Thursday, November 28, 2019

Paramore Brand New Eyes free essay sample

In 2009 Paramore debuted â€Å"Brand New Eyes,† with 11 tracks that featured themes of love and music that everyone could relate to. Hayley Williams incredibly controlled voice has the power to turn any song into a sweet lullaby, soothing broken hearts. The album begins with messages of never being too careful, a changing life, and most of all, broken faith, promises, and hearts. Williams conveys her point clearly with her piercing voice, telling listeners to hope and look forward. As she sings in â€Å"Ignorance,† maybe â€Å"change is good.† She paints pictures with her words. â€Å"Brick by Boring Brick† tells a story of the familiar happily-ever-after fairy tale, but here the princess is lost and in distress. When her prince finally comes to the rescue and the happy ending seems imminent, the clock strikes 12 and all that happiness falls apart. Williams reminds us that because life is hard, everyone builds a wall to protect themselves, but there will always be things to blow down that wall. We will write a custom essay sample on Paramore Brand New Eyes or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page As the album comes to an end, songs like â€Å"Looking Up,† â€Å"Where the Lines Overlap,† â€Å"Misguided Ghosts,† and â€Å"All I Wanted,† reveal happier messages. Yeah, our lives our scary, and it may feel as though were alone, but were in it together, and everyone has their own share of troubles. Wherever you are in life, this album has a song to help.

Ryan Walsh Essays - Presidency Of Theodore Roosevelt,

Ryan Walsh Hon. U.S. History 2 The Social Impact of Theodore Roosevelt In the post-Gilded Age, America needed a strong President to carry out and embellish upon the social reform and dismantle the corruption left by trusts. Taking over for the late President McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt was the upper-class proponent of the people willing to wage the crusade against big business with a boyish vigor to be admired by the entire world. His campaign for the layperson to "avoid the extremes of swollen fortunes and grinding poverty" is one of Herculean proportions to be remembered for all history. To understand the political beliefs of Teddy Roosevelt, one must understand the man behind the people's champion. Although wealthy in his youth, young Theodore quickly learned the value of hard work due to his frail body and failing eyesight; this value echoed in his every word and bled into every bill he signed. TR worked tremendously to maintain a healthy body and became quite skilled in many areas of sport, and built a titanic zest for life, which he carried through his presidency. Without adversity, Roosevelt's romance with the raw wilderness and his sense of debt to the common person could never have been constructed. Beginning with his role in the Rough Riders, Theodore was a romantic and dynamic American hero for the new era. As President, TR was clever in bringing about his reform and fearless of his antagonists; for Roosevelt felt a president should lead and fight the good fight for the greater good. In May1902, he showed his political clout by arbitrating the coal dispute. TR backed the miners insisting that nobody owned them and by using the pressure of lose, TR composed a "square deal" for the miners and shook the age of Big Business by proving federal intervention was possible for the common man. When written, The Sherman Anti-trust Act was fruitless but in the inventive forges of Roosevelt's mind it evolved into a modern Excalibur. Roosevelt used his new blade to dismember "bad" trusts; such were the circumstances of the Northern Securities case. Roosevelt used the case to prove his skill in public relations, show the nation the power of his "sword", and prove to the nation and big business the power of the federal government. In 1904, the Supreme Court ordered the trust to dissolve. The re-energized Roosevelt campaigned against other "bad" trusts- the beef trust, the oil trust, and the tobacco trust. Roosevelt went on to complete more general reform and "prove that a free society was not powerless against large corporations". In a time stirred by muckrakers, Roosevelt made strides to improve the social standards of his nation, especially in 1906. On the coat tails of Sinclair's "The Jungle", TR pushed the Meat Inspection Act that granted federal officials the right to inspect all meat and its' source. A Pure Food and Drug Act, forbidding the sale of impure food, drug or alcohol almost immediately followed the Meat Inspection Act. Roosevelt's 1906 hat trick was capped by The Employers' Liability Act, which provided accident insurance for workers and catapulted TR to almost mythic proportions as the people's advocate. Roosevelt's years in the Oval Office mirrored the man himself, outspoken and a triumph for the American soul and people. He brought creeds and values back to the American experience and helped set the destiny of a great nation back on the tracks laid by its for fathers. In a period of history preceded by extreme rape of capitalism, TR was the fierce republican with the grit and utter courage to pull the sword from the mighty stone of corruption and bring it down upon the big businesses defiling the American principles.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Surprising Benefits of Volunteering

Surprising Benefits of Volunteering With a busy student life, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, if you want to boost your educational experience and learn new skills, volunteering can be a rewarding option. Sometimes even more helpful than networking events or internship, it offers plenty of surprising benefits to students. Charity work will help you reduce stress, find friends and even advance your career. Learn more about the benefits of helping others and get started! #1: Learn or Develop a New Skill It is never too late to learn something new and volunteering is a great way to develop a unique skill or discover something you are good at. Unlike internships, that usually involve repetitive tasks, you can adjust your position to meet your personal goals. No matter what type of volunteering work you do, you may be certain to gain the following skills: teamwork self-motivation planning problem-solving time management goal-setting persuasion critical thinking By volunteering, you will invest time into really useful and engaging experience. #2: Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy Volunteering is good both for your mind and body. It has a profound effect on your psychological well-being, reduces stress and anxiety, combats depression and makes you happy. You will feel yourself better in regular contact with others and experience a natural sense of accomplishment. The better you feel about yourself, a more positive view youll have on your life and future goals. Moreover, as a volunteer, youll be more physically active and fit, strengthen your bones and muscles and as a result, reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart attack and diabetes. #3: Make New Friends Volunteering provides a great opportunity to develop your social skills as you are regularly meeting with people who have the similar interests. Even if you are shy and find it difficult to make new contacts, youll have a chance to develop and practice your relationship skills. Youll meet a lot of new people, especially if you are new to the area, and will have an opportunity to strengthen your support network and make long term friends. You may be surprised at how genuine these friends are. #4: Save Money Volunteering can even help you save money. Many organizations need volunteers to help them host different events, including various performances, concerts and festivals. Devote your time and you can receive admission to events that interest you without buying the expensive tickets. Even better, you wont need to stand in the long queues and worry about getting the tickets in time! Just make sure to register in advance because most music events and theater plays usually have a long waiting list of volunteers wishing to participate. #5: Find Love That might be really surprising but volunteering can help you find love. Yes, its true. Studies show that people prefer to go on a date with another volunteer than with someone theyve met through a friend. Volunteering activities will take a lot of your time, so there are more chances to meet that special someone. Its no secret that people usually find romance at workplace, so why wouldnt you? #6: Advance Your Career Volunteering will help you get experience in your area of interest and meet people in this field. It is also an amazing way to try yourself in a new position without making a long-term commitment. You may volunteer in an organization youd like to work after graduation and gain important experience and knowledge youll need later. Most volunteering options offer extensive training, so youll have a chance to develop the skills essential for your future career and raise awareness for self-improvement and professional growth. #7: Live Longer Do you want to live longer? Studies show that volunteers have better overall health and lower mortality rate. They find it easier to manage everyday tasks and have outstanding thinking skills even when they become older. Thats why if you want to live a happy and long life, consider taking volunteer work in addition to your vitamins! #8: Understand Yourself Better Trying yourself as a volunteer is useful for developing your personality. This experience will help you to understand whether you are a people person, whether you like working with other people, whether you would like to dedicate your life to helping others, and other important things about yourself. Also, you’ll find out what skills you already have and would like to develop. #9: Give Up Bad Habits This can be surprising but volunteering help to struggle with bad habits. Thus, according to Make A Difference Day Survey, ICM Research 2004, 30% of smokers aged 18-24 claimed that they begin to smoke less due to volunteering and 22% of the same age group said that they reduced the amount of alcohol they take. How is that possible? The answer is quite simple: each addiction is developed because a person in some period of his or her life starts feeling incomplete. Volunteering helps people to fulfill their lives with meaning so that they don’t feel incomplete like they used to. Volunteering is an enjoyable and simple way to test your passions and interests. It can provide you with refreshed creativity and inspiration that can greatly help in your personal and professional life.

