Night World : Dark Angel Chapter 3

first it looked like a speck, then like an insect on a lightbulb, then like a kite. Gillian watched, too frightened to run, until it got close enough for her to realize what it really was. It was an angel. Her fear drained away as she stared. The figure seemed to shine, as if it were made of the same light as the mist. It was tall, and had the shape of a perfectly formed human. It was walking, but somehow rushing toward her at the same time. An angel, Gillian thought, awed. An angel†¦ And then the mist cleared and the shining faded. The figure was standing on the grass in front of her. Gillian blinked. Uh-not an angel, after all. A young guy. Maybe seventeen, a year older than Gillian. And†¦ drop dead gorgeous. He had a face like some ancient Greek sculpture. Classically beautiful. Hair like unburnished gold. Eyes that weren't blue, but violet. Long golden lashes. And a terrific body. I shouldn't be noticing that Gillian thought, horrified. But it was hard not to. Now that his clothes had stopped shining, she could see that they were ordinary, the kind any guy from earth might wear. Washed and faded jeans and a white T-shirt. And he could easily have done a commercial for those jeans. He was well built without being over-musdy. His only flaw, if it could be called that, was that his expression was a little too uplifted. Almost too sweet for a boy. Gillian stared. The being looked back. After a moment he spoke. â€Å"Hey, kid,† he said, and winked. Gillian was startled-and mad. Normally, she was shy about speaking to guys, but after all, she was dead now, and this person had struck a raw nerve. â€Å"Who're you calling kid?† she said indignantly. He just grinned. â€Å"Sorry. No offense.† Confused, Gillian made herself nod politely. Who was this person? She'd always heard you had friends or relatives come and meet you. But she'd never seen this guy before in her life. Anyway, he's definitely not an angel. â€Å"I've come to help you,† he said. As if he'd heard her thought. â€Å"Help me?† â€Å"You have a choice to make.† That was when Gillian began to notice the door. It was right behind the guy, approximately where the mist had been. And it was a door†¦ but it wasn't. It was like the luminous outline of a door, drawn very faintly on thin air. Fear crept back into Gillian's mind. Somehow, without knowing how she knew, she knew the door was important. More important than anything she'd seen so far. Whatever was behind it was-well, maybe beyond comprehension. A different place. Where all the laws she knew didn't apply. Not necessarily bad. Just so powerful and so different that it was scary. Good can be scary, too. That's the real gateway, she thought. Go through that door and you don't come back. And even though part of her longed desperately to see what was behind it, she was still so frightened that she felt dizzy. â€Å"The thing is, it wasn't actually your time,† the guy with the golden-blond hair said quietly. Oh, yes, I should have known. That's the clich†, Gillian thought. But she thought it weakly. Looking at that door, she didn't have room left inside for cute remarks. She swallowed, blinking to clear her eyes. â€Å"But here you are. A mistake, but one we have to deal with. In these cases, we usually leave the decision up to the individual.† â€Å"You're saying I can choose whether or not I die.† â€Å"To put it sort of loosely.† â€Å"It's just up to me?† â€Å"That's right.† He tilted his head slightly. â€Å"You might want to think your life over at this point.† Gillian blinked. Then she took a few steps away from him and stared across the supernaturally green grass. She tried to think about her life. If you'd asked me this morning if I wanted to stay alive, there would have been no question. But now†¦ Now it felt a little like being rejected. As if she weren't good enough. And besides, seeing that she'd come this far †¦ did she really want to go back? It's not as if I were anybody special there. Not smart like Amy, a straight A student. Not brave. Not talented. Well, what else is there? What would I be going back to? Her mom-drinking every day, asleep by the time Gillian got home. Her dad and the constant arguments. The loneliness she knew she'd be facing now that Amy had a boyfriend. The longing for things she could never have, like David Blackburn with his quizzical smile. Like popularity and love and acceptance. Like having people think she was interesting and-and mature. Come on. There's got to be something good back there. â€Å"Cup Noodles?† the guy's voice said. Gillian turned toward him. â€Å"Huh?† â€Å"You like those. Especially on a cold day when you come inside. Cats. The way babies smell. Cinnamon toast with lots of butter, like your mom used to make it when she still got up in the morning. Bad monster movies.† Gillian choked. She'd never told anyone about most of those things. â€Å"How do you know all that?† He smiled. He really had an extraordinary smile. â€Å"Eh, we see a lot up here.† Then he sobered. â€Å"And don't you want to see more? Of life, I mean. Isn't there anything left for you to do?† Everything was left for her to do. She'd never accomplished anything worthwhile. But I didn't have much time, a small wimpy voice inside her protested. To be quashed immediately by a stern, steady voice. You think that's an excuse? Nobody knows how much time they've got. You had plenty of minutes, and you wasted most of them. â€Å"Then don't you think you'd better go back and try again?† the guy said, hi a gentle, prodding voice. â€Å"See if you can do a better job?† Yes. All at once, Gillian was filled with the same burning she'd felt when she got out of the creek. A sense of revelation and of purpose. She could do that. She could change completely, turn her life in a whole new direction. Besides, there were her parents to consider. No matter how bad things were between them now, it could only make it worse if their daughter suddenly died. They'd blame each other. And Amy would get one of her guilt complexes for not waiting to drive Gillian home from school†¦ The thought brought a little grim satisfaction. Gillian tried to quell it. She had the feeling the guy was listening. But she did have a new perspective on life. A sudden feeling that it was terribly precious, and that the worst thing you could do was waste it. She looked at the guy. â€Å"I want to go back.† He nodded. Gave the smile again. â€Å"I thought maybe you would.† His voice was so warm now. There was a quality in it that was like-what? Pure love? Infinite understanding? A tone that was to sound what perfect light was to vision. He held out a hand. â€Å"Time to go, Gillian,† he said gently. His eyes were the deepest violet imaginable. Gillian hesitated just an instant, then reached toward him. She never actually touched his hand, not in a physical way. Just as her fingers seemed about to meet his, she felt a tingling shock and there was a flash. Then he was gone and Gillian had several odd impressions all at once. The first was of being†¦ unfixed. Detached from her surroundings. A falling feeling. The second was of something coming at her. It was coming very fast from some direction she couldn't point to. A place that wasn't defined by up or down or left or right. And it felt huge and winged, the way a hawk's shadow must feel to a mouse. Gillian had a wild impulse to duck. But it wasn't necessary. She was moving herself, falling away. Rushing backward through the tunnel, leaving the meadow-and whatever was coming at her-behind. The huge thing had only registered for an instant on her senses, and now, whizzing back through the darkness, she forgot about it. Later, she would realize what a mistake this had been. For now, time seemed compressed. She was alone in the tunnel, being pulled down like water down a drain. She tried to look between her feet to see where she was going, and saw something like a deep well beneath her. At the bottom of the well was a circle of light, like the view backwards through a telescope. And in the circle, very tiny, was a girl's body lying on the snow. My body, Gillian thought-and then, before she had time to feel any emotion, the bottom of the well was rushing up toward her. The tiny body was bigger and bigger. She felt a tugging pressure. She was being sucked into it-too fast. Way too fast. She had no control. She fit perfectly in the body, like a hand slipping into a mitten, but the jolt knocked her out. Oooh†¦ something hurts. Gillian opened her eyes-or tried to. It was as hard as doing a chin-up. On the second or third attempt she managed to get them open a crack. Whiteness everywhere. Dazzling. Blinding. Where†¦ ? Is it snow? What am I doing lying down in the snow? Images came to her. The creek. Icy water. Climbing out. Falling. Being so cold†¦ After that†¦ she couldn't remember. But now she knew what hurt. Everything. I can't move. Her muscles were clenched tight as steel. But she knew she couldn't stay here. If she did, she'd†¦ Memory burst through her. I died already. Strangely, the realization gave her strength. She actually managed to sit up. As she did, she heard a cracking sound. Her clothes were glazed with solid ice. Somehow she got to her feet. She shouldn't have been able to do it. Her body had been cold enough to shut down earlier, and since then she'd been lying in the snow. By all the laws of nature, she should be frozen now. But she was standing. She could even shuffle a step forward. Only to realize she had no idea which way to go. She still didn't know where the road was. Worse, it would be getting dark soon. When that happened, she wouldn't even be able to see her own tracks. She could walk in circles in the woods until her body gave out again. â€Å"See that white oak tree? Go around it to the right.† The voice was behind her left ear. Gillian turned that way as sharply as her rigid muscles would allow, even though she knew she wouldn't see anything. She recognized the voice. But it was so much warmer and gentler now. â€Å"You came back with me.† â€Å"Sure.† Once again the voice was filled with that impossible warmth, that perfect love. â€Å"You don't think I'd just leave you to wander around until you froze again, do you? Now head for that tree, kid.† After that came a long time of stumbling and staggering, over branches, around trees, on and on. It seemed to last forever, but always there was the voice in Gillian's ear, guiding her, encouraging her. It kept her moving when she thought she couldn't possibly go another step. And then, at last, the voice said, â€Å"Just up this ridge and you'll find the road.† In a dreamlike state, Gillian climbed the ridge. And there it was. The road. In the last light before darkness, Gillian could see it meandering down a hill. But it was still almost a mile to her house, and she couldn't go any farther. â€Å"You don't have to,† the voice said gently. â€Å"Look up the road.† Gillian saw headlights. â€Å"Now just get in the middle of the road and wave.† Gillian stumbled out and waved like a mechanical doll. The headlights were coming, blinding her. Then she realized that they were slowing. â€Å"We did it,† she gasped, dimly aware that she was speaking out loud. â€Å"They're stopping!† â€Å"Of course they're stopping. You did a great job. You'll be all right now.† There was no mistaking the note of finality. The car was stopped now. The driver's side door was opening. Gillian could see a dark figure beyond the glare of the headlights. But in that instant what she felt was distress. â€Å"Wait, don't leave me. I don't even know who you are-â€Å" For a brief moment, she was once again enfolded by love and understanding. â€Å"Just call me Angel.† Then the voice was gone, and all Gillian could feel was anguish. â€Å"What are you doing out-Hey, are you okay?† The new voice broke through Gillian's emptiness. She had been standing rigidly in the headlights; now she blinked and tried to focus on the figure coming toward her. â€Å"God, of course you're not okay. Look at you. You're Gillian, aren't you? You live on my street.† It was David Blackburn. The knowledge surged through her like a shock, and it drove all the strange hallucinations she'd been having out of her mind. It really was David, as close as he'd ever been to her. Dark hair. A lean face that still had traces of a summer tan. Cheekbones to die for and eyes to drown in. A certain elegance of carriage. And that half-friendly, half-quizzical smile†¦ Except that he wasn't smiling now. He looked shocked and worried. Gillian couldn't get a single word out. She just stared at him from under the icy curtain of her hair. â€Å"What hap-No, never mind. We've got to get you warm.† At school he was thought of as a tough guy, an independent rebel. But, now, without any hesitation, the tough guy scooped her up in his arms. Confusion flashed through Gillian, then embarrassment-but underneath it all was something much stronger. An odd bedrock sense of safety. David was warm and solid and she knew instinctively that she could trust him. She could stop fighting now and relax. â€Å"Put this on †¦ watch your head†¦ here, use this for your hair.† David was somehow getting everything done at once without hurrying. Capable and kind. Gillian found herself inside the car, wrapped in his sheepskin jacket, with an old towel around her shoulders. Heat blasted from the vents as David gunned the engine. It was wonderful to be able to rest without being afraid it would kill her. Bliss not to be surrounded by cold, even if the hot air didn't seem to warm her. The worn beige interior of the Mustang seemed like paradise. And David-well, no, he didn't look like an angel. More like a knight, especially the kind who went out in disguise and rescued people. Gillian was beginning to feel very fuzzy. â€Å"I thought I'd take a dip,† she said, between chattering teeth. She was shivering again. â€Å"What?† â€Å"You asked what happened. I was a little hot, so I jumped in the creek.† He laughed out loud. â€Å"Huh. You're brave.† Then he glanced at her sideways with keen eyes and added, â€Å"What really happened?† He thinks I'm brave! A glow better than the heated air enveloped Gillian. â€Å"I slipped,† she said. â€Å"I went into the woods, and when I got to the creek-† Suddenly, she remembered why she'd gone into the woods. She'd forgotten it since the fall had put her own life in danger, but now she seemed to hear that faint, pathetic cry all over again. â€Å"Oh, my God,† she said, struggling to sit upright. â€Å"Stop the car.†

