The Crucible and McCarthyism essays

The Crucible and McCarthyism essays In the late 1600s, a tragedy fed by lies and personal grudges swept the town of Salem, Massachusetts. This tragedy was called the Salem Witchcraft Trials, where 20 innocent people were put to death based solely on the accusations of others. These others were also just girls who tried to save themselves by blaming others. After the injustice had been done, another witch hunt wouldnt occur until about 250 years later. However, these new witch hunts werent for witches at all, but for the modern-day threat of communists in our government. Just like the old witch-hunts in Salem, the hunt for communists in the government resulted in many innocent people being wrongly accused and arrested. Though these events are separated by 260 years, the accusations and trials that followed are very similar. In The Crucible, the accusations were made based on feelings of greed, vengeance, jealousy, and fear. In addition, most of the people accused were people who were different from the group, or who looked different in some way. Also, if anyone dared to speak out against these charges, they were likely to be accused of witchcraft themselves. In the McCarthy-era, The kind of people targeted were likely to be left-inclined men and women of the 1930s who had witnessed the Great Crash, depression and chronic unemployment, the cruelty of unfettered capitalism and the rise of Nazism, especially threatening to Jews like Miller. In both time periods, many were wrongfully accused and had their lives ruined. The accused people in Salem had done nothing wrong, yet they were jailed and further punished if they did not confess to committing witchcraft. However, even if the accused did confess and were freed, they were still disgracefully looked upon and shunned by the rest of t he town. In the 1950s, many people lost their jobs and couldnt get jobs if they had been on the blacklist, ...

