The Lost Symbol Chapter 132-133

CHAPTER 132 Katherine Solomon's heart felt light as she hurried up the hill toward the base of the Washington Monument. She had endured great shock and tragedy tonight, and yet her thoughts were refocused now, if only temporarily, on the wonderful news Peter had shared with her earlier . . . news she had just confirmed with her very own eyes. My research is safe. All of it. Her lab's holographic data drives had been destroyed tonight, but earlier, at the House of the Temple, Peter had informed her that he had been secretly keeping backups of all her Noetic research in the SMSC executive offices. You know I'm utterly fascinated with your work, he had explained, and I wanted to follow your progress without disturbing you. â€Å"Katherine?† a deep voice called out. She looked up. A lone figure stood in silhouette at the base of the illuminated monument. â€Å"Robert!† She hurried over and hugged him. â€Å"I heard the good news,† Langdon whispered. â€Å"You must be relieved.† Her voice cracked with emotion. â€Å"Incredibly.† The research Peter had saved was a scientific tour de force–a massive collection of experiments that proved human thought was a real and measurable force in the world. Katherine's experiments demonstrated the effect of human thought on everything from ice crystals to random-event generators to the movement of subatomic particles. The results were conclusive and irrefutable, with the potential to transform skeptics into believers and affect global consciousness on a massive scale. â€Å"Everything is going to change, Robert. Everything.† â€Å"Peter certainly thinks so.† Katherine glanced around for her brother. â€Å"Hospital,† Langdon said. â€Å"I insisted he go as a favor to me.† Katherine exhaled, relieved. â€Å"Thank you.† â€Å"He told me to wait for you here.† Katherine nodded, her gaze climbing the glowing white obelisk. â€Å"He said he was bringing you here. Something about `Laus Deo'? He didn't elaborate.† Langdon gave a tired chuckle. â€Å"I'm not sure I entirely understand it myself.† He glanced up at the top of the monument. â€Å"Your brother said quite a few things tonight that I couldn't get my mind around.† â€Å"Let me guess,† Katherine said. â€Å"Ancient Mysteries, science, and the Holy Scriptures?† â€Å"Bingo.† â€Å"Welcome to my world.† She winked. â€Å"Peter initiated me into this long ago. It fueled a lot of my research.† â€Å"Intuitively, some of what he said made sense.† Langdon shook his head. â€Å"But intellectually . . .† Katherine smiled and put her arm around him. â€Å"You know, Robert, I may be able to help you with that.† Deep inside the Capitol Building, Architect Warren Bellamy was walking down a deserted hallway. Only one thing left to do tonight, he thought. When he arrived at his office, he retrieved a very old key from his desk drawer. The key was black iron, long and slender, with faded markings. He slid it into his pocket and then prepared himself to welcome his guests. Robert Langdon and Katherine Solomon were on their way to the Capitol. At Peter's request, Bellamy was to provide them with a very rare opportunity–the chance to lay eyes upon this building's most magnificent secret . . . something that could be revealed only by the Architect. CHAPTER 133 High above the floor of the Capitol Rotunda, Robert Langdon inched nervously around the circular catwalk that extended just beneath the ceiling of the dome. He peered tentatively over the railing, dizzied by the height, still unable to believe it had been less than ten hours since Peter's hand had appeared in the middle of the floor below. On that same floor, the Architect of the Capitol was now a tiny speck some hundred and eighty feet below, moving steadily across the Rotunda and then disappearing. Bellamy had escorted Langdon and Katherine up to this balcony, leaving them here with very specific instructions. Peter's instructions. Langdon eyed the old iron key that Bellamy had handed to him. Then he glanced over at a cramped stairwell that ascended from this level . . . climbing higher still. God help me. These narrow stairs, according to the Architect, led up to a small metal door that could be unlocked with the iron key in Langdon's hand. Beyond the door lay something that Peter insisted Langdon and Katherine see. Peter had not elaborated, but rather had left strict instructions regarding the precise hour at which the door was to be opened. We have to wait to open the door? Why? Langdon checked his watch again and groaned. Slipping the key into his pocket, he gazed across the gaping void before him at the far side of the balcony. Katherine had walked fearlessly ahead, apparently unfazed by the height. She was now halfway around the circumference, admiring every inch of Brumidi's The Apotheosis of Washington, which loomed directly over their heads. From this rare vantage point, the fifteen- foot-tall figures that adorned the nearly five thousand square feet of the Capitol Dome were visible in astonishing detail. Langdon turned his back to Katherine, faced the outer wall, and whispered very quietly, â€Å"Katherine, this is your conscience speaking. Why did you abandon Robert?† Katherine was apparently familiar with the dome's startling acoustical properties . . . because the wall whispered back. â€Å"Because Robert is being a chicken. He should come over here with me. We have plenty of time before we're allowed to open that door.† Langdon knew she was right and reluctantly made his way around the balcony, hugging the wall as he went. â€Å"This ceiling is absolutely amazing,† Katherine marveled, her neck craned to take in the enormous splendor of the Apotheosis overhead. â€Å"Mythical gods all mixed in with scientific inventors and their creations? And to think this is the image at the center of our Capitol.† Langdon turned his eyes upward to the sprawling forms of Franklin, Fulton, and Morse with their technological inventions. A shining rainbow arched away from these figures, guiding his eye to George Washington ascending to heaven on a cloud. The great promise of man becoming God. Katherine said, â€Å"It's as if the entire essence of the Ancient Mysteries is hovering over the Rotunda.† Langdon had to admit, not many frescoes in the world fused scientific inventions with mythical gods and human apotheosis. This ceiling's spectacular collection of images was indeed a message of the Ancient Mysteries, and it was here for a reason. The founding fathers had envisioned America as a blank canvas, a fertile field on which the seeds of the mysteries could be sown. Today, this soaring icon–the father of our country ascending to heaven–hung silently above our lawmakers, leaders, and presidents . . . a bold reminder, a map to the future, a promise of a time when man would evolve to complete spiritual maturity. â€Å"Robert,† Katherine whispered, her gaze still fixated on the massive figures of America's great inventors accompanied by Minerva. â€Å"It's prophetic, really. Today, man's most advanced inventions are being used to study man's most ancient ideas. The science of Noetics may be new, but it's actually the oldest science on earth–the study of human thought.† She turned to him now, her eyes filled with wonder. â€Å"And we're learning that the ancients actually understood thought more profoundly than we do today.† â€Å"Makes sense,† Langdon replied. â€Å"The human mind was the only technology the ancients had at their disposal. The early philosophers studied it relentlessly.† â€Å"Yes! The ancient texts are obsessed with the power of the human mind. The Vedas describe the flow of mind energy. The Pistis Sophia describes universal consciousness. The Zohar explores the nature of mind spirit. The Shamanic texts predict Einstein's `remote influence' in terms of healing at a distance. It's all there! And don't even get me started about the Bible.† â€Å"You, too?† Langdon said, chuckling. â€Å"Your brother tried to convince me that the Bible is encoded with scientific information.† â€Å"It certainly is,† she said. â€Å"And if you don't believe Peter, read some of Newton's esoteric texts on the Bible. When you start to understand the cryptic parables in the Bible, Robert, you realize it's a study of the human mind.† Langdon shrugged. â€Å"I guess I'd better go back and read it again.† â€Å"Let me ask you something,† she said, clearly not appreciating his skepticism. â€Å"When the Bible tells us to `go build our temple' . . . a temple that we must `build with no tools and making no noise,' what temple do you think it's talking about?† â€Å"Well, the text does say your body is a temple.† â€Å"Yes, Corinthians 3:16. You are the temple of God.† She smiled at him. â€Å"And the Gospel of John says the exact same thing. Robert, the Scriptures are well aware of the power latent within us, and they are urging us to harness that power . . . urging us to build the temples of our minds.† â€Å"Unfortunately, I think much of the religious world is waiting for a real temple to be rebuilt. It's part of the Messianic Prophecy.† â€Å"Yes, but that overlooks an important point. The Second Coming is the coming of man–the moment when mankind finally builds the temple of his mind.† â€Å"I don't know,† Langdon said, rubbing his chin. â€Å"I'm no Bible scholar, but I'm pretty sure the Scriptures describe in detail a physical temple that needs to be built. The structure is described as being in two parts–an outer temple called the Holy Place and an inner sanctuary called the Holy of Holies. The two parts are separated from each other by a thin veil.† Katherine grinned. â€Å"Pretty good recall for a Bible skeptic. By the way, have you ever seen an actual human brain? It's built in two parts–an outer part called the dura mater and an inner part called the pia mater. These two parts are separated by the arachnoid–a veil of weblike tissue.† Langdon cocked his head in surprise. Gently, she reached up and touched Langdon's temple. â€Å"There's a reason they call this your temple, Robert.† As Langdon tried to process what Katherine had said, he flashed unexpectedly on the gnostic Gospel of Mary: Where the mind is, there is the treasure. â€Å"Perhaps you've heard,† Katherine said, softly now, â€Å"about the brain scans taken of yogis while they meditate? The human brain, in advanced states of focus, will physically create a waxlike substance from the pineal gland. This brain secretion is unlike anything else in the body. It has an incredible healing effect, can literally regenerate cells, and may be one of the reasons yogis live so long. This is real science, Robert. This substance has inconceivable properties and can be created only by a mind that is highly tuned to a deeply focused state.† â€Å"I remember reading about that a few years back.† â€Å"Yes, and on that topic, you're familiar with the Bible's account of `manna from heaven'?† Langdon saw no connection. â€Å"You mean the magical substance that fell from heaven to nourish the hungry?† â€Å"Exactly. The substance was said to heal the sick, provide everlasting life, and, strangely, cause no waste in those who consumed it.† Katherine paused, as if waiting for him to understand. â€Å"Robert?† she prodded. â€Å"A kind of nourishment that fell from heaven?† She tapped her temple. â€Å"Magically heals the body? Creates no waste? Don't you see? These are code words, Robert! Temple is code for `body.' Heaven is code for `mind.' Jacob's ladder is your spine. And manna is this rare brain secretion. When you see these code words in Scripture, pay attention. They are often markers for a more profound meaning concealed beneath the surface.