Greek Architecture essays

Greek Architecture essays Classical Greek Architecture is one of the most well known forms of architecture. It is broken down into three orders, the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The orders are determined by the way the capitol of the column is sculpted. The Doric order, the oldest and simplest of the three orders, originated around 400 B.C. It was developed by the Dorian Greeks and later modified by the Romans. Doric columns are fluted and rise directly from the floor. The most distinctive feature of the order is the simple cushion shape of the capitol. They were intended to be sturdy and lacked elegant design. The Ionic order originated along the coast of the Asia Minor. The Ionic column is taller and more slender than the Doric. Unlike the Doric, the Ionic column has a base. The most distinctive feature of the ionic column is the scroll shape of the capitol, which made it slightly fancier than the Doric. The Ionic order was more popular in the eastern parts of Greece where there was an emphasis on elegance and ornamentation. The Corinthian order is the most decorative and complicated of the three orders. It is also the last, not arriving until the middle of the fourth centenary, B.C. Aside from its distinct capitol, the Corinthian column is similar to the Ionic except it is more slender in size. The capitol of a Corinthian column is characterized by its elaborate floral and leafy design. The Parthenon, built in honor of the Goddess Athena, is considered to be the greatest Doric temple ever built. It was constructed between 447 and 432 BCE by the Greek sculptor Phidias and the Greek architects Ictenus and Callicrates. It is the largest temple in Greece. The Parthenon is called octo style because it has eight columns in the front and the back of it and is surrounded by a colonnade. Inside, it is constructed as most temples were. The central chamber, or cella, faced east, with a wood figure of Athena covered in gold and ivory in it. There wa ...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Lean Operations (Future State Design) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Lean Operations (Future State Design) - Essay Example At first the rationale and importance of this proposal is discussed with a reference to the previous task of the Manufacturing Director and the circumstances surrounding the recent appointment of a new Manufacturing Director. Then a description of the tasks that have been assigned to the Manufacturing Director for the completion of this assignment is given. After this the areas of concern regarding the requirements of the task have been discussed. Using the understanding of these areas of concern, the Manufacturing Director devises a comprehensive new strategy to address the organisational issues facing the company. In this document a Cellular Manufacturing system of production is proposed for implementation as Crockwood Seat Suppliers’ new work flow system. ... The company has recently suffered great losses and is in danger of having to shed almost forty five percent of its work-force in twelve months according to the current trend because of dwindling customer demand. The manufacturer has contracts with two other firms, namely Lanchester Steels Ltd and Coventry Covers, for the supply of the two required raw materials – sheet metal and seat cover rolls. All production processes of the vehicle seats are performed at the company’s shop floor except for plating for which the company contracts a metal works firm as it does not have the capability. In the previous part of the project, the Manufacturing Director assessed the current state of working of Crockwood Seat Suppliers. He was appointed to improve the fortunes of the company which was losing not only money but also customers due to the inefficiencies in its functioning. The two main areas of concern for the customer with regard to the company CSS are firstly the enormous lea d time which means that the customer has to wait around 51 days from the placement of the order for the delivery; this is unacceptable not only for a majority of large-scale automotive manufacturers but also for, the smaller-scale, spare parts dealerships (â€Å"Dubai's automotive spare parts trade worth AED 37 billion†, 2013). And secondly the disparity of cycle times for different manufacturing processes which causes a neglect of the Takt time (Linck 1999, p. 5) which must be adhered to in order to meet the demands rate. Also the disparity in the EPEI (Feld 2001) of different processes is causing a waste of human capital as twenty percent of skilled workers have very little work to do, though

Managment Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Managment Accounting - Essay Example However, under ABC, the product ABW generates a loss. In total, the ABC method results into a higher total profit for all the products as compared to the traditional costing method (389,000 > 388,750). Under ABC method, the per unit cost of product XYI = 39.25, YZT = 92.025, ABW = 73.583. On the other hand, under traditional costing method, the costs per unit of the same product are XYI = 40.175, YZT = 92.475 and ABW = 71.45. From the data, it is clear that the per unit cost of products XYI and YZT under ABC method is less compared to the costs under the traditional costing method. The only exception to this fact is product ABW whose cost per unit under ABC method is higher than that under the traditional method. First, to establish a better platform for arguing the above statement, it is important to understand some basic knowledge in the costing process. Cost allocation is a concept that refers to the determination of the expenses incurred to offer a service. Costs can be allocated as direct, indirect and incremental costs. In the production process, manufacturers should be able to determine what costs fall under direct, indirect and incremental, in order to facilitate the ascertainment of cost of production. Activity based Costing is a concept that refers to the ascertainment of various activities involved in the production of goods and services. Thereafter, the overhead costs are allocated to each activity and then assigned to the products and services (Pound 2010, pp. 45-90). Traditional costing on the other hand, allocates overhead costs using predetermined rate. That is, there is no allocation of costs on activities prior to the products and services. According to Vercio and Shoemaker (2007, par 1-18), the most accurate method of cost allocation is Activity-Based. Unlike traditional costing method, Activity Based Costing recognizes the fact that, during a production process, not all costs are

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Accountancy is not a profession Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Accountancy is not a profession - Essay Example Here the skill lies in choosing and conveying the information, which is relevant and reliable to the user. According to the  American Institute of Certified Public Accountants  (AICPA), accountancy can be defined as â€Å"the art of recording, classifying, and summarizing in a significant manner and in terms of money, transactions and events which are, in part at least, of financial character, and interpreting the results thereof† (Accounting, Finance & Capital Budgeting, nd., 1). Early records show that accountancy was used primarily for maintaining business related data on behalf of businesspersons  and the only account viewer were record keepers who maintained accounts. In the current context, accounting is referred to as â€Å"the language of business† (McGrath, 1921, 5) since it is a vehicle primarily used for publicizing financial data about a business firm to various interested people. There are different theories that try to elucidate the development of pr ofessionalism within accountancy and whether it can be taken as a profession or as a trade. As per the functionalist theory, a profession starts only when there are a group of people practicing specific techniques based on specially designed training. They are viewed as forming a group to mutually assure their skill and competence and maintain high standard In terms of professional practice and character (Carr-Saunders, 1928). In this context, the paper will examine whether accountancy is a profession or a part of the trade market primarily from a functionalist perspective. Discussion Accounting as a profession has been analysed from various perspectives and different settings. Various researches have used the functionalist, critical and interactionist perspectives to elucidate the development of professionalism within accountancy even though it had mainly trade market associations. The functionalist theories claim that the core of professionalization is based on any profession†˜s capability to create professionals with a common set of skills and knowledge that would work towards serving the society selflessly. The interactionist perspectives on the other hand suggest that professions are interest-based groups that aim at persuading the society members to seek their advices/services for protecting and furthering their own interests. The critical perspective, which is modern in form, analyses the process of professionaliz

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Research Paper

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Research Paper Example Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 2010 will go down in history as a major health care reform bill that has been signed into law. It has a comprehensive coverage that would see 31 million Americans currently uninsured getting a medical cover. If this new proposal, the government will incur approximately $848 billion over the next 10 years, consequently, there will be a gradual increase in taxes and revenue is proposed to reduce the total cost of this cover by $131 billion within the same period (Eaton 2010). The proposed reform aims at achieving a number of strategic healthcare goals. Firstly, it aims at ensuring that every US citizen can access, quality and affordable health care. In essence, this is an important component of the entire reform agenda. In light of the increasing burden of increasing burden of disease and skyrocketing prices of health care services, the government undertook this deliberate strategy to ensure that there is universal health care insurance cover age. Today, the majority of US citizens continues to battle with out-of-pocket financing, which is prohibitively expensive (Junior 2010). Secondly, it aims at improving quality and efficiency of healthcare by establishing a vibrant health care workforce that would meet the growing demand for healthcare services. In addition, there is a growing body of evidence showing an increase in the burden of chronic diseases, this proposed health care financing in its full implementation will see the middle and elderly persons receive a comprehensive cover that focuses on affordable health care services for chronic diseases. United States (2010) states that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has determined that the fully paid patient protection  scheme, in the end, will ensure that more than 94% of Americans will be covered within $900 billion limits set by President Obama.  

Monday, November 18, 2019

Deviation in the process metric Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Deviation in the process metric - Essay Example So attempts to remove or replicate a deviation that occurred in the past are being made as a reaction to those changes. In the reactive state, the team looked at cause and effect. In proactive mode, attention shifts to the "likely cause" and "likely effect." Lean teams in this phase spend time shaping the future: looking for potential problems and opportunities and ways to avoid or exploit them. After the potential problem analysis, the team addresses the likely cause of a process performance decline by taking preventive actions. If, despite preventive actions, the likely cause does occur, the team is prepared for damage control with planned contingency actions. Potential opportunity analysis helps teams explore the future for better-than-planned process performance, helping them promote the likely cause so process performance exceeds expectations. They take promoting actions to capitalize on the potential positive effect. When things do go better, they are prepared to take full advantage of the opportunity. For example, a company has Support Departments which reacts on users' complains about network performance. Reactive approach is to react on each user's request asking him or her to wait while network be unloaded. Proactive approach in this case is to purchase and install new network equipment that is more costly and takes more time. But proactive approach advantages in strategic outlook because as a result number of users' complains in Support Departments decreases. 3. Illustrate how an organization could use outsourcing to gain a competitive edge on competition. An organization could use outsourcing for managing network security. When this part of work is entrusted to professionals they do it in qualitative manner and for lesser money, what really gives a competitive advantage to the organization. Schweitzer (2004) writes that for some organizations, network management operations may be better served through outsourcing. Freeing up some of staff's administrative duties may merit farming out perhaps a portion of the company's network management tasks. With so many vendors now offering a plenty of services, including remote monitoring and management of networks, it's not difficult to find prices that fall within a range of budgetary parameters. The outsourcing alternative can ease the sometimes perplexing burden of network management. In the end, an effective network security team will exercise a comprehensive management approach that applies both proactive and reactive elements. Individual businesses should engage knowledgeable managers to examine the needs of the company and make choices as to the best courses of action to ensure the highest level of network security available, whether via proactive or reactive means. (Schweitzer 2004) 5. Analyze the assertion that "Security is as much a human problem as a technical problem." When the personal information of hundreds of thousands of individuals comes upon swindlers, many people think that careless computer or

