Kerouac and Moon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Kerouac and Moon - Essay Example These two people are Dean and Sal. In the course of their journeys around New York, there are several fascinating encounters the two friends come across that both enlightens their views and opinion about the American person and also gives them a peculiar identify of where they two of them also belong in the American society or system. On his part, Heat-Moon William Least in writing Blue Highways takes the story from the perspective of someone who is not meeting love right away but bitterness and pain. This was because the journey that is described in this book was embarked upon by someone who had just separated from his wife and also lost his lost. As a way of finding solace from not just the brighter side of life but the ugly part of it also, the voyager decides to travel along the rural part of America that is often marked by a blue line in Rand McNally road atlas and thus the Blue Highway. It could briefly be said that both works are similar because they are all based on journeys of the life of real people while the setting of the journeys and the causes of the journey brings out the differences in the two books. Likes among both writers Both authors exhibit in their writing and the narration of their journeys, certain things they like about America that are common in both instances. One of these is the seemingly clear love for alcohol. This is shown because Kerouac emphasizes his love for big party with alcohol (Kerouac, p. 53). Similarly, Moon reiterates his love to drink a lot of alcohol (Moon, p. 6). Clearly, reasons as to why these two writers both love the abundance of alcoholic drinks in America could be traced to the circumstances surrounding their trip. On the part of Kerouac, it could be said that he was just putting himself in the most common kind of mood that new friends and lovers put themselves in, which has to do with the sharing of drinks and alcohol to make themselves feel so good. On his part, Moon might have taken to the love for alcohol a s a way of dealing with the pain and grief that his heart bore. The love for alcohol is thus similar among the two writers but the reasons for liking alcohol is quite different. Both writers also exhibit their likeness for music and dancing. Though Moon traveled through the rural part of America and Kerouac travelled through New York, it is common to find that music and dance is something that is synonymous with all parts of America being it rural or urban. This is because while Kerouac who was in the heart of the city wrote that he loves music and dance (Kerouac, p. 53), Moon who was also in the rural setting also wrote that he loves to enjoy his life by dancing off his stress (Moon, p. 9). Regardless of this similarity however, it can be said that the sources of enjoyment that came with music and dance for the two writers were different. For instance in the city, one is likely to party in places like the discotheque or club while in the rural area, all that there is to offer are p ubs and little bars and restaurants. Again, there exist differences in terms of causes of action. This is because while Kerouac’s action was caused by the desire to make himself happy with his friend, Moon’s action was caused by the need to throw off his sorrows. Dislikes among both writers As normal people, it would not be every single thing that these two individuals see about America that they will love. This is especially so as the two had to travel around different places in America. Indeed once a person is travelling around; it is common that he fellow will come across different people and different events that will trigger the person’

Project Management Gantt And Schedules Construction Essay

Project Management Gantt And Schedules Construction Essay Project Management is a huge subject and without it, construction or engineering projects as we know them today simply could not be undertaken. Project management has needed to adapt as the industry has grown and methods have developed particular in the last century, which has seen possibly the greatest transformation of all. Some aspects of Project management have had to be adapted with this whereas others have led the way to change, thanks to innovative thinking from the likes of Fayol and Maslow. The successful management of a civil engineering project depends upon a number of factors. Planning, Organisation, Communication, Decisiveness are all subcategories that need managed. It is imperative that the right procedures are put in place at the start of the project. Good project management will allow for excellent organisation and tracking; better control and use of resources; reduced complexity and early identification of problems leading to quicker correction. A project manager should have a sound body of knowledge that will include the nine core areas of scope, time, cost, risk, integration, quality, procurement, communications and human resources. In addition to a project engineers professional judgement they will need to call upon the necessary tools in order to manage a project successfully, which could include past or similar tasks undertaken or specific management tools, such as charts and schedules. History of Scheduling Gantt charts were developed by mechanical engineer, Henry Laurence Gantt in the early 20th century as a visual tool to show scheduled and actual progress of projects. Although commonplace, today the Gantt chart was fundamental change in the way projects were managed at the time. Gantt charts were first used on high profile construction projects like the Hoover Dam (1931) and the interstate highway network (1956). Complex network diagrams called PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) charts were invented as part of the Polaris missile submarine program in 1955. Booz-Allen Hamilton worked with the U.S. Navy to create these charts and schedules. The Critical Path Method (CPM) was developed by the DuPont corporation in 1957, to deal with a variety of tasks and numerous interactions at many points in time. Arguably, the evolution of modern project management is a direct consequence of the need to make effective use of the data generated by the schedulers in an attempt to manage and control the critical path. The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) was initially developed by the U.S. defence department, as an advancement of the PERT system noted above. In 1968, it was issued as a military standard, which required the use of work breakdown structures across the U.S. defence department. The standard has been revised and updated over the years and is still in use today. Project Installing new steel beams throughout an existing masonry building and adding a new floor. The project will start on January the 14th and is to be completed by Friday the 29th of March. List of Tasks I have assumed the process of this project management starting from the design phase. Existing masonry strength investigated/tested for ability to take loads Building survey to set out the masonry piers and levels Steelwork design required based on loads to be imposed /spans between piers Timber floor joists and edge restraints designed (with timber plywood deck to act as structural diaphragm). Fabrication drawings completed and issued for tender Steel Tender period Fabricator chosen and contract signed for steelwork Fabrication commences Method statement to complete (Health and Safety) Method statement approved by CDM co-ordinator Erection of scaffolding around piers Existing general masonry repair to piers Masonry removal for padstone and bearing end of beams Padstone installation (Pouring of the in-situ concrete padstone) Concrete padstone curing Ordering of steel installation equipment (crane rig or cherry pickers) Steel delivery to site Steel erection and fixing Timber cut on site Timber floor joists fitted Plywood cut to size Timber edge restraints fixed Plywood decking fitted. Scaffolding around piers removed Project handed over to client for fit out As built drawings records sent to Building Control Project Completion. The importance of getting this engineering aspect of the project completed on time (using affective and accurate scheduling) will allow the decking to be fitted and make the floor usable, enabling the fit out to commence on time and without the need for expensive temporary platforms. Estimated resources and time periods for the tasks Task resources for personnel- abbreviations for use in tables, charts etc. PM Project Manager SU Surveyor SE Structural Engineer FB Steel Fabricator SW Site Workers HS CDM co-ordinator (Health Safety) Estimated No. of days required to complete the task. Personnel resource abbreviation Breakdown of time and resources example Detailed name of the task from task list on previous page Shortened task name as it will appear in schedules PM 0 Days Existing masonry strength investigated/tested for ability to take loads Existing Masonry Test SU 7 Days Building survey to set out the masonry piers and levels Building Survey SU 3 Days Steelwork design required based on loads to be imposed /spans between piers Steelwork Design SE 4 Days Timber floor joists and edge restraints designed Timber Design SE 3 Days Fabrication drawings completed and issued for tender Fabrication Drgs SE 3 Days Steel Tender period Steel Tender Period FB 7 Days Fabricator chosen and contract signed for steelwork Fabrication Contracts PM N/A Steel fabrication commences Steel Fabrication FB 15 Days Method statements to complete (Health and Safety) Method Statements PM 2 Days Method statement approved by CDM co-ordinator CDM Approval HS 5 Days Erection of scaffolding around piers Scaffolding SW 3 Days Existing general masonry repair to piers Masonry Repair SW 2 Days Masonry removal for padstone and bearing end of beams Masonry Removal SW 2 Days Padstone installation (Pouring of the in-situ concrete padstone) Padstone Installation SW 2 Days Concrete padstone curing Concrete Curing N/A 3 Days Ordering of steel installation equipment (crane rig or cherry picker) Plant Order PM N/A Steel delivery to site Steel Delivery FB 1 Day Steel erection and fixing Steel Erection SW 2 Days Timber cut on site to fit Cutting Timber SW 1 Days Timber floor joists fitted Timber Joists SW 4 Days Timber edge restraints fixed Timber Restraints SW 3 Days Plywood cut to size Cutting Plywood SW 1 Day Plywood decking fitted Plywood Deck Fixed SW 1 Day Scaffolding around piers removed Scaffolding Removal SW 1 Day Project handed over to client for fit out Project Hand Over PM N/A As built drawings records sent to Building Control As Built Records PM 1 Day Project Completed Project Completed N/A N/A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) The WBS communicates a clear view of the total scope of the project, providing a logical and coherent statement of what the project comprises of. The WBS is neither over-simplified or overly complex. It is not a project plan or a project schedule, and it is not a chronological listing. A coding system is implemented to enable cost, schedule, technical and other data to be cross referenced across a project. The project manager is to structure the project work into WBS elements that are: Definable can be described and easily understood by project participants. Manageable a unit of work where specific responsibility/authority can be assigned. Estimate duration and cost can be estimated in terms of resources. Independent minimum dependence on other on-going elements (i.e. assignable to a single task), and clearly distinguishable from other work packages. Integrate integrates with other project work elements and with higher level cost estimates and schedules to include the entire project. Measurable can be used to measure progress; has start and completion dates and measurable milestones. Adaptable sufficiently flexible so the addition/elimination of work scope can be accommodated in the WBS framework. On the following pages are two different forms of the WBS. A standard tabular view used for quick reference / easy production, and the more familiar tree structure view; used to show more clearly the flow of tasks and their relationships. Gantt Charts A common technique for scheduling construction activities is the Gantt chart, named after the developer Henry Laurence Gantt, as mentioned in the introduction section. The Gantt chart lists the construction tasks that need to be performed down a single column, generally in the order in which they are to be carried out, along with a second column indicating the length of time required to complete each task. At the top of the chart, dates for the construction project are noted in a horizontal row. To the right of each task a line/bar indicates the starting date to the completion date for that task. All tasks in the first column are charted in this manner across the rows of the chart, with the bar for each task beginning at the earliest possible starting date. Many tasks must be completed in sequence, requiring the completion of one activity before the next can be started, although some tasks may be completed independently of other work and can be charted when the work is most convenient. The charting of activities allows the project manager to identify critical points in the construction schedule and provides the opportunity to adjust the tasks to meet schedule demands. Gantt charting is useful for small projects that must be completed in a linear manner, or one step after the other, and for contractors who have small crews and can only engage in one activity at a time. Most Gantt charts these days are constructed using computer scheduling programs. Templates provide a listing of typical construction tasks so the project manager only has to insert the duration of the work; scheduling programs have advanced to the point where data about the activities, such as duration and sequence, can be provided and the entire chart generated. For my worked example I have used Microsoft Project. On the following page is a Gantt chart, listing the project tasks and scheduling dates of completion; noting how each task is related and creating a program of works in real time, with dates and deadlines throughout the working week. It outlines which tasks are reliant on others and also which can run concurrently or have no specific scheduling requirements. For example the steel needs to be designed and ordered before it can be delivered to site and the padstones it sits on would need to be in place and the concrete cured before the steelwork could be erected. To maximise time efficiency these tasks will run concurrently (i.e. padstones can be installed while steel is fabricated and before it is delivered to site) these links between tasks can be seen on the Gantt chart. Critical Path Analysis (CPA) Similar to the Gantt chart the critical path analysis is a project-management technique that lays out all the activities needed to complete a task, the time it will take to complete each activity and the relationships between the activities. Also called the critical path method, critical path analysis can help predict whether a project can be completed on time and can be used to predict problems within the program both before starting it and as it progresses, to keep the projects completion on track and ensure that deliverables are ready on time. Advancing from the Gantt chart on the next page is the project critical path (highlighted in red on the subsequent page). Any fluctuations to these dates would have a knock on effect to the overall programming of the project meaning time would need to be made up elsewhere on the remaining tasks, or possible weekend overtime working would need to be implemented to ensure the project was completed by the March 29th deadline. Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) As projects become even more complex and unpredictable, more complex scheduling methods become appropriate. Methods such as the program evaluation and review technique combines critical path analysis with probability to identify completion dates that are optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely. Such scheduling techniques are not applicable to every project, but may be used in large construction projects that are likely to be influenced by nature or human factors. Examples include projects that are to be completed during unseasonable weather conditions or grading in an area that may be delayed due to unknown underground conditions. PERT planning involves the following steps that are described below. Identify the specific activities and milestones. The activities are the tasks required to complete a project. The milestones are the events marking the beginning and the end of one or more activities. Using a work break down structure is helpful to list the tasks that in later steps can be expanded to include information on sequence and duration. Determine the proper sequence of the activities. This step may be combined with the task identification step above since the activity sequence is evident for some tasks. Other tasks may require more analysis to determine the exact order in which they must be performed. Construct a network diagram. Using the activity sequence information, a network diagram can be drawn showing the sequence of the serial and parallel activities. Each activity represents a node in the network, and the arrows represent the relation between activities. Software packages simplify this step by automatically converting tabular activity information into a network diagram. Estimate the time required for each activity. Days are a commonly used unit of time for activity completion, but any consistent unit of time can be used. PERT has the ability to deal with uncertainty in task completion time. For each activity, the model usually includes three time estimates: Optimistic time generally the shortest time in which the activity can realistically be completed, also referred to as the best time. Most likely time the completion time having the highest probability. Note that this time is different from the expected time, (as explained below). Pessimistic time the longest time that an activity might require, also referred to as the worst time. PERT can also assume a beta probability distribution for the time estimates. Expected time For a beta distribution, the expected time for each activity can be approximated using the following weighted average: Expected time = ( Optimistic + 4 x Most likely + Pessimistic ) / 6 This expected time is not always used on the network diagram. On the following page I have used Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) scheduling to construct a network diagram that estimates; best, worst and most likely time periods for each task. While also determining the proper sequence of the activities with a critical path and milestones.

