Managment Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Managment - Case Study Example All the meetings had a detailed agenda given to each member before the meeting (Nick at some point even jokes that he had not been given an agenda beforehand), the meeting would normally begin and end at the precise time (pg 20) they had been planned to end, and members of the executive at Decision Tech felt there was simply no enough time for engaging in meaningful debates as the time available was not enough (pg 47). Some of the behavioral norms established at Decision Tech by the executive team before Kathryn took over include: dependence, self-consciousness, superficiality, ignoring disagreements, not talking about misgivings, avoiding the consideration of what is considered a disturbing idea, feeling invulnerable, rationalizing threats away, discrediting of disconfirming information etc. Kathryn had noted that the meetings at decision Tech were characterized by silence, no member of the executive tem argued, and there was an undeniable tension during the meetings (pg 19). Silence in the meetings was not good. This is because it meant that members of the team preferred to keep silent and instead of engaging in meaningful arguments and developing conflicts that are highly valuable to the company’s management decisions. The executive team at Decision Tech experienced the four stages of team development. The core purpose of the forming stage is essentially to enable members of the team to become acquainted with one another and start seeing themselves as one integrated and cohesive unit. During the first off-site meeting Kathryn requested each member of the team to give personal histories. This meant that each would answer five nonintrusive personal questions that were related to their backgrounds (pg 52). After the brief personal history giving session by the members of the team, it was evident that the team was more at ease with each other than any time during the previous year. The goals of the Norming stage are to make

Learning to Look Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Learning to Look - Essay Example This feature makes it be more attractive to youth who participates in various activities such as games. Secondly, the products come in various colors in order to satisfy the interests of diverse range of customers. Different customers prefer products that have been branded using specific colors. In order to satisfy all market segments, Pepsi Company has branded the products using ribbons of different colors. Third, the products have been packed using different masses. This is to cater for different age groups ranging from small children to adults. Fourth, the bottle surface is rough rather than smooth an aspect that would make it not to slip from the hands of the users. Lastly, the products have been presented in different forms. These include unflavored and flavored water. This makes the customer to select his/her choice of the product (MacRury 2009). Three principles of art are well represented in this advert. First, art principle that is represented is repetition. The name Aquafina has been repeated in all related products. This makes the products to be distinct. Secondly, an aspect of variety is seen through the advert. The company has advertised variety of the products in order to attract different parts of the customers. In addition, this is aimed at increasing the market size. Lastly, the principle of unity is also well presented. All products are presented in one magazine an aspect that creates a unifying factor towards the products. This plays a very great role in segmenting the market. The product being advertised is refreshment. It has been advertised in youth magazine as a result, the major target of the advert is the teenagers. The text accompanying the product is simple to understand an aspect that makes the readers understand the use of the product. The clear image characterizes the product as of high quality and healthy for human consumption. This would

The Educational Curriculum In The Philippines Education Essay

The Educational Curriculum In The Philippines Education Essay The educational curriculum in the Philippines is low compared to other countries. Other countries are able to learn more advanced subjects and they are able to learn them properly. The reason why other countries are ahead of us in the educational aspect is because of the K12. K12 is a prolonged educational program that allows the students to learn more advanced subjects. Adding K12 to the curriculum will enhance the education of the country because schools will not need to quicken the learning process of the students, will learn more advanced subjects and will provide greater employment options. This essay will tackle the impact of changing the curriculum to K12. This essay will show why the Philippines is in need of a better curriculum. This essay will also discuss how K12 will affect the learning capabilities of the students, will tackle the advantages of K12 and the effects of it to the students and to the country. Naturally, the known definition of K12 is a 13-year educational program from kindergarten until high school. Recently, it has been proposed to be used. By changing our curriculum, students will surely have a higher standard of education. DepEd proposed this program to enhance the learning capabilities of the students. K12 provides students, as well as the country, many privileges with more time for students to study and understand their lessons; they will be able to do better in their exams. The students will be able to attain better education that will give them more job opportunities. Another reason why the Philippines has one of the lowest qualities of education in the world is because students are not given the right amount of time to understand their lessons. This change in our education will provide the country with a better economy. It only takes us 11-12 years to graduate from high school. K12 provides us with an extra year for teachers to teach more advanced subjects that students will take up only when they are in college. This will shorten the time of students stay in college. Surely without K12, the quality of education in the Philippines is low. Even other countries with low economy in Asia have better quality of education than the Philippines. Some high school graduates do not have what it takes in working for an international kind of work. Without this kind of quality education, Filipinos will not be able to compete with a high-end job abroad. K12 will give the Philippines a chance to be a better country by starting with changing our curriculum. Almost all of the countries in the world are having k12 as their basic education program. As a result, all of them have better education that we, Filipinos, might not have been able to acquire if the proposal that was not made by the DepEd. In fact, the Philippines was ranked one of the lowest in education last year. Students need time for them to properly understand a lesson. K12 provides students to have more time understanding the lessons, not just cramming them for a latter exam and forgetting them when the exams are over. K12 gives them a chance to learn more, to enjoy learning in a calm and enjoyable manner, and understand them better. Students will be able to do a better job in their exams and will be able to attain a better education if they understand the lessons taught. In other countries, they have an extended year for the students to study and learn. Here in the Philippines, students are forced to cram for a test because of the less time given to education here. K12 does not only provide time for students to study. It also offers more subjects in which students can take during their high school years. In other countries, they study calculus and other advance subjects in their high school years, giving them lesser time in college. They need not quicken their learning paces because they have the time to follow the pace they currently have. Here in the Philippines, high schools are only given a short amount of time thats why they cant put any of the advanced subjects. Because of K12, students in the Philippines will have a better education. The United States (US) and the Philippines both have proper education for their students, but US provides greater employment options because of their K12 while the Philippines does not have great employment options due to the lack of knowledge given in the high schools. They both have the just right standard of education for their students. US, with K12 in their curriculum, provide better education, thus providing better employment options. Studying requires time for students to completely understand what they need to learn. Better education is attained by them because of the prolonged time of studying. They are able to understand and execute what they have learned properly in the business world. The students afterwards are able to get better employment options because they have studied well. US have better colleges than the best university in the Philippines. They are able to mould their future leaders properly. Being able to study in a prestigious university in US, students have the opportunity to be accepted by any corporation or firm in the world. The Philippines on the other hand has a lower education compared to US. We are even one of the lowest in Asia. Filipinos, who are going abroad for work, are most likely to land on a low-end job because of the low quality of education. OFWs are most likely to be caretakers or janitors abroad. (Other countries offer low employment options for Filipinos because the standard of education in the Philippines is low compared to the others.) They take employees from US or other countries that have a high education who are fit for the job. Only 25% of Filipinos get a high-end job abroad when they are against Americans. From what has been discussed in the earlier paragraphs, the Philippines, as well as the citizens will have a better education and a better future by adding K12 to the educational curriculum. Students will lead our future. With a better quality of education, students will be able to obtain this kind of future. The economy of the Philippines will rise as our labor force attains better education. With this kind of educational curriculum, students will be able to understand their lessons well and will be able to execute what they have learned properly. K12 will be of good use to the students and it might bring forth a new beginning for the country.

Compare and Contrast the Ideas and Techniques of the Poets in the some

Compare and Contrast the Ideas and Techniques of the Poets in the some of the Love Poems we have Studied Love is a very popular topic for poetry. This is because love is one of the only things that there is no scientific fact no true definition and can be thought of in so many different ways. Poets can use poems to portray all the different types of love that people feel, romantic, young, stereotypical, fake, possessive, physical, the list is endless. Three poems that portray some of these are â€Å"The Flea†, â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning† and â€Å"A Woman to her Lover†. I like the poems â€Å"The Flea† and â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning† by John Donne because of the imagery and metaphors he uses to give us an understanding of both poems. I also like the poem â€Å"A Woman to Her Lover† by Christina Walsh because it gives a woman’s view of love. This gives a significant contrast to Donne’s poems. â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning† is a good contrast to â€Å"The Flea† since in â€Å"The Flea† the man who is talking is trying to persuade the woman to sleep with him when she is trying to refuse. Whilst in â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning† the man speaking is trying to persuade the woman being apart from each other will not break them up. In both poems Donne uses very strong imagery as a persuasive technique. For example there is a very good and strong in â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning†. Donne uses a compass to define the woman and the man moving away from each other. He uses the idea of the compass by making his lover the pointed end that stays in the same place and him being the end that has the lead attached which moves back and forth. Donne uses the image to show how even if he moves back and forth, ... ...elebration of their love. Christina Walsh talks of the music of the spheres, this is because as the planets moved the planets made music so joyous the heavens rejoiced in their love. This is a strong and another Biblical image to show how greater love the woman wants to have with her lover. â€Å"And we shall have the music of the spheres for bridal march† These three poems represent three couples who seem completely different because of the way they want to show their love but also alike. â€Å"The Flea† is an example of the stereotypical desire for physical love, â€Å"A Woman to Her Lover† is an example of a woman who is expecting this stereotypical love but yet wants true and holy love. Finally â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning† is an example of this pure and great love that does not have physical needs, the love that the woman in â€Å"A Woman to Her Lover† wants. Compare and Contrast the Ideas and Techniques of the Poets in the some Compare and Contrast the Ideas and Techniques of the Poets in the some of the Love Poems we have Studied Love is a very popular topic for poetry. This is because love is one of the only things that there is no scientific fact no true definition and can be thought of in so many different ways. Poets can use poems to portray all the different types of love that people feel, romantic, young, stereotypical, fake, possessive, physical, the list is endless. Three poems that portray some of these are â€Å"The Flea†, â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning† and â€Å"A Woman to her Lover†. I like the poems â€Å"The Flea† and â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning† by John Donne because of the imagery and metaphors he uses to give us an understanding of both poems. I also like the poem â€Å"A Woman to Her Lover† by Christina Walsh because it gives a woman’s view of love. This gives a significant contrast to Donne’s poems. â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning† is a good contrast to â€Å"The Flea† since in â€Å"The Flea† the man who is talking is trying to persuade the woman to sleep with him when she is trying to refuse. Whilst in â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning† the man speaking is trying to persuade the woman being apart from each other will not break them up. In both poems Donne uses very strong imagery as a persuasive technique. For example there is a very good and strong in â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning†. Donne uses a compass to define the woman and the man moving away from each other. He uses the idea of the compass by making his lover the pointed end that stays in the same place and him being the end that has the lead attached which moves back and forth. Donne uses the image to show how even if he moves back and forth, ... ...elebration of their love. Christina Walsh talks of the music of the spheres, this is because as the planets moved the planets made music so joyous the heavens rejoiced in their love. This is a strong and another Biblical image to show how greater love the woman wants to have with her lover. â€Å"And we shall have the music of the spheres for bridal march† These three poems represent three couples who seem completely different because of the way they want to show their love but also alike. â€Å"The Flea† is an example of the stereotypical desire for physical love, â€Å"A Woman to Her Lover† is an example of a woman who is expecting this stereotypical love but yet wants true and holy love. Finally â€Å"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning† is an example of this pure and great love that does not have physical needs, the love that the woman in â€Å"A Woman to Her Lover† wants.