Energy Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Energy Policy - Essay Example This discussion will also help to draw a conclusion about whether it is beneficial to go ahead and promote these sources of energy. Renewable energy sources are beneficial in that they release less carbon dioxide (CO2) than fossil fuels. For example, wind releases 0.02-0.04 pounds of CO2 per kilowatt hour (kWh) and solar energy releases 0.07-0.2 pounds of CO2/kWh: compared to coal, which produces 1.4-3.6 pounds of CO2/kWh (Hester, & Harrison, 2010). These statistics indicate that fossil fuels emit a lot of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. This gas causes global warming that makes the earth to be unbearable to the life of animals, human beings, and plants. This data also indicates that although renewable sources of energy are beneficial, they still pollute the environment with carbon dioxide. This means that these sources of power are not a perfect solution to the problem of emission of carbon to the atmosphere. Sources of energy such as wind, natural gas, and the sun promote health to the society compared to non-renewable sources of power such as coal (In Develi, & In Kaynak, 2012). Coal produces air that leads to health problems such as cancer, neurological damage, heart attacks, and respiratory difficulties. These problems are eliminated when the public uses natural gas, water, the sun, and geothermal. However, wind power remains to be a problem because it releases strong turbulent air that kills birds in the atmosphere (Haugen, & Musser, 2012). This means that the lives of birds especially the endangered species are risked when the public uses wind power. Therefore, not all renewable sources of energy are beneficial to the lives of living things. Renewable sources of energy are also inexhaustible and they create jobs more jobs for the public than fossil fuels. For example, wind uses more manpower than machines to produce heat and light (Jakab, 2010). This creates more

Friday, November 15, 2019

Poverty in the Caribbean

Poverty in the Caribbean Poverty in the Caribbean has been an irritating issue for as long as I can remember. It is an issue that has caused many governments in the Caribbean and world-wide, grief and even resulted in their loss at the polls or demise. In truth it is a very hard issue to overcome or rectify due to its magnitude of causes both internal and external to the particular country. To obtain an understanding of the psychology of poverty and its cause and effect in the Caribbean; one has to examine the following. Psychology, what is it? Simply put (according to the book UNDERSTANDING Psychology, 1992, pg.7, 9.) it is the study of human behaviour and mental processes. It covers every thing that people think, feel and do, and further seeks to describe, explain, predict and control behaviour. Poverty; according to the The Concise Oxford Dictionary means indigence, want, scarcity, inferiority and poorness. However, I prefer to agree with Professor Bournes opinion stated in his paper entitled Poverty and its Alleviation in the Caribbean 2005; in that poverty is not just defined as those individuals who live off less than one dollar per day ($1.00/day)(as described as the Millennium Development Goal for poverty reductions target 2000). But that it is a pronounced deprivation in wellbeing that is to be in poverty or to be poor is to be hungry, lack shelter, clothing, to be sick and lack health care to be illiterate and not schooled and further relating to the work to Amartya Sen, that states that, the state of being poor extends beyond income levels, but is also affected by unfreedoms which individuals are subjected to in terms of tyranny or bad treatment by the state and exclusion from participating in decisions and also being vulnerable to economic and natural hazards POVERTY IN THE CARIBBEAN When one looks at the islands of the Caribbean, in terms of their governmental and economic structure, levels of education, health care and income levels; they are all different. With this in mind the term poor might fit into different categories. Countries such as the Bahamas and the U S Virgin Island with their close affiliation to the U.S. and its almighty dollar might have a higher standard of living and poor in their country might mean middle class in another. To further emphasize their differences; I quote from Professor Bournes paper (according to the Surveys of Living Conditions conducted between 1996 and 2002), that countries such as Haiti and Suriname whose poverty line was 65% and 63% were on the high end of the poverty spectrum, while Belize, Dominica and St Kitts were between 30-40% and Anguilla, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Caicos Island were between 20-29%, while Barbados had 14% and Jamaica had 20%; concluding that at that point in time Barbados had the lowest poverty level in the Caribbean. CAUSES OF POVERTY In discussing this issue, due to my being Jamaican by birth and living here all my life; (with few exceptions of travel) and my familiarity with the intricacies of the country and the discovery that there are varied levels of poverty or being poor that exist in this little island . I have chosen to use Jamaica as my example and direct most of my discussion using this island; for I believe that Jamaica is indeed the melting pot of the Caribbean. If one looks widely one will be able to find a native of every Caribbean island living here; just look at our Psychology class! In this class of 21 students, we have Nigerians, (Africa) Guyanese, (South America) and Jamaicans. Quite a mixture indeed! The causes of poverty in my opinion are varied and I would like to start with that of: Slavery, (defined as the condition of a slave, which further means to be a helpless victim to or of some dominating influence; according to The Oxford Concise Dictionary) is still very operative in our Jamaican society and that of the Caribbean today. Although we boast of having one of the greatest Reggae singers of all time; we have still not fully understood the meaning of Bob Marleys song which states EMANCIPATE YOUR SELF FROM MENTAL SLAVERY In my opinion we as a Caribbean people although we have been made free for a number of years and in Jamaica it has been from 1838; over one hundred and seventy one years ago. Although physically we have been freed, we still possess a type of mentality that causes us to want hand-outs, and the need to be taken care of still exist.(just like when the slaves were on the plantation and looked to their slave masters for their total existence). The word independence or the need to be independent has still not been cemented in our minds; in order to create a change in behaviour that causes us to obtain a sense of determination that says that I will obtain or achieve any thing I put my mind, heart and abilities to.( in respect to the elements of time and opportunities) Unemployment and low income levels. I must agree with professor Bourne in his paper mentioned above that the governments of the Caribbean including Jamaica; have not been able to create an adequate amount of jobs for its people; as he states that unemployment is between 7 and 20% which is relatively high . Incidentally in Jamaica this has given rise to the hustler mentality. One has but to go to Down-Town Kingston, especially on a market day, that is on a Saturday and sees the amount of individuals who hustle for a living day by day. Hustling ranges from the buying and selling of legitimate goods, to dealing in drugs such as ganja, to that of the gambling of the now famous cash-pot which believe it or not puts food on many a table daily. As for low income levels, for example, one has but to look at the difference in pay of Registered Nurses in Barbados whose basic pay is approximately $77,0000 per month compared to the same category of nurses in Jamaica who earn $48,000 per month. Th is difference one might agree would affect the individuals ability to save for a rainy day, or to make investments, to maintain an acceptable standard of living or to even further ones self academically. Also the inequality of pay scales within a given country can affect its peoples poverty levels. Take for instance in Jamaica at this time of world wide financial depression when Nurses and other workers are negotiating for a better pay scale and who are just able to scoop out a meager existence from their meager salaries only to be informed of individuals earning $1.9 million per month for negotiating services. Look at the gross difference! Volatility of our economy and susceptibility to Natural disasters. I must concur with professor Bourne, when he states that the Caribbean economy is volatile and this volatility is a contributory factor to poverty. He further sates that economic volatility arises from several sources, all of which are not necessarily operative at the same time. The sources include economic dislocation caused by major adverse changes in international markets for Caribbean exports of goods and services. One has only to look at the issue of the decline in the export our bananas where the European and U.S. markets have now started to import Chiquita bananas instead of bananas from the Caribbean. This has impacted negatively on our economies (especially Dominica) in terms of job losses and loss of investments by the governing bodies of these countries involved. Professor Bourne also states that we are also affected by the acute fiscal difficulties arising from changes in flows of foreign and international debt. In Jamaica one has only to remember the harsh demands that the International Monetary Fund made on us in the past such as gross job cuts and can only pray that the new intended demands may not be as harsh. (One can only Hope!) As for Natural Disasters, we are quite susceptible in that we are at the mercy of hurricanes and floods. I remember Gilbert as if it was yesterday; when the roof of my house was lost. If it were not for the quick actions of the government of the day in issuing free zinc of which I was a grateful recipient. I would have remained roof-less until December of that year when the Insurance representative got around to evaluating the damages and ended up issuing a third of the estimated cost of repairs because he thought that it wasnt that great a damage! To think, I had Insurance! What about those who could not afford insurance because their low income levels? To further examine these hazards effects, just look at what hurricane Ivan did to Grenada; Ivan prac tically flattened Grenada in a few hours and destroyed infrastructures that took years to develop. It literally