A Summary of The Element by Ken Robinson and Lou Aronica Free Essay Example, 1250 words

It is quite essential to state that the book includes a number of real-life examples that the authors have cited to justify their propositions regarding human talents and behaviors. The authors have cited varied examples of people who have been top achievers in a wide array of the field like visual art. Directing, dancing, singing, acting and writing and has gone on to prove that many individuals who were poor students in schools and colleges in terms of grades have later on become successful in diverse fields because they have been able to identify their passion and use their natural talents to follow their passion. The author has also given real-life cases in which it is clearly proved that many individuals have achieved success and shone in different fields of work when they have revolted against the traditional and rigid constraints of education and society and chosen to follow their own dreams and passion. The book includes the examples of real-life success stories of well-kno wn figures in the world of creativity like Albert Einstein, Matt Groening, Meg Ryan, Mick Fleetwood, Gillian Lynne, Paul Samuelson, Debbie Allen, Bart Corner, Paul McCartney and many others. We will write a custom essay sample on A Summary of The Element by Ken Robinson and Lou Aronica or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page

The Center For Disease Control - 1218 Words

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services. It is most widely known for its study and tracking of diseases. It actually does much more than that. One category of information available from the CDC includes injury, violence and safety. The CDC in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) collects data on violence that is directly related to the fields of criminal justice and criminology. The CDC is often overlooked as a source of information in the study of criminology, but it has a lot of relevant information. For this report I will use information from the World Report on Violence and Health obtained from the CDC website to discuss youth violence and sexual violence. I will†¦show more content†¦32). Other factors include psychological and behavioral characteristics like hyperactivity, impulsiveness, risk taking behavior, poor concentration and low IQ. Relationship issues with family members such as violence in t he home, low family cohesion, low socioeconomic status and even single parent households can all put youths at greater risk for violence. People, especially youths, are often influenced by their peers. If a person associates themselves with the wrong crowd or becomes part of a gang, they are likely to engage in violent behavior. Urban areas tend to have higher crime rates in general, so it’s no surprise that youth violence would be higher in these neighborhoods. Another factor that can lead to youth violence within a given community is the level of policing that takes place. A lack of police presence or enforcement of the law can negatively impact deterrence and instead provide opportunity for deviant behavior. One last risk factor I will mention is the culture of violence that exists with technology. Exposure to violence on television, on the internet, in movies and in video games can increase the risk of youth violence. This is a controversial subject, and I personally do n’t like it when people use it as an excuse for their behavior. However, studies have shown that violence in countries without television increased after television had been introduced into their culture (WHO, 2015 p.38). So, what can be done to prevent orShow MoreRelatedThe Centers For Disease Control1649 Words   |  7 Pages The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have a non-stop job of protecting people in our country. They are our nation’s prevention agency and have a long reach all over the world. Their job is 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, in which they work to protect people from injuries, disabilities, diseases and other health problems that comes with natural diseases and bioterrorism attacks. They do a lot of good, but face many challenges. The CDC according to (Wikipedia, 2015) â€Å"Eighty percent haveRead MoreThe Center For Disease Control999 Words   |  4 PagesThe CDC is a worldwide resource for control of diseases. While the Georgia Composite Medical Board is an agency that licenses anyone in a healthcare job an example would be physicians. This board investigates healthcare professionals complaints. They also discipline the healthcare professionals who violate the Medical Practice Act. They can violate other laws though. (Purpose and Mission Statement). Nevertheless, these laws govern the way the health care providers should behave. In other words, ifRead MoreThe Center For Disease Control1380 Words   |  6 Pages As the Center for Disease Control (CDC) (2015) confirms, human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STD or STI) among men and women; it is so common that nearly every sexually active individual will get it at some point in their lives. With about 14 million new cases each year, the CDC (2015) reports a prevalence of about 79 million cases of persons currently infected with HPV in the United States (US). Also, with cervical cancer being the most serious outcomeRead MoreThe Center For Disease Control961 Words   |  4 PagesThe Center for Disease Control Rhetorical Analysis The Heartbeat of Public Awareness on ADHD Even though the CDC provides a vast amount of information, the CDC website provides facts regarding ADHD, because CDC provides information for families and children living with ADHD and overall, broadens the public’s awareness. The Centers for disease control and prevention begins by providing analyzes to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by acknowledging facts to a common but not so commonRead MoreThe Center For Disease Control1353 Words   |  6 PagesINTRODUCTION The center for disease control (CDC) dates EHEC O157:H7 transmission to 1982.9 Its spread started with person to person contact and waterborne infection. Worldwide, incident rate ranges from 1 – 30 per 100,000 person with an increasing number of cases. About 73,000 persons are affected every year in the United States with about 67 death yearly 6. In Canada, in the town of Walkerton with 5000 people, an outbreak was reported with an estimated 2500 people affected 16. Germany has theRead MoreThe Center For Disease Control885 Words   |  4 PagesPatient Fall Risk The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that total cost in fall-related injuries will exceed over 30 billion by the year 2020 (Bonuel, Manjos, Lockett, Gray-Becknell, 2011, p. 156). Reducing the risk of patient falls will minimize patient injuries and reduce financial constraints placed on hospitals. According to the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) the risk of patient falls is a nursing-sensitive indicator (ANA Indicator History, 2015). As a wayRead MoreThe Center For Disease Control2009 Words   |  9 PagesIn 2014, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) did a study on bullying and the found that 19.4% of all the students interviewed had been bullied at school. This may not seem very surprising, bullying has been going on for decades. Generations of men and women have come to fear the people who walk the halls, stealing lunch money from those weaker than them. However, it is interesting to note that 14.8% of that 19.4% had reported being cyber bullied . Unlike the standard physical bullying, cyberbullyingRead MoreCenters for Disease Control and Prevention629 Words   |  3 PagesCDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weam Khadim PBHE501-American Public University May 21, 2013 Dr. Shalah Watkins-Bailey Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Center for Disease Control and Prevention is a national public health federal agency under Department of Health and Human Services headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It is division of Department of Health and Human Services responsible for managing national programs for control and prevention of communicable diseasesRead MoreCenters For Disease Control And Prevention Essay753 Words   |  4 Pages1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC-Funded HIV Testing: United, States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Atlanta, Georgia 2014. An 85-page, 2014, Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued guidelines for HIV funding and testing. The document highlights the steps that organizations proving HIV testing and services must follow, upon receiving a positive HIV test results. This process includes uniting medical and social aspects of HIV care for the patient by providing referrals toRead MoreThe Center For Disease Control And Prevention1506 Words   |  7 PagesProject Proposal Description I will be evaluating the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) One Only Campaign. This educational public health campaign has been led by the CDC in partnership with the Safe Injection Practices Coalition (SIPC) (CDC, 2015). Evaluating the Channels and Messages I will utilize the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Framework for Effective Campaigns to evaluate this public health educational campaign (Valente, 2001). I will apply course concepts to analyze

The City and Its Workers Free Essays

Chapter 19 The city and its workers (1870-1900) Jump Start: March 14, 2011 As the 19th century closes and the 20th century begins, different technologies help spur the many changes taking place. What symbolism can we take from the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge? It is a marker of time periods (separates this time period from that time period) March 16,2011 Why did some immigrant groups decide to stay in the United States after arriving, while other groups only stayed long enough to make some money? March 17, 2011 What were Jim Crow Laws? Give an example of how they were applied. March 18, 2011 Who was Jacob Riis? What did he produce? Why was it important? March 21,2011 Explain the new emerging class systems, which were based upon occupation. We will write a custom essay sample on The City and Its Workers or any similar topic only for you Order Now White collar blue collar- largely unskilled( jobs require more physical than intellectual) United states emerged as a major industrial power by the end of the 19th century * Large scale immigration, urbanization, and technological innovation help out great promise for future, even as these dramatic changes led to social dislocation, urban squalor, labor strife, and death. * Constructed between 1869-1883, the Brooklyn bridge stood as a testament to the wonders and horrors of America at the close of the nineteenth and opening of the twentieth century * Its construction cost the lives of wenty men and it was considered both a work of art and an engineering marvel upon completion The rise of the city * By the end of the nineteenth century, the emergence of the modern city represented the most dramatic demographic development in the united states * From New york to Chicago to Los Angeles, cities exploded in size, fed in part by the rapid pace of global migrations, especially from souther n and eastern Europe * BEFORE 1880 immigrants came from the northern and western Europe * AFTER 1880 immigrants came from southern and eastern Europe. Racism and the cry for Immigration Restriction * Workers often found themselves pitted against one another, with ethnic rivalry dividing the skilled northern European workers and the unskilled southern and eastern European workers. * Even among educated people of the nineteenth century, the ethnic and religious differences of immigrants were perceived as racial characteristics. * The idea of social Darwinism further supported â€Å"white† society’s claim to racial superiority. African Americans in the North African Americans began their migration north in search of equality * In an effort to leave behind the segregation and Jim Crow Laws of the south, they found jobs on the bottoms rung of the occupational ladder. Asian Americans * Asians= scapegoats of the changing economy A new king of racism * Many Americans saw newcomers as impossible to assimilate * Trade Unions and old-stock aristocrats criticized America’s Immigration policies * A literacy test for new Eur opean immigrants passed through Congress but was vetoed by President Grover Cleveland. Jacob Riis * His How the Other Half Lives (1890) graphically showed the poverty of the ghettos * The nouveaux riches (new rich) provided the grandeur and splendor of the age with their magnificent mansions and ostentatious costume parties. * With 1% of the populations owning more than half of the property in America. Plessy v. Fergoson -Separate but equal is ok Brown v. Board of education Topeka, Kansas * Separate but equal is unconstitutional With industrialization and urbanization came both great poverty and great wealth within the cities. * In the outer circles of the cites, people had more money, lived in single family homes, and commuted to work on streetcars. What types of workers were there? * Workers in American industry in the late nineteenth century worked in a variety of settings , ranging from: * Skilled occupations in factories * Piecework that was contracted within the home * construction White-collar office work. * Backbone of the American labor force were the common l aborers. * These â€Å"human machines† stood at the bottom of the country’s economic ladder and generally am recent groups * At the opposite end of the labor spectrum were skilled craftsmen * Employers attempted to end the control that skilled works had ove their. work by bearjng slmalled oarts andtrokcadin the skiled workers with the unskilled * Women typically earned less money than their male counterparts, many oung worjubg men sought hear in dance halls, social clubs, and amusement park after exhausting. America’s diverse workers * Although such efficiencies meant that a greater variety of goods at lower * Boys who lived in the cites some as young as 6 years old, plied their trades as bootblacks and newsboys; Many of the boys were homeless, orphaned or cast off by their families The family economy : women and children * In new york city, the children’s aid societiey tried to better the situation of these, the city’s youngest works=er How to cite The City and Its Workers, Essay examples