Economic Problems

Major economic problems in the Philippines are very similar to the economic problems in other underdeveloped countries. Some of the major pinpointed problems are the import-export imbalance, causing those who specialize in trade and make their living off of imported and exported goods to lose money. The imbalance causes families that are forced to survive off of this small income to wonder if they are going to eat the next week or not. One week there are plenty of orders to keep a family and company afloat; the next, there are no orders, causing the family and companies to suffer.Decline of the Philippine peso, which is the value of the money in the Philippines. The lack of business versus the amount of pesos in the small country simply do not add up. In order for families to purchase anything in the Philippines, they have to have several hundred pesos to equal the value of what ever it is they are attempting to purchase. The pesos are equal to less than that of the Mexican peso. Rel iance on remittances. This is when the companies in the Phillips attempt to sell and distribute goods over seas, with other workers from the countries.The Filipinos work in a different country and forward monies back to the homeland, where the company is based out of. This prevents the countries – the foreign and home – from taking out excessive taxes and fees for importing and exporting goods. These are just some of the major problems concerning the Philippines. More information on this country can be found at www. buzzle. com. Individuals continue to suffer daily, and struggle throughout daily life. There are several charities set up through the United States in an attempt to assist these families that desperately need help with simple survival skills. Economic Problems Major economic problems in the Philippines are very similar to the economic problems in other underdeveloped countries. Some of the major pinpointed problems are the import-export imbalance, causing those who specialize in trade and make their living off of imported and exported goods to lose money. The imbalance causes families that are forced to survive off of this small income to wonder if they are going to eat the next week or not.One week there are plenty of orders to keep a family and company afloat; the next, there are no orders, causing the family and companies to suffer. Decline of the Philippine peso, which is the value of the money in the Philippines. The lack of business versus the amount of pesos in the small country simply do not add up. In order for families to purchase anything in the Philippines, they have to have several hundred pesos to equal the value of what ever it is they are attempting to purchase.The pesos are equal to less than that of the Mexican peso. Reli ance on remittances. This is when the companies in the Phillips attempt to sell and distribute goods over seas, with other workers from the countries. The Filipinos work in a different country and forward monies back to the homeland, where the company is based out of. This prevents the countries – the foreign and home – from taking out excessive taxes and fees for importing and exporting goods.These are just some of the major problems concerning the Philippines. More information on this country can be found at www. buzzle. com. Individuals continue to suffer daily, and struggle throughout daily life. There are several charities set up through the United States in an attempt to assist these families that desperately need help with simple survival skills. For more information, please see:www. reference. com

Cfa Study Outlines Essay Example for Free

Cfa Study Outlines Essay   CFA Curriculum/Blue box examples/EOC problems Month 5: Schweser Slides=>Take practice exam (8X) BOOT CAMP strongly recommended (Creighton University provides an exceptional LIII Boot Camp—Marc Lefebvre teaches the course and has put together an impressive strategic outline) Question Format – Morning: Essay ? Focus on writing key words (study previous actual CFA exam answers and learn what these key words are—just remember that the CFA guideline answers are also considered â€Å"perfect† so don’t think you must include everything stated) ? The morning essay questions are the least correlated with questions from the actual CFA curriculum; therefore, it is absolutely necessary to study past actual CFA Level III exams and familiarize yourself with how they’ll ask questions—you’ll be surprised at how well you may know the material but not quite understand what the questions are asking for – Afternoon: Item Set Multiple Choice ? READ THE QUESTION FIRST! 90% of all questions asked follow the item set chronologically (first portion of item set relates to 1st question, 2nd portion relates to 2nd question, etc. First paragraph is usually an introduction that can be skipped to save time) Special emphasis on essay format (master your timing—Individual Investor IPS/Return Calculation should take < 10 min). DO NOT rely on year to year correlations in question types—expect ANYTHING to be tested – Prior exams are published and are a necessary resource CFA Practice Exam only includes the afternoon item set section; you must take Schweser practice tests/actual prior CFA Level III exams to incorporate the morning session – One of your top goals should be to finish the morning session; many candidates have failed due to the inability to finish—you’ll be surprised at how many extra points you can earn just for taking educated guesses – CFA Level III exam is by far the most difficult although the material is a breeze. Therefore, you must conceptualize the material rather than rely on pure memorization. Special Note: For Level I candidates, place special emphasis on ethics and portfolio management concepts. An in-depth understanding of both saves time from LII and LIII down the road. Memorize Code & Standards and read ALL ethics examples! Portfolio management concepts such as portfolio standard deviation and portfolio variance are recurring concepts that are extremely important for LIII. Taken Directly from the CFA Institute Website Cfa Study Outlines. (2018, Oct 14).

Bea System and CSR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Bea System and CSR - Essay Example Management now gained more strategic importance with the development of business functions like planning, organizing, coordinating and also other functions pertaining to division and management of the organisational workload among people working in different groups. Moreover the concept also gained impetus owing to its linkage to managerial activities pertaining to decision making regarding the optimum allocation and economical use of scarce organisational resources. A more current understanding of the managerial concept implies the achieving of core organisational objectives through the activities of other people. In this definition it is clearly reflected that the manager in an organisation is not required to conduct business activities by oneself. Rather such a person can manage business activities through supervising the acts of other people working under him. The above discussion henceforth holds management as a special skill or art which is practiced by the managers to fulfil o rganisational objectives through the acts of others (Peel, 1994, p.1-4; Liebler and McConnell, 2004, p.51-53). Having discussed the emergence and development of the management concept the focus is now rendered on one of the approaches to the management science known as the model for Competing Values Framework. It is found by different management experts like Quinn that the different approaches to management that had emerged with the development of scientific management had some common traits which helped the concepts to merge with each other. This merging of the concepts gave birth to a composite model known as the Competing Values Framework which is considered the appropriate model for future managerial uses. This model is considered best for future managerial applications owing to the prevalence of different types of mindsets which is closely integrated to help business managers to compete effectively with the competing and dynamic current business environment. Competing Values Fr amework model is represented in the form of a grid formed by two axes vertical and horizontal. The horizontal axis judges the effectiveness of the managerial approaches from both the internal and external respects of the organizational environment. Again the vertical axis represents different managerial traits which denote a situation of supreme flexibility at the top which trickles down to a point of absolute certainty reflecting total control. This model earns due effectiveness for reflecting the development of managerial decision making across a number of stages and thereby shows the impacts of such in the external and internal organisational environment (Pellissier, 2001, p.142-143; Smart, 2010, p.389). Thus this model depicted in Appendix A truly reflects the strategic fit in regards to both organisational values and managerial effectiveness and traits making it one of the best models for future managerial uses. Application The Organisation The organisation that would be analyz ed in this context is BEA. This organisation is held to be the world’s largest company in the field of generation of application software for other companies. BEA gained its current stand in a matter of about eight

