Haitian Culture Communication Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Haitian Culture Communication - Research Paper Example 2. Explore the willingness of individuals in your culture to share thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Can you identify any area of discussion that would be considered taboo?   Haitians tend to prefer oral communication to written communication. Haitians tend to express themselves directly on most matters. However, communication regarding matters that are religious, poitical, and personal tends to be less direct. Moreover, conflict especially with individuals of higher economic status is somehow considered a taboo and a Haitian would rather indicate agreement than disagree (Kemp & Rasbridge, 2004). Most Haitians tend to hide their illiteracy and may agree with heath workers by nodding even when they do not understand something (Desrosiers & St. Fleurose, 2002; Colin, 2008). 3. Explore the practice and meaning of touch in your culture. Include information regarding touch between family members, friends, members of the opposite sex, and health-care providers.   Amongst Haitians, touch i s often associated with friendliness and occurs often when families and friends are having a conversation. Touch is thus common in casual conversations. It is used to attract the other party’s attention. Moreover, touch by caregivers is appreciated. However, the type of touch used (e.g. tap, kiss, handshake, hug, kiss) depends on the level of familiarity (Kemp & Rasbridge, 2004). 4. ... The distance is considered a sign of integrity and respect for authority since men are considered heads of families. Additionally, Haitians may keep some distance while talking to strangers. Therefore, Haitians keep a distance of approximately 1-2 feet while communicating with family and friends. Adults do not share space with children. Haitians tend to keep some distance with health caregivers (Colin, 2008; Dutta, 2008). 5. Discuss your culture’s use of eye contact. Include information regarding practices between family members, friends, strangers, and persons of different age groups (cook ross, 2011). Eye contact is common while people who are friends are greeting each other or talking. It is considered a sign of respect. However, Haitians avoid direct eye contact with elders and people in authority. Additionally, prolonged eye contact is not appreciated and often viewed as rudeness. Acculturated Haitians often maintain prolonged eye contact. Moreover, children should not ma intain prolonged eye contact while communicating with elders since it is viewed as disrespect (cook ross, 2011). 6. Explore the meaning of gestures and facial expressions in your culture. Do specific gestures or facial expressions have special meanings? How are emotions displayed? Facial expressions are important in Haitian culture. While communicating with friends, Haitians tend to use direct eye contact and expressive tones. Moreover, friends are likely to use other gestures like touching each other. However, Haitians prefer hiding most of their emotions such as of anger, fear, and people who express such emotions become a source of amusement. Nodding is often used as a sign of agreement. Generally,

The Odyssey Essay Example for Free

The Odyssey Essay The passage that Homer exquisitely wrote in The Odyssey was in Book 5, lines 309-323. Homers techniques established an image that could never be forgotten. In this passage, Odysseus was being dragged down to the sea by Poseidon. The sea god was furious that all the other gods were in his favor. Odysseus talked to himself and wondered out loud, Rag of man that I am, is this the end of me? (V, 309) Irony was a method Homer utilized to convey the message of helplessness. Odysseus has used trickery and deception during his Journey. The sneaky hero went under disguise as a beggar with rags. The great, humble man categorized himself to the lowest position. Its intriguing when Odysseus seems to regret and reflect about the past- lucky those Danaans were who perished should have had a soldiers burial and praise from the Akhaians-not this choking waiting for me at sea, unmarked and lonely. (V, 316-323) Odysseus doesnt seem to be afraid of death. He does not ask for Poseidons forgiveness. The only thing he regrets the most is being unable to be recognized for his accomplishments. Usually, Odysseus is the victor of his odyssey. Now, he has lost control to the waters. To exemplify the mood, Homer inserted caesuras. The section Would God l, too, had died there-met my end (V, 317) is heart-wrenching. When I read this sentence, I had to hold my breath for the long pause. Odysseus sounded as if he was reflecting what could have been in a different scenario. Another event that was potentially touching was in Book 23, lines 258-264. The passage wasnt sappy. Penelope was filled with suspense after dealing with the foolish suitors in the past. She said, mfou make my stiff heart know that I am yours. (XXIII, 258) It wasnt her fault she could not trust Odysseus at first. When she had an epiphany and trusted Odysseus, they melted into each others arms. Their longing for each other had been quenched at last. Homer provided a brief recap of Odysseus adventures preceding his arrival in Ithaka- a swimmer spent in rough water where his ship went down under Poseidons blows, gale winds and tons of sea. (XXIII, 263-266) Although this passage was relieving, the passage where Odysseus was in a errifying situation had more zest. This piece had Odysseus at his weakest. He was on his own, worried about not being found. While Odysseus contemplated, there were no gods present to assist him yet; he would have to use his clever abilities to think of a way to survive. Although its common to find instances where Odysseus is the supreme leader and in control, its rare to see Odysseus break down. Odysseus broke away from his impassive armor in both passages. However, when Odysseus is alone, the reader truly understands Odysseus true self. Odysseus reflection (V, 309-323) included a major theme of The Odyssey- loneliness. Each character had a need for others and a home. Penelope cried over her missing husband, Telemakhos has only heard of the great legends of his father, and Odysseus mother died because of her son. Mortals are not the only group that can feel forsaken or alone. Gods/immortals can feel that way, too. Calypso, the sea nymph, was furious at the gods for taking away Odysseus from her. She claimed it not to be fair- Oh you vile gods, in Jealous sepernal! You nate It wnen we cnoose to Ile wltn men ( 24-125) It seems as IT Odysseus is the missing piece to everyones problems. The theme of loneliness extracts another major matter-endurance. Odysseus proved himself to be a brave warrior of surviving his loneliness. Penelope endured the suitors aggravating stay. Telemakhos had not faced any major hardships, but he did survive without a father. Odysseus has iron determination. Odysseus perseverance that came after a near- death experience of chilling loneliness helped him return to Ithaka and reunite with his loved ones.

Connection Between School Culture and Leadership Styles :: Leadership

There is a connection between school culture and leadership styles. The literature review will also address the two basic categories of leadership. According to Cox (2001), there are two basic categories of leadership which are transactional and transformational. The following scholars (Barnett, McCormick & Conners, 2001) made the distinction between transactional and transformational leadership. James McGregor Burns’ (1998) introduces Burns the difference between ordinary (transactional) and extraordinary (transformational) leaders. According to James McGregor Burns’ (1998) transactional leaders exchanged tangible rewards for the work and loyalty of followers, and (transformational) leaders are the ones who engaged with followers. Additionally, the focused on higher order intrinsic needs, and raised consciousness about the significance of specific outcomes. (Bernard Bass, 2003) introduces the conception of transactional and transformational leadership. He states that they are separate concepts and that good leaders demonstrate characteristics of both. Bass (1990b, p. 21) states that Transformational leadership fosters capacity development and brings higher levels of personal commitment amongst followers. However, transformational leadership occurs when leaders broaden and elevate the interests of their employees. (Kelly, 2003; Yukl, 1989) asserts that Transformational leaders elevate people from low levels of need. Transformational leaders are said to create trust, admiration, loyalty and respect amongst their followers (Barbuto, 2005, p. 28). (Rice, 1993) determines that Transformational leadership is also based on self-reflective changing of values and beliefs by the leader and their followers. From this emerges a key characteristic of transformational leadership. According to Gronn (1996) the literature in educational leadership offers no single conception of the processes that constitute transformational leadership. Gronn (1996) makes emphasis on the close relationship between charismatic and transformational leadership. He point out the absence of notions of charisma in some work transformational leadership. (Leithwood & Jantzi, 2000) introduce the four main factors that make up transformational leadership whereas. They introduce the four main factors which are: 1.) Idealized influence, 2.) Inspirational motivation, 3.) Intellectual stimulation, 4.) Individualized consideration. The Additive Effect of Transformational Leadership supports these four main factors Hall, Johnson, Wysocki and Kepner (2002, p. 2). It will very important to evaluate the four main factors and the effect they can have when dealing with the topic of discussion which is the role of the principal in shaping school culture.

Personality Disorders

Compare and Contrast Types of Personality Disorders Written Assignment 5: Compare and Contrast Types of Personality Disorders and Identifying the Three Clusters into Which Most Personality Disorders are Grouped By: Keturah Albright Abnormal Psychology HDV-284074-01X-10FA2 Professor/ Instructor: Jonathan Gibralter Compare and Contrast Types of Personality Disorders Personality disorder is defined as, gradual development of inflexible and distorted personality and behavioral patterns that result in persistently maladaptive ways of perceiving, thinking about, and relating to the world. p. 431Butcher, James N. ) It is important to understand the meaning of personality disorder, in order to properly diagnosing a person. Society tends to place this label on individuals who they feel display characteristics resembling a â€Å"personality disorder’. There are three clusters in which personality disorders are placed in. Cluster A: Consists of paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal person ality disorders. People with these disorders often seem odd or eccentric, with unusual behavior ranging from distrust and suspicious to social detachment.Cluster B: Includes histrionic, narcissistic, antisocial, and borderline personality disorders. Individuals with these disorders share a tendency to be dramatic, emotional, and erratic. Cluster C: Includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. In Contrast to the other two clusters, people with these disorders often show anxiety and fearlessness. (p 342, Butcher, James N. ) There are some ways in which these three clusters of personality disorders can be compared.All three clusters have personality disorders that would have the person to focus on the needs of themselves and no one else, their needs come first and for most and they may feel justified by their actions. Most of these individuals are said to suffer from, â€Å"chronic interpersonal difficulties and problems with one’s identity or s ense of self. †(p. 341, Butcher, James N. )All three clusters of personality disorders tend to have individuals who lack the ability to function normally in society on a consistent basis.All three clusters mentally have a great false sense of reality that causes them to act in a defensive/protective manner. As well as most of the clusters have symptomatic impulsive behavior. Commonly all three clusters can be treated with some type of therapy. There are also contrasting behavior that defines the different clusters. Cluster A: Feels as though others are mistreating them or taking advantage of them, while Cluster B: bring about physical harm to others with no remorse.Cluster C: Has a need for others to take a lead role in there life for major things, while Cluster B: Seeks to exploit others. Also, Cluster A: Has odd believes and magical thinking that they take confidence in, and Cluster B: Has a fear of being left alone to fend for themselves. In all there are things that can be compared and contrasted with Clusters: A, B, and C, but the main thing to understand is that all of them are real personality disorders that with the proper guidance can be managed with some type of therapy (and depending on the severity, medication as well).Personality disorders if not properly diagnosed could cause great harm to the individual as well as the society in which they live. Reference Butcher, James N. , Mineka, Susan and Hooley, Jill M. (2010). Abnormal Psychology. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon Abnormal Psychology, DVD 105, CDL Course 284074 http://emedicine. medscape. com/article/294307 [pic][pic][pic]

