Ethan Frome Essay

Would you take a risk that would change the rest of your life for temporary feelings? If one took the risk and chose to, the effects of it could be everlasting. In the novel Ethan Frome written by Edith Wharton and the poem â€Å"When we two parted† by Lord Bryon the main characters are faced with the consequences of acting on their wrongful feelings. Sometimes people are faced with the issue of trying to hide the love they truly feel in order to keep the peace that is needed. In the novel Ethan Frome written by Edith Wharton, the main character Ethan is faced with the huge issue of catching feelings for another woman, other than his wife. This causes a huge conflict not only within himself, but also with the other people that are involved as well. It gets to the point where both Ethan and Mattie don’t think they could ever be happy if they were not together forever. Ethan once said â€Å"What’s the good of either of us going anywhere without the other one now. † They know it’s not likely for them to be, so Ethan comes up with the plan to commit suicide. If Ethan had to think of such a dark idea he most definitely has to be depressed. Being in love should never bring along thoughts and ideas like those. If Ethan did not have such feelings for Mattie none of this could have happened. He just had to have Mattie though and get rid of his wife because he could not stand it anymore. Society won’t let these two be together because Ethan is a married man. Ethan should know better than to start liking his wife’s cousin. You could call Ethan selfish, one could also argue that you can’t control who you fall for. Symbolism is a plays a big role in the story. One symbol is the last sled ride. Normally a person can control the sleigh, but in the case Ethan just lost all control and didn’t even try to take control of the situation. Just like the love triangle with him, Zeena and Mattie. It shows that he couldn’t escape the issue. He lets society and other burdens make decisions for him. unfortunately in the case because of feelings there was a life lost due to the fact of the secret affair that should never have went on. The poem â€Å"When we two parted,† by Lord Byron, portrays ones feelings when they are filled with such emotions of love and confusion. The person in the poem is dealing with the reality of having a relationship that is very toxic. In line 25 they say, â€Å"In secret we met, in silence I grieve. † From this line the reader can really feel the strong emotions that are spoken with these words. Even though he got the satisfaction of seeing the person for a small amount of time they still have to deal with the feelings after. It’s even harder because now the person can’t even talk about it because no one is supposed to know. Now they have to keep it bottled up inside for a long time, which is never good. A specific literary element that ties in very well with this poem is mood. The author made the overall mood to come across as very depressing and dark. In line three they use the words like â€Å"half broken-hearted,† and in line thirteen â€Å"broken. † By using these words it really sets the mood for the whole poem. In the poem there is more harm showing then actual good and love because of this relationship. This person is not getting what they need in a healthy relationship. When one knows from the start they are not suppose to have feelings for a particular person it leads to nothing but heartbreak. In the novel Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton and the poem â€Å"When We Two Parted,† by Lord Bryon these characters chose their own fate due to their feelings. The authors of these two works of literature felt so strong about this idea because they know how many people could relate to this very personal issue.

Lord of the Flies : Relationship Between Two Main Protagonists Essay

American president Franklin D. Roosevelt once said that â€Å"If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships – the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world at peace. â€Å" This quotation fits very well in the novel Lord of the Flies written by William Golding in 1954. This story is about a group of young boys from British school, who found themselves on a tropical island after an airplane crash. This story shows how people can easily change when there are no laws or restrictions to prevent them from becoming wild and out of control and that the pure person’s character will come up in situation similar to this one. We can find many different characters amongst all the boys, but I will try to focus on characteristics of two main protagonists and analyze the relationship between them and also their attitude to other boys. I would like to bring you a brief summary of Lord of the Flies so my description of each protagonist is more understandable. In the middle of ragging war, a plane evacuating a group of schoolboys from Britain is shot down over a deserted tropical island. There is no one but young boys on the island, no adults, no authority and all of a sudden everything is upon them. There are older boys but majority of little ones or â€Å"littluns† as they start to call them. Boys will realize that they need some supervision, someone who will be in charge of them and who will be giving orders so they do not become savages. They agree to make elections and boy named Ralph is elected as a chief. He chooses another older boy named Jack to be his assistant because he is already leading his choir. Now it is obvious that there are two most important characters in the story – Ralph and Jack. We also get to meet one of older boys called Piggy, who has immediately became a target of ridicule because of his appearance. Piggy is fat and wears glasses, which makes him not acceptable for kids ´ games. However Ralph is always his friend and he protects him from those who laugh at him. Ralph’s main idea is to set a fire so they can be rescued and to build shelters. Group is agreed to maintain the fire all day long and every time there is guard duty consisted of two boys looking after the fire. As the story goes on boys become tired of their duties and they start looking for something that brings them more entertainment. Into this comes Jack who wants them to be hunters and hunt pigs that are on the Island. Most of the boys find this to be fun so they stop listening to orders and rather go with Jack to hunt. This is the moment where boys are separated into two groups according to their character. The incompatibilities of their temperament are growing much more from now on. Groups are being separated and Jack’s group grows in savagery. This finally culminates to full loss of control and these boys do what they want till the time they are rescued. As we can assume from previous paragraph Ralph is a boy with good character and he was always the one trying to prevent boys from becoming wild and from breaking the rules. He is also the most important protagonist in the story. He was chosen to be chief because of his natural talent of leadership, even though he sometimes also acts like a kid. As well as other boys he laughs at some boys. He even does pick on Piggy from time to time. Ralph realizes the importance of being rescued therefore most of his orders are similar to what and adult would decide to do. This is the reason why most of the boys rather join Jack, because soon after plane crash they found out that this is a great opportunity to have lots of fun when there is no â€Å"real† supervision of any adult person. Jack on the other hand is the one who offers them pure child ´s life full of games and adventure. He is also a natural leader and the fact that in the end of the story he makes everyone but Piggy and Ralph convert to his group is an ample proof of it. Unlike Ralph he is the leader of anarchy on the island. Even though he does not like to follow rules of any kind he does in the beginning. Jack simply wants to hunt and have a good time, not seeming to care about being rescued; he and his tribe are perfect examples of savagery. The relationship ship between Ralph and Jack is essential to what happens in Lord of the flies. Both movies that were made based on this novel describe this relationship in different way. The later movie especially makes it much tenser that how it actually is in the book and since I saw the movies first I was very surprised how nice these boys to each other are in the book. Things start off well at the first meeting. The group of boys vote for a chief who as I have already mentioned turns out to be Ralph and everyone breaks into applause. This of course makes Jack feel embarrassed that he has not been chosen to be chief and that his choir didn ´t support him. However Ralph at this moment says that his choir belongs to him of course. This is im plying that Ralph wants to make Jack be important. Jack does appreciate this because due to this act he does not have to feel ashamed anymore. This is where their friendship begins though it does not take too long to break down. Ralph and Jack go together on first exploration and they experience a lot of fun while walking up to the highest point to find out whether they are on the island or not. Their friendship is growing in strength. At this point they listen to each others’ ideas and suggestions and we can see mutual respect. When they find out that they really are on the island they go back to the rest of the group and Ralph tell them that they might be here for a long time before someone will come to rescue them. Here is Jack saying very important thing: â€Å"We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We’re English, and the English are best at everything. â€Å" This sentence proves that even Jack had rational thinking in the beginning and that he agrees with Ralph. Soon after Jack does first step that will lead to future disagreement followed by separation of groups. He persuades two boys who are on fire guard duty to come with him for hunting because he needs them. They go with him and the fire dies. Unfortunately at that moment ship goes by the island but there is no fire to attract its attention. Ralph rushes to the place of fire and finds out that boys are gone. When Jack with his hunters and dead pig comes back Ralph starts yelling at him and Jack is embarrassed again. Although he sees the mistake he has done and he publicly apologizes to him. Jack did not like the fact that Ralph was right and he starts to put together a bigger group of hunters where he is in the charge. The break down moment comes when Ralph calls together an assembly. He wants to discuss things that boys do wrong and give new rules. There has also appeared another problem – boys are afraid of a beast that they made up in their minds. They are afraid that this beast will hunt them down and kill them. Ralph claims that there is no such thing and everyone should get back to work and not only play games all the time. After this Jack stands up and shouts: â€Å"You are just giving orders that don’t make any sense! â€Å"(Golding, p. 93) Ralph is surprised by him and he tries to explain the importance of rules for being rescued. However Jack says: â€Å"Bollocks to the rules! We’re strong–we hunt! If there’s a beast, we’ll hunt it down! We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat–!† (Golding, p. 93) We can see sudden change in their relationship that was started by Jack. After a while there is another assembly, where Jack finally says: â€Å"I’m going off by myself. Ralph can catch his own pigs. Anyone who wants to hunt when I do can come too.† (Golding, p. 140) After this, boys start to split off. There is also nobody to keep the signal fire burn and the chance of rescue is therefore very low. Unfortunately for Ralph most of them are younger and do not feel any responsibility and their desire after adventure and killing beast leads them to Jack ´s side. In the end there is no one but Ralph and Piggy in Ralph ´s group. Now there is almost no relationship between two main protagonists. Ralph still wants to explain the need of being together and help each other but Jack hates him and his group often attacks the place where these two boys stay. Ralph and Piggy for the last time decide to go into their territory to explain that they have to act like grown-ups. Nobody wants to listen to them and they even throw down a piece of rock, which instantly kills Piggy. Ralph escapes and hides. He is being followed. Whole group was told by Jack that they have to kill him. Boys set grass and trees on fire to smoke him out and so Ralph runs all the way to the beach where he runs into naval officer, who is there to save them. The end of the story only shows that Ralph ´s orders had sense because it was the fire that attracted navy ´s attention. Jack was only jealous and he wanted to have his own group of people. For this reason he decided to offer them something that Ralph could not because he had the responsibility of an adult. Jack turned into savage while Ralph kept his rational thinking. Their relationship has completely turned from the start till the end and we had plenty of time to realize who the good one is and who the bad one is. ——————————————– [ 2 ]. GOLDING, William. Lord of the Flies. 1st edition. London : Faber and Faber, 1954. Fire on Mountain, p. 40.

