know who she was. [Hed] rather not have had to listen to her any more. 5 He almost immediately takes a dislike for this woman, who has attached herself to a woman that she does not even know. Meursault rejects this way of expressing emotion because he sees no substantial gain. He does not understand why these people come from all over, sitting in mourn over a dead body, which is getting on [his] nerves. Meursault also resists complying with the vices in society. At his mothers mourning, he drinks coffee. Generally, coffee allows individuals to endure times of stress, and keep them awake. However, Meursault does not abide by these terms, instead it was nice, the coffee had warmed me up and through the open door I could smell flowers in the night air. I think I dozed off for a while. 6 He has complete disregard for what society deems as important and is solely interested in his physical matters. After the transformation, Gregor does not comply with the accepted values in society. Gregor used to enjoy foods such as bread and milk, however, he began to loathe them and turned away from the bowl with repulsion 7 However, he begins to develop a taste for spoiled foods, which we generally would throw away. Gregor soon develops a habit of crawling over the walls and ceiling, which his family is soon accustomed towards. They decided in order to adapt to Gregors transformation, they must remove the furniture in his room, allowing him to be more mobile. This assumption, however, is not intact with Gregors desires, for the furniture is a symbol of his identity. Meursault and Gregor heavily rely on physical means of conveying emotion. Meursault is unable to interpret any sort of emotion, and therefore, he must commune a defense mechanism to combat this. Meursault throughout his mothers funeral mentions the pain in my back was getting worse or my back was aching. 8 Meursault is unable to react to emotion the way society does, instead, he registers the emotion as physical pain, as he becomes more vulnerable to his physical environment. He begins to be affected by the smell of petrol and the glare of the sky reflecting off the road 9. When this occurs, he is unable to tolerate this physical level, and therefore he sleeps, which is cyclical throughout the novel. When he reaches levels of emotional attachment with Marie, again, he begins to dose off. The warmth of her body and the heat of the sun made me doze off a bit. 10 This defense mechanism is habitual when he reaches levels of emotion where he is not in control. In the Metamorphosis, Gregor is isolated from the rest of the world by hiding under the sheets and under the couch. By doing so, he is showing that he is unhappy with his situation in the family; however he is unable to improve it. He believes that he will rid himself as a burden from the family, and he keeps thinking that he will wake up and be human again. This is a defense mechanism for Gregor, because in his life, he has nothing to fall back onto. He is caught between the decision of helping his family and being a free individual, and now in this new transformed state, he is neither. Gregor is ashamed of what he has become; therefore, the fact that he has nothing to say is symbolic of his unimportance to the family. All that he falls back onto is eating, sleeping and crawling around, which is all he is able to do. Meursault, however, when in prison, was able to communicate through his analytical ability and objectification. He was able to analyze his room, every piece of furniture, every scratch, and still able to maintain his dignity. He does not let the intended punishment of the prison affect him, because in his mind, he is innocent. Meursault is able to rely on his captivating imagination, which is something the prison cannot take away from him. Both characters use their auditory senses in order to perceive society. Meursault effectively uses silence and observance as a way to communicate, rather than with assumptions and hastiness. When he is in the prison, he craves for a relationship like the man in the meeting room. The only oasis of silence was just next to me where the young man and the little old lady were gazing at each other 11 . Throughout this section, he is focused upon the communication that this couple is having, because he is feeling rather ill due to the noise around him. In his conversation with Marie, he was merely talking to keep her there longer, for he enjoyed her comfort visually. Gregor is also attracted to the sounds of music that come from his sister when she is playing the violin. This music is able to communicate to him. Through his transformation, he loses his ability to talk with his family and understand them; however, the music from the violin does not leave Gregor. Shortly after this encounter, Gregor has realized that he is unimportant to his family, and that he will not change back to be of aid. This realization drains his will and he succumbs to an injury that he received from his father throwing an apple at him. In these novels, the defiance of conforming to the Universal Pragmatics questions our liability towards this convention. In our societys perspective, we believe that a certain demeanor of communication helps to justify ones credibility. These are seen as sources of intelligence. However, these characters have risen above the ignorance in society by being different, and challenging these Universal Pragmatics.

che essays

che essays Che Guevara was born Ernesto Che Guevara de la Serna on June 14, 1928 in Rosario, Argentina. He lived in a fairly large middle class family. His father Ernesto Guevara Lynch and mother, Celia de la Serna, both had strong ties to the Argentinian ruling class even though they were extremely leftist and instilled their question authority attitude to all of their children including their eldest, Che. Ches father was a jack of all trades and went into business as a plantation owner, boat builder, and architect in the course of his life. His mother was extremely well read and exposed Che to such writers as Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud at a very young age. At the age of two Che developed severe asthma which was to plague him until death. It became so bad that it forced his whole family to move to Alta Gracia in hope that the dry climate will prevent some of the symptoms. Despite Ches ailments he was still very active thanks to his father. He became an accomplished swimmer, horse back rider, soccer player, rugby player, and golfer. And his immense intellect was present in his tactics while playing chess. In 1946, Che enrolled in the University of Buenos Aires for a degree in medicine. There he developed a strong sense of adventure and took time off from school to see the horrid conditions of the Latin American proletariat class. In 1950, Che jimmy-rigged a motor on his bicycle and set out on a 3,000 mile tour of Argentina with his friend Alberto Grenado. The next year Che got a job as a nurse on a cargo ship and sailed around Latin America. While visiting a Chilean copper mine he made friends with communist agitators and had his first taste of open rebellion during a strike protesting working conditions. These experiences of traveling with little or no money and taking jobs along the way opened his eyes to the lifestyles that the majority of the people ...