† Katherine's words were coming out in rapid-fire succession now, explaining how this same magical substance appeared throughout the Ancient Mysteries: Nectar of the Gods, Elixir of Life, Fountain of Youth, Philosopher's Stone, ambrosia, dew, ojas, soma. Then she launched into an explanation about the brain's pineal gland representing the all-seeing eye of God. â€Å"According to Matthew 6:22,† she said excitedly, † `when your eye is single, your body fills with light.' This concept is also represented by the Ajna chakra and the dot on a Hindu's forehead, which–â€Å" Katherine stopped short, looking sheepish. â€Å"Sorry . . . I know I'm rambling. I just find this all so exhilarating. For years I've studied the ancients' claims of man's awesome mental power, and now science is showing us that accessing that power is an actual physical process. Our brains, if used correctly, can call forth powers that are quite literally superhuman. The Bible, like many ancient texts, is a detailed exposition of the most sophisticated machine ever created . . . the human mind.† She sighed. â€Å"Incredibly, science has yet to scratch the surface of the mind's full promise.† â€Å"It sounds like your work in Noetics will be a quantum leap forward.† â€Å"Or backward,† she said. â€Å"The ancients already knew many of the scientific truths we're now rediscovering. Within a matter of years, modern man will be forced to accept what is now unthinkable: our minds can generate energy capable of transforming physical matter.† She paused. â€Å"Particles react to our thoughts . . . which means our thoughts have the power to change the world.† Langdon smiled softly. â€Å"What my research has brought me to believe is this,† Katherine said. â€Å"God is very real–a mental energy that pervades everything. And we, as human beings, have been created in that image–â€Å" â€Å"I'm sorry?† Langdon interrupted. â€Å"Created in the image of . . . mental energy?† â€Å"Exactly. Our physical bodies have evolved over the ages, but it was our minds that were created in the image of God. We've been reading the Bible too literally. We learn that God created us in his image, but it's not our physical bodies that resemble God, it's our minds.† Langdon was silent now, fully engrossed. â€Å"This is the great gift, Robert, and God is waiting for us to understand it. All around the world, we are gazing skyward, waiting for God . . . never realizing that God is waiting for us.† Katherine paused, letting her words soak in. â€Å"We are creators, and yet we naively play the role of `the created.' We see ourselves as helpless sheep buffeted around by the God who made us. We kneel like frightened children, begging for help, for forgiveness, for good luck. But once we realize that we are truly created in the Creator's image, we will start to understand that we, too, must be Creators. When we understand this fact, the doors will burst wide open for human potential.† Langdon recalled a passage that had always stuck with him from the work of the philosopher Manly P. Hall: If the infinite had not desired man to be wise, he would not have bestowed upon him the faculty of knowing. Langdon gazed up again at the image of The Apotheosis of Washington–the symbolic ascent of man to deity. The created . . . becoming the Creator. â€Å"The most amazing part,† Katherine said, â€Å"is that as soon as we humans begin to harness our true power, we will have enormous control over our world. We will be able to design reality rather than merely react to it.† Langdon lowered his gaze. â€Å"That sounds . . . dangerous.† Katherine looked startled . . . and impressed. â€Å"Yes, exactly! If thoughts affect the world, then we must be very careful how we think. Destructive thoughts have influence, too, and we all know it's far easier to destroy than it is to create.† Langdon thought of all the lore about needing to protect the ancient wisdom from the unworthy and share it only with the enlightened. He thought of the Invisible College, and the great scientist Isaac Newton's request to Robert Boyle to keep â€Å"high silence† about their secret research. It cannot be communicated, Newton wrote in 1676, without immense damage to the world. â€Å"There's an interesting twist here,† Katherine said. â€Å"The great irony is that all the religions of the world, for centuries, have been urging their followers to embrace the concepts of faith and belief. Now science, which for centuries has derided religion as superstition, must admit that its next big frontier is quite literally the science of faith and belief . . . the power of focused conviction and intention. The same science that eroded our faith in the miraculous is now building a bridge back across the chasm it created.† Langdon considered her words for a long time. Slowly he raised his eyes again to the Apotheosis. â€Å"I have a question,† he said, looking back at Katherine. â€Å"Even if I could accept, just for an instant, that I have the power to change physical matter with my mind, and literally manifest all that I desire . . . I'm afraid I see nothing in my life to make me believe I have such power.† She shrugged. â€Å"Then you're not looking hard enough.† â€Å"Come on, I want a real answer. That's the answer of a priest. I want the answer of a scientist.† â€Å"You want a real answer? Here it is. If I hand you a violin and say you have the capability to use it to make incredible music, I am not lying. You do have the capability, but you'll need enormous amounts of practice to manifest it. This is no different from learning to use your mind, Robert. Well-directed thought is a learned skill. To manifest an intention requires laserlike focus, full sensory visualization, and a profound belief. We have proven this in a lab. And just like playing a violin, there are people who exhibit greater natural ability than others. Look to history. Look to the stories of those enlightened minds who performed miraculous feats.† â€Å"Katherine, please don't tell me you actually believe in the miracles. I mean, seriously . . . turning water into wine, healing the sick with the touch of a hand?† Katherine took a long breath and blew it out slowly. â€Å"I have witnessed people transform cancer cells into healthy cells simply by thinking about them. I have witnessed human minds affecting the physical world in myriad ways. And once you see that happen, Robert, once this becomes part of your reality, then some of the miracles you read about become simply a matter of degree.† Langdon was pensive. â€Å"It's an inspiring way to see the world, Katherine, but for me, it just feels like an impossible leap of faith. And as you know, faith has never come easily for me.† â€Å"Then don't think of it as faith. Think of it simply as changing your perspective, accepting that the world is not precisely as you imagine. Historically, every major scientific breakthrough began with a simple idea that threatened to overturn all of our beliefs. The simple statement `the earth is round' was mocked as utterly impossible because most people believed the oceans would flow off the planet. Heliocentricity was called heresy. Small minds have always lashed out at what they don't understand. There are those who create . . . and those who tear down. That dynamic has existed for all time. But eventually the creators find believers, and the number of believers reaches a critical mass, and suddenly the world becomes round, or the solar system becomes heliocentric. Perception is transformed, and a new reality is born.† Langdon nodded, his thoughts drifting now. â€Å"You have a funny look on your face,† she said. â€Å"Oh, I don't know. For some reason I was just remembering how I used to canoe out into the middle of the lake late at night, lie down under the stars, and think about stuff like this.† She nodded knowingly. â€Å"I think we all have a similar memory. Something about lying on our backs staring up at the heavens . . . opens the mind.† She glanced up at the ceiling and then said, â€Å"Give me your jacket.† â€Å"What?† He took it off and gave it to her. She folded it twice and laid it down on the catwalk like a long pillow. â€Å"Lie down.† Langdon lay on his back, and Katherine positioned his head on half of the folded jacket. Then she lay down beside him–two kids, shoulder to shoulder on the narrow catwalk, staring up at Brumidi's enormous fresco. â€Å"Okay,† she whispered. â€Å"Put yourself in that same mind-set . . . a kid lying out in a canoe . . . looking up at the stars . . . his mind open and full of wonder.† Langdon tried to obey, although at the moment, prone and comfortable, he was feeling a sudden wave of exhaustion. As his vision blurred, he perceived a muted shape overhead that immediately woke him. Is that possible? He could not believe he hadn't noticed it before, but the figures in The Apotheosis of Washington were clearly arranged in two concentric rings–a circle within a circle. The Apotheosis is also a circumpunct? Langdon wondered what else he had missed tonight. â€Å"There's something important I want to tell you, Robert. There's another piece to all this . . . a piece that I believe is the single most astonishing aspect of my research.† There's more? Katherine propped herself on her elbow. â€Å"And I promise . . . if we as humans can honestly grasp this one simple truth . . . the world will change overnight.† She now had his full attention. â€Å"I should preface this,† she said, â€Å"by reminding you of the Masonic mantras to `gather what is scattered' . . . to bring `order from chaos' . . . to find `at-one-ment.' â€Å" â€Å"Go on.† Langdon was intrigued. Katherine smiled down at him. â€Å"We have scientifically proven that the power of human thought grows exponentially with the number of minds that share that thought.† Langdon remained silent, wondering where she was going with this idea. â€Å"What I'm saying is this . . . two heads are better than one . . . and yet two heads are not twice better, they are many, many times better. Multiple minds working in unison magnify a thought's effect . . . exponentially. This is the inherent power of prayer groups, healing circles, singing in unison, and worshipping en masse. The idea of universal consciousness is no ethereal New Age concept. It's a hard-core scientific reality . . . and harnessing it has the potential to transform our world. This is the underlying discovery of Noetic Science. What's more, it's happening right now. You can feel it all around you. Technology is linking us in ways we never imagined possible: Twitter, Google, Wikipedia, and others–all blend to create a web of interconnected minds.† She laughed. â€Å"And I guarantee you, as soon as I publish my work, the Twitterati will all be sending tweets that say, `learning about Noetics,' and interest in this science will explode exponentially. † Langdon's eyelids felt impossibly heavy. â€Å"You know, I still haven't learned how to send a twitter.† â€Å"A tweet,† she corrected, laughing. â€Å"I'm sorry?† â€Å"Never mind. Close your eyes. I'll wake you when it's time.† Langdon realized he had all but forgotten the old key the Architect had given them . . . and why they had come up here. As a new wave of exhaustion engulfed him, Langdon shut his eyes. In the darkness of his mind, he found himself thinking about universal consciousness . . . about Plato's writings on â€Å"the mind of the world† and â€Å"gathering God† . . . Jung's â€Å"collective unconscious.† The notion was as simple as it was startling. God is found in the collection of Many . . . rather than in the One. â€Å"Elohim,† Langdon said suddenly, his eyes flying open again as he made an unexpected connection. â€Å"I'm sorry?† Katherine was still gazing down at him. â€Å"Elohim,† he repeated. â€Å"The Hebrew word for God in the Old Testament! I've always wondered about it.† Katherine gave a knowing smile. â€Å"Yes. The word is plural.† Exactly! Langdon had never understood why the very first passages of the Bible referred to God as a plural being. Elohim. The Almighty God in Genesis was described not as One . . . but as Many. â€Å"God is plural,† Katherine whispered, â€Å"because the minds of man are plural.† Langdon's thoughts were spiraling now . . . dreams, memories, hopes, fears, revelations . . . all swirling above him in the Rotunda dome. As his eyes began to close again, he found himself staring at three words in Latin, painted within the Apotheosis. E PLURIBUS UNUM. â€Å"Out of many, one,† he thought, slipping off into sleep.