Aldi Hr

Introduction ALDI is a global food retailer. Since opening its first store in 1913, Aldi has established itself as a reputable retailer operating in international markets including Germany, Australia and the U. S. Aldi has over 7,000 stores worldwide. What distinguishes Aldi from its competitors is its competitive pricing strategy without reducing the quality of its products. In fact, in some cases Aldi’s products are 30% cheaper than those offered by its competitors. Aldi can do this because the business operates so efficiently. The Times Case Studies, 2011) ALDI and HR Aldi has a very flat organisational structure. In the UK it is split into 5 regions (there are 62 internationally); each region operates individually, only sharing the purchasing function. Each region has 5 departments, and there are only 3 levels between the Store Assistants and the Managing Director of the Region. Organisational Structure Noticeably, there is no IT, Marketing or HR function in the structure. IT and Marketing are both outsourced to third parties.IT are called on as and when needed by whichever department needs them at the time, whether it be till maintenance, or maintaining the logistics software package. Marketing is outsourced to a company in Atherstone, and their link in the organisation is the Trading function. HR is stripped back within ALDI, and is headed by 2 HR Managers in the Store Operations Function. All area managers within ALDI are trained in HR, and deal with all personnel issues, from Recruitment, to performance management and Training and Development.The HR managers in Head Office purely focus on making sure the Area Managers are up to date with new legislation and policies. ALDI adopt a grandfather technique, where, store managers have little to do with HR. It is their job to focus on the store, and deal with staff rotas and minor issues. This way, store employees report to their line manager for operational issues, and the Area Manager for HR issues. T he only HR issue not practised by Area Managers is Payroll, which falls into the Finance Function.ALDI is extremely focused on productivity and efficiency, and because of this, the Neston Region in the UK is trialling using a HR Agency (Kinetic), to manage a major amount of its HR function. The agency takes care of Recruitment, Induction, Payroll, Development, Performance Management, and acts as a HR Manager for the agency staff within ALDI. ALDI intend to get to a point where 70% of store staff is through an agency, with exception to Store Managers, Assistant Managers, Deputies and Full Time Staff. This saves money as it takes a lot of responsibility off Area Managers, leaving them with more time to focus on operations.According to Righeimer (Date Unknown, p. 4), most organizations view the department of Human Resources (HR) as an administrative function and ignore the need and opportunity to align it with its strategic plans. Aligning HR and strategic plans is an important endeavo ur for every organisation. Studies strongly support the alignment between strategies, HR, and performance and thus show the potential role HR can play in implementing strategy and developing an organisation’s competitive advantage. How HR activities support the organisations strategyRecruitment and Selection, Performance Management, and Training and Development are three HR activities that support the organisations strategy. (Hameed, 2011) Recruitment and Selection According to ALDI’s strategy (2012), â€Å"We want every ALDI employee to have a rewarding career, with opportunities to grow and develop, whether they work in our stores, distribution centres or management teams. We expect our people to be committed, hard-working and take ownership of their responsibilities. In return, we provide salaries that are considerably above the rest of the industry. The recruitment and selection activity supports this by ensuring the right people are hired first time. It is vital to find committed, hardworking people, who have a pride in their work and take responsibility for their success and mistakes. Productivity, quality and service are three of ALDI’s focuses, so HR’s ability to attract and select people with the right knowledge, skills and attitude is vital. As it is down for the most part to the Area Manager to fulfil this HR role, it is vital they have the skills to recognise the right sort of employee who would fit in the business.The major disadvantage of using the agencies, as currently being trialled, is that the agencies do not work in the stores, and are an outsider to the culture and work ethic of ALDI. For that reason, the Area Managers should have complete control, as they know what sort of person they need, how to motivate them, and exactly what is expected with ALDI’s culture. Performance Management â€Å"We have developed a range of high quality, structured training programmes to enable our employees to fulfil their roles successfully.ALDI Managers have a responsibility to develop and motivate employees, rewarding excellent performance and continuous improvement. † (ALDI, 2012) A HR activity that is also performed in part by Area Managers is performance management. As Area Managers spend a lot of time in stores, they can see the productivity of staff, who is excelling and who needs a little motivation. The store manager reports performance to them also, so they get a complete picture. The agencies receive reports from the Store Managers, only if something is not working out.The agencies manage the performance of their employees, but do not really focus on opportunities or continuous improvement, as they do not have the power in store to do so. Likewise, store managers and Area Managers do not focus on the agencies employees, as technically they are not their own. If this was fully down to the Area Managers again, and Store Managers were given a greater role, staff could be managed better. Stand out performers could be recognised better, and future progression would be a benefit.Also, employees would be more engaged and productive with a clear structure and with everyone being part of the same â€Å"team†, no â€Å"us† and â€Å"them† as such. Training â€Å"We want to attract the best talent and ours are among the highest advertised starting salaries for graduates in the UK and Ireland. Over 85% of our Directors are recruited from within the company, demonstrating the importance we place on training and development and rewarding performance. † (ALDI, 2012) The Training and Development aspect of HR is focused highly on, within ALDI. There is constant training available and succession plans in place for most stores.Deputies are trained to do the Assistant Managers job in case of Sickness, Pregnancy or Resignation of the latter, and likewise with the Assistant Managers, they are trained to do the Store Managers Role. Store Assistants are enc ouraged to progress to Deputies based on performance. Training and Development is also evident throughout Head Office. Area Managers are only recruited through Graduate Schemes, and Directors are successful Area Managers. 85% of the Directors were Area Managers, whereas the other 15% are either from international ALDI head offices, or â€Å"born into it†, i. e. the Albrieght family.The obvious disadvantage with the Agency is that they have no say or decision in regards to Training. As its employees are employed by them and not ALDI, they do not have access to the same training and development. How HR Professionals support line managers and their Staff With a 2006 ASTD study finding that 70% of training failure happens after the formal training finishes and a recent CIPD study finding that only 12% of employees feel that line managers take learning and development very seriously, it’s a little surprising that more is not being done to gain line manager support in the de velopment process. Peterson, 2006) The role of the line managers has changed over the last twenty years.There is a widespread drive to give line managers more responsibility for the management of their staff and to reduce the extent to which human resource departments control or restrict line management autonomy in this area (Brewster & Larson, 2000). HR professionals no longer have sole responsibility for the management of people, but share this responsibility with line managers. There is evidence that HR responsibilities are increasingly decentralized nd devolved to line managers (Cunningham & Hyman, 1995). In ALDI, Cunningham and Hyman’s point (1995) that responsibility is shared is correct, if not more centred toward the line manager rather than a 50/50 split. This is probably due to the amount of time passed since their original comment. It is interesting that what they originally said nearly 20 years ago still applies, giving the impression that the HR function has been under fire for quite some time, yet is still here in a pretty similar form in most companies.The line manager in terms of ALDI would be the Area Manager and the HR Professionals for the Area Manager. With the Agency staff, their line manager for HR would be their external agency manager. HR professionals in ALDI support the line managers by providing updated regulations, policies and visions down, to be implemented further down. The obvious benefit of Line Managers taking a front line role in HR, is that they know the staff better. HR Professionals in Head Office do not work with the store employees and do not know about performance or what motivates each individual.The CIPD states that where employees feel positive about their relationship with their front line managers, moreover, they are more likely to have higher levels of job satisfaction, commitment and loyalty – which are in turn associated with higher levels of performance or discretionary behaviour. (CIPD, 2 012) As the HR professionals have empowered the Line managers as such, it improves employee engagement. Talent can be spotted, managed and trained, and with the right people in the right jobs, the team’s works better together and is more productive.Consistency is an issue that can arise when different Line Managers have different attitudes and ways of working. This is when support from HR is vital as they can provide guidelines and policies that ensure the message across the company is consistent. With the agency, it does mean that the message HR is sending out, is not necessarily what the agency is doing / preaching. This is another shortfall in the HR process when it comes to agency working. If Area Managers had complete control and there was no agency, then the message would be consistent across the board.Conclusion and Recommendations It is evident that HR takes a simple yet complex form in ALDI. Although it is missing from the organisational structure, it is practiced in part by at least 46 Area Managers. There is a big emphasis on Training and Development throughout the company, and HR activities are being used for succession planning and finding the next generation of ALDI AM’s and Directors. The use of the agency seems to be slightly detrimental to ALDI’s message, and outsourcing the HR like it is, will cause confusion, and splits in the teams.They need to revert to AM as the main HR leader within the Area and only use agencies at times such as Christmas for relief workers etc. As AM know better than any agency, the staff recruited and selected will more than likely be more productive and fit the company better. Also, there may be an issue with succession planning if their aim of outsourcing most staff jobs out is achieved. It would seem that they would hire the people themselves, after trialling them with the agency, so why not just hire directly anyway.The overall finding however, is that HR must remain in the company, and be man aged as it once was. Eliminating the HR function more so than now, will cause major problems, and those problems are starting to arise now. If HR wasn’t managed at Head Office, then inconsistent practices would be followed out, creating discomfort within the stores and the ALDI mantra of Team working would be lost.Works Cited ALDI, 2012. CSR – Our People. [Online] Available at: http://www. aldi. co. uk/uk/html/company/15435_25201. tm [Accessed 06 11 2012]. Brewster, C. & Larson, H. , 2000. Human Resource Management in Europe. London: Blackwells. CIPD, 2012. Role of Line Managers In HR. [Online] Available at: http://www. cipd. co. uk/hr-resources/factsheets/role-line-managers-hr. aspx [Accessed 06 11 2012]. Cunningham, I. & Hyman, J. , 1995. Transforming the HRM vision into Reality: The Role of Line Managers. Employee Relations, 17(8), pp. 5-20. Hameed, T. , 2011. Organisation Strategy and Human Reosurce. [Online] Available at: http://www. rutilities. com/2011/0 9/organization-strategy-and-human-resource/ [Accessed 06 11 2012]. Peterson, E. , 2006. Employee Relations. 2nd ed. Chicago: Hardwell Press. Righeimer, J. P. , Date Unknown. Aligning Human Resources and Strategic Plans, London: Maverick Electric. The Times Case Studies, 2011. Aldi – Competitive Advantage through Efficiency. [Online] Available at: http://businesscasestudies. co. uk/aldi/competitive-advantage-through-efficiency/introduction. html#ixzz2CEnCsFmq [Accessed 06 11 2012].

