Digital Fortress Chapter 15

Susan Fletcher sat at her computer terminal inside Node 3. Node 3 was the cryptographers' private, soundproofed chamber just off the main floor. A two-inch sheet of curved one-way glass gave the cryptographers a panorama of the Crypto floor while prohibiting anyone else from seeing inside. At the back of the expansive Node 3 chamber, twelve terminals sat in a perfect circle. The annular arrangement was intended to encourage intellectual exchange between cryptographers, to remind them they were part of a larger team-something like a code-breaker's Knights of the Round Table. Ironically, secrets were frowned on inside Node 3. Nicknamed the Playpen, Node 3 had none of the sterile feel of the rest of Crypto. It was designed to feel like home-plush carpets, high-tech sound system, fully stocked fridge, kitchenette, a Nerf basketball hoop. The NSA had a philosophy about Crypto: Don't drop a couple billion bucks into a code-breaking computer without enticing the best of the best to stick around and use it. Susan slipped out of her Salvatore Ferragamo flats and dug her stockinged toes into the thick pile carpet. Well-paid government employees were encouraged to refrain from lavish displays of personal wealth. It was usually no problem for Susan-she was perfectly happy with her modest duplex, Volvo sedan, and conservative wardrobe. But shoes were another matter. Even when Susan was in college, she'd budgeted for the best. You can't jump for the stars if your feet hurt, her aunt had once told her. And when you get where you're going, you darn well better look great! Susan allowed herself a luxurious stretch and then settled down to business. She pulled up her tracer and prepared to configure it. She glanced at the E-mail address Strathmore had given her. [email protected] The man calling himself North Dakota had an anonymous account, but Susan knew it would not remain anonymous for long. The tracer would pass through ARA, get forwarded to North Dakota, and then send information back containing the man's real Internet address. If all went well, it would locate North Dakota soon, and Strathmore could confiscate the pass-key. That would leave only David. When he found Tankado's copy, both pass-keys could be destroyed; Tankado's little time bomb would be harmless, a deadly explosive without a detonator. Susan double-checked the address on the sheet in front of her and entered the information in the correct data field. She chuckled that Strathmore had encountered difficulty sending the tracer himself. Apparently he'd sent it twice, both times receiving Tankado's address back rather than North Dakota's. It was a simple mistake, Susan thought; Strathmore had probably interchanged the data fields, and the tracer had searched for the wrong account. Susan finished configuring her tracer and queued it for release. Then she hit return. The computer beeped once. TRACER SENT. Now came the waiting game. Susan exhaled. She felt guilty for having been hard on the commander. If there was anyone qualified to handle this threat single-handed, it was Trevor Strathmore. He had an uncanny way of getting the best of all those who challenged him. Six months ago, when the EFF broke a story that an NSA submarine was snooping underwater telephone cables, Strathmore calmly leaked a conflicting story that the submarine was actually illegally burying toxic waste. The EFF and the oceanic environmentalists spent so much time bickering over which version was true, the media eventually tired of the story and moved on. Every move Strathmore made was meticulously planned. He depended heavily on his computer when devising and revising his plans. Like many NSA employees, Strathmore used NSA-developed software called BrainStorm-a risk-free way to carry out â€Å"what-if† scenarios in the safety of a computer. BrainStorm was an artificial intelligence experiment described by its developers as a Cause Effect Simulator. It originally had been intended for use in political campaigns as a way to create real-time models of a given â€Å"political environment.† Fed by enormous amounts of data, the program created a relationary web-a hypothesized model of interaction between political variables, including current prominent figures, their staffs, their personal ties to each other, hot issues, individuals' motivations weighted by variables like sex, ethnicity, money, and power. The user could then enter any hypothetical event and BrainStorm would predict the event's effect on â€Å"the environment.† Commander Strathmore worked religiously with BrainStorm-not for political purposes, but as a TFM device; Time-Line, Flowchart, Mapping software was a powerful tool for outlining complex strategies and predicting weaknesses. Susan suspected there were schemes hidden in Strathmore's computer that someday would change the world. Yes, Susan thought, I was too hard on him. Her thoughts were jarred by the hiss of the Node 3 doors. Strathmore burst in. â€Å"Susan,† he said. â€Å"David just called. There's been a setback.†

Physical Fitness: Betters Your Golf Game