Ballard Test

The Ballard test is a scale used to estimate the gestational age of a newborn infant. The test evaluates the neuromuscular and physical maturity of an infant. There are six different areas of neuromuscular maturity that are rated. Seven different areas of physical maturity are rated based on observation of the infant. Gestational age is the measure of time an infant spends growing in the womb before birth.It’s an important factor to determine because it can be an indicator of any potential problems that the newborn might develop. Gestational age can also reveal whether or not it was a healthy pregnancy.Assessing Neurological Features In order to assess the newborn’s neurological features the infant should be awake, not crying and lying on her back. You then score the infants posture based on your observation of free movement of the limbs. The following features are scored based on your observation when you manipulate the limbs: square window, arm recoil, popliteal angle , scarf sign and heel to ear. Assessing External Features The external features are scored based on your observation of the infant. These external features include: skin, lanugo, plantar creases, breast, ear, genitalia.Scoring External and neurological features are rated based on a score of zero to four. When scoring you should observe both sides of the infant and half scores can be used. All the scores are then added up for a final score. The final score is then compared to a table which gives the approximate gestational age. If the final score is within two weeks of the mother’s dates, then her dates are acceptable. If the dates are over or under two weeks of the score then the mother’s dates should be deemed incorrect and you should accept the gestational age based on the Ballard score.Besides the Ballard test, you can look for observable clinical signs to help determine whether the infant is full-term or pre-term. You should observe such things as sucking ability, flexing of arms and legs, whether or not you can see the veins under the skin, development of the nipple and breast bud, descended testes and covered labia minora. The weight and head circumference of the infant should also be taken into consideration. Learning Objectives †¢ The first learning objective is to describe the Ballard scales used in assessing the newborn.†¢ The second learning objective is to define the purposes of the scales. †¢ The third learning objective is to explain the importance of the newborn’s Ballard scores. †¢ The fourth learning objective is to describe normal and abnormal gestational age relative to the weight of the newborn. Definitions †¢ The first definition of the Ballard test is to determine normal and abnormal features of a newborn. †¢ The second definition of the Ballard test is to determine normal neurological responses of a newborn.†¢ The third definition of the Ballard test is to discern normal physiologic al features of a newborn. †¢ The fourth definition of the Ballard test is to determine the gestational age of the newborn and the correlation between the gestational age and the weight of the newborn. Teaching Methodology †¢ A prior knowledge of embryology and fetal physiology is helpful. A basic knowledge of antepartum and intrapartum care is necessary. As well as familiarity with maternal screening tests and common maternal complications that may arise.†¢ Develop questions to be asked in order to gather information and history related to pregnancy, labor and delivery. †¢ List the key elements of the physical assessment of a newborn. †¢ Discuss how all of these elements in conjunction with the Ballard test can determine the gestational age of the newborn. †¢ Identify the important indicators of gestational maturity and immaturity. †¢ Discuss the effects that gestational age has on a newborn. †¢ Discuss the transition of the newborn from the w omb into the environment.A Nursing diagnosis or NANDA †¢ Actual diagnosis – Ineffective airway clearance related to decreased energy as manifested by an ineffective cough. †¢ Risk diagnosis – Risk for injury related to altered mobility and disorientation. †¢ Possible diagnosis – Possible fluid volume deficit related to frequent vomiting for three days as manifested by increased pulse rate. †¢ Syndrome diagnosis – Rape-trauma syndrome related to anxiety about potential health problems as manifested by anger, genitourinary discomfort, and sleep pattern disturbance.†¢ Wellness diagnosis – Potential for enhanced organized infant behavior, related to prematurity and as manifested by response to visual and auditory stimuli. ( (Nanda Nursing Diagnosis) Works Cited â€Å"Assessing The Gestational Age. † 2005. Newborn Care. 14 October 2008 . Hull, J. W. â€Å"Ballard scale. † 1996-2008 . drhull. com. 14 October 2008 . â€Å"Nanda Nursing Diagnosis. † 2007. Right Health. 16 October 2008 .

Do God Exist ?