Free Essays on Philosophy Brew-Ha Ha

In this class thus far, we have had the opportunity to read and learn about 26 different philosophers and ways to ascertain the good life. Most recently, we have dealt with philosophers who talk about the use of reason, self-exploration, and self-realization. The works that I found more interesting of the three topics were that of Self-Exploration and Self-Realization. Furthermore, certain philosophers had thoughts along the same line as me and I have chosen to write about 4 philosophers that I agreed with in a positive way.  · Self-Exploration o Ralph Waldo Emerson Ralph Emerson wrote many journals and essays dealing with the subject of transcendentalism. One of his most famous works is the essay â€Å"Self-Reliance.† In â€Å"Self-Reliance,† Emerson hit on the idea that the individual should be completely reliant on God, and that every person has been put into their certain life and position by God and that the person needs to trust themselves. He said that God has put the power to handle things, think, and act into each individual and that the individual needs to trust what God has put inside them to do things with their lives. The idea is almost that of predestination, except for the fact that we have the choice of which road to take. Predestination is the idea that a higher power, or God, has planned everything that will happen to a person in their life. Emerson’s idea is that God has put the choice to us, but he has given us all of our unique gifts for the paths we can choose to take. In â€Å"Self-Reliance,† Emerson wrote, â€Å"Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events† (Guignon 213). Emerson also gave the idea of trusting ourselves through God. He said that you have to trust in God to tell you what to do and what to think. He said that if you do this that God will provide answers. Anot... Free Essays on Philosophy Brew-Ha Ha Free Essays on Philosophy Brew-Ha Ha In this class thus far, we have had the opportunity to read and learn about 26 different philosophers and ways to ascertain the good life. Most recently, we have dealt with philosophers who talk about the use of reason, self-exploration, and self-realization. The works that I found more interesting of the three topics were that of Self-Exploration and Self-Realization. Furthermore, certain philosophers had thoughts along the same line as me and I have chosen to write about 4 philosophers that I agreed with in a positive way.  · Self-Exploration o Ralph Waldo Emerson Ralph Emerson wrote many journals and essays dealing with the subject of transcendentalism. One of his most famous works is the essay â€Å"Self-Reliance.† In â€Å"Self-Reliance,† Emerson hit on the idea that the individual should be completely reliant on God, and that every person has been put into their certain life and position by God and that the person needs to trust themselves. He said that God has put the power to handle things, think, and act into each individual and that the individual needs to trust what God has put inside them to do things with their lives. The idea is almost that of predestination, except for the fact that we have the choice of which road to take. Predestination is the idea that a higher power, or God, has planned everything that will happen to a person in their life. Emerson’s idea is that God has put the choice to us, but he has given us all of our unique gifts for the paths we can choose to take. In â€Å"Self-Reliance,† Emerson wrote, â€Å"Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events† (Guignon 213). Emerson also gave the idea of trusting ourselves through God. He said that you have to trust in God to tell you what to do and what to think. He said that if you do this that God will provide answers. Anot...

Insanity in Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Essays

Insanity in Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Essays Insanity in Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Paper Insanity in Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Paper Essay Topic: The Metamorphosis Famous actor, father, and husband, Eric McCormack once proclaimed, â€Å"Most people, if you live in a big city, you see some form of schizophrenia every day, and its always in the form of someone homeless. Look at that guy hes crazy. He looks dangerous. Well, hes on the streets because of mental illness. He probably had a job and a home.† Basically, what McCormack is saying is that schizophrenia is found all around us, is found in people from all different walks of life and no matter the circumstance, everyone shares the same form of saneness and equality in some how, in some way. In The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, the main character Gregor Samsa happens to have a severe case of schizophrenia. Evidently and as unanimous decision of many readers, Samsa’s case of mental illness is portrayed in the novel through his bizarre and surreal appearance as a mammoth cockroach. While a great deal of readers would concur that Gregor Samsa was truly insane and was not a giant, h uman-sized cockroach, some would say that Gregor actually did metamorphose into a cockroach. The idea that Gregor actually did mutate to an alien life form is insane can be rebutted through many counteraccusations, such as biological explanations, schizophrenic personalities, and the outcomes that come alongside destitute lifestyles. Firstly, readers on the side of biology would refute that Gregor did not actually mutate into a cockroach, as Gregor’s situation is a false accusation of mutation. Explicitly stated in the first paragraph of The Metamorphosis, Gregor’s metamorphosis takes place as follows: â€Å"When Gregor Samsa woke up one morning from unsettling dreams, he found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin. He was lying on his back as hard as armor plate, and when he lifted his head a little, he saw his vaulted brown belly, sectioned by arch-shaped ribshis many legs, pitifully thin compared with the size of the rest of him, were waving helpl

Definition and Examples of Online Writing

Definition and Examples of Online Writing Online writing refers to any text created with (and usually intended for viewing on) a computer, smartphone, or similar digital device. Also called digital writing. Online writing formats include texting, instant messaging, emailing, blogging, tweeting, and posting comments on social media sites such as Facebook. See Examples and Observations 12 Tips for Improving Online WritingColloquializationComposing Online: Social Is Sexy but Email Still Rules in the WorkplaceConversationalization and InformalizationEmoji and EmoticonInformal StyleInternet SlangOnline ReadingParagraph LengthPractice in Cutting the Clutter10 Tips on How to Write a Professional EmailTextingTextspeakTop 10 Editing Tips for Business WritersWriting Examples and Observations The main difference between offline and online writing techniques is that while people buy newspapers and magazines intending to read them, on the Internet people generally browse. You must grab their attention and hold it if they are to read on. This means that, on the whole, online writing is more concise and pithy and should offer the reader greater interactivity.(Brendan Hennessy, Writing Feature Articles, 4th ed. Focal Press, 2006) Digital writing is not simply a matter of learning about and integrating new digital tools into an unchanged repertoire of writing processes, practices, skills, and habits of mind. Digital writing is about the dramatic changes in the ecology of writing and communication and, indeed, what it means to write- to create and compose and share.(National Writing Project, Because Digital Writing Matters: Improving Student Writing in Online and Multimedia Environments. Jossey-Bass, 2010) Structuring Online Writing Because online readers tend to scan, a Web page or e-mail message should be visibly structured; it should have what [Jakob] Nielsen calls a scannable layout. He found that frequent use of headings and bullets can increase readability by 47 percent. And since his study found that only about 10 percent of online readers scroll below the text initially visible on the screen, online writing should be fronted, with the most important information placed at the beginning. Unless you have a good reason otherwiseas in a bad news message, for examplestructure your Web pages and e-mail messages like newspaper articles, with the most important information in the headline (or subject line) and the first paragraph.(Kenneth W. Davis, The McGraw-Hill 36-Hour Course in Business Writing and Communication, 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill, 2010) Blogging Blogs are usually written by one person in their own individual language. This, therefore, presents you with the ideal opportunity to present the human face and personality of your business.You can be: - conversational- enthusiastic- engaging- intimate (but not overly so)- informal. All of this is possible without stopping beyond the limits of what would be considered as the acceptable voice of the company.However, other styles may be required owing to the nature of your business or your readership.On the latter, as with other forms of online writing, its important to know your reader and their expectations before you begin writing a blog.(David Mill, Content Is King: Writing and Editing Online. Butterworth-Heinemann, 2005) Single Sourcing Single sourcing describes the set of skills related to the conversion, updating, remediating, and reuse of content across multiple platforms, products, and media. . . . Creating reusable content is an important skill in Internet writing for a variety of reasons. It saves the writing team time, effort, and resources by writing content once and reusing it multiple times. It also creates flexible content that can be adapted and published in a variety of formats and media, such as web pages, videos, podcasts, advertisements, and printed literature.(Craig Baehr and Bob Schaller, Writing for the Internet: A Guide to Real Communication in Virtual Space. Greenwood Press, 2010)

The Demand for Money Like Inflation Leading Essay

The Demand for Money Like Inflation Leading - Essay Example I keep my savings in JP Morgan Chase & Co. I find the bank extremely reliable and the staff very amicable and helpful. Depositing money and withdrawal of money can be done conveniently since the staff is always eager to provide their services. Moreover, I stay in New York where the bank has its headquarters. I also have equity shares and for trading purpose, I use the brokerage firm ‘Fidelity Investments’. I have chosen this firm after strong recommendations from several of my friends and colleagues. The firm is completely reliable for making equity trades. They charge reasonable commissions and fees which suit my need. This brokerage firm which is based in the city of Boston ranks in the â€Å"top five in nine out of 12 categories including equity trading tools, research tools and customer service†. The customer service is extremely good, and its research tools help me to make comparisons of four stocks at a time using up to 147 different traits. Since I am an on line customer, I get facilities like a quarter of my mutual funds and 6 per cent of my equity trade is free of commission. I use Allied Insurance for my personal insurance. I find the premium easily affordable. I have insured my car with the American Automobile Association for its lucrative premium. I have a low velocity of circulation which means I have more money than I normally spend. This is because I have the habit of keeping aside some portion of my salary as precautions like sudden emergencies. Since such events do not happen in most months, therefore I can keep my velocity of circulation low.

