How does Confucianism and Daoism view women?

To begin with, Confucianism is a religion that is named after the philosopher, Confucius. He was an almost deified and impossibly wise man. He believed that to regain social order, people must act the role that society gave them. The father was to act the father, the son was to act the son, etc. The process of becoming that of which one is supposed to be is called â€Å"Rectification of Names. † The society should be founded on five relationships: 1) The ruler and subject; 2) The father and son; 3) The husband and wife; 4) The elder and younger brother; 5) The friend and friend. This proper behavior was required to create a calm, enduring, and beneficial society. In terms of the third relationship, husband and wife, the concept of the Yang and Yin come into play. The Yang is the male, dominating, structures. The Yin is the female, calm, passive structures. This balance, if maintained, is supposed to keep everything in perfect accordance. This concept, in my opinion, is what gave women the submissive role in the Confucius society. Unlike the women in Daoism, under Confucian ideals women were to play their roles in society by being submissive to men and were limited in their participation in society, but were respected and necessary. Their lives were centered in the family as â€Å"inside members† which meant that they were to stay indoors and not associate with the â€Å"outside† more than necessary. Actually, in upper-class homes, inside chambers were built for the women while the men had their own chamber outside. Women were also supposed to remain under the dominion of men and follow the â€Å"three obedience†: Woman follows man, youth follows father or eldest brother, after marriage, wife follows husband, and if her husband dies, she is to follow her eldest son. As children, young girls were not apart of the ancestral line. After marriage they gained their husband's line and became apart of a family making this the single most important event in a young girl's life. However, many girls never made it to marriage because their mothers killed them after they were born. Giving birth to a baby girl was not at all joyous. For those that did make it, their objective was to become a wife. A wife was the lowest link in the social hierarchy and was there to serve the mother-in-law. Once married, both the husband and wife's main focus was to take care of the husband's parents. Women were expected to be completely devoted to their husbands and would often choose to commit suicide than violate their womanly virtues. Mothers with lost of sons were much higher up socially than those with fewer. Women who did not marry were not accepted in the Confucian society. Divorce was also not accepted and was allowed only under strict circumstances by the husband. These circumstances include incurable sickness, no male heir, talking too much, stealing, disobedience, promiscuity, and jealousy. The husband could have several concubines of which the wife was supposed to be kind and courteous to. On the same level, women could talk to other women about their husbands if they drank too much alcohol, neglected their duties as a husband, or became abusive. The other women would then tell their husbands who would act accordingly. This all seems rather harsh, but the fact that women are the only ones that could give life; they were respected and considered necessary. On the contrary, women in the Daoist society were treated a whole lot better. Daoism puts an emphasis on nature and the feminine qualities of nature. Seeing as how women create life and Daoism is† that which creativity flows from,† women hold the up most respect. As a matter of fact, Dao means â€Å"Great Mother. † Unlike in Confucianism, the role of women being passive and flexible comes natural and unforced. Because of this natural passiveness, women are naturally good Daoists; simply because of this â€Å"naturalness. † In the Daoist Society women are reared as especially receptive to divine inspiration which provides a spiritual outlet for them. Women are also allowed to participate in all levels of Daoism and were thought to be the only ones who could reach the highest levels of Dao lineage, all except that of the Divine Lord. However, this did not move women out of their subordinate roles nor did it raise their social status, and the sexual practices in Daoism for prolonged life may have led to the exploitation of women. Another tradition performed by the Chinese women in the Confucian society was foot-binding. Originally it was done as a kind of ballet toe dancing performed for royalty. It eventually worked its way down the entire social strata and became a tradition linked to marriage. It was performed on young girls from the ages of five to seven, as early as two and as late as thirteen. The foot was to be shaped into what looked like the Golden Lotus bud. The perfect shaped foot was three inches long looked like it naturally extended form the foot, not like the 90* angle normal feet make. The foot was bound to break the arch and toes. The toes were broken to curl under the foot. The big toe was left to look like the point of the bud. Girls were told to walk on pieces of sharp metal and broken glass to cut the bottom of the foot so that when it healed, the toes would fuse to the foot. Every so often the feet were unbound to clean and tighten. This was an extremely painful process that took more than two years to complete. The binding shoes were worn the rest of the girl's life. Perfectly bound feet meant that the girl was marriageable, she was obedient, submissive, and could endure great amounts of pain. This also controlled her sexuality because it was hard for the girl to â€Å"get around. † The tiny feet also became an erotic fetish for some men. The girl's shoes were sent to her mother-in-law-to-be for inspection. The Girls' new mother would inspect for size, shape, and craftsmanship. Since the girl made the shoes herself, the explicit details gave a clue to what type of worker she was. This creativity was often the only creative outlet for the young girls. So to conclude, there are many differences in the ways women were dealt with in Confucianism and Daoism. In both religions, however, women were not very high up on the social scales, they were supposed to be the calm, passive and obedient counterpart of men, and were ultimately inferior beings. Foot binding became a Confucian tradition in marriage, while in Daoism, women held nearly the heights levels I the religion. I am just glad to say that I am a woman living in America today, and not in the classical Confucian society of China.