The Memory s Biology

The Memory s Biology Abstract Memory is a term used in cognitive psychology to describe the process by which information is coded, stored and retrieved. Encoding involves the conversion of sensory stimuli into forms that can be stored. Storage is the process of forming long term mental records of the information.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Memorys Biology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Retrieval is the process of extracting information from memory. Memory can be classified into sensory memory, short term memory, and long term memory. Memory can be enhanced using techniques such as rehearsal, paying attention, use of mnemonics, and active participation. Active participation is thought to be better than rehearsal. Memory can be tested using techniques such as operant conditioning, recognition, free recall, and detection paradigm. Memory Memory is a mental function that enables humans to keep information for later use. I t can also be described as a term used in cognitive psychology to describe how people encode, store and retrieve information about the environment (Gazzaniga, Ivry, Mangun, 1998). This essay will begin with a discussion about memory processes. This will be followed by a section on classification of memory into sensory, short term, and long term memory. The various types of memory will be discussed in detail. Methods of studying memory will also be examined in this paper. Finally, it will end in a section on personal reflection. The stages of memory formation include encoding, storage, and retrieval. Information passes the three stages sequentially. Encoding generates information that can stored. Stimuli reaching the brain are received and processed into forms that can be used to represent the stimuli. Encoding generates verbal, acoustic, and image codes. These codes provide avenues by which information can be retrieved. Therefore, it can be said that retrieval relies on encoding. I nterpretation of the codes is a function of memory. Storage Storage can be described as creation of a long term record in the brain. Storage is a complex stage of memory formation that involves other subs of sensory memory include iconic memory and echoic memory. Iconic memory carries visual information and lasts for almost 25 seconds. It is a temporary storage for visual information. Echoic memory is a temporary storage for information coming from the ears. Echoic memory lasts for several seconds. Haptic memory is creates a temporary record of tactile information. Information coming from the sensory system is rich in content. However, human beings cannot convert all the information into memory forms. Short term memory Short term memory also known as working memory is a form of memory that lasts for several seconds to a minute. Rehearsal can improve short term memory. Short term memory can store a limited amount of information at a time. It can store up to five distinct items at any given time (Cowan, 2001). However, it has been found out that grouping items like numbers can improve short term memory. Short term memory enables the manipulation of information when attending to activities like decision making and problem solving. It is the form of memory that is constantly in use and allows an individual to interact effectively with the environment. Short term memory may rely on acoustic codes. However, this is not true for all types of information. Long term memory Long term memory is a relatively long term form of memory where vast amounts of information are stored. Its capacity is thought to be limitless. Long term memory enables us to recall events that took place several years back. Long term memory is our main repository of information. It shapes our understanding of the environment. Types of repositories in the long term memory include declarative, procedural, and flash back memories. Declarative memory also known as explicit memory is a form of long term memory that requires the conscious recall of information that can be verbalized. For example, describing the process of neurotransmission to students. Declarative memory is further classified into episodic memory and semantic memory. Episodic memory involves storage of information regarding events that were personally experienced. It enables an individual to recall events that happened at a certain time in the past. It is a form of memory that stores personal experiences. Semantic memory is personalized. It stores general, factual, and abstract information. Information about ones area of expertise, academic knowledge, knowledge of places, knowledge of people, and knowledge about meaning of words is stored in semantic memory. Learning relies on semantic memory.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Memorys Biology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Procedural memory is memory that stores psychomotor skills. Inf ormation needed to execute certain skills like driving and playing a musical instrument are stored in procedural memory. It stores knowledge that cannot be verbalized but is important in the performance of some activities. It has been described as memory that stores information about how to do things. Flash back memory stores information that is associated with emotional moments. Events that are linked to certain emotions can be recalled quickly and more accurately. For example, asking people where they were when a close family member passed away. Flash back memory is concerned with storage of unusual events. It tends to be personal in nature. Retrieval Retrieval is the process of accessing and taking information out of storage. Typically, information is pulled out of storage when it is needed. Retrieval can be complicated by factors like lack of concentration and interference. Retrieval is associated with certain recall states like tip of the tongue, and serial position effect. Tip of the tongue refers to a state in which one cannot recall all the information. In such a case an individual is able to only retrieve or recall some characteristics of the information. Serial position effect refers to a situation in which an individual can recall either the first few items (primary effect) or the last items of a list (recency effect). Recall can be prompted using either specific or general retrieval cues. Memory problems Forgetting is described as difficulty in retrieving information. Inability to recall information has been linked to some factors like decay, interference, lack of cues, and presence of disorders like amnesia. Decay refers to inability to recall due to disappearance of information over time. This happens when information is not frequently rehearsed or used. Information that is not needed can interfere with retrieval of information (Ellenbogen et al, 2006). This can occur when retrieval cues are no longer specific. Factors facilitating memory Rehears al: repeating and reciting information enhances the number of meaningful associations that can be formed. Memory improves with the number of rehearsals. Self-questioning strategies can be used to enhance this technique. Self-questioning strategies increase the number of associations that can be formed by learners. Organization: information can be arranged in a particular way to enhance memory. Chunking is one of the strategies used to organize information. Meaningfulness: this strategy encourages students to personalize information by giving personal meaning to it. This strategy is superior to reciting and rehearsing. It is easy to recall information that has meaning. This strategy enables a learner to relate what is being learned with real life situations thus forming long term memory.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Mnemonic devices: these memory aids include loci, acronyms, and key words. Loci method involves positioning of items to be remembered in specific areas of the house. An individual will use a mental map to locate the items in the house thus aiding memory. Activity: this strategy is used to enhance memory by encouraging students to actively participate in their learning. Attention/concentration: attention and elimination of distractions enhances learning and the formation of memory. Methods used to study memory Techniques used to study memory differ for infants and adults. The methods used to study infants are unique because infants cannot report on what they have learned. Methods used to study infants’ recognition memory are: operant conditioning and visual paired comparison procedure. The methods used to study infants’ recall memory are: deferred imitation technique and elicited imitation technique (Barr, Dowden, Hayne, 1996). Methods used to study adults: paired asso ciate learning, recognition, free recall, and detection paradigm. Paired associate learning is a technique that involves learning to associate one item with another. Free recall involves asking subjects to learn some words. The subjects are then asked to recall the items. Detection paradigm tests the ability to remember visual information. This paper discussed memory in detail. Memory is a term used in cognitive psychology to describe the process by which information is coded, stored and retrieved. Encoding involves the conversion of sensory stimuli into forms that can be stored. Storage is the process of forming long term mental records of the information. Retrieval is the process of extracting information from memory. Memory can be classified into sensory memory, short term memory, and long term memory. Long term memory is the storehouse of knowledge about our surroundings. Memory can be enhanced using techniques such as rehearsal, paying attention, use of mnemonics, and active pa rticipation. Active participation is thought to be better than rehearsal. Memory can be tested using various techniques. The techniques used to test infants are different from those used to test older children and adults. This is due to the fact that infants cannot verbalize what they have learned. In infants, recognition memory and recall memory are tested separately. Therefore, it is difficult to study children. References Barr, R., Dowden, A., Hayne, H. (1996). Developmental changes in deferred imitation by 6- to 24-month-old infants. Infant Behavior and Development, 19, 159–170. Cowan, N. (2001). The magical number 4 in short-term memory: a reconsideration of mental storage capacity. Behav Brain Sci, 24(1), 87–114. Ellenbogen et al. (2006). Interfering with theories of sleep and memory: sleep, declarative memory, and associative interference. Curr. Biol., 16 (13), 1290–4. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2006.05.024 Gazzaniga, M., Ivry, R., Mangun, G. (1998). Cognitive n euroscience: The  biology of the mind. London: Norton.

Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Summary - Essay Example In the United States of America, the most popular professional body with members who are interested in retail security is the â€Å"Association of Convenience and Petroleum Retailing† (NACS). This body offers a platform for employers, employees, and other interested parties to ensure the security of their work environment through intensive knowledge on security, which they are offered. Business owners and employees have a variety of security measures to choose from. However, in the United States, NACS recommends investment in security measures, which are most likely to alleviate crime and insecurity in the business premises. The main control methods recommended include cash control, visibility in stores, the correct positioning of cash registers in stores, training of employees, especially on how to deter robbery, balanced lighting in stores, alarms, electronic video surveillance, and minimal escape routes. These are some of the ways to ensure security in business. The author addresses business security of a variety of premises, including both public and private facilities. Shopping centers and malls in the United States are prone to robbery and other criminal activity, as many people tend to loiter there. The major security measures employed include contract guards, public police, as well as electronic surveillance and alarms. Of importance in the malls are the codes of conduct, which shoppers have to adhere to, as these help maintain order and increase the malls’ security. Banks are a target of robbers, therefore, needs tight security. These mainly employ security measures, which ensure risk assessment and analysis of robbery, and cash control methods. Training of bank employees is also essential, as well as other electronic and digital surveillance methods. In addition, electronic devices, which can detect metal and explosives, are highly used in banks for security measure. Private and public utility facilities present major security concerns, which include sabotage, terrorism activities, theft, and damage of private and public property, among others. Apart from the clients, these utility facilities, which include telephone, gas, water, oil, electricity, and nuclear pose a security threat to the employees. In such industries therefore, employee training is the most recommended security method. Different bodies in the United States, including the International Association of Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS), among others, offer employee training for such industries. Entertainment spots including casinos, amusement parks, beaches, and movie theatres, also need strict security measures, as these are prone to rowdy revelers. This case applies to sports facilities, which also pose a threat to security through the rowdy fans. In the United States today, professionals are looking for better ways of preventing violent and patron behaviors in the sports and entertainment avenues. Most of such areas in the United States emplo y public police and security guards to ensure security. This chapter therefore, addresses security concerns of both private and public spaces and the need of better security measures in future. Chapter 7 In chapter 7, Dempsey primarily discusses the retail shrinkage problem. It is argued that retail shrinkage problem is one of the serious issues affecting modern businesses despite the fact that technology has changed the way business are conducted. According to the author, retail shrinkage accounts for

Strategy planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5250 words

Strategy planning - Essay Example McDonald’s deals with a wide range of products like hamburgers as well as French Fries, chicken sandwiches along with soft drinks, desserts and other various sorts of breakfast items (Gilbert, 2008). In order to determine the significance of various external factors that impact on the way McDonald’s conducts its business, it can be viewed that proper analysis of the external factors made the company to raise its business reputation and also to accomplish superior competitive position by a greater level. In order to analyse the external environment of McDonald’s, certain appropriate tools have been taken into concern like SWOT and STEEP which are described below. STEEP Analysis Socio-cultural Factors: McDonald’s establishes and follows an effective system in order to assess the requirements of the business markets where it operates. It stresses mainly on the strategy of individuality of the customers in relation to product behaviour and decisions on purchas es (Ivanova, 2011). Technological Factors: McDonald’s deals with broad assortment of fast food related products which generates a greater demand of these products by adopting along with executing pioneering technological procedures concerning its inventory system and supply chain among others (Ivanova, 2011). Environmental Factors: Relating to environmental factor, McDonald’s largely focuses upon effectively performing different sorts of corporate social accountabilities in terms of utilising bio-degradable substances in its broad array of products (Ivanova, 2011). Economic Factors: McDonald’s has a propensity to practice a great deal of difficulty in certain cases where there exists the significant concern of inflation and fluctuation in exchange rates. Specially mentioning, the variations in the exchange rates play a decisive part in the overall operations of the company (Ivanova, 2011). Political Factors: McDonald’s follows a unique set of instructions and policies for performing different operational functions effectively. It mainly concentrates on several sets of anxieties such as areas of health, environment and protection of the workers as well. These elements can be noticed in the state control of licensing of the restaurants in different regions where the company operates (Ivanova, 2011). SWOT Analysis Strengths: McDonald’s has a very strong and reputed brand name across the globe. It bears a strong partnership with other different companies which eventually results in increase of its goodwill in the market. The company is said to be the first fast-food restaurant which offered its customers with nutritional facts and as a consequence the loyal employees, customers and management form to be its biggest strengths (Scribd Inc., 2013). Weakness: McDonald’s has a pessimistic reputation concerning turnover rate of its employees. Relating to weakness, it generally faces quality issues at times and it also receives c riticisms particularly from health conscious people (Scribd Inc., 2013). Opportunities: McDonald’s should provide online services for its clients so that they can order sitting at home which in