Diversity in Faith Based Hospitals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Diversity in Faith Based Hospitals - Essay Example The need for change is caused by diversity problems, lack of administrative support and strict policies adopted by faith based hospitals towards patients, medical services and medical staff. Workforce diversity is one of the main issues in faith-based hospitals. Since a large number of interpersonal and inter-group problems are related in some way to job maladjustments, culturally successful organizations provide an environment conducive to identifying and utilizing different ways of doing things. Fogel and Rivera (2004) admit that: 'the expansion in size and influence of religiously-controlled health systems is impeding patient access to comprehensive health services, including reproductive health services, patients' end of life decisions, and patients' access to research involving emerging medical technologies" (p. 725). The main problems identified by research literature are that faith-based hospitals fail to address diversity problems and manage cultural diversity. During the research, it was found that the large number of faith-based hospitals fails to employ diverse medical staff while some other hospitals fail to meet cultural differences and expectations of thei r patients (Leininger and McFarland 2002; Fogel and Rivera, 2004; Tangenberg, 2005; Tammeus 2006). In faith-based hospitals, the majority of medical staff does no... On the other hand, faith-based hospitals set strict policies for medical staff and medical care provided to patients. In faith-based hospitals, religious differences are of vital importance in the workplace. It is possible to say that religious diversity has the greatest impact on human relations than any other diversity issues. Fogel and Rivera (2004) underline that some hospitals set religious restrictions which become "a significant obstacle for patients and physicians because of the size of religiously-controlled health systems. Five of the ten largest health care systems in the United States are Catholic" (p. 275). Religion determines the way of thinking and value system, beliefs and traditions followed by faith-based hospitals. Lack of training and cultural knowledge creates communication difficulties and conflicts between medical staff and administration. The change is vital in this sphere because lack of communication and cultural misunderstanding worsen service quality and i mage of the hospital. It was found that: "some hospitals have outlived their mission and their usefulness in a particular community; others, through mismanagement, the departure of key personnel, or lack of resources have lost the ability to provide an adequate and competent level of service to their patients and the community" (Jennings et al 2002, p. 4). In faith-based hospitals, gender differences have a great influence on employee relations and interaction, behavior patterns and promotion. Despite many gains, women are still grossly underrepresented in professional and managerial jobs than male executives to be assistants to high paid professionals, and they are disproportionately overrepresented in

Z302-ch15 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Z302-ch15 - Case Study Example 15.2 If one is in charge of the restructuring efforts at Starbucks, rather than imposing the needed changes, which would apparently generate savings for the organization, one would first solicit inputs, comments, suggestions from the employees themselves to determine the best practices and techniques that evidently have been used and proved to be effective in facilitating exemplary service to the customers. By enjoining the employees’ participation, resistance to the proposals for change would be minimized and other suggestions could even prove to be more efficient in cost-savings and revenue maximization for the organization. 15.3 An expansion and venture in China would necessitate being more aware of the cultural facets that are being practiced by the people. A change in organizational structure for Starbucks should therefore incorporate a point-person or management personnel who would be in charge of overseeing cultural awareness and practices which fit the national culture of China. Likewise, if people to be employed in Starbucks stores would be predominantly of Chinese descent, then, relevant inputs should first be solicited from these people to determine which values, norms, traditions, and preferences could be channeled towards the organizational culture and which could be slowly integrated as part of the organizational culture and structure of the home country. These are significant to avoid resistance to change and to ensure smooth transitions to a culture which is significantly different from that of the

Domestic Terrorism Midterm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Domestic Terrorism Midterm - Essay Example While the statement by the FBI is not explicit, it is implied that the target must be a US policy, institution, or political movement, and the act must be violent, though the definition of violent may be vague and ambiguous. Domestic terrorism may be directed either from above or from below. Terrorism from above is carried out by a government or institution that has some legitimate authority. It may be done covertly, where the terrorism is carried on outside formal policy. As an example, the 'Dirty War' in Argentina that utilized death squads was covert terrorism from above (Vohrkyzek, Olson-Raymer, and Whamond, 2001, p.13). It may also be overt as in the case of the Hutu's policy of genocide in Rwanda (Vohrkyzek, Olson-Raymer, and Whamond, 2001, p.13). Domestic terrorism from below is when a group or individual within a country targets a legitimate institution as a means to draw attention to, or change, an official policy. Environmental activists such as the Environmental Liberation Front (ELF) are guilty of domestic terrorism from below. Mao, Guevera, Marighella, and Fanon were not defined as terrorists during their time of activity. History has rewritten the definition of terrorism and they now fall under the new definition. However, initially all these figures were guerilla leaders, which are differentiated from terrorists. Guerilla warfare is different from terrorism in that it is an organized force that believes it has legitimacy due to popular support. In addition, it strikes at government and military targets as a means to overthrow a government. However, these leaders differed in that Marighella believed that random violence could create chaos and an environment for revolution, while Mao and Fanon believed it should not be used against the native population. Guevera was more of a classic guerrilla fighter. Guerrillas represent a political movement, while terrorism supports an ideological agenda. However, both aspects promote violence as a means to an end. Once in power both Mao and Castro utilized violence an d terrorism from above as a means to sustain power and oppress the opposition. More recently the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has been similar to the previous revolutionary organizations. They have some legitimacy by way of recognition as supporting a significant group of oppressed people. In addition, they have a well organized military faction. Their agenda has been the creation of a Palestinian State, though they have used terrorism to promote their goals. They have targeted innocent people, used suicide tactics, and even acted against their own citizens. All of these rebels and organizations have their roots in revolution, but have resorted to terrorism to further their goals. For the PLO and others, this is counter-productive, as the stigma of being a terrorist organization is a costly price in today's environment. 3.) Historical Terrorism It could be argued that the actions of the US settlers against the native population was terrorism from above. In this context, terrorism from above has existed in the US since the first Europeans arrived. It has also been argued that slavery was terrorism from above (Vohrkyzek, Olson-Raymer, and Whamond, 2001, p.36).

Report of Saudi Arabia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Report of Saudi Arabia - Essay Example Its system of administration is monarchy based and this continues to be so since its establishment and foundation. The Kingdom generates most of its wealth through oil exploration in the Eastern provinces of the state. So large are the oil reserves that it has been categorized as having the second largest oil reserves in the world. Its government, therefore, relies mostly on revenue generated from oil exports to fund development activities in the Kingdom. Such massive income from oil exports have enabled its government to transform the desert city into a modern economy flooded with modern architecture and infrastructure, using the latest technology available. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has an estimated population of approximately 28 million. Out of this figure, approximately 17 million are citizens of the Kingdom, while 9 million are registered expatriates. The remaining 2 million are illegal immigrants living in the kingdom (The World Fact Book, 2013). The age structure of a given population plays an important role in determining the most important socioeconomic aspects in development. For instance, a nation that constitutes majority of young population needs to consider investing in education facilities such as schools and colleges. Another importance for age structure is to help predict the political situation in the future. For example, high population of youthful citizen without employment may result to civil unrest in the country. The age structure of Saudi Arabia, therefore, is diversified in nature. The population between the ages of 0 to 14 years constitutes 28.8% of the total population with 3,913,775 being males and 3,727,767 being females. 19.8% of the population is between the ages of 15 to 24 years with 2,811,407 being males and 2,439,978 being females. Ages between 25 to 54 years command the majority population gathering

