AmericanGovernment essays

AmericanGovernment essays The mass media plays an important role informing the majority of the public of political issues as well as government. Starting with radio then moving on to television allowed campaigners and news to be broadcast to large masses of people. I think for the most part it does perform its role properly, though in some cases they tend to be a little too aggressive. Overall, the reporting of the presidential election covered what it needed to with debates between candidates and details of their campaigns. Ideological - primarily single issue groups, highly motivated and seeing politics as a means to pursue their one issue. b) Public Interest - groups that make a specific claim to promote the public interest. c) Foreign Policy - groups that organize to promote or oppose certain foreign policies. d) Government - governmental lobbying that represents many cities and states at the state legislature. Interest groups play an important role to lobby for goals like wage increases, conducting research, and influencing public opinion. The NAACP is an urban interest group formed because of under representation in state and national legislatures. forming a political party is a strategy where an interest group forms one to have an advantage over another candidate in an election. b) Cooperative lobbying is where an interest group forms an alliance with another group for a mutual cause. Such as a food group that represents many businesses and trade organizations to fight truth in package legislation. c) Litigation is a method of interest groups where they use the court system to fight for their interest or cause. d) Mass Mailing is a method of interest groups where new technologies such as email, websites, or basic advertising is used to publicize the means of the interest group and to gain people interest and support. I think the mass mailing is most effective because gaining support by a majority of people is one of the best ways...

A Brief History of the Selfie

A Brief History of the Selfie Selfie is the slang term for self portrait, a photograph you take of yourself, usually taken using a mirror or with a camera held at arms length. The act of taking and sharing selfies has become widely popular due to digital cameras, the internet, the ubiquity of social media platforms like Facebook and, of course, because of peoples endless fascination with their own image. The word selfie was even chosen as the Word of the Year in 2013 by the Oxford English Dictionary, which has the following entry for the word: a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website. History of the Self Portrait So who took the first selfie? In discussing the invention of the first selfie, we have to first pay homage to the film camera and the early history of photography as photography self portraits were taking place long before the invention of Facebook and smartphones. One example is American photographer Robert Cornelius, who took a self portrait daguerreotype (first practical process of photography) of himself in 1839. The image is also considered one of the earliest photographs of a person. In 1914, 13-year-old Russian Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna took a self portrait using a Kodak Brownie box camera (invented in in 1900) and sent the photograph to a friend with the following note, I took this picture of myself looking at the mirror. It was very hard as my hands were trembling. Nikolaevna appears to have been the first teenager to take a selfie. So Who Invented the Selfie?   Australia has laid claim to inventing the modern day selfie. In September 2001, a group of Australians created a website and uploaded the first digital self portraits onto the internet. On 13 September 2002, the first recorded published use of the term selfie to describe a self portrait photograph occurred on the Australian internet forum (ABC Online). The anonymous poster wrote the following along with posting a selfie of himself: Um, drunk at a mates 21st, I tripped over and landed lip first (with front teeth coming a very close second) on a set of steps. I had a hole about 1cm long right through my bottom lip. And sorry about the focus, it was a selfie. A Hollywood cameraman named Lester Wisbrod claims he is first person to take celebrity selfies, (a self-taken photo of himself and a celebrity) and has been doing so since 1981. Medical authorities have begun to associate the taking of too many selfies as a potentially unhealthy sign of mental health issues. Take the case of 19-year-old Danny Bowman, who attempted suicide after failing to take what he considered the perfect selfie. Bowman was spending most of his waking hours taking hundreds of selfies everyday, losing weight and dropping out of school in the process. Becoming obsessed with taking selfies is often a sign of body dysmorphic disorder, an anxiety disorder about personal appearance. Danny Bowman was diagnosed with this condition.