Thesis Statements 1. Because of man’s ignorance and curiosity, arguments for the existence of God have been made over the years. Basically, these arguments are divided into two large groups i. e. logical and metaphysical. Actually, these arguments seek to prove that the existence of a being or having faith with at least one attribute that only God could have is logically necessary. 2. Believing and having faith in God will only resort to one thing—goodness. 3. Faith has something to do with one’s conception about God. 4. The existence of God remains a matter of faith since it’s difficult to â€Å"prove† God to someone who does not believe. . There are arguments that attempts to give information of what they know about the existence of God. And that’s it. It is now our choice if we believe or not but the important thing is we must hold on in our faith. Read more:  http://ivythesis. typepad. com/term_paper_topics/2010/02/thesis-statements-res ults-of-having-faith-in-god. html#ixzz2CwZzjm00 4 Primary Arguments for God's Existence Written by Michael Vlach. Perhaps the hottest topic in all of philosophy concerns the existence of God. Thus the question—â€Å"Does God exist? † Our answer to this question affects how we view the world, how we behave, and what we expect for the future.If God exists, then we are probably accountable to this God. The universe may have meaning and purpose. Plus, our own existence may not cease at physical death. If God does not exist, however, then we are probably here by chance and are not accountable to some transcendent being. This life may be all we have, so live your life however you see fit and enjoy it. Traditionally, there have been four major arguments for God’s existence: (1) the cosmological argument; (2) the teleological argument; (3) the ontological argument; and (4) the moral law argument.Below are explanations of each of the arguments and the common responses to them. 1. Cosmological Argument The term â€Å"cosmological† comes from the Greek word â€Å"kosmos† which means â€Å"world. † The cosmological argument for God’s existence goes like this: The world could not exist on its own so there must have been a first cause that brought it into being. This first cause is God. Or put another way, the universe could not just exist on its own—someone or something must have made it. This cause of the universe is God. Three criticisms of the cosmological argument have been offered.First, some say matter is eternal and is not in need of a â€Å"first cause. † Second, some say â€Å"If everything needs a cause, what caused God? † Third, some say that even if it is true that some being caused our universe to exist, this does not prove the existence of the Christian God. All it shows is that there is some powerful being that created the universe, but this does not necessarily mean that this creator was the God of the Bible. 2. Teleological Argument The teleological argument is also known as â€Å"the argument from design† (The Greek word â€Å"telos† means â€Å"purpose† or â€Å"design. †).The argument goes like this: The universe evidences great complexity or design; thus, it must have been designed by a great Designer or God. The argument from design can be likened to a watch. A watch is obviously made by a watchmaker. The world, which is much more complex than a watch, must also have been designed by a great Designer or Divine Watchmaker (God). In sum, the teleological argument asserts that the universe evidences too much complexity to be the product of random chance. We know that the celestial bodies move with perfect accuracy in their orbits. Our bodies, too, are incredibly complex.According to the teleological argument, there’s just no way all this complexity could â€Å"just happen. † God must have created it all. There have been t hree responses to the teleological argument. First, some say the teleological argument is guilty of a â€Å"weak analogy† because it assumes a significant resemblance between natural objects (ex. rocks, trees) and objects we know have been designed (ex. watches, skyscrapers). Thus, comparing natural objects with objects we know have been created by humans is like comparing apples and oranges. The analogy just doesn’t work.Second, some say that the theories of the big bang and evolution better explain the complexity in the universe. Third, some say that even if the teleological argument is true, it does not prove the existence of the Christian God. 3. Ontological Argument The third argument for God’s existence is the ontological argument. This argument is unlike the cosmological and teleological arguments in that it does not argue from evidence in the natural world. Thus, it is not a â€Å"cause and effect† argument. The ontological argument can be stated in this way: â€Å"God is the greatest being imaginable.One of the aspects of perfection or greatness is existence. Thus, God exists. † Or put another way—â€Å"The fact that God can be conceived means that he must exist. † This argument for God’s existence was developed by the twelfth century theologian and philosopher, Anselm. It is based on Anselm’s declaration that God is â€Å"that which nothing greater can be conceived. † The ontological argument has been very controversial. Even many who believe in God’s existence question its validity. A contemporary of Anselm named Guanilo responded to Anselm. Guanilo said that one could imagine a perfect island but that did not mean a perfect island exists.Others have said you can imagine a unicorn but that does not mean unicorns exist. Thus, many challenge the idea that the idea of God must mean that God exists. 4. Moral Law Argument Another argument for the existence of God is the moral la w argument. It goes like this: Without God morality would be impossible. There must be a Lawgiver (God) who originates and stands by moral law. A universal moral law cannot exist accidentally. There must be a basis behind it—God. According to this view, every person is born with an inherent understanding of right and wrong.Everyone, for instance, understands that killing an innocent person is wrong. Everyone understands that helping a drowning person is right. Where did this internal understanding of right and wrong come from? According to adherents of the moral law argument, this understanding comes from God. He put it into the hearts of every person. There have been two responses to the moral law argument. First, some deny that there are universal truths. Many today believe that truth is subjective and relative. Societies and individuals determine what is true for them, but there is no God that does this.Second, some say that the presence of evil in the world argues against a Moral Lawgiver. If God is all-powerful and all-good, how can evil exist in the world? The arguments and counterarguments for God’s existence remain controversial. The cosmological, teleological, and moral law arguments remain popular with Christian apologists today. The ontological argument is not as well received although some today still asserts its validity. It should be noted that most Christian theologians and philosophers believe that God never intended for his existence to be something that could be proven with 100% certainty.They point out that faith is an important component in understanding God and his existence. Arguments  for and against the  existence of God  have been proposed by philosophers, theologians, scientists, and others for thousands of years. Inphilosophical  terms, arguments for and against the existence of  God  involve primarily the sub-disciplines of  epistemology  (theory of knowledge) andontology  (nature of god) and also the   theory of value, since concepts of perfection are connected to notions of God. The debate concerning the existence of God is one of the oldest and most discussed debates in  human history.A wide variety of arguments exist which can be categorized asmetaphysical,  logical,  empirical, or  subjective. The existence of God is subject to lively debate in philosophy,[1]  the  philosophy of religion, and  popular culture. The Western tradition of the existence of God began with  Plato  and  Aristotle, who made arguments for God's existence that would now be categorized as  cosmological arguments. Later,  Epicurus  formulated the  problem of evil: if God is  omnipotent,  omniscient  and  omnibenevolent, why does evil exist?The field of  theodicy  arose from attempts to answer this question. Other thoughts about the existence of God have been proposed by  St. Anselm, who formulated the first  ontological argument;  Ibn Rushd (Averroes)  an d  Aquinas, who presented their own versions of the cosmological argument (thekalam  argument  and the  first way), respectively;  Descartes, who said that the existence of a benevolent God was  logically necessary  for the evidence of the senses to be meaningful; and  Immanuel Kant, who argued that the existence of God can be deduced from the existence of  good.Thinkers who have provided arguments against the existence of God include  David Hume, Kant,  Nietzsche  and  Bertrand Russell. In modern culture, the question of God's existence has been discussed by philosophers and scientists such as  Stephen Hawking,  Richard Dawkins,  Daniel Dennett,  Richard Swinburne,William Lane Craig, and  Alvin Plantinga. Atheists maintain that arguments for the existence of God show insufficient reason to believe. Certain  theists  acknowledge that belief in the existence of God may not be amenable to demonstration or refutation, but rests on  faith  alo ne, a position called  fideism.The  Catholic Church  maintains that knowledge of the existence of God is available in the â€Å"natural light of human reason† alone. [2]  Other religions, such as  Buddhism, do not concern themselves the existence of gods at all. Does God Exist? by  Tawa Anderson Is there a God? 1  How can you be  sure  that God exists? Can you  prove  to me that God is real? Does the existence (or lack thereof) of God make any significant difference? Was Nietzsche right in declaring: â€Å"God is dead! †? These questions strike at the very heart of human existence, and cry out for our personal attention and deliberation.Furthermore, these questions must be answered before we can inquire into the truth of Christianity. After all, if there is no God, then Jesus certainly isn’t God in the flesh! If there is no God, there is no Christian faith worth considering. In this brief essay, I will share three persuasive clues (traditio nally called arguments or proofs) that point to the existence of God. This is not an apologetic for  Christianity, but rather for basic  theism  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ an argument that God exists, not an argument that the  Christian  God is real. God ExistsGod must exist because something must have caused the first moment in time and that something is God. This is summarized by, Saint  Thomas Aquinas  in his theory of cause. He presented five arguments for the existence of god in his masterwork the  Summa Theologiae. In the argument about casualty he stated the following premises: 1. The  natural world  includes events that occur. 2. In thenatural world, every event has a cause, and no event causes itself. 3. In the  natural world, causes must precede their effects. 4. In the  natural world, there are no infinite cause/effect chains. 5.Hence there is an  entity outside  of nature (a supernatural being), which causes the first event that occurs in the world. In our  f inite world  of existence, an event cannot cause itself, and if there is no first cause, there would not be any effects. So, God is the first cause. God must exist since all his premises are all in support of his conclusion that the first cause is God. An atheist is likely to say that the Big Bang was the first cause, but Aquinas’s premises and conclusion will refute this theory, as we will view later. I agree with this theory of cause, because I believe that our existence could

Political Change essays

Political Change essays In the French and Russian Revolutions, could political change have occurred without bloodshed and the use of force? In the French and Russian Revolutions, there was a lot of force and bloodshed used. Can political change occur without the use of bloodshed and force? I think it can happen, although there are very few people that have done it. There is still many years to come yet so people still have their chance to change from wars and violence to means of peace to obtain political change. If people would compromise instead of using violence we wouldnt have to fight to death and we would actually have more people alive today. Mikhail Gorbachev was one person who sought to reform society by introducing perestroika (restructuring of the economy in the former USSR) and glasnost (openness in political and cultural affairs in former Soviet Union). These reforms met stiff opposition within the Communist party, in cracys control over m any aspects of Soviet domestic life. Gorbachev in 1989 and 1990 shifted some power from the party to popularly elected legislatures and greatly strengthened the powers of the presidency. Augmentation of his constitutional prerogatives did not, however, enhance Gorbachevs ability to control developments in Eastern Europe, where Soviet influence declined republics, where rising nationalism posed a serious challenge to the viability of the Soviet state. In international affairs, Gorbachev withdrew Soviet troops from Afghanistan, normalized relations with China, and, after a series of meetings with U.S. President Ronald Reagan, negotiated a treaty with the U.S. to eliminate medium, and certain shorter-range missiles from the two nations nuclear arsenals. In December 1989, Gorbachev conferred with U.S. President George Bush on nuclear and chemical weapons reductions. He also met at the Vatican with John Paul 2, the first Soviet leader to have an audience wit ...

How To Make Homemade Silly String

How To Make Homemade Silly String Silly string or ribbon spray is a polymer foam that shoots out of a can as colored string. The stuff you buy in a can is an acrylate polymer with a surfactant, although most of the can is filled with a propellant to jet the foam out of the container. Since pressurizing a can isnt something most of us can do, homemade silly string uses a simple, forceful chemical reaction to push strings of foam out of a bottle. The reaction is based on the elephant toothpaste chemistry demonstration. Silly String Materials You can get yeast and food coloring at any grocery store. Probably the best place to get the peroxide and the bottle is a beauty supply store. You need at least 30 volume peroxide, which is ten times more concentrated than typical household peroxide solution. jar of active dry yeast30-40 volume hydrogen peroxideplastic bottle with a screw on pointed tipfood coloring Make Silly String Fill the bottle with pointed tip most of the way full with the peroxide solution.Add food coloring, unless you want white string.When you are ready to make the silly string, add a spoonful of yeast to the bottle and quickly cap it. When the yeast and peroxide react, the resulting foam builds up pressure quickly, so if you dont cap the bottle right away, it will be hard to do it later.Shake the bottle to activate the foam. Point the bottle away from people, pets, furniture, etc. The peroxide is a strong bleaching agent, so its best to do this project outdoors. Safety Information Hydrogen peroxide is extremely reactive and can burn your eyes and skin, as well as bleach your clothes and hair. Wear safety goggles and gloves when preparing and using homemade silly string. Dont play with the foam or drink it and be sure to wash down the area after your project with lots of water. Glowing Silly String If you substitute fluorescent dye for food coloring, you can make the silly string that will glow brightly under a black light. Alternatively, you can use glow powder, which will glow on its own, although not as brightly because the pigment worked best when it is exposed to bright light beforehand. Fun Fact: Military personnel spray silly string to detect trip wires that could trigger explosives or traps. How Real Silly String Works If you have a way to pressurize a can, you can make your own real silly string. Over the years, the composition of the product has changed to improve its performance and eliminate the CFC originally used to propel the polymer. The original polymer for silly string was polyisobutyl methacrylate, extruded by forcing it through a nozzle with dichlorodifluoromethane (Freon-12). Since the original patent, manufacturers have replaced Freon-12, an ozone-depleted compound, with a more environmentally-friendly chemical.  The surfactant sorbitan trioleate kept the string from being too sticky. So, to make your own real silly string, you need an acrylate that will polymerize  in air, a propellant, and a surfactant. Go for it!