Womens Rights at the Turn of the Century

Women’s Rights At The Turn Of The Century Elisha Enlow 11/24/2012 â€Å"I am woman, hear me roar,† (â€Å"Helen reddy -,† ) was definitely not a term known to the American way of life at the turn of the century. Women were nothing more than shadows of their husbands and the housekeeper of the home and children. Fitting for the term â€Å"barefoot and pregnant,† as that was the common role of most women. With many battles before them there were courageous women that would not settle, but laid the foundation that paved the way for women to experience a life beyond the shadow of the husband and the walls of the family home.A woman’s place would eventually begin to evolve, but this was a long tedious process that took years of stepping out and declaring their own freedom and rights separate of that of their husbands. During the turn of the century there were many things a woman could not legally do. They could not vote, hold public office in any state, have access to higher education and were even excluded in the professional workplace. The law had accepted and established a woman’s place was in the home, and her legal identity was that of her husband. Therefore, she could not sue, or be sued, nor could she make a legal contract or own property.She was not permitted to control her own wages or gain custody of her children in the event of a separation or divorce (Womans Rights). There were many influential women, even in the late 1700’s that had a vision for more. Catherine Beecher (1800-1878) and Sarah Hale (1788-1879) were part of the first efforts to expand women’s roles through moral influence. Beecher, the eldest sister of Harriet Beecher Stowe, was one of the nation’s most prominent educator’s prior to the civil war. Hale led the successful campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday, and also composed the well-known nursery rhyme â€Å"Mary had a Little Lamb. Frances Wright (1795-1852 ), a Scottish born reformer and lecturer spread her radical ideas about birth control, brought divorce laws and legal rights for married women. Then the first women to receive a degree in medicine was Elizabeth Blackwell in 1849. Phoebe Palmer (1807-1874) became a Methodist preacher known through-out the America’s and Canada (Mitz, S. , 2011). It was during the 19th century employment opportunities began to open up more for women. Women began to have fewer children and were not having them so young.The first half of the 19th century there were many improvements in women’s status, however they still lacked political and economic status when compared to men. A decade into the 21st Century, women’s progress can be seen- and celebrated, across a range of fields. Although we have not arrived yet, certain conclusions are nonetheless clear A statement made by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, as she declared a tipping p oint for women, â€Å"When we liberate the economic potential of women, we elevate the economic performance of communities, nations and the world,† she said. There is a simulative and ripple effect that kicks in when women have greater access to jobs and the economic lives of our countries. † Greater political stability. Fewer military conflicts. More Food. More education opportunities for children. By harnessing the economic potential of all women, we boost opportunity for all people† (Ellison, J. , 2011). World War 1 affected women’s roles with a shortage of men needed to produce the massive amounts of war materials needed. Women were needed to work outside of the home.All of a sudden women and young girls could make a decent wage doing work normally done by men. This opened up a new world to many women who had lived in the countryside who were now taking jobs in the larger cities, riding buses, trains and even boats to escape poverty, or see new t hings. The war enabled them to test tanks, airplanes, weapons and perform other duties that formally had been male functions (Goodwin, R. , 2008). The 19th Amendment guarantees all American women the right to vote.Beginning in the mid-19th century, several generations of women’s suffrage supporters lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied and practiced civil disobedience to achieve what many Americans considered a radical change to the constitution. Few early supporters lived to see final victory in 1920 (www. ourdocument. gov, January 11, 2012). Progress was taking place in many different directions and avenues in the American life. Women struggling to find economic independence, and their place outside of the home proved to be a very long and challenging journey.Though there was some break-through with a few women receiving education and prestige, the doors were still not open to all. Let’s look at a timeline of a few events that had taken place that helped the movement of womenà ¢â‚¬â„¢s suffrage into present date: * 1833 Oberlin College became the first co-educational college in the United States; 1841 Oberlin awards first academic degree to three women. * 1839 Mississippi passes first Married Women’s Property Act. * 1844 Female textile workers in Massachusetts organize the Lowell Female Labor Reform Act. 1848 The first women’s rights convention in the US is held in Seneca Falls, NY. Many participants sign a ‘Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions’ outlining main issues and goals for the emerging women’s movement. * 1849 Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery and over the next ten years she leads many slaves to freedom by the Underground Railroad. * 1859 The successful vaccination of rubber provides women with reliable condoms for birth control. * 1868 Fourteenth Amendment is ratified * 1911 (NAOWS) the National Association Opposed to Women’s Suffrage is organized. 1912 Theodore Roosevelt’s Progressive Party (Bull moose/Rep) becomes the first National political party to adopt a women’s suffrage plan * 1916 Jeanette Rankin of Montana becomes the first American woman elected to represent her state in the United States House of Representatives. * 1923 The National Women’s Party first proposes the Equal Rights Amendment to eliminate discrimination on the basis of gender. It has never been ratified (E. Susan. B. ,2011). In 1940 Eleanor Roosevelt wrote about the progress of women’s suffrage. In her own words will read the thoughts of that time. In the old day’s men always said that politics was too rough-and-tumble a business for women; but that idea is gradually wearing away. There is more truth in the statement that men have a different attitude toward politics than women. They play politics a little more like a game. With the men, it becomes a serious occupation for a few weeks before election; whereas women look upon it as a serious matter year in and year out. It is associated with their patriotism and their duty to their country. This country is no matriarchy, nor are we in any danger of being governed by women.I repeat here what I have so often said in answer to the question: â€Å"Can a women be President of the United States? † At present the answer is emphatically â€Å"No. † It will be a long time before a woman will have any chance of nomination or election. As things stand today, even if an emotional wave swept a woman into this office, her election would be valueless, as she could never hold her following long enough to put over her program. It is hard enough for a man to do that, with all the traditional schooling men have had; for a woman, it would be impossible because of the age-old prejudice.In government, in business, and in the professions there may be a day when women will be looked upon as persons. We are, however, far from that day as yet (Roosevelt, E. , 1940). In the business and professional world wome n have made great advances. In many fields there is opportunity for them to work with men on an equal footing. To be sure, sometimes prejudice on the score of sex will be unfair and a woman will have to prove her ability and do better work than a man to gain the same recognition. If you will look at the picture of Mrs.Bloomer, made a hundred years ago, and think of the women today in factories, offices, executive positions, and professions, that picture alone will symbolize for you the distance women have traveled in less than a century (Roosevelt, E. , 1940). As the end of the 19th Century was drawing nigh, the accomplishments of women was growing like never before. Perhaps technology was to help with this as more and more families were finding access. With the radio and TV industry, it was bringing opportunities to women that were new and unique. Women were cast in TV shows, and becoming household names.Radio waves were being taken over by upcoming female voices that wanted to be heard. Life was changing indeed. Was this a slow change? Yes, but it was a change that would impact the shape of America from here on. Today’s generation can only read about the suffrage of women, and I know they find it hard to believe or comprehend just how far women have traveled in America to be known. From the shadows of man (their husbands) that women once hid behind, found their identity in, and trusted to make every decision for them to the twentieth century were it is only deemed odd to not see a woman involved in just about every aspect of life.From the centers of the home and shadows of the man have emerged beautiful, intelligent, powerful women who have shaped our country and helped to make it a better place. Whether it be teachers, business professionals, athletes, war hero’s, state offices, government, lawyers, doctors, astronauts, rabbi’s, preachers, airplane pilots, musicians, artist, rodeo, it is definite true that- women have made their mark on the fingerprints of the United States and are not going anywhere. I am woman- hear me roar!Here is to all woman of the past, the present and future generations. Be confident and bold and walk in such a way that you know where you’ve come from and even better,you know where you are going. There is nothing that can stop you now, if you set your mind to it. Gone are the days of no right’s and hiding in the shadows finding identity in the husband. Embrace the value you have and press on†¦there is no way to go but forward! References Mintz, S. (2011, 12 03). Digital history. Retrieved from http://www. digitalhistory. uh. du/database/article_display. cfm? HHID=630 Godwin, R. (Janu). Helium. Retrieved from http://www. helium. com/items/785688-a-look-at-1900s-men-and-women-roles Gillett, F. H. (2008). Retrieved from NARA website: http://www. ourdocuments. gov/doc. php? flash=true&doc=63 Barber, E. S. (1998). National american woman suffrage association. In Library of Con gress. Retrieved from http://memory. loc. gov/ammem/naw/nawstime. html Helen reddy – i am woman lyrics. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://www. lyricstime. com/helen-reddy-i-am-woman-lyrics. html

PRINCESS DIANA LESSON LEARNED Personal Statement

PRINCESS DIANA LESSON LEARNED - Personal Statement Example Thus, she considered human lives to be precious and she used her resources to help the needy individuals. This quality made her win the hearts of millions of people. Another very important leadership quality that was also held by the Princess was that of being alert and informed of the happenings around the world. She not only kept herself updated but also intervened and helped in situations where she could be of assistance. This positive attitude along with her active involvement made her a much liked personality. These lessons regarding the leadership of Princess Diana are of utmost importance. She formed a prime example of an effective leader because of her kind heartedness and compassion towards the people. Also her attentiveness towards the occurrences globally made her take active decisions for helping the people which made her popular amongst the masses. A leader can only be successful if he is aware and responsive to the issues faced by the common people. Also, a true leader is one who uses his power and authority for the goodness of the people. These qualities were possessed by the Princess and this earned her the love and following of many people from around the

