Importance of Appearance Essay

Individuals state appearance isn't significant, yet even the most regarded and honorable individuals put appearance before different properties of an individual. Since social orders have been set up, and even previously, society has put on a lot of significance on appearance. The measure of significance is appeared in the novel Frankenstein, the film, and, in actuality. My first model from the novel is from part eleven, when the animal showed up at the town and experienced people. As the animal endeavors to enter the cabin, he clarifies that, â€Å"the youngsters shouted and one of the ladies blacked out. The entire town was awakened. Some fled, some assaulted me. I was frightfully wounded by stones and numerous different sorts of rocket weapons.† The announcement shows that the animal was promptly decided by the townspeople exclusively on appearance, there was zero chance given to try and let the animal clarify his motivation or activities. On the off chance that appearance didn’t have such a lot of significance on it, the animal wouldn’t be assaulted, and even his destiny would be extraordinary. My subsequent model is from the film when the animal originally experienced people other than his own maker before the animal fled. As the animal took a portion of bread off a food truck, the individuals thought it was only an ordinary criminal in the town and they pursued him down and attempted to get him. Be that as it may, when they saw the creature’s horrendous face, they turned out to be increasingly forceful out of dread and attempted to slaughter him. My last model is from this present reality, where the measure of appearance on a person or thing matters, instead of a fiction novel, and shows how much significance we place on appearance in our general public. Found from an examination article from the Social Issues Research Center, contemplates show that appealing youngsters are progressively famous, both with cohorts and educators. This can mess social up as certain understudies turn upward and love their educators. Additionally, alluring candidates have a superior possibility of landing positions, and of getting more significant compensations. This is the reason most celebrated individuals aren’t non alluring to society. Indeed, even in the legitimized U.S. courts, appealing individuals are seen as blameworthy less frequently, and when liable, they get less extreme sentences. As should be obvious, society places appearance before numerous things, for example, character that issue more. Appearance has a lot of significance in the novel, the film, and, all things considered. At whatever point you meet another person, think on what you choose first about them and even what they choose first, about you.

The Deadly Nature of Chronic Wasting Disease Essay -- Exploratory Essa

The Deadly Nature of Chronic Wasting Disease The recently conceived grovel, still wet with milk all the rage, unexpectedly tumbles over from the gigantic effect of the .300 weatherby rifle. Next, goes a little two point, trailed by a fat doe pressing twins. As the remainder of the crowd jogs off, the enormous four point buck gets his last taste of life. This, each of the an aftereffect of the marksman on the slope who has started the separating of deer to control Chronic Wasting Disease. The ongoing flare-ups of Chronic Wasting Disease on Colorado's business elk crowds, is viewed as the most noticeably awful ever. Scientists are attempting to discover what this way to the wild crowds of deer and elk on the Western Slope. Shockingly, up until now, the main strategy for treatment that has been found is finished destruction of the whole group. Presently, researchers are thinking about whether Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is an ailment that has been around everlastingly, or do we have to burn through a great many dollars on the examination (Herring, 2002). Research and Background The root of CWD is obscure at this day and age, yet it was first found by analysts in a Colorado inquire about office in the late 1960's. Scientist's state that natural life ailments appear to have a method of going undetected or unnoticed. The early instances of CWD were found in northeastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming. Business elk groups in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have been determined to have CWD. Albeit, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Saskatewan have discovered instances of CWD in their state's wild deer crowds. CWD is a mind and sensory system sickness that is deadly, and happens in deer and elk. It is fundamentally the same as Mad Cow Disease becaus... ...rch 16, 2004, from Chronic Squandering Disease: Moving on: http://www.cwd-info.org/pdf/WYcwdarticle.pdf Madson, C. CWD's effect on deer groups. Recovered March 16, 2004, from Chronic Squandering Disease: Moving on: http://www.cwd-info.org/pdf/WYcwdarticle.pdf Meredith, T. Overseeing CWD. Recovered March 16, 2004, from Chronic Wasting Malady: Moving on: http://www.cwd-info.org/pdf/WYcwdarticle.pdf Meredith, T. New research. Recovered March 16, 2004, from Chronic Wasting Ailment: Moving on: http://www.cwd-info.org/pdf/WYcwdarticle.pdf Reed, T. Hazard to people. Recovered March 16, 2004, from Chronic Wasting Disease: Proceeding onward: http://www.cwd-info.org/pdf/WYcwdarticle.pdf Zitek, M. and Reed, T. Reconnaissance and guidelines. Recovered March 16, 2004, from Ceaseless Wasting Disease: Moving on: http://www.cwdinfo.org/info.org/pdf/ WYcwdarticle.pdf

How alumni helped the lion roar on campus COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

How alumni helped the lion roar on campus COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog I’m not going to lie. I LOVE lions. They are fierce, they have some great looking manes, and the females bring home the delicious bacon (antelope?). So it is probably kismet when I got my master’s degree from Columbia University, and joined its ranks a couple years thereafter. Why? Well the Columbia lion is a prevalent symbol on campus. There are plush versions found in the campus bookstore, blue-on-blue symbols donned on sportswear, a handful of stone and bronze sculptures planted across the grounds, and even a fight song all about encouraging the lion to roar. If you are fond of these giant felines and are curious to learn more about how the lion became so prominent on campus, then this blog post is for you. Click on the link below to take a closer look at the different ways Columbia University has honored our mascot and king of the jungle, and helped him become the symbol we all know and love today. Columbias King of the Jungle and the Columbia Alumni Who Crowned Him h/t Lin Lan, Columbia Alumni Association

Introduction to Gross Domestic Product

In order to analyze the health of an economy or examine economic growth, its necessary to have a way to measure the size of an economy. Economists usually measure the size of an economy by the amount of stuff it produces. This makes sense in a lot of ways, mainly because an economys output in a given period of time is equal to the economys income, and the economys level of income is one of the main determinants of its standard of living and societal welfare. It may seem strange that output, income, and expenditure (on domestic goods) in an economy are all the same quantity, but this observation is simply the result of the fact that there is both a buying and a selling side to every economic transaction. For example, if an individual bakes a loaf of bread and sells it for $3, he has created $3 of output and made $3 in income. Similarly, the buyer of the loaf of bread spent $3, which counts in the expenditure column. The equivalence between overall output, income and expenditure is simply a result of this principle aggregated over all of the goods and services in an economy. Economists measure these quantities using the concept of Gross Domestic Product. Gross domestic product, commonly referred to as GDP, is the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period of time. Its important to understand precisely what this means, so its worth giving some thought to each of the definitions components: GDP Uses Market Value Its pretty easy to see that it doesnt make sense to count an orange the same in GDP as a television, nor does it make sense to count the television the same as a car. The GDP calculation accounts for this by adding up the market value of each good or service rather than adding up the quantities of the goods and services directly. Although adding up market values solves an important problem, it can also create other calculation problems. One problem arises when prices change over time since the basic GDP measure doesnt make it clear whether changes are due to actual changes in output or just changes in prices. (The concept of real GDP is an attempt to account for this, however.) Other problems can arise when new goods enter the market or when technology developments make goods both higher quality and less expensive. GDP Counts Market Transactions Only In order to have a market value for a good or service, that good or service has to be bought and sold in a legitimate market. Therefore, only goods and services that are bought and sold in markets count in GDP, even though there may be a lot of other work being done and output being created. For example, goods and services produced and consumed within a household dont count in GDP, even though they would count if the goods and services were brought to the marketplace. In addition, goods and services transacted in illegal or otherwise illegitimate markets dont count in GDP. GDP Only Counts Final Goods There are many steps that go into the production of virtually any good or service. Even with an item as simple as a $3 loaf of bread, for example, the price of the wheat used for the bread is perhaps 10 cents, the wholesale price of the bread is maybe $1.50, and so on. Since all of these steps were used to create something that was sold to the consumer for $3, there would be a lot of double counting if the prices of all of the intermediate goods were added into GDP. Therefore, goods and services are only added into GDP when they have reached their final point of sale, whether that point is a business or a consumer. An alternate method of calculating GDP is to add up the value added at each stage in the production process. In the simplified bread example above, the wheat grower would add 10 cents to GDP, the baker would add the difference between the 10 cents of the value of his input and the $1.50 value of his output, and the retailer would add the difference between the $1.50 wholesale price and the $3 price to the end consumer. Its probably not surprising that the sum of these amounts equals the $3 price of the final bread. GDP Counts Goods at the Time They Are Produced GDP counts the value of goods and services at the time they are produced, not necessarily when they are officially sold or resold. This has two implications. First, the value of used goods that are resold doesnt count in GDP, though a value-added service associated with reselling the good would be counted in GDP. Second, goods that are produced but not sold are viewed as being purchased by the producer as inventory and thus counted in GDP when they are produced. GDP Counts Production Within an Economys Borders The most notable recent change in measuring an economys income is the switch from using gross national product to using Gross Domestic Product. In contrast to gross national product, which counts the output of all of an economys citizens, Gross Domestic Product counts all output that is created within the borders of the economy regardless of who produced it. GDP Is Measured Over a Specific Period of Time Gross Domestic Product is defined over a specific period of time, whether it be a month, a quarter, or a year. Its important to keep in mind that, while the level of income is certainly important to the health of an economy, its not the only thing that matters. Wealth and assets, for example, also have a significant effect on the standard of living, since people not only buy new goods and services but also get enjoyment from using the goods that they already own.