Ethical dilemma Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Ethical dilemma - Essay Example agreement by society as to whether the decision to have an abortion should completely be on a medical basis without considering the rights of the unborn child. Many religions condemn the ending of life, especially of a defenseless unborn child. The Muslim faith sees life as sacred. The same applies to other religions and hence abortion is strongly condemned. In Kuwait, having an abortion is considered killing the unborn child mercilessly. However, when the life of the person carrying the pregnancy is in danger, the real moral issue as to whether to consider the unborn child as a real human being arises (Lindahl, 1999). Many Muslim faithful in Kuwait view the pregnancy as a person with a soul and hence should be respected as any other human being. In cases where the pregnancy was not planned, or birth control methods did not work, many potential mothers are left with the dilemma of deciding whether to carry the pregnancy to full term or to have an abortion. Reasons for such thoughts could be financial inability to care for the child or the shame of getting pregnant outside marriage. Many such women would opt to have an abortion to avoid the consequences of having to deal with such a pregnancy. Nevertheless, the thought of killing an innocent "child" with the potential of growing into a complete human being does not stop ringing in their minds thus such women are really troubled as to what is the best action to take. Society is bound to shame or completely reject them associating with other people because of such pregnancies, hence such women are forced to avoid such occurrences by having an abortion. On the other hand, their relationship with Allah never leaves them, placing them in very unsure situations as to what is the best way out of such a situation Nurses and doctors are not also left out in this never ending debate on abortion. A religious nurse or doctor might find himself or herself faced with a situation whereby chances of both the mother and unborn

Appeal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Appeal - Essay Example Therefore, I and my younger sister have suffered severe anxiety and melancholy afterward. My younger sibling has become suicidal after this tragic incident as she could not accept the realistic fact of death. Previously my younger sibling lived in Canada for her studies, but after her several attempts of suicide; I could not leave her on her own, took her under my wings. Right now, I am struggling with my own anxiety, focusing on my sister’s rehabilitation and trying to be empathetic towards my father. I am physically and sentimentally exhausted and could not focus on my studies, which resulted in low grades. After my mother’s demise, my father urges me to return to Korea as he also feels lonely and gloomy. I have become sleep deprived and struggling with emotional and physical demands of my family every day and in the meantime barely getting any sleep like a normal person. I have visited counseling center for the same sake and received medical assistance from the hospi tal as well. I do not want to leave my studies in between as I have always been eager to complete my graduation from the University. However, I am trying to recover from the tragic incident and struggling to manage my family life and studies for which I will need your support and empathy as well. If I am reinstated, I will focus much better on my schoolwork, take fewer hours, and manage my time more wisely. Fortunately, my father is recovering and has returned to work, so I should not need to travel home nearly as often.

Medicare and Insurance Coverage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Medicare and Insurance Coverage - Essay Example The Medicaid, on the contrary, is a program designed to assist people with a few resources to access health care services. For a State to access the Medicaid services from the Federal State, it has to meet some set standards. Thus, by studying a case, it becomes necessary to answer some questions that aid in understanding the functionality of these programs. The case study provided presents Mrs. Zwick, a 77-aged woman, a permanent resident of the United States, hospitalized due to a mild stroke. The study has indicated that, she underwent an admission for five days and later transferred to a different facility for rehabilitation services. After a considerable time, the doctor diagnoses her with a hospital obtained â€Å"Urinary Tract Infection† (UTI) (Kaplan, 2004). As a result, the doctor prescribes some medications for her. The case has further highlighted the fact that Mrs. Zwick has the Medicare part A, B and D coverage. Mrs. Zwick’s daughter lacks sufficient knowle dge concerning how the coverage indicated above can assist her mother in settling the hospital bills (Kaplan, 2004). Therefore, the administration has demanded that I discuss with the daughter on costs covered fully or partially by the three parts of the Medicare program entitled to h er. The part A of the Medicare also identified by the name Hospice Insurance (HI) will cater for the following bills (Kaplan, 2004). For instance, it will settle all costs incurred due to her stay in the facility. These entails the meals, tests performed on her for diagnosing reasons, as well as for her stay in the skilled nursing home, where she underwent the rehabilitation. In addition to the above, the Medicare part A will settle bills needed for the walker. Moreover, the Medicare part B will also play a monumental part in helping cover the different costs entitled to her. This part, for instance, will cover all-home care services entitled to Mrs. Zwick after her discharge. Finally, the Medicare par t D will also be necessary, as it will cater for costs incurred in accessing her medication. In addition, the later part will partially repay the bills arising from the medication of the hospital acquired UTI. The current medical policies enacted discourage the reimbursement for hospital-acquired infections. In 2006, George Bush who was the United States president enacted an act aimed at plummeting the amount of finances dedicated to treating disorders resulting from medical errors. This was due to a rise in the occurrence of such errors thus costing the federal government enormous funds. As a result, payers of such services decided to monitor the expenditure of such finances. According to the board in charge of budget in the US, the decision would help the local government save $29 billion (Kaplan, 2004). The current policy formulated would adversely affect Mrs. Zwick. Therefore, she will have to spend her own finances for the treatment of her UTI. The infection she has acquired is amongst the ten conditions that Medicare does not compensate. Therefore, catering for the treatment of such an infection might result to the risk of deprived health or death. Mrs. Zwick may not pay all finances needed for her treatment thus a decline in her health. The â€Å"Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act†

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Management of Business System - Research Paper Example Thus an optimal product mix consisting of only D, E, F, H, I, J, K, O, P, R has been proposed. Other products can be discontinued. Modular process design and business process management system are recommended to implement along with this revised optimal product mix. This affords flexibility and enhances the capability to handle competition. Grouping of similar products and their standardised production, while maintaining separate production lines for specialised products, is advised as specific standardisation steps. First the proposed product mix of ten items may be tested for a reasonable period, evaluated including demand fluctuations, competition and market share information. Thus a more detailed Pareto analysis can be done. The limitation of the present study is due to the available data lacking in these respects. When a company produces and sells many items, some items may fetch large incomes and some others small incomes. These incomes are related to sale price and sale volume of each product. The company is interested in maximising its total sale income with least cost, so that profit can be maximised. Reducing product mix is one way. In this paper, a situation pertaining to Chelwood Country Products is evaluated for these possibilities. Green & Krieger (1992) used Pareto analysis, sensitivity analysis, optimal product positioning, line extension, segment-based addition and response of competitors. The data provided in the case of Chelwood are not enough for such detailed study. Ordover & Panzar (1980) showed that when user demands are independent, a uniform price higher than marginal cost can be Pareto non-linear outlay schedule. When users compete for products, their demands are inter-related. Then Pareto improvement is not possible. This aspect is not known in the case of Chelwood. We may assume independent user demands. Dudek-Burlikowska & Szewieczek (2007) proposed quality research methods for estimation of sales process with Pareto analysis, Ishikawa diagram and process analysis. Process management approach is to be used in our study when better options are

Synthesis and analysis paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Synthesis and analysis paper - Assignment Example The major similarity amongst all these three rumor theories is that everything about a rumor is psychological and hence the reason why many tend to believe it to be true. They are a creation of the mind and hence can only be stopped by the mind once an individual or group loses their psychological perspective. The other similarity is that all the three authors agree that it is easier to spread than stop a rumor, once it is created it only grows and spreads even wider. Despite their similarities, the three rumor theories have their own differences. Knapp’s theory for example explains that rumor are caused and driven by an emotion humans may be having. These emotions are wish, fear as well as hostility (Behrens & Rosen 360). When an individual encounters any of the above emotions, he is bound to react through coming up with a rumor and spreading it to further protect and mask his true emotions. Unless the emotion behind the rumor is addressed, the rumors will keep on coming. DiFonzo however seems to differ about the source and cause of rumors. He explains that rumors are a creation of society to serve either personal or social purpose. Once this purpose is served, then the rumor ceases until the next personal or social need occurs. The extent of the rumor and its magnitude depends on the personal or social level. This is the same across groups as well not only individuals. Sunstein believes that rumors work in a cascading manner where the more it is spreading, the more people it is pulling in and the faster it continues to spread. They originate small but continue to spread and increase to the level of people starting to believe them to be true despite the half-truths it holds most of the time. He further indicates that this rumor can be used to effect positivity into humans in fields such as politics (Behrens & Rosen 390). There was a wide spread rumor a few years back through some of it

Manufacturing and Production Enterprises Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Manufacturing and Production Enterprises - Essay Example CIM is the core avenue towards realization of success in U.S manufacturing. It involves integration of all components that are essential in production process and is a unifying factor of basic functional areas of manufacturing firms. It integrates design, production and management ensuring effective and quality production (Markert & Backer, 2009). Obstacles preventing high velocity in production such as complex setups, poor physical flow, excess material handling and interruptions in production process have been resolved by adopting lean manufacturing. Lean manufacturing simultaneously integrates the various aspects of product design, development and production. Just –in-time (JIT) has facilitated reduction of cost, production of high quality products and on-time production through, minimization of idle facilities, equipment’s or workers. Its main emphasis is having the right part, at right time, in the right quantities in manufacturing area (Markert & Backer, 2009). Many organizations have also undergone restructuring to reduce managerial layers and increase profits. This has put more decision making and responsibilities to line managers and the assembly line workers. Companies are adopting supply- chain management, which makes significant changes in the way a particular product is produced. As a result, dependence on external suppliers and outsourcing has increased helping organizations manage inventory and maximize production (Markert & Backer, 2009). Organizations have been struggling with cost especially the cost of material handling. Material requirement planning (MRP) is one technique that helps firm plan future purchase orders and production lots according to the required material to complete a production schedule. Intensive global competetion is a key driver of the ongoing trend of strategic implementation of

