Analysis of Listener’s Wooden Heart

He says he built his own heart out of wood, and placed it inside himself (the iron ship), as he sails through the struggles in life (blood red seals and finds his place in life. He's not letting the struggles in life (waves) destroy his hopes and dreams. He says he believes in both anchors and saviors a line apart, so I'm assuming they are synonymous. His life is falling apart, but he still believes in whatever anchor is in his life, while he's â€Å"sinking†. When he says he is pulling the rotten wood out of his heart, he means he's letting go of the emotional baggage in his heart, so he can pursue his reams. We are all made out of shipwrecks, every single aboard washed and bound like crooked teeth on these rocky shores† That line is saying that we are all the person we are today because of our mistakes, and we're all barely making it through life by ourselves. At this point in the poem, he starts referring to a community making it through together, rather than sailing through life Just by himself. The line â€Å"we only have what we remember†, that repeats several times throughout the poem, states that if we didn't have what we remember, we would Just repeat the mistakes that we Dade in our past. L am the barely living son of a woman and man who barely made It. † this line is basically repeating the very first line of the poem: â€Å"We're all born to broken people on their most honest day of living. †If we hold on tight we'll hold each other together, and not Just some fools rushing to die in our sleep† they need to go through this together, because they can't do this alone. â€Å"All these machines will rust I promise, but we'll still be electric, shocking each other back to life. † Waves can take down a ship, but water can't destroy electricity. Their ship may sink, but if they're electric, they can live through the storm. â€Å"Because our church is made out of shipwrecks, from every hull these rocks have cla imed. † A church is a congregation. A place where you can find other people to hold on to, and do life with.

Baidu Strategy Essay

On March 9 2011, Baidu announced through Western China City Daily that it has initiated an internal testing of the Baidu browser and would officially launch the browser soon afterwards. Up until now, the strategy of Baidu client end products is becoming clearer and clearer. There is a clear tendency for baidu to become a rival to Tencent in the field of client end products. Baidu browser will be integrated with Baidu application platforms. According to Baidu, Baidu browser Beta 1.0 is the joint effort of Baidu browser department and Baidu search department, integrating Baidu search, Baidu application platforms based on Baidu frame computing strategy. 1. Feature: integrated with Baidu Applications Different from other browsers, Baidu browser Beta 1.0 is fully integrated with Baidu application platforms. Clicking the icons on the left corner of the Baidu browser, the page â€Å"My Baidu Applications† will be automatically applied, showing ordinary applications like music, video, books, game, novels, SNS, shopping, tools and etc. Baidu Browser spokesperson says that by improving its browser, Baidu wishes to accelerate the development of internet, attract more internet users, increase their online survey frequency and duration and eventually develop the search media. 2. Motivation: capture users at the internet portal. In the beginning of 2008, there had been rumors for Baidu to enter the browser market. In July 2010, Baidu officially announced its entering the marketing and planning to put in 5Billion RMB in the following three years. â€Å"Heart of Rock†, an online expert, told Western China City Daisy that the Baidu browser is to capture the online users at their portal to the internet world. Baidu is demonstrating its determination to compete with Tencent in the client-end products. Tianyu, one of the Iresearch analysts, comments that in the short term, it could be integrated with other Baidu applications and client end products to provide a holistic online survey portal to bring more traffic to Baidu search. †also in the long run, Baidu browser is a strategic move for the cloud computing in the future when all the operation systems will be installed in the browser which is the one and only portal for users online. Another thing worth our attention is that one day before the Baidu’s announcement on its browser, Baidu also exposed the Baidu mobile browser with the Chinese name: â€Å"Ã¥ ¤ ©Ã¤ ¹ ¦Ã¥  ·Ã¨ ½ ´Ã¢â‚¬  and a English name: FlyFlow. 3.Result: direct competition with Tencent Besides Baidu Browser Beta 1.0, Baidu also launched â€Å" Baidu Search Tools†, â€Å"Baidu Hi†, â€Å"Baidu Input Method† â€Å"Baidu Computer Organizer† â€Å" Baidu Browser Mate† and recently â€Å"Baidu Player†. All these piece together the Baidu client-end product strategy. Correspondently, along with QQ, Tencent has â€Å"QQ Browser† â€Å"QQ Computer Organizer† â€Å"QQ Input Method† â€Å"QQ Player†. The competition becomes obvious. Experts say there are three giants in Chinese internet world, Tencent, Baidu and Alipay. Alibaba. Baidu has been devoted to search, Tencent to the user end and Alibaba to the e-commerce. The new products are Baidu’s efforts to make up for its deficiency in user end products.

Elmo makes Music Essay

Sesame Street live concerts are known for providing kinetic shows which feature interactivity for children. The â€Å"Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music† concert, was held at the Memorial Auditorium on January 16, 2009. The show consisted of two acts, comprised of multiple skits each. This format allowed for a rapidly changing mix of sets and costumes, which help to foster a sense of excitement and expectancy for the audience. The combination of visual and musical expression — each with many quick-paced variations — explored the universality which is implied in music, expressed at a level which even small children could understand. One of the key elements of the Sesame Street live shows is the presentation of music as a spectrum of feelings and colors. To this end, the musical numbers provided a great range of styles and moods, from dance-numbers to more pensive, introspective melodies. The participatory aspect of the show is also a key to its resonance and high entertainment value. By offering music which features bold, often simple melodies and stark, expressionistic musical tones, the children in the audience are able to rely on their natural instinct to clap, shout, and sing-along. In this way, ‘Sesame Street live: Elmo Makes Music’ has a special musical message for the children, which is that music is a part of each and every one of them. no matter their particular place or station in life. By encouraging children to sing along, or to participate in the show by using their hands and stamping feet to keep the rhythm of the music, the show promotes a sense of integration and communal experience which is ure to last far beyond the confines of the concert hall. Additionally, because the premise of the show was based upon continual surprise, the children in the audience are left with a sense of open-possibilities and wonder. For example, the plot of the show centers around the idea that the actual band that was supposed to perform could not do so, because the truck with all of the music teacher’s instruments did not arrive on time. Accordingly, the whole show focuses around surprising Jenny, the music teacher who was upset because of her missing music instruments. The sesame street cast members decided to form their own band by creating percussion instruments and such, out of articles that they found, and could produce sound with. This is an obvious â€Å"allegory† for the individual talents and capacities that each person holds within them; taken together, as a community, these capacities and talents make â€Å"music† which can also be seen as social harmony and cultural understanding. Specific songs included the rhyming poetically based ‘Sunny Days’ Sesame Street theme, as well as ‘What Makes Music’, and the popular ‘Who Are the People in your Neighborhood’. There was also a saucy little number called the Cookie Crumba Rumba which lent a sultry, rumba beat to the program. Since the Rumba is a romantic dance that uses a lot of hip action and body movement, I leave it to your imagination to picture the comical aspects of this particular musical performance. Historically the rumba requires the performer to show plenty of emotion, and the fake heads were stuck in permanent grins, which made it even funnier. The Alphabet Dance, Fuzzy and Blue and Elmo’s World concluded Act I. In Act II the band led off with Together we will Make Music, and this was followed by a hilarious Bert and Ernie’s version of the famous Bee Gees Disco movie Boogie nights. Bert was dressed up in the memorable John Travolta white polyester suit. Other numbers such as Triangle Cheer and a very lively Rockin’ Robin were especially fun. Percussion instruments definitely predominated, with an occasional wind instrument, as in the Honk Bang Whistle and Crash, skit. Thank You for the Music was somewhat reminiscent of the Carol Burnett theme, ‘So Glad we had this Time Together’. The last scene the new music teacher Jenny joins in, with the official Sesame Street Band. The concert was a treat for the children, and the most difficult part of all for parents seemed to be explaining to their children why they could not join their friends on stage. Elmo Makes Music invited audience participation, and the children were thrilled to use their voices to sing, and their feet and hands to produce sounds as their own personal percussion instruments, to keep time with the beat and tempo. Because the overall theme of the show is that of communal inclusion, the mechanics and techniques used in creating the aesthetic approach of the show gives the show a sense of wholeness and authenticity.

What It Takes To Become A Motocross Racer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

What It Takes To Become A Motocross Racer - Essay Example So the sport is all about a cross country race in which the participants ride on motorcycles. This outline will expansively present the jeopardy involved in this sport and in addition to this many other important factors will also be presented in this paper. â€Å"Motocross was first known as a British  off-road  event called scrambling, which was an evolution of  Trials  events popular in northern Britain. The first known scramble took place at Camberley,  Surrey  in 1924.† ( History of Motocross). Free styling is arguably the most intriguing part of motocross, it is all about tricks performed by experts on a motorcycle and many people get intrigued by the various stunts performed by experts. Motocross is a very exciting sport and the most intriguing part is undoubtedly the freestyle aspect of the sport. The sport has also witnessed some excruciating injuries and this is why it requires arduous practice. People who fail to practice may well end up losing their life should they choose to venture into motocross. The sport is a very flamboyant sport and not all people can afford to participate in this sport. It requires great balance and a host of other integral qualities. The sport requires a lot of guts and relentless practice and this is why it is one of the most difficult

E-Logistics and International Supply Chain Management Research Paper - 1

E-Logistics and International Supply Chain Management - Research Paper Example   According to the present day context, the aerospace industry of Singapore incorporates a major set of factors that are subjected to attain the interest and attention of the global marketers to expand their manufacturing plants (Low, 2001). In relation to an in-depth understanding of the case, it has been critically recognized that the external environmental factors along with adequate resources and capabilities associated with the Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore are highly effective for the international manufacturers to produce a wide range of quality based aerospace parts with a feasible or lower amount of cost. With regard to the major motivational reasons for Rolls-Royce’s decision, a few major factors can be widely accepted behind the selection of Singapore as the production plant location for the company (Singapore Economic Development Board, 2014; Grant, 2014). The major motivational factors of the company have been briefly described in the following section.Acc ording to the observation of the article, it has been identified that the political factor is one of the key driving factors for Rolls-Royce to select Singapore as its plant location for manufacturing titanium fan blades (Grant, 2014). The adequate stability along with transparent political system and practices of Singapore is more sophisticated as compared to the other developing nations that can enable the organization to independently perform its manufacturing operations with a minimum or less numb of constraints.   

