Thursday, October 31, 2019

1. From the early 1970s criminology was subject to a process of Essay

1. From the early 1970s criminology was subject to a process of radicalisation which brought both positive and negative consequences for the discipline. Discuss - Essay Example By so doing, crime has been looked at from the standpoint of demographics and patterns of any criminal activity, the socio-economic and cultural as well as the psychological perspectives of such criminal mannerisms in the context of the wider society. From the outset, perhaps it is imperative to note that the process of crime development and conceptualisation was given the much needed impetus by the conflict theory. According to Scraton (2007, p. 72), it is this ideological orientation that gave birth to the development of the other concepts during the early 1970s. A closer analysis of the conflict theory of crime reveals that it was founded on the premise that the primary or root causes of crime are both the economic and social forces that operate within any given society. In this regard, the various systems of justice and their respective laws tend to operate on behalf of powerful elites and rich persons within the society. Hence, policies that are put in place, more often than not, end up controlling the poor. Consequentially, this culminates into the imposition of standards by the criminal justice system that are construed to the establishment of benchmarks of good behaviour and morality put forward by the powerful in the society. The period from early 1970s witnessed the development of the new criminology which later came to be known as the radical criminology. Inciardi (1980, p. 58), argues that the development of radical or critical criminology stems from conflict theory of crime and is indeed its branch. On a positive rejoinder, Scrato n (2007, p. 169), holds the view that it draws its ideas from the Marxist perspective of criminology. In a nutshell, radical criminology was based on the concepts such as power, class in addition to ideology that was advanced by the Marxists during their analyses of the famous capitalist society. Perhaps it is important to note that this concept of criminology was developed initially in

Monday, October 28, 2019

Difference Between Economic Growth and Economic Development Essay Example for Free

Difference Between Economic Growth and Economic Development Essay Economic Growth is a narrower concept than economic development.It is an increase in a countrys real level of national output which can be caused by an increase in the quality of resources (by education etc.), increase in the quantity of resources improvements in technology or in another way an increase in the value of goods and services produced by every sector of the economy. Economic Growth can be measured by an increase in a countrys GDP (gross domestic product). Economic development is a normative concept i.e. it applies in the context of peoples sense of morality (right and wrong, good and bad). The definition of economic development given by Michael Todaro is an increase in living standards, improvement in self-esteem needs and freedom from oppression as well as a greater choice. The most accurate method of measuring development is the Human Development Index which takes into account the literacy rates life expectancy which affect productivity and could lead to Economic Growth. It also leads to the creation of more opportunities in the sectors of education, healthcare, employment and the conservation of the environment.It implies an increase in the per capita income of every citizen. Economic Growth does not take into account the size of the informal economy. The informal economy is also known as the black economy which is unrecorded economic activity. Development alleviates people from low standards of living into proper employment with suitable shelter. Economic Growth does not take into account the depletion of natural resources which might lead to pollution, congestion disease. Development however is concerned with sustainability which means meeting the needs of the present without compromising future needs. These environmental effects are becoming more of a problem for Governments now that the pressure has increased on them due to Global warming. Economic growth is a necessary but not sufficient condition of economic development.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