Analysis Of The Book The Night - 2564 Words

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX Dungeons, Smoke, and Mirrors The king’s hands shook as he gripped the arms of his gilded chair. â€Å"Set that monster there!† he shouted with such rage, the entire castle trembled. The gruesome goblin shuffled over and plopped down on a wooden tripod stool in the center of the dungeon floor. Argos came over and had to stoop so he didn’t scrape his huge head on the sloped ceiling. He squatted behind Gordok, wrapped chains around his wrists and ankles, then melted into the dark shadows again. For a few moments, I stared at the monster and started to kind of choke up, thinking about all we had gone through to capture him. I was still lost in thought when Emma skipped down the stairs, smiling at me. She took a few steps, then screeched loud enough to vibrate the cobwebs that were stretched across the corners of the room. â€Å"Eeew, yuck.† She pointed to Gordok who was still in a stupor. â€Å"That monster stinks like rotten fish. Wow! I’ll talk to you later,† she said and marched out of the dungeon and up the stairs. King Zander sighed. â€Å"You have my things Aiden?† â€Å"Oh . . . Sorry. I almost forgot. Here,† I handed him the golden key. He set it on top of a small box with an inscription written in silver and it vanished. Then I gave him the wand and he pointed it at the goblin and shouted â€Å"Awake!† Gordok opened his eyes and gave me a wick sneer. â€Å"You are here before me,† the king said, looking down upon the goblin in disgust, â€Å"so that I may dispatch righteousShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Book The Night 964 Words   |  4 Pagesconstruction happened. Wanda had no choice but sat on the dusty floor while the thick chemistry book set under her butt as she used it as her cushion. Not more than ten minutes later, a sound of footsteps growing near her, triggered Wanda to straight up her body and peeked behind the wall to find out whose footstep was that. It was Chris. He was balancing a pile of books in his hand. Most of the books are from the library, and Wanda guessed that he was searching for more information about whatRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Night 1703 Words   |  7 PagesThe night is brisk and even with the thick suede jacket pulled over the man’s shoulders he is still freezing. He should mind the frozen temperatures, but he doesn’t because he has just won a vast amount of money off a bet. Money that he can spend on luxuries that he doesn’t need but believes he deserves. He smiles to himself, walking along the cold roads. Occasionally passersby will bump into him and cautious to pickpockets, he pats the pocket that holds the thick envelope of money. Maybe he’ll stopRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Night 1 207 Words   |  5 PagesAlan strode out the door just as skittish as he was when he walked in. He went over his plan in his head a countless amount of times. He was meeting Diana for dinner that night. He was going to put the potion into her wine. Diana wasn’t aware that Alan had such a tremendous admiration for her. He was strolling along, almost to the restaurant when a bluebird swooped down and snatched the love potion from Alan’s grip. â€Å"Ah-ah-oh you come back here bird! That’s mine!† shrieked Alan. He dashedRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Night 850 Words   |  4 Pagesthinks it is for the name Rachel while everyone else believes it the is German word for revenge. By the science of deduction he learns that the woman and was poison and was traveling because parts of her was wet when it did not rain in London the night before. He then notices her suitcase is missing and this was the murders mistake. Holmes leaves quickly and leaves Watson alone at the crime scene. He heads to the main road to get a taxi. As he walks down the road he notices the phones keep ringingRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Night Essay764 Words   |  4 Pagesif you really want to, talk to Syd†¦the Sofria that lives here. She is very good with plants, but you may end up with her a lot of time with her since all of her books are in those strange marks. I’ll be honest. I don’t think there is mean ing in those marks. I think she is really smart, and all the information is in her head. The books are just for show.† â€Å"I’ll ask.† They walked the garden, Tizbeth studying the different plants, thinking of questions. Lord Donovan was insulted when he told herRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Night 1151 Words   |  5 Pageswhile on the road, Seth screws up his courage enough to profess his love for Lyla. She freaks out. Unable to deal with Seth, Lyla leaves him a note, saying that she does not see Seth in the same light that he does her and flees in the middle of the night. Unable to return home and depressed that he scared off Lyla, he meets a mage named Jay-with-a-J tangled in enormous brambles. He rescues him with a fire spell and learns of the alternative group of naturalists called druids. Able to manipulate lifeRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Night 852 Words   |  4 PagesWith a basket on his back and an arm filled with a rifle, Eustace started out with his husky, Hunter, to check his traps. The black spotted, white fluff pounced forward with determination, well acquainted with the trap-line, howl ing and barking as he went ahead of Eustace along the Yaak River. Mornings like this along the trickling river with nobody and nothing, but greenery and his furry, elusive neighbors in sight in their natural orchestral of bustling calls made Eustaces transition from anRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Night 1325 Words   |  6 Pagesnecessary. Thank you for the offer. But- really. I’m fine. I promise to be quieter.† â€Å"I can help-† â€Å"No, really, I almost have it. Sorry for frightening you,† Jemma said. Daisy sighed, â€Å"Alright. Well, good night, Jemma.† She turned around and walked to the door. She locked it. â€Å"Good night, Fitz!† She called out before slamming the door closed. â€Å"Lock the door next time you do shenanigans!† The man beneath Jemma started snickering. She looked down at him disapprovingly, â€Å"It’s not funny!† She exclaimedRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Night 1048 Words   |  5 Pageshappened to Elie and was one of the main conflicts of the story, â€Å"Night†. As you can see in the book he loved going to his mosque and his love of God, however, as the story went on his faith slowly deteriorated and crumbled away even though he fought hard to keep it. This can happen to the best of people and there is no way to control it unless you are strong with your beliefs. This was the case for Elie In the beginning of the book because he was excited about his path with God and would talk withRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Night 1512 Words   |  7 PagesCameron, a young man, awoke abruptly. It was another long night in 2257 AD near modern day China. â€Å"Another nightmare,† he whispered under his breath.Panting heavily, he turns and puts his feet on the cold, damp wooden floor. Standing up, he let out a yawn as he stretched. â€Å"Well I guess I better go eat some breakfast,† he said to himself. As he goes down the stairs he passes his father’s room. Cracking the door open he could see his father sprawled out on the floor covered in glass bottles. â€Å"Drunk