Hull City Marketing Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Hull City Marketing Strategy - Essay Example Chocolates are commonly used in Christmas time, which presents a good opportunity for Thornton to promote their products. The company continues to adapt new strategies to meet consumer’s needs and be competitive during Christmas time in Hull. It has established various strategic plans for the business to create a competent organizational process, increase its sales and margins, incentives and measurability. Different media channels will be used to promote the campaign slogan â€Å"Christmas time-chocolate heaven†. The slogan will strengthen the image of Christmas time as a great time to celebrate and have a relaxing moment using Thornton’s range of products such as variety of chocolates wedding favors, corporate gifts, and hampers boxes. The case study of the Company will provide an opportunity to evaluate the whole aspect of planning for considerable growth during Christmas time. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Table of Contents 2 Introduction 4 SWOT MATRI X 5 11 Marketing Objectives 6 111. Target Markets 7 IV Product Offering 8 V. Brand/Product Positioning 8 VI Marketing Strategies 9 Consumer Behavior 9 Marketing Mix For The Marketing Strategy 10 Product 10 Place 11 Price 11 Promotion 12 Vii Implementation and Control 14 Sales Increase Objectives 14 Increased Product/Brand Awareness Objectives 14 Viii Budget 14 Appendix 15 Appendix 1 15 Appendix 2 17 Appendix 3 17 Appendix 4 17 Available at: Financial Times LTD 2012, Thorntons PLC Markets data: http://markets.ft.com/Research/Markets/Tearsheets/Business-profile?s=THT:LSE 18 Works Cited 19 Introduction Christmas time is an entertaining forum where the concept of gift exchange is much eulogized. It is a season that main waits with expectations as they appreciates and end the year with the loved ones. Indeed, this season raises the need to exchange gifts to the loved ones and as chocolate remains the best gift for someone special. In the British culture, chocolates augment love language and thought as romantic (Hull City, 1961). During Christmas time, most young couple regard exchanging gifts to their partners as a sign of love and appreciation. Particularly, most men pamper their women with gifts as they are beings who are relationship oriented. In most cases, women are given chocolates as presents as it enhances the feeling of being cared, pampered, and loved. Many people believe that there are creative ways of using chocolates in Christmas time besides eating them. For instance, Clayton (2009) believes that it can creatively used in bedroom for sensual treat and a key ingredient of feeling good. Thornton can utilize this to promote their products during Christmas season as a perfect way of showing appreciation to the loved ones and creating a relaxing moment. To promote products, the marketing strategy plan will present a SWOT matrix, identify the marketing objectives along with target group, product/brand positioning, and product offering. Eventually, the compa ny will present the budget implementation and control of marketing planning. This will create a platform to understand the key strategies of being competent during Christmas seasons. In doing this, we will highlight the major competitors of the company to highlight the possible strengths, opportunities, threats and weaknesses of the

Fundamentals of Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Fundamentals of Nursing - Essay Example This final example shows another difference between belief and knowledge, choice; a person can choose what to believe but has no choice over what to know (Edwards 2001, pp. 25-38). 2. What are the main differences between practical knowledge and propositional knowledge described by Edwards? Give an example of each of these from your nursing practice. The main differences between practical and propositional knowledge lie in the mode of expression of the knowledge, its extent, and limitations. Propositional knowledge is mainly expressed in speech whereby an individual uses statements that indicate his or her knowledge on the subject matter. On the other hand, practical knowledge is expressed in one’s work, where a person knows what to do now, or what one might do when posed with a problem of a certain nature. Propositional knowledge tends to be general, such that it does not major on one aspect of the subject whereas practical knowledge is job specific, and is useful in one job area and can be applied to solve problems in that field exclusively. While propositional knowledge comes mainly from literature that one reads, practical knowledge is acquired as one does his or her duties, and the latter incorporates more senses than the former. An example of practical knowledge is using a needle and syringe on a patient such that it inflicts minimal pain and damage. Books may give the procedures for use in a medical setting, but practise gives a person the practical knowledge of how to do the procedures right. Propositional knowledge is evident where a person knows the various disease cycles and patterns, but the knowledge is not applicable directly in practice (Edwards 2001, pp. 25-38). 3. Critically analyse the kinds of knowledge nurses use in practice. Support your answer... This paper approves that nursing professionals possess knowledge in its various forms, which they should use in their line of duty such that it is for the benefit of a patient. However, a nurse must have all levels of knowing including personal, empirical, ethical, and aesthetic. This enables not only effective care of patients, but assures quality and adherence to acceptable levels of standards and ethics. Consequently, a nurse becomes more effective and efficient in his or her work, which in turn increases the ability of the nurse to be more effective due to a high self-esteem and a feeling of achievement. A nurse should be capable of differentiating between knowledge and belief, only then can one apply these two aspects in practice for optimal results. Nursing professionals should use a carefully balanced amalgamation of these knowledge types to ensure that their patients get the best service the profession has to offer. This essay makes a conclusion that an aspect of the nursing profession facing stiff criticism is evidence-based practice, which aims to ensure that all decisions and actions by nurses use chosen studies as a basis. This does not auger well with critics, who purport that evidence based practice is limiting and denies nurses and other scientists from having a different opinion from the given ones. In this regard, evidence based practice hinders innovation and prevents nurses from reaching their full potential in their profession. Though standards should be used for quality assurance purposes, they should be flexible enough to allow for personal choice and innovation.

Safety behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Safety behaviour - Essay Example is an example of a good market leader (Khanh, 2011). The modern business environment does not allow application of piecemeal improvements. Companies do not have any route to success apart from undergoing performance transformations to attain and maintain a top status. Most literature covers ways of implementing transformations without considering the role of leadership in the same.There is no single model that explains the role of leadership in the car manufacturing industry. Hill and Jones, for instance, focus on what is known as cost leadership and technology as part of strategic management in the manufacturing industry (2007). Furthermore, the precise nature of the role of the Chief Executive sitting at the helm of leadershipdepends on various things among them urgency, magnitude, and the form of transformation under implementation. Other factors that influence the nature of the role of the Chief Executive in the car manufacturing industry are failures and potential of the business organization within the auto industry, as well as the personality of the leader. References can be made to previously dominant companies such as the Ford Motor Corporation (Great Britain, 2007). In spite of the variations identified, researchers concur that four common important functions cut across the board and defy the differences necessary for any leadership to remain successful in the auto industry. Each person has a role to play in transformational performance.However, the role of the person sitting at the helm of leadership appears unique in many aspects as much as it shares other features with others within the leadership hierarchy. This is because the Chief Executive occupies the topmost part of the pyramid while other members take the cue from him downwards. If top leadership in the company gives lip service, the same will apply to the rest of leaders in the hierarchy.Leadership that fails to

Plan for the project on enterprise Rent a Car Essay

Plan for the project on enterprise Rent a Car - Essay Example This paper is divided into three sections including the following: Part A involves the creation of an outline project plan for Enterprise Rent a Car while Part B involves the creation of a detailed business case, project plan and schedule including use of Microsoft Project, and the presentation. Part A: Introduction Expanding a business enterprise is a process which requires a holistic approach in order for that initiative to be a success. As such, this part of the report seeks to outline the project plan for Enterprise Rent a Car which has underscored to expand its operations through relocation to a bigger space. Basically, a project plan is an outline of a business idea which seeks to justify the reason behind venturing into that particular business (Timons, 2000). In this case, this plan is going to help the project management team to convince the project board to make informed decisions with regards to the operations of the organization. This project outline is comprised of diffe rent segments that are meant to give insight into the whole project that is going to be undertaken once approved by the project board. Business case Whilst the Enterprise Rent a Car is performing well in its operations, it has been realised that its performance can be improved further through undertaking an aggressive expansion initiative. ... The transition of the organization from the current location to the new place is expected to be carried in such a way that it does not affect the operations of the company. This project is supposed to be fully operational by 30 June 2013. Preliminary research has shown that location C outlined below is the most ideal place for this initiative. Location C: Key Facts: On main arterial A road High volume of passing vehicles Close to Metro station Space to park 20 cars Close to several hotels who we have never visited Near local Body shop who send us 35 rentals per month 1.5 miles from current location 1 mile from motorway links Next to petrol station ?19,000 p.a. rental cost According to the information presented above, it can be noted that this is the most ideal place since it is comprised of favourable conditions that can positively contribute to the triumph of the organization with regards to business development and growth. More importantly, it can be seen that this location is comp rised of lucrative market which has never been tapped since there are several hotels which have never visited. It is anticipated that proper implementation of this project will positively contribute to the growth of the organization. Project objectives The project seeks to fulfil three major objectives outlined below. The main objective of the project is to expand the organization to reach greater heights so that it can be in a position to cater for the needs of different customers. The other objective of the project is to facelift the company so that it can attract as many customers as possible while at the same time putting measures to satisfy their needs through

