The Corner Shop free essay sample

Analysis and interpretation of †The Corner Shop† In the last decades globalization has forced every country in the world to define what values and unique characteristics makes the country different and exceptional. The essay â€Å"The Corner Shop† is written by the British writer and former journalist at the centre-left liberal newspaper The Guardian Shyama Pereras in 2000, and it deals with this exact topic. She puts focus on how globalization has taken a thing considered as a unique specimen of a nation and changed it into something foreign. The corner shop stands today as a daily reminder that we all live in a global village. Shyama Pereras starts her essay with a quote from the Sunday Times that says â€Å"if your surname is Partel, you’re seven times more likely to be a millionaire than if your name is Smith†. To understand this statement, it’s important to understand the history of the name Partel. We will write a custom essay sample on The Corner Shop or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Partel is a surname of Indian origin. Within the United Kingdom, it is the twenty-fourth most common surname nationally, and in central London it is third most common. When The Sunday Times uses Partel in comparison with the surname Smith, which is the most common name in the United Kingdom, she puts every Englishman up against every middle-eastern immigrant in the United Kingdom. What the Sunday Times really is saying, is that when you’re a middle-eastern immigrant you have a much bigger chance of being a millionaire than if your part of the indigenous English population. Pereras chooses to involve this Sunday Times â€Å"rich list†, to underline the actuality and legitimacy, which this topic has in today’s society. To exemplify she gives a daily example that especially Englishmen know and can relate to: The corner shop. This compressed form of shop where you can buy the basics such as alcoholic and soft drinks, newspaper, magazines and simple groceries has since the concepts entry been considered as a core-British asset. Shyama Pereras describes the corner shop as much more than just a little shop; it is â€Å"the center of community life†, these sights are used for locals to meet and greet. Back in time Brits used these shops as a place where they could buy their â€Å"New Zealand butter, Ceylon Tea and the Daily Herald† – all goods that are British trademarks. However did the Corner Shops undergo a drastic change up through the centuries – as the increasing globalization took its toll in the last part of 19th century, the assortment of different supplies from around the world expanded and suddenly there was a decline in demand of old traditional British articles. Here Shyama Pereras uses her own experience to further clarify this development. Her local corner shop sold the articles that you would expect from a shop like that however did a similar shop with an Indian owner expand the range of goods so it now also included readymade curry chicken, even to an unbeatable price. As a result of this, the traditional corner shop weren’t able to compete and had to close down. This wasn’t an exceptional case, the vast majority of the traditional British corner shops were replaced by a redesigned, more efficient, middle-eastern business model. Shyama Pereras doesn’t show a particular opinion in this essay. She simply explain how globalization has had its impact on our everyday life. The urbanization and multicultural flow has turned the view on what is considered as a unique characteristic of a nation and what is foreign, upside down. She calls the foreigners who came and overtook the corner shop market â€Å"innovative reinventions†. Foreign people came to the shores of the United Kingdom and took something that was the very essence of being British and changed it into something better and more efficient – it may not be as tradition-bound, but the indigenous British people has accepted this in return of a much more varied, and for some, more exciting and exotic selection of goods. Another explanation to this phenomenon could be that the Brits don’t see it as a â€Å"high status job† to be standing behind a counter all day. It may have been more socially acceptable in the old days to own a corner shop than it is today due to the economic growth of the western hemisphere and an increasing number of immigrants, who would be more than satisfied with a job in a corner shop. Shyama Pereras deals with globalization as the general theme in this essay. She tries to give an answer to how the corner shop has changed from being a symbol of nationality, to a symbol of internationality. Pereras writes through the eyes of an indigenous Brit by saying â€Å"we didn’t like† and â€Å"none of us saw at the time† which gives a feeling of her being a part of the affected group of globalization. Shyama Pereras concludes her essay with the statement: â€Å"the concept, steeped in white British history, is now a marker of our multi-ethnic future. † This underlines a tendency in modern society: that what is a national unique gem today – may be global mainstream tomorrow. .

