Common German Idioms, Sayings and Proverbs

Ein Sprichwort,  a saying or a proverb, can be a fun  way to learn and remember new vocabulary in German. The following sayings, proverbs,  and idiomatic expressions (Redewendungen) are our favorites.   Some expressions are more common than others. Many of these  work with Germanys love affair with its endless variety  of Wurst (sausage). Some may be a little more  contemporary, some may be a bit old-fashioned, but they can all be used in everyday conversations. Tips for Learning German Phrases The best way to learn these is to read each sentence to yourself and immediately  read the English equivalent. Then say the same sentence aloud in German. Continue saying these aloud in German and, with practice, youll automatically remember the meaning; it will become subliminal and you wont even have to think about it. A good exercise: Write each phrase or sentence out as you say it the first two times. The more senses and muscles you engage as you learn a language, the more likely you are to remember it correctly and the longer you will remember it. A third time, cover the German and read the English version; then task yourself, as in a dictation, with writing the sentence in German. Keep in mind that the symbol  ÃƒÅ¸ (as in heiß)  stands for a double s,  and remember  correct German word order, which is different from that in English. Dont forget that all German nouns, common or proper, are capitalized. (Even Wurst.) Below youll find expressions, the colloquial English translation, and the literal translation. Expressions About Sausage (Wurst) and Other Things to Eat Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei. Everything must end.Literally: Everything has an end; only the sausage has two. Das ist mir Wurst. Its all the same to me.Literally: Its a sausage to me. Es geht um die Wurst. Its do or die / now or never / the moment of truth.Literal: Its about the sausage. Äpfel mit Birnen vergleichen. Comparing  apples and orangesLiterally: Comparing apples and pears In des Teufels Kà ¼che sein. To get into hot waterLiteral: In the devils kitchen Dir haben sie wohl etwas in den Kaffee getan. Youve got to be kidding.Literally: Youve probably  done something in/to the coffee Die Radieschen von unten anschauen/betrachten To be pushing up daisies (to be dead)Literally: To see/view the radishes from below Expressions With Animals Die Katze im Sack kaufen To buy a pig in a pokeLiterally: to buy a cat in a sack Wo sich die Fà ¼chse gute Nacht sagen The middle of nowhere/the  back of beyondLiterally: Where the foxes say goodnight Stochere nicht im Bienenstock. Let sleeping dogs lie.Literally: Dont poke around in the beehive. Expressions With Body Parts and People Daumen drà ¼cken! Keep your fingers crossed!Literally: Press/hold your thumbs! Er hat einen dicken Kopf. Hes got a hangover.Literally: He has a fat head. Was ich nicht weiß, macht mich nicht heiß. What you dont know, wont hurt you.Literally: What I dont know wont burn me. Er fà ¤llt  immer mit der Tà ¼r ins Hà ¤uschen. He always gets right to the point/just blurts it out.Literally: He always falls into the house through the door. Was Hà ¤nschen nicht lernt, lernt Hans nimmermehr. You cant teach an old dog new tricks.Literally: What little Hans didnt learn, adult Hans never will. Wenn man dem Teufel den kleinen Finger gibt, so nimmt er die ganze Hand. Give an inch; theyll take a mile.Literally: If you give the devil your little finger, hell take the whole hand.

Essay about Hollywoods Biggest Stars - 2278 Words

Hollywoods Biggest Stars Where do Hollywood’s biggest stars come from? Why do we consider them to be the top of the many actors and actresses that show up in movies every month? Is their success and popularity the public’s doing, or does it stem from somewhere else, somewhere like Hollywood itself? I‘d say the latter is as probable as the former. Let us take Julia Roberts for example. Certainly not the most beautiful of all of Hollywood’s actresses, what makes Julia Roberts so special in the minds of Americans? Is it her humongous mouth, her toothy grin, or those â€Å"Pretty Woman† legs of hers, which by the way were not her own in the movie? No. It is a certain image that Hollywood and its circle of cooperating tabloids and media†¦show more content†¦This is exactly what Hollywood wants people to do. By creating a semblance of great gossip and hype about an actor, and exploiting the curious nature of humans, the film industry jump-starts a real social craze and a heightened regard for one of its money-producing minions who could very well have been just another face in the crowd the previous month. It is not the public that â€Å"discovers† great performers, but rather the industry that packages its plain gray stones into shimmering nuggets of â€Å"gold†. In other words, those who fall under Hollywood’s advertisement spell are analogous to the emperor who fell prey to the trick played on him by the fake, thieving tailors: â€Å"A beautiful and majestic set of robes we are weaving and creating for you, your majesty. Only a fool would not be able to see the breathtaking colors of the special fabric we are producing on this loom for your brilliant costume! By the way, please bring us more gold and silver so that we may purchase additional dyes and threads to continue making the cloth.† Like the emperor, we supply the funds for making bigger â€Å"stars†, and when a new star is introduced, not enough people want to go against the seemingly popular opinion to overturn the pre-created Hollywood faà §ade. Eventually, as time wears on, and as more and more people buy into the image that has been created for the new face inShow MoreRelatedAmerica’s Domination of the Film Industry693 Words   |  3 Pagestechnologi cal advances that took place in film over time and the events which occurred during these periods, it was a complex journey. In the following essay we are going to discuss why I believe that the wars faced both foreign and domestic played the biggest factor in the American Film industry’s rise to dominance by the 1950s. Birth of Film: As with all things it’s probably best to start with the beginning; the birth of film. Eadweard Muybridge was hired in 1872 to capture images of a horse running toRead MoreStar Wars : The Phantom Menace933 Words   |  4 PagesDuring the summer of 1999, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace stormed theaters with a wave of anticipation that was unprecedented. By that point, Star Wars was assumed to be a thing of the past – until George Lucas decided to revisit his beloved creation. It sent fans into a frenzy of immeasurable proportions, lighting a fire in the adolescent hearts of millions and millions†¦and millions. But, then something strange happened. The Phantom Menace wasn’t the Star Wars we all knew and loved. It was riddledRead MoreStar Wars Pop Culture Icon1043 Words   |  5 Pagesof marketing out come from? Simple. Star Wars. Thanks to the cultural influence of George Lucas’ Star Wars there is not a director in Hollywood that doesn’t look to cash in through other forms of movie sales. 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Star WarsRead More A Comparison of Kate Chopins The Awakening and Grand Isle Essay1492 Words   |  6 PagesTelevision (TNT) made the movie in 1991, and it stars Kelly McGillis as Edna Pontellier and Adrian Pasdar as Robert Lebrun . To say that this movie is based, even loosely, on The Awakening is an insult to Kate Chopins colorful literary work. A reviewer from People Weekly calls it a tedious melodrama and sees it as Kelly McGilliss vanity project because she is star, producer, and narrator (Grand Isle 13). Grand Isle is an example of how Hollywoods ratings scramble can tear apart a striking pieceRead MoreBollywood Is The Biggest Film Industry In India, But Is1123 Words   |  5 PagesBollywood is the biggest film industry in India, but is not the only film industry in India. Bollywood was born at the same time as Indian cinema itself. By the 1930s, Bollywood had already built several studios which, 10 years later, had produced approximately two-thirds of Bollywood’s 150–200 annual films. The name Bollywood comes from the American from Hollywood, the B is there for Bombay (now know as Mumbai). A typical Bollywood movie lasts for two-and-a-half hours, it has slowly unrolling storylinesRead M oreEssay about Cultural Report: Hollywood 1900-19402097 Words   |  9 Pagesactress Virginia Rappe during a party hosted by Arbuckle caused an ever growing ripple in the calm sea that was the Hollywood performer. This intrusion into the private lives of movie actors and actresses is arguably the beginning of the Hollywood star system. The popularity of certain performers began to be exploited in order to further the reach of the industry in terms of marketing. The 1930’s saw a massive leap into corporate sponsorship with the â€Å"tie-up†, an early form of product placementRead MoreHollywood History5698 Words   |  23 PagesHollywood during the War Years 10. Stars Conclusion Bibliography Foreword I have always been fascinated by the Hollywood’s world, a world of mixture between reality and glittering fantasy, of beauty, glamour, art, a world in which any dream can come to reality. The word Hollywood conjures the outstanding images of Sunset Strip, Hollywood Boulevard, Cahuenga Boulevard, La Brea Avenue, of nightclubs, movie palaces, special effects, extraordinary people – stars of the gaudiest illumination, HollywoodRead MoreWhat s So Great About Leonardo Dicaprio?900 Words   |  4 Pagesthe critically acclaimed film Titanic. Dicaprio is arguably one of the biggest male stars in the world he has the ladies; surely we re now going to see a romantic comedy, right? No DiCaprio had bigger fish to fry. He doesn t even show up to the Oscars for Titanic in 1998. He tackled a dual role in the film The Man in the Iron Mask, which went on to make $180 million worldwide. Dicaprio took a break then returned to star in Steven Spielberg’s film, Catch Me If You Can, which received a GoldenRead MoreHow Much Does Weight Affect a Television Show? Essay1156 Words   |  5 Pages The majority of the actors and actresses that star in the television shows are those who are skinny and attractive. However, the United States as a whole is considered obese. One particular program, Mike and Molly, took a different approach in the appearance of the stars. Mike and Molly stars Melissa McCarthy and Billy Gardell, who are two plus sized actors. The show is about their dating lives and different life lessons that they learn throughout it with a more comical view rather than serious

Data Protection Act 1998 free essay sample

1. 1Summarise key aspects of legislation, regulatory requirements and codes of practice relating to own role and responsibilities Key Aspects of legislation, regulatory requirements and codes of practice in teaching in a learning environment, is that we work closely with sector skills councils. Legislation and codes of practice affecting work of teachers and how these relate our specialist subject, First Aid. Generic legislation (Data Protection Act, Health and Safety and Work Act) and explain how legislation applies to all workplaces or training centres. For example, â€Å"In accordance with the Data Protection Act or Health and Safety at Work Act, training must ensure that they are based on seven behaviours, namely: professional integrity respect reasonable care professional practice criminal offence disclosure responsibility during Institute investigations responsibility Codes of practice relating to own role and responsibilities. There are a range of additional support mechanisms in place that need to be organised as soon as possible in order for the students to have the highest chance of success. We will write a custom essay sample on Data Protection Act 1998 or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page All of the information obtained previously has to be taken into consideration when designing the course. In order to teach effectively you must pitch it to the appropriate level. 1. 2 Analyse own responsibilities of promoting equality and valuing diversity (Unknown 2014) Inclusion, Equality and Diversity are all aspects of a learner’s entitlement. Inclusivity is about involving all learners in relevant activities rather than excluding them for any reason either directly or indirectly. Equality is about the rights of learners to attend and participate regardless of their gender, race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age. Within the context of Lifelong Learning, Equality is considered to encompass: An expectation of fair treatment An opportunity to participate on equal terms. Diversity is about valuing the differences in people. What I need to think about as a tutor to ensure equality in my classroom practice? Planning I will need to ensure that course documents take into consideration the individual needs of the learner? (Initial Assessment, Scheme of work, ILP) I will make the learning environment conducive to learning e. g. (layout, accessibility) I will include a variety of learning styles in the teaching – auditory, visual and kinaesthetic? (Schemes of work, lesson plans) Delivery I will allocate appropriate time during learner’s induction for information and discussion on equality and diversity, including policies, etc? (Scheme of work, lesson plans, ILP, complaints procedure) I will set appropriate ground rules with learners (Lesson plan) I would use appropriate and sensitive language and challenge inappropriate use of language Co-operative learning This will help learners to work as part of a team, whilst at the same time ensuring that everybody’s contribution is valued.