Psychology Content Analysis

Violent Language and Phrases Used in the Media: A Content Analysis of a Newspaper Article Zowie George 08351856 Abstract Introduction Previous research suggests that there is a potential influence of violent media on youth violence. According to Levermore & Salisbury, (2009) their recent study found that there was a relationship between virtual aggression and actual aggression in youth exposed to various forms of violent media. There are a variety of ways to analyse texts or documents, from grounded theory to discourse analysis.Wilkinson (2008) suggests that content analysis is a commonly used approach to analysing qualitative data. Content analysis involves physically organising and subdividing the data into categories, whilst the interpretive component involves determining what categories are meaningful in terms of the questions being asked (Breakwell et al. , 2006). The theory of social representations offers a model of social knowledge, its social construction, transformation and distribution, and describes the function of experience and knowledge in social practises (Flick, 1995) and was introduced by Moscovici (1976).Social representations refer to shared beliefs and understandings between broad groups of people (Crisp & Turner 2010). The theory of social representations was adopted from Durkheim (1951), as he was the first to focus on the importance of collective representations embedded in our language, institutions and our customs (Flick, 1995). Moscovici (1973) has defined social representations as: system of values, ideas and practises with a twofold function: first to establish an order which will enable individuals to orientate themselves in their material and social world and to master it; and secondly to enable communication to take place among the members of a community by providing them with a code for social exchange and a code for naming and classifying unambiguously the various aspects of their world and their individual and group history (1 973; xvii in Flick, 1995) Two concepts are seen as central in the process of social representation; anchoring and objectification.According to Flick (1995) anchoring is to integrate new phenomena – objects, experiences – into existing worldviews and categories. Moscovici (1984, in Flick, 1995) described objectification as an imprecise idea or object being discovered, a concept converted into an image, which then becomes integrated within a pattern of figurative nucleus – a complex of images symbolizing a complex of ideas. Research of social representations has not only been about social knowledge but also, cultural objects like health and illness (Herzlich, 1973 in Flick, 1995) and politics.These issues are usually formed from theories and then transformed into popular everyday knowledge, as Crisp & Turner (2010) suggests, through discussions between individuals, or the news, media or literature. According to Flick (1995) social representations are generated, ch anged and exchanged, and spread through social groups. Social influence should also be considered within the social representation theory, as people may alter their beliefs or attitudes about certain issues, because of the effect another individual or group has on these beliefs.According to Crisp & Turner (2010) social influence is all about how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours change when in the presence of others. A classic example is from Asch (1951) where participants were asked which comparison line matched the original standard line, however when majority of people gave the incorrect answer, others would still say the same answer if even they thought it was the wrong answer and so they would conform to the majority’s viewpoint.Social representations are often used by the media to persuade, encourage and evoke certain beliefs within a group, community and society, and influence everyday practises (Jodelet, 1991, in Flick, 1995). Social representations used in the me dia allow people to understand and gain information about important issues in society, including violence. Devereux (2007) suggests every day we are presented with a plethora of images and messages about the social world; living as we do in a media-saturated society. From these media messages, people make decisions, establish and encourage beliefs about their ocial world. According to Devereux (2007) it is within media content that the shaping and framing of our understanding and perceptions of the social world takes place. Most people gain information through the media and so their perception of certain issues are moulded by the way the information is communicated (Furedi, 2002). Media does have the ability to influence people’s attitudes about violent representations as Trend (2007) suggests that media violence convinces people that they live in a violent world and violence is required to make the world feel safer.From the content analysis of my newspaper article, I establi shed two categories; group behaviour and violence, from my research question; whether there is a strong presence of negative words and phrases, used by the writer, to describe violence in the article? After analysing my article and establishing my categories, I wanted to establish the social representations of violence used by the media in our society. After studying previous research about gang violence in the UK, I found that the media helps to influence violence through films, television, internet and video games.As Gunter (et al. , 2003) suggests, a casual link exists between violence on television and viewer reaction, where governments worry about the role such a mass medium plays in promoting antisocial conduct. There are concerns that the media has the power to influence the public and in turn people’s behaviour as Trend (2007) suggests violent representations are so deeply ingrained in our culture and part of human nature so deeply that we can’t root it out.The ultimate concern about television violence is founded on the view that it contributes toward social violence (Gunter et al. , 2003). However Trend (2007) argues that media violence simply reflects today’s society, as Furedi (2002) suggests, we live in a violent society. Method Holsti (1969:14, in Bryman, 2008) describes content analysis as, any technique for making inferences by objectively and systematically identifying specified characteristics of messages. Content analysis is used to determine the presence of certain words or phrases within a text or set of texts.Bryman (2008) suggests how research has also been conducted on visual images, radio and television news and song lyrics. As the analysis technique is done systematically, the approach is done in a consistent manner in order to avoid personal bias from the researcher. This will result in anyone being able to repeat the analysis and come up with the same results. (See Fig. 1. 7 for advantages and disadvantages). Fo r my own research analysis, I used content analysis to analyse a chosen newspaper article about gang violence in Britain.The research question for my analysis was; Whether there is a strong presence of negative words and phrases, used by the writer, to describe violence in the article? I decided to use an article from The Independent as I wanted to use an article that had a variety of information and a strong content, as that would make it easier to analyse and would give a good amount of data to interpret. The research question is vital when using content analysis, as this will guide the selection of media content to be analysed and the coding schedule.According to Bryman (2008) if the research questions are not clearly articulated, there is a risk that inappropriate media will be analysed or the coding schedule will miss out key dimensions. During the content analysis of my article, I counted the number of words that related to my research question, afterwards I was able to code t he data into categories for me to analyse. Content analysis offers the prospect of different kinds of units of analysis being considered (Bryman, 2008). Certain coding units that could be used to analyse a piece of text include; words, phrases, themes and characters.The two categories I established to be analysed are; group behaviour and violence. I came to these particular categories because of the use of certain words in the article that related to violence including; murder, bloody and shooting and for group behaviour; gangs, feral and tribal loyalty. Once I had my two categories I was able to count the number of words that fall into each category and present my results in a table. During the process of content analysis, I worked within a group in order to validate the content analysis of my chosen article.Each group member analysed each others article to ensure the coding units related to the research question, so hopefully each group member would come up with the same results. Findings After completing the content analysis of my chosen article, the results support and answer my research question; whether there is a strong presence of negative words and phrases used by the writer, to describe violence in the article? The results of the analysis (See Fig. 1. 1) show that for the violence category there were 63 words, 3 phrases and 9 sentences which related to violent language.In total 75 words and phrases were used in the article to describe violence. For the second category in my content analysis, group behaviour, there were 51 words, 10 phrases and 7 sentences that had a reference to a violent nature in the article, equalling to 68 words and phrases altogether. In total 143 words out of 975 words, for the whole article, related to and described violence, with the use of negative words (See Fig. 1. 2). Some of the negative words used in the article to describe violence include; criminal, virus, fatality and risk being victimised. See Fig. 1. 3, 1. 4 & 1. 5 ). Following the group analysis, in which we each analysed the other member’s newspaper article, I found there were several similarities; a majority of words and phrases that both I and my group member had found in the article and chosen categories, with several new words that I had not used in the first content analysis that I conducted. And some differences; in which some words I had used, my group member had not highlighted, which I later used in the my final content analysis. (See Fig. 1. 6).For the first page of the article, the writer is describing the events of the riots, a recent set of disturbances committed by youths and gang members all over the UK and some of the violence that had taken place. Violent language is used frequently throughout the first page of the article such as; attacks on police, shot and burning. In addition, several other violent words and phrases were used in relation to group behaviour, for the first page of the article in which the writer des cribes how gangs were acting violently and some of the group dynamics in gangs.These included words such as; form alliances, declare allegiance and competes for territory. The second page of the newspaper article is describing some of the first accounts of gangs and gang related behaviour in Britain. In addition recent reports about gun and knife crime is mentioned as well as some of the characteristics of gangs, with words including; feral groups of very angry young people and mask gangster-style. Discussion From the results of my content analysis into a newspaper article, the research question has been supported and there is links to support the theory that media has an influence on violent youth behaviour.Escobar-Chaves & Anderson (2008) suggest researchers have found strong evidence that media contributes towards violence. In addition, Trend (2007) states that the consumption of violent media can be liked to crime and violence. Individuals learn aggressive responses in much the same manner as they learn other social behaviours, either by observation or through direct experience (Anderson & Bushman, 2002; Bandura, 1978, in Levermore & Salisbury, 2009).If violent behaviour is something people learn, media might have a huge influence (Trend, 2007). According to Escobar-Chaves & Anderson (2008) youths are spending increasing amounts of time using electronic media, with an average youngster now spending one third of each day with