Gastronomy as a Tourism Product

Question: Describe about the Report for Gastronomy as a Tourism Product. Answer: Introduction Tourism has become a prerequisite for life, and with the increase in the daily stress level, across the globe, people desire for a getaway. Although the idea related to tourism originates from the hectic schedule most of us lead, however, these visits leave us enlightened in so many different ways and through so many different aspects of tourism. Australian tourism industry has witnessed a rise from 2.7 million in 92 to 6.7 million in 14 (www.tourism.vic.gov.au 2016). Gastronomy based tourism is turning into a new rave where, tourists are visiting destinations statistically, a tourist spends one third of his budget in gastronomical indulgence (Kivela and Crotts 2006). The report relates the way gastronomy is related to tourism and the idea is realized by detailing the visit to two sites which has contributed to the understanding if gastronomy. Two of the sites that were visited include the Queen Victoria Market and the Food Truck Park. These two sites are visited in hordes both by the locals and by the tourists. The Queen Vic boasts about the best of fresh farm produce, which includes a large variety of fruits and vegetables along with dairy and meat, based products. Food trucks add to the delights of the tourists by serving fast food with a twist of their own. Theory Tourism flourishes based on the geographical and demographical details of a place, the cultural heritage associated of the place but more importantly, accommodation facilities, lastly, the top priority mostly goes to the purpose (Sormaz et al. 2016). The thought that whether gastronomy is the sole purpose of travel or it applies as a complimentary element, is quite debatable. However, gastronomy is a non-compromising aspect of tourism (Zaman and Kayserili 2015). The assortment and individuality of products of a place related to food, plays the most important role drawing the tourists. A sudden surge in the demand of local food products, specific of the exotic spices, culinary techniques, has helped in promoting gastronomical tourism. This type of tourism is bound to succeed since a tourist is certain to have at least 3-4 meals a day (Georghe, Tudorache and Nistoreanu 2014). This fact changes the face of everything and aids in promoting tourism. Gastronomy has ascertained itself as a product of tourism, which is highly sustainable. Several destinations dedicate their revival of tourism only to the gastronomy. Gastronomic tourism, agri-tourism, culinary tourism, gastro-tourism, wine tourism and food tourism are the different facets of the same thing. Gastronomic tourism can be defined as travelling for the sake of experiencing the gastronomical resources of the destinations which is likely to include visiting food festivals, food fairs, food tastings, cooking exhibitions etc. (Snchez-Caizares and Lpez-Guzmn 2012) This approach helps the people to get more acquainted with the culture and heritage of the place much better than the mere sightseeing. This attitude in return helps in the restoration and maintaining of the culture and heritage of that place, for the sake of promoting tourism. The way a recipe is created, the ingredients, the condiments, the way it is presented and eaten, everything reflects the lifestyle and culture of the people of that particular destination. The traditions and cultures also get reflected in their food habits and preparations. The authenticity imparted through the food by a destination is a great motivator for the tourists to participate in gastronomical tourism. Along with it, the diversity of a pla ce, based on the society having a multicultural appearance, is an added advantage for a food lover. Each culture influences the way the cuisines are prepared. Although agri-tourism or agricultural tourism is limited with the locals but it is slowly setting the stage for the international tourists to participate in it. In this type of tourism, people visit a destination known to be famous for its agricultural produce (Jimnez Beltrn, Lpez-Guzmn and Santa-Cruz 2016. The tourists visit the fields and participate in the farming. It not only helps in promoting the popularity of the produce but also helps in promoting tourism of that place. Examples of such area are coffee plantations in Colombia, vineyards in France, even paddy fields in several Chinese provinces (Richards 2014). These areas host the tourists at the farms where they whip up local delicacies. They are a great attraction for the families where the children engage in playing with and feeding the farm animals. Culinary tourism on the other hand is based on the preparation techniques applied to prepare dishes which is native to that place. The term was first fabricated by Long (2004), in the year 1998. During a culinary tourism, people get to engage in cooking classes organized by the locals, for example cheese making classes, wine brewing events, sushi making classes, canning fruits and vegetables etc. (Frost and Laing 2016). Many of the tourists enthusiastically participate in these classes, looking forward to gain something from these experiences. This adds a hedonic profile to the tourist that the tourism is mostly inclined towards an experience and less towards indulgence. The passion towards experimenting with new flavors, smell and texture of various food recipes, is the top priority for tourists indulging in culinary tourism. Tourism flourishes based on the geographical and demographical details of a place, the cultural heritage associated of the place but more importantly, accommodation facilities, lastly, the top priority mostly goes to the purpose. The thought that whether gastronomy is the sole purpose of travel or it applies as a complimentary element, is quite debatable. However, gastronomy is a non-compromising aspect of tourism (O'Halloran 2015). The assortment and individuality of products of a place related to food, plays the most important role drawing the tourists. A sudden surge in the demand of local food products, specific of the exotic spices, culinary techniques, has helped in promoting gastronomical tourism. This type of tourism is bound to succeed since a tourist is certain to have at least 3-4 meals a day (Georghe, Tudorache and Nistoreanu 2014). This fact changes the face of everything and aids in promoting tourism. Not only from the gastronomical approach, but also from several other aspects such as the transport, lodging, etc. If people throng these places, even if it is just for the sake of food, they would require for a place to stay as well as a means of transport to travel around. It resembles to a structure of overall development in the economy of that particular destination. If the international tourists visit in masses, it will prompt domestic tourism too. The previous experience on the part of the tourist also plays an important role in promoting gastronomic tourism. If a tourist had a good experience with a place in regard to the It gastronomic delights, will prompt him to pay a second visit to the same place for its sake (Brokaj 2014). It is similar to visiting the Napa valley to taste the wines, or returning to Italy to try every possible delicacies of pasta they whip up or visiting Belgium in fact for the sake of the shokolade. People would love to go back to these places repeatedly, drawn only by the memory of the taste, flavor, smell and even texture. Tourism contributes greatly to the economy of Australia. States like New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria is highly dependent on tourism for their gross economy (www.tra.gov.au 2016). The Victorian state of Melbourne serves as the popular destination spot for the tourists. Gastronomy has proved to be a tourism promoting aspect for some time now (www.pc.gov.au 2016). Masses across the globe are visiting destinations to experiment with different flavors, culinary skills and exotic food, which they usually do not find in their native places. The popularity has gained a new tempo due to the emerging trend of promoting local culinary on television shows. Channels such as Travel and Living dedicate its shows in showcasing the different cultures and their style of fooding and living. There are shows such as Master Chef Australia, Top Chef, where the viewers get a taste of fine dining. This basically proves to be an encouragement to actually visit place and get a hands-on experience of t he culture and heritage of that place, infused in its food. Be it the locals or the tourists, it is hard to resist the temptation of not being delighted by a large array of fresh produce displayed in beautiful colors. Queen Victoria Market is the largest open market of the Southern Hemisphere (www.qvm.com.au 2016). It spans over several blocks. The market is a considered as a historic landmark. It was founded in the year 1878 and evidently, has come a long way since then (Jimnez Beltrn, Lpez-Guzmn, and Santa-Cruz 2016). Queen Vic is famous among both the tourists and the locals, for not only the fresh farm produce deals but also several other stuff such as clothing, crafts, shoes, jewellery etc. The attitude of people towards the consumption of food, that promotes health and has been grown without any agricultural practice, which comprises of usage of harmful chemicals (Lee, Packer and Scott 2015). There are several events, which are organized at the market for the visitors and it is popular, both, among the young and old. Queen Vic also feat ures a long line of food stalls in the food court, each one bragging to tickle the palette of the bon vivant. The display of exotic fruits and vegetables however, serves as the main attraction for the tourists. Tourists get to treat themselves to all these delights offered at the food stalls as well as the fresh farm produces available at the market. The reasonable price of the produce, considering a healthier option, Victoria boasts of having a Food Truck Park, at High Street in Preston, is thronged by many locals, as well as tourists who visit the country in scores every year. The Australian Mobile Food Vendors Group is responsible for managing the Food Truck Park (www.thefoodtruckpark.com.au 2016). The Group arranges the event in a way that it follows a rotational pattern where, several names (food trucks), get an opportunity to present their delicacies to the locales and the tourists alike. These food trucks are believed to be a learning ground for budding chefs (www.amfvg.com.au 2016). Tourists warm up to the idea of getting to witness a single place with so many options to please their gastronomical buds. The most prominent ones in the Food truck initiative are the DeadBeetz, Pig BBQ Point, Yummy Truck, The Love Perogy etc. (Beltrn, Cruz and Lpez-Guzmn 2016). The park also organizes entertainment events involving bands performing live for the visitors. Food trucks have gained a lot of popula rity over the years and it is solely dedicated to the idea of food on wheels concept. It is like a concise way of presenting quality food, enriched in flavors, beautiful texture, culture, lifestyle, and authenticity, everything served in a little pocket. This proves to be a hugely enticing idea for a tourist who is a gourmet at heart. Conclusion For some people it is not just a matter of visiting a country or a destination, it is always more than that. To visit a destination is to absorb the culture and heritage of that place and live it even if it is for a short period. Tourism need not be just travelling from one destination to the other, pleasing the senses in every possible way makes it a complete success. A gastronomical experience fulfills our sense of taste, smell and sight. Although only the report is based on the visits at the farmers market and the food truck, several other sites are also involved with gastronomical tourism. For example, visit to a food street where the street is lined with fine dining areas, or seaside shacks in order to get a local flavor, or even visit food festivals that are organized around 365 days. The use of various media tools, such as travel guides, blogs, pictures posted on social networking sites, aids in popularizing the food products. It furthers the act of promoting tourism of a plac e digitally. Arranging for food festivals, food tasting, wine tasting events can encourage the promotion of the tourism industry of a place. Therefore, justifiably, gastronomy is a tourism product which helps retaining the sustainability of tourism as it helps in promoting the economic and social development of a destination. References Beltrn, F.J.J., Cruz, F.G.S. and Lpez-Guzmn, T., 2016. Gastronomy as a Factor of Tourism Development: Case Study of the City of Crdoba in Spain. Journal of Gastronomy and Tourism,2(1), pp.1-14. Brokaj, M., 2014. The impact of the gastronomic offer in choosing tourism destination: The case of Albania.Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies,3(2), p.249. Frost, W. and Laing, J., 2016.Gastronomy, Tourism and the Media(Vol. 74). Channel View Publications. Gheorghe, G., Tudorache, P. and Nistoreanu, P., 2014. Gastronomic Tourism, A New Trend For Contemporary Tourism?Cactus Tourism Journal,9(1), pp.12-21. https://thefoodtruckpark.com.au/2016/preston/ https://www.amfvg.com.au/history-of-australian-mobile-food-vendors-group-amfvg/ https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/international-tourism/international-tourism.pdf https://www.qvm.com.au/shops-and-stalls/ https://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/about/tourism-victoria-annual-reports.html https://www.tra.gov.au/research/International-Visitors-in-Australia-December-2015-Quarterly-Results-of-the-International-Visitor-Survey.html Jimnez Beltrn, J., Lpez-Guzmn, T. and Santa-Cruz, F.G., 2016. Gastronomy and Tourism: Profile and Motivation of International Tourism in the City of Crdoba, Spain.Journal of Culinary Science Technology,14(4), pp.347-362. Jimnez-Beltrn, F.J., Lpez-Guzmn, T. and Gonzlez Santa Cruz, F., 2016. Analysis of the Relationship between Tourism and Food Culture.Sustainability,8(5), p.418. Kivela, J. and Crotts, J.C., 2006. Tourism and gastronomy: Gastronomy's influence on how tourists experience a destination.Journal of Hospitality Tourism Research,30(3), pp.354-377. Lee, K.H., Packer, J. and Scott, N., 2015. Travel lifestyle preferences and destination activity choices of Slow Food members and non-members.Tourism Management,46, pp.1-10. O'Halloran, R.M., 2015. Foodies food tourism.Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, pp.1-3. Richards, G., 2014, November. The role of gastronomy in tourism development. In Fourth International Congress on Noble Houses: A Heritage for the Future. Snchez-Caizares, S.M. and Lpez-Guzmn, T., 2012. Gastronomy as a tourism resource: profile of the culinary tourist.Current Issues in Tourism,15(3), pp.229-245. Sormaz, U., Akmese, H., Gunes, E. and Aras, S., 2016. Gastronomy in Tourism. Procedia Economics and Finance, 39, pp.725-730. Zaman, S. and Kayserili, A., 2015. The Role of Geographical Signs in Gastronomy Tourism: A Case Study of Erzurum Cag Kebab.International Journal of Academic Research in Environment and Geography,2(1), pp.46-53.