Qué es estatus PRUCOL y qué inmigrantes están amparados

Quà © es estatus PRUCOL y quà © inmigrantes estn amparados Los inmigrantes PRUCOL son indocumentados que pueden tener acceso a algunos beneficios sociales. Los derechos que pueden tener depende de cada estado. PRUCOL significa residente permanente bajo el color de la ley, segà ºn sus siglas en inglà ©s. No es una de las 7 situaciones migratorias creadas por las leyes, sino que es consecuencia de una sentencia judicial. Para ser amparado por PRUCOL los requisitos son los siguientes: estar en Estados Unidos como indocumentadoque el gobierno federal sepa de la presencia en el paà ­s de se inmigrantey que a pesar de estar indocumentado el gobierno ha manifestado su intencià ³n de no proceder a su deportacià ³n, expulsià ³n o remocià ³n de Estados Unidos. Esto puede suceder porque el migrante se encuentra en una categorà ­a contra la que el gobierno no actà ºa para deportar o porque se le ha notificado al inmigrante que no va a ser deportado. Tienen que darse al mismo tiempo esos tres requisitos Ejemplos de situaciones migratorias que pueden ser amparadas por PRUCOL Personas en proceso de ajuste de estatusSolicitantes de asiloMigrantes con un Estatus de Proteccià ³n Temporal (TPS, por sus siglas en inglà ©s)Situaciones de cancelacià ³n de la deportacià ³n (cancellation of removal)Suspensià ³n de la deportacià ³nAccià ³n Diferida (DACA, por sus siglas en inglà ©s) para muchachos que llegaron a USA antes de cumplir los 16 aà ±os y reà ºnen otros requisitos.Las personas extranjeras que al llegar a una aduana de Estados Unidos no cumplà ­an los requisitos para el ingreso pero se les permitià ³ un parole por razones humanitarias   y hace menos de un aà ±o de esa situacià ³n. Por ejemplo, caso de cubanos por pies secos pies mojados o de haitianos.Las và ­ctimas de violencia o de trfico de personas que han solicitado una visa U o una T.Migrantes que han solicitado por carta un alivio de la deportacià ³n hace ms de seis meses y no han obtenido una respuesta por parte de las autoridades. Beneficios sociales que pueden tener las personas consideradas PRUCOL Va a depender de cada estado. Algunos no conceden ningà ºn derecho, mientras que otros conceden algunos, como por ejemplo Nueva York, Nuevo Mà ©xico, Nueva Jersey, Maine, Massachusetts, Virginia, Hawaii y Pennsylvania. California se encuentra entre los ms generosos. Por otro lado, Texas, casa de aproximadamente el 14 por ciento del total de indocumentados presentes en USA, no brinda beneficios para los PRUCOL. Como los derechos y los requisitos cambian de estado a estado, verificar con las administraciones del lugar en el que se reside. Entre los beneficios ms comunes para los PRUCOL en los estados que asà ­ lo permiten se encuentran: MedicaidSSI/SSP, ingresos y pagos complementarios.CAPI, programa de asistencia en dinero, dependiendo de la edad o si sufren una incapacidad.SNAP, programa de asistencia para alimentos. En California se conoce como CalFreshAdems, en California hay ms programas especà ­ficos de ese estado, como CFAP, programa de asistencia para comidas que puede aplicar a algunso PRUCOL y CalWORKS. Adems, todos los indocumentados, incluso los que no son PRUCOL, tienen beneficios como Medicaid de Emergencia, que incluye entre otras medidas el parto y nacimiento de un bebà ©, y tambià ©n WIC, que es un programa de asistencia para alimentos para embarazadas, lactantes y bebà ©s. A tener en cuenta   No confundir PRUCOL con qualified immigrant, que es el requisito que pide el gobierno federal para tener acceso a programas financiados federalmente. Los PRUCOL no son inmigrantes cualificados a estos efectos. Asimismo, las personas que ingresaron a Estados Unidos antes del 22 de agosto de 1996 podrà ­an tener acceso a mayores beneficios sociales, ya que para ellos aplica una ley anterior.   Por à ºltimo, tener presente que PRUCOL no da derecho a obtener la tarjeta de residencia ni la ciudadanà ­a americana. Muchos inmigrantes PRUCOL podrn legalizarse siguiendo un camino especà ­fico para su caso, pero otros muchos permanecern toda su vida en esa situacià ³n de indocumentados a los que se les permite permanecer en Estados Unidos. Este artà ­culo es sà ³lo informativo. No es consejo legal.

Campus friends report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Campus friends report - Essay Example he also discovered her good mastery of the English language in elementary school and high school that influenced her to take a major in public relations. My campus friend settled on public relations after weighing many other courses that deal with effective communication. She had at some point opted for journalism but did not like the idea of appearing on the television screen every day. She is always shy and felt that she would have difficulties interacting with her television audience. The other reason that made her not to major in journalism is that she did not want to be feared in the social environment as a celebrity. She prefers leading a simple life with little recognition. As I have come to learn her, she likes helping others even when there is no guarantee of other people helping her back. This justified to me her claim that she never wants to be publicly recognized for things she has done. One of the career goals for my campus friend is working in a reputable organization that recognizes and respects social and cultural diversity. She hopes that the major qualifies her to serve as a public relations manager and ascend to the senior managerial position. At the same time, she claims to have a passion for being a Chief Executive Officer for a popular organization. She does not like being employed but prefers to use employment as an avenue to rise to self-employment. Another career goal that my campus friend reported having is establishing her own company in the future and being her own boss. She believed that a public relation major was important to enable her deal with her employees efficiently and incorporate cultural diversity in the organization. She narrated to me how globalization has turned the world into a small village where everyone needs to learn to cope with people of different ideological and cultural backgrounds. For the duration that I stayed with her, the major interest that she demonstrated is socialization and sharing stories about