some form of electronic media. This suggests adolescents may be influenced by the media, into learning aggressive behaviour, pick up any newspaper or turn on the TV and you will find either violent imagery or a story about violent media (Trend, 2007).According to the US Senate Committee (1999, in Trend, 2007) a young person will witness 200,000 simulated violent acts and 16,000 dramatized murders by the age of 18. In addition, children are exposed to ever-increasing amounts of actual violence in their communities as well as virtual vio lence in the media (Hill, Levermore, Twaite, & Jones, 1996, in Levermore & Salisbury, 2009). This could have a negative effect on children as Gunter (et al. , 2003) suggests children may learn aggressive behaviour patterns from watching television.This assertion of social learning theorists was demonstrated in Bandura, Ross, and Ross's (1961; 1963) famous Bobo doll experiments where children imitated aggression toward dolls just after they had witnessed an adult being aggressive toward the dolls, either in person or on film (Hayes, Rincover, ; Volosin, 1980, in Levermore ; Salisbury, 2009). Children are constantly limited to watching television than doing any other form of social interaction, leading the mass media to dominate their socialization (Gunter et al. 2003). This may have a negative effect on children if they are frequently viewing violent scenes in their social surroundings; an increased likelihood of aggression being triggered by screen violence (Berkowitz, 1984, 1994: B erkowitz ; Rogers, 1986 in Gunter et al. , 2003). Gender is a factor of importance in violent representations showed in the media, as the biggest audience of media violence is adolescent boys, as young men are socialized to view violent media as an important part of gender identification (Trend, 2007).The ability to tolerate violent imagery within the media can be regarded as a measure of a young man’s masculinity and strength between peers. The media image of men these days also tells them that they have to be tough in certain ways (Trend, 2007) which is where violent behaviour comes in, as the media violence shapes peoples thinking to behave a certain way and make them feel as if they should use force. However there have been studies trying to establish why there is so much youth violence in society, with some evidence to suggest that the media is not the only factor as to why youths act violently.A study by Hood (2001) showed how violence in the media was found to have an impact on aggression learnt in the home, in which; violence in the family exerted profound impact on children, leading to indirect and direct aggression. Most psychologists will say that it is what is learned or acquired through experiences that cause people to become violent (Trend, 2007). Violent social representations can be found in all different forms of the media; from the internet, video games and television programmes; television is the source of most broadly shared images and messages in history (Gerbner et al. 1980) and violence on television can take many different forms (Gunter et al. , 2003). Even programmes such as the News can broadcast violent imagery to its audience, as according to Trend (2007) the news media serve up accounts of murder, gang warfare, workplace violence and killer moms, and is far more likely to broadcast stories about negative activities such as; crime and conflict, than a positive story. A common accusation is that television contains too much vi olence (Gunter et al. , 2003).Other forms of media representing violence in society include computer games as Trend (2007) suggests; they are fast advancing to become the leading source of violent entertainment. Anderson (et al. , 2007) suggests that students spend inordinate amounts of time playing video games with violent themes and seems more interested in the violent images than in the game itself. The results of a recent survey by Gentile, Lynch, Linder ; Walsh (2004) show how boys played video games 13 hours per week and 5 hours a week for girls (Anderson et al. 2007). After watching violent social representations people will become accustomed to such images in the media, with some individuals wanting to see more violence in various media formations. Trend (2007) suggests the desire for violent representations is not a deviation from a social norm, it is the norm. Guttmann (1998, in Gunter et al. , 2003) suggests an attraction to violence in entertainment has a history that pr edates the modern mass media and can be traced back to the popularity of violent sporting spectacles in Greek and Roman times.With a desire for violent representations, comes aggressive behaviour and violent acts towards society. By the late 1990’s a consensus around the notion that violence in the media must produce violence at home and in the streets, was solidified (Trend, 2007). According to Trend (2007) people commit violence simply because they’ve become aroused or excited, and violent scenes in TV or film heighten the viewer’s emotions and could relive tension or built up hostility. One explanation for the enjoyment of screen violence is that it is exciting and therefore arousing (Zillmann, 1978 in Gunter et al. 2003). Therefore representations of violence have remained popular (Trend, 2007). Conclusion To conclude, people can be influenced into having certain beliefs or attitudes about a variety of issues including youth violence, by other individuals an d the mass media in society. Both can have an effect and cause people’s behaviour to change more violently. As violent representations are ingrained in our media environment, they need to be understood in order to protect our communities and so that youth violence in society can be controlled.Otherwise, there may be people growing up with the belief that the world is a violent place, that violence is a good way to solve problems and that violent characters are people to be admired and emulated (Trend, 2007). My analysis has shown that perhaps too many violent representations are in our society and throughout the media, with people growing up wanting to act violently towards their community. If people are going to be fed violent imagery through different forms of media, then there will be a profound effect on their attitudes and therefore their behaviour will change towards a violent nature.Media and the society have to accept some responsibility for a rise in violent behaviou r in youths and adolescents, and will need to think of changing how the media represents violence in society and whether there should be violent images broadcasted to individuals at all. References Anderson, C. A. , Gentile, D. A. and Buckley, K. E. (eds. ) (2007) Violent video game effects on children and adolescents: theory, research and public policy. NY: Oxford University Press Inc. Barry, M. (2006) Youth offending in transition: the search for social recognition. NY: Routledge. Berryman, J. Ockleford, E, Howells, K, Hargreaves, D. and Wildbur, D. (2006) Psychology and you: an informal introduction. 3rd ed. Oxford: BPS, Blackwell Publishing. Breakwell, G. M. , Hammond, S. , Fife-Schaw, C. and Smith, J. A. (eds. ) (2006) Research methods in psychology. 3rd. ed. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Bryman, A. (2008) Social research methods. 3rd. , ed. NY: Oxford University Press Inc. Crisp, R. J. and Turner, R. N. (2010) Essential social psychology. 2nd. ed. London: SAGE Publications Lt d. Devereux, E. (2003) Understanding the media. 2nd. ed. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Doyle, A. 2003) Arresting images: crime and policing in front of the television camera. Toronto: University of Toronto Press Incorporated. Escobar-Chaves, S. L. and Anderson, C. A. (2008) Media and risky behaviours. Journal of the future of children, 18. 1 pp. 147-180. Field, A. and Hole, G. (2003) How to design and report experiments. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Flick, U. (1995) ‘Social Representations’ in Smith, A. J. , Harre, R. and Langenhove, L. V. (eds. ) Rethinking psychology. London: SAGE Publications Ltd, pp. 70-96. Furedi, F. (2002) Culture of fear: risk taking and the morality of low expectation.NY: Continuum. Gerbner, G. , Gross, L. , Morgan, M. , Signorelli, N. and Shanahan, J. (1980) ‘Growing up with Television: Cultivation Processes’ in Bryant, J. and Zillmann, D. (2008) Media effects advances in theory and research. NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc. Gunter, B. , Harrison, J. and Wykes, M. (eds. ) (2003) Violence on television: distribution, form, context and themes. NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc. Levermore, M. A. and Salisbury, G. L. (2009) The relationship between virtual and actual aggression: youth exposure to violent media. The forensic examiner, 18. 2 pp. 2-42. McGhee, P. (2001) Thinking psychologically. NY: Palgrave, Macmillan. Trend, D. (2007) The myth of media violence: a critical introduction. USA: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Wilkinson, S. (2008) ‘Focus groups’ in Smith, J. A. (ed. ) Qualitative psychology: a practical guide to research methods. 2nd. ed. London: SAGE Publications Ltd, pp. 197-201. Appendix Fig. 1. 1 Categories| Frequency| Violence| | Words | 63| Phrases| 3| Sentences| 9| Total| 75| | | Group Behaviour| | Words| 51| Phrases| 10| Sentences| 7| Total| 68| | | Overall Total| 143| Fig. 1. 2 Coding Unit| Frequency| | Words| 114| Phrases| 13| Sentences| 16| Characters| 6| Themes| 4| | | Fig. 1. 3 Fig. 1. 4 Fig. 1. 5 Fig. 1. 6 Group Analysis of Article| Zowie Zoya | Gangs| x| x| Ghettoes| x| | Rioters| x| | Fatality| x| x| Riots| x| x| Dying| x| x| Shot| x| x| Violence at heart of the riots| x| x| Incident| x| | Gang culture| x| x| Anarchy| x| x| Group of friends| | x| Another group| | x| Altercation| x| | Car chase| x| | Shooting| x| x| Rivalry| x| x| London’s gang culture| x| x| Alliances| x| | Criminal| x| | Groupings| | x| Looting| x| x| Hatred of the police| x| x|Gangs gathered| x| x| Burning| x| x| Attacks on police| x| | Click (clique)| x| | Turned on feds| x| | F**k| | x| Click on click beef| x| | Man got duppied (killed)| x| x| Kill some of the fed man| x| x| Burning shops and buses| x| x| Dashing rocks| x| x| Bloody| x| x| Perverse| x| | Britain’s gang culture| x| x| Code of the streets| x| | Ruthlessly enforced| x| x| Rules| x| | Chaotic| x| x| British street gangs| x| x| Spread| x| | Virus| x| | Crime| x| | London has 257 street gangs| x| x| Ga ng members| x| x| Tackling gangs| x| x| Youth violence| x| x| Gangsterism| x| x|More young people are being drawn into a minor affiliation even those who do not take part in crime| x| x| Allegiance| x| | Risk being victimised| x| x| Youths| x| | Form alliances| x| x| The NPK gang| x| | Competes for territory| x| x| Targets| x| x| Terrified of| x| | Dispute| | | Territorial| x| x| Turf war| x| x| Declare allegiance| x| | Johnson gang| x| | Murder| x| x| Street gang culture| x| x| Need for protection| x| | Stabbed to death| x| x| Mask gangster-style| x| | Aiming a shotgun| x| x| Gang activity| x| x| Represent whole neighbourhoods| x| x| Enemy| x| x| Hardened| | x| Gangsters| x| x|Disturbances| | x| Worst rioting| x| x| Highest gang activity| x| x| Rising gang violence| x| x| Rival crews| x| x| Targeted| x| x| Dangers| x| x| Feral groups of very angry young people| x| x| Tribal loyalty| x| x| Violence and drugs is a way of life| x| x| Fig. 1. 7 Content analysis has several advantages, such as it being a very flexible approach to analysing texts, as the technique can be applied to a variety of different media (Bryman, 2008). Wilkinson (2008) suggests an advantage of content analysis is that, it also allows for the conversion of qualitative data into a quantitative form.Content analysis also allows information to be generated about social groups (Bryman, 2008). Wilkinson (2008) suggests that a main disadvantage of using this technique is that a great deal of detail is lost. Other issues include; the analysis is reliant on one researcher, where as it is advisable to involve two or more people in the coding of the texts, so that the reliability of the analysis can be systematically assessed (Breakwell et al. , 2006) and most often the context of the text is ignored. In addition content analysis can be extremely time consuming.