Birds By Hitchcock Essays - English-language Films, Suspense Films

Birds By Hitchcock The plot of Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 "The Birds," taken from a Daphne Du Maurier (who wrote the novel "Rebecca") short story, seems ludicrous. Birds attacking a small town, actually killing people. But in the competent hands of the master of suspense, the movie is frighteningly, well, suspenseful. Evan Hunter (who also writes under the name Ed McBain) wrote the screenplay, and while not all of the characters are well enough developed for the viewer to understand their occasionally awkward behavior, has nonetheless crafted an interesting story that captures and maintains interest. Birds are flapping about in the opening shots, a forewarning of their sinister activities to come, before we're introduced to Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren), the daughter of a newspaper owner. As she walks into a pet shop director Hitchcock makes his signature cameo appearance (walking his two real-life dogs). She meets a handsome defense attorney named Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor), and pretends to work at the store when he asks for help finding lovebirds for his little sister's birthday. He embarrasses her by saying that he remembers her from a court appearance (one of her practical jokes resulted in a broken window), and that he just led her on to give her a taste of her own medicine. Curious about Mitch and not to be outdone, Melanie buys two lovebirds and tracks him down. She makes a trip to Bodega Bay, where he lives on the weekends with his widowed mother, Lydia (Jessica Tandy) and sister, Cathy (Veronica Cartwright), sneaks into the empty house, and leaves the birds for Cathy. He spots her as she begins leaving in a boat, and drives off to meet her at the dock, when, as she comes closer to it, a gull sweeps down and pecks her head. Mitch takes her to the local diner and takes care of her cut. Melanie decides to stay in town for the night, and reappears at the home of schoolteacher Annie Hayworth (Suzanne Pleshette), who had given her directions to the Brenner house earlier. She sleeps over at Annie's house, and the two women talk. Annie's odd behavior earlier in the day (her presumptuous questions about Melanie's relationship with Mitch, etc.) is explained when she says that she used to be involved with Mitch. Melanie is about to get ready for bed when the women hear a noise at the door. Annie opens it to find that a bird had flown into it, falling to the porch, dead. The birds begin more direct attacks on the town, first going after children at Cathy's birthday party, and then infiltrating the Brenner's house through the fireplace. The next day, Lydia leaves to drop Cathy off at school and goes over to a farmer's house to talk about why her chickens aren't eating, when she discovers the man's dead body, ravaged by the birds. In a surprisingly graphic shot (for 1963), we see his blood-filled eye sockets. Lydia rushes home, shaken, and when Melanie brings her tea in bed later that morning, the two women have a conversation that sort of clears up the indifferent attitude Lydia had been displaying towards Melanie. Melanie tells Lydia, who isn't certain that Cathy is safe at school, that she will go to the school and bring her back. Class is in session, so Melanie goes outside to the playground and, as she lights a cigarette, birds begin gathering quietly behind her. When she becomes aware of them, she goes inside and notifies Miss Hayworth. They give the children instructions as to how to evacuate, hopefully without provoking attack. In one of the many cool scenes where birds are chasing people, the school children are shown being attacked as they are running home. I don't want to give away too much more of the story, but I will say that the following things occur: more talk about other weird bird encounters from people who learn of the attack at school, an explosion, another dead body is found, there is another attack, a power outage, and an attack on Melanie that is at times visually reminiscent of Janet Leigh's shower stabbing in "Psycho." One of my favorite things about "The Birds" is the ending. It doesn't offer an explanation, and it doesn't offer a way out. Instead, it shows birds covering almost everything in sight. Originally, Hitchcock wanted the last shot to be of the Golden Gate Bridge covered in birds, but it didn't work out. Cleverly, this is the only of his films that don't end with the

Critiquing a Research Study Presented In a Journal Article for an Educational Research Methods Module

Critiquing a Research Study Presented In a Journal Article for an Educational Research Methods Module The Focus, Purpose and Rationale for the Study The study highlights the importance of investigating student-teachers’ involvement in active learning. Learning is a lifelong experience. It may also be attained from professional practice. The study utilizes an investigative approach. This approach is based on the assessment of competencies of the participants.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Critiquing a Research Study Presented In a Journal Article for an Educational Research Methods Module specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The basic focus of the study is to assess the methodologies that teachers adopt in their personal learning (Haggera, Burna, Muttona Brindley 2008, p. 159). Thus, it is based on the context of student-teachers. The objective of this study is achieved through the application of four consecutive interviews on the student-teachers. The investigation is based on the extent to which stu dent-teachers conceptualize important lessons. Basically, the purpose of the study is to determine how the student-teachers learn from their experiences. The study seeks to evaluate the potential disparities in the student-teacher learning process. It is important to understand various approaches adopted by student teachers on professional learning (Smeyers Depaepe 2009, p. 76). This is because it prepares the teacher adequately. Due to this, they develop the capacity to influence the new professionals to be competent. The level of competency may vary within different individuals. In the study, competency of the personalities is investigated systematically. The participants are viewed as teachers and professional learners. The rationale of this investigation is to assess the level of efficiency of theoretical training of these teachers. The research questions are drawn from this concept. Assessment of the level of teacher involvement and commitment to professionalism is important. The concept constitutes one of the important research questions of the study. The impact of theoretical concepts and practical experience on teacher professionalism is investigated in the study. In addition, an analysis of the impacts of life-long learning and experiences in teacher innovation is also evident. Generally, the study addresses an overall approach. This includes both international and local trends. The concept of â€Å"managerialism† on teacher learning and practice is also addressed (Haggera, Burna, Muttona Brindley 2008, p. 159). A critical analysis of the study indicates that the research questions are not clearly outlined. It is important to understand such provisions. This is because they determine the study outcome.Advertising Looking for critical writing on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Ideally, an empirical study requires a precise and logical statement of the research questi ons. This observation is critical due to many reasons. For instance, it helps in the definition of study variables. Additionally, the setting of hypotheses largely depends on the reliability of the research questions (Mason 2002, p. 27). However, the study tends to address important concerns within the education sector globally. The basic aim of this study is to investigate how the student-teachers learn specific concepts. Indeed, one requires a lot of devotion to note the basic research questions. The Research Methodology Used A research methodology describes the basic empirical strategies applied in an investigation. A properly defined and applied methodology provides reliable and accurate study results (Oliver, P 2010, p. 43). Generally, a longitudinal investigative approach is utilized in the study. The process involved post-lesson interviews. These interviews are administered to approximately 25 persons. These were student teachers of a one-year postgraduate training. Notably, two-system school based setting formed the main centre for the study. An analytical examination of the processes involved indicates great disparities and loopholes. It is agreeable that in any research process, the loopholes are bound to interfere with the quality of results. Population and Sample The study applied a longitudinal sampling procedure. The main focus was the newly enrolled teachers. The study generalizes on the patterns observed within the global context. Generally, any good sample size must consider adequate representation. This helps to provide accurate results. It is important to indicate that the study enrolled a limited number of participants. However, there is no justification for this action. Therefore, the basic implication is that the sample size is not purely representative of the targeted population. It is notable that an initial enrolment of the participants included only thirty-six teachers. These participants were drawn from two appropriately established learning systems. An explanation of the subjects included in the study is evident. Perhaps, this describes the exclusion and inclusion criterion. It is evident that a representative sample enhances the accuracy of the study results (Burnie 2002, p. 44). The study is based on the global trends of teacher learning. Therefore, the general implication is that the applied sample size remains unrepresentative.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Critiquing a Research Study Presented In a Journal Article for an Educational Research Methods Module specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Response Rate The response rate is a critical indicator of the success and validity of any empirical research. There is proper illustration of all critical objectives. The development of thinking and practice of each respondent was assessed over a period of time. This means that in order to obtain the appropriate response, it was important t o conduct monitoring and interviews over a long period of time. However, it is important to note that only 25 responses out of the total 36 sample size matured. Observably, the disparity in the response rate in relation to the sample size is relatively high. The study indicates that only 25 full data sets were obtained. In consideration of the relatively narrowed sample size, the study ought to have attained a nearly full response rate. In basic empirical research, it is potentiated that a relatively small sample size should achieve high response rates (Oliver, P 2010, p. 60). The study also failed to explain the reason for the disparity in the response rate. Data Collection Instruments The study utilized the semi-structured interviews to gather data from the sampled teacher students. The interviews were conducted in intervals, counting to one year. Basically, these instruments remained focused on the participant’s opinions on the lessons. They also investigated issues about the participant’s personal learning with regard to the required professional practice. The instruments remained focused on the subject matter of the study. In order to attain quality results, this was empirically appropriate. However, the study does not elaborate on the pilot study and instrument testing. It is also vital to indicate the importance of the application of a wide variety of data collection instruments. This is important in achieving the efficiency of triangulation approach (Mason 2002, p. 67). Consequently, it is important in gauging the reliability and dependability of the study instruments. Data Analysis and Display The data analysis is based on the discussions and rating conducted amongst the researchers. Notably, the study lacked the utilization of a systematic computer program for statistical analysis. The processing of the data and presentation through the human matrix system may appear illogical. This is because of the biases that might exist due to human confounding factors (Kent 2001, p. 35). An application of a programmed statistical system for data analysis is appropriate for the study. It may also be deduced that the grouping mechanism applied for developing the matrix was logical. The methodology also allowed partial assessment of reliability and dependability of the data.Advertising Looking for critical writing on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Notably, other data display techniques such as the bar graphs, pie charts and comparative tables are not applied in the study. Therefore, an individual might not adequately comprehend the changes within the variables. Generally, a figurative presentation of data, combined with a descriptive analysis makes the display more appealing and comprehensive (Gibbs 2007, p. 67). Various statistical inferences are not applied in the study. These include the correlation, regression as well as multivariate analysis of variables. It is clear that a qualitative descriptive approach of data analysis is predominantly applied in the study. The Claims Made by the Researchers From the study, all student- teachers learn from their experiences. However, the study also indicates that the nature and level of the learning differs remarkably. This variance is observed to occur within a set of diverse dimensions. The researchers argue that comprehending the variety of strategies applied by student teachers i s vital (Haggera, Burna, Muttona Brindley 2008, p. 177). In this generalization, professional learning is observed to be beneficial. This applies both to the experienced teachers and the new entrants. From the brief presentation, it is clear that the study provides a more generalized assumption. This does not effectively translate into the narrowed sample size. These statements remain unreliable and invalid. This is because the study does not outline the basic methodology applied in testing the variables. The application of statistical approaches in the data analysis present reliable results. List of References Burnie, H 2002, Analyse and present research information: BSBCMN405A, Software Publications, Chatswood. Gibbs, G 2007, Analyzing qualitative data, SAGE, London, UK. Haggera, H, Burna, K, Muttona, T Brindley, S 2008, Practice makes perfect? Learning to learn as a teacher, Oxford Review of Education, vol. 34 no. 2, pp. 159–178. Kent, A 2001, Data construction and data analysis for survey research, Palgrave, Basingstoke, Hampshire. Mason, J 2002, Qualitative researching, SAGE, London, UK. Oliver, P 2010, Understanding the research process, SAGE, Los Angeles, CA. Smeyers, P Depaepe, M 2009, Educational Research: Proofs, Arguments, and Other Reasonings, Springer, New York, NY.