Financial Statement Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Financial Statement Analysis - Essay Example For this reason, the actual presentation of financial statements with the absolute figures becomes meaningless as it does not provide a rational basis for comparing with the competitor or with the industry. The industry and competitor might have several differences due to which it is not practically justified that the analysis between the two should be made. For instance, if a company has revenues of $5 million and one of its competitors has the revenues of $500,000 then on the basis of these absolute figures, there is no comparison between the two companies. However, if the growth in revenue of the former company is, let’s say 6% and the latter company has growth in revenues of around 8%, then there is a rationale of analyzing both the companies as the same footing for comparison is available now. In short, in the absence of reasonable commonalities between the financial aspects of the two companies, the comparison of the two companies turns out to be meaningless. The best wa y to make a comparison in financial aspect between the two companies is to undertake financial ratio analysis. This analysis provides a common platform for the companies so that their performance can be compared on reasonable basis. Issues like absolute figures, size of the firms, differences in the operating activities and other issues are relaxed when financial statements are analyzed on the basis of ratios. The technique of ratio analysis works on the basis of common figures that are comparable. These comparable figures are computed as a percentage of some figures. For instance, what is the percentage of net profits with respect to sales, with respect to total asset, with respect to equity, and so on? But if stand alone figure of net profit is taken into account, then due to difference in size of the company, its value, its nature of operations, its capital structure and other elements, that net profit figure would not reflect a true picture. Structure of Article This article is developed in such a manner that the profitability analysis of two UK companies, Sainsbury PLC and Tesco PLC, has been conducted on the basis of ratio analysis. As far as the size of the two companies is considered, Tesco PLC is bigger than Sainsbury PLC. So what exactly be the measure which should be used in order to bring both of these firms to a common platform is the ratio analysis. The introductory part of the analysis briefly highlights the description of both the companies regarding their industry, history, products, branches etc. Next part focuses comprehensively upon the importance, meaning and interpretation of each of the profitability ratio. Third part of this report conducts an analysis on the basis of earlier explained ratios. Those ratios are divided into two categories such that first part of the analysis emphasizes upon the performance of each individual company on the basis of its past performance in the form of trend analysis. Second part of the analysis makes a pr ofitability comparison between the two firms on the basis of their own important heads of accounts. At the end of this report the calculation of the ratio analysis is presented in the appendix. Tesco Tesco is one of the largest retailers. It operates more than 2,300 convenience stores and supermarkets. The total number of employees working

Compare and contrast Hobbes' and Locke's account of the state of Essay

Compare and contrast Hobbes' and Locke's account of the state of nature - Essay Example This means that the conclusions formed by traditional theories of natural law could not be applied to a larger frame of society. In this regard, the only thinker who came with an opposite view was Thomas Hobbes. He maintained that humans are not animal natured. In particular, humans are sophisticated systems which can be further discussed in a cause and effect manner. As it notes, â€Å"For such is the nature of man, that howsoever they may acknowledge many others to be more witty, or more eloquent, or more learned; Yet they will hardly believe there be many so wise as themselves: For they see their own wit at hand, and other mens at a distance (Hobbes, 1651, p. 159).† It becomes easy to understand that Hobbes believed that each and every action that is undertaken by human is aroused due to a number of mechanical processes which are noted in human body. These actions or functions being taken in a human body can only be understood with the help of core systematic design. This i ncludes nervous system, breathing system etc. that causes a human being to feel sensation and exhale when in fear respectively. Hobbes in his book Leviathan exclaimed that pain and fear are caused when there is an internal appetite to feel it. The nervous system, in particular, provokes a human to understand his or her need regarding asking for something that can allow him with self-satisfaction. On the other hand, John Locke has provided a very easy to understand viewpoint regarding human nature. Hobbes have understood human nature in a very systematic manner that goes in the flow to raise a point that human are not animal natured. Locke has given a logic regarding human nature stating that humans are basically depending on the mobility and solidity. In simpler words, it can be said that humans are creations by God. This is rather a very strong statement that notes God to be the sole owner of humans if considered as property. It is basically that stance of God towards human where t hey are given a free path to exercise their liberty and take actions against or for their health. Locke has marked that humans basically tend to build their environment out of rationality. This is the major difference between the thinking processes of both the sociological theorists (Hobbes and Locke). Locke also mentioned that all humans are in a concert to achieve higher and grasp the finest as per their own participation to a political community. Formation of Common Wealth Formation of common wealth as a notion explained by Hobbes maintains that humans can never co-exist in a society. It is due to this reason that there needs to be a system above all that will record their behaviors and put limits. Hobbes has discussed his view of formation of common wealth by contrasting it to animal kingdom. He stated that animals are able to live together society without any sovereign power that is able to record their behavior and systemize their behaviors. There can never be a strong governm ent to be implemented within a human society. This is why humans are meant to remain in an agonized state (Hobbes, 1651). There are mainly three aspects that have caused the humans to get aware of their ability to form common wealth. It states with the competition that is among all humans despite understanding the need of being with each other. Secondly, it is the diffidence which is considerably a major reason for which