The Plight of the Mentally Ill Homeless in the US Essay Example for Free

The Plight of the Mentally Ill Homeless in the US Essay Introduction The issue of homelessness in the US has been of serious concern since the 1980s when the problem first became apparent. Budget deficits, brought about by massive diversions to military spending, forced a cutback on most social services. Today, approximately 7% of the population has been homeless at least once in their lives. Estimates place the number of people who experience homelessness each year at 3 million, more than half of which are families with children. (Donohoe, 2004) Of that number, roughly 25% have serious and chronic mental problems. (Mental Illness and Homelessness, 2006) The purpose of this paper is to provide a historical and social context to homelessness in the US, with particular focus on the mentally ill. Current statistics and demographics for the mentally-ill homeless will also be presented followed by an analysis of programs currently being undertaken with regards to this sector of the population. The Numbers The homeless population can be divided into three types based on how long and often they are homeless. About 80% are temporarily homeless, those who experience a single, short period (about two weeks) of homelessness that is not repeated. The episodically homeless (approximately 10% of the homeless population) are also short-term spells of homelessness but may be repeated at unpredictable intervals over a period of time. The chronically homeless, 10% of the population, request the use of homeless assistance facilities and services over a protracted period at frequent intervals. (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2003) Overall, 39% have reported mental illness of which 25% are considered seriously ill. Among the last group, 50% are mentally ill or with substance abuse problems. This translates to approximately 150,000 chronically homeless, mentally ill people at any given time, and the mentally ill homeless have the most difficulty in relinquishing assistance programs. Of this population, 23% are veterans. (National Mental Health Information Center, 2003) Characteristics of the homeless mentally ill The mentally ill are often have been institutionalized at some point in their lives, and may have been involuntarily committed or have received treatment unsuitable for their condition. Since they are not completely functional because of their disability and poor hygiene, they tend to be prone to physical ailments, such as respiratory disease, HIV, and tuberculosis, that remain untreated until an advanced stage, if not death. They are usually members of a community that have become alienated from friends and family because of their disability and institutionalization, losing whatever support system they may have had. Many have been charged with misdemeanors, and their life expectancy is approximately 45 years. (National Mental Health Information Center 2003) Causes of homelessness among the mentally ill The 1960s saw an initiative to reduce the number of mental hospitals in the US because of reports that patients were receiving indifferent treatment, and to transfer the institutionalized to community-based treatment centers. However, practically all states where unable to provide adequate facilities for the accommodation of the released patients. Many were reduced to becoming homeless. (Peirce, 2001) In the 1980s, budget constraints forced even more premature releases from managed care of people suffering from schizophrenia or manic depression, overburdening an already bogged-down system. In a study of 187 released patients from Metropolitan State Hospital in Massachusetts, 27% had been homeless for more than 6 months, 66% of whom having no access to proper medication. There are more untreated mental cases in the population than the 90,000 receiving treatment in hospitals. In Berkeley, California, as many as 500 mentally ill people wander the city on any given night. (Homelessness: Tragic Side Effect of Non-Treatment, 2003) Federal assistance programs are often inadequate to provide housing for this disabled population, and rising housing costs make it difficult even for mentally stable people to obtain suitable housing. Mentally ill people are less likely to obtain steady employment and, though having no need for long-term institutionalization, are in need of regular access to treatment and rehabilitation services in order to function independently. The paucity of community-based health centers and suitable housing facilities increases the risk of homelessness for the mentally ill. (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006) Homelessness is mostly associated in urban areas (Armour, 2003), 71% in cities, 21% in the suburbs and 9% in rural (National Mental Health Information Center, 2003). It is therefore mainly for city officials to address the problem of homelessness, especially the mentally ill who are most vulnerable to chronic homelessness and most in need of city social services. However, the response of most cities is to make it a crime to be homeless, and many of the mentally ill homeless are incarcerated in conditions that will only worsen their condition. In the Twin Towers jail in Los Angeles, commonly referred to as the biggest jail in the world, 2,000 of the inmates are mentally ill, some imprisoned for many years for minor transgressions. Police authorities often have no other place to put them but in jail. (Campbell, 2003) Homeless people with mental disorders are not only more likely to die from poor physical health as a consequence of their disability, they are more likely to be raped, die from accidents and exposure to the elements, and murdered. There is a tendency for the general population to shun the homeless because of fear and intolerance for perceived laziness, and the mentally ill homeless are regarded as dangerous and unpredictable. Many treat the mentally ill homeless as sub-humans. (Homelessness: Tragic Side Effect of Non-Treatment, 2003) Initiatives Undertaken for the Mentally Ill Homeless The U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs has provided one of the largest percentages of public health care in the US, accommodating more than 8% of inpatient psychiatric care. Since 23% of the homeless mentally-ill population is veterans, the provision of such targeted psychiatric services to an at-risk population is a positive factor in the fight against the increase of the homeless mentally-ill. (Gamache, Rosenbeck and Tessler, 2000) However, for the other sectors of the homeless population, the Veterans Affairs program does not apply. In efforts to provide a more comprehensive blueprint for address the issue of the homeless mentally ill, several studies have been undertaken. A two-year University of Pennsylvania study published in the Housing Policy Debate of 5,000 homeless with serious mental problems in New York stated that it cost the same amount in public dollars to provide supportive housing, health services and employment assistance to the mentally ill as to provide social services to homeless people for the same period. (Franzen, 2001) The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) initiated the federal Continuum Care Program to combat homelessness, the core of which is called the Continuum of Care Initiative, which began a study of 4,000 homeless people in 1996 aimed at identifying factors that pertain to homelessness in the US. The HUD released the report entitled â€Å"The Forgotten Americans Homelessness: Programs and the People They Serve† in 2000. It was reported that 39% of the subjects were mentally ill. The report identified the primary goal of the homeless (find employment) and how much of the population reacted favorably (76% who lived as families and 60% who lived alone ended homelessness) to access to housing, health care and other needed services. The report outlined strategies that resulted in a US$45 million additional funding for homeless programs in 2000 and helped finance housing, employment and other self-sufficiency programs for 300,000 homeless people. (Tyler, 2002). In 2003, the U. S.Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) followed up on the HUD initiative and submitted a report that showed that health care costs of a homeless medically-ill person was US$ 11,000 more a year than that of the same person after being provided with suitable housing. The Needs of a Chronically Homeless Person Cross Many Service System Boundaries Source: U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (2003). Ending Chronic Homelessness: Strategies for Action. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from http://aspe. hhs.gov/hsp/homelessness/strategies03/ch. htm#ch2 In response to these studies, the following services were identified as necessary for ending homelessness among medically ill people: information and referral; outreach and engagement; mental health and counseling services; inpatient services; income management and support; residential treatment services; discharge planning; life skills services; education and skills training; and employment services. With a time frame of 10 years, the HHS outlined three goals of the initiative: 1. Provide easier access for at-risk populations to treatment and support services by simplifying document requirements, increasing outreach programs and extending the period of eligibility for benefits. Strategies to assist service providers in carrying out the objectives of the assistance programs, such as inter-agency collaboration for data sharing, in-service training for mainstream service providers as well as a marriage of homeless-specific and mainstream service providers working in tandem to provide services for eligible patients are also suggested. 2. Promote efficiency and flexibility in allocating funds that address chronic homelessness by encouraging cooperation between concerned departments in the federal, state and local levels in terms of programs and service delivery. Incentives are to be formulated to encourage such collaboration, especially when it comes to mainstream and homeless-specific funding sources. The need for a coordinating body was pinpointed. 3. Reduce the number of the homeless population by identifying populations at risk (i. e.veterans, deinstitutionalized mental patients) and providing programs that would ensure the ability to acquire decent housing such as employment assistance and regular health monitoring. (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2003) The response at the city level, where the issue of the homeless is most pressing, has been mixed. Some cities still handle homelessness using punitive measures. In Sarasota, Florida, a person can be arrested for having no other place to live. Business leaders in Lawrence, Kansas, pressured city hall to curtail social services and pass ordinances targeted at the homeless. The anti-panhandling law in Atlanta, Georgia was imposed on a Hurricane Katrina evacuee after he was caught selling wares in an upper-class mall. Supportive housing was also banned within the city limits. In Little Rock, Arkansas, homeless people are not allowed on buses even if they have tickets, simply because they are homeless. (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006) Other cities are more constructive. The Ft. Lauderdale police department and The Taskforce for Ending Homelessness, Inc.have teamed up to form the Homeless Outreach Team to provide social services and place the homeless in shelters in Broward County, Florida, cutting down the arrest record of the homeless by 2,400 annually in the 5 years of the program’s operation. The Homeless Outreach Psychiatric Evaluation Team in Pasadena, California is a partnership of the Pasadena Police Department and the Los Angeles Department of Health to provide mental health services to the homeless population. A tri-city cooperation in Ohio fund programs that provide social services at during off-hours to people ineligible for state assistance. The Homeless Court Program formed in 1989 in San Diego, California assists the homeless in resolving misdemeanor charges that prevent their access to benefits such as housing and employment. In Washington, D. C. , business owners solved the problem of the homeless wandering the street during the day when shelters are closed by establishing a day center that can accommodate 260 people where they can get a meal, shower and do laundry. (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006) Proposed Plan for Community-Based Assessment Program. The following is a generic plan and timetable for a community-based program composed of volunteers in collaboration with local police authorities based on needs assessment criteria designed to assess the level of intervention required for a population of 5,000 residents. Recruitment and orientation of potential members through flyers and announcements at the community or city hall 1 month Data gathering on the homeless population based on arrest records and field research 3 months Tracking down identified homeless people and conducting interviews to identify perceived needs 6 months. Analysis of interviews by trained professionals for recommendations on the services needed for the target population 1 month Submission of results and recommendations of the study to the concerned city and community departments to acquire funding and other assistance 1 month The above plan will address the needs of a specific population with particular demographic and social factors that will determine the type and scale of social services, health management, housing and employment assistance that would most effectively eliminate the homeless mentally ill population. The smallness of the target population will make it more manageable, especially for volunteer organizations, and easier to acquire and manage funding for whatever needs that are identified. Conclusions Studies have shown what police authorities and social organizations have been pointing out for some time: the costs of incarcerating and treating mentally ill homeless people would be greatly reduced if they receive regular treatment and medication and provided with the ability to take themselves off the streets. (Campbell, 2003) This would mean more funds for more people receiving community-based health and housing privileges. The proposed plan for needs assessment is only the initial stage for providing for the homeless mentally ill at the community level for small populations. Many studies deal with the needs of a large population that may not be applicable in the micro-level, especially if the community in question has particular cultural and social issues unique to that community. It may also serve as a model to identify other subgroups of the homeless such as those substance abuse problems. It must be brought to the next level, actual service and support delivery. Many of the initiatives in all levels of public social service access are headed in the right direction, mostly as a result of recommendations from comprehensive studies of the issue. Inter-agency collaborations are providing good models for all communities to follow, but they are a handful compared to the magnitude of the problem at hand. More cooperation is needed to make effective use of funds, mainstream and homeless-specific service providers, law enforcement agencies and volunteer organizations. Moreover, the homeless mentally ill are still victims of public ridicule and loathing. People of the community must acknowledge that the most effective way to assist the homeless mentally off the streets and into productive lives is by providing social services, mental health access, employment assistance and supportive housing at the community level. In the long run, the most cost-effective way getting rid of them is to make them productive, functioning citizens. References Armour, S. (2003) Homelessness grows as more live check-to-check. USA Today.Retrieved February 2, 2007 from http://www. usatoday. com/money/economy/2003-08-11-homeless_x. htm Campbell, D. (2003) 300,000 Mentally Ill in US Prisons. Common Dreams. org. Retrieved February 2, 2007 from http://www. commondreams. org/headlines03/0303-09. htm Donohoe, M. (2004) Homelessness in the United States. Medscape Ob/Gyn Women’s Health. Retrieved January 31, 2007 from http://www. medscape. com/viewarticle/481800 Franzen, H. (2001) Housing Mentally Ill Homeless People Makes Economic Sense. Scientific American Inc. Retrieved January 31, 2007 from http://www.sciam. com/article. cfm? articleID=000EF22A-AA04-1C5E-B882809EC588ED9F Gamache, G, Rosenbeck, R. and Tessler, R. (2000) Factors Predicting Choice of Provider Among Homeless Veterans With Mental Illness Psychiatric Services. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from http://www. psychservices. psychiatryonline. org/cgi/content/full/51/8/1024 Homelessness: Tragic Side Effect of Non-Treatment (2003) Treatment Advocacy Center. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from http://www. psychlaws. org/generalResources/fact11. htm Maleque, S. and Brennan, V. (n. d. ) Homeless Mentally Ill. Factline: Tracking Health in Undeserved Communities. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from http://www. meharry. org/Fl/Mental_Health/Homeless_Mentally_Ill. html#mh%20disab National Coalition for the Homeless (2006) Mental Illness and Homelessness. Retrieved January 31, 2007 from http://www. nationalhomeless. org/publications/facts/Mental_Illness. pdf National Coalition for the Homeless (2006) Report accuses US cities of criminalizing the homeless. City Mayors Society. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from http://www. citymayors. com/society/homeless_usa2. html. National Mental Health Information Center (2003) Homelessness Provision of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Retrieved February 2, 2007 from http://mentalhealth. samhsa. gov/publications/allpubs/homelessness/ Peirce, N. (2001) Help for the Mentally Ill Homeless: Rectifying a 30 Year Old Problem. Stateline. org. Retrieved February 2, 2007 from http://www. stateline. org/live/ViewPage. action? siteNodeId=136languageId=1contentId=14273 Tyler, R. (2002) Homeless in America. NewsHour Extra. Retrieved January 31, 2007 from http://www. pbs. org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec02/homeless.html U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (2003) Ending Chronic Homelessness: Strategies for Action Chapter 2. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from http://aspe. hhs. gov/hsp/homelessness/strategies03/ch. htm#ch2 U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (2003) Ending Chronic Homelessness: Strategies for Action Chapter 5. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from http://aspe. hhs. gov/hsp/homelessness/strategies03/ch. htm#ch5 U. S. Departmentof Veterans Affairs (2006) Overview of Homelessness. Retrieved February 1, 2007 from http://www1. va. gov/homeless/page. cfm? pg=1.