Religious Practices of the Masses During the Renaissance Essay

Religious Practices of the Masses During the Renaissance - Essay Example Some significant advances that are famous that time are in the elements of paintings through the introduction of linear perspective painting and the reformation of education which was gradual and widespread. This intellectual revolution period was said to be the connection between Middle Ages and Modern Era. Their influences were seen in science, literature, politics, art, philosophy, religion, and other intellectual inquests. Some of the noblest works of religious art, like the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, Madonnas by Raphael and those of Fra Angelico and Grunewald were products of the Italian renaissance. Participants studied the great civilizations of ancient Rome and Greece, and realized that their art and civilization were related to those of the distant past. Their thinking was also persuaded by the importance on human thoughts and worth as an individual or it is simply called humanism; and one's intellectual growth relies on classic education. These said teachings depended on various disciplines including poetry, history, rules on writing, and moral philosophy. The Renaissance is also the age where there are conflicts between the Church and other religious sects such as the Reformists and Humanists, with regards to their beliefs, practices, and dogmas. The English word religion has been used since the 13th century which means "reverence for God or the gods, careful pondering of divine things, piety, the res divinae (for the service of God)." (Wikipedia, Religion) It is also said that it is a way of life or signifying the attitude towards life. With that, religion covers the various human behaviors on beliefs, practices, moral codes, values, tradition, institution, and rituals that have the function of addressing the basic questions of human identity, ethics, death and the existence of a Divine being. Religion's definition has an immensely great extent that it is sometimes hard to perceive that medieval people are part of a religion. However, the Church became the "source of education entertainment, most social occasions, and of course, faith." (Louis Dudley 3) Although the southern humanists were preoccupied redefining the relationship between God and humans, the Northern Europeans still took the Church's practices seriously. Ther e transpired various religious practices that the Church performed during the ancient times that were sources of "re-categorization" and reformation to some amount. These are usually in the form of the Sacraments, which are visible to the paintings and architectural designs of artists among them are famous painters Michelangelo, Leonardo. One of the religious practices is the rituals. Rituals are said to be set of actions that are performed either on a regular basis or on certain occasions. These acts, suggested to have symbolic implications, are the performances of which is prescribed by a certain religion or culture. Baptism is one form of practice of the Church, in which a person is briefly submerged in water with the implication of cleansing him of the original sin. Simply stated, this is a purification rite. During the 16th century, while various Reformers challenged most of the Church beliefs, they re-categorized the sacraments except baptism and the Eucharist. This religious rite was portrayed in a fresco painting on the catacomb of Saints Marcellinus and Peter at Via Labicana in Rome, Italy. As time progresses, minor changes of the ritual took place especially on the setting to which the immersion transpired. Before, several adults are immersed together in a Baptismal pool which is usually a pond or a lake, until the said pool was reduced to a smaller basin-like vessel and

Report of Saudi Arabia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Report of Saudi Arabia - Essay Example Its system of administration is monarchy based and this continues to be so since its establishment and foundation. The Kingdom generates most of its wealth through oil exploration in the Eastern provinces of the state. So large are the oil reserves that it has been categorized as having the second largest oil reserves in the world. Its government, therefore, relies mostly on revenue generated from oil exports to fund development activities in the Kingdom. Such massive income from oil exports have enabled its government to transform the desert city into a modern economy flooded with modern architecture and infrastructure, using the latest technology available. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has an estimated population of approximately 28 million. Out of this figure, approximately 17 million are citizens of the Kingdom, while 9 million are registered expatriates. The remaining 2 million are illegal immigrants living in the kingdom (The World Fact Book, 2013). The age structure of a given population plays an important role in determining the most important socioeconomic aspects in development. For instance, a nation that constitutes majority of young population needs to consider investing in education facilities such as schools and colleges. Another importance for age structure is to help predict the political situation in the future. For example, high population of youthful citizen without employment may result to civil unrest in the country. The age structure of Saudi Arabia, therefore, is diversified in nature. The population between the ages of 0 to 14 years constitutes 28.8% of the total population with 3,913,775 being males and 3,727,767 being females. 19.8% of the population is between the ages of 15 to 24 years with 2,811,407 being males and 2,439,978 being females. Ages between 25 to 54 years command the majority population gathering

Google and Innovation Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Google and Innovation - Term Paper Example Its business model is driven by technology based innovation in the area of internet. Most importantly, its business strategy relies on exploiting the vast opportunities of internet to generate revenues for itself as well as for the users and its clients who vary from individual and small entrepreneurs to large corporate houses. Modern business is highly competitive and its challenges need to be met through constant endeavours for innovative products and services that meet and anticipate the changing requirements of the people. Its numerous products and services vis-a-vis Google Chrome, Google App, AdWords, AdSense etc. are testament to its technological advantage that provide users with unique experience and opportunities to enhance their business goals. Moreover, it serves the interests of diverse populace across the globe by providing contents in more than 160 languages worldwide. It has also established offices in more than 40 countries to facilitate local businesses to exploit bu siness opportunities through internet. This is highly creative strategy that integrates local interests with global ambitions. The local businesses can use GooglePlaces to add their business in the list. Thus, when products are searched area wise from across varying geographical locations, their name along with details like address and phone can be accessed by the potential customers. Answer 2 Organization life cycle of Google’s products/services is seasonal mainly due to the fact that internet usage is reduced in summers and commercial activities significantly increase during the fourth quarter. Vacations and festival season contributes to the seasonality. In recent times, recessive trend has also become critical factor for reduced commercial activities. But despite its seasonality, AdSense, Google App and Android are three major product/services that have witnessed significant increase in terms of global sales volume. Advertising is the main source of revenue generation tha t accounts for 96% of its total revenue3. It also serves as key tool that provides its clients with huge opportunities for growth of business and revenue. AdSense program facilitates websites which are part of Network to efficiently deliver advertisements from AdWords advertisers and revenue shared amongst them. Google App has become hugely popular as its various application tools like email, documents, calendar greatly help to communicate effectively within and across the workplace. Moreover, its cloud based application helps to switch from one medium to another while accessing information. As Google constantly upgrades its products and services, the businesses using its cloud based products and services are not only able to enjoy secured access but they are also not bothered by advancing technology which could have otherwise made it difficult to access data. Android is mobile based platform that can be used to develop applications for mobile devices. Its free open source has made it very popular. Within a year of its launch in 2011 and as on January 2012, more than 250 million mobiles devices were using Android system. Answer 3 The type of control strategy that Google practices is based on decentralized system that gives its employees full freedom to experiment with new ideas within an encouraging environment of constant learning. The decentralized system creates an open environment of trust and accessibility to resources

A Rose for Emily Essay Example for Free

A Rose for Emily Essay Decay is found in numerous parts of â€Å"A Rose for Emily†. The image pattern works its way from Emily’s mind to the inside of her lover, Homer Barron’s, resting chamber. In â€Å"A Rose for Emily† you find five major elements of decay. The first element of decay that is found in â€Å"A Rose for Emily† is the decaying of Emily’s mental state. Emily may have felt trapped because her father wouldn’t allow any male suitors to visit her, so when her father died she likely felt she should trap his body and not bury it as revenge because he wasted her youthful potential for love and an independent life. Emily’s denial of her father’s death expands the theme of death because she traps herself home unwilling to allow the change of death to affect her lifestyle. Another element of decay that is found in â€Å"A Rose for Emily† is after the death of her father Emily allows the house to decay and become an eyesore, as the town’s people described it. Not only did the school look decrepit in a town that was embracing modernization but it also reeked of death and decay as well. Emily didn’t accept the theme of change because she seemed to live comfortably in the decay. She also wouldn’t accept the town’s people’s wants to modernize how the town looked by putting numbers above her door. Since Emily was living in a standstill in the period in which she grew up in, she never changed the interior of her house so she left all the furniture that was at one time very sophisticated go to waste and decay (Teen Ink). After her father and lover’s death, Emily let the decay continue to take its toll on her life by allowing her physical condition to decay. Emily at one time was one of the most sought after women with her slender body, angelic features, and her white attire. When she let the decay take over her personal hygiene and physical appearance she had traded in all those great looks for a heavy set figure, her dark eyes, and her grim black attire. When Emily let her physical appearance go she also enhanced the theme of decay and how time changes the body. Not only does the element of decay take over Emily’s mind, house, and body, it also deteriorates her social standing in the town. Town’s people once viewed her as a promising woman who would surely succeed in the future. Now she was thought of as a crazy suicidal woman (Teen Ink). In her reality Emily remains proud and doesn’t recognize the fact that she has fallen from the aristocratic social status that she once was in before the death of her father. This element of decay helps expand the theme into a fall from a notable social standing or rank of power. The last and major climatic element of decay was after Emily’s funeral the town’s people opened the abandoned room in the middle of the house and found the remnants of her lover in bed. She had clearly been lying beside Homer Barron’s corpse for thirty years due to the evidence of the long strand of iron gray hair found on the pillow beside his (Faulkner). The decay isn’t just upon poor Homer Barron but is also noted on everything in the room. The town’s people see the effects of decay in the rose colored room with dust blanketing everything and the tarnishing of the monograms on the silver toiletries placed in the room that appeared to be suited for a bridal suite as if it were an eerie dream. This element of decay enhanced the theme of Emily’s sad tragic life. There is also a surprising twist in this short story that would make any reader curious. The Negro servant, Tobe is the only one to escape the house of decay unscathed. As quoted by Faulkner, â€Å"He walked through the house and out the back and was not seen again†. After being trapped into servitude to Emily’s family for the majority of his life, he escapes the house of decay and goes on to live his life free of Emily and all her secrets. All the present elements of decay in â€Å"A Rose for Emily† show that the theme isn’t simply limited to that of change or death but it is very broad and can be interpreted and perceived in many ways according to the reader’s thoughts and views. Faulkner plays the element of sweet, sickening decay in every aspect of this short story to enhance each theme. Emily Grierson’s comfort in decay grew when her father passed and ultimately lead to the demise of her home, her mind, her body, as well as the demise of her lover Homer Barron.