Disablement Models Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Disablement Models Paper - Essay Example is/her environment meaning that impairments do not have to result in functional limitations and functional limitations do not have to result in disability. [1] [2] [3] NCMRR’s model expanded upon the Nagi model by including a specific component related to societal influences as contributors to disability. It defined disability as the limitation in performing tasks, activities, and roles to levels expected in personal and social contexts. The major difference between the Nagi and NCMRR disablement models is that the latter includes the concept of societal limitations as a distinct dimension of the disablement process. [1] [2] [3] Instead of explicit dimensions and the subsequent relationships between those dimensions as in the Nagi and NCMRR models, the ICF is a two-part model organized through more complex classification of health and health-related domains. In part 1 of the ICF model, the domains body functions and structures and activity and participation attempt to account for function at the levels of the body, individual, and society. Part 2 of the ICF model includes contextual factors that are particularly important because they address the significant impact of environment and personal factors on overall level of functioning and disability. [1] [2] [3] NCMRR and Nagi model require a similar setup in terms of the assets and liabilities. Since both NCMRR is just an expansion of Nagi, it focuses on a bigger scope. By comparison to ICF, its requirements are moderate while ICF requires heavy investment and recurring costs to analyze its complex procedures. Nagi’s model was being initially used for most patients as it was a trendsetter. Since NCMRR is similar to nagi’s model, people who have been using Nagi would be well acquainted with its implementation process and can handle it much more efficiently. The ICF model due to its complexity would require proper training and change in mindsets towards a much more modern approach. NCMRR is easy to use and

Communication management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Communication management - Case Study Example Being a cross-cultural undertaking involving a management team with widely varied backgrounds, the visiting team must be hosted in a manner that will not jeopardize the partnership before it even kicks off. This paper will design an action plan to implement the partnership whose objectives will include being aligned with corporate, community and personal values in a realistic, cost effective and socially acceptable context. A business merger or partnership can only be considered when the involved companies have a vision of benefiting from the combined business operations and consequently contributing to increased value for shareholders. It must be assumed that the idea of the partnership was hatched with the full knowledge of the rampant practice of software piracy in China. The first major task of the marketer would be to formulate an agenda for the merger to convince the market and the new partners of the commitment to alleviate such thoughts. Given the amount of revenue UR Softwar e Inc. has managed to generate within five years, it can safely be thought to be performing well and has a stable customer base. Linking up with ECVIC is advantageous because of their thorough knowledge of the Far East territory. Using their own history of success and ECVIC’s strength, the new partnership can give a guarantee of the genuine nature of their products. An effective marketing strategy targeting the Far East market would be based on websites, taking advantage of the over 550 million users of the internet in China in 2013. The marketer at UR Software Inc. needs to show the new partners how they will convert stocks from the respective individual firms to the resultant combined company. The action plan must be characterized by UR Software Inc.’s intention to reduce anxieties, eliminate fears and raise two firms’ levels of mutual trust. This requires an exhibition of the awareness of China’s adopted anti-monopoly law that was enacted in 2007, wher e competition authorities in China stepped up the enforcement of practices against competitiveness and mergers. The action plan needs to enhance the concepts of China’s Ministry of Commerce that heavily relies on behavioral remedies that underlie cases of mergers as well as those proposed by the European Commission that favor structural remedies. It is worth noting that China emphasizes on antitrust laws. In doing business in the Canadian and North American markets, the action plan will allow public interest to play roles only in clearly defined and exceptional circumstances. Since the merger is expected to affect prudential rules, media plurality, and public security, public interests must be considered in all the countries of potential operation as a long term agenda. Antitrust authorities must be allowed to follow transparent and explicit procedures. To maintain competitive levels in markets that may otherwise become too concentrated after the partnership, structural remed ies will have to de-invest in some of both the partners’ assets in favor of potential or actual competitors. The short term action plan would emphasize on behavioral remedies committed to engaging in particular conduct that will preserve conditions of competition immediately following the partnership. For instance, both partners will specify

Principles of Archaeology - journal article review

Principles of Archaeology - journal review - Article Example The findings are suggested to have reduced the likelihood of social variance. However, perhaps more importantly, the evidence suggests that both animals and grain were important to the residents as a production of surplus. Hubbard (2010) suggests that the animals were likely used to provide fuel (from dung) and to provide milk for nutrition, with the animals having a similar role to the grain silos in this scenario. Additionally, the Chacolithic period to which the Tel Tsaf site dates was a transition point from ‘egalitarian villages’ (p1131) to the more stratified world of towns and cities, with mixed architecture such as that at Tel Tsaf representing that change. Hubbard (2010) suggests that further excavations are needed, but Tel Tsaf could be seen as a snapshot from the era and may provide clues as to the evolution of this changing economy. Additionally, the use of two distinct building styles for two distinct purposes challenges the archaeological assumption that th is represents social inequality. In this case, micromorphology suggests that architecture represents function and speciality rather than any differences between social groups in the community. Hubbard (2010) also draws special attention to the fact that micromorphology (a relatively new discipline) has been used to draw conclusions about the site, representing the use of such investigatory techniques in world archaeology. Methods & Data This paper is essentially descriptive, taking data from the Tel Tsaf site in Israel and putting them into an archaeological context. To do this, a lot of data was gleaned from the excavation. Data from excavations at the site from between 2004 and 2007 was used, both large-scale and micromorphological. The large-scale results were used to indicate the underlying architecture of the village, as well as the architecture of the individual structures and their layout. Excavation also found paved grain silos from the village. Micromorphology samples were taken from the buildings identified from the excavation. These samples were analysed using polarising petrographic microscopes at both the University of Reading, UK and the University of Toronto, Canada. Arguments & Conclusions The main argument of the paper is that the micromorphology of the site accounts for the differences in architecture found between the buildings. Instead of assuming that these differences provide evidence of different living styles (for example, between socio-economic classes) the micromorphology provides evidence of ‘dung spherulites and some scattered reed phytoliths’ (p1128), commonly associated with animal usage of an area. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that the differences in size and shape between the major courtyards appears to be linked to differences in function of the rooms, although there is less data given to suggest this difference amongst the human accommodation buildings. The paper also draws upon other findings to hypothesize that the animals kept in these round structures may have been kept for milk and cheese. To gain milk and cheese from the animals, it is necessary to limit the suckling, so the presence of multiple structures may indicate that this indeed was the case. Additionally, the presence of a separate enclosed area may represent a milking facility through which to provide these substances to the community. Micromorphology also identified that the majority of animals kept on the site

Arranging Morning Tea Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Arranging Morning Tea - Research Paper Example I would like to serve at least two types of fruit juices (ten from each) to meet with the different likes and dislikes of the visitors. If caterer A is selected to provide mango and apple juices for 20 persons the cost will be USD 110 (10x6 + 10x5). If caterer B is selected to provide apple and lime juices for 20 persons (considering 200 ml as the serving size) the cost will be USD 80 (20x2 + 4x10). Cater A is a long established outlet which is well-known for the quality of its foods. Many people including our own staff members had dined there and are impressed by the quality, appearance, and taste of the foods and hygienic practices. Even though it is the most distanced place to our complex from the two outlets, they usually transport foods to the required venue free of charge and on time. Caterer B is new to the area and little is known about the quality of their foods. It is comparatively a small place and hygienic practices are not prominent. Although the prices are cheaper caterer B provides artificially flavored apple juice which may not be the best option to impress our valuable guest. Irrespective of the 1-2 dollar increase in the price, fresh juices are desirable to treat such important first-time visitors. Moreover provided prices (by caterer A) are very reasonable for this types of good quality fruit juices. Further caterer B provides juices in bottles and non-potable cups whereas caterer A provides juices in portable plastics cups. It is convenience for us to have in cups since we do not need to arrange them (pour them into cups) before serving. Also, visitors can watch the complex while sipping the juice.

Pen Pal Letter about Ballet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pen Pal Letter about Ballet - Essay Example However, during the reign of King Louis XIV is when Ballet made positive progress in French culture. The king always invited Ballet dancers to perform to him whenever he had a function not to forget the King himself performed ballet alongside with noblepersons. The contribution made by King Louis XIV towards development of ballet cannot be underestimated especially by him, establishing the first world’s ballet school (Academie Royale de danse currently known as Paris Opera) and was thus renamed as â€Å"The Sun King†. You might be wondering how King Louis XIV performed exemplary in Ballet dance. The person behind this is none other than Pierre Beauchamp, the guy behind the famous principle that each leg must be â€Å"turned-out†. Another question is how this type of dance found its way to Russia. The credit goes to two Frenchmen called Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov who was his assistant who traveled to Russia back in the early 1840s and produced more than sixty ba llets. They choreographed three famous ballets namely; Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty. Vaganova method- This method of ballet was developed by Agrippina Vaganova to train dancers on classical ballet. It integrates the romantic style of French ballet with dramatic soulfulness of the Russian character. Her contribution towards ballet made her famous dancers in the dancing history as well as being appointed as the director of Imperial Ballet School in Saints Petersberg. Vaganova method is regarded to be clean having precise moves.