Funding Your First Novel Using Kickstarter

Funding Your First Novel Using Kickstarter In November 2011, I participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel WritingMonth) for the first time. Ten months later, Couple Friends was published thanks to my successful Kickstarter campaign in May 2012. I was able to raise $4,000 because 71 wonderful people believed in me and my book enough to want this dream to come true. What a great feeling. I was shocked Those dollars enabled me to hire a professional editor, book cover designer, and use a consultant to help me properly convert and upload my Word document so it could become a real, live book available for purchase. Without Kickstarter, I wouldn’t have a book published yet. However, the love and support of my backers meant more to me than the dollar amounts they gave. Whenever I doubted myself or became really frustrated doing what I thought was the last edit before the absolute final edit, I knew that I had 71 people in my corner. They took time out of their busy lives and reached into their hearts and wallets to help me achieve my goals. If that doesn’t put faith in you about humanity, I don’t know what will. And they were counting on me; I couldn’t just stop when things got hard. I was able to push through some tough times because I knew my backers believed in me. Another wonderful part of using Kickstarter to fund my novel was that when it was finished and available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords, I had 71 people that were eager to read it. I had a built-in audience that was willing to help me Using a site like Kickstarter forces you to start marketing yourself and your book before the book is published, which is what we should all do anyway. You have to put yourself out there in the form of emails, social media updates, creating a Facebook event, and posting updates about your project directly through Kickstarter, which blasts out to your backers and can be made public on the Kickstarter website. I know that there is even more I could have done, but thankfully, I was fully funded in my final hour due to several generous souls. I will always be glad that I took my publishing dreams into my own hands and utilized Kickstarter to make my first novel a reality. And although I will not use Kickstarter to publish my second novel- Keepsakes,currently in the editing stage- because I feel like it’s up to me from here on out, I feel truly blessed that these crowdfunding platforms are available to authors that don’t want to wait for agents to offer representation or traditional publishing houses to say yes. Here’s a list of ten crowdfunding options to get you started, and please contact me if you have any questions. Good luck!  Ã‚      (triplepundit.com/2012/07/emerging-next-generation-crowdfunding-platform-roundup/)   

Both Parent should assume equal responsibilty in raising child Research Paper

Both Parent should assume equal responsibilty in raising child - Research Paper Example These give them the ability to teach their children what is required of them so as to grow up as moral people in the society. When a focus is made to the biblical view of parents’ responsibility for their children, God prepares a place in their heart for the love and nurture of children. God builds a foundation for ones love as well as love for their spouse after which he lays a foundation for the love of their children. These foundations lay a good framework for parents’ responsibility for themselves and their children. It is through the efforts of both parents that a child becomes a true person. Parents offer the first education to their children even before the teacher comes in the child’s life. The child’s first impression of the world is created from the impression the child receives while still at home under their parents’ responsibility. Therefore it is advisable that parents present a better perception of life to their children according to Sclafani (2004). The only way through achieving this goal is ensuring that they take full responsibility of their children lives. For instance when the child goes to school the first time, he/she will perceive the teacher as he/she perceives his/her parents. If he is a male teacher then the child will perceive him the way he/she perceives his/her father. ... Thus it can be argued that the issue of parents’ responsibility is a continuous aspect of live which never comes to a halt. According to Sonna (2006), it is important that parents take continuous responsibility until their children get married as marriage is regarded as the inheritance of love from both father and mother. Through their parents, children learn how to love themselves and others; it is through this they are able to develop love for their spouse in future. If the both parents never played their part better in taking care of this responsibility regarding love, then it is definite that the same will happen to the child’s life. This is because it is in receiving that we learn to give and this completes a responsible individual in the society. It is important that both parents take equal responsibility for their children. This idea can be attributed to the fact that raising children responsibly is among the difficult jobs. The issue of taking child responsibili ty today appears more complex due to the diminishing aspect of the extended families. In order to avoid the complexity, it is the responsibility of each of the two parents to play their roles in raising the child. For the mother responsibility begins immediately after conception. This is because she has to ensure good health of the unborn baby. In this case, the father’s responsibility for the unborn child is to ensure the mother’s health conditions are good and she takes good care of her. After the child is born the mother appears to be the closest parent compared to father due to breastfeeding. At this stage the father should also ensure that come into contact with the child. This is important as child at this

Agency's law and ethics of hiring a diverse workforce Essay

Agency's law and ethics of hiring a diverse workforce - Essay Example This paper analyses the various laws that regulate personnel management at UCSIS. It also analyzes a case law that was solved out of a dispute in relation to the rights of an employee. The case law under consideration is applicable to the management of personnel at UCSIS. According to this law, it is illegal for any individual to hire or recruit unauthorized immigrants, and it requires employers to verify the immigration status of its employees. This law directly affects the personnel management of USCIS because it establishes the guideline in which any agency within United States of America can employ people. On this basis, USCIS cannot employ anybody whose immigration status is not valid as according to the laws of America. If USCIS violates this law, dangers are that it will be fined approximately $ 10,000 of fine (Doak, 2012) . Another law that will affect the operations of personnel management of the agency is the worker adjustment, and retention notifying act. According to this law, employers with more than 100 employees must provide a sixty day notice in case they plan to conduct a mass lay off, or there is an intention of closing a plant. On this basis, this law directly affects USCIS because it has an employee base of more than 100 employees. Offices of USCIS are stationed in almost all the states of the country, and some selected embassies around the world. On this basis, in case the organization intends to lay off its employees it must notify them at least for a period of sixty days.A case law that defines how workers and employees should relate is the 1994 case law on Waters vs. Churchill. This was a case that concerned itself with the first amendment on the rights of public employees within a work place. According to this case, the Supreme Court held that if an employee of a organization engages in a manner that will threaten and disrupt the activities of an organization, then the given organization has a right to dismiss the named employee. In thi s case, a nurse was dismissed for uttering contents that the hospital under consideration believed would affect its operations (Tischauser, 2012). The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the hospital, denoting that if Churchill had uttered words that would affect the operations of the hospital, then the hospital had a right to dismiss Churchill. On this basis, the Supreme Court referred the cases back to the lower courts so that they may interpret what Churchill exactly said. Personnel Recruitment and Hiring Practice: The organization has enacted programs whose main aim is to facilitate the recruitment of a diverse workforce, as well as a high caliber of employees. This is a strategic priority within USCIS because of the benefits that comes with employing a diverse work force. These benefits include ability to attract various experiences and skills from different people, of different cultures. For example, there are some experiences that black people have passed through, that might be b eneficial to the organization. While interacting with customers of their origin, blacks might know of what their needs are. The same happens to Caucasians, or even employees who are Hispanics (UCSIS, 2007). The organization also aims at reinforcing and supporting the achievements of its various employees through career development and training. When the organization recruits, it has a policy to train its employees through on job training, or through class room training. This is for purposes of orienting them on the various cultures of the organization, and how they can improve on their work

Thesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Thesis - Essay Example GOD created human being as a reflection of him. There are some scholars according to Toulmin who believe that god created us so that we can rule his creation, therefore human beings should use his creations for livelihood (Mead, 2008).Bottom of Form When god created the universe, he tasked the Christians to care for the environment but some of them still don’t show the care thinking that it is not their responsibility to care for the environment (Nachtigall, 2008). Some believe that when Christ come back he will change the world the way it is so caring is not necessary. Many of them are concerned with the behavior of the environmentalist that places them above that of the creator. Some think that everything in the universe should be explained with respect to God or Christian values. They believe that Christians should only be focused on the things that will guarantee them the kingdom of heaven while paying no attention to earthly things. This people also think that if non Chri stians see them paying attention to earthly things they will think that they have nothing to focus on other than these earthly things. They will think that earthly things are of more importance to then Christians. Though this Christians arguments are prevalent God actually wants us to care of the universe and even the moral grounds dictates so. It is the responsibility for the Christians to take care of the environment (Mead, 2008). In these modern days the environmental challenges are threatening the existence of humanity that firstly supports its existence. Environmental problems are monster facing us and it can’t be wished away. Some of these challenges will have dire consequences if not sorted out early enough. There are many reasons why Christians should restore the environment. First, Christians should support God’s work by protecting gods’ creations (Nachtigall, 2008). God created the earth and human beings and placed them on earth to take care of it. Hen ce, Christians should not neglect the responsibility of working with God to protect and preserve all the creations. This will in turn ensure Christians preserve the environment and restore it. In addition, it will help Christians serve the Lord through the environment by preserving and conserving it. Second, Christians should start programs that focus on conserving the environment (Nachtigall, 2008). In religion, the only basic concept is to serve God and Holy Son; there is no concept of worldly concerns in the religion. This concept is what is driving Christians away from the topic of environmental conservations. All the holy people are always involved in the service of mankind so there is no point in staying away from the world. God has sent us all in this world for a purpose and we have to fulfill it. It is our own mistake if we do not understand it, and harm other people and this world. This is why there is need to understand the basic concept and relation between the nature and Christianity. One of the greatest challenges is the global warming. This is the trap of gases near the earth surface raising the temperatures just like in the green house. This effect is rising at an alarming rate and scientists are developing different models to explain and try to understand it. This increase in temperatures will cause

Letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 18

Letter - Essay Example As for my country, I would like to come up with the best health care plan in the world where every citizen is entitled to free medical healthcare. With a healthy nation, the currency will increase in value thus, improving the economic level. For me to reach the presidency, people in my Arabian community would have had a greater share of me. This is only possible if I am their Governor. Following the discussions I had with a number of governors in Saudi Arabia, my people have been deprived their rights for a very long time. A time for change has come and with his guidance, I will sail through. During my years in college, I had started a community based group called â€Å"The Young Flames† which encourages young people to spearhead for real change and fight injustice. We have been able to reclaim over a hundred youths who had sunk into drug abuse and with this we thank ourselves. After college, I want to improve our group for it to become a national movement in future and am certain of this. My political science course has been the most enjoyable and with it, change is going to be