Clotel Analysis Essay Example for Free

Clotel Analysis Essay Clotel is an interesting piece of literary work by William Brown, as it exposes the depraved social conditions of Chattel Slavery and its effect on Marriage relations between slave and slave owner. Interestingly, I recognized the stereotypes that can develop from conditions of race and class in our society. More importantly, we see how race and class present higher priviledges to mulatto slaves (quadroons), than what William coins as the real negro. Undeniably, there is a stereotypical belief in todays society that light skin or fairer skin people have an esteemed privilege than that of dark skin people. Although fictional characters, Currer, Clotel, and Althesa are real-life representations of that belief because they were mulattos. One may imply that it is quite stereotypical to say that light skin people have a higher privilege that is not necessarily given to dark skin people, although many believe it to be true as a result of the conditions faced by non-mulatto slaves. However, others may not agree. Currer and her two daughters Clotel and Althesa are all protagonists in this literary work. Currer, a bright mulatto was a housekeeper for slaveholder Thomas Jefferson, upon which she beared Clotel and Althesa. Currer being of the higher class of slaves was permitted to hire her time for more than 20 years. Surely Currer wanted nothing more than to raise her daughters to attract attention in efforts that they might marry into their freedom. Compared to ordinary slaves, Currer and her daughters had once lived in luxury due to privileged conditions of being a mulatto slave. Nevertheless, they were still slaves, and often reminded that they were no different than ordinary slaves. For example, Clotel was only 16 when she was purchased by Horatio Green, son of a wealthy gentleman of Richmond whom promised to make her mistress of her own dwelling. She lived in luxury for a while, and even beared a child named Mary with Horatio. The time came that Horatio began to be involved with politics, and his success with politics being of greater importance proved his union with Clotel would soon end. Horatio took interest in the daughter of a wealthy man with whom he found a connect to success in politics. Horatio later married her, leaving Clotel to be sold to a slaveholder at the demand of his mistress. It is here that we discover that even the mulatto woman is not as esteemed with privilege as she was once perceived to possess. She is still a slave , born of that blood. She may have lived in luxury for a while, but it was very predictable that she would be sold again to the highest bidder, and for the latter purpose. What is so significant about not only Clotels character, but also for her mothers and sisters character is that they are symbolic of how mulatto slaves were used as an even bigger commodity during slavery. They were put on a pedestal to feel as though they had more privilege, only to discover that they really did not. Even more importantly, mulatto slaves knew the significance of having been mixed-bred, and how it could be used in attempt to free themselves, just as Currer had planned for her daughters from the very beginning. Mostly, the mulattos or quadroons were the house slaves, and occupied the best situation a slave could occupy. Most of the mistresses of the slave owners in the South sought to make the lives of quadroons intolerable, because they viewed them as rivals. For this reason, Mrs. Green had demanded that Clotel be sold out of the state. How soundly ironic that mulattos could be stuck at the center of the depraved social condition of marriage relations between slave and slave owner? And being of the higher class of slaves still be subject to the will of his master. Were they really of a higher class, or were they no better than an ordinary slave whom labored outside the masters house? Some people have their own prejudices toward blacks in general even in todays society. It is safe to say that some whites even still view blacks as slaves. No matter how fair or light the shade of their skin is, it still does not dismiss the fact that they are born of African descent. As William stated in his work, there was a depraved social condition that placed the slave under total control of his master from the very beginning no matter how light or fair their skin was. Therefore, the stereotypical belief that mulattos or light-skin people have an esteemed privilege over dark-skinned people is without a doubt, debateable.