Language of Abigails Party Emily Huntley Essay Example for Free

Language of Abigails Party Emily Huntley Essay Mike Leigh used to be one of a kind, famous for creating movies through an unusual process that involves extensive rehearsals and improvisations with his actors; a process that begins weeks before anyone picks up a camera. In each of his plays, he has depicted the often-uneventful lives of ordinary people. The results are always far from conventional. And it is through his success that many directors are now using his techniques to capture the texture of everyday life. Leigh achieves this commonness in the majority through his language, although the whole play is based on naturalism, he uses this technique to capture the essence of each characters persona. I think this technique is particularly successful, as the audience finds it easy to relate themselves to the evening unravelling before them, and manage to put themselves in the situations of the characters. Lawrence My first impression of Lawrence was that he was an well-educated, cultured man, who was simply a good social mixer but this is the aim of Leigh. He wanted the audience to believe the opposite of Lawrence and then have their thoughts dashed. In a way I believe that this makes the audience feel vulnerable as if theyve been deceived and they then seek comfort in one of the other characters which seem simple and honest and therefore they find themselves delving into the play further. Lawrence speaks in a polite and precise manner Ah, yes-now, when would you be best for you? No, no, Ill fall in with you, Mrs Cushing. (Page 2) this enforces the idea of him being a well brought up man and hopefully in his eyes achieving the idea that his guests consider him of a high social class. Leigh also used the language of the character Lawrence to make him persuasive and condescending, I dont only like Minis-I like lots of other cars. But I find the Mini economical, efficient and reliable. (Page 8) this is a good example of the rule of 3 a strong persuasive technique, this is how he enforces his ideas on others and appears so domineering and always seems to be right as no one has the courage to object. Generally Lawrences speech is direct and focused, he speaks when spoken to and rarely initiates a conversation, unless asking probing questions to prove his wealth and class over the other guests You have a car, do you? (Page 8). Although Lawrences vocabulary is relatively simple, he still uses this to his advantage by trying to better himself and prove his supposedly higher social status Macbeth. Part of our heritage. This also links to Lawrences frequent name dropping this is in an attempt to try and appear culturally educated, with references to Van Gogh Shakespeare Lowry etc. Lawrence also frequently uses questions in his dialect, this is to distract guests from a previous topic that may be a bit uncomfortable for him, and so that he feels as though he is remaining control, he can choose what subject to initiate a conversation with Youve got footballers legs, though, havent you? Talking of Paris, Sue, do you like art? Another technique Leigh used in Lawrences character, are put-downs. This is achieved by the use of rhetorical questions. What would you know about taste? (Page 48). And also by repetition of the persons name who hes talking to. Ive seen to the drinks, thank you, Beverly! (Page 42), in this is example it is used as a put down to remind Beverly to look around and compose herself. Throughout the play, Leigh rarely uses poetic language or imagery, with few metaphors and no symbolism. Lawrence is a prime example of this as he is a simple dialect character. Beverly When I initially read the play, I thought the whole plot pivoted around Beverly and how bad a hostess she was. I later found this not to be true. After seeing the play I realised that Beverly is actually a very good host, this is proved when she leaves the room, and the conversation withers. She also dominates the play, with her monologues, and comical mickey taking of Lawrence. In Abigails Party Beverly is the only character to frequently swear with no apparent acknowledgement for her guests. Oh sod off Lawrence (Page 49). This although may be offensive to some, shows the extreme contrast between the nouveaux riches and the true middle class, such as Sue. Throughout the play Beverly uses a patronising tone, but I feel this isnt a condescending technique, but rather being too honest Please dont be offended when I say this, but, youre wearing a very pretty dress, If I may say so; now, you see that pink ribbon down the front? If youd chosen, Ang, a colour slightly nearer that pink, I think it would have blended more with your skin tones; (Page 10). In this example, I feel that she is trying to make Ang feel better in herself. Although this does prove how materialistic Bev is as she thinks that making yourself look better solves all problems. Beverly babbles incessantly, is garrulous, and uses a lot of personal anecdotes in her dialect. Now my bloke had told me to turn left, right? Now we come to the first give way, and the bloke in front slammed his brakes on. Now, Im going behind him and I suppose Im going a little bit too quick with me nerves; so I slam on my brakes and I went slap into the back of him. (Page 9). This is a clear example of Beverlys long and complex sentences, although she also uses short simple sentences Lawrence youre going to get heartburn (Page 2). Beverly is also very colloquial in the way that she speaks, and this makes it easier for the audience to familiarise themselves with her. Similarly to Lawrence, Beverly also name drops to appear culturally educated Beaujolais (Page 11) although from the quote Oh its Beaujolais. Fantastic! Wont be a sec, Ill just pop it in the fridge.'(Page 11) You can tell that Bev clearly has no idea about wine etc. like we originally thought. Generally speaking Beverly is the main character to initiate conversation, she keeps everyone involved and the conversation flowing. She also reiterates a lot to confirm and seek approval, assurance and affirmation. Beverly has a few peculiarities of speech, including the adjectives Great and Fantastic. These are character phrases enable the audience to link these certain words to her, and expect them, I feel this makes the audience feel more at ease with Bev, or simply more irritated by her. Similarly to Lawrence, Beverly also never uses imagery, symbolism, metaphors or poetic language. But unsurprisingly for her character there are frequent sexual innuendoes Hes got a firm handshake, hasnt he? (Page 5) Tone, you cant do much with a bed-head, can you? (Page 7). Angela As a person, Ang is a simple and satisfied working class newly wed. Her sentences can be long, but this is purely due to her rambling and not knowing when to stop. Oh, what a lovely table. This is just what we need. Its the next thing were going to get. Cos at the moment were eating off our knees. Its unusual, isnt it with the wooden top and modern legs. (Page 22) Her conversation seems to be pretty pointless as she doesnt seem to have anything of any value to add to the discussion. But similarly to Bev she also includes simple sentences to make her dialect feel more naturalistic. When comparing the characters I think it is possible to state that Ang is the most colloquial of all of them, as she is most informal, and although her grammar is a little shakey it seems to be easier for the audience to accept her on face value as she is too honest and genuine to be hiding anything. Ang uses questions to seek assurance, and also to encourage people to engage with her, as it provokes a response. Isnt she? Ang uses personal anecdotes to inform the audience of her character, although the comic element that Leigh included was how she seems completely oblivious to her boundaries, and therefore makes herself look foolish. Tony had a bad experience in an Indian restaurant this was before I knew himHe had a nasty dose of gastro-enteritis after hed had a curry, and you see that put him off. (Page 25). This medical reference shows hoe educated she is and reflects her job as a nurse. I feel it is the fact that Ang is too blunt and open to use any form of innuendoes, or symbolism, that makes it so easy for the audience to accept her. Tony Tony is a very reserved character; he rarely uses full sentences, but rather one-word replies, this makes him appear constrained and unnatural which is why I believe it is not so surprising when he raises his voice at Ang as the audience can see the tension building inside him. He never initiates conversation, as that would mean replies to more questions. He often uses slang, or colloquial language top ta. Leigh also included various imperative or instructive verbs leave it stand up turn that fucking record off (Page 51), but these are only ever commanded at Ang, and explains why the audience and guests never agree with Ang when she seems to find him domineering. Tonys humour seems to be very dry in that he finds his own things funny, rather than sharing a universal joke. Tony is the only character to use silence as a defence and attack mechanism. As weve seen with Bev and Lawrence theyd rather shout at each other to resolve problems. Tony uses silence to create a tension and most of ten with Ang and therefore making her look stupid, in front of their company, clearly showing an imbalance in their relationship. Sue It is clear from the beginning of the play that Sue is of the highest social class in the group. Originally I though Sue was a well brought up and highly well mannered person, but when studying the play I realised the opposite. I felt that Sue is very rude and off-putting to the people around her as she has a lack of curiosity, she doesnt seem to show any interest in them and clearly doesnt want them to show any in her. She only speaks when spoken to, and never repays the question. When she does answer questions its always unexpansive, short; clipt one-word answers Yes. It is clear from her dialect that she is uncomfortable and intimidated by the other characters. Her language is very unnatural and similar to that of a guide book. Her vocabulary is old fashioned, formal, and grammar school style. Darent Arent. Otherwise its quite simple and easily understood so it doesnt require any explanations. She never uses colloquial or slang vocabulary. She rarely uses questions in her dialogue as this would initiate conversation. She keeps herself to herself and doesnt want to probe or get involved into either of the troublesome marriages in front of her. Her character phrases seem to be reliant on her politeness Yes please No thank you. It is possible to say that she is trapped by her own politeness, She doesnt have the nerve to leave the party, which she clearly doesnt want to be at. Throughout the play she remains completely unassertive right until the end when her guard drops, and she tells Bev to Shut up (Page 53). Language is a key tool that all playwrights use to distinguish the differences and similarities between each of the characters. The character phrases and accents help the audience to realise the different backgrounds and diversity of the characters. Contributing to the visual aspects, lines give a sense of place and person and how the characters interact with one another.