Thalia Grace Daughter of Zeus Essay Example

Thalia Grace: Daughter of Zeus Essay Thalia Grace, or just Thalia, since she doesn’t like using her last name, is one of the children of the Big Three. Who are the Big Three, you ask? Well, they are the top most powerful gods in Olympus: Zeus, lord of the sky, Poseidon, lord of the sea, and Hades, lord of the Underworld. You must be thinking, ‘Thalia Grace? I never heard of her. Is she a minor goddess? ’ This is because Thalia is a fictional character from Rick Riordan’s national bestseller series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians. She is purely make-believe, a character from the mind and imagination of the author himself. She isn’t the main character of the book, but she plays an important role. But, nobody really knows a lot about her. Who is Thalia Grace? Let’s first start off by saying that Thalia is a demigod, half-god and half human. She has spiky black hair and electric blue eyes, and some freckles can be seen under her eyes. She wears punk-styled clothing, and has a metal bracelet on her wrist that turns into a copy of Aegis, the shield that her dad uses with the Gorgon’s head imprinted on it. We will write a custom essay sample on Thalia Grace: Daughter of Zeus specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Thalia Grace: Daughter of Zeus specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Thalia Grace: Daughter of Zeus specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer She is tall, and, according to Percy Jackson, is â€Å"built like a long-distance runner. † Thalia is described as â€Å"extremely pretty† and â€Å"beautiful† by everyone she meets, mostly gods and other demigods. She has ADHD (keeps her alive in battles) and dyslexia (her head is hard-wired to read ancient Greek), the two things that classifies you as a demigod or not. Thalia Grace was a candidate for the child mentioned in the Great Prophecy. According to the Oracle, when a child of the Big Three turns 16, he/she will make a decision that can save or destroy the world. The three gods swore an oath to not bear anymore children but Zeus and Poseidon broke this oath, making Hades furious. He sent a hoard of monsters after Thalia and her friends, intercepting them into crossing the border to Camp Half-Blood. Thalia sacrificed herself in order for her friends to pass safely, staying back to fend off the attackers. It was said that Thalia was mortally wounded, so, in a desperate attempt to save her life, Zeus turned her into a pine tree. She was well and alive inside, but she aged slowly. When the Golden Fleece â€Å"worked its magic too well,† she was brought to life and ooked 15, instead of being 19 years old. After being brought back to life, she was now a candidate to be the hero that will change the world, for better or worse. Their enemies tried to persuade her to change sides, and there was a time when she was almost tempted to do so. If it wasn’t for her friends, she might have done something she would regret later. To prevent this from happening, she took the oath for being a hunter for Artemis, turning her back on love and being immortal forever. Thalia is said to have the same personality as Percy Jackson in terms of stubbornness and determination. This is the reason why they so often clash, seeing in two different perspectives but are too proud to admit defeat. She is an outstanding sword fighter and a natural leader. At first glance, she shows herself as cold and sarcastic, hating introducing herself to others and doesn’t trust strangers easily. But, the more you know her, the more she opens herself up to you, revealing her true colors and treating you as a friend. Once you prove yourself worthy of her respect, that respect will never go away unless you do something to betray her trust. Thalia Grace has a great sense of responsibility and she’d never abandon a friend in need. Still, although she puts up a strong front, Thalia is weak against power, like her father. That is her hubris, her fatal flaw. She is hot-tempered and though she has a cool composure most of the times, there had been a few occasions when she let her emotion get the better of her. Ironically, Thalia has a fear of heights, even when her father is the lord of Sky. She keeps this fact a secret, only telling Percy Jackson after she warned him to keep quiet about it. Thalia Grace doesn’t have a good relationship with her family. She left home when she was ten years old, leaving her alcoholic mother behind. She didn’t know about her father until she was claimed, so they don’t really get along well, either. It was mentioned from Rick Riordan’s new book: The Lost Hero that Thalia has a brother named Jason Grace, who was taken away from her when he was only two. She mentioned this as â€Å"the real reason why I left. † She is not close with Zeus, at all. In fact, she hates him. She said that he’s the reason why her life is miserable and that he didn’t act like a father at all. It was later explained in the series that gods can’t interfere with their children’s lives, so they have no choice but to help and watch behind the scenes. But, as much as she seemed to resent him, Thalia still can’t help but to beam with pride when she met her father for the first time and she was given a compliment and congratulation. She also uses a shield and an electrical spear (a mace canister when not in use) in battles that are said to be gifts from her father. Thalia ran away from home at a young age, so she stopped going to school after 5th grade or during 6th. But, this doesn’t mean that she’s stupid. She’s just not traditionally educated. Thalia is very quick in fights and is witty in conversations. She never seems to run out of any sarcastic comments. It’s just her â€Å"defense mechanism. † Thalia is not as smart as Annabeth Chase, a daughter of Athena, but she knows her way into battles and strategies. Although Thalia doesn’t regret anything that has happened to her, she admitted into wanting to go back, to turn back time. She wanted to go back to the time when it was only her, Luke and Annabeth. It hurt her to see Luke became someone’s pawn and for Annabeth to be so conflicted. She had always wondered what the outcome would had been if they didn’t stay in that Cyclops’s domain and lost time. Then, she wouldn’t have sacrificed herself and left Luke all alone. She only mentioned this once, but she felt really guilty. Sadness and remorse filled her heart as she takes on what had happened to her friend and that she’s too late to change anything. Luke had already sacrificed himself to be Kronos’ vessel, therefore losing his self control. In the end, Luke did the right thing, but lost his life in return. Thalia matured in the series. After taking her role as a lieutenant of the Hunters, she became more responsible. She’s still as sarcastic as ever, but her way of thinking has changed from the beginning of the book. She has become more calm and fair, seldom acting on impulse anymore. In the end, she’s content with her life. She still felt sad at her loss sometimes, but life must go on. She has a job to do and lives to protect. Throughout the series, Thalia has learned to wipe the mud off her face and to get right back from falling down. The readers will learn what true courage and friendship is from reading about Thalia Grace. They will learn that sitting down and sulking will not get you anywhere. If you want something, you’re going to have to fight for it.

hey essays

hey essays Throughout our history cities have often been described to be more advanced than other types of communities. The city lifestyle is also often depicted as a superior lifestyle. For these reasons there is usually a push for urbanization in rural and suburban areas. Rural and countryside areas are often categorized as underdeveloped when compared to the city. The Wizard of Oz is meant to dazzle children with witches and Lions, and to provide warmth with a story of the possible. The story suggests the idea that rural areas tend to suppress ones natural abilities, causing certain people to believe that they dont have certain characteristics, or traits. The Wizard of Oz shows us that its not that we lack these traits, but that we are suppressing them and that we do not know that we possesses them. All of the characteristics that each of these three characters lack, are typical deficiencies of inhabitants of rural areas. In the story, Dorothy meets the characters on her way to the Emerald City. Following commonly associated ideas that the city has everything, the characters Dorothy encounters all decide to accompany her in a quest to fill the void in the lives they believe they have. It is on this quest that it becomes apparent that the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man do not lack these items, but in fact have them suppressed deep within them. The Lion is introduced as a fierce animal that tries to attack Dorothy on her path. However, he is immediately uncovered to be a coward. The Lion is the ironic choice of being a coward, as he is supposed to be a bully. Seeing as how no one has ever tried to challenge his authority, he believes he would run away in fear if anyone ever did, much like real bullies do. However as the story progresses we see that the Lion isnt the coward he believes he is, as he often shows immense courage in the face of great danger. There are many times throughout ...

Free sample - Mending Wall Analysis. translation missing

Mending Wall Analysis. Mending Wall AnalysisI find myself struggling to decide if the author of the â€Å"Mending Wall† is unreliable or somewhere in the middle between reliable.   I feel a tugging in the direction of unreliable as the author seems not to know all the relevant information to consistently interpret the events accurately. The author conflicts with what he says and what he lacks to do or doesn’t do in that he is constantly questioning the purpose of the wall in his particular case and the necessity of it, but he does nothing to remove the wall or to discuss the need of the wall to his neighbor. This leaves me to interpret that the speaker is trying to express his ideas about barriers between people and the feeling or sense of security that walls can give, and that the wall in the poem is symbolic of the barriers people erect in relationships. An odd observation in this poem I noticed is that the author is speaking to the stones â€Å"stay where you are until our backs are turned!† it seems that the man may be so bored not having anyone to speak with that he would talk to anything. The only thing in the poem the neighbors says is â€Å"Good fences make good neighbors† so maybe the neighbor isn’t much of a conversationalist and maybe the author has only the wall to converse with which would make the wall really a better neighbor than the actual neighbor. It is amusing that the author referrers to his neighbor as an â€Å"old stone savage,† but, I believe the author means his neighbor is single mindedly focused on the wall and the idea of maintaining its existence will somehow make good relations with his neighbors. The one sided fixation approach to the maintenance of the wall by his neighbor is what prompted the author to call him an â€Å"old stone savage,† that won’t go against his father’s advice.

