Analysis Of Raymond Carver s Cathedral, A Man And His...

Kristoffer LaMantain Sandiford ENG 1-B E-6 10 December 2015 Spouses for Humanity Humanity’s potential to develop interpersonal relationships is fundamental to their growth and can be detrimental to society if not maintained. Focusing on a relationship between two spouses; it is traditionally presumed to be mutually beneficial. It is this mutual benefit where a healthy relationship can contribute to an individual’s attainment of goals, moral construction, and perception of society. â€Å"Interpersonal relationships have traditionally been regarded as one of the major determinants of health and well-being† (Paat). But what constitutes a healthy relationship? In Raymond Carver’s â€Å"Cathedral† a man and his wife on the surface have a rocky relationship that seems to be teetering on the husband’s impartiality to his wife and the wife’s resentment towards her husband’s impartiality. However, Brewer-Davis states that, â€Å"loving someone sometimes seems to appropriately override impartiali ty†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . The ties that this couple has established and the healthy communication of their moral standing is the key to their growth. Although the husband is considered sort of a ‘bad boy’ and the wife is characterized as a sweet, caring individual; it is this difference in personalities that brings them together as the husband receives emotional stimulation that he could not otherwise get by himself. Consequently, the wife receives a reality check from her husband’s partiality and rational demeanor. PaatShow MoreRelatedMinimalism by Raymond Carver Essay3013 Words   |  13 PagesCriticism Minimalism by Raymond Carver English 210 P. Fishman Research Paper Literary Criticism on Minimalism by Raymond Carver Raymond Carver was a master of the short story during the mid nineteenth century due to his unique minimalistic style. Carver has his own artistic signature when it comes to writing, he tells his stories using the leastRead MoreDo We See The Same Way That We Think?1312 Words   |  6 Pagesbegin, â€Å"Cathedral† by Raymond Carver is a true example of how literature not only shares the outer view of humans, but also what is going on in their minds. This story moves along with its powerful theme and variety of characters within it. You cannot simply look at the surface of something to truly understand the full details of it because what you see or think is on the outside, may not be what is on the inside. This is considered to be the main theme of â€Å"Cathedral†. The narrator’s wife invites

Disney s Of Race And Culture - 1612 Words

Walt Disney’s animated classics are prominent and affluential for the millennial generation and are loved by many people all over the world, preferably by the western socialized population. Because of its dominance, Disney’s subliminal impacts on children and even adults are presented as an enormous socialization factor throughout Hollywood. Disney’s portrayal of race and culture is predominant throughout its characters, settings and music, specifically in the last 2  ½ decades. The following analysis investigates Disney’s utilization of race and culture, throughout its films and correlates with its awareness in social responsibility. A paramount example would be Disney’s, A Bug’s Life, presenting many key components of race and culture and how the lives of the main characters are impacted as a whole. Culture is defined as â€Å"The ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society† (Oxford Dictionary: 2015). The diversity portrayed in the film A Bug’s Life, embellishes the different types of social hierarchy amongst the different characters in the film. The colony of ants illustrates a functionalist perspective among social order. In order for them to keep peace with the demanding grasshoppers, they must gather an abundance of food, which will keep them and the grasshoppers nourished until the following year. The ant’s way of living is very strategic; they base most of their days on working in order to fulfill their duty to the grasshoppers. â€Å"TheShow MoreRelatedWalt Disney : An Issue With Race1543 Words   |  7 PagesThroughout the course of eighty years Walt Disney has made a lot of movies. In these movies there are characters that dance, sing, and do things that normal people could not do. Their movies have been very profitab le over the years; however, these movies have faced some serious issues. Walter Elias â€Å"Walt† Disney is the of the founder of The Walt Disney Company. He started off writing short little stories that could be ran in television and movie theaters. Some of these short stories wereRead MoreQuestionable Social Messages Spread by Disney864 Words   |  3 Pagessocial beliefs and behaviours. This is explained in the New York Times opinion column, Its Racist, But Hey, Its Disney. Children are more vulnerable to the powers of the media. Disney movies are also a vehicle for spreading cultural notions, such as racism. This medium opens an avenue where children can be indoctrinated and pass questionable values on to following generations. Walt Disney shows us how his strong feelings and or values shown in his films were all meant in a good way. â€Å"Our heritageRead MoreHong Kong Disney1308 Words   |  6 Pagesthree most important success factors in the theme park business? Well-defined vision: One of key success factors is Disney ¡Ã‚ ¦s vision that is giving eternal life to cartoon characters and creating a place where people can meet these life-size characters. This vision helps Disney to persevere to provide different kind of rides and tame entertainment to visitors. Obviously, Disney ¡Ã‚ ¦s heritage and traditions attract visitors worldwide. Balanced entertainment offering: A successful theme park shouldRead More Insensitive Portrayal of Society and Cultuer in Disney Films1538 Words   |  7 PagesSo Wonderful World of Disney The â€Å"Wonderful World of Disney† has been a part of America for as long as I can remember. With its movies, television shows, songs, theme parks, toys, and fictional characters, Disney is the epitome of children’s entertainment. Disney serves as one of the largest sources of entertainment to Americans, which is why it reigns as a commercial success and influence in our country. According to Henry Giroux, a popular critic of the Walt Disney Company, Disney’s immenseRead MoreStereotypical Representations Of Racially Marked Female Bodies760 Words   |  4 PagesAssignment #2: Stereotypical Representations of Racially Marked Female Bodies The world of Disney it is not necessarily magic for everyone. In Western popular culture there is an endless buffet serving stereotypical ideologies for racially marked women. The media often relies on representation of articulation of ethnic women as animalistic, inferior and outside the natural. Films tend to utilize signifiers that express race, class and gender to develop characters. For this assignment, I have chosen to criticallyRead MoreA Brief Note On The Crimes Of The Past1706 Words   |  7 PagesAtoning for the crimes of the past Social culture, from what we know, has an impact on the way people view the world around us, and one of the most influential we see currently is the media. As kids grow up and develop, they are exposed to a lot of media from Nickelodeon to Cartoon Network, to one of the most impactful, Disney Channel. When it comes to the media we know that over the course of time things can be skewed to look a certain way and they typically may have subliminal messages. So whatRead MoreThe Wonderful World Of Disney1474 Words   |  6 Pageswonderful racist world of Disney The wonderful world of Disney is synonymous with fairy tales, adventure, and happily ever after. Disney makes dreams come true and makes us wish upon a star. And apart from its entertaining purposes, the world of Disney is a learning medium in which kids can learn about ethics, values and self-image. The world of Disney over time has become a persuasive form in which children can learn about the world around them. However, The world of Disney teaches messages to childrenRead MoreThe Colonialism Of The Walt Disney Company1571 Words   |  7 PagesMy topic is the colonialism of The Walt Disney Company. When defining colonialism, I will be referring to two general definitions that are applicable to modern day colonialism as seen through cultural appropriation, and cultural commodification of Disney and the tourist industry. Oxford Dictionaries defines colonialism as, â€Å"the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with se ttlers, and exploiting it economically,† and Stanford EncyclopediaRead MoreDisney : A Dreaming Nonconformist1353 Words   |  6 PagesDisney: A Dreaming Nonconformist Society has a rule book, it lists how we should act and think and be. Some people decide to disregard the rule book and write their own. These people are daring, different, and sometimes even seen as impractical but often they leave a lasting impact on our lives. I know of many people who fit this description, but none more influential on our lives today than Walt Disney. Walt Disney was a producer of motion-pictures and television shows. He was a showman and isRead MoreThe Gulf War And Its Effects On Character Portrayal1028 Words   |  5 PagesThe Gulf War and Its Effects on Character Portrayal in â€Å"Aladdin† Background Knowledge In the year 1992 Aladdin was released by Disney, making it one of the fastest growing films. The movie is based off of a young thief whom seeks a better life in Agrhaba, a city that very much resembles those of Arab countries. Aladdin ironically was being produced â€Å"during the 1991 Gulf War under the Bush administration. The war lasted six months. It was conflict between Iraq and 34 countries in the U.N., including

