Free Essays on Reflections

Today’s society has been overwhelmed with many family problems. This statement holds true in Wallace Stegner’s short story â€Å"The Blue-Winged Teal.† John and Henry, the two main characters, are father and son with a problem bigger than the both of them combined. With the death of the wife and mother, their relationship, if there was one, was lost with little hope of getting it back. Stegner’s short story exemplifies how the life and death of a loved one can come between then strengthen father and son. As in many families, there is one person that is the glue of the family. In Stegner’s story the mother is what held the family together. Even while the mother was living, John and Henry’s relationship was never seemed strong. The father and son’s relationship is described as, â€Å" . . . driftwood in a wide cold sea† (215) and â€Å" . . . the two weak illuminations diffusing in the shadowy poolroom, leaving the middle in almost absolute dark† (208). Their relationship was filled with holes and misunderstandings. Stegner seems to symbolize the father and son as a light on each end and the shadowy darkness being their relationship. There is an emptiness in their relationship due to the lack of communication. As Stegner shows throughout the whole story the father and son are not capable of communicating as they need to. Stegner illustrates how the lack of communication leads to their misunderstandings. Henry, the son, does not understand how his father could return to his old ways after his mother saved him from the bar scene. Stegner writes, â€Å"He did not forgive his father the poolhall, or forget the way the old man had sprung back into the old pattern, as if his wife had been a jailer and he was now released† (204). Henry was unable to see that the pool hall was a place that his father was comfortable. The poolhall was all he knew and wanted. In Henry’s case he goes hunting to ease his mind from things and as soo... Free Essays on Reflections Free Essays on Reflections Today’s society has been overwhelmed with many family problems. This statement holds true in Wallace Stegner’s short story â€Å"The Blue-Winged Teal.† John and Henry, the two main characters, are father and son with a problem bigger than the both of them combined. With the death of the wife and mother, their relationship, if there was one, was lost with little hope of getting it back. Stegner’s short story exemplifies how the life and death of a loved one can come between then strengthen father and son. As in many families, there is one person that is the glue of the family. In Stegner’s story the mother is what held the family together. Even while the mother was living, John and Henry’s relationship was never seemed strong. The father and son’s relationship is described as, â€Å" . . . driftwood in a wide cold sea† (215) and â€Å" . . . the two weak illuminations diffusing in the shadowy poolroom, leaving the middle in almost absolute dark† (208). Their relationship was filled with holes and misunderstandings. Stegner seems to symbolize the father and son as a light on each end and the shadowy darkness being their relationship. There is an emptiness in their relationship due to the lack of communication. As Stegner shows throughout the whole story the father and son are not capable of communicating as they need to. Stegner illustrates how the lack of communication leads to their misunderstandings. Henry, the son, does not understand how his father could return to his old ways after his mother saved him from the bar scene. Stegner writes, â€Å"He did not forgive his father the poolhall, or forget the way the old man had sprung back into the old pattern, as if his wife had been a jailer and he was now released† (204). Henry was unable to see that the pool hall was a place that his father was comfortable. The poolhall was all he knew and wanted. In Henry’s case he goes hunting to ease his mind from things and as soo...

History - American Exceptionalism Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