Presentation of women in Antigone

Presentation of women in Antigone Sophocles play Antigone presents us with three different types of women: Antigone, the strong-willed protagonist; Ismene, the weak sister of Antigone; and Eurydice, wife of Creon. Each of these characters personalities, lifestyles, and choices directly affects the characters mortality. The women characters in Antigone show great contrast, the most prominent being life and death. By analyzing the female characters, it can be seen that those who die, Antigone and Eurydice, share certain aspects that the survivor, Ismene does not; they are opposites of each other in nearly every way. The first opposite found, strong versus weak, plays a prominent role in this play. Antigones role within the play is much stronger than Ismenes or Eurydices on various occasions. Antigone never fears Creon and his laws, and openly defies them, twice. Upon being caught in the act, Antigone does not hide from what shes done, she confesses to it, Yes, I confess; I will not deny my deed, (Greene 487 pp 198). Antigone has a stronger familial bond with her brother, whom she believes deserves a proper burial, than her sister, Ismene, who refuses all participation in the unlawful act. After Creon has caught Antigone, he calls on Ismene, falsely assuming her participation in the illegal burial, and asks if she did it, Ismene replies I did it, yes-if she will say I did it, (Greene 590 pp 202). Only when Ismene fears her sister has told on her, does she show that she has the potential to be a strong character, like Antigone. Eurydice, who is not as prominent in the play as many other characters, is also portrayed as weaker than Antigone. Eurydice, being Creons wife stands behind him in all that he does. She supports him in his decisions, until his actions lead to the suicide of their son, Haemon. This puts Eurydice over the edge, at which point she kills herself. Both Antigone and Eurydice share the mental and physical strength to kill themselves for their loved ones. Similar to strength, but just as important in this play, is bravery. Antigones show of bravery throughout this play defies gender roles of her time, and makes her death meaningful. Other characters in this play kill themselves because someone they love dies, but Antigones death, though by her own hand, was caused by Creon and his misguided laws. The Chorus in the play praises her choices by saying, Yes, you go to the place where the dead are hidden, but you go with distinction and praiseit was your own choice and alone among mankind you will descend, alive, to that world of death, (Greene 878-884 pp 213). Antigones choices show her strong will, and continuous love for those she has lost. Antigone willingly gives her life to ensure her brother gets to the underworld safely, and once she does that she kills herself to be with her family in the after life. The character of Ismene shows no sign of this bravery, and this conformity to Creons way of thinking preserves her life. She continuously takes on the common subordinate role women usually are portrayed in, saying such things as You ought to realize we are only women, not meant in nature to fight against men (Greene 70-71 pp 183) and bury him in secret; I will be silent, too, (Greene 98 pp 184). Ismene does all she can to try to convince her sister to change her mind. The women in this play share a commonality in their love for their family, but Antigone is the only one who is not afraid to prove it. Family is, not only the leading cause of death of women within this play, but the basis for this entire play. It is Antigones lineage that began all of this chaos in the first place, as stated by Ismene, Consider sister how our father diedhow he himself struck out the sight of his two eyesThen, mother and wifedid shame violently on her lifeThird, our two brothersEach killed the other, (Greene 56-65 pp 183). Antigone proves her undying love to the dead members of her family by taking her own life, and in a way disowning Ismene for not doing the same. Ismene fears the punishment associated with burying her brother, and therefore refuses to do anything which would endanger her life. After Ismenes confession, Antigone refuses to let Ismene have any false glory, Justice will not allow you what you refused and I will have none of your partnership (Greene 592 pp 202). Similar to Antigone, Eurydice gives up her life for a loved one. The bond between mother and son is much stronger than that of husband and wife, and its this bond that leads Eurydice to take her own life once she hears that her son has taken his own life. A character known as Second Messenger recounts her death, The queen is dead. She was indeed true mother of the dead son. She died, poor lady, by recent violence upon herself, (Greene 1358-1360 pp 229). With whom these women align themselves seems to be a deciding factor in their life or death within the play. There are the women who, in the end, align themselves behind Creon and his rule, and those who believe in other forces. Antigone goes against Creons laws, believing that since Creon will eventually die, his proclamation (concerning her brothers burial) holds no power. She thinks only the Gods have enough power to declare who should be buried and who shouldnt saying, it was not Zeus that made the proclamation; nor did Justice, which lives with those below, enact such laws as that, for mankind, (Greene 494-496 pp 198). This belief eventually leads to the actions which cause Antigones death in the play. Her sister, however, believes Creon is right and shouldnt be defied, saying we are ruled, by those who are stronger, (Greene, 72 pp 183). By being obedient to the King of Thebes, Ismene preserves her life, but at what cost, if everyone she loves dies in the process? The exception to this is Eurydice, whose character isnt explored deep enough to discover her true feelings, but she did align herself with her son by the end of the play, killing herself to be with him. The two female characters who did not believe faithfully in Creon died, while the subordinate female survived. Being a woman in and of itself plays a big part in the morality of these female characters. According to the website Ancient Greek Civilizations: the Women of Athens, marriage is a right of passage for girls to become women, (The Women of Athens). Eurydice is the only married women within the play, leaving us to believe Antigone and Ismene are still girls. However, in death, Antigone says herself that her husband is to be the Lord of Death, (Greene, 877 pp 213). Jana Shopkorn, who created a website entitled Til Death Do Us Part: Marriage and Funeral Rites in Classical Athens, says that Death before marriage signifies a marriage with the underworld, (Shopkorn). Following this line of thinking, the only woman who survives was in fact a girl, and being married was a curse, of sorts, for Eurydice and Antigone. Through the analysis of the only 3 females in Sophocles play Antigone, we discover a wide array of contrasting characteristics. The dynamics between these characters provides insight into their mortality within the play. The two female characters that die in this play, Antigone and Eurydice, share many similarities that Ismene, the sole female survivor does not possess. Their opposing personalities, lifestyles, and choices throughout the play can be directly correlated to their death or survival in this play. Works Cited Greene, David Lattimore, Richmond (Ed.). (1991). Greek Tragedies. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. Shopkorn, Jana. Til Death Do Us Part: Marriage and Funeral Rites in Classical Athens. 6 Oct 2008 < http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/classes/JSp.html>. The Women of Athens. Ancient Greek Civilizations. 8 Oct 2008 .