the performance of Dubai Islamic Bank

the performance of Dubai Islamic Bank Dubai Islamic bank is a bank that offers services related to Islamic sharia. In the year 2009 the total revenue gained by the bank was 5,133 (million AED) as compared to the report of FY 2008 the net revenue had decreased by 2.6%, and the total profit earned by the bank was 1,207.49 (million AED) a net decrease of 22.31% as compared to the FY 2008, with the total assets of AED 90.14 billion in the year 2010, the bank stands among one of the largest Islamic banks in the world, currently the bank has a customer base of 1.2 billion which is quite appraisable customer base when compared with other banks. The share price of DIB is computed to 2.22 AED (per share) updated latest to 31st march, 2011, the net value of the market cap is evaluated to 8,429 (million AED), the enterprise value is evaluated to 7,450 (million AED), and the net shares outstanding is evaluated to 3,797 (million AED). The net capital base of Dubai Islamic bank counts up to AED 10.53 billion as of December 2010, which is 17.2% higher than the previous year? B. Strategic posture 1. Mission the Dubai Islamic bank is currently providing services like retail banking, private banking, johara banking, corporate banking, mobile banking, phone banking, online banking, sharia board services, structure trade finance, treasury and investment, project financing, syndication services, wealth management services, business banking, investment banking, contracting finance services, and real estate finance. The DIB is incorporated in all these services because they want to expand their scope in terms of banking and investment services in almost every field, so as to compete with other players in the business. 2. Objectives The companys main objective is to setup its market all across the world and to expand them as much as possible, and to increase its customer base so as to increase their revenues and popularity in the global market. 3. Strategies The main objective of DIB is to diversify and manage organic growth, as growth in any sector is a must for a company especially a banking corporation where the opportunities are endless for any corporation DIB is focusing majorly on the diversifying of its business, and this strategy is very much consistent with the missions that is stated by the bank. The other strategies of DIB includes expansion of its branches and the increase in its overall customer base, this strategy of DIB helps DIB to expand its trade in other countries of the world too. The increase in overall customer base is an obvious strategy of any banking corporation as the profit and revenues earned by any banking firm is dependent on the issue that more the customers the bank has the more is its profit earned. 4. Policies The major policies of DIB includes conversions of key Islamic economic policies into firm practices for the need of mankind and to welfare them with the Islamic policies, the policies of the DIB is consistent with the mission, objectives and strategies of the corporation as the end user of any firm is the consumer itself, and if the consumer is not happy with the companys policies and services then every strategy of that company is vain, and also the companys policies are consistent with every external and internal environmental features. The companys major strategy includes the expansion of branches and the addition of new customers to the companys customer base; these policies reflect the companys international and global trading strategy. 2. Corporate governance A. The board of governance The board of governance of the corporation consists of H.E. Mohammad Ibrahim abdulrahman alshaibani as the chairman, H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin zayed al nehayan as the vice chairman, ahmad Mohammad saeed bin humaidan as the director, saeed Mubarak Abdulla Mohammad al muhairi as the director, abdulrahman hareb Rashed alhareb as the director, tariq humaid matar mohammad al tayer as the director. They all are the external employees of the corporation i.e. they are non-executive members of the corporation i.e. they dont take part in any decision making processes of the corporation. This group of executives consists of the top management of the company. The internal or the senior management members of the coporation consist mainly of Abdulla ali al hamli as the chief executive officer, ahmed fathy al-gebali as the chief financial officer of the corporation. These persons are the part of the senior management i.e. they have influence in all the decisions making and strategy making discussions and processes. These executives comprise of the internal management or the senior management of the company and involved in major decision making processes of the corporation. All the internal and the external members of the corporation that is discussed above especially the non-executive members hold significant part in the stocks. The stocks are publically held by some of the major acquisitions are held by many other peoples and companies, also the stock is traded in the market, with some of the board members acquiring major shares of the corporation. Some board members are the permanent board members of the corporation and they are in the non-executive group of the corporation and thereby they are the permanent members of the company, but the senior management members are not-permanent members of the corporation, the chief financial officer of the corporation is the newest member on the board of directors as he had joined the company in the year 2011 itself. The top management consists of chairman itself and the other directors of the company, though the non-executive members dont take part in some decisions but in major decisions like acquisitions and budget related discussions their involvement is must. B. Top management The top management of the company comprise of H.E. mohammad Ibrahim as the chairman, H.E. sheikh khaled bin zayed al nehayan as the vice chairman, ahmed mohammad saeed bin humaidan as the director, saeed Mubarak Abdulla Mohammad al muhairi as the director, abdulrahman hareb Rashed alhareb as the director, they all are part of the non-executive board. But the major part in the decision making policies are taken by the senior management group or the top management group i.e. the CEO and the CFO of the corporation. The board members of the corporation have a significant knowledge of the international market and of market policies and as the key peoples are experienced enough therefore they contribute a significant amount of knowledge to the corporation and thereby taking the corporation to the next level. The companys senior management is highly skilled and are capable of taking the company to a new height, the CFO for ex. had joined the corporation in the year 2011 itself, the CFOs profile shows that he has a very good managerial base, he had worked for boubyan bank as a CFO and various other investment houses, thereby he had gained enough experience and he had served for many companies therefore his skills must be remarkable. The companys senior management had developed a systematic strategy to be implied, some of them are global acquisitions and expansion of business. The companys senior management interacts with the lower level managers and the board of directors quite frequently as they are keen to make new strategies and decisions for the company and they believe in including everyone in the process of decision making. The companys decisions are quite ethical as the companys main motive is to use the teaching of Islam for the welfare of mankind in economic terms. The top management is highly skilled and is expected to survive the company in future and to cope up with any problem affecting the corporation. 3. External environment: opportunities and threats A. natural physical environment Apart from banking the bank is also engaged in products and services like textile products, aluminum fixtures, motor vehicles. Products like Aluminum fixtures and textiles depend on the sustainability of the environment i.e. textiles are made from cotton and other natural products and aluminum are obtained through mining therefore the climate of the place plays a very important role in the development of products of DIB. Apart from the climate one more natural force that affects the manufacturing of DIBs products is availability of water in adequate quantity, and natural disasters. The opportunities for DIB in these sectors are limitless but the only thing that matters is that how they could implement their strategies into their products and services. All these forces have different affects in different countries of the world for ex. climatic and weather conditions are different in different countries of world, for ex. in Africa and Asia where climate are suitable for the growth of cotton and jute products, moreover natural disasters and calamities also depends on the location of the manufacturing plants of DIB for ex. in countries like Japan, and Hawaii where earthquake and volcanoes are frequent. Solar winds and sun spots also affect the crop as it destroys the crop. B. societal environment The major factors that are affecting the product manufacturing are economical forces, technological forces, political forces, and socio-cultural forces. The economic forces are the force that defines a corporations power in the market in terms of revenues and share price, therefore economic forces are also very important forces that influence the manufacturing of products and services. The technological forces are also one of the most important forces which affect a companys manufacturing of products and other technological processes. The other forces that affects a companys manufacturing of products and services are political forces, these are the forces which comes into play when the company had to make major political decisions about its company when trading in own country or in other country. The socio cultural forces are the forces that define the environment that surrounds the company, i.e. in UAE the socio cultural environment are different whereas if DIB will setup its branches in other countries of world like India, or USA then they have to face a total different environment and that will affect the bank. All these forces varies at other places of the world as the technological advancement of one country can be very good and DIB can take the best use of that, and the political forces also depends on the type of country they are dealing with for ex. whether the country is an democracy, monarchy, anarchy etc. all these forces plays a very vital role in the development of a company in any country, especially for DIB it is a very important factor and the strategies of DIB should include techniques to tackle with political situations in other countries. Socio-cultural is by far the most important aspect for DIB as DIB is based on the teachings of Quran and believes in its principles, therefore there may exist a line between them and customers when the bank operates in non-Muslim country. C. task environment There are six major forces that drive a companys industry competition these are: Threat of new entrants: these forces vary from country to country, these forces are of high risks because there have been chances always that new entrants enters the market, and if the quality of products and services provided by them are proved to be good then obviously the older players has to suffer, more or less. Bargaining power of buyers: the bargaining power of buyers depends from country to country and according to situation, this force is rated as a medium force as not many buyers bargain on products i.e. good in quality. Threat of substitute products and services: the threat of substitute products and services are always high as any company can come up with an idea of better substituted product, and if that product is better than the companys product then the company has to suffer. Bargaining power of suppliers: bargaining power of suppliers is high as the supplier is the person whose quality of raw material decides the overall quality of product. Rivalry among competing firms: the rivalry among competing firms is of medium type as the rivalry depends on the number of competitors in the market and the quality of products they manufacture. Relative power of unions, governments, special interest groups, etc. have a high affect on the company as the companys trade at any place is subjected to the fact that they have good or not so good relations with the government of that country. D. Summary of external factors Socio-economic and task environment are the most important for the company and to the industry in which it is currently competing. Sustainability issues will be important for the company in the future. 4. Internal environment: strength and weakness A. corporate structure The decision making authority is centralized around one group of person which are known as the top management of the company. The corporation is organized on the basis of all these factors like functions, projects, and geography. The structure of the organization is pretty much clear as there is only one major group of decision makers and that is constituted under the top management of the company. The companys current structure consists of highly skilled international level CEOs and CFOs and as the companys main objective and strategy are consistent with the expansion of the company, therefore the present structure of the company is consistent with the firms international operations. This type of structure can be seen in similar organizations as every company has a top level of management that decides all the strategies and procedures for any company. B. corporate culture The culture of DIB is well emerged culture and is composed of shared beliefs, expectations and values. The current culture of DIB is very much consistent with the corporations current objectives, strategies, policies and programs as the major objective of the corporation is to expand their business. Environmental stability means a lot to DIB as some of their products are related to environment and other natural factors their work culture is defined by the environmental objectives. The corporation is well known for its banking basics and current position in the world, the bank is one of the top banks in this world to offer banking services related to Islamic sharia. The bank is internationalizing itself i.e. it is expanding their trade in other countries of the world. The culture is somewhat not very consistent with the employees background i.e. they will prefer those peoples who believes in Islamic sharia principles and according to them who have Islamic ethics. Thus much diversity in background is not encountered in the bank. The bank usually acts in Muslim based countries like UAE, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq etc. therefore it does not have much problems in this countries, but if we have to consider other countries that is not Muslim oriented then the corporation might find some problem in coping up the culture of that country. C. corporate resources 1. Marketing A. the current marketing objective of the company is to expand their market all over the world, and to increase the number of customers. Strategies that DIB is applying to complete this objective are clear and are consistent with the objectives and strategies of the company and are not implied just for mere implications. The 4ps i.e. product, price, place, promotion are the fields where the bank is doing exceptionally well, however there have been an ir-regulation performance of the bank for ex. the net income of the bank is 2,696 (AED m) in 2005, 4,577 (AED m) in 2006, 6,083 (AED m) in 2007, 5,270 (AED m) in 2008, and 5,133 (AED m) in 2009. The market of the bank is not very big in the current scenario but it is doing very good in Muslim countries and considered as one of the best muslim banks in the world. The bank is gaining its market in the muslim countries and loosing it in non- muslim countries. A high percentage of revenue were collected from the developed region as the number of wealthy customers who can take benefit of the services provided by DIB is more in developed regions. The bank is not consistent considering the revenue generated by it in the five year period from 2005-2009. The current and past performance of the corporation is the base for its future performance; the bank has to make strategies to increase their performance. Companys marketing performance is very good though they are facing a competition from leading banks like abu dhabi commercial bank, emirates NBD bank. Though the DIB operates on Islamic principles but the managers of DIB is still using traditional marketing techniques in terms of product lifecycle, market segmentation, market research etc. Usually DIB dont have to face different culture therefore it is not very difficult for them to market them in other regions or countries. Marketing manager considers all the major aspects of environmental sustainability when making decisions, a marketing managers role is very crucial in strategic making process as he has to suggest marketing policies when trading in some other country. 2. Finance The corporations current financial objective is to increase their net revenue collected, all the financial strategies, objectives, and policies are based on this fact. These facts are clearly stated and implied just not for the sake of show off but performing as well. These financial strategies if implied will be proved to be beneficial for the company. The companys efficiency ratio increased to .43 according to the stats of sep-2010, the debt to capital ratio increased by a ratio of 9.91 according to the data of sep-2010, the earning per share of the company increased by a ratio of 0.07 according to the data of sep-2010. The earnings per share increased by a ratio of 0.32. the operating cost of the company went up by 33.88% of sales. The investors expect that the price of the shares will go up in the current fiscal year. The trend in the companys financial stability is unstable i.e. it was never been consistent. No significant difference was reported when statements were calculated in constant versus reported dollars. The past trends will surely affect the future performance of the company as the new CFO will develop strategy that will cope up the net loss. The finance of the company is by far considered good but the company can very well utilize their resources to increase the financial stability. The company is facing challenge from some of Dubais lead Muslim banks in terms of finance, the financial managers are nowadays using traditional finance concepts and techniques to solve their finance related problems. The financial situation of the company is different in different parts of the world depending on the economy of that place for ex. developed and developing regions. Financial managers role is very crucial in the strategic management process, as finance is the most important section in a banking sector. 3. Research and development The corporation besides concentrating on its banking services is also indulged in core sectors like textiles, and aluminum fixtures. These strategies are meant to increase the products and services of the company and to increase their business. These strategies are consistent with the corporations mission, objectives, strategies and policies. The technology that they use to implement their policies plays a great role in manufacturing processes. The RD of the companys new services gives the company a competitive advantage, the return from the new products and services is not much because it is the newest field in the companys yard. The RD of the company depends on the environmental and climatic conditions of that country, companys technological discontinuity plays a vital role because the technology plays the most vital role in the manufacturing processes. The RD manager plays a very role in the companys strategic management process. 4. Operations and logistics The companys current manufacturing/service objectives, strategies and policies are clearly implemented and implied from performance and budget, the companys policies and strategies are in accordance with the companys main policies, strategy, and objectives. The company has to face problems in the external and internal environment regarding logistics and operations. The corporation deals with their products with suppliers who provide them with the raw materials, international export of materials is done in products and services. The company is currently engaged in flexible manufacturing, equipments are of new technology. Transportation facilities are available in most of the parts. The manufacturing and logistics of the company is affected by the various factors like natural disasters and climatic conditions. Operations manager are using new technology and services to evaluate and improve current technology. 5. Human resource management The corporations current HRM practice is to utilize their human resource to expand the companys business and to increase the customer base, along with introducing and developing new products. The net income per employee is 175,151 AED of the DIB, it is considered a descent income therefore it is clear that the company is very conserve towards their employees and do good care of them. The HRM of the company has the capability to increase their net profit and to affect other factors positively. The corporation is paying the employees heavily and they are giving them other incentives too, but other competitors are also conserved related to their employees. The HRM manager is utilizing the resources to the highest and often created strategies to do well in future like engaging their human resources in other products and services, and introduction of new posts. The company doesnt seems to have a diversify workforce from all over the world, but whatever they have with them they are managing them quite efficiently. Outsourcing plays a very important role in HR planning, as outsourcing provides manpower to complete objectives and tasks related to the company. Moreover the HR manager plays a very important role in the strategic management process, as every strategy requires manpower and the best use of human resources. 6. Information technology The organizations current IT objectives, strategies and policies includes modernization of all technologies in the context of IT, and this strategy is very well in accordance with the modern era in which the company is operating. The company has a proper database management system and analyst who can make changes in the database whenever required. After the use of modernized technologies it is very much predictable that the company will do well in the future regarding the advantages of the softwares used. All the leading banks in Dubai is using IT as a tool for performing processes and for services therefore DIB is facing a cut-throat competition in this field and must have to look upon for new technological services and tools. DIB has got a place in the worlds internet database and the information is very well conveyed regarding the company on the internet. IT manager is playing a very important role in developing the companys strategies as, many processes in the corporation is dependent on IT. D. Summary of internal factors Marketing, human resource and financing are the core-competencies for the company at present. The distinctive competencies of the corporation is its IT and logistics and operations. Finance, marketing and human resource are the most important factors that the company are engaged in presently. Human resource is the functions that are most suitable for outsourcing. 5. Analysis of strategic factors A. situational analysis The main analysis that affects the companys present and future performance are the finance performance, marketing, human resource and the sustainability issues. B. review of mission and objectives The current mission and objectives are appropriate for the companys progress but to some extent because the net profit, revenue generated and the share prices of the company is decreasing, therefore they need to have a look at its finance and marketing areas. If the finance and marketing sections are thoroughly reviewed an corrected then the corporation will grow larger momentum in the future. 6. Strategic alternatives and recommended strategies A. Strategic alternatives The current strategies if revise will prove to be very beneficial for the company. The recommended strategies will surely help the company to improve their performance. The recommended corporate strategies are stability, growth, and retrenchment. The recommended business strategies are cost leadership and differentiation. The corporate strategies will help the company to maintain the stability, but the corporation would have only static growth i.e. growth at a slow rate. The business strategies are however suggested taken into account the cost cutting and utilizing methods, they will surely help the financing section of the company, but however risk could not be taken if we implement these strategies. B. recommended strategies The main strategic options that the company has are: To utilize and to execrate most of their strength. To outwit their weakness. To make the most of their opportunities. And to manage their threats in the business. These strategies should be first implemented on ground level first and if prove to be affective they could be used further and prove to be of great use for the company for both long term and short term. 7. Implementation Instituting TQM would help the company to maintain better account of their services and processes. Software professional who has got a little idea about financing, marketing and system analysis can develop this software. As this is a high level program therefore the CEO should be the in charge of this program. The programs are financially feasible as it would not cost much, instead it will help the company in various cost-reduction processes. And also help maintaining their database and accounts. The software should be in beta phase first and then new inclusions will be made depending on the requirements. 8. Evaluation and control The company has an updated information system that helps them to track every activity in the corporation and also provide sufficient feedback on implementation activities and performance. The tools that the company uses can give accurate information about everything about the profit, loss, share prices etc. The information i.e. conveyed is timely and is very well implemented. The corporation is using benchmarking techniques to evaluate its functions and activities. Appropriate standards and measures are being taken while conformance of the recommended strategic plans. Reward system is a bonus for any employee in an organization therefore appropriate rewarding system is taken into account in the corporation.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Philosphy and Science :: essays research papers