John Howard Griffin :: Biography Biographies

John Howard Griffin The black man in the Deep South of America was greatly despised during the 1950’s. The world that the Negroes lived in was not the same as whites in their society. In this book, John Howard Griffin Sacrifices his life as a middle-class white man and becomes a dirt poor Negro, trying to survive in the South. He simply did all of this in order to bring out the truth about what it is really and truly like to be a Negro in the South during the 1950’s. John Howard Griffin is a white journalist with a wife and three children. He began his project of being a Negro, while he was reading a chart about suicide rates. This chart displayed that the Southern Negro man had a rapidly increasing rate of suicide, because they could not see a reason to go on as the second class citizens that they had become due to their skin color. The whites thought that the Negroes had it made since they had given them â€Å"so much† during reconstruction. Griffin realized that the only way to really see the truth about what the Negroes had to endure from day to day was to become a â€Å"Negro† himself. While Griffin was expecting prejudices against himself as a Negro, he went into his project with an open mind trying to discover the truth. He took note of all the prejudices of whites against and took in consideration any acts of kindness. Therefore Griffin’s journal was straightforward and unbiased. Griffin’s main goal in writing this journal was to break the gap between blacks and whites. He was not trying to totally offend whites, but aware them of their injustices towards the Negroes. The fact that he wrote his whole adventure as a journal clearly shows his intentions. He went into the world of the second class Negro, wrote a straight out account of every event that happened by writing a journal. Then the reader saw what his experience was like and believed it more so since it was in a journal setup instead of a story setup. The entire approach of Griffin’s research was ingenious, very creative, and even a bit daring. Not many people would like to experience that drastic change of lifestyle. However it was a very efficient way of discovering precisely what it was like to be a black man in the 1950’s.

Murder in Cathedral Essay

T.S.ELIOT is one of the great drametists in English literary worlde. From his literature, we can feel the great aesthetic pleasure. I have studied various plays included in my course. But â€Å"murder in cathedral† really different in them. It has its own greatness and the literary heights. Poetic form Eliot felt, is the most apt form of expression in the theatre. In his view, Ibsen, Stirnberg, and Chekhov were the limits of prose. In contrast to them are Yeats and Hofmannsthal who kept alive the ancient and traditionally affinity between drama and poetry. â€Å"Doctor Faustus†, â€Å"Pygmalion†, â€Å"The Alchmeist†, â€Å"the playboy of the western world†, â€Å"look back in anger† and other plays which are in my course have different style, diction, story, language and all the literary things. But â€Å"murder in cathedral† has the strength that it is the great poetic drama written by Eliot. It is the great play as a poetic drama. In â€Å"the music of poetry† (1942) Eliot acknowledges his bias in favour of the poetry to which he was indebted as a poet, and says that the music of poetry is not independent of the meaning. The meaning of poetry is sometimes beyond the poet’s intentions. He saw possibilities of theme recurrence and transitions in poetry as in music, and thought the concert hall more likely to quicken poetry them the opera house. He said that without poets of unusual sensibility and command of language, culture will deteriorate â€Å"poetry and drama† is notable for the retrospective attention. Eliot gives to his own development as a playwright, he finds that he has been writing variations on the theme of poetic drama throughout his career. For Eliot the highest aim of poetic drama is to bring us to the border of those feelings which are expressible only in music, without leaving the everyday world of dramatic action. â€Å"look back in anger† was considered a revolutionary Play but it has no element of poetic drama. Ben Jonson’s â€Å"The Alchemist† has the great touch of great characterization and language but it has not the simplicity and continuous development of the story like â€Å"Murder In The Cathedral†. â€Å"Doctor Faustus† is a tragic drama but as a poetic drama â€Å"Murder In The Cathedral† has its own class in drama. â€Å"Pygmalion† is primerarly a play about speech and phonetics, but related to it are Shaw’s social concerns. Eliot was accurately aware of the fact that his play was to be performed like Greek tragedy. T.S.Eliot’s essays on drama can be devided in to three parts; first, the Elizabathen essaya which discuss the criteria for drama. Second his assessment of the situation in contemporary theatre and ideal of poetic drama. Eliot’s statement about his ideal of poetic drama are rarely useful for the critic and the writers. He was has own thoughts different from others on poetic drama. So, his drama â€Å"Murder in Cathedral† has all the poetic element on which Eliot gave statements and thoughts. He creats the different way for poetic drama in English literature. While advocating the need for a poetic drama in modern times, Eliot stated that â€Å" a new dramatic literature can not come about until audience and producers can help poets write for the theatre.† He thought about the future of poetic drama that time, we can believe that â€Å"Murder In Cathedral† is Eliot’s most successful integration of his dramatic theories. No doubt, there are many great plays in English literature but â€Å"Murder in Cathedral† is special for the readers.