Data analysis Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Data analysis - Speech or Presentation Example Teachers report using many of the reform strands almost every day or several times a week. The reforms most used (by at least 70% of the teachers) were constructivism, learning styles, thematic approach, alternative assessment, equity, STS, technology, and science subject matter. Alternative assessment (90%), equity (88%), and technology (83%) were the most used reform strands the teachers reporting using it â€Å"almost every day† or â€Å"several times a week†. Classroom management stood out among the reform strands least implemented in the classroom. Only 45% of teachers reported using classroom management almost every day or several times a week. Less frequently used reform strands (used once a week, less than once a week, or never) by over 30% of teachers include classroom management (55%), cooperative learning (42%), hands-on/minds-on activities (37%), and nature of science (30%). Considering all items measuring the necessity of the reforms to be an effective science teacher are equal, a new variable â€Å"belief† was formed. Similarly, a new variable â€Å"implementation† was formed by adding all items in implementation of the reform in teacher

Challenges of Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Challenges of Globalization - Essay Example Summary The article by Faizal Yahya â€Å"Challenges of Globalization: Malaysia and India Engagement† deals with international relations establishment between India and Malaysia in the context of globalization process. The coming challenges were facilitated in case bilateral and regional linkages would be intensified. The main emphasis in the article is made on ASEAN region as the main intensifier of inter-regional relations, business and trade. Malaysia is considered as the largest India’s coordinator and a facilitator of India’s integration into the ASEAN region. Moreover, it is interesting to consider international relations establishment between these two countries, as they are historically and culturally linked. Position of the author During the post-Cold War period, India made numerous attempts to increase economic linkages with economies of different countries. Nevertheless, its participation in SAARC has been stalled by complexities of India’s trad e. Therefore, the author of the article makes an attempt to assess the challenges caused by globalization and their impact on India and Malaysia relations. It is evident, that the author considers India to be a perfect alternative trade area for the international business. ... Therefore, the author intrigues us by his dramatic background chosen for the discussion of international relations between India and Malaysia. Therefore, the author of the article makes an attempt to consider establishment of relations between Malaysia and India on a diversified cultural and historical background of the countries’ development. Though this article contributes to the field of international business, the main issues are highlighted in the culturally-marked context. Analysis of the issue The main interest of this issue can be explained by deep-rooted historical background of Malaysia’s history and culture. Nevertheless, starting from 60s this country did not make an attempt to preserve its national identity in spite of taking a chance to participate in the international trade. The main focus of Malaysia’s first Prime Minister was to place international relations above all other considerations. Another Prime Minister Mahathir made an attempt to introd uce â€Å"Look East† policy. A need for Islamic unity was integral for Malaysia at that time. Therefore, it can be claimed that a twofold direction of Malaysia’s relation at the international arena have been historically chosen: to establish international business relations with Asian and foreign partners and preserve Islamic identity of the country at the same time. Concerning India, it should be noted that controversies with Pakistan occurred mainly because of Islamic traditions of the latter country. SAARC lacked economical progress because of controversies between India and Pakistan and at the same time India made attempts to foster relations with partners from ASEAN region. This strategy is supported

Untouchables Essay Example for Free

Untouchables Essay In the article Untouchable, Tom O’Neil tells us what being an untouchable is all about. By interviewing those labeled as untouchable, O’Neil finds a way to truly express to us what it’s like to be an untouchable and the true underlying complications that the seeming unbreakable caste system has projected on its cultural members. What are untouchables? Untouchables, or achutta, are the lowest ranking members in the caste system – or pecking order. O’Neil states that â€Å"untouchables are outcasts – people considered too impure, too polluted, to rank as worthy beings,† (ONeil, p. ). Interestingly, untouchables are not deformed or distinctively different from other Indians in any way. â€Å"Their skin is the same color. They don’t wear rags; they are not covered with sores. They walk the same streets and attend the same schools. † (ONeil, p. 2). Yet, O’Neil goes on to tell us that â€Å"[they] are shunned, insulted, banned from temples and higher caste homes, made to eat and drink from separate utensils in public places, and, in extreme but not uncommon cases, are raped, burned, lynched, and gunned down. † (ONeil, p. 1). Untouchables cannot hide from their status if they were born an untouchable – they will forever be an untouchable. â€Å"Untouchables may as well wear a scarlet tattoo on their foreheads to advertise their status. † (ONeil, p. 2). O’Neil goes on to quote Sukhadeo Thorat, a faculty member at Jawaharlal Nehru University and among the few Untouchables in India with a Ph. D. â€Å"You cannot hide your caste,† he says. â€Å"You can try to disguise it, but there are so many ways to slip up. A Hindu will not feel confident developing a relationship without knowing your background. Within a couple of months, your caste will be revealed. † (ONeil, p. 2). O’Neil tells us that Family name, village address, body language all deliver clues, but none so much as occupation. Untouchables perform society’s unclean work – work that involves physical contact with blood, excrement, and other bodily defilements as defined by Hindu law. Untouchables cremate the dead, clean latrines, cut umbilical cords, remove dead animals from the roads, tan hides, sweep gutters. These jobs, and the status of Untouchability, are passed down for generations. Untouchables are trapped at the bottom of a system that can’t function without discrimination. † (ONeil, p. 2). Stuck in a never-ending world of reject, untouchables are mistreated, disregarded, and held at an unremovable status throughout their life. What’s stopping this? Well, untouchability was abolished in India’s constitution in 1950 however, it is still a factor today. â€Å"Many people would point out that the crudest, most overt forms of discrimination have largely disappeared, the result of sporadic reform movements before and after India’s independence in 1947. It’s true that at least in the public sphere, Untouchables have made progress since the days – within living memory – when they were beaten if their shadow touched a higher caste person, wore bells to warn of their approach, and carried buckets so their spit wouldn’t contaminate the ground. Untouchables couldn’t enter schools or sit on a bench near a higher caste person. † (ONeil, p. 2). Yes, things have changed however, it isn’t quite changing drastically enough. Why? Because Hinduism, a religion held by many of these Indians, supports the idea of untouchability and provokes more societal authority than that of their constitution. O’Neil puts it best when he states The ancient belief system that created the Untouchables overpowers modern law. While India’s constitution forbids caste discrimination and specifically abolishes Untouchability, Hinduism, the religion of 80 percent of India’s population, governs daily life with its hierarchies and rigid social codes. Under its strictures, and Untouchable parent gives birth to an Untouchable child, condemned as unclean from the first breath. (ONeil, p. 1). With such a large percentage of India dedicated to these Hindu beliefs, it’s easy to see why breaking down this caste system is such a struggle. Although, the 1950 constitution has made some progress. â€Å"The 1950 constitution mandates a quota system that reserves seats in the federal legislature equal to the Untouchable share of the population: 15 percent. Reserved spots extend to positions in state legislatures, village councils, civil service, and university classrooms. † (ONeil, p. 2). Still, after 60 years since the constitution, only a small amount of progress has been made. Unfortunately, much of India’s caste system is still undoubtedly present. â€Å"†¦for all the laws and regulations on the books, the hard heart of caste remains unmoved. There are 160 million Untouchables in India – a country that trumpets itself as a model for developing nations. During the winter I spend in India, hardly a day passed that I didn’t hear or read of acid thrown in a boy’s face, or a wife raped in front of her husband, or some other act whose provocation was simply that an Untouchable didn’t know his or her place. (ONeil, p. 2). With such little urge to break apart Hinduism and the foundation many Indians built their daily lives on, it’s difficult to imagine any drastic changes when considering the rights of Untouchables, not just legally, but also socially. The acceptance of all castes and the abolishment of the caste system as a whole seems quite sadly far from the future horizon. Those with kinder hearts have tried to speak up and voiced their concern for Untouchables. One many of us are familiar with was Mahatma Gandhi. Even though Gandhi urged Indians to cease discriminating against untouchables, many feel that he failed. Historians say that Gandhi deserves great credit for pushing the issue of Untouchability onto the national stage and for lending his moral stature to the campaign to abolish it. Yet he never actually renounced the Hindu caste system, and the concrete results of his actions were few. Many Untouchables, particularly the educated ones, would love to knock him off his pedestal. Even the Harijan label (given to those in place of Untouchable) invokes pity rather than respect. (ONeil, p. 5). Not only did Gandhi’s lack of abandoning the Hindu caste system all together lead to few, if any, results his actions also lead many Untouchables to believe his efforts failed even farther. India’s â€Å"one true Untouchable hero† is a man name Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar and he came into play during Gandhi’s â€Å"greatest perceived sin†. (ONeil, p. 5). Gandhi’s greatest perceived sin, however, was to undermine a man named Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Ambedkar pushed for a separate electorate. He feared that an assertive Untouchable could never win an election open to voters of all castes. He wanted Untouchable office-holders elected exclusively by Untouchables. Gandhi resisted Ambedkar’s position on religious principles, fearing that secular solutions to caste problems would destroy Hinduism. And in September 1932, when it appeared that the British would side with Ambedkar, Gandhi protested by entering a fast unto death. Ambedkar had little choice but to surrender after a few days as Gandhi weakened. Ambedkar won a guarantee of seats for Untoughables in the legislation, but Gandhi’s actions broke the momentum for radical change. (ONeil, p. 5). Since Ambedkar’s death there has been no Untouchable leader of the same comparison. There is only a small group of grassroots organizers spread throughout India. These organizers are helping the cause with every effort, however small it may be. Not only is this helping, medical training is also changing the lives of some Untouchables. Having health care for all members of the society is a huge help but what’s really shattering the grounds of the caste system are those health workers who are Untouchables themselves and are being accepted, opportunely or not, by those in a higher caste who need medical attention from whoever may be offering it. Salve and Sathe, two health workers, were members of the Untouchable caste. Building not only their confidence but also changing perceptions of those their helping is causing changes one step at a time. â€Å"[There was] much prejudice against Untouchable women like her. Discrimination was the hardest for me, and the hardest to fight,† states Salve. â€Å"I gave people love and affection. Slowly casteism goes away. † (Necessary Angels, p. 86). In her later year Sathe has also experience change. She had become the sarpanch, or leader of Jawalke – the city she had spent years caring for. There has also been changes in villages that Sathe, Salve, and their group does not reach. â€Å"More women are postponing marriage until 18, the use of contraception has reduced family size, and more girls are attending school. † (Necessary Angels, p. 77). Every change, however relatively minor or moderately large, is a change in the right direction. The suppression of those labeled Untouchable O’Neil compares to as slaves. A societal horror one familiar with our U. S. class systems can better fathom. With our racism and prejudices are we any better at all? Babulal Bairwa, an Untouchable landowner in the village of Chakwara says â€Å"I am clean. I don’t smoke or drink or eat meat. I work hard. I do everything right. Why am I Untouchable? † (ONeil, p. 7). O’Neil responds â€Å"Because he was born one. One hundred sixty million Indians serve this life sentence. † (ONeil, p. 7). Yes, we have grown much since the abolishment of slavery but is racism not still here? Will the discrimination ever be lifted of those people scared with the label of Untouchable?

neon Essay -- essays research papers

Did you know that neon is a Greek word that means "new"? Neon is the element that I am most interested in. I chose to do neon because I found out what many uses it has in our daily life. Neon is the element that allows you to watch TV. Without neon we would never see the cool flashing signs outside of diners and bars. In my essay I am going to tell you about neon and its many uses. First, I'm going to tell you about the history and uses of neon. Neon was discovered by Sir William Ramsay, a Scottish chemist, and Morris M. Travers, an English chemist, shortly after their discovery of the element krypton in 1898. Neon is one of the most amusing elements used today. Neon mixed with some other elements can make a bright light in an enclosed tube. This is mostly used in advertising signs (figure A) (A blue or green coloration in the discharge can be done by adding a little mercury to the neon in the discharge tube), but when used in a different mixture of molecules it can make the figures on your TV (figure B). Neon is also used in High voltage indicators (figure C) and neon-helium laser pointers (figure D). Now I?m going to give you the chemical breakdown of neon. Neon?s atomic number is #10. Neon has 10 protons, 10 neutrons, and 10 electrons. It belongs to the Noble Gas section of the periodic table. Its atomic mass is 20.1797. All the noble gases have the maximum number of electrons possible in their outer shell making them stable and un...