It is sometimes maintained that the conflicts of the twentieth century (war and international contests in general) might best be characterized as between the left and right political persuasions (e.g., â€Å"communism† against â€Å"fascism† or â€Å"democracy† against â€Å"fascism†). Defend or dispute such a characterization using the two socioeconomic and political systems that have been the central concerns of our readings and discussion: that of Sun Yat-sen (The Kuomintang on the Chinese mainland and on Taiwan) and that of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism (the Chinese Communist Party) in the People’s Republic of China. Your answer should include (1) ideological components (both domestically and internationally relevant), (2) structural features (leadership and political party properties), (3) economic strategies (both domestically and internationally relevant) and (4) general consequences. What are you prepared to argue are the major differences betwee n the two systems here discussed? Now, answer that question in a coherent fashion. Don’t try to answer each question in particular, except where the questions are numbered, for example, #1 ideological components, #2 structural features, #3 economic strategies, make sure that is clear so the readers understand that’s what you are answering. For example you say, as for ideological components, so something to indicate that you are answering that specific part of the question. Now, I think the question is relatively clear. It is a complex, but relatively clear question. I don’t know exactly what experience you have. You know again, as I told you, I am sort of visiting the planet sodospeak. I mean you are completely outside the range of my comprehension. I don’t know what you know, what you don’t know. Education nowadays has become so impoverished, I’m not even sure that you have the prejudices that we used to have. So right on this campus, my sense is, the world is divided between the left and the right. And so when they look back on the past experience of the preceding century, they think that the conflicts of the preceding century were on the left and the right, you see? And somehow the world is divided into the left and the right. Now, part of this, and if you read any of the material, again I am being very generous in my expectations, but if you read any of the material, for years, the second World War was characterized as a conflict between the left and the right. That carried over into Asia. Philosphy and Science :: essays research papers It is sometimes maintained that the conflicts of the twentieth century (war and international contests in general) might best be characterized as between the left and right political persuasions (e.g., â€Å"communism† against â€Å"fascism† or â€Å"democracy† against â€Å"fascism†). Defend or dispute such a characterization using the two socioeconomic and political systems that have been the central concerns of our readings and discussion: that of Sun Yat-sen (The Kuomintang on the Chinese mainland and on Taiwan) and that of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism (the Chinese Communist Party) in the People’s Republic of China. Your answer should include (1) ideological components (both domestically and internationally relevant), (2) structural features (leadership and political party properties), (3) economic strategies (both domestically and internationally relevant) and (4) general consequences. What are you prepared to argue are the major differences betwee n the two systems here discussed? Now, answer that question in a coherent fashion. Don’t try to answer each question in particular, except where the questions are numbered, for example, #1 ideological components, #2 structural features, #3 economic strategies, make sure that is clear so the readers understand that’s what you are answering. For example you say, as for ideological components, so something to indicate that you are answering that specific part of the question. Now, I think the question is relatively clear. It is a complex, but relatively clear question. I don’t know exactly what experience you have. You know again, as I told you, I am sort of visiting the planet sodospeak. I mean you are completely outside the range of my comprehension. I don’t know what you know, what you don’t know. Education nowadays has become so impoverished, I’m not even sure that you have the prejudices that we used to have. So right on this campus, my sense is, the world is divided between the left and the right. And so when they look back on the past experience of the preceding century, they think that the conflicts of the preceding century were on the left and the right, you see? And somehow the world is divided into the left and the right. Now, part of this, and if you read any of the material, again I am being very generous in my expectations, but if you read any of the material, for years, the second World War was characterized as a conflict between the left and the right. That carried over into Asia.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Isolation in The Metamorphosis Essay

Franz Kafka’s short story â€Å"The Metamorphosis† centers on the theme of isolation. In the lead character’s transformation he experiences a deep isolation towards society now. What this isolation leads to is to a series of events, that cause Gregor’s isolation to grow. Eventually isolation leads to Gregor’s death. Isolation and its after effects are the central themes involved in the â€Å"The Metamorphosis. † Isolation is the state of an individual being separated from other individuals. Isolation involves both the mental state of an individual and the physical state of the individual. Further isolation also involves the individual’s belief versus societies’ believes. This paper will argue that Gregor’s transformation into a bug is a symbolic representation of one’s difficulty in accepting the isolation reality. The notion of the isolation is first realized in the author’s work in section . The reader can see that Gregor’s isolation started before the transformation occurred when Gregor mentions â€Å"That’s all I’d have to try with my boss; I’d be fired on the spot. Anyway, who knows if that wouldn’t be a very good thing for me. If I didn’t hold back for my parents’ sake, I would have quit long ago. † It is at this point that the reader realizes that Samsa was mentally isolated from the society he lived in before the transformation occurred. Gregor had wished to be free from work long before his transformation occurred, but society expected Gregor to work and to provide food for his family, something that Gregor didn’t want. Gregor’s isolation before the metamorphosis occurred was that he wanted freedom and society wanted him to work. By Gregor showing different believes than the rest of the society the reader realizes that Gregor was somehow already a loner even before the transformation occurred. The notion isolation also affects Gregor in section III. Some readers believe that Gregor Samsa’s experience is centered on Morality and Ethics. These people believe that Gregor is treated different because he is no longer a human in a physical state. However this notion limits the whole picture of why Gregor is treated differently. Gregor’s isolation towards society is true picture why he is treated differently. If the other notion of morality and ethics were to be chosen many aspects of â€Å"the Metamorphosis† would be lost. These lost would be would be the ability of the reader to see how isolation has both affected Gregor inside and outside. My notion of â€Å"the Metamorphosis† portrays events in the past that show Gregor’s isolation were morality and ethics notion lacks of. Many notions in the past have been presented to try to present what Kafka’s â€Å"The Metamorphosis really portrayed.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Parts of Speech Essays