Concepts of Irish Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Concepts of Irish - Essay Example It cannot be denied that the Vikings invasions throughout Western Europe played a role in the shaping of society, both politically and socially in the ninth and tenth centuries. In his book, Kings and Vikings, Sawyer notes that although the Vikings were disruptive and destructive when raiding, they made a positive contribution to society as conquerors and colonists.(Sawyer, 1994).This is a revised view of Vikings, where previously they were thought to be plundering and murderous villains and is more accurate if we are to take the evidence of the social development due to the Vikings into account. Ireland was affected strongly by the impact of the Vikings. Before the invasions of the Norse, the Irish were a race of cattle farmers, living mainly inland and there was little commerce or trade within Ireland or between Ireland and the rest of Europe. After the Norse had settled the Irish concentrated on the coastal areas and a rich system of trade developed. This shows that the Vikings had a significant impact on the culture and society of the Irish, without which they would not have developed so quickly. It is the attitudes of these Normans towards the Irish that is particularly interesting, however. Gerald of Wales describes the Irish people as uniformly barbaric, with only a talent for music to recommend them. Gerald of Wales was born in about 1147 at Mamobier Castle, Pembrokeshire. His father was a Norman knight, and his mother a Welsh princess. After his studies he became a teacher in Paris. Later he was appointed Court Chaplain to King Henry II. In 1185 Henry ordered Gerald to accompany Prince John to Ireland. He wrote about these experiences in his books, The Topography of Ireland and The Conquest of Ireland. Gerald was particularly interested in the military tactics used by both sides. Although Gerald was critical of the Irish his book shows concern for the way they were treated by John's army. In The Topography of Ireland, Gerald of Wales writes in great length of the beauty of the land, all the while keeping it in perspective to Britain, which the author obviously feels is superior in many ways to Ireland. After the beautiful description of the land and its resources, however, Gerald speaks about the rudimentary cultures of the people. "This people are not tenderly nursed from their birth, as others are; for besides the rude fare they receive from their parents, which is only just sufficient for their sustenance, as to the rest, almost all is left to nature. They are not placed in cradles, or swathed, nor are their tender limbs either fomented by constant bathings, or adjusted with art. For the midwives make no use of warm water, nor raise their noses, nor depress the face, nor stretch the legs, but nature alone, with very slight aids from art, disposes and adjusts the limbs to which she has given birth, just as she pleasesBut although they are richly endowed with the gif ts of nature, their want of civilization, shown both in their dress and their mental culture, makes them a barbarous people. For they wear but little woollen, and nearly all they use is black, that being the color of the sheep in this country. Their clothes are also made after a barbarous fashion, " (Cambrensis, 2000). It is apparent that Gerald of Wales did not have high respect for much of Irish culture. In Contrast, Bede the Venerable seemed

Training and Development in Tesco Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Training and Development in Tesco - Assignment Example This is aimed at the analysis of instilling a sense of inclusiveness in the workers as well as their commitment. Since Leahy’s resignation announcement, drastic changes were witnessed in its stock market, which witnessed a sharp drop in the value of Tesco’s shares. From the above, it was evident that Tesco needed to instill confidence in its customers and the public hence there was a re-engineered customer service mechanism in operation for sustenance of Leahy’s transformational leadership style that saw Tesco’s unprecedented rise in the last one and a half decade (Bass,1990) . Tesco has further undertaken transformational change in its organization so as to become the carbon-zero company. This change has been through reducing energy usage and then getting the rest of the energy it uses from renewable sources. In the last few years, a Tesco has developed a supermarket that is zero carbon in its operation, but not its build. Tesco has extended its effort to both its supply chain and its customers’ carbon footprint. Tesco also wants to make it easy for staff to understand how they can change the way they work to promote carbon reduction. More so over the last three years Tesco has committed huge resource in its training and development programme. It has made progress toward achieving this by being the first supermarket to have its apprenticeship training programme accredited. This has been eating achievement for the company. This is in line with its strategy of improving its workforce and getting the best out of it. Tesco further introduced Tesco club card which is a kind of customer loyalty card.  

The Importance of A Project Management Office Essay Example for Free

The Importance of A Project Management Office Essay Project management can be a tedious job especially if the personnel or department in charge is already loaded with tons of work. It may be hard to cope up with the schedule, time pressure, workload, and other factors. In line with this, the task of handling such tasks must be assigned to a specialized department known as Project Management Office. What is a Project Management Office? A Project Management Office is a unit or department functioning within a business, company, or agency that is charged with defining and maintaining project management standards within the company. The main objective of this office is to achieve beneficial gains from setting uniform policies, processes, and methods in managing projects(Search CIO. com, n. d). The Project Management Office will provide direction, metrics connected with practices concerning project management and implementation. The principles, methods, and practices of managing a project are based from Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) or Project in Controlled Environment (PRINCE2). These models complies with the specifications related to ISO9000 as well as in government regulation specifications(Search CIO. om, n. d). Essentially, the job of the Project Management Office is to perform related to a certain project and to work for the completion of the project. The PMO may from time to time update management regarding the status and problems of the project so that they can come up with decisions which are congruent to the goals and objectives of the firm(Search CIO. com, n. d). The Kinds of Project Management Office There are three varieties of project management offices that are suitable for organizations in various phases of developing a project. Each of them have their own pros and cons. Here is a brief explanation of the different kinds of project management offices(Billows, 2006). The Weather Station With this kind of PMO, the person-in-charge of the project is aware of what is going on with the project but does not make any action to influence it. The project officer just disseminates information without bothering the flow of work(Billows, 2006). This kind of office is most suitable in organizations that have just started in project management. The job of this kind of office is usually limited because the various line managers usually experience difficulties in incorporating various projects into their management duties(Billows, 2006). The Control Tower In contrast to the first variety, this kind of PMO provides the guidance that the project managers might need. Although they are still doing their tasks, the project managers are being instructed by the project officer. They are liable for any glitch that will happen to the project(Billows, 2006). The Squadron Commander Just like in the Control Tower, the Squadron Commander provides guidance to the project managers. However, the SC closely supervises all the people handling the project. There might be instances of successes and shortcomings but the Squadron Commander is held resposible for the general performance of the department(Billows, 2006). The disadvantage of this kind of office is that the personnel who have the technical know how as well as the most credible managers are doing multiple tasks aside from their main job. Aside from that, the job of allocating resources and prioritizing projects can go out of hand. Another problem that Squadron Commanders is that management may be hesitant in injecting company-wide standards related to project tracking and approval(Billows, 2006). History of Project Management Office The concept of modern project management can be traced to only a few decades back. During the 1960s, businesses and other firms discovered the advantages of organizing project tasks. Most companies developed an understanding on how crucial it is for their staff to establish communication and collaboration while incorporating their jobs with several departments and professions, and in certain instances, with several industries(Microsoft Office Online, n. d). The Early Years During the later years of the 19th century, at a time when businesses were becoming complicated, the corporate world began to see the evolution of project handling from simple management principles. Wide-scale government initiatives became the foundation for project management processes and principles. During the time that the United States was constructing the transcontinental railroad during the 1860s, business leaders were faced with the tough task of coordinating with workers who will engage in manual labor as well as in producing and processing of a large number of raw materials(Microsoft Office Online, n. d). Into The Twentieth Century Frederick Taylor started to made further studies of work. Using scientific reasoning, he proved that labor can be evaluated and enhanced by concentrating on its basic elements. Taylor applied this view in various jobs found in steel mills, such as shoveling and lifting and transporting parts. At that time, the only method of increasing productivity is through hard work and extended working hours. Taylor believed that productivity can be improved through efficient work instead of exerting more effort and work extension(Microsoft Office Online, n. d). Henry Gantt, an associate of Taylor, extensively studied the sequence of operations in work. His research delved on navy ship manufacturing during World War I. He developed the Gantt Charts, which comes with task bars and milestone markers, as a tool for outlining the order and extent of all tasks in a prcess. These illustrations proved to be a powerful aid for managers that there were no modifications for almost a century. In the early part of the 1990s, Microsoft Corporation introduced MS Project which included connector lines to the tasks bars, showing a more accurate relationship between the differen tasks. Over the years, Microsoft Office became an even more powerful tool(Microsoft Office Online, n. ). His contribution merited Gantt with a patent from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In the years leading to the Second World War, new approaches to marketing, human relations, and industrial psychology, became vital components of project management(Microsoft Office Online, n. d). Middle 20th Century The Second World War necessitated the need for new organizational patterns. Complicated network illustrations, like PERT charts and critical path method were developed, providing managers with greater control over complicated projects. As the demand for new management techniqes increased, these tools extended to various industries. General system theories were applied by businesses in their business dealings during the early part of the 1960s(Microsoft Office Online, n. d). New Trends In Project Management In the last decade, project management continued to develop. At present, there are two trends evolving namely bottom-up planning and top-down planning and reviewing(Microsoft Office Online, n. d). Bottom-up planning, also called agile project management, involves basic project designs, shorter project chain, efficient cooperation between members of the team, solid involvement of team members in the decision process. Common methos used in this trend are Scrum, Unified Process, Extreme Programming, Crystal, to name just a few(Microsoft Office Online, n. d). In top-down planning and reviewing, the entire organization is involved in making decisions concerning the various projects of the organization(Microsoft Office Online, n. d).