Health Care Law Changes Reimbursement Systems Research Paper

Health Care Law Changes Reimbursement Systems - Research Paper Example This study evaluates the benefits and disadvantages of these proposed reforms. On the one hand, the reforms could improve quality of service by providing incentive for hospitals and increasing competition among them but on the other hand, ordinary citizens could also be affected because many expenses that were earlier applied against FSA and HSA accounts may no longer be possible. Medical reimbursement in the United States Introduction: The costs of health care in the United States are prohibitive and only a few people in the country can afford to avail of health care without any form of insurance. Private health insur4ance plans are available in the country and most employees have access to some form of health insurance through group insurance plans that are offered by their employers. Most people in the United States however, fall under the category of Medicare or Medicaid insurance plans to cover their health care costs. Medicaid is available to individuals who are from the poorer socio economic backgrounds and have no insurance at all. Medicare is the public health insurance program which has been formulated to provide for the health care of the elderly and the disabled. It covers individuals who are aged 65 or over, or under 65 but with certain disabilities and those of any age with permanent kidney failure (www.medicare.gov). In the year 2003, Medicare expenses cost the U.S. Government a sum of $271 billion, representing 13% of the federal budget (Frankes and Evans, 2006). The program comprises two parts – Part A which covers hospitalization and nursing facilities, and Part B which covers physician and outpatient services, laboratory charges and medical equipment. Since costs for the Medicare program were turning out to be prohibitive, changes were introduced to the reimbursement policies in 2008, in an effort to reduce some of the expenditures and thereby bring about some trimming of the federal government budget on health care. The sweeping chang es proposed reduced payments for complex medical treatment procedures by 20 to 30%. Some of the major changes which were introduced and came into legal existence in 2008 were as follows (www.seniorjournal.com): (a) reducing reimbursement for procedures such an angioplasties and implanting of drug coated stents by 33% (b) reducing reimbursement for implanting defibrillators by 23% (c) Reducing reimbursements for hip and knee replacements by 10% Reimbursement for other diseases was also cut down; hospitals and health care professionals fully reimbursed only if their patients were suffering from one of 13 diseases which have been listed. The Medicare reimbursement policies for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities were revised further in 2009, validated legally from 2010. The patients are classified into different categories based upon their clinical symptoms and payments for clinical conditions that are secondary to the major one are no longer reimbursed (Ingenix, 2009). Cost outliner p ayments have also been readjusted to 3% of total estimated payments for Inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Coverage criteria were further revised for inpatient rehabilitation facilities with several pre-conditions being exposed, such as mandating therapy treatments to begin with 36 hours of the midnight of the day the patient was admitted.(Ingenix, 2009). It may be noted that the changes which had

SuperJam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SuperJam - Assignment Example A dashingly young entrepreneur, Fraser Doherty, not even in his 20s, concocted fruit jams with absolutely no sugar and preservatives, using grape fruit instead, to sweeten them. There are varieties of flavors to choose from: blueberry and blackcurrant, rhubarb and ginger fruit, orange and passion fruit, and cranberry and raspberry. What makes SuperJam unique and distinct from other fruit jams is that its ingredients are all sourced from the freshest fruit farms in Scotland and the innovative blend which created new and excitingly healthy flavors. Rhubarb, for instance, was reported to be an antioxidant with loads of Vitamins A and C. Likewise, it is a natural laxative which helps improve cleansing and detoxification of the body’s waste products. When combined with ginger, a tuber which gives a warming and calming effect, the fruit jam concocted is best applied in pies, oatcakes, and porridge. In the video entitled Tricky Business, John Boyle, a multi millionaire and UK’s most successful entrepreneur mentored Fraser Doherty when he reflected on expanding his homemade fruit jam business and planned to market it in supermarkets. Doherty started working on using his grandmother’s jam recipe when he was 14 years old and weathered all sorts of challenges and trials of entrepreneurship. Boyle, during their first encounter, advised Fraser to expand slowly by moving the production to a small factor from his kitchen, to get some investment, and to supply his jam to delis and small shops.

ENVM510_M5GradedAssign Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

ENVM510_M5GradedAssign - Assignment Example In the study related in the question, potential bias could stem from the following aspects; selection of samples, estimation biases, detection biases, exclusion bias, analytical bias and reporting bias. These biases all affected the results of the research in one way or another. The selection bias relates to bias that arises from the selection of samples for the study. These lead to a control of the results and hence a sense of bias. Estimation biases guide the study in making estimates or drawing conclusions in a study. Detection bias refers to the prejudiced mind in detecting the aspect of study. The mind would have the research emphasize a specific set of people while ignoring others that could easily prove helpful to the study. Exclusion bias comes in when a study seems to exclude a given set of people from the study yet could provide reasonable samples to provide a reasonable outcome. Exclusion could prove less professional in research and this could have the right people for the study closed out hence affecting the results. Analytical bias refers to that bias that arises in a research study due to poor evaluation techniques of the results. The analytical bias results at the analytical stage with many people evaluating the results badly due to the prejudicial state of their minds on the expected results of the study. Lastly, reporting bias arises from the last stages of a research. These contribute much to the report developed after that could have value based on the nature of information provided. The bias affects the research in the sense that it provides results reported with more inclination to the mindset that the researcher held during the process. The existence of bias in most of the material used for the research makes readers or the users obligated to identify the aspects of bias and their effects to the work at hand (Gerhard, 2008). Addressing the aspects of bias that exist in a research requires a thorough consideration

Photo essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Photo - Essay Example clean, sparkling waters that perfectly magnify and reflect the images that are visually seen: the large brightly lit observation wheel, the skyscrapers equally lighted, and the distant array of high-rise buildings that brighten the deep blue skies. As one views these waterfronts, one could just marvel at the serenity of the waters amidst the busy commercial sector that is displayed beyond it. Visitors are enticed by the cleanliness and serenity of the waters, both in Tokyo and in Singapore, despite being located beside highly industrialized cities. One could also note that there were no evident traces of smog or air pollution from the photos, reflecting the ability of the cities to maintain the pristine condition of their surroundings, and their abilities to preserve and conserve the natural resources. At the time these photos were taken, it is evident that the time frame could be potentially similar – nearly approaching nighttime but the blue skies proved that it is night has not appropriately arrived. The greater numbers of bright lights from the photo of the waterfronts of Singapore prove that this was taken at a closer time frame to nighttime than that of the Tokyo

Identity Construction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Identity Construction - Essay Example The body an example of an essential part of humanity that contributes to the development of the relative preferences in people a feature that studies establish validate the claim that it is increasingly becoming a channel for identity constriction. The discussion below relates the claim to a number of theories of personality to determine the role of the body in influencing consumption of products and services in the market (Aaker & Aaker, 2010). Chris Shilling for example in his theory asserts views the body as a project through which he explains the different diversities in people. It is natural that people are different; some of the difference are natural such as gender while others are artificial and people can therefore always manipulate such to fit different scenarios. Chris therefore seeks to investigate the role of these differences in people and the manner in which they affect the consumption of different products and services thereby making different group of people markets to different products and services. Through computation, individuals are markets to different products and services; this implies that any aspect of their life that affects their consumption of the good and services is of essence in tailoring the marketing strategies that the producers of such products and services employ. ... The nature of marketing dictates an effective understanding of the market group a feature that validates the extensive analysis of the consumers. Any factor that affect the creation of taste and preference therefore influences the marketing strategies of an organization in order to maintain the supply to the demand, which consequently refers to the profitability of an operation. In analyzing the body a project, Chris begins by analyzing the natural difference in humanity. Nature has an effective means of categorizing things, in humans one such means is the gender. Females taxonomical features most of which are conspicuously different from their male counterparts. The same is applicable to the male gender, from such a basic view of individuals; it becomes natural that the two therefore form markets to different products and service. A number of products and services that befit one of the genders while others are applicable to both. It is therefore a mandate of entrepreneurs to determi ne the difference and similarities between the two thereby developing enterprises that serve the diversities that the two present. The differences that arise from gender make the two potential markets to an assortment of products and services since the aspect influences preference. Women for example use sanitary pads; a feature that comes naturally. The victims of such monthly flows cannot influence their taxonomy. In the event of coping with the periodical flow and managing them more effectively, women become potential markets to the manufacturers of pads among other sanitary towels, a fundamental of a product that the female gender use that their male counterparts do not. Additionally, the clothes that the two

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Marketing - Essay Example Thus the ‘victims’ of its unethical marketing strategies were children whom the company ill-used by manipulating their exposure to addictive / drug-abusing habits. According to the source, the company has also employed teenage girls to distribute free Marlboro cigarettes to children and youngsters at the clubs and concerts. Not only the company marketed a health-hazardous product but also harmed the children morally by exploiting them to addiction. What’s worst, the company claimed that premature smokers’ deaths have ‘positive effects’ because they save governments money (â€Å"Top 10 Unethical Companies.†) In this way, Philip Morris’ unethical marketing practices hurt children and teenagers by illegally familiarizing them with addictive products that are supposed to be much harmful for them, physiologically as well as morally. The company, in response to the criticism, has launched a ‘We card’ Programme, which provid es retailers with tools and resources to help prevent underage tobacco sales. Works Cited â€Å"Top 10 Unethical Companies.† Actionforourplanet.com. Action for Our Planet, n.d. Web. 1 May 2011.