Second Languages Harder To Learn In Adulthood English Language Essay

Second Languages Harder To Learn In Adulthood English Language Essay This topic can be very useful for adult students who are learning a second language. It shows from a scientific prospective, the explanation of why adult s can not keep a fluently conversation in the second language when they are learning it. The technologies presented give rich data that explains this phenomenon. In addition to this, it also gives another explanation from a pedagogical prospective differencing the way children learn from adults. Finally, this topic can make students and teachers reflect on the way how they are learning and teaching the second language. Outline Introduction of why to speak a second language is difficult in adulthood. Importance of learning a second language Why is so difficult to learn a second language later in life? The brain The methodology Background of brain research technique using technologies Language centers Functions of Wernickes area Functions of Brocas area Research techniques Positron emission tomography (PET), 1995. Findings Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), 1997. Findings by Dr. Joy Hirsch Intracranial Electrophysiology (ICE), 2009. Findings by Dr. Ned T. Sahin Language learning vs. language acquisition by Julio Foppoli. Literature Review Controversy in positions of language centers in the brain. Positron emission tomography (PET). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Controversy in functions of language centers in the brain. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Intracranial Electrophysiology (ICE). Controversy in methodology of teaching the second language. Language Acquisition Language Learning Arguments of why to speak a second language is difficult when you learn it in adulthood. Functions of the Brocas area Receptive language Expressive language Methodology used to teach the second language. Conclusion Restatement of why to speak a language is difficult when you learn it in childhood. Biological reasons Pedagogical reasons Recommendation Why to Speak a Second Language Is Difficult When You Learn It in Adulthood Nowadays, people are more interested in learning a second language. They can be children, teenagers or adults. But , at the time to look for a job, to study abroad, to do tourism, to make business or just to have access to new cultures, adult people realize the importance to learn a second or maybe a third language. This is the moment when they want to learn it as soon as possible like magic. As a result, this originates frustration and disappointment at the moment to learn and acquire a new language. Therefore, when adults try to learn a second language, they must be informed of the biological processes that their brains undergo. So, adults must ask themselves, why is so difficult to learn a second language later in life? Maybe the answer is in the brain. A part of our brain has to get accustomed to new patterns that did not exist in the past. It is like learning to ride a bike. You, as an amateur, fall down and fall down, until the moment that you can pedal and have the balance. Th en, you do it, and you will never forget it. Thus, learning a second language is the same; however, the key is in the practice that you frequently do. According to this research, there are two possible complex answers why to learn a second language is difficult in adulthood. First, results provided by technologies studying the bilingual brain. Secondly, the methodology and strategy used to teach the second language. These two answers can be connected to each other, but it gives a clear explanation to the question. In order to make evidences clear, there will be comparisons between early and late bilinguals. Also, we will see the difference between learning and acquiring a second language. While it maybe true all the arguments presented, there are some other factors that we have to consider such as motivation, personality, critical period and style of learning among others. Bilingualism and second language acquisition are very broad topics that can be interpreted in different ways, but they all coincide in the same that children and adults learn differently. Background In our brain, the part in charge of language is in the left hemisphere of the brain. This applies for those who are right-handed. Those who are left-handed this part can be in the right hemisphere or in both sides of the brain. No matters how, in this part of the brain there are the language centers. These are the Wernickes area and the Brocas area. The Wernickes area (WA) is in charge of the understanding or meaning of the language; in contrast, the Brocas area (BA) is in charge of the speech production. This notion is still taught in many text books according to ScienceDaily (2009). But nowadays, recent research says that it also manages word identity (lexicon and grammar), and phonology (identify pronunciation), ScienceDaily (2009) Steele (2010). These two language centers differ in position in early and late bilinguals. Early bilinguals the first language (L1) and second language (L2) are in the same position in the Wernickes and Brocas area. Nevertheless, in late bilinguals is different. The L1 and L2 are in the same position in the Wernickes, but they are not in the Brocas area. The L1 and L2 are spatially separated in this language center, according to Dr. Joy Hirschs research (1997). There has been different research using different technologies to prove this. First, in 1995 a technique named non-invasive brain imaging using computer-aided tomography, also known as positron emission tomography (PET), suggested that L1and L2 are centered in the same part in the BA. But, the point here is that the sample used were participants of seven years old, which was the Hirschs description of an early bilingual (1997). Later, in 1997 the head of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospitals functional M.R.I. Laboratory, Dr. Joy Hirsch and her graduate student Karl Kim, used the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the cognitive tasks in the brain, Blakeslee (1997). They recruited as sample 12 healthy bilinguals. Six learnt the second language in infancy, and the other half around 11 and 19 years old. Hirsch (1997) discovered that People who learned a second language as children used the same region in Brocas area for both languages. But those who learned a second langu age later in life made use of a distinct region in Brocas area for their second languagenear the one activated for their native tongue. Finally, a new study carried out by Ned T. Sahin, PhD, post-doctoral fellow in the University of California, San Diego, Department of Radiology and Harvard University Department of Psychology, reported two more functions of the BA that are word identity (grammar), and pronunciation. This was thanks to the research technique named Intracranial Electrophysiology (ICE), which provides data of very high spatial and temporal resolution, Steele (2010). But, the sample used was different from the others. In this research, scientists used patients who were undergoing brain surgery, Steele (2010). All in all, it is also important to highlight the difference between language acquisition and language learning. According to Julio Foppoli, a teacher of English and Spanish as a second language, he says that acquisition comes naturally and meaningfully; in contrast, language learning is imposed, not meaningful and not communicative. So according to him, these could be important factors to success or fail in speaking and understanding a second language. Literature Review Dr. Hirschs research found evidence that children and adults do not use the same parts of the brain when learning a second language. People who learned a second language as children used the same region in Brocas area for both languages. But those who learned a second language later in life made use of a distinct region in Brocas area for their second languagenear the one activated for their native tongue, Discovermagazine, (1997). But, the only function described of the Brocas area was the execution of speech (Blakeslee, 1997). In contrast, Steele (2010) reports that a newest research demonstrates that besides the execution for speech production, the Brocas area is involved in other types of linguistics processing such as lexical (helping to identify forms, such as plurals or past tenses), and phonological (helping to identify pronunciations). In addition to this, Sahim (2009) adds, we showed that distinct linguistic processes are computed within small regions of Brocas area, separa ted in time and partially overlapping in space Specifically, the researchers found patterns of neuronal activity indicating lexical, grammatical and articulatory computations at roughly 200, 320 and 450 milliseconds after the target word was presented, ScienceDaily, (2009). The authors coincide with the nature of Broca ´s area as a mysterious brain function. The problem is with late or adult learners of second language. They have to build a new system for the second language, as Hirsch (1997) tries to explain it saying that when language is being hard-wired during development, the brain may intertwine sounds and structures from all languages into the same area. But once that wiring is complete, the management of a new language, with new sounds and structures, must be taken over by a different part of the brain. For that reason, it needs to change the methodology for adult learners toward a communicative and meaningful classes rather than grammar oriented classes, as Julio Foppoli suggests. This is supported by Hirsch comparing the way how children acquire the second language with the way adults do. Because the parents and family members teach the infant to speak the second language in a very tactile, auditory and visual way, children easily acquire it. In contrast, adults only sit down in high schools in classes that revolve around grammar, patterns, repetitions, drillings and rote memorization without even a human interlocutor to interact with, they can not acquire it, Discovermagazine, (1997) Julio Foppoli. So this is a good example that Julio Foppoli remarks in the difference of language acquisition and language learning. Language acquisition is meaningful and communicative; in contrast, the language learning is not communicative and not meaningful, Julio Foppoly adds. Arguments Obviously, learning a second language is habituating our body and mind to new patterns. This is supported by Hirsch adding that We can see the body building in the brain as a result of this. The answer to the interrogative of this paper, why is difficult to learn a second language in adulthood, it could be divided in two. First of all, in 1997 with Hirsch, we only noticed that the mainly function in the BA was the speech production. Somehow or other, this could explain why second language learners could not produce sounds exactly as a native speaker. However, the new research by Sahin (2009) found that aspects of word identity, grammar and pronunciation are all computed within the BA. Before, it was believed that WA was in charge of the receptive language, namely reading (word identity and grammar), and the understanding of that. In contrast, the BA was in charge of the expressive language that is speech production (vocal tract). Due to this, it means that the BA is responsible for b oth receptive and expressive language, ScienceDaily (2009). Evidence of this, it is when you see adults trying to speak the second language. Their speed fluency is very slow, because they take time to form sentences, to verify if it is grammatical correct, and finally, if it is well pronounced. More complex the idea is, more time they take. This means that the BA is working in processing all these linguistics processes at once. All this situations make sense, but they make things more difficult to adult second language learners. (Well, depending on the way those adult second language learners see it, because this could be the perfect excuse to explain their mispronunciations and grammatical mistakes). No matters how, if these linguistics aspects are separated from the first language, it means that they have to start from zero and build up new morphological, syntactical, grammatical and phonological patterns in their brains. The strategy to teach the second language must definitely b e equal as children do. So this leads us to the second explanation of our question, which is the difference between learning and acquiring a second language. As Foppoli said, adults must acquire the second language naturally as children do. Parents do not have to explain children the grammar and phonology of the language. Contrarily, parents teach their children through a very auditory, visual and tactile way letting children make mistakes and learn from them. Children acquire the language communicatively through real meaningful conversations that make sense to talk about. On the other hand, adults do not acquire the second language; they learn the second language. Adults have knowledge of the second language and can demonstrate it in a grammar test or even, in a TOEFL. But, research has shown that knowing grammar rules of language do not necessarily result in good speaking or writing, adds Foppoli. So the methodology used by teachers and professors must be changed to a very meaning ful and communicative strategy. Instead of teaching grammar-oriented lessons or follow the instructions of an audio CD in order to repeat words and phrases as parrots, students must be encourage to use the language in real context. This means to form classes that promote communication, speaking and the key word, practice. In order to acquire the language adult second language learners must practice the language and learn from their mistakes as children do. They have to dare to speak with native speakers and get involved to the different aspects of the new language such reading newspaper, novels; listening to radio, music; watching TV, movies; writing essays, letters or anything. As the saying says, practice makes perfect. Conclusion In conclusion, learning a second language after childhood is definitely hard to acquire for biological and pedagogical reasons. Thanks to the technologies presented in the last fifteen years, it can confirm that the L1 and L2 will be always separated in the Brocas area for an adult learner. Children until the age of 9 or 10 will have the L1and L2 in the same place in the Wernickes area and Brocas area. This fact makes things complicated for adults because this means, they have to build up new patterns for grammar, syntax, morphology and phonology for the new language. Besides, it is erroneous the way that adults are learning and acquiring the second language. Consequently, we see how adult learners fail and get frustrated in second language classes for the methodology taught. In order to overcome these obstacles, it is really important that adults be aware of the functions of the brain and the right methodology to teach the second language. Meaningful and communicative lessons are the best tools to acquire it; in addition, attitude and motivation determine the success of these tools. But most important, it is the time and practice that adult must dedicate to learn, acquire and use the second language in real context.