Anotted Bibliography Annotated Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Anotted - Annotated Bibliography Example This is another important factor that has to be considered. This is book that was authored by Paul Hawken. He has been on the field doing a lot of research on the persons that have been on the forefront for the bringing back of justice and environmental concerns to the society. In this book, Paul is quite concerned and focuses on a group or social movement that has being of no point or rather ignored by the political class in the society. He therefore talks much on the differences and the diversity of this category of people. In his piece of writing, he says that this group has very brilliant and innovative ideas that are quite constructive to the society. This is a group that is considered to be the largest in the World’s history of movements and associations. Baker, D. P., Thorne, S., Gamson, D., & Blair, C. (2006, August 11).Cognition, culture, and institutions: Affinities within the social construction of reality. Paper presented at the American Sociological Association Annual Conference in Montreal, Canada. This paper has its focus on the history of paradigm. The point of discussion or the bone of contention here is on the social construction of reality, (SCR). In this book, it highlights the development of the societal institutions. In the argument, it is well explained in the book on how the mental growth of the various institutions that are based on the collective reality of thoughts and ideas. This is in the essence that the people through their ways of socialization engage in the constructive mental thoughts and discussions with a lot of cognitive restructuring in the interaction for the better of the society and the environment. Harvey, M., & Buckley, M. R. (2002). Assessing the & quote; conventional wisdoms "e; of management for the 21st century organization. Organizational Dynamics, 30(4), 368-378. .

Nutritional Therapy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Nutritional Therapy - Assignment Example In this assignment, where a dietary assessment would be undertaken of the micronutrients in my diet, and I will list all foods eaten in a three-day period in the second half of the week, where a weekend diet is also included. Although this provides a fair idea about the usual diet, this method has been criticized to be not totally accurate. This is because, the subjects either forget or are not totally truthful. They are also sometimes inclined to say they have eaten certain foods because they know they should have done so. However, in the absence of a more reliable method, this option is worth exploring. In this assignment, the collated data will be analyzed by a computer software programme to determine of the nutrient intake has been appropriate. It will accurately reveal any nutrient deficiencies from this dairy. Rice, white, long-grain, parboiled, enriched, dry; Vegetables, mixed, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt; Soup, vegetable beef, dry, mix; Chicken, meatless, breaded, fried; Fruit punch drink, frozen concentrate Rice, white, medium-grain, cooked; Vegetables, mixed, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt; Chicken breast tenders, cooked, microwaved; Soup, chicken broth cubes, dry; Desserts, flan, caramel custard, prepared-from-recipe When these steps are evaluated together, the dietician has the best possible opportunity to make an accurate nutritional assessment. ... Personal Food Diary Day 2 Meal Contents of the Meal Notes Breakfast Cereals, ready-to-eat, ALPEN; Milk, indian buffalo, fluid; Egg, whole, cooked, scrambled; "Apples, canned, sweetened, sliced, drained, unheated Lunch BURGER KING, Chicken WHOPPER Sandwich; Hot Cocoa Mix Rich Chocolate With Marshmallows Dinner Rice, brown, medium-grain, cooked; Potato salad, home-prepared; Beef, corned beef hash, with potato, canned; Vegetarian stew; Desserts, apple crisp, prepared-from-recipe Snacks Candies, NESTLE, AFTER EIGHT Mints Beverages None Food Groups Food Groups Milk and Dairy X X Meats X X Grains X Fruits X X X Vegetables X X X Other X X X Computer Analysis Personal Food Diary Day3 Meal Contents of the Meal Notes Breakfast Bread, wheat; Papaya nectar, canned Lunch Rice, white, medium-grain, cooked; Vegetables, mixed, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt; Chicken breast tenders, cooked, microwaved; Soup, chicken broth cubes, dry; Desserts, flan, caramel custard, prepared-from-recipe Dinner Rice noodles, cooked; Veal, ground, cooked, broiled; Fish, haddock, smoked; Vegetarian stew; Fruit salad, (pineapple and papaya and banana and guava), tropical, canned, heavy syrup, solids and liquids Snacks Snacks, fruit leather, pieces Beverages Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, white Food Groups Food Groups Milk and Dairy X X X X X Meats X X X Grains X X Fruits X Vegetables X X X Other X X X X Computer Analysis When these steps are evaluated together, the dietician has the best possible opportunity to make an accurate nutritional assessment. This information can then be used by the dietician or the nutritional