Focus Group Essay Example for Free

Focus Group Essay Qualitative research Definition- it is a research, which is undertaken using an unstructured research, approach with a small number of carefully selected individuals to produce non-quantifiable insights into behavior, motivations and attitudes. Qualitative and quantitative research as two distinctly separate bodies of research – many studies encompass both approaches, with qualitative research being used to explore and understand attitudes and behavior, and quantitative research being used to measure how widespread these attitudes and behaviors are. Qualitative research can be used when managers need exploratory research. Managers use exploratory research to understand customer attitudes, emotions, preferences and behaviors. It can also be used in new product development or creative development research. Individual depth interview It is an interview that is conducted face-to-face, in which the subject matter of the interview is explored in detail using an unstructured and flexible approach. As with all qualitative research, depth interviews are used to develop a deeper understanding d of consumer attitudes and the reasons behind specific behaviors. This understanding is achieved through responding to an individual’s comments with extensive probing. The flexibility of this probing sets this interview approach apart from oter questionnaire-type interviews. Although there is an agenda of topics to be covered, the interviewers will use their knowledge of the research objectives, the information gained from other interviews and the comments of the respondent to select which parts of the dialogue with the respondent to explore further, which to ignore, and which to return to later in the interview. Not only is the depth interview flexible, it is also evolutionary in nature. Focus group Focus groups are depth interviews undertaken with a group of respondents. It is different to individual interviews in the number of respondents and interaction between participants. Several factors affect focus group Recruitment is a very critical element of group discussions and has long been a major quality-control issue in the UK marketing research industry. Group discussions are unlikely to achieve their research objectives if the wrong types of participant are recruited. The research proposal will set out the type of participants required for a group discussion. For example, if Colgate is researching a new type of toothpaste for a sensitive teeth. Their specification may request respondents who regularly purchase toothpaste with sensitive protection function. Respondents age (for example 25-64), living area, etc. Managers can also use Screening questionnaire to identify suitable respondents for its group discussion. The area that respondents are recruited normally should be in street or telephone interviews. The location that group discussions were held should let respondents feel comfortable. Locations such as viewing rooms or hotels for business should have no special facilities apart from audio type recorder. Food or snacks will also be provided to assist in relaxing the atmosphere. Time to hold the discussion should be well scheduled. Times should be available to target group. For example, outside working hours, times of available public transport etc. The number of groups should be 3-4. As the 3rd and 4th group can used to exam atypical views. * There are problems involving focus groups. For example in the case of overlapping dialogues from different speakers which may affect the transcript. * Moderators must learn to control such people and encourage those less willing to speak up and let their opinions be heard. Comparing to traditional group discussion, online group discussion or chat room is becoming popular. Apart from lower cost and possible time-saving, it can allow more people to be involved in observing the research, particularly if it is being carried out in a different region or country. However, a cheaper version of online group discussion or chat room where a group is recruited who are willing to discuss a subject online usually using text. It can be difficult to develop any real group dynamics and it is impossible to see people’s facial expression. Even with webcams, the video picture is usually so poor. Participants may also be distracted by events within their own office or home, as the environment is not under the control of the moderator. However, it may be useful with people who could be unwilling to attend a group discussion because of their geographical dispersal or their introverted nature. Projective techniques Projective techniques are techniques used in group discussions and individual interviews to facilitate a deeper exploration of a respondent’s attitudes towards a concept, product or situation. They enable respondents to express attitudes that they find difficult to verbalize. Projective technique projective techniques may gather ‘richer’ data than do standard questioning and discussion. There are many types of projective techniques. The most common three techniques are projective questioning. It is a projective technique that asks the respondent to consider what other people would think about a situation. An example of this could be â€Å"What do you think people in your street would think if they saw a BMW parked in your driveway?† The advantage of projective questioning is that it usually reflect the opinions of the respondent without causing them any embarrassment. Managers can get more objective answers. Word association tests It is a projective technique that involves asking respondents what brands or products they associate with specific words. In marketing research, word association is typically used in conjunction with brand names or celerity endorsers. This can assist marketers in developing communication objectives and strategies to position or differentiate their brands from those of competitors. In addition to the direct outputs of word association, the technique is also very useful as a way of warming up a group by getting everybody contributing and involved. Brand personalities Brand personalities involve respondents imagining a brand a person and describing their looks, clothes. Lifestyles, employment etc. For example, if ‘Nokia’ was a person, what type of person would he or she be? The answer could be such as a modern, relatively young slightly quirky male. This could compare with other brands. Developing brand personification can help to verbalize the imagery and vocabulary associated with the brand. Sentence completion Sentence completion involves providing respondents with an incomplete sentence or group of sentences. Respondents are then asked to complete them. For example, ‘Tesco, as a supermarket, is†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ in many way, sentence completion is similar to word associations, although it can enable researcher to put the respondent’s thinking process into a proper context. Observation research Observation is a data-gathering approach where information on the behavior of people, objects and organizations is collected without any questions being asked of the participants. Observation can take a quantitative format where a large number of events or people are observed and the outputs are analyzed using statistical method. The major advantage of it over surveys of respondents is that the data collected do not have inaccuracies as a result of memory error or social desire bias. The data recorded reflect the actual behavior that took place. For example, video record gives a true representation of rental behavior. Observation overcomes the high refusal rates that may exist for some survey research. However, observation cannot investigate reasons behind behavior. Also, only public behavior is observed. Examples of what can be observed are consumers behavior in store, family consuming behavior at home, comments on the internet. Typical methods of observation are internet monitoring (club card, cookies), in-store observations (CCTV), mystery shopping(researchers participant into observation to look at process not the outcome of number of satisfaction), content analysis(how many time that the word appear in the article), ethnography(could be costly and have ethical issues). Ethical problem Questionnaire A questionnaire is the research instrument designed to generate the data necessary for accomplishing a project’s research objectives. Questionnaires have advantages over some other types of surveys in that they are cheap, do not require as much effort from the questioner as focus group, and often have standardized answers that make it simple to compile data. However, questionnaires also have many of the same problems relating to question construction and wording. The effect of questionnaire might also limited by the location that respondents do the questionnaire. For example, respondents who did questionnaire in high street could be affected by noise. There are many types of questionnaire. There are open-ended question, closed question, scaling questions. There are many factors when comparing Focus group, depth interviews, projective techniques, observation and questionnaire. In terms of degree of structure, focus group are relatively high as managers will guide and control the whole discussion until all tasks are finished. In terms of probing of individual respondents, depth interviews are high and focus group and questionnaire are low. Moderator bias in depth interviews are high and others are medium. Observation has none effects in terms of both probing of individual respondents and moderator bias. Focus group is also high in discovering innovative information. Projective techniques and observation are high in uncovering subconscious information and obtaining sensitive information. Questionnaire and projective techniques are involving unusual behavior or questioning.

Designer Babies- Has Genetic Engineering Gone Too Far?

Designer Babies- Has Genetic Engineering Gone Too Far? The colloquial term designer baby refers to a baby whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected by genetic engineering combined with in vitro fertilization to ensure the presence or absence of particular genes or characteristics. (1) The process of creating a designer baby is often questioned mostly because of its lack of agreement by experts on a moral platform. Embryo screening involves a process called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Genetic engineering of babies can change possible traits such as gender, appearance, intelligence and disease. In-vitro fertilization is used to create embryos that are then grown to the eight-cell stage, when one or two cells are removed. Scientists then examine the DNA of these cells for defects, and only normal embryos are replaced in the womb (3). In this essay I will discuss and include points on whether or not scientists are interfering with nature, safety issues around creating designer babies, the superiority of designer versu s non designer babies and whether the possible life saving benefits of designer babies outweigh these other issues. My opinion is that the negatives far outweigh the positives; however I will lay the foundation for both sides so that I may leave the reader to reach their own conclusions. Adam Nash, born in 2000, was the worlds first known designer baby. This was hailed as not just a medical innovation, but one with a definitively life-saving purpose. If Adam had been created naturally he would have inherited his sisters Fanconis anaemia. She was saved from the disease, as after his birth, blood cells from his umbilical cord were transplanted into her body. (2) Adams birth even though it seemed artificial without question had served a vital purpose. Though there are certainly some positives that can be obtained from the use of genetic engineering used on unborn babies, it is now heavily debated whether parents have the right reasons to genetically modify their baby. One of the main issues with genetic engineering is that scientists could be perceived as interfering with nature and in effect trying to play God, by cheating him out of his chance to decide whether, for example, we are blonde or dark haired or if we have blue or bright green eyes and ultimately whether indeed it is right to do so in the first place. If designer babies became prevalent, a potential social problem could be a new rivalry between designer and non-designer babies. This could create a hostile environment where genetically engineered children could somehow feel superior over non-designer children. This could become a new social problem akin to existing and troubling ongoing prevalent race issues within our society. Scientists do not yet know absolutely everything about the way that the human body functions works, therefore how can they possibly understand the ramifications of slight changes made at the smallest level? They may manage to wipe out one disease and without int ent to harm introduce something even more dangerous? My view is that it would seem unfair for the baby to be treated like a tool instead of a human, as this could potentially violate human rights. The experience of Adam Nash in saving his sister was relatively non-invasive experience as only the blood cells from his umbilical cord were used. However in other cases where bone transplant is the only available option, the providing child will undergo painful invasive treatment. How can someone as fragile as any human being be fairly treated in such a cruel manner? Genetic modification of the DNA in human embryos would not only affect the individual but their children and their childrens children and so on down the generations. Advocates argue that it could not only halt the inheritance of genetic diseases that run in families, but it could also pass on unforeseen medical problems that the procedures may cause. At first it may seem that the negatives of genetic engineering may outweigh the positives, but if one looks closely, a number of benefits that can be achieved by scientists wishing to study and advance this study. There is the potential to live longer because of the advances of modern medical science and genetic engineering. The main aim of technologies that are used as gene editing is the ability to precisely control changes to very specific areas of the genome giving such technologies a powerful ability. There are around 7.9 million children each year are born with a serious birth defect and the unlocking of gene editing could be for some the only way to fight genetic disease and be a life saving option. (4) One could suggest that if these errors could be safely corrected at the embryonic stage then maybe there would be hope to virtually remove this burden of disease. Embryos that would otherwise be destroyed could advance greatly through gene editing techniques. For example the gene which causes children to develop normally for six months and then become progressively deaf, blind, unable to swallow, and paralytic, before dying at four (Tay-Sachs disease) (5) it could be argued that nothing would be lost by can be lost by editing this gene out of the human lineage. Similarly parents who have Huntingtons disease carry a 50% chance of passing that gene down to their children (6) and, even if they do not, they are likely to be carriers of the disease. It would be very difficult to stop people from having children if they suffer from a disease like this, therefore genetic engineering can help to ensure that their children live long and healthy lives. The modification and precise editing of human embryo can be seen by many Scientists taboo since they feel it crosses an ethical line . Some state that no matter what genes are targetted, the key risk in crossing the line would be unpredictable consequences, and any interference with our innate genome would be dangerous, chaotic and uncontrollable. Even the mere dipping our toes in the gene pool will cause large ripples and thus it would be better not to dip at all. But the capability is becoming ever more likely. Scientists at Sun Yat-sen University in China have recently developed a host of genome editing procedures used as a first study of its kind to modify the genes of a human embryo, (7). However even though these procedures on the face of it seem to be very exact, simple to use and powerful questions on how safe they are, how they should be used are just not clear enough. In conclusion the impact on society is hard to predict, but several ethical questions certainly arise. The huge cost of the procedure means that few families probably will have access to the procedures, which could create a wide divide between the poor and the genetically altered wealthy. It is possible that genetic diversity also be greatly reduced, leaving the human race susceptible to certain diseases. While the basic intentions of the science behind designer babies are positive, the potential for ethical compromise is great. I would therefore argue that the human race in its pursuit for intelligence and athletic aptitude could leave the genetic Pandoras Box open to unknown manipulation and therefore would be better placed not continuing such technologies. Using this technology to have better looking children or to have more desirable traits is an idea that may seem appealing, but in reality, is it actually something scientists should be doing? I would say no.