Evaluation Measures Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Evaluation Measures - Research Paper Example These groups constitute a major part in this Association, and it is through their help and support that the Association is able to carry out its activities. The Association is keen on implementing its goals in order to meet the 7 Measures of success. Professional practice standards are high to ensure trust from the customer Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). (2012). This shows that customer service is well catered for by the association. Members follow certain guidelines and principles to ensure the services they give out are in line with the mission. The Association also has member discounts for those joining the association. The Association also has a fundraising executive (CEO), who presides over the meetings and other programs to ensure mission achievement. The members engage in discussion and dialogue every once in a while to ensure that the association does not part from its mission. They offer research, education and certification programs to ensure growth. They also have national discussion groups and offer career guidance and management. The AFP mission statement is; â€Å"The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Cleveland Chapter is the recognized leader for advancing philanthropy by empowering fundraisers to serve throughout the region† (Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), 2012). Alliance building in the Association is strategized in order for it to accomplish its targets. AFP teams up with other groups, known and unknown, and use that opportunity to pass the philanthropic message. The Alliance building starts with the coming together of individuals and groups having different ideas and perceptions about the work being done (Asae, 2012). With time, all the parties involved come to understand and share the Association vision and values. With this, a powerful association is built, one with both political power to influence others and a need to show social justice. Alliance

The Cuban Missile Crisis Essay Example for Free

The Cuban Missile Crisis Essay Remembered as perhaps the most intense episode of the Cold War due to its nuclear threat, the Cuban Missile Crisis has been analyzed extensively by historians hoping to construct an accurate picture of its cause and development. The tight control exercised by both Soviet and American government agencies, however, has limited access to relevant documents, and thus inhibited any objective study of the crisis. Until only a few years ago, most of the world would have agreed with Arthur Schlesinger Jr. s description of the event as a brilliantly controlled1 American victory- a paragon of US dedication, morale, and diplomatic skill. But as the National Security Archive has gradually opened access to key accounts, it has become apparent that what seemed so finely orchestrated was in fact wrought with misinformation, miscalculation, and misjudgment. 2 At the time, tensions were already running high due to the fierce military and psychological rivalry between superpowers, and problems within the Eastern and Western blocs themselves made it even easier to misinterpret political signals. Failures in intelligence and a general lack of central control further complicated the situation, fuelling the fires of mistrust that were already burning with the increased urgency that accompanies the prospect of nuclear war. From these revelations, we can conclude that initial assessments of the episode as a thirteen day affair are incorrect, that it was rather the result of long-term misunderstanding. And while deliberate deception did play a significant role in the development of the crisis, we must acknowledge that it was, for the most part, perpetuated by a combination of basic mistrust and political and military mishaps. It is with this knowledge in mind, then, that we proceed to examine the complex set of factors that brought the world to the brink of a cataclysmic war. The years leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis had seen a number of significant changes in the Cold War conflict. Things were very unstable, as new faces became prominent, new nations were born, and the rivalry between superpowers reached previously unvisited levels, both high and low, as Soviet and American governments experimented with foreign policy. While these factors had a significant influence on the status quo in both the Eastern and Western hemispheres, their effect was particularly marked within Khrushchevs domain, as he sought to assert his individuality by introducing anti-Stalinist mechanisms. His advocation of peaceful co-existence,3 and military disarmament, as well as his insistence on publicly denouncing Stalin, met with fiery opposition from within the Kremlin, and, by 1957, it had become apparent that he was losing control of the formerly centralized Communist world. With rebellions springing up across Eastern Europe, then, and China beginning to pursue a course independent of Khrushchevs support, it had become clear that a firm reinstatement of Soviet authority was needed, and soon. The pressure that this goal put on Khrushchev, and the conflicts between him and his advisers caused Soviet foreign policy to fluctuate drastically. After pursuing what seemed what seemed like rapprochement at Camp David, and making an amiable visit to the United States, the Soviet leader suddenly reverted to hostile tactics, refusing to negotiate over Berlin, and assuming a suspicious attitude about US actions in Europe. This dramatic change of approach was best displayed in the fact that, after years of silence on offensive American overflights, he unexpectedly ordered a U2 plane that was photographing Soviet territory shot down. Khrushchev went on to cite this incident as the cause for his failure to attend the Paris Summit Conference in May, 1960. Obviously, such inconsistency sent mixed messages to the American administration, increasing their distrust. Suspicion of the Soviets escalated to a new high, as many key officials sided with former Secretary of State John Dulles in describing the period of peace as a tactical ploy to lure the West into a false sense of security, while (they) pursuedaggressive goals in disguise.4 The Soviet desire to reassert its strength and control caused even further problems when it extended past attempts to preserve Russias hegemony in Eastern Europe to actions intended to undermine the American public image. Ultimately, it became apparent over the next year or so that Soviet movements were double-edged, designed to consolidate, certainly, but also to probe US defenses, to determine the actual extent of its interest and loyalty to its allies in Europe. Their efforts in Berlin constituted one such probe, as the construction of the Berlin Wall was intended both to plug a hole in the iron curtain,5 and, at the same time, to break down the relationship between the United States and West Germany. The Soviets felt that if the Americans failed to intervene despite the West Berliners cries for help, this would weaken Germanys confidence in their US allies, and make a statement to the rest of NATO confirming their fear that the US was unable or unwilling to offer substantial resistance to Eastern strategies. This sentiment had arisen with the Soviet launching of Sputnik in 1957, a statement of its progress in the nuclear arms race. The Americans, meanwhile, were aware that their failure to follow through on some of their ideas for NATO, including the goal to increasetroop strength to fifty divisions,6 was giving the impression that US support was all talk. Further problems with the French over the establishment of the European Defense Committee threatened the cohesion of the Western bloc and engendered a need to reinforce US interest in Europe, a need which so paralleled the Soviet goals that it set the two superpowers up for an almost inevitable collision. In addition, the new president John F. Kennedy was experiencing similar problems to those faced by Khrushchev. Confronted with a hawkist faction within his body of advisers, Kennedy was constantly under pressure to be more aggressive, to abandon containment and start to roll back Communism. Just as disagreements within the Kremlin had caused confusion and misinterpretations of political moves, conflict inside the White House allowed American foreign policy t o appear fragmented and thus unpredictable. These things ensured that an already precarious situation was complicated by factors that masked the true intentions of each side. Cuba may seem an unlikely place for this clash between superpowers to occur, but since 1959 it has been a key symbol of resistance to US imperialism both in Latin America, and, on a grander scale, in the entire western hemisphere. In 1947, a Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance had been signed by the US and a number of South and Central American countries, apparently an alliance of similar design to NATO. It had been the source of much trouble, however, as the Latin Americans had envisioned the pact as a mechanism for their own economic development and security, not as a means by which the US could prevent Soviet expansion in this part of the globe. When ten years passed with little tangible aid, but plenty of American interference in the political system, the civilians grew dissatisfied, a sentiment which intensified as the US threatened leftist Colonel Arbenz of Guatemala with military opposition if he did not step down as premier. The Cubans especially resented this, and, when similar threats were raised against their Communist leader Fidel Castro, they turned to the Soviet Union for assistance. By the end of 1959, Cuba had become a Russian client state, and a useful foothold for the Soviets in the western hemisphere. Despite the intense antagonism that existed between the Russians and the Americans, the US administration did not view the close relationship between Castro and Khrushchev with any real alarm. This was because they felt that while the Soviets wanted to undermine the American public image, they were not willing to take action that could precipitate nuclear war. Thus, Kennedy was reasonably sure that his warning to the Soviets not to deploy missiles in Cuba would be obeyed in the interests of the common goal of nuclear non-proliferation. It came as a shock, then, when U2 planes flying over Cuban territory showed that several missile sites were under construction. This greatly increased the American mistrust of the Soviets, and, as correspondence began to flow between Moscow and Washington, it became apparent that there was an inherent difference in the way that the two superpowers defined the Cuban problem. For instance, the Americans felt that they had a right to know what was happening in their part of the world, complaining that the Kremlin had given repeated assurances of what (you were) not doing7- in effect, that it had lied to them. The Soviets, on the other hand, asserted that they were under no obligation to inform the U.S of any activities (they were) carrying on in a third country.8 This statement was probably only made to promote a sense of strength and independence, but it was, to the Americans, a sign that even the prospect of nuclear war could not deter the Soviets from their campaign of domination and expansion. It is clear from similar incidents that a need to appear strong led each superpower to use a certain degree of deception in its dealings with the other. This did not essentially cause the conflict, however; as already stated, the missile crisis had been set up by intensifications in the East-West rivalry long before Soviet ships carrying nuclear arms set sail. It would be more accurate to say, then, that the bluffing that went on only served to delay the resolution of the problem. In addition, it was effective in that it gave the world a false understanding that, particularly on the American front, could be manipulated by government officials in order to create a more favorable public impression. The United States especially made a significant effort to present the Soviet action as a dangerous attempt to change the world-wide status-quo,9 ridiculing their qualms about a possible invasion of Cuba. Recent studies have shown, however, that these concerns were not so unfounded as has been previously supposed. According to the US Archives, a plan for an operation against the Castro regime had been in existence since April 1960, entailing sabotage, infiltration, and psychological warfare, activities with military exercisesfor a possible invasion.10 It is also clear that President Kennedy was well aware of this throughout the crisis negotiations, having endorsed the scheme with the comment that its final success would require decisive military intervention11. We can only conclude that the Americans assumed the stance they did to protect their public image- seeking to mask the traces of imperialism in their attitude towards Cuba, and, at the same time, to undermine the Soviet positio n by presenting them as bad liars to the rest of the world. The Soviets were less successful, but just as determined, in their attempts to use deception to work the situation to their advantage. They, in turn, lied to the Americans in stating that no missiles will be placed in Cubawhich would (be)capable of reaching the United States,12 and again, later, in their claim that the deployment of missiles to Cuba was a purely deterrent move carried out to save Castro. While it is clear that there may have been something in the concerns about invasion, the writings of Khrushchev himself show that the strategy was also invented as a means of equalizing what the West likes to call balance of power. 13 The double-edged nature of this Soviet probe became even more obvious in the correspondence that took place between the Kremlin and the White House, as Khrushchev requested two separate concessions in return for removing the missiles- a no invasion pledge, and a promise that threatening nuclear bases in Turkey be dismantled. These missile bases may have actually triggered the Soviet action in Cuba, as they provided the US with an unanswered first-strike capability, and, incidentally, had become operational just a few weeks before ships began to cross from Russia to the Cuban coast. Known as the Jupiter missiles, these nuclear bases were an important part of a US statement intended to counter general lack of confidence in American support. They were also, however, essentially provocative,14 capable, as the Cuban crisis had shown, of precipitating a nuclear war. As the Americans weighed up these two factors, their concerns about their public image again caused them to revert to deceptive measures. Their inconsistency did not exactly impress the Russians, who were one day confronted with the announcement that the missiles in Turkey were NATOs decision,15 and the next, told that they would be removed if the Soviets kept the news of this concession from the American allies. In the end, however, the US administration judged correctly when it assumed that Khrushchev would happily forget about publicizing the agreement if he were given what he had asked for. The missiles in Turkey continued to be a central issue, though, as ongoing denial of any explicit Turkey-Cuba deal created the impression that the Cuban Missile Crisis was a great American victory. To further confound a situation that was already complicated by long term misunderstanding and deliberate deception, a number of military and political mishaps occurred. For instance, the fact that an American plane was shot down over Cuba almost triggered a U.S. air strike because it was interpreted as a Kremlin initiated action. Evidence has shown, however, that this was a purely local effort on the part of the Cubans to assert their independence. Similar problems occurred in the US administration, as CIA officials undertook unauthorized operations that gave the Cubans even more reason to anticipate an American invasion. This lack of central control made communication vitalfor the whole world,16 as the White House at least, recognized. In a conflict involving nuclear weapons, Kennedy said, even if these are only valuable for their psychological effect, every precaution must be taken to prevent an accidental outbreak of war. It is clear, then, that the Cuban Missile Crisis was born out of mutual but conflicting desires to appear strong in the context of an intense ideological war. During the years leading up to the event, a number of factors, the most important of these being the threat of nuclear war, combined to escalate existing tensions to dangerously high levels. In addition, the fact that neither side was willing to acknowledge that relations were deteriorating meant that the situation was further complicated by diplomatic exchange. When the conflict broke out in 1962, both Khrushchev and Kennedy stumbled through negotiations as they weighed up various concerns: how to protect their public image at home, and yet, at the same time, undermine the enemys position; how to keep up in the arms race while avoiding nuclear war. These things, and may others ensured that any resolution of the crisis would have to offer a military quid pro quo which would diffuse the nuclear conflict without causing either superpower to lose face. The fact that Soviet and American officials still disagree about the details of the eventual agreement, however, shows that it was more the (nuclear) restraint that was practiced and expected17 that prevented the outbreak of war than any diplomatic feat. 1 Jonathan K. Reece Revising the History of the Missile Crisis, pg. 34. 2 Robert McNamara as quoted in Jonathan K. Reeces Revising the History of the Missile Crisis, pg. 34. 3 William R. Keych The 20th Century World pg. 304 4 William R. Keych The 20th Century World pg. 304 5 William R. Keych, op cit., pg. 316 6 William R. Keych, op cit. pg. 297 7 Letter from John F. Kennedy to N.S. Khrushchev of Nov. 6, 1962. 8 Soviet Ambassador Kusnetsov as quoted in letter from John F. Kennedy to N.S. Khrushchev of Nov. 6, 1962. 9 The Presidents Address, October 22,nd, 1962. 10 Top Secret document released to the US National Security Archives in January 1989. 11 Ibid. 12 Letter from John F. Kennedy to N.S. Khrushchev of Nov. 6, 1962 13 http://www.wilsoncenter.org/subsites/ccpdc/pubs/zart/Ch11.html 14 Eisenhower as quoted by Jonathan K. Reece, op cit. page 46. 15 http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nsa/cuba_mis_cri/moment.html 16 Letter from John F. Kennedy, op cit. 17 http://wwww.wilsoncenter.org/subsites/ccpdc/pubs/zart/Ch.11.html