Special Needs Children in the UK

Special Needs Children in the UK Special Needs Children Introduction The essay will examine a number of polices and initiatives that have received attention from the UK government. There have been changes in the policies surrounding the country’s curriculum. Issues surrounding this policy reform will be examined in detail. Current trends in education policy have promoted inclusion. This means that children with special needs have been incorporated into mainstream classes. Post compulsory schooling is also top on the education agenda. Besides this, recent education policy has been surrounding issues of school’s marketability. All these issues will be examined and the subsequent impact of those policies given. (Besley and Ghatak, 2003) Inclusion of special needs children Before the introduction of polices around this area, there was an eight year old girl; Victoria Climbie who died under mysterious circumstances. There was therefore a need to make sure that interests of all children were safeguarded regardless of their nature. (Gipps and Stobart, 1997) The main Act passed surrounding the issue of inclusion was the ‘Every Child Matters Policy’ in the year 2004. The purpose of this Act was to ensure that all the children in the UK were adequately encompassed in the education regardless of the fact that they had special needs. It was passed with five aims; Protecting the social and economic well being of the child Ensuring that all children contribute positively to society Ensuring that children received enjoyed good health Ensuring that children were safe Find out how our expert essay writers can help you with your work The spirit of the Act is that most children should have the opportunity to learn together whether or not they have disabilities. Most of them had been placed in special schools where they were rather isolated. Most of them lacked the ability to socialize and fit into the rest of the world. But through inclusion into mainstream schools, children with special needs have been able to improve their social skills. Psychologists also claim that a mixed environment is more conducive for children’s learning rather than when they are isolated. Their self esteem also receives a boost because thy feel that they are good enough to learn with other children.(Blanden Gregg and Machin, 2005) Benefits of inclusive education are not only felt by those children with special needs alone, they are also beneficial to normal children. This is because they learn that children with special needs are not so different from them. It eliminates the fears and stereotypes that come are associated with special needs children. (Gipps and Stobart, 1997) However, there is a need for teachers to prepare well for these special needs children. Failure to do so will result in poor adjustments by the child and surrounding classmates. It is also the responsibility of all stakeholders in the field of education to readjust their systems such that children with special needs can fit in well. It has been emphasised time and time again that mainstream schools should not expect children with special needs to adjust to their programme. Instead, the opposite should occur.(Machin and Vignoles, 2004) This policy has increased the availability of resources towards the education of children with special needs. It has also exposed children with special needs to better teaching facilities and skills. Consequently, it has improved their performance and contributed to the attainment of their potential. (Besley and Ghatak, 2003) Marketability in schools In the early nineties, it had been found that most children above the age of sixteen had low retention rates. This normally applied to those who came from low income households. Most of them would drop out and join the market without ample knowledge to make it out there. Even those who were encouraged to stay ended up performing very poorly because they seemed not to have an interest in schooling. There results were clear evidence that something needed to be done to increase their numbers. It was found that in the late eighties, close to sixty seven percent of the students who sat for the GCSE exam got marks that fell below the A to C grade. It was therefore necessary to introduce a system that would encourage students to tackle the whole journey and complete it. (Kingdon and Stobart, 1998) You can get expert help with your essays right now. Find out more The government introduced the Education Reform Act of 1988; it was designed to encourage schools to admit more students. The government started funding schools directly rather than through the use of local government. Schools that admitted more students were liable to greater funds than those with lesser numbers. Parents were also given the choice of deciding which schools they would like to take their children. This was one of the most evolutionary policies because it allowed them to make the choice for themselves. (Gibbons, 2005) Alongside choice, parents were also given the choice of deciding who would be representing them in school boards. Schools were expected to be more accountable to parents by giving them more information about themselves. In light of those changes, the government introduced league tables. These were publications of students’ results in the newspapers highlighting the performance of those at the age of sixteen. It provided information about the best schools so that other non performing schools would be encouraged to improve. (Le Grand, 1993) Overly, the reform was aimed at making schools market themselves. They were not allowed to fall out or fail in the creation of a good market standing. As the years went by schools have a sort of quasi market in which their fate lies in their own hands (Gibbons, 2005) The main impact of this reform is that overall retention rates in the education system have increased. There have been more students completing their education and many of them are pursuing higher education. However, when one examines this issue critically, they realise the highest number of students getting retained in good schools come from privileged backgrounds. When schools market themselves, parents with higher income sources are able to afford the best schools because it is very likely that those very schools have the resources and personnel to achieve good performance. Consequently, this policy has brought about some elements of inequality in the UK education system. Most people from low income backgrounds lack the ability to afford good schools as seen from statistics. This has brought about social-economic disadvantages among members of the education community.(Le Grand, 1993) Despite these social problems, one must not ignore the facts on the ground; the number of students passing the final exams has increased. Whether some of them are coming from certain backgrounds does not undermine the increase in numbers. Centralisation During the early nineties, the UK realised that there was inadequate literacy levels among members of the adult population. Research conducted in this area revealed that this field needed some improvements. Surveys were done among young adults and older ones. The older ones were found to have average rates of literacy. However, the younger adults were found to fall below average levels compared to other countries who participated in the surveys. (Machin and McNally, 2004) These were the reasons why the UK government decided to change its curriculum. It created a national curriculum that was common to all schools. This was necessary in order to ascertain the same standards were maintained throughout all schools within the country. It was also done to ensure that those standards were high such that students could attain the high levels of literacy. The UK decided not to leave the duties and responsibilities of making a curriculum to specific schools but has introduced a national curriculum. These changes applied to students between the ages of seven to sixteen years.(Vignoles and Machin, 2004) Centralisation in the UK education sector has also taken the form of National Numeracy and Literacy classes. These are classes that are supposed to be taught on a daily basis to students in primary schools. They are meant to reinforce good literacy skills. Rigorous methods of assessment for these methods are also available from the government. Its main aim was to ensure that children leaving primary school had basic literacy skills. Tests were also conducted to ensure that students can adhere to requirements. Students are expected to sit for tests at the ages of 16, 14, 11, and 7 corresponding to key stages 4, 3, 2 and one. (Besley and Ghatak, 2003) The impact of this reform was that parents became more aware about what their children are learning. On top of this, nationalisation of the curriculum has the ability to standardise teaching processes. In the past, the education sector in the UK has had serious problems in recruiting competent and intelligent teachers. This was as a result of the negative mentality associated with the teaching profession (most bright students think it is below them); most teachers may not be very efficient in the teaching process. They therefore require some sort of guide to help them in determining what the right and wrong materials for teaching are. This was the reason why some of them were not choosing the right areas to address. A national curriculum is therefore an aid to teachers who may otherwise not know exactly what to teach.(Machin and McNally, 2004) Find out how our expert essay writers can help you with your work A survey done during 2004 in four hundred schools implementing the national curriculum shed some light on the impact of this policy. It has shown that attainment of literacy has greatly improved and children have better knowledge. However, these schools that showed the highest levels were the ones that observed strict adherence to stipulated requirements. (Hoxby, 2003) Admission into fields of higher education During the nineties, the UK government realised that there are few people who pursue higher education. This could be attributed to the fact that most of them had not done so well in their GCSE exam and therefore felt no need to continue. Some of the people who made the choice not to pursue higher education ended up joining vocational schools. This is not such a bad thing when results emerging from it are capable of earning those students respectable jobs in the market. But this was not the case, most students attending vocational training were not able to get good jobs and this left a lot to be desired in the field of education. (Bradley, 2001) One policy that was passed in response to this need was the improvement of Vocational training. Since UK realised that there were substantial members from student bodies who preferred this system, then they decided to improve it. The government has focused on making vocational training more professional and lucrative in the job market. This has been achieved through introduction of the National Vocational Qualification which was designed to make this field more streamlined. The policy introduced the issue of apprenticeship where students could attend regular classes but at the same time practice their skills at a work place for a period of three years. This would go a long way in ensuring that students who complete vocational training are highly qualified and have adequate capability to meet the demand of the highly competitive labour market.(Dearden, 2002) Another aspect of policy within the UK that deals with encouragement of students to join higher education is the issue of Education Maintenance Allowance. This policy was introduced in order to encourage students coming from low income households to continue with higher education. This was a fee given to students between the ages of sixteen and nineteen who came from families that received low incomes. Homes that qualified had to be below a certain criteria designed by the government. The government realized that even if the quality of vocational schools had been improved, this was not enough to increase the numbers of students coming from poor homes. The allowance is continuously increased when students improve their performance thus encouraging them to keep up with attendance and to perform well.(Hoxby, 2003) You can get expert help with your essays right now. Find out more These reforms have had several effects on the education system in the UK. First of all, maintenance allowance has been very successful. A survey done on the year 2004 showed that there are 4.5 percent more students who continue onto higher education as a result of the introduction of an allowance. Besides this, it was found that retention rates increased to seven percent among males in their second nature. The research shows that most of these students were hindered from participating in higher education because students had insecurities about sources of funding. (Hansen and Vignoles, 2005) However, the vocational policies passed have not been very effective in bridging the gap between the academically qualified students and students who have passed through vocational training. The problem with this policy is that is has undergone too many reforms, consequently, employers are not aware of the exact curriculum that students follow within those vocational schools. Employers shun students who come from vocational schools because they believe that these students are the weak ones who could not qualify for other formal education systems. Some employers even prefer workers without any qualifications at all. The government should therefore focus on other more productive policies.(Chubb and Moe, 1990) Conclusion Education policy in the UK is constantly evolving. The most promising of these policies is that of inclusion of special needs children into mainstream schools. Vocational training policies have not been effective in encouraging students to pursue higher education. However, introduction of a centralised curriculum has improved performance. Similarly, introduction of quasi markets in education have also been highly successful.(Dixit, 2002) Reference: Besley, T. and M. Ghatak (2003): Incentives, Choice, and Accountability in the Provision of Public Services; Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Vol. 19, pp. 235-249 Blanden, J., P. Gregg and S. Machin (2005): Educational Inequality and Intergenerational, Mobility, in Machin, S. and A. Vignoles (eds.) What’s the Good of Education?; The Economics of Education in the United Kingdom, Princeton University Press Bradley, S. et al (2001): School Choice, Competition and the Efficiency of Secondary Schools in England; European Journal of Operational Research, No. 135, pp 527-544 Chubb, J and T. Moe (1990): Politics, Markets and UK’s Schools; The Brookings Institution Dearden, L. et al (2002): The Returns to Academic and Vocational Qualifications in Britain; Bulletin of Economic Research, No. 54, pp 249-274 Dixit, A. (2002): Incentives and Organizations in the Public Sector; Journal of Human Resources, No. 37, pp.696-727 Gibbons, S. et al (2005): Choice, Competition and Pupil Achievement; forthcoming Centre for Economics of Education Discussion Paper, No. 20, pp. 27 Gipps, C. and G. Stobart (1997): Assessment: A Teachers Guide to the Issues; Hodder and Stoughton Publishers Hansen, K. and A. Vignoles (2005): The United Kingdom Education System in an International Context, in Machin, S. and A. Vignoles (eds.) what’s the Good of Education?; The Economics of Education in the United Kingdom, Princeton University Press Hoxby, C. (2003): The Economics of School Choice, Chicago University Press Kingdon, M. and G. Stobart (1998): GCSE Examined; Falmer Press Le Grand, J. (1993): Quasi-markets and social policy; Macmillan Machin, S. and S. McNally (2004): The Literacy Hour; Centre for the Economics of Education Discussion, Paper 43 Machin, S. and A. Vignoles (2004): Educational Inequality: The Widening Socio-Economic Gap; Fiscal Studies, No.25, pp 107-28