Bridge expansion joints †performance and materials

Bridge expansion joints – performance and materials 1.1 Introduction Expansion joints are used in bridges to allow movements like expansion and contraction between the bridge deck spans and abutments. These movements are caused due to temperature, soil settlements, vehicle acceleration and other reasons (Klaiber, et al., 1987 and Dagher, et al., 1993 as cited in Thippeswamy, 2002). Expansion joints are subjected to severe loading due to the direct impact of the wheels. They are a very important component of a bridge structure and if carefully designed, properly installed and reasonably maintained will give a trouble free performance for many years. Though joints are made of various materials like rubber, silicone and polymer they deteriorate since they are constantly exposed to impact, vibration of traffic and natural elements like water, dust, ultra violet rays and ozone (Chang Lee 2002). The durability of expansion joints is a major concern to bridge owners. The maintenance cost of joints is relatively high than the initial cost .This led to the de sign of jointless bridges. Jointless bridges do not develop stress due to corrosion of joints, accumulation of debris and differential elevation of joints (Thippeswamy, 2002). The behaviour of the jointless bridges not known and the designs being complicated are not implemented in spite of their advantages. This literature review deals with: characteristics of a good expansion joint that must be noted while design a joint, defects observed in expansion joints, survey studies conducted on existing joints to study their behaviour and some manufactures of bridge expansion joints in the industry. Studies on improving the performance of expansion joints is conducted, research on reducing the cost of maintenance of the joints should be conducted. 1.2 Characteristics of a good expansion joint A bridge expansion joint for proper functioning must have the ability to: accommodate movements in vertical and horizontal direction; withstand applied loads; resist skid and corrosion; operate silently with less maintenance (Lee, 1994). Price (1984) suggests that the performance of a joint is influenced by structural movements of the joint in horizontal and vertical direction, traffic loading, materials used, condition of the substrate, weather and temperature during joint installation, workmanship and performance of bearings. 1.3 Commonly observed joint defects Guzaltan (1993) as cited in (Chang Lee 2002) studied some commonly observed defects in expansion joints. They include damaged seals, accumulation of debris in the joint components, rusting of metal plates and nuts, cracking of concrete, corrosion of steel reinforcement, water leakage, improper joint alignment and joint vibration during vehicle passage. Fincher (1983) as cited in (Chang Lee 2002) presents the results of a survey conducted by Federal Highway Administration during a five year evaluation period which demonstrated that 60% of the expansion joints examined leaked. Additionally, Wallbank (1989) as cited in (Lee, 1994) explains that in a survey conducted on two hundred bridges by The London Department of Transport, the deterioration of the expansion joints was caused due to leaking and faulty drainage details. Chang and Lee (2002) conducted a study to observe the performance of joints in Indiana and found that some joints failed due to cracks in the seal and suggested test ing it before installation. Fault tree modelling was used for qualitative explanation of bridge element interaction but could be used only for catastrophic failures (Attoh- Okine Bowers 2006). These models are not applicable to bridges since they fail over an extended period of time. Fault tree models were also prepared by LeBeau and Wadia-Fascetti (2000) and Sianipar and Adams (1997) as cited in (Attoh- Okine Bowers 2006). A new deterioration modelling based on belief networks that effectively capture and illustrate the hierarchical, interaction and uncertainty factors present in bridge deterioration was developed by Attoh- Okine and Bowers (2006). Belief networks are also called Bayesian belief networks and are based on Bayes theory. The belief network approach is more appropriate than fault tree analysis since it can be used to investigate the components of a bridge including deck material, girders, bearings and abutments have a great influence on deterioration. 1.4 Studies conducted on the performance of existing expansion joints Chang and Lee (2002) conducted a study to observe the performance of the different joints used in the highway bridges in Indiana. Five popularly used joints were: compression seal (B.S), strip seal (S.S), integral abutment (I.A), poured silicone (X.J.S) and polymer modified asphalt (P.M.A). The data was obtained from questionnaire survey, analysis of Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) roadway management data and expert interviews. Questionnaire survey was conducted by giving questionnaires to the state bridge inspectors and engineers around Indiana. The problems with joints were encountered and possible improvements were suggested. The analysis of historical data using logistic regression approach found that S.S joint had the best performance. The expert interviews consider I.A joint to offer good results and suggest improvement of B.S and S.S joints. An inspection campaign was conducted on 150 expansion joints of 71 road bridges in Brisa, Portugal where the maintenance cos t reached a peak of 25% (Lima Brito 2009). The joints installed within the traffic lane of the bridge were considered. The expansion joints were characterised based on their type, and age of the bridge. It was recorded that the joints used more frequently included reinforced elastomeric cushion joints, elastomeric flexible strips, and asphaltic plug joints. The data obtained from the inspection campaign was statistically analysed. The results showed that joints that were replaced mostly frequently were elastomeric joints and that different joints have specific maintenance needs. The transition strip and the anchorage cavities of the expansion joint are the parts that require more maintenance. It was also observed that the errors during installation and lack of maintenance caused pathology of the joint. The results of campaign conducted show that there was a lot of improvement in the commercial expansion joints and suggests investigation on the new or improved systems and materials. It also suggested that simple systems with fewer components are more reliable and require less maintenance. Asphalt bridge expansion joints when used in cold countries cracked within the first two years. To improve the performance the commercial MEIJIA asphalt binder was modified with polymers: thermoplastic rubber and rubber (Yu, et al., 2009). The polymers were used in various combinations, and their performance at low temperatures is evaluated by conducting tests including: ductility, penetration, indirect tension and bending tests. The data from ductility and penetration tests performed on binders indicated that the strength and deformation capacity at low temperatures improved. Four expansion joints made with the modified asphalt mixtures were installed on two bridges in a cold region and found that the joints showed good performance. 1.5 Assessment of expansion joint performance using monitored data A study was conducted by to develop a procedure for verification of the design and evaluating the condition of expansion joint by monitoring joint displacement and bridge temperature on a long term (Ni, et al., 2002). This method was applied to Ting Kau, cable stayed bridge in Hong Kong. The service life and replacement of joint depends on the cumulative displacement. An accurate prediction of the cumulative displacement will provide the time interval for joint inspection or joint replacement. Monitoring the thermal movements at the expansion joints and comparing them with the design values provide verification on design. The whole system had more than 230 sensors like anemometers, accelerometers, displacements transducters to measure displacements located at the ends of the deck, temperature sensors, strain gauges, weight in motion sensors and global positioning system. A good correlation between the movement of the expansion joints and effective temperature was observed. The daily average cumulative displacements of the expansion joints in the bridge are much less than design values. Additionally monitoring systems had been implemented on many bridges in different countries by (Andersen Pedersen 1994; Cheung et al. 1997; Barrish et al. 2000; Sumitro et al. 2001; Mufti 2002; Koh et al. 2003; Wong 2004) as cited in (Ni et al. 2002). 1.6 Effect of SSI and ground motion spatial variation Chouw and Hao (2008(a)) studied the effects of soil-structure interaction (SSI) and ground motion spatial variation effect on bridge pounding responses for bridges with a traditional expansion joint between adjacent girders. The study was conducted on two adjacent bridge frames. It was confirmed that structures that are built on stiff soils may experience larger pounding forces than those on soft soils. It was also examined that decrease of ground motion correlation caused larger pounding responses. Numerical simulation was conducted by nonlinear dynamic response analysis and investigated pounding mitigation and prevention of unseating in the highway bridges due to seismic forces (Raheem, 2009). It was observed that seismic pounding generates significantly higher magnitude and short duration acceleration pulses than typically assumed design magnitude. This results in severe impact forces that damage structural members like the deck or pier. Additionally the effects of SSI and bridge pounding response for bridges with modular expansion joint system (MEJS) were observed (Chouw Hao 2008(b)). It was concluded that the girders with a large gap of a MEJS caused stronger impact forces. It was found that significance of nonuniform ground motions depends on the properties of the ground motions, subsoil and the structures. 1.7 Types of Expansion Joints 1.7.1 Selection of joint type The type of joint is selected depending on the movement expected for serviceability limit state. More than one type of joint may be suitable for a particular range of movement. The movement range that should not be exceeded for each expansion joint is given in Table 1. Table 1. Selection of joint type (Department of Transport, 1989) Joint Type Total acceptable longitudinal movement Maximum acceptable vertical movement (mm) Maximum (mm) Minimum(mm) Buried Joint under continuous surfacing 5 20 1.3 Asphaltic plug joint 5 40 3 Nosing joint with poured sealant 5 12 3 Nosing with preformed compression seal 5 40 3 Reinforced Elastomeric 5 * 3 Elastomeric in metal runners 5 * 3 Cantilever comb or tooth joint 25 * 3 * Maximum value varies according to manufacturer or joint type 1.7.2 Modular bridge expansion joint Modular expansion joint is used when the joint movement exceeds 100mm.The modular expansion joint has many advantages including: water-tightness, corrosion protection, great potential as they increase the life of concrete and steel bridges (Crocetti Edlund 2003), greater movements in translation and rotation. It can accommodate the three dimensional movements without generating additional stresses or strains in the load-bearing members or in adjacent bridge or abutment structures. 1.7.2.1 Noise generation in a modular expansion joint The traffic generates more noise on bridges than on roads, as sound is produced on the top and bottom of the deck. The noise generated from a modular expansion joint under vehicle passage is louder than those of ordinary expansion joints (Ravshanovich, et al., 2007). The mechanism of noise generation for a modular bridge expansion joint which causes noise pollution was studied by conducting tests on a full scale model of a joint. A series of car-running experiments were conducted on the joint and studied its noise and vibration characteristics. A modal analysis of the joint is performed using finite element modelling. It was observed that the frequency of the noise generated above the joint varies from 500 to 800Hz due to sudden change in air pressure within the gap formed by rubber sealing with the middle beams. The frequency is less than 200Hz below the joint caused by the sound radiation due to the bending vibration modes of the middle beams being excited by an impact force from t he car wheels. Likewise a numerical investigation was conducted on a modular expansion joint of an expressway bridge to understand the generation and radiation mechanism (Ghimire, et al., 2009). The numerical analysis was conducted using finite element method. 1.7.2.2 Performance of Modular expansion joint Modular joints have the ability to cope with large thermal expansion and contraction of large bridges (Chouw Hao 2008(b)). They are capable of preventing girder pounding during strong earthquakes. A complex joint was modelled to study the dynamic response of a modular bridge expansion joint (Crocetti and Edmund, 2003). The vertical loads perpendicular to the roadway plane were considered. Horizontal loads were eliminated since the excitation mechanism was sophisticated and the behaviour of the joint in the horizontal direction was stochastic in character. A single fatigue test was performed. Data from the field tests including measurement of wheel load distribution factors, horizontal and vertical wheel loads, determination of damping and natural frequencies were obtained from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The result of the fatigue test conducted agreed with the S-N curve plotted for welded connection between the support bar and the centre beam suggested by Dexter, et al. (1997) cited in (Crocetti Edmund 2003). Additionally an experimental investigation was performed to study the fatigue performance of a welded multiple support bar modular bridge expansion joint (Chaallal, 2006). The welded multiple support bar modular bridge expansion joint was used in the rehabilitation of Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal. The vertical and horizontal loads were considered unlike (Crocetti Edmund 2003) which is more practical since the expansion joints are subjected to both vertical and horizontal loads. Experimental tests were conducted on three subassemblies of the modular joint for various loads and S-N curve was plotted. 