African American Dance Essay

Assignment: After viewing the video â€Å"Dance on the Wind: Memoirs of a Mississippi Shaman† what is your opinion of the connection that Mr. Washington makes between African dance and African American Dance? Do you agree or disagree? Please be specific as to why and use examples. If you agree give an example of a popular African American dance in which you see the connection with African Dance. Your assignment should be in essay format and a minimum of one page typed. My Response: The connection in my opinion is the Mr. Washington made a connection between African-American Dance from his child-hood memories because his parents had to complete personalities as for his mother’s side of the family he took the memories of the dancing in church and being in the mist of the Holy Spirit and brainstormed some stick figures and contemplated on how his body could smoothly get through each step flawlessly. As for his father side of the family enjoyed dancing every. Saturday and he realized the common factor was the rhythm and blues and that they each danced to feel freedom and immortality and to show enjoyment and fulfillment of hard work. As he grew older he gained more access to the world and traveling. So he went a paid his ancient ancestors, he was amazed at what he saw and immediately put himself in his ancestors shoes. Culturally he is an American but religiously, spiritually he is an African American. So the connection was the rhythm and blues and the ancestors’ roots of music.

Complete List of the 18 Art Schools in California

Complete List of the 18 Art Schools in California SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Ah, California: the land of opportunity. The sun is always shining (well, not in San Francisco, but almost everywhere else!), and the art scene is awesome. If you’re thinking about art school, some of the best colleges for you are located in the Golden State. In this article, I'll give you a list of all the art schools in California so you can take stock of your options. What Is an Art School and What's Included on This List? Most colleges have art departments, so you’ll likely have the option of majoring in art no matter where you go. For this list, however, I’ve only included colleges that are exclusively for art students. You should consider these types of schools if you’re absolutely sure you want to major in an artistic discipline and would like to be in an environment that'll provide you with a high level of specialized training. Art schools give students the opportunity to interact with many other individuals who share their artistic passions. By contrast, at less specialized schools, art departments might suffer from neglect since they represent a less popular major choice. Note that I did include some schools on this list that are technically subsets of bigger universities because they're autonomous enough to be considered art schools in their own right (though you would have to apply to the larger college to get in). All the schools on this list are all completely devoted to the education of art students and are chock-full of creative resources you might not find at other colleges. There's nothing more exciting than new art supplies. Imagine going to a college that's full of them! Complete List of Art Schools in California Below, I've listed all the art schools in California, accompanied by statistics (mainly from US News and Niche) and descriptions of what they offer to students. I'll go through the five best art schools first, followed by an alphabetical list of all other art schools in the state. I included pictures of some of the campuses, but you should definitely check out the school websites for more images and information! Top 5 Art Schools in California These five California art schools are world-class institutions, with excellent programs in a range of artistic disciplines. ArtCenter College of Design - Pasadena Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,005Admissions Rate: Not ReportedPrograms: Advertising, Entertainment Design, Environmental Design, Film, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interaction Design, Photography and Imaging, Product Design, Transportation Design At ArtCenter, students receive a comprehensive education in their chosen disciplines beginning on day one. There is no first-year general education program, so this school is ideal for students who know exactly what they want to study. The interdisciplinary program allows students to work across different majors, thereby preventing the school's focus on specialization from limiting students' creativity. ArtCenter also partners with companies and organizations via its Designmatters program, which sponsors student projects that impact social change. ArtCenter College of Design California College of the Arts - San Francisco Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,486Admissions Rate: 64%Programs: Animation, Architecture, Fashion Design, Film, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Painting/Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and more One-on-one attention is the norm for students at the California College of the Arts (the average student-teacher ratio is 8:1). CCA includes a First Year Program that introduces students to studio practice and includes a portfolio review at the end of the year. In addition, there's a First Year Student Exhibition every year. Finally, CCA offers numerous resources for professional development and networking in the arts that will help students embark on fulfilling careers. California Institute of the Arts - Valencia Undergraduate Enrollment: 984Admissions Rate: 24%Programs: Art, Graphic Design, Photography and Media, Art and Technology, Animation, Film and Video, and more Every student at CalArts is assigned a mentor who guides them through the program and assists them in independent study. CalArts has eight galleries dedicated to exhibiting student work and helping students get accustomed to hanging and presenting art in various forms. The school also houses several facilities for student use, including various media labs and a "Super Shop" for processes such as woodworking, metalworking, and moldmaking. California Institute of the Arts Otis College of Art and Design - Los Angeles Total Enrollment: About 1,100Admissions Rate: 93%Programs: Animation; Architecture, Landscape, Interiors; Communication Arts; Costume Design; Digital Media; Fashion Design; Fine Arts; Game Entertainment Design; Graphic Design; and more Otis has been ranked among the best design schools in the US, with particular distinction in its fashion and animation programs. A strong advising and career counseling system guides Otis students to success in their respective creative fields. Students intern at art galleries, museums, and creative companies such as LEGO and Nike. Alumni and faculty at Otis include Fulbright, MacArthur, and Guggenheim grant recipients; Oscar winners; legendary costume designers; leaders of contemporary art movements; entrepreneurs; and top designers. If you're curious about how to get started learning about design in addition to art, you can read about the principles of design here! Otis College of Art and Design UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture - Los Angeles Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,002 (UCLA overall)Admissions Rate: 16% (UCLA overall)Programs: Art, Architecture and Urban Design, Design Media Arts, World Arts and Culture/Dance, Visual and Performing Arts UCLA's School of the Arts and Architecture is composed of five degree-granting departments (listed above) and eight research centers: Art Global Health Center, Art|Sci Center, cityLAB, Experiential Technologies Center, Game Lab, Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts, Now Institute, and xLAB. This school incorporates a wide variety of outreach programs designed by students, faculty, staff and alumni; these center around concerts, exhibitions, symposia, and dance productions, which are presented in cooperation with groups throughout Los Angeles. UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture Other Art Schools in California If the schools above don't fit your needs, check out the rest of this list of art schools in California. There's bound to be one with the perfect program for you! Academy of Art University - San Francisco Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,652Admissions Rate: 100% (open admissions)Programs: Animation and Visual Effects, Architecture, Fashion, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Web Design and New Media, and many more Academy of Art University hosts more than 70 student and alumni art shows in San Francisco annually, so there are plenty of opportunities to exhibit your work. It's also the first art university to be invited to showcase student work at New York Fashion Week biannually. Students have access to many different facilities for art-making, including lighting equipment, studio space, and green-screen rooms. Moreover, the school's location in San Francisco means there are several opportunities to connect with creative internships and working artists. Academy of Art University Art Institute of California - Hollywood and San Diego (Campuses of Argosy University) Total Enrollment: Not ReportedAdmissions Rate: Not ReportedPrograms: Visual Design, Interior Design, Interior Product Design, Marketing, Animation Effects, Film Production, Gaming Technology, Fashion, Culinary The Art Institutes are a network of 31 art schools across the country, so these two schools are just one part of a larger system. (Note that there are a few more schools in California, but these are in the process of shutting down; the Hollywood and San Diego locations are the only ones left in the state.) Currently, all Art Institutes of California are campuses of Argosy University. The focus at these institutes is a practical, hands-on education in the arts that will result in employment after graduation. A strong Career Services department and modern curriculum are hallmarks of the Art Institutes. Be aware, however, that the school's parent company settled a lawsuit in 2015 alleging they used questionable tactics to enroll students who had little chance of success. Design Institute of San Diego - San Diego Undergraduate Enrollment: 89Admissions Rate: 100% (open admissions)Programs: Interior Design The Design Institute is a highly specialized college for students interested in studying interior design. Both the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and International Interior Design Association (IIDA) sponsor student activities here. Students gain extensive insight into professional standards and practices through contact with working interior designers. Interior Designers Institute - Newport Beach Undergraduate Enrollment: 70Admissions Rate: 100% (open admissions)Programs: Interior Design This is another school that exclusively offers an interior design program. Students from this school have been recognized in international design competitions. Additionally, undergraduate students participate in the Institute's internship program, which allows them to gain experience working for design firms while still in college. Laguna College of Art and Design - Laguna Beach Undergraduate Enrollment: 636Admissions Rate: 33%Programs: Animation, Drawing and Painting, Extended Reality Design (XRD), Game Art, Graphic Design and Digital Media, Illustration, Illustration in Entertainment Design The Laguna College of Art and Design offers an extensive foundation program for first-year students that provides thorough preparation for success in their chosen fields. LCAD has grown over time to include the seven undergraduate majors listed above as well as a graduate department. The campus is only about an hour from Los Angeles, so students have easy access to museums, galleries, the entertainment industry, graphic design studios, and much more. NewSchool of Architecture and Design - San Diego Undergraduate Enrollment: 432Admissions Rate: 99%Programs: Architecture, Product Design, Interior Architecture Design, Graphic Design Interactive Media Located in the design district of downtown San Diego, the NewSchool of Architecture and Design focuses on networking and learning to navigate an increasingly globalized design world. Students have access to unique study abroad programs, a diverse international student body, cross-location collaborations, flexible online learning, and world-renowned guest lecturers. In addition, the NewSchool has an 87% job placement rate for graduating students. SAE Expression College - Emeryville Undergraduate Enrollment: Not ReportedAdmissions Rate: Not ReportedPrograms: Audio, Digital Film, Game Development, Entertainment Business, Animation Visual Effects The goal of Expression College, a for-profit school, is to prepare students for careers in the industries of sound and visual arts with a hands-on curriculum. Students here can earn a bachelor’s degree in just under three years with Expression's accelerated schedule. San Diego State University College of Professional Studies Fine Arts - San Diego Undergraduate Enrollment: 30,165 (SDSU overall)Admissions Rate: 35% (SDSU overall)Programs: Applied Design; Graphic Design; Interior Architecture; Multimedia and Photography; Painting and Printmaking; Sculpture; Music; Theatre; Television, Film, and New Media SDSU's College of Professional Studies Fine Arts (PSFA) is recognized for connecting the college experience with the global community and for preparing its students for professional careers. On average, PSFA places 600 students in professional internships each year. San Francisco Art Institute - San Francisco Undergraduate Enrollment: 299Admissions Rate: 75%Programs: Art and Technology, Film, History and Theory of Contemporary Art, New Genres, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture Founded in 1871, the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI) is one of the nation’s oldest schools of higher education in contemporary art. Its core philosophy is fostering creativity and critical thinking in an open, experimental, and interdisciplinary environment. Students here are encouraged to forge their own pathways of study and supplement the Core Curriculum with electives across different mediums and fields. San Francisco Art Institute Sotheby's Institute of Art - Los Angeles (Graduate Programs ONLY) Graduate Enrollment: Not ReportedAdmissions Rate: About 50% (overall)Programs: Art Business, Art Business + Fine Art, Art Business + Information Systems Technology, Arts Management Sotheby's Institute of Art has campuses in London, New York, and Los Angeles. This art institute is for master's students only and focuses more on the professional side of art. Students on the Los Angeles campus learn how to create, manage, and lead arts initiatives and organizations. The school's urban location also gives students a broad range of opportunities to get involved with the dynamic downtown art scene. UC Davis Art Studio - Davis Undergraduate Enrollment: 30,145 (UC Davis overall)Admissions Rate: 44% (UC Davis overall)Programs: Studio Art (Ceramics; Photography, Video, and Media; Drawing, Painting, Printmaking; Sculpture) Part of the Department of Art and Art History, the UC Davis Art Studio focuses exclusively on fine arts. Students have access to Basement Gallery, an undergraduate-run exhibition space that displays student work, in addition to the Advanced Undergraduate Studio Space where students can reserve a space to work independently. Finally, the Visiting Artist Lecture Series gives students insight into what kinds of projects professional artists are currently working on. UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts - Irvine Undergraduate Enrollment: 29,307 (UC Irvine overall)Admissions Rate: 37% (UC Irvine overall)Programs: Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Music Theatre, Music Performance Facilities at UC Irvine's Claire Trevor School of the Arts include six theaters, a concert hall; three art galleries; the Beall Center for Art + Technology; electronic music studios; cutting-edge costume, lighting, and scenic design studios; a stage production shop; digital arts labs; and a video production studio. Undergraduate and graduate degree courses include extensive studio, workshop and performance experiences; theoretical and historical studies; and arts and technology practices. Woodbury University School of Media, Culture Design - Burbank and San Diego Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,024 (Woodbury overall)Admissions Rate: 62% (Woodbury overall)Programs: Animation, Fashion Design, Filmmaking, Game Art Design, Graphic Design The School of Media, Culture, and Design at Woodbury focuses on a cross-disciplinary approach to art. Classes are paired in order to bring multiple perspectives to bear on the same design problem. Advanced seminars, which incorporate multiple majors, allow students to work together on outside projects or competitions. How to Find the Right Art School for You If you're looking exclusively at art schools, you've already narrowed down your choices for college quite a bit. However, it's still important to weigh your options carefully. First, think about location. While all these schools are located in California, some of them are in urban areas and others are in suburban or rural areas. Find out more about what these different types of environments offer to students. You should also look closely at the program offerings at these art schools. Is there a specific artistic field that interests you, or are you still unsure about the exact medium you want to study? If you're still undecided, consider attending a school that has a general education program so you can explore different modes of artistic expression before deciding on a major. If you're sure about what you want to study, make sure that the schools you apply to have the facilities and programs you'll need to fulfill your creative vision. Especially at art schools, a good career services department and plenty of opportunities for internships are a must. Verify that the schools that interest you have a high job placement rate and offer extensive career counseling to students. You should also look for colleges that have strong advisory systems and give students lots of individualized attention. These qualities will make for a smooth transition from college to the professional art world. Now get out there and start making some awesome art! What's Next? Want to brush up on your contour line art? Review the 4 key steps to drawing contour lines here. If you're planning to attend an art school, you'll need to make a portfolio of your work. Find out how to showcase your art in the best way possible for college applications. Are you interested in performing arts rather than visual arts? Check out this complete list of all the performing arts colleges in California. Worried about how your test scores will affect your chances of college admission? Learn more about when SAT and ACT scores don't matter in the application process. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