Strategies and Definitions of 3D Animation

Strategies and Definitions of 3D Animation 2.1 Definition of Animation 2.1.1 A Technical Definition of Animation Various definitions of animation exist that cover technical, physiological, through to philosophical aspects. In a technical sense, Myers (1999, [Online]) describes animation, the form that we have become familiar with, as a series of drawings that are linked together and photographed. The drawings have been slightly changed between individualized frames so when they are played back in rapid succession there appears to be seamless movement within the drawings'(Myers 1999, [Online]). Jonsson (1978, p. 2) also describes animation in a technical sense: A strip of movie film consists of still pictures called frames each one slightly different from the one preceding it. When the film is projected and run continuously these still pictures give an illusion of movement (Jonsson 1978, p. 2). Morrison (1994, p. 5) simply defines, animation as the illusion of movement: This illusion of movement can be achieved by quickly displaying a series of images that show slight incremental changes in one of the depicted objects. If you play back these images fast enough, the eye will perceive movement (Morrison 1994, p. 5). It is safe for one to conclude that animation and motion picture in general, when viewed by a human is an illusion, the rapid succession of ordered singular frames tricking the viewers eye into perceiving there is an apparent seamless movement. This technical definition of animation is closely linked to the history and evolution of motion picture, also to human physiology and how the eye and the brain perceive movement. 2.1.2 The Beginnings of the Motion Picture Animation cannot be achieved without first understanding a fundamental principle of the human eye: the persistence of vision'(James 2002, [Online]). Animation literature shows that the appreciation of this principle is not only linked with the history of animation and motion picture but much earlier, beginning long ago in our past. Since the beginnings of time, human beings have tried to capture a sense of motion in their art'(James 2002, [Online]). Williams (2001) points out several examples; a 35,000 year old pre-historic cave painting of a boar in Northern Spain displaying four pairs of legs to show motion'(Williams 2001, p. 11). Egyptian temple paintings of figures that progressively changed position'(Williams 2001, p. 12). Ancient Greek decorated pots with figures in successive stages of action. Spinning the pot would create a sense of motion'(Williams 2001, p. 12). Other examples are cave and wall paintings, medieval tapestries, scrolls, and paintings which all tell continuous storiesand some of which attempt to illustrate repetitive motions'(James 2002, [Online]). Theories that were born in the ancient world by classical scholars were to prove very important in the genesis of animation, as The Private Lessons Channel (2002, [Online]) points out. It identifies historical figures such as the Greek Aristotle (384-322 BC), who observed light and motion after effects, dating back to 340 BC (The Private Lessons Channel 2002, [Online]). The Private Lessons Channel (2002, [Online]) then points out that later, in 130 AD, Greek astronomer and geographer Ptolemy (100-178 AD) discovered the aforementioned persistence of vision. In elaborating a point made by Thomas (1964, p. 8), one can see how these ancient scholars came to such discoveries; Imagine a torch lighted with fire, being whisked around in a circular motion in the darkness, the eye seeing a continuous unbroken circle of light. This type of phenomenon must have been known to the ancients'(Thomas 1964, p. 8). 2.1.3 A Physiological Definition of Animation The Persistence of Vision While there is evidence of a fascination with the visual documentation of movement and narrative in prehistoric and classical periods, it was not until these notions were later revisited by 19th century inventors, that modern animation principles emerged. One of these inventors was the Frenchman Peter Mark Roget, also the author of the famous Rogets Thesaurus, who in the 1820s rediscovered the vital principle, the persistence of vision'(Williams 2001, p. 13). Williams (2001, p. 13) explains the persistence of vision on the following way: This principle rests on the fact that that our eyes temporarily retain the image of anything theyve just seen. If this wasnt so, we would never get the illusion of an unbroken connection in a series of images, and neither movies nor animation would be possible. Many people dont realise the movies dont actually move, and that they are still images that appear to move when they are projected in a series (Williams 2001, p. 13). Jonsson (1978, p. 2) gives a more physiologically oriented explanation: What makes this possible is a quality of our brain called persistence of vision that is; although the frame we are viewing at any given moment is in fact still, the image burns itself onto our retina, so that it remains with us for a small fraction of time while we view the next one and if the difference seems to be a reasonable follow-on, an illusion is created (Jonsson 1978, p. 2). Concluding that technical and physiological aspects work hand-in-hand in motion picture, Jonsson (1978, p. 2) explains that for the eye to record an apparent continuous seamless movement, a certain frequency of frames per second needs to be displayed. Morrison (1994, p. 5) states that human visual acuity is low enough that only 12-15 different pictures (or frames) need to be displayed per second to produce the illusion of movement. The Private Lessons Channel (2002, [Online]) states that the number of frames per second, or fps, directly correlates to how smooth the movement appears. If the frame rate is too slow, the motion will look awkward and jerky. If the frame rate is too high the motion will blur'(The Private Lessons Channel 2002, [Online]). For the eye to record a normal, continuous movement that is not too fast, and not too slow there needs to be a frequency of around 24 to 30 fps displayed by a projector. Jonsson (1978, p. 2), states that this is the sole principle by which both live-action and animated films work. 24 fps is used in cinema, 25 fps is used for PAL television (Europe and Australia), and 30 fps is used for NTSC television (America and Japan). In relation to the illusion of movement and persistence of vision, both Wells (1998 p. 10) and Furniss (1998 p. 5) portrays the view of well-known Scottish-born animation identity Norman McClaren: Animation is not the art of drawings that move, but rather the art of movements that are drawn. What happens between each frame is more important than what happens on each frame; Animation is therefore the art of manipulating the invisible interstices that lie between the frames (McClaren qtd. in Furniss 1998 p. 5). James (2002, [Online]) states that Roget demonstrated the persistence of vision principle in his invention, the thaumatrope. James (2002, [Online]) and Williams (2001, p. 13), describe it as a disc held between two pieces of string, which was attached to both of the disc edges. Each flat side of the disc had different images; one a bird, the other an empty birdcage. Twirling of the disc with the pulling of the string results in the bird appearing to be in the cage. This proved that the eye retains images when it is exposed to a series of pictures, one at a time'(James 2002, [Online]). The Private Lessons Channel (2002, [Online]) notes that two other inventors are credited with this invention, the Frenchman Dr. John Ayrton, and Englishman Dr. Fitton, depending on the source. 2.1.4 The Early Evolution of the Motion Picture Crucial to the evolution of Animation and indeed Motion Picture were other related inventions. James (2002, [Online]) describes other optical devices of a similar nature to the thaumatrope, such as the phenakistoscopeinvented in 1826 by Joseph Plateau, and the zoetropeinvented in 1860 by Pierre Desvignes. Williams (2001, p. 14) mentions another similar invention, the praxinoscope, invented by the Frenchman Emile Reynaud in 1877. Clark (1979, p. 8) states that these contraptions relied for their effect on either an endless paper band or a cardboard disc bearing series of pictures drawn in progressive stages of an action. Viewed intermittently through slots or reflected in mirrors the drawings came to life and appeared to move'(Clark 1979, p. 8). Another invention included the flipbook, or kineograph pad, first appearing in 1868. Another important invention relevant to Motion Picture was photography. The first photographs were taken in the late 1820s by a Frenchman, Nicà ©phore Nià ©pce'(Thomas 1964, p. 6). In the 1870s Sir Charles Wheatstones moving picture stereoviewerwas created to view a series of actual photographs in ordered succession (Thomas 1964, p. 16). Thomas (1964, p. 18) points out that the first to capture and record a sequence of images, was the English/American Eadweard J. Muybridge, where he famously captured a horse and carriage trotting. He then played the captured images back in a viewing device, known as the zoopraxiscope. Another important revolution in the evolution of the Motion Picture was that of nitrate celluloid film invented by H.W. Goodwin in 1887. Nitrate celluloid film was a chemical combination of gun cotton and gum camphor'(McLaughlin 2001, [Online]). Thomas (1964, p. 29) acknowledges the birth of Cinema to the famous American inventor Thomas A. Edison, and the Scot William Kennedy Laurie Dickson. In 1892 Edison and Dickson succeeded in building a camera capable of taking moving pictures at a rate of forty-six per second on Eastman celluloid film'(Thomas 1964, p. 29). Edisons and Dicksons viewing device, influenced by Austrian Ottomar Anschà ¼tz, was named the kinetoscope. Thomas (1964, p. 29) describes it as a viewing cabinet by means of which only one person could view a film at a time. As the images were not projected, the viewer had to use a small eyepiece to look into the cabinet in order to see the moving images. Instigated and influenced by the work Edison and Dickson, other inventors set about evolving the kinetoscoperesulting in viewing devices with the ability to project images. The most well-known of these inventors were the Lumià ¨re brothers, who in 1895 designed a camera and projector which they call the cinà ©matographe'(Thomas 1964, p. 30). The Lumià ¨re brothers became the first to give a public exhibition of moving pictures'(Thomas 1964, p. 30), which they held on the 28th of December 1895, at the Grand Cafà © in Paris. It is interesting to note that Estonian animator Priit Pà ¤rn in his surrealist-inspired short film 1895, pays tribute to the Lumià ¨re brothers, and invention of the cinà ©matographe. Thomas (1964, p. 31), concludes that the interest shown by the public in these first cinema shows gave rise to a rapid growth in a new industry. In time, with the advent and advancement of various technologies and techniques, the first true animated films were born. 2.1.5 A Philosophical Definition and Discussion of Animation Animation is the art of bringing something to life. How its brought to life can be done any number of different ways, simply states Ludwin (1998, [Online]). Bringing something to life is indeed a very important theme in animation. To better understand the definition of animation, it is useful to find out the original term from which the word animation derives. Wells (1998, p. 10) notes that animation derives from the latin word animare, which means to give life to, and that the animated film largely means the artificial creation of the illusion of movement in inanimate lines and forms. The famous Zagreb School of Croatia relates the definition of to animate back to this original meaning. They suggest, that to animate is to give life and soul to a design, not through the copying but through the transformation of reality(Wells 1998, p. 10). When youre animating and moving an object, youre instilling life in something'(Lubin 2003). This leads us onto animators philosophies, ideologies and animation aesthetics. There are many differences in philosophy among animators and opinion of what the essence of animation actually is. One interesting example illustrating the philosophical differences of opinion is with respect to the extent of which animation should reflect real-life. For instance, the copying of real-life movements using motion capture techniques, are not favoured by all animators. Stefan Marjoram of the Aardman studio notes that motion capture is alright in sports games, but it doesnt necessarily make you a good animator. Animations not about copying real life, after all a lot of people use motion capture for that. For me animation is about exaggerating real life'(Ricketts 2002, p. 51). Lubin (2003) agrees: Thats absolutely right. I mean if youre doing a game and you want to get Tiger Woodsswing, fine. But Motion Capture which is only about animating humanoid animation, why bother? Just get real actors (Lubin 2003). When asked the question on what the public perception of Animation is, Tom Lubin in an interview on 1 April 2003 stated that it depends on who you askand it depends on the show. Some animation would be dismissed as stuff for something to baby-sitlittle kids with, whilst other animation has a broader market encompassing all age groups. I think the public has a very broad view of it depending on their interests'(Lubin 2003). Lubin (2003) also pointed out that animation has been successful for a really long time, and he stated that it was telling that the Academy Awards now, in the last few years, actually gives an Oscar for the best feature in animation. This has to do with the publics perception of animation as a viable stand alone'(Lubin 2003). Animation at its most creative, is a truly beautiful artform'(White 1988, p. 9). The term art and its related words feature heavily in many animation definitions and philosophies originating from the birth of modern animation. Winsor McCay the first American animator of the early 1900s, who many have dubbed the father of the animated cartoon, once stated: Animation should be an artwhat you fellows have done with it is making it into a tradenot an art, but a tradebad luck (Crandol 1999, [Online]). Crandol (1999, [Online]) points out that McCays warning and prediction inevitably became true. Indeed a studio production system with a streamlined, assembly-line processwas formed out of the necessity to satisfy time, expense and demand factors (Crandol 1999, [Online]). Wells (1998) also mentions several times that the domination and the proliferation of mass-produced cel animation'(p. 35), such as that produced in America and Japan, has led to animation being understood in a limited wayby society (p. 24). Wells (1998, p. 35) elaborates stating that: The amount of cheaply produced, highly industrialised cel animation made in the USA and Japan had colonised television schedules, and perhaps, more importantly, the imaginations of viewers (Wells 1998, p. 35). Crandol (1999, [Online]) also points out that the collective nature of the studio may prevent the artists from receiving the amount of praise an artist working solo garners. Wells (1998, p. 7) makes the point that this type of animation has somewhat diminished animation in the eyes of society as a legitimate artform: Animation has been trivialised and ignored despite its radical tendencies and self-evident artistic achievements at the technical and aesthetic level. Ironically, the dominance of the cartoon(i.e. traditional celanimation in the style of Disney or Warner Brothers, which is predicated on painting forms and figures directly onto sheets of celluloid which are then photographed) has unfortunately misrepresented and the animated film because it art seems invisible or, more precisely, is taken for granted by its viewers. The cartoon seems part of an easily dismissed popular culture; animation, as a term, at least carries with it an aspiration for recognition as an art and, indeed the popular evaluation of other animated forms (Wells 1998, p. 7). Although there appears to be a domination of the of American and Japanese style of animation and its entertainment premise as suggested, affecting the common perception of animation, large difference in styles and approaches have occurred and do exist. In an interview with an animation Domain Expert on 1 May 2003, he made the point that European animation, due to the many various nations and peoples, have contributed a large number of diverse artistic visual styles, contrasting to the American or Japanese styles. He also stated that many animated works are not always of the purely entertainment premise. One example he stated was in the communist period of Eastern Europe where animation was state controlled, focusing on allegorical social comment, the animators slipping in their own secret messages in the films past the censors. Even with the domination of industrialised mass-produced animation, and the influences it has on the audience, Crandol (1999, [Online]) remarks that there have been many animators careful not to let business logistics overwhelm the artistic potential of the medium. Crandol (1999, [Online]) concludes that as long as are creative people working, animation will continue to be the best of both worlds: a trade and an art. Tom Lubin, Head of Training at FTI (Film Television Institute), in an interview on 1 April 2003, in response to the question of animation being an art responded I think it is. Well you need art skills to do it. But actually that not as important to me as storytelling. What animation is, is storytelling. Storytelling and its importance to Animation will be specifically discussed and investigated in Chapter 3: The Principles of Storytelling. To give life towas a major inspirational theme in the animation process I went through, so to was the art of animation, as I have personally and purposefully embraced it when conducting the creative animation process. This will be touched upon in part 2 of the dissertation; The Self-Reflective Case Study. 2.2 The Animation Process The Angus Robertson Dictionary and Thesaurus (1992, p. 788) defines the word process as a series of actions which produce a change or development, and a method of doing or producing something. From these meanings the animation process can be described as what I am researching and undertaking in my Honours project; the pattern of methods an animator undertakes from start to finish in the creation of an animated work, or animation. Animation and the animation process, like many other disciplines, have undergone a paradigm shift due to technological advancements. Indeed technology has been the catalyst for many paradigm shifts as Utz (1993, p. 16) points out. Due to the ever-increasing accessibility and affordability of various technologies, an animators methods, actions and options have changed when implementing the animation process. See Appendix 2: Paradigm Shift in the Animation Process, for a more detailed discussion of this subject. Referring to these changes in the animation process, animator George Griffin believes the role of the animator in an artistic sense has changed very little: Despite the enormous upheavals in technology, the independent animators artistic role remains essentially the same: to draw time, to construct a model of ideas and emotions, using any means available (Griffin qtd. in Laybourne 1998, p. xi). 2.3 Types of Animation For a description of the various types of animation such as traditional 2D animation, stop-motion animation and computer generated 3D animation, please refer to Appendix 2: Paradigm Shift in the Animation Process. 2.4 Conclusion Through investigating the various definitions of animation it can be seen that they cover and include many different aspects. The technical definition of animation is closely linked to the history and evolution of motion picture, and this is turn is linked to the understanding of human physiology and how the eye and the brain perceive movement. The different philosophical definitions and viewpoints animators hold also cover many different aspects, varying immensely. This chapter directly relates to the practical component of the Honours project, as described in part 2 of the dissertation; The Self-Reflective Case Study. This is due to the fact that when creating the 3D animated pilot and series concept, I related to and strongly agreed with various animation philosophies that were discussed in this chapter e.g. to give life to, as mentioned beforehand. On some occasions these philosophies affected and influenced the way that I would conduct my own practical animation process. A brief investigation on societys perception of animation subject matter was also relevant for the target audience of the series concept.