Parts of Speech Essays Parts of Speech Essay Parts of Speech Essay Nouns  are a  part of speech  typically denoting a person, place, thing, animal or idea. These are the subjects in the sentence. Kinds of Nouns Common Nouns A common noun is the word used for a class of person, place or thing. Examples: * Car * Man * Bridge * Town * Water * Metal * Ammonia Proper Nouns A proper noun is the name of a person, place or thing (i. e. , its own name). A proper noun always starts with a capital letter. Examples: * Michael * Africa * Peking * Dayton Peace Accord * United Nations * The Tower of London * Uncle George Uncle  is written with a capital letter because it is part of his name. ) * My favourite auntie is Auntie Sally. (In this example, the first  auntie  is a common noun, but the second  Auntie  is part of a proper noun. ) * The Red Lion Collective Nouns A  collective noun  is the name of a number (or collection) of people or things taken together and spoken of as one whole. Examples: * team * choir * flock * gang * pack Abstract Nouns An abstract noun is a  type of noun  that refers to something with which a person cannot physically interact.A noun that is abstract is an aspect, concept, idea, experience, state of being, trait, quality, feeling, or other entity that cannot be experienced with the five senses. Examples: * love * joy Compound Nouns Are nouns that are made up of more than one word Examples: * courts: * Five table * One chair * Seven awards Twelve candidates *   Six bottles Mass Nouns Also known as nons: * Food * music Pronouns Pronouns are words that substitute for  nouns a person, place, thing, or an idea. Kinds of Pronouns Personal Pronouns: Personal pronouns  are  pronouns  that are associated primarily with a particular  grammatical person  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ first person, second person, or third person. SINGULAR.An adjective usually precedes the noun or the pronoun which it modifies. ? Descriptive Adjectives or adjective of quality ? Adjective of quantity ? Predicative Adjectives ? Personal Titles ? Possessive Adjectives ? Demonstrative Adjectives ? Indefinite Adjectives ? Interrogative adjectives ? Comparative Adjectives Adverb Adverbs are words that modify a  verb,  adjective, another adverb. Kinds of Adverb: Adverbs of Manner Adverbs of Manner tell us the manner or way in which something happens. Adverbs of Place Adverbs of Place tell us the place where something happens.Adverbs of Time Adverbs of Time tell us something about the time that something happens. Adverbs of Degree Adverbs of Degree tell us the degree or extent to which something happens. Preposition A  preposition  links  nouns,  pronouns  and  phrases  to other words in a sentence. The word or phrase that the preposition introduces is called the  object  of the preposition. Prepositions for Time Prepositions used for time of different natures are  in, on at etc. Preposition for Place Prepositions â€Å"in, on or at† are usually used for different places. Preposi tion for DirectionPrepositions like to, towards, through, into are used to describe the direction. Conjunctions A conjunction is a joiner, a word that  connects  (conjoins) parts of a sentence. Coordinating Conjunctions These conjunctions are used to link or join two words or phrases that are equally important and complete in terms of grammar when compared with each other. For And Nor But Or Yet Soon Subordinating Conjunctions These conjunctions are used to join an independent and complete clause with a dependent clause that relies on the main clause for meaning and relevance.Other subordinating conjunctions are   Although,  As,  Before,  Once,  Though,Until,  Whether,  etc. Correlative Conjunctions Correlative  conjunctions work in pairs to join words and groups of words of equal weight in a sentence. There are six different pairs of correlative conjunctions: 1. either or 2. not only but (also) 3. neither nor (or increasingly  neither or) 4. both and 5. whethe r or 6. just as so Interjections an  interjection  or  exclamation  is a word used to express an  emotion  or sentiment on the part of the speaker

Monday, October 21, 2019

Effective Listening and Communication

Effective Listening and Communication Since the dawn of time, humans have found a way to communicate. Early humans used symbols and markings in the walls to communicate with one another. Then as humans began to evolve, spoken language became the primary form of communication. At first, there was one language used by all humans, but eventually there became different languages for different cultures. In today's society, there are many different spoken languages throughout the world, however, body language and symbols are still used as universal communication. Verbal communication is the most complex mode. Since effective communication occurs only when the intended meaning is fully received and understood by the listener. It not only requires word knowledge, proper grammar, and understanding ways of delivering the message total communication requires a skilled listener. An unskilled listener is often the reason for breakdowns in communication.Now according to the SCAN report (Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Sk ills) published by the United States Department of Labor, listening is a basic skill requirement for any job candidate.CommunicationThe report defines listening as the ability to receive, attend to, interpret, and respond to verbal messages and other cues. Other cues in communication can be such things as tone of voice, body language, or the use of symbols. The choice of words or language in which a sender encodes a message will influence the quality of communication. Due to the variety of languages in the world, misinterpretation often occurs. Often each individual will interpret the same words differently. Many factors affect how an individual will interpret meaning to particular words. For this reason, it is important to understand your audience and their background and to properly convey your message. Listening properly is the next step in the communication process. The purpose of effective listening is to convey interest...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Azelaic Acid Essay Example

Azelaic Acid Essay Example Azelaic Acid Paper Azelaic Acid Paper Abstract Azelaic acid is an essential acid that has emerged to answer most skin problems. Through several researches, it has been proven to treat even the most common skin problems. This paper will discuss Azelaic acid and its capabilities in treating skin illnesses. Azelaic Acid Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this present era of innovations, new discoveries continue to emerge. Scientists, researchers, and even individuals continue to experiment and try new stuff that will answer their inquisitiveness or needs. In the field of skin care, an acid has been found and considered to be an effective cure for most common skin problems. This acid is known as Azelaic acid. Since its discovery, many beauty product manufacturers are adding it as an ingredient. Azelaic Acid: Definition   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Azelaic acid is a â€Å"saturated dicarboxylic acid that occurs naturally in wide variety of whole grains such as rye, barley, and wheat† (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008, n.p.). It has a yellowish- to white-powder appearance (MSN Encarta, 2008). Small amount of Azelaic acid can also be found in the human body. Generally, an acid is characterized to be sour and corrosive. However, and Azelaic acid is one that is weak and non-corrosive. Thus, it is safe to be applied on the skin. Benefits of Azelaic Acid   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Azelaic Acid has been commonly used as treatment for skin cancer and other disorders of the skin (MSN Encarta, 2008). Researches also show that Azelaic acid is an effective antibacterial (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008). This is so because the acid is helpful is destroying and reducing the growth of bacteria. Commonly, Azelaic Acid has been used as a treatment and prevention for acne, pimples, and blackheads. This is so because Azelaic acid is capable of destroying the bacteria that causes acne, clearing the pores of the skin, and reducing the keratin (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008). Notably, a keratin is a natural substance that also contributes in the development of acne. Azelaic acid has also been proven to be effective in repairing skin discoloration by efficiently destroying the free radicals and reducing inflammation. Free radicals are atoms or molecules that attack the cell membranes’ structure that will create metabolic waste products such as lipofuscins (Klatz Goldman, 2003). An excess of the lipofuscins has been shown to cause skin darkening or â€Å"age- spots,† because they are only visible on certain parts of the skin (Klatz and Goldman, 2003, p. 23). Furthermore, Azelaic acid effectively reduces the pigmentation of the skin. Thus, Azelaic acid is good also for those who are bothered by their dark skin. In addition, Azelaic acid is good for those people suffering from melasma. Melasma is derived from Greek word â€Å"melas† which means black; it is characterized as blotchy, irregularly patterned, brown or sometimes grey- brown hyper-melanosis of the face and occasionally evident on the neck (Katsambas, Stratigos, Lotti, 2003, p. 336). Being an acid and antibacterial, Azelaic acid is operative in moderating noticeable scars and spots caused by acne. Moreover, it is efficient in renewing and healing the skin because of its ability to kill the bacteria that causes the skin problem and ability to normalize the skin growth. Furthermore, Azelaic acid has been used for its efficiency in stimulating growth of hair. Azelaic acid has not yet been approved by the FDA as a treatment for hair loss. However, scholars say that it is effective because Azelaic acid has been found to potentially inhibit 5-Alpha-Reductase in human skin that eventually leads to the decrease of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes hair fall (Medline Plus, 2008). Azelaic Products Predominantly, Azelaic acid products are in the form of gel and cream. Cream usually contains only a solution of 20% of Azelaic acid mixed with other inactive ingredient such as glycerin, cetearyl octonoate, cocoglycerids, propylene glycol, and purified water to produce skin product (Niaze, p. 105). Gel, on the other hand is manufactured by adding benzoic acid, ETDA, 15% of Azelaic acid, among others (Niaze, p. 105). An Azelaic acid in the form of cream and gel makes the product mild, tolerable, and safe; it is used in treating rocasea which causes irritation, redness, and pimples (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008). One of the Azelaic Acid cream 20% manufactured, widely distributed, and used is Finevin as a cure for acne vulgaris (Doctor’s Guide. 2008). It is manufactured by Berlex Laboratories, Inc., an affiliation of Schering AG, Germany (Doctor’s Guide. 2008). Harmful Effects of Azelaic Acid Nevertheless, not all skin types react well on Azelaic acid. It also has drawbacks, especially if applied improperly. Some of the side effects include itching, burning, stinging, and tingling (Medline Plus, 2008).   Usually, Azelaic acid for acne has been advised to be used twice a day and only on parts affected by acne. Product makers also require patients experiencing side effects to consult their doctors immediately to avoid further damage. However, despite these side effects, millions of people in almost 70 countries use Azelaic acid for treating their facial problems. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The efficiency of the Azelaic acid has been proven because of its three powerful abilities. First, Azelaic acid is an antibacterial; it has the ability to destroy the bacteria found in the follicles that cause pimples and acne. Second, Azelaic acid is an anticomedonic; it inhibits formation of comodones which are squeezed from blackheads. The last ability is anti-inflammatory, which is essential in the reduction of free radicals. These three general abilities of Azelaic acid are vital in repairing skin problems that trouble both men and women. Nevertheless, these medications should be properly applied in order to avoid further skin complications. Furthermore, one must not use these products without consulting an expert first in order to ensure a satisfactory effect of the product. References Azelaic acid information. (2008). Azelaic Acid. Retrieved August 4, 2008 from azelaicacid-information.com/info/ Doctor’s Guide. (1995). FDA Approves Finevin (Azelaic Acid Cream 20%) For the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Acne. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from pslgroup.com/dg/1F9E26.htm Katsambas, A. D., Stratigos, A. J., Lotti, T. M. (2003). Melasma. In A. D. Katsambas T. M. Lotti (Eds.) European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments, 2nd Ed. (pp. 336–341). Berlin, Germany: Springer. Klatz, Ronald, Goldman Robert. (2003). The New Anti- Aging Revolution: Stopping the Clock for a Younger, Sexier, Happier You!. North Bergen, NJ: Basic Health Publications, Inc. Medline Plus. (2008). Azelaic Acid Topical. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a603020.html MSN Encarta. (2008). Azelaic Acid. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from http://encarta.msn-ppe.com:443/dictionary_701704442/azelaic_acid.html Niazi, S. (2004). Handbook of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Formulations. London: CRC Press.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