What’s a Good ACT Score for 2018

What’s a Good ACT Score for 2018 SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Planning to take the ACT in the 2017-18 school year? In addition to studying for the test, you'll need to know what score to aim for. What is a good ACT score for 2018? What's a good score for each section? Has the definition of a good ACT score changed over time? We’ll start by looking at what are considered good ACT scores for 2018 using the average score and percentiles. After, we'll go over how to set an ACT goal score and then examine historical ACT score data to see whether the definition of good ACT scores has changed in recent years. What Is a Good ACT Score for 2018 Overall? First off, what is a good ACT score for 2018, broadly speaking? We can answer this question by looking at the average ACT score for 2018and the national ACT score percentilesfor 2018.Both averages and percentiles can be used to see how your ACT score stacks up against those of other test takers. This data is important to know since colleges regularly compare applicants' test scores during the admissions process. So what are percentiles exactly? In short, percentiles tell you what percentage of test takers you scored higher than, either on the test as a whole or a particular section. Thus, the higher your ACT percentile is, the better your ACT performance will be (compared with other test takers). But before we can answer the question, "What is a good ACT score for 2018?" we need to review how the ACT scoring system actually works. The ACT uses a scoring scale of 1-36, both overall and for each of its four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. (There’s also an optional Writing section, whose score- which uses a scale of 2-12- doesnot factor into your composite ACT score.) Now, let’s look at some data: according to ACT, Inc., the average ACT score for 2018 is 20.9.In general, any score above average can be considered "good," any score below average can be considered "poor," and any score at or right around average can be considered "OK." The higher your score is above the average, the better your score (and the higher your percentile) will be. Similarly, the lower your score is below the average, the worse your score will look to schools. Here are the ACT score percentiles for 2018 and what they say about your performance: Percentile* English Math Reading Science Composite 90th (excellent) 29-30 28 31 27-28 28 75th (good) 24 24 25 24 24 50th (OK) 20 19 20 20 20 25th (poor) 14-15 16 16 16-17 16 10th (very poor) 11 14 13 13 13 Source: ACT.org *For percentiles not reported in official data, estimated ACT scores/ranges have been given. In this chart, we can see that to get a good ACT score for 2018, you’ll typically need to aim for at least the 75th percentile, or 24-25, on each section. If you’re aiming for a particularly high ACT score in the top 10 percent, you’ll have to get at least 28-30 on each section (coming out to a composite score of 28).Interestingly, this total score is a whole 8 points below 36, a perfect ACT score. In other words, to get an excellent ACT score, you don’t even need to break 30! On the opposite side are the poor scores, which are anything (significantly) below average.For example, a 10th percentile ACT composite score is 13, meaning that any score in the range of 1-13 is a pretty low score. Therefore, you’ll definitely want to do better than this on the test before you send ACT scores to schools. But what does all of this data mean for you specifically? Keep reading to learn how you can use this information to set a personal ACT goal score for 2018. What Is a Good 2018 ACT Score for You? While all of these 2018 ACT score percentiles and averages are helpful to know, they don’t tell you what a good ACT score for you is in particular. Ultimately, what's more important than hitting a certain percentile is getting an ACT score that's high enough to get you accepted to your chosen schools. This â€Å"goal† score can vary depending on the schools you’re applying to.For example, for someone applying to Caltech, a good ACT score would be something close to a perfect 36. However, for someone applying to Mississippi State, a good ACT score would be a lot lower, around 27. As you can see, your ACT goal score isn't always going to be the same as someone else’s- this is OK! Not everyone applies to the same schools, so there’s really no point in comparing your goal score with those of your friends or classmates. All you need to know is that this score is your ideal score. If you can hit it, you significantly raise your chances of getting accepted to your top schools.But how do you find your ACT goal score? How to Set an ACT Goal Score for 2018 Setting an ACT goal score is a pretty simple process. Follow the three steps below to get started! Step 1: Make a Chart A chart helps you easily visualize what kinds of ACT scores your schools look for in applicants. Write the names of the schools you’re applying to in the leftmost column. Then, write the headings â€Å"25th Percentile ACT Score† and â€Å"75th Percentile ACT Score† horizontally across the top. (We'll explain more about what these headings mean in the next step.) Here's an example for reference: School 25th Percentile ACT Score 75th Percentile ACT Score Northeastern Boston College NYU Brandeis Brandeis University (John Phelan/Wikimedia) Step 2: Find ACT Score Info for Your Schools Now, it’s time to start filling out your chart. The easiest way to find ACT score info for your schools is to search â€Å"[School Name] PrepScholar† on Google. Click the link to your school’s â€Å"Admission Requirements† page in our database. Once on this page, scroll down until you get to your school's ACT score info. Here’s an example of an Admission Requirements page for Northeastern University: In the ACT score info section, look for the 25th and 75th percentile ACT scores for your school. These are located directly under the "school competitiveness" graphic. In the screenshot above, you can see that Northeastern's 25th and 75th percentile scores are 31 and 34, respectively. But why these percentiles? What do they mean? The 25th and 75th percentiles for a school are the middle 50 percent, or average range, of ACT scores for admitted applicants.These percentiles tell you precisely what kinds of scores successful students have had when applying to your school. If you can’t find your school in our database, search online for â€Å"[School Name] 25th 75th percentile ACT† or â€Å"[School Name] average ACT score.† Try to look for links to your school’s official website so you can verify that the info you find is accurate. Let’s take a look at our sample chart again, now with each school's ACT scores filled out: School 25th Percentile ACT Score 75th Percentile ACT Score Northeastern 31 34 Boston College 30 33 NYU 28 32 Brandeis 29 33 Step 3: Find Your Goal Score Now that you’ve got all of the info you need, it’s time to use your chart to find your ACT goal score. Look for the highest 75th percentile score in your chart. In our example, the highest score is 34 (for Northeastern). This score will be your goal score, as it’s the one most likely to get you accepted to all of the schools in your chart. Since your composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores, you can use your goal score to estimate what score to aim for on each section.For example, if your goal score is 28, you'll know to roughly aim for 28 on the four sections, too (so that the average of them, or your composite score, comes out to 28). That being said, if you're stronger at certain sections or topics, you might want to aim for higher scores on those sections and lower scores on the others. For instance, if your goal score is 30 and you're really good at math but not so great at reading, you could aim forsomething like 32 on Math and 28 on Reading (instead of 30 on both sections). In this case, you'll still be able to hit your goal score- you're just using a different combination of section scores to get there. How Have Good ACT Scores Changed Over Time? We now know what a good ACT score for 2018 is, both overall and for you specifically. But how has the definition of a good ACT score changed over the years? Has it changed dramatically, or has it generally stayed the same? To answer these questions, let’s look at some data. The following table shows the average ACT scores for the past decade: Average ACT Scores 2007-2017 Year English Math Reading Science Composite 2007 20.7 21.0 21.5 21.0 21.2 2008 20.6 21.0 21.4 20.8 21.1 2009 20.6 21.0 21.4 20.9 21.1 2010 20.5 21.0 21.3 20.9 21.0 2011 20.6 21.1 21.3 20.9 21.1 2012 20.5 21.1 21.3 20.9 21.1 2013 20.2 20.9 21.1 20.7 20.9 2014 20.3 20.9 21.3 20.8 21.0 2015 20.4 20.8 21.4 20.9 21.0 2016 20.1 20.6 21.3 20.8 20.8 2017 20.3 20.7 21.4 21.0 21.0 Sources: ACT 2017 National Profile Report, ACT 2012 National Profile Report, ACT 2011 National Profile Report As this chart indicates, average ACT scores clearly haven’t shifted much over time. The biggest change in points in any column is just 0.6 points, which isn’t a huge difference in the grand scheme of ACT scoring.Thus, we can say that ACT averages have stayed fairly consistent over time and are likely to continue to do so based on these trends. What about percentiles, though? Above, we used percentiles to show what good, OK, and poor ACT scores look like. But have the scores associated with these percentiles changed over time? Below are ACT composite scores and their corresponding 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles for the past decade: ACT Score Percentiles 2007-2017 Year 75th Percentile 50th Percentile 25th Percentile 2007 25 21 17 2008 25 21 17 2009 25 21 17 2010 25 21 17 2011 25 21 17 2012 25 21 17 2013 25 21 17 2014 25 21 17 2015 25 21 17 2016 25 20 16 2017 25 20 17 Like the first chart, we can see that changes over the years are extremely minimal. The 75th percentile score stays at 25 the entire decade, while the 50th and 25th percentile scores exhibit only a nominal change of 1 point starting in 2016. It's safe to say, then, that the definition of a â€Å"good† (or an â€Å"OK† or â€Å"poor†) ACT score has stayed relatively stable over the past decade. The fact that ACT scores and their percentiles don't change much is helpful to know if you want to compare a more recent ACT score with an older one. For example, if you wanted to compare your 2017 ACT score with your older sister’s 2012 ACT score, you can easily do this using percentiles- without having to takeinto account test years or dates. Recap: So What’s a Good ACT Score for 2018? There are a couple of ways to determine what good ACT scores for 2018 are. One way is to look at averages and percentiles. According to the most recent data, the average composite ACT score is 20.9. In general, any score at or around average is OK, any score higher than average(75th percentile)is good, and any score lower than average(25th percentile) is poor. Because the definition of a good ACT score hasn’t changed much in the past decade, you can easily compare scores across the years without having to adjust for test dates or testing years. In the end, though, a good 2018 ACT score for you depends not on averages or percentiles but on the schools you wish to attend. This ideal score is your ACT goal score, and it’s the one most likely to get you into all of the schools you’re applying to.Hit this score and you'll give yourself your best chance at getting into the college of your dreams! What’s Next? Still got questions about what constitutes a good ACT score? Check out our in-depth guide to good, excellent, and poor ACT scores. Need help getting started on your ACT prep? Follow our guide to developing a foolproof ACT study plan, and get expert tips on the best ACT test dates. Looking for ACT tips to improve your score and help you hit your goal?Our guide offers a compilation of the best ACT tricks and advice out there! Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points? Check out our best-in-class online ACT prep program. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your ACT score by 4 points or more. Our program is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses. We also have expert instructors who can grade every one of your practice ACT essays, giving feedback on how to improve your score. Check out our 5-day free trial:

How to Make Bismuth Crystals From Pepto-Bismol

How to Make Bismuth Crystals From Pepto-Bismol Pepto-Bismol is a common antacid medicine that contains bismuth subsalicylate or pink bismuth, which has the empirical chemical formula  (Bi{C6H4(OH)CO2}3). The chemical is used as an antacid, anti-inflammatory, and bactericide, but in this project, it is used for science! Heres how to extract the bismuth metal from the product. Once you have it, one project you can try is growing your own bismuth crystals. Bismuth Extraction Materials There are a couple of different methods for isolating the bismuth metal. One way is to burn Pepto-Bismol into a metal oxide slag using a blow torch and then separate  the metal from the oxygen. However, theres an easier method that only requires household chemicals. Here are the materials to extract the bismuth, without fire. Pepto-Bismol Tablets: You need a lot. Each pill contains 262 mg bismuth subsalicylate, but only about an eighth of the mass is bismuth.Muriatic Acid - You can find this in a hardware store. Of course, if you have access to a chemistry lab, you can simply use hydrochloric acid.Aluminum FoilCoffee Filter or Filter PaperMortar and Pestle - If you dont have one, find a baggie and a rolling pin or hammer. Get the Bismuth Metal The first step is to crush and grind up the pills to form a powder. This increases the surface area so the next step, a chemical reaction, can proceed more efficiently. Take 150-200 pills and work in batches to grind them up. Aside from a mortar and pestle or bag with rolling pin or hammer, you could opt for a spice mill or coffee grinder. Your choice.Prepare a solution of dilute muriatic acid. Mix one part acid to six parts water. Add the acid to the water to prevent splashing. Note: muriatic acid is the strong acid HCl. It produces irritating fumes and can give you a chemical burn. Its a good plan to wear gloves and protective eyewear when you use it. Use a glass or plastic container, as the acid can attack metals (which is the point, after all.)Dissolve the ground-up tablets in the acid solution. You can stir it with a glass rod, plastic coffee stirrer, or wooden spoon.Remove the solids by filtering the solution through a coffee filter or filter paper. The pink liquid is what you want to save since it contains bismuth ions. Drop aluminum foil into the pink solution. A black solid will form, which is the bismuth. Allow time for the precipitate to sink to the bottom of the container.Filter the liquid through a cloth or paper towel to get the bismuth metal.The final step is to melt the metal. Bismuth has a low melting point, so you can melt it using a torch or in a higher-melting-point pan on a gas grill or even your stove. As the metal melts, youll see impurities pool apart. You can use a toothpick to remove them,Let your metal cool and admire your work. See the beautiful iridescent oxidation layer? You might even see crystals.  Good job! Safety and Cleanup This project requires adult supervision. Keep kids and pets away from the acid and heat.When youre done, dilute the chemicals with large volumes of water before disposing of them. If you want to make absolutely sure the acid is safe, you can add a bit of baking soda to the dilute acid to neutralize it. Pepto-Bismol Fun Facts Interesting adverse effects from ingesting Pepto-Bismol include black tongue and black stools. This occurs when sulfur in saliva and the intestines combines with the medicine to form the insoluble black salt, bismuth sulfide. Although dramatic-looking, the effect is temporary. Sources Gray, Theodore. Gray Matter: Extracting Bismuth from Pepto-Bismol Tablets, Popular Science. August 29, 2012.WesoÅ‚owski, M. (1982). Thermal decomposition of pharmaceutical preparations containing inorganic components.  Microchimica Acta  (Vienna)  77(5–6): 451–464.