1.8 Manufacturers of Expansion joints 1.8.1 The Bridge Joint Association Bridge Joint Association (BJA) prepares standards and current practice sheets. It comprises of manufacturers and installers of bridge expansion joints which include: ASL CONTRACTS LTD, FREYSSINET LTD, GRACE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS LTD, Highways Maintenance Specialists LTD and MAURER LTD (Bridge Joint Association, 2009). 1.8.2 Watson Bowman Acme Corporation Watson Bowman Acme Corporation (WBA) found in 1950 isa recognized innovator in the development and manufacture of expansion joint controlsystems. Some of the joints manufactured by WBA include: Wabo ®Crete SiliconeSeal This is a high performance expansion joint system that uti ­lizes a two-part sealant between elastomeric concrete headers made of Wabo ®Crete II capable of absorbing impact loads. The headers are coupled with Wabo ®SiliconeSeal make it an ideal expansion joint system that is adopted in the industry for new construction or repair of existing joints. Wabo ®Crete II elastomeric concrete is widely used in header applications for bridges and parking structures. Polyurethane is used in the header material to minimize edge spalling associated with high impact loads while achieving superior bonding capabilities. The Wabo ®SiliconeSeal is a cold applied self levelling sealant requires no priming which simplifies acceler ­ates the installation process. Wabo ®Crete SiliconeSeal system is licensed under US Patent No 5.190.395. This joint is adopted for applications with a maximum movement range of +100% / -50% of the joint gap (Watson Bowman Acme, 2007) . Wabo ®Crete FlexFoam This is an armorless expansion joint system that is designed with closed-cell foam joint seal installed with epoxy adhesive between an impact absorbing elastomeric concrete header. The high impact absorbing, ambient cured and self-levelling properties of the Wabo ®Crete II joint header allows for the joint system to mono ­lithically bond to the deck creating a watertight system. Using an elastomeric concrete joint header achieving superior bonding ca ­pabilities and minimizing edge spalling (Watson Bowman Acme, 2007). Wabo ®Expandex This is a flexible asphaltic plug joint system designed to accommodate minimum structure movement while providing a smooth transition between the ap ­proach pavement and the bridge deck. Wabo ®Expandex is used typically at abut ­ments or asphalt overlays due to its unique asphalt compatibility. The system combines the use of a traffic bearing plate with special aggregate reinforced modified elastomeric material (Watson Bowman Acme, 2007). Jeene ® This joint system comprises of a neoprene profile, which is air-pressurized and bonded in place with a specially formulated epoxy ad ­hesive. With properly installation, the Jeene ® joint system will not tear away, protrude out of, or slip from its original position on exposure to repeated mechanical or thermal movements. Complete adhesion of the epoxy to the profile and joint wall is achieved due to the air inflation during installation. Jeene ® is the most durable, versatile, cost-effective and watertight expansion joint (Watson Bowman Acme, 2007). Wabo ®HSeal This is a pre-compressed elastomeric coated expansion joint system de ­signed to provide a permanent weather tight seal. The system is sealed in place with an epoxy, which allows it to accommodate horizontal, vertical, and skew expansion joint movements. Wabo ®HSeal consists of a micro-cell, stable to UV, polyurethane foam impregnated with a hydrophobic polymer and topped with a traffic grade elastomeric coating. The im ­pregnated foam provides a valuable secondary water tight seal in case the primary elastomeric coating is damaged. This system is supplied in pre-compressed sticks for easy installation (Watson Bowman Acme, 2007). Wabo ®Flex This is a molded rubber cushion expansion joint which is designed to accommodate structure movements from 2 inches up to 13 inches. In Wabo ®Flex system the molded rubber cushions are steel reinforced and imbedded with corrosion-resistant aluminium wear plates. Tongue and grooves at the end of each rubber cush ­ion ensure a watertight connection and prevent uplift or separation (Watson Bowman Acme, 2007). Wabo ®TransFlex This is an original reinforced elastomeric molded rubber expansion joint system. All sections feature tongue and groove fittings for tight end-to-end mating across decks and at curbs and are steel reinforced. It can be installed in new decks, or in older structures on rehabilitation projects. These joint systems readily adapt to skew angles. Wabo ®TransFlex system will accommodate anticipated thermal movements reject debris and create a level, smooth-riding, wear-resistant surface if properly installed (Watson Bowman Acme, 2007). Wabo ®Seismic WeatherSeal This is a pre-compressed elastomeric coated ex ­pansion joint system that works under its own constant internal pressure to provide a weather resistant seal. The system contains an open-cell foam seal im ­pregnated with a hydrophobic polymer sealing compound. Wabo ®Seismic WeatherSeal can be used on applications which cause simple thermal movements or on applications where seismic movement is anticipated. The Wabo ®Seismic WeatherSeal system is recommended for use on all in ­terior and exterior wall, ceiling and soffit expansion joint applications (Watson Bowman Acme, 2007). The joint systems manufactured by Watson Bowman Acme Corporation are compared as shown in Table 2, with respect to their features and their recommended area of implementation. Table 2: Comparison between the various joints manufactured by WBA. Joint Features Recommended for Wabo ®Crete SiliconeSeal Watertight system, rapid installation, Cold applied, Expansion joint applications with a maximum movement range of +100% / -50% of the joint gap Horizontal expansion joint applications on bridges and highways. Wabo ®Crete FlexFoam Accommodates movement cycle through compression and tension, Minimizes dirt or debris accumulation Horizontal expansion joint applications on bridges and interstate highways. Wabo ®Expandex. Provides smooth riding surface, can be milled or planed during resurfacing operations, joint openings with movements up to +/- 0.75 at time of installation Sealing joints on secondary highway bridge structures. Joint Features Recommended for Jeene ® . Accommodates forces associated with multi-directional movements, resists hydrostatic pressure, Accommodates thermal movement Sealing joints on bridges roadways and tunnels. Wabo ®HSeal Can accommodate horizontal, vertical and skew expansion joint movements, easy installation Sealing joints on bridges, sound wall barriers Wabo ®Flex maximum friction, prevents debris accumulation, reduces deflection under traffic load ­ing, maximum movement of 13 inches Bridge decks and ramps, Low height joint sealing restrictions Wabo ®TransFlex Watertight connection, prevent uplift or separation maximum movement of 13 inches Low height joint sealing restrictions bridges, decks and ramps Wabo ®Seismic WeatherSeal seismic movement capability, weather resistant, self-expanding non-laminated construction, accommodates movement up to +/- 50% Stadiums, parking garages, Replacing failed joints 1.8.3 Universal Sealants Limited Universal Sealants limited (USL) focuses on construction of bridges, tunnels, rail and other major structures. It manufactures supplies and installs specialist construction products including: bridge expansion joints; membranes for bridge deck waterproofing; protective coatings; concrete repair and car park refurbishment work. Some expansion joints offered by USL include: Uniflex expansion joints This system uses a butyl rubber membrane, bonded to the concrete and asphalt surfaces with Uniflex epoxy adhesive to provide an efficient and permanent joint that is easily installed. The system accommodates a variety of conditions from those experienced on an asphalt-covered traffic-free roof, to bridge decks with sheet membrane, spray on coating or asphalt waterproofing, also it can be used with two layer mastic asphalt or brick paving systems. The Uniflex system is chemically inert and completely impervious to water and water vapour. In buried joints the membrane is completely protected by the wearing surface. Uniflex membrane will not deteriorate during its service and the combination of a simple design and proven components makes the system naturally long-lasting and well up to the requirements of modern building and civil engineering practice (Universal Sealants UK Ltd, 2009). Febajoint This joint is fully registered with the Highways Agency, Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembley (BD 33/94: Joint Type 2) suitable for all class roads and motorways. The joint is nominally 500mm wide and not less than 100mm deep which will provide optimum movement capacity of +/- 20mm. The materials are applied hot and in a fluid condition, with temperatures up to 180 °C. Careful considerations should be made by the engineer before using this joint. Binder compounds use thermoplastic materials which contain polymer modified bitumen, mineral fillers and chemical additives (Universal Sealants UK Ltd, 2009). FEBA HM expansion joints The system is fully registered with the UK Highways Agency for type 2 application. It is a high modulus flexible, waterproof asphaltic plug joint. The main feature of this system includes a resistance to wheel tracking. This joint is suitable for a maximum horizontal design movement of  ±20mm. The FEBA HM system should be considered in places of high traffic volumes, constant standing traffic or heavy loading. The materials are applied hot and in fluid condition, with temperatures up to 180 °C. Binder compounds are classified as thermoplastic materials and contain polymer modified bitumen, mineral fillers and chemical additives (Universal Sealants UK Ltd, 2009). Nosing Joint (NJ) system This joint system is an ideal for maintenance situations and has been developed to provide a whole life economic solution for applications where asphalt plug joints are unsuitable and is registered with the UK Highways Agency, The Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembly. A surface mounted nosing joint with an elastomeric insert bonded to the rapid curing elastomeric compound known as Britflex ® Resin Mortar (Universal Sealants UK Ltd, 2009). The Transflex, Waboflex and Euroflex These joints are registered with the UK Highways Agency, the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly for use on highway bridge decks (BD 33/94: Joint Type 5). These joints are reinforced elastomeric comprising of steel angles and a steel bridging plate system encased in a flexible elastomer. The movements that can be accommodated vary from 38mm to 330mm in structures including: All types of highway structures, car park decks, footbridges and podium decks (Universal Sealants UK Ltd, 2009). The Britflex ® BEJ Expansion Joint These joints are registered with the UK Highways Agency, Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembley for use on bridge decks on all classes of roads and motorways. (Department of Transport BD33/94: Joint Type 6). This system is ideal for maintenance projects where there is a need to replace failed systems. The major benefit of this system is its speed of assembly on-site (Universal Sealants UK Ltd, 2009). Londitudinal Joint (LJ) system This system has been developed to provide an effective method of sealing longitudinal expansion gaps and soffits. This joint accommodates both longitudinal and vertical movement and also provides a substantially watertight seal. The LJ joint system can be used as a waterproof cover joint or as a drainage channel under joint with the facility to install drainage outlets into the system (Universal Sealants UK Ltd, 2009). Table 3: Comparison between the various joints manufactured by USL. Joint Type Features Uniflex Expansion Joints Type 1-Buried joint under continuous surfacing Impervious to water and water vapour, long-lasting, simple design Joint Type Features Febajoints Type 2-Asphaltic Plug joint Provides optimum movement capacity of +/- 20mm, joint for use on highway bridges FEBA HM Expansion Joints Type 2-High Modulus Asphaltic Plug joint Can accommodate impact loads, maximum horizontal design movement of  ±20mm Nosing Joint system Type 4-Nosing with preformed compression seal Rapid Installation, No drilling of deck, can only be used in the situation where the gap at carriageway level does not exceed 65mm. Transflex, Waboflex and Euroflex Expansion Joints Type 5-Reinforced Elastomeric Accommodating movement from 38mm to 330mm. used for car park decks, footbridges, podium deck. Britflex ® BEJ Expansion Joints Type 6-Elastomeric in metal runners Rapid on site assembly, less future maintenance costs, easy to install Longitudinal Joints Longitudinal Joint System can accommodate both longitudinal and vertical movement, rapid installation, low maintenance, cost effective , watertight seal 1.8.4 Stirling Lloyd Stirling Lloyd specialise in the development, manufacture and application of high-performance waterproofing and structural protection membranes and systems. They deal with road and rail bridge decks and tunnels, to commercial building developments, car parks and highway maintenance solutions. Some of the joints manufactured by Stirling Lloyd include: Sentinel ® B This joint consists of a PVC flashing strip designed for various movement ranges. The flashing is bonded across the expansion gap and incorporated into the Eliminator ® water proofing system to form a continous waterproofing detail below