Computer and Grades Free Essays

string(58) " hey need in their university is encoded on their system\." This chapter presents the background of the study, problem and its significance, and the scope and limitation of the study. Background of the Study In this Information Age we are able to process or transmit, sort and retrieve data or information between one computer to another. With this, it makes the communication and different task done easy and less time consuming and hassle free. We will write a custom essay sample on Computer and Grades or any similar topic only for you Order Now Like in schools, offices this brings a big help. In schools especially in colleges/ universities it is consist of different people and machine that work together to achieve one common goal. One of this goal is the transferring of data or information of computed grades of the student on how they performed academically in their different respective subject. On latter days, instructors manually computing the grades of their students then input it in computer, print it for them to have the hard copy. One is for their own then the other copy for the registrar or dean whom they passed the reports of the grades. But with this grading system, they can compute or tabulates the grades of their students computerized, easily and efficiently, less paper works and they can pass it through computer to the registrar and dean. And most important is that the student can quickly response if he have a problem with his grades because of the system SMS notification. The student will receive a SMS notification if he is needed to comply or talk with his respective instructor about his academic performance or grades. This will help the student that always have the reason of it was too late when they know that they failed on that subject so they were not able to comply or talk with their instructor. Objectives of the Study The main objective of the study is to minimize the task of the instructor. Registrar. This study will benefit and help the registrar to monitor the student list and information with the grades coming from their instructors. Dean. This study will benefit and help the dean of this college to monitor the class standings and per term submission of grades of the students by the instructors. Future Researchers. This study will serves as reference for the future researchers on their future study. Scope and Delimitation This study covers the CLC College of Stop. NIH, Japan City grading system. It also includes how these students will comply eventually on their grades problems with the use of SMS notification. This study focuses on the problem on how the student list be monitor and update timely and how the grades of the student will compute accurately and efficiently that will help the student and instructor to communicate despite of their busy and different schedule if they have something to settle that deals with the grade or class standing of the student. And this study focuses to suggested ways or solutions to avoid the students for being fail in different subjects. Make the student responsible for his studying and completes the requirements with his subjects as a student. Definition of Terms 1 . Information Age – Growth of information industry where information can be sorted, stored and retrieved from one computer to another. 2. Comply – To complete, reform what is due, and to be courteous. 3. System Development Life Cycle – System Life Cycle is an organizational process of developing and maintaining systems. It helps in establishing a system project plan, because it gives overall list of processes and sub-processes required for developing a system. Chapter II The Review of Related Literature and Studies Foreign Literature According to John Palmer, Robert Williams Heinz Dither Curtain University of Technology, Perth, WA, Australia (2011) they stated that: â€Å"Automated marking of assignments consisting of written text would doubtless be of teachers and education administrators alike. When large numbers of assignments are submitted at once, teachers find themselves bogged down in their attempt to provide consistent evaluations and high quality feedback to students within as short a timeshare as is reasonable, usually a matter of days rather than weeks. Educational administrators are also concerned with quality and timely feedback, but in addition must manage the cost of doing this work. Clearly an automated system would be a highly desirable addition to the educational tool-kit, particularly if it can provide less costly and more effective outcome. In this paper we present a description and evaluation of four automated essay grading systems. We then report on our trial of one of these systems which was undertaken at Curtain University of Technology in the first half of 2011. The purpose of the trial was to assess whether automated essay grading was feasible, economically viable and as accurate as manually grading the essays. Within the Curtain Business School we have not previously used automated grading systems but the benefit could be enormous given the very large numbers of students in some first year subjects. As we evaluate the results of our trial, a research and development direction is indicated which we believe will result in improvement over existing system. Keywords: assessment, assignment, automatic, essay, grading, marking, plagiarism† (http://www. Studded. Com/essays/Grading-System-For- Essay. HTML) The said article/essay that the grading system will be usable when it comes in grading especially to first year students. And when that system can be implemented, they can provide to students a good evaluation, and a timely feedback. So that, the proponents’ proposed this study in order to have a good and timely dieback for the students. In a study conducted by Evangelists (2009) she stated that: â€Å"The Online Student Information System of Simon Fraser University of Canada is a secure, web accessible interactive computer system that allows user access to grade, reports, transcripts, schedule of classes, and remaining balance for the semester and register for classes online. † (http://www. Studded. Com/essays/Review-Of-Related- Foreign-Literature. HTML) The said article/essay that the system of the Simon Fraser University is secured, accessible and efficient to use because all the information that hey need in their university is encoded on their system. You read "Computer and Grades" in category "Papers" This article helps the proponents’ to make the proposed system more accurate, convenient to use, understandable and make it user friendly environment. In a study conducted by Salem, University (2010) the school stated that: â€Å"In today’s generation, we are engaged in highly computerized technology aiming to enhance individual lifestyle. The manual system is now considered obsolete after the birth of the computerized system. Computerized Grading System is now very common today’s generation. † (http:// www. Studded. Com/essays/Fortunetelling. HTML) The said article/essay/ that our generation is innovated time-to-time. Nowadays, every companies or establishments is using a technology to provide fast transactions and encoding data’s much easier. This innovation helps the proponents’ proposed study to provide more usable system. Local Literature In a study conducted by McFarland, Migration and Maiden (2009) they stated that: â€Å"A teaching a nd learning radically changed with advances in technology. Research shows that the computer can be an effective tool in both teaching and learning. As a part of innovation, computer and internet became a part of our need in learning. It helps us to know anything and connect us to everybody. It helps us also to learn something in a quick and easiest way by providing relevant and informative information online. † (http://www. Studded. Com/essays/Assessment-Of-Online- Grading-System-7655755. HTML) The said article/essay that every piece of information that we need, the computer can provide it through accessing the internet. And also it would be very helpful to the students who are engaging research papers. So that, the proponents’ proposed system should be able to give information to the user. In a study conducted by (Beg, 2010) he stated that: Manual also is using old method without the help of the technology or maybe less to perform certain task or work. For example using type writer to write a report or keep documents in the paper folder. While computerized system is using latest technology of CIT to carry out various tasks that is more effective compare to manual system in terms of the productivity and the time usage. † (http://www. Studded. Mom/essays/ Online-student-Information-system-1871749. HTML) The said article/essay that computer systems is easy to use rather than the manual system which is filing, using papers to store information’s etc. But when it comes to computerized system, it is timeless and doubtless to encode retrieve information’s encoded on that system. So that, the proponents’ proposed this study to help the user make their tim e be manageable. In a study conducted by National University (2011) the school stated that: â€Å"Nowadays, technology plays a very important role to our lives. We all knew that technology grows fast and the demand for human resources increased. Life in every aspect such as business transactions when it comes to doing heavy paper works, arranging, sorting now has come to find its solution to make task easier and less time consuming. We can say that all companies adopted what the technology offers. This is through the process of computerizing. With its help, all transaction inside and outside the business world can be done in an easy way. † (http:// www. Studded. Com/essays/Grading-System. HTML) The said article/essay that life made easy when using a computerized system, it is because the things that the human did manually, it can be done automatically through the help of a system, and the human efforts will be reduced. So that, the proponents’ proposed this study to lessen the human efforts. Related Studies Foreign Studies In a study conducted by AY Hydraulically (2012) he stated that: â€Å"The first regular school be establis hed in Bahrain, It’s was established in 1919. The education in Bahrain was limited to education in chronic schools who are studying the Koran. However, AY Hydraulically was limited to the teaching the children of rich people and the owners of the important centers in the centers in the country and then become the public from people. It’s a doubted by the ministry of education in Bahrain. As the time go to the school has improved it teaching system and the activates to make the studying more effective for the student and now this school have been secondary school for boys in Marjoram. Now, the school is using a manual grading system in which they are using papers, files, cards and calculators to calculate the marks of each student. This type of grading is very difficult and take a long term in calculating the grade of each student, and the school spends money every year for paper files and other things, as well as there is big ability for losing or damaging the document. † (http://www. Demoded. Com/essays/Related-About- Grading-system-1077246. HTML) The said article/essay that manual computing of grades is taking too much time, and also, the school is able to pay for the papers that the students needed for storing their information’s. So that, the proponents’ proposed this study to avoid paying such papers and spending too much amount of money. In a study conducted by Golden Valley – Annealed Group of Schools (2012) the school stated that: â€Å"The grades of each student, which is the traditional use when technology is not yet developed. Manual computation is very prompt to risk for any resistances. It is time consuming in terms of recording grades, computation using of calculator. If some records are lost, they never retrieve it in case of unexpected calamity. Accuracy and security is not been so defined in their manual system. (http://Studded. Com/essays/Grading-System-1232996. HTML) The said article/essay that manual computation is very risky, because there is a possibility of loses and damaging the documents. And it is time-taking when recording grades into the papers. So that, the proponents’ proposed this system to avoid damaging loses of information needed by the instructor. In as st udy conducted by possible Axes (2008) he stated that: â€Å"Upgrading the computer information system is not an option in this technology driven era: it is a requirement. Companies that use an up-to-date information system to gather, assimilate, and evaluate internal as well as external information are gaining competitive advantage over other firms. Management is quicker to cater customer’s need and complaints. With the growth of communication networks, there are almost no barriers between the firm’s management employees, customers and suppliers. Networks computing system have made new modes of work. (http://Studded. Com/essays/nine- Student-Information-system-1871749. HTML) The said article/essay that up-to-date system is more efficient to use, because all the information needed by the customer, employees etc. Is not a barrier by the system, because computerized system has a components to interact to us humans. So that, the proponents’ proposed this study to help the user easily retrieved information needed. Local Studies In a study conducted by San Sebastian College Recollects (2011) the school stated that: â€Å"Began over 4 y ears ago; many things in this school have gone from manual to automate. And because a typical problem in a starting school are Grading Systems. I noticed that this systems does not exist in this school. Grading System means marking the task for professors in computing and calculating grades will become easy and not only that the professors will have an advantage but the student will also get a gain, because it will also improve accuracy of calculations thus making the what we call â€Å"Hula of Grades† will become non-existent in the future of San Sebastian Recollects. † (http://www. Studded. Com/essays/Computerized-Grading- Systematizes. Ml) The said article/essay that when the instructor is using a computerized grading system, their task as an instructor will be lessen because as we all know that computing of grades is not an easy work. So the proponents’ proposed this study to help the user compute the grades of the students automatically. That: â€Å"One of the fastest growing institutions in the City of Basis will new opportunit ies rising continually in hundreds of different fields. System analyst matches the requirements of the school and set up an interview between the key people. Interviews are then conducted, and the candidates selected in the interview re one of the teachers of the basic education department. This project examines the issues related to Online Grading System that implements a web-based application composed of the Grade School and High School Department. This would create a system of reliable and accurate to compute grades in all different subjects in the Basic Education Department. A comparatively fast access of information of grades; generate reports, and information of the inputs of the teachers. This will be designed through web-based with the use of Myself as database management with the intent to generate reports. It helps the teachers minimize the time consumed in computing grades of the student using manual method. It also focused each of the underlying technologies used to create and implement the application. † (http:// www. Studded. Com/essays/Online-Grading-System-610544. HTML) The said article/ essay that when the instructor using a web-based grading system, the students will have an information regarding on the standing of their grades. And also, the instructor’s is not able to use a calculator to compute the grades of each student, because it can be done by the system. So the proponents’ proposed this study to inform both students and parents regarding on the standing of the grades by the student. In a study conducted by the Informatics International Dilemma College (2012) the school stated that: â€Å"One of the fastest growing institutions with new opportunities rising continually in hundreds of different fields. This project examines the issues related to Online Grading System that implements a web-based application composed of the Grade School and High School Department. This would create a system of reliable and accurate to compute grades in all different subjects in the Basic Education Department. A comparatively fast access of information of grades; generate reports, and information of the input of teachers. This will be designed through web-based with the use of Myself as database management with the intent to generate reports. (http://www. Studded. Com/essays/Online-Grading- System-10361 53. HTML) The said article/essay that when the user which is the instructor use the online grading system, they will not be able to use the standard computing which is using a calculator. So that, the proponents’ proposed this study to help the user to encode retrieved the grades of each students in easy way. Synthesis The proponents believe that each and every literature and studies stated in this research is related on their proposed study. The proponents relate and differentiate the research based on the flow of their system analysis from the proposed study. And the proponents’ believed that every literature and studies has their own existing system that they are using, even if it’s manual or computerized system. The proponents’ rely on both systems to improve the proposed study. Chapter Ill Materials and Methods This chapter includes the research design, respondents of study, data gathering lolls, statistical tools, system design and methods use in Developing the software used by the researcher to conduct the study. Research Design The researchers choose the Developmental (developing system) of materials and method. This Research design specifically designed to aid in the development of existing system and its interfaces. Respondents This study involves 10 students, 5 Faculty members, 1 Registrar and 1 Dean of CLC College of Japan, because the researchers want to know if the students will agree to the system main goal and aim to benefit for the convenience of the proposed yester. Because those students are in different year level and have different course, and they taking different subjects that are consists of the different grades and instructor that they will not able to know at all if they have problems or not regards to their academic performance. So the researchers will get accurate information about their research. And those instructors know what and how the grading system procedures so that the proponents will understand the flow of the proposed system. The proponents want to learn about how and the limits of the registrar and dean of he school in viewing students and instructors records. Data Gathering Procedure These are the instruments or tools for gathering data in research used as basis for drawing conclusions or making inferences. Some of these tools are based on observation, interview, survey, research and questionnaires used by the proponents as they conduct the proposed study. System Design System Flow Chart System Flowchart it is formalized graphic representation of a program logic sequence, work or manufacturing process, organizing chart, or similar formalized structure. It uses different symbols or shapes that represent the step by step procedure of the system connected by flow lines. Data Flow Diagram A data flow diagram (DVD) is a graphical representation of the â€Å"flow† of data through an information system, modeling its process aspects. Often they are a preliminary step used to create an overview of the system which can later be elaborated. It represents diagram which tells the flow of the system from the start until to the last procedure on how the user will use the system proposed by the proponents. Entity-Relationship Diagram An Entity-Relationship Diagram (RED) is a logical representation of an organization’s data. Entities – Major categories of data and are represented by rectangles. Attributes – Characteristics of entities and are listed within entity eclipses. And their Relationships listed and represented by diamonds. Methods used in Developing the Software System Development Life Cycle System Life Cycle is an organizational process of developing and maintaining systems. It helps in establishing a system project plan, because it gives overall list of processes and sub-processes required for developing a system. Chapter IV Results and Discussion Project Description Grading System with SMS Notification is a LANA-Based System. This system is composed of five aspects. 1) Accuracy – this system is accurate every time that the instructor needs to encode the grade of the student it is because this system has the capability to calculate the encoded scores correctly. 2) Time Management – this system is favorable to the instructor who wants to engaged in managing of their time, because this computerized grading system can make their time manageable, because their task will be lessen in computing the grades manually. Usable – this is very useful every time that the instructor need to compute the grade of each student because this system can stored data on the database which is secured and the losses of each data will be lessen compared to the manual computation of grades. 4) Easy to Use – it is understandable to use by the user because of the separation of interfaces of who are logged on in the system, the proponents separates the interface according on the task of the user. 5) Informed – every end of the term the students will receive a notification from this system according to their status to be able for them to know about the status of their grades. The Grading System with SMS Notification has three interfaces according to the profession of the user. The instructor, has an interface to create, update and view the grades of each student. The Registrar, has an interface to view the grades of each student every end of the semester encoded by the instructor. The Dean, has the interface to view the grades of the student every end of the term. The Grading System with SMS Notification can send information according to the registered phone umber of the student on the system whether it is a personal phone number or the phone number of their guardian. How to cite Computer and Grades, Papers