SAM 340 UNIT 9 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SAM 340 UNIT 9 - Essay Example Socially, karate provides an opportunity for participant to build good relationships through friendship. It also helps an individual to develop excellent team-building, leadership and social skills (Samurai Karate, p. 1). I have learnt and therefore mastered Karate over the years. As a sport manager in the community’s progressive organization, I would like to take advantage of the upcoming sporting event to popularize Karate programs in my community. The theme for the campaign will be â€Å"Karate for a healthy community. This means that my approach will be inclined towards creating awareness about Karate on the basis of its health benefits (eHow Contributor, p. 1). My personal opinion is that as long as members of the community join the Karate program for health reasons they are definitely bound to enjoy all the other associated benefits. My first step will be to organize for production of T-shirts that might be donated or awarded to contestants of the day. The T-shirts will have the Karate campaign’s theme and the organizations logo clearly printed on it. This will serve to send a clear message with regard to the relevance of Karate during the event. I assume that the progressive community organization has a website such that more information about the Karate program will be posted. I will also mention freebies that will be offered to interested members of the community courtesy of the Karate program. This will be in the form of free classes for those who will sign up for the program. This will be intended to encourage as many members of the community as possible to enroll as many people are not usually as interested to pay for a new venture when they have other things to do. I will also organize a demonstration of a number of Karate skills to show how exciting the program will be. The demonstration will be showcased by experienced martial artists in the area of Karate. The performances will involve a single

Financial analysis of BMW and Kraft Foods Essay

Financial analysis of BMW and Kraft Foods - Essay Example The researcher states that the profitability ratios of both the companies depict that Kraft Foods has higher profitability in terms of high operating margin, net profit margin and return on equity. Besides, both the firms had maintained their current ratio above 1. With respect to interest coverage ratio, BMW had higher rank than Kraft Foods which indicates that it has strong financial strength in the industry. The current economic crisis of 2008 had impacted on the financial performance of BMW Group. Due to bad financial condition, the spending of customers had reduced considerably which impacted on the expenditure on vehicles. As a result, the automobile industry had faced drop in sales volume. BMW Group was also unable to evade the impact of financial crisis and therefore the group income had reduced by 5% in the year 2008 to 53,197 million Euros. As the international economy was recovering from the clutches of economic crisis by the end of the year 2010, BMW Group was able to rec over its financial position in the automobile market. The global automobile industry has also become stabilised to certain degree. In 2010, BMW Group had experienced severe increase in sales revenue by 19.3% than 2009 to 60,477 million Euros. Kraft Foods is a financially stable company with revenues of 40.4 billion USD in the year 2009. In the year 2009, the total value of net assets of the company was 25.9 billion USD. Despite bad economic conditions, the revenue of Kraft Foods was slightly affected. In 2007, the net revenue was 35,858 million USD which had increased to 41,932 million USD in 2008 (Kraft Foods Inc, 2010). Ratio Analysis Valuation Ratio Price-Earnings (P/E) Ratio Price-Earnings or P/E Ratio is the ratio of organisation’s share price with earning per share. From the analysis of BMW, it can be observed that the earnings per share of BMW Group had decreased considerably in the time of 2008 to 2009 to 0.49 Euro and 0.31 Euro and increased in 2010 to 4.91 Euro. His torically, the P/E ratio of BMW Group was strong and was always more than the industry average which is around 15-25. In the year 2007, the P/E ratio was below average i.e. 8.5 which had increased to 11.98 in 2010 (BMW Group, 2008; 2010). The price earnings ratio of Kraft Foods was

Disclosure Analysis Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Disclosure Analysis Paper - Essay Example According to Hilton (1994), finished products with The Coca Cola trade mark are presently selling in over 200 countries worldwide. The success of The Coca-Cola is its ability to reach the customers and providing them with unrivalled variety of products that satisfies their needs, desires and lifestyle choices. The Coca-Cola Company is a publicly traded and listed in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Such company’s success is communicated to shareholders and other interested parties through the financial statements. Nevertheless, the financial statements provide summarized information and further detailed information in terms of notes. Notes to the financial statements are very essential for clear understanding of the financial reports. This paper seeks to analyze disclosures contained within the notes to the financial statements with respect to cash and cash equivalents, receivables and inventories. It goes further to provide a list identifying the components of cash and cas h equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents Cash Any information necessary for full understanding of the financial statements should be included as notes while at the same time avoiding information that is not needed to expound on financial statement. The Coca-Cola Company cash and cash equivalents comprise of both cash and short-term investments. ... credit risk by applying minimum credit standards and diversifies counterparties through application of procedures provided for monitoring credit risk concentrations. Cash equivalents The company considers short-term investments as cash equivalents due to their easy convertibility into cash. This category comprises other investments and time deposits with maturities of more than three months, but not more than one year. The investments grouped under this category comprises of securities that are easily convertible into cash. In this vein, the company can easily convert them into cash at any given time it is faced with cash flow challenges. Receivables Account receivables are referred to as dues from customers. According to Hopwood, (1974), these are amounts, which have not been received from customers by the close of an accounting period. There are different methods through which receivables are recorded in the books of accounts, and such information is provided as part of the notes t o the financial statements. In this regard, the notes provide that The Coca-Cola Company receivables are recorded at net realizable value. The notes further indicate that the value provided has an allowance for bad debts. Therefore, it records any foreseeable loss on trade account receivable by charging it to provision for doubtful debts. Moreover, the notes indicate that allowance for doubtful debts is computed based on historical values of the write-offs, an amount of unpaid accounts after considering the contractual terms and the ensuing relationship with the customers and bottling partners. However, the notes conclude by mentioning that the exposure posed by concentration of credit risk is adequately controlled due to diversity of geographical areas covered by the company’s

Gay-lesbian should allowed to become foster parents or adopted Personal Statement

Gay-lesbian should allowed to become foster parents or adopted - Personal Statement Example Allowing gay-lesbian adoption helps in two main ways i.e. it enables the state to reduce the amount of tax payers money used to support this system and also gives the child a chance to grow up in a family where he or she is loved. In this context, the child acquires the right to inheritance thereby guaranteeing him a brighter future than that which he could have under the system. It is important to note that in a year such as 2000, the US government spent approximately $20 billion to support the program, money which could have been spent on other important sectors such as provision of quality healthcare (Shirk 45). A significant number of children in the child welfare system come from families which administered torture and discrimination to them maybe due to disability or other types of health defects. As such, they feel rejected by the society and therefore would do anything only to make them feel loved. Having undergone the same predicaments in a society that tends to shun same se x relationships, gay couples are in a better position to understand these children and offer them emotional support based on their first hand experiences (Hicks 27). It is therefore not a wonder to find such children excelling much more than those adopted by heterosexual couples.

Cluster Competencies and their Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cluster Competencies and their Behavior - Essay Example This, as the name suggests, is used to prioritize the work which was decided should be included in the above strategic orientation. This helps in further organizing the whole situation and focuses the attention of different subjects on the relevant topics so they can be compiled effectively and efficiently. This narrows down the task at hand even more. It basically looks at the results that wish to be achieved and then makes sure that the priorities have been set properly. This helps in maintaining a positive relationship with the task being designed and the overall result being achieved. This is the crux of cluster competency. It basically involves organization and maintaining a constant and positive flow of information in the form of updates on the project being performed with all the members involved in the job. This helps individuals adapt more easily to the situation and helps streamline all tasks so that more can be accomplished in less time. The work of a member acting as a leader is crucial. He is responsible for providing his team with direction and guidance so that they are not led astray and keep on track so that no energy is wasted in irrelevant work. This is vital to working as a group. ... Development Developing Self This competency in a person makes sure that he takes responsibility of himself and makes sure that he is responsible for his own self improvement. Developing Others This is vital to working as a group. Improving oneself while improving the performance of others while giving constructive criticism is going to help the group perform better and consequently improve performance. Developing Networks In the age of globalization, one task cannot be complete with just a normal group. This is why seeking and identifying any outside the group members within the organization will help in the fast processing of information like computer experts. Reasoning and management Critical Thinking This looks at the situation from a broader perspective to make sure that things are going according to plan. Problem solving A vital part in competencies is to manually identify by making a conscious effort and then find effective solutions for it. Decision making Once a problem has been identified, a decision should be made to effectively and efficiently solve it. This is vital to the whole situation otherwise there was no need for the other preceding parts. Communication Verbal Being clear in your conversations and eliminating any communication gaps is helpful before getting down to work. Written The need to make everything clear to others is vital because it doesn't matter how innovative someone is, if he cannot present his information in a proper and organized way in a report, he is useless for the team. Numerical Statistics need to be interpreted to make sure that the plan formed by the team is going to succeed or not. This can only be done by projecting numbers and interpreting information

Globalization, Locality and National Advantage as the Key Determinants Research Paper

Globalization, Locality and National Advantage as the Key Determinants of Competitiveness - Research Paper Example The British climate is too cold to grow coffee trees, and Jamaica has no petroleum. But large resources of petroleum exist in the North Sea and coffee trees can easily be grown in Jamaica. Britons and Jamaicans could clearly benefit from exchanging oil for coffee. Smith's theory of absolute advantage - or absolute productivity differences - remains useful in explaining present-day trade between similar countries such as France and Germany. The average cost of employing a worker in Germany is about the same as it is in France, and capital moves freely between the two countries; and so returns roughly equal. Therefore, to compete successfully with a cost advantage in the French market, any particular German export must use absolutely less labour and capital when produced in Germany than if the identical item were produced in France. Trade between similar countries can occur so long as the tastes and incomes of individuals within each country differ and so long as there are absolute cost differences in producing various goods. Thus, people in France and Germany who have modest incomes and require basic transportation, and whose hearts are not set on a high-powered sports car, might purchase Citroens made in France. Wealthy individuals in both countries with an appreciation of high-performance automobiles might purchase Porsches made in Germany. The taste and income differences among individuals within each country interact with specific absolute cost advantages across countries and provide a mutually advantageous basis for international trade. Clearly, if all Frenchmen wanted only to drive Citroens, and if all Germans desired Porsches and had the means to buy them, the scope for trade would be restricted.