Following Assignment Will Aim to Address and Relevant Issues

Question: Assignment Will Aim To Address And Discuss Relevant Issues? Answer: Introduction The following assignment will aim to address and discuss relevant issues pertaining to the impact of two public health interventions or programs that have been utilized to mitigate the public health concern related to the outbreak and spread of HIV/AIDS amongst the people who inject drugs (PWID) in Australia. Discussions will be carried out with respect to the definite public health programs that were applied in the health scenario of the defined region for ameliorating the spread of HIV/AIDS in the concerned population. Lessons learnt from the interventions that hold the potential to inform future public health actions and steering positive outcomes will be addressed as well. Critical analysis of the interventions with mention about the strengths and limitations will be done to provide succinct overview on the topic. A comprehensive synopsis of the measurable impact of the interventions will be provided alongside detailed description of the intervention or program. Prior to the deta iled analysis and description of the interventions, the pertinent issue, the population and population group in addition to the identified risks and determinants of health will be incorporated to offer an insight on the interventions. The public health interventions comprising of the Needle and Syringe Program and the Condom Social Marketing Program will be explained in course of the assignment. Brief Overview People who inject drugs (PWID) have been found to possess greater propensity of being infected by HIV/AIDS in contrast to their general counterparts who do not engage in such activities. However, a contradictory observation in this respect suggests that because of the stigmatization and criminalization of the actions presented by the PWID they are more likely to be deprived of the basic access to healthcare services, subsequent treatments and preventive measures related to the HIV. The presence of societal stigma and preconceived notion about them are largely responsible for making it more vulnerable for them to encounter discriminating and health inequity while suffering from AIDS like condition. The reaching out to the population is another challenging task for the healthcare workers and other associated team members that further aggravates the situation making it more difficult to intervene. Thus, pertinent information and succinct knowledge related to the multifaceted and various health factors as well as health behaviors that account for the spreading of HIV among the PWID population is desirable (Mathers et al., 2013). The most prominent factors that paved the way for resulting in the spread and outbreak of HIV among the PWID population encompass several crucial issues. The health related risk factors identified that are intimately associated with the harboring of AIDs like condition in PWID include, sharing of needles, sex work practice. Other factors that are indirectly related as potential agents for culminating in the emanation of AIDS like symptom refer to the marginalization and criminalization under the jurisdiction of law, unemployment and poor socio-economic background in conjunction with threats of imprisonment and detention. PWID encompass individuals belonging to diverse backgrounds and genders including women, transgender women, sex workers, Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people. The faulty healthcare practices as well as the apprehensi ons of the PWIDS are the major identified reasons that are responsible for the inability of holistically addressing the HIV/AIDS issue among the concerned population. Ignorance about the correct health procedure, dearth of knowledge on matter concerning the pathogenesis and possible routes of transmission of HIV are some of the vital reasons that have lead to the onset of the diseased symptoms. However amongst the identified factors, the issue of sharing needles is considered particularly threatening as the vulnerable groups are more likely to resort to sharing the needles due to inability and regulatory restrictions of buying syringes for some other purposes other than the medical ones (Rowe Berger, 2015). Thus, the need to invest in taking initiatives that will effectively mitigate the issue is required to offer best possible resolution for combating the ill effects and adverse outcomes due to such possibilities and confounding factors are necessary. Holistic interventions are re quired in this respect to cope up with the ensuing condition. Two of the implemented methods that accounted for combating the condition prevalent because of HIV/AIDS encompassing Needle and Syringe Program in addition to Condom Social Marketing Program amongst the PWID in Australian context will be discussed for understanding their potential benefits and efficacy in terms of tackling the thwarting situation. Identified intervention programs Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) Condom Social Marketing Program (CSMP) Critical analysis of the intervention The NSP introduction in the Australian scenario has been found to generate mostly positive outcomes whereby the PWID have been largely benefited from such interventions. The community based outreach intervention in the form of NSP has lead to producing utilities that further helped to improve the condition of the PWIDs. The risk reduction services have been particularly fruitful in terms of rendering holistic education and recommending strategies that might curb the rates of HIV incidences allaying the risky behavior in the vulnerable population. Those individuals who are more predisposed to be infected by HIV and acquire AIDS have been carefully included in the program regime so that adequate measures may be employed in tackling their condition. Prompt and adequate impetus was sent for taking forward the AIDS prevention remedies among the population at large following the introduction of NSP. The discrimination and marginalization of the PWID was reduced drastically that further str engthened the decision making and policy implementation procedure for the concerned authorities. As part of the comprehensive HIV prevention strategy, the NSP initiative was particularly important as it paved the way for further scaling up and sustenance of the HIV prevention outreach. However, the limitation of the program may be identified to be the need for constant strengthening and advocacy to account for the correct implementation of the program thereby leading to fulfillment of the desired objectives. Repeated evaluation and constant monitoring is essential to procure the necessary benefits from observing the NSP strategy (Needle et al., 2005). The era of the biomedical advancements has witnessed crucial changes in the political and social contexts as well. The importance of working with the socially vulnerable groups have been emphasized in the programs who are essentially designated as the key populations have been further stressed upon for eliciting positive outcomes. Community participation and imparting of holistic education has been greatly linked to harboring good results. The threats posed in HIV prevalence has been seen with respect to lack of condom use. Hence, it is considered as an essential step to introduce the use of condoms as part of the safe sex strategy to abate the possibility of contracting HIV and other blood borne viral disease. However amidst all the advantages of using condoms, there still remain doubts in the minds of many regarding the use of condoms as a means of rendering effective protection against HIV/AIDS (Paiva et al., 2015). Measurable impact of interventions The impact of the timely intervention of the Needle and Syringe Program in Australia has been largely studied in researches. The rates of prevalence among the PWID following such intervention has been investigated in order to determine the possible correlation among the associated factors over the certain timeframe. Data relevant to 15 years of surveillance carried out with respect to people who inject drugs suggested that HIV prevalence among the NSP attendees remained low and relatively stable thereby suggestive of the efficacy of such interventions in the greater perspective. Further for eliciting drug policy, NSP may be considered as a novel and recommendable approach of HIV surveillance among the PWID in settings where such programs are commonly reckoned as integral constituent of public health approach. Evidence based suggestions in the global scenario as well is suggestive of the fact that NSP is effective in mitigating the HIV prevalence among the PWID and timely and widespre ad introduction of the program might help in tackling with the global epidemic and health burden due to HIV/AIDS (Topp et al., 2011). A study conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the projected HIV preventive strategies among the PWID have also suggested the additional benefits obtained from using condoms in the vulnerable group. Significant reductions in the rates of HIV/AIDS highlighted the importance engaging in such behaviors where the chances of transmission of the virus gets drastically reduced because of the safe sex practice that limit the transfer of infection. The PWIDS apart from using the sterilized needles are likely to derive the optimal bebefits from using such devices as a means of protection and prevention from the sexually transmitted disease (Abdul-Quader et al., 2013). Description of intervention program The Needle and Syringe Program conducted in the Australian context aimed to provide increased support for rendering the appropriate and feasible counseling, education and referral services to the vulnerable population by virtue of community based interventions to curtail the rates of HIV prevalence and incidences. The widely accepted and acknowledged policies and programs that fall under the Australias harm minimization strategy forms the foundation of the National Drug Strategy. In this connection a wide range of integrated approaches are found to be integral in maintaining a balance and synergy between the demand reduction, supply mitigation and harm abatement. The early and vigorous HIV prevention mechanisms that were pursued in Australia targeted for the injecting drug users resulted for exhibiting the low and stable rates of prevalence of HIV among the concerned vulnerable groups. The primary agendas of such interventions addressed on enhancing the access to treatment and suppor t, improving and increasing the reach of both education and prevention initiatives along with improvement of the current HIV and hepatitis C surveillance system. Thus, the PWID are likely to be benefited by such initiatives through inclusion of them into the main program for the sake of reducing the rates of spread of infection (health.gov.au, 2017). The Condom Social Marketing Program (CSMP) has been strategized in the Australian context to mitigate the HIV/AIDS issue from spreading due to improper transmission and infective routes among the PWID. The application of the commercial marketing techniques to achieve a social goal is commonly referred to as the social marketing program. The program aimed to make condoms more affordable and accessible. Simultaneously the said program highlighted on spreading the use of condoms among the target population for increasing the acceptance of condoms among the vulnerable population. Specific condom brand is developed and marketed with a promotional campaign to sell the product to the target audience. Availability and use pertaining to the use of condoms are thereby increased by means of employing such program. The behavioral, psychological and biological outcomes related to HIV prevention are likely to be impacted by the condom application. Since its first introduction among the gay communi ties, the condom use has received much attention for safe sex advocacy. Similar and effective responses have also been received from the PWID community thereby suggestive of its efficacy in controlling the HIV prevalence (Aggleton Kippax, 2014). Lessons learned The NSP program and its efficacy is not only limited to the prevention of HIV/AIDS, but the uses may be further expanded to other blood borne viral diseases that are generally transmitted through sharing of injecting equipment. Thus, associated benefits from following this program may be obtained by means of reducing other harms related to the injected drug use. The recommendations from NSP may be extrapolated to other health conditions by means of providing advice on safer injecting practices, providing suggestion on reducing he harm provoked by drugs thereby accounting for procedure for avoidance and management of drug overdose. Moreover, knowledge and adequate training is provided with respect to the safe handling and disposal of the injecting equipment. Encouragement is given to resorting to safer drug taking practices thereby curbing the possibility of addiction in addition to fostering of other health and welfare services such as that of using condoms as part of safe sex practi ce (Wilson et al., 2014). The CSMP has been found to be quite effective in terms of rendering complete protection against HIV/AIDS. It further accounted for making the future HIV interventions that are essentially comprehensive and integrative. The intervention groups comprising of the men and women are likely to be benefited b such interventions. Focus is laid not only to regulate the individual behavior but also the societal norms that often pose hindrances o effective implementation of the intervention programs (MacArthur et al., 2014). Conclusion The growing volumes of evidences with respect to the interventions undertaken for handling the public health concerns associated with the transmission and prevalence of HIV/AIDS among the people who inject drugs in Australia revealed the efficacy of prudent and pragmatic approaches to safeguard the health of the concerned population. Adequate attention being conferred on the harm reduction because of the presence of HIV/AIDS has been found to harbor optimum outcomes. Significant and situation appropriate measures adopted by the relevant organization with sufficient support and cooperation from the government has lead to the generation of adequate awareness and responsiveness among the vulnerable individuals thereby paving the way for a better tomorrow. The chances of being infected by the HIV pathogens have been drastically reduced as consequence of the relevant interventions (Madden Wodak, 2014). Further empirical findings have brought to the forefront, the positive outcomes of the interventions that demonstrated an extremely low and sustained rate of HIV incidence over the past two decades with the timeframe of 1995-2012, among the PWID. The reason for such holistic outcomes may be attributed to measures following the early establishment and up-gradation of the needle and syringe program with subsequent contribution from other interventions such as that of Condom Social Marketing Program (Iversen et al., 2014). Hence, it may be well commented that abidance with these potential intervention programs are highly successful and effective strategies to deal with the public health issue as observed in case of HIV/AIDS among the concerned population. References Abdul-Quader, A. S., Feelemyer, J., Modi, S., Stein, E. S., Briceno, A., Semaan, S., ... Des Jarlais, D. C. (2013). Effectiveness of structural-level needle/syringe programs to reduce HCV and HIV infection among people who inject drugs: a systematic review.AIDS and Behavior,17(9), 2878-2892. Aggleton, P., Kippax, S. (2014). Australia's HIV-Prevention Response: Introduction to the Special Issue.AIDS Education and Prevention,26(3), 187-190. Health.gov.au. (2017). Retrieved 22 May 2017, from https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/83AAED699516CE2DCA257BF0001E7255/$File/evid.pdf Iversen, J., Wand, H., Topp, L., Kaldor, J. and Maher, L., 2014. Extremely low and sustained HIV incidence among people who inject drugs in a setting of harm reduction.AIDS,28(2), pp.275-278. MacArthur, G. J., van Velzen, E., Palmateer, N., Kimber, J., Pharris, A., Hope, V., ... Rhodes, T. (2014). Interventions to prevent HIV and hepatitis C in people who inject drugs: a review of reviews to assess evidence of effectiveness.International Journal of Drug Policy,25(1), 34-52. Madden, A., Wodak, A. (2014). Australia's response to HIV among people who inject drugs.AIDS Education and Prevention,26(3), 234-244. Mathers, B. M., Degenhardt, L., Bucello, C., Lemon, J., Wiessing, L., Hickman, M. (2013). Mortality among people who inject drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Bulletin of the World Health Organization,91(2), 102-123. Needle, R. H., Burrows, D., Friedman, S. R., Dorabjee, J., Touz, G., Badrieva, L., ... Latkin, C. (2005). Effectiveness of community-based outreach in preventing HIV/AIDS among injecting drug users.International Journal of Drug Policy,16, 45-57. Paiva, V., Ferguson, L., Aggleton, P., Mane, P., Kelly-Hanku, A., Giang, L. M., ... Parker, R. (2015). The current state of play of research on the social, political and legal dimensions of HIV.Cadernos de saude publica,31(3), 477-486. Rowe, R., Berger, I. (2015). Patterns of performance and image enhancing drug use among men accessing needle and syringe programs in Sydney, Australia.Drug Alcohol Dependence,156, e194.' Topp, L., Day, C. A., Iversen, J., Wand, H., Maher, L., Collaboration of Australian NSPs. (2011). Fifteen years of HIV surveillance among people who inject drugs: the Australian Needle and Syringe Program Survey 19952009.Aids,25(6), 835-842. Wilson, H., Brener, L., Mao, L., Treloar, C. (2014). Perceived discrimination and injecting risk among people who inject drugs attending Needle and Syringe Programmes in Sydney, Australia.Drug and alcohol dependence,144, 274-278.

Kingdom Of Benin Essays - Africa, Edo People, States Of Nigeria

Kingdom of Benin annon Benin was an influential city-state in northwest Africa generally from the 15th to 17th century. It was founded by the Edo or Bini people in the 13th century, and by the early 14th century a royal court was in place. It was always ruled by a powerful king who was usually a former war leader. The kings, however, later became a more religious figure. The kingdom has been though to extend throughout what is presently southern Nigeria. One of its most successful kings was Ozoula. During his reign, from about 1480 to 1504, Benin established many commercial and diplomatic relations with Portugal. The kingdom participated in a lot of trade with Europe. Some of the goods they traded included palm oil, ivory, pepper, and textiles. Another industry Benin took place in was the slave trade. Mostly POW's and women were traded, but in the early years, men of the tribe were also given away. Gradually, the power of the kingdom decreased as the 18th and 19th centuries passed. Eventually, in 1897, the area was annexed to British Nigeria. While tribesmen still led the area, the real control was in the hands of the Europeans. One of the richest arts that originated in Africa are some of the hand cast bronzes that came out of the kingdom of Benin. These became known as the Benin Bronzes. The casting of brass was strictly a royal art and anyone found casting brass without royal permission was faced with execution. Whenever a king or a major figure died, a beautiful commemorative head was cast out of bronze in his honor. These heads were displayed at shrines found all throughout the royal palace. Also found in the royal palace were eight wall- sized bronze plaques. Each plaque depicted kings, chiefs, and great warriors in battle. They each depict a different event in Benin's history. Many things including utensils and weapons have also been found, each hand cast with brass. As you can see, the Beninian people were very gifted in this fine art and it is one of the richest parts of their culture.