The Phenomenal Growth of IKEA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6750 words

The Phenomenal Growth of IKEA - Essay Example IKEA sales have topped $17.9 billion in the same year through international furniture chain of 226 stores in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the US. Despite its popularity and uniqueness IKEA has a low penetration in its markets and commands only a 10% share in the markets that it operates in. It has also been facing management problems as well as some consumer dissatisfaction issues arising out of employee indifference. â€Å"Strategic management is an ongoing process that assesses the business and the industries in which the company is involved; assesses its competitors and sets goals and strategies to meet all existing and potential competitors, and then reassesses each strategy annually or quarterly [i.e. regularly] to determine how it has been implemented and whether it has succeeded or needed replacement by a new strategy to meet changed circumstances, new technology, new competitors, a new economic environment., or a new social, financial, or political environment.† (Lamb, 1984:ix)1 New Management Strategies need to be adapted to meet these challenges in order to convert opportunities into profitable business. In order to make these assessments, the following analytical modes will assist in formulating guidelines for the management. There are several issues that demonstrate that IKEA, despite its phenomenal growth, has failed to lay down any policy for strategically communicating with the market in general and its clients in particular. A. The ownership of has remained in one hand and this has denied the management of infusing alternative views other than that of the owner. Although the owner’s views and beliefs are laudable, yet they offer only broad directions on ethical values to its employees. They do not lay down policies and it does not get translated into measurable action.

Mainstreaming social pensions in the social development agenda as a Research Proposal

Mainstreaming social pensions in the social development agenda as a panacea to old age poverty in Sub Saharan Africa;- A comparative study of Ghana and South Africa - Research Proposal Example jority believe it as a factor that can uplift and secure the life of older people, which is well evident when comparing to the elderly like in Brazil, Chile or South Africa. Analyzing the countries where there are no old-age pension systems or it located only among a few people, these elderly are counted among the poor people (Barrientos, et al 2003) Various studies have identified the fact that in most of the developing countries the beneficiary cannot enjoy the privileges of pensions. It is evident that these amounts are channelized to other members of the households. Some of the studies conducted about this issues have identified that the children of the beneficiary households have higher enrolment rates and better health that those who do not receive pensions in their households (Duflo, E. (2003). Though there are not much pension schemes for the elderly majority of the developing countries, it has been found out that South Africa is on the verge of broadening their pension schemes and implementing a safety net program for supporting the elderly. One of the studies found in an online article writes, â€Å"The means-tested, non-contributory (social) pension in South Africa was first introduced in 1928 but it was only in 1993 that the same amount was paid to all racial groups.† The study also observes, â€Å"Women over 60 and men over 65 may be eligible for a monthly pension of R780 (US$109). Means testing is based on an individual’s (and partner’s if married) income levels." (Social pensions in South Africa, 2005). It has been observed that â€Å"The social pension reduces the number of people living below the poverty line by 2.24 million. It increases the income of the poorest 5% of the population by 50%. People in households receiving a pension are 12.5% less likely to be poor in South Africa.† Through this study the researcher aims to find out whether the social pensions in Sub Saharan Africa is really like a panacea to the elderly that they could satisfy

The Phenomenal Growth of IKEA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6750 words

The Phenomenal Growth of IKEA - Essay Example IKEA sales have topped $17.9 billion in the same year through international furniture chain of 226 stores in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the US. Despite its popularity and uniqueness IKEA has a low penetration in its markets and commands only a 10% share in the markets that it operates in. It has also been facing management problems as well as some consumer dissatisfaction issues arising out of employee indifference. â€Å"Strategic management is an ongoing process that assesses the business and the industries in which the company is involved; assesses its competitors and sets goals and strategies to meet all existing and potential competitors, and then reassesses each strategy annually or quarterly [i.e. regularly] to determine how it has been implemented and whether it has succeeded or needed replacement by a new strategy to meet changed circumstances, new technology, new competitors, a new economic environment., or a new social, financial, or political environment.† (Lamb, 1984:ix)1 New Management Strategies need to be adapted to meet these challenges in order to convert opportunities into profitable business. In order to make these assessments, the following analytical modes will assist in formulating guidelines for the management. There are several issues that demonstrate that IKEA, despite its phenomenal growth, has failed to lay down any policy for strategically communicating with the market in general and its clients in particular. A. The ownership of has remained in one hand and this has denied the management of infusing alternative views other than that of the owner. Although the owner’s views and beliefs are laudable, yet they offer only broad directions on ethical values to its employees. They do not lay down policies and it does not get translated into measurable action.

How Far Libraries in Primary Schools Assist in the Education System Essay Example for Free