Cluster Competencies and their Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cluster Competencies and their Behavior - Essay Example This, as the name suggests, is used to prioritize the work which was decided should be included in the above strategic orientation. This helps in further organizing the whole situation and focuses the attention of different subjects on the relevant topics so they can be compiled effectively and efficiently. This narrows down the task at hand even more. It basically looks at the results that wish to be achieved and then makes sure that the priorities have been set properly. This helps in maintaining a positive relationship with the task being designed and the overall result being achieved. This is the crux of cluster competency. It basically involves organization and maintaining a constant and positive flow of information in the form of updates on the project being performed with all the members involved in the job. This helps individuals adapt more easily to the situation and helps streamline all tasks so that more can be accomplished in less time. The work of a member acting as a leader is crucial. He is responsible for providing his team with direction and guidance so that they are not led astray and keep on track so that no energy is wasted in irrelevant work. This is vital to working as a group. ... Development Developing Self This competency in a person makes sure that he takes responsibility of himself and makes sure that he is responsible for his own self improvement. Developing Others This is vital to working as a group. Improving oneself while improving the performance of others while giving constructive criticism is going to help the group perform better and consequently improve performance. Developing Networks In the age of globalization, one task cannot be complete with just a normal group. This is why seeking and identifying any outside the group members within the organization will help in the fast processing of information like computer experts. Reasoning and management Critical Thinking This looks at the situation from a broader perspective to make sure that things are going according to plan. Problem solving A vital part in competencies is to manually identify by making a conscious effort and then find effective solutions for it. Decision making Once a problem has been identified, a decision should be made to effectively and efficiently solve it. This is vital to the whole situation otherwise there was no need for the other preceding parts. Communication Verbal Being clear in your conversations and eliminating any communication gaps is helpful before getting down to work. Written The need to make everything clear to others is vital because it doesn't matter how innovative someone is, if he cannot present his information in a proper and organized way in a report, he is useless for the team. Numerical Statistics need to be interpreted to make sure that the plan formed by the team is going to succeed or not. This can only be done by projecting numbers and interpreting information

Applied Ethics in Criminal Justice Management Research Paper

Applied Ethics in Criminal Justice Management - Research Paper Example Ethical questions and issues within the criminal justice system have become very popular. What is right and wrong, good or bad within the criminal justice system is an issue that needs to be demystified by studying and analyzing the criminal justice system. It is important for all stakeholders in the criminal justice system to be informed about issues of ethics so that high ethical standards can be maintained within the system. Criminal justice ethics is a pertinent issue in the leadership, supervision and management of the criminal justice system (Aldam, 2002). Any system or organization needs to be guided by certain ethical principles within that system, the criminal justice system being no exception. This is one sure way that can make the system effective and efficient in its functions and operations (Savelsberg, Lara & Cleveland, 2004). All the stakeholders and key player within the criminal justice system need to be made to understand ethical principles within the system and the value of ethics to the criminal justice system (Neocleous, 2004). These key stakeholders and player in the criminal justice system include the lawyers, judges, the police, investigators, parole and probation officer, correction officers, court officers, line officers and any other administrative personnel required to run the criminal justice system (Maguire, Rod & Robert, 2002). All these personnel, key player and stakeholders must be well versed in all the security, police and disaster or emergency procedures so as to help in upholding and maintaining the ethical standards required of the system (Fuller, 2005). The manager, supervisors and leaders of the criminal justice system must also be well trained in the administration of the criminal justice system so that they can effectively lead the other players towards achieving the common goals of the system