Abc Book :: Free Essay Writer

ABC Book Agatha Christie, the author of "And then there were None" is called the Queen of Mystery by those who have read her books. In addition to, "And then there were None", Agatha Christie has written many books, which include "ABC Murders", "Body in the Library", Easy to Kill" and "Towards Zero". Brent, the family name of Emily, the 65 year old daughter of a Colonel, and definitely not happy with the way the world is going now. She liked every thing as it was 45 years ago, when children did what their parents told them to and when everyone respected their elders, but now †¦.. Coroner's inquest having turned her life upside down, Vera Claythorne has had tough luck so far in her life. She does not have a lot of money, and has had trouble finding a job after the inquest. Even though she had been acquitted, people still look at her funny when she walks down the street. Doctor Armstrong, a former doctor who likes time to think. Whenever he thinks about the past one of the first things to pop into his mind is the fact alcohol ruined his life. If only he hadn't had a couple of drinks before operating on his patient, he might not have accidentally killed him. Everyone was dead when the police got to the Island. Nobody could figure out what happened. The police did not find any suicide notes and searched the island a couple of times. The police found no-one in hiding and were left open- mouthed and clueless. Fred Narracott was the boatman who took everyone to the island on his boat. As he told the police, as far as he knew he was the only one who had taken anyone over to the Island. General Macarthur, loved war and was disappointed when he had to stop fighting on the battle grounds. War was his life. He loved the smell, the sounds and the feel of battle. In fact he craved to kill again. Helpless, the guests on the island were prey to the killer, they couldn't get off the island because there was no boat. Hiding was out of the question due to the bad storm, and they did not know who the killer was, so everyone was under suspicion. Indian Island was purchased under the name U.N. Owen and nobody knew who it was. All the tabloids were saying royalty had bought the island or some eccentric millionaire, but nobody really knew who it was. Justice Wargrave, was a judge. You could say he was a murderer, even though he Abc Book :: Free Essay Writer ABC Book Agatha Christie, the author of "And then there were None" is called the Queen of Mystery by those who have read her books. In addition to, "And then there were None", Agatha Christie has written many books, which include "ABC Murders", "Body in the Library", Easy to Kill" and "Towards Zero". Brent, the family name of Emily, the 65 year old daughter of a Colonel, and definitely not happy with the way the world is going now. She liked every thing as it was 45 years ago, when children did what their parents told them to and when everyone respected their elders, but now †¦.. Coroner's inquest having turned her life upside down, Vera Claythorne has had tough luck so far in her life. She does not have a lot of money, and has had trouble finding a job after the inquest. Even though she had been acquitted, people still look at her funny when she walks down the street. Doctor Armstrong, a former doctor who likes time to think. Whenever he thinks about the past one of the first things to pop into his mind is the fact alcohol ruined his life. If only he hadn't had a couple of drinks before operating on his patient, he might not have accidentally killed him. Everyone was dead when the police got to the Island. Nobody could figure out what happened. The police did not find any suicide notes and searched the island a couple of times. The police found no-one in hiding and were left open- mouthed and clueless. Fred Narracott was the boatman who took everyone to the island on his boat. As he told the police, as far as he knew he was the only one who had taken anyone over to the Island. General Macarthur, loved war and was disappointed when he had to stop fighting on the battle grounds. War was his life. He loved the smell, the sounds and the feel of battle. In fact he craved to kill again. Helpless, the guests on the island were prey to the killer, they couldn't get off the island because there was no boat. Hiding was out of the question due to the bad storm, and they did not know who the killer was, so everyone was under suspicion. Indian Island was purchased under the name U.N. Owen and nobody knew who it was. All the tabloids were saying royalty had bought the island or some eccentric millionaire, but nobody really knew who it was. Justice Wargrave, was a judge. You could say he was a murderer, even though he

Cultural Differences in The Regions of Japan Essay -- Geography Cultur

Cultural Differences in The Regions of Japan Japan is a country made from four major islands. Though its area is small, each region has different tastes. The country has the population of 123.6 millions according to the 1990 census, or 2.5 % of the world total, and it is the seventh most populated nation according to The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Japan.(5, p.25). Japanese political and economical world power has been one of the success stories of the twentieth century. Though small in geographic area, its popularity is the seventh greatest; its inhabitants crowd themselves into an area the size of the state of Montana or California in the United States. Its natural resources are almost non-existent; however, today it ranks only second after the much larger United States as the most affluent and economically productive nation in the world. Japan was traditionally more self-sustained and semi-isolated in its islands, and it pursued its own historic path on the periphery of a great Chinese civilisation. The Japanese borrowed some cultural ideas from China. (4,p.1-2). Although the population is largely homogeneous, there is considerable regional diversity. This diversity is reflected in life-styles, dialects and speech differing patterns of historic and economical development. The four largest islands are Hokkaido(2), Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Honshu, the largest island, is usually divided into five regions; Tohoku (3), Kanto (4),Chubu (5), Kinki(6), and Chugoku (7). According to Cultural Atlas of Japan, Hokkaido is Japan’s northern frontier.(1,p.23 ). Dominated by the daisetsu mountain range and national park, Hokkaido is an island of forests, rivers, sheer cliffs and rolling pastures. It's located at roughly... ...beautiful species of flora and fauna.(8). Bibliography 1. Cultural Atlas of Japan. 1988, pages 12-32. ` 2. "Hokkaido Map" 1994. http://www.jnto.go.jp/02map/hokkaido.html (2-24-1998). 3. "Tohoku Map" 1994. http://www.jnto.go.jp/02map/tohoku.html (2-24-1998). 4. "Kanto Map" 1994. http://www.jnto.go.jp/02map/kanto.html (2-24-1998). 5. "Chubu & Hokuriku Map" 1994. http://www.jnto.go.jp/02map/chubuhokuriku.html (2-24-1998) 6 "Kansai Map" 1994. http://www.jnto.go.jp/02map/kansai.html (2-24-1998) 7. "Chugoku & Shikoku Map" 1994. http://www.jnto.go.jp/02map/chugokushikoku.html (2-24-1998) 8. "Kyushu & Okinawa Map" 1994. http://www.jnto.go.jp/02map/kyushuokinawa.html (2-24-1998) 9. Japan A Concise History. Milton W. Meyer, 1993, pages 1-14, 245. 10. The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Japan. University of Cambridge, 1993, pages 25-43.