Sarbanes-Oxley

Securities Exchange Commission is the highest authority which administers and monitors the audit of U. S Listed Companies at NYSE, NASDAQ and Dow Zones. All U. S. Listed Companies which get traded at U. S. bourses, have to comply with the FASB rules and practice GAAP standards of accounting. Non-compliance to any of the auditing rules prescribed by GAAP would be seriously viewed. U. S. Federal Government works in the interest of public investors and it expects all public companies to work in a transparent method by disclosing fair transactions in annual financial statements of all public companies. Particularly, with the collapse of Enron, which is the world’s largest corporation, which shocked the entire corporate world, with the clean opinion of company’s auditor. , Arthur Anderson. The emphasis here is more on auditing committees and board of directors of the company who must participate and work without any prejudicial interest, with the fact that Board of Directors are the fiduciary officers of a company who work and intermediate between shareholders and management of the company whereas Auditors are the representatives of public investors who must in all respects protect and safeguard the investments of public. In spite of highly qualified CFOs, COOs and CEOs, who are penalized for falling part of the non-compliance, officers also invite criminal charges. In order to prevent future scandals in corporate America and also to protect all the investments of investors, President Bush signed the law of SOX on 30th July, 2002 and it was passed through Congress for unanimous support. For the common investor, SOX is a great saver and also enables complete transparency about a public listed company. Further this is also in the interest of Federal Government whose responsibility to safeguard the international businesses and nation’s economy. Discrepancies found in Enron that laid foundation to SOX Enron filed bankruptcy in the year 2001 and the company’s share dropped down from $ 90 per share to $ 0. 30 cents per share. Fortune magazine named Enron as â€Å"America’s most innovative Company†. Enron had nearly $ 101 billion revenues prior to the filing of bankruptcy and it was the most successful company in United States in supplying electricity and natural gas. Surprisingly, all the credit rating agencies viz. , S&P, Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Rating have given all good credit ratings until Enrol filed Chapter 11. According to SOX reporting standards , some of the discrepancies found in Enron are viz. , successive resignations of management, inaccurate and unreliable financial statements, CEO stock sales during blackout period, nondisclosure of earlier CEO stock sales, off-balance sheet transactions to hide losses, destruction of documentation and rigging of ratings. After three months of collapse of Enron, another giant Internet company Global Crossing Ltd. , filed its bankruptcy indicating its financial condition. WorldCom followed by Tyco went completely bankrupt indicating disability to run the companies any longer. One common factor in all of the above companies, is either mismanagement or non-practice of professional accounting procedures which yielded the companies to its last stage of fate and certainly, this could have been prevented by methodical and professional accounting procedures particularly with the authentication and certification of Auditors who in all probability are relied upon by the SEC and Federal Government. Therefore, the emphasis here is that auditors have to be free and fair in certifying the financial statements and in order to thoroughly screen the public companies, without leaving any scope for fraudulent account procedures, U. S. Government has initiated SOX law in the year 2002. (Jill Gilbert Welytok Sarbanes-Oxley for Dummies) Literature Review What is SOX law? Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 also called as SOX is mandatory for all organisations including large and small. This legislation is aimed at enforcement of financial practices, regulations and to ensure corporate governance. Sarbanes-Oxley is named after Senator Paul Sarbanes and Representative Michael Oxley, who were main designers in setting number of deadlines for the compliance of legislation. SOX is arrnaged in eleven titles. Some of the most importance sections with regard to the compliance are sec. 302, 401, 404, 409, 802 and 906. Compliance through SOX has to be performed methodically, through proper analysis and study. After a thorough work, SOX leaves no scope for any fraud or misrepresentation of facts and figures and by far, it recommends all the organisations to act in a credible manner stating that â€Å"don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done today! † in order to save companies and also refraining from adverse consequences caused by lenient views either by audit committees or by the management of the companies. SOX has helped many companies to draw benefit from the compliance of regulations as it provides a clear picture of financial status of the company and to those who would like to have to access to the information about a particular company. Further, this also helps the U. S Government to keep a watchful eye on the financial status of companies and keeps a vigilance on the financial system of companies. (A guide to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002) Methods Section 302 of SOX This section is listed under Title III of the Act and details about â€Å"Corporate Responsibility for Financial Reports†. Section 302 states that periodic filing of statutory financial reports should be certified by the signing officers who must review the report. The report must not contain any untrue or false statements or omissions or misleading statements. The financial statements must state only related information which is fairly presented and must also reflect on the financial condition of the company and must also details the results of all material facts and aspects. The signing officers are responsible for all internal controls and must evaluate these internal controls within previous 3 months and must have reported on the findings. A list of all deficiencies if any found, in the internal controls or any fraud information that involves the employees of the company who are involved in internal activities must be stated. Any significant change or observation made by the signing officers, within internal controls which can negatively impact must be reported by the officers. All the provisions of this Section cannot be avoided by transferring or reincorporating the activities of a company outside United States. Whether company is operating within United States or outside United States, must comply with this Section as a registered company under Securities Exchange Commission. (A guide to Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002, summary of section 302) Section 401 of SOX This section is listed under Title IV of the Act and discusses about â€Å"Disclosure in Periodic Reports†. Financial statements published must be accurate and must not contain any incorrect statements or admit the fact that material information is stated. Financial statements apart from regular Profit & Loss Account and Balance Sheet, also include off-Balance Sheet liabilities, obligations or any transactions. To this effect, the Commission would study and report with a complete analysis of off-Balance Sheet transactions and to what extent these are transparent. The Commission has also to decide whether GAAP principles or any other regulations are resulting in its reporting. Section 404 of SOX This section is listed under Title IV of the Act and discusses about â€Å"Management Assessment of Internal Controls†. All Annual Reports of companies have to publish information about the scope and adequacy of the internal control structure and other procedures with regard to financial reporting. This statement must also confirm the effectiveness about internal controls and procedures. A registered accounting firm can also attest and report on the assessment and about effectiveness of the internal control procedures for financial reporting. Section 409 of SOX This section is listed under the Title IV of the Act and details about â€Å"Real Time Issuer Disclosures†. Issuers are required to provide information on material changes pertaining to financial conditions or changes. Public must have access to information on urgent basis and no delay can be made. These disclosures have to be presented in an easy and understanding manner and the information should be qualitative with graphic presentations as required. Section 802 of SOX This section is listed in Title VIII of the Act and pertains to the â€Å"Criminal Penalties for Altering Documents†. This section states that penalties and fines or imprisonment up to 20 years is levied on the persons who are responsible for altering, destroying, concealing, falsifying records or documents or tangible objects. This act done either with an intention to obstruct, impede or to influence a legal investigation is seriously viewed by the SOX officers. Further this section also imposes penalty or fine or imprisonment up to 10 years on any accountant who knowingly or willfully violates the provisions of this section or violates the maintenance of audit or review of papers for a period of 5 years. Discussion SOX is divided into many parts and each part carries certain specific rules and regulations which are prescribed for easy understanding of corporates. SEC-Rules states about SOX SEC Rules and Regulations, which states that officers have to certify about the maintenance, regularity and establishment of effectiveness of the issuer’s internal controls. IC-Primer states about internal control framework, risk control, assessments, audit programs relating to Sections 302 and 404 regarding Certification of Disclosure and Managements’ Internal Controls and Procedures. This framework established by COSO/SAS-78. SOX Act 2002 is aimed at to improve the quality and transparency in financial reporting, independent audit and accounting services for public companies and also to create a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, to work towards setting up of standards for best accounting practices and also to strengthen the independence of audit firms who audit public companies. Further SOX is aimed at to increase the corporate responsibility and the useful advantages of financial disclosure, to protect the independence of securities analyst and also to improve the Securities and Exchange Commission resources for all purposes. SOA-Manual lists all the key dates and timetable, self-assessment questionnaires, definitions relating to Titles II and III regarding Auditor Independence and Corporate Responsibility. Forms have to be prepared independently or by the assistantship of a practitioner who is engaged to perform accounting compliance services. (Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002, Financial and Accounting Disclosure Information) According to Pricewaterhouse Coopers Report 2006, â€Å"Audit Committees Effectiveness, what works best† focus and emphasis is more on financial statements, compliance and ethics, relationship with external auditors, risk management and internal control which discuss as to how effective practice of auditing can be conducted in organizations. There is also an emphasis about external auditing and internal auditing which is conducted periodically within the internal environment by internal audit committees and whose report can reveal much accounting information about the recording of business transactions of organizations. After the year 2002, which witnessed the unfortunate events in U. S. corporate sector, the entire corporate world, stood up for more accuracy and correct presentation in financial statements. A quote which states â€Å"prevention is better than cure† which is applicable in health, is also now applicable to corporate sector with the fact that, companies would never reach to the last stage of liquidation or bankruptcy, if the companies had been properly conducting internal audits and external audit, and thoroughly complying with the auditing procedures and has been GAAP accounting practices, worst state-of-affairs could have been prevented and many companies could be saved. Another development in the corporate sector that is to be noted is, loss making companies or companies that are performing low in business, are finding many potential ways to save the companies by mergers or acquisitions. In the recent years, throughout the world there have many mergers and acquisitions (M&A). For example Daimler-Benz is now called as DaimlerChrysler, JP Morgan & Chase Co. , purchased Bank One Corp, CitiCorp purchased Travelers Group, AT&T Inc purchased Bell South Corporation. It can be stated here that, M&A activity saved many companies in the past decade and even saved jobs of many people. Apart from M&A activity, SOX Act is equally protecting companies and public investments and there can be absolute assurance about the compliance of SOX regulations. This is due to the fact SOX aims at checking the fraudulent working of organizations. From another angle, SOX Act credibility is also being questioned by the legislative authorities and another alternative is also being looked for future business regulations. According to the authorities, who believe that the advantages of SOX would never last long which is why another source of compliance is being searched. (How Does The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Impact American Business? ) However, the Federal Government continues to update SOX mandates and in the year 2007, U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved new auditing standard for internal controls. In order to bring more awareness about auditing, SEC and PCAOB are encouraging auditors to undertake risk-based approach in the evaluation of internal controls on financial reporting of public companies. There are many benefits from SOX compliance such as findings can be used in evaluations, it would reduce the costs associated with risk assessment, it would also reveal the risks that an organization is confronted with and the remedial measures available to manage risk, help companies to begin groundwork for risk assessment and to introduce more regulations and specifications and further a risk management program can be developed through SOX compliance. As stated above the success of SOX is quite benefiting to both American companies as well U. S. Federal Government with the fact that SOX identifies assets and activities, monitors the activities and ensures accuracy in financial statements which is the most important activity in checking the health of a listed company. Access to data wherever required demonstrates and indicates the practice of Accounting Standards according to FASB Rules and it reveals complete business transactions of a company. SOX can also retrieve entire events, records, commands given to data server and find out whether there is any mismanagement, forgery or fraudulent activity in the accounting procedures. SOX also generates audit reports which gives a full length of information about each and every company. The information that is provided by SOX enables Government to take necessary steps to issues notices or memos to U. S companies to make necessary corrections wherever required and can also provide plans for remedial measures to save the companies from liquidation. SOX is a wake up call for many American businesses and also to all those foreign companies which are venturing into business with American companies. Conclusion SOX continues to keep the companies under check and investigation about the compliance of accounting procedures as laid in FASB Rules and also about the compliance of auditing procedures in internal controls. It is very difficult for American companies to evade any procedures which come under the purview of SOX and therefore, there is expected to be a neat and clean organizations with excellent auditing committees.