Reflection on Personal Writing Skills Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reflection on Personal Writing Skills - Essay Example Writing a coherent and informative essay, as I have learned requires accurate and comprehensive planning. I have therefore learned that note making makes it easier to align ideas and hence plan an essay in a way that the points will flow to bring out a coherent piece of writing. Originally, my note making skills were rather weak. I made mistakes in the beginning and could not create a comprehensible essay even when I had made notes. Writing, therefore, seems to me to be an art that can only be mastered through practice. When it comes to writing, I recall that at first, I had a problem developing anything from the notes and points that I had written down. This was originally due to numerous grammatical and lexical mistakes that made my writing rather incomprehensible. The first assignment comprised many of these mistakes and using the feedback obtained from the tutor, I was able to improve on this and make my writing better. In my second assignment, the tutor apparently recognized my improved writing skills and positively commented on that. I was happy to realize that my efforts were recognized. I later conferred with a few of my friends and realized that I could also get some positive feedback from them. For instance, from one of them, I learned how to arrange ideas into a coherent piece that was better than my previous papers. What mattered to me during all this time was that I was improving my writing skills and was getting more confident with myself every time.

Plan 9 from Outer Space Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Plan 9 from Outer Space - Essay Example However, the designer displays his bad taste in costumes with regards to the Eros (the alien being) and his accomplice Tanna, who both very obviously human were dressed in really shiny clothings that resembled nightsuits. Any form of realism was killed by their overly shiny night gowns and comical guns. The other characters were better off such as the dead wife of Bela Lugosi who resurfaces as the Vampire girl. She is slightly more believable with her black Adam’s family inspired gown, jetblack hair and scary long finger nails. Inspector Clay, who becomes her victim, is dressed up in a sharp detective suit which together with her hat makes for a decent get up. However, his acting could not have been more dreadful. The Army Colonel Edwards is also appropriately dressed in detective’s clothes. Set Design The set was very obviously bargain central. There is very little variety in scenery and the most used background is the cemetary, which is kept so simple it is obvious th e director was very short on cash. The movie opens with the cemetary where the Vampire girl is buried and most of it keeps resurfacing there. It is shot from only one angle with what seems like a fixed frame. The set barely has any room for movement. Jeff Trent’s house, which is next to the cemetary is no more realistic. It is the middle of summer but the couple chooses to keep the windows closed at night just to prevent any wandering breeze from flowing in and cooling them down. The worst part is how they presented the space ships. The presence of space ships was a central concept in the movie and the fact that a kind of tin material was used to present them makes it very humourous. The moments where the aliens fly by in their saucers is supposed to be scary, but it is hard to be scared when all you see are wheelcaps waivering in the sky. The cockpit where Jeff shoots his airplane scenes is also victim to cheap design. There is what seems like a shower separator which is the link between the cockpit and the rest of the aircraft. The waitress often comes through it as if she has no restrictions between the curtain and the supposed passengers sitting behind. Not to mention the inside of the alien saucer where only a few wooden tables and dials represent the inside of a very high-tech machine capable of travelling to earth from a different planet. Dialogue The dialogue is very comical. It makes the movie very odd and does not help the flow at all. While the mourning of Vampire girl in the opening of the movie, along with the supposedly ‘scary’ moments where Jeff and his wife experience the alien saucer were somewhat passable, they get specially hard to follow during the rest of the movie. The really unreal dialogues come in when Jeff and the team of alien hunters enter Eros’ spaceship where Eros, in a moment of anger and pity, explains, â€Å"All of you Earth are idiots†. The exchange of dialogue that follows pretty much reduces the movie to a comic strip. Eros explanation of the human race does not present any depth to the movie the director must have hoped for. Instead, when Eros says things like solarmanite â€Å"causes sunlight to explode,† it is hard to control your laughter. Of course, Criswell presented the intro and the outro to the movie and his presentation is worth mentioning. It is hard to ignore his poise when delivering his speech, â€Å"My friends, we cannot keep this a secret any longer, let us punish the guilty, let us reward the innocent.† To describe it as a cliche would not be justified. His straight face may be funny but he delivered it with conviction. Criswell’s dialogues should be given credit. Special Effects The effects could not have been anything greater given the budget the

Life Situations Represented through Graphs Essay

Life Situations Represented through Graphs - Essay Example The total amount paid in electricity bills for the last 10 months was $384, meaning that The average amount of electricity bill per month was $384/10 = $38.4 During 5 of the last 10 months, the electricity bill was above average of $38.4 and for the remaining 5, it was below the average amount. In terms of trend, the monthly electricity cost for the house increased from October 2010 onwards and reached a maximum of $49 in December 2010 before starting to decrease again. It has been decreasing since then. The graph is non-linear as no three successive points lie on the same line; although, the overall graph looks like a half sine curve with a clear peak during December 2010 and January 2011. The months of December 2010 to February 2010 had very high electricity bills compared to other months. In other words, the winter months had much higher electricity bills compared to spring and fall. This means that the consumption of electricity is rather seasonal. This seems natural as there is no heating required in the house during spring and fall, while the heating appliances are kept on during the winter months, which increases the consumption of electricity. It is likely that this trend would continue over the years although the peaks and the troughs in the graph can be brought lower by using energy efficient devices. References Glencoe. (n.d.).