Glossary for Crime and Deviance free essay sample

The consensus or functionalist perspective is one that views society as a system consisting of mutually sustaining parts and characterized by broad normative consensus. All the various social institutions have their own particular specialized social functions to keep society running smoothly II. Sociological Positivism a. Causes of crime favored by sociologists in this tradition are compounds of a variety of social phenomena which are summarized by terms such as â€Å"social disorganization,† â€Å"anomie,† or â€Å"group conflict. The appreciation of the social context of criminal behavior is sociology’s greatest contribution to our understanding of crime III. Durkheim, Modernization, and Anomie a. Emile Durkheim: Anomie—Meaning â€Å"lacking in rules† or â€Å"normlessness† which Durkheim used to describe the condition of normative deregulation in society. b. Mechanical solidarity: Exists in small, isolated, and self-sufficient prestate so ciety in which individuals, because they share common experiences and circumstances, share common values and develop strong emotional ties to the collectivity c. Organic solidarity: Characteristic of modern societies in which there is a high degree of occupational specialization d. Durkheim argued that because crime is found at all times and in all societies, it is a normal and inevitable phenomenon e. Criminals and other deviants are useful in that they serve to identify the limits of acceptable behavior f. All people are said to aspire to maximize their pleasures, but deficiencies in â€Å"natural talent† will thwart some from attaining their goals legitimately IV. The Chicago School of Ecology . The first criminological theory to be developed in the United States was the Chicago school of human ecology b. Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay: Social ecology—describes the interrelations of human beings and the communities in which they live. Early social ecologists viewed the city as a super organism with â€Å"natural areas† differentially adaptive for different ethnic groups c. Shaw and McKay noted that the majority of delin quents always came from the same neighborhoods regardless of the ethnic composition of those neighborhoods V. Social Disorganization a. Social disorganization: The breakdown, or serious dilution, of the power of informal community rules to regulate conduct b. The mix of peoples with limited resources, bringing with them a wide variety of cultural traditions sometimes at odds with traditional American middle-class norms of behavior, is not conducive to developing and/or maintaining a sense of community c. A neighborhood in the process of losing its sense of community was called a transition zone d. Social disorganization is really the loss of neighborhood collective efficacy e. Collective efficacy: The shared power of a group of connected and engaged individuals to influence an outcome that the collective deems desirable f. The same things that predict the loss of collective efficacy are the same things that predict social disorganization g. Ways in which social disorganization contributes to crime and delinquency i. The lack of social controls in disorganized neighborhoods facilitates crime by failing to inhibit it ii. The provision of positive incentives to engage in crime and delinquency h. Ecological fallacy: We cannot make inferences about individuals and groups on the basis of information derived from a larger population of which they are a part i. How do we know that differences in delinquency rates result from the aggregated characteristics of communities rather than the characteristics of individuals selectively aggregated into communities? VI. Strain Theory: Robert Merton’s Extension of Anomie Theory a. Robert Merton: Strain theory views crime as a normal response to the conditions that limit the opportunities for some individuals to obtain the economic success for which we are all supposed to strive b. Anomie is the structural-cultural disjunction and strain they is the way people adapt to life in the context of anomie VII. Modes of Adaptation a. Five modes of adaptation that various people adopt in response to social pressure i. Conformity: Accept the success goals of American society, and the prescribed means of attaining them ii. Ritualism: Rejects the cultural goals, but does not adapt in a criminal manner iii. Innovation: Accepts the validity of cultural goals, but rejects the legitimate means of attaining them iv. Retreatism: Rejects both the cultural goals, and the institutionalized means of attaining them; they are in society but not of it v. Rebellion: Reject both the goals and the means of capitalist American society, but unlike retreatists, rebels wish to substitute alternative legitimate goals and alternative legitimate means VIII. Institutional Anomie Theory . Steven Messner and Richard Rosenfeld: Institutional Anomie Theory (IAT) places the blame for the high crime rate in the United States unequivocally on the doorstep of the much-vaunted American Dream and its capitalist underpinnings b. High crime rates are intrinsic to the basic cultural commitments and institutional arrangements of American society c. Institutional Balance of Power: Subjugation of other institutions d. American culture tends t o devalue the non-economic function and roles of other social institutions e. The answer to the high crime rate in the United States is decommodification, which refers to social policies intended to free social relationships from economic considerations by freeing the operation of the other social institutions from the domination of the economy, or to at least gain a certain degree of balance IX. Robert Agnew’s General Strain Theory a. Robert Agnew laid the foundation for a general strain theory b. Strain results from the removal of a positively valued stimuli or the presentation of negative stimuli c. We all experience multiple strain throughout our lives, but the impact of strain differs according to its magnitude, recency, duration, and clustering d. The most important fact is not strain per se, but how one copes with it X. Subcultural Theories: Albert Cohen and Status Frustration a. Distinct criminal subcultures might develop, particularly among lower-class individuals because these are the people expected to feel the bite of blocked opportunity more sharply b. Albert Cohen’s book Delinquent Boys proposed a mechanism by which lower-class youths adapt to the limited avenues of success open to them c. Short-run hedonism: The actor is seeking immediate gratification of his or her desires without regard for any long term consequences d. Much lower-class crime and delinquency is expressive rather than instrumental e. Though no fault of their own, young people lack access to middle-class avenues of approval and self-worth. Because they cannot adjust to what Cohen calls middle-class measuring rods, they experience status frustration f. The real problem for Cohen is status frustration, not blocked opportunity. Lower-class youth desire approval and status, but because they cannot meet middle-class criteria, they become frustrated XI. Cloward and Ohlin’s Opportunity Structure Theory a. One of the most influential extensions of strain theory has been Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin’s opportunity structure theory, outlined in their book, Delinquency and Opportunity b. To obtain and take advantage of the most rewarding illegitimate opportunities, aspiring delinquents often need an â€Å"in† c. Gang types that develop from the frustration generated by blocked opportunities: i. Criminal gangs ii. Conflict gangs iii. Retreatist gangs XII. Walter Miller’s Theory of Focal Concerns a. Gangs are not a reaction to status deprivation b. Miller asserted that lower-class behavior and values must be viewed on their own terms c. Six focal concerns that are part of a value system and a lifestyle that has emerged from the realities of life on the bottom rung of society i. Trouble confers status if it is the right type of trouble ii. Toughness is very important to the status of lower-class males iii. Smartness refers to street smarts and is the ability to survive on the streets using one’s wits iv. Excitement is the search for fun v. Fate is a belief that the locus of control is external to oneself and a belief in â€Å"lady luck† vi. Autonomy means personal freedom d. The hard-core lower class lifestyle typified by these focal concerns catch those engaged in it in a web of situations that virtually guarantee delinquent and criminal activities XIII. Youth Gangs a. Malcolm Klein defines a youth gang as: â€Å"any denotable adolescent group who (a) are generally perceived as a distinct aggregation by others in the neighborhood, (b) recognize themselves as a denotable group, and (c) have been involved in a sufficient number of delinquent incidents to call forth a consistent negative response from neighborhood residents and/or law enforcement agencies† XIV. The Increasing Prevalence of Gangs a. Gangs are more prevalent in the United States today than ever before b. It is the neighborhood of the marginalized and underclass that the most fertile soil for the growth of gangs exist XV. Why do Young People Join Gangs? a. Joining a gang has almost become a survival imperative in some areas where unaffiliated youths are likely to be victimized b. Gang membership provides means of satisfying belongingness needs c. Gangs functions for many of its members as (1) family, (2) friendship group, (3) play group, (4) protective agency, (5) educational institution, and (6) employer XVI. Girls in Gangs a. Females are a minor part of the modern gang scene b. Girls join gangs for many of the same reasons that boys do c. Three basic types of female gang involvement i. All-female gangs ii. Mixed gender gangs iii. Female auxiliaries of male gangs d. The vast majority of females gang delinquency consists of non-violent property and status offenses XVII. Evaluation of Social Structural Theories a. Ecological theory brought home one of the most universal demographic characteristics of crime, namely, its concentration in socially disorganized areas inhabited by economically deprived people b. Strain theories claim to explain particular types of crimes in terms of their prevalence in society, and not why one individual becomes criminal and another does not c. General strain theory has been criticized as reductionist because of its emphasis of attempting to explain how people subjectively perceive and react to strain d. Subculture theories augment both ecological and anomie/strain theories by introducing the idea of subculture e. Focal concerns has attracted charges of racial insensitivity XVIII. Policy and Prevention: Implications of Social Structural Theories a. Social disorganization( Chicago Area Project: Treating communities from which offenders came. Shaw and McKay organized a number of programs aimed at generating or strengthening a sense of community within neighborhoods b. Strain theory( If the cause of crime is a disjunction between cultural values emphasizing success for all and a social structure denying access to legitimate means of achieving it to some, then the cure for crime is to increase opportunities or to dampen aspirations c. Cloward and Ohlin developed a delinquency-prevention project known as Mobilization for Youth which concentrated on expanding legitimate opportunities for disadvantaged youths d. The policy recommendation flowing from institutional anomie theory would be those that tame the power of the market via decommodification e. Any policy recommendation derived from subcultural theory would not differ in any significant ways from those derived from ecological or anomie/strain theories Key Terms Anomie Chicago area press Collective efficacy Consensus or Functionalist perspective Conformity Decommodification Ecological fallacy Focal concerns General strain theory Institutional anomie theory Institutional balance of power Mechanical solidarity Middle-class measuring rods Mobilization for youth Modes of adaptation Opportunity structure theory Organic solidarity Short-run hedonism Social ecology Social disorganization Social structure Status frustration Transition zone