Acting like a lady

Acting like a lady Essay So You Want To Act Like a Lady?For years women have been waxing, plucking and beautifying themselves for one reason and one reason only; because they think that is beauty. A woman is only classified as a lady if she can walk, talk and dress the part. The way that society has viewed femininity has changed immensely over the past hundred years, but acting like a tomboy or, heaven forbid, being strong and independent is looked down upon in the eyes of men and other women. Certain standards of ladylike demeanor have become outdated in todays society, and women should be looked at as beautiful when strong and independent. But what defines a woman to be ladylike, and can it be defined as a single type? I believe that standards of beauty have changed, and standing out is what will get you ahead in society today. Stereotypes of the ideal female must be brought down to work on achieving inner beauty and internal happiness. Since the 1950s, women have been seen as very dainty and sensitive creatures who are meant to be silent partners to their mates. A womans place was in the home-cooking, cleaning and watching after her children. Women were to get up every morning and prepare lunches for their breadwinning husbands, as well as wake and dress the children for school, cook breakfast, do housework and have a hot meal on the table when her husband was to return home. Women have stepped down to their traditional roles as housewife and caretaker, and it has raised many issues in society today. It was considered a womans job to be a good cook and be a whiz with a broom, in fact, it is what made them so darn attractive. Times, they are a changing. In fact, the U.S Department of Labor states that in the year 2008, women will make up 48% of the work force. That means that more women will be going to college and getting and education, as well as heading out into the workforce to make a name for themselves. Being a lady also means dressing like a lady. But since when has the portrait of a woman relied on what she wore? I have been told all my life that high heels are a womans best friend, and a true treasure is finding just your shade of lipstick. The pain that women endure for a small amount of vanity will be forever a mystery to me. Hours spent in the bathroom with irons, curlers, pokers, prodders, waxes and powders, and for what? So you can pretend you enjoy it and wake up the next morning and do it all again. The first test in becoming ladylike lies in a womans outer appearance. Not long ago, it was considered beautiful to run around in tightly yanked corsets and ballroom gowns, but now we must wear high heels that look like some sort of torture device? Running late to the market in a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt is completely unacceptable, if you a true lady that is. I remember growing up watching reruns of shows like The Brady Bunch and The Wonder Years and in every episode the women were dressed in ridiculous looking dresses and jumpers. They never looked comfortable, and they sure as heck couldnt throw around the football! To find a woman in a pair of jeans and a do-rag was permitted only while working in the yard or cleaning the house. I grew up my entire life in a t-shirt, jeans and a pair of softball cleats, and I consider myself very much a lady. I would have much rather scored the winning run than play with my sisters Barbie bake oven, thats for sure. READ: Fears and Phobias EssayTo be a lady also means to act like a lady. This means no spitting, swearing, farting, cursing, hitting, name-calling or getting dirty. It is completely impossible for any one person to go their entire life without performing at least one, it not all of these acts, repeatedly. Why hide the fact that you just ate a medium pizza and then drank a 2 liter of Coke? Let out a little belch. And in someones unwritten laws of being a woman, it was decided that women must be dainty and sensitive to matters of decorum. I know that most men take comfort in the fact that they must provide for their wives and perform difficult tasks to show their manhood, but what about those few precious women who can get things done by themselves? Men are in charge of manual labor, heavy machinery and getting a little dirt underneath their fingernails. Because, we all know that dirt would never find its way into a ladys fingernail, or it would just be extremely hard to see under t heir pastel pink fingernail polish. To be a lady means to never to be one of the guys. And women participating in sports are completely out of the question. A woman wasnt allowed to play rough and be tough because they would never find a man, get married and have children (supposedly every womans fulfillment in life?) Women are meant to be the cheerleaders standing off to the side at a baseball game, looking adoringly into their little mirrored compact and asking who just scored a touchdown. Do men really find, ditsy, uneducated women attractive? Do they really want a woman to rely on their every move and hang on their every whim? Empowered women, to me, are the epitome of beauty, and if that means ripping a worm in half, sticking it on the hook and catching dinner, then so be it. Up until just recently, women have been content being looked down upon by powerful men in society, but in my eyes, for gender inequality to go on any longer would be a travesty. Women today need to realize that they no longer need to fit some ridiculous cookie-cutter mold that insecure men have formed for them. It infuriates me that at one time, women werent allowed to play professional sports, let alone vote! It all turned around though, just eighty five years ago when women were allowed into the voters booth. To think that resources were once unobtainable to the women before me, only motivates me to take advantage of all I can in the time that I have here on earth.

Affirmative Action Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Affirmative Action - Essay Example The research also focuses on viability of implementing the provisions of the affirmative action law during 2012. The companies and schools must implement all the provisions of the affirmative action law. Affirmative action includes requiring the companies to reserve a certain percentage of its total employment force or total student enrollees to the minorities of society. Affirmative action entails avoiding discrimination in the hiring of employees and acceptance of students enrolling in a school. Some companies interpret affirmative action as a quota system (Lapenson, 2009). Companies must allot a certain percentage of the entire work force to minorities. In the same manner, schools should allocate a certain percentage of the total enrollment to minorities. Initially, affirmative action was crafted into law to eliminate racial discrimination against the African Americans. The companies are penalized for discriminating against the minority job applicants and minority student enrollee s. Further, statistical data shows that affirmative action has changed the landscapes. The prior data indicated that 47.5 percent of the total work force before 1909 were women. During the current period, the female workers increased to 85 percent of the total workforce in the US. ... Discrimination can be done in several aspects. The aspects include race, color, creed, and national origin. President John F. Kennedy envisioned that companies would not hire a job applicant or accept the enrollment of student based on one’s race, color, gender, religion, religion or national origin. The order firmly established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Prior to President Kennedy’s executive order, African Americans had more difficulty in finding jobs when compared to the Caucasian Americans (Spann, 2000). Next, United States President Lyndon Johnson interpreted the affirmative action to include generating more job opportunities and school enrollment rights to the African Americans. President Johnson spearheaded an updated version of the affirmation action provision during 1965. President Johnson insists that the affirmative action law gave everyone of all races, color, religion, gender, and national origin equal rights to land a vacant job or enroll in a school of their choice (Fischer, 2010). Lastly, the affirmative action fluctuated during different time periods (Platt, 1997). Women benefitted from affirmative action. During the 1970s, 53 percent of college and university students were nonwhites. Affirmative action triggered an increase in female graduates in medical school (8 percent increase) and law schools (5 percent increase). Specifically, the 1979 to 1989 research period shows that there was a 31 percent increase in African American men and 55 percent increase in African American women. Further, there is a 39 percent increase in Hispanic men and 45 percent increase in Hispanic women in terms of medical school enrollment statistics (Welch, 1998). The research shows that many white

Preparing To Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector Assignment

Preparing To Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector - Assignment Example The teacher cannot judge the performance of students whereas, he or she has to ensure that all of the class passes the exams because failure will cause the pupils to lose heart and that will significantly hinder the journey of self directed and lifelong learning. The teaching staff is considered forbearers in regards with promoting equality and cultural sensitivity in societies. They have to understand each and every student’s cultural background before they can start the process of taking the classes. On the other hand, they had to develop impartial content for the class which may not appear offensive to any student. In international setting, organizations and educational institutions have to realize the fact that they are not expected to judge anyone on the basis of religion, ethnicity and caste. The core idea of self directed learning is to help the pupils in terms of finding their way in life all by themselves. The students must develop sense of strengthened confidence within themselves in order to find what they want to do in life and once they find the direction then they will keep moving forward in the direction of their goal in life. The teachers have to pour the love for their work in students and then they will eventually grow into successful professionals one day. Every learner is different from others and these divergences are there for a reason which belongs directly to will of God. The Mother Nature will always have a plan and it will need different type of people in order to complete its agenda. The teachers have to let the students do what appeals to them. However, the teachers have to facilitate the learning process by encouraging their students to take and follow the path which attracts them at a certain point in time. Teachers are anticipated to play the role of general facilitators in the lives of their students and develop a generalized skill of learning in them which in turn can assist

Refugees and Asylum seekers in the U.S Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Refugees and Asylum seekers in the U.S - Essay Example The U.S has people from almost every part of the globe with the general population characterized of different races. The US operates under a motto â€Å"e pluribus unum† (Martin, 3) insinuating that from many nations to one nation and as such it is a well framed structure. Therefore, since traditional periods, immigration has been acknowledged in the U.S through providing the immigrants with opportunities to better themselves as well as the United States as a nation. The dominant immigration patterns have been noted since early periods of 1820 with statistics revealing a great influx of about 66 million legal immigrants from all over the world. Germany and Mexico has been in the lead for having high populations of immigrants to the U.S ever since. However, the country has also harbored hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants, which has in the past triggered quite heated debates of the fate of such persons. The search for employment and education has equally been associated with the influx of the immigrants into the United States of America over years. People move from one country to another for different reasons: voluntary on basis of work and employment, political reasons, family re-unification, natural happenings like disasters, need for one to voluntary change natural surroundings, poverty or for general economic reasons. Involuntary reasons may stem up from running away from natural disasters such as earthquakes, political or civil wars, involuntary deportation as well as seeking asylum as refugees. Asylum seekers are persons who get to foreign countries looking for protection against mistreatment or persecution within their homeland and who may not necessarily be refugees. On the other hand, refugees are persons who would be persecuted within their own countries of nationality on basis of their religion, race, nationality, political stand or opinion or better still membership to a social group. The U.S has been credited over years to work by a principle that restricts her to deport foreign nationals to their countries of orig in where it is proved that their lives or freedom is at a threat (Wasem, 1). Immigration is a common feature within the U.S, though there are guidelines and frameworks that are responsible for regulating the issue. Moreover, apart from internal regulatory frameworks that govern migration of persons as refugees or even asylum seekers in the U.S, there are international frameworks

Promoting a Healthy Housing Environment for the Older People Article

Promoting a Healthy Housing Environment for the Older People - Article Example The government visualizes the board as the main point in making decisions concerning the wellbeing and the local health (Cattan & Tilford, 2013, p. 3). Â  Houses developed for the older people in Devon are designed to enable older people to achieve greater independence and for their wellbeing. This is because they live freely in their own apartments that are designed and suitable for their conditions. There are a variety of housing options and care option. Some of the features that are prone in those houses are; the houses are accessible, this is because they designed for independent older people including those that are not physically fit. They are provided with Tele-care services where the majority of them run for twenty-four hours. These people do ensure and monitor their steps to ensure their wellbeing. There are provided with benefits such as communal services (Cattan & Tilford, 2013, p. 3). Â  The houses are usually cost friendly and so the majority of older people is able to afford them. There are also located in secure places. Their landlords, managing the house are professionals that are able to handle their business with the old people. The service providers, the tenant, the landlord and the Tele-care people are all human friendly, therefore, the environment is usually friendly for the elderly (Wahl, 2010, p. 13). Â  