Position Paper 1 :: essays research papers

Quarter 1 Position paper 1 The people who came to America were only considered losers by the narrow minded thinking of European countries. The hardest time during colonization was when the colonists stuck to the European ideas and were governed by the mother countries . American society had and continues to have the most success by using there own ideas and building an independent society. The so called losers who moved to America were only losers by the narrow minded ideals of the old world countries. The pilgrims had to leave England or face arrest for following there religious beliefs they where considered outcasts in England not because what they were doing was wrong but because it was different. Puritans and Quakers also faced similar persecution for there beliefs. However religious reasons were not the only ones for moving to America some people left because of political unrest, many people left because of the autocratic rule of Charles I. After Charles defeat many of his followers left to go to the new world. The people who left England and other countries to journey to the new world weren’t necessarily losers but still out casts of there societies. (An Outline of American History pp.1-2) The unrest and problems created during the colonial period were a result of the lack of English governing of the colonies even though there rule prevented the formation of local governments. Although true power over the colonies laid in the hands of the English king and parliament they were to distracted to pay attention to what went on in the colonies leaving power in the hands of local men who were perceived to be powerful because of there social status. When England stepped in and tried to apply strict mercantilism to govern the colonies discontent grew and led to the revolution.(AR pp. 128-184) American prosperity grew from the abandonment of the old ideas and the beginning of a new country. The problems escalated until violence broke out on April 19, 1775. After the Americans won the revolutionary war and severed ties with England the leaders of America began to build a new government.

American International Group

AIG holding company deals with insurance as well as other activities that are related to insurance in America with its operations through several subsidiaries. The primary activities of the company incorporate the general insurance as well as life insurances and the operation services dealing with retirement. The company also undertakes financial services as well as financial management. The operating segments of the company allows for the provision of insurance, the provision of services as well as products to business bodies and the individuals alike in over 130 countries together with their jurisdictions.The company was involved in a sale of about a half of its stakes in the city airport of London. The company also made a sale of the security portfolios that backs the residential mortgage to Maiden Lane (David & John 7). AIG happened to be on of the reputable insurance organizations in America just prior to the sudden collapse of the company around the ninth month of 2008. The act ual cause of the collapse was a heavy weight involving bad debts as a result of the insurance that the company made against securities backed by mortgages.Federal Reserve initially took the initiative of bailing the company with an infusion involving over eighty five billion US dollars. Despite of this initiative, the trend of the losses was on the increase leading to the announcement by the treasury of a fresh rescue package in November of the same year. This package was a result of the escalating cost to the extent of US $ 150 billion (The NY Times par. 1). On the third month of 2009, the federal states government made an agreement for the provision of an extra US $ 30 billion to the company with more soft terms.The extent of the loan was on the upward side and the extent of the loss of the company was in the tune of US $ 61. 7 billion (The NY Times par. 2). This was a mega loss on a quarterly basis that was recorded in history. In its history, the company received an intervention from the American government for four times for the purpose of the aversion of its bankrupsy. The interventions have resulted to the escalation of the government shares in the company to the extent of 80%. The interventions occurred in the form loans amounting to over US $ 60 billion, preferred shares acquisition amounting to US $ 40 billion.An additional US $ 50 billion was invested in the company with the objectives of soaking up of the toxic assets of the company (The NY Times par. 2). This company was faced by outrage of significant magnitude on the realization of the fact that bonuses amounting to over US$ 165 million had been paid in the recent past to the members involved in the unit of trade that was instrumental to the collapse of the company. This was an incident that took place in the 15th day of March. This prompted President Obama to direct the treasury to assess the possibility of the blockage of the payments as well as its recovery (The NY Times par.4). This was foll owed by a hearing composed of a highly emotional congress led by the chief executive Edward Liddy. The executive requested all of the employees whose annual income is above US $ 100 000 who had participated in the payout of the bonus to refund half of it. This had the reflection of the disgust the public as well as the political arena were exposed to due to the action of rewarding the individuals who took part in the collapse of the company and distressing the economy. Majority of them expressed their desire to refund the full amount of what they had been awarded (The NY Times par.6). Although this company has its roots in the United States, its origin is actually Asia. The founder of the company was a veteran of the First World War named Cornelius V. Stars. The focus of the company in 1960 was the increments of the share of the company of the business of life insurance as well as writing unusual coverage. These include examples of kidnapping insurance as well as protection suits by the officers and the directors of companies. The problems of this company have their accommodation in the financial units that are based in London.The group offering financial services ties the security and value of the homes of the vendor. The decline in the value of the homes as well as the value of the mortgages was the contributing factor of the problems of the company. The distress of the company was preceded by the unusual period associated with turmoil (The NY Times par. 12). The early part of 2005 was characterized by questions regarding the company’s financial transaction that brought about the improvement of the earnings of the company.The complex structure of the company as well as its aggressive approach is a reflection of the company’s determination for the creation of an empire of a global standard whose operations were to complement the business (The NY Times par. 12). Works Cited The NY Times. American International Group 26th March 2009 March 19 2009 David, Frost. John, Greenya. American International Group. NY: U. S. News and World Report, 1988.