Bio-Diesel Fuel Essay Example for Free

Bio-Diesel Fuel Essay Biodiesel is an environmentally-friendly and low polluting fuel derived from waste or fresh vegetable oils (triglycerides) or animal oils (which is a renewable source of energy). It can be utilized alone or along with petroleum diesel fuel. However, by itself it does not contain any petroleum products. Biodiesel can be utilized in internal combustion, conventionally using diesel without many alterations in the engine design. The fuel is free from sulphur and harmful aromatic substances, and hence is comparable less toxic. It is 75% cleaner than conventional diesel in terms of pollutants produced during burning. It contains mono-akyl esters of long-chain fatty acids that are usually obtained from animal fats or vegetable oils. It has to meet the criteria laid down by the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM). One of the common formulas containing biodiesel is B20, which contains 20 percent biodiesel and the remaining 80 percent petroleum products. This mixture has proven to be environmentally friendly and has also significantly reduced the costs of fuel in terms of petroleum imports. It meets the criteria of the Energy Policy Act (EPA), 1992. B20 may cause a slight reduction in power, torque and fuel economy, but this does not cause an apparent problem. In the US, biodiesel utilized as a fuel or a fuel additive, has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the standards set by the California Air Resources Agency (CARB). Even 100% biodiesel (B100) has been recognized an alternative and environmentally friendly fuel by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Transportation in the US. Before the customer blends biodiesel with regular diesel, it should be ensured that the specifications laid down by the ASTM are met. These specifications make sure that the customer will not develop operational problems. The operations aspects and air quality will improve only if the specifications of the ASTM are being met (suggesting quality fuel). Biodiesel or its products should only be purchased from accredited manufacturers and certified suppliers. A biodiesel quality control program known as ‘BQ-9000’ has been initiated by the ASTM, which has laid down certain quality standards under ASTM-D-6751. The various procedures under the quality program include storage, sampling, testing, retailing, transportation, marketing, etc. It also ensures that improvements are made in the BQ-9000 system. In the US, legislation has been set up to improve the quality of air known as the ‘Clean Air Act’. So far, biodiesel has been the only alternative fuel that has met the health specifications laid down under this act. Biodiesel reduces the amount of un-burnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and emitted particles, when compared to burning petroleum diesel alone. Biodiesel helps to reduce acid rain and the other ill-effects of vehicular pollution by reducing the amount of sulphur oxide emission and sulphates. The un-burnt hydrocarbons can have a disastrous effect on the ozone layer. The US imports approximately 11 million barrels of crude petroleum every day. A quarter of this is converted into diesel which is utilized for vehicular, industrial and domestic purposes. If a small quantity of biodiesel is blended with petroleum diesel, the nation can significantly reduce its imports of petroleum. In 2004, the US used about 36 millions gallons in 2004 of biodiesel, which is expected to increase in future. Biodiesel is prepared by chemically vegetable and animal oils (such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, other cooking oils, etc) with short-chain alcohol (such as ethanol and methanol), along with a catalyst. Biodiesel is produced along with glycerin. Other than a reduction in pollution levels, biodiesel also offers a huge range of other advantages. The fuel has a better lubricating property compared to normal pertroleum diesel and hence decreases engine wear and tear. Even a 1% biodiesel level in regular diesel can help lubricate the engine. This property of biodiesel helps to compensate for the low sulphur levels to be utilized in fuels by the year 2006. Low-sulphur fuels tend to be harsh on the engine, and biodiesel can help compensate for this. Biodiesel significantly lowers the pollutant emission levels. The extents to which the pollutants emitted are reduced depend on the blend levels. B100 reduces carbon dioxide emission by about 78% compared to normal petroleum. On the other hand, B5 lowers CO2 emission by about 3. 