Although golf may not seem like a sport that would require a lot of physical training, it does. People all over the world underestimate the proper physical training golfers need for their golf game to be at the level he or she aspires it to be at. Golf had always been viewed as a game of leisure, but today’s golfer is leaner, stronger, and fitter. Without spending hundreds of dollars on a teaching professional, and endless stressful hours at the golf course or driving range, one can improve his or her golf game by doing the proper combination of flexibility training, resistance training, cardiovascular training, using appropriate supplements, and eating a well balanced diet on a daily basis. Exercise also increases mental stamina, which lets a person work harder for a longer time (which is great for ones golf game)! Golf and flexibility go hand in hand. Flexibility training basically consists of you stretching and expanding your muscles to a certain extent (Appleton). There are plenty of different ways one can incorporate flexibility training in there daily workout and reduce the risk of future injuries by allowing blood to flow to the muscles. Resistance training is used to develop the strength and size of skeletal muscles, by doing physical workouts which is performed against a force generating resistance through anaerobic exercises (Piazza). It involves a great deal of body awareness, muscle control and coordination- all are key elements for improving a golfer’s game (Moorehouse). Golf deals with a great amount of aerobic exercises. Cardiovascular training places stress on the cardio respiratory system and strengthen the heart, lungs, and muscles through aerobic exercises (Pederson). It also is great for increasing ones endurance. Using the appropriate supplements will help fill the gaps in ones diet and provide sufficient, qualities of vital minerals that are often missed in processed foods (Kybartas). Vitamins and minerals are important to a high-quality performance because ones body is getting the proper nutrients it needs, and they help assist the body in muscle repair which decreases muscle soreness (Pederson). Eating a well balanced diet on a daily basis helps keep a person energetic and fit no matter his or her age (Arora). Flexibility is defined as the absolute range of movement in a joint or series of muscles that is attainable in a momentary activity that requires muscle involvement (Appleton). Most golfers do not take into consideration flexibility when it comes to training for golf but being flexible is a key component to the golf swing everyone desires. The three types of flexibility training are: functional, corrective, and active. Functional Flexibility is the ability of the pieces of the skeleton to move freely, easily, and fluidly float through the ranges of motion the joints and hinges were designed for (Anderson). It also has excellent enhancement on the extensibility of soft tissue. Corrective Flexibility is when one alters their joint motions and improves their muscle imbalances. Active Flexibility is the ability to assume and maintain extended positions using only the tension of the agonists while the antagonists are being extended (Anderson). No matter how similar the flexibility training is, each phase requires its own specific stretching techniques. Functional flexibility uses self-myofascial release and dynamic stretching such as yoga; corrective flexibility also uses self-myofascial release but instead of dynamic stretching it requires static stretching such as using a thick, large rubber band to stretch; and active flexibility is again using self-myofascial release just requiring active-isolated stretching such as lifting your leg and holding it in position with out any help from a person or piece of equipment (Quinn). Doing the correct stretching in the three different phases is beneficial also to ones health rather than just flexibility by reducing muscle tension and helping one be in a more relaxed state, on the physical and mental side. It also can reduce injury time after getting hurt, muscles soreness after a heavy workout, and decrease the chance of injuries. Stretching increases any golfers ability to perform what their swing coach is constantly telling him or her by about having the right â€Å"touch and feeling†, especially when trying to accomplish specific tasks by simply having the appropriate weight on each side of their body and eliminating the pressure in their grip which travels up their entire arm. Flexibility training is most important for golfers because it helps develop body control and awareness, allowing it to be easier to perform the exact motions in the golf swing that a swing coach asks of. Stretching a highly recommended and very important before, during, and after a round of golf not only to increase the player’s flexibility but to allow their body to swing more freely and improve club and distance control (Piazza). To be fully successful in the game of golf the player needs to attain a well balanced shoulder turn and reach a high finish by swinging the club, and to increase their range of motion, they need the proper flexibility training (Piazza). Resistance training is any type of exercise that causes the muscles to contract against an external resistance with the expectation of it increases in mass, tone, strength, and/or endurance (Doan). The external resistance training can be used with dumbbells, cables, rubber exercise tubing, ones own body weight, kettles, resistance bands or any object that can cause the muscles to contract. Cross training is one of the best forms of resistance training for a golfer because it lets the body do similar swing motions with cables as ones body would do during their natural back swing and follow through (Doan). Resistance training is a crucial component to improving ones golf game, and is beyond beneficial to the golfer itself. Resistance training can reduces the risk of a player injuring his or her self, the recovery time after an injury occurs, increase muscle control, reduce