Relationship Between Racist Symbols and Prejudice

Relationship Between Racist Symbols and Prejudice Pre-test measures Image and question selection was twofold, primarily, the author identified possible images against three criteria political, general and racial, selected from a general cross-section of images located on internet sites identified by the search race hate groups white supremacy and political symbols. Various Discussion groups were then facilitated, one prisoners and one civilian group[1]. The dual grouping was to negate any prisoner only bias. Twenty selected images were displayed in each of the three categories to each group separately. The means of display was in a room which had reduced lighting and the individual images being projected onto screen. A semi-structured discussion then followed with the facilitator noting each image, which appeared to raise awareness or interest within the group. The images selected for treatment use were seven racial, five political (with a balance between parties) and two general (see appendix A). Further discussion groups with different prisoners a nd civilians; incorporating a variety of closed and open-ended questions being tabled around a different selection of images, which were similar in design to those already selected for use in the experiment. The responses from within these groups were noted as to which questions appeared to raise awareness or interest from each pilot group. Thus the questions selected were: Three scales were used as outcome measures in this experiment: British Prejudice Scale: The British Prejudice Scale (BPS) (Lepore Brown, 1997) is the amalgamation of several existing instruments: the Modern Racism Scale, the New Racism Scale and the Subtle and Blatant Prejudice Scale. The authors subtly altered these scales post-amalgamation to make them appropriate for white British respondents. The scale is designed as a general measure of anti-black prejudice. This scale was chosen because it contains a substantial component of anti-immigration, anti-foreigner sentiment. This sentiment closely approximates out-group hostility, distance and perceived worldview threats that are central to the theoretical argument being developed in this thesis. The internal consistency for this scale is high, Cronbach a=.92 (Lepore Brown, 1997).The scale consists of 15 questions answered on a scale from 1 7 (strongly agree to strongly disagree) and are summed indicating a range from 15 (high prejudice) to 105 (low prejudice). Thus a respondent scoring lower on this scale will be deemed more racist than a person with a high score. Social Dominance Orientation Scale: The Social Dominance Orientation Scale (SDO) (Pratto, Sidanius, Stallworth Malle, 1994), measures individual differences in the extent to which respondents prefer inequality among social groups. There are four separate versions of this scale; the 16-item scale has been selected for use in these experiments to allow other measures to be included. According to the scales authors, SDO is not a direct measure of racial attitudes, but, like authoritarianism, is a focal part of social ideology that predicts a wide range of political and racial attitudes. The measure has strong internal consistency, Cronbach a= .84 (Pratto et al., 1994). SDO conceptualises the importance of racial and political attitudes and therefore will be a direct measure of racial attitudes. It is purported that a person high in SDO will quite probably develop a negative attitude towards some group that is low in status or prestige. Further indications are that for those respondents high in SDO display a tendency to favour hierarchical relationships within groups and suggest an alignment of superior-inferior dimensions. According to the authors, individuals high in SDO accept legitimising myths that include racial and ethnic prejudice, nationalism, patriotism, separation between high and low culture, sexism, meritocracy and political conservatism (Pratto et all., 1994). Scale items are scored on a 1-7 (very positive to very negative) scale and scores are averaged across items. Thus a respondent scoring higher on this scale would indicate a stronger social dominance orientation or more prone to racist thinking than a person with lower scores. Selection of this scale was important to the study because those high in SDO display out-group hostility or denigration and would therefore likely seek to ensure a greater social distance from members of those out-groups. In addition the scale has been designed to independently indicate racism as apart from traditional pol itical ideology. Social Distance Scale: The Social Distance Scale (SDS) (Bogardus, 1933) was designed to measure the extent to which people want to keep a distance and avoid intimate contact between themselves and people from different racial, ethnic, national or social groups. The scale has a high internal consistency, with Cronbach a greater than .90 (Kleg Yamamoto, 1995, Mielenz, 1997, Osei-Kwame Achola, 1981). The scale consists of measuring first feeling reactions to a list of social, racial, ethnic and national groups ranging from regarding distant social contact (e.g., as visitors to ones country) to the most intimate (e.g., as a family member by marriage). In Bogarduss original scoring method (1933) a low score on this scale indicates the person is less inclusive or welcoming of out-group members than those respondents with a high score. Unlike the British Prejudice Scale and the Social Dominance Orientation Scales, which utilise closed-ended questions and Likert scales, the Social Distance Scale design is based on the uni dimensional Guttman-type scale. Clear written instructions on how to respond to the questionnaire and each scale were provided to all respondent prior to each scale. The British Prejudice Scale and the Social Dominance Orientation Scales being of the closed question style were pre-coded and the response sets were in a Likert scale, this allowing for ease of analysis. The Social Distance Scale design is based on the uni-dimensional Guttman-type scale, with increasing levels of intimacy. Clear written instructions on how to respond to the questionnaire and each scale were provided to all respondent prior to each scale. The main body of the questionnaire, as previously noted, was pre-determined by the use of existing scales. Consideration at this stage was given to a methodology of image presentation, due to the social undesirability of racial comments, and it was further considered unlikely that respondents would answers openly and honestly if they were fully aware that they were being questioned about racist attitudes. Furthermore, fully informed consent was not realistic prior to the experiment. The selected scales were already of a political nature by being measurements of political attitudes. The scales used dictated the information required, therefore consideration only had to be given to the construction, format ordering and filler questions required to ensure the deception was successful. The filler questions were selected by using a pre-general election governmental questionnaire[2] . It has been acknowledged that the style of question can influence the reported response, thus this method, by which elimination of any bias from the researcher is effected was deemed the most appropriate methodology. The questions were subsequently piloted,[3] with random introduction, the facilitator noting the level to which questions appeared to lead or invoke discussion or a better response from the group members. These questions were then used to fill the questionnaire and disguise the real intention of the measure. The design of the questionnaire was against two specific criteria, simplicity of administration and level of cognition of intended recipients prisoners. Instructions and layout were deliberately simple with additional concentration on ensuring the design was short, thus ensuring a minimisation of respondent fatigue and high response rate. The demographics were selected to identify length in prison, first or further prison sentence, number of previous prison sentences, age and level of education, thus allowing for statistical tests for possible influence or bias. Post-test measures The study investigated whether exposure to racist signs and symbols impacted participants scores on measures associated with hate and prejudice. The hypothesis was tested in seven different ways, firstly against the British Prejudice Scale, which was designed as a measure of anti-black prejudice; Secondly, against the Social Dominance Orientation Scale, the Social Dominance Orientation Scale conceptualising the importance of racial and political attitudes, therefore being a direct measure of racial attitudes. The next five tests of the hypothesis were sub-components of the Social Distance Scale which measures the extent by which people want to keep a distance and avoid increasing amounts of intimate contact between themselves and people from different racial, ethnic, national or social groups. A Man-Whitney U[4] test was conducted to determine whether the experimental and the control groups were comparable, on the demographic information from the sample. The demographic variables used in this experiment were length in prison (time spent in present establishment), first time in prison (whether or not this was a first custodial sentence), previous times in prison (number of previous custodial sentences), length of sentence (length of present custodial sentence), age and education. Independent t-tests were also conducted using the British Prejudice Scale, and the various elements of the Social Distance Scale scores. In order to take into account multiple testing, a Bonferroni adjustment[5] was also calculated. Analyses of covariance[6] were considered but no variances in dependant variables were apparent. Hypothesis The primary hypothesis of this research is that viewing racist signs and symbols increases prejudice against out-groups and factors associated with racism and hate. FINDINGS British Prejudice Scale On average, the control group scored significantly higher on the British Prejudice Scale (M= 64.67, SD= 16.41) than the experiment group (M= 36.68, SD= 18.46). The results of the test were significant (t(126) = 9.08, p=