Pixar †the Innovative & Creative Animation Company

PIXAR – the innovative & creative animation company PIXAR is a world class animation film studio. The Pixar organization culture is influenced the company to be more creative and innovation. This is helping her to achieve remarkable awards in their industry. The great successful for Pixar is the share values, all employees named â€Å"Pixarians† who are proud of their job and love their job. They are self-motivated and enjoyed to be work in Pixar. By using seven dimension of organization culture, Pixar culture is achieved at least 3 dimension, they are: â€Å"People orientation†, â€Å"Innovation and risk taking† and â€Å"Team orientation†.People orientation Pixar management believes that new talent can blossom creativity and innovation thus using appropriated candidate, no matter whom they are and where they come from being a critical success of the organization. Like John Lasseter hired Andrew Stanton who writes script of Toy Story that he canâ⠂¬â„¢t. Pixar does not like other assembly studios which employed a group of freelance professionals to work on a single project. They hired a permanent staff takes the full responsibility in their role from project to project.Pixar provides on job training to encourage lifelong learning cultural, the in house professional development school – â€Å"Pixar University† where allowed any levels of employees to miss work for classes. Furthermore, Pixar promotes a slogan â€Å"Try, Learn and Try again† for innovation development. It is a company culture that encourages the staff to try something new and think in different. Innovation and risk taking As Pixar is a creative animation factory, their working environment also creative and breakthrough the normal office layout.They are mixing fun with their work place. We can find basketball court, game centre, gym room and even bathrooms in the main office. From the relaxing fun and play area, all employees can take a bre ak and refresh their mind during office hour also meet different department people would interact creative and sparkling ideas. For individual staff, they can design and create their fun & play working spaces at their own preference. Pixar’s management will not disturb their staff freedom which can build another level of respect and trust. [pic] [pic] Fun & relax area pic] Employee can design their own workplace Team orientation Pixar has no organization chart which aims to erase the corporate control and power that forbidding creativity. Paxarians are freedom to communicate with anyone and contribute own creative ideas regardless the level or title, that removes communicating barriers and builds peer driven cultural within Pixar. They are project base team structure, so staff building a good relationship by project succeeds or process failures. To analyze above culture affects the management within Pixar Planning:Base on the business nature, Pixar would like to create a rela xing environment to the staff for encouraging creative thinking, therefore the office layout planning being informal and given enough individualized working area for their staff. Pixar understood that the common social area that can be exchange the working information and idea by a no pressure setting so the leisure facilities is planned for their office. Organizing: Pixar is an organic organization structure company. Their culture is forming a team for specific project. This flexible project based structure can fully utilize the staff talent by their specific strengthen.Also, the project owner can recruit the right person internal for their individual project. On the other hand, staff can meet different kind of team member from the company, it sparkle their mind from the new members. Leading: Pixar is will not hire the freelance designer for the specific project, the form of the team base on the staff talent for full time staff therefore, the leadership style is regarding the staff ability for each project. The chance to show the staff performance is not related on the organization structure but the personal ability.This leading culture gives the chance to everyone in the company to show their talent in their own professional. Their culture will not kill any creative and potential staff from the rigid company structure. Controlling: Pixar is a people orientated company therefore the on job training – Pixar University being one of the controls for the employee performance and level up the employee professional to be Pixar standard. From the training program, employee can understand more about the company requirement, as the same time Pixar can be evaluated the employee by the Pixar university classroom.This long time learning culture is covering all level of the employee which is not only for the working needs but also line up the Pixarians mind set to meet their company goals. Conclusion To sum up, as world-class animation company, Pixar did a very wel l company culture to help the innovative and creative happened. Top management understood that people is the most importance asset for the company so the people orientated management style being the key success for Pixar.Employees get the strong identity with Pixar culture and being loyal to the company, who called themselves â€Å"Paixarian† and so proud of being the member of Pixar. The staff and company are getting the shared values, principles and doing the same way to let company going forward. References: Pixar Official Website: http://www. pixar. com/ Pixar office photo : http://thechive. com/2009/12/22/pixar-offices-are-almost-as-cool-as-thechive-offices-27-photos/ Capodadli, B. & Jackson, L. (2010) Innovate The Pixar Way: Business Lessons From The World’s Most Creative Corporate Playground. New York: McGraw Hill. ———————– 4

Environmental Policy, Sustainability, and Government Regulations Essay

The impact of environmental and government regulations made United Parcel Service (UPS) an innovative company that developed a strategic environmental management system that adheres to the principles of ISO 14001 standard (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). To ensure compliance with regulations in the various countries and the United States, UPS has region environmental mangers and district environmental coordinators within their operations. The managers have access to training programs that include but not limited to water and air quality, transportation environmental, hazardous waste management and underground storage tanks (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). UPS was a member of the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay program that was discontinue in 2010. UPS joined EPA’s Climate Leaders program that advocated companies developing comprehensives strategies pertaining to ensuring safeguarding the climate, this program ended in September 2011 (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). In 2010, UPS achieve a 6.1 % emissions index reduction that exceeded the EPA Climate Leader goals (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). The company introduced the Eco responsible Packaging Program that uses cube optimization, meaning that packaging is only as large as it needs to be for shipping, the materials for packaging are environmentally friendly. The carbon neutral shipping expanded to 36 other countries (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). This program using carbon offsets reduces the carbon emissions associated with shipping reducing UPS carbon impact. UPS begin facing the possibility of the depletion of scarce resources before most companies. As early as 1935, UPS begin to use alternative-fuel vehicles for transporting to the many various points across our nation. The 1,900 alternative fuel and technological advanced vehicles today are a small part of a long-run plan to protect the resources of the future (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). UPS continues to find alternatives to developing ways in reducing their carbon imprint and preserving our natural resources. Air transportation leaves the bigger carbon imprint using a transportation index UPS continue to pursue strategies in that area for carbon avoidance which focus on a decarbonization synergy strategy to reducing air fleet emissions (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). This involve in the long-term fuel efficiency aircraft and using biofuels. UPS continues to analyze water usage and consumption in their foreign hubs, using the global water tool of the  World Business council for Sustainable Development, maintain a low water use (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). UPS reduce their water consumption by 1 percent from the 2009 level (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). Some of the ways UPS was able to do this was by only washing their vehicle when needed, dry washing their airplanes and use environmental friendly washing agent that reduces the need to ri nse. When UPS facilities expanded low-flow water fixtures was included in the design of the newer facilities in different countries and older facilities upgraded to include the fixtures (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). An example of this is their LEED design headquarters that won gold status certification and an energy star stamp for energy efficiency (French, 2012). Their headquarters built in a forest that use 35 acres and left the rest of the forest surrounding the building including a preserved natural brook (French, 2012). As the building ages, upgrades continue to meet and adhere to the challenges of being a green building. UPS continues to be on the cutting edge as a company invested in preserving resources and developing an alternative, so that in the end the next generation has a chance at life. Being innovative in sustainability benefits the company in a strong demand for their services and products. The environment benefits from the reduction in carbon emissions by using variety of transportation for shipping it ensures the lowest combination of carbon impact and UPS meets the needs of their customers (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). UPS needs to continue to be proactive, innovative and continuing to developing as a sustainable company. In continuing to be innovative, they are also a profitable company because customers see them as an environmentally active company that is trying to reduce their impact on the environment by leaving a better way of doing business. This show that companies can still make a profit and take care of the environment as a sustainable partner with the world. UPS embodies corporate citizenship in their leadership in redefining the transportation options for air and ground that can be a model for future business in how to protect and preserve the environment. The advance and innovative facilities built and upgraded in the various countries is another sign of their corporate citizenship. UPS worked in two of EPA’s program, which add to their knowledge, and analysis of how to develop and reduce their carbon imprint, reduce their emissions and lowered their water  consumptions to name a few. UPS operates the largest private alternative fuel fleet in the air and freight industry and continues to grow in this area as they continue to use their vehicles as laboratories in experimenting with new technologies and advancements in fuels (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). The eco-friendly packaging that UPS uses includes recycled fiber envelopes and boxes that eliminated bleached paper (UPS 2010 sustainability report, 2010). In following their own instincts and guidelines, UPS has become the model for other corporations to follow in maintain a responsible, sustainable relationship in the many communities that they operate in around the world. References French, M. (2012, January 01). [Web log message]. Retrieved February 5, 2012 from http://blog.ups.com/2012/01/10/leed-a-building-to-water-and-it-wont-drink-as-much UPS 2010 sustainability report. (2010). Retrieved January 27, 2012 from http://www.investors.ups.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=62900&p=irol-irhome

Top Career Advice from Former Presidents

Top Career Advice from Former Presidents Feel like you need a bit of career inspiration? In honor of the upcoming President’s Day, you might enjoy these tidbits from former statesmen, great and†¦ less great. Their advice, however, is uniformly fabulous. So follow in their footsteps and achieve your dreams. Remember, some of these guys got to be the leader of the free world. â€Å"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.†This tidbit was offered by our first president, George Washington, to his niece in 1791. The emphasis here is on honesty and integrity. The takeaway: don’t be one of those people constantly making excuses for yourself. Only make them if they’re really good and really can honestly get you off the hook. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut and vow to do better next time.â€Å"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.†This nugget is similar, but from Lincoln. And about how to look much smarter by not jumping into the conversat ion too quickly. If you don’t know enough of what you’re talking about to dazzle or contribute constructively, then sit back and listen until you do. You can’t take back stupid comments. Also, nobody loves the coworker who talks too much. Be like Lincoln and value brevity, directness, smarts.â€Å"If you treat people right they will treat you right†¦ 90 percent of the time.†This little gem comes from Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Keep this in mind when you are networking. The Golden Rule is called that for a reason. Sometimes others won’t respond in kind, but for the most part, they will.â€Å"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.†This from Thomas Jefferson goes without explanation. We should all do better at following this advice.â€Å"Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.†Thanks, for the motivation  Andrew Jackson. In other words: think before you act, but eventuall y you have to actually act. Don’t be afraid to jump once you’ve thought through the landing plan a few hundred times.â€Å"If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.†Teddy Roosevelt there. Remember, you can spend a whole lot of time blaming other people for your problems, but you cannot forget to ask yourself what part you had in where you are.â€Å"I not only use all the brains that I have, but all I can borrow.†Woodrow Wilson. Teamwork is dreamwork, baby.â€Å"If, when you get a job, you don’t believe you can get to the top in it, it’s the wrong job.†Reagan said this back in 1942. First, love what you do. Second, believe that it’s important and eventually everyone else will too. And third, don’t take any opportunities that aren’t going to let you soar (with hard work of course) straight to the top. Don’t set yourself up for anything less than total success.â€Å"To those of you [students] who received honors, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you, too, can be President of the United States†George W. Bush knows that a little hustle and using what connections you have can lead to marvelous results. Just keep your nose down and work hard. A little blind faith in yourself can’t hurt either.â€Å"Worry less about what you want to be and more about what you want to do.†And from 44, Barack Obama, is  this gem. Sometimes it isn’t about being famous or important, it’s about choosing something that you believe in and devoting your career and life to that cause. Make it bigger than yourself and you might just end up doing major things.