History - American Exceptionalism - Term Paper Example From historical facts we find that American exceptionalism was tangled with convoluted and often ambiguous set of assumptions as it is important in explaining how Americans thought and how they have acted. In the opinion of Tyrrell, some historians attribute the terms â€Å"differences† or â€Å"uniqueness† to the exceptionalism; whatever the terminology, the long debated implications of American uniqueness and difference stems from political, intellectual, and even religious heritage, and is enduring. However, it is of equal importance to understand the â€Å"negative† version of the phenomenon, which means, the US had been exceptionally bad, racist, violent, with distorting unique American evils. Whether or not these assumptions are logical or coherent, as according to Pease, it is clear that exceptionalism is an idea that has prospered the American society, even though with many ups and downs in its tread (107). However, some historians say that the United Nat ions was never truly imperialistic in any manner, but was rather expansionist. The United States was a nation born through revolution against imperial control, and has been ostensibly disregarding imperialism, in their strategies with other nations and its own. According to an opinion, â€Å"instead of trying to administer other nations or peoples in an imperialistic or colonial fashion, the United States, has been asserted, fashioned itself as the liberator of the colonized, launching both a rhetorical assault on the practice of imperialism and a practical campaign to bring about its end† (Heiss ,2002, 511). Lipset explains that only in some cases the nation was seen taking control of territory that was not predestined to be included into the nation, and when it did, was for positive reasons, ruling in a liberal and compassionate fashion, providing opportunities for self-government and ultimately independence when seemed practicable. In their opinion, the United States was n ever an imperialist, rather expansionist, practicing benevolent assimilation, closely following its Manifest Destiny. However, some historian points out the darker side too. In the opinion of York, with all positive influences, of Manifest Destiny, filled with a surge of enthusiasm and energy for pushing West, the negative impacts created the belief within that the white men had the right to obliterate anything and anyone. Looking for the roots of Manifest Destiny across the West would point out the mass destruction of tribal organizations, and detention of Indians to reservation, holding high the belief that settlement of the land and civilization of its native were preordained. In the opinion of Walt, perhaps the basic principle of American exceptionalism can be the belief that they always are, and have always been, the good guys, spreading prosperity everywhere they go. He continues that it is a blind-faith that the United States is a uniquely virtuous nation, a nation that uphol ds peace, nurtures liberty, respects human rights, and embraces the rule of law that is so strict. Many hold the view, connecting it with American exceptionalism, that the nation’s values, political structure, and history are exceptional and are universally praiseworthy, which imply them to take a positive and distinctive role in the world stage. The only thing that contradicts this self-sycophantic illustration of the nation’

Distinction between Data, Information and Communication Research Proposal - 1

Distinction between Data, Information and Communication - Research Proposal Example Both the concept could be explained with a simple example. The result of the questionnaire could be said as data which does not convey any meaning until it is analyzed. After analyzing the data, it would provide meaning and could be further used to complete the report or survey. This analyzing is called Information which converts raw facts and figures into something meaningful which could be used for many purposes. Communication, on the other hand, means to exchange information between individuals and groups to provide them with knowledge regarding the information collected and to help them in decision making based on their experience and judgment. The information could be communicated through presentation, reports, speeches etc (Grey, 2009). Using data, information, and communication to increase efficiency and effectiveness Data, information and communication play an essential role in increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of an organization. Data provides the organization with raw facts and figures which doesn’t have any meaning or sense until the raw material is converted into something useful. This conversion includes processing, analyzing and presenting the data into a meaningful form. Once the data is converted into something useful (information) it is then communicated to all the employees included in a top, middle and bottom management (Hunsaker, 2005). Data, information, and communication each have their own importance. If data is not collected accurately it might lead to ineffective decisions as all the other steps are based on data. If the information is not properly processed, organized and analyzed it might change the direction of the organization. If the information is not communicated accordingly, there is a high chance of conflicts between the management and employees (Rees and Porter, 2008). Thus it could be said that data, information, and communication have their own importance in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. Taking an example of a questionnaire focused to gain insight from customers regarding the company’s product could explain the importance of data, information, and communication in an organization. If the company conducts research to gain insights into customers through the questionnaire, the facts and figures collected are called the data. If even a single factor figure is misjudged, the whole data collected would be useless. For a company, it is essential to collect the data according to the requirements. Gaining accurate facts and figures means that the process of analyzing and converting the facts and figures into meaningful information would be beneficial for the organization. It would provide the organization with information that it seeks. Communication plays an important role in the effectiveness and efficiency of an organization. Once information is gained it could be communicated with the management to make their judgment based on the information that is received through completed questionnaires. By this communication, the management is able to take effective and efficient decisions which enhance the chances of growth and success of an organization in the industry (Knights and Willmott, 2007).  