Fast Food Companies Are NOT Responsible For Obesity Essay -- Argumentat

Today, many people eat fast food instead of home made food. The reason is that fast food is fast, cheap and convenient. However, at the same time, fast food is contributing to a big social problem in the U.S., which is obesity, and recently some people are beginning to sue the fast food companies for causing their obesity. Should the fast food companies have responsibility for American's obesity? My answer for this argument is "No". I think that whether people eat fast food or not is an individual choice. There are many people who eat fast food, but aren't obese. They may do some exercises for burning calories, or try not to eat fast food as much as they can, caring for their health. Moreover, some fast food companies serve relatively healthy foods, such as Baja Fresh, Subway and so on. Even though people don't have enough money or time to eat except for fast food, they can choose those fast food shops. Therefore, the responsibility of obesity should be taken by obese people, though fast food companies should also take actions to decrease the number of these people by showing their food's calories, serving healthy food, and giving more choices. As I said before, in the U.S. some people are filing suits against fast food companies for causing their obesity and related sickness. It is clear that fast food is not so good for our health. Fast food contains lots of sodium, fat and cholesterol, and these ingredients make us overweight. Therefore, some people think that the ...

Problems American Society facing In Today World Essay

Introduction: In today society there are many reason we can point out and say, this is the problem that society is like it is today, but the truth is we needs facts, not opinion. There are statistic on why families were like they were in 1960 and what changes have come about in today time. There will be changes in families till the day we die, changes comes about every second of everyone life. Identify Important or significant changes in families since 1960? What factors are responsible for this change? Male dominance has played a major role as of domestic around the world. We have in many cultures reversal gender roles in regards to household chores. Household chores were a job just for the woman not the man, but In today society we have, men now staying home, either because they are laid off or have not been successful in finding employment, they are taking care of the kids, doing the cooking, household chores. More women are financially independent now, because some men feel more superior then women, and having a wife who is the bread winner gives some men an inferior complex. With all these emotion up in the air, soon comes abuse (for some), agreement to file for divorce, come into play. Today statistic states that divorce in United States is the highest industrial in the nation. Divorces sometimes cause children to react to that divorce thinking that it is their fault, so they go out do drugs to take the pain way, some really goes into a psychotic breakdown, you have some that just become trouble kids or when they get older learn from what they seen their parents do and go through the same things because of what they had seen when they were young. On the balance, are families becoming weaker or simply different in society? What evidence can you cite? Today’s numbers have shown us that our families have become weaker, in our American society. There are a couple of ways one  could make a proposal on how to strengthening the family, one could start by going into a marriage with love and true understanding, through thick and thin. Also try to be on the same page as to when you are prepared to have a child and make sure that you are financially ready, Now men and women needs to learn how to belong to each other, so that they can not only beget but also raise the next generation together. If families were to make sacrifices to preserve family well-being, then their children would go on to establish harmonious families of their own. Lastly, they say a family that prays together will stay together. Conclusion: If parents don’t step up and raise their children together as a family, this new generation will be a disaster waiting to happen. Let’s stick to the vows that one takes when people goes down the aisles to be reunited Reference: Ken Fuchsman†The Family Romance Transformed American Domestic Arrangements, since 1960, Clio’s Psyche: Understanding the â€Å"why of culture, current events, history and society.Vol.17, no.4 March 2011 www.wnd.com/2010/12/243621 www.gwu.edu/~ccps/pop_rel.html