Correlates of criminal behavior

Correlates of criminal behavior Introduction Factors that correlate with crime are those, such as economic deprivation, that demonstrate a relationship with the incidence of criminal behavior. It is crucial to remember that correlations only tell us that there is a relationship between one variable and another they do not tell us what is causing what. For example, there is an association between failing at school and juvenile delinquency but we cannot say that low school achievement necessarily cause delinquency (Dwyer, 2001). It is possible that once an individual becomes involved in delinquent behavior, their school work suffers and grades begin to deteriorate. Alternatively, there may be a third factor, perhaps the attitude of the family towards school work and offending that causes both of the other factors (Dwyer, 2001). It is important, though, to recognize that a relationship does have a cause and this is what researchers are trying to uncover, but at no time should we jump to superficial conclusions about the exact direction of the cause. Case Study A: DV a 36-year-old, Single Black Male DV, a 36-year-old, single Black male was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. During formal interviews, DV was initially uncooperative with the evaluators. He pretended not to understand what was asked of him. He was strongly encouraged to cooperate with the evaluation. After a period of observation and initial psychological testing, it was explained to him that his report of experiencing auditory hallucinations was unlikely to be true (Heilbrun, Marczky DeMatteo, 2002). DV was administered psychological testing on three separate occasions. Initial test results clearly demonstrated DV intended to represent himself as mentally ill and confused. After further counseling, he was re-administered two tests, which he appeared to complete in a cooperative fashion. DVs responses on a structured interview of symptoms of mental illness were consistent with those of someone intending to put on psychotic mental illness (Heilbrun et al., 2002). DV began smoking marijuana as a teenager and has continued to use it throughout adulthood. Selling illicit drugs eventually became his primary source of income through the years. Prior to his arrest, he used marijuana on a daily basis and drank alcohol much less frequently, primarily on the weekends or when it was available (Heilbrun et al., 2002). DV has been arrested at least 20 times throughout adolescence and adulthood. He has been incarcerated in state prisons twice, both for felony convictions. The only previous mental health treatment he has received was during his incarceration in a state prison. He had been experiencing nervousness, tremors, and what he referred to as depression. This condition was reportedly treated with antipsychotic medication for a period of six months. His reports of past mental health symptoms were vague, and he indicated that he has never sought mental health treatment when out of prison (Heilbrun et al., 2002). Criminal Behavior: Mental Disorder   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  According to Bartol and Bartol (2011) mental illness is a disorder of disease of the mind that is judged by experts to interfere substantially with a persons ability to cope with life on a daily basis. It presumably deprives the person of freedom of choice, but it is important to note that there are degrees to this deprivation. The term mental disorder, however, need not imply that a person is sick, to be pitied, or even necessarily less responsible for his or her actions. Psychological Theory   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Psychology is the science of behavior and mental process. Psychological criminology, then, is the science of the behavior and mental process of the person who commits crime. In the psychology of crime, both social and personality influences on criminal behavior are considered, along with the mental processes that mediate that behavior.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is hard to specify typically the psychological theories of crime. Psychological theories centers on the influence of individual and family factors on offending. Psychological theories usually develop and attempt to explain offending on an ongoing project thats starts from childhood to adulthood (Bartol Bartol, 2011). Correlates and Developmental Risk factors The parental and family risk factors led DV to become deviant at a very young age. During a conducted interview, DV stated that he lived at home with his mother, father, and two brothers until the age of eight, when his mother was killed in a car accident. After his mothers death, he began living with an aunt, who raised him until he left home at the age of 14. He attended school through the eighth grade and was expelled from school after the eighth grade, partly because of his poor attendance and partly because of his involvement in two fights (Heilbrun et al., 2002). He described school as being difficult for him because he never had any family support. After his mother died, nobody really cared whether he went to school. It was the loss of his mother that triggered his criminal behavior. Is this Person a Criminal? In summary, DV manifest a personality style and behavior pattern that is characterized by dislike towards authority and violation of social norms and laws. He was diagnosed with malingering (resolved) cannibus abuse and antisocial personality disorder. DV can be held accountable for his actions. He knew that the current adjudication constitutes his third felony conviction, and he knew the sentencing mandates associated with a third felony conviction. Specifically, DV was aware that he could have received a very lengthy sentence for his third conviction and knew his plea carried the probability of a relatively short sentence. He knew that his plea agreement called for his full cooperation in the resolution of his case (Heilbrun et al., 2002). DV was deemed competent to stand trial based on his ability to comprehend what he did and he knew this. Case Study B: 24-Year-Old John D. John is a 24-year-old Caucasian male who was convicted of Sexual Battery, which occurred on February 10, 1998, and is awaiting sentencing. John D. was an only child born to unwed parents on February 9, 1975. He grew up in an unstable environment and his father was a drug addict who neglected to care for him. He recalls no memories of his father prior to the age of eight (Heilbrun et al., 2002). At eight years old, John D. recalled playing with and smelling someones feet. He cant remember exactly what happened at the moment but recall it was really scary. He remembers his fathers hands pulling his knees apart. That was all he can remember about the incident (Heilbrun et al., 2002). Criminal Behavior: Sex Offender (Sexual Battery)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sex offenders often commit a variety of crime beyond sexual offenses, although this is more likely to be the case with rapists than the child molesters. There is no single profile that encompasses a majority of sex offenders. The features of their crimes also differ distinctly among offenders, including time and place, the gender and age of the victim, the degree of planning the offense, and the amount of violence used or intended (APA, 2000; Bartol Bartol, 2011). Sociological Theory   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The sociological approach examines underlying social conditions that may influence criminal behavior by focusing on how social structure and processes contribute to crime. Life course criminology focuses on life tragedies or paths that may lead to lifelong or repeated criminal behavior. The Sociological theory of criminal behavior is the way people look at their environment. Sociologically, a person will be overwhelmed by closeness, the imitation and behavior of those they look up to, as well as their understanding of what is right and what is wrong (Bartol Bartol, 2011).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  People are not born with a predisposition to violence or lack of power; rather they become that way as a result of social experiences. Furthermore, criminal behavior, again like all behavior, is an individuals way of adapting to his or her environment. Correlates and Developmental Risk factors   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Examples of social risk factors are parental and family risk factors including faulty or inadequate parenting, sibling influences, and child maltreatment or abuse. A wide variety of circumstances can lead to a single-parent home. John D.s father died when he was nine years old. He is unable to recall any memories of his father prior to age eight. His parents never married but after his fathers death, his mother married a man that told John D. someday he would burn in hell (Heilbrun et al., 2002).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  His mothers parental styles were inappropriate. John D. loved her because she could be fun to be with, and she was proud of him. At the same time he hated her because of the way she treated him. He described her as very moody, at times she would be nice and at other times she lashed out and smacked him in the face. John D. also stated that he often felt like a surrogate husband to his mother, because whenever it was time to kiss her goodnight, she would stick her tongue out (Heilbrun et al., 2002).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  John D. spent most of his time living with his maternal grandparents. His grandmother would walk in on him when he was changing his underwear and would always find an excuse to come into the bathroom and wipe him after he was done. He didnt realize his grandmothers behavior was inappropriate until later (Heilbrun et al., 2002).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Models are those significant persons in the social environment that provide cues for how to do something (Bartol Bartol, 2011; Jackson, 2008). For example, a child may learn how to shoot a gun by imitating television or video characters. The child then will rehearse and fine-tunes this behavioral pattern by practicing with toy guns. John D.s behavioral patterns are the outcome of the models he had in his life. Is this Person a Criminal?