Descriptive Essay. My Favorite Place for Relaxing

AMERICAN REVOLUTION The beginning at the Atlantic coast of Northern America was necessary to English possession in 1607. v When first of colonies – Virginia has been based. Its founders were merchants from the London trading company. On the courts the company transported in a colony of poor men, sold itself is temporary in debt servitude and worked in a colony under supervision of inspectors of the company. For ocean from England the puritans oppressed by government Stewart directed, the poor men who are looked for in New World of improvement of the   fate.In colonies they got in servitude to merchants and the large land owners who have received the letters from king on the grounds in America. One step at a time at the Atlantic coast from the grounds grasped at Indians 13 colonies were formed. In the south – in South Carolina and Georgia the slaveholding facilities has developed. On plantations cultivated tobacco, a sugar cane, indigo. Characteristic feature grower fa cilities was injurious use of the grounds quickly lost the fertility then plantations were transferred on other seats.This feature of a slaveholding facilities and pursuit of a profit pushed planters to continuous expansion of territory of colonies. Import of Negros – slaves in a colony has begun quickly increased. In the middle Atlantic colonies – Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey – wheat was cultivated. The part of the ground belonged to large proprietors – to the aristocrats leased it to small farmers, paid for it the rent. Here was also independent farmers much. In seaside cities crafts, shipbuilding developed.In the North – in New England covered colonies New-   Hampshire Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, handicraftsmen and manufactories was even more. The Major part of the population was engaged in fishing and navigation. England and its possession used a monopoly of commerce with colonies. Turns of this commerce quickly incr eased. From colonies the furs, tobacco were taken out to England, indigo, a fish, a wood and iron. Manufacture of iron was officially forbidden by the English government, but colonies did not reckon with these interdictions.To West Indies were taken out bread, a fish and other goods. Despite of distinction in social attitudes between separate colonies, their general characteristic feature there was a fast progress of initial capitalist accumulation and the bourgeois attitudes interwined with slaveholding in the south. Progress of colonies at all was not peace idyll. In a basis of territorial expansion of colonies in the West capture of the American Indian grounds, destruction and replacement of Indians in the remote areas laid. Wars with Indians differed cruelty and barbarity.Colonists seats exterminated all American Indian population, tortured and burnt captives. Merchants for nothing exchanged at Indians dear beaver skins and other furs, accustomed to drinking vodka and set Americ an Indian tribes against each other. In the favourable way of initial accumulation served slave trading. Merchants of New England conducted so-called † triangular commerce † – bought treacle in West Indies, processed it in rum and for rum, cheap fabrics and knickknacks exchanged slaves – Negros at slave-traders, engaged the armed robbery and capture of Negros at coast of Africa.Usually not less than thirds of Negros perished from illnesses during transportation through ocean, and the others were exposed to brutal operation on plantations. Sharp social contradictions developed and among the white population of colonies. The major part of white immigrants many years was in debt slavery at merchants and large agrarian proprietors, the agrarian aristocracy aspired to spread in colonies feudal attitudes, inalienability and transfer to an indivisible condition of manors by right of succession to the senior son, nobiliary titles and privileges.Large land owners ra ised the rent from the tenant, rigidly maintained small farmers, is frequent raising on revolts. In seaside cities there were many the hired working and poor handicraftsmen tested greater deprivations. City poor and tenants aspired to leave on the West and to become independent farmers. Chains of the armed immigrants – â€Å"squatters† – with families and house belongings moved west, based settlements and grasped the grounds of Indians. Management of colonies was in hands of English authorities.King appointed governors of the majority of colonies, and in three of them, private persons considered by possession, – in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland– king only approved the governors appointed by owners. At governors there was advice appointed by them and the lower chambers which members were selected rich proprietors on the basis of a high property qualification. In English parliament of a colony had no representation. The English government cons idered itself in right to publish the laws, concerning colonies, without their agreement.An arbitrariness of governors and English agrarian aristocracy caused numerous revolts of farmers and the handicraftsmen required the political rights, expansions of self-management of colonies and restrictions of authority of governors. Economic growth of colonies wakened at the population aspiration to independence. Between colonies mutual economic relations one step at a time amplified. The generality of territory, economic life and language at remoteness from England assisted folding.Conditions of a life in colonies, despite of distinctions between the North and the South and on class contradictions, generated known features of a mental constitution at the population. Formation of the North American bourgeois nation was accelerated as a result of an aggravation of contradictions between colonies and England, led liberation war. In the 60s of the XVIII century colonial oppression of England i ncreased. Seven Years' War 1756 – 1763 GG exhausted its financial resources. Britain's public debt grew from 53 thousand to 140 thousand pounds.The king and the ministers wanted to improve their financial position through the colonies. The capture of Canada by England, Florida and the land west of Allegan facilitated the holding of new coercive measures in the 13 colonies. In 1765 the British Parliament imposed a colony of so-called stamp duty on each trade transaction documents, newspapers, and ads. Resistance of the population forced the British government to abolish stamp duty, but the policy taxing the colonies without their consent continued.Dissatisfaction with stamp duty has given strong impetus to the broad democratic movement against the British colonialists in New York and New England. In many towns and villages there were rallies, people smashed home a new tax collector. Began a boycott of British goods. In the years in colony 17773-1774 revolutionary situation. Th e masses of the people no longer willing to endure the situation. Conflicts with the British colonialists sharpened. For communication between the individual colonies were established correspondent committees.In Virginia, the leaders of this committee were supporters of the revolutionary actions of Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, Massachusetts – Samuel Adams. The movement for the boycott of British goods was expanding. The British government cut duties on tea imported to the colonies of the East India Company, in the hope that increased sales of tea and the colonies reconciled to the payment of at least a little of the tea duty. But this led only to new countermeasures.At the end of 1773 there was an event known as the Boston Tea Party: the inhabitants of Boston, disguised as Indians, entered the ship with a cargo of tea waiting in the harbor, and threw him into the sea. In response, the British authorities have moved to new repressions and decided to July 1774 to close t he Boston port, the city had entered a state of siege. The king has deprived the inhabitants of New England, the right to engage in fishing in Newfoundland. Local government in Massachusetts was abolished. All these measures meant that the British colonialists have not been able to maintain its power over the colonies previous methods.The armed struggle began in the spring of 1775 April 19. In May, 1775 in Philadelphia, opened the Second Continental Congress. The participants were representatives of the planters and the big bourgeoisie. But under the influence of the revolutionary upsurge of the people most inclined Congress to break with England. Congress recognized his army, arose early in the war of guerrilla groups, appointed commander of a wealthy Virginia planter George Washington (1732-17. Washington participated in hostilities against the French and Indians, and gained a reputation as capable military leader.July 4, 1776 Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The declaration announced that the colonial oppression against â€Å"inalienable rights† to liberty, life and the pursuit of happiness, and that the rebellious colonies, united in the United States of America are â€Å"free and independent states. â€Å"The main author was Thomas Dzhefferson. Congress it has made up his draft Declaration of Independence, after making any editorial changes specifically chosen for this commission. Item, who condemned slavery was excluded. The proclamation of the Declaration raised he authority of Congress to the people and the bourgeoisie, and enabled planters to retain the leadership in North America during the Revolution. Congress sought to bring to an alliance with the rebellious colonies, France and Spain, and sent for this purpose in Europe, Benjamin Franklin. The government of Louis XVI and the Spanish court willing to take advantage of falling away from the American colonies of England, to bring England to settle old scores and bring back some lost possessions in America. Entry into the war of France and Spain dramatically worsened the situation in England at sea. 782 the British government decided to stop fighting and start peace talks. United States joined with Britain in a preliminary conspiracy to restrict colonial ambitions of its allies – France and Spain. These states would again extend their possessions in America, not in the interests of neither the U. S. nor Britain. September 3, 1783 in Versailles, signed peace treaties. United States recognized the independent state. Each of the 13 states had its own trade laws and regulations. There was no single monetary system and paid a lot of different currency.The bourgeoisie tried to overcome these obstacles to the development of the national market. In May 1787, in Philadelphia, opened the Constitutional Convention convened to revise the â€Å"Articles of Confederation† in 1781 and develop a new Constitution. The social composition of the members of the Convention clearly testified, whose interests are served his activities. Of the 55 members turned 20 planters, 23 – bankers, merchants and manufacturers, 10 lawyers. Two seats occupied by a physician and teacher, but there was no farmer, artisan or a worker.Meetings of the Convention took place in strict secrecy, disclosure of the debate is strictly forbidden. In September, the Convent finished his work. The Constitution created a Federal 1787 or the federal government, although the states retain broad autonomy and their individual constitutions. Legislative power is transmitted to the Congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The executive power constitution passed on to the president, elected by the two degree of choice, and gives him enormous powers. The President appoints ministers (secretaries) who are responsible only to him, and is the chief of the rmed forces. If the law does not receive the approval of two thirds of all members of Congr ess, the President may impose on him veto. The Constitution establishes the Supreme Court of irremovable and for life appointed judges. The Supreme Court can overturn laws if found unconstitutional, and is one of the most reactionary institutions in the U. S. , which provide solutions aimed against the interests of workpeople In comparison with the feudal monarchy bourgeois constitution in 1787 was progressive, but it was Not democratic. In the States rose a broad movement for the democratization of the constitution.With great difficulty the planters and the bourgeoisie have to ratify the Constitution by a majority of states with the condition of amending it, but in some states, the fight against its ratification lasted until 1790s. In 1789 he was elected to Congress. Became the first U. S. president George Washington. Congress was forced in 1791 to include in the constitution of 10 amendments, proclaimed freedom of speech, press, right of assembly and petition, the inviolability of their persons, houses, the introduction of trial by jury in criminal cases to the civilian population.Despite the reservations and omissions made in 1791, 10 amendments to the Constitution were very progressive and marked an important achievement of the American people. In U. S. history the amendments entered under the name â€Å"Bill of Rights. â€Å"†The Bill of Rights† did not change the essence of bourgeois slavery and the Constitution, but he made it difficult to arbitrary repression against the people and facilitate the struggle of workers for their rights.

Well Hello There!