Records of Births, Marriages, and Deaths in Australia

Records of Births, Marriages, and Deaths in Australia Australia is a country of immigrants and their descendants. Beginning with the establishment of New South Wales as a penal colony in 1788, convicts were sent to Australia from the British Isles. Assisted immigrants (immigrants who had most of their passage paid by the government), coming primarily from the British Isles and Germany, first began arriving in New South Wales in 1828, while unassisted immigrants first arrived in Australia as early as 1792. Prior to 1901, each state of Australia was a separate government or colony. Vital records in a particular state typically begin at the time of the colonys formation, with earlier records (except for Western Australia) found in New South Wales (the original jurisdictional body for Australia). New South Wales The New South Wales  Registry has civil records from March 1, 1856. Earlier church and other vital records, dating back to 1788, are also available, including a Pioneer Index 1788-1888. Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages191 Thomas StreetPO Box 30 G.P.O.Sydney, New South Wales 2001Australia(011) (61) (2) 228-8511 Online: NSW Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages offers an online, searchable Historical Index of Births, Marriages, and Deaths which covers births (1788-1908), deaths (1788-1978) and marriages (1788-1958). Northern Territory Birth records from August 24, 1870, marriages records from 1871, and death records from 1872 can be ordered from the Office of the Registrar. You can contact them at: Office of the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and MarriagesDepartment of LawNichols PlaceG.P.O. Box 3021Darwin, Northern Territory 0801Australia(011) (61) (89) 6119 Queensland Records from 1890 to the present can be obtained through the Queensland Office of the Registrar General. Birth records for the past 100 years, marriage records for the past 75 years, and death records for the past 30 years are restricted. Check the Web site for current fees and access restrictions. Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths, and MarriagesOld Treasury BuildingPO Box 188Brisbane, North QuayQueensland 4002Australia(011) (61) (7) 224-6222 Online: A free online Queensland BMD historical index search tool allows you to search Queensland birth indexes from 1829-1914, deaths from 1829-1983, and marriages from 1839-1938. If you find an entry of interest, you can download (for a fee) an image of the original register if it is available. Many of the more recent records are still available only in certificate (non-image) form. You can order printed copies to be sent to you via mail/post. South Australia Records from July 1, 1842, are available from the Registrar of South Australia. Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration OfficeDepartment of Public and Consumer AffairsPO Box 1351Adelaide, South Australia 5001Australia(011) (61) (8) 226-8561 Online: Family History South Australia includes a wealth of databases and articles to assist people researching their South Australian family history, including indexes to Early South Australian Marriages (1836-1855) and Gazetted Deaths (sudden deaths) (1845-1941). Tasmania The Registrars office has church registers from 1803 to 1838, and civil records from 1839 to the present. Access to birth and marriage records is restricted for 75 years, and death records for 25 years. Registrar General of Births, Deaths, and Marriages15 Murray StreetG.P.O. Box 198Hobart, Tasmania 7001Australia(011) (61) (2) 30-3793 Online:  The Tasmanian State Archives has several online vital records indexes, including indexes to Tasmanian divorces and convict applications for permission to marry. They also include an online Colonial Tasmanian Family Links Database (an index to records of all births, deaths, and marriages for the period 1803-1899 which were created by the Tasmanian Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages). Victoria Birth certificates (1853-1924), death certificates (1853-1985) and marriage certificates (1853-1942) are available from the Registry, as well as records of church baptisms, marriages, and burials 1836 to 1853. More recent certificates are available with restricted access. Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths MarriagesGPO Box 4332Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia Online: Victoria Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages offers, for a fee, an online index and digitized record copies of Victoria Births, Marriages and Deaths for the above mentioned years. Digitized, uncertified images of the original register records can be downloaded immediately to your computer upon payment. Western Australia Compulsory registration of births, deaths, and marriages started in Western Australia in September 1841. Access to more recent records (births 75 years, deaths 25 years, and marriages 60 years) is restricted to the named individual and/or next of kin. Western Australia Registry of Births, Deaths MarriagesPO Box 7720Cloisters SquarePerth, WA 6850 Online: The Western Australia Pioneers Index is accessible online for free searching of consolidated birth, death and marriage indexes for the years between 1841 and 1965. Additional Online Sources for Australian Vital Records The FamilySearch Record Search Web site hosts free searchable indexes of Australian Births and Baptisms (1792-1981), Deaths and Burials (1816-1980) and Marriages (1810-1980). These scattered records do NOT cover the entire country. Only a few localities are included and the time period varies by locality. Search for and locate vital records from across Australia that have been submitted by fellow genealogists at the Australasia Births, Deaths and Marriage Exchange. There are only 36,000 records from Australia and 44,000 from New Zealand, but you might just get lucky! The Ryerson Index includes more than 2.4 million death notices, funeral notices, and obituaries from 169 current Australian newspapers. While the index covers the entire country, the biggest focus is on NSW papers, including more than 1 million notices from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Customer Research Strategy of Pfizer, Inc Assignment

Customer Research Strategy of Pfizer, Inc - Assignment Example This report stresses that Accenture conducted a global advertising campaign specifically designed to the influential personals in their buying market. This included both existing and potential customers. Therefore, brand awareness among key B-to-B buyers was increased. Secondly, Accenture surveyed specific expertise in the industry and identified a key problem which hinders success in business i.e. inability to execute and deliver ideas. Having correctly identified the problem Accenture succeeded by implementing effective strategies compared to other IT companies i.e. launching â€Å"from innovation to execution†. This paper makes a conclusion that GE is operating in different countries as well as a wide range of industries. They conduct different campaigns specifically designed for these industries. On the one hand company needs to address specific strengths and weaknesses in these different products and use them in their advertising and awareness campaigns. This will help creating brand awareness in B-to-B market. On the other hand GE has to unite these different industries under one company name and a logo. It is important for smooth operating of the company. Command and control operations of the company can also be very inconvenient if the different industries grew independent from core-company. Therefore developing a brand name under which all the sub departments and industries can unite and recognized is particularly important to GE.

Political Media Analysis Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Political Media Analysis Project - Essay Example This would mean that the media grows, or takes new forms so that the previous established media which is radio, television, newspapers and magazines, have to adapt to changes in order to deliver (Nakamura & de Fontenay, 2006). Content, nevertheless may have remained over the decade but reader and audience perspective changed. Bias has been pointed out to the media by both politicians and constituent readers and audience as several studies have pointed out (MRC, 2006). Taking coverage from various media sources, related international topic regarding nuclear weapons and countries in question, national issue on privacy with regards to the war on terrorism, and local issue on Florida's real property taxes shall be discussed in the context that media bias personalization, dramatization, fragmentation, and the authority-disorder exists. Using NPR or National Public Radio as baseline for the international and national topics, this research will proceed with the premise that NPR is backed by public service broadcasting PBS headquartered in Arlington, Virginia with 348 public television stations (PBS, 2006). NPR, undoubtedly provided a wide coverage on most of the international and national topics. An array of personalities are also featured in their interviews giving ample information and sides regarding current events and issues. On the issue of nuclear weapons involving Iran and North Korea, Washington Post writer Colum Lynch went on air with Jacki Lyden (NPR, 2006) in "All Things Considered." The issue on North Korea and Iran were presented in a way broadsheet newspapers would including buzzwords "UN trade sanctions", "nuclear weaponry", "Kim Il-Sung" as they appeared in the Washington Post (Linzer, 2006). In Linzer's report, the US is represented as "the Bush administration" personified by Assistant Secretary of State Stephen G. Rademaker. As noted by most conservative readers (The Pew Research Center, 2006; Media Research Center, 2006; and Groseclose and Milyo, 2005), emphasis was taken away from the issue that "may" have been pushed by the present US administration into neutral i nformation that went, "world leaders attending a nuclear conference seemed to dismiss the U.S. call for punitive measures. Instead, they spoke of incentives and negotiations as a way of encouraging the Islamic republic to give up worrisome aspects of its energy program that could be diverted for weapons work" (Linzer, 2006). "Increase of pressure on Iran" as well as Bush' branding of "axis of evil" and North Korean ambassador's Pak Gil Yon's comments "increased US pressure a declaration of war," (AP, 2006). Both the CNN and the Washington Post posted coverage beyond US and contending countries Iran and North Korea on the issue. Meanwhile, local newspaper Miami Herald cannot be said to be left behind in content as updated coverage on the international issue were churned out, basically from international news agencies such as the Associated Press and Los Angles times Service. Its stories also carried out buzz words, including opinionated "Nut with a Nuke" headlines, "hardliners" and q uotes