The Gift of Magi free essay sample

Country Lovers Alyssa Helm English 125 Instructor: David Makhanlall November 7, 2011 Themes: The Gift of Magi It is always great to read stories where the author is able to show love between two characters. â€Å"The Gift of Magi† was a great example of this. This story showed how a couple’s love was so strong between the two, that they were able to give up their most prize possessions for one another. â€Å"The Gift of Magi† allows the reader to be able to relate to this love story with a heartwarming theme of love vs. material things. As a reader reading this story there were a lot of themes or meanings that this story has. A theme: â€Å"it is not a statement about a dominant impression or mood; it is not a moral or proposition; it is not the attitude of the writer. Theme is more complex than any of these elements of fiction; it cant be defined in a single word† (Clugston, R. We will write a custom essay sample on The Gift of Magi or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page W. (2010). The most important would be showing the limits a person would go for someone that they love, even if it means giving up the most important thing to them. Della, with only $1. 7, wanted to make sure that she was able to provide her husband with what she felt would be the best Christmas gift. Della considered her long, brown hair as one of her most prized possessions. But, when it came down to her hair or getting her husband Jim a Christmas gift she did not think twice about cutting it. The twenty dollars that the woman offered her at the hair shop seemed to be just enough for her to be able to purchase the perfect gift. There were many literary elements that contributed to the theme of this story. The first one would be symbols. There are two main symbols that are represented in this story. This would be Della’s long brown hair and her husband Jim’s gold watch. . Had the queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majestys jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him pluck at his beard from envy(Clugston, R. W. (2010). These two things are focused on the most in this story. The end result in this story has a twist on it. Della and Jim both bought things to compliment each other’s prized possessions. The focus was mainly put on Della’s hair however at the end of the story it reveals how her husband Jim had sold his watch so that he was able to purchase the hair barrettes that she couldn’t use now because she cut her hair. Della didn’t know what reaction she would get from her husband, she even went home to style her now short hair so that it maybe her husband would accept her drastic cut. The couple did this only to find out at the end of the story that they both got rid of what was most important so they could buy each other a gift for the holidays. The second literary element that would contribute to this them would be the point of view. This story was told in third person. This means that the story contained a narrator. â€Å"Its important to remember that the narrator, whether a character inside the story or one looking on from outside the action, is a voice invented by the author for the purposes of the story. Clugston, R. W. (2010). I feel like with this story it helps set the mood and was able to allow the reader to sympathize with the couple. I say this because the narrator is able to describe in full detail the feelings of each character. We are able to see things that we would not if the character had been telling the story. The narrator is able to provide us with full detail about each facial expression, or feeling that is told. Although this couple was only trying to make sure they each had something for Christmas, I feel like if they had communication they would have been able to avoid losing items that meant the most to them. I totally understand how much it means to be able to buy your loved one something on a holiday, but it’s not always about materialistic things as you have each other. Reference Page 1) Clugston, R. W. (2010). Journey into Literature.

Quotes to Help You Celebrate Everyday Life

Quotes to Help You Celebrate Everyday Life You wake up every morning, wondering what the day has in store for you. It could be a fun day full of happy surprises, new friendships, and accomplishment, or it could be a lousy day with the boss yelling at you, your car breaking down, or your cat running off. Some days are good; some not so good. However, life is always good. Albert Einstein said, In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. If you look at life positively, you may find that a hurdle is a stepping stone to success. Instead of making excuses, you find reasons to succeed. Each failure teaches us important lessons in life. Successes and failures are part of life. Recharge your soul with positive thinking. Start your day by affirming that life is good. Quotes that build positive energy are great stress busters. Quotes Helen Keller: So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good.Dan Brookoff: Pain does not have a moral value. Drugs do not have a moral value. Life is good; to be cherished, promoted and supported. We, as physicians, should not be moralizing about pain or its treatments.Euripides: There is just one life for each of us: our own.Boris Pasternak: The great majority of us are required to live a life of constant duplicity. Your health is bound to be affected if, day after day, you say the opposite of what you feel,  if you grovel before what you dislike, and rejoice at what brings you nothing but misfortune.Doug Horton: Life is good when we think its good. Life is bad when we dont think.Samuel Johnson: Almost every man wastes part of his life in attempts to display qualities which he does not possess  and to gain applause which he cannot keep.Bertrand Russell: The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.Jason Zebehazy : Three things are needed for a good life: good friends, good food, and good song. Winston Churchill: We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.Ann Landers: Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead. That is where your future lies.Steven Coallier: Attack life; its going to kill you anyway.Claude Pepper: Life is like riding a bicycle. You dont fall off unless you plan to stop peddling.Ralph Waldo Emerson: It is not the length of life but the depth of life.Samuel Butler: All of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life is to enjoy it.Josh Billings: Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.Albert Schweitzer: A great secret of success is to go through life as a man who never gets used up.Abraham Lincoln: And in the end, its not the years in your life that count. Its the life in your years.Isak Dinesen: Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no i mportance whatsoever. Albert Einstein: There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.Karl Wallenda: Being on the tightrope is living; everything else is waiting.Buddha: On lifes journey, faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day, and right mindfulness is the protection by night. If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him.Sid Caesar: In between goals is a thing called life that has to be lived and enjoyed.Lou Holtz: Never tell your problems to anyone. 20 percent dont care and the other 80 percent are glad you have them.Dr. Seuss: Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind dont matter and those who matter dont mind.Alexander Graham Bell: When one door closes, another opens, but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us.

Redicovering the atom, how many pennies For Chemirsty Class Lab Report

Redicovering the atom, how many pennies For Chemirsty Class - Lab Report Example It is done using a beaker of pennies and the main objective is to find the weight of one penny using the Millikan’s experiment. This is done using the principals behind the Millikan’s experiment in which Millikan was able to determine the charge of an electron by using the oil drop experiment. The experiment is to take place inside a lab and various measurements are recorded. After this the data is manipulated using Microsoft spreadsheet to get the overall mass of one penny. This is done in an experiment that looks like a game performed by 15 students. The experiment is similar to the experiment that was done by Millikan to determine the charge of one electron without knowing the number of electrons that were there in the oil drop. This experiment also finds the mass of one penny without knowing the number of pennies in the beaker. This experiment was done by 15 students who volunteered to take part in the experiment. Each student was provided with an empty beaker that was later filled with pennies. A balance is also needed to be used in measuring the weights of the can with the pennies as the experiment goes on. In the experiment, the 15 students each grab a handful of pennies without knowing the total number that they have grabbed. After grabbing the pennies, the mass of the pennies that they grabbed is measured to find the total mass of the handful. Then a table is drawn and the mass of the handful collected by the students are recorded. The masses are arranged from the largest to the smallest. Then subtract each mass from the corresponding greater mass and find the difference. After this get the smallest difference that is close to 2 and not in the range of 0.5, 0.5 and so on. After this make a table of the difference in mass of the pennies and the integers that is found. The gradient of the graph gives the mass of one penny To get the smallest number, the differences with the smallest number greater than 2 is used. Those

Rat trap boat evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rat trap boat evaluation - Essay Example Our initial focus will be to discuss the evaluation plan for the construction of the rat trap boat. The evaluation plan will cover the following areas: background, purpose, limitations, questions, methods, instrumentation, time line, and budget. The assignment for the creation of said rat trap boat was initially given in an Engineering and Construction course. The purpose of this project is to create a moving water vehicle that is powered only by the energy stored in the spring from a mouse trap. The following limitations will be set in place: a standard mousetrap, the spring on the mousetrap will be the sole power source, the spring on the mousetrap will be cut and bent, but no heat-treated or chemically alteration will occur, the maximum length of the boat will be 18’ (this does not include the lever arm), all materials used will be non-hazardous, and the vehicle will be self-starting and steer itself. In an attempt to answer these questions the following methodology will be used to create a rat trap boat. First I will cut the balsa wood into a ten inch by five inch rectangle. Then I will cut one end into a point, making a boat shape. I will then cut a four inch by two and a half inch notch into the other end. Next, I will make four three inch by one and a half inch rectangles out of the balsa wood for paddles. I will then cut the dowel down to six inches. I will then hot glue the paddles to the dowel, making sure they are centered and evenly spaced. I will then allow paddles to cool completely. The next major step will be to wrap wire around the dowel on one side of the paddle and twist with a wire cutter. I will then trim it to about one fourth of an inch to make an axle pin. Now it is time to attach a one inch wire in a loop to one side of the back of the boat shape by hot-gluing one end to the top of the wood and the other to the bottom. I will then slide the end of the dowel through the loop and attach the second one inch wire to the other side, around the dowel. It is now important to place the mousetrap on top of the boat shape on the same side as the axle pin. I will then hot glue the mousetrap in place. Then I will tie string to the axle pin and turn the dowel until I have about two feet of string wrapped around it. I will then tie the end of the string to the â€Å"jaw† of the mousetrap securely. I will then set the trap and tighten the string around the dowel. The final step will be to place the boat into the water and release the trap. The jaw should slowly begin to close, pulling the string and causing