Thrill of the Grass essays

Thrill of the Grass essays This storey was very short and meaningful. Throughout the storey the protagonist expresses many emotions and feelings for the game of baseball and the actual stadium itself. He loved to go to the stadium and just recap all his old memories from when he used to play and watch the game. Many of his thoughts and feelings he kept to himself as he would dream of baseball starting up again. The strike ruined the stadium and left it abandon. Many parts of this storey the man looks back on when he used to watch and play baseball and he describes all the feelings and atmosphere that was around. He dreams back from when he was a child and pictures himself in the same stadium playing ball. Youve always struck me as a man who dreams... I think we have things in common. I think you might like to come with me. I could show you what I dream, paint you pictures, suggest what might happen. There he is asking his friend to come and dream with him back at the old stadium at night. He wants everyone to see what he can see and share his memories with many people. He later tells his friend to invite friends and his friends to invite their friends or family. Throughout the storey this man shows great leadership and care in what he does. It shows how much he loved the game of baseball. Tomorrow night would be fine. But there will be an admission charge... There he is telling his friend that he wants him to bring friends and family to the empty field again but there will be an admission charge. A square of sod? Of the same grass? All the man asks in exchange is a piece of grass that they can place in the field where the turf is. They take out a piece of turf and fill it in with grass each time, so eventually the field will be all grass once again. The man is very loyal to his friend and to the ballpark. He makes sure people bring a piece of grass each time to get in and take out ...

Epic, Really Epic

Epic, Really Epic Epic, Really Epic Epic, Really Epic By Maeve Maddox The word epic is used so sloppily these days that a modern day polar explorer referring to the harrowing and courageous exploits of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctic expedition felt that modification was needed: â€Å"It [Shackleton’s crossing] was epic, really epic† Really in this quotation is not being used as an intensifier; it means â€Å"truly.† It’s not a throwaway epic, but a genuine epic meaning â€Å"like something only a hero could accomplish.† The word epic derives from a Greek word meaning â€Å"word, narrative, or song.† In a literary context, an epic is a grand narrative like the Iliad that recounts the courageous and danger-fraught adventures of a hero of the stature of Achilles, Gilgamesh, or Beowulf. Scholars distinguish between â€Å"folk epics† and â€Å"literary epics.† Many of the frequently cited literary epics originated as folk epics, that is, traditional stories passed down through an oral tradition. Of the frequently cited world literary epics listed below, only the Aeneid, written by Virgil to celebrate the founding of Rome and the family of the Emperor Augustus, does not descend from an oral tradition: Before Common Era The Epic of Gilgamesh (Akkadian c1200 BCE) Iliad (Greek c 800 BCE) Odyssey (Greek c 800 BCE) Mahabharata (Sanskrit c 800 BCE) The Bhagavad Gita (Sanskrit c 400 BCE) Common Era The Aeneid (Latin c 20 BCE) Beowulf (English c 900 CE) Chanson de Roland (French c 1000 CE) Tain Bo Cuailnge (Irish c 1100 CE) The Nibelungenlied (German c 1200 CE) The Poetic Edda (Norse c 1200 CE) Some definitions would restrict epic to mean only works written in verse, but in terms of epic heroes and adventure, such modern works as Tolkien’s Ring trilogy and its many spin-offs continue the tradition. Because epics are long, the adjective epic can refer to size or dimensions, as in â€Å"epic proportions.† More often, epic describes an achievement requiring great courage and the strength to overcome physical hardship, as in this reference to Lewis and Clark: After the expedition recuperated, they entrusted their horses to the Nez Perce and set off in cottonwood canoes for their epic journey to the Pacific Ocean. Like the formerly meaningful adjective awesome, epic has dwindled in common speech to mean hardly anything: This is No ordinary epic blog. It’s a really epically epic blog. How Long Should It Take To Write An Epic Post? James Murphy on new Arcade Fire album: ‘Its really epic’ Songs that start slow but then get really epic Related Post: †Jane Austen Did Not Write Epics† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Inquire vs EnquireLoan, Lend, Loaned, LentAffect vs. Effect

4 Ps (pace, price, promotion, production) analysis Research Paper

4 Ps (pace, price, promotion, production) analysis - Research Paper Example Remember, a wrong approximation of just one aspect can cost the company dearly. Pricing: Different people have different purchasing powers; while some are low income earners, others have high income and their spending is also high. All these customers have one thing in common; they get to determine the price of a commodity being charged based on their perceived value. Therefore, any business should consider the purchasing powers of the people it sells to in the society. McDonald’s China took the opportunity of using the tier pricing model as of 2007, to sell its products at a range of prices (adjusted to consumer index and income level among other costs in the partitioned areas) to its potential consumers, who had varying purchasing powers (Ko, 4). The price given for a commodity should also be considered; it is not always that lowering prices could generate profits. In fact, some consumers could feel as if the quality is being compromised. Again, high prices could push consumers to other alternative solutions. By 2008, McDonald China among other fast foo d companies had raised products costs to cover for the material costs harmoniously (Ko 4). The strategy was reasonable since it was done in union; hence no company was getting a competitive advantage over the other. Deciding on a product price should consider competitors price among other factors. Similarly, pricing should make room for customer discounts, especially while targeting a specific market. According to Ko, McDonald employed the plan by offering coupons to customers who shopped for their products online via Taobao. Com, as an encouragement to place food orders online (3). Product: The creation of the product is always under scrutiny from the consumer’s side; before being produced, the consumers’ preference and needs should be researched. Each age, group, or culture could want something different from the other, and it has to be considered. While others want their cultures to be incorporated, others want a totally different feel. At one point McDonald’s fantastic rice burger was not appealing to mainland Chinese consumers, even if the rice wa s their staple food (Ko 3). Assuming they had ventured fully without the test, it could have cost them heavily. Unlike KFC, McDonald and Burger King had experienced low returns initially, because their products were made of beef instead of chicken, which was well accepted and suited to the Chinese (Ko 9). With time the wants or preferences change, and the company has to adjust with the changes. Today, some Chinese prefer alternative food instead of their locals, hence McDonald use the opportunity to create and offer the western brand , for example beef burgers alongside chicken burgers, hence giving the people a choice. The product name (such as McDonald), trademark, and the unique brand have to differentiate it from the competitors and market itself within the society. Another important factor is the packaging for consumer familiarity, quantity, and quality to be worth the price. Promotion: It covers all types of the marketing communication, from TVs, Radio, internet, shows, poster s, and the press to conduct advertisements. Most of this advertising comes with a cost for airing the information to the society, but there are other cheaper modes of marketing communication. One basic, though expensive strategy that McDonald Company did upon entry in China was to seek a partnership through joint ventures with local

Policy brief Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Policy brief - Essay Example Notably, the affordable care act requires states to establish their independent insurance exchanges. In other words, they want states to default to the federal exchange. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the joint federal state programs were initiated to fund the medical services in the United States. This is a long term project that was initiated to provide care to the moderate income families. Moreover, it is worth noting that Medicaid is among the largest federal funded budgets and it has had a rapidly growing cost, but with unsustainable rates (Rosen, 1988). The huge cost of this program to the federal government’s budget calls substantial overhaul towards reducing the taxpayers from huge funding burden. Nearly all states including Vermont usually receive Medicaid with an open ended funding from the federal government (Kaiser Commission Medicaid, 2012). The expansion of the state budget along with their expanded benefits usually leaves the taxpayers with no option but to pay additional costs. It should be noted that the current funding structure provides a room for overexpansion that in turn provides the states with limited incentive t o control extensive waste and fraud programs. Moreover, program is designed in a top down regulatory structure thereby creating distortions within the health care markets. However, the Medicaid intra governmental grants have proven to be effective and efficient for the funding mechanisms within the United States funding systems. Notably, they have created conditions that match the states’ funding considerably. In essence, the program allows the federal government to share specific expenditures that are attached to the program. These programs attached to the Medicaid services are known as the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP). The FMAP was initiated for the government to have a larger percentage in the Medicaid costs in states. However, the highly targeted states are those with low