History of Stock Trading in India

History of Stock Trading in India Introduction Background of Exchanges The stock trading history in India is obscured in the mists of time. Historical records, as and where they exist, rarely speak about business and speculative activity except in passing. However, the origin of stock broking in the country may go back to a time, when shares, debentures and bonds representing titles to property were first issued on the condition of transfer from one person to another and the earliest record of dealings in securities in India is the East India Companys loan securities, way back in the 18th century. The first stock exchange in India, Tokyo Stock Exchange, which was founded in 1878. The countrys second stock exchange was established in Ahmedabad in 1894, followed by the Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE). CSE can also trace its origin back to 19th century. From a get together under a neem tree way back in the 1830s, the CSE was formally established in May 1908. Indias other major stock exchange National Stock Exchange (NSE), promoted by leading financial institutions, was established in April 1993. Over the years, several stock exchanges have been established in the major cities of India. There are now 23 recognised stock exchanges — Mumbai (BSE, NSE and OTC), Calcutta, Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubhaneswar, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Patna, Pune, Rajkot, Vadodara, Indore and Meerut. Today, most of the global stock exchanges have become highly efficient, computerised organisations. Computerised networks also made it possible to connect to each other and have fostered the growth of an open, global securities market. Though Stock Broking was practiced in Calcutta as early as 1836, the members of the broking profession had neither any code of conduct for their guidance, nor any permanent place for congregation. The centre of their activity was near a neem tree, where at present, stands the offices of the Chartered Bank (now known as Standard Chartered) on Netaji Subhas Road, Calcutta. In 1905, Chartered Bank began to construct their own building, which led brokers to shift the arena of their operation, the neighbourhood of the recent Allahabad Bank. The brokers had no shelter and business was carried on in the open place. The inconvenience of such trading, prompted brokers to organise themselves and in May 1908, an association was formed under the name and style of the Calcutta Stock Exchange Association at 2, China Bazar Street. At the time of incorporation in 1908, the Stock Exchange had 150 members. Today the total membership has risen to more than 900, which contains several corporate and institutional members. The number of companies listed on the Exchange is more than 3,500. The Annual turnover of the Exchange in 1997-98 was to the tune of Rs, 1,78,779 crores. The Calcutta Stock Exchange has been granted permanent recognition by the Central Government with effect from April 14, 1980 under the relevant provisions of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, with a view to render useful service to investors. In December 1993, SEBI directed the stock exchanges to discontinue the traditional system of carry forward of transactions (badla). Subsequently, it proposed an alternative system in March 1994, but no agreement could be reached on implementing this system. In February 1995, SEBI set up the G. S. Patel Committee (GSPC) to review the system of carry forward transactions. The GSPC submitted its report in March 1995. SEBI adopted the system recommended by the GSPC with some modifications in its decisions of July 27, 1995 and October 5, 1995. This Revised Carry Forward System (RCFS) was implemented in the BSE in January 1996, but the other exchanges in which the traditional carry forward system had been prevalent before December 1993 did not come forward to adopt the RCFS. A year after the implementation of RCFS, the President of the BSE wrote to SEBI in January 1997 requesting a relaxation of certain aspects of the RCFS to make it more practical and efficient. In its meeting of March 27, 1997, SEBI reviewed the entire sequence of developments relating to the RCFS and specifically noted that while introducing the RCFS in July 1995, SEBI had decided that the implementation of the revised carry forward system would be reviewed periodically by the Board, the first review being after three months. History of BSE An informal group of 22 stockbrokers began trading under a banyan tree opposite the Town Hall of Bombay from the mid-1850s, each investing a (then) princely amount of Rupee 1. This banyan tree still stands in the Horniman Circle Park, Mumbai. The informal group of stockbrokers organized themselves as the The Native Share and Stockbrokers Association which, in 1875, was formally organized as the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). In January 1899, the stock exchange moved into the Brokers Hall after it was inaugrated by James M Maclean. After the First World War, the BSE was shifted to an old building near the Town Hall. In 1928, the plot of land on which the BSE building now stands (at the intersection of Dalal Street, Bombay Samachar Marg and Hammam Street in downtown Mumbai) was acquired, and a building was constructed and occupied in 1930. Premchand Roychand was a leading stockbroker of that time, and he assisted in setting out traditions, conventions, and procedures for the trading of stocks at Bombay Stock Exchange and they are still being followed. Several stock broking firms in Mumbai were family run enterprises, and were named after the heads of the family. The following is the list of some of the initial members of the exchange, and who are still running their respective business. D.S. Prabhudas Company (now known as DSP, and a joint venture partner with Merrill Lynch) Jamnadas Morarjee (now known as JM) Champaklal Devidas (now called Cifco Finance) Brijmohan Laxminarayan In 1956, the Government of India recognized the Bombay Stock Exchange as the first stock exchange in the country under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act. The BSE moved into its current premises the Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers in 1980. The Bombay Stock Exchange followed the familiar outcry system for stock trading up until 1995, when it was replaced by an electronic (eTrading) system named BOLT, or the BSE OnLine Trading system. In 2005, the status of the exchange changed from an Association of Persons (AoP) to a full fledged corporation under the BSE (Corporatization and Demutualization) Scheme, 2005 (and its name was changed to The Bombay Stock Exchange Limited). BSE-Sensex The BSE SENSEX (also known as the BSE 30) is a value-weighted index composed of 30 scrips, with the base April 1979 = 100. The set of companies which make up the index has been changed only a few times in the last 20 years. These companies account for around one-fifth of the market capitalization of the BSE BSE other Indices Apart from BSE SENSEX, which is the most popular stock index in India, BSE uses other stock indices as well: BSE 100 BSE 500 BSEPSU BSEMIDCAP BSESMLCAP BSEBANKEX The National Stock Exchange Of India The National Stock Exchange of India Limited has genesis in the report of the High Powered Study Group on Establishment of New Stock Exchanges. NSE was promoted by leading Financial Institutions at the behest of the Government of India and was incorporated in November 1992. It is a tax-paying company unlike other stock exchanges in the country. On its recognition as a stock exchange under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 in April 1993, NSE commenced operations in the Wholesale Debt Market (WDM) segment in June 1994. The Capital Market (Equities) segment commenced operations in November 1994 and operations in Derivatives segment commenced in June 2000. NSE Group NSCCL, The Organization NSE.IT Ltd. India Index Services Products Ltd. (IISL) Dot Ex International Limited National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL) NSCCL, The Organization The National Securities Clearing Corporation Ltd. (NSCCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NSE, was incorporated in August 1995. It was set up with the following objectives: to bring and sustain confidence in clearing and settlement of securities; to promote and maintain, short and consistent settlement cycles; to provide counter-party risk guarantee, and to operate a tight risk containment system 2. NSE.IT Ltd NSE.IT, a 100% subsidiary of National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), is the information technology arm of the largest stock exchange of the country. NSE.IT possesses the wealth of expertise acquired in the last six years by running the trading and clearing infrastructure of largest stock exchange of the country. NSE.IT is an Export Oriented Unit with STP and plans to go global for various IT services in due course. In the near future the company plans to release new products for Broker Back-office Operations and enhance NeatXS / Neat iXS to support Straight Through Processing on the net. 3. India Index Services Products Ltd. (IISL) India Index Services and Products Limited (IISL), a joint venture between NSE and CRISIL Ltd. (formerly the Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited). It was set up in May 1998 toIt provides a variety of indices and index related services and products for the Indian capital markets. It has a consulting and licensing agreement with Standard and Poors (SP), the worlds leading provider of investible equity indices, for co-branding equity indices. It maintains over 80 equity indices comprising broad-based benchmark indices, sect oral indices and customized indices. Many investment and risk management products based on IISL indices have been developed in the recent past, within India and abroad. These include index based derivatives traded on NSE and Singapore Exchange (SIMEX) and a number of index funds. 4. DotEx International Limited DotEx was a joint venture between i-flex Solutions Ltd. and NSE.IT Ltd. Recently NSE has taken over the shareholding and management of DotEx. DotEx was formed to provide world-class internet trading platforms which allows members of NSE to offer online trading facilities to their customers. Members of NSE can service a larger clientele by using the automated risk management features and thus increase volumes. Investors get comprehensive and updated information necessary to trade, along with a single-click convenience to fulfill their obligations The initial offering of DotEx is DotEx Plaza where multiple market participants such as members of NSE, depository participants and banks can offer web-based services to their customers. As a neutral aggregator and infrastructure provider, DotEx offers choice and convenience to investors. DotEx products may be classified under the following broad categories: Equity Trading Module Trading Module 5. National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL) In order to solve the myriad problems associated with trading in physical securities, NSE joined hands with the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) and the Unit Trust of India (UTI) to promote dematerialization of securities. Together they set up National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), the first depository in India. NSDL commenced operations in November 1996 and has since established a national infrastructure of international standard to handle trading and settlement in dematerialized form and thus completely eliminated the risks to investors associated with fake/bad/stolen paper. List of the companies in the sensex Scope and importance of the study RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Objective: â€Å"Comparative analysis of Religare Securities Ltd. online share trading and Religare Securities Ltd. offline share trading. Sub objectives To study the procedure, product and services of online and offline share trading. To know the preference of the factors which are important in online and offline share trading. To compare the online medium with Offline medium. To know the trading status of the Religare Securities Ltd. Clients. To know the service level of the Religare Securities Ltd. RESEARCH METHOLOGYS Define the problem. Planning a research design. Planning a sample. Gathering the data. Processing and analyzing the data. Formulating conclusions and preparing the report. Define the new problem. Problems online share trading As there are couples of good advantages there are also some technical disadvantages. As every coin have two sides. Disconnection from Internet In online share trading there is the possibility that your internet connection may get slow or get stopped, this may result in disconnection from share market. At such critical times you have to call your executive (from whom you opened your trading account) and