Investigatory Projects Essay Example

Investigatory Projects Essay Flowers Used for Dye Hollyhocks Hollyhock, or Alcea rosea, petals are available in varying shades from nearly white to almost black. The dyes made from these petals range in color from bright green to greenish brown depending upon how the blossoms are prepared. According to Rakhi Shanker and Padma S. Vankar from the Facility for Ecological and Analytical Testing in Kanpur, India, a substance such as alum or other metal salts is used to make the dye stay on the fabric without quickly washing out. This substance is called a mordant. Shanker and Vankar experimented with mordants such as copper sulphate and stannic chloride as well as alum and found that the color varied depending upon which mordant was used. Saffron Saffron, or Crocus sativus, creates a strong yellow dye. According to W. P. Armstrong from Palomar College, saffrons blossoms contain a coloring pigment in their stigmas, which are the long tube-like structures inside the middle of the blossoms. This coloring pigment is called crocin, and it is a distant relative of vitamin A. The stigmas are dried and used for dyeing. The website indicates that approximately 4000 flowers are needed to make a single ounce of dye. Saffron was once used to dye the robes of Irish royalty, according to Armstrong. It is used most often as a food coloring. Royal Poinciana Delonix regia is also known as Royal poinciana or Gulmohur. These trees produce striking golden and scarlet flowers during the spring. Dyes created from gulmohur blossoms range in shades from golden yellow to dark brown, depending upon the mordant. According to K. We will write a custom essay sample on Investigatory Projects specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Investigatory Projects specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Investigatory Projects specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Anitha and S. N. Prasad from the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History in India, dyes that used turmeric powder as a mordant produced golden yellow or dark tan shades on silk depending upon whether the whole flowers or just the petals were used. A 10 percent alum solution produced olive green. Safflower Younsook Shin from Chonnam National University in Korea indicates that Korea has a long tradition of using safflower as a natural dye. Safflower petals contain carthamin, which produces red, and safflower yellow B, which roduces an orange-yellow color. Healthline adds that safflowers were traditionally used to dye silk yellow or red. The blossoms were also dried, finely ground and mixed with talc to produce rouge. Safflower dye is commonly used to add color to foods. Making Natural Dyes From Plants Did you know that a great source for natural dyes can be found right in your own back yard! Roots, nuts and flowers are just a few common natural ways to get many colors. Yel low, orange, blue, red, green, brown and grey are available. Go ahead, experiment! Gathering plant material for dyeing: Blossoms should be in full bloom, berries ripe and nuts mature. Remember, never gather more than 2/3 of a stand of anything in the wild when gathering plant stuff for dying. To make the dye solution: Chop plant material into small pieces and place in a pot. Double the amount of water to plant material. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about an hour. Strain. Now you can add your fabric to be dyed. For a stronger shade, allow material to soak in the dye overnight. Getting the fabric ready for the dye bath: You will have to soak the fabric in a color fixative before the dye process. This will make the color set in the fabric. Color Fixatives: Salt Fixative (for berry dyes) 1/2 cup salt to 8 cups cold water Plant Fixatives (for plant dyes) 4 parts cold water to 1 part vinegar Add fabric to the fixative and simmer for an hour. Rinse the material and squeeze out excess. Rinse in cool water until water runs clear. Dye Bath: Place wet fabric in dye bath. Simmer together until desired color is obtained. The color of the fabric will be lighter when its dry. Also note that all dyed fabric should be laundered in cold water and separately. Muslin, silk, cotton and wool work best for natural dyes and the lighter the fabric in color, the better. White or pastel colors work the best. NOTE: Its best to use an old large pot as your dye vessel. Wear rubber gloves to handle the fabric that has been dyed, the dye can stain your hands. Its also important to note, some plant dyes may be toxic, check with the Poison Control Center if unsure. Shades of orange -Alder Bark (orange) Bloodroot will give a good orange to reddish orange color. Sassafras (leaves) Onion (skin) – orange Lichen (gold) Carrot (roots) orange Lilac (twigs) yellow/orange Barberry (mahonia sp. ) yellow orange (with alum) very strong ; permanent. Any part of the plant will work. Giant Coreopsis (Coreopsis gigantea) Yields bright permanent orange with alum. Turmeric dyed cloth will turn orange or red if it is dipped in lye. Pomagrante – with alum anywhere fro m orange to khaki green. Butternut (seed husks) orange Eucaluptus (leaves and bark) beautiful shades of tan, orange and brown. Shades of red Elderberry red Red leaves will give a reddish brown color I use salt to set the dye. Sumac (fruit) light red Sycamore (bark)- red Dandelion (root) Beets deep red Bamboo turkey red Crab Apple (bark) red/yellow Rose (hips) Chokecherries Madder (root) red Hibiscus Flowers (dried) Kool-aid Canadian Hemlock (bark) reddish brown Japanese Yew (heartwood) brown dye Wild ripe Blackberries Brazilwood St. Johns Wort (whole plant) soaked in alcohol red Bedstraw (root) red

Government Sales of Public Land (BLM)

Government Sales of Public Land (BLM) Contrary to bogus advertising, the U.S. government does not offer free or cheap land to the public. However, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, does occasionally sells parcels of publicly-owned land under certain conditions. The federal government has two major categories which it makes land available for sale to the public: real property and public land. Real Property is primarily developed land with buildings, usually acquired by the federal government for specific purposes, such as military bases or office buildings. Persons interested in buying real property should contact the General Services Administration (GSA), which is the federal agency responsible for selling developed surplus property.Public Land is undeveloped land with no improvements, usually part of the original public domain established during the western expansion of the United States. Most of this land is in the 11 Western States and Alaska, although some scattered parcels are in the East. Government Land Fast Facts The U.S. federal government no longer sells land to the public for less than the property’s appraised fair market value.The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) occasionally sells developed real property or undeveloped (raw) publicly-owned land by either direct sales or through competitive bidding at public auctions.Most undeveloped public land sold by the BLM is located in the Western States and Alaska. Developed real property, including buildings and utilities may be located in any part of the country.Under federal law, the BLM is required to hold most land and real property in public ownership, unless its disposal is deemed appropriate by the agency’s land use officials. Not Much Public Land for Sale The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for the sale of surplus public land. Because of congressional restrictions enacted in 1976, the BLM generally retains most public lands in public ownership. However, the BLM does occasionally sell parcels of land where the agency’s land-use planning division finds disposal of surplus is appropriate. What About Land in Alaska? While many people are interested in buying public land for homesteading in Alaska, the BLM advises that due to existing land entitlements to the State of Alaska and to Alaska Natives, no BLM public land sales will be conducted in Alaska for the foreseeable future.   No Water, No Sewer The parcels sold by the BLM are undeveloped land with no improvements (water, sewer, etc.) and are usually located in the western states. The lands are generally rural woodland, grassland, or desert. How the Land is Sold The BLM has three options for selling land: modified competitive bidding where some preferences to adjoining landowners are recognized;direct sale to one party where circumstances warrant; andcompetitive bidding at a public auction. The method of sale is determined by the BLM on a case-by-case basis, depending on the circumstances of each particular parcel or sale. By law, the lands are offered for sale at fair market value. There is No 'Free' Government Land Public lands are sold at not less than fair market value as determined by a federal appraisal. Considerations such as legal and physical access, the highest and best use of the property, comparable sales in the area, and the availability of water all affect the land value. There are no free lands.By law, BLM must have the property to be sold appraised by a qualified appraiser to determine the current market value of the property. The appraisal must then be reviewed and approved by the Department of Interiors Appraisal Services Directorate. The minimum acceptable bid amount for a parcel of land will be established by the Federal appraisal. Who Can Buy Public Land? According to the BLM purchasers of public land must be: United States citizens 18 years of age or older;corporations subject to the laws of the United States or of any state;a U.S. state, state organization, or state political subdivision authorized to hold title or property; orentities capable of conveying and holding lands or interests therein under state law.   Some federal employees are prohibited from buying public land and all buyers are required to submit a Certificate of Eligibility and may be required to submit articles of incorporation or other documentation. Can You Just Buy a Small Home Site? Many people are looking for small lots or parcels suitable for building a single home. While the BLM does occasionally sell small parcels suitable as home sites, the agency will not subdivide parcels of public land in order to facilitate a prospective buyer’s wish to acquire a home site. BLM determines the sizes and configuration of parcels for sale based on factors such as existing land ownership patterns, marketability, and costs of processing. What if You are the Low Bidder? Winning bidders on public land sold by competitive sales or at public auctions are required to submit a non-refundable deposit of no less than 20% of the bid amount before the closing of business on the day of the auction. In addition, all sealed bids must include guaranteed funds, such as a cashier’s check or money order, for no less than 10% of the amount of the bid. Balances of the total sale price must be paid in full within 180 days of the sale date. The public notices of the sales will contain detailed information on the requirements, terms, and conditions applicable to the sale.  Ã‚   How BLM Land Sales are Advertised Land sales are listed in local newspapers and in the Federal Register. In addition, notices of land sales, along with instructions to prospective buyers, are often listed on the various state BLM websites.