Examine Conan Doyles presentation of Dr Watson Essay Example for Free

Examine Conan Doyles presentation of Dr Watson Essay In the Sherlock Holmes, Conan Doyle creates a character called Dr Watson whom we learn about as we read through the stories. Dr Watson is in the Sherlock Holmess stories as Holmess companion. He is always there with Holmes and helps him when he is in trouble. He sometimes helps Holmes solve cases and is good at working things out. He is always there for Holmes and he makes the stories more interesting. Watson is a person who has a romantic, less practical imagination than Holmes. Watson has a poetic imagination and is good at describing things as Watson describes Holmes as very thin, very wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down between his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his fingers (Pg 28 MWTL). The description is made before Watson realizes that it is Holmes and not a stranger. The description shows how Watson goes into great detail to describe something and how far his imagination takes him. He is in many stories a soldier of the old school and has deep and genuine feelings for Holmes as quotes your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me(pg1 RHL) . This shows that Watson cares for Holmes and is interested in the same things as Holmes and they both have a deep understanding as they both know about the case and how interesting Watson thinks Holmess cases have been. Holmes always thinks he can rely on Watson in case he fails to understand something or is in a tight spot as Watson goes to investigate the Opium den by himself and happens to bump into Holmes who is in trouble and Watson says (MWTL pg28) I have a cab outside (Holmes) Then pray, send me home in it. This shows how useful Watson is to Holmes and How he sorts out Holmess problems. We also learn from the stories that Watson sometimes goes into missions himself. Watson is described by Holmes as reliable as Holmes says in The Last Bow. Good old Watson! You are the one fixed point in a changing age. Holmes knows that he can rely on Watson to sort out some problems. Watson also shows his feelings for Holmes and how well he knows Holmes (TLB pg122 )as he quotes There was something very strange in all this. It was not Holmess nature to take an aimless holiday. Watson clearly know that it Holmes wouldnt take an aimless holiday as he knows him very well and looks out for Holmes as well. Conan Doyle has created Watson to make the stories more interesting he has created a character with a good imagination. Also in most of the Sherlock Holmes stories we believe that Watson is telling the story so it is presumed that they are his points of view and so the stories would be different if Watson isnt there. To get the functions of Watson I have to study some facts. I am going to examine Watson and his history. I have to find out what sort of character Watson is and his background. Also I have to see how Watson and Holmes are a kind of double-act as they both rely on each other. Watson in many stories always sets the scene or atmosphere. It says in the introduction of Sherlock Holmes Stories that Conan Doyle loved all exotic things. We can get the idea of what sort of exotic things as we see Watsons ways of describing things. Watson is described as a sympathetic character although Holmes feels he is always exasperated by him in some stories (MWTL Pg29) Holmes quotes I suppose Watson, said he, that you imagine that I have added opium-smoking to cucaine injections and all other little weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical views This quote shows that Holmess doesnt want Watson interfering in his Private life of what he does and doesnt want to hear What improvements Watson as for him in improving his life. Although Watson isnt a very bright character he has a more romantic, less practical imagination than Holmes and is useful in stories as he provides the reader with impressive descriptions. For instance in MWTL Watson says (talking about his wife) Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds to a lighthouse. Watson also has a poetic imagination when he describes certain events. We expect him to be a character like Holmes as they both are alike as they have the same taste in some things like Watson likes being involved in Holmess cases as Watson quotes your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me(pg1 RHL) but Watson is not as good as Holmes in solving cases as Homes is more Intellectual and has a good imagination. Watson is always there with Holmes and helps him out. He is a believable character as when he describes something its like he was actually there and it makes you believe him. Watson and Holmes are a kind of double-act as they both rely in each other as (MWTL) Watson is first to investigate the Opium den and is surprised to see Holmes there in disguise. And then when Holmes needs to get away, Watson has a cab which is useful to Holmes for his getaway as Watson quotes I have a cab outside (Holmes) Then pray, send me home in it. You must safely trust him, fir he appears to be top limp to get into any mischief if you will wait outside I will be with you in five minutes . This shows how Watson is there for Holmes and Watson is a good man ass he listens to Holmes as he says (pg29 MWTL) it was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmess requests . Also when Watson doesnt understand something or is mixed-up up Holmes is always there to help him out. (MWTL pg29) (Watson) I came to find a friend. (Holmes) and I to find an enemy (Watson) an enemy? . Watson is clearly lost as he thinks he knows all about Holmes and then finds that Holmes came to look for an enemy and he doesnt know about it. Watson is a character who speaks for the reader as when Holmes is explaining something it is sometimes difficult to understand so Watson gets Holmes to repeat the explanation for the benefit of the reader. As in The Red Headed League Watson says to Holmes how, in the name of good fortune did you know all that? . This is how Watson gets Holmes to explain his reasoning. Also when he gets Holmes to explain Holmes always goes a little further and explains the case from the beginning so the reader doesnt have to think back Holmes explains(RHL pg 3) Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger than your left then Holmes goes on explaining and that shows how Holmes always goes a little further. Another thing that Watson does for us is that he sets the scene or the mood of the situation. As when he starts in the beginnings of stories he always describes what he did and how he did something. As in the story The man with the twisted lip Watson describes the way he went and he starts I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying fumes of the drug they could only come from the side, and yet he sat as absorbed as ever, very thin, very wrinkled, bent with age and a opium pipe dangling . These are some of the descriptions Watson makes. And by these descriptions we can learn that it was cramped and smelly in Victorian London and there were a lot of people sleeping rough. Watson uses a lot of descriptive words in stories to describe things and is very good at describing things. As the quote above is his description of Holmes, which at first he doesnt realise that it is Holmes as Holmes is in disguise. Also by looking at some of the stories we can tell that Watson admired Holmes a lot. As in TFP after Holmes supposedly has died Watson says whom I shall regard as the best and the wisest man whom I have ever known this shows us what Watson thought of Holmes. Also Holmes admires Watson a lot as he writes him the letter about him going to be killed. This shows that Holmes cared for Watson enough to leave a letter for him. Watson has a knightly attitude to life he gets on well with most people . unlike Holmes who sometimes takes things into his own hands as he thinks he knows best and therefore isnt like by many people like the police. He is always doing good things and therefore people go to him for help as (MWTL pg25) the lady quotes I didnt know what to do, so I came to you. This shows that he can also help people like Holmes. In the Sherlock Holmes stories there is a lot of historical language used and sometimes they are hard to understand as nowadays people dont use Victorian words. Some of the words are used in Watsons and Holmess descriptions . In RHL story words like ejaculated which is another word for exclaimed are used which are historical words, also jobs were called berths in Victorian times. And also there were things called a ledger which were like a record-book. The language was used because the story was set in Victorian times and it was set in Victorian London. In conclusion Conan Doyle has been successful in the creation of Watson as if Watson wasnt in the Holmes stories than the stories would have been different as different characters have different minds. The stories are always more interesting when there are good guys in them and Watson is a good guy also without Watson the Holmes stories would be immensely different. If Watson wasnt in the stories than they would have been less entertaining and unexciting as there wouldnt be the high-quality descriptions form Watson and the stories would have been dull. And if Watson wasnt in the stories than Conan Doyle could have made another character like Watson but named the character different. I think that Watson is an interesting character and if he wasnt there than the stories will not be the same as Holmes would not have an associate and wouldnt have help with him when he goes to unravel mysteries. The stories also would be less exciting.

Community Essay -- Community Communities Essays

Community The point that community has an important effect on the shaping of a person’s character is key in both Pythia Peay’s essay, â€Å"Soul Searching† and Winona LaDuke’s interview transcribed in essay form entitled, â€Å"Reclaiming Culture and the Land: Motherhood and the Politics of Sustaining Community†. The two authors present ideas, similar and different, of what it means to live in and be a part of community. Through examining these two essays, summarizing and synthesizing, we can gain a better understanding of what community is and how it affects those within it. Pythia Peay explains that for everywhere that she has resided, each place had a unique effect on her character. Each of the five cities in which she has lived contributed in some part to who she is today. She goes on to point out that each city or town has its own unique sense of soul. Peay believes that in our present day people are beginning to lose their sense of place. A city’s inhabitants lay blind to the fact that in some way their own character is shaped â€Å"within the city’s larger reality† (4). The body of her essay consists of six methods to help anyone discover the soul of their hometown. Winona LaDuke’s essay is a little different. Since it is a transcript taken from an interview it is not as straight forward as Peay’s essay. She begins by explaining the way children are commonly raised in her Native community on the White Earth reservation in Minnesota. She asserts that the role of raising children is done by the community as a whole, not just the parents. The children learn by the example, not only by what they’re told. LaDuke does state that the tribal school system has some problems claiming it is â€Å"a mediocre rural school... ...rce, street life, history, nature, geography, politics, art, and people that offers a perpetually renewing source of life† (7). Through these two essays, a greater sense of what community is really about emerges. Not only is community about ones surroundings, but also about the values and ideals held by that communities inhabitants. The community in which one may or may not choose to immerse ourselves in deeply effects who we are. The character, or soul, within each of us is in part shaped by the community or communities in which we belong to or reside in. Works Cited: Gruber, Sibylle, Ed. et al. Constructing Others, Constructing Ourselves. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt, 2002. Peay, Pythia. â€Å"Soul Searching.† Gruber 3-7. LaDuke, Winona. â€Å"Reclaiming Culture and the Land: Motherhood and the Politics of Sustaining Community.† Gruber 9-15. Community Essay -- Community Communities Essays Community The point that community has an important effect on the shaping of a person’s character is key in both Pythia Peay’s essay, â€Å"Soul Searching† and Winona LaDuke’s interview transcribed in essay form entitled, â€Å"Reclaiming Culture and the Land: Motherhood and the Politics of Sustaining Community†. The two authors present ideas, similar and different, of what it means to live in and be a part of community. Through examining these two essays, summarizing and synthesizing, we can gain a better understanding of what community is and how it affects those within it. Pythia Peay explains that for everywhere that she has resided, each place had a unique effect on her character. Each of the five cities in which she has lived contributed in some part to who she is today. She goes on to point out that each city or town has its own unique sense of soul. Peay believes that in our present day people are beginning to lose their sense of place. A city’s inhabitants lay blind to the fact that in some way their own character is shaped â€Å"within the city’s larger reality† (4). The body of her essay consists of six methods to help anyone discover the soul of their hometown. Winona LaDuke’s essay is a little different. Since it is a transcript taken from an interview it is not as straight forward as Peay’s essay. She begins by explaining the way children are commonly raised in her Native community on the White Earth reservation in Minnesota. She asserts that the role of raising children is done by the community as a whole, not just the parents. The children learn by the example, not only by what they’re told. LaDuke does state that the tribal school system has some problems claiming it is â€Å"a mediocre rural school... ...rce, street life, history, nature, geography, politics, art, and people that offers a perpetually renewing source of life† (7). Through these two essays, a greater sense of what community is really about emerges. Not only is community about ones surroundings, but also about the values and ideals held by that communities inhabitants. The community in which one may or may not choose to immerse ourselves in deeply effects who we are. The character, or soul, within each of us is in part shaped by the community or communities in which we belong to or reside in. Works Cited: Gruber, Sibylle, Ed. et al. Constructing Others, Constructing Ourselves. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt, 2002. Peay, Pythia. â€Å"Soul Searching.† Gruber 3-7. LaDuke, Winona. â€Å"Reclaiming Culture and the Land: Motherhood and the Politics of Sustaining Community.† Gruber 9-15.