Product Definition and Examples in Chemistry

Product Definition and Examples in Chemistry In chemistry, a  product is a substance that is formed as the result of a chemical reaction.  In a reaction, starting materials called reactants interact with each other. After passing through a high energy transition state (achieving the activation energy for a reaction), the chemical bonds between the reactants are broken and rearranged to yield one or more products. Products in Chemical Equations When a chemical equation is written, reactants are listed on the left side, followed by the reaction arrow, and finally by-products. Products are always written on the right side of a reaction, even if it is reversible. A B → C D Where A and B are reactants and C and D are products. In a chemical reaction, atoms are rearranged, but not created or destroyed. The number and type of atoms on the reactants side of the equation are the same as the number and type of atoms in the products. Chemical vs. Physical Change The formation of products that are different from reactants is the difference between a chemical change and a physical change of matter. In a chemical change, the formulas of at least one of the reactants and products are different. For example, the physical change in which water melts into a liquid may be represented by the equation: H2O(s)  Ã¢â€ â€™Ã‚  H2O(l) The chemical formulas of the reactants and products are the same. Examples of Products Silver chloride,  AgCl (s), is the product of the reaction between the silver cation and chloride anion in aqueous solution: Ag (aq) Cl- (aq) → AgCl (s) Nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas are the reactants that react to form ammonia as a product: N  2   3H  2  Ã¢â€ â€™ 2NH  3 The oxidation of propane yields the products carbon dioxide and water: C3H8   5 O2  Ã¢â€ â€™ 3 CO2   4 H2O

Case Study in Human resources Management Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

In Human resources Management - Case Study Example He wants fast results in order to start a change management movement at Utilities Co. The downsizing plan includes two phases. Phase one gets rid of employees through voluntary redundancies. Phase two involves eliminates workers by targeted redundancies. The company is also in the middle of a labor negotiation for a new EBA. The old EBA is about to expire. The company has many problems that require immediate attention by the company. The firm faces an expiring EBA. The negotiations between the union and the company are not going well. It has gotten so bad that negotiations were suspended indefinitely. With an expired EBA friction between the union and management could escalade and lead to a strike. A strike is a very undesirable outcome because it can cause operational shutdown. .A second problem the company confronts is low employee morale. Employees that have low morale are less productive than motivated workers. â€Å"Low morale can be destructive in a business setting and can lead to dissatisfaction, poor productivity, absenteeism and even turnover† (Richards, 2013). A third problem Utilities Co. faces is an increase in mental illnesses among the staff including anxiety, sleeping disorders, and depression. Another health related problem present at the company is stress. These mental health problems are a serious affair that must be attended because these employees can become a risk factor for the company. The medical premium of the company can increase significantly due to higher usage of the employee medical plan. The company also has to protect itself against legal liability because the profile of undesirable employees has a very high frequency of older employees. A full implementation of the layoff plan could lead to a class action suit for age discrimination against the firm. A lawsuit can lead to monetary losses and it hurts the corporate image of the organization. Utilities Co. has to take some immediate action to change the organization to

Evaluation Microsoft Word Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Evaluation Microsoft Word - Assignment Example The evaluation phase shall also serve the purpose of collecting data with the purpose of using the gathered information to customize the training program in line with specific client needs. In designing the evaluation, it is intended that valuable empirical data shall be gathered with which the instructor can use to make changes to the training program as may be deemed necessary. Depending on observations made and trends noted, the instructor may use the empirical data to make modifications to the original training program. Rather than strictly adhere to a single approach, conduction the evaluation offers room for adaptability of the training program in line with specific conditions and competence of individual learner. Evaluation will be approached through three different prisms under levels, 1, 2 and 3. The three levels shall be: Under level 1, the following shall be measured: learners’ perceptions of the importance of the training, the ease with which the training has simplified operations, the facilitation style of the teacher, the in-depth of the training and appropriateness of the training in relation to daily activities at work. Level 2 will be used to assess the training-learning outcome of the program. Specifically, it will be used to measure the student’s ability to review documents for spelling, grammar, punctuations, make comments for correction of mistakes on a word document, restrict editing of papers and compare two documents for similarity index. It will also be used to measure students’ ability to manage envelops and labels for purposes of hardcopy mailings, start mail merge, select mail recipients, and auto-check for errors. Finally, level 3 will be used by the supervisors and Human Resource Department to assess the level of competence gained in the aftermath of the train ing program. The acquired competence will be directly proportional to the performance. Measurement of

JOB STRESS, SATISFACTION AND INTENTION TO LEAVE AMONG NEW SAUDI NURSES Research Proposal

JOB STRESS, SATISFACTION AND INTENTION TO LEAVE AMONG NEW SAUDI NURSES - Research Proposal Example The author further associates stress with a positive effect on employee turnover rate. Aflab (2013, p. 12) explains possible factors to the association between workplace stress and both employee’s satisfaction and turnover. According to the author, stress increaser â€Å"safety and healthiness hazards† (12) whose effects include poor psychological health and increased susceptibility to injury and diseases. Cheng (2009, p. 11) supports the role of workplace stress in increasing employee turnover rate and introduces an interaction effect between stress and employee satisfaction to in influencing turnover rate. With reference to the role of organizational change on employees, the author argues that employees’ values influence their stress on job. Stress and job satisfaction then affect each other before they, each, influence employee turnover rate. Empirical studies shows existence of many factors to job stress, job satisfaction, and employees’ intention to leave their organizations, observations that could be indicative of the environment in the nursing profession. A study that aimed at investigating relationship between job stress and depressive symptoms among nurses in Korea established significance of job stress that translates to the symptoms. The symptoms further relates to some work environment factors such as job security and absence of reward. These imply significance of pleasure at work on employees stress that the depressive symptoms can detect (Yoon and Kim 2013, p. 171- 173). Vijay and Vazirani (2012, p. 48- 50) also explains significance of job stress in the nursing environment. Based on empirical results from a study on causes and moderators of stress, the authors note that job environment such as dealing with difficult associates of patients, poor remuneration, and challenges in interpersonal relations i nfluences level of stress in nurses. The level of stress