changed Grenadas means of existence for long time. Lack of proper Health Care and Educational facilities. Poor people in the Caribbean may be working but might still remain poor. This causes them to be unable to access proper heath care which might result in a rise in chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension and even psychotic illnesses such as depression. In Jamaica there is now free health care, but just how effective it has been is another matter. Take for instance my aunt of 82 years, she has a cataract in her eye and needs for it to be repaired surgically. She went to the Kingston Public Hospital to in October 2009, of this year where she got an appointment to return in December, 2009; where another appointment will be given for her to return some time in 2010! I could not believe it when I was told. Can you imagine, by the time December comes, much less 2010 my aunt may be home with the Almighty God! (dead) As for the ability of poor to access education; it can be taxing, with the ever rising cost of school fees, book s and uniforms the low income earners and even those of middle income can just barely get by. In Jamaica there is the PATH programme which is of some help to the poor in that it assists with school fees, uniforms etc.; thus taking off some of the financial strain from the parents. EFFECTS OF PROVERTY Based on the definition given above that states that being poor or living poverty does not only rely on low income or the lack there of , but also on the lack of proper health care ,proper infrastructure( such as roads, water), educational facilities, tyranny etc. In my opinion, when one looks at the lack or unavailability of these facets in the rural communities of the islands of the Caribbean, one realizes that people who think that the urban communities are a better place will want to migrate to these areas. This can be seen in my country Jamaica where the Government offices, best hospitals and schools are located in the two main urban cities that is Kingston and Montego Bay. This migration often result in over-crowding, further leading to a rise in squatter settlements which leads to an increase of tin the spread of disease; thus putting a further strain on the health care system. This type of migration not only happens with in a country, but can also be seen when the Haitians de fy dead at sea to come to Jamaica seeking a better life; thus putting further strain of the Jamaican economy. Although its not the only reason for the rise in crime and drug abuse this is still a contributing factor, as can be seen in the rise in the crime rate in these two cities. There is also a brain drain from the rural areas to the urban areas of a particular country and even between countries of the Caribbean and to countries such as the U.S. and Europe in order to obtain a better income, thus enhancing or providing for a perceived improved way of life. This results in the loss of valuable resources that in my opinion is not easily replaced, and if it is replaced costs these countries practically an arm and a leg to do so. One can also examine the effects of the lack of availability of proper health care; and in this case especially to the elderly, who either have very low income gained from their meager pensions or none at all. This makes them vulnerable and easier to succumb to diseases. For the remainder of the population, ill health (mental and physical) often results in low production levels and decreases the internal drive or motivation to succeed, thus increasing the levels of poverty. The negative effects of international markets on the economies of the Caribbean can be devastating. As was mentioned above; as in Jamaica our dollar is linked strongly to that of the U.S. and if the U.S. dollar falls , our dollar falls; resulting in tremendous losses on the stock market among other investment entities, further resulting in loss of jobs and the demise of companies especially the small businesses. Also if these international countries taste change as was also mentioned above, in terms of the bananas they consume; then there goes the banana industries in a down-ward spiral in these countries also. The inability of our countries to protect ourselves from natural disasters results in a negative effect in that these disasters often destroy agriculture, (which is the main stay of most of these Caribbean islands) infrastructure,(roads, water mains, gullies, electricity) government buildings and private homes. They indeed destroy what it has taken years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination to build. This puts a strain on economies emotionally, physically, and financially to rebuild every time such an occurrence takes place. ALLEVIATION OF PROVERTY I believe that in the Caribbean, in the same way that each island is unique in nature, so do the individual people and governments of each island have to identify unique ways in solving this problem of poverty. As seen in the report on the Cost of Poverty in the Caribbean by The International Institute for Social Political and Economic Change(IISPEC) and co-sponsored by UNESCO. (March 17-19, 2008). Grenada whose poverty level was 32% in 1998 has implemented Safety Net Programme allocation of funds, and established Food Basket programmes, and St. Lucia has implemented a Poverty Reduction Fund. I also agree with their list of initiative programmes that have been mentioned, such as. Focus on education training Provide scholarships to encourage more research, Make CDB/CTCS more national in focus De-politicization of poverty reduction/eradication programmes, Needs national consensus However I will endeavor to add a few other suggestions to both Jamaica and other islands of the Caribbean, Focus on education training, Provide scholarships to encourage more research Make Caribbean Development Banks a national focus, De-politicization of poverty reduction/eradication programmes, i.e. to take political agendas out of programmes designed to assist the poor and the need for a national census in order to find out the peoples opinion on the matters brought forward to solve the problem of poverty. In Jamaica, at this time the governing bodies have implemented the Path Programme, which assists needy (poor) people in a financial way to be able to send their children to school to obtain an education, by way of cash payments. There is also the provision of free health care. In my opinion it is a good thought but I do not think that it can be properly maintained especially in this time of financial depression. If one will take the time to examine the following scenario, one might agree with me on point. Take a healthy young man who doesnt feel that he should work because hes comfortable hustling probably via cash-pot. He gets a girl pregnant and she gets totally free health care to have this child; the child goes home, grows , starts going to school and gets on the Path programme, where society sends this child to school free of cost. One could argue that this is a way of reducing the levels of both maternal and infant deaths by providing free health care; or that by assisting the child to go to school might reduce the probability that this child being uneducated might be a part of our crime problem in the future. Baring all this in mind I might agree; but I still contend that this might help to promote a freeness mentality that is so prevalent in our society; which we need to stomp out of our society, in order for us to improve our way of thinking and thus lift ourselves from poverty. To think even in the large industrial countries health care is not totally free, some one must pay for it! I prefer that my hard earn tax dollars be used to pay for free health care to be available to the elderly, the very young (12 years and under), the destitute, and the mentally and physically challenged; the most vulnerable in our society. I think safety nets can be put in place where a disaster fund is implemented to provide for hurricane and flood victims. Also in terms of providing employment I think the provisions of entities such as the HEART ACADEMY and free primary education are a GOD sent to poor people. However I think that the provision of more scholarships should be made to assist with further tertiary education. In terms of enhancing employment I think that the apprenticeship programme should be reimplementation where one can learn while they work and earn. We could also try to re-educate our people in terms of self reliance, to think that the soil is good in order to attract an increased interest in agriculture and along with this to allocate lands to these individuals in order for them to grow and produce more thus providing more jobs. SUMMARY I conclude that the Caribbean (including Jamaica) has a difficult task in ridding our region of poverty, but not insurmountable! I think that this matter has to be solved with each member state coming together as one. Take for instances at this time, if one looks at our super market shelves, one can see snacks originating from Trinidad and Tobago. But when Jamaica tried to export our patties to them it was barred. Although the states of the Caribbean have decided to be apart of the Caribbean Common Market, some states have not held up to their end the agreement. This results in discontent among member states and ultimately the loss of jobs and the increase in poverty due to their inability to allow free trade in the area. The states in the Caribbean need to realize that individually, compared to the international arena are small and relatively insignificant. But joining together and being one in mind set, we could be a force to be reckoned with. As a people we need to assist each other in terms of the transference of education, science and technology in order to boost each others economies. Thus providing an improved way of thinking and reasoning which will result in a motivated, determined move by the people of this region to rid ourselves of poverty. If not, then to a level that permits an acceptable standard of living. As the clichà © states together we stand, divided we fall we as people of the Caribbean need to learn and understand this. To allow this statement to change their mind set from one of individuality and selfishness to one of togetherness and fruitfulness which will ultimately raise the standard of life for our people and in time reduce the levels of poverty in order to maintain an acceptable standard of living; free from hungry tyranny and illness. What do you think? This is just a wish or fantasy! I should hope not. As I choose to think that it can be a reality IF WE WORK HARD AND KEEP FOCUSED!