Project Management - Bubble Bee Case part 2 [sap4] Essay

Project Management - Bubble Bee Case part 2 [sap4] - Essay Example This permits removal or alteration of work assignments of the tasks affected. Leveling creates splits in the work that is remaining. This will ensure that over-allocated tasks are split before the instance of over-allocation. It restarts the remaining portion of the task at some point in time when resources are sufficient. 3. It is not easy to wholesomely resolve the over-allocation challenge, though the project end-date cannot be moved out. The reason is when using the "slack" meaning that the amount of time in which activities are delayed without the project end-date getting affected, cannot delay some tasks. Leveling only within existing slack† is an endeavor to reorganize the schedule through taking the benefit of the slack that is obtainable to resolving the problem without protracting the project. 4. Constrained resource means that the project has scarce resource though the time provided is agile. By leveling outside the slack, the over allocation challenges are settled. Nevertheless, the project duration which is 135 days, is significantly increased to 150 days. The new finish date will be 6/20/2012, instead of 5/23/2013. The managerial connotation results in the delay of the following projects employing similar resources. The critical path will be altered while project costs are increased. For instance, trial marketing will have to wait for the shelf life report to be produced. The project will delay due to the resource constraint while idle resources are costly. 6. I have learned that Gantt chart provides situations of tracking project progress as well as mapping the performance of schedule, cost and time. Leveling of resources has also allowed me to understand the implication of manipulating tasks falling within and outside the critical path. I now know that the project manager rearranges the logic of the network where critical activities are set in parallel as opposed to sequential arrangement. I have also learned that Gantt charts determine th e critical paths and aid the planners to estimate costs and guide the project to meet its obligations. Through leveling of resources, I have known use of MS project as a powerful tool to establish under or over allocation of tasks, resources and costs. The software is a quick win for project managers involved in handling large projects spanning more than two years. I am now confident in using PERT/CPM and Gantt charts to guide projects. 7. The project on bubble bee gum is optimal and can proceed without straining available resources Table 1: Gantt chart with the schedule table after leveling within slack Table 2: Gantt chart with the schedule table after leveling outside the slack References Project Management Institute. (2004). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: PMBOK ® Guide, 3rd Edition. Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Project Managemen

Onychomycosis Treatment Evaluation

Onychomycosis Treatment Evaluation A synopsis on Onychomycosis in patent with high degree of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Essa Ajmi Alodeani, Mohammad Asrar Izhari, Mohammad Arshad Abstract: Onychomycosis is an intercontinental disease burden and poses growing concern for the health-care establishment. It is a comparatively quotidian dermatologic manifestation. It is an infection of the nail plate or nail bed caused by fungus which leads to the imperceptible destruction of the nail plate, accounting for about half of all disordered nails and almost 30% of cutaneous mycoses. Variation in the incidence of the ailment reflects region and age. Usually it is not a self-limiting dermatologic representation and may trigger more infectious lesions at another site of the body owing to progressive nature of mycosis. Cosmetically unsightly affected nails may begin to be painful and lead to functional impairment. In case of patients with high degree of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) which is now days evaluated as an indicator of diabetes control, onychomycosis treatment becomes more imperative owing to the association between diabetes and the diabetic foot ulcer which one of the most s erious sequelae of diabetes in the lower extremities. Especially lower limb sequelae are great contributors to hospitalization of diabetic patients accounting for the majority of in-hospital stay and huge consumption of resource leading to the great deal of economic setback of the health care system of the country. Approximately 15% of diabetic patients develop a lower extremity ulcer during the course of their ailment. Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) affects 1 out of 5 diabetic patients at least once in his/her lifetime. The necessity of the selected treatment in these patients must be exercised to minimize or anticipate any adverse drug interactions as they concurrently use other medications. With the avalanche of scientific evidences and keeping all the aspects of the onycomycosis, it would be worth to undertake the subject under investigation. Keywords: Onychomycosis, diabetic patients, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Introduction: Onychomycosis is a global and comparatively quotidian dermatologic manifestation raising disease burden and poses growing concern for the economy of health-care establishment. It accounts for about half of all disordered nails and almost 30% of cutaneous mycoses. In case of patients with higher degree of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)-a diabetic monitoring marker, the treatment becomes more imperative owing to the association between diabetes and the diabetic foot ulcer which one of the most serious consequences of diabetes in the lower extremities. Which is a great contributor to hospitalization of diabetic patients accounting for the majority of in-hospital stay and huge consumption of resource leading to the great deal of economic setback of the health care system of the country. Onychomycosis is a very common nails infection globally and responsible for 30% of cutaneous mycotic infections and 50% of all nail disorders [1-3]. It is associated with morbidity and long lasting treatment with anti-fungal agents and leads to substantial patient distress, disability, pain, negative self image and can predispose to the soft tissue infection, particularly cellulitis [4-7]. It is more common in diabetic than nondiabetic patients and the patients with diabetic infection have a greater risk of serious complications from the disease such as limb amputations [9-23]. Recent epidemiologic study reveals that diabetic patients are 2.8 times more likely to have onychomycosis than nondiabetic patients. Diabetic patients are very much susceptible to fungal nail infections as they often experience impaired sensation; lack of pain sensation can make them less aware of trauma to their feet, such as nail changes that develop during onychomycosis [23]. Thickened mycotic nails can cause pressure necrosis of the nail bed in diabetic patients, and sharp infected nails can pierce the skin. In diabetic patients the minor ulcerations are serious as they are often unrecognized and can lead to serious diabetic foot infections [23]. The morbidity associated with the onychomycosis infections itself and in combination with the diabetic infection and also the hepetotoxicity of the available drugs is a great problem both at nationally and internationally. With the avalanche of scientific evidences and keeping all the aspects of the onycomycosis, it would be worth to undertake the subject under investigation. Review of literature: Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was firstly identified as an â€Å"unusual† haemoglobin in diabetic patients with over 40 years ago [24]. Then studies were conducted for correlating it to glucose measurements resulting in the idea that HbA1c could be employed to measure the glycaemic control. After that it enters into clinical use in the 1980s and subsequently has become a cornerstone of clinical practice [25]. It reflects average plasma glucose over the previous eight to 12 weeks [26] and can be done at any time of the day and does not require any special preparation such as fasting. These qualities made it the preferred test for assessing glycaemic control in people with diabetes. Recently it has been used as a diagnostic test for diabetes and as a screening test for persons at high risk of diabetes [27, 28]. There are many approaches to treat onychomycosis such as mechanical debridement, surgery, sys-temic/oral interventions and topical treatment [9] and also the agents for tr eatment of onychomycosis include both systemic and topical medications showing the mycological cure rates of 76% with the use of terbinfine, 63% with the use of itraconazole pulse dosing, 61% with the use of griseofulvin, and 48% with the use of fluconazole [9]. Itraconazole which is a triazole nucleous containing anti fungal agent inhibiting fungal lanosterol 14-demethylase, an essential enzyme in ergosterol synthesis. Brod spectrum of antifungal activity is possessed by this antifungal agent in comparison to all the broadest spectrum of activity includes activity against dermatophytes, Candida species as well as some moulds [29]. It has high lipophilicity and high affinity for keratinous tissues, in which the concentration is many times greater than that obtained in plasma. Itraconazole exerts a lasting inhibitory effect due to the high and long lasting stages in the epidermis [30]. Terbinafine is well-tolerated by most patients and one study reveals that terbinafine or pulse-dose itraconazole reported greater ease and convenience, and higher overall satisfaction [31]. Safety concerns associated with oral treatments include hepatotoxicity, cardiovascular disease, hypogeusia, gastrointestinal disorders, skin rashes, menstrual disorder, visual and taste disturbance, headache and riversible evaluation of liver enzymes [31]. Erick M et al.studied the disease riskfactors and treatment responses in an urban population due to Microsporum spp. (onychomycosis) [32]. Leelavathi M. et al. reported the common microorganisms causing onychomycosis in tropical Climate [33]. Pericher et al. evaluated of onychomycosis among diabetic patients of Yazd diabetic center [34]. R.R. Hafidh1 et al. presented a case report on Cladosporium spp. as a causative agent of white superficial onychomycosis [35]. Lisa M. et al. reviewed the safety and efficacy of tinea pedis and onychomycosis treatment in people with diabetes [36]. There are many othere studies that acknowledge the complexity of treating tinea pedis and onychomycosis in people with diabetes and recommended as safe and effective treatment [37-39]. Marchetti et al. performed the first U.S.based pharmacoeconomic evaluation comparing oral griseofulvin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and terbinafine using the previously constructed decision-analytic model by the onychomycosis study group [40]. Mahin moghaddami and Mohammad reza shidfar studied the onychomycosis infections in Tehran [41]. Mohammad Ali Boroumand et. studied the level and clinical outcomes of HbAc1in diabetic patients following coronary artery stenting [42]. Peterson et al reported that interpretation of HbAc1 can be achieved as an average of the blood glucose which is present over past 3-4 months [43]. Muhammad S. et al. isolated the causative pathogens and correlated the various clinical patterns of onychomycosis with causative pathogens in Qassim region of Saudi Arabia [44]. Ahmed Medhat M H. et al. reported the epidemiology of cutaneous mycosi s in the Medina region of Saudi Arabia correlated with studying the effect of light-induced gold nanoparticles on the in vitro growth of dermatophytes [45]. Abdulrahman Y. Al-Zoman et al. studied the pattern of skin disease in Riyadh military hospital, Saudi Arabia [46]. A steady increase in the diabetes prevalence found in Saudi Arabia due to the demographic changes such as urbanization and change in the life style [47-48]. Bacchus RA et al. estimated prevalence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia and the author concluded that prevalence of diabetes started to increase at 35 years of age reaching its peak at the 45-54 age groups [49]. Fatani HH. et al. noticed the steady increase of prevalence according to age [50]. Abu-Zeid and Al-Kassab performed a study of the prevalence of diabetes in Southern Arabia [39]. El-Hazmi MA et al. did a survey on prevalence of diabetes mellitus [52] one more survey was done by El-Hazmi and Warsy the prevalence of overweight in the Saudi population. A. Alkhie r A. reported the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot problems in Saudi Arabia [53]. Epidemiology of dermatophytes in eastern province of Saudi Arabia was studied by hashem al sheikh [54]. Some other studies are also carried out by David Pariser, Richard K. Scher, et al., Phoebe Rich, et al., Boni Elewski, et al., David Pariser, et al., and presented in Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery [55-60]. Conclusion: The avalanche of evidences from the available scientific research comprehensively suggests that Onycomycosis is an intercontinental disease burden and poses raising concern for the health-care establishment. It is a comparatively quotidian dermatologic manifestation. It becomes extremely serious especially when it happens in case of patients with varying degree of HbA1c. The review would contribute to the understanding of clinical types and the severity of the toe nail lesions in the Saudi patients with varying level of HbA1c together with prevalence and the chief etiological agents involve in onycomycosis. Scientific research data obtained from the present review would contribute to the early prediction of susceptibility of the patients with high HbA1c to onycomycosis which would lead to a great deal of reduction in economic burden on health care establishment of Saudi Arabia, moreover it would improve the awareness of clinician and social segment as regards severity, heptotoxicity of the current treatment strategy and susceptibility to onycomycosis especially in case of the patients with high level of HbA1c.