muscle soreness, and improve the performance of the player (Kuzmic 65). To develop greater power with less effort one must have balanced muscle developed in their body. This is most important because it lets the player generate more club head speed and hit the ball harder without using excess effort and causing tension on the swing (65). The key to hitting the ball straight is all in proper muscle balance and development allowing the golfer to use less effort and maintain relaxation as he or she applies more power. Also, there are many situations one can put his or her self into on the course such as, being in heavy sand, deep rough, or a bad buried lie where just pure strength is useful (67). Cardiovascular training is an aerobic form of exercise that helps develop the heart, the lungs, and the vascular system (Thomas). Improving your cardiovascular system can boost energy, increase endurance, stamina and therefore mental focus. A quality cardiovascular workout will do wonders for a person’s body by improving their lungs, heart, and lowering their heart rate and blood pressure. Exercise also builds up the immune system helping to protect ones body from illnesses (Pederson). Good cardiovascular activities one can do to have an effective workout without owning a gym pass is swimming, jogging, running, brisk walking, bike riding, jump roping, and rowing. If some prefer their local gym and being indoors rather than outdoors there are also many good types of equipment that can be used such as; the treadmill, an indoor bike, the stair master, and the elliptical. Many golfers tend to focus a bit more on their cardiovascular workout because golf and cardio training are connected whether some may believe it or not. Since exercise increases mental stamina as well physical, it gives the golfer the ability to work hard for a longer time, which is ideal in golf (Pederson). An average golfer takes approximately eighty to two hundred swings per round, carries about a forty five pound golf bag on a course that can be flat or angulated and is five to six miles long, with a round that can last anywhere from four and a half to six hours long. These factors all add up to a golfers tendency to make improper choices in shot selection, decrease of leg drive in the follow through, and shank shots as the round comes closer to the eighteenth hole. Muscles of the core are the powerhouse of a good golf swing, so therefore proper conditioning such as cardiovascular training will make a huge difference in the power one gets from longer shots (Quinn). When people think of performance-enhancing sports nutrition supplements, they probably do not think of golfers. Well taking appropriate supplements is beneficial for a golfer because a good supplement will let them keep mental focus longer and play better golf. A good supplement will help fill the gaps in a diet and provide vital minerals that are usually missed in processed foods that are important for the body, in order to have a high quality performance (Kybartas). A quick and easy alternative to fatty, unhealthy foods are shakes or protein bars because a golfer knows they are getting the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, and plus they can eat them on the go or carry them in their golf bag for during the round or practices (Matics). Amino acids are extra important to have before and after cardio and resistance training because it will help prevent muscle soreness by giving off protein directly to the muscles and can effectively maintain neurotransmitters in the brain for after workouts (Brewer and Gorosteroga). When using the appropriate supplements a golfer is increasing his or her endurance, health and fitness level on and off the golf course allowing them to live a better, healthier life and be more successful on the golf course. Eating a well balanced diet on a daily basis helps keep a person’s well being stable such as; their health, energy level, physical appearance, and athletic performances because when one has the right eating habits on a daily basis they are in less risk of being obese, having a stroke, having high blood pressure, diabetes, or osteoporosis (Kuzmic 123). Eating five or six small meals a day rather than three large meals helps increase the metabolic rate, feeling hungry between meals and over eating during meals, it also helps keep a persons energy level up, maintain the proper blood sugar level, and reduces the chance of getting a head ache (Arora). A healthy balanced diet one should follow on a daily basis consists of eating the appropriate amounts of foods from the five basic food groups which are: carbohydrates, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and protein. One also needs the six essential nutrients to live and perform well, those being: carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals, vitamins, and water (Home Health-UK). Knowing when, what, and how to eat can really make a difference in a golfers game (Kuzmic 128). A full stomach can cause the body to switch attention and blood flow to the digestive system instead if the muscles that are essential for golf, therefore it is not recommended to eat too much before a round of golf or during the round. Hydration is an crucial component in the successfulness of ones golf game, a golfer should drink any where from eight to ten glasses of water a day (Breland). Staying hydrated helps a golfer stay away from getting lightheaded, and weak on the course. Small portioned, portable, healthy snacks such as cut up fruit, granola bars, or whole wheat crackers