The Need for Available Contraceptives Essay -- Birth Control Children

The Need for Available Contraceptives With each miraculous birth the world’s population heads further towards destruction due to overpopulation. Globally, the population is increasing at a rate of 1 billion every decade, a rate that mankind has never seen before (Bongaarts). Most of this huge increase in population is in developing countries where the population is currently 4.3 billion and is expected to more than double within the next hundred years (Bongaarts). Considering that the world’s resources are already being stretched to sustain the current population a high birth rate will be catastrophic if if is allowed to continue. This population boom must be stopped in order to ensure that future generations can experience the standards of living we enjoy today. Though the high birth rate is mainly due to developing countries, all of humanity must work together to overcome it. Hope for the future is only possible if the developed world supports the effort with funds and resources. The key weap on in this battle is birth control, which must be spread globally to those who lack means of controlling their fertility. Although one little child does not put a significant stress on the world’s resources, the number of children currently being born will cause irreversible and unreasonable demands on the earth. President of the Population Institute Werner Fornos warns, â€Å" Population growth is a leading contributor to environmental degradation† (â€Å"Keynote address†). Environmental degradation happens and will continue to happen as we pollute the earth, contribute to global warming, create landfills, and consume our precious and often nonrenewable resources (Bongaarts). Realizing the drastic damage our population h... ...ption and Induced Abortion in Rural Ghana.† Tropical Medicine & International Health 7 (2002): 708-716. Hartmann, Betsy. â€Å"Population Control I: Birth of an Ideology.† International journal of health services 27 (1997): 523-540. â€Å"Keynote address.† Boston College Environmental Affairs Law Review 21 (1994): 251-256. â€Å"Nothing is unthinkable.† The Lancet 336 (1990): 659(3). Rosenfield, Allan. â€Å"The Fifth Freedom Revisited: I, Background and Existing Programmes.† The Lancet 336 (1990): 1227-1232. Sharpless, John. â€Å"World population Growth, Family Planning, and American Foreign Policy.† Journal of Policy History 7 (1995): 72-102. United Nations Secretariat. Dept. of Economic and Social Affairs. Population Division. Fertility, Contraception and Population Policies. 25 April 2003. â€Å"Whose future? Whose world?† The Lancet 342 (1993): 1125-1127.

Eudora Weltys The Ponder Heart as Dramatic Monologue :: Eudora Welty The Ponder Heart

Eudora Welty's The Ponder Heart as Dramatic Monologue Dramatic Monologue", Edna is defined as the filter through which we see everything. "What we commonly call "point of view"-- is the nexus of our interpretation of the novel's characters, events, and thematic significance"(Nissen 1, emphasis added). According to Nissen Welty's narrators are often "ignored or misconstrued" by critics. In "The Ponder Heart", Edna Earle is an exemplary storyteller at her best and at her worst defined by critics as "bossy, narrow-minded and dumb" (Nissen 2, emphasis added). Edna Earle fits none of these negative lashes. She is a Southern woman who cares for her family and community and tries to put them in their best light for her audience. The form of dramatic monologue has long been a way for authors to give their audience an inside view by allowing us to be voyeurs; we are not part of the story, but simply folks who are passing by the actions at hand. With this genre tag already in place, we bring to our reading certain expectations. "In a sense, we never read a story for the first time; we bring into our reading the expectations that previous encounters with the genre have created" (Nissen 2). Nissen sees Edna Earle as putting herself second in the line of importance to the story she tells with Grandpa Ponder and Uncle Daniel as the primary forces that shape her narrative. She sacrifices her own needs in order to fill those of Grandpa and Uncle Daniel. "That she has been taken for granted must be painfully clear to the narrator as well as her audience" (Nissen 9). In this way, she arouses sympathy from her audience much in the same way as if we were passing by her on the street while she told her story to a friend. We hear her, but are not free to help her. We are strangers in her world and cannot affect the outcome of her circumstances. In closing, Nissen rewrites the end to reflect the importance of Edna Earle's voice as narrator. "I'd like to warn you again, Edna Earle may try to give you something--may think she's got something to give. If she does, do me a favor. Make out like you accept it. Tell her thank you" (Nissen 9). I agreed with Nissen's article, but believe he could have stated his points more concisely. This article was long for the amount he really had to say. There is clearly no arguing the point that The Ponder Heartis a monologue, yet he spends three pages