8%. Besides, the levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, aromatic substances, particulate matter and other toxic substances are reduced to levels depending on the blend. However, Nitrogen oxides are increased very slightly with biodiesel. B20 produces a 2 to 4 % increase in the levels of nitrogen oxides, whereas B5 produce an increase in nitrogen oxides which cannot be felt. However, very recent studies have shown that biodiesel use do not cause any problem with nitrogen oxide emission when used. Biodiesel of higher blends tend to destroy elastomers and rubber compounds over a long period. Hence, manufacturers are trying to reduce utilization of these substances in the vehicles. However, B20 and lower blends have no significant effect on elastomers and rubber substances present in the vehicles. Fuel systems that should be compatible with higher range blends need to change over to more compatible rubbers and elastomers. Biodiesel tends to dissolve paints as it is a good solvent. Hence, it is advised that surfaces be wiped whenever biodiesel is suspected to spill over. Biodiesel is a very combustible substance and tends to degrade over time. It produces heat as it degrades. Hence, necessary precautions need to be taken whenever it is stored. Biodiesel when purchased should be utilized within 3 months. The fuel should be stored in a clean, cool, dark and dry place, away from sunlight. Usually aluminum, steel, Teflon, fluorinated polyethylene or fluorinated polypropylene can be utilized to store biodiesel. Biodiesel has a good auto-ignition capability (similar to that of octane). Fuels having lower auto-ignition property tend to be very rough on the engine; produce higher amounts of engine deposits and are very difficult to start especially during winter or at places at higher altitudes. Biodiesel burns at a lower temperature and this can be less traumatic to the engine. Biodiesel can significantly cope with this problem, raising the cold weather properties. It is often utilized in states having cold climates without any significant problem. Petroleum diesel is known to produce a deposit at the bottom of fuel tanks, lines and delivery units, which slowly increase over time. Even utilizing biodiesel occasionally can help to dissolve these deposits. Thus the need to purchase new filters, servicing of the vehicles and the reduction in the engine life can be reduced by utilizing biodiesel and its blends. Biodiesel of the types B20 and below can be utilized in all types of engines including those having advanced fuel injections systems. Biodiesel is available in all the states in the US. More and more retailers are becoming aware of the advantages of biodiesel and are stocking the product. When production of biodiesel was initiated, it was slightly costlier than regular diesel. However, in October, 2004, the US President made an effort to lower the tax on biodiesel blends, thus lowering the cost of the product in the market. The EPA legislation also provides a lot of incentives for biodiesel users. The demand for biodiesel is slowly increasing, as people and manufactures are becoming aware of its beneficial effects. Besides, the Governments tax strategy and the legislations existing have enabled rapid growth of the biodiesel industry. Many car and truck manufacturers are suggesting the Use of B5 and B20 in its vehicles. In the light-vehicle sector, the sales will go up from 3. 2 % in 2004, to 10 % in 2015. The biodiesel industry is almost grown by three times within a year. In 2004, 25 millions gallons of biodiesel was produced, which rose to 75 million gallons by 2005. It is expected to grow further in 2006. Biodiesel is being known by several trade names and logos which would definitely attract customers. References: Biodiesel. Org (2007). Biodiesel Commonly Asked Questions. Retrieved January, 21, 2007, from Biodiesel. Org Web site: http://www. biodiesel. org/pdf_files/fuelfactsheets/CommonlyAsked. PDF Biodiesel. Org (2007). Biodiesel Usage Checklist. Retrieved January, 21, 2007, from Biodiesel. Org Web site: http://www. biodiesel. org/pdf_files/fuelfactsheets/bdusage. PDF BQ9000 (2007). BQ-9000 Quality Management Program. Retrieved January, 21, 2007, from BQ9000 Web site: http://www. bq-9000. org/ Journey to Forever (1999). Biodiesel. Retrieved January, 21, 2007, from Journey to Forever Web site: http://journeytoforever. org/biodiesel. html National Biodiesel Board (2007). Biodiesel Backgrounder. Retrieved January, 21, 2007, from Biodiesel. Org Web site: http://www. biodiesel. org/pdf_files/fuelfactsheets/backgrounder. PDF US Department of Energy (2005). Clean Cities. Retrieved January, 21, 2007, from USDOE Web site: http://www. eere. energy. gov/cleancities/blends/pdfs/37136. pdf