Market Demand For Gasoline Economics Essay

Market Demand For Gasoline Economics Essay a) Analyze the market demand for the product or service and draw the demand curve. In the demand curve you are required to show different amounts of quantity demanded at different price with quantity in the horizontal axis and price on the vertical axis. Mention 3 factors that can affect the demand for this product or service. The product that I choose is gasoline. Gasoline is elastic goods which means, the quantity demanded for gasoline are respond greatly when the prices is changes. Market demand means by adding together the quantities demanded by all individuals at each price. The graph above has shown the market demand for the gasoline. MARKET DEMAND FOR GASOLINE Price of gasoline Lisa Mira Market demand 1 12 8 20 2 9 7 16 3 7 6 13 4 4 4 8 5 3 2 5 6 2 1 3 7 1 0 1 DEMAND CURVE FOR GASOLINE From this graph, we can see the relationship between the price and quantity is negative. At price $4, the quantity demanded for gasoline is 8 units. When the price increasing to $5, the quantity demanded has decreasing to 5 units. And when the price has gone down to $3, the quantity demanded for gasoline has increasing to 13 units. We have 3 factors that can affect the demand for gasoline. Firstly is the average income of consumers. When people income rises, consumers tend to purchase more automobile. So, the demand for gasoline also will be increases. Secondly is the size of market. When the number of population is high, people tend to use more gasoline for their transportation. Example like, in Malaysia, we have 2 million people. So people tend to use 25 times more gasoline than Singapore only has 1 million people. Lastly is price of related goods. Availability of related goods or complementary goods such as natural gas will affect the demand for gasoline also. b) Analyze the market supply for the product or service and draw the demand curve. In the supply curve, you are required to show the quantity demanded at different prices. You are also required to name 3 factors of production for the good or service you choose. Market supply is the sum of all individual supplies at each possible price. Gasoline is elastic good for supplier. The graph above has shown the market supply for the gasoline. MARKET SUPPLY FOR GASOLINE Price of gasoline Diana Catherine Market supply 1 0 1 1 2 1 2 3 3 2 3 5 4 4 4 8 5 6 7 13 6 7 10 17 7 9 11 20 SUPPLY CURVE FOR GASOLINE The 3 factor of production for gasoline is: Land. It includes the soil, rivers,  Ã‚   lakes, ocean, mountain, forest, minerals and resource.   Capital. Capital goods are classified into four. Firstly is fixed capital, secondly, circulating capital, thirdly is free capital, and lastly is specialized capital. Labor is an exertion of physical, muscular strength, ability and mental efforts of individual. What is equilibrium? Find the equilibrium price and quantity of the product or service and draw its graph. You need to explain what happens when there is a surplus for this product or service and show it in a separate graph. Equilibrium refers to a situation in which the price has reached the level where quantity supplied equals quantity demanded. At that equilibrium, there is no tendency for the price to rice or fall. Equilibrium price means the price that balances quantity supplied and quantity demanded. The equilibrium price is also called the market-clearing price. On a graph, it is the price at which the supply and demand curves intersect. Equilibrium quantity means the quantity supplied and the quantity demanded at the equilibrium price. On a graph it is the quantity at which the supply and demand curves intersect. EQUILIBRIUM Price of gasoline ($) Quantity of demanded Quantity of supplied 1 20 1 2 16 3 3 13 5 4 8 8 5 5 13 6 3 17 7 1 20 THE EQUILIBRIUM OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR GASOLINE GRAPH FOR SURPLUS Surplus occurs when the price more than the equilibrium price and the quantity supplied more than the quantity demanded. There is excess supply or a surplus. Suppliers will lower the price to increase sales, thereby moving toward equilibrium. Refer to the graph above, we can see the surplus occurs when the price increase to $6. At $6, the quantity of supplier is 17 and the quantity demanded is 3. Thats means, at the price, the suppliers want to sell more than demanders want to buy. When price of gasoline at $4 and the quantity supplier is 8 units, we call it equilibrium because at this price, the quantity of demand and quantity of suppliers is equal. When surplus occurs, we will loss in revenue and price will gradually falls to reach a state of equilibrium as suppliers will lower their price. d) Using the secondary data, show the changes of the demand and supply of these goods and service in the past and explain the result in word and then draw a graph. The price of gasoline in year 1973 has decrease to 1.5 dollars per gallon, compare to the previous year; in 1967 the price is 1.8 dollars per gallon. Then, in year 1975, the price has goes up to 2 dollar per gallon. That time we call is the first oil shock occurs. And then, the second oil shock occurs in 1983 with the price increases to 2.8 dollars per gallon. In 1985, the price of gasoline has decrease to 1.4 dollars per gallon and then its decrease the price to 2 dollar gain in 1990 when the first gulf war occurs. Lastly, in 2004, when the war in Iraq occurs, they have not many changes to the price of gasoline. The graph above has show the fluctuated price of gasoline. Refers to the graph, we can see the demand of gasoline has decreases when the price has increase because gasoline is an elastic goods. People can use gas when the price of gasoline increases. The supplier also increases when the price of gasoline is increases. GRAPH FOR GASOLINE 2) Distinguish the difference between normal good and inferior good? Give 3 examples for each. Normal good is a quantity demanded for a particular good or service as a result of changes in the given level of income. A normal good is one that experiences an increase in demand as the real income of an individual or economy increase. To define a normal good is by calculating its income of demand. If this Coe-efficient is positive and lower than one, the good is considered to be a normal good. An example of normal good is: luxury cars mobile phone Television. Inferior goods means a type of good for which demand decline as the level of income or real GDP in the economy increases. This occurs when a good has more costly substitutes that see an increase in demand as the societys economy improves. An inferior good is the opposite of a normal good, which experience an increase in demand along with increases in the income level. An example of an inferior good is: public transportation hamburger Secondhand television. In your opinion, is diamond a normal good or an inferior good? Justify your answer. Diamond is a normal good because when the income raises, the demand for diamond also rises and vice versa. Diamond is such one of the luxuries good. Only some people who have a high income are afford to purchase it. Beside that, when the price of diamond is fall, the demand for the diamond will be increases. Thats means; people are willing to buy a diamond when the price is going down. Thats what we call a normal good. c) Product x and y are substitutes and product y is an inferior product. What is the effect of an increase in the income on the demand of product y? How the change in the demand of product y affects the demand for product x? Draw the diagram for both product x and y and show the changes of demand curves in them. Product x and y are substitutes and product y is an inferior product. When the income increases, the demand for product y will be decrease because when the consumer has a high income, the demand also increases. They prefer to choose a normal good compare to the inferior good. Lets say, when the incomes are normal, consumers prefer to eat a hamburger, but when their income increases, they prefer to go to restaurant to eat a healthy food. Thats means, the demand for hamburgers are decreases when the income rises. When the demand of product y is decreases, the demand for product x will be increases because consumer are consume to buy a product x much more than product y. It can show at the graph below: Product x Product y 3) The table below illustrates how the total utility that Ahmed derives from eating ice-cream changes as he consumes more and more ice cream each day. Fill in the table above. Ice-cream Total utility Marginal utility 0 0 0 1 12 12 2 22 10 3 28 6 4 32 4 5 34 2 b) Draw a diagram and explain the law of diminishing marginal utility for Ahmed. Law of diminishing marginal utility for Ahmed i) Total utility ii) Marginal utility The law of diminishing marginal utility means, as the amount of a good increases, the marginal utility of that good tends to diminish. When we consume more and more good, our total utility will grow at a slower and slower rate. Growth in total utility slows because our marginal utility diminishes as more of the good is consumed. For Ahmed, at one consumption of ice-cream, the total utility is 12 and the marginal utility or their satisfaction is 12, but as he consume 2 or more ice-cream, the marginal utility has falls. By the law of diminishing marginal utility, the marginal utility falls with increasing levels of consumption. 4) Differentiate market economy, command economy, and mix economy. Market economy is a system of allocating resource based only on the interaction of market forces, such as supply and demand. A true market economy is free of governmental influence, collusion and other external interference. We also call it a laissez faire style. The individuals and private sector firms make major decision about production and consumption. Thats a private ownership of resources. The price and market systems are used to coordinate and direct economy activity. Consumers would determine and influence the producers decisions to produce goods. In this form of economic organization, firms, motivated by the desire to maximize profit, buy inputs and produce and sells output. Household, armed with their factor incomes, go to markets and determines the demand for commodities. The interaction of firms supply and household demand then determines the prices and quantities of goods. Command economy is an economy where supply and price are regulated by the government rather than market forces. Government planners decide which goods and services they want produced and how they are distributed. Sometimes we call it centrally planned economy. That is a public ownership of all recourse. Decision making is through central economic planning. Everything is controlled by the government. Mixed economy is an economy system in which both the private enterprise and a degree of state monopoly coexist. All modern economics are mixed where means of production are shared between the private and public sector. We also called it a dual economy system. Mixed economy is a dominant form of economic organization in noncommunist countries. Mixed economies rely primarily on the price system for their economic organization but use a variety of government interventions such as taxes, spending and regulation to handle macroeconomic instability and market failures. b) Do you agree with the contention that mixed economy is the best of all the three system? Yes, I agree that mixed economy is the best of all the three system because in a mixed type economy, both, the private ownership as well as the state takes part in the means of production, distribution and other type of economic activities. The mixed economy allows private participation in the field of production in an environment of competition with an objective of attaining profit. On the contrary following to the socialism features it includes public ownership in production for maximizing social welfare. Simply in such type of economy there is the presence of private economic freedom with centralized planning with a common goal of avoiding the problems associated with both capitalism as well as socialism. In this system, the freedom in the economic activities are influenced by the government regulation and licensing policies.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

The Percept of Pain Essay -- Biology Essays Research Papers

The Percept of Pain: Where does it come from? In class we have discussed the concept of pain, concluding that a conflict between what the brain anticipates occurring and what actually occurs has the potential to cause the perception of pain. Furthermore, it was suggested that genetics might have a role in the experience of pain, particularly when applied to the discussion of phantom limb pain. However, I found these inferences a bit unsatisfying and walked away with more questions than answers. Where does chronic pain come into the picture? Why is a stimulus that is painful for one person not for another? And the question that puzzled me the most: how, from a neurobiological perspective, can an individual experience pain in her arm if she was born without one? Pain, a component of the somatosensory system, is defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage" (1). The perception of pain serves as a defense system to maintain homeostasis, warning of injury that should be avoided and/or treated. Injured limbs actually inhibit voluntary movement to promote necessary healing processed (2). So essential is the painful response that those individuals born with congenital pain insensitivity do not react to pain, often resulting in severe, permanent tissue damage, and even premature death. A crucial concept in the definition of pain is that it is indeed a perception, therefore involving the brain's rumination and elaboration on corresponding input. This may be paralleled to another sensory perception, vision. Although the optic nerve head should cause a "hole" in an individual's... ...ally cynical about notions that are not physiologically observable, I am surprisingly excited by the idea of a neuromatrix and look forward to rethinking my pervious understandings of the nervous system's workings. It may be interesting to see how the I-function is involved with this process and why pain treatments such as biofeedback have been known to produce positive results. References This paper reflects the research and thoughts of a student at the time the paper was written for a course at Bryn Mawr College. Like other materials on Serendip, it is not intended to be "authoritative" but rather to help others further develop their own explorations. Web links were active as of the time the paper was posted but are not updated. Contribute Thoughts | Search Serendip for Other Papers | Serendip Home Page http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/cgi-bin/comments

Training Day :: Training Day Movie

In 2001, one of the most memorable performance’s in Hollywood was Honored with an Academy Award, for Best Actor In A Leading Role. The Oscar, went to Denzel Washington, for is amazing performance in Training Day. A powerful departure from his good guy roles, Denzel Washington, plays Alonzo Harris, a street smart, crocked, undercover narc, out on the mission to save his ass, from the Russian mob. On the day in question, he is giving rookie cop Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) a chance to prove himself worthy to be a part of his elite squad of undercover narcotics officers. From the beginning of the film, in the early hours of the morning, in the city of Los Angeles, we are introduced to Jake Hoyt, a first time father, getting ready for his first day of training, with his senior partner, Alonzo. Little does he know, that he is in for the rockiest 24 hours of his life. Jake is alarmed at Alonzo's unorthodoxy, which includes making him smoke pot so he'll know what it feels like, drinking on the job, and letting bad guys go if they're not "important" enough to spend time on. The violence is minimal until the finale, when Alonzo is killed by the Russian Mafia, which more than makes up for the lack of bullets seen in the first 100 minutes. Whether the violence is necessary or gratuitous depends on your point of view. To me, violence is unjustified only when it doesn't fit the context or when the film hasn't already earned my respect, causing the blood to turn me off even more. The idea that Fuqua ( the director) employed violence just for attention never crossed my mind, as the film was compelling enough already. Surely he knew he didn't need it as a gimmick. He included it because it works. There was nothing different from this movie compared to many others, Fuqua didn’t use any special camera techniques, that really made you say â€Å"WOW,† but the movie was really, well written, and directed, Fuqua captured the true essence of the streets of Los Angeles, to some this is just a movie, with a brilliant performance from Denzel Washington. Alonzo isn’t my only favorite, money hungry character, who gets played at the end. One of my favorite movies was directed by acclaimed music video director, Hype Williams. He made his debut in 1998, with