Problems with Standardized Testing Essay example -- Standardized Testin

Problems with Standardized Testing â€Å"Where is the standardized test that can measure passion for learning, respect for others, and human empathy?† These are the words of Tom McKenna, a disgruntled high school teacher from Portland, Oregon. Like many other educators and students across the nation, Tom is tired of the system. The educational system today is composed of a series of standardized tests. Standardized tests are bad for many reasons. They cause teachers to limit their curriculum, put low-level income and minority students at a disadvantage, cause school districts to focus too heavily on raising test scores, and extract the passion for learning from students.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In many cases teachers are encouraged to teach only material that will be seen on certain standardized tests. For this reason, teachers are forced to extract superfluous material from the course. Instead, teachers focus only on specific items from the test. Students are encouraged to memorize isolated facts and regurgitate short responses. In an article published by the FairTest organization, this method is called â€Å"teaching the test.† Teaching the test seems to be conducive to improving test-taking skills but real academic progression is not always represented.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The aforementioned Tom McKenna was put in this very predicament. In his article titled, â€Å"The Straitjacket of Standardized Tests† he tells a story of two of his high school students engaged in a project which enthralled their interest in an unlikely subject. McKenna had become friends with a man named Sol Shapiro. Shapiro, now in a retirement home, had once been a resident in South Portland, Oregon, which was a Jewish immigrant community. McKenna’s students accompanied him to Shapiro’s house in order to conduct an interview. A few seconds into the interview Shapiro broke down in tears and the students immediately turned off the video camera and tape recorder. The students comforted Sol. They finished the interview, much of which was unrecorded. McKenna noted that these students had an increased interest in oral history following the interview. â€Å"They wanted more.† he noted. He then adds, â€Å"Unfortunately, given the demands of current educational reform in Oregon, teachers are finding it difficult to give students the "more" they desire.† McKenna was referring to the fact that teachers in Oregon are encouraged to striv... ... craft to focus like drones on getting the scores up." If teachers were concerned with inspiring students, they could cause students to be passionate once again.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In my personal experience, my freshman history teacher would totally agree with my argument. He always told me that the most important part of the education process is â€Å"knowledge for the sake of knowledge.† This means that students should want to learn in order to gain intelligence. I have always kept this philosophy in high regard and have tried to apply it to my everyday scholastic life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The educational system should be less of a system and more of a process. It should focus on the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of its’ students. As long as we continue to use standardized tests a change will never be made. Works Cited Elmore, Richard F. â€Å"Testing Trap.† Harvard Magazine Online. October 2002   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   FairTest: The National Center for Fair and Open Testing. How Standardized Testing Damages Education. McKenna, Tom. The Straitjacket of Standardized Tests. Spring 1999. Rethinking Schools Online. â€Å"Rethinking Standardized Testing† The Seattle Press Online. 17 May 2001.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Problems with Standardized Testing Essay example -- Standardized Testin Problems with Standardized Testing â€Å"Where is the standardized test that can measure passion for learning, respect for others, and human empathy?† These are the words of Tom McKenna, a disgruntled high school teacher from Portland, Oregon. Like many other educators and students across the nation, Tom is tired of the system. The educational system today is composed of a series of standardized tests. Standardized tests are bad for many reasons. They cause teachers to limit their curriculum, put low-level income and minority students at a disadvantage, cause school districts to focus too heavily on raising test scores, and extract the passion for learning from students.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In many cases teachers are encouraged to teach only material that will be seen on certain standardized tests. For this reason, teachers are forced to extract superfluous material from the course. Instead, teachers focus only on specific items from the test. Students are encouraged to memorize isolated facts and regurgitate short responses. In an article published by the FairTest organization, this method is called â€Å"teaching the test.† Teaching the test seems to be conducive to improving test-taking skills but real academic progression is not always represented.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The aforementioned Tom McKenna was put in this very predicament. In his article titled, â€Å"The Straitjacket of Standardized Tests† he tells a story of two of his high school students engaged in a project which enthralled their interest in an unlikely subject. McKenna had become friends with a man named Sol Shapiro. Shapiro, now in a retirement home, had once been a resident in South Portland, Oregon, which was a Jewish immigrant community. McKenna’s students accompanied him to Shapiro’s house in order to conduct an interview. A few seconds into the interview Shapiro broke down in tears and the students immediately turned off the video camera and tape recorder. The students comforted Sol. They finished the interview, much of which was unrecorded. McKenna noted that these students had an increased interest in oral history following the interview. â€Å"They wanted more.† he noted. He then adds, â€Å"Unfortunately, given the demands of current educational reform in Oregon, teachers are finding it difficult to give students the "more" they desire.† McKenna was referring to the fact that teachers in Oregon are encouraged to striv... ... craft to focus like drones on getting the scores up." If teachers were concerned with inspiring students, they could cause students to be passionate once again.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In my personal experience, my freshman history teacher would totally agree with my argument. He always told me that the most important part of the education process is â€Å"knowledge for the sake of knowledge.† This means that students should want to learn in order to gain intelligence. I have always kept this philosophy in high regard and have tried to apply it to my everyday scholastic life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The educational system should be less of a system and more of a process. It should focus on the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of its’ students. As long as we continue to use standardized tests a change will never be made. Works Cited Elmore, Richard F. â€Å"Testing Trap.† Harvard Magazine Online. October 2002   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   FairTest: The National Center for Fair and Open Testing. How Standardized Testing Damages Education. McKenna, Tom. The Straitjacket of Standardized Tests. Spring 1999. Rethinking Schools Online. â€Å"Rethinking Standardized Testing† The Seattle Press Online. 17 May 2001.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Recommendation for the Location for Maigue-Pascua’s RTW’s Expansion Essay