Article and Game Essay

Jenna Winckler had eight kills to pace Andes Central in its 3-1 victory over Bridgewater-Emery Monday night. The Eagles won by scores of 15-25, 25-7, 25-20, and 25-15. Amy Chykta had four service aces and 10 set assists, and Danielle Walder had 13 digs for Andes Central. Jessie VanLeur led the Huskies with five service aces, seven kills, and three blocks. Robbie Letcher had nine kills, and Kayla Olinger paced the defense with 16 digs. The Eagles are now 4-7 and host Scotland today. Bridgewater-Emery is 2-3 and hosts Freeman tonight in Emery. Andes Central’s junior varsity also won its match over the Huskies by scores of 25-17 and 15-15. You may want to use the above article as a guideline for future volleyball stories. Notice that the leading players’ kills, service aces, set assists, and blocks are mentioned. Since our paper comes out only once a month, we won’t worry about the next game or the record because these probably wouldn’t be accurate by the time people read the paper. Below are some action verbs that will make your sports headlines and articles livelier: SmashScoreShaveEarn TrounceFly byBattle withSqueak Past PulverizeSoar AboveSlide byBlast. TrampleSail PastSneak PastShatter Write 10 synonyms for the word beat that could be used in the following headline: Eagles Beat the Hawks. Write 3 better versions of the following sentence: Jenna had 11 rebounds, Chrissie had 9, and Casandra had 7. Strive for strong, vivid words and variety. * * * Write 3 better versions of the following sentence: Derrick had 22 points, Colter had 21 points, and Colten had 20 points. Strive for strong, vivid words and variety. * * * Write 3 better versions of the following sentence: The Eagles lost to the Hawks. (Feel free to change the subject order, if desired. Hopefully, we will never need to use one of these sentences, but if we do, we want to be as tactful as possible. ) * * * Number the typical order of how facts are written in a sports article. Which should come first, second, etc. (Hint: The date should never be first! ) _____ when _____ who_____ what _____ coach’s comments _____ where_____ how_____ why Sports Article Template http://www. weeklyreader. com/pdfs/sportsunit. pdf Before you can successfully write a sports article, you must be able to dissect one. Select a short article that interests you from the sports section of your local newspaper. Read it carefully and label it using the following categories. Label Definition/Example LEAD The lead of a sports article is creative and interesting. It grabs the reader’s attention by describing a scene, introducing a player, or using a quote. It should transport you to the game. Example: A heavy hush blanketed Fenway Park in Boston. The fans in the packed stadium stood silently, shoulder to shoulder under a charcoal-gray sky, as Manny Ramirez, the home run hitting Red Sox outfielder, stepped up to the plate. There were two outs and two men on base. The Sox were losing by one run. NUT The nut of a sports article is the paragraph that summarizes the main conflict and story. It is the place for vital information that doesn’t appear in the first paragraph—and if a reader wanted to stop reading at this point, they should walk away with all the necessary answers. Example: This was the last game of the 2003 American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and their archrival, the New York Yankees. Not since 1918 had the Red Sox advanced to the World Series—and fans were watching with bated breath to see whether the curse would be broken. This was not to be. INFORMATIONThe body of a sports article sounds like a real news (Who, What, When,article. It includes complete information and details Where, Why, How)about a game, in logical order. Example: Who was the star player? How did the game end? What was the final play? The winning score? CONCLUSION The conclusion lets the reader know what will happen as a result of the events described. It does so in a creative and interesting way. Example: Everyone was surprised when the ball landed in Bernie Williams’s glove. A collective groan rose up from the Red Sox fans. Their team had lost. The Yankees had won again. How to Write a Game Story Writing Your Game Story http://www. joomple. com/how-to-write-high-school-game-story. htm The information presented here explains how to write a basic high school (or other) sports article. You can apply this information to writing game stories, articles, or other general news about your high school sports team. Last night’s game, next week’s â€Å"signings† (athletes confirming their intentions to attend a certain college), upcoming rivalries, or other general, newsworthy pieces can be posted on Joomple. High school game stories are easy to write, once you get the hang of it. Basically, a high school sports game story has an opening and closing paragraph with the body of the story in between. I’ll show you how to do this in a minute. But first . . . An important part of good journalism is to ensure there is no slant towards one team. In other words, if you are from one school which is playing another, try not to focus on your school as the â€Å"best team†. Be fair to each school’s team. If your team pounds the rivalry, you can mention that. But, if your team is pounded by the rivalry, mention that. Just be fair and impartial. Don’t use terms like â€Å"we† or â€Å"they†. Again, this indicates your ownership to one of the teams. â€Å"we were down 14-0† is not a good statement. â€Å"The Eagles were down 14-0† is the best method. Opening The opening paragraph should identify the â€Å"who, what, when, where, and how† of the event. Everyone knows the â€Å"why† – each team wants to win! So, generally there is no â€Å"why† in high school (or other) sports articles. The opening paragraph should be no longer than a couple of sentences – three at most. Preferably, one sentence will do the job. Along with the title, the initial paragraph will grab your readers attention, making them want to read more. It needs to include the town or city (in caps) and the date. (WE WON’T USE THEIR STYLE FOR THIS PART. ) Here is an example: AUTAUGAVILLE – August 26, 2007: Junior RB Mike Smith rushed for 186 yards and scored three TD’s to help Akron defeat Autaugaville 38-14 in tonight’s high school football season opener at James Memorial Stadium. You can see that I have the name of the town and date listed first in this format: AUTAUGAVILLE – August 26, 2007: Next, I chose to identify one of the game’s star players, Smith, emphasizing his accomplishments. I also identified the two teams, final score, and name of the stadium. Notice that I also mentioned it was a â€Å"football† game. This is important for several reasons. Primarily, your readers may not realize you are referring to a football game. Obviously, you can’t score TD’s anywhere else! But, all of your articles should indicate the sport played during the opening paragraph. Your opening can start in myriad ways. Here is another example, focusing on the teams/mascots: AUTAUGAVILLE – August 26, 2007: Akron piled up more than 600 yards in total offense and held Autaugaville to less than 50 as the Rams demolished the Eagles 38-0 in tonight’s football opener at James Memorial Stadium. Notice how I mentioned the names and mascots, though peppered throughout the sentence. Either of these two could work as an opening paragraph – even if they are just one sentence long. Others will work well. It just takes practice. The important thing to remember is you need to immediately grab the reader’s attention. You can do that by identifying who played (Akron and Autaugaville), what they were playing (high school football) and what the outcome was (38-0), when it happened (August 26, 2007 and/or â€Å"tonight’s†), where it happened (James Memorial Stadium), and how (Akron piled up 600 yards). Body The body of your game story will outline important parts of the game, significant accomplishments of players (including more about the â€Å"star player† you mentioned in your opening), and other game specific information. Include scoring performances, plays, drives, stats, goals, shooting/hitting/batting/rushing percentages, and other game data. Also, don’t hesitate to build the setting for the game. Include the number of fans in attendance, temperature, weather, etc. Here is an example: More than 5,000 Autaugaville fans welcomed the Rams to the historic 50th meeting between the two teams. With the temperature at a chilly 48 degrees at kickoff, the packed stadium came alive when the teams took the neatly manicured field. Akron opened the game with a 6-minute, 9-play, 68-yard drive resulting in a Rams touchdown. Taking the ball at the Akron 32-yard line, Rams senior QB William Braxter completed 5 of 5 passes, moving the ball to the Eagles 44. Then Smith pounded Autaugaville’s defense on three runs, and the Rams were 1st and goal at the 8-yard line. Braxter then found junior WR Dale McDonald at the corner of the end zone for the score. Kicker Daniel Washburne’s PAT put Akron up 7-0. Forcing the Eagles to punt late in the first quarter, Akron’s Smith broke free for an 81-yard TD run on the Rams’ second play from scrimmage. Washburne’s kick was good, making it a 14-0 ball game. Autaugaville scored late in the half when junior DE Billy Stewart sacked Akron’s Braxter, forcing a fumble. Team mate senior Safety Matt Wilson snatched the loose ball and returned it for 56 yards and the score. Senior kicker Dallas Petrowski’s kick split the uprights to bring the Eagles within 7. Akron’s Smith rushed for 144 yards on 8 carries during the first half, while team mate QB Braxter was near perfect completing 12 of 13 pass for 345 yards. The Eagles were held to just 15 yards rushing and 27 yards passing in the first half. â€Å"We quickly discovered their secondary was easy to penetrate,† said Akron’s Braxter after the game. â€Å"I kept finding my receivers open and of course, took advantage of that. † Akron scored on three times during the third quarter, including two coming from the defense. Junior LB Michael Devree intercepted an Eagles pass at the Rams 12-yard line, returning it 88 yards for a touchdown early in the quarter, while team mate senior DE Jake Alexander returned a kick 90 yards for the score. Up 28-7, Akron’s Braxter needed just two plays to capitalize on another Autaugaville three and out. After completing a 76-yard pass to Smith, Braxter threaded one to WR Tim BeQuilliard in the end zone as time expired on the third-quarter clock. Washburne drilled the PAT and the Rams were now ahead by 4 scores. You can continue the game, covering each score and mentioning important plays. There are several key features of a good sports article: – Stats. When you are finished with the body of your article, go back and pepper as many stats as possible throughout your article. You’ll likely have total yards for quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. In baseball and softball, you’ll want to include the top two or three batters and their runs, hits, etc. , as well as pitching strikeouts, ERA’s, etc. In volleyball, you want kills. In soccer, you clearly will need goals scored. In basketball, you’ll want field goals for the top few players. These are just a few of the types of stats you should be looking for while at the game. Like I said, you can get a lot of these from the press box. And, if you are in or near the press box, your job will be that much easier. You may also be able to get this information from interested fans (moms and dads sometimes keep stats at baseball games, for example). Better yet, you should try to keep track of it yourself, where possible. In football, writing down play-by-play accounts of the game will give you everything you need in regards to stats. But, you have to make sure you have rosters for each team. This will permit you to use a term like A-13 for Akron’s QB Braxter, instead of having to write his name each time. – Plays. Every scoring drive should be covered. If you are writing a basketball, volleyball, or other â€Å"back and forth† sport, this may not be possible. But, try to mention important parts of the game. – Abbreviate where appropriate. Use â€Å"TD† when including stats in your sentence. Use â€Å"touchdown† when discussing general scoring information. Use â€Å"DE, TB, QB, etc. † instead of â€Å"defensive end, tailback, quarter back, etc. † – Watch for redundancy. Use this: â€Å"The Rams did this . . . putting Akron up 38-14,† instead of: The Rams did this . . . putting the Rams up . . . † Also, once you describe the player’s class, position and name (senior QB William Braxter, for example), don’t use this whole description again. Instead, use his last name (Braxter), or his team and name (Akron’s Braxter). When finished writing, you should check your article for this specific redundancy. Notice how in the first paragraph of the body (above) I used the name â€Å"Smith† instead of â€Å"Junior RB Mike Smith† (which is part of one of the opening paragraphs I may use). If I were to use an opening paragraph like the second example above, where Smith is not even mentioned, then I would want to include his full description (team, class, position, and name) in the first paragraph of the body text. – Pepper quotes from your post-game interviews throughout the game story – don’t just put them all at the end of the article’s body. For example, the following quote from an interview with the Akron quarterback was placed just after a mention of his first-half stats: â€Å"We quickly discovered their secondary was easy to penetrate,† said Akron’s QB Braxter after the game. â€Å"I kept finding my receivers open and of course, took advantage of that. † This quote compliments Braxter’s stats and helps break up the monotony of the article. – Use proper quote etiquette. Notice how I placed the quote symbols (â€Å") around the opening statement by Braxter above? The comma separating the opening statement from: †¦ said Akron’s QB Braxter after the game.is always placed inside the quote (†¦ penetrate,†). Then, use quotations around the second part of the quote: â€Å"I kept finding †¦ advantage of that. † Breaking up a quote in this manner makes for good reading, as opposed to writing down everything the person said and then ending it with: †¦ advantage of that,† said Braxter after the game. or beginning it with: Braxter said after the game, â€Å"We quickly discovered their secondary was easy to penetrate. I kept finding my receivers open and of course, took advantage of that. So I always looked for the middle of the field on passing plays that were covered well. It worked for us in the first half, so I kept targeting the secondary during the second half. All in all, it was a successful strategy for us . . . † The above quote is too long and somewhat gloating. Break it up with leading text such as †¦ said Akron’s QB Braxter after the game. – Clean up quotes. If a 10-grade defensive end uses poor judgment in the words he chooses, you may not want to include that part of the quote. And, don’t hesitate to use filler text where you know it is appropriate. For example, if someone states: â€Å"†¦ we knew we had it after that†then readers may not know what that person is saying. You would emplace something like this in your quote: â€Å"†¦ we knew we had it (won the game) after that† Additional items you can include in your game stories: – Complete stats. Provide a list of known stats at the end of your article. If you have your digital camera, just take a snap