Irish Free State And The Irish Civil War

Irish Free State And The Irish Civil War The Irish Civil War lasted from the 28 June 1922 to the 24 May 1923. It was a conflict based between two opposing Irish nationalists. One of which was the Provisional government in which supported the idea of Ireland as a free state, the other side being the Republicans which opposed the Anglo-Irish Treaty and wanted Ireland to still be part of the United Kingdom. In the end the war was won by the Free State forces, following under the Provisional government. The results of the civil war left Ireland divided for many decades afterwards and claimed many casualties. One factor which is believed to have been the biggest impact on the uprising of the Irish civil war is the Anglo-Irish Treaty which established Ireland as a Free State. The idea of the treaty arose after the Irish War of Independence, between Irish separatists and the British government, ended after 2 years in 1921. A truce was declared and a treaty was being negotiated. The idea of independence from the UK was after a massacre occurred in Ireland as retaliation to the fall of the British Secret Service in Ireland. Attacks like this turned the Irish against the English and therefore independence was asked for. However instead of creating an independent republic, Ireland had to sign an oath which would only give it the opportunity of freedom to be a self-governing authority within the British Empire with the British monarch as head of state. However at the same time, the treaty that was offered to the Irish also gave opportunity to countries in Ireland to give back its control to the UK within the following month after the treaty was agreed upon. In the end the treaty provided a self-directed Irish state, only in 26 of the 32 countries part of Ireland. Even though, originally, the treaty was greatly appreciated throughout Ireland, it created a split in opinion of government. The countries in the northern region of Ireland didnt agree to the Partition of Ireland from the UK and so with this the Home Rule and the Government of Ireland Act of 1920 were passed. These gave Ireland two different parliaments, each with its own Prime Minister. One was given for the Unionists and the other for the Nationalists. The citizens of six northern countries under the leader of the unionist group voted as part of a referendum for the creation of a Northern Ireland in May 1921. The Northern Ireland was run under a Prime Minister which followed the Unionist belief. The British always expected that the northern region of Ireland would comply with the party of the treaty which gave power and authority back to the British. However the expectancy grew even more certain when Sir James Craig, the PM of Northern Ireland announced during October 1922 that we will have to make the choice either to vote out or remain within the Free State hence showing that he was not with southern Ireland. He later then said that as soon as Northern Ireland is given the opportunity to make a decision it is important that it is made instantly, so to show the world that any decision made came with no hesitation. Eventually, in a written agreement with Britain, Northern Ireland gave back any agreement which they acquired in the treaty and was under the ruling authority of the UK. Afterwards the UK was renamed to The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to reflect the new ruling. Thus the separation in state due to the treaty was yet the beginning of the civ il war between Northern and Southern Ireland. As a part of the treaty, Ireland was given the right to its own army. At first when the British government was ruling Ireland, the IRA was but a rebellious guerrilla force that was dedicated to the establishment of Irish as a republic. The IRA -Irish Republican Army was the army that fought against the British in the war of independence. However afterwards, the war split the army into two; those that continued their support for the treaty, who then became the first official Irish army, and those that were anti-treaty, those that wanted complete freedom. Due to outrage from some citizens about the fact that the treaty was signed, which to them seemed treacherous; rebellious protest and conflicts arose. In April 1922, the anti-treaty IRA seized control of the Dublin Four-Courts and other key buildings. Gaining some control over what occurred in Ireland. However the actions and rulings that the anti-treaty IRA had produced were seen as unacceptable. At times the government tried to mediate with the IRA to make an agreement on some level rather than having unnecessary tension. However after the IRA made no budge, it then led to the government becoming impatient with dealing with the situation as the power was unbalanced. This then led to the command that the now official Irish Army Pro-treaty IRA was to then bomb the Four-Courts. This succeeding in the sense that it got what the government wanted, which was the IRA out of Dublin. The bombing led to however the aggression and battle of the Irish Civil war. Not only were there disagreements in military, but also voting and opinions of the citizens became a major impact on the governments actions. In Northern Ireland people were starting to become more and more with the treaty, as evident in votes. Yet another example of how the disagreement of the treaty impacted the occurrence of the Irish Civil war. Eventually, the disagreements and battle became a topic of religion. The Irish army on numerous counts attacked Northern Ireland when crossing the military border. They mainly attacked Protestants in the area, thinking they were main people who were against the treaty. Eventually the Protestants in Northern Ireland turned towards the Catholics thinking they were the ones to blame, as to why the IRA had started attacking them in Northern Ireland and started to abolish them from their homes and started to take over their land. As a result the Protestants began to attack the Catholics in the area. This was done so with a great rise in violence and rioting. Even though the violence from the IRA began to decrease with the dawning of the war, the revenge on the Catholics became serious. Because of disagreements about the treaty of Ireland as a free state, and military response and revenge, the Protestants began to then use military attacks on the Catholics killing 257 of them between July 1920 and July 1922. About 11,000 Catholics were forced to leave their jobs in factories due to attacks from Protestant colleagues. The government of Northern Ireland attempted to restore order by trying to set up a police force which was dedicated to making harmony between the Protestants and the Catholics, however this only yet intensified the violence rather than maintaining any form of order. Eventually the police were given the power to imprison people who they thought to be at fault without the need for a trial, due to the special powers act of 1922 and the offences against the state act of 1924. The establishment of Ireland as a free state from Britain had a great impact on the cause of the civil war. Due to dispute and unsettled disagreements, anyone that had an opinion on whether or not the situation at hand should be carried out to allow Ireland to become free or to keep it under British rule, voiced it for whatever consequence. From the beginning of the treaty, there was always a dispute as to whether the independence was one on a national agreement, since from the very start it was believed to be certain that the entire nation wouldnt agree upon the partition. It led to the separation of Ireland into two states. Two states with different opinions and directions in mind for what would happen with Ireland, and what results should be acquired from agreements with Britain and the UK. This led to radicals and desperate matters where the military and rebellious groups did what they thought was necessary to make sure that even though it would lead to other reasons of argument, it will ensure that everyone had an equal voiced opinion. Ireland desired to became a free state, however even though part of it had its own rule, and others received what they wanted as to be under British rule, the misunderstanding and unfortunate events, such as guerrilla attacks and religious attacks, turned the wish to fulfil the establishment of a free state into a battle which didnt allow much freedom within the nation. It turned into a battle between government, military forces, and religion. So the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the Irish state vs. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, was a great impact in influencing the cause of the Irish Civil war.

Janet Adelmans Hamlet Essay -- Essays on Shakespeare Hamlet

Janet Adelman's Hamlet    Janet Alderman in her essay "'Man and Wife Is One Flesh':   Hamlet and the Confrontation with the Maternal Body" embraces the psychoanalytic tradition of Freud and Lacan in order to reveal the quadruple-angled relationship of the Hamlet monarchy.   Focusing primarily on the relationship between Gertrude and her son, Hamlet, Alderman attempts to recast the drama as a charged portrait of Oedipal disillusionment and Lacanian sexual-abnegation.   Appropriately, sexuality provides the impetus for Alderman's argument; toying with sex roles and the power of sexuality over family dynamics and identity, she craftily reveals Hamlet to be a son's battle for his mother's purity, a covetous attempt to regain a sense of sexual normalcy.   Alderman's casts Gertrude as a type of catch-all, garden-of-Eden, original-sin embodiment, who initiates the fall of the paternal and recreates the maternal "body as an enclosed garden newly breached" (Adelman 263).   Adelman frequently refers to Hamlet Sr. and Claudius as "collapsing" into a single paternal figure; both incite and fall prey to Gertrude's sexuality.   Hamlet functions in Alderman's analysis as the crusader fighting for his mother's "benign maternal presence" (278) and the conqueror repressing his mother's sexual appetite, her "sexualized maternal body" (271).      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Adelman's thesis, the quintessence of her study, seems to inhabit these lines:    Hamlet thus redefines the son's positions between two father's by relocating it in  Ã‚   relation to an indiscriminately sexual maternal body that threatens to annihilate the  Ã‚   distinction between the fathers and hence problematizes the son's paternal  Ã‚  Ã‚   identification;   [and] . . . conflat[ing] the beloved wit... ...Gertrude, as does the incestuous Claudius; thus, Hamlet places his identity with his mother.   Ultimately, Hamlet seeks not to avenge the death of his father, but to save his mother from her own destructive sexuality, and by extension his own self-destruction.   Of course, Adelman prescribes an existential reason to Hamlet's need to rescue his mother; Hamlet needs to "recover the fantasized presence of the asexual mother of childhood" (277).   Hamlet needs to separate his mother from all sexuality in order to reap the stability of her selfhood for his own.   After refusing to sleep with Claudius, Gertrude restores herself in her son's eyes to the status of "an internal good mother" (279).   Hamlet, now, by "trusting her, can begin to trust in himself and in his own capacity for   action; he can rebuild the masculine identity spoiled by her contamination" (279).      

Home Cooked vs. Fast Food

Benjamin Blackburn Blackburn1 Professor Barnes English 111-16 11/19/2012 Home cooked: Health over Value Instead of putting money towards car or house payments, several thousands of dollars are spent on food purchased away from home in the average American family. The numbers are even more increasing to single status Americans. Don’t get me wrong, I like fast food, but it doesn’t come close to a home cooked meal.Home cooked meals are comfort foods that help a family bond. Whether it is a recipe passed down for generations, or culinary discovery made inventive genius, nothing beats a good home cooked meal with family. The main temptation to indulge in fast food is its convenience, especially during a busy work day or long road trips. With less prepare time, fast food chooses frozen foods that are shipped to location. Although there are food chains who advertise â€Å"fresh, never frozen†, these companies are not purchasing these â€Å"fresh† products from a local, reputable supplier.Adding to fast foods convenience, these chains have to take short cuts to deliver hot food, fast! Home cooked meals may not have a convenient drive-thru, but prepping fresh meats and vegetables the night before can alleviate long prep and cooking times. We all know that fast food sales for a reasonable price. Even when there is an increase in economy, they tend to remain at those prices in order to entice the customer. When some time Blackburn 2 passes, and things seem normal in economy, then they will increase prices slightly.It is my belief that fast food wants Americans to know they are suffering with them, therefore winning the people’s choice. Happy customers make for good business, with fewer complaints. Although home cooked meals seem much more expensive than McDonalds, health plays a bigger part. Having and growing a personal garden can cut these prices down to fractions that not even fast food can compare to, not to mention more nutritious. Belief in the value for a buck is not reason enough to set aside nutritional values.Most families put their trust in Betty Crocker and Stouffers from local grocery stores. These â€Å"convenience foods† are cheap alternatives to fast food but contain as much sugar, sodium, and saturated fat as eating out. Using fresh ingredients, you are more able to control the amount of harmful ingredients used in cooking. As a matter of opinion, you know what is being put in your meals. When looking at fast food from a health stand point, salads from McDonalds contain as many calories as their best-selling Big Mac when you add salad dressing.Although fast food offers health alternatives, they are not all as healthy as they seem. With America’s increase of obesity each year, home cooking is more nutritious and clean. Plus, the fact that you are able to spend quality time with family and friends. Coming from a single parent home, I was able to do homework at the kitchen table and as my mother helped me, she would also keep a close eye on the stove while preparing meals for me and my sister. Cooking is bonding time!Eating out felt like vacations when I was growing up. It was a reward for a tough week at school. We as Americans have become lazy, and are taking the easy way out far too often. Packing a healthy snack consisting of fruits and sandwiches made at home can Blackburn 3 prevent the craving for fast food while on a road trip. The same can also be applied to working lives. Home cooked meals are not just the healthy choice, they are the better choice.

Alternative Fuel Sources essays

Alternative Fuel Sources essays With all the topics circulating the media about the issues in the United States, many go unnoticed by the general public through the excuse of lack of relevance to the individual. The fuel crisis America is currently going through is not one of the ones to be pushed aside so quickly; it affects the lives of each citizen in some way. Personally, my main concerns surrounding this topic are the harm being done to the environment, the political conflicts with the Middle East over oil, and the increasing price at the pump. The world as a whole consumes approximately seventy-seven million barrels of oil a day, and it is predicted that in the next twenty years that global energy demands will increase a staggering sixty percent from our status quo. The burning of oils and coal for power is slowly destroying the Earth via acid rain, environmental accidents, and airborne pollutants released into the atmosphere. Fossil fuels are limited, and eventually will not be sufficient to meet the demand of the public. This energy obsessed society has burned sixty-five percent of America's known oil, which cannot be replenished for millions of years. It does not improve the situation that Middle Eastern countries control many factors of the oil business, as they are not very fond of Americans and our ways of living. Time is running out, and mankind is in desperate need of an alternative. Other energy sources that are renewable may be the key to unlocking a solution depending on the pros and cons of the proposal. Wind energy, hydrogen fuel cells, and solar energy all hold great promise in the future salvation of our economy and environment if the appropriate funds are provided for research. Wind energy has been around for quite some time but has grown greatly in popularity in the past few years. It and solar energy plans offer clean, inexhaustible sources without the international problems caused by oil. Wind energy could provide twenty percent of Am...