Introduction This document is to suggest the appropriate property to hold the expansion of Maigue-Pascua’s RTW. After their second bi-monthly meeting for this year, owners decided to pursue the building of a new branch to cater the needs of their growing number of customers. Other preparations, such as the budget allocation and manpower, are already taken care of except for the location. This recommendation report proposes several spots that would suffice the needs of the company. Background Maigue-Pascua’s RTW has been established since 2009 owned by Ms Jinky Maigue and Mr James Pascua. It offers fair-priced yet high-quality and trendsetting garments that’s suitable for their target demographic: students/teenagers. Due to the increasing demands for their products, the business partners opt to have a business expansion and to make a new image of being a top-line clothing store. Financial and marketing strategies are already made for this project but their main problem is the location. They currently have one branch, which is conveniently placed in the heart of the market. Now, they are looking for a place wherein they could offer the same convenience and is also low-priced. The partners also want to venture on broadening their market scope. Options/Proposals †¢ A stall on a mini-bazaar outside a high-end village. Located on its right side is another clothing shop and on the left are a few more vacant stalls. It costs P60000 per month. †¢ A P72000-worth of monthly rent for a stand between a bank and a drugstore near a public market. †¢ An establishment on lease for P61000 on an upscale shopping centre. It is placed near a coffee shop/bookstore and in front of the centre’s leisure park. †¢ A kiosk beside a food stall built on a public park. Its monthly rent is P50000. The expanses of all the proposed locations are all approved by the business partners. Criteria/Requirements The location should be customer-friendly, convenient, marketable, and reasonably-priced and should offer a wider market scope. Other matters, such as the expanse and the interior, were already taken into consideration on the first phase of planning. The aforementioned considerations should be followed in deciding for the location of the company’s expansion. Comparisons The points of comparisons are the following: ambience, competitions, price and demographics. Ambiance. The stall is favourable to the residents of the nearby village due to its close proximity but the atmosphere of the mini-bazaar is not fitting to the new image that the company wishes to build. The stand, on the other hand, is misplaced. The location is not suitable for an apparel store. Consequently, the air in the establishment portrays the exact change that the owners want for their business. And lastly, the kiosk sets a good mood for it is placed on a recreational area. Competitions. All of them don’t have a nearby shop that offers the same product except for the stall. Price. The prices of the four locations range from P50000-P72000. The kiosk is the cheapest and the stand is the most expensive. Demographics. The stand and the kiosk don’t meet the entity’s customer target because their locations are too public while the establishment and the stall are in line with their goal of widening their scope from the student/teenager to the upperclassmen. The latter are more likely to bring in the desired customer due to its location. Conclusion Based on the comparisons aforementioned, these conclusions were drawn: 1. The most suitable ambience is from the establishment on the shopping centre. 2. The monthly rent of the kiosk is the lowest. 3. The stall’s location is more likely to have competition. 4. The  establishment and the stall best suit the new target market of the entity. 5. The establishment gives off a good atmosphere, is reasonably-priced, has less competition and matches the new demographic of the entity. Recommendation Maigue-Pascua RTW should consider using the establishment on the shopping centre for several reasons. First, it is in sync with the new image that the entity wanted to build up. Second, it is relatively cheap for a store in a fancy centre. Third, it would help in bringing in a new demographic in the entity’s customer. Having a branch in a shopping centre is quite a huge risk but with the projected sales of the company and future influx of customers, the company will pick up in the long run.