The Background To Social Constructivism Theory Sociology Essay

The Background To Social Constructivism Theory Sociology Essay This essay will firstly describe the origins, background and history of the Social Constructionism theory and how it is linked to Social Constructivism. Secondly, the essay will show how this theory affects the way sexuality is viewed and explained. The essay will also show how other aspects such as religion and culture play a key role in sexuality and then examine some of the early sexual reform movements. Finally, it will focus on some modern developments and influences that continue to shape our sexuality in the modern contemporary. In sociological theory of knowledge there is also social constructivism. This term refers to general philosophy in constructing knowledge in social settings where groups collaborate and create small shared culture and shared meanings (Vygosky, 1978). Social constructivism is a theory that is closely linked to social constructionism in a way that in both theories people work together in constructing artifacts. Social constructionism refers to artefacts that are created depending on the social interaction of a group whilst social constructivism address the individual learning that takes place in interactions in a group. The word Social Construction was derived from social constructuctionism by (Berger and Luckmann, 1967) who were the first sociologists to use this word in 1966 when they wrote the book called The Social Construction of Reality. They argue that the word is made up of ordinary common sense. This was quickly followed by Foucault in the 1970s who describes Social Constructi onism as related to human sexuality. According to Berger and Luckmann (1967) social construction has the main features such as typification, institutions and significations. This notion is not only about worldly things but it profoundly affects the way we believe, think, our values attitudes and the way we behave. This means to say that our knowledge is socially constructed and is the centre which defines how the world is. Although sexuality has a diverse meanings Carroll (2007) describes it as mating rituals to create ideas, customs, laws, art and fantasies, around the sexual act. She suggests that generally, sexuality is also a term that determines the feelings and behaviour of human beings in relation to sex. Oakley (1985) describes sexuality as a reproductive aspect that focuses attention on shared functions on humanity by cultural tolerance. According to Oakley sexuality is recognized by power and vitality with some political advantages that accumulate to any man by desirable calibre of spreading his seed far afield and therefore creating many branches of his decent line through different sets of children. In other words, sexuality is learned from culture, family, romantic partners, friends and within the context of society as a whole as well as from other sources. On the hand biological theories of sexuality emphasizes that it is fixed by nature and a strong link between hormones to chromosomes, brain anatomy, genetic patterns due to inborn that differentiate women and men. Bristow (1997) argues that the concept of sexuality is deeply embedded by sexual functioning, ovulation, pregnancy, conception, hormonal release and birth that are controlled by physiological. However, (Butler, 2004) Sexuality refers to natural distinctions in a cultural meanings and social forms which both there is a function of norms. Ones sexuality how to become or know your sexuality it depends on the modes in which is dispossessed. Wittig cited in (Butler, 2004) argues that sexuality is categorized in different ways, some psychologists like Fred tries to attempt it as an issue of genital organized sexuality. This type of sexuality referred to Lesbian who do it as an economy of pleasures which will both challenge the construction of female subjectivity marked by women supposedly distinctive reproductive function. However, this was a construction of proliferation of pleasures through reproductive construction of genitality. Cameroon and Kulick (2003)define reproductive sexuality as a bridging nature and culture that clearly manifest gender between these two dichotomies. Witting cited in (Butler, 2004) describes the lesbian body as sexually constructed since this is subj ective to sex, desire and transforming of gender identity. Heterosexual was considered the only normal which Butler (2004) argues that model of normalization of heterosexual diffuse antigenital sexuality and ignores hegemonic structure of sexuality. In the 19th century during Victorian times sexual practices were kept secret, very confined only regarded in home environment. Sexuality was taken as custody and engaged on in the purpose of reproduction. For example during this modern era time the women status of sex was determined by the way of dressing (Butler, 2004). She points out that married women were only allowed to wear long skirts and there was no clothing worn during their childhood and even in their pre-adolescence. Butler (2004) argue that women sexuality was constructed through sexual status by demonstration of their previous clothing. For example short skirts resembled as a sign of previous sexual experience among women. Women were considered to be very royal and honest after marriage (Butler, 2004) Foucault (1990) argues that during this time everything beyond outside household was regarded as abnormal only gestures, open transgressions and shameless discourse where bodies were displaying themselves was allowed as a norm of the society. Oakley (1972) points out that subordination of women originated from the masculine conception regarding woman, and raised some ideals, norms that strongly influenced women behaviour in lacking power in challenging male view of women sex. Through patriarchy the suppression of women has continued and through social construction the role of women developed into that of the weaker sex who has suffered a lower status than men in society. The social theorists such as Wolkwtiz (2006) describes the construction of sexuality as shaped through bodies by individuals and their identities. In addition to this feminist point out that female body are taken as body of embodiment. Foucault (1978) argues that culture so dominating in influencing sexual desire rather than biological sex drive in human being. However, Feminists theorist believes that the choice on individual sexuality is most influenced on our ideas from the society. They believe that social construction of sexuality is based on power that man has authority for a number of centuries. Oakley (1997), argues that sex identity, gender identity and gender role only show conformity and two possibilities of the identity of masculinity as dominance over femininity. She went on to say that therefore no one was born being as homosexual. In addition, the feminist also outlined that sexual gender inequality is the major issue in subordination of women and being seen as sexual objects by men, which result in sexual aggression such as rape and sexual abstinent. According to Butler (2004) argues that sexuality is socially constructed by the way women are treated, societies have different view on women, their bodies are seen as objects that are suitable to abuse, pornography, sexual harassment and prostitution. The feminist movement has given rise to a large body of theory which attempts to explain sexuality inequalities and set forth agendas for overcoming those inequalities. The major strands of feminism in the west during the twentieth century were liberal, socialist or Marxist and radical feminism. These feminist theories in relation to sexuality contrast markedly with one another. They sought to explain sexuality inequalities through variety of social process, such as sexism, patriarchy and capitalism (Faulcout, 1978). The feminists argue that male sexuality constantly views sex like an act that only men perform on the body of a women involves that invo lves erection of penis and penetration into women vagina. This only supports dominance of men over womens body that resulted from the way society constructing sexuality on human beings. Sexuality as well underwent the same epistemological shift. Postmodernism, in fact, invites to consider sexuality not as a biologically constituted and naturally determined entity that confine the possibility of action and existence of human beings, nor as a place where the true self is kept, but as a plastic entity manufactured by and within the language: sexuality thus is socially and discursively constructed as well. However the Liberal and the Radical Feminists argues about heterosexuality regime in the society. They describe it as a socially compulsory regime that dissipated and masks the existence of women that result in undermining solidarity among women in facing subordination. Some Sociologists such as the Liberal and Radical feminists both argue that heterosexual is related to social constructionism and triggered for instance social violence upon women. They also argue that the distinctive categories of man and women form dangers to construction analysis (Johnson, 2005). The sociologists believe that society plays a vital role in influencing different sexual behaviors in societies. Carroll (2007) argues that family is one of the major factors which influence values for human sexuality. She believes that the construction of sexuality in contemporary societies is mainly emerged through male dominance. Culturally, in modern societies, male sexuality is being viewed as an act that involves mal e genital as having power over women genital and without these men genital do not have power. Sexuality is more shaped by human values and beliefs towards power through engagement of sex. Therefore, there are some negative and positive learned behaviors that women and men do to their sex roles in the society. Butler (2004) believes that construction of sexuality in society emerged through erection of male organ and denial of female orgasm. Our parents and family give strong influential messages about the norm of the societys view of sexuality. Family microsystem also influences how a society views sexuality (Beasley, 2005). In addition, Carroll (2007) argues that family views women as they are naturally born for reproduction and sex is not meant pleasurable for them. According to Butler (2004) criticize the concept of sexuality in a family because it considered all other sexual behaviors as being abnormal, immature and not suitable for human life. Butler (2004) mentions that in fami ly structure women are not allowed to seek any knowledge regarding sex. The ideology of private nuclear family such as the father, mother and children has also seen as social construction and male sexuality dominating. For example in Muslim Families, Women should be dressed in demeanor and long dresses. The feminist believes that social construction of sexuality is based on the power of mens Foucault (1979) identifies religion as a deconstructing theme which influences women in participating sexual activities. He outlines that female sexuality has been internalized in the negative view of their life experiences and social cultural constructions. Foucault (1979) argues that the institutional and structural sources of female sexuality is derived from womens sexual meanings and this impact women lives. Religion was seen as major influential on the construction of female sexuality because it explores sexual attitudes behaviors in marriage relationships. Beasley (2005 ) argues that religion do not prevent premarital sexual behaviors among human but it only enables religious men and women to become inactive in practicing masturbation. He emphasizes that masturbation is a fulfillment of sexual desire by practicing intercourse through oral stimulation of genitals and this is mostly done by inactive religious people. Judaism Islamic heavily argues that Biblical any practice of ma sturbation is regarded as a sin which produce guilt and shame. Johnson, (2005) argues that Christian religions impose beliefs on women that their sexual roles in the society are only to fulfill family desires and needs. These feelings make women inferior and seen being trapped in patriarchal structure of society. Foucault, (1992) claims that such as the Jude- Christian tradition portrays women as objects for the perpetuating mens use. Carroll (2007) mentions that during Victorian era Christianity viewed sexuality only as reproductive activity that only done for pleasure. For example there are two ideologies driven from the Puritans Christianity culture that construct sexuality. One is the Machismo which resembles the superiority of men sexuality over women. Biblically, this means that women should be submissive to their husband and the husband is considered as the head of the family. The other one is the Marianismo that is based on the model that was played by Mary the mother of God . Carroll (2007) claims that women according to their sexuality should accept the superiority of husband as Gods will as it has been done by Mary. Beasley (2005) argues that church is an institute that constructed for female to perform their sexualities according to religious beliefs in patriarchal society. The economy also plays a pivot role in influencing the beliefs and values of societies view of sexuality (Bayer, 1997). He suggests that capitalism like the U.S economy is deeply concerned about the exchange of the services with money. This gives a potential rise in some related sex services such as pornography, sex shops and prostitution. Bayer (1997) outlined that pornography is one of the human activities in the construction of sexuality. Foucault (1978) also argues that the human activity such as sex workers is also dominating in the construction of the notion of sexuality and commodification that conceptualizes selling of sex as normal. Pornography is the stigma which has a social meaning in disciplining womens sexual behaviors in the western world Foucault (1984). Butler (2004) maintains that women sexuality in sex selling is exposed in terms of dressing sexy, nakedness and dancing and these social behaviors can make them attractive and identity is mostly created by sexual perf ormances. She claims that selling of sex signifies the objectivity women body in their sexuality. In addition Butler (2004) identifies that the decorative object materials such as fingernails polish, stripped toothpaste, earrings and necklaces are seen as decorative labour for women in construction of their identity and put a boundary between male and female sexuality. However, the Postmodernism, consider sexuality as naturally determined and constituted in the existence and action of human beings where there is no truth of self but confined in the entire plastic. Moore and Zuccarini (2009) suggest that pornography resulted due the economy of well-developed countries such as U.S.A, Britain where women from poor countries are trafficked for sex. This view is supported by Johnson (2005) who views the construction of sexuality through the means of graphic sexually exploitation and subornation of women thorough words and pictures in imitation of their bodies. Beasley ( 2005) argues that the sexuality of human sexuality such as women are more of dehumanization of their bodies, they are seen as sexual objects, presented in body parts such as buttocks, limited to vaginas, breasts, they present pleasure in rape. Media is a primary source which constitutes parts of international and national industries with related superficial reports on prostitution and trafficking women (Dorwkin, 1981). He went on to say that this result in the objectifying of femininity and sexuality images among women. Dorwkin (1981) argues that media portrays the femininity sexuality give a powerful perpetuation dominant power structures to masculinity. Bayer (1987) also argues media such as magazines, mahogany has some photographs that construct images of femininity and female sexuality which produce fantasizing desires and pleasures in a limited way. Carroll (2007) argues that media plays a vital role in shaping the public opinion, interests and directing hearts and mind of the public in sexual political realm. Bayer (1987) also argues that medias representation of characteriscs of homosexuality during their publication is not fully expressed and it does not show fully homosexual characters and it only expresses this i dea as normal to the public. Dorwkin (1981) also claims that media behaves in a way the society deems appropriate. For example the lesbians shown on national television media do not show there real characters. Dorwkin (1981) went on to say the absence of a performance of lesbianism is not simply the absence of lesbian sex, but the absence of any representation of lesbianism as a factor that it encourages the society to lesbian identity.  The invisibility of lesbianism character not only allows heartbeat to avoid any substantial portrayal of an experience outlawed by the dominant patriarchal discourse, but to obscure homophobia. Bristow (1997) suggest that the invisibility of lesbianism supports patriarchal values by removing the need to confront the homophobia and heterosexist/sexism that visible lesbianism signifies. He went on to claim that the sanitization for public consumption is always prevalent with the exception of when they do show gay characters, they are usually portray ed in a stereotypical, feminine fashion such as Nathan Lane in the movie. For example, the Birdcage or with the stigma of the gay man with AIDS, such as Tom Hanks in Philadelphia.   Johnson (2005) identifies that continuing prevalence of stigmatization and stereotyping of those considered deviant serves to maintain status and control of power the notion of heterosexuality as the norm of the society. However, Moore and Zuccarini (2009) argue that media contribute to the process of commodification of sexuality and promote cultural stereotypes around sex work even through their ostensibly disapproving reports on trafficking. They are different cultures which are also seen in the contributing to construction of human sexuality such as, transsexuals, cross-dressers, transvestites, intersex individuals those born with ambiguous genitals Carroll (2007). Some surgical techniques were performed in the construction of their gender and sexuality. Sex reassignment surgery was developed to help bring transsexuals biology into line with their inner lives. Carroll (2007) points out that construction of sexuality on transsexuals depends on the interests, values and the individuals beliefs on being recognised a as being male or female. Moore and Zuccarin (2009) draw attention to the distinctive categories of female and male genitals which are constructed and the use of silicone implants in creating breasts. They claim that the artificial constructions of the genital organs motivate the beliefs to those who recognise it as a fulfilment of their sexuality. Joseph (2009) also claims that some other cultures like the Pers ian Gulf country of Oman transsexual they undergo ritual castration where all their parts of genitals are removed and they believe this gives them special powers to bless male children. In addition to this Joseph ( 2008) also points out that in the contemporary culture, language such as the pornified messages are communicated through print and electronic media which a being seen as sexual liberating. Moore and Zuccarini (2009) argues that liberation of sexuality is only intimate part of humanity and its liberation expression can only be fulfilled and empowered and there is a major different experience in todays culture which result in capitalist commodification of sexuality in the whole society. Weeks (2000) also argues that the concept of bio power by Foucault which relate to power constructed by industrialisation in supporting cultural hegemony in capitalism. He emphasis that biopower is strongly linked to bio politics construction of sexuality and it regulates human sexuality int o categories. The medical community also influences how a society views sexuality. For example, many years ago physicians taught that masturbation was a disease that could lead to permanent mental illness. This attitude influenced societal opinions of masturbation. Other behaviors in which physicians urged people not to engage included anal intercourse, extramarital sex, homosexuality, and bisexuality. Societys values about these behaviors were guided by the medical communitys attitudes and beliefs. A fifth influence that regulates sexual behavior in the United States is the law (Carroll, 2007). The law establishes what sexual behaviors are officially right and wrong. For example, laws regulate the availability of certain contraceptive methods, abortion, and certain sexual behaviors. Laws help establish social norms and influence societal attitude. To conclude, many sociological issues contribute to the construction of categories of sexuality and gender identity in our society.   The primacy of masculinity versus femininity, the categorizing of deviants as abnormal or needing psychiatric treatment, and the role of power in American society all contribute to explaining and understanding the role of deviance in our society.   There are also several tools that serve to maintain, enforce, and reinforce these categories, but the strongest uniting factor is the imputation of negative status for that which is deviant.   Foucault (1984) argues that we should avoid applying terms of behaviour to individuals.   Rather than using terms such as heterosexual and homosexual to describe persons, we should use them in describing the nature of overt sexual relations. I think he posed this idea in light of conducting objective, unbiased research and the realization that the use of these terms was too restrictive and limiting to character ize a person based on their sexual behaviour.   From a deeper point of view there is lot of evidence that there are so many factors that contribute in the determination on how society feels about sexuality.  