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Computer is a great technology in our life Essay

Most of the people rely on computer nowadays. It serves us tool to lessen work for providing a specific output. Most of office work has nominal human errors, redundant data and time consuming. Some of manual process is a time consuming and inconsistent data processing and provides redundant output. The computer program is the one that will provide particular answers to these issues. One of the office works is a library that processes borrowing and returning of books. Process has huge manipulation of information in libraries. The library is a manual process for student registration, borrowing and returning of books. The student will first secure library card. He/she will present his certificate of matriculation with 1x1pc picture. If new student, the librarian will process the library card and issue card. If old student, just validate the Library card. In case of lost, re-issue a Library card to the student. In borrowing books, the student/client will register at the statistics book. He/she will present a library card / borrowers card to the personnel. If the purpose of coming is reading, the librarian will recommend library resources. Inform them where they can find or locate the materials and monitor as well as help clients on problems encountered while inside the library room. If the clients finished reading the books, they may return the books or reading materials. If they will borrow books/materials the library assistant/aide shall: a) Finds appropriate library materials b) Check the completeness of the books c) Ask the borrower to fill up the library book card and borrower’s card. d) Check the proper entry in the library book card. e) Counter check the due date f) Clip the library card, identification card, borrower’s card, together with the book card. g) File the card on the tray h) Issue the book/reading material with the date of return together with the borrower’s card. The client will receive the borrowed books, borrower’s card and acknowledge the book with the return date. Learning is discovering and developing ones talents and skills, this is why it is important to learn from books that can deeper ones knowledge found in library. Network Based library system of School is helping to enhance and improve its services. The Library system will help the assigned personnel lessen the workload of the job. The inaccuracy and inefficiency of the manual system hassled to a slow service of the librarian. In order to improve the said method, the researchers decided to shift from a manual system of locating books to a computerized library system. As the manual system turned into a computer based system, it will be included for those from successful ones. PROJECT CONTEXT School (SCHOOL) of legazpi’s library at present time uses the manual Library System in accomplishing and performing its tasks of recording and tracking of books, computing the overdue account, book cataloguing and make inventory of books. The librarian and other library personnel undergoes / undertakes the lengthy process of recording and making an inventory of books by means of writing in the record book and copying all the titles and necessary information of the old and new books. In borrowing books, the librarian will obtain the borrower’s card. This borrower would fill up to be able to borrow the book needed. The same process of returning of books the borrowers shall return borrowed books on the following day as stated on library policies. The said transaction appeared at the statistics logbook, wherein books have been borrowed is recorded including the date borrowed and returned. If failure to return the book acquired, they are obliged to pay the overdue account. The SCHOOL of legazpi has encountered problems with their transactions especially when the library uses a manual system which is the main hitch of the library. They consume so much time and effort in recording / tracking, computation of fines, inventory and locating of books and do have a hard time in managing and protecting records where it may easily get lost. The inaccuracy and insufficiency of the manual system hassled to a slow service of the librarian. In order to improve the manual process on the library they need to convert the manual system to computerize. Purpose and Description To provide a computerized library system for the School (SCHOOL) library that will help and give solution in solving the following problems: (1) Computerization of SCHOOL Library System that will replace the current manual system in the library;(2) Quick searching in borrowing and returning of books for quick process in updating record; (3) Viewing of book information via Local Area Network (LAN) to make records accessible to students, faculty, staff and researchers; and (4) Computations of fines for overdue books. General objective To have / provide a Network-based Library System for School. Specific objectives * To develop a module for book registration and student registration that will print card and library reports. * To develop a module for borrowing and returning of books. * To develop module for viewing of available book/s via Local Area Network. * To develop a module that computes fines for overdue books. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS The study will include the following: Book Registration, this module will allow registration of books. The information of each book (such as accession number, author, category etc. ) will be stored in a database. It will be easy for the librarian, library in charge and borrowers to know the availability of books, the status of each book is stated whether it is borrowed or available. Borrowers Registration, this module will allow registration of borrower directly at the library. Its function is to record the data such as borrower’s no. borrowers name, address, course, year level, email address. The borrower’s information will be utilized for printing of library card and in borrowing. Printing of library card, this module will allow the librarian to print library card. The system will generate borrower’s number. Borrowing and Returning of books, the proposed system will provide the record of available books which can borrow by the researchers. Its function is automatically records borrower’s information (borrower’s name and no. ) and book information (accession no. and title). Searching of book, the system will allow fast searching of book in different criteria such as title, author and subject. Its function is to fasten the time of searching of a particular book. Backup and Restore; this module will includes backup and restore of database in order to prevent data loss. Generation of Reports; the system will generate reports on the inventory of books, borrowed books, and reserved books, list of books, list of borrowers, and list of delinquent borrowers. Maintenance of Record; the system will maintain the following: user maintenance, book information (author, publisher, description, subject etc. ,) course management and offences. The system will not cover the following; Inventory of library materials and equipment such as chairs, tables, and cabinets; Reservation of books; Indexing of journals, periodicals, newspapers, magazines, and other library materials; Monitoring damage books and reporting of purchased books and its expenses and other collection of fines to be paid. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The study would beneficial the following: LIBRARIAN – the computer based library transaction will help her/his workload and give the librarian the better way of storing the records of the library and improve its operations in borrowing and returning of books and speed up the printing of library cards. With the help of the system, the librarian will find the system as a tool to make his/her registration faster response to queries by library researchers such as availability of book and proper computation of fines to borrower. RESEARCHERS OF THE LIBRARY – with the computerization of library transactions, the researchers will then have a more convenient and efficient way of researching in the library. If a student wishes to borrow book in library, the student can now know the availability of the book in the library. Students will have the benefit of the good service of borrowing and returning of books, accurate computation of fines, better book reservation and borrowers registration. In addition, the student will gain more interest in studying and researching because they will be able to retrieve valuable information. SCHOOL LEGAZPI LIBRARY – the computerization of library at School Legazpi will serves as a proof that they can cope with the advancement of technology. It will also serve as a means of giving the students quality education and service through the help of technology. Many students will encourage pursuing their education because of the convenient way of accessing valuable information. PROPONENTS – the study will give the proponents the information and background about the library transactions. This study will help the proponents to have a better understanding about Transaction Processing System (TPS) such as library system transactions in a SCHOOL Legazpi. This study will provide the proponents the knowledge about the different tools and techniques necessary in developing computer systems. Moreover, this study will enable the proponents to acquire skills in system development, project management as well as design and analysis skills as the study progress and the system is developed. FUTURE RESEARCHERS – the proposed system will provide the future researcher information about the library system, and they can come up with effective ideas that will help them in their own studies. This study will give them the right and essential information they will need such as the different transactions involved in the library system. CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies that provide a wide idea and in relation to the study. It cites the similarities of the current system from other previous studies. It also intends to provide framework that are related to present study which are the theoretical framework that are related to present study which are the theoretical and conceptual as well as the definition of terms. RELATED LITERATURES The march of electronic technology in the library gives incentive idea that click and drag was replaced brick, mortar, and papers. People have the option of going into computer to search for book and journals and check out materials, however, these options have not replaced human librarians or paperwork According to Michael M. Kajanjian, instructor of Triton College the computer and internet have great promise. This does not mean electronics was or should eliminate library buildings, books and journals. This computer based access is very important to locate the recorded information by using a computer instead of having to always visit the library. Brian Neilsen stated that the classroom adds the dimension to the library buildings. The people attend and interact with librarian and borrowers outside the library. These interactions allow us to update recorded knowledge, where the library resources give us access to record information. FOREIGN STUDIES The Vaxjo University Library of Sweden has a web based system called Diva. Diva stands for digitala vetenskapliga akrivet (Academic Archive online). It enables students and researchers to publish their research work to the University Library. Students and researchers can also search, research done by other researchers. Each year the student publishes their result in conference papers, journal articles, thesis reports, books, etc. These publications should be registered both at the Vaxjo University Library and RICS (Research in Computer Science) web site in a semantic way to avoid any kind of redundancy and errors. To develop a system which follows the principle â€Å"publish once and view everywhere† is the objective of this project. The National University Library system in Turin, Italy provides the National University system community with access to affordable, quality resources and relevant information literacy skills, expediting their integration into the community of lifelong learners. The Library will create an information literate community through a state-of-the art instructional program. The Library will be proactive and creative in reaching out, in order to anticipate and respond to community needs for resources, programs and services. Vision Digital Video Library System at the University of Kansas, USA. The digital libraries of the future will provide electronic access to information in many different forms. Recent technological advances