Determinism vs Free Will Essay

Abstract In this essay I will define determinism, I will also define free will. I will answer question in a dialogue with and imaginary Socrates. In my dialogue I will give clear and conclusive answers and I will use the socratic method. I will also provide examples when possible, or needed. Determinism vs Free Will Socrates: What is the definition of determinism? April: Determinism is a belief in the inevitability of causation. Everything that happens is the only possible thing that could happen (Baumeister,2009). Socrates: What is the definition of free will? April: Free Will is the ability to freely choose one of several possibile alternatives, to make decisions the outcome of which is and cannot be known in advance (Voss,2007). Socrates: Do you agree that every event has an explanatory cause? April: Yes I do, Everything happens for a reason. Socrates: How do you define event? April: I would define even as something that happens. For example like a birth or a wedding. (Solomon,2010) Socrates: How do you define explanatory cause? April: An explanatory cause is the assumption that every event in the universe including our own actions, can be explained and understood. (Solomon,2010) Socrates: Do you agree that every human choice or event has an explanatory cause? April: Yes I absolutely agree, because every human choice and action has an explanatory cause. (Solomon,2010) Socrates: How do you define human choice? April: Human choice is the choice of humans to make a decision that is free of outside influences, because we (people) are the only ones responsible for the decisions we make every day. Socrates: How do you define human event? April: Human events are the things (events) that happens to human beings in their life, like getting married, having children, going to college, and even death. Socrates: Are they different? April: Yes, I think human choice and human event are different, because human choice is the decision you make, and human event is what will happen from your decision. For example you go on a date with this guy (human choice) and then you two fall in love and get married (human event). Socrates: Do you agree that to have an explanatory cause is to not be free? April: No, because that would mean that no human choice or action would be free and as a reaction to that there would be no choices or actions. (Solomon,2010) Socrates: How do you define free? April: Freedom means that we can deliberate about what to do, it means that the future seems â€Å"opened†, it also entails that we should be praised and blamed for our actions, since we have a choice. (Cuddy,2008) Socrates: Do you think that free will and determinism can coexist in anyway? April: Yes, I believe that free will and determinism can coexist, because even though we have free will and can do what we want, when we want, at the same time our freedom has rules (laws) that are there to guide us and let us know what is right and wrong. (Sturman,2013) Socrates: Is it possible to have external determinism and internal free will? April: Well, I think that maybe it is possible to have external determinism, but not possible to have internal free will, because no such thing as internal or external free will exist, however though external determinism does exist and it refers to the external influences that are out of our control. For example say that a successful and rich movie star has a child, that child will grow up and be a rich and successful movie star also. (Solomon,2010). In conclusion free will and determinism is something that will always be questioned by different people for years to come, but for now here is my beliefs in this dialogue with an imaginary Socrates. I defined determinism and free will and I also answered many questions from Socrates, and inconclusively yes determinism and free will can coexist and i have realized we are not complately free because we have rules (laws) to follow and abide by. For the most part we are the people we are because of determinism and free will. References Baumeister, Ray (2009). Cultural Animal. How we find Meaning in Life. Retrieved from https://www. psychologytoday. com Cuddy, Luke (2008). Determinism vs Freewill. Retrieved from https://www. neo-philosophy. com Solomon, R. C. , Higgins, K. M. (2010). The Big Questions. A Short Introduction to Philosophy. Retrieved from https://www. coursesmart. com Sturman, Henry. (2013). Freewill and Determinism. Retrieved from https://www. henrysturman. com/articles/freewill. html Voss, Peter. (2007). The Nature of Freewill. Retrieved from https://www.. optimal. org/peter/freewill. html.

Happy Life – Essay

What Is a successful life? Is it a life without concern about money, without caring about interpersonal legislations, or without suffering any discomforts? To me, if it were a life without caring about others, people would not feel happiness. If it were a life of just working hard, people would lose their family. If it were a life of being selfish all the time, people would not feel the taste of love. Therefore, In order to have a happy life, we need to control our willpower, have a good relationship with others and then live with any pains.Will power plays a very important role in one's life. When we were born, everything looks interesting to us. Or in some other cases, we are looking for troubles that we are not intended to. That is why kids need to be educated. Facts such as failing to control one's Impulses, low frustration tolerance, and failing to plan ahead always happen for a young kid. That Is why young children need constant supervision from our parents or teachers. In thes e cases, most of the will power Is established In one's childhood.As an example from the reading, † Don't, the secret of self-control†, Joana Lealer explain well why our young generation needs a good self-control to be successful in our life. His article summarizes research on self-control in children and how this factor will predict success later in their life. In his articles, researchers showed four-year-old kids a marshmallow, and told them that they â€Å"could eat one marshmallow right away, or If they were willing to wait while he stepped out for a few minutes, they could have two marshmallow when he returned. (Lealer 2009) some kids ate one marshmallow very soon, while 30% were able to wait until the researcher returned 15 minutes later-?a very long time in the life of four-year-old. Interestingly, the researchers also followed up these kid twenty years later, they found that the kids who could delay 15 minutes had an average S. A. T score that was 210 points ra ter that those who delay 30 seconds or less. (Lealer 2009) To their credit, those kids who could delay longer had fewer behavioral problems, dealt with stressful situations and maintain friendship better.I am not saying those well behave kids would be successful in the future, but at least they can control their will power, which will help them build their life better. As I was in my high school year, I met some friends who are extremely out of self-control. In their cases, they prefer having troubles with teachers and school disciplines rather than studying. They didn't come to school on time, and do the homework by themselves. I think they are In a bad they told me they feel so regret at their high school years. From them I know some of their fellows went to Jail after.That is the reason why we need a good self-control, no one want to spend the rest of his or her life in Jail. Besides having a strong will power, we also need to communicate well with others. The scale of being succ essful or happy is not measured by how much cash is in your pocket, but the relationships with others. More precisely, a good mental health really matters in one's life. In the article, â€Å"What makes us happy', Joshua Wolf Sheen argues the how interpersonal allegations effects one's life. Sheen s article is based on the Grant Study.The grant study was longitudinal research by subjects had been followed for about 70 years. The subjects were all Harvard male student from the classes of 1942, 43 and 44. The main researcher of this study, George Villain, thought, â€Å"the only things that really matters in life are your relationships to other people†. (Cheekiness) Villain regards the relationship to other people as the most important factor of people's life. It is very important to maintain close interpersonal relationships not only with our family, but also with our friends and other people.Sandra Bullock, for an example, explains us well why we need to maintain good interp ersonal relationships. In the article, † The Sandra Bullock Trade†, David Brooks persuade his audiences that, † marital happiness or interpersonal relationships is more than an accomplishment in a profession. † (Brooks 2010) In the article, Brooks discusses two things that happened to Sandra Bullock in one month, she found out that her husband was cheating on her and she won an Academy Award. Although as a normal person, we don't have a clue how Bullock feels, we know that Bullock doesn't have a happy family.Although Bullock is so successful in her career, she has no support from his family. In my opinion, I think she put too much effort into her career and she loses her family. Once one's family is not on their back, their success will not count. Besides having a good self-control and interpersonal relationship, we also need to face our pains. The more difficulties we have met, the more experiences we will have for life, and the more successful we will be in our life. From Sheens article, † What makes us Happy', he illustrates how pains related to one's happy life.I really like his mint about interpersonal relations. However, I disagree with what you said about â€Å"your feeling of how happy your life was depended on how you think, not on how many difficulties you had met. † (Sheen 2007) In my opinions, life is based on how many difficulties you have met. Because the more pains you suffered, the more experienced you will be, and the easier we will learn how to deal with them. In my family, my dad always gives me advice upon any difficulty I have met. Because he suffered those pains before, and he Just doesn't want to come through with them again.But there must be one day he can't advice me any more, because my dad and I are in a different mode of life. Thus, I need to be fully experienced to build my family. With good self-control, maintaining good interpersonal relation, and living with any pains are the ways to build a successful life. Different people suffer different lives. From the time we were born, we will face the questionnaire upon how our life will be. No one can answer this question, no one will know how one's life will be, and no one can conclude whether the life is successful or not. We start, and we should