Australian Competition and Connection Consumer Commission

Coles is a huge brand in Australia and the provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act, 2010, (Cth) apply on the company. To meet with the regulatory compliance of this act, Coles has opted for a few strategies. These strategies include providing better shopping experience to its customers, improving the quality by use of fresher produce and offering better value by lowering the prices of weekly shopping basket. The Annual Report of Coles for the financial year 2015 stated its objectives as delivering a better store network; focus on freshness and creating trusted value. By supplying better quality products, Coles is working towards creating trusted value. Coles Online is a part of the company which also shares the same strategy of providing better services, by making shopping easy for its customers. This strategy has a clear and strong focus on delivering savings to its customers. Coles Express had introduced trusted Every Day Value pricing in its stores for fulfillment of this strategy (Coles, 2015). The slogans of the company, used from time to time are aligned with the, objectives of the Act. Whether it is the slogan used in 1980s of â€Å"You'll find the best value is at Coles New World"  or the one used from 1998 to 2003, which was "Serving you better†, Coles has ensured that the objectives of the Act are met. The current slogan of the company â€Å"Down Down† promotes competition (Mortimer, 2015). The strategies of Coles seem plain advertisement criteria, but a careful observation of the wordings clarifies the objective behind these strategies. The Act, through its various provisions, provides that a business has to ensure that the produce provided to the consumers, is safe for human consumption. Further, the products which have a low shelf life have to be provided to the customers, within the shelf life of such product. The act also provides that the inertest of the consumer have to be secured. All the strategies of Coles reflect the objective of the Competition and Consumer Act, 2010. The objective of this Act is to enhance the welfare of the Australians by promoting competition, free trading and providing provisions for consumer protection (Australian Government, 2016). The strategy of Coles is to provide fresher products to its customers. By providing fresher produce, the company sets examples to its competitors to ensure that the consumers ultimately benefit from its business. A better store network would ensure that the customers do not face any hassles in their shopping experience. One of the strategies of Coles is to provide better products at lower values. By ensuring a combination of better product with low costs, a sense of competition is attained. The other companies would also move towards providing such services. The consumer would get better products at lesser prices. This would again promote competition. Coles had its share of problems with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The Court in the case of ACCC v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd [2014] FCA 1405 held that the company was engaged in unconscionable conduct and levied a penalty of $10 million on it (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, 2014). The judge held that the misconduct of Coles was deliberate, repeated and serious. Further, the judge held that the company had misused its bargaining power and the conduct of Coles was contrary to the conscience (Australian Competition Law, 2015). This created a huge problem for Coles as it failed on its strategies to promote competition. On the basis of above case, certain recommendations have been drafted for Coles to improve the management activities of the company, in order to comply with the competition law. The main recommendation for Coles is that, it has to ensure that the incidents mentioned in the above case are not repeated. It should conduct its business in a way which is considered as conscience. It should, at no instance, threaten to harm its suppliers who refused to comply with the Company’s demands. Coles has to promote fair trading in its business, along with promoting competition amongst the businesses. Coles has to ensure that it does not indulge in any sort of misleading and deceptive conduct. Further, as the unconscionable and misleading conduct has been prohibited through this Act, Coles has to make sure that it does not take part in such conduct. There has already been a case against Coles in this regard, and any more cases would mean that the company fails to achieve its strategies of creating trusted value. There is also scope of improvement in the management activities of the company to ensure compliance of competition law. The company is working towards providing fresher produce but by creating a better supply chain, the time of getting the produce from suppliers to the supermarket can be reduced. This would ensure that the consumers gets fresh produce and promotes competition. To conclude, it is recommended to the company that they follow the provisions of the Act strictly and ensure that the instances of unconscionable conduct are not repeated. Keeping in view the incident that occurred, the grounds for successful negligence along with the consequences to Bungee World Ltd (BW) have been enlightened here. Recommendations are also provided to resolve the potentially damaging public relations problem in the best possible way. Negligence is the civil wrong done where a duty of care was owed by a person towards another person and the person failed to fulfill this duty, which resulted in a loss or injury to the other person. To establish that the liability arose under the tort of negligence, certain elements have to be present. These elements include a duty of care, a breach of such duty of care, a loss or injury as a result of breach of the duty, and that the loss or injury has to be relevant and not too remote. As per the Civil Liability Act, 2002 (NSW), a person is not considered as negligent unless the risk was predictable, the risk was not at all insignificant and in similar circumstances a prudent person would have taken proper precautions. A landmark case in the duty of care is the case of Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562 (Boella and Pannett, 1999). Further, a standard of care has to be ensured as was seen in the case of Bathurst Regional Council v Thompson [2012] NSWCA 340 (Sheehan, 2012). Though a defense is available to the breaching party which states that, a person has to ensure his own safety when the risks are presumed. In such a case, the aggrieved party cannot sue the breaching party as they failed to take the duty of care for themselves. This was also established in the case of Mulligan v Coffs Harbour City Council (2005) 223 CLR (High Court of Australia, 2005). But, in the case of Rootes v Shelton (1967) 116 CLR 383, 385-6, the judge held that when the risk is inherent, the people are bound to accept it to engage in the risky sports (Swarb, 2016). And so, this cannot be referred as a defense by the breaching party. Damage is not only the physical damage, but also the emotional distress. In the case of Baltic Shipping v Dillon (1993) 176 CLR 344, it was held that the applicant could recover damages for the emotional distress that resulted from the breach of duty of care (Australian Contract Law, 2013). In the present case, BW was providing the services of Bungee Jumping for a fee of $50. Further, a waiver form had to be signed by the customers to undertake this activity. As has been established from the famous cases, this does not reduce the liability of BW in case of an injury. BW owed a duty of care towards Loki and had to ensure that the equipment for the bungee jumping was safe and secure. Further, the risk of corrosion was inherent due to the sea moisture present in the air. In this case, BW is liable for negligence as it breached the duty of care it owed to Loki. Further, as stated above, the injury does not have to be a physical and a mental injury is enough to claim damages under negligence. In this case, Loki did not suffer any physical injury but suffered a nervous shock. So, he can successfully sue BW for negligence. As a result of this negligence action taken by Loki, BW will be liable to pay Loki the monetary damages, as a remedy for the injury which Loki suffered. This is a potentially damaging public relations problem and so an effective crisis management is needed to resolve this problem. It is recommended to the Board that the problem should be assessed properly and an understanding should be gained regarding the potential stakeholder, which is Loki in this case. The Board should take steps in providing compensation to Loki before he takes any legal action. This would not only save the costs of legal proceedings, but also act as a shield against the damage done to Loki, as well as, to the image of the company. It is also recommended to the Board to ensure that the faulty equipment is changed and that all the old equipment is checked for its durability and safety. The Board should properly advertise the remedial actions taken as well as the voluntary compensation provided to Loki, so that the image of the company, in the eyes of the public, is improved. Lastly, it is recommended to the company formulate a proper crisis management team which can anticipate, identify and monitor such crisis which have a negated impact on the image of the company (Bernstein, 2016). The 10 minimum employment entitlements which are provided to the workers in Australia as per the Fair Works Act, 2009, are known as the National Employment Standards, or NES. An enterprise agreement or any other registered agreement, an employment contract, or an award are not allowed to provide such conditions, which are less