shot of the stat sheets for both teams. At football games, there will most likely be someone from each team in the press box, calculating their stats. Ask them if you can make a quick photo of them when they are finished. Or, write them down. – Game Summary. You’ve seen these. They are basically outlines of the game’s scores. For example: FIRST QUARTER 2:08 – Rams – Braxter 8-yard pass to McDonald. Washburne PAT 0:01 – Rams – Smith 81-yard run. Washburne PAT Etc . . . . . . . . – Photographs. Usually, one of your best shots goes at the top of the article. You can put additional photos throughout the article. You can also post photographs in the Joomple gallery. – Video. If you want to upload a video clip (or several clips), that is possible as well. Closing The closing paragraph should include each team’s records (overall and conference/league), and who they will play next. Here’s an example: Akron (1-0/0-0) travels to Montgomery to face the Knights next Friday, while the Eagles (0-1/0-0) will host Hoover at James Memorial Stadium. The bracket â€Å"(0-1/0-0)† represents the team’s overall record and conference/league record. You can add additional comments about each of the teams Akron and Autaugaville will play if you have that information. Also, do hesitate to mention if either of the games will be played on a special night (such as homecoming). This helps draw out the fans, which improve ticket sales for the school as well as increase support for the teams. If either of the teams are ranked in the state polls, or are leading their particular conference or league, mention that in your article. If it is a county or cross-county rivalry game, indicate this as well. Perhaps this is a unique meeting between the two teams (such as the first, 50, or 100th time the teams have played each other), you should talk about that. Discuss their records vs. each other (i. e. â€Å"Akron is 43-7 versus the Eagles† . . . or â€Å"Autaugaville has won the last 12 meetings† . . . ) Opinionated information can also go in the closing. In other words, if you want to mention your views for how the conference or league is shaping up, do so. If you want to talk about a particular player’s stats, go ahead. Talk about each team’s performances. Discuss strategies for upcoming games. You can write about anything you want here – so long as it relates to the game, teams, etc. Choosing a Title Now that you have finished your game story, you will want to assign a title. A title should include a quick statement about the game. It should be no more than 5 or 6 words and contain eye-catching information. Here’s one: RAMS WIN! It’s simple and easy to read. Of course, it doesn’t explain who the team beat. This type of title should be reserved for games where everyone knows what you are talking about. For example, if it is a major game such as a conference or state championship, this will work. But, if it is a regular season game, use something like this: AKRON POUNDS EAGLES This indicates Akron defeated Autaugaville (most, but not all, of your fans will know the Eagles are the Autaugaville Eagles). Something like this is clearer: AKRON POUNDS AUTAUGAVILLE However, it does little to indicate which sports you are talking about. If you want to make it even clearer, use: AKRON POUNDS AUTAUGAVILLE 38-14 The score helps readers understand immediately that you are talking about football. Fans know that it is football season, and tennis or soccer scores don’t relate. Notice how I used the term â€Å"pounds†. Think about this. In the wild, a ram may pound his head against another ram. Using complimenting verbs is better than the boring terms â€Å"defeated† or â€Å"beat† or â€Å"won† or â€Å"lost†. Since the Rams did defeat Autaugaville Eagles, you could also compliment your verb towards the Autaugaville team. Such as: AKRON GROUNDS AUTAUGAVILLE It’s a bird we are talking about here, so the verb â€Å"grounds† works well. Here are several others: LIONS MAUL . . . GIANTS STOMP . . . ROCKETS DESTROY . . . JETS DESTROY . . . TROJANS OVERWHELM . . . Or: ROCKETS SHOOT DOWN JETS . . . MOUNTAINEERS DESADDLE WARRIORS . . . LIONS SILENCED BY INDIANS . . . The idea is to try to come up with a title that is clear, concise, and exciting. Look to imitate common phrases from T. V. Commercials or local or national idioms (sayings). You can even use something from Hollywood Movies . . . just use your imagination. Otherwise, just post the teams and results . . . like Patriots Defeat Lions 45-13. A subtitle could be used if you prefer. Usually, a player’s or team’s stats or game accomplishments go here. For example: AKRON DOWNS EAGLES IN SEASON OPENER (Title) Rams Collect 600 Yards Total Offense (Sub-title) You can also use milestones (important achievements) of teams and/or players: BEARCATS MAUL PATRIOTS IN BIG WIN (Title) QB Braxter Surpasses 8,000 Yards (Sub-title) When you put all this together, you get something like this: ———— AKRON DOWNS EAGLES IN SEASON OPENER. Rams Collect 600 Yards Total Offense Photo: Akron’s Smith breaks through for a 45-yard run in the third. Photo by Phil Smith AUTAUGAVILLE – August 26, 2007: Junior RB Mike Smith rushed for 186 yards and scored three TD’s to help Akron defeat Autaugaville 38-14 in tonight’s high school football season opener at James Memorial Stadium. More than 5,000 Autaugaville fans welcomed the Rams to the historic 50th meeting between the two teams. With the temperature at a chilly 48 degrees at kickoff, the packed stadium came alive when the teams took the neatly manicured field. Akron opened the game with a 6-minute, 9-play, 68-yard drive resulting in a Rams touchdown. Taking the ball at the Akron 32-yard line, Rams senior QB William Braxter completed 5 of 5 passes, moving the ball to the Eagles 44. Then Smith pounded Autaugaville’s defense on three runs, and the Rams were 1st and goal at the 8-yard line. Braxter then found junior WR Dale McDonald at the corner of the end zone for the score. Kicker Daniel Washburne’s PAT put Akron up 7-0. Forcing the Eagles to punt late in the first quarter, Akron’s Smith broke free for an 81-yard TD run on the Rams’ second play from scrimmage. Washburne’s kick was good, making it a 14-0 ball game. Autaugaville scored late in the half when junior DE Billy Stewart sacked Akron’s Braxter, forcing a fumble. Team mate senior Safety Matt Wilson snatched the loose ball and returned it for 56 yards and the score. Senior kicker Dallas Petrowski’s kick split the uprights to bring the Eagles within 7. Akron’s Smith rushed for 144 yards on 8 carries during the first half, while team mate QB Braxter was near perfect completing 12 of 13 pass for 345 yards. The Eagles were held to just 15 yards rushing and 27 yards passing in the first half. â€Å"We quickly discovered their secondary was easy to penetrate,† said Akron’s Braxter after the game. â€Å"I kept finding my receivers open and of course, took advantage of that. † Akron scored on three times during the third quarter, including two coming from the defense. Junior LB Michael Devree intercepted an Eagles pass at the Rams 12-yard line, returning it 88 yards for a touchdown early in the quarter, while team mate senior DE Jake Alexander returned a punt 90 yards for the score. Up 28-7, Akron’s Braxter needed just two plays to capitalize on another Autaugaville three and out. After completing a 76-yard pass to Smith, Braxter threaded one to WR Tim BeQuilliard in the end zone as time expired on the third-quarter clock. Washburne drilled the PAT and the Rams were now ahead by 4 scores. The eagles scored their final TD late in the game when senior QB Danny Jacobs connected with Wilson from 16 yards out. Akron responded with a 65-yard drive resulting in a Washburne 35-yard field goal. Final score was 38-14, Akron. Akron (1-0/0-0) travels to Montgomery to face the Knights next Friday, while the Eagles (0-1/0-0) will host Hoover at James Memorial Stadium. SCORING SUMMARY. FIRST QUARTER 2:08 – Rams – Braxter 8-yard pass to McDonald. Washburne PAT 0:01 – Rams – Smith 81-yard run. Washburne PAT SECOND QUARTER 4:22 – Eagles – Wilson 56-yard fumble return. Petrowski PAT THIRD QUARTER 6:56 – Rams – Devree 88-yard interception return. Washburne PAT 5:14 – Rams – Alexander 90-yard punt return. Washburne PAT 0:01 – Rams – Braxter 8-yard pass to Bequilliard. Washburne PAT FOURTH QUARTER 3:56 – Eagles – Jacobs 16-yard pass to Wilson. Petrowski PAT 1:15 – Rams – Washburne 35-yard field goal Mind you, this is just an example and doesn’t include every option you have at your disposal. Use your discretion. |News writing – how to write a sports report in 4 steps | |http://www. amazines. com/article_detail. cfm/232021? articleid=232021&title=news%2Cwriting%2Chow%2Cto%2Cwrite%2Clike%2Ca%2Cjournalist%2Csports%2Cwriting | |by Nazvi Careem | |News writing style is just as important for sports reporting as it is for general news, business stories or any other journalistic work. | |The advantage of sports writing is that you are allowed a little it more leeway in your choice of words. In crime or business writing, you are restricted in your use of adjectives and adverbs and are encouraged to focus more on nouns and verbs. | |Sports writing, however, allows you to go to town in describing plays, the atmosphere, fans and other colorful aspects of a sporting event. | |For this article, we will go through, step by step, how to write a straightforward sports report using quotes. | |Ideally, any sports story would have quotes from the winners and losers. Indeed, many sports articles are written around what athletes say rather than what they have achieved on the field of play. | |However, you also have sports articles written without quotes. When rookies learn how to write like a journalist, especially in sport, they are likely to come across the structure that we will show you here. | |We will adapt the NBA game between Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers on April 1 as our example article. | |1. Intro – the most important news aspect of a sports game is the score. Who won? How did they win and what effect did the victory have? Also important is whether we are writing from a Boston perspective or Cleveland. In this case, we will go with | |Cleveland. | |â€Å"Cleveland Cavaliers lost 98-96 to the Boston Celtics after Delonte West’s sank two free throws in the final seconds, dropping three and a half games behind the Pistons for the best record in the Eastern Conference. † | | 2. More info – The above is enough for those who have a passing interest in the sport. However, NBA fans would want more information and you could give it to them in one or two paragraphs. | |â€Å"The Cavaliers were without star player LeBron James, suffering from a knee injury, while the Celtics were minus Paul Pierce. Gerald Green led the way for Celtics with 25 points while Kendrick Perkins had 12 points and nine rebounds. | |The Cavaliers, for whom Larry Hughes scored 24 with Sasha Pavlovic scoring 17, have already qualified for the play-offs while Boston are out of the running. † | | 3. Quote – This is where you can provide a quote from the coach or a key player from both teams. You can precede each saying with a lead-in paragraph or go straight into the quote. | |â€Å"Celtic forward Al Jefferson, said: ‘They were missing their best player and we were missing our best play. We just stuck in there. ’ | |Cavs coach Mike Brown said James’ absence was a key factor in their loss. | |‘We miss LeBron. We miss LeBron every time he doesn’t play. He’s our guy,’ said Brown. † | |4. The rest – Once you got the main information and key quotes out of the way, you can go on to describe the game. Even better would be to describe just one or two plays and include more quotes. | |The thinking behind sports articles is that people would have watched the game on TV anyway and would not want boring game description. Therefore, quotes from the people who matter, such as athletes and coaches, would offer better reading value. | |There are many types of sports news writing that is offered around the world everyday. We have merely showed you its simplest form. Certainly, it is a rewarding form of news writing for journalists who love their sport. And the structure they use | |allow them to adapt their skills to any type of journalism writing. | |Nazvi Careem is an experienced journalist, writer and writing coach who has written for newspapers, magazines and global news agencies such as Reuters, Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. To download a free chapter of his book on news writing | |secrets, check out his website dedicated to the art of news writing. | |View more articles from Nazvi Careem | | | |This article is provided by Amazines. com – The ULTIMATE Article Database |. How To Write a Sports Article http://www. howtodothings. com/node/3374/print By Beth Danesco February 24, 2007 EMAIL ARTICLE PRINT ARTICLE Before the age of ESPN, the Internet, and instant replay, it was the reporter in the stands writing up the game for the local paper, and, okay, also the guy covering it live on radio, who made fans feel like they were right there, cheering on their favorite team, game after game. If you’re interested in writing a sports article, you will utilize general journalism â€Å"tricks of the trade† and also some specific sportswriting techniques. 1. Have a strong lead. Like any article, you want to start your sports article out with a strong lead, one that encapsulates the available information on â€Å"who, what, where, when, why and how. † Look at sports articles in almost any paper to see how they introduce the game or event they are covering with their lead paragraph. They get the reader’s attention with a strong but concise summary of the story to follow. Also, note that a lead always places emphasis on an important or interesting aspect of the story. For instance, a specific Boston Celtics loss may, in itself, not be as significant or interesting as the fact it is the fifteenth loss the team experienced in a row. The article would tell the story of the game, but the lead would introduce the game with the most important or interesting fact about it, that it’s continuing a horrible streak, and would expand on that fact in the article. 2. Write clearly and concisely. If you’ve ever read Sports Illustrated, you know that some sports articles can be what you might call â€Å"literary non-fiction:† lengthy, poetic, filled with metaphor and digressions into back story. If your particular assignment requires that kind of writing, go for it. But if you read the daily sports section of your city paper, you will also notice that most sports articles reporting on the sporting events of the past day are concisely written. Yes, sports articles include context and metaphor and technical sports terms, but they’re also to-the-point and generally stick to basic vocabulary. 3. Know the context. Like any news article, a sports article will require you to have a basic working knowledge of the universe on which you’re reporting. This may mean not only knowing all about the current players, coaches and standings but knowing some history, as well. This may be common knowledge to you, but if not, you may need to do some research. You will also need to know about the sport itself including rules, history, league standings, current controversies and other information. You may already know much of this if you’re a sports enthusiast–but be aware that a journalist may need more in-depth knowledge than a casual fan.