Which of the following documents (Lee's Resolution, Voting Rights Act Essay

Which of the following documents (Lee's Resolution, Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Declaration of Independence) enforce Civil Rights and which enforce Civil Liberties - Essay Example Hence, the Lee’s resolution can be termed as an enforcer of Civil Liberties, because its objective was to provide the American Colonies independence from British Empire. African Americans in the South were not allowed to vote prior to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This act was a result of continuous public protests and dialogue from the Black community, who demanded political and civil equality in America. This is why it can be said that this act enforced civil rights because it â€Å"expanded voting rights for non-English speaking Americans† (Hines, "Forty-Seven Years After the Voter Rights Act, Blacks are Still Disenfranchised"). President Lyndon B. Johnson presented the Voting Rights Bill in March 1965, which was turned into a law on 6th August 1965. This was an official statement adopted by the Continental Congress on 4th July, 1776, in response to the Lee’s Resolution. With this document of independence, 13 American colonies were formally granted independence from the allegiance of British Empire and the tyrant government of King George III. It remains one of the most memorable and cherished moments in America’s political history, and 4th July is now celebrated as the Independence Day in USA. Its draft was composed by Thomas Jefferson. Therefore, this document could be referred to as an enforcer of civil liberties since it provided liberation to the American colonies fighting for independence from the British regime. Hines, Debbie. "Forty-Seven Years After the Voter Rights Act, Blacks are Still Disenfranchised." Legal Speaks. Vanstudios. 5 Aug. 2012. Web. 22 Sep. 2012.

Project Design Plan Essay Example for Free

Project Design Plan Essay This experiment is to test the theory that the temperature of water affects the duration of time it takes to water to reach freezing? Hot water freezing faster than cold has been observed for many centuries. The earliest known reference to this effect is by Aristotle, who wrote: The fact that water has previously been warmed contributes to its freezing quickly; for so it cools sooner. Hence many people, when they want to cool hot water quickly, begin by putting it in the sun. . . (Jeng) Literature review 1. According to a study of the Mpemba effect by Monwhea Jeng Many factors impact water as it cools and eventually freezes, evaporation can contribute to a loss of mass, Hot water can hold less dissolved gas than cold water and large amounts of dissolved gas escape upon boiling, convection currents and non-uniform temperature distribution happen as water cools, the environmental of the hot sample also impacts the environment around it. Super cooling may also have an important role in the effect, super cooling occours when water freezes not at 0c but at some lower temperature. (Jeng, The Mpemba effect: When can hot water freeze faster than cold? , 2006) 2. In 1963 a student named Erasto B Mpemba noticed that placing recently a recently boiled mixture of milk and sugar into the refrigerator it froze into ice-cream faster than another students mixture that was not heated. He asked his physics instructor why this had happened and his physics instructor informed him â€Å"you are confused, that cannot happen† this response highlights the need for objectivity in scientific studies. After repeatedly asking various instructors to explain his observations Mpemba took two 50ml beakers and filled one with water from the tap and one from hot water from a boiler and put them into a freezer, after an hour he discovered that their was in fact more ice formation in the sample from the boiler. Dr Osborne visited the school where Mpemba studied and Mpemeba asked him to explain the effect, he could not but unlike previous instructors and peers Dr. Osborne conducted experiments and did infact repeat Mpemba’s discovery (Osborne) Variables The Dependent variable is the starting temperature of the water being placed into the freezer. The Independent variable time elapsed until each sample freezes The Controlled variables are temperature of the freezer, the volume of the water samples and the sample containers. Hypothesis My hypothesis is that the hot water will freeze in a shorter elapsed time than the cold water due to a combination of loss of volume during the heating/cooling process; I arrived at this hypothesis through researching the Mpemba effect and reviewing the results of other experiments. Experimental design After reading multiple possible ways to conduct experiments on the Mpemba effect I chose this design plan because the experiment could be conducted with supplies I had on hand and should be easily reproducible. I will measure the temperature with a common digital kitchen thermometer every fifteen minutes until the water sample has frozen solid enough that the thermometer cannot penetrate the ice to take measurements. The tools I will be using are 1 Plastic measuring cup,1 Thermometer, Two .30 l plastic storage containers,1 Kitchen timer, 1 Clock, 1 Range cook top, 1 Sauce pan. Threat Reduction to Internal Validity To reduce the threats to internal validity I will use the same procedure’s to objectively measure the variables of temperature and volume in my experiment. Each temperature reading will be taken using the same thermometer; each volume measurement will be taken using the same measuring cup. Identical storage containers will be used to store the water samples and they will be placed at the same time into the same freezer on the same bare shelf. Experimental procedure. Step 1 Draw two samples of tap water 250ml each and record initial temperature Step 2 pour one sample into sauce pan heat to boiling; pour other sample into .30 l plastic storage container Step 3 pour boiling  sample into measuring cup and note any loss of volume Step 4 return samples to .30l plastic storage container Step 5 measure temperatures of boiled sample and room temperature sample Step 6 place both .30l plastic storage container into freezer Step 7 measure temperature of both samples every 15 min logging results until both samples are held at or below zero degrees Celsius long enough that the thermometers temperature probe cannot pierce the surface of the sample. . Step 8 Allow both samples to thaw at room temperature and measure for any loss of volume Experiment Results In my investigation the boiled sample of water did in fact freeze faster than the colder tap water sample the greatest temperature differential during my experiment arrived in the first 15 minutes of the boiled sample being introduced to the freezer, the boiled sample entered the freezer at 99.6C and 15 minutes later the temperature was 18.1c this represents a reduction of 81.5 degrees. No notable change of temperature to the environment was recorded. The cold sample also experienced the greatest reduction in temperature in the first 15 minutes of my experiment with a starting temperature of 14.3c and 15 minutes later the temperature was 2 degrees Celsius The hot sample continued to lose heat faster than the cold sample until 120 min into my experiment where both samples reached -0.6c and were too solidly frozen to continue measurements. After both samples were too solid to continue measurements I removed both samples from the freezer and allowed them to thaw once both samples were thawed I measured the remaining water volume the hot sample lost 30% of its volume whereas the cold sample had only lost 10% Conclusion This experiment has proven my hypothesis the hot water sample did in fact freeze in a shorter elapsed time than the cold water. The hot sample also lost 30% of its volume. The experimental design was a key factor in proving my hypothesis as it controlled many of the variables that could impact the outcome of my investigation. To replicate my experiment you will need a thermometer 500ml of water, two identical storage containers and a freezer with a constant temperature of 18 degrees Celsius . I replicated my experiment using the same experimental procedure and achieved the same results with a slight variation in the loss of volume in the hot sample, in my second attempt the hot sample lost 35% of its volume. Because I achieved similar results using the same experimental design I believe my observations are valid. Works Cited Jeng, M. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/General/hot_water.html#History Jeng, M. (2006). The Mpemba effect: When can hot water freeze faster than cold? . American Journal of Physics, 514. Kurtus, R. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/mpemba.htm Osborne, E. M. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.rsc.org/images/Cool-Mpemba-Osborne1969_tcm18-222099.pdf