Mothers Without Men, Donor Insemination

I think it's very wrong and exposing that the child doesn't has the opportunity at all to get the child-father relationship which Is very important In life. Caroline Webb actually makes the decision on purpose that the child will have a missing whole in the childhood and trough the raising. That is disturbing. It concludes that she values her needs and ego higher than the baby. Besides, when parents choose to leave their family, it's often not a quite easy situation concerning economics, surplus, safety and mental/social balance.Although it's common It's tough and not very healthy to the family. A single parent could easy suffer under some of the same conditions for example economical problems, while there normally only is one income. I could imagine it also would be ruff to raise a child all by yourself, without a partner to guide or help you. On the other side the parent/Caroline Webb wants the baby really bad, compared to some relationship where the baby happens to be an ;accident . † I could therefore imagine the mother would be more carrying and supportive to the baby, simply because the child is more wanted.Of course It's also Important that the potential parent has the financial and psychic qualities that require raising a child, which Caroline claims to has when her position is Hospital Chef. Caroline Webb also sticks to the fact that â€Å"there'd be no upset in the home and my child would benefit from my happiness. † She's saying that about the comparing to runaway parents. She hasn't thought the situation trough at all. She doesn't mention all the problems and questions the child will be filled up with trough solicitation, when she's minor and through the teenage. The child will soon figure out that everybody except her have two parents.That issue could fast develop to a major problem and maybe hating to Caroline from her daughter. Maybe her happiness and love can't solve all problems although she really wants it to. In the end it's all a bout ethics and morale. It's very different what individuals attitude to this problem are, depending on what kind of personality and opinions you have. Mothers Without Men, Donor Insemination By rollback Men†Amanda Riley-Jones I don't think that donor insemination should be available as soonest has the opportunity at all to get the child-father relationship which is very important in life.Caroline Webb actually makes the decision on purpose that the it's common it's tough and not very healthy to the family. A single parent could easy some relationship where the baby happens to be an â€Å"accident. † I could therefore because the child is more wanted. Of course it's also important that the potential thought the situation trough at all. She doesn't mention all the problems and through the teenage. The child will soon figure out that everybody except her have

10 Fascinating Facts About Grasshoppers

10 Fascinating Facts About Grasshoppers Famed fable writer Aesop portrayed the grasshopper as a neer do well who fiddled away his summer days without a thought to the future but in the real world, the destruction wreaked by grasshoppers on farming and ranching is far from a harmless parable. Although grasshoppers are extremely common, theres more to these summertime critters than meets the eye. Heres a list of 10 fascinating grasshopper-related facts. 1. Grasshoppers and Locusts Are One and the Same When we think of grasshoppers, most people recall pleasant childhood memories of trying to catch the jumping insects in meadows or backyards. Say the word locusts, however, and it brings to mind images of historic plagues raining down destruction on crops and devouring every plant in sight. Truth be told, grasshoppers and locusts are members of the same insect order. While certain species are commonly referred to grasshoppers and others as locusts, both creatures are short-horned members of the order Orthoptera. Jumping herbivores with shorter antennae are grouped into the suborder Caelifera, while their longer-horned brethren (crickets and katydids) belong to the suborder Ensifera. 2. Grasshoppers Have Ears on Their Bellies The grasshoppers auditory organs are found not on the head, but rather, on the abdomen. A pair of membranes that vibrate in response to sound waves are located one on either side of the first abdominal segment, tucked under the wings. This simple eardrum, called a tympanal organ, allows the grasshopper to hear the songs of its fellow grasshoppers. 3. Although Grasshoppers Can Hear, They Cant Distinguish Pitch  Very Well As with most insects, the grasshoppers auditory organs are simple structures. They can detect differences in intensity and rhythm, but not pitch. The male grasshoppers song isnt particularly melodic which is a good thing since females dont care whether or not a fellow can carry a tune. Each species of grasshopper produces a characteristic rhythm that distinguishes its song from others and enables courting males and females of a given species to find one another. 4. Grasshoppers Make Music by Stridulating or Crepitating If youre not familiar with those terms, dont worry. Its not all that complicated. Most grasshoppers stridulate, which simply means that they rub their hind legs against their forewings to produce their trademark tunes. Special pegs on the inside of the hind leg act like a percussion instrument of sorts when they come in contact with the thickened edge of the wing. The band-winged grasshoppers crepitate or loudly snap their wings as they fly. 5. Grasshoppers Catapult Themselves Into the Air If youve ever tried to catch a grasshopper, you know how far they can jump to flee danger. If humans could jump the way grasshoppers do, we would be able to easily leap the length of a football field. How do these insects jump so far? Its all in those big, back legs. A grasshoppers hind legs function like miniature catapults. In preparation for a jump, the grasshopper contracts its large flexor muscles slowly, bending its hind legs at the knee joint. A special piece of cuticle within the knee acts as a spring, storing up all the potential energy. The grasshopper then relaxes its leg muscles, allowing the spring to release its energy and fling the insect into the air. 6. Grasshoppers Can Fly Because grasshoppers have such powerful jumping legs, people sometimes dont realize that they also have wings. Grasshoppers use their jumping ability to give them a boost into the air but most are pretty strong fliers and make good use of their wings to escape predators. 7. Grasshoppers Cause Billions of Dollars in Damage to Food Crops Annually One lone grasshopper cant do too much harm, although it eats about half its body weight in plants each day- but when locusts swarm, their combined feeding habits can completely defoliate a landscape, leaving farmers without crops and people without food. In the U.S. alone, grasshoppers cause about $1.5 billion in damage to grazing lands each year. In 1954, a swarm of Desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) consumed over 75 square miles of wild and cultivated plants in Kenya. 8. Grasshoppers Are an Important Source of Protein People have been consuming locusts and grasshoppers for centuries. According to the Bible, John the Baptist ate locusts and honey in the wilderness. Locusts and grasshoppers are a regular dietary component in local diets in many areas of Africa, Asia, and the Americas- and since theyre packed with protein, theyre an important nutritional staple as well. 9. Grasshoppers Existed Long Before Dinosaurs Modern-day grasshoppers descend from ancient ancestors that lived long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The fossil record shows that primitive grasshoppers first appeared during the Carboniferous period, more than 300 million years ago. Most ancient grasshoppers are preserved as fossils, although grasshopper nymphs (the second stage in the grasshopper lifestyle after the initial egg phase) are occasionally found in amber. 10. Grasshoppers  May Spit Liquid to Defend Themselves If youve ever handled grasshoppers, youve probably had a few of them spit brown liquid on you in protest. Scientists believe this behavior is a means of self-defense, and the liquid helps the insects repel predators. Some people say grasshoppers spit tobacco juice, probably because historically, grasshoppers have been associated with tobacco crops. Rest assured, however, the grasshoppers arent using you as a spittoon.