Discuss critically the future of small business credit and its Essay

Discuss critically the future of small business credit and its regulation - Essay Example Its backed loan threshold was increased from a maximum of US $ 2 million to US $ 5 million in 2008 by President Obama to support the cause of small businesses. Small businesses have really suffered in their need to access loans especially during the recession that happened in America and that extensively affected the rest of the industrialized world between December 2007 and June 2008. This gravely interfered with the ability of small business to access credit since the recession was mainly caused by reckless lending by rogue banks mostly to the real estate industry. The loans were poorly assessed for risks involved and there were many cases of over-inflated asset prices that led to a speculative bubble which was marketed around the world. The bubble did burst and thus loan losses set in, leading to the recession. This paper explores the options left open to small businesses in a world in which credit has become decreasingly available and whether they still stand a chance of getting loans sustainably in the future. The paper also explores other channels of credit open outside the normal formal ones such as banks and government lending that may assist small businesses into the future. The viability of these alternatives is also closely examined. A small business can be defined as a privately owned and operated enterprise with relatively few employees1. According to the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, a small business in the United States consists of 500 or fewer employees. The number of employees is 50 or below in the European Union. Generally speaking, any business organization that is privately owned and has few or no branches with less than 500 workers is a small business2. Despite their small size and relatively small scale operations, the contribution of small business towards national economic development cannot be gainsaid. Small businesses provide 64% of all national employment3. This is a figure that

Trying to Downsize Try Downsizing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Trying to Downsize Try Downsizing - Essay Example The author quotes Lola O'Rourke, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, as saying, "If people could simply reduce their portions by a third, they would cut out a huge amount of calories". The author cites a study that was reported in Obesity and Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. The study found that dieters who used pre-packaged managed portions lost significantly more weight than a group that were allowed to choose their own portions. Being able to select the proper amount of food to consume is the first key to successful dieting. The author suggests that we simply become more aware of the serving size. She contends that the size of bagels, cheeseburgers, and soft drinks have grown dramatically in recent years and has resulted in calories that have more than doubled. In the midst of this super-sized climate it's important that the dieter be able to select the correct amount. Doheny suggests splitting a meal with a partner or simply ordering a smaller portion. Of course, there is always the doggy bag to take home food that is in excess of your dieting needs. The author also suggests we weigh our food at home when we prepare it. In the event that weighing is not possible she offers several tips on visualizing the correct portions.

Analyze a Political Cartoon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Analyze a Political Cartoon - Essay Example Ultimately, the power of the cartoon cannot be found within any single component of its message but rather with the entire combination of symbolism, labeling, and exaggeration that it presents. Finally, the analysis will seek to answer the question of whether or not the portrayal of the cartoon is effective in persuading the viewer and/or audience to think or view a situation in a given context or manner. The first aspect of the cartoon that grips the viewer’s attention is the clear use of symbolism and labeling that the cartoonist has employed to denote the Christian, Muslim, and members of the SCAF that are represented. This labeling simplifies the issue and allows the participants within the cartoon to be reduced and simplified to a mere 3 active entities. By utilizing the Christian cross, the Muslim crescent and the insignia and uniforms of the SCAF, the reader is made aware of what each participant within the cartoon represents and symbolizes. ... This level of purity is further symbolized by the fact that the Christian and Muslim man (representing the broader populations of both of these entities within Egypt) are clothed in white. Naturally, exaggeration is also employed in a massively effective means as the SCAF is denoted to be an insidious and corrupting influence that displays the same generic and shameful behavior under the guise of its constitutionally given power. This exaggeration is the strength behind the entire cartoon. Although the Christian and the Muslim occupy center stage within the confines of this political cartoon, it is the corrupting influence of the SCAF that provides the power behind the image that is typified. Yet, rather than making a blanket statement regarding the ultimate goodness or evil that is exhibited by the SCAH, the cartoon seeks to strike at the core of the problems that are exhibited within Egypt; namely a power structure that is able to take advantage of natural and key fault lines that exist within the political spectrum; thereby allowing the members of the government and the SCAH to behave in a manner that they would not do otherwise. In short, the increase in division serves the purposes that they strive to accomplish (Lawate 2). Ultimately, the reader and/or researcher can understand that the given political cartoon is not only effective in communicating an understanding of the present day situation within Egypt and/or the Arab world, it is extraordinarily effective in such a task. Although this is not always the case for a political cartoon, this particular cartoon is one which allows its underlying simplicity and the vocal and omnipresent nature of its participants to speak to its underlying truth. Due to the fact that almost all

Trying to Downsize Try Downsizing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Trying to Downsize Try Downsizing - Essay Example The author quotes Lola O'Rourke, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, as saying, "If people could simply reduce their portions by a third, they would cut out a huge amount of calories". The author cites a study that was reported in Obesity and Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. The study found that dieters who used pre-packaged managed portions lost significantly more weight than a group that were allowed to choose their own portions. Being able to select the proper amount of food to consume is the first key to successful dieting. The author suggests that we simply become more aware of the serving size. She contends that the size of bagels, cheeseburgers, and soft drinks have grown dramatically in recent years and has resulted in calories that have more than doubled. In the midst of this super-sized climate it's important that the dieter be able to select the correct amount. Doheny suggests splitting a meal with a partner or simply ordering a smaller portion. Of course, there is always the doggy bag to take home food that is in excess of your dieting needs. The author also suggests we weigh our food at home when we prepare it. In the event that weighing is not possible she offers several tips on visualizing the correct portions.