than the NES or the national minimum wages. It can be rightly inferred that the NES and the national minimum wage cover the minimum entitlements for the workers in this country. The 10 minimum entitlements as are stated in the NES includes requests for flexible working arrangements; annual leave; maximum weekly hours; parental leave and related entitlements; long service leave; fair work information statement; personal careers leave and compassionate leave; community service leave; public holidays; and a notice of termination and redundancy pay (Fair Work Ombudsman, 2016). These standards apply to all such employees who are covered in the national workplace relations system by the NES, irrespective of the registered agreement, employment contract, or the award. Casual employees are also eligible to NES entitlements, when it relates to an unpaid compassionate leave, an unpaid carer’s leave, the Fair Work Information Statement, or the community service leave (Fair Work Ombudsman, 2016). The head of human resources of an Australian engineering company needs to ensure that the company does not contravene these standards. These standards contain that the maximum standard working week should be within the limits of 38 hours for any full time employee, along with the reasonable additional hours. It has to be ensured that the right to request some flexible working arrangement is present. The parental and adoption unpaid leave of 12 months should be available for the employees along with a right to seek an additional 12 months. The paid annual leave of four weeks should be available with the employees for each year, on pro rata basis (The Australian Workers’ Union, 2016). Further, a ten day paid personal or carer’s leave should be available with the employees for each year, on pro rata basis, along with two days unpaid carer’s leave for each permissible occasion, and two days paid compassionate leave for each permissible occasion. The head of HR also has to ensure that proper leaves for jury service, as well as, for emergencies and natural disasters are provided to its employees. Such person also has to ensure that the new employees receive the Fair Work Information Statement. The employees have to be entitled to take the public holidays and the entitlement be paid for ordinary hours for such days. Lastly, the long service leave and notice of termination as well as redundancy pay has to be made available (Fair Work Ombudsman, 2016). The section 3 of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) defines the term consumer. A person who acquires goods or services and the amount paid for such goods or services does not exceed $40,000, is a consumer (Australasian Legal Information Institute, 2016). Such goods and services must be used for personal only and not for re-supply, to fall under the category of consumer. Further, Section 21 of the ACL contains provisions regarding unconscionable conduct in relation to the goods or services. Section 21(1) prohibits a person from supplying or acquiring goods and services, to or from, a person in a manner where the conduct is considered as unconscionable (Australian Competition Law, 2014). Though, the sections of ACL do not define what is considered as unconscionable conduct and hence, reliance is made to the Courts to consider whether an act can be termed as unconscionable conduct or not (Find Law Australia, 2016). The courts generally rely on the following points to consider the conduct as unconscionable conduct: the strength in the bargaining capabilities of the consumer and the supplier; if the consumer was required to comply with the conditions of the supplier, which were not reasonable in the interests of the consumer, and the supplier’s conduct had forced the consumer to comply with such conditions; whether or not the consumer had a clear understanding regarding the appropriate documents related to the supply of goods and services; whether the supplier exerted any pressure or undue influence on the consumer; and such circumstances where the consumer could have taken the goods or supplier from any other supplier. If a supplier is found guilty of contravening the section 21 of the ACL, such supplier is then liable to civil pecuniary penalties of $220,000 for persons (other than body corporate) and for body corporate the penalty amount is $1.1 million. Further, the enforcement powers and remedies can also be applied on the supplier for contravening this section. These include injunctions, damages, substantial notices, undertakings, infringement notices, and non-punitive orders, amongst the other things (Australian Consumer Law, 2013). As the sale of the Ono water filter amounted to $2000, Rebecca would be considered as a consumer under the ACL. Dave had used undue influence on Rebecca and forced her to purchase the filter. Further, he used his strength of bargaining position and forced Rebecca to waive the cooling off period. Rebecca had no need to purchase the filter but the unconscionable conduct of Dave compelled her to buy the filter. Hence, Dave contravened the sections of ACL and as a result, Rebecca has the right to seek compensation from Dave. Further, Dave is also liable to civil pecuniary penalties of $220,000. Australasian Legal Information Institute. (2016) Competition And Consumer Act 2010 - Schedule 2. [Online] Australasian Legal Information Institute. Available from: https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caca2010265/sch2.html [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. (2014) Court finds Coles engaged in unconscionable conduct and orders Coles pay $10 million penalties. [Online] Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Available from: https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/court-finds-coles-engaged-in-unconscionable-conduct-and-orders-coles-pay-10-million-penalties [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Australian Competition Law. (2014) Section 21: Unconscionable conduct in connection with goods or services. [Online] Australian Competition Law. Available from: https://www.australiancompetitionlaw.org/legislation/provisions/acl21.html [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Australian Competition Law. (2015) ACCC v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd ACCC v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd [2014] FCA 1405 (22 December 2014). [Online] Australian Competition Law. Available from: https://www.australiancompetitionlaw.org/cases/2014coles.html [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Australian Consumer Law. (2013) The Australian Consumer Law: A framework overview. [Online] Australian Government. Available from: https://consumerlaw.gov.au/files/2015/06/ACL_framework_overview.pdf [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Australian Contract Law. (2013) Baltic Shipping v Dillon High Court of Australia (1993) 176 CLR 344. [Online] Australian Contract Law. Available from: https://www.australiancontractlaw.com/cases/baltic.html [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Australian Government. (2016) Competition and Consumer Act 2010. [Online] Australian Government. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2011C00003/Html/Volume_1#param2 [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Bernstein, J. (2016) The 10 Steps of Crisis Communications. [Online] Bernstein Crisis Management. Available from: https://www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com/the-10-steps-of-crisis-communications/ [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Boella, M., and Pannett, A. (1999) Principles of Hospitality Law. 2nd ed. UK: Thomson Learning, pp 16-17. Coles. (2015) Annual Report 2015. [Online] Coles. https://www.coles.com.au/~/media/files/coles/pdfs/industry%20reports/467372_coles_annual_report_2015_18.pdf [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Fair Work Ombudsman. (2016) Fair Work Information Statement. [Online] Australian Government. Available from: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/724/Fair-Work-Information-Statement.pdf.aspx [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Fair Work Ombudsman. (2016) National Employment Standards. [Online] Australian Government. Available from: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employee-entitlements/national-employment-standards [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Find Law Australia. (2016) Consumer law: What is unconscionable conduct?. [Online] Find Law Australia. Available from: https://www.findlaw.com.au/articles/4474/consumer-law-what-is-unconscionable-conduct-.aspx [Accessed on: 20/09/16] High Court of Australia. (2005) Mulligan v Coffs Harbour City Council [2005] HCA 63. [Online] High Court of Australia. Available from: https://eresources.hcourt.gov.au/downloadPdf/2005/HCA/63 [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Mortimer, G. (2015) Down, down but not different: Australia’s supermarkets in a race to the bottom. [Online] Queensland University of Technology. Available from: https://eprints.qut.edu.au/92666/2/92666.pdf [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Sheehan, E. (2012) Council fails in reliance on s 42 defence – accident on steps of rotunda in park - Bathurst Regional Council as Trustee for the Bathurst City Council Crown Reserves Reserve Trust v Thompson [2012] NSWCA 340. [Online] Curwoods Lawyers Case Notes. Available from: https://casenotes.curwoods.com.au/?p=2002 [Accessed on: 20/09/16] Swarb. (2016) Rootes V Shelton; 1965. [Online] Swarb. Available from: https://swarb.co.uk/rootes-v-shelton-1965/ [Accessed on: 20/09/16] The Australian Workers’ Union. (2016) National Employment Standards. [Online] The Australian Workers’ Union. Available from: https://www.awu.net.au/national-employment-standards [Accessed on: 20/09/16].