Business Gravitas and Language

Business Gravitas and Language Business Gravitas and Language Business Gravitas and Language By Maeve Maddox Tech columnist Rob Walker questions whether anyone still has gravitas in the Internet Era. gravitas (noun): high seriousness, as in a person’s bearing or the treatment of a subject; seriousness of conduct, bearing, speech, temperament, etc. According to Walker, â€Å"if you want to be taken seriously in our post-gravitas culture, you must demonstrate that you do not take yourself too seriously.† Walker makes his case for the disdain of gravitas in the entertainment media (and that includes much of what is called â€Å"news coverage†), but the pride in ignorance and love of vulgarity that dominates the popular media does not seem to apply in corporate America. The Web teems with consultants and business coaches who list gravitas as a characteristic of â€Å"executive presence,† an elusive quality that leads to promotion and is required in positions of leadership. According to an article at Forbes, the gravitas associated with executive presence comprises â€Å"confidence, poise under pressure and decisiveness.† Closely associated with this quality are speaking and writing skills. Executives who possess gravitas: do not sprinkle their speech with vulgarities. do not mumble, but enunciate their words and pronounce them conventionally. do not let their voices rise at the end of sentences that are not questions. On the other hand, they do: avoid nonstandard usage that would make them sound uneducated. speak in a pleasant rhythm and modulate their voices to avoid shrillness or nasality. express themselves coherently and grammatically, even in email. Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, and founder of Dozuki, believes that carelessness with language is symptomatic of carelessness in other areas: Grammar signifies more than just a person’s ability to remember high school English. I’ve found that people who make fewer mistakes on a grammar test also make fewer mistakes when they are doing something completely unrelated to writing - like stocking shelves or labeling parts. His policy of refusing to hire anyone who cannot pass a grammar test has stirred heated controversy. His critics feel that mastery of one’s native language should apply only to employees involved directly with written communication. For example, contrary to Wiens, writer John McWhorter would require the ability to tell the difference between â€Å"your† and â€Å"you’re† only of those whose jobs require â€Å"taking dictation, writing technical directions and blog entries, teaching school, etc.† McWhorter even suggests that people who don’t demonstrate mastery of standard usage are not necessarily lazy, but are â€Å"more likely† victims of ineffective public education. Whatever the cause, a large segment of the American workforce lacks basic writing skills. A survey of 120 American corporations conducted by the National Commission on Writing, a panel established by the College Board, concluded that a third of employees in these companies wrote poorly enough to require in-house remediation costing as much as $3.1 billion annually. The tragedy of all this waste is that CEOs are not looking for people who can write like prize-winning novelists. All they want are people who can speak and write clearly enough to get their point across in a standard form of basic English skills that can be mastered by eighth-graders. TV shows and car ads may get laughs by poking fun at gravitas, but speakers who want to get ahead in the business world will master a form of standard English and know when to use it. 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 Business Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Possessive of Proper Names Ending in SDoes "Mr" Take a Period?10 Writing Exercises to Tighten Your Writing