Searching for Knowledge and Expert Opinions Essay -- Expertise Knowled

In the search for knowledge and truth, there are times in which assumed experts provide insubstantial and useless, if not uneducated, opinions and guidance on their assumed field of expertise. In most of these cases, the assumed expert is not truly an expert. An expert is one who is highly knowledgeable and skillful in a particular field, through an unusually large amount of experience, training, and studies, to the point that he or she is sought after to receive opinions, guidance, and wisdom on the particular field by people that are not highly knowledgeable and skillful on the particular field. A definition equal to the previous one for ‘expert’ is, a master in a particular field. The opinions of true experts in their particular field of expertise are very important and should be highly valued in the search for knowledge. People are able to seek guidance and educated opinions from experts because of the vast and lengthy expertise in their field. People, contrastingly do not normally seek the opinions of non-experts because they lack sufficient knowledge, experience, and wisdom to be able to give educated and worthy opinions on the supposed field of interest. Experts, however, have enough knowledge and experience to give worthy opinions and ideas for the search for knowledge and greater understandings in the particular fields of interest. Both Payton Manning and Tom Brady are expert quarterbacks. Peyton Manning’s â€Å"anticipation and accuracy are virtually unmatched because he throws the ball before defenders are ready and puts it in a place where only his guy can catch it† (Tucker 3). Tom Brady was an incredible leader who put up astounding numbers at times while seemingly willing his team to multiple Super Bowl titles... ...ecessary training and experiences to be extremely proficient, knowledgeable, and skillful in their specific fields of interest to the point that they are sought after for guidance and wisdom and further knowledge searching. Works Cited Marine Corps News Service. "Marine Corps Scout Sniper Training." US Military. About.com, 3 Sept. 2003. Web. 14 Dec. 2010. cs/marines/a/marinesniper.htm>. Naik, Abhijit. "Famous Economists." Buzzle.com Intelligent Life on the Web. N.p., 1 Oct. 2010. Web. 14 Dec. 2010. famous-economists.html>. Tucker, Ross. "Why Manning Is a Better NFL Quarterback than Montana, Brady." Editorial. SI.com. Ed. Ross Tucker. Ross Tucker, 3 Feb. 2010. Web. 14 Dec. 2010. peyton.manning/index.html>.

Should Rich Nations Lend Aid to Poor Ones

Globalization is one of culprits causing greater development gaps among countries over the world, and the act of lending aid is remarkable behavior of rich nations to assist poor ones. To some people, rich nations should lend aid to poor ones because of its economic, diplomatic, politic and military advantages. Meanwhile, opponents claim that on account of their possibilities of financial distress in the future, they should not do so. I am of the former notion for the following reasons. The first reason for rich countries do lend aid to impoverished ones is economic advantage. By dint of this act, they can achieve particular preferences from recipients which other ones cannot have, such as: economic cooperation agreements in types of ODA , mineral exploitation priorities and so on. Furthermore, companies in rich nations also benefit through expanding consumption markets in abroad easily, opening new branches, production and assembly factories to take advantages of redundant natural resources and cheap-labor source that receiving countries possess. This is enormously meaningful to their economic development. The intensity in international relationship, in addition, is another benefit of this activity. As the result of financial assistance to each others, the relationships between countries becomes friendlier, which is the foundation of international integration, cooperation and peace Finally, these financial supports might provide developed countries with favorable conditions to affirm their positions both in the region and in the world. This allows them have enough authority to affect other ones politically and militarily, which is stepping-stone to implement their ambitions to become number one in the whole world.

A Study of the Speaking Ability of Second-Year Students

Speaking is one of the language skills which are important for second language learners to be developed. Capability to speak English is the priority for many scandalmonger or foreign language learners. Therefore, this research was aimed at knowing the speaking ability of the second year students of SAM N 2 Sick Hull.The students may tell their experience after preparation before performing in front of the lass. This is the important part in developing their memory to make a well-arranged story. Their speaking will be analyzed through five components: pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. This research needs three raters in order to avoid subjectivity in evaluating the test. Keyword :Descriptive Research, Speaking ability, telling experience INTRODUCTION Speaking is a productive skill with which people produce words or send a message orally. This skill is closely bound up with the listening.Harmer (2001) states that in many situations productive skill is comb ined with the practice of receptive skills. The communication between two or more people is a blend of listening and speaking where the comprehension of what has been said is necessary for what the participant says next. Productive skills include speaking and writing, two critical components of the complex process of communication. There are countless reasons for communication between individuals: they have something they wish to express, there is something they wish to learn, and the list goes on and on.Speaking requires a greater degree of fluency and thinking â€Å"on the spot†, and requires practice and exposure to the language over time. While productive skills are the skills that involve the process of language production either in oral or written forms. Speaking as one of the productive skills should be learned by the students in order to carry out a communication with other people easily. Speaking plays an important role in social communication. Perhaps, this is becau se we can deliver our ideas and information to other people with oral communication.According to Martin Begat (1987) People speak to make interactions with other people, we often need confidence to speak in order to carry out many of our basic interactions. Consequently, improving your English speaking skills will help you communicate more easily and effectively. Furthermore, speaking is good for motivating the students to learn the language in their school. Speaking is designed to enable the students to communicate and interact to other people in order to gain and enrich their knowledge. Essentially, the goal of language learning is to enable the students to communicate in the language.Therefore, the main purpose of learning is aimed at increasing the students' skills in communicating English well. Definition of immunization mentioned is to understand and express information, mind, feelings and develop science, technology, and culture by using the English language (Depending, 2003) . English achievement in the future expected by learning English can develop their knowledge to all people in the world. Harris (1969) stated that speaking ability has five components which are generally recognized in analyzing speaking.They are as follows: a. Pronunciation includes the segmental features of vowels, consonants, stress, and intonation patterns. B. Grammar correct use of language with respect to word form and word order at the sentence level . Vocabulary is one of words include in language, have many words that must mastery to make the acquisition of an adequate vocabulary as essential for successful second language use. D. Fluency is probably best achieved by allowing the air stream of speech to flow then as some of this speech spill over beyond comprehensibility. E.Comprehension in brief speaking requires that not only knowing how to produce it well but also understanding when, what, and why to produce the language. The ability to speak cannot be separated from thes e five components. A good speaker will deliver the topic to make listener understand it easily. In some cases, students get problems in speaking. It is the fact that to be a good speaker or able to speak becomes a problem for most of students. Teachers always give lessons Just with old teaching techniques without give the students' chances to speak or deliver their ideas; students might be shy to make mistakes in speaking.In fact, students are not interested in studying more about English because of lack of motivation in classroom learning, students only receives materials, write, and follow all the teachers command. According to Joanna Baker and Heather Western (2003), there are many reasons why dents may find learning and using English difficult such as cultural differences, personal differences, and lack of confidence, no time for speaking when studying for examinations, preparation for speaking, and interest in topic.This can lead to real barriers to communication, and can contr ibute to poor motivation in learning. Whereas, we know that the purpose of learning English especially in speaking is to enable the students to use English well both accurately and fluently. In a language lesson, students need to spend time on becoming more accurate. But they also need o practice using the language fluently. 2 METHODOLOGY The population of this research is the second year students of SAM N 2 SICK HULL academic year of 2012-2013.The number of the students is 315. Because the population is large enough, it is necessary to have sample. According to Gay (2004), sampling is the process of selecting number of individuals for a study that represented the larger group from which they were selected. There are several appropriate techniques for selecting a sample which is suitable in certain situations. In this research, the writer use cluster random sampling technique. Cluster random sampling is sampling in which groups, not individuals, are randomly selected.The reason for choosing this technique is less time and easier to obtain permission to use all the students in certain class than several students in many classes. So, the writer takes only one class out of 9 classes as the sample of this research. There are 35 students who took the speaking test. The process of choosing the class is by using lottery. In this case, the writer uses the research instrument of speech in telling experience (recounting events) to collect the data. Each student will speak about their experience in front of the class one by one as a performance test.In order to get the data needed for this research, the writer had administered a test. The test was conducted to know the students' ability in speaking. Three raters checked the result by listening to the students' recorded speech and checking the pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension aspects. The raters give scores for each student. Finally, the scores of the raters are totaled and then divided by th ree. In scoring the students speaking ability, the writer uses the scoring which found in Harris (1974). All the aspects of speaking is divided by 5.Analyzing the students' speaking ability can be done as follows: 5 In order to know the level of ability of the students' speaking ability can be classified as follows: Test Score Level of Ability 81-100 Excellent 61-80 41-60 Mediocre 21-40 Poor 0-20 Very Poor Harms (1986) 3 RESULT AND DISCUSSION There are 35 students who took the speaking test. The students' score has been analyzed by three raters. After calculating the real scores of the students from each rater, the writer computes the students' scores from each rater to know the regenerates of the students who get excellent, good, mediocre, poor, and very poor level in speaking.The result of it can be seen as in the following table: Table 1 . The Percentages of the Students' Ability According to the Three Raters No 2 4 Score Range 81 -100 61 -80 41 60 21 -40 Total Frequency 9 17 35 Percentage 0. 00% 25. 71% 48. 57% 100% From table 1, the result of the test is mediocre. It is calculated by combining the students' scores from each rater and it divided by three. It shows that none of the students is in excellent level, 9 (25. 71%) students are in good level, 17 (48. 57%) dents are in mediocre level, then 9 (25. 1 are in poor level, at last, there is none of the student who got very poor level. By this, the writer concluded that this speaking test is not difficult for the students. After getting the score of the students from the raters, the writer classified the students' scores based on each component of speaking as shown in the following table: Table the Students' Average Scores for Each Aspect of Speaking According to The Three Raters Rater 1 The Aspects of Speaking Pronunciation Grammar Fluency Vocabulary Comprehension Rater 2 x 89 79 102 2. 26 2. 54 2. 57 2. 91 72 78 7 107 Rater 3 2. 06 2. 3 2. 49 3. 06 85 91 101 2. 29 2. 43 2. 60 2. 89 The Average Scores of Three Raters 44. 0 48. 0 47. 4 49. 0 59. 0 49. 5 Table 2 shows that the students' average scores for each aspects of speaking according to the three raters. The average scores of Pronunciation aspect is 44. 0. It means that 4 the most difficult aspect in speaking is pronunciation. Few students can say the words correctly and some of them frequently use wrong words. It can be shown in the following table: Table 3. The Percentages of the Students' Pronunciation Score Range Level of Ability Frequency 15 42. 86% 12 34. 29%