Account for globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Account for globalization - Essay Example Since globalization is an incomplete process, it is a work-in-progress, and the result is unknown. Therefore, no one knows how a global society would look. There are several factors accelerating the process of social change. These factors include institutions, technology, ideas, and value. The traditional communities that practice hunting and gathering are difficult to change. Unlike the traditional society, the modern societies are differentiated and open to change. The can change to non-food producing activities that may lead to innovations. In addition, globalization has economic, cultural, social and ideological aspects. Therefore, globalization in economic terms is very simple. The process of globalization has shortened the distance between people and the rest of the world. Though geographically far apart, people can easily exchange goods and ideas using the new technologies. They will exchange goods and services the same way they would when they were close to each other. Globalization has also revealed that the global challenges and problems can be very different. The difference is the same to the problems replicated across states and those understood at the global level. One of the problems replicated across the global societies is the financial crisis that started in the United States. The crisis spread to all nations, and most countries experienced challenging economic cycles. Some of the global societies have not completely healed from the crisis while others have recovered. The global warming is another problem felt at the global level. The global warming challenge is a result of changing climates, and this problem is still a global concern. The problem cannot be solved by individual persons or states but requires global states to participate in suggesting measures to eradicate the phenomenon. The global warming and financial cases are

Jazz concert report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Jazz concert report - Essay Example Susan is a pianist while Michael Zilber is a saxophonist. They were joined by other CJC members Jeff Chambers and Jason Lewis both played bass and drums consecutively. The concert lasted for an hour and forty minutes. Zilberella mainly played contemporary jazz pieces but they also interpreted standards of jazz. The jazz pieces they showcased include: - ‘UN POCO LOCO’ which is a style of jazz called Bright Latin. Medium –up swing jazz style had songs which included ‘bud Powell’ and ‘blues on the corner’. Another style of jazz included the bright swing which they sung to ‘Voyage’ together with a ballad ‘THE MEANING OF BLUES’. Interpretation of standards was showcased by the song ‘You leave me breathless’. Zilberella had no featured soloists as they each played a part to the songs. Furthermore, they covered everything but their areas of interest were in the showcasing of contemporary jazz music and standards of jazz. The performance of the group was amazing because Zilberella could actually read the audience’s mood and switch tempo and rhythm to suit the moods. They also effectively utilized the use of blue note in their performance. The key signature changes were the most amazing in the whole performances the audience was well catered for in terms of music. In my opinion I think Susan was the most talented. She played the piano but was also reading the crowd mood and organizing the group to make the necessary changes. Her ability to know how to switch the rhythm and tempos and changing keys was magnificent since it went smoothly and perfectly. Michael was also good at the saxophone since he played his heart out mixing his emotions and feelings in his facial expression. It was like he was acting out the song to the audience which made the audience and the group to connect. I must say that that Michaels way of silently talking to the audience through facial expressions and Susan’s ability to

The Great Depression and President Roosevelts New Deal Assignment

The Great Depression and President Roosevelts New Deal - Assignment Example There were factories then and employment was in blossom. This was however reversed when the market crashed because the era of Great Depression followed suit. The Great Depression had the effect of reducing the majority of the people in America to become paupers. President Roosevelt had to introduce drastic policies to reverse the tide for America to get back at its feet again. The New Deal involves many economic policies that were centered on giving relief, reform, and recovery to end the Great Depression. This policy mandated the opening of banks so that business can flourish. The government became an employer through Works Progress Administration (WPA) programs so that people can have jobs and income. He also pumps prime the economy by spending a lot of money in building infrastructures. Little by little, America recovered (www.history.com). The New Deal proved to be effective as it did not only end the Great Depression but made America as the strongest economy in the world (The New Deal). From being paupers with nothing to eat during the Great Depression to become the most affluent country in the world. This happened after the war where war expenditures multiplied America’s GNP that contributed to its meteoric rise after the Great Depression. The positive effect of Great Depression and New Deal on America’s lifestyle is that it taught them resilience and to value hard work to achieve anything and even to become the strongest country in the world. The negative effect, however, is that the people became too materialistic and too selfish as they try to compensate for their hardship during the Great Depression. The New Deal did not only employ the artist, musicians, actors, and writer but in fact everybody to put money in the system. It has to be remembered that the New Deal also spent a great deal on infrastructure and this required a huge number of workers.  

Student Teacher Essay Example for Free

Student Teacher Essay The relationship that a teacher and student share is of trust, respect and devotion. Teachers influence their students by shaping their rational and moral virtues and hence, play an important role in molding the society as a whole. The education system of ancient India and Greece shared some common characteristics. In both cultures, teachers and their disciples conglomerated at specific places earmarked for educational purposes. This is where students gained both spiritual and material education from their teachers. All ancient societies functioned according to a set of moral codes and social hierarchy and teachers were at the apex of the social system. During this time, teachers were revered and considered as equivalent to Gods. Students were completely devoted to their teachers and were willing to fulfill all the responsibilities, conferred upon them by their teachers, unflinchingly. One of the quintessential examples of student teacher relationship is that of Chanakya and Chandra-Gupta Maurya. With the passage of time however, the ancient tradition of conglomerating at educational places ceased to exist in its original form and was replaced by more modern practices of schools, colleges and universities. However, the respect paid to teachers is still the same. even in this modern era, teachers share a close emotional attachment with their students. The ancient history of education systems is rife with several examples of great student teacher relationships such as Socrates-Plato, Plato-Aristotle etc. It is beyond the scope of dubiety that teachers, since ages, have played a major role in the life of an individual and his/her overall upbringing. Teachers are the beacons of light that lead people to success and glory. They are the ones who recognize the talents of their students and encourage them to move further and assist them in reaching the zenith of their potential. Let us dedicate this Teachers day to all those teachers who, through their talent, patience, wisdom and astute judgment of character, shaped the fates of many individuals who influenced the society as a whole. Go through this section and understand the kind of relationship that many of the historys famous students and teachers shared. These great teachers and their students have influenced human philosophies and ideologies since ancient times. Read the kind of relationship these student-teacher duos shared. Certainly, it will be a great experience to learn about those great souls with an insight on how they influenced their students lives and the whole mankind. Plato The Wonderful Teacher Plato was a classical Greek philosopher and mathematician. He was a student of Socrates, the founder of the Academy in Athens and a well-known Greek scholar who is renowned for his philosophies. Plato, along with Socrates, played a vital role in laying foundations of Western philosophy and science. Plato was a highly sophisticated writer and his works demonstrate this. Though the exact place and time of his birth is unknown, it is certain that he belonged to an aristocratic family. According to most of the scholars, Plato was born between 429 and 423 BC. His father, Ariston, is believed to be a descendent of the king of Athens and the king of Messenia. Platos mother, Perictione, also belonged to an aristocratic family which boasted of close connections with the famous Athenian lawmaker and lyric poet, Solon. According to Diogenes Laà «rtius, biographer of Greek philosophers, Plato was named as Aristocles but, his wrestling trainer called him Platon, a Greek word meaning broad. Plato learned grammar, music and gymnastics from the most eminent teachers of his time. He travelled to many places like Italy, Sicily, egypt and Cyrene. He returned to his hometown Athens at the age of 40 after which he founded the Academy, one of the earliest known organized schools in Western civilization. There are various speculations related to Platos death. One version states that he died on his bed, while other states that he died during a marriage feast. Aristotle The Lofty Student Aristotle was a famous Greek philosopher whose expertise was not confined just to philosophy but, extended to various other subjects like physics, metaphysics, biology, zoology, music, theater, logic, linguistics, politics and government. He was rightly named Aristotle which literally means the best purpose. Aristotle was born to Nicomachus, who himself was a physician to King Amyntas of Macedon. Thus, Aristotle was born, brought up, and educated as a member of the aristocratic society. He attended Platos Academy at the age of eighteen and remained there for about twenty years. It is said that he left the academy after Platos death, disappointed with the decision of making Platos nephew, Speusippus, his successor at the Academy. By 335 BC, Aristotle established a new school, Lyceum and conducted courses for the next twelve years. Aristotle got married to Pythias and she died after some years of togetherness. He then married Herpyllis and had a son Nicomachus, who was named after Aristotles father. He studied almost every subject known at that time. He was so passionate about exploring new areas of knowledge that not only did he master many subjects, but also made many significant contributions to most of the domains. He is famous for his major contributions like theory of universals, classical elements, potentiality and actuality, causality, four causes, chances and spontaneity, observations on electric fish and catfish and writings on octopus, sepia and paper nautilus. Apply yourself both now and in the next life. Without effort, you cannot be prosperous. Though the land be good, you cannot have an abundant crop without cultivation. These golden words come from a person who is still revered for his great philosophies. Yes, Plato had a very practical outlook on life. He believed in human skills but insisted that people must put great effort and use their skills for the good of the entire mankind. Plato respected his teacher, the famous philosopher, Socrates very much and he propagated most of his teachers philosophy through his works. Many scholars consider Platos dialogues as the most comprehensive accounts of Socratess Philosophy. It would be great to learn about the life and contribution of this highly eminent teacher-student duo, especially, on such a wonderful day like Teachers Day. Read further to know about their life and the kind of relationship they shared. Socrates Socrates was a classical Greek Athenian Philosopher. He is revered as one of the founders of Western philosophy. Interestingly, he had not penned any philosophical works. His philosophies were propagated through the works of his students like Plato and Xenophon. The details of this great philosophers life can be found from three sources Platos and Xenophons dialogues and Aristophaness plays. Aristophanes, in his play, The Clouds, depicts Socrates as a clown who teaches his students to hoodwink their way out of the debt. Aristophaness works are famous for their parody style of presentation and hence, this characterization is also considered as parodic. According to Platos works, Socrates was born to Sophroniscus and his wife Phaenarete. Socrates married Xanthippe, who was much younger to him. The couple had three sons, Lamprocles, Sophroniscus and Menexenus. According to the ancient texts, Socrates did not work and hence, how he earned a living is still not clear. Though Aristophanes, The Clouds, Socrates is said to have accepted fees for teaching. However according to Plato and Xenophon, he never accepted any fees or remuneration. Socrates criticized democracy and claimed loyalty to his city and went against the normal course of Athenian politics and democracy. It is believed that his attempts to improve the Athenian sense of Justice was not accepted but was severely criticized and this could probably be the reason that he was sentenced to death. He was accused of corrupting the minds of the youth in Athens. He was asked to drink a mixture containing poison hemlock and was executed this way. Plato Plato, the classical Greek philosopher and mathematician, was a student of Socrates and the founder of the Academy in Athens. Socrates was popular for his philosophies. Plato was one of the most famous students of Socrates and he, along with Socrates, played a vital role in laying foundations of Western philosophy and science. Platos high sophistication of writing is evident in his works. There is no dependable source of information regarding the exact place and time of his birth but, it is certain that he belonged to an aristocratic family. However, depending on the most popular scholars, he was born between 429 and 423 BC to an aristocratic family. Ariston, Platos father, is believed to have been the son of the king of Athens and the king of Messenia. Platos mother, Perictione also belonged to an aristocratic family. He was not originally named as Plato but as Aristocles. He was called Plato for the first time by his wrestling trainer, who called him Platon, a Greek word which meaning broad. Plato was trained in various subjects like grammar, music and gymnastics from the most eminent teachers of his time. Plato travelled a lot. He had visited many places like Italy, Sicily, egypt and Cyrene. However, he returned to his hometown Athens and founded the Academy, one of the earliest known organized schools in Western civilization. The exact place and cause of death of this great philosopher is not clear, there are various speculations related to his death. According to one version, he died on his bed, while other states that he died during a marriage feast. The Teacher-Student Duo Socrates and Plato were very close to each other, and Plato was very much influenced by Socrates philosophies. Platos works have been considered as one of the major sources of Socrates philosophies. According to Platos work Apology of Socrates, he had mentioned that Socrates considered Plato as one of the youths close to him. Socrates, on his speech regarding his death sentence, asked the public that if he had corrupted the youth. And if so, why then Platos and any of the other youths fathers did not have any problem with him. However, Plato was not present at the prison on Socratess last day. According to historical sources, Plato was ill that day.