Biography of Mahatma Gandhi Essay Example for Free

Biography of Mahatma Gandhi Essay The film Gandhi released in 1982 was adopted from the biography of Mahatma Gandhi and unfolds with his fateful assassination of 30th January 1948 as a result of being the go-between on conflicting Muslims and Hindus in India and Pakistan. The film plot quickly goes back to narrating Gandhi’s early life as a practicing attorney. With the setting in South Africa, Gandhi is traveling by train and after he adamantly refusing to surrender his seat in first class coach is thrown out. He is subjected to this segregation because he is an Indian. This provokes him to organize mass protests for banning of all discriminatory acts and an end to these stereotypes in which all protesters are arrested and later released. In the film, Gandhi is propelled by religious virtues and believes all people are equal before God. The British rule had denigrated the Indians limiting their rights to the extent of not acknowledging their marriage laws. For this reason, he endeavors for the achievement of equality through protests, which strongly do not advocate for violence. Exploring on racism and other issues that border on prejudice and stereotypes, the film Gandhi delves on the anonymous group of pushing for mass actions and identified by the common clothing, which ultimately implies they are of particular class. The point of this film endeavors to present the struggles of the Indian people from a generalized perspective. In the film the people are depicted as somehow fanatical and indeed they are justified bearing in mind the kind of life they were pushed to in the context of the colonial subordination. The intense scenes in Gandhi explores on the people’s common life infused with the religious fervor through the advocacy of Gandhi. The cinematic representation in the film of Gandhi is not about presenting the historical Gandhi but the presentation of the life changing circumstances that happened in India. The character of Gandhi does not dwell in his early or private life but dramatizes the public persona that ultimately inspired the Indian people with his realistic and spiritual philosophies. The camera shots are edited to only bring the speeches, notable occasions, and homilies of Gandhi as a leader that helped the masses result to the non-violence protests without giving up even when they were imprisoned for agitating for their freedom and independence. The scenes well packaging depicts Attenborough’s cinematic exploits and the film win an awards for the best pictures. However, the film implies there are moments of Gandhi’s development in politics but does not delve deep in showing them. From the scenes of mass actions, the audience cannot fail to notice the contribution raising the social conscientization, which is imperative for the belief in emancipation. Although the film does not dramatize the transformation experience turning the historical moments in the film as just purely aesthetic, there scenes in the film that treat Indian culture and Gandhi as iconic figure. The low angle and the close-up shots magnifies Gandhi as inspirational leader while the long panning shots help show the masses united against the aggression of the British rule. The mise-en-scene further eclipses the fine details of this biographical film leading to emplotment and characterization in the film. The sounds tracks employed further contextualize film in the Indian culture as well as espousing the euphoria in the social struggle. In conclusion, film Gandhi directed by Attenborough was successful in the biographical genre in which Attenborough’s wit and intellect in depicting Mahatma Gandhi and his leadership role in the non-violent agitation of independence from the British rule. The film is a manifestation of honoring the unique resistance lead by iconic Mahatma Gandhi.