Reader Response Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reader Response Analysis - Essay Example might sometimes misunderstand the author because the author concludes that even though one may take as much precaution as possible, it is impossible be alive in the end. Thus, the story though actually begins on a wary and precautionary note; it reinforces a bigger truth that everyone has eventually to die at the end of life. The basic premise of the story is related to the modern world, where murder as a crime is on the increase on even in a day-to day basis, but the culture of UAE is different from this situation because it promotes harmony and well-being among all citizens. In my opinion, this story is full of contradiction. It is a bit strange for me because I never saw a narrative that had contradiction ideas in the same story. However, from the authors viewpoint, the girls should be careful with themselves to reduce their murder rate. The author gives the girls advice on ways they can reduce the murder rate. In the Beginning, there is no safe place in this world. That is according to what the writers said "install alarm systems on every window, every doorway in your house. Better, do not live in a house. Go co-op" (Monson 205). I think that this statement is unclear because if we tried to put alarms on the windows and doors that will inform the victim of any potential threat, but it is the wrong attitude having a notion that everybody is threatened. Further, the author suggests that to protect oneself, one must not stay in one place for a long time. This is absurd because just in the previous statement, he asked the protagonist to install alarms, not even stay in one place for a long time that is impossible for a girl of seventeen years. In addition, it is unclear what is the essence of installing alarm systems on the doors and windows if she is not going to live in one single place for a long time. My response that is provided here is based on the social framework and in relation to th e present society in which we live that promotes amiability, friendship,

Employee Compensation and Benefits Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Employee Compensation and Benefits - Essay Example However, it is worthwhile to note that it is expected to vary annually given the fact that the employee’s selections may vary. From the above, salary is the biggest portion; and it includes commissions and other bonuses that may arise. Of important to note is that salary determine the level of some benefits including insurances. Health and welfare benefit which includes education reimbursement; vision and dental coverage are important benefits that extend to the employees’ families in order for the employee to have the needed resources to maintain good health at a recommended and affordable cost. As such, it is an advantage to the company given that it increases the well being of its employee contributing to the rise of productivity and growth (Mitchell et al., 2003). The saving and retirement plans are equally important as they will provide the employee with resources to assist in planning his or her retirement. Additionally, these benefits guarantee or offer an employee a cost-of-living adjusted earnings for life in retirement. As such, it reassures the employee that the future is taken care of and as such, s/he is therefore, able to concentrate and work towards accomplishing the company’s set objectives. It s worth noting that most employees understand the benefits of retirement plans and most a percentage of potential employees are said o refuse jobs that lack the retirement benefits. Offering an attractive retirement benefit will not benefit the employee but will also be an advantage to the company given that it will lower turnover rates. Essentially, this benefit will assist the company not only be in a position to recruit talented employees but also retain and boost their working morale. Equally enough social security and medicare a re significant benefits to the employees and indirectly to the company. As noted above, the company need to attract and maintain a high value workforce so as

Erich Maria Remarque and the Nature of War Essay Example for Free

Erich Maria Remarque and the Nature of War Essay Unlike truly historical works emphasizing the human side of war, for example, Cornelius Ryan’s The Longest Day or A Bridge Too Far, in which the author provides highly detailed accounts of historical events through the eyes of participants leading to an objective treatment and analysis of those events, Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front is a novelization of the experience of German soldiers in World War I. Remarque thus follows a literary line which includes William Shakespeare’s Henry V, Stephen Crane’s The Red Badge of Courage, and Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace and extends through cinematic efforts such as â€Å"The Big Red One† and â€Å"The Hurt Locker†, which utilize historical context in order to examine the transformative nature of war on those most intimately involved. Each work examines a central theme, e.g., patriotism, cowardice, social change, brotherhood, etc., interwoven with and supported by details of various wars. The particular details chosen by the authors, with the possible exception of Tolstoy who seemingly left nothing out of his opus, are those lending support to that central theme. Thus, to understand the process used by Remarque in making his choice of which details of World War I to include in All Quiet on the Western Front, one must first ascertain his thesis and its origin. Referring to the biographical notes following the novel, we learn that Remarque â€Å"was himself in combat during World War I, and was wounded five times, the last time very severely (Remarque, 1928, p. 297).† That during the time of his service Remarque was near the age of his protagonist, Paul Baumer, suggests an autobiographical nature to the novel and lends credence to the story that no second hand account could provide. Yet Remarque does not take the opportunity to provide closure to his experience or to provide a set of objective conclusions to the war. Drawing again from the biographical notes, Remarque possessed â€Å"intense determination to concentrate in his fiction upon the worst horrors of the age, war and inhumanity (Remarque, 1928, p. 297)†. Three major themes can be found within All Quiet on the Western Front combining to support Remarque’s ideology – the legitimacy of statehood, the futility of war, and the dehumanizing effects of war. Given his experiences and his viewpoint, what details did Remarque expound upon and to what purpose? In a discussion  among the soldiers as to the origins of the war, they openly question the authority by which war was declared. When Tjaden asks how wars begin, Albert answers, â€Å"Mostly by one country badly offending another (Remarque, 1928, p. 205).† Yet it is this notion of country which perplexes the most. In Europe’s past, wars were fought over disputes between smaller nation states by order and to the benefit of local rulers. This was clearly not the case in World War I, a fact not lost on the soldiers: â€Å"But what I would like to know,† says Albert, â€Å"is whether there would have been a war if the Kaiser had said No.† â€Å"I’m sure there would,† I (Paul) interject, â€Å"he was against it from the first (Remarque, 1928, p. 203).† What the soldiers had not yet come to terms with was the rampant nationalism that had swept Europe. Rising from the Industrial Revolution, nurtured by the Atlantic revolutions, and spurred by the globalization of trade, Europeans of smaller states set aside their notions of subjects under a common ruling dynasty to a sense of unity among peoples bound by blood, customs and culture. â€Å"All of this encouraged political and cultural leaders to articulate an appealing of their particular nations and ensured a growing circle of people receptive to such ideas. Thus the idea of â€Å"nation† was constructed or even invented, but it was often presented as an awakening of older linguistic or cultural identities (Strayer, 2011, p. 797).† Such were the notions the young schoolboys received from their schoolmaster Kantorek who spoke of country and honor before shepherding them to their enlistment. Yet, when those identities failed to adequately address the cultures affected, as in Austria-Hungary, nationalism failed to suppress dissent. With the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, by a Serbian nationalist, the system of rigid alliances established among the emerging nations plunged the world into war (Strayer, 2011, p. 979). After further reflection, the soldiers began to understand how they came to be in a war whose causes could not be satisfactorily explained by patriotism alone: â€Å"State and home-country, there’s a big difference.† (Kat) â€Å"But they go together,† insists Kropp, â€Å"Without the State there wouldn’t be a home country (Remarque, 1928, p. 205).† Remarque addresses the futility of war in various ways. He describes the effects of the material  advantages of the Allies throughout the war, particularly following the entrance of American forces, foretelling defeat for Germany in a war of attrition: â€Å"Our lines are falling back. There are too many fresh English and American regiments over there. There’s too much corned beef and white wheaten bread. There are too many new guns. Too many aeroplanes. But we are emaciated and starved. Our food is bad and mixed with so much substitute stuff it makes us ill†¦..Our artillery is fired out, it has too few shells and the barrels are so worn that they shoot uncertainly and scatter so widely as even to fall on ourselves (Remarque, 1928, p. 280).† Most tellingly, Remarque condemns the madness of trench warfare which â€Å"resulted in enormous casualties while gaining or losing only a few yards of muddy, blood-soaked ground (Strayer, 2011, p. 982).† Paul’s Company engages in a protracted, vicious trench battle in Chapter Six in which they are first driven back in retreat, regain the lost ground after an hour to eat, and push forward into the French trenches before realizing their new position is untenable. â€Å"The fight ceases. We lose touch with the enemy. We cannot stay here long but must retire under cover of our artillery to our own position (Remarque, 1928, p. 117).† In the end, it was everything ventured, nothing gained. The senseless loss of life on both sides and the indifference to the carnage is highlighted in his description of the battlefield itself. â€Å"The days are hot and the dead lie unburied. We cannot fetch them all in, if we did we should not know what to do with them. The shells wil l bury them (Remarque, 1928, pp. 125-126).† Lastly, Remarque relentlessly stresses the dehumanization of the soldiers throughout the course of the war. In his forward, Remarque makes his purpose for writing All Quiet on the Western Front clear: â€Å"It will try to simply tell of a generation of men who, even though they may have escaped shells, were destroyed by the war (Remarque, 1928, p. i).† The first step in the process comes with the realization that those shaping their future have done so with an agenda of their own. In speaking of Kantorek the schoolmaster and Corporal Himmelstoss, Paul reflects, â€Å"For us lads of eighteen they ought to have been mediators and guides to the world of maturity, the world of work, of duty, of culture, of progress – to the future†¦the idea of authority, which they represented, was associated in our  minds with a greater insight and a more humane wisdom. But the first death we saw shattered this belief (Remarque, 1928, p. 12).† The second phase in the downward spiral is presented as the desensitization of the individual. Remarque portrays this through the soldier’s continued acceptance of the squalor of their condition. Through poor rations, living in mud filled trenches, and being in constant fear for their lives from regular shelling associated with trench warfare and from the use of a deadly new weapon, mustard gas, Paul and his comrades develop a detached persona which shields them from their hideous reality: â€Å"Just as we turn into animals when we go up to the line, because it is the only thing which brings us through safely, so we turn into wags and loafer when we are resting†¦We want to live at any price so we cannot burden ourselves with feelings which, though they might be ornamental enough in peacetime, would be out of place here (Remarque, 1928, pp. 138-139).† A third phase lies in the objectification of the soldier by others. Remarque best accomplishes this in his portrayal of medical treatment for the wounded. Early on, he establishes this premise through the death of Franz Kemmerich. A lack of supplies has denied him morphine to reduce his suffering. The higher than expected casualty count has begun to turn doctors into processors of human flesh: â€Å"One operation after another since five-o’clock this morning. You know, today alone there have been sixteen deaths – yours is the seventeenth. There will probably be twenty altogether (Remarque, 1928, p. 32).† Kemmerich’s body is quickly processed: â€Å"We must take him away at once, we want the bed. Outside they are lying on the floor (Remarque, 1928, p. 32).† As the war drags on and casualties mount, the individual casualty becomes less a patient and more a number. Following an injury, Paul enters the hospital to learn of the latest advance in wartime triage: â€Å"A little room at the corner of the building. Whoever is about to kick the bucket is put in there. There are two beds in it. It is generally called the Dying Room. They don’t have much work to do afterwards. It is more convenient, too, because it lies right beside the lift to the mortuary (Remarque, 1928, p. 257).† Through his experience in the hospital, Paul comes to a stark realization, and Remarque drives home his point: â€Å"A man cannot realize that above such shattered bodies there are still human faces in which life goes its daily round. And this is only one hospital,  one single station; there are hundreds of thousands in Germany, hundreds of thousands in France, hundreds of thousands in Russia. How senseless is anything that can ever be written, done, or thought, when such things are possible. It must be all lies and of no account when the culture of a thousand years could not prevent this stream of blood being poured out, these torture-chambers in their hundreds of thousands. A hospital alone shows what war is (Remarque, 1928, p. 263).† The ultimate phase is the transition of the soldier from object to invisibility. Paul’s death, and the â€Å"matter if fact† manner in which Remarque presents it, stands in stark contrast to the official report of the day – â€Å"All quiet on the Western front. (Remarque, 1928, p. 296).† The fate of a man has been subordinated to the fate of a nation without the nation realizing his sacrifice. Throughout All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque selects his details of World War I to support his themes decrying nationalism, the meaningless state of war, and the disintegration of the human spirit through the pursuit of warfare. No mention is made of specific battles or individual acts of heroism. The lack of specificity adds to the tone of the general, unyielding nature of war. Heroism, writ with a capital â€Å"H†, is a concept not to be found in Remarque’s world of war. In presenting his details of World War I, Remarque remains unyielding in his portrait of the destruction of the human condition on the altar of national pride. REFERENCES Remarque, E. M. (1928). All quiet on the western front. Ballantine Books. Strayer, R. W. (2011). Ways of the world; a brief global history with sources, volume 2: Since 1500. 7th edition: Bedford/St. Martins.