What Makes Art Art Essay Example for Free

What Makes Art Art Essay What makes Art Art? Can Art be de? ned? An ar? st can create anything and put their mark on it and deem it as art. I believe art to be a sculpture, pain? ng, or any piece of crea? ve work that brings enjoyment to the ar? st and an apprecia? on from the beholder. Art allows you to view the world through someone else’s eyes and obtain their perspec? ve on the subject at hand. Art is everywhere around us. It is expressed in many forms and fashions. From railroad car gra? , a formal piece in a museum, a one of a kind piece of jewelry or designer fashion clothing, it is all forms of art. Art can bring out an array of feelings in people. Some pieces of art depict happiness or focus on beauty, which would in turn bring out joyous feelings. Art can also display images or subject lines that are not as pleasant to entertain at ?mes which can allow us to be compelled to a feeling of sadness. Art can be a therapeu? c way to deal with emo? ons. Au? s? c children and people dealing with tragedies can o(en express themselves and deal with emo? ons through art. I really enjoy pain? ng old furniture and giving it a new look, a new life. It tends to remind me that all things in life can be restored and made beau? ful again with some work and determina? on. No ma*er what the circumstances or situa? on it can always be made into something beau? ful. Art seems to always tell a story even though words are never spoken. My concept of art is pain? ngs, sculptures, drawings, or anything that is created or transformed at the hands of the ar? st. I personally tend to enjoy pain? ngs that are of landscapes and nature. I always seem to navigate to the pain? ngs, especially oil, that remind me of ? mes during my childhood. Pain? ngs of a countryside with a barn and rolling hills or a grandfather ? shing with a child on the banks of a pond, takes me back to a â€Å"happy place† in my life. I truly then feel like I am understanding what the ar? st is meaning to depict. Marsh Farm by Darko Topalski is a simple but impressive pain? ng to me as it reminds me of a farmhouse that used to sit on a hill across the ? eld from my childhood home. I ? nd colors to be in0uen? al in bringing out emo? ons when observing a piece of art. I enjoy art that has warm, muted colors as a feel that give that feeling of serenity. I think pain? ngs with warm or vibrant colors tend to depict a much happier and content scene. The content is much more important to me than the formal quali? es. Once again, I like the feeling of being able to connect with the ar? st and feel like he actually painted the picture looking through my eyes. I think for some people the formal quali? es would be more important. That’s the beauty of art, everyone has their own percep? on of the same piece. Art in my opinion is anything that we view and receive enjoyment. It also compels us to appreciate the talent of the ar? st. Art brings out emo? ons as we interpret the story and statement the ar? st is trying to convey.