Dialogue (Feelings through words) Dialogue is one of the most powerful attributes an author can use while writing a story. It is a conversation between characters in a drama or narrative. Also, it’s the lines or passages in a script that are intended to be spoken. The use of this gives the reader the belief that they are part of the story. It is used throughout stories to convey the feeling of emotions.Writers use expressions in their writing to suggest that the character(s) are having some sort of inner feeling happening Whether it be from the author inserting some of his/her own words or the character talking, this technique gives the story more of a fluent feeling. With the story â€Å"A Conversation with My Father,† dialogue is used sufficiently throughout the reading. This is a literary work written in the form of a conversation. This conveys that this conversation between daughter and father is continuously arguing about a topic.In the story â€Å"A Good Man is H ard to Find,† dialogue is used in the way so the reader visualizes what the characters are talking about. Dialogue contributes to the overall story to keep the reader in and aware of the moods the characters are experiencing; it shows the true meaning behind the belief of the imagination. An exchange of ideas or opinions. Dialogue is a big contribution to the overall reading. It shows the inner linings of a story. In the story â€Å"A Conversation with My Father,† the dialogue is shown in the text through the talks between father and daughter.When the daughter says â€Å"I say, yes, why not? That’s possible. I want to please him, though I don’t remember her writing that way. I would like to try to tell such a story, if he means the kind that points which I’ve always despised (Poley 1096). † What the author does for this sequence of writing is the use of expression in the text. Even though this is writing on paper, the belief of emotion is see n. The daughter says â€Å"I say, Yes, Why not? That’s possible; the author wanted to convey the use of excitement and persuasion of the character and transfer that to the reader.Dialogue is shown in many ways. In â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find,† the author wants the reader to experience the story through the life and views of the Grandmother. She tried to convince her family to take a vacation to east Tennessee instead of Florida. Shown in the text, â€Å"The Grandmother didn’t want to go to Florida; she wanted to go to visit some of her connections in east Tennessee and she was seizing at every chance to change Bailey’s mind (O’Connor 1042). † The author shows you the want and the need of the grandmother to get to east Tennessee.In the eyes of the reader, the use of the text to show the emotion of the grandmother is nothing short of excitement. The Grandmother is excited to start the trip. For example, â€Å"The next morning the grandm other was the first one in the car, ready to go. She had her big black valise that looked like the head of a hippopotamus in one corner, and underneath it she was hiding a basket with Pitty Sing, the cat, in it (O’Connor 1042). † When it comes to the two stories relevance to each other; Dialogue is the link between them.Dialogue is used through-out both stories to make sure the reader understands what is going on in the story. The characters in the stories show their personalities, self-beings, and their love for one another (family wise). In â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find,† the family shows their love for each other and their personalities through the dialogue used by the author. The Grandmother starts to tell a story while the family is on the road trip. In â€Å"A Conversation with My Father,† the daughter and father have a relationship that is rocky.The use of subtext by the author shows a conversation between daughter and father. â€Å"Once in my t ime there was a woman and she had a son. They lived nicely, in a small apartment in Manhattan. This boy at about fifteen became a junkie, which is not unusual in our neighborhood. In order to maintain her close friendship with him, she became a junkie too. She said it was part of the youth culture, with which she felt very much at home. After a while, for a number of reasons, the boy gave it all up and left the city and his mother in disgust.Hopeless and alone, she grieved. We all visit her (Paley 1096). † This quote from the story represents the dialogue used by the author to convey a conversation being had between the father and the daughter. With this quote being in the story, the reader feels as if they are in the conversation too. The daughter and the father show their belief and love for one another even if their relationship is not the best. The father will always be her father and the daughter will always be his daughter.In Conclusion, Dialogue is one of the most power ful attributes an author can use while writing a story. It is a conversation between characters in a drama or narrative. Also, it’s the lines or passages in a script that are intended to be spoken. It is a powerful tool that the author uses to show the personalities and the beliefs of the characters in the writing through words. The use of this gives the reader the belief that they are part of the story. It is used throughout stories to convey the feeling of emotions.Writers use expressions in their writing to suggest that the character(s) are having some sort of inner feeling happening Whether it be from the author inserting some of his/her own words or the character talking, this technique gives the story more of a fluent feeling. With the story â€Å"A Conversation with My Father,† dialogue is used sufficiently throughout the reading. This is a literary work written in the form of a conversation. This conveys that this conversation between daughter and father is con tinuously arguing about a topic.In the story â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find,† dialogue is used in the way so the reader visualizes what the characters are talking about. Dialogue contributes to the overall story to keep the reader in and aware of the moods the characters are experiencing; it shows the true meaning behind the belief of the imagination. An exchange of ideas or opinions. Works Cited O'Connor, Flannery. A Good Man is Hard to Find. 8th ed. Boston, New York: Bedford/St. Martin's, 1999. 1042-53. Print. Paley, Grace. A Conversation with My Father. 8th ed. Boston, New York: Bedford/St. Martin's, 1999. 1096-1099. Print.

Bilingual Education: Critique Essay

According to Brisk (1998), when bilingual or bilateral education is implemented in private schools the results are very encouraging. Students of all ages benefit from such approach producing at times amazing results. When, however, the bilingual education is implemented in public schools for lingo-minority, the results become controversial if not questionable. To understand such a disparity, a lot of studies have been conducted during the last two decades. One of this studies that Brisk described was done by UNESCO more than 40 years ago concluded that when children were taught in their second (or minor) language they experienced difficulties in their education. From their report, one could see clearly that researchers at this organization favored the mother tongue declaring that children get better education when teachers teach them using it. Logically, the language is the medium to transit knowledge. If the native language was and is spoken at home, the major cultural elements are being transited to the children of the family. Language encapsulates the concepts that language carries and that are transmitted on to the young child as he or she absorbs the culture within the micro-culture. Before the child goes to school, many concepts absorbed through the native language are already a part of his or her cognitive development. Even more so, the elements of personality have also been transmitted through the native language and continue being reinforced if and when the parents speak the native language at home. When that child goes to school, he or she feels immediately confused for that personality core cannot be expressed nor reinforced by the dominant language that the child hears in school for the duration of the entire day. The transition from the native language into the concepts learnt with the dominant language is happening very slow and never in its entirety leaving some confusion and unclear definitions. That lack of clarity prohibits the child from asking questions (especially if that child is more shy by nature) and that feeling of confusion grows into frustration. Shannon Fitts (2006) examined how bilingual instruction affects the students’ learning and how â€Å"parallel monolingualism† afford the students â€Å"to explore linguistic forms and their attendant social meanings. † It appears that her initial perspective of the â€Å"parallel monolingualism† implies that the children artificially separate two languages to absorb the instructional input. Indeed, there are intangible ideas present in the native language that cannot be expressed in the dominant one. Thus, the lingo-minority students can be easily taken advantage of by other students or even by teachers. Throughout the Fitts’ paper there is a dominance of an idea that teaching in bilingualism is unjust and unfair to those whose dominant language is not native. She justifies this view by trying to conceptualize her opinion of â€Å"conceptualizing native languages† and thus viewing a language as an isolated medium of knowledge transference. She referred to other researchers when saying that Hispanic students â€Å"do not feel valued† while being present in the classroom of the dominant culture and therefore find it difficult to devote to their own education. She should not isolate Hispanic students from those of other ethnic backgrounds. I do not believe that anything has to do with being or not being valued as a person; it has everything to do with misconstruing definitions, half-understood remarks, not-natively implied body language, and other cultural elements. Looking at bilingual classroom from the wrong perspective will warp the impression about the students’ social make up and cultural inclusion. Han Chung (2006) expressed a positive approach in the writing style describing the code-switching strategy in addressing the needs of bilingual Korean students. The researcher’s attitude was that of nonchalant opinion with non-sided estimation. This researcher started the paper with the acknowledgement that multilingualism is the way that many people live with (i. e. Europe) and the transference between languages becomes more than cursory. She mentioned several secondary sources that conform the fact that many children grow up hearing two or even more languages at home and in the immediate environment. With the people becoming more mobile, more and more children are forced into multilingualism; however, it is not necessarily contributing to their best rate of development. Her logical discussion brings the readers into the common for the topic questions, like â€Å"How the children acquire the second language? † or â€Å"Being able to communicate in two languages, do they loose some important characteristics of the personality development transferred in to them by the first and native language? † or â€Å"What does happen to the cultural identity? † Her further discourse discusses the multiculturalism as the medium of â€Å"the complex communicative demands of a pluralistic society†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (the secondary source). Her acknowledgment that the society is pluralistic (not monolistic with domineering language) brings a totally new concept into bilingualism of its citizenship: that every resident living in that society has equal rights and equal access to the major language used in that society. The sentiment within the Fitts’ work (2006) was different. I perceived that she was referring to Hispanic students as those who must adjust to the major culture and language. Multilinguistic approach versus that of monolistic should become prevalent before we accept the fact that the right to major or minor languages within the same society should be provided to any citizen. Even that is not enough. Language minority students should feel that their native language and ethnic belonging are accepted and respected within the dominant culture. They should not feel excluded just because they have an accent or they do not understand all the nuances of the dominant language. They may feel that their language is not as important as the dominant language at their school. At some sites where there are no bilingual programs, the emphasis is not on the maintenance of the student’s primary language. Instead, the goal is to transition the students as soon as possible into all dominant language classes. The implication here is uni-sided: your culture and language are less important than ours. Certainly, such implication will be indirect but nevertheless felt by the affected minority groups. The use of the student’s primary language therefore takes a backseat, as the main language emphasized at the site is the dominant one. The maintenance of his/her language is not the main priority of such a school. Despite the controversy (Rothstein, 1998), it is given that at schools where there are two-way bilingual immersion programs, the target language, which may be the primary language of the minority student, does not take a backseat at the site. It is considered just as important as the dominant language and treated equally. The equal treatment can become tricky, and this is where the instructors’ skill and special training are needed. Unlike in transitional bilingual programs where the primary language is only emphasized in core subject classes until the student is transitioned into the dominant only curriculum the equal bilingual program treats each subject matter as knowledge with ought much emphasis with what language the students will acquire it. Rothstein’s work clearly points out at this controversy and is addressed to both kind of readers: pro-bilingualism and those who do not see the value behind it. He pointed out that the minor and the dominant languages should be used equally and by the language majority students as well as by the teaching staff as a mere tool to deliver instructional input. According to some researchers in the area of bilingual education (Commins & Miramontes, 2006), equal bilingual programs may help students in the area of self-esteem, which may have an effect in the area of academic achievement. In that, Commins and Miramontes argued that students’ self esteem could be studied separately for it can be a dependent variable to the type of education program (bilingual or monolingual) the site will employ. Such a perspective always refreshes for it is obvious that the researchers do not take sides or become shifted into any opinion. In another work, Dominguez De Ramirez, and Shapiro (2006) suggested that programs such as two-way bilingual immersion programs contain ingredients that may help the language minority students raise their levels of self-esteem, and academic achievement. These researchers, as well, focused their attention at the formation of students’ personality and the program factors affect on it. These particular researchers’ attitudes appeared to be shifted in favor of Hispanic population for they specifically discuss such without any reference to any other ethnic groups. With such researchers, I would like to see more comprehensive approach discussing other ethnic groups and ethnic situations so abundantly present in the USA and especially in European Union. The situation is not and should not appear to be unique to one ethnic group in one country. Many in multiple geographical locations around the Globe experience it. Further, it would not be presumptions of me to notice that such situations happen very often with the ethnic writers writing about the population that belong to their ethnicity group. Especially these writers should be more concerned of the wider-comprehensive appearance of their work. Such critique is no way to limit their effectiveness as far as their writing skills are concerned but rather their point ness within the topic(s) they choose. References Brisk, M. E. (1998). Bilingual Education: From Compensatory to Quality Schooling. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Commins, N. L. , & Miramontes, O. B. (2006). Addressing Linguistic Diversity from t he Outset. Journal of Teacher Education, 57(3), 240+. Retrieved June 4, 2007, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=5014939910 De Ramirez, R. D. , & Shapiro, E. S. (2006). Curriculum-Based Measurement and the Evaluation of Reading Skills of Spanish-Speaking English Language Learners in Bilingual Education Classrooms. School Psychology Review, 35(3), 356+. Retrieved June 4, 2007, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=5017755652 Fitts, S. (Summer, 2006). Reconstructing the Status Quo: Linguistic Interaction in a Dual-Language School. Bilingual Research Journal, 29: 2 Han Chung, H. (Summer, 2006). Code Switching as a Communicative Strategy: A Case Study of Korean–English Bilinguals. Bilingual Research Journal, 30: 2 Rothstein, R. (1998). Bilingual Education: The Controversy. Phi Delta Kappan, 79(9), 672+. Retrieved June 4, 2007, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=5001343556