make the storage and transmissions of digital video Library system prototype suitable for storage, indexing, and retrieving video and audio information and providing information across the internet. LOCAL STUDIES Bicol University Polangui Campus Library System was proposed by Arevalo, Rubiano, Rebusi and Romero of STI College Legazpi. The proponents aim to provide an Automated Library System of Bicol University Polangui Campus. The proposed system was to provide a faster tracking of activities in terms of library transactions such as borrowing, returning, and computation of fines and penalties for overdue accounts and generation of reports. Bar code reader was also used for faster transactions specifically in borrowing and returning book. The system proposed by group of Arevalo includes the printing of library card and card catalog, searching of book and borrower as well as generation of library reports. These features will be included in the proponents similar to their study. The system of Bicol University Polangui Campus includes reports for borrowers list, book list, borrowed books and other reports where proponents also integrate on the proposed system. [ANG2000] The University Library of UP Diliman encompasses one Main Library and thirty-five (35) College or Unit Libraries. It envisions global information exchange throughout the UP Library System. It is mandated to be the information resource center of excellence in the social sciences, humanities and basic sciences. It strives for full automation, a world-class collection and a staff of thoroughly modern information professionals. The University Library was officially established by the Board of Regents in 1922, fourteen years after the founding of the University of the Philippines in 1908. The University Library, which was at the same time designated as the Department of Library Science was placed on an equal level with other departments of instruction for the services of all colleges of the university. Between the years 1908 to 1922 University constituents made use of small libraries in the various units and colleges of the university and government libraries in Manila for their research and information needs. The UP Diliman Library Collections have been developed to aid of teaching, research and extension work in the disciplines designated to Diliman. Topping the list of choice collections in UP Diliman is the Filipiniana Collections, which come in print, non-print and digital forms. [ISRAR] Divine Word College of legazpi High School Library. The school decided to computerize the library system because of the problems encountered in the existing manual operation. According to the librarian, Mrs. Mariquit Pedrasa, the inventory, updating and maintenance of the material as well as the records are very tedious on her part. In the year 2004, the library started to implement the computerized library system. According to the librarian, the computerized library system answers the problems regarding time consuming process for lending and borrowing of books. It is easier now to update the status of the books and with the use of the automated card catalogue the user will be helped to find the information about the book. [BAL2006]. Aquinas University of legazpi, implemented the computerized library system, in 2006 by Mr. Atonio Morada. Because of the problems encountered in the existing manual process, the school library decided to computerize the library process. The system provides improvement of monitoring of books by using bar coding and card cataloguing and it also automatically generates reports needed by the librarian. When a book is borrowed, it will automatically show daily report on the transaction. If the book is not returned on a due date, it will display information about the unreturned books. One the book has been returned, the database will be updated. Available and reserved books will be shown in a daily report. The researchers can only reserve on book. For the accuracy in card cataloguing, the system has Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). The researchers can view the information and the status of the book using the internet. [AQU2004] . Gap Bridge of the Study Computerization of the manual process of the service of the School had brought a great help to the personnel assigned. Technology today is very important to achieve it. Through Computerized system service, it had lessened the workload; had an easy access to information and need managed all the transaction. Going over the related literature and studies, the researchers found that other researchers had only focused on the computerization of the recording of books, inventory, sorting and generating reports especially in the Library System. The researchers decided to conduct the study in the SCHOOL library to make the system fully enhanced and developed. Today, the Local Area Network (LAN) represents a new playing  field where all the amount of knowledge that comes from traditional media is molded together. The library plays an important role for the people to gain more knowledge, that’s why it is good to have an easy access to information from the library. To enhance the services of the library, the researchers formulate a study for faster and for efficient access in library transaction, through the Network based Library System. The students can now search and reserve books through local area connection. This system had contributed big help improve the service of the SCHOOL library transactions. NOTES IsrarUlHaq, A web based system for Publishing Publications to both Vaxjo University and RICS†, University of Bovas/ Sweden School of library and Information Science. [ISRAR] KokMengPua, â€Å"Prototyping the Vision Digital Video Library System, â€Å" www. ittc. ku. edu/research/thesis/documents/kokmenpuathesis. pdf www. updiliman. com [BAL2006]Baldres, Jennifer B. , â€Å" Library Services of DWCL of Legazpi and their effectiveness†. (Unpublished Master’s Thesis, University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City 2006 [AQU2004]Baloloy, Merjerere b. Bermas, Maricel L. , Mary JessB. , DaytoEditha A. â€Å"Computer Based Library System of Aquinas University of Legazpi Professional Schools† (Unpublished Masters Thesis, Aquinas University of Legazpi, September 2004 Www. yahoo. com, † Central Library at IIT Madras:. www. ndcp. edu. ph/library/thesislist. php? Kazanjan, Michael M. â€Å"Ethics and Phenomenology†, â€Å"Internet Encyclopedia† Aileen V. Ang and Edelweiss E. Monsalve, AMA Computer learning Center(Albay) Library System (Unpublished Thesis of AMA Computer College Center of Legazppi, December 2001. CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND DESIGN This chapter shows the discussion of the research and methodology used in the system. The contents of this chapter are the research methods applied in the present study. The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) was also utilized for the analysis of the determined problem including the diagrams for Data Flow Diagram (DFD), Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) and Top-Down Structure which helped to illustrate the program designed for the system. It also discusses the sources of data, research instrument used, and Data gathering procedure. Research Method The present study had made used of the descriptive method for further analysis of the problem on the School legazpi’s Library. This method was used in completion of the study which the researchers had gathered information through observation, conduct interview on library personnel in order to gather and accurate data and reliable information to answer sub-problems presented in the study including relevant facts needed in the study. This method was chosen by the researchers for the analysis of the information that can be used for the implementation of the research study. Research Design In the system, the most important relation in the study was the interaction between the library personnel and the students / borrowers. the researchers had conducted a study for an efficient and fast service of the assigned personnel to students /borrowers. In this study, the researchers had used the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for the systematized approach in solving the problem to make a useful system. The researchers have refined the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) into a logical strategy that can be applied to many kinds of problems. This has five phases, the Planning, Analysisand Design, Implementation and the Operation and Support phase. Planning In this phase, the researchers had recognized, diagnosed and defines the problem, by means of gathering information like interview, researches, and providing questionnaires. During this phase, assessments were conducted on the overall scope of the problem and how much money and time would be spent in solving it. The researchers planned and conducted the study to formulate solutions based from the discovered problems in the SCHOOL Library system. Analysis During this phase, normally involve developing a problem definition and taking an initial look at the feasibility of the project. It also involves studying and documenting the current system, interviewing librarian and other users about their needs and recommending solution to the problem. The proponents also analyze the requirements to consider in order interacting with its environment. Design In this phase, the proponents transformed the problem into solution. First, the proponents produced a system specification that tells the librarian what the system will do. After the librarian approves the conceptual design, the proponents plan to design an alternative way of using an object oriented design to enhance the existing system based on the information gathered. Implementation In this phase, the proponents transform the library problems into a solution on a computer based system. The system is installed and tested. Testing is very important to ensure its performing optimally. Bugs in the system are identified and corrected. Maintenance In this phase, the manual system must change into a newly enhanced system for past performance of task. If there are some additional requirements in the system, the researchers should add it in the system programs and develops the software. It is important to maintain the convenience as used by librarian and borrower of the new system. DATA GATHERING TOOLS: The researchers aim to gather all the data and information needed to the study. They used some ways to be able to formulate a solution to the problem of the existing system. One of the ways is looking for related books and references within school and other school for the related topic. Observing in the library and browsing the internet were also factor for gathering important data. however, the most efficient and effective way the proponents does was setting up and conducting an interview with the school librarian and other library personnel, for a reason it provides more detailed and reliable statement to answer the problem in the study. The following are the data gathering procedures that the researchers will implement: 1. Interview It is one of the methods utilized by the proponents for the gathering of data. Although process is time-consuming, it is very useful for the reason that it gathers specific information and raises follow-up question for the sake of clarity and verification of data to the librarian and the borrower. The first step in the process of conducting interview is to construct a letter of request for the client. After granted, the proponents begin to research and ask over several questions with regards the transaction and other related to the study. 2. Research This is the methodical process of collecting and evaluating information to increase proponent’s understanding of the phenomenon under study. These aid proponents as a guide for developing an effective and efficient system. The researcher’s follow a line of investigation from other sources to draw and gather related information. The books that have relation to the topic were compiled and used as reference. The proponents make use of another powerful tool called the internet to look for a data which contributes on the competence of the study. All these and through these materials helps a lot to make the system efficient and effective. 3. Observation This is the moment where the group takes time in observing, examining, monitoring and identifying the routine of the library transaction such as the way how the borrowers have an access to books in the library. What are the policies and penalties? And how books are being arrange in the shelves and how it was categorized. Through to this, it helps the proponents distinguish how they must design the system.