Timber Frame Construction Trends in Irelands Housing

Timber Frame Construction Trends in Irelands Housing Introduction Modern construction comes in many forms, from traditional masonry, to precast concrete, to steel, and in recent times timber frame construction. Timber frame and masonry construction are very similar looking buildings. Over the last thirty years in Ireland the main type used in domestic dwelling was masonry construction which consists of block inner leaf, cavity, insulation and a block outer leaf, externally finished normally with a brick or plaster rendered block. Over the last twelve years timber frame construction has grown to account for nearly forty percent of the market. Timber frame construction consists of an off site engineered building which arrives to site and the pieces are assembled to complete the unit. The external finish is similarly to masonry with brick or plaster rendered block. The reason for chosen this topic is to find why this change occurred. The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the Irish housing market over the last number of years, also to find out the reasons for timber frame construction becoming more popular. Aim To find out why the trend of building domestic housing in Ireland has changed from masonry construction to timber frame construction. Objectives To investigate the Irish housing market and find reasons for the trend change from masonry construction to timber frame construction. To examine the reasons why timber frame construction has grown to the level it has over masonry construction. To examine the views of homeowners and property developers towards timber frame construction. Literature Review The primary data will be sourced from RGU database, Internet sites, RGU books and journals. Relevant Irish government reports and websites will also be looked at to gain an unbiased view. Also the views of the construction agencies in Ireland will be explored. Research and methodology The author plans on doing a comparison of the two construction types in order to achieve reasons for the shift in trend. The brief comparison case studies will include cost, time, heat and energy of both types of construction. Questionnaires Questionnaires provided the primary research for this dissertation. The author shall do up one and give it out to relevant homeowners and property developers to gain an insight into their views. By doing this the author will find out the market potential of timber frame construction. Structure of Dissertation Chapter One This chapter explains the title of the dissertation, introduces the motivations and gives a background for the reasons for choosing this topic. The author explains to the reader the aim and objectives of the dissertation and how they are going to be achieved. Chapter Two The literature review will investigate in trend in Irish construction. Current construction agencies reports will be looked to try and gain an insight to the change in trend. The author feels that this will achieve the first objection of this dissertation. Chapter Three This chapter will investigate the two building options with regard to cost, time, heat and energy. This will be done by a number of interviews and case studies. Areas looked at will be construction cost and life cycle costs. Also will include a case study of both types of construction where U-Values and Building Energy Rating will be achieved and assessed to gain an insight into why the trend shifted. The author feels that this will achieve the second objection of this dissertation. Chapter Four This chapter the opinions and views of homeowners and property developers towards timber frame construction and masonry construction are explored by means of a questionnaire. The author feels this will achieve the third objection of the dissertation. Chapter Five In this finally chapter the conclusion provides a brief summary of the finding of the preceding chapters. Literature Review Background Over 70% of home in the developed world are timber frame homes. 60% of Scottish new dwelling are timber frame and over all in the United Kingdom timber frame accounts for 15% of new homes. Ireland is slowly following our neighbours. Over the last ten year Ireland had been experiencing a construction boom. Housing units been completed in 2000 being 49,812 units growing to 62,686 in 2003, peaking in 2006 with 82,980 unit completed. After 2006 the housing market in Ireland started to fall, numbers of units being built in 2007 being 71,356 continuing to fall in 2008 as 48,151 units and continuing to fall in 2009. (Central Statistics Office Ireland 2008) Many housing estates and apartment blocks had been popping up in every city, town and village mainly around the computer belt around the capital city of Ireland Dublin. Then slowly the rest of the country following. In 1992 timber frame construction account for only 5% of the new dwelling market. Since then it has grown to enormous levels to account for 30% of total housing construction nationally (Construction Industry Federation 2009). Typical these building were constructed by masonry construction, this consisted of a 300mm cavity wall with block inner leaf, insulation, cavity and a brick/block outer leaf finished with a plaster render. Over the last seventeen years timber frame construction has shown steady growth. Timber frame construction consists of an off site engineered building which arrives to site and the pieces are assembled to complete the unit. The external finish is similarly to masonry with brick or plaster rendered block. Some industry experts predict that by 2012 it will account for 50% of the new dwelling market. The timber frame industry in Ireland has shown strength and resilience, despite these difficult economic times. When the upturn comes, timber frame construction will be presented with numerous opportunities. (Maurice Buckley, CEO, NSAI National Standards Authority of Ireland.) Reasons for this happening? Energy In Ireland over the last number of years there has been a turn in attitude regarding the environment, which has in some part resulted in changes been implemented by the construction industry with regard to energy conservation. The main topic that has come to the fore on an Irish domestic level is the conservation of fuel and energy consumption. The construction industry has been identified as a considerable part of the national energy bill. Attitudes of developers and homeowner are changing to environmentally friendly buildings. Due to this timber frame construction has seen a steady growth. Timber frame is renewable building option, for every tree cut down two more are planted. The cost of turning the raw product into a building material is conceivably less than traditional methods. Timber is the only sustainable renewable commercially viable building material. The production of concrete produces vast amounts of Carbon Dioxide (C02), which has a negative impact on the environment and contributes significantly to global warming. (Irish Timber Frame Manufacturing Association 2009) Speed As the construction boom grow so did the need for housing and more importantly fast housing. One of the main factors for this turn towards timber frame is speed of construction. The frame of the building can be erected in a number of days which compared to typical masonry building is incredibly faster. This is due to the timber frame been constructed off site in a factory and delivered to site as a planned process of assembly. Masonry on the other hand takes a number of weeks to reach roof level where as timber frame is erected in a number of days. Even in wet weather work can still continue as a scaffolding system is in place around the foundation, where as blocks for masonry construction can only be laid in dry weather. Also with timber frame construction the building is weather proof much faster so internal works can begin much quicker. Also a lot of the slower work for plumbers and electricians such as first fixing is much easily done in a timber frame house. Timber frame has 30% shorter, more predictable construction time than brick and block (UK Timber Frame Association 2009). In masonry construction the use of wet trades in the build causes extra time needed for drying out. Because timber frame is a dry form of construction there is no drying out time which is a saving of a number of weeks. Also because of this there is less lightly a risk of cracking appearing on walls and ceilings for shrinking which can occur in masonry frequently. Cost The cost of a timber frame house is similar to masonry built. Unlike masonry, costs of a timber frame build can be fixed long before the foundations are poured. This is due to most timber frame suppliers also fix the structure. So a fix price for a fixed solution. No rain days for wet trades or no additional costs. This ensures that the additional expenses that spiral as a building progress can be eliminated. (Irish Timber Frame Manufacturing Association 2009). The number of persons need to fix the structure is lower than a masonry build, also with regard to time, time is money so the faster the build the cheaper for the developer and homebuilder. Also the hand over time for a complete dwelling is must faster so this will benefit developers cash flow and profitability. Due to the speed of construction on site security cost or greatly reduced. Flexibility of Layout Because timber frames internal walls being construction out of light weigh partition walls the internal space of a timber frame build is very flexible. Any mistakes in layout of internal walls is easily rectified, where as masonry internal wall would be particularly more difficult to correct. Case Studies Introduction To get real reasons for the trend mover towards timber frame construction and to get a true indication of the cost difference in both timber frame and traditional masonry domestic construction the author looked at two key areas, construction costs and life cycle costs. In relation to construction costs the areas of preliminary costs; plant and equipment costs and site labour costs are looked at in greater detail. Construction Costs Preliminary Costs Every construction project incurs preliminary costs. Preliminary costs are defined as, Costs which are directly involved with the overall completion of a construction project ( Roy Chudley 2002) These costs include items such as site management, insurance for the project, drivers and operatives. On larger sites where site cabins, offices, storerooms, toilets and canteens are required the costs incurred are also referred to as preliminary costs. For each project there is an allowance set aside for preliminary costs. However in relation to timber frame construction these costs are included in the overall timber frame package. This is a result of the majority of the work required for timber frame construction being carried out off site, which in turn makes the budget costs a lot cheaper than traditional masonry. Derek Moore a director with Timberline building contractors Ltd Dublin states, by pre-manufacturing the timber frame off-site, houses are constructed more cost effectively. (Pick a Pro 2009) To back up this point the Irish Timber frame manufactures association states this method of construction is not cheaper particularly if the builder hasnt thought his practices through but because factory fabrication means much greater predictability, better controls and of course, a faster pace (Irish Timber Frame Manufacturing Association 2009). This is not the case for its traditional masonry counterpart as preliminary costs are required as a separate budget, this is due to the fact that all of the work required for traditional masonry is carried out on site. A majority of the preliminary budget for the traditional masonry method includes hire of plant and provision for skips and concrete silos on site etc. Another factor to be taken into consideration is the time period taken to construct a timber frame house, which is significantly lower than that of traditional masonry counterpart. Costs such as site supervision and the need for engineers and the like on site are greatly reduced. Plant and Equipment Costs Plant and equipment costs should be taken in to consideration when dealing with construction costs. Every project requires certain types of equipment and plant to carry out work to a conclusion. According to Colm Kilroy a quantity surveyor with Michael Higgins and associates in Galway, plant and equipment costs are a major part of all construction projects, the utilization of such equipment is vital as a lot of money can be wasted due to bad management and planning on site. He continued to say if plant is required on site for a certain job it is vital that the site is ready for that equipment as once it arrives on site it has to be paid for. (Colm Kilroy 2009) The weather can also plays a part in plant and equipment costs, adverse weather conditions can lead to a lot of equipment being left idle while the cost for having it on the site is still being charged. Obviously the weather conditions cannot be controlled by the project team but in periods of forecasted inclement weather the ordering of plant and materials should be avoided if possible. Site Labour Costs This area of site labour costs greatly differs with both methods of construction. A lot of the factors in relation to cost for the timber frame method of construction are all inclusive of the over timber frame package, the majority of the work to be carried out by specialised labour is completed in the factory and once the timber frame unit leaves for the site their work is finished. This in turn reduces any call back costs, to complement this, the Irish timber frame manufactures association states that, There are lower call back costs; any problems encountered can be eliminated immediately by the timber frame specialists before leaving the factory. (Irish Timber Frame Manufacturing Association 2009) The cost for the labour to rectify these problems is still inclusive of the timber frame package. Traditional masonry construction is in comparison carried out differently with all the construction work associated with traditional masonry been carried out on site and with each individual trade requiring labour to carry out the work. Cost Case Study The author compiled a cost comparison from a construction contractors point of view for the development of a timber frame and masonry domestic dwelling. The house plans used to carry out this comparison were based on a single house within a development of five similar houses, only the major elements of the structures were included in the pricing. for the comparison were obtained from Barry Doyle a quantity surveyor with a Co Carlow company and John O Connell a construction contractor in Co Galway. The timber frame house is more expensive to construct than its masonry counterpart. There is a cost difference of approximately à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬9,000 between both methods to construct a single house taking the main structural elements in to consideration. For the development consisting of five houses where this house is located the total price difference in the construction of the five houses using both methods of construction can be up to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬45,000 to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬50,000. The following information shows the reasoning