place your order or square off your pending orders.] Computer Problem If your computer stops functioning then this may also result in disconnection from share market at this time also you have contact your executive. Other Problem Other problems like electricity disconnection. Solution for this is inverter or batter backup. Data collection Sources- Primary Data. Secondary Data. Primary Data Questionnaire. Secondary Data Magazines. Journals. Websites. THEROTICAL PROSPECTIVES RELIGARE Values that bind Religare : Company Profile Religare is a leading Financial Services Brokerage House with acknowledged industry Leadership in execution and clearing services on Exchange Traded Derivatives and cash market products. Key elements that place Religare amongst the leading Brokerage Houses and makes it the preferred service provider for value based financial services are: A Client-driven foundation and strategy committed to client-specific investment needs and objectives. Integrated and innovative use of Technology enabling clients to trade offline,online and Strategic tie-ups with latest technology partners to facilitate trading access and direct processing across 400 outlets in 160 cities Client-focused philosophy backed by memberships of all principal Indian Stock and Commodity Exchanges makes Religare a preferred service provider in the Industry for value based services. Religare confidently steers you through a challenging Financial and Trade Market every moment, whether you are present or not! Religare Group Religare Securities Ltd. Religare Finevest Ltd. Religare Wealth Management Services. Religare Capital Market Ltd. Religare Finance Ltd. Religare Insurance Holding Co. Ltd. Religare Realty Ltd. Religare Venture Capital Pvt. Ltd. Religare Insurance Broking Ltd. Religare Comodities Ltd. Religare Affiliation and Distribution Network Proven and accredited leaders in the Financial Services business, Religare provides you the unique opportunity to trade offline and online while cutting across all geographic barriers. Strategic Tie-ups that provide latest technology for access and processing Trading over 425 locations across 160 cities in India 24 hour access to Account Information via the Net or Electronic File Transfer (FTP) facilities. Membership of all Principal Indian Stock and Commodity Exchanges National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSEIL) Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Futures Option Segment of NSEIL BSE Dubai Gold Commodities Exchange (DGCX) National Commodity Derivatives Exchange Ltd. (NCDEX) Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) OTC Exchange of India Ltd (OTCEIL) Depository Participant with NSDL CDSL Corporate Agents for Life Non-Life Insurance (both foreign / private and state owned insurance companies) One of the largest distributors of leading Mutual Funds in India Religare Research Desk Philosophy â€Å"Investing means laying out money today to receive money in real terms after taking inflation into account, tomorrow† Thats because were realistic, experienced, backed by research and study and most importantly, client-driven. Empowering the Investor The Religare Research Desk has one key objective to empower you completely with Market Knowledge, Analysis and Advisory Services to help you prosper. Our team provides expert and timely analysis on equity and commodity to help you maximize your trading decisions. We offer value perspectives, suggest strategy, focus on opportunities for investment and growth, and endeavour to reduce risk potential. Trading Ideas Daily Market Strategies Monthly Updates Investment Ideas Trading Calls Commodity Views Religare as a trading partner Religare is driven by ethical and dynamic process for wealth creation. Religare Enterprise Limited through Religare Securities Limited, Religare Finevest Limited, Religare Commodities Limited and Religare Insurance Advisory Services Limited provides integrated financial services to its corporate, retail and wealth management clients. Religare operations are managed by highly skilled professionals who subscribe to Religare philosophy and are spread across its country-wide branches. Offline Service of Religare Se curities Limited R-ALLY RELIGAREs ALLY also known as R-ALLY is a perfect partner for savvy investers. Experience the comfort of our elite dealing rooms where all your trading requirements would be taken care of by experienced, well informed and contemporary dealers. You will also have dedicated relationship managers to take care of your multiple investments needs. Online Service of Religare Securities Limited R-ALLY Lite Brouser based plateform No software installation required NSE cash segment, NSE FO and BSE on single plateform Real-time streaming quotes Multiple watch lists Alerts and triggers Hot key functions Online transfer of funds through multiple banks Access your ledger balances and account information over internet, branch and call centre Trade online and over phone at branch Access to all your accounts through your customer relationship number (CRN) Dedicated Relationship Managers for assisting multiple investment needs R-ALLY Pro Application based plateform No software installation required NSE cash segment, NSE FO and BSE on single plateform Real-time streaming quotes Multiple watch lists Alerts and triggers Hot key functions Online transfer of funds through multiple banks Access your ledger balances and account information over internet, branch and call centre Trade online and over phone at branch Access to all your accounts through your customer relationship number (CRN) Dedicated Relationship Managers for assisting multiple investment needs How we will make trade easier Personal assistance Dedicated dealers for facilitating trading and post trade needs Dedicated Relationship Managers for assisting multiple investment needs Reasearch Advisory Regular news and updates on market Research services over SMS to keep you abreast Daily and weekly technical reports A complete information report on results and performance of individual companies. Complete reports on various economic sectors and their performance along with analysis of few major companies in that sector Trading calls in Future Opinion Daily capsule of market indices and index movement, national and international corporate news, bulk trade deals and market gains and losers, information on mutual funds and their performance along with forth coming IPO traker Add-Ons Access to all your accounts through your Customer Relationship Number (CRN) Access your ledger balances and account information over internet, branches and call centre What is a depository? A depository can be compared to a bank. A depository holds securities (like shares, debentures, bonds and units) of investors in electronic form. Besides holding securities, a depository also provides services related to transactions in securities. What are the benefits of depository system? The benefits of participating in a depository are: immediate transfer of securities; no stamp duty on transfer of securities; elimination of risks associated with physical certificates such as bad delivery, fake securities etc; reduction in paperwork involved in transfer of securities; reduction in transaction cost; nomination facility; change in address recorded with Depository Participant (DP) gets registered with all companies in which investor holds securities electronically, eliminating the need to correspond with each of them separately; transmission of securities is done by DP, eliminating correspondence with companies; convenient method of consolidation of portfolios/accounts; holding investments in equity and debt instruments in a single account. What is a DP? As an investor you open a securities account with a DP. DPs are attached to the depositories very much the same way as commercial banks are attached to RBI. All interactions including account opening, dematerialization, transactions, pledge etc are done through the DP. How do I select a DP? Are all DPs the same? You can select your DP to open a demat account just like you select a bank for opening a savings account. Some of the important factors for selection of a DP can be: Convenience: proximity to the office/residence, business hours. Comfort: reputation of the DP, past association, range of services etc. Find out if the DP is in a position to give the specific service you may need. Cost: the service charges levied by DP and the service standard. What should I do when I want to open an account with a DP? The process of opening an account with a DP is similar to the opening of a bank account. You can approach any DP of your choice and fill up an account opening form. At the time of opening an account, you have tosign an agreement with DP in a National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) prescribed standard agreement, which details your rights and duties and those of your DP. All investors have to submit their proof of identity and proof of address along with the prescribed account opening form. Proof of identity: your signature and photograph must be authenticated by an existing demat account holder with the same DP or by a bank manager. Alternatively, you can submit a copy of Passport, Voters ID card, Driving license or PAN card with photograph. Proof of address: you can submit a copy of Passport, Voters ID card, Driving license, PAN card with photograph, Ration card or Bank passbook as proof of address. You must remember to take original documents to the DP for verification. Passport-size photographs Dematerialization: Dematerialization is the process by which a client can get physical certificates converted into electronic balances maintained in his account with the DP. The dematerialization system is an alternative to the physical existence of securities. In this system securities are converted into the electronic form and deposited in a depository account in the investors name. In order to dematerialize certificates, an investor will have to first open an account with a DP and then request for the dematerialization of certificates by filling up a Dematerialization Request Form (DRF), which is available with the DP, and submitting the same along with the physical certificates. The investor has to ensure that before the certificates are handed over tothe DP for demat, they are defaced by marking Surrendered for Dematerialization on the face of the certificates. Features: Holdings in only those securities that are admitted for dematerialization by National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) can be dematerialized. Structure of holding in the securities should match with the account structure of the depository account. Now shares in different order of names can also be dematted. If the shares are in the name of X and Y, the same cannot be dematerialized into the account of either X or Y alone. However if the shares are in the name of X first and Y second, and the account is in the name of Y first and X second, then these shares can be dematerialized in this account. Only those holdings that are registered in the name of the account holder can be dematerialized. Physical shares which have not been transferred and are still there with a transfer deed cannot be dematted. Only a few companies have been given the permission to offer Transfer-cum-Demat. The list of these companies can be viewed here. Can I dematerialized any share certificate? You can dematerialize only those certificates that are already registered in your name and are in the list of securities admitted for dematerialization at NSDL. All the scrips included in SP CNX Nifty and BSE Sensex have already joined NSDL. This list has more than 2,800 companies and is steadily growing. Rematerialization: Rematerialization is the process by which a client can get his electronic holdings converted into physical certificates. The client has to submit the dematerialization request to the DP with whom he has an account along with a Remat request form. The physical shares will be posted by the company directly to the clients. Trades: For all sales made by clients, the shares will have to be given to the broker, so that the Pay In can be made by the broker to the stock exchange concerned. For that its essential that the shares be transferred to the account of the broker well before the deadline date. You must confirm with your broker the settlement date and settlement number and then submit your instructions to your DP. Alsoits important to give the instructions to your DP as early as possible. Pledge: Pledge enables you to obtain loans against your dematerialized shares. So you get liquidity without having to sell your shares. A highly simplified procedure may be availed of for pledging of securities in the electronic mode. The pledged securities continue tobe reflected in the DP account of the clients (pledgor) but the concerned securities are blocked and cannot be used for any transactions. As and when the pledg