Importance of Human Interaction in William Faulkners A Rose for Emily

Importance of Human Interaction in William Faulkner's A Rose for Emily Are human beings responsible for the well being of others that they come into contact with? William Faulkner's story "A Rose for Emily" considers the significance that human interaction has or does not have on people's lives. Faulkner creatively uses a shocking ending to cause readers to reevaluate their own interactions with others in their lives. Throughout the story, Faulkner uses characters that may relate to the readers more than they want to admit. Homer Barron, the construction worker from the North, and the residents of Jefferson are used to expose the opportunities, although different, they are afforded to affect the life of Emily Grierson, who is the town's recluse. Faulkner offers Homer and the townspeople opportunities to affect Emily's life, and the story tells how these humans react to Emily and her situation. Ultimately, Homer and the townspeople choose not to intervene, and thus the devastation of Emily's life is inevitable. First, before human interaction can occur, an emotional response has to be provoked. Faulkner uses human curiosity to provide the opportunities that Homer and the residents of Jefferson will have to affect Emily's life. At one time, all people would have wanted to be included in the same social class to which Emily and her father belonged. Just as in Faulkner's own life, the Civil War changed life in the South forever. Emily is now a misplaced icon as industry has taken over her street, and the once-beautiful house is decaying and oddly out of place among the garages and the machines. Faulkner refers to Emily's house as "an eyesore among eyesores." Like her house, Emily has fallen out of grace, and the townspeople ... ...d leaning forward, that faint and invisible dust dry and acrid in the nostrils, we saw a long strand of iron-gray hair." So desperate for human contact, Emily has been sleeping next to a dead man's body. No one in the whole town had the slightest human insight to see this lady's predicament of needing human contact. Faulkner could be drawing attention to the proximity of a desperate person in the reader's life and could be questioning whether or not the reader will react once he acknowledges the need. The world needs more human interactions that overcome fear, hatred, and death. If curiosity evokes action and if this action produces guidance, not necessarily conformity, then human beings truly can have a significant effect on others' lives. Works Cited: Faulkner, William. "A Rose for Emily." Collected Stories of William Faulkner. New York: Random House, 1950.

Current Article: Deviance & Control

Current Article: Deviance & Control I chose an article from the Atlanta Metro Newspaper. The article I chose to write about had to do with Bishop Eddie Long and his ex-wife’s allegations of his beating her throughout their marriage. There is a lot going on in the news about Mr. Long and his allegations of sexual coercion with four young men. If this isn’t a form of deviance, than I don’t what is. I know deviance deals with crime that that break cultural norms and this subject breaks a lot of our cultural norms as Americans.You would think that a Bishop would not fit this topic at all, but it just goes to show that anyone is capable of committing a crime, even a Bishop. I feel that the author uses different sociological perspectives. This article isn’t necessarily trying to get the reader to believe that Mr. Long is guilty of these allegations; the author is simply stating that it is out of the norm to hear about a Bishop being accused of beating his wi fe and sexual coercion. With a fallacy, an argument of some sort should be brought up in the case. The fallacy of logic in this article is whether or not Mr.Long is guilty of the allegations brought by his wife of domestic violence during their marriage. This would actually be a deductive argument being that his wife is a witness and that the argument contains some form of evidence that could back this allegation up. Another fallacy brought up in this article is accusing Mr. Long of sexual coercion on four counts with four different victims. This fallacy would also be an example of a deductive argument because it involves victims who are actual witnesses to the crime. I actually would not have treated the subject any different.The author used great reasoning for her belief and opinion throughout the article which is how I would have handled the subject. Just because Mr. Long is a Bishop, does not mean that he should be treated any different in this situation. This is not the first c ase of a pastor or bishop being accused for such allegations. I know for me and my cultural, it is just shocking to see and African American Bishop of a Baptist church being accused for two different harsh allegations.Link: http://www. ajc. com/news/dekalb/bishop-eddie-long-ex-646136. html