behind the price differences for the important elements of the construction. Timber frame kit This element looks to be very expensive but the majority of materials needed to complete the timber frame house including the labour needed for the construction are included. Concrete raft foundation The price of the raft foundation differs as there is less steel required in the raft for the timber frame house in comparison to the masonry built house, this leads to savings for both the labour and materials. Block work The difference in the price of the block work is due to the inner leaf and the internal walls of the timber frame house been constructed of timber. Roof The timber frame kit incorporates a majority of the roof in the over all package which leads is a massive price difference from the standard roof for the masonry dwelling. Insulation Due to the requirement for more insulation in the timber frame house there is a difference in price over its masonry counterpart. Slabbing As with the insulation due to the amount of timber stud internal partitions and timber inner leaf walls the timber frame dwelling requires more plaster board than the masonry method which increases both the amount of material and labour. Plastering The plastering element differs solely because of the reduced quantity of scratch coat required in the timber frame house. Carpentry The price difference in relation to carpentry is a result of a lot of the timber work coming pre fabricated as part of the timber frame kit, an example being the doors coming pre hung with ironmongery fitted and architrave already attached. Main contractors Profit The main contractors profit has been calculated on the standard percentage being 5%. Life Cycle Costs Introduction Life cycle costs are commonly interpreted as,The operating costs of buildings over the forecast useful life attributed to them (Bruceshaw 2009) These costs include initial capital costs, occupation costs and operating costs. In relation to the building industry and in particular to the traditional masonry and timber frame methods of construction, life cycle costs are essential in deciding which is the overall cost effective method of construction is. In this chapter the author discusses areas such as the running costs and other costs that are involved with both forms of construction. Design Differences and Alterations From an aesthetic point of view timber frame and traditional masonry constructed dwellings when constructed look very similar, however timber frame houses, Allow for more versatile designs than block built houses (Pick a Pro 2009) The question is once the house is constructed how easy is it to carry out modifications to the design. In relation to these alterations Kingspan Century state, Due to the fact the inner leaf of your timber frame house is constructed of solid wood and plasterboard, and not concrete blocks and plaster, extensions and alterations generally have significantly reduced impact on the existing building. (Kingspan Century 2007) To further this statement MBS Timber frame Ltd state, Because the interior of a timber frame house is made of wooden panels and plasterboard, alterations and extensions will not involve the mess and severe disruption of knocking down solid block walls, and all the other trials and tribulations that accompany this type of work. (MBC Timber Frame 2009) Alternatively the block work internal leaf of a masonry house has distinct advantages over is timber frame counterpart. Tasks such as fixing a shelf or curtain rail can be a tricky with the timber frame method, There is no problem doing this in a masonry build home as all the walls are capable of holding shelves, curtain rails etc. it would be a simple matter of drilling the holes in the correct place and screwing your shelf into place (Irish Concrete Federation 2009). In comparison, with a timber frame house, according to John Meehan a carpenter with a Co Galway Company, If you are installing a new kitchen or television unit, you may find that there are no grounds in the wall where you need a fixing. If in this situation if your fixing is put in place without finding a stud, the unit is sure to fall down under pressure. (David Treacy 2009) Property Market and Selling Value Influencing factors in relation to domestic construction include resale value and ease of sale. The traditional masonry constructed process has built up a reputation of been a good seller and a favourite with the Irish public, Galway auctioneer John Gilmore states, Block built houses are easier to sell as people generally go for the trusted method, a lot of people inquiring about timber frame houses are wary and are not easily convinced as to its benefits (Liam Gordon 2009). The view of an Irish timber frame company is that, Auctioneers and estate agents are generally of the opinion that not only is timber frame not an obstacle in selling a home, but on the contrary, is becoming more and more a major selling point. The energy efficiency of timber frame houses is becoming an increasingly valued characteristic. (Kingspan Century 2008) To reiterate this, For mortgage purposes and insurance, most lenders and insurers rank timber frame equally with block work. As far as resale value is concerned, there appears to be no difference at all between the two systems. However some individuals have their own preferences, built up from their own experience or things they have heard about either system. (Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine 2005) Running Costs The timber frame method of domestic construction encounters large savings over its traditional masonry counterpart. These savings result from the timber frame house having an allowance for insulation on both the external and internal walls; this differs considerably from the traditional masonry method where in most cases only the external walls contain insulation. Because timber frame structures are extremely well insulated and have less mass than more traditional forms of construction, significant savings can be made in heating costs. (Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine 2005) A leading Irish timber frame company states, Savings of between 30% and 40% on heating bills are fairly typical. (Devsan Timber Frame Homes 2009) In relation to further savings in the future with timber frame, It is estimated that the heating cost of a timber frame home can be 30% lower than that of a masonry dwelling, and the rapid rise in energy costs these costs look set to increase. Sunday Business Post Newspaper 2007) In conclusion the savings to be made with the timber frame method of domestic construction in relation to heating and energy use are extensive over its masonry counterpart. Time of Construction Introduction From a time to construct perspective the length of time it takes to build and finish both forms of construction differs. The construction of a traditional masonry dwelling has a longer time programme than its timber frame counterpart. The main factors contributing to the difference in construction times include. Programme of works The programme of works for both methods has a time difference of approximately seven weeks from foundation stage to decorating and moving in stage. Derek Moore of Timberline building contractors states, In terms of build speed, timber frame can deliver a significant 30% reduction on traditional construction times, which affect cash flow and reduces local disturbance. (Pick a Pro 2009) The view of another Irish timber frame supplier is the construction time of both methods of construction is even larger depending on the building, Construction time is cut by almost 40% as your timber frame structure is erected on site within days depending on size and complexity of building. (Clark Group 2008) Building Finishes During the stage whereby the timber frame unit is erected the internal first fixing work can commence. This work can proceed inside the house as the masonry skin is being built, in comparison no internal work can commence on the masonry house while the block work element is being constructed. The long drying out period associated with traditional masonry construction is also a disadvantage in comparison to the timber frame method. Apart from the obvious labour saving, timber frame doesnt need any drying-out time, unlike a standard masonry construction, which needs up to 1,500 gallons of water to evaporate before it is dry. (Sunday Tribune 2001) To reiterate this a leading Irish timber frame supplier states, Timber frame aids internal finishes, all walls are straight and plumb, corners are square and true. With timber frame there are less of the wet trades, plasterboard needs only to be skimmed and paint, decorative materials and floor coverings can be applied sooner to dried surfaces. (Castle Timber Frame Homes 2009) Heat Loss in Buildings Introduction For the purpose of this dissertation the author compared the U Value of the external walls of both a timber frame and masonry constructed dwelling, the author also decided to obtain the Building Energy Rating (BER) for both methods of construction so as to make an accurate comparison. Both the U Value calculation and the Building Energy Rating are based on the house plans. With the expertise of Michael Sweeney of Sweeney Energy the U Value and BER calculations were compiled and the results are as follows. U-Value Calculation A U-value is the term given to the measure of heat loss through sections of a building. It measures the rate that heat transmits through a component or structure when there is a difference in air temperature at both sides. U Values are expressed in Watts per metre Kelvin which is the rate of heat transfer in watts through 1m2 of the structure for one unit of temperature difference between the air on the two sides of the structure. (Roy Chudley 2002) U-Value Terms The following are terms associated with the calculation of the U-Value. Thermal Conductivity It is the measure of a materials ability to transmit heat and is expressed as the energy flow in watts per square metre of surface area. (Roy Chudley 2002) Thermal Resistance This is symbolized by the letter R, as representative of a materials thermal resistance achieved by dividing its thickness in metres by its thermal conductivity. (Roy Chudley 2002) Timber Frame U-Value Calculation The above calculations show that a traditional masonry external cavity wall has a U-Value of 0.35 W/m2K in comparison to the timber frame outer wall, which has a U-Value of 0.25 W/m2K. The findings for this particular calculation show that the timber frame domestic construction has a better U-Value than its masonry constructed counterpart. Building Energy Rating (BER) Calculation The author decided to compare the Building Energy Rating of both methods of construction. To achieve this the author availed of the expertise of a qualified BAR assessor who calculated both BER values using the same house plans as used for the U Value Calculations. For the purpose of the reader the author explains some of the terms associated in the Building energy rating procedure. Building Energy Rating Terms The procedure is based on calculating the energy balance for a dwelling, this is the energy required by the dwelling plus any losses, then less the energy gains this is equal to the energy delivered in to the dwelling (Cheveron Training 2009) Delivered Energy, expressed as kWh/year. This corresponds to the energy consumption that would normally appear on the energy bills of the dwelling for the assumed standardisation occupancy and end users considered. (Cheveron Training 2009) Primary Energy, expressed as kWh/year. This includes delivered energy, plus an allowance for energy overhead incurred in extracting, processing and transporting a fuel or other energy carrier to the dwelling. For example, in the case of electricity it takes account of generation efficiency at power stations. (Cheveron Training 2009) The results show that both timber frame and traditional masonry domestic construction have an energy rating of B2 for this house. The B2 rating is acceptable for a building, which incorporates a natural ventilation design. The primary energy value for the timber frame method of construction is lower than its masonry counterpart and indicates that the overhead incurred in extracting, processing and transporting of energy to the dwelling is lower for timber frame method. The comparison of the Co2 emissions results in the timber frame method having lower emissions output and as previously discussed the lower the Co2 emission the better it is for the environment. Finally the timber frame method had a lower delivered energy rating. This shows that the energy consumption on the energy bills of the dwelling are again lower than its masonry counterpart. Developers views regarding the change from masonry to timber frame: To achieve a true indication on the views of the construction industry in regard to both methods of construction and why the trend has moved towards timber frame it was necessary to obtain the views of developers who actually carry out the building works. As part of the author research, many construction agencies were contacted. Philip Mahoney of timber frame manufactures association was contacted and helped with the authors questions. Philip Mahoney of the Timber Frame Manufacturing Association said when asked why the trend has moved from masonry to timber frame. From a developers point of view speed of construction was very important, because a timber frame house can be up and roofed in a matter of days and ready for the follow on trades to move in. for the developer this was a great advantage as they were in and out much quicker and therefore turn cash over. Timber frame would have also have got popular with the self build sector because of the fact that a) quite an education process was carried out by the association and its members, b) the green card also began to come into play as well as timber frame is seen as environmentally friendly which the industry has been promoting. Tom McHugh, Director of Kilcloghans Ltd Galway who have been prominent traditional masonry builders for a number of years said in regards to ease of build we are masonry builders and we build timber frame, we find that it is especially simple to build the timber frame method he went on to say in relation to construction costs timber frame is as economical to build as traditional masonry regarding construction costs in relation to the downturn in the construction industry he stated yes the construction cost for both methods had dropped but both methods still work out in and around the same price. He also stated that they found the main advantages of timber frame to be a drier form of construction as well as the obvious advantages of speed to build and economical to run. From a selling point of view he found timber frame, easier for the reason that they are more economical in terms of energy use. Francis Geraghty Director of Frame to finish building contractors Co Galway stated in terms of ease of construction, the timber frame method depends largely on the type of house the client wants to build as well as the quality of site preparation before the timber frame building reaches the site. He sees the main advantages of the timber frame method for him are the U-Values that can be achieved and also the whole timber frame structure is up and ready for internal work in a matter of days. Colm Kilroy a Quantity S