Reading Recovery Essay -- Research Papers Learning Education Papers

Reading Recovery The ability to read is vital to a child's success in school and throughout life. However, reading achievement in the U. S. is low. In fact, according to the most recent national assessment of educational progress, 44% of U.S. students read below the "basic" level, meaning they exhibit little or no mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to perform work at grade level (Collins, 79). These statistics have driven school districts, parents, and students scrambling to find something to turn the tide of reading failure. They are searching for a solution that will have a lasting impact on a child's reading ability. Many have adopted the Reading Recovery Program as a viable solution to the problem. The issue to be addressed now is; Does this program provide an effective solution to the reading problem that is plaguing students of the US? I was particularly interested in this question because my eight year old daughter, Brooke, successfully completed the Reading Recovery program when she was in first grade. However, despite our efforts, her reading skills stagnated during second grade. By the beginning of third grade her teacher approached me to say something is wrong. The teacher pointed out that if Brooke successfully completed the Reading Recovery Program, then she should not be struggling like she is with reading. This was my catalyst to finding out about the effectiveness of the Reading Recovery Program. I wanted to find out if the program really produced long term results or if it was just a nice bit of one on one attention from a devoted teacher. To fairly analyze these questions, it is essential to take a glimpse into the reading problem that pervades across the US. As stated, ... ...Recovery Program is effective in raising potentially poor readers to grade level. Most of these children are able to maintain an average reading level as they progress through school. This program appears to be a viable solution. Bibliography Clay, Marie M. 1993. Reading Recovery. Reed Publishing Co. Auckland, New Zealand. Collins, James. "How Johnny Should Read." Time Magazine. October 27, 1997 Mc Guinness, Diane. "Why Our Children Can't Read." (photo copy with out the rest of the information). Personal interview: Brown, Wayne. Feb. 18, 1998 Personal interview: McMahan, Taffy. Feb. 20, 1997 Personal interview: Howard, Gwen. Feb. 20, 1997 Office of Research, Consumer Guide. December 1992. Number 3 Masters Program, Curriculum and Instruction. Reading Recovery, Illinois State University. Fax 309-438-8699

Television is Mindless Entertainment :: essays research papers

Televisions are probably one of the world’s greatest inventions. Nine out o f ten people won’t know how to explain how it actually works, but everyone who can afford one owns one. There is a lot of debate about whether TVs are good or bad. â€Å"A television is a device you can sit in front of and watch other people do things that you could be doing if you weren’t sitting there watching them do it.† - Unknown Yes, TVs provide mass education to people, for example, in Australia, people get their schooling via TVs if they live in remote areas. Everyday the teacher does lessons across the TV, and if the ‘pupils’ have any questions they phone in and ask on air. In South Africa we have ‘School TV’, but it isn’t a proper schooling, like Aussie’s. Sabc also offer the Math, English and Science lessons for matrics, but they are so boring that most people don’t even bother watching it. There are good shows like Dr. Phil and Oprah, where they actually are helping other people and teaching them right from wrong. Shows like these are interesting to watch and they are teaching us morals unlike everything else. Channels such as National Geographic and Discovery Channel also provide education, whether you learn about Hitler or whales, you learn something at least. But these channels are only offered on DSTV which is very expensive and the people that can afford it are the well-educated ones who don’t need it, the people that really need it can’t access it anyway. Another good thing about TV is the ‘News’, with the news on everyday, in lots of languages, everyone can keep up to date with everything that is happening around the globe without having to go to the trouble of actually reading it in a newspaper. As everything has its pros, it must have its cons. One of the main topics that people speak about is the fact that the programs are promoting immorality and it is eroding true Christian values. In every ‘soapie’ and lots of other shows, there are the people that are having affairs, pre-marital sex, taking alcohol, drugs, using bad language†¦the list goes on, but people think it’s funny and cool and do it all themselves. People believe what they see, and think it’s alright if they are also doing it because it makes them ‘cool’. In one incident on Dr Phil, there was a woman who was married to a great guy and they had three children, but she wanted to get divorced so that she could move in with a gay friend of hers, he didn’t love her and obviously never would, but she kept insisting, so finally he went to Dr Phil for help.

Define the Term Micr

Question 1 Define the term MICR and explain what it is. Using a suitable example, discuss how does MICR readers work and what is it used for? Answer: MICR, or Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, is a character recognition technology used primarily by the banking industry to facilitate the processing of cheques and makes up the routing number and account number at the bottom of a cheque. It allows computer to read account number off printed documents. Its different and unlike with barcodes or other similar technologies, MICR codes can be easily read by humans. MICR characters usually contain iron oxide.They are printed in special typefaces with a magnetic ink or toner and in the form of either and E-13B or CMC-7 Font. Each font series is made up of a series of numbers and symbols specifically designed for readability on check sorting machines which read and extremely high rates of speed. The machine can always determine what each series of number signifies quickly, due to the symbols provide a beginning and end pint for each group of numbers. Line placement, character placement skew and quality are several critical components of printing MICR; the line must be precisely positioned in the MICR Clear Band area.The use of magnetic printing allows the characters to be read reliably even if they have been overprinted or obscured by other marks, such as cancellation stamps and signature. The magnetic scanning of a typical check has a smaller error rate than with optical character recognition systems. As for well printed MICR documents, the â€Å"can’t read â€Å"rate is usually less than 1% while the misread rate is in the order of 1 per 100,000 characters. A cheque is a suitable example to discuss how MICR readers work and what it is use for does.When a bank receives a check for payment, is uses an MICR inscriber to print the amount of the check in MICR characters in the lower-right corner. The check then is sorted or routed to the customer’s bank, al ong with thousands of others. Each check is inserted in an MICR reader, which sends the check information – including the amount of the check – to a computer for processing. When you balance your checkbook, verify that the amount printed in the lower-right corner is the same as the amount written on the check; otherwise, your statement will not balance. Some retailers use MICR reader to minimize their exposure to check fraud.Corporations and government agencies also use the technology to speed up the sorting of documents. The banking industry has established an international standard not only for bank numbers, but also for the font of the MICR characters. This standardization makes it possible for people to write checks in other countries. Question 2 Discuss what a laser printer is and how it differs from Thermal Printers. Answer: A laser printer is a high-speed, high quality nonimpact printer. It’s a printer that uses a focused beam or light to transfer text an d images on to paper.Though contrary to popular belief, the laser does not actually burn the images on to the paper. The laser beam will fire at the surface of a cylindrical drum called a photoreceptor instead of as a paper passing through the printer. This drum has an typically positive electrical charge, that is reversed in areas where the laser beam hits it. The laser beam is able to print patterns such as text and pictures on to the photoreceptor by reversing the charge in certain areas of the drum. Once the pattern has been created on the drum, it is coated with toner from a toner cartridge.The positively charged toner clings to areas of the drum that have been negatively charged by the laser. The drum is given a strong negative charge which allows the toner to transfer and stick to the paper when the paper is passing through the printer. Laser printers do not use ink therefore they have less smearing problems that ink-jet printers and are able to print pages faster. While lase r printers typically cost more that inkjet printers, most laser toner cartridges last longer than ink cartridges, which makes their cost per page is about equal.Based on this reason, businesses tend to use laser printers, while consumers are more likely to use inkjet printers. A thermal printer generates images by pushing electrically heated pins against heat-sensitive paper. Basic thermal printers are inexpensive, but the print quality is low and the images tend to fade over time. Self-service gas pumps often print gas receipts using a built-in lower-quality thermal printer. Many point-of-sale terminals in retail and grocery stores also print purchases receipts on thermal paper.Two special types of thermal printers have high print quality and can print at much faster rates than ink-jet and laser printers. A thermal-wax-transfer printer generates rich, nonsmearing images by using heat to melt colored was onto heat-sensitive paper. Thermal wax-transfer printers are more expensive tha n many color laser printers. Both printers have advantages and disadvantages; by comparing we are able to differentiate them. The advantages of a laser printer are it is an accessible and efficient office document printer. The document quality is very high, except for barcodes.There are a few disadvantages for a laser printer. It prints labels in sheets and resulting in waste. Its label and wristband adhesives can ooze from fuser and cause jamming. The barcodes require more ink and the toner is driving up the costs. Lastly, output susceptible to toner flaking and smudging. As for thermal printers it has more advantages than a laser printer, such as it is designed specifically for label and wristband printing, print on demand which does not lead to wastage, it is simple to operate and the best part are its durable, it has low maintenance and its does not have toner expenses.The disadvantages of a thermal printer are, for example they cannot print 8 1/2- by 11-inch documents and the p rinters are not readily available in hospitals today. Referencing List Question 1 – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Magnetic_ink_character_recognition – http://www. whatismicr. com/index. html – Pg 281 from Discovering COMPUTERS by Gary Shelly Question 2 – http://www. techterms. com/definition/laserprinter – Pg 321 from Discovering COMPUTERS by Gary Shelly -http://www. datarayusa. com/index. php? option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=70