Peyotism Essays - Native American Church, Native American Religion

Peyotism Essays - Native American Church, Native American Religion Peyotism The white mans reality are his streets with their banks, shops, neon lights and traffic, streets full of policemen, whores, and sad-faced people in a hurry to punch a time clock. But this is unreal. The real reality is underneath all this. Grandfather Peyote helps you find it. - Crow Dog Peyote, a hallucinogenic plant that is commonly used as a recreational drug, has a much greater meaning for members of the peyote religion. By examining the effects of peyote along with its role in the rituals and beliefs of the Native American Church it becomes apparent why it is such an integral part of the religion. The trade and knowledge of this sacred plant was already well defined in regions of Mexico well before European conquest and its ceremonial use was already underway in the tribes of the area in which it grew. This religious use eventually spread through North American regions. Along with its migration, the basic rituals and ceremonies changed along the way. The organization of religion involving peyote and the principle rituals had become commonly practiced among the Comanche and Kiowa tribes by the mid-eighteen hundreds. The Native American Church formed in 1921, beginning in Oklahoma. Soon after this initial formation, state and local incorporation followed in many places and continue to do so to this day. (Aberle, 19) Now, some form of peyote religion is common to most tribes of the North American continent. Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a very small, low growing, fuzzy type of cactus. Most of the cactus is actually underground in a long root. Both the flesh and roots can be eaten. When dried the flesh resembles brown overcoat buttons, which is where the term peyote buttons came from. Peyote isnt found just anywhere. It grows in the wild over only a small portion of the Southwestern United States known as the Peyote Garden. Precisely, Corpus Christi, Texas, Deming, New Mexico, Durango, Mexico and Puebla , Mexico bind the area in which this plant can be found and harvested. (Aberle, 5) Containing eight different alkaloids, the most important being mescaline, peyote causes a number of effects. The experience begins with an euphoric quality. It heightens the sensations to sound, color, form and texture. Further into the experience, visions begin to occur. These visions can include detailed, realistic pictures and sounds. The interpretation of these visions rather than the visions themselves are what peyotists consider most important. The peyote experience is characterized by a strong feeling of personal significance of the internal and external stimuli encountered during the experience. Many find themselves asking, What does this mean to me? The Native American Church came to the Indians during their darkest hour. It was around the time when the last of the buffalo had disappeared from the plains. They were left starving, helpless and with little of their old lives remaining to cling to. In the words of a member of the NAC, Mary Crow Dog, The Native American Church became the religion of the poorest of the poor, the conquered, the despoiled. Peyote made them understand what was happening and made them endure. It was the only thing that gave them strength in those, our darkest days. It was obvious that a militant religion could not have survived under white dominance. The formation of this religion was a response to the degraded status on Native Americans. Its goal- internal peace and harmony rather than competition. This idea was highly relevant to the socio-economic situation that these indigenous people were being faced with. For many, this was exactly what they needed to continue on. Since the beginning, there has been strong opposition to the Native American Church by several groups. The traditionalist Indians opposed it believing that it was a threat to traditional tribal culture. Modernist Indians as well as whites opposed the religion also saying that it was heathenistic and backward. In the early stages, peyote meetings were illegal not for the use of peyote, but because Native American rituals in general were outlawed. But, in 1934, under John Collier, the Bureau of Indian Affairs enacted a policy of non-interference with peyotism. There have been state laws prohibiting the sale, use or possession of peyote, but all such laws have

Resolving the nursing shortage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Resolving the nursing shortage - Essay Example The author’s discussion point out to the lack of motivational support for new nursing professionals and the lack of competitive professional incentives. In such cases, many nursing graduates do not pursue the career or enrichments that are necessary to maintain and develop skills. One of the interventions proposed is in the development of effective professional and educational partnerships such as those developed by the University Health System Consortium joined with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing sponsored residence programs that allow new graduates not only a venue to practice their learning but also exposes them to the potential and rewards of the nursing profession. Based on the results of two cohort studies on the participation of nursing graduates in the year-long residence program, participants expressed greater commitment to the nursing profession due to exposure of the program and greater satisfaction in nursing as a career. One of the best indicators of the success of the program is in increasing retention rate of resident nurses to 89% from previous turnover rates ranging from 40 to 50%. Dracup and Morrish however also recognize that instituting similar comprehensive programs can prove to be challenging particularly in cases were there are existing deficiencies in professionals, resources and expertise for the programs. The conclusion was that such efforts that consider professional and personal development at the beginning of the nurses’ careers is an effective means of encouraging them to pursue their careers and competencies which are critical if demands of the profession are to be adequately met. Dracup and Morrish’s concerns and views are echoed in a significant number of researches. In independent studies done in Virginia and Nebraska, similar conclusions to support the development of programs that will encourage young

Air pollution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Air pollution - Research Paper Example Currently, automobiles are the largest contributor to the formation of ground ­ level ozone therefore there is a need to increase usage of alternative sources of transportation in order to reduce levels of O3 air pollution. Air pollution has become a major environmental health problem affecting both developed and developing countries throughout the world (Nadakavukaren, 2006). The consequence has been that air pollution is causing human health problems as well as damage to vegetation, crops, wildlife, materials, buildings and even the climate. In the U.S., the largest sources of air pollution, in order of importance, are: 1) transportation, mainly automobiles and trucks; 2) electric power plants that bum coal or oil; and 3) industry, for which the major sources include steel mills, metal smelters, oil refineries, and paper mills (Nadakavukaren, 2006). The most common air pollution problem resulting from these emission sources is ground-level ozone (O3), According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), non-attainment of EPA requirements for O3 is the most common air pollution problem facing large cities in the U.S (Crpc-La.org, 2011). It is estimated that, 160 million people in the U.S. lived in areas that are in non-attainment of healthful O3 levels (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD], 2005). In the past, efforts to reduce air pollution have consisted primarily of "command and control" programs that involve enforcement of government regulations designed to reduce toxic emissions. Such programs have proven highly effective in reducing industrial, point source pollution and causing auto manufacturers to produce cleaner burning automobiles (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2011a). While these government controls continue to effectively lower industrial emissions and reduce pollutants emitted from vehicles, O3 precursor, NOx, continues to be emitted into the air at increasing levels. Problems

Nursing Care Plans in the Textile Industry Assignment

Nursing Care Plans in the Textile Industry - Assignment Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that general body malaise and dizziness are the major presentations of inadequate oxygen supply. Since this is a factory interested in high output, precautionary measures should be taken to protect the employees. The reasons presented in the study  justify why respiratory problems should be the first priority. The program will target the secondary level of disease prevention. The primary level would require sophisticated technology to prevent the generation of the tiny textile particles and also eliminate the ones already produced. Such technologies are very expensive hence unattainable to install with the limited resources. The initial purchase and installation aside, technicians who operate the technology will have to be employed. This will make the labor costs skyrocket to unimaginable levels. An approach that would protect the workers from respiratory problems at an affordable cost would be preferable. The perfect approach that can be e mployed is the cellulose nose filter. The filters are cheap and easy to use since only a demonstration is required to ensure maximum protection from the devices hence the decision to approach it. The factory can purchase them in large scale, which will further reduce the costs incurred. Although the filters seem to be very simple, they can help prevent most of the respiratory problems. This program may not be the perfect one, but it will save the company a lot of time lost due to sick leaves. Furthermore, the implementation of the program will be a lower financial burden to the company. This is because the large-scale purchase of the filters is required. The program also has tremendous benefits to the employees in terms of their health and general quality of life. For one their respiratory systems will be protected from the tiny textile particles, therefore reducing their probability of contracting chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.  