Examine the Role of Rawiri in the Whale Rider Essay

Rawiri plays an important role in the novel which helped unfolding the events, ranging from minor to significant ones. He relates the events in the ‘Whale Rider’ as the role of the narrator, allowing the readers to form judgements and learn about things such as the Maori way of life and the characters through his eyes. He also give us his insights as he highlights themes and issues mentioned, like racial discrimination. Besides that, he is the one who sees the many signs of Kahu’s destiny as the leader of the tribe, piecing up a complete picture of her eventual rise as the leader. Additionally, he is her guardian, always protecting and looking out for her. With his carefree personality, he often provides comic relief especially in times of tension. As the narrator, Rawiri relates the events through his personal experience and conversations. This allows us to have a deeper understanding of what had happened that lead to the progress of the story. For example, we know what the relationship between Koro and Nanny is unusual yet endearing as they often quarrel in a chidish manner, like during the time Nanny rowed out to sea to get him back when he was out sulking about Kahu’s birth. We also know that Nanny’s headstrong personality is partially influenced by the fact that her ancestor, Muriwai, inspires her to champion the rights of women. All these enable us to know more about the characters and thus understand the reasons behind certain actions these characters make. He also highlights the theme of gender discrimination through Koro’s steadfast opposition to Kahu as he ‘virtually hurled’ her out of the meetinghouse, a place not for females, and told her to ‘go away’ many times, not even considering her as a potential leader even though she displays many outstanding qualities like leadership skills. During his time at Papua New Guinea, he also highlighted the issue of racial discrimination as he himself with the other natives are discriminated and marginalised. Rawiri is referred to as ‘home dogs and strays’ by Clara and that Jeff’s family did not care to even send Bernard to the hospital when they knocked him down because he is ‘only a native’. Through his insights, we get to know the harsh reality of class distinctions that is existent among different races, leading to ostracism. Besides that, Rawiri witnesses the signs foreshadowing Kahu’s future as the leader of the Maori tribe. Kahu is multi-talented, is the ‘leader of the culture group’ and ‘love to sing the Maori songs’ and even gave her speech at the end-of-year ceremony entirely in Maori. At such a young age, Kahu unusually displays many outstanding qualities that is required for a leader, and this suggest to the readers that she has what it takes and will eventually take up the leadership position as well. She ‘cried’ during the whale-beaching movie, ‘not even a lollipop would satisfy her’ and even ‘make a mewling sound at her throat’ when she witnessed the scene of whale-hunting on the beach. This shows that she is able to empathise and relate to the whales and there is a sense of communion between them, an ability that not even Koro possessed. He also saw her retrieving the stone from the deep waters, when all the other boys could not even do it. His narration of these events tells us that Kahu is unique and extraordinary, her astounding feats outshines the rest and thus hints to us that Kahu will do something great and lead her tribe. In addition, Rawiri is also Kahu’s guardian and protector as he is always seen to be trying his best to ensure her safety and well-being. During the whale-beaching movie, he felt ‘protective’ ‘like a father’ and felt that should look after her till the world ended’. Rawiri regards himself as a fatherly figure to her and feels the need to look after her, protecting her from all the rain and storm. Also, when Kahu went out to sea in an attempt to save the whales, ‘instantly I (he) ran through the waves’, ‘plunged into the sea’ and ‘yelled to her, a despairing cry’. Even though he was ‘frightened by the heavy seas’, he bravely ploughs on for her as he does not want to lose Kahu and felt a strong responsibility to get her back to safety, even if he ‘would just have to go down this whale’s throat and pull Kahu right out’. This shows the extent of his guardianship of Kahu as he takes pains to protect this mentally strong yet fragile girl of eight. Lastly, he also provides humour in different moments in the novel, especially in times of tension. For example, when Nanny felt indignant and unfair regarding the exclusion of women during school sessions, Rawiri managed to lighten the tense atmosphere through his comical phone conversation with Cheryl and bringing Kahu to the movies instead, with the girls ‘assessing whether I (he) had now become marrying material’. By inserting comic relief, there is a variation in the mood throughout the novel and thus the readers do not feel perpetually a sense of pressure and tension, and are able to feel relaxed. Also, the way Nanny wanted to look her best despite her failure as she wears a hat that ‘must have looked wonderful in the 1930s’ and ‘added a bit of this and a bit of that until it looked just like something out of her vegetable garden’ is a comic element which enables us to find her as an endearing character even though she is old-fashioned. By providing humour, it lightens the overall atmosphere and learn more about the characters. In conclusion, Rawiri narrates the events in the novel through his point of view and highlights certain themes and issues presented by the author. He is also he guardian of Kahu and takes care of her, assuming a fatherly position. Furthermore, he is the one who consistently sees the signs of Kahu’s fate to rise up as the next leader of the tribe. Lastly, he also provides comic relief which help to lighten the mood of the novel, especially during times of tension. He is definitely an important character which helps the story to progress efficiently.