McDonalds and Wal-Mart

Economics is defined as the study of incentives and the common practice of reaching these motivations. Many people have gone to immoral conducts just to reach these incentives. A lot of people, particularly in the business field also commit such acts that are morally wrong but would surely bring more profit. They sacrifice integrity in exchange of better revenues. Even big corporations are guilty of these wrongdoings, even though these companies may not admit such offenses. They have resorted to many instances acting dishonorable actions and there must be a compelling reason why they acted that way.Some of these cases that showed such responses are the public school teachers from Chicago, the sumo wrestlers, and an entrepreneur who plotted actions to attain their selfish goals. These are three different scenarios, all engaged in doing such acts that compromised their values to achieve their self-centered objectives. These public school teachers from Chicago committed cheating by prov iding their students with answers for a certain examination. On the other hand, sumo wrestlers were also found making deceitful acts by prearranging fights and winners of bouts.Although there is a limited manner to prove these misdeeds strongly, there are some noticeable situations to prove that there are abnormalities within the influential circle of sumo wrestlers. The entrepreneur also did a dishonest act by selling bagels to any person that would benefit for possessing that bagel which is considered as illegal. Both this instances, according to the author, involved cheating that was induced by the benefits of doing such acts. All of these circumstances can be said as similar in terms of doing unpleasant deeds in exchange of receiving incentives as the result of these acts.The author researched other relevant information about the theme of this manuscript. He found out that a person, for his own personal agenda, usually take advantage of any information he has for a specific agen da. One firm example is on the manner a press officer make used of his gathered information to cause the collapse of the Ku Klux Klan for his benefit. Ku Klux Klan is the name given to various secret societies in the United States, generally situated on the southern part of the country, clearly identified for its advocacy that white people are far more superior to other cultural factions.The Klan made every effort to persecute the other racial groups and terrorize African-American people. Ku Klux Klan’ downfall began when Stetson Kennedy gained access to the Klan and supplied information to media and law enforcement groups. Stetson also provided secret code words that are critical to the Klan. His effort to take advantage with the information he possesses made a big impact to the Klan’s collapse. Kennedy also penned a manuscript about his circumstances with the Klan. This development further damaged the Ku Klux Klan. †Why experts of every kind are in the perfect position to exploit you†.A phrase showing another concrete example is the way real state agents behave when they perform their selling acts. A real-state agent persuades the owner of the house to sell for less while at the same time, providing potential buyer information that he can buy the house for a discounted price. To ensure that you have your excellent choice to buy or sell a house, there are clever ways that must be learned before engaging in the actual transaction. Like in the Ku Klux Klan, there are also codes being used by the real-state agents to pass on information throughout the ads they display.Clusters of words like â€Å"well maintained†, â€Å"spacious†, â€Å"great neighborhood† and other phrases in itself, possesses a full meaning to a housing agent which are frequently unknown to a conventional buyer/owner of a house. Because of this, exploitation of these agents is evident unless the prospective buyer would have a clear understanding a bout these word-codes they use. On the next chapter, the author did make contradictions about the common idea that the financial status of those people who do illegal acts are always better compared to those who do otherwise.He rather made this discovery contributing to other factors such as the economic status of a certain individual. He found out that only those who are in the higher rank of a drug organization really prosper while those in the lower level still earns a little amount for their living. These findings were supported by citing Sudhir Venkatesh research about this topic. Sudhir Venkatesh is a sociologist whose research setting was focused on the field studies in the shelter projects in Chicago, made some exceptional discoveries, including the one related with the financial status of a drug organization.The outcome of this research provided clear evidence about the author’s claim regarding the fiscal status of those people involved drug dealership. Moreover, Sud hir’s research also found out astounding information that being a member of J. T. ’s gang, particularly those in the low-level position jobs, faces a clear danger for their life, having 25% casualty rate. It was compared to the dangers of an employee working in a timber cutting industry, and even those prisoners on the death row, and found these to be less fatal than working as a low-level drug dealer.Furthermore, this set-up was compared by Levitt to other companies, McDonalds’ burger flipper and Wal-Mart’s shelf stocker. He compared the financial status of every employee and those in the executive positions with the small drug dealers and those who lead the drug organization. These two businesses both manifested the economic imbalance occurring within their respective organization, but still better compared to being a crack dealer. Chapter 4 has brought a contentious claim by the author and it did a lot of interest to take a closer look with the manuscr ipt.Levitt claimed that the legalization of abortion made a great impact in the reduction of crimes in a certain area. This was supported by his numerous examples like what happened in some states including Alaska, California, Hawaii, New York, and Washington where crime rates fell considerably after making abortion legal on these mentioned territories. The author also presented data showing those states that has the highest cases of abortion showed the significant reduction of crimes occurring in their respective areas. In the same manner, those areas that have recorded the lowest abortion cases only displayed a small drop rate of crimes.He debunked claims that factors such as advanced policing plan, reduced drug demand, aged population, stricter firearm management, a strong economy, and others significantly affect the crime rates in the country. He also noted that should abortion was not legalized on those key states, less than 2 million babies would have been born every year, thu s, increase in the engagement of crimes would have been prevalent. This was due to the fact that most of these are unwanted pregnancy and it is highly probable that these babies will be raised in an unstable family setting or in poverty.These same reasons, according to Levitt, were also the motives why did pregnant young women sought abortions. Do parenting really matters? This is a question that was covered in Chapter 5, where parenthood was the main topic. Parenting is the course of raising and educating a person from birth or prior to, until maturity. According to the author, a parent is the steward of another’s human life, from being a new born until it reaches adulthood. In the process of parenting, protection is one thing being given by parents to their children.They provide protection because they know their children is vulnerable against any attack from individuals or other things, including themselves. They feared these might bring affliction to their child, which ma y eventually lead to death. But the problem lies in absence of knowledge about the science of parenting. Like any other, proper rearing of a child requires skills and proper information to be able to reach its very objective as a parent. This was shown by the author when he cite a scenario about parents who feared that the presence of a gun in their homes might bring hurt and compromise the security of their children.These parents transferred their child to another’s house where there is no gun but with a swimming pool in their house. Levitt stated that these parents gave less protection in their child because, according to statistics, more children died due to drowning in a swimming pool rather than playing with a gun. If these parents only knew this, they will reconsider their decision and carefully evaluate the place before they agree in sending their child in another location. Smart parenting, therefore, is greatly needed to ensure proper taking care of a child.Another re levant finding the author made is the direct relationship between the socioeconomic conditions of the parents to achieving a positive outcome with parenthood. Such factors like parents who were highly educated, high socioeconomic standing and having a child in the later age of the parents directly contribute into achieving a better outcome in standardized tests of students. For the last chapter, Levitt focused the discussion to the names given to every child by their parents and how it affects the circumstances of a person by the names given to him at birth.He stressed the importance of the parent’s act of naming their baby to the future life of this child. The author cited researches about this topic and analyzed carefully the details relating to this matter. Levitt presented researches linking the names of white and black American to their life condition including employment, salary grade, and educational attainment. He also discussed in this chapter a story about a mother that named her daughter â€Å"Temptress† and when this child grew up, she was accused unruly conduct, about having sexual affairs with different men while her mother is away form home.Another name was mentioned in this chapter that was given to a child by his parents that was based upon a shallow reasoning because that name was just the first word they saw upon reaching the hospital. Levitt expressed his concern that good parenting starts with the proper choice of names to be given to their child. He further expressed that those people who did not bother to just give any names to their child without even considering its meaning do not possess the characteristic of being a good parent. This act might greatly affect the future life of a child, either he lived by his name or the world would prejudge the person by his name.These possible dilemmas must be taken by these parents as a caution before they give names to their children. Our world has experienced a lot of hardships and adversities due to negligence by many people in exchange of accumulating more money and benefits. People should realize that the most important duty is to provide better services to their consumers. They must not forget that enterprising requires responsibility and in any way this should not be compromised. We ought to do our duties in our family effectively for us to start changing our society for the better.If all of us would keep in mind the main responsibility of every human being to love his God and his neighbor, then our society would be a better place to live including our economy and business. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Many people have ventured on a lot of studies and attended several trainings to augment their skills in the management area. They wanted to develop their ability in dealing with other people in various disciplines like in business, politics, and other significant areas of concern. Many businesses seek more understanding on how to deal with th e consumers effectively to boost their sales and profit.Those in the field of politics also look for better approaches they will used to convince the voters to elect them from office. These are just some of the reasons why many book were published to address the need of a manuscript that would talk about this very important topic. Stephen Covey authored the book â€Å"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People† in the year 1989. This manuscript has been included on the list of books that was sold favorably for more than 3 years. The author also conducted seminars about this topic and many people attended these gatherings.Companies like AT & T, Ford, Xerox and other big corporations also made recommendations that this book be read by management officials. This manuscript discussed the seven habits that can be learned to improve oneself and its relationship with others effectively. Covey illustrated a habit as a mix of knowledge, skills and aspirations. This knowledge would repres ent the area where the main focus is on what must be done for every general and specific detail. The skills focuses on the process things are done and aspirations center on the things that are desired for. In order to create a habit in our lives, we must have all three.These seven habits are subdivided into three: Habits 1, 2, and 3 is on the personal success while habits 4, 5 and 6 relates to triumphs with regards to the public domain. The last habit involves restoration of oneself. Be proactive is first habit wrote by the author. The author expressed that we must use our ingenuity and inventiveness to work on the road to our personal goals. This suggests that every human being is solely responsible for his or her life. This includes the principle that our own behavior is greatly affected by the choices we make. A proactive person does not let things happen, but rather make things happen.It acts initiatively and does not wait for others actions to commence. Through this, we can say that we can be responsible enough for every thing that happens to us and to other people that surrounds us. The author pointed out a principle regarding the circle of concern which includes the entire feature that we have control over psychological or affection involvement. The author stressed the circle of influence, which lies inside the circle of concern must be given focus by the person which includes those things that he has total control. According to the author, each person has both a circle of influence and a circle of concern.Tormenting continuously about things outside of the circle of influence is not dynamic. Working within the circle of influence is productive. Moreover, the more efficient you become, the more your circle of control will start to expand. The next habit pertains to the topic â€Å"Begin with the end in mind†. This is all about formulating long-standing objectives based on a specific ideology. According to the author, it is advisable for a person to formulate â€Å"individual goal statements† that would serve as the very goal of one’s life. The author suggests good foresight planning as an important tool to develop this.It is like sculpting a figure that an individual want for one’s life and providing a frame of reference wherein all the manners and conducts can be evaluated. There must be a lucid direction where to go and when to stop. Only when all the paths are cleared that a person can suffice its objective with regards to planning long-term goals in his life. Meanwhile, in an organizational structure, Covey emphasize that the company’s vision would be more efficient if all the members of the group were involved in the formulation of these ideas and was not prearranged by only a small number of personalities.The third habit, Covey wrote, is to put first things first. Self-determination is vital in this topic of concern. It entails a lot of effort for a person or to maintain personal integrity. â€Å"Walk the talk† is one famous phrase that must always be present in one’s mind to be able to preserve his or her uprightness. Proper time management and setting up of priorities are also included in this area. Those effective people know how to prioritize things and say no to non-urgent things. Think win-win is the fourth habit. This often refers