How Far Libraries in Primary Schools Assist in the Education System Essay Education all over the world has evolved into a more complex system of teaching methods, areas of learning to be taught, curriculum, tools to be used in the mode of instruction chosen, language to be used in the instruction, and many more. As schools respond to these needs, a parallel program to upgrade the states of the schools’ libraries is also necessary. Studies have shown that there is a direct relationship between library programs and levels of performance among children in the primary schools. Thus, the advocacy in pursuing strategic plans to better equip the libraries in primary schools is growing. Libraries have organized into a solid association as they seek the support of the government not only in terms of legislation but more so on adequate funding to rehabilitate the libraries of primary schools. A primary school library serves as the media center for students, faculty, staff, and parents that serve each of their purposes and interests. For a student, the school library is the place where he gets information relative to classroom assignments and projects. It could also be the source for a student’s interest in children books, caricature books, comic books, adventure books which he usually shares with his friends and classmates. For the faculty and staff, the primary school library is the source of relevant materials such as stories, poems, songs, and structured activities which serve to enhance the teaching method and enrich teaching modules. For parents, the primary school library serves as a refresher forum in order for them to catch up with their children’s assignments and works. A good primary school library is a place where children are taught how to love reading. There is focus on the enhancement of reading habits among children. Some early rewards system may be established to grow the reading habit. There should be a significance of motivation in promoting student reading. Meanwhile, teachers and parents are coached on how to support the child’s learning how to love reading. Guidelines in improving reading promotion programs are in place. (Johnson, J. Creating fat kids who don’t like to read. Sept/Oct 1999, Vol. 18 Issue 2 p96). LITERATURE REVIEW The availability of materials in this subject matter is not broad. However, studies conducted in this area showed more or less identical results. These findings only strengthen the thesis of this work. Most of the materials that can be used in research studies on primary school libraries are on fund-raising activities in order to grow the number of books in the primary school libraries. Only a handful could be read on the focus and evaluation of primary school libraries. In a documentary by Pat Miller, he discussed on how librarians can attract children to the library where interest from among these children seems to have faded. The perception among children that the library is the home of antiquated and boring books should be dis-abused and re-aligned to the basic truth and tradition that children needs to develop the habit of reading to equip them for a better future. Moreover, she suggests librarians to make library a kid-friendly by taking cues from their electronic livesproviding library games, encouraging student chat, teaching with video and audio, and making the books relevant and personal. Moreover, she recommends librarians to cater all learning styles and to consider factors like gender appeal in taking steps to enhance the students interest in library (Miller, Pat. Is your library kid-friendly? Library Media Connection. Worthington, Mar 2008. Vol 26, Issue 6 pg22). In Jesuit schools like the Ateneo de Manila University, the primary school library serves as the resource center for teachers as they weave stories into the everyday lessons aimed at building at total formation of the child. This is in conjunction with the school’s strategy of promoting a class teacher scheme of imparting knowledge. The self-contained classroom develops students through integration of subject matters using reading skills and values as the thread. Storybook weaving approach is the key in achieving a self-contained classroom strategy. In this context, the primary school library provides various and extensive collection of storybooks for both the teachers and the students. The purpose of a school library according to The School Library Association (January 2006) is to provide a wide range of multimedia resources to support teaching and learning throughout the key stages, ad foster a reading and information culture that promotes independent motivated readers and learners for life. One of the main objectives of a primary school library is to cultivate interest for reading among children with the end of developing the habit of reading among them as they grow into well-informed adults. Developing enthusiasm for learning through reading is the focus of library work (Dubber, Geoff. Cultivating Curiosity: information literacy skills and the primary school library. Januray 2008). The use of a rewards system in creating interest for reading among children may be a good incentive at the beginning. But weaning children from getting rewards for their reading habit should be done at an earlier stage. The enthusiasm to be in the library to read books should be out of a habit and personal interest cultivated in the child through earlier intervention programs. This updated and revised Guideline, taking account of the 2007 Government literacy teaching objectives, explains the importance of embedding information literacy into a whole school, ICT and curriculum context. It outlines and explains the processes of research for young children and shows ways that teachers and librarians can develop and promote information literacy and related ICT skills through the primary school library and link it to classroom practice. It also includes a very useful and practical case study, some templates, and a reading list. (Dubber, 2008). Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS-K), a sample of more than 20,000 children who started kindergarten in fall 1998, researchers found that many children do not experience key elements in their schools that maximize their learning outcomes: * 30 percent of all children attend elementary schools that do not have strong principal leadership * Just over half of all children are in schools where their teachers meet together regularly to plan sequenced and coordinated instruction. * 15 percent of children are in schools where teacher turnover is a problem (Peckham, Suzanne. â€Å"Specific School Traits linked to Elementary Achievement Scores. † The Education Digest. Mar 2008. Vol 73 Issue 7 pg 76). In other parts of the world, like China, learner-centered teaching is as a way to nurture active learners who can innovate and solve problems. Teacher education programs are beginning to adopt learner-centered methods as well. In the U. S. , learner-centered approaches, which emphasize teaching for meaning, have been promoted for some time. Primary teachers now get three years of training, and the eventual goal is for all teachers to have at least four years of training. Traditionally, Chinese teacher education has concentrated on subject matter. In the last decade, however, there have been calls for expanding professional preparation by establishing closer links between schools and universities, by having prospective teachers study educational theory and apply their skills through practice teaching, and by having teacher educator’s model effective pedagogy. Meanwhile, U. S. policy makers have been promoting shorter, alternative routes to teaching, including on-the-job training (Preus, Betty. â€Å"Educational Trends in China and the United States: Proverbial Pendulum or Potential for Balance. † Bloomington: Oct 2007. Vol. 89 Issue 2; pg115). The library department should take the initiative to create and implement simple activities that attract children to their school library. These activities should point back to good old books like literature and establish a connection of the lessons, phrases, morale of these books to the present times. This would create an impression in the minds of children why these books are still read up to this day. (Weisburg, Hilda and Ruth Toor. â€Å"Brush Up your Shakespeare. † School Librarian’s Workshop. Berkeley Heights: Spring 2008. Vol 28 Issue 5; pg 16). The primary school library serves as the motivator of interest in children while it is a data center for adults like teachers and parents. The former brings about awareness and interest while the latter reinforces needs to bridge the gap between children and adults. The interest that is developed in a child should be continuously strengthened by an unconditional support from the parents, teachers, and other significant others. Support from parents may be through a grant of some additional time for the child to enjoy the library. The physical set-up of a primary school library is a determining factor in achieving the goal of creating interest and enthusiasm among children insofar as their need to visit the library is concerned. Library design plays an important role in the realization of a primary school’s goal of cultivating the habit of learning through reading among primary school children. The tangible and the intangible goals of a primary school library go hand in hand. (Dewe, Michael. Ideas and Designs: Creating the Environment for the Primary School Library. October 2007). It is very essential that the government or other non-governmental entities give support to the initiative by giving funds for the rehabilitation of public libraries. The government units may also have a parallel program in which to recognize and appreciate children who read books and other materials in the library. A well-resourced school library plays a key part in assisting learning across the school and is essential to support the wealth of opportunities for studying the locality. An accessible, attractively presented collection of local materials that includes a range of formats will enhance effective learning and raise the status of the library within the school and beyond. (Southcombe, Dianne. Setting the Scene: Local Studies Resources in the School Library. 1999). The presence of a teacher-librarian would help in the pursuit of good library programs. To maximize the impact of a primary school library in aid of the school curriculum, a regular updating of the library’s policy and development plan are necessary. The aim is to develop the library as the school’s resource and focus for learning. (Harrison, Kay and Tricia Adams. Practical Paperwork: Policy Making and Development Planning for the Primary School Library. February 2007. ) Achieving a successful school library is a bit like gardening: little and often, with regular input to obtain healthy growth and year-round interest. (Harrison and Adams. 2007). The school’s annual calendar should include such events as would introduce the children to the use of its primary school library. Making children aware of the existence of a good primary school library in their vicinity is the first step towards the goals of establishing a good primary school library. School programs like book events should be included in the school’s calendar of activities for the year. (Dubber, Geoff and Elspeth Scott. Brilliant Books: Running a Successful School Library Book Event. 2nd edition. April 2005). A library is only as good as the material it contains and the access it provides for its users, so efficient stock management is essential for effective resource provision (Lemaire, Kathy. Shelf Life, Shelf Matters: Managing Resources in the School Library. 2nd edition. October 2004). Times are changing and libraries need to keep abreast on recent development in technology. Otherwise, there would be a gap between children and the libraries in general. With the advances achieved by the new information technology systems as well as the prevalent use of mobile phones for SMS, primary school libraries need to go beyond; than just providing children resource materials for reading. (Murphy, Richard. Going online: Developing LRC Web Pages. May 2003). The introduction of the Internet and its associated information handling/literacy skills is quickly becoming a key development in the effective use of primary school libraries. Many schools are realizing the potential of the Internet as an exciting and dynamic curriculum resource for raising pupil attainment, developing a pupil awareness of ICT for a real purpose, and promoting literacy. (Dubber, Geoff, et al. The Internet, the Primary School Library, and the Independent Learner. 2002). The rehabilitation of libraries includes those in the public schools. The funding from government is necessary (Ward, Helen. Book bonanza spurs pupils to test success. The Times Educational Supplement. London: October 26, 2007, Issue 4760. pg 15). Accessibility and ease of use of the primary school library are focus areas that need to be addressed as well by the school as it aims to develop awareness and interest among children. There are systems and tools which are available in the market to address this concern. This will help in ensuring confident use of the primary school library among children. Additionally, teachers would be aided in the instructional process of guiding children towards the regular use of the library. The school’s direction in integrating library use and school curriculum will dictate the degree of interest that the school provides in addressing ease and accessibility concerns on the use of its library. (Lemaire, Kathy. Issue Systems for the Primary School Library. 2nd edition). A key results area always requires a key process indicator to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiencies of the program. Performance measurement is being required by some governmental agencies to ensure continuous improvement of standards and attainment of objectives. Measuring the success of the primary school library in its ultimate end of awakening and cultivating interest and enthusiasm to learn among children is a real opportunity to evaluate the success thus far and to continuously strategize for improvements. (Scott, Elspeth. Measuring Success: How Effective is your School Library Resource Centre? 2001). â€Å"Enjoyment of reading at the youngest possible age sets us up for life as full members of a literate society† (Attenborough, Liz. Project Director of the National Year of Reading. As cited in Primary School Guidelines, 2002). A research study conducted by California School Libraries Association from 1993 to 2005 showed that where there is a library overall program consisting of quality and adequate staffing, flexible hours of availability, and collaborative support to school curriculum, the goal for establishing any library for that matter is achieved. In addition, 99. 