Jealousy and Desire in Ovids Metamorphoses Essay -- Ovid Metamorphose

Jealousy and Desire in Ovid's Metamorphoses      Ã‚   Passionate lust is a blinding force. When jealousy and desire control actions, the outcome is never what it is envisioned to be. Ovid's Metamorphoses provides an clear example of love turned terribly wrong. Throughout the novel, overwhelming desire controls actions and emotions, leaving behind sadness and grief wherever it strikes. With this kind of love, nobody gets what he or she wants in the end.    The first strong example of unsatisfactory endings can be found in Book Four, in the story of "The Sun-god and Leucothoe." Phoebus has a strong desire for Leucothoe, and the two begin a fiery affair. Clytie, one of the girls whom Phoebus had rejected, is insanely green with envy, and snitches on Phoebus and Leucothoe's affair. The outcome is disheartening; Leucothoe is buried alive, Phoebus is grief-stricken, and Clytie still doesn't get the man she wanted. Everyone loses.    "And as for Clytie, / Love might have been a reason for her sorrow, / And sorrow for telling tales. . . Since she was so used to love, and almost crazy / for lack of it, she pined away" (Ovid 89).    This exemplifies the blinding affect that love can take on people. If Clytie had taken time to think out her actions, she would have seen what the outcome would have been like. If Phoebus didn't want her before he met Leucothoe, why would he want Clytie after she had taken his love away from him? There was not logic in Clytie's actions, only vehement love.    One could argue that the love displayed in the novel is actually not love at all, but pure longing and lust. If the characters really felt love, they would think about the other person and want him or her ... ...Circe's satisfaction that Picus would be with no other woman. She says, "You shall be punished for this, you shall not be given / To Canens any more, and you will learn / What a woman, scorned in love, can do, that woman / Being Circe, loved and scorned!" (Ovid 350).    People often do crazy things for those individuals they love or think they love. When desire and jealousy overpower the ability to think clearly, the consequences are almost always catastrophic. One could learn a lesson from these stories or just be amused with how closely it resembles something that has been seen or experienced recently. Either way, the ending is always the same, and everyone can relate to the feelings portrayed.    Work Cited Ovid.   Metamorphoses.   The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces.   Ed. Maynard Mack.   5th edition.   New York: Norton 1987.   