Education in South Africa Essay

Education is the foundation, the root, the sprout from which our current and next generation will lead and engender from. Therefore, having the best educational system in the world ensures me, you and our children a fighting change, albeit pugnacious. This statement is disseminated and broadcasted as fact and the average Joe accepts it as the truth. However, this essay will point directly at the historical and political impediment existing in and on the emotion of the number one South African, me. My essay taunts the question:†As a 40 year old white Afrikaans man, where do I stand in the South African educational system?†, and does it conform to the statement to be the best in the world. I ask the question in all honesty and respect. I am reflecting on education I attained as an Afrikaans â€Å"silver spoon in the mouth† little brat right through to my more sensible self Technical College tuition and my current B-COM studies as a self reliant adult. Historically, my peers and I were advantaged by the system in place, much more than our counterparts in the townships and homelands. I believe that the powers ruled then had only the best intentions for the educational portfolio, albeit it was one-sided in the racial arena. The story of our lives. The institutions that were build and the standards academically set was internationally very high. I firmly believe this basis where we as the new generation sprung from, was based on the system already in place. The difference is, now we can engender from the same mark. We have the brick and mortar that separated the black from white now as monuments of growth and unity, known as Universities. We have the seats and blackboards. We have the prospectus. We have the fervent minds of prospective students. This is the formula for an educational system of note. One important ingredient lacks this recipe of success: Emotion. The emotional scars that on all sides of all the political fences erecte d end torn down over and again remains as barriers and brick walls in the minds of us, the students. Being brought up and instructed that white is white and black is black and the two don’t mix, I soon realized and discerned myself with the fact that the black children could not share in the same educational system. It was the year 1983 when I was starting my high school education this realization came to be. It was clear to see the technical equipment installed in the white schools was not equal to that installed for the black children. This point in my life was the pivot of my social and political views. An immense amount of guilt and shame  fell upon me and I had to hide this not to be shunned from my peers. The fact that my emotions were suppressed added to my shame and guild. So the emotional wall I mentioned grew stronger and stronger. Separation from your mother tongue whilst being educated is an enormous social blunder politicians the world over are making. The emotional impact a child in learning has with his or her home language not present during schooling is a l ifelong scar on the psyche. Not only does it scar, it places a lid on the information these young minds needs to harvest. I had it all fed in my mother tongue from day one. My black peers not. How can a child from a Tswana, Zulu or Venda upbringing now be educated in Afrikaans or English? I feel for the individual that now wants to through the language as a hand grenade in the education war on foreign language in the institutions we get taught at. Why was my language removed from the universities and colleges I want to attend to? Or better asked â€Å"why is my language not present in the current prospectus?† I understand the technical terms and application theories much better in my mother tongue. This I’m asking not as an individual, I’m asking this as every single student you teach and educate every single day. This, my dear educator, this is a historical and political impediment existing in and on the emotion of not just your number one South African, me, but on many, if not all student s. Furthermore and albeit it not be the least, who should pay for my education? I am and average income earner. I can pay for myself, but, I will not be able to sustain my current situation and send one of my children to university. I cannot fathom the impact it has on lower income families. The mere thought that it would change financially after the graduation and after employment status was reached because of the education, does not balance the situation throughout the period. The scholarship and sponsorships given to young students are great. And here comes a big but, why only to certain ethnic groups? Don’t we all suffer? Our current students did not take part in the historical events that shaped our New South Africa. The foundation of our New South Africa rest squarely on their shoulders and it is their responsibility to maintain and ensure prosperity for one and all. By advantaging and allowing one group to benefit on majority defies the Rainbow Nation’s idea. The students that cannot afford to be where we are and those who can barely sustain their presence amongst us, with the paying surplus of students, see this and feel  this on the emotion. It cuts deep to be separated. We came a long and hard way to prevent just this. It is not fair to impend this politics on the minds and emotion of any student. The emotional scars on all sides are real and remain as barriers and brick walls in the minds of us, the students, the student that wrote this essay. This is encumbering the South African Educational system to be the best in the world. Nevertheless I have to believe, I do believe and I trust and pray that our educational system has a place for me and my peers. I therefore conclude, I pray and I hope that my fellow students and I can oversee the sins of our fathers. That we can leap forward and expect to be followed in, English education as language of the future educational system. I hope for financial aid that will accommodate all who needs it. I pray to my fellow students, educators and fellow South Africans to see the future of our education and where it can lead us. I pray for them not to let the past influence and dictate the Educational System’s future. This done, I believe we have the best educational system in the world. We can make the difference.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Anne Frank Journal essays

Anne Frank Journal essays I think that when Mr. Frank, Mrs. Frank, Anne, and Margot needed to hide from the Nazis in Mr. Kraler loft in his factory the living conditions were so appalling. They only had two rooms and one space for Peter to sleep in. I feel it is amazing how two families, the Franks and the Van Daans, and one dentist, Mr. Dussel, could live together for such a extensive time and still remain sane. Also, I think that the fact all of the children, Peter, Anne, and Margot had to leave everything they had and live with such a great responsibility when hiding. I believe it must have been extremely hard to stay perfectly quiet and somewhat still for the ten hours the factory was filled with workers. In addition Miep, a young women, had the courage and the ability to care for twp families and a dentist while running Mr. Kralers factory. I was amazed how when Miep brought the two families and Mr. Dussel a New Years cake and when cutting it, they fought over who was given who bigger pieces. This lack of food resulted in Mr. Van Daan stealing bread from the food storage. I was purely shocked how he would steel to feed himself when his child and the Franks children are starving. Thus resulted in Mrs. Frank exploding at the Van Daans and demanding that they leave. I thought her actions were justified because him stealing essential food was intolerable. I was suspecting Anne and Peter to relate sooner or later, but I thought it would have taken much less time for them to relate and feel comfortable together. I never suspected Peter and Anne to kiss and take their relationship to a higher level. I was saddened when I found out at the end that when Anne and the rest of the families in the hideout were arrested and taken to concentration camps. What really upset me was that just before Annes concentration camp was liberated, she gave up the will to live and passed on. Her father seemed crushed w ...

Computer Operator essays

Computer Operator essays Computers and technology play major part in todays world. Almost all businesses use computers to communicate, through e-mail or online conferences. All of this technology needs someone to keep them operational. Computer Operators work behind the scenes keeping the computers functional and repairing any errors that arise. They have many responsibilities, work many long hours, and are paid fairly well for the environment in which they work. The jobs of the computer Operator depend on the size of the business for which he or she works. A computer Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling computer systems, particularly mainframe computer systems in a company or organization. The responsibilities also include troubleshooting software and hardware problems and monitoring programs that require no user interaction, or batch processing. They work hard in maintaining all system and application documentation, maintaining and improving system performance and online availability, and assisting personnel with computer problems. The employer of the Operator may incorporate other responsibilities that may include system backups, maintaining equipment, and providing customer support. Computer Operators work in an environment that is comfortable, where the temperature humidity and dust are controlled to keep machines in operating condition. The noise level is usually low with the exception of the humming from the disk drives and noise from high-speed printers. Much of an Operators time is on his feet as he sets up, operates, monitors, and controls equipment. Workers frequently experience pressure to meet deadlines (Computer Operator). There are many instances where the computer simply runs independently. Unfortunately, because Operators spend much time in front of a computer monitor, they are susceptible to eye strain and other related problems. In addition, performing repetitive tasks such as loading and un ...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Free Essays on The House on the Strand

â€Å"The House on the Strand† is an extraordinary book dealing with a fascinating subject in an intriguing way. Its author Daphne du Maurier takes a fresh approach to time travel, through the use of a drug that sends the user back through time. This drug has apparent addictive qualities, pulling the main character, Dick Young deeper and deeper into a previous world, but as the book proceeds, it is deliberately confused. Is the drug addictive? Or is the addiction his fascination with this world and its people? Perhaps it’s a mix of them both as the drug expands his consciousness to the point where all he sees is so vivid and pure he can’t help but be attracted to this world. The author, through seamlessly melding two worlds into one, brings the personal crises of the main character Richard Young to the fore of the story. Are these experiences hallucinatory, a subconscious escape from dissatisfaction with his own marital life? Or has he really travelled back in time? If he has indeed travelled back in time then these experiences match his subconscious and it is a true escape from the life he lives. More and more he grudges the hours spent away from these people of long ago, resentful of the time that must be given to his loving though suspicious wife and to his stepsons, intruders into his secret life. This is carefully written and neutrally written so as not to bias the reader either way, to the wife or to Richard. With immense skill, the tension is kept on both levels and as Dick grows ever more obsessed by his trips into the past, so the reader begins to share his addiction, and to find that past and present become inextricably, perilously mixed. As he takes successive "trips", though each lasts only a short time, always he is back in the same surroundings. Invisible, inaudible, he finds that he is a kind of alter ago of Roger Kylmerth, steward to Sir Henry Champernoune, lord of the manor of Tywardreath. He witnesses intrigue,... Free Essays on The House on the Strand Free Essays on The House on the Strand â€Å"The House on the Strand† is an extraordinary book dealing with a fascinating subject in an intriguing way. Its author Daphne du Maurier takes a fresh approach to time travel, through the use of a drug that sends the user back through time. This drug has apparent addictive qualities, pulling the main character, Dick Young deeper and deeper into a previous world, but as the book proceeds, it is deliberately confused. Is the drug addictive? Or is the addiction his fascination with this world and its people? Perhaps it’s a mix of them both as the drug expands his consciousness to the point where all he sees is so vivid and pure he can’t help but be attracted to this world. The author, through seamlessly melding two worlds into one, brings the personal crises of the main character Richard Young to the fore of the story. Are these experiences hallucinatory, a subconscious escape from dissatisfaction with his own marital life? Or has he really travelled back in time? If he has indeed travelled back in time then these experiences match his subconscious and it is a true escape from the life he lives. More and more he grudges the hours spent away from these people of long ago, resentful of the time that must be given to his loving though suspicious wife and to his stepsons, intruders into his secret life. This is carefully written and neutrally written so as not to bias the reader either way, to the wife or to Richard. With immense skill, the tension is kept on both levels and as Dick grows ever more obsessed by his trips into the past, so the reader begins to share his addiction, and to find that past and present become inextricably, perilously mixed. As he takes successive "trips", though each lasts only a short time, always he is back in the same surroundings. Invisible, inaudible, he finds that he is a kind of alter ago of Roger Kylmerth, steward to Sir Henry Champernoune, lord of the manor of Tywardreath. He witnesses intrigue,...