Environmental Sustainability Of Shrimp Farming In Malaysia Economics Essay

Environmental Sustainability Of Shrimp Farming In Malaysia Economics Essay The world shrimp production has rapidly expanded over the last decades. The expansion is mainly attributed to technological breakthrough from innovation (Ling, Leung, Shang, 1999; Shang, Leung, Ling, 1998) and vast consumption in the global market (Oosterveer, 2006; Shang, et al., 1998). The introduction of new production technologies such as antibiotics, antimicrobial and gene transformation are able to prevent infection of diseases and reduce mortality rate. Advanced production technologies also lowers the operating costs and increases the profits of shrimp producers. However, extensive usage of antibiotics in shrimp production has raised health concerns and has resulted in the banning of imported shrimps by major European importers. Imported shrimps from China has been banned by European Council (EC) in 2002 due to the over presence of antibiotics in the products. Another issue of advanced aquaculture technology is the introduction of new species into the wild population. For in stance, gene transformation creates new species of shrimp for commercial purposes but if the new species escapes into the wild population, it could be predator for certain sea creatures and destroy the ecosystem balance (Deb, 1998). Large global demand on shrimp is mainly due to high consumption in developed countries such asà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. (Describe the statistics). The increase in demand in these economy is not only due to satisfy material needs but also to related to the consumption trend in that social, culture, and political term. For instance, Japanese consumption of high quantity of seafood in daily life is one of the Japanese cultures, and policies of European Union encourage the consumer to consume high quality seafood. Moreover, in the study of (Uddin, 2009) has been mentioned about once shrimp was considered as luxury foodstuff by many people. Hence, high demand in the international provides job opportunities to the people in developing countries; and due to the currency exchange rate, exporting the local products to developed countries would bring the producer higher revenue. From these points we could explain the perception of people in Bangladesh take shrimp production activity as a tendency of quick money-making as mentioned in (Deb, 1998). This statement supported by (Ali, 2006), the author outlined that Bangladesh shrimp export revenue has grown from US$4.0 million to US$360 million, the net profit from this activity is 12 times than that of high yielding variety rice. Henceforth, they dramatically shift their production from rice paddy to shrimp farming in order to obtain the opportunity of gaining higher revenue. China is the biggest shrimp producer since 1988 until 1992 and contributed about a million metric ton of the world shrimp production in 2000 (Biao Kaijin, 2007). The recent biggest shrimp producing nation is Thailand. Since 1991, Thailand has taken over China in world shrimp production, becoming leading producer and exporter by exporting up to 90% of his production (Huitric, Folke, Kautsky, 2002; Shang, et al., 1998). The other major shrimp producing countries are Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, and Ecuador by producing between 300,000 to 400,000 tons metric each (World Shrimp Market, 2004). Henceforth, those four major shrimp producing countries contributed more than 50 per cent of total world shrimp supply; in other words, Asia has competitive advantage in producing shrimp and competes in global market. Overview of Asia Shrimp Production Asia is the worlds most populous and largest continent; consist of 31,880,000 km2 and with approximately four billion people or sixty per cent of world human population. (More information) Asia is the major contributor in world shrimp market. In 1990s, Asia produced approximately 78% of world shrimp and the rest (22%) were produced by western countries(Shang, Leung et al. 1998; Ling, Leung et al. 1999). Asian cultured shrimp production mainly produces Penaeus Monodon, followed by Penaues Vannamei, to international market (Shang, Leung et al. 1998). Thailand is a leading producer and exporter; other major shrimp producing countries are China, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Besides