Individual Behavior (Organizations) Essay Example for Free

Individual Behavior (Organizations) Essay Individual behavior is considered as one of the main determinants of the productivity of a given organization. The said relationship is believed to be very important that an entire academic discipline was created to focus on its study. Organizational behavior is a field of study that concentrates on describing, understanding, predicting and controlling human behavior in an organizational setting. It is divided into four sub-fields – individual behavior, group behavior, organizational structure and organizational processes. These allow organizational behavior to study a wide range of topics, such as personality, job satisfaction, leadership, group dynamics and the impact of stress on work (Answers, 2008). Basic Elements of Individual Behavior in Organizations It is true that human behavior varies from one person to another due to their individual differences. However, organizational behavior scientists argued that individual behavior is made up of the same elements. These elements must be identified in order to establish predictability in the study of human behavior. The consistency of these elements result in the development of reasonably accurate predictions of individual behavior (NEU-CBA, n. d. ). Understanding Individuals in Organization Organizational behavior scientists use the psychological contract in their study in order to understand the members of a particular organization. Psychological contract refers to a members expectations based on his or her contributions and the organizations inducements. Contributions are what the member provides to the organization. Inducements, on the other hand, are what the organization will provide the member in exchange for the latters contributions (Abelson, 2006). Personality and Individual Behavior In sharp contrast to psychological contract, the element of personality and individual behavior assert that individual behavior within an organization is determined by â€Å"the relatively permanent set of psychological and behavioral attributes that distinguish one person from another† (Abelson, 2006). One of the most popular personality frameworks is the â€Å"Big Five† Personality Traits. It is composed of the following: a) Agreeableness – A persons ability to establish good relationships with others b) Conscientiousness – The number of goals of which a person strives hard to achieve c) Negative emotionality – The extent to which an individual can remain poised, calm, resilient and secure d) Extraversion – The level of comfort a person has with interpersonal relationships e) Openness – An individuals flexibility in terms of beliefs and interests (Abelson, 2006) Attitudes and Individual Behavior Attitudes are the beliefs and feelings that people have regarding certain ideas, situations or other people. Cognitive dissonance occurs when an individuals encounters other people who does not share his or her attitudes. The element of attitudes and individual behavior believe that members of an organization behave the way they do because it is their means of dealing with people who possess attitudes that are different from theirs. For an organization to be productive, its member must learn how to respect each others differences and work as a team despite their diversity in beliefs, attitudes and values (Abelson, 2006). Work-related Attitudes It must be noted, however, that individual behavior in an organization can also be influenced by attitudes that were developed in the workplace. Some examples of work-related attitudes are the following: a) Job Satisfaction or Dissatisfaction – An attitude that reflects the amount of pleasure or fulfillment that an individual achieves from his or her work b) Organizational Commitment – An attitude that measures a persons degree of affinity with the organization itself c) Affect and Mood in Organizations i. Positive Affectivity – A tendency to exhibit an overall sense of optimism and well-being; sees things in a positive light ii. Negative affectivity – A tendency to exhibit an overall sense of pessimism and gloom; sees things negatively (Abelson, 2006). Perception and Individual Behavior This element defines a persons behavior as a result of his or her perception, or the set of processes by which he or she becomes aware of his or her environment and starts to interpret information about it. One of the most detrimental forms of perception is selective perception, or the practice of disregarding information that a person feels uncomfortable with or goes against his or her own beliefs. Selective perception may lead to stereotyping or the usage of a single attribute to categorize or label other people. Selective perception may also result in scapegoating or making other people take responsibility for ones own faults and shortcomings (Abelson, 2006). Stress and Individual Behavior Stress is â€Å"an individual’s response to a strong stimulus,† called a stressor (Ableson, 2006). The general cycle of the human body experiencing and recovering from stress is the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). Often caused by task, physical, role and interpersonal demands, one of the major effects of stress is burnout, or the feeling of exhaustion produced by undergoing stress for prolonged periods of time (Abelson, 2006). Experts categorized people into two types, depending on how much they can endure stress. â€Å"Type A† people were those who are very competitive, hardworking and are extremely particular when it comes to time. â€Å"Type B† people, on the other hand, were those who were not as hardworking, dilligent and time-conscious. It was said that â€Å"Type A† people were more likely to experience burnout than â€Å"Type B† individuals (Abelson, 2006). Creativity in Organizations This element stresses the importance of an organizations creativity in affecting the behavior of its members. An organization that is always able to come up with new ideas or new perspectives that will improve existing ideas have a greater chance of improving productivity among its members than an organization who strictly adheres to convention and does not welcome innovation. Types of Workplace Behavior The effectiveness of an organization is very much affected by workplace behavior, or the pattern of action exhibited by its members while working. Workplace behavior is categorized into four types: a) Performance Behaviors – The â€Å"total set of work-related behaviors that the organization expects the individual to display† (Abelson, 2006). An organizations performance behaviors is usually indicated in its manual for its members. Performance behaviors are one of the organizations ways of communicating to its members what are its objectives and how will these be attained. b) Withdrawal Behaviors – Characterized by the absence of an organizations members i. Absenteeism – When people develop a habitual pattern of not showing up for work ii. Turnover – When people resign from their jobs c) Organizational Citizenship – When people display behavior that contributes positively and immensely to their organization. d) Dysfunctional Behaviors – Behaviors that are detrimental to organizational performance (e. g. stealing office property, fighting in the office premises, reporting to work in improper attire, etc. ) When a person shows dysfunctional behavior, he or she is sending the message that he or she does not belong to the organization that he or she joined and that he or she has contempt for those who do. In addition, the person who exhibits dysfunctional behavior also has contempt for the organization itself, as well as for its objectives (Abelson, 2006). Conclusion An organization is composed of individual members who have different backgrounds, beliefs, values and principles. Hence, it is very crucial to train them how to work harmoniously with one another despite their differences. By identifying the elements of individual behavior in an organization, employers can establish standards and rules that are firm but at the same time considerate towards the workers needs. Not only will the company prosper; the employees will also become better workers and persons as well. References Abelson, M. (2006). Chapter 15 – Basic Elements of Individual Behavior in Organizations. PDF File. Retrieved June 2, 2008, from http://wehner. tamu. edu/mgmt. www/mgmt. 363/non-business_363/Chapter%2015%20%20-%20Griffin%208th%20Edition. pdf. Answers. com. (2008). Organizational Behavior. Retrieved June 2, 2008, from http://www. answers. com/topic/organizational-behavior? cat=biz-fin Northeastern University – College of Business Administration (NEU-CBA). (n. d. ). Human Behavior in Organizations: An Introduction. Retrieved June 2, 2008, from http://web. cba. neu. edu/~ewertheim/introd/introd. htm