to circumstances where one benefits, not necessarily in the course of someone else's defeat.This mentality is based on collaboration rather than competition. Each side must have the boldness to state one’s convictions, but to take into concern other's belief. It allows all participants to achieve positive outcomes in their struggles. There are four step processes that illustrate more this habit. The first step is to see the problem from other point of view. This means that a person must also take into careful consideration the views and opinions of other people, particularly those in the other side of the struggle . Knowing what the main arguments of other people would bring more understanding for both sides.The next step is on identifying the key subjects and apprehensions involved in the situation. This addresses the heart of the issue and focusing on the main issues of the scenario. There must be full cooperation coming from all sides to ensure the completion of this undertaking. After this, determination of results that represents an acceptable solution to the problem comes next. Resolution to the problem must provide a clear picture for both sides to guarantee that the benefits of these outcomes will surely answer each of the problems on each side.If there would still be unresolved conflicts between, the next step will be to identify alternative options to further achieve proper arbitration of this situation. These steps can be used by companies to enhance their relations with their employees, ensuring lasting relationships between the employers and employees. The fifth habit is to †Å"seek first to understand then to be understood†. The author proposes that we establish first more information before ever beginning to communicate. That is what we must comprehend for every situation before hastening in with giving suggestions.In order to understand the heart of any topic, it is more appropriate to use the skills in communication and listening. It is a given fact that most people do not pay attention for the purpose to comprehend what they hear, instead they listen just to be able to respond to it. There are various levels of listening which includes not listening at all, pretending that you are listening, selective listening, attentive listening, and absolute listening. Only a few performs the higher level of listening but this is what matters most if you want to understand more other people’s concern.Many people do not realize that by listening to others, it is already a good start that you will also be understood in the process. It is very importan t that when you hear, it must include not just your senses but most importantly, the heart. That is where true listening begins. When all of the habits mentioned above are already realized, synergy comes next. This is the sixth habit and regarded to as the premier activity in all life. This custom occurs when minds fuels another mind and ideas call for more ideas. This produces new options that come up naturally.This synergy is a derivative and this cannot be made by mere intervention. Deliberately creating synergy actually makes it harder for it to exist. What must be provided is just to prepare the climate for synergy to occur. This includes first, the win-win attitude, next is seeking first to understand, and third is the belief in our capabilities to find a third alternative. To sum it all, synergy is built directly upon other factors preceding it. This stresses that we must value the distinction between people and how they view the world.That disparity can be used as a basis of insight. Covey stated that the seventh habit serves as the oil that greases the mechanism of all the other habits. â€Å"Sharpening the saw† is the inclination that makes all the others possible. This requires making an investment in oneself. Treating his or her body with utmost care is what needed. Renewal of one’s spirit must also be taken into consideration. This can be realized through prayers, music, reading the word of God, reflection and others. All of these can touch our inner beings and provide restoration to every individual.We can further make investments for ourselves by continuing education, thorough reading of books and manuscripts that would give more information and knowledge in many aspects of life. Another aspect would be the social and emotional regeneration that entails interaction with other people to build the one’s own sense of welfare. Another is through penning materials that would challenge our ability to think, rationalize, and compre hend more. After all of these, rest is also needed to renew our energy and to equip us again for another days work.Self-sufficient philosophy alone is not appropriate to mutually dependent actuality. Independent persons who do not have the maturity to consider and perform interdependently may become excellent individual producers, but these people would not become superior leaders or team players. All of these seven habits Covey presented give a detailed understanding on the facts that highly effective people acts and deal with their own life and their surroundings. These customs are worth to try in attaining the goal to be highly effective individuals.But the most important thing would be to maintain a clear conscience and be sensitive enough to other’s feelings and circumstances. To be highly effective depends greatly on what do most people see on person. This book is just a guideline for us to start with the objective of being effective persons in our respective fields, bu t it still depends on ourselves if we will strive to continue these principles. It all boils down to one major area; the person’s relationship with God and his neighbors. The Art of War The manuscript â€Å"The Art of War† was recorder as one of the oldest book written for military applications.This involves a lot of strategies and approaches when it comes to war planning and executions. Many famous personalities have claimed that their principles were inspired by this book. Napoleon Bonaparte was believed to be inspired by this book during his entire course of imperial campaign. Its simple but brilliant approaches are the things that made this book survived up to the present. Aside from its importance in the war strategies, â€Å"The Art of War† principles can also be applied to the business world today.Many topics of this timeless book can be seen as relevant to the corporate arena, where the competition between companies is inevitable. This set up can be seen as a war between companies and such quotes from Sun Tzu can be utilized to encourage managers and businessmen to achieve ultimate success in their respective industries. The first chapter of the book focus on â€Å"laying plans† This surveys the five key essentials that characterize competitive situation which includes mission, climate, ground, leadership, and methods.This chapter also includes the process of evaluating one self’s competitive strengths against your enemies. If the planner formulated a great strategy and executed it successfully, then that group will already have a step further of the competition when it comes to the actual battle. In the business arena, it is a must to conduct planning and surveys to evaluate the present status as a company as well as its competitors performance. By doing this, there would be a clear signal that can be used further when modifications and innovations of products and services are needed.Another thing is that sure victor ies always start with careful planning the details of a strategy. In commerce, good policies isn’t automatically employed to directly clash a competitor, instead it is a tactic that uses chances to take full advantage of your situation in the market. A corporation must look at their inner strong points and weaknesses and visually placed them for careful observation. The next step will be to look at the outer prospects and threats of the company and put these in an outline for study.After all of these, the company will come up with a detailed analysis of the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and come up with a new strategy. Upon looking at the results of this analysis, decisions then must be made whether to continue with the competition or to venture to other trades. Waging war is on the next chapter wherein it clarifies the process of understanding the financial nature of the struggle and how triumphs require making the brilliant move that will serve victory, which as an aftermath, limiting the costs of competition and argument.Like in the business field, when competition is so fierce, the business manager must carefully familiarize himself with the actual competition between all the players so that he would not spend a lot of resources just to stay in the contest. He must be knowledgeable enough to handle this â€Å"war† between players in the market. The next chapter focuses on the topic â€Å"attack by stratagem†. This chapter discusses that the source of any military strength resides in unity and not in size. In this chapter, Sun Tzu also gave five factors to know who will become victorious in any battle.First is that the person who knows when to engage battle and when not to fight, will be triumphant. Knowing one’s capability is a good sign of a great strategist. Same with the business, owners of the company must know their strengths and weaknesses to be able to avoid possible collapse and defeat from its competitors. The next factor, according to the book, is that the person who knows how to use whatever the size of his forces will be victorious. Another aspect is that the one who knows how to bring unity between those in the lower and upper level for a clear intention will also be victorious.The fourth factor is that the one who is always ready will be successful compared to those who are not. The last aspect is that if commander-in-charge is competent and not meddled by anyone, including the ruler will be triumphant. All of these five factors can be applied in managing a business, particularly those who faces great competition in the market. Competition in the trades is analogous to â€Å"war† being described by Sun Tzu. The next chapter pertains to strategic outlook that is also important in war. According to this segment, an army that acquires first circumstances before going to battle will be victorious.On the other hand, an army who engage in battle first with out considering other important conditions will just be looking for defeat. An owner of a business must study first the conditions of the market before putting up his business to enable him to address important issues regarding the needs and circumstances of the consumers. Only by then he would have greater chances to survive in the market and may surpass all its competitors. Chapter five concerns the proper utilization of force of an army. It is described in this chapter that proper use of force is required to win the battle.Whatever the size of an army, it still depends on how it will use by the commander. In business, proper utilization of resources is needed to ensure efficiency in the business. It all depends on how it will be run by the manager of the business. The next chapter focuses on knowing the weakness and strengths of an enemy. Probing the enemy to know its weak spot and its strong points is a good way to defeat the adversary. In business, it is a good attitude of a bu siness manager to familiarize himself with his competitors’ flaws because this information can be used to improve his products or services.Right maneuvering is on the next chapter. It is not always appropriate to face your enemy directly. Proper positioning is good tactic to add more advantages to the army to defeat the enemy. Business also requires proper way of identifying good positions to enhance the sales of an industry. A fast food chain must be placed in a crowded area, even there are already established competitors in that locale. What is more important is the proper placing of the store that would still be accessible enough to consumers. Next topic described in chapter eight is the variation in tactics of an army.Flexibility must always be present in anyone’s mind because there might be uncontrolled circumstances that suddenly occurred that need to be address immediately. There must be rooms for changes in the plans. Contingency measures are always present whe n planning a war strategy. This is the same with business because, trends are continuously changing and the demands of people may vary in time. That is why many companies have put up research and development division and innovation section to address these concerns. Chapter nine illustrates the actual army marching toward the enemy.Like in the previous chapters, maneuvers must always be a part of the plan when marching began. It all depends on the actuation of the enemy in the battlefield. The general must be knowledgeable enough to provide his army tactics in the battle arena. In the corporate world, the same is applied. There must be enough room for sudden maneuvers and that depends wholly on who run the company. Like a general, he must be skilled enough to deal with actuations that require some changes in the plan. Ground Formation is on the next chapter. It entails a lot of insight on how to position an army in the battle.In order to win the war, it is imperative for a general t o evaluate the opponent, make situations leading to success, calculating the risks and spaces. In the business arena, it is also relevant to ensure success of the business by the managing properly of a particular company. There are conditions that need to be set in order to enhance the sales of the business. Risks in the business are inevitable; a good manager will always make accurate calculations to avoid these business threats. The eleventh chapter discusses the nine different grounds in warfare.These must carefully study because according to the book, there is a specific response for every given type of grounds. These are the following: dispersive ground, marginal ground, contentious ground, open ground, intersecting ground, critical ground, difficult ground, surrounded ground, and deadly ground. Each ground needs appropriate action by the commanding general to guarantee victory. In the market, there are variations in the settings and environments. A good businessman will carefu lly examine his ground first to be able to survive this competition, if there is any.Chapter twelve illustrates the topic on fire attacks. This gives explanation on the use of arsenals commonly and the use of the surroundings as a weapon particularly. It scrutinizes the five marks for aggression, the five types of ecological assaults, and the suitable answers to such assault. In business, we cannot avoid some competitors doing some bad tricks to destroy his rival’s business reputation. Proper responses must be applied to such attacks like these, or they might fulfill their purpose to afflict their rival’s industry. The last chapter discusses the use of spies.This focuses on the relevance of producing good data gatherers to help in their battle. According to the book, enlightened leaders and superior commanders who have acquired clever agents that are used as spies are most likely into enormous triumphs. This timeless piece of manuscript can be applied to various discip lines aside form the real warfare. It gives a lot of brilliant ideas that are far more superior to other advices provided by other books. One important thing that must not be disregarded is that God is in control of everything. It takes His help and provision to help win any adversary.This is also included in the book, pertaining to Heaven. As long as we do His will, we must not be affected by any enemy that hinders our success. The battle is the Lord’s. References Levitt, Steven D. , Dubner, Stephen J. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything. United States: William Morrow, April 12, 2005. Covey, Stephen R. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1990. Tzu, Sun. The Art of War : The Denma Translation. United States. Shambhala Publications. 2001