The Bonesetters Daughter Summary

The Bonesetters Daughter Summary LuLing: Ruths mother. She immigrated to United States from China through her sister, Gao Ling. She shows how her life had changed through her writings in part 2. She is very emotional character who loves and acts passionately Ruth: LuLings daughter (of course). As her mother loses memory, she becomes more considerate about LuLing, and searches for her memory instead. This eventually helps Ruth grow mature and find her own identity. Theme Finding Identity Through searching mothers history, Ruth finds out the background of her immigrant mother. This eventually builds up Ruths maturity and her identity as a Chinese Woman. Chapter Notes Part 1 Chapter 1 Ruth Young lost her faith on August 12th for eight years. It happened first at Arts house in San Francisco. August 12th was a day shooting stars fell. Her mother took this as an omen and told Ruth that they were actually melting ghost bodies. Ruth was a book doctor and she had daughters named Dory and Fia. Ruth always looked her day through fingers of her hands, listing from 1 to 10. One day, Ruth couldnt memorize what nine was. Art, who Ruth had met in a yoga class 10 years ago, complained about making things too much complicated. Ruth finally remembered her number 9 was to take her mother to the doctor. Chapter 2 When Ruth was young, she loved spicy turnips instead of junk food. She had imagined through the limited space, which she continued to present. Everyone looked down at her job, for she made it seem easier. She helped to write The Cult of Personal freedom, The Cult of Compassion, The Cult of Envy, The Biology of Sexual Attraction, The Physic of Human Nature, and The Geography of the Soul to make books more interesting. One of the clients had a pseudonym of Agapi Agnos with real name of Doris DeMatteo. Gideon described her so accommodating that would bend backwad. LuLing was very healthy except that she had a type of memory loss that Ruth thought about taking her to the therapist. She always tried to teach Ruth with Chinese. GaoLing and LuLing were two different women who sometimes fought, and sometimes went along. Two sisters had married to brothers named Edmund and Edwin. Edwin died in a car accident. Luling always lamented on her great husbands death. Her mothers health was getting w orse. Chapter 3 Luling asked about Fia starting sixth grade while it was actually Dory. Luling had forgotten that her cat, Fu-fu, died by a dog. Dr. wHuey examined Luling. On documents, Lulings birth year was 1921, but she told him that its 1916. Ruth got frustrated by the complex questions doctor asked the mother. Luling said she had seen O.J. kill his wife in real life. The doctor suggested that Lulings might have Alzheimers. Ruth told Art about this in Chinese, but her children complained about speaking in Chinese. Arts daughter calls Luling Walpo Ruth remembered her past when her mother talked to her in Chinese. Ruth just decided to be silent while her mothers treated. Lulin brought a sand tray and a brush to make Ruth write. Lulings call Precious Auntie as Doggie and asked for forgivenesss. Ruth invited Miriam, Arts divorced wife, to Moon Festival dinner. Chapter 4 On the night of Full Moon Festival, Ruth excitedly picked a place called Fountain Court, which her mother disliked. Dinner went on as the Chinese style of Thanksgiving. There were Billy with his four children, Sally the aeronautical engineer, and George the Violinist of SF Symphony. None of the children liked the dinner for its looks. Gaoling told people about the incident when Luling persisted to say she had paid the bill. Ruth gave out a speech and presents to her family. Ruth was satisfied with dinner. Luling was in confusion and said Precious Auntie was her real mother. Luling gave Ruth the necklace that Ruth had given her for present. Ruth was about her mothers symptoms. Chapter 5 Ruth insured Luling that she was alright, and Luling said she wasnt afraid of death. Luling now visited her for dinner every day. Ruth realized that her mother was mentally ill. Luling became angry when Ruth treated her as a special client. Luling often threatened to kill herself, as if she had no reason to live on. Ruth hired maids and housekeepers, but they all quitted for Lulings violent behaviors. Ruth had a plan to go to Hawaii within few days, but she decided that she would stay with her mother. One of Ruths clients named Ted fired Ruth as a ghost writer. Ruth went to her mothers house, but she was found through calling cops. LuLing was trying to go to grocery store. Ruth finally asked GaoLing to help take care of her mom. Chapter 6 When Ruth was young, she often thought about death. She and her mother used to live at the flatlands of Berkeley. There was a couple named Lance and Dottie. Ruth had a crush on Lance, who was as handsome as a celebrity. Ruth convinced her mother that she got invited to watch the Wizard of Oz together, Ruth put herself right on toilet which had Lances urine and thought she was going to be pregnant. Dottie found out about this, and the couple divorced in confusion. Ruth apologized to Lance, but Lance tried to rape Ruth. Ruth told her mother that Precious Auntie wanted them to move to San Francisco. Chapter 7 Ruth began to clean the house. Ruth threw away everything her mother had been saving. She found a diary on cupboard. She once got into a huge fight with her mother about smoking cigarettes, which had Ruth to write harsh things on the diary. When Ruth arrived home, she found out that her mother fell off out of window and broke her bodies. Ruth regretted what she had written on the diary. Ruth and LuLing frequently got into fight still. Ruth found mothers writings and decided to translate them to learn more about her past. Part 2 Luling was raised by the Liu Clan within the village called Immortal Heart. Precious Auntie called Luling a doggie. After ancient tree died, the fame of the village had declined. The family was working in ink-making, and was successful enough. About thirty people lived together. Precious Aunties father had a ability of bonesetting to heal bones. He was so good that patient came from everywhere. One day, coffin maker and Baby Uncle saw their fortunes. Precious Auntie was a rooster, while Chang was a snake, which was a great match. Precious Auntie however, turned down Chang to marrie Hu Sen. Chang killed her father during the marriage, and Hu Sen died from Horse kicking him. Precious Auntie tried to commit suicide by drinking burning oil, but it only left her scarred. In 1929, scientist went to Dragon Bone Hill. Rumors said that scientists were buying the bones with a good price. Precious Auntie put back the bones to where they were found. Scientists were looking for Peking Man. Precious Auntie, however, didnt say where the bones were, while everyone was so eager to sell bones. One day, Chang came and LuLing accidently told she knew where the bones were. Few days later, Peking asked LuLing to come over for marriage arrangement. LuLing ignored Precious Aunt and went to Old Widow Laus house for preparation. Even though LuLing felt uncomfortable, she could make everyone happy with the meeting, except for Precious Auntie. Since Changs asked LuLing to be their family, Precious Auntie stopped to help LuLing. Precious Auntie gave LuLing a writing that said how she was LuLings real mother. LuLing, however, couldnt finish it, and never got to discover the truth. Precious Auntie was found dead after LuLing announced her future marriage with the Changs. LuLing, in sadness, cancelled the marriage and left for the End of the World to search for corpse of Precious Auntie. The familys ink shop burnt down by the ghost of Precious Auntie. The officials came to inform father about the damages he had done to the neighbors and asked for payment. Father called for a priest to capture the ghost, and sent LuLing to orphanage to stop ghost from returning. LuLing was influenced by some foreigners in the orphanage that she changed her religion to Christianity. LuLing was one of the few who could read and write, among seventy children. When there was a good weather, Teacher Pan took the girls to Dragon Bone Hill. The girls helped scientists when they were asked to. Precious Auntie had left oracle bone and small photograph of her for LuLing. One day, LuLing found a letter from Gao Ling that she wasnt satisfied with her marriage to Chang. Kai Jing, Teacher Pan, and LuLing made a banner for New Year, and took it to the fair. Kai Jing explained how magnificent the banner was. LuLing fell in love with Kai Jing. LuLing and Kai Jing tried to make love, but the storage room was so filthy. The news that there will soon be a war against Japanese reaches the orphanage. GaoLing came over and talked how the priest was actually a fraud. She stayed at the orphanage, and built a friendship with Sister Yu. LuLing and Kai Jing married. Even though the war was still held, Kai Jing went to dig for dragon bones. He and other men got caught by soldiers to join army against Japanese. They soon found out that Chinese were captured, and soldiers were shot one by one. Japanese soldiers occupied the orphanage and forced men to speak where the communists were. Japanese people kill every single man except for Teacher Pan. LuLing and other girls faked to have diseases with chicken bloods to go to Peking. Teacher Pan and girls continued on with the ink shop to live on. War finally ended in 1945. Miss Grutoff was sick and she needed to go to America for treatment. Gao Ling promised to invite LuLing and followed Miss Grutoff as an assistant. Teacher Pan also planned to marry. LuLing received a letter that Miss Grutoff had died and that LuLing had to wait until Gao Ling became a citizen. LuLing decided to move to cheaper house to support herself until Gao Ling invited her. LuLing had internal conflict of selling oracle bone, but she decided to just keep it. She became a made Miss Patsy and Lady Ina. This improved LuLings English skills. Gao Ling sent a letter indicating their future husbands. Fu Nan came in to ask for money, threatening their situations. With the money LuLing had been earning and by selling the bone, she could buy the ticket and flew to United States. Part 3 Chapter 1 Ruth asked Mr. Tang to translate her mothers paper. She discussed about staying with her mother with Art, who disapproved the plan. Ruth tried to make her mother to draw things that could bring her memory back. Twice a week, Ruth went to Vallejo Street for dinner. Art wanted Ruth back, but Ruth was trying to take care of her mother. Mr. Tang finished his work and gave the paper to Ruth. LuLing actually enjoyed a talk with Mr. Tang. Ruth was surprised by the paper that had been translated. Art suggested moving LuLing to assisted-living residence, but LuLing refused. So they brought up a plan of radon leak to deceive LuLing to move to Mira Mar Manor. Chapter 2 The Young Family gathered to celebrate Gao Lings 77th (or 82nd) birthday. Ruth and Gao Ling talked about LuLings writings. Ruth said LuLing was moving into safer home. Gao Ling explains some stories like how Chang was executed for cheating on people and the origin of name Ruth, which came from Miss Grutoff and Sister Yu. There was also stock market money LuLing had saved for Ruth. LuLing had fallen into the pool and almost drowned herself, which drove Ruth to sadness. Ruth and Art had their anniversary dinner at Brunos supper club. Chapter 3 Ruth visited Asian Art Museum with her mother, Art, and Mr. Tang. Mr. Tang showed the Oracle Bone. LuLings family name was Gu, which meant bone. Ruth finally found that Precious Aunties real name was Gu Lix Xin.