that, Japan is the world second largest in shrimp consumption. (Data of Japan shrimp C) The improvement of hatchery operation have reduced the price of hatchery-produced shrimp fry to competitive level is one of the main reasons of rapid expansion of shrimp production in Asia (Shang, Leung et al. 1998); whereas, with lower cost of fry, labor cost, and land (input), the shrimp producers are able to produce shrimp (output) to global market with lower prices. Now a day, the producer widely relies on the seed stock from shrimp hatcheries instead of wild seed stock is because of wild fry have proven limited and unreliable in supporting a rapidly expanding shrimp industry. Reference: Ling, B.-H., P. S. Leung, et al. (1999). Comparing Asian shrimp farming: the domestic resource cost approach. Aquaculture 175(1-2): 31-48. Shang, Y. C., P. Leung, et al. (1998). Comparative economics of shrimp farming in Asia. Aquaculture 164(1-4): 183-200. United Nation, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Statistics Division, 2008. Statistical Yearbook. New York 52 Fisheries Marine and Aquaculture. Percentage of marine and percentage of aquaculture production. Methods used for aquaculture. Work forces involved. An Overview of Malaysian Shrimp Production  [1]   The fisheries sector which included of marine capture fisheries and aquaculture produced approximately 1,650,000 tones of food fish worth RM6, 460 million in 2007. This sector recorded an increase in production by 4.17% and value by 3.65% as compared to the year 2006. Besides that, the fisheries sector contributed 1.2% to the GDP or worth RM6, 298 million. The majority fish production is produced from marine capture fisheries, contributing 83.51% to the total national fish production with a value of approximately five thousand million Riggit Malaysia; while the aquaculture sub-sector only contributing 16.23% of the total fish production with a value of RM1, 393 million  [2]  . However, aquaculture showed an increase in production by 26.64% and in value by 7.87% as compared to the year 2006. For the year of 2007, fisheries sector provided 120,904 work forces, where 21,287 of the work forces are fish culturists were involved in various aquaculture systems. Most of the freshwater aquaculture production was contributed from pond culture system, about 70% of total freshwater aquaculture products; while on-bottom culture system was main contributor for brackish water aquaculture, about 25% of total brackish water aquaculture production. Other freshwater culture systems are ex-mining pools system, cage culture system, cement tank system, pen culture system, and canvas; while other brackish water culture systems are including pond, cage, on-bottom, rank, and tank culture system. Furthermore, the top producer by using pond culture method is Perak state compared with other states with 11,427 tones worth RM131.41 million; the total pond culture area increased from 5,623.69 hectares in 2006 to 7,627.11 hectares in 2007 (or 35.62% of growth rate), but this culture system production decreased 1.6 % in 2007. In addition, Perak state produced the most aquaculture product in year 2007 with grand total 70.05 tonnes compared to second largest producer, Selangor, with 24.9 tones  [3]  . In the year 2007, production from the national aquaculture sub-sector was 268,514.21 tones worth at RM1, 393.35 million, contributed mainly by the production from brackish water aquaculture (73.91%) and the remained was contributed by freshwater aquaculture. Work force, however, was majority involved in freshwater sub-sector, which are 75.48% of the total fish culturists. Brackish water aquaculture provided only about 25% of work force over the total fish culturists; however, this culture system contributed 73.91% of the total aquaculture production with the growth rate of production was 31.97% and the value rose from RM 999.41 million in 2006 to RM1, 044 million in 2007 (or 4.45% of growth rate). Why brackish water aquaculture production can produce largest share of total aquaculture production with lesser labor input? Penaus Merguiensis (banana shrimp) and Monodon (tiger shrimp) is widely and solely produced by using brackish water pond culture method with 23,737 and 11,435 tones, respectively. The major banana shrimp producer is Perak state, and then follows with Selangor and Johore state.