People Should Get Their Animals from the Animal Shelters instead of Essay

People Should Get Their Animals from the Animal Shelters instead of Breeders - Essay Example Analyzing human love to animals Irvine stated that â€Å"there can be no single answer to the question of why people form relationships with dogs and cats because our relationships with them have not been of a universal, standard type that could generate a once-and-for-all explanation† (Irvine, 2004). Each way of understanding, describing and treating animals is brightly described throughout history. However, first of all, any person should remember that animals are our best friends which will love us in spite of everything and are incapable of betrayal. Referring to the existed situation it becomes obvious that people need to take care of somebody or something, and a dog or a cat is a good variant of an animal for adoption. Animals can make us smile, and an appeal to take an animal from the humane society/animal shelters instead of breeders becomes more and more actual nowadays. Each year, tens of thousands of homeless cats and dogs get into shelters throughout our country. R ogers mentioned that â€Å"National figures indicate that about half of the animals in shelters are euthanized for lack of good homes† (Rogers, 1998). Thus, the situation with homeless animals has achieved its peak and we should improve it as soon as possible. In such a way, I want people to know that when they buy a pet at a pet store or a breeder, they deprive the animal of the shelter a hope to gain a caring family, taste food, etc. and make it homeless again. It means that buying the pet somewhere people not only deprive a chance for shelter animals to find a new home but also support the farm for the breeding of puppies for sale.  

Friday, October 18, 2019

International Business Analysis. Financial Crisis of 2007-2010 Essay

International Business Analysis. Financial Crisis of 2007-2010. Bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers - Essay Example These particular securities which were considered as poisonous resulted in making up a substantial fraction of their individual final asset base. The non-payments related to such securities promoted a significant credit crisis as every individual financial institution accumulated cash and called for the requirement for increasingly enlarged payments prior to lending it to others. The investment brokerages along with the banks situated in Wall Street rapidly lost capital of amounting to around US$175 billion between the time periods ranging from the year 2007 to the year 2008. Many large and sound financial institutions had to be rescued with the aid of huge amount of guarantees that were obtained from Federal Reserve. Numerous of the remaining ones ensured their continued existence with the help of selling large portions of their preferred stock along with assured best return rates, towards a sequence ‘sovereign funds’ that were believed to be possessed by the respective governments of Singapore, China, Abu Dhabi and South Korea among the rest (Blackburn, 2008).The financial institutions especially the banks suffered grave financial crisis owing to the apparent deeply faulty management in relation to the systematic risk. A quite significant part related to this particular issue was identified to be the fact that the central as well as a few of the prominent financial institutions made use of a obscure secondary form of banking system in order to conceal a great deal of their respective exposure. Renowned institutions such as Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank along with Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) were known to get engaged in huge amount of debt or due balances and as a result provided loans by employing the funds of other individuals in opposition to inadequately poor kind of collateral (The Chancellor of the Exchequer, 2009). The triggering factor behind the credit crisis was measured to be the growing payment failures among the people of the US who were believed to be in possession of the subprime mortgages during the previous quarter of the year 2006 and in the beginning of the year 2007 (Jaffee, 2008). The increasing rate of failure to make payments against the held mortgages by the individuals was identified to be the rise made with respect to the interest rates for the reason of defending the declining value of dollar. This particular scenario or condition resulted in the breakdown of numerous big and sound mortgage brokers between the months of February to March in the year 2007, however the real possibility of the issue only started to get recorded in the later periods. Fascinatingly, the initial bank that registered an issue in this regard was the Deutsche Bank who was learnt to be compelled to provide guarantee for two funds in the month of July’ 2007 that were supposed to be property-based (The Chancellor of the Exchequer, 2009). To sum up, the essential aspect t hat was realised regarding the financial crunch relates to the comprehension that across the globe, certain issues failed to be adequately well understood. The international standards pertaining to regulation along with the international agreement with regard to risk remained unsuccessful to carry on with the notion of financial innovation as well as globalisation. This definite mentioned aspect did not

Critical analysis of research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Critical analysis of - Research Paper Example Especially, play has proved to be a very effective way to understand and treat the children suffering from childhood abuse and trauma. The therapy that uses play as a means to treat people suffering from behavioral and personality problem is called as ‘play therapy’. Play therapy can be defined as â€Å"a helping interaction between a trained adult therapist and a child for the purpose of relieving the child’s emotional distress by using the symbolic communication of play† (Webb, 2007). However, it is important to know that ‘pleasure’ is not the only aspect of play that makes it so effective a method to treat people with behavioral problems. The question is what aspects of ‘play therapy’ make it an effective therapy to treat children suffering from childhood abuse and trauma? Knowing and understanding the aspects of play therapy that makes it effective in treating children suffering from trauma not only will make the treatment effe ctive but also can save a lot of time of treatment. Play therapy (PT) has been used as an effective method to treat children suffering from trauma caused by childhood abuse of sexual and physical nature. According to Mann and McDermott (1983), even though play therapy has been used successfully to treat the emotional and behavioral problems visible in children, a systematic guideline regarding the use of PT to assess and treat the children has not yet been introduced (White & Allers, 1994). Even in the absence of systematic guidelines or large number of studies, the researchers have been successful in understanding those aspects that make PT an effective therapy to treat children suffering from trauma and to build a solid foundation for a healthy and positive growth of their personality in the future. Howard has found that children suffering from childhood abuse and trauma display a specific behavior pattern during the play which reveals a lot about their maladjustments

The influence of Marxist theory in 'The Devil and Commodity Fetishism Essay

The influence of Marxist theory in 'The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America' by Michael Taussig - Essay Example aussig sets out the premise of his work as an attempt to interpret what are â€Å"to us in the industrialized world the exotic ideas of some rural people in Colombia and Bolivia concerning the meaning of the capitalist relations of production and exchange into which they are daily being drawn.† (Taussig,1983, p 3). Therefore, he sets up the critical vantage point that people in peripheral civilizations have on capitalism and suggests that they may offer valuable insight into western culture. On this basis therefore, it may be noted that Taussig appears to place the primitive people of these peripheral tribes of Bolivia and Colombia in a superior position to observe the western cultures, which in reality are the more primitive because they are based upon the system of capitalism. Marx introduces the concept of commodity fetishism in the introductory chapters of his work â€Å"Das Kapital† as a state of social relations which arise in complex capitalist market systems, where such relations are centered upon the value placed by people on commodities. The significance of Marx’s use of the term fetishism in the context of commodities lies in the fact that in Marx’s day, the word was primarily used in the context of primitive religions, therefore Marx’s relegation of commodities to fetishism signifies the primitive nature of the belief system which lies at the heart of modern society. Therefore, it is akin to an illusory role that Marx ascribes to private property which is often at the centre of capitalist systems. Applying this, Marx argues that the work of social relations among people appears to be conditioned not by their interactions, but largely by commodities in the marketplace, since it is the market that appears to decide who should do what for whom. As a result, human relations conditioned by the market become so commercial that people become unaware of their social relations and become alienated from their own social activity, because they are so lost in