ESL Education Essay

Facilitating education and learning of English language in developing countries has been a challenge for ESL teachers through the years. The capability of these countries to continually adapt to the globalizing economy has been gradually increasing and this also applies in learning the English language. Thus, the challenge for ESL instructors is to create and improve on mechanisms that will enhance a better facilitation of English language education among students in the developing countries. Continuous development of ESL programs has been prevalent in the recent years. Also, there is an increased diversity of participants who seek to learn English. Instructors of the language on the other hand have been welcoming these changes. â€Å"English language arts teachers are especially open to embracing the richness this diversity brings to their classrooms, yet many feel ill-prepared to teach students for whom English is a second, third or possibly fourth language. † (Young, 1996, p. 17) However, the proliferation of students who are studying ESL does not evenly match instructors who facilitate their education. This situation paves the way for ESL students taking part in an English classroom that is handled by non-trained ESL instructors which greatly affects and undermines the development and learning process of students. â€Å"Despite the increase in the number of trained ESL specialists over the past 10 years or so, it is no secret that vast numbers of limited English proficient (LEP) students still spend either all or large portions of their academic life with regular or content classroom teachers. (Penfield, 1987, p. 21) Another important issue in ESL education is the facilitation and processes involved in teaching. â€Å"Issues surrounding ESL education focus on determining the ‘best’ approach to help non-native speakers of English gain appropriate academic skills. † (Young, 1996, p. 17) In addition, there have been increased outputs of literature pertaining to enhancing ESL education in schools. One issue that is addressed in studies are listening and speaking ca pabilities of ESL students. However there had been discrepancies with application of these methods on the other hand for ESL instructors. â€Å"Though these studies have been helpful to EAP teachers, few have looked beyond reading and writing skills to what college/university professors actually require with regards to academic listening and speaking skills and which of these tasks are most problematic for ESL students in a tertiary institution. (Ferris & Tag, 1996, p. 298) Thus, efficient communication, enforcement of strategies, and stabilizing the curriculum are the possible options that institutions can make in addressing these needs. The next section looks into possible strategies that can be implemented to facilitate the challenges ESL teachers face in teaching English among non-native speakers. One possible solution is creating a monitoring criterion for ESL students. This would entail ESL educators of continuously creating necessary measures and dynamics to enhance learning for their students. â€Å"During formal and informal meetings these teachers continually discuss inherent shortcomings of the procedures used in assessing their students, share their shortcomings of the procedures used in assessing their students. † (Ernst, 1994, p. 323) With this, ESL students are assured that their individual performance are assessed and evaluated to further help them in acquiring and learning the language. Also, ESL teachers must develop both listening and communication strategies with students to facilitate the learning process and develop efficient mechanisms of education. â€Å"Somehow we need to help them bridge the gap between the safe interactions they experience in ESL classes and the activities they find more challenging and threatening in content classes. † (Ferris & Tag, 1996, p. 312) Creating listening strategies can also make ESL students feel comfortable and secure that their interests are seen and provides them the avenue to express what they really want. ESL teachers should simulate free-form classroom lecture discussions for their students and analyze videotaped classroom interactions with their students so that ESL students can be better prepared for the realities. † (Ferris & Tag, 1996, p. 312) Another possible alternative is the creation of â€Å"ESL Task Group†. â€Å"This group should consist of representatives of the total school community, be small enough for efficient operation, and be chaired by most competent person available. † (Levenson, 1969, p. 1) With the creation of this, the group must follow the necessary phases that includes (1) gathering information, (2) observation and evaluation, (3) surveying and (4) constant communication with important groups and organizations. Another issue that can be addressed is the issue of writing among ESL students. ESL teachers must be keen to adapt and understand the dilemma these students have in the correct and proper way of writing. â€Å"ESL writers should neither be treated as completely different from native speakers nor as completely the same, that a middle ground is desirable. (Chan, 1988, pp. 84-85) In addition, ESL writers must not be discriminated of expressing their intentions and ideas in class. â€Å"Like native speakers of English, ESL writers can and should be encouraged to write as a means of discovering what they think and know and as a means of commu nicating their sides. † (Chan, 1988, p. 85) Lastly, adequate and continuous training must be given to future and current ESL instructors. Recognizing that each one is vital for the success of the program, constant awareness must be made regarding this issue. The most obvious pedagogical solution to students’ dilemma is to train professors to respond clearly and effectively to students’ informal questions and comments. † (Ferris & Tragg, 1996, p. 312) In addition, there needs to be a collaborative effort between non-ESL teachers and ESL instructors since they both have the same objective – educate. â€Å"Collaboration with other teachers who are ‘becoming’ mainstreamed ESL teachers serves as another important avenue for support. â€Å"(Young, 1996, p. 19) By being dynamic, issues regarding ESL facilitation can be eased and create learning.