4 percent of grades 3-12 students in Ohio believe school libraries and their services help them become better learners [Ohio: Todd, Kuhlthau and OELMA, 2004]. The relationship between school library program services and student achievement was not negated by other school or community demographics, [Missouri: Quantitative Resources, LLC, 2003]. The relationship between school library program development and test scores is not explained away by other school or community conditions at the elementary or middle school levels or by other school conditions at the high school level, [Oregon: Lance, Rodney, and Hamilton-Pennell, 2001] (Cited in California School Libraries Association. School Libraries Do Make A Difference. Research Studies from 1993 to 2005 in Sixteen States). In 2001, a research study was conducted among Texas school to examine school library resources, services, and use, on the basis of School Library Programs and how these made an impact on the students’ performance measured in the reading portion of Texas Assessment of Academic Skills. The research study showed that in schools were a good library program exists; students got higher percentage performance than those who had poor library resources and programs. (EGS Research Consulting. Texas School Libraries: Standards, Resources, Services, and Students’ Performance. Texas State Library and Archives Commission. April 2001). The same study shows that where there is collaborative work between Library Staff and the teachers, higher percentage performance among students’ reading skills is achieved. (EGS Research Consulting. Texas School Libraries: Standards, Resources, Services, and Students’ Performance. Texas State Library and Archives Commission. April 2001). The Texas Library Journal Volume 77 No. 4, Winter 2001 reported on the state of the libraries in Texas and how the government committed its support in the rehabilitation of their libraries. Texas believes in the necessity of transforming libraries in order for them to meet the requirements of the present. While books would still be books and the love of books would always be there, the Association of Texas Libraries advocate for the application of advance technology in their libraries to ensure wider reach and expanded services. (Texas Library Journal, 2001). I will end by returning to the question I posed in my introduction. Will â€Å"the love of books† disappear? There is the love of the content of books, and there is the love of books. For those for whom the two are inseparable, the answer must be no, the love of books won’t disappear; but perhaps eventually all the people who love books in the traditional form will disappear. I think that could take a very, very, long time. Weeks asks: â€Å"If it has no pages, just a magic tablet that emits sounds, sights, smells and tastes, is a book still a book? †13 For me, the answer is yes. I can accept â€Å"a substantial compilation of ideas or actions commonly displayed on a viewing device† as the future definition of â€Å"book. † As a librarian, I must be a philistine: I’ve always loved the content more than the package. [Juergens, Bonnie, Executive Director of Amigos Library Services](Texas Library Journal, 2001). he ex Libraries are vital to children’s achievement in school. As they need to develop their informational needs and reading habits, children need libraries and good library programs. But they would not be able to use these available materials on their own. They need the supportive details from adults like the Librarians, their teachers, and their parents. A collaborative work among these three significant others of children are necessary. (Newman, Susan. â€Å"The role of school libraries in elementary and secondary education. † Teacher Librarian. Seattle: October 2002. Vol. 30 Issue 1, pg 74). The Library Power Program at Chattanooga TNs Lakeside Elementary School has found a direct correlation between students use of the library and the level of their test scores in reading comprehension and reference skills (Anonymous. â€Å"Positive correlation between student library use and test scores. † Teacher Librarian. Seattle: Jan/Feb 1999. Vol. 26 Issue 3. pg61). The Lance Model and the Alaska study focused on evaluating the impact of good librarianship to the reading capabilities among primary school children. Several key findings were reported in these studies which point to the direct relationship between good library programs and student’s level of reading performance. (Williams, Doroty, Louisa Coles and Caroline Wavell. Impact of school library services on achievement and learning in primary schools. A critical literature review. 2002). At Lincoln Elementary School in Hawaii a program which involves children from the 5th and 4th grades are given the opportunity to work as library aides The current library aides conduct this recruitment meeting where they talk about their duties and responsibilities to help students decide if being an aide is something they really want to do. Applicants go through a rigorous one-week training period that tests their commitment and desire to serve as library aides. Throughout the training, the aides take notes and provide the trainees with individual scores for their attitude, respect, and knowledge. (Muranaga, Karen and Emmi Masumura. Library Aides: Building Character, Advancing Service. Worthington. Jan 2008. Vol 26 Issue 4 pg10). METHODOLOGY Several works are undertaken to assess the direct correlation between library programs and the reading performance among primary school children. The methodology in all these researches is more or less similar. Research study methods are used to gather data either for quantitative or qualitative analysis. The validity and availability of this data cannot be questioned and denied. Test measurements, especially those required by the state for regulatory purposes, are extensive and widely represented. Case study research is the recommended methodology to use in library studies. Researchers could use the case study method to further study the role of the librarian in implementing specific models of service. For example, case study research could examine how information-seeking behavior in public libraries compares with information-seeking behavior in places other than libraries; to conduct in-depth studies of non-library community based information services to compare with library based community information services, and to study community networks based in libraries. (The Case Study as a Research Method. Uses and Users of Information LIS 391D. 1. Spring 1997). Case studies are complex because they generally involve multiple sources of data, may include multiple cases within a study, and produce large amounts of data for analysis. Researchers from many disciplines use the case study method to build upon theory, to produce new theory, to dispute or challenge theory, to explain a situation, to provide a basis to apply solutions to situations, to explore, or to describe an object or phenomenon. The advantages of the case study method are its applicability to real-life, contemporary, human situations, and its public accessibility through written reports. Case study results relate directly to the common reader’s everyday experience and facilitate an understanding of complex real-life situations. (The Case Study as a Research Method. Uses and Users of Information LIS 391D. 1. Spring 1997). The method of Convergent Analysis simply uses a set of questions based on the area of study being undertaken. These questions are set in a standard format. A parallel run is made by reviewing relevant studies and setting them in the same format used for the set of questions prepared for the study. Analysis is done by comparing the results of the two standard formats and assess on convergent points. (Norris, Cathleen, et al. Convergent Analysis: A method for extracting the value from research studies on technology in education. Peer-Reviewed. 1999) Review of relevant studies and a re-examination of the original search strategy. It is also recommended that a kind of longitudinal study of impact of primary library provision on learning, based on the implementation of appropriate standards be also undertaken. It is also recommended to conduct a quantitative study used in the USA for use with KS1 and KS2 SATs and pilot to establish whether the methodology is transferable to the English primary education. A qualitative evaluation of the intervention using standards and any indicators may also be developed. (Williams, Dorothy, Louis Coles and Caroline Wavell). Impact of school library services on achievement and learning in primary schools. 2002). A study conducted by ETI used varied assessment tools in attaining its objective, namely: data collection through surveys; fieldwork through questionnaires and interviews; observation of children in selected settings; case study method (â€Å"Evaluation of Public Library Summer Reading Program. † The Los Angeles County Public Library Foundation. Final Report. December 2001). Fieldwork method may also be used in ascertaining the questions in the area of study. This fieldwork may consist of questionnaires distributed among selected representative population and interviews conducted among selected authorities in the area of study. (Dubazana, Khanyi. Integration of the school library into the curriculum. Education Library and Information Technology Services). CONCLUSION From the foregoing literature sources, we can safely say that there is indeed a need for a well structured primary school library. The structure includes not only the physical set-up but also the books inside the library, the library staff, and more importantly, the library program. These are the pillars of a good primary school library that supports the early development of the school child. Children believe what they see. If they see lines and lines of good attractive books then it would already create the interest in them to check out the books and go through the pages of some of them. They cannot be forced to read in an environment that is not conducive to reading. In the latte case, the inadequacy of the library would backfire any effort to arouse the interest in the child and develop the reading habit. The presence of warm and hospitable library staff would sustain the interest in the child-reader. The program that the library can offer to children is a factor that sustains the child’s interest and children would keep on going back to the library which would be as second home to them. A comprehensive work on the area of direct correlation between good library program and reading skills among primary children is relevant today. The educational trend nowadays is towards the extensive use of advance technology even in the primary schools. Reading books has become a thing of the past for many as more and more have shifted to reading information, data, stories, and news from the internet. But this shift from the good old printed material to the easy access to internet sources should be seen on a positive note. There is an opportunity to still arouse the child’s enthusiasm through the implementation of a good program. The library staff should not feel demotivated by this trend. Rather, the Library staff should continue to introduce innovations and attract children to access the library more often. The results of the study as mentioned in the above discussions should serve as an eye opener for all schools and government agencies to work collaboratively in developing the young minds into future reading-individuals. The habit of reading should be sustained all throughout the stages of his life. The shift from print to media sources of reading should be addressed positively. Awareness and campaign strategies as well as the use of a reward system in order to promote interest in reading among primary school students. The use of the internet and the advancement of technology, policies, strategies should be seen as complementing strategies in the total development of the child. The shift from printed materials to web reading among children should be addressed in order to eradicate the confusing stand on this issue; there is never a substitute for reading good printed books. Thus, while we embrace the advances of technology in the field of learning and education, we should not forget the solid foundation of reading good books from an early age. This is not only for learning and cognition. Rather, reading is very much a part of a child’s growing up with family bonds, societal norms, and tradition. The role of primary school libraries has always been to create an environment that arouses the child’s interest in books. A good library physical set-up and programs would be a good answer to the proposition – children perform excellently in the primary schools where school libraries collaborate with the school’s curriculum. It is time to begin reshaping our vision for 21st-century school library media programs, and the best way is to assemble a study group, a professional learning community, a district group of teacher-librarians, or just yourself. Compare and contrast these standards documents and then read your own mission statement. What essentials remain the same? What are different? Who needs to know? What should happen next? (Loertscher, David. Find Out What Should Work. Teacher Librarian. Seattle: December 2007. Vol 35 Issue 2 pg 40). REFERENCES Anonymous.â€Å"Positive correlation between student library use and test scores. † Teacher Librarian. Seattle: Jan/Feb 1999. Vol. 26 Issue 3. pg61. Attenborough, Liz. Project Director of the National Year of Reading. As cited in Primary School Guidelines, 2002. Cited in California School Libraries Association. School Libraries Do Make A Difference. Research Studies from 1993 to 2005 in Sixteen States. Dewe, Michael. Ideas and Designs: Creating the Environment for the Primary School Library. October 2007. Dubber, Geoff. Cultivating Curiosity: information literacy skills and the primary school library. Januray 2008. Dubazana, Khanyi. Integration of the school library into the curriculum. Education Library and Information Technology Services. Dubber, Geoff and Elspeth Scott. Brilliant Books: Running a Successful School Library Book Event. 2nd edition. April 2005. EGS Research Consulting. Texas School Libraries: Standards, Resources, Services, and Students’ Performance. Texas State Library and Archives Commission. April 2001. â€Å"Evaluation of Public Library Summer Reading Program. † The Los Angeles County Public Library Foundation. Final Report. December 2001. Harrison, Kay and Tricia Adams. Practical Paperwork: Policy Making and Development Planning for the Primary School Library. February 2007. Juergens, Bonnie, Executive Director of Amigos Library Services](Texas Library Journal, 2001. Lemaire, Kathy. Shelf Life, Shelf Matters: Managing Resources in the School Library. 2nd edition. October 2004. Loertscher, David. Find Out What Should Work. Teacher Librarian. Seattle: December 2007. Vol 35 Issue 2 pg 40. Miller, Pat. Is your library kid-friendly? Library Media Conne