Far From The Madding Crowd :: essays research papers

Thomas Hardy Far From The Madding Crowd centers around the beautiful Bathsheba Everdene, and the three who love her and try to win her over. Gabriel Oak, Mr. Boldwood, and Sergeant Francis Troy find them selves intertwined in their quest to win Bathsheba. Bathsheba is headstrong, feminine, and beautiful. She inherits her uncle’s farm, and tries to run it herself. As all of theme were farmers, they didn’t think that she cold do it. Although she had a few things go wrong like fires she overall handles her farm very well and became a good farmer. But, her love life was something else. She had three men after her at the same time. The first suitor she met was Gabriel Oak. Farmer Oak was dependable and caring and wise. Without him, Bathsheba couldn’t have taken care of the farm. Oak did have his own sheep, but they were killed in a freak accident when they ran off a cliff. Oak is â€Å"one with nature.† He knew just by looking at his she’s tails that it was going to rain. He would do anything for Bathsheba (and he did), even thought she denied his first attempt at marriage. In the end thought, Bathsheba did marry Oak. Troy first met Bathsheba as they were walking through the woods. Bathsheba became tangled in the brambles with Troy. He made a few comments to her about how lovely se was and how he would love to stay tangled up with her. Instantly, Bathsheba was in love. Little did she know that Troy was deeply in love with a girl named Fanny Robbins, who was a maid of Bathsheba’s. Troy ended up marrying Bathsheba, but it was a bad marriage and didn’t last for long. Bathsheba was in love with Troy’s image and he loved her for her money and appearance. The final straw for their marriage was when Fanny died. Troy lost his true love, an unborn child, and in the end, his own life. Ironically, his death was by the hands of Bathsheba’s suitor Boldwood. Boldwood was introduced to Bathsheba when she sent him a valentine. Soon, his pleasure turned to obsession for Bathsheba. She constantly denied his advances, but he wouldn’t give up. Boldwood eventually found himself on the brink of insanity. When Troy returned, after allowing everyone to believe that he had drowned, Boldwood became enraged when he tried to take Bathsheba away.

Rap/Hip-Hop: The Effects on Today’s Youth Essay

Abstract Rap/Hip-Hop first became popular among African American and Latinos among youth in the streets of New York during the 1970’s. It was their way of expressing themselves in a friendly manner in the form of speech, fashion, and personal style. Rap/Hip-Hop music was a way for them to get their message out, by telling stories of their lifestyles. However, over the years Rap/Hip-Hop music has become much more popular for its explicit lyrics, reference of drugs, alcohol and sexual explicit videos. Many may ask â€Å"Could Rap/Hip-Hop music have a negative influence on today’s youth, because of its unhealthy messages†? This research paper will examine the effects of rap/hip-hop music on today’s youth and whether or not it has a negative influence. Brenda L. Williams-Capers Professor Dana Taylor English Composition II December 11, 2011 Over the year’s many researchers have conducted studies on the effects of rap/hip-hop on today’s youth. The results have been mixed; however there are indications that some forms of Rap/Hip-Hop music could have negative influence on today’s youth. This is due to the fact that youth start to adapt the negative aspects of the gangster rap, by displaying aggressive behaviors and committing crimes of violence. Rap gets a bad rap because some songs contain explicit lyrics, drugs, alcohol and sex. A study conducted by Ralph J. DiClemente (2003) indicated that teen girls who spend more than 14 hours per week watching the sex and violence depicted in the â€Å"reel† life of â€Å"gangster† rap music videos are more likely to practice these behaviors in real life. Also, this study suggested that those teens were also three times more likely to hit a teacher, over 2.5 times more likely to get arrested, twice as likely to have multiple sexual partners, and 1.5 times more likely to get a sexually transmitted disease, use drugs, or drink alcohol. This is an indication that today’s youth that listen to these songs over and over again for long period of times could have behavior and aggressive issues. Tanner (2009) indicated that there is a sense of injustice that rap is often said to involve young people with the police and courts. The study also indicates that youth who listen to rap music have a stronger connection to property crimes than the crimes of violence, and the likelihood of committing those crimes are probably increased by poverty rather than listening to rap/hip-hop music. In a radio broadcast, Ed. Gordon (2006) mentioned two studies which addressed the effect that rap music has on today’s youth. The first study conducted by The Prevention Research Center of the Pacific instituted for Research and Evaluation in Berkeley, Calif., indicated that rap songs were linked to alcohol addictions, drug use, and violence among youth. Also, a study conducted by The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth, Georgetown University, also suggested that youths are exposure to alcohol thought targeted marketing advertising for beer and ale by 66 percent for youth between the age of 12-20 and 81 percent market exposure to distilled spirits. Nearly two-thirds of rap songs mentioned illicit drugs and nearly half of rap songs mentioned alcohol compared to other types of music. The overexposure to alcohol was connected to cognacs and brandies, both which are linked lyrics in hip-hop and rap music, which rappers glorify and advertise in their songs. Rap music is also used to advertise clothing, sneakers, and cars. Rappers are walking billboards and today’s youth want that same swagger. Cited in The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter (2003), a study was conducted by a group of researchers from Iowa State University and The Texas Department of Human Services who examined over 500 students who had listened to seven violent songs and eight non-violent songs. This study measured student’s aggressive thoughts and their feelings. The results were that violent songs led to more aggressive interpretation of words that also increased the speed in which the students read aggressive vs. non-aggressive works and increased the proportion of word fragments that filled in to make aggressive words. Their study also indicated that the violent songs increased violent thoughts causing youth to act out. The popularity of Rap/Hip-Hop music and Hip/Hop styles has now reached the Middle East. Iraqis youth in are now starting to imitate hip-hop lifestyles of American soldiers. Youth have now started to adapt hip-hop styles such as, dancing, wearing baggy pants, slangy English, and cutting $ signs into their close cropped hair. Tattoos are now also becoming popular among Iraqis youth. This goes against Islam’s strictures on baring their skin. Not all Iraqis welcome the culture of the American Hip/Hop style, because they feel that Iraqis youth are now beginning to reject authority and other forbidden behaviors, like engaging in forbidden love affairs. Iraqis youth feel that their eyes are now open to the outside world since living under Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship. Iraqis youth are now also starting to use the internet and are watching satellite TV, which allows them better understanding of American cultures, both positive and negative aspects. In a book written by Michael Dyson, â€Å"Reflecting Black: African-American Cultural Criticism. He addressed the question† Is Rap music really as dangerous as many critics argue:† Michael Dyson (1993) states that Rap music is a form of profound musical, cultural, and social creativity. He also stated that Rap music expresses the desire of young black people to reclaim their history. He defenses the negative impact on Rap/ Hip-hop music, which the general public claims that Rap/Hip-Hop expresses and causes violence among youth. It is in his opinion that many rappers have spoken against the violence in Rap/Hip-Hop. Rappers KRS-One spoke against black on black crimes in a song titled â€Å"Stop the Violence† and â€Å"Self Destruction†. Rapper KRS-One wanted youths to realize that not all Rap/Hip-Hop music called for violence behavior among youth. Also, rappers such as Will Smith and his partner DJ Jazzy Jeff rapped positive messages to youth about having fun in the summer time, not glorifying drugs, alcohol or sex. Some feel that rap can be negative and positive on today’s youth. Michael Dyson (1993) feels that Rap/Hip-Hop music is getting a bad rap. Could that be true, or is Rap/Hip-Hop really unhealthy for today’s youth? Over the year’s research, books and studied have been conducted to determine if violent and explicit lyrics in Rap/Hip-Hop music really causes or promotes violence in today’s youth. Since it’s beginning in the 1970’s Rap/Hip-Hop has gone from being fun to listen to now being a explicit rated albums. In today’s time Rap/Hip-Hop glorifies drugs, violence, and sex at an alarming rate. Today’s youth are also embracing the lifestyles’ of rappers in their language and attitudes, with their want of money, cars, drugs and alcohol that rappers talk about in their lyrics causing them to become materialistic teenagers. What must we do as concerned parents? We must be aware of what our children are watching and listening to. Parents must be involved in what their children are purchasing and they must ask questions to understand what their children are experiencing. In the 1990’s C. Dolores started a crusade to stop the sale of offensive rap music to minors. Mrs. Tucker outspokenness earned her enemies, however she remained relentless with her crusade against what is called gangster rap. Her concerns were that the lyrics were misogynistic and threatened the moral foundation of the African American community. Conclusion Rap/Hip-Hop music became popular in the 70’s, since than it has changed the world; youth in every corner of the globe have adopted the culture, the speech and the style. Because Rap/Hip-Hop music has become so popular, many people think that this type of music is making today’s youth more violent, due to the glorification of violent, explicit language, sex, disrespect for authority, and disrespect towards women. Just as parents teach their kids not to do drug, they should also teach their kids that rapper is only for entertainment, it is a business for rappers to sale albums to make money. It is a business for them. It is all about album sales. We should all follow Mrs. Tuckers’ example by taking a stand against anything that could have a negative effective on our youth. Rappers should realize that they are role models to most of our youth and stop thinking about their pockets. References DiClemente, R.J., Wingood, G.M., Bernhardt, J.M., Robillard, A., Harrington, K., Davies, S.L., and Hook, E.W. A Prospective Study of Exposure of Rap Music Videos and African American Female Adolescents’ Health. American Journal of Public Health. (2003). Dyson, M.E., Reflecting Black: African-American Cultural Criticism. Minneapolis, MN, USA: University of Minnesota, 1993 p.38 Gordon, E., N News, News & Notes, 8 May 2006 Tanner, J.; Asbridge, M.; & Wortley, S. (2009). â€Å"Listening to Rap: Cultures of Crime, Cultures of Resistance.† Social Forces, 88(2): 693-722. The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter 2003 www.newblackmagizine.com