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Employee relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Employee relations - Essay Example The model they suggest is a partnership between labour and management that would result in a â€Å"high performance workplace with mutual gains for both the organisation and workers.† (Betcherman et al., 1994; Guest, 1995 and Verma, 1995 cited in Bratton et al. 1999: 334). Any changes that sweep society in the economic, social and political fields, not to speak of technological advancements will have inevitable consequences in the employer-employee relationship. Consequently, in Britain, mass unemployment of the 1980s and various legislations that curtailed union activities have had a marked effect on the bargaining power of labour because of the reduction in trade union membership and institutional protection. These developments corroborate Dunlop’s theory of industrial relations systems described below. However the trend is not unique to the United Kingdom and is attributable to increased competition at the local, regional and global levels and heightened consumer expectations. A trade union is defined as â€Å"a continuous association of wage earners for the purpose of maintaining and improving the conditions of their employment.† (Webb, Sydney & Webb, Beatrice cited in Trade Union). Does this mean that by definition, there is a conflict of interest between a trade union that represents its members and the organisation that employs those members as workers, more so if the organisation is in the public sector? The objective of this paper is to analyse the conundrum by taking recourse to theoretical bases and wherever possible their practical applications. 1.2. John Dunlop’s theory of industrial relations systems: In his 1958 classic, Industrial Relations Systems, John T. Dunlop, described the role of three principle actors in all industrial relations systems. They are, management organisations, workers (whether

Sample Quality Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sample Quality - Article Example It lowers the cost of carrying out a research, enables faster collection of data, improves the quality of the data, and ensures homogeneity and accuracy of results. This paper will analyze sample quality in the listed articles. In doing this, paper will seek to define the population in each case and quote the sampling method used. It will also explain the choice of the sample and state who participated in the study. It will equally seek to qualify the research to other populations. In deducing, the sampling method used, it will be necessary to define the various sampling methods that we have. Random sampling involves the random selection of sample from the population. In cluster sampling, selection of samples is in clusters close to each other like households in the same estate. Quota sampling involves selection of samples nonrandom according to a fixed quota. Snowball sampling involves the identifying of samples that meet the criteria for inclusion in a study. Purposive sampling involves sampling with a  purpose  in mind.  Availability sampling involves using just the available samples (Trochim Web). In the article by Scott et.al, the population was all Canadian elderly patients with anxiety disorders and clinically significant anxiety symptoms. Quota sampling method selected a sample of 36,984 adults aged 55 years and above who participated in the Canadian Community Health Survey in 2008. The selection of the people in the sample was because they suitably represented the target population.  The actual participants in the study were 12,792 individuals, living in Canada (Scott et.al 792). The researchers cannot generalize it to other populations because the analysis focused on adults aged 55 years and above which are usually the minority in any society. In the Yang et.al study, population was all adolescents 6 months after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. Quota sampling selected a sample of 2,463 middle schools and grade 10 students. Their selection was

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The influence of Marxist theory in 'The Devil and Commodity Fetishism Essay

The influence of Marxist theory in 'The Devil and Commodity Fetishism in South America' by Michael Taussig - Essay Example aussig sets out the premise of his work as an attempt to interpret what are â€Å"to us in the industrialized world the exotic ideas of some rural people in Colombia and Bolivia concerning the meaning of the capitalist relations of production and exchange into which they are daily being drawn.† (Taussig,1983, p 3). Therefore, he sets up the critical vantage point that people in peripheral civilizations have on capitalism and suggests that they may offer valuable insight into western culture. On this basis therefore, it may be noted that Taussig appears to place the primitive people of these peripheral tribes of Bolivia and Colombia in a superior position to observe the western cultures, which in reality are the more primitive because they are based upon the system of capitalism. Marx introduces the concept of commodity fetishism in the introductory chapters of his work â€Å"Das Kapital† as a state of social relations which arise in complex capitalist market systems, where such relations are centered upon the value placed by people on commodities. The significance of Marx’s use of the term fetishism in the context of commodities lies in the fact that in Marx’s day, the word was primarily used in the context of primitive religions, therefore Marx’s relegation of commodities to fetishism signifies the primitive nature of the belief system which lies at the heart of modern society. Therefore, it is akin to an illusory role that Marx ascribes to private property which is often at the centre of capitalist systems. Applying this, Marx argues that the work of social relations among people appears to be conditioned not by their interactions, but largely by commodities in the marketplace, since it is the market that appears to decide who should do what for whom. As a result, human relations conditioned by the market become so commercial that people become unaware of their social relations and become alienated from their own social activity, because they are so lost in

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Sample Quality Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sample Quality - Article Example It lowers the cost of carrying out a research, enables faster collection of data, improves the quality of the data, and ensures homogeneity and accuracy of results. This paper will analyze sample quality in the listed articles. In doing this, paper will seek to define the population in each case and quote the sampling method used. It will also explain the choice of the sample and state who participated in the study. It will equally seek to qualify the research to other populations. In deducing, the sampling method used, it will be necessary to define the various sampling methods that we have. Random sampling involves the random selection of sample from the population. In cluster sampling, selection of samples is in clusters close to each other like households in the same estate. Quota sampling involves selection of samples nonrandom according to a fixed quota. Snowball sampling involves the identifying of samples that meet the criteria for inclusion in a study. Purposive sampling involves sampling with a  purpose  in mind.  Availability sampling involves using just the available samples (Trochim Web). In the article by Scott et.al, the population was all Canadian elderly patients with anxiety disorders and clinically significant anxiety symptoms. Quota sampling method selected a sample of 36,984 adults aged 55 years and above who participated in the Canadian Community Health Survey in 2008. The selection of the people in the sample was because they suitably represented the target population.  The actual participants in the study were 12,792 individuals, living in Canada (Scott et.al 792). The researchers cannot generalize it to other populations because the analysis focused on adults aged 55 years and above which are usually the minority in any society. In the Yang et.al study, population was all adolescents 6 months after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. Quota sampling selected a sample of 2,463 middle schools and grade 10 students. Their selection was

Anansi Boys essay Essay Example for Free

Anansi Boys essay Essay Spider (from Anansi Boys) was Fat Charlie’s brother, his father was a singer and always made fun and got in trouble. Loki (from Mythology) was not a god but the son of a giant, he always involved himself in many things. Spider and Loki seemed very similar in a couple of ways. One way that Loki and Spider compare is that wherever they are something bad happens. While describing Loki in the mythology book the author says, â€Å"Wherever he came trouble followed. † This shows that Loki can bring ill-luck. Spider came into Fat Charlie’s life and brought ill-luck to him. Another way that Loki and Spider compare is that they get involved in others lives. When Spider came into Fat Charlie’s life, Spider took his job, Fiancà ©e, he was always in Fat Charlie’s spot, but, Fat Charlie lived with it only because he was his brother. Loki always got involved in the gods difficulties and dangers, even when doing that he was still allowed to come freely to Asgard, he came because he had sworn brotherhood. The final way that they compare was the way that they were punished. In the mythology book Loki was taken to a deep cavern and had venom poured over him and he was in agony, and intense pain, his wife helped him. In Anansi Boys Spider was taken to another world where the tiger tied him up and kept him there. Spider’s tongue got cut off which also was the cause for agony and pain. Fat Charlie saved him from the tiger. Loki and Spider have many similarities and little differences. They tend to bring disturbance to the others around them, but they have people to care about them.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Causes and effects of childhood obesity