Human Rights Abuse on the U.S.-Mexican Border Essay -- illegal immigra

Human Rights Abuse on the U.S.-Mexican Border Between 1993-97 there was a 72% increase in funds provided to the Immigration and Naturalization Services. The INS has a mobile uniformed division responsible for policing the US-Mexican border called Border Patrol. With such a dramatic increase in just four years it is obvious that the border area is a pressing concern to the US government. The Border Patrol conducts inspections of travelers, regulates permanent and temporary immigration into the United States and maintains control of the US borders, which amount to 8,000 miles. They also identify and remove persons who have no lawful immigration status in the United States. The border patrol works hand-in-hand with the INS to ensure that immigration policies are followed under United States law. There is an estimated 7,000 Border Patrol agents, all are armed and have the power to stop and inspect whoever they please. The agents are continuously questioned on their conduct in how they perform their job. The majority of the qu estions come from human rights activists. These agents are enforcing US law on individuals attempting to enter the country but are the human rights of these individuals being violated? The topic of human rights is a major issue on the border and there is growing evidence to support the fact that human rights are being abused. In this paper I will identify the causes of human rights abuse in border areas, prove with individual and statistical testimony that human rights are being abused on the US-Mexican border, and present some efforts and policies for the promotion of human rights by both Mexico and the United States. Since the introduction of NAFTA the changes in immigration laws have put treme... ...o.com/sections/world/DailyNews/mexico_us_000824.html, Border Talk Mexico's President-Elect Proposes More Open Border, 2000, 1-4.. http://www.iadialog.org/immigrat.html, Immigration in U.S. Mexican Relations: A Report of the U.S.-Mexican Relations Forum, 1998, 7-10 http://www.ins.gov/graphics/lawenfor/indes.htm, INS Issues Guidelines for INS Operations During Census 2000, 2000, 1-2. http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov//eSBordViol.html, Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Mexican States on Cooperation Against Border Violence, 1997, 1-4. http://usdoj.gov/oig/gatekpr/gkp01.htm, Background to the Office of the Inspector General Investigation, date unknown, 7-8. http://www.wsws.org/ articles/1999/jun1999/ins-j25.shtml, US Border Crackdown Sends Immigrant Deaths Soaring, 1999, 1-3.