A Dirty Job Chapter 10

PART TWO SECONDHAND SOULS Do not seek death. Death will find you. But seek the road which makes death a fulfillment. – Dag Hammarskjà ¶ld 10 DEATH TAKES A WALK Mornings, Charlie walked. At six, after an early breakfast, he would turn the care of Sophie over to Mrs. Korjev or Mrs. Ling (whoever's turn it was) for the workday and walk – stroll really, pacing out the city with the sword-cane, which had become part of his daily regalia, wearing soft, black-leather walking shoes and an expensive, secondhand suit that had been retailored at his cleaner's in Chinatown. Although he pretended to have a purpose, Charlie walked to give himself time to think, to try on the size of being Death, and to look at all the people out and about in the morning. He wondered if the girl at the flower stand, from whom he often bought a carnation for his lapel, had a soul, or would give hers up while he watched her die. He watched the guy in North Beach make cappuccinos with faces and fern leaves drawn in the foam, and wondered if a guy like that could actually function without a soul, or was his soul collecting dust in Charlie's back room? There were a lot of people to see, and a lot of thinking to be done. Being out among the people of the city, when they were just starting to move, greeting the day, making ready, he started to feel not just the responsibility of his new role, but the power, and finally, the specialness. It didn't matter that he had no idea what he was doing, or that he might have lost the love of his life for it to happen; he had been chosen. And realizing that, one day as he walked down California Street, down Nob Hill into the financial district, where he'd always felt inferior and out of touch with the world, as the brokers and bankers quickstepped around him, barking into their cell phones to Hong Kong or London or New York and never making eye contact, he started to not so much stroll, as strut. That day Charlie Asher climbed onto the California Street cable car for the first time since he was a kid, and hung off the bar, out over the street, holding out the sword-cane as if charging, with Hondas and Mercedes zooming along the street beside him, passing under his armpit just inches away. He got off at the end of the line, bought a Wall Street Journal from a machine, then walked to the nearest storm drain, spread out the Journal to protect his trousers against oil stains, then got down on his hands and knees and screamed into the drain grate, â€Å"I have been chosen, so don't fuck with me!† When he stood up again, a dozen people were standing there, waiting for the light to change. Looking at him. â€Å"Had to be done,† Charlie said, not apologizing, just explaining. The bankers and the brokers, the executive assistants and the human-resource people and the woman on her way to serve up clam chowder in a sourdough bowl at the Boudin Bakery, all nodded, not sure exactly why, except that they worked in the financial district, and they all understood being fucked with, and in their souls if not in their minds, they knew that Charlie had been yelling in the right direction. He folded his paper, tucked it under his arm, then turned and crossed the street with them when the light changed. Sometimes Charlie walked whole blocks when he thought only of Rachel, and would become so engrossed in the memory of her eyes, her smile, her touch, that he ran straight into people. Other times people would bump into him, and not even lift his wallet or say â€Å"excuse me,† which might be a matter of course in New York, but in San Francisco meant that he was close to a soul vessel that needed to be retrieved. He found one, a bronze fireplace poker, set out by the curb with the trash on Russian Hill. Another time, he spotted a glowing vase displayed in the bay window of a Victorian in North Beach. He screwed up his courage and knocked on the door, and when a young woman answered, and came out on the porch to look for her visitor, and was bewildered because she didn't see anyone there, Charlie slipped past her, grabbed the vase, and was out the side door before she came back in, his heart pounding like a war drum, adrenaline sizzling through his veins like a hormonal tilt-a-wh irl. As he headed back to the shop that particular morning, he realized, with no little sense of irony, that until he became Death, he'd never felt so alive. Every morning, Charlie tried to walk in a different direction. On Mondays he liked to go up into Chinatown just after dawn, when all the deliveries were being made – crates of produce, carrots, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, melons, and a dozen varieties of cabbage, tended by Latinos in the Central Valley and consumed by Chinese in Chinatown, having passed through Anglo hands just long enough to extract the nourishing money. On Mondays the fishing companies delivered their fresh catches – usually strong Italian men whose families had been in the business for five generations, handing off their catch to inscrutable Chinese merchants whose ancestors had bought fish from the Italians off horse-drawn wagons a hundred years before. All sorts of live and recently live fish were moved across the sidewalk: snapper and halibut and mackerel, sea bass and ling cod and yellowtail, clawless Pacific lobster, Dungeness crab, ghastly monkfish, with their long saberlike teeth and a sin gle spine that jutted from their head, bracing a luminous lure they used to draw in prey, so deep in the ocean that the sun never shone. Charlie was fascinated by the creatures from the very deep sea, the big-eyed squid, cuttlefish, the blind sharks that located prey with electromagnetic impulses – creatures who never saw light. They made him think of what might be facing him from the Underworld, because even as he fell into a rhythm of finding names at his bedside, and soul vessels in all manner of places, and the appearance of the ravens and the shades subsided, he could feel them under the street whenever he passed a storm sewer. Sometimes he could hear them whispering to one another, hushing quickly in the rare moments when the street went quiet. To walk through Chinatown at dawn was to become part of a dangerous dance, because there were no back doors or alleys for loading, and all the wares went across the sidewalk, and although Charlie had enjoyed neither danger nor dancing up till now, he enjoyed playing dance partner to the thousand tiny Chinese grandmothers in black slippers or jelly-colored plastic shoes who scampered from merchant to merchant, squeezing and smelling and thumping, looking for the freshest and the best for their families, twanging orders and questions to the merchants in Mandarin, all the while just a second or a slip away from being run over by sides of beef, great racks of fresh duck, or hand trucks stacked high with crates of live turtles. Charlie was yet to retrieve a soul vessel on one of his Chinatown walks, but he stayed ready, because the swirl of time and motion forecast that one foggy morning someone's granny was going to get knocked out of her moo shoes. One Monday, just for sport, Charlie grabbed an eggplant that a spectacularly wizened granny was going for, but instead of twisting it out of his hand with some mystic kung fu move as he expected, she looked him in the eye and shook her head – just a jog, barely perceptible really – it might have been a tic, but it was the most eloquent of gestures. Charlie read it as saying: O White Devil, you do not want to purloin that purple fruit, for I have four thousand years of ancestors and civilization on you; my grandparents built the railroads and dug the silver mines, and my parents survived the earthquake, the fire, and a society that outlawed even being Chinese; I am mother to a dozen, grandmother to a hundred, and great-grandmother to a legion; I have birthed babies and washed the dead; I am history and suffering and wisdom; I am a Buddha and a dragon; so get your fucking hand off my eggplant before you lose it. And Charlie let go. And she grinned, just a little. Three teeth. And he wondered if it ever did fall to him to retrieve the soul vessel of one of these crones of Chronos, if he'd even be able to lift it. And he grinned back. And asked for her phone number, which he gave to Ray. â€Å"She seemed nice,† Charlie told him. â€Å"Mature.† Sometimes Charlie's walks took him through Japantown, where he passed the most enigmatic shop in the city, Invisible Shoe Repair. He really intended to stop in one day, but he was still coming to terms with giant ravens, adversaries from the Underworld, and being a Merchant of Death, and he wasn't sure he was ready for invisible shoes, let alone invisible shoes that needed repair! He often tried to look past the Japanese characters into the shop window as he passed, but saw nothing, which, of course, didn't mean a thing. He just wasn't ready. But there was a pet shop in Japantown (House of Pleasant Fish and Gerbil), where he had originally gone to buy Sophie's fish, and where he returned to replace the TV attorneys with six TV detectives, who also simultaneously took the big Ambien a week later. Charlie had been distraught to find his baby daughter drooling away in front of a bowl floating more dead detectives than a film noir festival, and after flushing all six at once and having t o use the plunger to dislodge Magnum and Mannix, he vowed that next time he would find more resilient pals for his little girl. He was coming out of House of PF&G one afternoon, with a Habitrail pod containing a pair of sturdy hamsters, when he ran into Lily, who was making her way to a coffeehouse up on Van Ness, where she was planning to meet her friend Abby for some latte-fueled speed brooding. â€Å"Hey, Lily, how are you doing?† Charlie was trying to appear matter-of-fact, but he found that the awkwardness between him and Lily over the last few months was not mitigated by her seeing him on the street carrying a plastic box full of rodents. â€Å"Nice gerbils,† Lily said. She wore a Catholic schoolgirl's plaid skirt over black tights and Doc Martens, with a tight black PVC bustier that was squishing pale Lily-bits out the top, like a can of biscuit dough that's been smacked on the edge of the counter. The hair color du jour was fuchsia, over violet eye shadow, which matched her violet, elbow-length lace gloves. She looked up and down the street and, when she didn't see anyone she knew, fell into step next to Charlie. â€Å"They're not gerbils, they're hamsters,† Charlie said. â€Å"Asher, do you have something you've been keeping from me?† She tilted her head a little, but didn't look at him when she asked, just kept her eyes forward, scanning the street for someone who might recognize her walking next to Charlie, thus forcing her to commit seppuku. â€Å"Jeez, Lily, these are for Sophie!† Charlie said. â€Å"Her fish died, so I'm bringing her some new pets. Besides, that whole gerbil thing is an urban myth – â€Å" â€Å"I meant that you're Death,† Lily said. Charlie nearly dropped his hamsters. â€Å"Huh?† â€Å"It's so wrong – † Lily continued, walking on after Charlie had stopped in his tracks, so now he had to scurry to catch up to her. â€Å"Just so wrong, that you would be chosen. Of all of life's many disappointments, I'd have to say that this is the crowning disappointment.† â€Å"You're sixteen,† Charlie said, still stumbling a little at the matter-of-fact way she was discussing this. â€Å"Oh, throw that in my face, Asher. I'm only sixteen for two more months, then what? In the blink of an eye my beauty becomes but a feast for worms, and I, a forgotten sigh in a sea of nothingness.† â€Å"Your birthday is in two months? Well, we'll have to get you a nice cake,† Charlie said. â€Å"Don't change the subject, Asher. I know all about you, and your Death persona.† Charlie stopped again and turned to look at her. This time, she stopped as well. â€Å"Lily, I know I've been acting a little strangely since Rachel died, and I'm sorry you got in trouble at school because of me, but it's just been trying to deal with it all, with the baby, with the business. The stress of it all has – â€Å" â€Å"I have The Great Big Book of Death,† Lily said. She steadied Charlie's hamsters when he lost his grip. â€Å"I know about the soul vessels, about the dark forces rising if you fuck up, all that stuff – all of it. I've known longer than you have, I think.† Charlie didn't know what to say. He was feeling panic and relief at the same time – panic because Lily knew, but relief because at least someone knew, and believed it, and had actually seen the book. The book! â€Å"Lily, do you still have the book?† â€Å"It's in the store. I hid it in the back of the glass cabinet where you keep the valuable stuff that no one will ever buy.† â€Å"No one ever looks in that cabinet.† â€Å"No kidding? I thought if you ever found it, I'd say it had always been there.† â€Å"I have to go.† He turned and started walking the other direction, but then realized that they had already been heading toward his neighborhood and turned around again. â€Å"Where are you going?† â€Å"To get some coffee.† â€Å"I'll walk with you.† â€Å"You will not.† Lily looked around again, wary that someone might see them. â€Å"But, Lily, I'm Death. That should at least have given me some level of cool.† â€Å"Yeah, you'd think, but it turns out that you have managed to suck the cool out of being Death.† â€Å"Wow, that's harsh.† â€Å"Welcome to my world, Asher.† â€Å"You can't tell anyone about this, you know that?† â€Å"Like anyone cares what you do with your gerbils.† â€Å"Hamsters! That's not – â€Å" â€Å"Chill, Asher.† Lily giggled. â€Å"I know what you mean. I'm not going to tell anyone – except Abby knows – but she doesn't care. She says she's met some guy who's her dark lord. She's in that stage where she thinks a dick is some kind of mystical magic wand.† Charlie adjusted his hamster box uncomfortably. â€Å"Girls go through a stage like that?† Why was he just hearing about this now? Even the hamsters looked uncomfortable. Lily turned on a heel and started up the street. â€Å"I'm not having this conversation with you.† Charlie stood there, watching her go, balancing the hamsters and his completely useless sword-cane while trying to dig his cell phone out of his jacket pocket. He needed to see that book, and he needed to see it sooner than the hour it would take him to get home. â€Å"Lily, wait!† he called. â€Å"I'm calling a cab, I'll give you a ride.† She waved him off without looking and kept walking. As he was waiting for the cab company to answer, he heard it, the voice, and he realized that he was standing right over a storm drain. It had been over a month since he'd heard them, and he thought maybe they'd gone. â€Å"We'll have her, too, Meat. She's ours now.† He felt the fear rise in his throat like bile. He snapped the phone shut and ran after Lily, cane rattling and hamsters bouncing as he went. â€Å"Lily, wait! Wait!† She spun around quickly and her fuchsia wig only did the quarter turn instead of the half, so her face was covered with hair when she said, â€Å"One of those ice-cream cakes from Thirty-one Flavors, okay? After that, despair and nothingness.† â€Å"We'll put that on the cake,† Charlie said.