African Art Essays - African Art, Masks, Free Essays, Term Papers

African Art Essays - African Art, Masks, Free Essays, Term Papers African Art The traditional art of Africa plays a major part in the African society. Most ceremonies and activities (such as singing, dancing, storytelling, etc.) can not function without visual art. It can also be used as an implement and insignia of rank or prestige, or have a religious significance. African art consists mainly of sculptures, paintings, fetishes, masks, figures, and decorative objects. Sculptures are considered to be the greatest achievement for African art. A majority of the sculptures are done in wood but are also made of metal, stone, terra-cotta, mud, beadwork, ivory, and other materials. It is found in many parts of Africa but mainly in western and central Africa. Many ancient rock paintings have been found in Southern and Eastern Africa. These paintings are believed to be attributed to the SAN (Bushman) people. Masks and fetishes are often used to scare off bad things such as evil spirits, witches or ghosts. They are also used to bring about a desired end-break a bad habit, improve ones love life, or kill a natural or supernatural enemy. There are three basic themes of African art. The first is the dualism between bush and village. African tribes wear masks and headdresses: the male is represented by the elephant, the most powerful of bush creatures and the female is delicately coifed to express refinement and civilization. The second theme of African art is the problematic relationships between the sexes. African tribes use art as a therapeutic device to deal with the problems and issues dealing with the relations between the sexes. The third theme is the struggle to control natural or supernatural forces to achieve a desired end. African tribes often use masks in ceremonies (called Gelede) to please and honor the forces. For each region in Africa, there is a different style of Art. The western Sudanic Region have masks and figures representing legendary ancestors and religious sacrifices. The central Sudanic Region art includes mud architecture, embroidered textiles, elaborate Coiffure, metal and beadwork jewelry, and leather work. This style usually doesnt represent anything special. The west Guinea Coast Region use masks and figures to police ceremonies, punish people for doing something wrong, settle land-owning problems and start or end wars. The Central Guinea Coast Region art employs aristocratic materials. Specialized artists creature works of art for the leaders that include: stools, drums, cloth, pottery, terra-cotta, figures, miniature masks, combs, mirrors, pipes, and carved musical instruments. African art is traditionally essential and optimistic. Without art, there would be no African culture.

The Hunter is a book marked by loss. Discuss. Essays

The Hunter is a book marked by loss. Discuss. Essays The Hunter is a book marked by loss. Discuss. Essay The Hunter is a book marked by loss. Discuss. Essay The Armstrong family is marked by loss. When Jarrah died Bike and Sass became orphans. As a mother Lucy no longer exists in Sass and Bikes lives, she is just a Sleeping Beauty (P 18). Sass was abandoned in hospital, lying down in bed alone, unable to move. Bike is in foster care in some strange place among strangers, schoolyard taunts your mothers in a looney bin. (P 152) Lucy has lost her mind and her life. The great loss that surrounds Jarrahs death has engulfed the entire Armstrong family. Sass and Bike have essentially lost both parents.As for M, he who is anchored by neither wife nor home, nor by a lover nor even a single friend (P 15) M is alone in the world; he has no one. He lost his first and only girlfriend and their unborn baby. It has been a long time since hes seen hes old man and it occurs to M that his parents might be dead (P 16) M is at a loss when it comes to relationships. He lost his chance at being normal when he made the decision to live for the job, to live a s a hunter. M, only when seeing and feeling for the Armstrong family, does he realise just what it is he has missed in life. Once it has a grip on you, absence, it cannot be defeated how can you fight against nothing? (P 133)M has no hope left in the world. Only a child could nurture such hope, such conviction. (P 22) He is skilfully able to focus on the here and now: the hunters greatest weapon: a sense of immediacy, a complete understanding of why space is time. I am here, he thinks, I am right here, right now. (P 117) Despite achieving this level of awareness up on the plateau, back at the house he refuses emotional contact and distrusts women and children. He wishes he was up there now, up where it is calm and pure, space enough for a man to think. (P 139) In his lone M is goes by unaffected by his human condition as other men do. He sees the weakness among man and attempts to eliminate them in order to perfect his mind frame for his mission, to bring him closer to godliness. N ot like others he once knew, soldiers who refused to leave for a job because at the last minute theyd misplaced their lucky spoon, or a memento from a past lover or, worse, a dear departed colleague. (P 25) He did not allow himself to place such feeble hope in hopeless matters. He did not rely on a memento to get him through but instead on his will to do so by perfecting his mind frame. M lost a great part of the human condition by loosing the hope that tomorrow may be the better day.M is a man devoid of ethics and human emotion thus allowing him to bring the thylacine to extinction. M is ruthless he will complete his mission at any cost, virus or antidote, M does not know, cannot know and does not want to know (P 40) He remains unaffected by the potentially devastating effect his mission may have on humanity. The loss of the thylacine not only signifies the loss of the species but the loss of many lives and potential lives. The thylacines extinction is in accord with the fear of th e future extinction of humankind. His buried cache of coffee to celebrate the end of his job is one of his barren attempts to give his life meaning.If a mans life were an island it would be uninhabitable. (P 139) To survive in this wasteland he has learned to slough off unnecessary detritus and so he concludes that his brief period of affection for the family was a monumental lapse of judgement. (P 47) M comforts himself when he loses his tenuous grip on some sort of emotional attachment by believing that it will make him stronger. What he sees now is that he has been tested, steeled, and seduced, and that is his true purpose is to be a hunter, to harvest the tiger. (P 148) Ms protestations are flimsy, though, for he constantly resorts to universal mythical metaphors to explain the uncertainties; to translate the aching emptiness in his heart. His great tragedy in his incapacity to find within himself the necessary words to describe the beautiful terribleness of the deed (P 164), wh en he finally achieves it. This is a dark tale about the need for vigilance; to constantly strive for connectedness in our lives. Maybe M is not the lost soul he appears to be. Maybe there is hope for him yet.