Teachers Perception Of Gender Bias In The Classroom Education Essay

One of the first things that we do when a kid is born is to happen out its sexual class. This announcement at birth, male child or miss, is the most important statement that governs one ‘s development as a individual throughout one ‘s life. Harmonizing to Weiss ( 2001 ) , a individual ‘s gender marks his/her full life from within and without. How our gender structures the manner we learn has been studied extensively by societal scientists, psychologists, educationalists, and women's rightists. They all agree that non merely 1 ‘s ain sense of gender individuality affects the acquisition procedure really significantly, but others besides play a definite portion in this position. Teachers play a cardinal function in act uponing larning patterned advance from when the kids begin school. Harmonizing to David and Myra Sadker â€Å" sitting in the same schoolroom, reading the same text edition, and listening to the same instructor, male childs and misss receive really different instructions † ( Weiss, 2001, p. 44 ) . Their research illustrates that male pupils non merely have more of the instructors ‘ attending in mention with the figure ( and quality ) of the inquiries asked in the schoolrooms, but the same is besides true in instance of the follow-up inquiries. Harmonizing to them, male pupils besides receive more precise and helpful feedback ; while female pupils bear the consequence of their instructors ‘ asymmetrical distribution of energy, endowment, and attending ( Weiss, 2001 ) . Frequently, elusive gender prejudice is at that place in the schoolrooms but is barely noticed by the instructors. It remains elusive and is difficult to trap down. Teachers, being wedged between several determinations every twenty-four hours refering the course of study and schoolroom direction, happen small room to contemplate and analyze their interactions with male and female pupils in their schoolrooms. While a the survey done by Marshall & A ; Reinhartz ( 1997 ) showed that the instructors ‘ communicating with their pupils has a cardinal influence on the current and prospective accomplishment and achievement of both male and female pupils, another survey by Crawford and Macleod ( 1990 ) ( as cited in Lundeburg, 1997 ) , discovered that colored schoolroom interaction leads to decrease assurance in their rational abilities by female pupils. A big figure of surveies exhibit that instructor behaviours institute the foremost contributing factor for a higher grade of student-pa rticipation in the schoolroom by male pupils than the female pupils. ( Kosmerl, 2000 ) . Male pupils are likely to acquire a greater portion of instructors ‘ attending and have more specific feedback. However, female pupils are less likely to have congratulations or redress for the rational content of their replies than male pupils ; conversely, the female pupils are more likely to have an acknowledgement response from their instructors ( Sadker and Sadker, 1994 ) . It is non common to happen instructors waiting for more than 5 seconds for a response from their pupils ; it is even more uncommon to see instructors naming on non-volunteering pupils to arouse their responses. Teachers ‘ behaviours such as these tend to breed schoolroom unfairnesss by promoting aggressive male pupils ( Lundeburg, 1997 ) . Another survey by Sadker and Sadker ( 1986 ) ( as cited in McGee Bailey, 1996 ) provides grounds that instructors ‘ discriminatory behaviors in the schoolroom are non chronic but modifiable. However, instructors are mostly non witting of their ain unjust behaviors in the schoolrooms, and are frequently found to be gender-blind, unless their attending is drawn to the affair. This can hold many detrimental effects, because it is about impossible to work out a job that is difficult to acknowledge in the first case. Nonetheless, preparation in gender equity is barely of all time an ingredient of instructor instruction ( Lundeberg, 1997 ) , particularly so in Pakistan. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM While a important sum of research exists in context of pupils ‘ perceptual experiences of gender prejudice in the schoolroom, there is small research on manus sing instructors ‘ perceptual experiences of the same capable affair. This survey is intended to concentrate on the modern-day perceptual experiences of instructors sing gender prejudice. Since pupils continue to have different instructions, it is of import to place how instructors may continue to detect, respond, lessening, and avoid gender prejudice. PUROSE OF STUDY The intent of this survey is to exemplify the perceptual experiences of instructors on the topic of gender prejudice as measured by a questionnaire. The aims of the survey are: I ) To measure instructors ‘ perceptual experiences about gender prejudice. two ) To measure instructors ‘ educational preparation sing gender prejudice. three ) To measure instructors ‘ experiences with gender prejudice. Research HPYOTHESES Hypothesis I: Even if instructors do non province that they have been involved in gender prejudice in their ain schoolrooms, they will describe they have witnessed or heard of gender prejudice issues in their schools and/or others. Hypothesis II: Teachers will describe they wish that they had received some or more educational preparation sing gender prejudice. Hypothesis Three: Teachers will describe they have received small or no educational preparation sing gender prejudice. adapted from ; Teachers ‘ perceptual experiences of gender prejudice in schoolroom, Katherine M. Kosmerl, Research Paper, The Graduate School, University of Wisconsin-Stout, May, 2000. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.uwstout.edu/static/lib/thesis/2003/2003kosmerlk.pdf REFRENCES Kosmerl, K. M. ( 2000 ) . Teachers ‘ perceptual experiences of gender prejudice in schoolroom, Research Paper, The Graduate School, University of Wisconsin-Stout, May, 2000. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.uwstout.edu/static/lib/thesis/2003/2003kosmerlk.pdf Lundeberg, M. ( January-February, 1997 ) . You Guys Are Overreacting: Teaching Prospective Teachers About Subtle Gender Bias, Journal of Teacher Education, 48 ( 1 ) , 55-61. Marshall, C. , Reinhartz, J. ( July/August, 1997 ) . Gender Issues in the Classroom. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.jstor.org/pss/30185879 McGee Bailey, S. ( May, 1996 ) . Shortchanging Girls and Boys. Educational Leadership, 53 ( 8 ) , 75-79. Cited in: Teachers ‘ perceptual experiences of gender prejudice in schoolroom, Katherine M. Kosmerl, Research Paper, The Graduate School, University of Wisconsin-Stout, May, 2000. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.uwstout.edu/static/lib/thesis/2003/2003kosmerlk.pdf Sadker, D. , Sadker, M. ( 1994 ) . Failing at Fairness: How Our Schools Cheat Girls. New York: Simon & A ; Schuester. Weiss, R. ( 2001 ) . Gender-Biased Learning. Training & A ; Development, 55 ( 1 ) , 42-48. Cited in: Teachers ‘ perceptual experiences of gender prejudice in schoolroom, Katherine M. Kosmerl, Research Paper, The Graduate School, University of Wisconsin-Stout, May, 2000. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.uwstout.edu/static/lib/thesis/2003/2003kosmerlk.pdf

Teachings of the Buddha

Buddhism is has always been considered a religion and a philosophy by its followers and believers. Its origin and widespread practice in Asia notwithstanding, Buddhism has been quite adaptive to many cultures that it has encountered. For centuries Buddhism practices had only been restricted to the Asian countries and although it exhibit variations in various Asian countries, there are still some common features witnessed across these cultures. Coming to the west, Buddhism and its believers have faced many challenges to incorporate their practices into the cultural norms of the west.However, whether Buddhism can adapt to the attitudes and values of the western countries and still maintain its unique philosophy is the ongoing question among religious scholars. This paper will examine the background of Buddhism and its importance to the current adherents in the United States where there are many diverse cultures. I had a chance to attend a Buddhist pre-wedding ceremony – well, it looked like one. I am told Buddhism is all about simplicity and all its practices and rituals reflect the same. Unlike other religious wedding ceremonies, the Buddhist wedding is nothing but simple and has no pomp and color.It comprises virtually no rituals as we would expect of a wedding ceremony. Their marriages are focused more on the