Causes and effects of childhood obesity Childhood obesity has become a worldwide epidemic, and the condition is now obvious much earlier in life. Thirty years ago, less than five percent of children were considered obese. Todays figures put the number of obese American children somewhere between 12 percent and 15 percent! That translates into millions of children, preteens, and teens suffering from very adult conditions like diabetes and depression related to weight gain (Tessmer, Beecher, Hagen, 2006). Overweight and obesity in childhood are recognized to have significant impact on physical and psychological health. There are several causes that lead children to become obese. Childhood obesity is now considered a disease and is diagnosed by doctors. Not all children that watch television several hours a day or are inactive or just eat mal-nutritious foods develop obesity, many children get obese because of genes inherited from their parents. Some children become obese because of their lifestyle. For example, late-day or night eating, snacking and other behavioral behaviors have influence on the progress of obesity. Moreover, social and economic conditions are shown to have a significant relationship to nutrition and dietary intake. In addition, there are certain effects resulted from childhood obesity such as physical, mental, emotional, and social effects. Obesity in childhood is responsible of early development in girls and delayed development in boys. Its also found to be associated with numerous medical problems related to physiological, metabolic, and structural changes. What is more is that obese children are more likely to develop psychological problems. Physical, social, and mental well-being is considered health related quality of life. Low self-esteem and social discrimination can be noted in obese children due to physical limitations, feelings of isolation or loneliness, and teasing from class mates. Causes and Effects of Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity has become a worldwide epidemic, and the condition is now obvious much earlier in life. Thirty years ago, less than five percent of children were considered obese. Todays figures put the number of obese American children somewhere between 12 percent and 15 percent! That translates into millions of children, preteens, and teens suffering from very adult conditions like diabetes and depression related to weight gain (Tessmer, Beecher, Hagen, 2006). Obesity is defined as a disproportionate buildup of stored fat tissue when compared to other tissues. Childhood obesity is now considered a disease and is diagnosed by doctors. Children become overweight for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. Moreover, socio-economic factors have influence on children, which may cause a child to become obese. In addition, there are certain effects resulted from childhood obesity such as physical, mental, emotional, and social effects. Diagnosis of Childhood Obesity Only a doctor can diagnose children for obesity by evaluating adiposity, or how much fat a person has. Adiposity can be assessed using different ways, for example, by using an underwater scale, or by an MRI, but these methods are considered excessive and expensive. Another way of evaluating children for obesity is by measuring the distribution of body fat. Also, a chart called the body mass index (BMI) is used to optimally measure the amount of fat person carries most frequently to differentiate between just an overweight child and the one who is really obese. In addition to BMI and charting weight on the growth charts, the doctor also evaluates the familys history of obesity and weight-related health problems, such as diabetes, the childs eating habits and calorie intake, the childs activity level, and any other health conditions the child may have. Causes of Childhood Obesity After the child gets diagnosed as obese, the doctor will start investigating the causes that lead this child to become overweight. To begin with, there are several causes that lead children to become obese. First of all, many children get obese because of heredity. Because of some genes inherited from parents, those children have higher risk of becoming overweight. For example, not all children that watch television several hours a day or are inactive or just eat mal-nutritious foods develop obesity. Therefore, heredity has been found to have effect on fatness, distribution of fat on body, and response to overfeeding. It has also been suggested that heredity does not only concern the genes but also resulting dietary habits, food intake, and lifestyle, including physical activity level and spontaneous interest in exercise (Paˆ¡rà ­zkovà ¡ Hills, 2004). Moreover, mothers whom are overweight are found to born neonates that are less active and gain more weight compared to ne onates born of normal weight mothers, which suggest a preserving energy inborn drive. The information taken from genes can suggest that genetic factors can take role to determine the susceptibility of adding or losing fat in response to physical activity and diet. The life style of some children also plays a role in being obese. Some behaviors, present in certain children (late-day or night eating, snacking, etc.) ease the progress or persistence of obesity. Children spend several hours each day watching television, and eating lot of snacks that is high in calorie. Food is nothing more than easy to cook energy. The potential energy is measured by the calories that are contained in specific amount and type of food. A body needs a minimum amount of calories in order to perform its basic functions, and the recommended caloric intake for this purpose varies according to age, body frame, and activity level (Tessmer, Beecher, Hagen, 2006). Obese children do not show excessive appetite fo r sweet foods. Children and adults simply enjoy foods high in fat. Ice cream, cakes, and biscuits are all examples of high fat foods which are very popular among obese and non-obese people alike. Physical activity is important for achieving proper energy balance, which is needed to prevent or reverse obesity (Flamenbaum, 2006). Moreover, distribution of body fat is affected independently by physical activity which affects body weight. Last but not least, social and economic conditions have a significant relationship to nutrition and dietary intake. For example, as income increases, the type of the diet is going more likely to change in a persistent manner. In particular, the sugar, protein and animal fat intake increases, while the intake of vegetable fat, complex carbohydrates and protein decreases. Also, if the family has a higher income, there might be an increase in take away readymade foods intake which is high in fat content or an increase in intake of meat. The lower social s upport in low social class is associated with a high food intake and higher weight of children. Another study showed that children from low-income families who were exposed to less cognitive stimulation and who had an obese mother showed an increased risk of obesity independent of other demographic factors (Paˆ¡rà ­zkovà ¡ Hills, 2004). However, the general effect of these changes in consumption behavior with the high intake of total fat is the increase in the occurrence of obesity. Effects of Childhood Obesity As a result of the above, there are certain effects that might result in children from being obese. To start with, the physical effects in childhood obesity include, for example, the increase adult morbidity in men for gout, and in women for arthritis. Obese children are usually above average height for age (Dietz, 1993). Obesity in childhood is responsible of early development in girls and delayed development in boys. For women, menstrual problems in middle age are found to be associated with childhood. Men whom are overweight during adolescence have three times more possibility to develop gout when compared with men whom where normal weight. Furthermore, Obesity in childhood is associated with numerous medical problems related to physiological, metabolic, and structural changes. Its suggested that adult obesity developed from childhood may be more problematic than adult-onset obesity due to an increased risk of the metabolic syndrome (Vanhala, 1998). Obese children have a higher ri sk for developing hypertension, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Research shows that obesity in children, particularly during adolescence, persists into adulthood and is associated with an increased risk of many diseases including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, cancers, respiratory disorders, gall bladder disease, infertility and several non-fatal but debilitating conditions (Flamenbaum, 2006). Obese children have approximately a threefold increased risk for hypertension compared to their normal-weight peers. The prevalence of obesity in children affected by diabetes was on average twofold from the age of 2 years onward compared to control children (Paˆ¡rà ­zkovà ¡ Hills, 2004). What is more is that obese children are more likely to develop psychological problems. Severely obese children recorded their quality of life with scores as low as children undergoing chemotherapy for cancer (Walker, 2005). Physical, social, and mental well-be ing is considered health related quality of life. Low self-esteem and social discrimination can be noted in obese children due to physical limitations, feelings of isolation or loneliness, and teasing from class mates, in example, which is frequent in young people who are obese. The age of onset of obesity, presence of emotional instability, and negative evaluation of obesity by others may predispose an obese person to a disturbed body image. These include during the formative years. Disturbances in adulthood are often commonplace in those who became obese during childhood or adolescence Depressed obese children are more likely to stay depressed all over adulthood. Prevention of Childhood Obesity The technique used to prevent childhood obesity is by keeping the weight from coming back. Such technique requires great effort as overweight is not just a hit-and-run problem, where the child can simply drop the weight and be free from obesity the rest of his life. Its always easy to get overweight than to lose weight. A child who lived a sedentary lifestyle with bad eating habits is at higher risk of getting back to such habits because such habits are just easy to follow. Its so a lot easier for children to sit at home and watch TV rather than going outside with others or alone to play. This is why parents, physicians, and nutritionists should sit together and set a plan for the child. The plan should include the restriction of fast food and soft drinks, limitation of time allocated for watching television or computer, and promotion of physical activity. However, this plan must be monitored and supervised by parents and a physician to ensure the elimination of any side effects that might occur from the prevention plan. Conclusion To summarize, childhood obesity is now considered a global epidemic. There are multiple causes that lead certain children to become obese. Genetic factors and environmental conditions play a great role in the early development of childhood obesity, but the condition varies in different countries. In addition, it appears that there are dangerous effects that result from being obese which can continue till adulthood. Therefore, parents should be aware of their children life style and the food they consume to avoid such health problems in their later adulthood. Moreover, the picture of the obese child as unhealthy, unfriendly and fat is best to prevent as early as possible. As for prevention of childhood obesity, it is also recommended that parents, physicians and nutritionists set together to set the proper plan. Nevertheless, there must be raising in alertness, consideration, and public understanding for the matter of childhood obesity

Sunday, October 13, 2019

GREECE :: essays research papers

Greece   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The two most dominating city-states in Greece of their time, Athens and Sparta, were great rivals with two very different ways of life. Sparta’s overbearing military and Athens’ impartial justice system and government are models for many modern day countries. Even though these two city-states differ greatly from one another, they share many characteristics of their country and their time period.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Athens and Sparta were the two most powerful Greek territories of their time. Like most cities of the same country, they have the same Greek culture, worshipping the same Greek gods and speaking Greek. Like all Greeks, their people loved to talk and tell stories. Although they fought against each other, their citizens equally had great amounts of pride for their entire country as well as their city-states. The two rivals were both devoted mainly to agriculture and based their wealth, but not their success, on agriculture. Both also participated in the annual Olympics, an ancient Greek national athletic competition which is now a worldwide tradition. These to Greek city-states were the most feared city-states in all of Greece.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Though Athens and Sparta were similar, they were also very different. Athens was the first democracy, and it was also the first to govern with trial by jury. Athens’ main accomplishment was that it had a very strong Navy. It was the command of the sea and the head of the Naval Alliance, or the Delian League. Athens was the most feared city-state to fight at sea. Its other achievements were that is had excellent forms of art, architecture, drama and literature, philosophy, science, and medicine. It was very wealthy and had beautiful, extravagant temples. The boys of Athens went to school between the ages of five and eighteen, where they learned reading, writing, mathematics, music, poetry, sports and gymnastics. The girls stayed at home and learned spinning, weaving and domestic arts. Athens had well educated men, a good sense of art, and an all-powerful navy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sparta developed the most powerful military oligarchy of their time. They had a very strong army and were the most feared city-state to fight on land. Sparta was a member of the Peloponnesian League and was the most powerful people in it. Its excellent military conquered many territories, which they controlled with slaves. Sparta’s sole achievement, other than military supremacy, was that its people possessed a simple life style, with no care for the arts of Athens. GREECE :: essays research papers Greece   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The two most dominating city-states in Greece of their time, Athens and Sparta, were great rivals with two very different ways of life. Sparta’s overbearing military and Athens’ impartial justice system and government are models for many modern day countries. Even though these two city-states differ greatly from one another, they share many characteristics of their country and their time period.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Athens and Sparta were the two most powerful Greek territories of their time. Like most cities of the same country, they have the same Greek culture, worshipping the same Greek gods and speaking Greek. Like all Greeks, their people loved to talk and tell stories. Although they fought against each other, their citizens equally had great amounts of pride for their entire country as well as their city-states. The two rivals were both devoted mainly to agriculture and based their wealth, but not their success, on agriculture. Both also participated in the annual Olympics, an ancient Greek national athletic competition which is now a worldwide tradition. These to Greek city-states were the most feared city-states in all of Greece.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Though Athens and Sparta were similar, they were also very different. Athens was the first democracy, and it was also the first to govern with trial by jury. Athens’ main accomplishment was that it had a very strong Navy. It was the command of the sea and the head of the Naval Alliance, or the Delian League. Athens was the most feared city-state to fight at sea. Its other achievements were that is had excellent forms of art, architecture, drama and literature, philosophy, science, and medicine. It was very wealthy and had beautiful, extravagant temples. The boys of Athens went to school between the ages of five and eighteen, where they learned reading, writing, mathematics, music, poetry, sports and gymnastics. The girls stayed at home and learned spinning, weaving and domestic arts. Athens had well educated men, a good sense of art, and an all-powerful navy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sparta developed the most powerful military oligarchy of their time. They had a very strong army and were the most feared city-state to fight on land. Sparta was a member of the Peloponnesian League and was the most powerful people in it. Its excellent military conquered many territories, which they controlled with slaves. Sparta’s sole achievement, other than military supremacy, was that its people possessed a simple life style, with no care for the arts of Athens.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Dog Soldiers :: essays research papers