The Santa Monica Bay Restoration :: Environment Environmental Pollution Essays

The Santa Monica Bay Restoration Pollution is a worldwide catastrophe that contaminates or destroys every living and non-living thing in its path. The earth is designed to constantly balance itself allowing plant and animal life the ability to thrive. Unfortunately when bombarded with chemicals, heavy metals and unnatural human waste, the earth exceeds its critical load and irreversible damage occurs. There are literally thousands of areas that have been negatively effected by the numerous types of pollution. To date there are over four thousand lakes alone where wildlife and human use ceases to exist. Pollution reeks such havoc on communities because it "knows no boundaries." Even if one country implements tough emission laws, a neighboring country's pollution may continue destroying its resources. To exemplify the ever increasing degree of pollution, I will be focusing on the Santa Monica Restoration Project. This project is an ongoing effort to maintain a clean and healthy environment in and surrounding the Santa Monica Bay so that plant and animal life are able to thrive. Unfortunately this project is continuously challenged by numerous pollutants. Pollution is a simplified way of classifying a multitude of harmful acts and elements. The Santa Monica Bay experiences pollution created by auto and homeowners, oil spills and leaks, gasoline and paint contamination from boats, wastewater from two local sewage treatment plants, litter and construction sediment. The goal of the restoration project is double fold. Number one, to clean up the bay in order to bring back plant and animal life that has either died or fled to other habitats, and two to make the individuals and companies who cause the contamination aware of the harmful acts they are engaging in daily. In many clean-up projects, officials initially point fingers at factories and large corporations assuming large facilities must be the cause of such horrendous pollutants. Unfortunately, what officials have discovered is that although industries do produce large amounts of waste, human activity produces even more. "Residential and open land uses together comprise ninety percent of the total Santa Monica Bay watershed area, and contribute eighty-two percent of the total runoff and the largest pollutant loads to the Bay." Auto and homeowners commit numerous actions that hurt the environment unknowingly. Simple acts such as overwatering one's lawn creates a runoff which cause pesticides and fertilizers to flow into storm drains that empty into the bay. Litter, pet waste and improperly disposed car care products cause the same problem.

A Brush Stroke With Air :: Research Papers

A Brush Stroke With Air The history of the airbrush dates back further than most people imagine. Prehistoric man created some of the first airbrushed images on the cave walls of Lascaux and Pech-Merle in southern France over 35,000 years ago by blowing pigment through a hollow pipe probably made of bone. More Early History The latest findings indicate that Abner Peeler was the actual inventor of the modern airbrush in the year 1878. Peeler described his invention as a paint distributor. While the Walkup brothers ( Liberty & Charles ) promoted and manufactured the airbrush, Peeler is credited with refining and improving the airbrush. In 1889, Charles Burdick made significant improvements to the function and design of the airbrush. This led to his invention of the internal mix airbrush. Thayer and Chandler began manufacturing an internal mix airbrush in 1893. After several changes, the two file a patent for what will be known as the modern airbrush. Its patented features include a trigger mechanism that is attached to a valve used to control the airflow and a replaceable tip. Just one month after it’s invention, he had made the first airbrush picture ever. Three years later, in 1881, Mr. Peeler sold his invention, the world rights and his patents to Liberty Walkup for $700.00. In 1883, the Rockford Airbrush Company was founded by Walkup to manufacture and promote the first airbrush to the public. Further findings indicate that Peeler helped make two improvements to the airbrush for which he was paid $150.00. Liberty Walkup claims he was working on an airbrush at the same time as Peeler; however, he never seemed to be involved with inventing in any capacity while Peeler was a life-long inventor of some note. (Paschal 8) The modern airbrush was invented as a direct result of the popularity of re-rendered photographs. The airbrush can simulate the feel of a photograph due to its ability to spray very fine dots and to develop an image without brushstrokes. During the late 1890s, sepia-rendered photographs became so popular that the demand for color re-renderings led to sweat-shop-type employment for airbrush technicians. In some instances, up to one hundred technicians were employed to retouch and color photographs. The studio was set up in a Rubens-like manner, in which each technician dealt with only one particular segment of the entire composition – i.

Alvin Ailey :: essays research papers

Alvin Ailey   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It was really impressive performance I ever seen. I like all programs and their performance was too attractive and interesting. I like lighting and music because it looked very decent with the performance. In addition, they organized it very well. I really like it. The following paragraphs give a few facts about Alvin Ailey and his background.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Alvin Ailey was born in Rogers, Texas on January 5, 1931 and moved to Los Angeles, California at the age of twelve. There, on a junior high school class trip to the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, he fell in love with concert dance. Inspired by performances of the Katherine Dunham Dance Company and classes with Lester Horton, Mr Ailey began his formal dance training. It was with Mr. Horton, the founder of the first racially integrated Dance Company in this country, that Mr. Ailey embarked on his professional dance career. After Horton's death in 1953, Mr. Ailey became the director of the Lester Horton Dance Theater and began to choreograph his own works. In 1954, he and his friend Carmen de Lavallade were invited to New York to dance in the Broadway show, House of Flowers by Truman Capote. In New York, Mr. Ailey studied with many outstanding dance artists, including Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman and took acting classes with Stella Adler. In 1958, Mr. Ailey founded his own company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. In 1960, he choreographed Revelations, the classic masterpiece of American modern dance based on the religious heritage of his youth. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Ailey created some 79 ballets, many of which have appeared in the repertoire of major dance companies, including American Ballet Theatre, The Joffrey Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Paris Opera Ballet and La Scala Ballet.

International Economy (Eu)& UK Construction Sector Essay

When John Maynard Keynes, father of modern microeconomics, first formulated the theory of how to increase national product, brass domestic production, and address the issues of inflation and unemployment, government spending was the example that he drew upon as one of the economic solutions in order to escape such problems which had significantly impacted the United States in many European countries and even resulted in the economic Great Depression. This is important especially for the topic of construction and infrastructure in the United Kingdom because, as the economist had place it, construction and infrastructure projects are the largest government spending economic activities (Begg et al. 2008). Therefore, in the question of economic development for the UK, construction in such public Works by the government is seen as the primary way in order to follow such economic concepts to avoid further microeconomic problems. However, economics understands that the local projects such as infrastructure that are created by the government in order to deliver services under the umbrella of public goods do not occur in a static situation and there are other external economic variables that are taken into consideration in such an occurrence(Begg et al. 2008). Therefore, especially in today’s global economy, the international economy plays an important role in the construction sector of the United Kingdom and that specific industry. The area of financing or one of the international economic factors that play a significant role. Remember that government infrastructure and public works projects are often extremely expensive public good initiatives that could not be handled and funded by local governments in that process. In the example of Third World countries, most development and infrastructure projects are gone about by borrowing in international institutions such as the World Bank and international monetary fund. In the United Kingdom, however, a first world country, even though they’re also funds allocated by the local government for such infrastructure projects, international financing through economic cooperation activities with other countries place the role of funding such government works (Obstfeld et al. 2005). The macro economic multiplier effect for labor and consumption claims that such funds that are borrowed from international economies may be repaid by the exponential growth in reduction in a country which is created by labor growth in labor consumption through production. Another importance of the international community to local construction projects is that construction and engineering eventually creates knowledge spillovers especially for countries that have made use of   the same kinds of infrastructure. Such knowledge spillovers are important especially in the generation of higher-level management and individuals who have knowledge — and eventually economies of scale — in such construction and infrastructure projects. Without previous knowledge, or costly for the United Kingdom to implement construction projects on its own especially for the relevant on the risk public works infrastructure (Caves 2007). In this respect, the European Union, the larger economic umbrella in the area, is able to address both these issues especially the first one. In international trade theory in economics, there are five levels of economic operations, where a trade union is the highest one that generates international capital mobility as well as international labor mobility among members of such trade union and economic cooperation (Artis & Nixson 2007). Therefore, the existence of European Union significantly contributes to improvements in the public works infrastructure sector of the United Kingdom.