High Blood Pressure Essay -- Health, Cardiovascular Disease

Data from World health organization (2002), estimated that high blood pressure was the cause of death for more than 7 million individuals every year, affecting 972 million of world population which accounts for 26.4% in total, 26.6% of those are men and 26.1% are women. In addition 333 million of those in developed countries and 639 million in developing countries and responsible for 11% of all diseases burden in industrial countries, it also estimated to be the case of death for more than 20% in men and almost 24% in women. (WHO, 2003), (Kearney et al, 2005) In the future, high blood pressure is predicted to increase about 60% by 2025 to reach a total of 1.56 billion. This increase expected to contribute of 9% and 13% in both men and women respectively. (Kearney et al, 2005) Globally, the highest prevalence rate of high blood pressure found in women in former socialist economies region while for men was in Latin American and Caribbean region and the lowest prevalence was in â€Å"other Asian and islands† region for both men and women. (Kearney et al, 2005) High blood pressure considered one of the main risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, which contributes with 62% of cardiovascular diseases globally. It also contributes to 54% of stroke cases and 47% ischemic heart disease. (Lawest et al, 2008) Moreover it is responsible for 50% of heart failure burden in the world. (Lloyd et al, 2002) The INTERHEART study estimated that having a hypertension was the reason for 25% of heart attack cases in both central and Eastern Europe while it represents the same reason for 22 % of Western Europe. Individuals who have an elevated blood pressure are suspect to have heart attack twice more than normotensive. ( Yusuf et al, 2004) or Brit... ...to affect individuals in controlling their high blood pressure and it is also a serious risk factor of cardiovascular disease. For that, this study aims to develop a treatment model which helps high blood pressure individuals in Saudi Arabia to decrease and control their high blood pressure in easy way, less costing, fit the Saudi culture, life style, and overcome the weather obstacle. Taking into counter the evidence on exercise in reducing the blood pressure, and walking in particular. The question arise, does promote walking among Saudi individuals could be the solution to overcome the co-morbidity factors and become a step stone in managing the high blood pressure. Not to forget to mention that walking suits any member of the society regardless the age, gender, social and traditions attributes, and does not cost more than comfortable athletic shoes.

20th Century Liberalisms Philosophies are False :: essays research papers

During the 20th Century, liberalistic philosophers created countless numbers of false philosophies that many people practice today. Among those wrong ideologies are existentialism, secularism, pragmatism, and Freudianism. The first false ideology, existentialism, claims that there is no truth and believes that all man can do is take a ?leap of faith.? This ideology claims to ?resolve? all man?s problems and worries because ?nothing is true.? Because there is no truth, therefore, there would be no God and, therefore, there is no wrong in the world. This philosophy by Soren Kierkegaard, surely, brings disastrous results by believing there is no sin. The second false idea very popular in this world today is secularism, which believes that morality should be based upon the well being of mankind. At first, this ideology might seem reasonable. However, for example, if a robber steals money from a bank but contributes to the well being of mankind by giving the money to the poor, stealing would be considered moral because it benefited people right? Of course not! Just like existentialism, secularism gives people the right to do wrong by involving others. The third deceptive philosophy, by William James, is pragmatism. A pragmatist believes that only the results of an idea or action judge whether the action is moral or not. One can decipher that this ideology is wrong by thinking of an example. For example, if a student can only have a vacation if he receives A?s, according to this philosophy, he can cheat on tests and quizzes in order to receive an A to take a vacation. The last false ideology is Freudianism, better known as psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis claims that subconscious physical drives or irrational fears determine a man?s actions. It also believes that if someone?