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  John D. is responsible for his actions and should be held criminally liable for what he did. He shows no remorse for his victims. He kills his victims and plays with their feet. He has a tendency to act upon his fantasies. He has a high potential for dangerous behavior inflicted against self and others. Case Study C: 21-Year-Old Jimmy M. The defendant in this case, Jimmy M., was charged with aggravated murder in the shooting death of a police officer in November of 1997. Jimmy M. has an extensive criminal record and a history consistent with an antisocial personality disorder. Antisocial personality disorder is not usually considered to be a mitigating factor. In addition to the antisocial personality disorder, Jimmy M. had suffered from a serious head injury, resulting in the request for a neuropsychological evaluation (Heilbrun et al., 2002). Jimmy M. was born to Darlene M (who was 15 years old when she got pregnant) and Bob Hoover on September 21, 1976. Jimmy M. only saw his father twice, once in fifth or sixth grade and the second time was last year while he was incarcerated. He primarily raised by his foster grandmother, Martha Washington; Ms. Washington was Jimmy M.s mothers foster parent. Jimmy M.s mother was a drug addict and alcoholic who was arrested and spent time in jail and prison before dying of a drug overdose in 1989 (Heilbrun et al., 2002). On one occasion, when Jimmy M. was eight years old, his mother used him to hide stolen money. Jimmy M. developed significant behavioral problems following his mothers death. He subsequently had numerous contacts with juvenile authorities and was placed with the Department of Youth Services on several occasions. He encountered numerous conflicts with his grandmother. Although things have not always been stable with his grandmother, Jimmy M. stated that they remain close today (Heilbrun et al., 2002). Criminal Behavior: Murder (Aggravated Murder)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The term murder is reserved for the unlawful killing of one human being by another with malice aforethought, either expressed or implied. Malice aforethought refers to premeditation, or the mental state of a person who thinks ahead, plans, and voluntarily causes the death of another, without legal excuse or justification. However, premeditation can occur in a very short period of time (even a minute); it does not require weeks of planning (Bartol Bartol, 2011). Biological Theory   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Historically, neurological impairment, whether by heredity, injury, or disease, has been thought to coincide with criminal behavior. For example, head injury and violent behavior are found to coexist in criminals at a higher than average rate. Though a direct link cannot be determined between the two, researchers observe that neurological problems, in combination with environmental and social risk factors, interact to influence criminal behavior (APA, 2000; Bartol Bartol, 2011; Raine, 2002). Biological theories have a misunderstanding stereotype that if a person is a criminal then that person was born a criminal. Biological theories are only one interpretation of criminality (Rafter, 2008). Biology has an effect on our social and emotional lives that would be categorized as biological influences on our behavior. Some examples would be menstruation affects some women more than others, but many have more mood swings during, and just before, menstruation. Pregnancy also affects hormones and therefore emotions. In many cases, a women seems calmer than usual when pregnant, not reacting as she normally would to the stresses of work and life. Hormones in pregnancy have a lot of functions, including effects on mood and puberty is another example with which everyone is familiar. During the transition from childhood into a sexual world, teenagers go through some profound emotional and behavioral changes usually suffered along with them by their parents, other relatives, and teache rs (Raine, 2002). Eventually they mature and become adults; but in the years of puberty, the change in outlook and disturbance of behavior can be profound. But again, the environmental influences are crucial in how puberty, a biological change, is realized. Correlates and Developmental Risk factors Jimmy M.s mother was 15 when she was pregnant and 16 when he was born. Given her own drug, alcohol, and legal problems she was clearly unable to provide adequate parenting. His foster grandmother was, at best, inconsistent in her ability to provide for Jimmy M. and the other children within her care, who included Jimmy M.s mother. Following his mothers death, Jimmy M.s behavior showed clear signs of deterioration, and he joined the local gang (Heilbrun et al., 2002). As a result of Jimmy M.s early childhood experiences, he has bonded to no one, has little capacity for empathy, and has shut off his emotions from the rest of the world. Is this Person a Criminal?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Therefore, Jimmy M. is responsible for his actions and should be held criminally liable for what he did. However, based on his past, Jimmy M. should undergo treatment to eliminate harm to him and to others. Jimmy M. demonstrated a capacity of attachment. Once his mother passed he began to seek support by associating with the local gang. There is a possibility that through treatment and rehabilitation Jimmy M. can do better for himself. Conclusion According to Bartol and Bartol (2011) Crime, like all behavior, is complex and varied, and there are no simple answers regarding its causes. This is hardly surprising considering the great variety of crimes and offenders. Different theories put the emphasis on different causal factors: biology, personality, unconscious conflict, social learning, to name but a few. It is still by no means clear whether or not biological factors are implicated in antisocial behavior but, even if they are, most researchers acknowledge that the environment in which children are reared can either stimulate or inhibit any inborn tendency is criminality. The type of environment most conducive to delinquency is one of poverty, deprivation, a stressful family life and lack of educational opportunities. These factors are inextricably inter-related and the more of these that a child endures, the greater the likelihood of them committing criminal acts. Nevertheless, many individuals exposed to all of these risk factors do not embrace a life of crime. Perhaps we need to take a more careful look at protective factors such as personal disposition, loving relationships, social support systems and, indeed, gender, in order to more successfully address the problem of crime. References American Psychological Association (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) (4th ed., vol. Text Revision). Arlington, VA: Author. Bartol, C .R. Bartol, A. M. (2011). Criminal behavior: A psychosocial approach (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Dwyer, D. (2001). Angles on criminal psychology. United Kingdom: Nelson Thornes, Ltd. Heilbrun, K., Marczyk, G. R., DeMatteo, D. (2002). Forensic mental health assessment: A casebook. New York: Oxford Press. Jackson, R. (Ed.). (2008). Learning forensic assessment. New York: Routledge. Rafter, N. (2008). The criminal brain: Understanding biological theories of crime. New York, New York: New York University Press. Raine, A. (2002). Biosocial studies of antisocial and violent behavior in children and adults: A review. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 30(4), 311-26.

Naked and Free in The Awakening :: Chopin Awakening Essays

Naked and Free in The Awakening The Awakening, by Kate Chopin seems to fit neatly into twentieth century ideals. Chopin addresses psychological issues that must have been difficult for people of the late nineteenth century to grasp. Just as Edna died a premature death, Chopin's book died too. The rejection of this book, at the time, ironically demonstrates the pressure many women must have felt to conform to society. Chopin shows the reader, through Edna Pontellier, that society restricts women the right to individuality. This restriction by society can be seen in the clothing Victorian women wore during the time. For example, we see clothing used as an important metaphor in the story. Victorian women's clothing was extremely confining, much like their life. The clothing can be seen as a type of "cage" which is apparent when we see Edna and Adele walking to the beach in chapter seven. Adele wore a veil, "doe skin gloves, white gauntlets ... was dressed in pure white, with a fluffiness of ruffles that became her" (478). Adele was the ideal of beauty. Edna, on the other hand, "wore a cool muslin that morning ... a white linen collar and a big straw hat" (478). We learn that "a casual and indiscriminating observer ... might not cast a second glance" (478) towards Edna. The fact that Edna was simply dressed showed her non conformity towards society's standards. When the two women get to the beach, Edna removes her collar and unbuttons her dress at the throat. Her decision not to wear all the garments is a hint at the rebellion to come. Another obvious example of the symbolism of clothing is seen at the end of the novel when Edna removes all of her clothing before committing suicide. Chopin writes that when Edna was "there beside the sea, absolutely alone, she cast the unpleasant, prickling garments from her, and for the first time in her life stood naked in the open air" (558). Edna seems to be removing her final restrictions before finding her freedom in death. This last rebellion against society seems to give Edna her final "awakening". This awakening can be seen when Chopin writes, "She felt like some new born creature opening its eyes in a familiar world that it had never known" (558).