Dog Soldiers is a story laced with despair, paranoia, and several other not so fuzzy moods, and this quote from the main character elegantly demonstrates this mood. The tone of the book was a point of interest and displeasure for me, since this was one of my first experiences with total negativity, it was a fun struggle for me to understand the point or the necessity of such an angry mood. At the same time it made me very uncomfortable, sometimes to the point where I would have to stop reading for the day. There is a constant stream of action in this story, which makes it rather difficult to process what's going on as it happens. The story rarely drags and it is written so that it feels very real and alive. Slang terms are used often too, which are also hard to understand. But after the first few chapters it seems that most readers are able to get around this and start enjoying the fast paced style in which the book is written. This style also adds to the mood of panic and paranoia that encompass the entire book as Marge, Hicks, and Converse try to flee with their dope. Marge, Hicks, and Converse are the book's three main characters, and as the plot follows first Converse's activities and then moves back and forth between Hicks and Converse, these two main characters develop into very complicated people. Marge's character isn't delved into as much, but it didn't seem to be that she was usually thinking about much besides the next time she could get high. Some of the things Converse and Hicks did or said still baffle me, just like the characters that are a part of my real life. Because all of the characters are so weak and hurt each other with such frequency and carelessness, I found it hard to like them, but I liked the fact that not many stories center on people of such violent natures. I had to read Dog

Friday, October 11, 2019

Springtime in the Canterbury Tales

Brooke Schweitzer Dr. O’Callaghan Eng 402 April 11, 2010 Springtime in The Canterbury Tales _See how the lilies of the field grow. †¦Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. -Matthew 6:28-29_ Springtime and beauty is inevitably linked in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Chaucer uses the images of springtime from the very beginning of the prologue to promote the idea of renewal and overall joyfulness. Not only is it used to establish tone or theme in the prologue, but is also used closely with the descriptions of beauty for the tales that follow. Chaucer knew that that his readers would without hesitation identify with springtime and the idea of renewing ourselves for a new season, just like the pilgrims we read about. Anyone who reads the Canterbury Tales will find pilgrims who are not without faults going on a pilgrimage to a religious site looking to purify themselves. By placing them in springtime he has set up a direct contrast between what early Christians would have deemed a â€Å"holy† life and the ones led by the travelers. Found even in descriptions of beauty. The pilgrims stories are in way, asking us to look closely at our own nature and perhaps institute the idea of changing ourselves for the better. Chaucer uses an intense theme of springtime to promote the ideas of youthfulness and beauty. The most prominent example is in the very opening lines of the General Prologue, â€Å"Whan that April with his shoures soote/ The droghte of March hath perced to the roote/ And bathed every veyne in swiche licour† (Pg 41 line 1-3) In the beginning we have the opening of April. We know that it is the very beginning of the month because the second line mentions that â€Å"March hath pierced to the roote. Although many would say that this would mean there had been a â€Å"droghte† leaving things dry. When I read this line I considered the geographical weather patterns of Britian and concluded that it is always raining there. Even if the weather may have been different than the weather patterns we have there today, I assumed this to be a poetic way to say that March has completed it’s time. Along with the idea of the beginning of April, Chaucer tells us, â€Å"†¦With†¦ shoures soote/†¦And bathed every veyne in swiche licour. † So we have the imagery of everything being drenched in nutrient rich water. If everything is healthy, we can assume then that all the flowers, trees, grass and even the animals are now young and growing. Nature is awakening to a renewed season just like the pilgrims seeking renewal. The direct connection with our own self renewal along with nature is also mirrored in the descriptions of beauty. There are at least two examples of the women of the tales being described in terms of nature and the beauty of spring. In the Knights Tale Emily is described, â€Å"that fairer was to sene/ than the lylie upon his stalk green/ and fressher than the May with Floures newe. Again we are seeing this connection with not only a flower but again the idea of early May with new, young flowers. She is fresh, without blemish. She is indeed then the perfect idea of beauty. She does not need renewal or to change her nature. I believe that it is safe to say that in Chaucer’s time the image would be in the likness of freshness in terms of faith. Perhaps by describing Emily i n such a way the idea is that she is without sin. She is the perfect idea of a Christian lady. We see this again when the carpenter’s wife from the Miller’s Tale is described. Her looks are described at length until it is mentioned, â€Å"She was full moore blissful to see/ Than is the newe perejonette tree. † It is rather comedic that she is compared to a young tree. Unlike a young flower, a young pair tree is small and frail. It does not have many leaves or contain much fruit. In modern day terms it is difficult to see beauty in a tree. Trees are certainly something to marvel, but the point being that she is beautiful but is not without her faults. Unlike Emily from the former story, she has some rough edges. She is described as wild and flighty, By setting up these two different descriptions, Chaucer shows the reader that it is far better to be a â€Å"lily on a stalk of green† than â€Å" a new pear tree. We are seeing how the pilgrims want to change themselves to resemble something as fresh as a flower. It also worth considering the idea that since we define the beginning of spring when we first start to see flowers and leaves on trees, that perhaps Chaucer is saying that women are in control of love? By describing them in such a way could suggest that many of the women in the stories are in control of the situation. They can deny or accept a man. Although the connections between the springtime setting and the descriptions of beauty are subtle ones, they impact the overall theme that the reader takes away from the story. Like the pilgrims, we find ourselves being educated, entertained and chastised for our behavior. Springtime is a time of freshness and everything having a new start. Having an overall Christian audience for his story, Chaucer new they would relate to the freshness of spring. It is the same reason we celebrate Easter today. The entire tradition relies on the idea of being â€Å"born again† and rising up from who we are before. It is about letting go of the faults that hold us down. Just like the pilgrims in the stories we read, we reflect on the morals that the travelers tell each other. By the end we find that the common and rich alike have them and it is about who we as people believe we should behave, live and learn.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

The Story of Tom Brennan Quotes

Story of Tom Brennan quotes: 19 -â€Å"Sudden death, sudden death fellas. † 26 –â€Å"that was the thing I couldn’t get my head around – there would be a tomorrow, and a day after that, and a day after that. The world went on regardless of how I felt. † 71 –â€Å"All we could do was stand around†¦ Watching Finn and a machine that heaved and clicked with each breath it took for him. † 101- â€Å"I changed my clothes cause Finn’s blood was on my jeans and jumper, but I can still smell him on my skin, especially my hands though I was washed them a hundred times. 116 –â€Å"That’s all right, she whispered. How about you saying grace tonight? † 120 –â€Å"And if you’d asked me then what I thought, I would’ve said nothing or no one could take that away from us. † 124 –â€Å"like I said, that was a low point. † 128 –â€Å"Being a team player, you should have k nown better. † 132 –â€Å"Give him my love. She whispered. Tell him I’m always thinking of him. † 134 –â€Å"Didn’t they realise we weren’t like everyone else here? † 139 –â€Å"Tom, he swallowed. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry you had to leave the Billi. I’m so, so sorry. † 148 –â€Å"You could be Finn. 152 –â€Å"Talking about a waste. † 154 –â€Å"Fair? Kath yelled. Fair! † 157 –â€Å"One small step for man. One giant leap for mankind. Cause today, for my family, that’s what it was like. † 167 –â€Å"You know, today I’m going to the Hill Deli to buy one of their home-made lasagnes. I hear they’re delicious. † 183 –â€Å"When I walked into the school gates†¦ no one turned to look at us. No one pointed, no one whispered behind their hands. † 185 –â€Å"I felt lighter. I no longer had the bu rden of carrying a secret. And the consequences – well there was none. 185 –â€Å"At least she liked watching the footy show. We’d have a good laugh over that. Sometimes she wasn’t too bad. † 210 –â€Å"†I know it hurts Tom†¦ but we can’t undo what’s done. Bennie’s is giving you a chance and, as pathetic as it may seem to you, it’s still a chance. † 217 –â€Å"We’d reached the top of the ascent. I’d made it up without even realising. † 260 –â€Å"Blue upon blue which was what our families had become – sad, angry, guilt ridden, confused, lost. Blue or for some of us black. † 283 –â€Å"That was the morning Tom Brennan came back forever. †