With it’s tight structure, poetry can accommodate great passion. Do :: English Literature

With it’s tight structure, poetry can accommodate great passion. Do you agree with this statement? You should base your answer on a close examination of two or three poems covering at least two groups. ‘With it’s tight structure, poetry can accommodate great passion’. Do you agree with this statement? You should base your answer on a close examination of two or three poems covering at least two groups. Although it could be argued that poetry can accommodate great passion I disagree with this statement. The two poems I have chosen to examine, ‘Marged’ by Gillian Clarke and ‘Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night’ by Dylan Thomas, show different emotions that I believe disprove the statement. The first, ‘Marged’, is lacking in emotion and the second, ‘Do Not Go Gentle’, does more than accommodate the passion, it emphasises and releases the feelings felt by the poet. ‘Marged’ by Gillian Clarke is a Shakespearean sonnet, with three quatrains and a couplet at the end, however the poet has altered the form to change the style of the poem. For example the lines do not have ten syllables as a normal sonnet but vary in length. Also there is only a half-rhyme scheme with words such as ‘bed’ and ‘died’ in the first quatrain on alternate lines. It could be argued that the tight structure of the sonnet restrains the passion felt because of the syllables but as Gillian Clarke has ignored this rule and has different numbers of syllables this sonnet does not constrain passion. This argument would apply more if Clarke had written a passionate poem but as it is the poem is lacking in emotion of any kind. ‘Marged’ is about Clarke thinking of the previous owner of the house she lives in. The words do not emote a sad mood; Clarke is remembering the dead old lady but is herself distanced from the death and therefore does not feel sad. The use of the preposition ‘she’ shows the reader that the feelings are distanced; use of ‘you’ would have made the poem more direct and emotional. In contrast to this, ‘Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night’ by Dylan Thomas is a very emotional poem in the traditional form of a villanelle. 'Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night' is addressed to the poets father and is plea that the man doesn’t die quietly. The use of ‘you’ makes the poem very personal and it is clear from the start of the poem that the poet feels very strongly about the issue. In the title and first line the emphasis is on the words ‘Not’ and

The Role of Mexican-American Border Relations in the Political Process

The Role of Mexican-American Border Relations in the Political Process Throughout the 1990’s up until the present, Mexican-American political relations have been very inconsistent in their endeavors to define what the relationship should and will be between the two different countries. The massive influx of Mexican immigrants has commanded attention from the governments of both countries. This has resulted in attempts to make a working partnership acknowledging the fact that the peoples of Mexican decent have grown into the largest minority group in the United States and there are many issues to be hammered out by both countries in establishing just economic and political relations. However this effort has encountered many setbacks and questions of dedication to a working relationship between Mexico and the United States both in the past and currently. Politicians who once jumped on the bandwagon of demonizing Mexican Americans are now fronting to be their closest allies and representatives in order to gain there votes in reelection. Who were once a people solely confined to the lowest of economic class and labor, are slowly working their ways into the higher classes and employment opportunities. Conservative citizens prejudiced attitudes towards Mexicans is balanced out by liberal populations as well. While poor economic times and difficulty in finding employment tend to point fingers at populations like the Mexican immigrants, there is still a need for the cheap labor in the fields and factories to keep production moving. The list of contradictions goes on and on and this complex issue will remain one for years. The goal of this paper is to address Mexican-American relations of the past and the present, and to pr... ...beth. Making Labor Flexible: The Recomposition of Tijuana's Maquiladora Female Labor Force. Feminist Economics 6, no. 3 (2000), 59-79. Global Exchange. Maquiladoras: Sweatshops by any other name. http://www.globalexchange.org/education/california/DayOfTheDead/maqui ladoras .html Guskind, Robert. â€Å"Border Backlash.† National Journal 4 June 1994: 1296-1299. Muller, Henry. â€Å"There is a Limit to What We Call Absorbant.† Time 18 Nov. 1991: 54-63 Natives: Immigrant Bashing on the Border. Film â€Å"Powell says U.S. eager for immigration agreement with Mexico† (Cnn.com) 30 May 2003. Rodriquez, Cindy. â€Å"Tamales no substitute for a place on podium.† Globe. 12 August, 2000.

Mussolini and Hitler Essay -- essays research papers

Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler As World War II (WWII) approached, Mussolini announced his intention of annexing Malta, Corsica, and Tunis. He spoke of creating a "New Roman Empire" that would stretch east to Palestine and south through Libya and Egypt to Kenya. In April 1939, after a brief war, he annexed Albania, a campaign which strained his military. His armed forces are generally considered to have been unprepared for combat when the German invasion of Poland led to World War II. Mussolini thus decided to remain 'non-belligerent' until he was quite certain which side would win. On June 10, 1940, as the Germans under General Guderian reached the English Channel, Mussolini declared war on Britain and France. In October, Italy attacked Greece and lost in result 1/3 of Albania, until Germany attacked Greece as well. In June 1941, he declared war on the Soviet Union and in December he declared war on the United States. Following Italian defeats on all fronts and the Anglo-American landing in Sicily in 1943, most of Mussolini's colleagues (Count Galeazzo Ciano, the foreign minister and also Mussolini's son-in-law, included) turned against him at a meeting of the Fascist Grand Council on July 25, 1943. King Vittorio Emanuele III called Mussolini to his palace and stripped the dictator of his power. Upon leaving the palace, Mussolini was swiftly arrested. He was then sent to Gran Sasso, a mountain recovery in central Italy (Abruzzo), in complete isolation. Mussolini was subst...

Drowsy Chaperone

The Drowsy Chaperone The Drowsy Chaperone is an interesting show that was performed from October 31st to November 4th at Westminster College. The show is a parody of people in the 1920’s. The story revolves around a middle aged man in a chair who is a theatre fan who plays his favorite record for the audience to hear. The record is The Drowsy Chaperone and from start to finish the audience is in for a unique experience within this play. This play is comedic, upbeat and has a heartwarming story.The whole show mainly focuses on the relationship between the glamorous show girl Janet Van De Graaff and the handsome, poised Robert Martin; the main characters of the show in Westminster’s productions were played by Hannah Timm and Ian Davis. They did an extraordinary job in all of their appearances. Being involved in The Drowsy Chaperone was a special experience for me. This was the first show that I had speaking lines in, acted and performed in and was involved in helping with the construction and deconstruction of the set pieces. I have been involved in musicals and theatrical productions for six years now.Within those six years this year the year I was involved in The Drowsy Chaperone by far was my favorite production. This is due to the fact that I was highly involved in different aspects of the show. I greatly enjoyed being involved within the production of The Drowsy Chaperone as much as I was. I believe by being highly involved within the production of The Drowsy Chaperone, it has given me a better perspective to the work involved other than acting into developing a show. There is a ton of the work that goes into developing a play and I was always highly aware of this.However, now I am much more aware about the set design and it makes me appreciate the actual show much more because of it. At times I thought things were unnecessary when we were producing the set pieces for example the day when we would paint all of the trim multiple times in various colors. First we painted the molding in a bright yellow, then a light brown then dark brown also, an orange glaze may have been added if I remember correctly. I did not understand the point in painting the molding so many times. I vaguely remember thinking we should just have bought dark brown paint and just used that.I was thinking it would save us a lot more time and we could move onto a different more important project. Now, I understand that everything is important when producing a set this includes the smaller details. By repainting the molding numerous times it added depth to the wood. This helped add to the overall look to the set. Every minor detail is important even if it seems unnecessary at the time it reality it is important. Once the whole set was built and completely done I understood why so much time and effort was devoted to the set and how important the minor details were.I have been in numerous productions in the theatre since middle school. I always knew that tim e was devoted into producing a set; however, I did not have a deep appreciation for the set. My opinion has changed drastically since being involved in the production of The Drowsy Chaperone. By being involved with in the construction process and set design I now have a better understanding of what it entails. The set pieces tell their own story within the actual show. Everything that is designed and placed within a set has a purpose.There is a reason as to why it is placed and a reason to why it was designed in the first place. I learned numerous things while working on the set. Some of these things were; learning how to use the power tools, panting techniques, how to putty, building and helping construct certain objects. I had the pleasure of working on various projects I worked on the following things; constructing a door, painting the walls, painting the molding, helping construct the bed, working on the refrigerator, helping hang the mirror, helping hang the curtains, painting the statute pieces, helping with the windows.When the opening night of the show came I became nervous for the audience to see the sets and backdrops, this was the first time that this had ever happened to me. , The Drowsy Chaperone is a unique show that is revolved around the 1920’s. Westminster College did a production of the show this year. The performers within the show did a memorable job. I enjoyed being involved within this show because I was involved in other things besides acting. The time and dedication to put on the show and the effort of the performers, workers, and faculty is shown. The Drowsy Chaperone is truly a memorable experience.