History Paper on Caribbean Diaspora Essay

Decendents of the Caribbean Diaspora are located in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and countries that were previously colonial empires. The inhabited islands that are in the Caribbean are not only geographical regions, but also regions of the imagination, lived cultural experiences and are an interesting study in religious identity as well (Harry:2). † Colonized by European powers from the sixteenth century, the Caribbean islands have become a mixture of cultures from Europe, Africa, and India, as well as from the original inhabitants of the islands. Harry Goulbourne and John Solomos in there article â€Å"Ethnic and Racial Studies† says that the â€Å"History of the Caribbean has been shaped for a number of centuries now by the economic, social and cultural impact of movement of people across the Atlantic. † Without the migration of individuals to the Caribbean, due to slavery, the making of the Caribbean world would be nonexistent (Harry:2). Emancipation is defined as the various efforts to obtain political rights or equality, often for specifically disfranchised groups. Numerous countries and states have gone through this process during one period of time in their historic accounts. For the Caribbean Diaspora, this period was also a mark of re-development and re-establishment of economies and societies. Emancipation in the Caribbean was the catalyst for many positive steps in the future but also a setback in humanity with respect to human rights. In this paper one will examine the culture and religion of individuals in the Caribbean such as the Yoruba People and also will gain knowledge from personal family history in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Throughout history, the system of slavery is primarily an institution based upon the labor of poor individuals who are forced into harsh working conditions while an elite few reap the benefits of the work of the larger masses. â€Å"African slavery in the Caribbean is a late development in the evolution of slavery in human society. † However, for the Caribbean diaspora this all began in the seventeenth century when the European colonization of the Caribbean began to change drastically as exploration gave way to exploitation. With European colonizers looking for ways to fill their pockets, the Caribbean was stormed and eventually flooded with lavery. With the introduction of this new oppression to the world, a major form of organized labor was created which changed the social organization radically in the Caribbean Diaspora (Klein:1). As the plantation system began to thrive and expand through the following centuries, the Caribbean became the focus of American slave centers. For instance, Thornton writes in his novel Africa and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World, 1400-1800, that â€Å"More than half of all the Africans who were transported to the Americas in the eighteenth century went to the island colonies of the Caribbean (Thornton:317)†. With this abundance of slaves arriving in the Caribbean, plantations developed laws to regulate the plantation system and the many slaves imported to work on the plantations. This legal control was the most oppressive for slaves inhabiting colonies where they outnumbered their European masters and where rebellion was persistent. During the early colonial period, rebellious slaves were harshly punished, with sentences including death by torture and less serious crimes such as assault, theft or persistent escape attempts were commonly punished with mutilations, such as the cutting off of a hand or a foot (Thornton:276). Sadly, nothing could help these individuals during this time period because their voice of opinion was robbed from them once they were captured and forced into slavery. With high mortality rates, controlled lives, hard labor and poor nutrition in the Caribbean Diaspora, the African population slowly started to decrease and the rates of importation gradually started to increased. This paved a way towards the creation of new land and enterprises which in return increased the production of materials such as sugar and coffee beans. Although, slaves were forced into a controlled environment and labor, their native language and culture was still close to their hearts. As Thornton writes, â€Å"Whatever the brutalities of the Middle passage or slave life, it was not going to cause the African-born to forget their mother language or change their ideas about beauty in design or music: nor would it cause them to abandon the ideological underpinnings of religion or ethics – not on arrival in America, not ever in their lives. † With this mother language, culture and religion not forgotten, slaves developed a way of communicating mongst each other and also grasped the â€Å"American way† when speaking to their masters (Thornton:317-320). Also, by keeping the memories and traditional ways of their people, Africans were able to pass their knowledge and history of their people down to the next generation which would eventually bring to life the monstrosities that really occurred during this time period. While some may deny it, slavery and the impact it had on the world is still with us today in movies, books, poetry, songs, articles, and even in the minds of the people that had experienced it firsthand. However, although countless individuals came to America as slaves, there are also those who entered this soil via immigration. During the late eighteenth century and early to mid-nineteenth century, a mass exodus of people coming from Europe, China, Japan, Canada and the West Indies moved into the United States (Harney). This was a time for growth in the United States, often referred to as the Industrial Age. This time period was an exciting period because of the fact that there is another revolution going on in the workplace. As technology started to change and bloom, everything around it started to transform and more jobs were created. As a result, the Industrial Revolution affected the whole stability of a nation, not only the economy. It affected the relationships between classes, and also the relationships between countries and gave those individuals who migrated over to the United States a chance at a prosperous life without slavery. With many Africans migrating to the United States there were those who decided to go back to the Caribbean and continue their traditional cultural ways. In the late eighteenth century, written reports discovered a cultural tradition of masking by Africans in various parts of the Caribbean: Belize, Bermuda, Haiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, St.  Kitts, Nevis, Guyana, Grenada, and Trinidad. These masking activities were called by several names like gumbe, jonkonu, or kambula, however today it is referred to as Carnival. Carnival is an annual celebration of life found in many countries of the world and is an integral part of West African religious culture, intimately connected with secret societies that were gender specific (Lewis:180). Growing up in a family that celebrates this specific tradition, the history of how it began is very familiar to me from family stories and also by traveled experiences. This tradition â€Å"Carnival† came from hundreds of years ago when the followers of the Catholic religion in Italy began holding a wild costume festival right before the first day of Lent. Because Catholics are not supposed to eat meat during Lent, they called their festival, carnevale which means â€Å"to put away the meat. † As time passed, Carnivals in Italy became quite famous and in fact the practice spread to France, Spain, and all the Catholic countries in Europe. Then as the French, Spanish, and Portuguese began to take control of the Americas and other parts of the world, they brought with them their tradition of celebrating Carnival. The dynamic economic and political histories of the Caribbean are indeed the ingredients of festival arts as we find them today throughout the African and Caribbean Diaspora (Liverpool). Trinidad and Tobago is a beautiful example of how the tradition of Carnival can unite the world. For in this small nation, the beliefs and customs of many cultures come together and for a brief five days the whole country forgets their differences to celebrate life! For African people, Carnival became a way to express their power as individuals, as