Critical Thinking at Work Analysis †Philosophy Essay

Critical Thinking at Work Analysis – Philosophy Essay Free Online Research Papers Critical Thinking at Work Analysis Philosophy Essay In 2001, I was working for target as a Logistics Executive in their Spartanburg, SC store. I was in charge of the flow or truck push process where thirty-five people reported to me. One morning a team member that I had been having performance problems with was being exceptionally lazy. I took him aside and told him that after repeated counseling and warnings, his services were no longer needed and he was fired. He began to yell and then pushed me into some shelving. Luckily, my other team members were standing close and yelled for him to leave. He stormed out but not before turning and yelling, â€Å"I’m going to kill you!† I reported the incident to my human resource representative and she looped in her boss the regional representative. Two weeks later we received a notice from the state that the employee had filed for unemployment claiming he had been fired without cause. I had all my documentation from his performance issues and of the final termination. Supplying these to my HR manager, I was shocked to hear that we would not be fighting this claim. My initial thoughts were that the company did not support me even though I had great documentation and had followed all company policies and procedures. I did not feel supported and because of the severity of his actions on his last day of employment, I became furious that the company was not willing to put the time and resources into fighting an obvious bogus claim. How could they treat an executive like this when I had done everything right? Why would we pay money to a man that had not performed well and had threatened my life? These were questions that I needed answers to if I was going to continue to work for Target. I went to my HR manager and we had a conference call with the regional HR representative. She listened calmly as I talked of my frustration and disbelief of not being backed up by the company I thought was so wonderful. When I had calmed down some she told me the reality of the situation. We were not going to fight the claim as a benefit to me. I couldn’t believe my ears; how was this a benefit to me? She explained that the company did not want to put me in further jeopardy by angering this man any further. I few had to pay unemployment for three to four months to keep him from becoming more agitated with the situation then that’s what we would do. She said that the company had far too much money invested in me and concern for my well being to allow such a relatively small amount of money to be a concern. In a phrase, â€Å"I was worth every penny.† I was taken back. I had misconstrued my company’s intention thinking all the time I wasn’t being supported when really they were going above and beyond the call of duty. They truly had my well being as a first priority. The reason there was such a difference in what I thought was happening and what was really happening was emotions. I allowed my emotions from the situation to cloud my critical thinking. I wanted revenge for being pushed and threatened and planned to take the revenge by denying this man unemployment. My emotions had they been Target’s viewpoint as well could have put me in much more serious danger. Had I used critical thinking and thought through the logical progression of events that might have come from going to the unemployment meeting to denying the claim, I would have realized just as my HR representative did that my safety was much more important. I learned that critical thinking is not only extremely important but it must happen in the right conditions. Just as we talked about in chapter three, the setting in which you do your thinking can affect the outcome. I was emotional so my response was emotional. My HR representative was calm and unbiased so her solution was the one that made the most sense. Another great learning experience from this was that an outside person’s opinion and their critical thinking may also be a good resource if you are too involved with the situation. From this experience I have changed my critical thinking process by making fewer and fewer spontaneous decisions. I think through the problem from beginning to end. I ask myself clarifying questions and look for alternative routes and solutions. I will run the possible solutions past a colleague for their thoughts. This different process has lead to more and better outcomes. It prepares me for what might happen in different circumstances. Instead of the situation just happening to me, I am in control of the situation. Research Papers on Critical Thinking at Work Analysis - Philosophy EssayTwilight of the UAWThe Project Managment Office SystemThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductResearch Process Part OneOpen Architechture a white paperRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenThe Hockey Game

Mark Twain Quotes on Education and Schooling

Mark Twain Quotes on Education and Schooling The genius writer and father of American literature,  Mark Twain, was not educated beyond elementary school. His expresses cynicism toward the mediocre education system of this time in his quotes about education. He believed that schooling was different from education and learning. He warns us of the hazards of following the education system with blind faith. In Praise of Learning and Training Training is everything. The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education. The man who does not read books has no advantage over the man that can not read them. There is nothing training cannot do. Nothing is above its reach. It can turn bad morals to good; it can destroy bad principles and recreate good ones; it can lift men to angel ship. Every time you stop a school, you will have to build a jail. What you gain at one end you lose at the other. Its like feeding a dog on his own tail. It wont fatten the dog. It is noble to teach oneself, but still nobler to teach others - and less trouble. A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way. Thousands of geniuses live and die undiscovered - either by themselves or by others. Learning softeneth the heart and breedeth gentleness and charity. Criticism of Schooling Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned. We have not the reverent feeling for the rainbow that a savage has because we know how it is made. We have lost as much as we gained by prying into that matter. God made the Idiot for practice, and then He made the School Board. Just the omission of Jane Austens books alone would make a fairly good library out of a library that hadnt a book in it. I never let my schooling interfere with my education. Everything has its limit - iron ore cannot be educated into gold. All schools, all colleges, have two great functions: to confer, and to conceal valuable knowledge. Mark Twain Quips on Specific Subjects The very ink with which all history is written is merely fluid prejudice. I dont give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way. There are lies, damned lies, and statistics. Facts are stubborn, but statistics are more pliable. Classic. A book which people praise and dont read. I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didnt know. Why shouldnt truth be stranger than fiction? Fiction, after all, has to make sense. We could use up two Eternities in learning all that is to be learned about our own world and the thousands of nations that have arisen and flourished and vanished from it. Mathematics alone would occupy me eight million years. Many public-school children seem to know only two dates - 1492 and 4th of July, and as a rule, they dont know what happened on either occasion.