Does technology reflect progress Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Does technology reflect progress - Essay Example At this time technology did not carry personal vested interests. With the industrial revolution, came a change. Technology introduced power and a common man got so indulged into it that he began to view it as an end in itself rather than a means leading to some social goal. This was the point in time which actually raised the question posed in the beginning of this essay. There is no doubt that technology makes things easier, quicker and saves human labor. But is it progress? It gives a manpower and helps in achieving many material goals and mental satisfaction. But it does so, only for a certain class in the society. What of the poor laborers who become jobless due to technology? What of the fishermen who lose their catch because of technology? I think progress of a society has nothing to do with the fulfillment of vested interests of one class of the society. Progress on the societal level has to be collective to be called progress. Technology has definitely helped in improving the living standard of man all around the globe. I am not against technology. It is not possible to imagine even the earliest mankind without technology.

Accountability of Police Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Accountability of Police - Essay Example Police is the government department that guarantees through the use of force if needed, the peaceful and lawful existence of the citizens of the country. Since this department can use force to get its way through, this gets misused at many an occasion resulting in a large scale anti police sentiments. The responsibility of the police force is clearly spelt out in the law (HMSO, nd) when the force was created. This law has been undergoing rapid changes with the change in the way people worked and the level of civil and human rights that was envisaged for the people. With more relaxation in public laws and increase in the human rights consciousness, it is important for the police force also to modernize (Leigh, A., Mundy, G. and Tuffin, R. 1999). They need to change their perception in line with the needs of the civil society.Police Accountability has increased over a period of time along with the increase in civil rights movements and human rights activism. Police was and continues to be subservient to Judiciary in most of the countries. However, there are specific on site decisions that the police could take not withstanding any directions from the court. For instance, during a riot or arson, police can take a balanced decision to ensure that the peace and the property of law abiding citizens of the country are not damaged and the public property is not ransacked. However, the onus of proving that such an action was needed in order to maintain peace becomes the responsibility of the police. Such similar acts of the police mark their accountability to the public and are answerable in a court of law. It is therefore, important for the police to realise this specific feature set in law. Whether it is shooting down an 'unknown' terrorist on the tube who turns out to be an innocent migrant or when a black woman is arrested after a long drawn midnight struggle when she is repeatedly hit by three or four strong policemen, the accountability of the police come into foc us. Without reference to any race or sex, police are accountable for their actions like any other person in the country. Brixton Riots and Lord Scarman Report Brixton Riots left a long scar on the police and the administration in general. As the Scarman report pointed out, the 'complex, social and economic factors' created the violent protest that burnt the area. This was more a fight against the police, mostly, rather than the other agencies of the government. Scarman report further went ahead to say that there was a clear racial discrimination. There was a loss of confidence in the police force and in their methods of policing. There was a strong dislike among the black population for discriminatory tendencies in the police force. The report suggests that if there had been more of ethnic minorities in the police force such discriminatory tendencies would not have arisen. The accountability of the police in such an incident was pretty limited. Internal and External Discipline The police force is expected to be disciplined both internally and externally. In cases like that of the Brixton Riots where a continuous and ongoing lack of confidence in Police comes out in the form of riots, Police could not build the friendship that is required. The racial orientation of the police in Britain has long been under question. Therefore, it is only right that the police discipline themselves internally and then ensure that there is an external discipline as well. The racial prejudices that the police carry with them are inbuilt and have long significance. This cannot be offset within a matter of years or even centuries. And to set right this