well as their rich cultural traditions. Today, Carnival in Trinidad intertwines the many immigrants who have come from different parts of the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, India, and China. For my family in particular, Carnival is not just an event that happens every year; it is actually a business that has been in my family for decades. Carnival was introduced to Trinidad around 1785, as the French settlers began to arrive. The tradition caught on quickly, and fancy balls were held where the wealthy planters put on masks, wigs, and beautiful dresses and danced long into the night (Liverpool:127). The use of masks had a special meaning for the slaves in there West African culture, because for many African peoples, masking is widely used in their rituals for the dead and also connected them with secret gender-specific societies (Lewis:180). Obviously banned from the masked balls of the French, the slaves would hold their own little Carnival in their backyards using their own rituals and folklore, but also imitating their masters’ behavior at the masked balls (Regis:231). For African people, Carnival became a way to express their power as individuals, as well as heir rich cultural traditions. After 1838 when slavery was abolished, the freed Africans began to host their own Carnival celebrations in the streets that grew more and more elaborate, and soon became more popular than the balls (Liverpool). Today, traditional Trinidad Carnival has been a product of both African and European masking legacies. For me personally, Carnival in Trinidad is like a mirror that reflects the faces the many immigrants who have come to this island nation and is the uniqueness of their cultural re/creations all over the Caribbean Diaspora (Lewis:184). Ever since I was a young girl my Grandfather would tell me of stories on how he would make costumes for Carnival and how he was very popular in Trinidad. In order to put a carnival band together, it takes many weeks of welding, sewing, gluing, applying feathers, sequins, foil papers, glitter and lots of creativity, energy, and patience. With individual experience, it takes a lot of time and effort in order to make what you envisioned comes to life. Costumes are sewn, decorated, and fitted to each individual dancer. All this creative activity takes place in what are referred to in the Caribbean as â€Å"mas camps,† where teamwork and organization are crucial to creating an award-winning production. For my Grandfather being a â€Å"Band Leader†, costume designer and leader of the people that wear his costumes, means the world to him. It was and still is a form of expressing his cultural tradition in ways that you can only see in his drawings. My Grandfather is a homegrown Trinidadian mas’ man from Woodbrook, Port-Of- Spain in Trinidad and Tobago. His love for the artistry involved in making costumes derives itself from his days as a young child coming home from school and stopping in the Silver Stars mas’ camp. While all his friends listened to pan, he would watch his cousin create and construct costumes. As he began to get older, he began to draw and create costumes of his own. When asking him about his younger days he said, â€Å"I just couldn’t help myself†¦ growing up in a third world country forces you to do whatever you had to do in order to make money and put food on the table. Even though, I had many jobs at the young age of eleven, I made my first costume and was given permission to play with Silver Stars. From that day forward, I began to teach myself the history and craftsmanship of Carnival and decided to give it a try! † Listening to this story not only inspired me but also taught me a valuable lesson in cherishing what I have in life because there are those out there that have much less. In addition, I also learned that not only did my Grandfather make his first costume at the age of eleven; through hard work and dedication he then brought his first band in 1978 called â€Å"Planet of the Apes†. This band shocked spectators, masqueraders, and judges. I asked him what inspired him to create such a thing and he said, â€Å"Franklin J. Schaffner’s Science fiction film based on the novel La planete des singes†¦. it is like the recent movie Planet of the Apes, however instead of taking over the world, the masqueraders assumed the dominant role and flooded the streets of Trinidad. † I laughed at this creation because I found it to be so â€Å"Halloween like†. However, when thinking about it, to individuals back then this was a spectacular sight, a fantastic portrayal of this fiction film and a great first impression in the world of mas’ creativity during that Carnival season. Although my Grandfather enjoyed seeing his first creation come to life this was just the beginning in his success. Some of his other presentations include; â€Å"This Land is Ours†, â€Å"Travels of Marco Polo†, â€Å"Bush Medicine†, â€Å"Touch of Class†, â€Å"Somewhere Over the Rainbow†, â€Å"Harim†, â€Å"Island Fun†, â€Å"War Cry†, â€Å"Paint Box† and â€Å"Tie a Yellow Ribbon† to name a few. With his name increasing in fame throughout the years, he also met some lifelong friends and teachers, one being Peter Minshall. Peter Minshall is one of the most incredible artists working today in Trinidad. He is acclaimed internationally as the foremost artist working in the field of â€Å"dancing mobiles,† a form of performance art that combines the three-dimensional quality of large-scale sculpture with the dramatic and choreographic expressiveness of a live human performer. My Grandfather told me that the reason that Minshall started to work in that field was because, â€Å"The dancing mobile was one of many forms to grow out of the masquerade tradition of Trinidad Carnival and if he is the only one taking it on then there is no competition and with no competition means more awards. † However, even when my Grandfather did not receive awards for his masterpieces, they are still remembered today as the pieces of art that influenced Carnival today. After listening to him recall past memories of his glory days I asked him why he retired in 1991. He then replied, â€Å"I had a family and wanted them to have a better life than living here in Trinidad. So I decided to move to the United States and started to create a life here, where I still live today. † Hearing that reply almost brought me to tears, with the love of his family and the determination to provide a better life for them he made the biggest jump of his life. He first moved to New York where he had three jobs which were a taxi driver, a police man and a photographer. It was a difficult task having all of these jobs and taking care of your family however as he would say it, â€Å"Nothing is too much, you just have organize your time. Being an immigrant in the United States was a tough challenge for him however, with the experience of the Carnival business on his shoulders he was ready to accomplish anything. Not only did he buy a house, he sent all five of his daughters to a private catholic school where they received the best education that his money could buy. Now, forty six years later my family still owns the house that he bought when he first moved to the United States and he just came out of retirement in the Carnival business. I remember entering his room and wondering why his old Carnival drawings were are all over the bed. In confusion I asked him what he was doing and he replied, â€Å"I’m coming out of retirement, I am on a crusade to bring back the traditional culture of mas’ making techniques in Trinidad Carnival with a modern touch. With a little hard work I believe that I can reclaim my position and also win the people of Trinidad with my new costume designs. † This taught me that even though you might give up your passion, you can always pick it up and start it again. As of today, my Grandfather has created three bands called â€Å"Aloha†, â€Å"Valleys of the Nile† and â€Å"D’ Mayan empire† which will be reveled in Carnival 2013. Each year as I travel to Trinidad to experience this cultural festival I am always reminded by the history in which it originated from and the many that did not see the light of freedom. To visitors it seems to be five days of partying however, to my family it is a time to appreciate our Catholic faith and also a time to celebrate our cultural independence with the other decedents of different African heritages.