Civil War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Civil War - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that the American civil war, generally known as â€Å"The Civil war†, was fought in the period of 1861-1865. The Civil war burst out between the American state (the United States of America) and Southern slave states (‘Confederates’), which declared secession and rebelled against America; one of many triggering causes for that was slavery and poor lifestyle. The war centered in the areas of Mississippi and the Appalachian Mountains. President Lincoln had to face many challenges and embarrassments in the Western theatre of the civil war. The primary disaster for the United States’ federal army came when Lincoln planned to launch a campaign to get Mississippi as it was of primary and paramount strategic importance.   Lincoln thought that Vicksburg, Mississippi, would be a key to success if the American army managed to get through mountains. He ordered General Grant to move with around 32,000 men in the parallel of Mississippi river where other 40,000 men would meet him to start a joint offensive. But supply line of Grant was cut and the mission was foiled. This is considered as one of the major setbacks in the western theatre of war.   Another major military embarrassment was the Battle of Shiloh when Confederate forces  attacked the federal army on April 6. There were casualties of around 13,000 shot down dead out of 63,000 soldiers who took part in the battle, and the main reason behind this was that the exhausted federal army troops did not retreat in time.... In the spring of 1863, Abraham Lincoln ordered another attack to gain Mississippi. This campaign was going to be the turning point of war as the confederate forces had foiled a great attempt from the state army to get the mountain of Mississippi which was regarded as a place of great military and strategic significance in the western theatre of war. This time the state army did not risk themselves by routing a supply line from the northwest of Mississippi rather they used the dirt roads from the western sides which were drying after the rains. With the help of US navy boats and some massive supply routes, they were able to get the mountain of Mississippi. This campaign is regarded as a great success for the American army. On 10 April 1865, General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House, of the confederate army surrendered to the State army. This surrender is regarded as the key turning point in the civil war as it magnified the social division inside the con federate states and the morale went down which started the psychological defeat process of the confederate army in the region2. Question 3 Accompanying the highest number of casualties, the civil war came with many blood bathed war theatres and battles were very less decisive with self-depicted results of these battles. Some of the examples from the war history are given below which show that the primary intentions of many battles were not achieved; rather foiled at the end. After a great rest at Tullahoma, General Rosecrans planned to flush out General Bragg of the confederate army out of Chattanooga, a great strategic place having the high mountain areas which can be

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in a House versus Living in an Essay - 6

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in a House versus Living in an Apartment - Essay Example The main advantage of living in a personal house is that the family living in the house has better privacy as compared to a family living in an apartment (French, 2006). Houses are designed in such a manner that two houses are situated at an ample amount of distance from each other. Due to this, it is very difficult for neighbors to identify what is happening in the next door house. In the case of apartments, there is a lack of privacy because apartments comprise of suites that are located exactly next to each other and the walls of the suites are attached to each other. Houses offer less security as compared to apartments. Houses lack security because in case of houses there a limited number of people who are living together and these limited numbers of people cannot deter robbers from breaking into the house (Fennelly, 2012). In the case of apartments, there is more security because apartments comprise of many families living together in a single building. Due to so many people living in a single structure, robbers and criminals may fear that people living in different suites may be able to hear voices and may try to help their neighbors. Due to this fear, criminals may refrain from attacking a suite located within an apartment. One of the major benefits of living in apartments is that it becomes easier for families living in apartments to socialize with more people. People living in apartments tend to know each other; they even share time as well as goods with each other (Berns, 2004). Due to this, they develop interpersonal relationships with each other. Since there are many families living in apartments, these families have the opportunity to socialize with various individuals.