Krapps Last Tape and the Futility of Human Existence Essays

Krapps Last Tape and the Futility of Human Existence Essays Krapps Last Tape and the Futility of Human Existence Paper Krapps Last Tape and the Futility of Human Existence Paper Question: Absurdist drama is often said to be a critique of the human existence, that the situation is often meaningless and absurd. Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape is a typical absurdist drama. How does Beckett, through the use of language, setting and the character Krapp, highlight the futility of the human existence in this particular drama? Absurdist drama originated in the 1950s and follows Albert Camus’s philosophy that the human situation is meaningless and absurd (Culik). As such, absurdist drama is, in a sense, absurd. It follows none of the typical rules of modern drama, and that is in fact its true intention, to go against the norm so as to surprise or shock readers out of their comfort zone, to force people to confront the weaknesses and hopelessness of mankind. Many components of an absurdist drama will be seen as illogical, ridiculous or mundane. Samuel Beckett’s drama, Krapp’s Last Tape, is an excellent example of an absurdist drama. Perhaps the first thing that the audience is drawn to, when reading the play at least, is the setting itself. Beckett goes to great length to describe how he wishes the setting to be, right down to the last trivial detail of Krapp’s clothes. â€Å"Rusty black narrow trousers too short for him. Rusty black sleeveless waistcoat, four capacious pockets. Heavy silver watch and chain. Grimy white shirt open at nick, no collar. † Beckett further describes Krapp’s slow, laborious actions in a lengthy and monotonous manner. â€Å"Krapp remains a moment motionless, heaves a great sigh, looks at his watch, fumbles in his pocket, takes out an envelope, puts it back, fumbles, takes out a small bunch of keys Indeed, Krapp himself is a source of ridicule, for he is poorly dressed, slow, clumsy and even almost trips on a banana skin that he tosses on the ground. One must note, however, that despite Krapp’s frailties, Beckett constantly reminds the audience that Krapp is a â€Å"thinker†, from his constant pacing to his â€Å"meditative† way of eating banana. Hence , by putting together both messages, Krapp epitomizes the proverbial unsuccessful scholar, the intellectual who tries to survive on idealism but soon realizes that cold hard truth of reality. Indeed, Beckett has foreshadowed the later parts of this drama with this initial hint of who Krapp is as a person, and the reader learns much later that Krapp is in fact a failed writer bemoaning the mistakes he made when he was young. In essence, Beckett’s portrayal of Krapp is as a symbol of ridicule, and made even more ridiculous from the fact that Krapp is supposed to be of considerable intellect. Hence one sees the first example, right from the beginning, of an absurdist piece. Beckett further uses a minimalist setting for a reason. The stark empty space present in a minimalist setting serves to highlight to the audience that there is no one else in the room, for Krapp is there, alone in his own solitude. The audience focuses on Krapp and only Krapp, which is the essence of absurdist drama; for the audience to focus on the human so as to realize, throughout the course of the drama, the futility of the human existence. Interesting too, is Beckett’s use of lighting in the drama. He specifies, above all, that: â€Å"Table and immediately adjacent area in strong white light. Rest of stage in darkness. † Light and darkness has often been used as an allegory to success and failure, knowledge and ignorance. By putting Krapp in the light and the rest of the stage in the dark, it would appear that Beckett is attempting to portray Krapp as having had the knowledge to succeed in life, hence Beckett’s choice to have light and darkness on the stage as a stark comparison as opposed to having the stage fully lighted. However, one soon suspects, and later realizes, that Krapp is anything but successful. Hence, the audience realizes the irony of the situation; Beckett’s use of light to portray Krapp’s dark life shows a yearning for a success that never came, and this is in fact the case, which the audience sees later. The themes of light and darkness are shown repeatedly throughout the entire play, as shall be discussed later. With regards to the drama itself, reminiscence on the part of Krapp is a major theme. The audience is introduced to a total of three Krapps, all different from one another. Hence the audience is able to view each Krapp as being detached from one another, in an intense separation of self (Lagier). Sixty-nine year old Krapp listens to a tape made by his thirty-nine year old self, in which his thirty-nine year old self muses on his actions when he was twenty-nine. To deduce exactly what Krapp is reminiscing about, the audience must listen closely to the content of the narration, as well as the present day Krapp’s reactions to it. Twenty-nine year old Krapp, as recounted by his thirty-nine year old self, was living with a woman named Bianca, whom twenty-nine year old Krapp described as â€Å"hopeless business†. Thirty-nine year old Krapp derides his twenty-nine year old self for being â€Å"young whelp†, for making aspirations and resolutions like to drink less and to have a â€Å"less engrossing sexual life†. Thirty-nine year old Krapp believes that Bianca and the above resolutions are silly, for he â€Å"sneers at what he calls his youth and thanks to God that it’s over†. Twenty-nine year old Krapp then talks about the â€Å"shadow of the opus magnum†, which in essence belies his desire to be a great and successful writer, to publish an amazing and impressive piece of work that none will rival. This, thirty-nine year old Krapp appears to concur fully; in fact, he describes a moment of epiphany that he has when he is thirty-nine. â€Å"What I suddenly saw then was this, that the belief I had been going on all my life, namely-† â€Å"The dark I have always struggled to keep under is in reality my most-† Once again the theme of light and darkness emerges, and Krapp believes that he has seen the light, seen the truth of what must be done in order to achieve the â€Å"shadow of the opus magnum† that he talked about when he was twenty-nine. To do so, Krapp must accept the darkness that is manifest in him, instead of trying to keep it under wraps, as seen when he says â€Å"my dissolution of storm and night with the light of the understanding and the fire-†. The audience, however, should be wary, as is Beckett’s intention in portraying enlightenment through the acceptance of darkness. This blatant contradiction stands in fact for the irony of Krapp’s situation; he believes that by giving up love and companionship, and hence embracing darkness, he will be able to attain success. It should be evident to the audience that such logic is clearly absurd, and Krapp realizes this much later when he is sixty-nine. Hearing his thirty-nine year old self talk about his visions of grandeur disgusts the present Krapp, as is seen by his swearing and fast-forwarding of the tape. â€Å"Krapp switches off impatiently, winds tape forward, switches on again. † Later, as is customary of Krapp’s birthday, he makes a fresh tape and curses himself for being a fool. â€Å"Just been listening to that stupid bastard I took myself for thirty years ago, hard to believe I was ever as bad as that. The scene poignantly reminds the audience of the thirty-nine year old Krapp mocking his twenty-nine year old self, much like the present day Krapp is mocking his thirty-nine year old self. What is starkly different, however, is that sixty-nine year old Krapp is now mocking his thirty-nine year old self for something his thirty-nine year old self derided himself for doing at twent y-nine; for being with Bianca, or perhaps, for the companionship and humanity that Bianca symbolizes, for what his thirty-nine year old self swore to give up. In essence, the present Krapp realizes that he has spent thirty years pursuing a dream of writing, with little achievement of speak of. His â€Å"shadow of the opus magnum†, his great literary vision, is nothing more than â€Å"Seventeen copies sold, of which eleven at trade price to free circulating libraries beyond the seas. Getting known. One pound six and something, eight I have little doubt. † On a higher level, one may perhaps see this as Beckett’s warning to society about the frailties of mankind, and how one will fail more often than succeed. Human beings are selfish and self centred, and are forever striving to achieve ever greater heights, resulting in ever greater failures, which is clearly illustrated in the case of Krapp. The Absurdist Theatre, as such, paints this thoroughly pessimistic picture of the existence of human kind. A second major theme present in the drama is that of solitude and isolation. This isolation can be considered a self-imposed one, a result of Krapp turning away from the women in his life when he was younger. There are two instances of this, one when Krapp was aged twenty-nine and the woman was called Bianca, and one when Krapp was aged thirty-nine. It is clear that Krapp regrets his situation. Both sixty-nine year old Krapp and thirty-nine year old Krapp jeer at his younger self, and one can consider these Krapps ‘‘emotional bananas†, in which Krapp attempts to ‘‘stop up’’ any regrets he may feel through mockery (Moran). However, his actions give him away, for Krapp cannot forget the women, or rather, the symbol of humanity he gave up. â€Å"Krapp switches off, winds tape back, switches on again. Whereas Krapp impatiently fast-forwards the parts of him musing about his epiphanies, he listens intently and repeatedly to his memories of the woman he used to have. He then belatedly muses what could have happened if he had not chosen to turn her away. â€Å"Could have been happy with her, up there on the Baltic, and the pines, and the dunes. Could I? † He realizes that he has made a horrible mistake, choosing his delusions of grandeur over love, and is now left with nothing except superficial sex from the whore Fanny, which he once again mocks. I told her I’d been saving up for her all my life. † Also present are many literary obscurities that Beckett uses throughout the play. The presence of bananas, for one, plays a bigger role than being a mere food. Beckett chooses to add an element of physical degeneration in the play to complement that of Krapp’s spiritual degeneration; Krapp’s fondness for bananas causes him to suffer from a bowel problem. Twenty-nine year old Krapp had â€Å"unattainable laxation†, thirty-nine year old Krapp ate â€Å"three bananas and only with difficulty refrained a fourth†. At the beginning of the play, sixty-nine year old Krapp had eaten two bananas already. It is easy to see that the bananas are symbolic. Krapp eats so many bananas even though they make his constipation problem worse as a form of escapism; he wishes to bury his emotions within him even as his stool stays stubbornly within his body. This is similar to the way thirty-nine year old Krapp resolves to bury his emotions, end his relationships with women and retreat into a life of solitude with the false hope that doing so would allow him to achieve his â€Å"shadow of the opus magnum†. Ironically, or perhaps aptly, Krapp’s last name sounds remarkably similar to the word â€Å"crap†, which means to defecate. This is yet one more example Beckett utilizes to make Krapp an object of ridicule; he cannot achieve laxation even though his name suggests the very same thing. Krapp also appears to place special emphasis on the word â€Å"spool†. While it is entirely possible that Beckett has Krapp repeat the word over and over, drawing it out, in order to make Krapp seem even more absurd so as to fit the character he is playing, the word â€Å"spool†, and even all the tapes in Krapp’s boxes, may in fact have special significance to Krapp. Indeed, it appears that Krapp has been documenting his life every birthday in an individual spool, perhaps in hope that in the future, he would be able to look back and reminisce about the evolutions of his success. The real reason for Krapp’s documentation of his past, however, may be the simple fact that he has become so detached from the others that the only way he may hear a voice speak, is to hear his own voice. Hence, Krapp guards his tapes and boxes zealously, labelling them carefully, because they are the only connection he has left to humanity, the only method he has to break the monotony of his solitude. In retrospect, Krapp’s Last Tape does an excellent portrayal of a very real fear that society, caught up in fulfilment of never-ending wants and desires, will result in a generation of people who lead a meaningless existence, finding all too often that instead of achieving their desires, they not only fail to do so, they also lose whatever speck of humanity they had in them. All too often, they find themselves alone in their old age, having turned away or denied companionship in the mistaken thought that it would prevent them from attaining their ideals. Overall, this presents a powerful issue for one to consider. Still, one should note that while Absurdist Theatre is thoroughly pessimistic, it may not always be representative of the real situation. Hence, cone can disagree that the human situation is always meaningless and absurd, but concur to the possibility of one leading a meaningless existence as a result of misjudgements.