faith and belief between consenting individuals than any other thing. Buddhists are more inclined on ensuring a lasting and harmonious relationship is created between couples seeking each in marriage. I was also told that Buddhists do not compel their followers to undergo some compulsory rituals before marriage and that the decision as to whether to go the courts for marriage or to the few registered temples solely lies with the couple.Nevertheless, a Buddhist wedding would involve two parts; the first part involves engaging in hearty prayers accompanied by offering gifts to the monks and the almighty. And it is during this process that couples are expected to make vows of understanding and faithfulness. The second part which is regarded as a non-Buddhist component consists of all traditional practices which are followed by the specific families of the couple and may involve attending the spirit house for prayers, a feast or gift exchange. Back to the pre-wedding I attended.The ceremony as you make call it, took place at the groom’s family home. I was shocked that the marriage ceremony was very simple unlike any other wedding ceremony I had attended before. There are no strict religious rules or regulations and unlike other religions where such ceremonies are regarded as religious affairs, Buddhists’ ceremony is purely a social affair. There was a small feast organized by the groom’s families over which gifts were exchanged and people chatted freely and without any formal procedures in the entire duration of the ceremony.After the pre-wedding ceremony the couple was declared wife and husband by a friend o f the groom’s family and the congregation dispersed thereafter. The couple was told to decide whether to visit a temple or go to court the following day to secure a marriage certificate. When the ceremony was almost over, I secure a moment a friend of the groom and asked him a few questions regarding Buddhism and here is the excerpt of our talk. 1. Is your religion an actual way of life for you? How integral is it to your daily life? Shimano Roshi: Very important to me.One of the fulfilling aspects of my religion is that it helps me to understand the true nature of life and the universe. Again, it does not only teach me to respect others but also to be tolerant of other people’s way of life. 2. What are some of the main practices, or daily components of your religion? Shimano Roshi: Normally Buddhist prayers in the temples would involve monks reciting the suttas and preach as well. However, there are variations across Buddhists traditions. Personally, I do pay homage t o our spiritual leader the Buddha and chant (recite the suttas) every morning and before going to bed.3. What are some restrictions in your religion, if any, such as dietary, dress code, etc? Shimano Roshi: I don’t know about other religion but I know that Buddhism is one of the most accommodating religions in the world. Buddhism lays emphasis on peace and being harmless. While a dietician may tell you what to eat and a Muslim how to dress up, a Buddhist will tell you that you are what you think. we are define by our inner thoughts and not what we wear or eat. 4. What is the favorite aspect of your religion? Why?Shimano Roshi: To me there is no single aspect I may consider as my favorite because my religion is simply all embracing. 5. Do you feel that you are supported in your town, or in this country, practicing your religion, or do you feel any discrimination? Shimano Roshi: American had had problems earlier accepting us and our way of life but things have changed these day s. It is quite common to see a black Buddhist in the temple, and people of different races are converting every day. I feel Buddhism has been embraced well by the Americans. 6. What is the most misunderstood element of your religion?Shimano Roshi: I don’t know, but if there is any then I think that is there own problem. What I believe is quite important to me to think of how others think about me. 7. Is it important to you that your family/children continue your religious practices/tradition? Shimano Roshi: Absolutely! Buddhism offers a good and stronger foundation for a healthy living both spiritually and physically with others and I would love to impart such teachings on my children. 8. Do you have any holy places or countries that are important to your religion and that you have been to?Why are they considered holy? Shimano Roshi: I have been to the Gangetic plains in northern India and an area in southern Nepal. Buddhist visit this place because Gautama Buddha, our spirit ual leader lived and taught there and therefore we believe the place is much connected with his life. 9. What do you think is most unique about your religion in relation to other religious traditions? Or do you feel there are more similarities? Shimano Roshi: Just like Christian religion, Buddhism has got sects, traditions, lineages, schools and many other smaller groups.It has evolved over the centuries and some even more reformed than others. However, one unique thing in Buddhism is the Enlightenment process. 10. If there were only one thing about your religion that you could share with the world, what would it be? Shimano Roshi: Simplicity! We relate with one another and approach the daily living with utmost simplicity while we are still devoted to our almighty Overview Buddhism its unique combination of religious and philosophical teachings encompasses a number of beliefs, traditions and practices derived from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha ‘the awakened one †.According Buddhist, Buddha lived in northeastern part of India between 6th and 4th centuries BCE. His followers recognized him as an awakened one who used his knowledge to assist the sentient beings avoid suffering (dukkha), attain nirvana and finally escape the cycle of suffering and rebirth (Robinson & Willard, 1970). The religion has two main braches namely; the Theravada – the school of the elders and the Mahayana – the great vehicle.Theravada is considered the oldest surviving branch and enjoys a wide following in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. The Mahayana on the other hand has a heavy presence in East part of Asia and involves the traditions of Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, Pure Land, Shigon, Nichiren Buddhism, Tendai and Shinnyo-en (Fisher, 1997). Vajrayana which is a branch of Mahayana is sometimes categorized as the third branch of Buddhism. While it has always been considered a religion of the Asian countries, Buddhism is today found in every part of the wor ld.According to the recent estimates, the Buddhists in the world are numbering about 230 million to 500 million which the religion the fourth largest in the world. Different schools of Buddhists have different interpretation of the path to freedom, the importance and understanding of the scriptures and teachings, as well as different practices. However, the foundation of Buddhist practices and traditions are primarily based on the Three Jewels; the Buddha, the Dharma (also known as the teachings), and the Sangha (also known as the community) (Fisher, 1997).Adhering to the three jewels is considered a declaration as well as commitment to the ways of the Buddha and generally distinguishes a follower from a non-Buddhist. Other rituals would depend on a particular branch of Buddhism and include practices like ethical precepts, meditation, monastic communal support, renunciation of conventional living and becoming a monastic, cultivation of spiritual wisdom and discernment, devotional pr actices, studying of scriptures and invocation of Buddha and bodhisattvas common among the Mahayana followers (Keown & Prebish, 2004).Conclusion Buddhism will continue penetrate other cultures because of philosophical and religious nature. The three Jewels of Buddhism are all-encompassing and answers most of our problems. The Buddha provides us with the spiritual nourishment; the dharma provides ideas for our most controversial issues like abortion and bioethics while sangha provides understanding of our social life and world.Buddhism is not only the way of life a few Asian population but would continue to spread due to its more embracing and simplistic nature. References Fisher, M. P. (1997). Living Religions: An Encyclopedia of the World's Faiths. I. B. Tauris: New York. Keown, D. & Prebish, C. S. (eds. ) (2004). Encyclopedia of Buddhism, Routledge: London Robinson, R. H. & Willard L. J. (1970; 3rd ed. , 1982). The Buddhist Religion: A Historical Introduction Wadsworth Publishing: Belmont, CA (Shimano Roshi, personal communication, July 25, 2010)