The History of Nigerian Banking System

The History of Nigerian Banking System The existence of banks in Nigeria dates back as far as 1862 when the first Nigerian bank came into being. There was no banking legislation until 1952; at that time, Nigeria had three foreign banks and two indigenous banks with a collective total of forty branches. Despite the set standards by the 1952 ordinance, the growth of demand deposits was slowed down by the Nigerian propensity to prefer cash and distrust checks for debt settlements. 1912 experienced the establishment of the West African currency board which was to help 6 in financing the export trade of foreign firms in West Africa and to issue a West African currency which could be converted to British pound sterling. The colonial policies barred the local investment of reserves, discouraged deposit expansion, precluded discretion for monetary management and did nothing to educate Africans in developing indigenous financial institutions. This led to a motion by several Nigerian members of the house to establish a central bank to facilitate economic development. Though the motion was defeated, the colonial administration appointed a bank of England to study the issue and he advised against a central bank with emphasis on their effectiveness in an undeveloped capital market. Another study was conducted in 1957 and this resulted in the creation of a Nigerian central bank and the introduction of the Nigerian currency. The role of the central bank was to establish the Nigerian currency, control and regulate the banking system, serve as bankers to other banks in Nigeria and carry out the governments economic policy in the monetary field. This policy included control of bank credit growth, credit distribution by sector, cash reserve requirements for commercial banks, discount ratesinterest rates the Central Bank charged commercial and merchant banksand the ratio of banks long-term assets to deposits. Changes in Central Bank restrictions on credit and monetary expansion affected total demand and income. For example, in 1988, as inflation accelerated, the Central Bank tried to restrain monetary growth. During the civil war, the government limited and later suspended repatriation of dividends and profits, reduced foreign travel allowances for Nigerian citizens, limited the size of allowances to overseas public offices, required official permission for all foreign payments, and, in January 1968, issued new currency notes to replace those in circulation. Although in 1970 the Central Bank advised against dismantling of import and financial constraints too soon after the war, the oil boom soon permitted Nigeria to relax restrictions. The three largest commercial banks held about one-third of total bank deposits. In 1973 the federal government undertook to acquire a 40-percent equity ownership of the three largest foreign banks. In 1976, under the second Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree requiring 60-percent indigenous holdings, the federal government acquired an additional 20-percent holding in the three largest foreign banks and 60-percent ownership in the other foreign 7 banks. Yet indigenization did not change the management, control, and lending orientation toward international trade, particularly of foreign companies and their Nigerian subsidiaries of foreign banks. At the end of 1988, the banking system consisted of the Central Bank of Nigeria, forty-two commercial banks, and twenty four merchant banks, a substantial increase since 1986. Merchant banks were allowed to open checking accounts for corporations only and could not accept deposits below N50, 000. Commercial and merchant banks together had 1,500 branches in 1988, up from 1,000 in 1984. In 1988 commercial banks had assets of N52.2 billion compared to N12.6 billion for merchant banks in early 1988. In FY 1990 the government put N503 million into establishing community banks to encourage community development associations, cooperative societies, farmers groups, patriotic unions, trade groups, and other local organizations, especially in rural areas. Other financial institutions included government-owned specialized development banks: the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank, the Nigerian Bank for Commerce and Industry, and the Nigerian Agricultural Bank, as well as the Federal Savings Banks and the Federal Mortgage Bank. Also active in Nigeria were numerous insurance companies, pension funds, and finance and leasing companies. Nigeria also had a stock exchange (established in Lagos in 1961) and a number of stockbrokerage firms. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Decree of 1988 gave the Nigerian SEC powers to regulate and supervise the capital market. These powers included the right to revoke stockbroker registrations and approve or disapprove any new stock exchange. Established in 1988, the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation increased confidence in the banks by protecting depositors against bank failures in licensed banks up to N50, 000 in return for an annual bank premium of nearly 1 percent of total deposit liabilities. 1.5.3 Types of Banks A bank is a profit making business providing financial services which includes receiving deposits of money, lending money and processing transactions. There are different types of banks and so do their functions differ. 8 1.5.3.1 Commercial Banks Commercial banks are authorized institutions providing retail banking services to the public. They accept deposits from customers and in turn make loans based on those deposits. They are noted for providing services which includes savings, current and term/fixed deposit accounts, lending, payment and transfer of money which is now facilitated by the recently introduced online banking. They also facilitate the transformation of rural areas by extending banking services. They offer professional advice to their clients on viable businesses and international trade. They are the channel for the implementation of the monetary policies from the central bank and act as authorized foreign exchange dealers in providing such facilities. They are collectors on behalf of other government and non government agencies. They buy and sell securities on behalf of their customers and boost the securities in the capital market and also sponsor companies seeking quotation on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. 1.5.3.2 Merchant Banks They started operations in 1961 with the establishment of Philip Hill (Nigeria) Limited which later merged with Nigerian Acceptances Limited in 1969. Other merchant banks later came along. As a result of the non recognition of universal banking then, merchant banks in Nigeria operate wholesale banking, which involves loan syndication, equity and debt issues, ventures capital and equipment leasing. They play important roles in pooling a consortium of banks, where the borrowing required exceeds availability of funds from commercial or any other bank. They also introduce their big clients to the Nigerian Stock Exchange and handle international transactions through a global network of affiliated banks. The banks are usually sited at urban areas and provide services to large organisations and extremely wealthy individuals. 1.5.3.3 Universal Banks Before the introduction of the universal banking concept by the federal government, operators of merchant banks had complained that their poor performances over the years 9 were due to a banking system that they claimed favoured commercial banks. The clamour for one-stop-supermarket bank became noticed in the mid 1990s when the financial system was swept by the distress in the banking sector. This virtually wrecked havoc on the economy. Many people have observed that the distinction between commercial and merchant banking is out-dated and no longer fashionable in other developed countries. The harmonised banking service is seen as cost-effective for providing a level playing field, where a customer can open an account and engage in all banking and insurance transactions from one bank to the other. The new banking concept offers a wider range of banking services, which include retailed banking, capital market activities and insurance business. The banking environment will no longer be restricted to certain functions. The new banking services commenced in January 2001. 1.5.3.4 Development Banks Development banks were established by the government, to promote national economic development. They tend to address issues of low income, insufficient savings and inadequate investment. The government and multilateral agencies sponsor the banks. The first development finance institution is the Nigerian Local Development Board, which was established in 1946 and charged with the responsibility of giving loans and grants to native authorities, cooperative societies and other public bodies for prescribed development projects (Agene 1990). Notable development banks include, Nigerian Industrial Development Bank, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Bank for Commerce and Industry, Nigerian Agricultural and Cooperative Bank, Peoples Bank of Nigeria and Nigerian Educational Bank. Others include, National Economic Recovery Fund (NERFUND), Community Banks, etc. In a nutshell, for the long term survival of a bank, they would have to make money in their operation so as to be able to meet up with their expenses. They accept deposits from customers and pay interest which can only be realized from the exchange of money between two parties. One of the ways in which they make money is by charging interest on loans. The money deposited by customers is lent out to creditors. They charge higher interest on money they lend out and pay lower on the deposits. The difference then serves as own realization from the transaction. 10 Also, they operate on fractionalized deposit. They use depositors money to make money by giving loans and earning interest. These loans are usually real estate loans and sometimes car loans. Prior to the depression, banks were allowed to invest in the stock market. As a result of the bank crash, a law was passed to end the practice and force banks and investment institutions to be different entities. 1.5.4 Impact of the Central Bank on the activities of a Bank The Central Bank of Nigeria governs the activities of banks in Nigeria and provides rules and guidelines for the execution of activities in the banking industry. The central bank is charged with the general control and administration of the monetary and financial sector policies of the federal government. Its statutory mandate includes the issuance of the legal tender currency, maintaining of the external reserves, safeguarding the international value of the legal tender currency, and acting as bankers and financial adviser to the federal government; promote monetary stability and a sound financial system in Nigeria. In understanding the monetary policy, it is important to look at it from the perspective of the mandate set for the bank. This includes maintenance of Nigerias external reserves to safeguard the international value of the legal currency, promotion and maintenance of monetary stability and a sound and efficient financial system in Nigeria, acting as banker and financial adviser to the Federal Government; and acting as lender of last resort to banks. Consequently, the Bank is charged with the responsibility of administering the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Act (1991) as amended, with the sole aim of ensuring high standards of banking practice and financial stability through its surveillance activities, as well as the promotion of an efficient payment system. In addition to its core functions, CBN has over the years performed some major developmental functions, focused on all the key sectors of the Nigerian economy (financial, agricultural and industrial sectors). Overall, these mandates are carried out by the Bank through its various departments.The roles of the central bank of Nigeria also include the establishment of a national microfinance consultative committee, evolvement of a clear micro finance policy that spells out the eligibility and licensing criteria, provides operational standards and guidelines to 11 stakeholders, adopting an appropriate regulatory and supervisory framework, minimizing regulatory arbitrage through periodic reviews of the policy and guidelines, continuously advocating market determined interest rates for government owned institutions and promote microfinance funds through MFBS, promoting linkage programmes between universal banks, specialized finance institutions and the micro finance banks. 1.5.4.1 Departments of central bank and their activities There a basically three departments in the central bank of Nigeria and they are the banking supervision department, development finance department and other financial institutions department. 1.5.4.1.1 Banking Supervision Department The banking supervision department of the central bank of Nigeria carries out on-site as well as off site supervision of deposit money and discount houses. Its basic functions include reviews and analyses of the financial conditions of banks based on CAMEL parameters using prudential reports, reviews and analyses of statutory returns and other relevant information, monitor trends and development for the banking sector, generate industry reports on a monthly and quarterly basis. It also monitors compliance with the law, guidelines and circulars (BOFIA (banks and other financial institutions act), CAMA, and CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) Act etc) 1.5.4.2 Development Finance Department The development finance department was established to manage the agricultural credit guarantee scheme fund and finance the marketing operations of the defunct commodity marketing boards. In view of the expected role of the bank in the Nigerian economy, the department was restructured and renamed as the development finance department. They are concerned with identifying development finance market failures, designing strategies and policies for addressing them, formulating policies, regulatory and supervisory framework for micro/rural finance, identifying development priorities, designing and implementing alternative funding sources, monitoring and evaluating the impact of 12 development finance initiatives, advising government and the CBN Management on commodities, SME, and micro/rural finance issues. 1.5.4.3 The Other Financial Institution Department (OFI) The other financial institutions department is saddled with the responsibility of supervising and regulating the other financial institution sub-sector which include the community banks, finance companies, bureau de change, primary mortgage institution, the development finance institutions and the recently launched micro finance banks. The department carries out both on-site and off-site supervision of the other financial institutions. The off-site supervision involves the appraisal and approval of the application for licenses, nominees intothe boards and top management positions, transfer of shares and increase in hare capital, statutory returns from other financial institutions, appointment or exchange of the external auditors. The on-site aspect of the departments function includes pre commencement examination before the grant of a final license to an OFI (Other financial institutions), routine examination which is the regular examination, target examination addresses specific supervisory concerns arising from unprofessional conduct of the operations of an OFI and is carried out as the need arises while spot-checks for quick confirmation/ verification through independent on-site assessment. This includes corporate governance, accounting systems and records, quality of assets, reliability of information provided, internal control system/anti-money laundering controls and procedures, earnings, liquidity, financial condition and capital adequacy. 1.5.5 Effects of the Monetary and Economic policies on the activities of Nigerian Banks Monetary policies refers to the specific actions taken by the central bank to regulate the value, supply and cost of money in the economy with a view t achieving governments macroeconomic objectives. For many countries, the objectives of the monetary policy are explicitly stated in the laws establishing the central bank, while for others they are not. The objectives of the monetary policy may vary from country to country but there are two main views. 13 The first view calls for the monetary policy to achieve price stability, while the second view seeks to achieve price stability and other macroeconomic objectives. The central bank of Nigeria like other central banks in developing countries, achieve the monetary policy goal through the amount of money supplied. In Nigeria, the Central Bank defines money supply as comprising narrow and broad money. The definition of narrow money (M1) includes currency in circulation with non-bank public and demand deposits or current accounts in the banks. The broad money (M2) includes narrow money plus savings and time deposits, as well as foreign denominated deposits. The broad money measures the total volume of money supply in the economy. Thus, excess money supply (or liquidity) may arise in the economy when the amount of broad money is over and above the level of total output in the economy. The need to regulate money supply is based on the knowledge that there is a stable relationship between the quantity of money supply and economic activity and that if its supply is not limited to what is required to support productive activities; it will result in undesirable effects such as high prices or inflation. In summary, monetary policy in the Nigerian context refers to the actions of the Central Bank of Nigeria to regulate the money supply, so as to achieve the ultimate macroeconomic objectives of government. Several factors influence the money supply, some of which are within the control of the central bank, while others are outside its control. The specific objective and the focus of monetary policy may change from time to time, depending on the level of economic development and economic fortunes of the country. The choice of instrument to use to achieve what objective would depend on these and other circumstances. 1.6. History of the banks surveyed 1.6.1 Zenith International Bank Plc. Zenith Bank Plc was incorporated on May 30, 1990 as a private company limited by shares. In July 2004, the Bank became a public company limited by shares and subsequently launched what still remains the most successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the history 14 of the Nigerian Capital Market. Its 6,000,000,000 (six billion) ordinary shares of 50 kobo each were later listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange on October 21, 2004. Zenith Bank Plc achieved yet another milestone when it raised N53.63bn in February 2006 by a Public Offer of 3,000,000,000 (three billion shares), one of the largest amount in the history of the Nigerian Capital Market. Zenith Bank Plc is one of the largest and most profitable banks in Nigeria with total assets plus contingents of over N714.5 billion after consolidation. The Bank has continued to record remarkable performance on several parameters. Zenith Banks growth and performance has earned excellent ratings from both local and international rating agencies. Agusto co. ltd has consistently rates the bank Aaa for six consecutive years. Also of repute is the fact that the bank has the lowest non performing loans to total loans ratio of 1.7% against the industry average of 18% and has grown its asset base at an average of over 50% per annum in the last five years. Its service offering covers but are not limited to corporate and commercial banking services, funds and asset management, investment banking and financial advisory services , private bank, treasury and cash management services. In delivering their vision, they put strategies in place which has being their guide in their operation. It sets out to differentiate itself in the banking industry through the quality of service it render, the caliber of their clients and the drive for a unique customer experience. The bank is easily associated with attributes such as innovation, best risk asset portfolio, high quality personnel, consistent superior financial performance and leadership in the use of information and communication technology. The banks overall vision is to make the brand a reputable international financial services network recognized for innovation, superior customer service and performance while creating premium value for all stakeholders. 1.6.2 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc Guaranty Trust Bank plc was incorporated in July 1990, as a private limited liability company wholly owned by Nigerian individuals and institutions. The bank was licensed as a Commercial Bank in August 1990 and commenced operation in February 1991. In September 1996, Guaranty Trust Bank plc became a publicly quoted company and won the Nigerian Stock Exchange Presidents Merit award that same year and again in the years 15 2000, 2003,2005 and 2006. The Bank was also runner-up for the quoted company of the year award in 2005. In February 2002, it obtained a Universal Banking license and was appointed a settlement bank by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2003. Its quest to continue adding value to the businesses of its stakeholders has seen it emerge as a pacesetter and industry leader over the years. This is evident in its introduction of real time online banking in 1990, mobile, telephone and internet banking in 2002, Slip free banking in 2006 and the first fully interactive self service call centre; GT Connect in 2006. The bank was able to meet their financial obligations as they fell due and this got them the recognition of three rating agencies. Agusto Co reaffirmed its triple a risk rating every year fro the last four years, Fitch also assigned the bank a double A minus risk rating in recognition of its strong domestic franchise, good quality assets and sound earnings record and finally, Standard Poors, assigned the Bank a double B minus (BB-) risk rating. The Bank is the only Nigerian financial institution with such a rating, which is the same as the Agencies Sovereign rating for Nigeria. The bank has over the years been a recipient of several awards for superior financial performance, customer service delivery, excellent share performance, management efficiency some of which are the most respected financial institution in Nigeria (2006), the highly commended bank of the year award in Africa (2005), Most Customer friendly Bank (2007), Best Bank for Brand Development 2007. Despite the challenges which characterized the year under review(2006-2007 Financial year), the bank was able to grow its gross earnings by 46% from N34 billion to N49 billion while its profit before tax rose by 50% from N10.5 billion in the previous year to N15.7 billion. In the same period, total asset and contingents increased by 54% from N391billion a year earlier to N603 billion.