Administrative law in Britain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Administrative law in Britain - Essay Example British Administrative Law is a part of British public law. It involves law pertaining to the control and authority of British departmental agencies or those agencies that are given constitutional power by the administration (Leyland and Anthony, 2008, 45) There is great popularity of such law reforms in most of the countries, however, they have been extensively criticised too. Main constituents of British Administrative Law are Ombudsmen, Tribunals, Judicial review and Freedom of Information. Ombudsman According to the Administrative law post of Ombudsman is connected to the Parliament of Westminster and some other posts at the Parliament of Scotland, some of the government institutions and Welsh Assembly. The main responsibility of Ombudsman is to inspect problems of malpractices of administration. Tribunals This constituent of British Administrative Law includes numbers of local public bodies, which are also called non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Judicial review This conte nt of British administrative law includes supervision of implementation of general public power by the Administrative Courts. If someone feels that an act of a government body, for instance his/ her local council or a constitutional court, is against the law, or it has dishonoured his/her civil rights, they may register a complaint at the Administrative Court (which is a branch of High Court) for legal reassessment of the decision and get their problem solved or perhaps take compensation. (Leyland and Anthony, 2008, 35) ... Nevertheless, the basic aim and objective of both these Acts is well indistinguishable – same sort of public bodies that are included in Britain, Northern Ireland and Wales are also included in Scotland Act. . (Leyland and Anthony, 2008, 42) Moreover, its basic terms and conditions are very closed to each other, despite the fact that the Freedom of Information Act of Scotland is a little stronger than English Act in support of disclosing information. But Freedom of Information Act 2000 is not applicable for public bodies in the foreign territories. (Barnett, 2004, 221) The former Prime Minister Tony Blair who actually brought main idea of the Freedom of Information Act, showed his disappointed from the Act afterwards. According to him, this Act obstructs the capacity of government officials to act under a sensible level of privacy. Implementation of the Administrative Law is seen as a major constitutional change that has been implemented in the course of past few years. Number s of changes have also taken place within British House of Commons too, like pre-legislative trials are now given much more importance, select committees have been made much stronger, change in work hours etc. This is not possible to do justice to all the reforms, however this is a major thing that it is an obligation for the British Prime Minister to present himself at the Liaison Select Committee of the House two times in every year to be questioned about any subject whatsoever. Critics have shown their reservations on the commitment to this sort of well-planned constitutional programme. UK Administrative and Constitutional Law have remarkably changed since year 1997. (Barnett, 2004, 225) There are several public bodies too, whose resolutions can also be

Compare and contrast the fixed and flexible budgets Assignment

Compare and contrast the fixed and flexible budgets - Assignment Example However, in unstable business scenario, flexible budget is always more relevant as it helps the business to effectively manage possible changes in the business environment, which would be hazardous if not well managed. Therefore, budget managers are usually faced with the task of adopting the right type of budget for their organisations depending on business situation. This paper explores fixed and flexible budgets, their differences, preparation procedures and functions. A fixed budget (static budget), is a type of budget that remains unchanged over the budget period regardless of changes in the level of activity of the organisation. A fixed budget is â€Å"prepared of for one level of activity for a definite time period† (Dutta 2004 p. 25). On the contrary, a flexible budget is a budget which is designed to change with changes in activity level. It is also referred to as variable budget because it takes into account cost behaviour, such as fixed and variable costs, in connection with changes in output level or turnover (Weygandt, Kieso & Kimmel 2010). A fixed budget remains constant relative to the variation in the actual level of activity attained. This makes it inflexible. On the other hand, a flexible budget changes with the variation in the level of actual activity, which makes it flexible (Tulsian & Tulsian 2005). A fixed budget is developed based on one level of activity and relies on the assumption that no change will occur in the prevailing circumstances, which is impractical. On the other hand, a flexible budget is based on various levels of activity (Weygandt, Kieso & Kimmel 2010). In a fixed budget, all costs are related to a single level of activity. As such, variance analysis fails to provide valuable information about cost differences. On contrary, flexible budget analyses each cost on the ground of cost behaviour and thus gives important information about cost variances (Tulsian & Tulsian 2005). Under fixed budgets, the comparison of