65 preguntas en entrevista residencia por matrimonio

65 preguntas en entrevista residencia por matrimonio La entrevista a los cà ³nyuges en el proceso de obtencià ³n de la residencia permanente por matrimonio es un paso que se realiza porque Inmigracià ³n quiere saber si un matrimonio es de conveniencia o si se trata de una unià ³n verdadera. Solamente en este à ºltimo caso el cà ³nyuge extranjero obtendrn definitivamente los papeles. Destacar que la entrevista para levantar la condicionalidad tiene lugar à ºnicamente en  el caso en el que el cà ³nyuge extranjero de un ciudadano americano obtuvo inicialmente una green card temporal por dos aà ±os. Esto solamente tiene lugar en los casos en los que el cà ³nyuge extranjero recibe la green card antes de haber cumplido los dos aà ±os de casado.  Es decir, no en todos los casos de residencia por matrimonio hay entrevista. Los casos en los que la green card por matrimonio es temporal y, por lo tanto, es imprescindible la entrevista como paso previo para levantar la condicionalidad de la residencia de dicho cà ³nyuge extranjero, lo comà ºn es que las preguntas se  hagan  por separado  a cada uno de los esposos.   Despuà ©s de leer este artà ­culo se tendr una idea informada de quà © preguntas esperar en la entrevista, consejos para la misma y cà ³mo evitar problemas y quà © hacer una vez que se realiza exitosamente.   El oficial de Inmigracià ³n puede preguntar lo que quiera, pero sus preguntas van a ser muy similares a las siguientes. 65 preguntas entrevista para residencia por matrimonio Las preguntas suelen referirse a varios temas: noviazgo y ceremonia de casamiento, la familia de cada uno de los cà ³nyuges y vida de casados. Por cuestiones prcticas de este artà ­culo, las preguntas se dividen en esos tres bloques. Estas preguntas aplican tanto a matrimonios entre un varà ³n y una mujer como al celebrado entre dos personas del mismo sexo, ya que las leyes federales de EE.UU. reconocen la legalidad del matrimonio igualitario y, por lo tanto, es posible derivar beneficios migratorios de dicho matrimonio. Noviazgo y boda  ¿Dà ³nde se conocieron? ¿En quà © momento pasaron de ser amigos a ser novios? ¿Quà © actividades hacà ­an en comà ºn cuando eran novios? ¿Quà © gustos y aficiones tienen en comà ºn? ¿Por quà © han tenido un noviazgo tan corto (o tan largo)? ¿Quià ©n decidià ³ que era una buena idea casarse? ¿Dà ³nde se celebrà ³ la boda? ¿A cunta gente invitaron? ¿Quià ©nes estaban presentes por parte de cada una de las familias?Describe la ceremonia y el banquete.  ¿Algo fuera de lo comà ºn? ¿Quà © se sirvià ³ para comer y para beber? ¿Cà ³mo se decidià ³ el menà º? ¿Quià ©n pagà ³ por el banquete? ¿Hasta que hora durà ³ la recepcià ³n? ¿Dà ³nde fue la luna de miel? ¿Por quà © decidieron ese destino? La vida en comà ºn  ¿Quià ©n de los dos se levanta generalmente antes? ¿A quà © hora? ¿Quià ©n hace el desayuno? ¿Quià ©n hace la comida y la cena? ¿Quià ©n hace la compra? ¿Quià ©n lava los platos? ¿Quià ©n plancha? ¿Dà ³nde se guarda la ropa de invierno? ¿Cul es la comida preferida de tu esposo/a? ¿Quà © comida detesta tu esposo/a? ¿Cuntas veces a la semana salen a comer fuera? ¿Cul fue la à ºltima pelà ­cula que vieron juntos? ¿De quà © color son las cortinas de cada cuarto de la casa? ¿Quà © electrodomà ©sticos hay en la cocina? ¿De quà © tamaà ±o es la cama matrimonial? ¿Tienen televisià ³n en el dormitorio? ¿Cà ³mo es el pijama preferido de tu esposo/a? ¿De quà © lado de la cama duermes? ¿Cul es la marca de crema, champà º, crema de dientes, etc que utiliza tu esposo/a?Si se utiliza algà ºn mà ©todo anti conceptivo,  ¿cul? ¿Cundo tuvo la esposa su à ºltima menstruacià ³n? ¿Cundo es el cumpleaà ±os de cada uno? ¿Quà © celebrac iones se festejan en la casa? ¿Quà © hicieron juntos en el à ºltimo dà ­a feriado? ¿Cul es el programa de televisià ³n favorito de tu esposo/a? ¿Cul es la estacià ³n de radio que prefiere escuchar tu esposo/a?  ¿Cul es la marca de la cmara de fotos? ¿Cuntos autos tienen? ¿Cuntos telà ©fonos de là ­nea fija hay en la casa? ¿Cul es el servicio de internet, cable? ¿Cuntas televisiones hay en la casa y en que cuarto se encuentran? ¿Quà © revistas leen o tienen suscripcià ³n? ¿Viven en una casa o apartamento? ¿Cunto se paga de renta o de hipoteca?Si hay mascotas,  ¿quià ©n las pasea y quià ©n las lleva al veterinario y cules son sus nombres? Familia  ¿Con quà © frecuencia visitan o se va a ver a la familia polà ­tica? ¿Cà ³mo te llevas con tus suegros? ¿Les has hecho regalos o te los han hecho? ¿Con quà © otros miembros de la familia se tiene relacià ³n frecuente? ¿Cundo fue la à ºltima vez que los viste?Si se tienen nià ±os,  ¿quià ©n los levanta? ¿Quià ©n les hace de comer la mayor parte de las veces? ¿Cul es su comida favorita? ¿Quià ©n los acuesta? ¿Cul es su cuento favorito? ¿Cul es su juguete favorito? ¿Van solos al retrete? ¿Utilizan asiento extra en el auto? ¿Quià ©n es la persona que los cuida cuando los padres estn fuera de la casa? Problemas que pueden surgir en la entrevista para la residencia Si Inmigracià ³n cree que se est ante un matrimonio falso para obtener la tarjeta de residencia, habr consecuencias serias por esa boda de conveniencia, si bien son ms problemticas y graves para el cà ³nyuge extranjero que se casà ³ por los papeles. Por otra parte, si un ciudadano llega a la conclusià ³n de que se han casado con à ©l o ella sà ³lo por los papeles, tiene dos opciones: denunciarlo  o, si es posible, cancelar la tramitacià ³n del permiso de residencia antes de que à ©sta sea definitiva. Adems, tener en cuenta que el divorcio cuando la residencia se obtiene por matrimonio puede tener efectos migratorios importantes, por lo que hay que analizar bien las posibles consecuencias, aà ºn cuando el divorcio se produzca despuà ©s de haber levantado la condicionalidad de la green card y, por lo tanto, haber obtenido la tarjeta de residencia permanente. Por à ºltimo, si  el matrimonio es abusivo y resulta muy dificultoso para el cà ³nyuge extranjero permanecer conviviendo con el esposo o esposa ciudadano porque todavà ­a no se ha levantado la condicionalidad de la green card, es  posible consultar con un abogado opciones migratorias, incluido  VAWA para và ­ctimas de violencia domà ©stica. Consejos para la entrevista y despuà ©s Si la entrevista tiene lugar en Estados Unidos y uno de los cà ³nyuges no habla bien inglà ©s, puede llevar a un intà ©rprete a las oficinas del USCIS. No se permite que el marido o la mujer que sà ­ habla inglà ©s traduzca para su cà ³nyuge en este tipo de situaciones.   Si todo va bien, como es realmente en la mayorà ­a de los casos, lo esposos de ciudadanos americanos deben saber que pueden obtener la ciudadanà ­a americana tras tres aà ±os de matrimonio. Es muy conveniente considerar la posibilidad de naturalizarse cuanto antes ya que hay importantes diferencias entre un ciudadano y un residente. De interà ©s para indocumentados que estn pensando en casarse Los migrantes indocumentados no siempre pueden legalizar su situacià ³n mediante una boda. Es muy conocer cules son las opciones en un  matrimonio con un ciudadano  y tener muy en cuenta que no hay opciones de ajustar estatus en los casos de  matrimonio con un residente. En estos casos lo ms aconsejable es consultar con un abogado migratorio antes de enviar papeles a Inmigracià ³n. Puntos clave Algunas residencias por matrimonio con ciudadano son condicionales La condicionalidad hay que levantarla a los dos aà ±os y dentro de plazoLa entrevista a los cà ³nyuges forma parte del trmite para levantar condicionalidadEl matrimonio de conveniencia para sacar los papeles es un fraude de leySi se levanta la condicionalidad, la green card se convierte en permanente Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

Positive and negative effects of fast food Essay

Positive and negative effects of fast food - Essay Example Everyone we look we are bombarded with messages saying that fast food is trendy and affordable for anyone. Another factor is due to the dramatic lifestyle changes that Americans have experienced over the last few years. When time is tight, people generally choose to eat food that does not take up any preparation time. The convenience of a drive-thru has resulted in many people being able to pick up fast food on the go. However, healthy food advocates maintain that fast food is destroying our society in many ways. This paper will look at three positive effects (cost, convenience, taste) of fast food and three negative effects (portion sizes, obesity, and disease) of fast food. The first positive effect of fast food is the low cost that it involves. For many American families, money is tight and they cannot afford to shell out on food that is moderately expensive. For these low income families, fast food offers them an option to feed their whole family for very little cost. Fast food c an be produced very cheaply because of the standardized production process used to make it. Fast food chains are then able to entice low income families by offering food that fits their limited budgets. If fast food was expensive, then it would not have the same popularity because very few people would be able to afford it. The second positive effect of fast food is the convenience at which it offers customers. ... The is accentuated by the popularity of the drive-thru, which allows patrons to order, pay for, and then receive their food without getting out of their car. When someone is in a rush, ordering fast food like this is very appealing because they can eat on the go. The third positive effect of fast food is in terms of the good taste that people get from it. Fast food has additives that are appealing to many people’s taste buds. These addictive substances taste good for a reason: to make someone want to go back for more. If fast food did not taste very nice, then not very many people would be willing to eat it. Part of the appeal of fast food, in addition to its low cost and convenience, is that almost everyone likes to eat fast food even if they don’t do so on a regular basis. Although fast food has many positive aspects to it, one negative effect is that it has increased the portion sizes of American’s meals considerably. Because fast food is processed, it takes e ating a lot of fast food to feel full. This has resulted in people wanting to eat larger meals in order to fill themselves. In addition to fast food, this effect has been transported to all other types of food in that serving sizes have increased remarkably over the past few decades. This has lead to a knock-on effect, such as obesity and disease, both of which are discussed below. Another negative effect of fast food is that it is contributing to the growing problem of obesity in America. The content of fast food has a lot of calories in it, so it helps people to put on weight rather than them slimming down. The fatty oils that are used to cook most fast food are not good for the average person’s health and fast food is known to be a leading cause of obesity. A

Migration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Migration - Essay Example The traditional theories of assimilation argued assimilation as an essential part of the upward mobility part of immigrants and hence explain the nature of immigration well (Warner and Srole, 1945). On the other hand, based on the failure of these theories to capture the assimilation process, it is now shown that the traditional theories of assimilation have failed to capture this incompleteness of assimilation and hence the nature of immigrant adaptation (Alba and Nee, 1997, 2003; Rumbaut, 1997etc).In spite of this, some studies show the assimilation theory as still relevant (Greenman and Xie, 2008).The debate remains unsettled. This essay critically evaluates the traditional theories of assimilation and their ability to explain the nature of immigrant adaptation. This essay is organized as follows. Section 2 discusses the historical background underlying the migration debate. Section 3 discusses the theories of assimilation. Section 4 discusses the critiques of the theories of evaluation and evaluates the theories. Section 5 concludes the essay. The debate underlying the immigrant adaptation had its origin from the United States. The number of immigrants to USA slowed down from 1920 to 1965 while with the passing of the 1965 immigration Act, it showed significant rise again. The earlier immigrants before 1920 were mainly Europeans. The experiences with these European immigrants and their children are considered as successful assimilation into the host American society (Alba and Nee, 1997). Since 1965, the immigrants were mainly from Latin America and Asia. There has been widespread debate regarding the economic, social and cultural impact of these new immigrants on the society of America. Whether the experiences of these immigrants and their children were similar to those of the early European immigrants or not have been highly controversial (Alba and Nee 1997, 2003; Bankston and