The power of music

The power of music The Power of Music Music surrounds us in our everyday lives. We hear it when we are in the car, at work, when we are shopping, at restaurants, at doctors offices, and many more places. The music serves a purpose other than entertainment at many of these places.   Music has the power to influence mood and behavior in people and it is no secret that it is used at every available opportunity. We are introduced to music in our mothers womb even before we are born. It is used to sooth, to hype up, to educate, for entertainment, as a medium to remember information, for medical purposes, and so much more. Music is used in many ways to improve and enhance the lives of people. It is meant to be consumed, whether it is by the listener, performer, or composer. It is a way to translate feelings and desires that are sometimes difficult to express using language. The style of music has changed dramatically throughout the ages. For instance, there are six main eras in music history. The Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth Century. The music in these eras reflects the time period. Music has been and always will be a popular form of entertainment for many. The dictionary defines music as an art of sound in time that expresses ideas and emotions in significant forms through the elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and color(Dictionary). Music has the ability and power to influence human thoughts and behaviors. Employers and retail stores use the power of music to produce a desired behavior from their employees and customers. For example, according to The Journal of Marketing, background music is thought to improve the stores image, make employees happier, reduce employee turnover rate, and to stimulate customer purchasing (Milliman). Does music actually influence mood and behavior? What is it about music that affects mood? According to an article in the Music Educators Journal, volume, tempo, consonance, dissonance, tone color and form all may have an effect on a persons mood (Gaston). It is not just the music itself that has an effect on people; the lyrics of a song can also have an effect. Many people are concerned that music with violent or derogatory lyrics may have a negative effect on youth and provoke violent behavior. Many researchers have examined the effects of how music provokes violent behavior. In a study conducted at Western Connecticut State University researchers examined whether or not watching a violent music video would provoke the participants to answer questions with violent responses. There were thirty-three participants, eleven in each of three groups; one group watched violent music videos, another group watched non-violent music videos, and the last group did not watch any videos. Afterw ard, the participants were given a questionnaire. The study found that the violent music videos did provoke participants to react more violently when answering questions about hypothetical scenarios (Tropeano). People are introduced to music even before they are born. According to an article in Pregnancy Today, by the fifth month of pregnancy the babys hearing is completely developed and they are able to hear noises that are outside the womb. Prenatal stimulation through music may provide some babies with a sense of confidence and relaxation when they are born (Lacey). In 1993 a study was conducted in Irvine, California by Dr. Francis Raucher, Dr. Gordon L. Shaw, and their colleagues on a group of thirty-six undergraduate college students it was found that they improved their spatial-temporal intelligence (the ability to mentally manipulate objects in three-dimensional space) after listening to 10 minutes of a Mozart sonata. The results of the study showed that student IQ scores improved by 8-9 points and lasted for 10-15 minutes. This study was coined the Mozart effect (Jones). Music is sometimes used to relax and soothe people. After a stressful event, listening to calming or classical music relaxes the body and mind. Music can also induce a more positive state of mind. It has long been believed that music can also act as an aphrodisiac (an element, either natural or chemical, that stimulates a sexual desire). Human senses are powerful and can trigger emotion. The type of music depends on the person. Music triggers different emotions in different people. What one person enjoys and is stimulated by could disgust and upset someone else. Many people use music as a way to get pumped up. Gyms usually play music with a faster tempo to increase speed and motivation. According to a study on musical tempo an increased tempo increased the speed in which people preformed simple tasks. It also affected the participants in the study by acting as a stressor and increasing their heart rate. When the tempo of the music was reduced the heart rate decreased (Mayfield). Music with a fast tempo and stimulates and demands physical activity. Music therapy is growing in the field of medicine. Its calming effects can help reduce anxiety and ward off the negative effects of stress (Stress and the Environment). This can help by reducing the negative effect t the stress response has on the body and mind. Music is used for medical purposes such as lowering blood pressure and autism. In an Italian study twenty-eight peoples blood pressure was monitored for twenty-four hours. They were then given a CD of classical, Celtic, or Indian music to listen to for thirty minutes per day for one month. After the month the patients blood pressure was monitored once again. The patients blood pressure did in fact drop. Their average systolic blood pressure (the first number in a blood pressure reading) had dropped three points, and their average diastolic blood pressure (the second number in a blood pressure reading) had dropped four points. There were twenty other patients who did not listen to music and after monitoring their blood pressu re, there was no change (Hitti). Children who have been diagnosed with autism receive many benefits from music therapy. Depending on where children are placed on the autism spectrum music can assist with communication and provide structural regularity that the children need (downey). We have seen that music is used for healing but what about as a weapon of war? In 1989, music used as a weapon to torture first came into light. U.S. Troops blared loud music in an effort to induce the surrender of Manual Norriega, the Panamanian president. According to an article written by Suzanne G. Cusick this form of torture, called acoustic bombardment went mainstream after the cold war and is a common practice on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom (Cusick). The US also used this acoustic bombardment during interrogations in Guantanamo (Rapp). What is it about music that has such a profound effect on the human mind and body? Research has shown that music with a strong beat can stimulate brain waves to sync with the beat. The fast beat encourages sharper thinking and better concentration whereas the slower beat creates a relaxed almost meditative state. Music can also stimulate the brain to change gears easier. It effects remain evident even when you are done listening (Saarman). Using music to advertise is a good way to for a company to get the attention of a potential client or customer and for them to purchase the product or service that they are offering. Jingles are often easier for people to remember than just plain information. Many companies use popular artists or songs as a medium to advertise their products. One such company is Dr. Pepper. Their advertisements feature popular songs in hopes of getting the attention and marketing to the specific demographic associated with the song. By using music in advertising the company wants the listener to associate the song or tune with the product or service so when they hear the song they will think of the product or service. This is a great way for people to remember what they are selling. Religion uses music as a means to express ones faith and devotion. Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the worlds most famous and influential composers, wrote most of his music for the Lutheran church. Modern Christian songs are derived from popular music tunes and uses religious lyrics. According to an article written by Lorenzo Candelaria who is an assistant music professor at the University of Texas at Austin, Sacred music and art allow us to touch the face of God, through our perception of the world around us.' He believes that music is a way for people to understand their faith and spirituality and is a direct way for people to try to make sense of life and the afterlife (Moini). Music is sometimes used solely for entertainment purposes and accompanies many group and individual activities. Must is played in places such as dance clubs and skating rinks and produces a feeling of power. Faster music will control the speed at which you skate or dance or put you in the mood to do any of these activities.   Music is almost always used in movies. It can used to produce the feeling of suspense or excitement. It is used in tear-jerkers to solicit an emotional response of empathy. As you can see music has been and will always be woven into the fabric of our society. There are many uses for music and it has many hidden meaning and uses. Who knew that music was such a powerful tool and could have so many effects on the human body and mind? Its power spans from entertainment and fun to the ability to heal, reducing stress, creating a desired atmosphere for shoppers and employees, and so much more. What does the future of music hold for us?

Life Of Rodin :: essays research papers fc

Auguste Rodin was born November 12, 1840 in Paris and attended the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Paris at age 14. Rodin had a special gift for modeling human figures and faces; therefore sculpting humans is all he did. Decorators and commercial sculptors exploited Rodin at a very young age. It was some 20 years before he could sculpt for himself, under the commercial sculptor Albert Carrier-Belleuse. (Auguste, 19) Rodin sculpted ornamental figures for several major buildings in Brussels, such as the Bourse and the Palais des Academies. He then worked on the monument to Jean-Francois Loos, the former mayor of Antwerp. Rodin did not start this monument, but he work on it. Rodin acquired a sufficient amount of money to travel to Italy, which was an important step in his career. In 1877 he returned to Paris with his first major sculpture, The Age of Bronze. This piece of work showed a young man coming out of misery and depression to a state of heightened awareness. Critics and fellow artists thought and also accused Rodin of making this piece from a plaster cast taken directly from a living person. This deeply hurt Rodin. (Auguste, 19) In 1880, Rodin was contracted by the French government to make a door for the projected Musee des Arts Decortifs. Rodin worked endlessly on the sketches for the bronze door, now titled The Gates of Hell. In 1883 Rodin met Camille, this is when he had reached his â€Å"decisive stage† in preparations for The Gates of Hell. This aspect of Rodin’s work and ideas has to be borne in mind considering the beginning of his relationship with Camille Claude. (Auguste, 21-22) Camille and Rodin had, at first, an intimate attraction for each other. Rodin met Camille when he was an instructor correcting the work of a group of young ladies. This man was the master who could finally teach Camille a proper set of artistic bearings. Rodin could knead the clay â€Å"at lightning speeds† and instantly create the most complex and expressive form. (Auguste, 22) In 1884, Rodin made his first portrait of Camille, an â€Å"austerely beautiful head with large eyes, short hair and sharply defined features†. And by 1886, Rodin was so obsessed with Camille that he followed her to England where she was staying with her friend Jessie Lipcomb and her family in Peterborough. (Auguste, 24) In the fall of 1884, he was commissioned to design the monument to The Burghers of Calais, which was to become one of his major works. Life Of Rodin :: essays research papers fc Auguste Rodin was born November 12, 1840 in Paris and attended the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Paris at age 14. Rodin had a special gift for modeling human figures and faces; therefore sculpting humans is all he did. Decorators and commercial sculptors exploited Rodin at a very young age. It was some 20 years before he could sculpt for himself, under the commercial sculptor Albert Carrier-Belleuse. (Auguste, 19) Rodin sculpted ornamental figures for several major buildings in Brussels, such as the Bourse and the Palais des Academies. He then worked on the monument to Jean-Francois Loos, the former mayor of Antwerp. Rodin did not start this monument, but he work on it. Rodin acquired a sufficient amount of money to travel to Italy, which was an important step in his career. In 1877 he returned to Paris with his first major sculpture, The Age of Bronze. This piece of work showed a young man coming out of misery and depression to a state of heightened awareness. Critics and fellow artists thought and also accused Rodin of making this piece from a plaster cast taken directly from a living person. This deeply hurt Rodin. (Auguste, 19) In 1880, Rodin was contracted by the French government to make a door for the projected Musee des Arts Decortifs. Rodin worked endlessly on the sketches for the bronze door, now titled The Gates of Hell. In 1883 Rodin met Camille, this is when he had reached his â€Å"decisive stage† in preparations for The Gates of Hell. This aspect of Rodin’s work and ideas has to be borne in mind considering the beginning of his relationship with Camille Claude. (Auguste, 21-22) Camille and Rodin had, at first, an intimate attraction for each other. Rodin met Camille when he was an instructor correcting the work of a group of young ladies. This man was the master who could finally teach Camille a proper set of artistic bearings. Rodin could knead the clay â€Å"at lightning speeds† and instantly create the most complex and expressive form. (Auguste, 22) In 1884, Rodin made his first portrait of Camille, an â€Å"austerely beautiful head with large eyes, short hair and sharply defined features†. And by 1886, Rodin was so obsessed with Camille that he followed her to England where she was staying with her friend Jessie Lipcomb and her family in Peterborough. (Auguste, 24) In the fall of 1884, he was commissioned to design the monument to The Burghers of Calais, which was to become one of his major works.