are good to eat during a round because they are full of slow-burning fuel that can help a golfer get through a round without fatigue (Kuzmic 128). So with that said, eating a balanced diet on a daily basis helps a golfer stay fit and keep their energy level Being physically fit is the component to playing the round of golf every golfer desires for. And to achieve that, one must do the proper combination of flexibility training, resistance training, cardiovascular training, use appropriate supplements, and eat a well balanced diet on a daily basis. If one does those five simple key ingredients, they will find themselves driving the ball further, having better ball control, being more accurate with their shots, and keeping the right mental and physical stamina on the golf course. All it takes is a few hours a week of physical training and changing a few bad eating habits and one is closer to a more enjoyable round of lower scores. When a golfer builds up their golf energy by being flexible, achieving resistance for their swing, having a stronger mental and physical endurance by cardio, adding nutritional supplements, and eating good healthy foods, they can become a stronger golfer and enjoy the game of golf even more.

Abused Men: The Hidden Side of Domestic Violence Essay

Annotative Bibliography Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This book gives us the history about assault on spouses. Dutton talks of two major social phenomena that emerged in North American and the Western countries in Europe. Long and tedious struggle of women led their rights get recognized. It goes further to state the measures and incidences of violence including theories concerning women as sault. The cycle of violence and people who possess abusive personalities are state devenas sault on men.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ideas in this book are crucial for they teach about recognizing one another especially those who possess violent personalities. It is good for the society for it educates one to accept one’s rights and difference between marriage duties and rights. It also shows us that we can eliminate all odds in our society and try to make each and every person feel that he or she belongs to it fully without any intimidation or discrimination.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dutton’s ideas can be used to help those who possess abusive personality by attending psychiatrists and avoid in ganyabusive behavior. It can be used to educates pouses in a marriage so that they will evade future marriage problems. Also, in the current globalized world, the ideas in this book can help us socialize and live together in peace and harmony especially in the domestic set up. This book can help people who are married to other cultures to harmonize or leave those cultures and then live with the acceptance and respect of each other’s rights.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Weiss, Elaine. Surviving Domestic Violence: Voices of Women Who Broke Free. Volcano: Volcano Press, 2004. Print.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this book, Surviving Domestic Violence: Voices of Women Who Broke Free, Weiss wrote about several stories of women who had been subjected to domestic violence. She got these stories by interviewing and later writing them down. The book talks of what they went through and how they later managed to escape it. It gives reasons as to why such incidences were happening. After escape, the women took a very long time finally to recover the psychological and wounds they got due to this violence. But also, some were yet to recover fully for the or deal they went through changed their lives negatively. Those who man aged to deal with stress after coming out say that they are stronger than ever.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The different stories taught in this book are the true causes and effects of domestic related violence. They bring a bout what one goes through and how one feels while under going the violence. Also, it helps to understand what to do when such incidences happen. It also shows its effects and how they change one’s life, therefore, targeting those who abuse their partners. This book is a very good example as it shows us that those who have already freed themselves from them aritalabuses can educate others like they out hand couples about domestic violence so that they refrain from them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The stories are very encouraging for they give people motivation to solve their problems and also how one can escape this. They can be used by those specialists in parental guidance and counseling to help them shape their marriage when such incidences are reported to them and even before couples get married. The ideas in this book can enable those undergoing abuses to get out and look for a better marriage partner. One only needs to accept that he or she is undergoing domestic violence and there fore fit cannot solve; one can boldly walk away and start life afresh. Marriage is not slavery, but it’s a path towards achieving your goals in life as one needs a partner who is willing to assist where possible so that they make all their dreams in life to happen.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Abused Men: The Hidden Side of Domestic Violence Cook, Philip W. Abused Men:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Hidden Side of Domestic Violence. Westport: Praeger, 2009. Print. Cook exposes humongous through domestic violence silently. He talks of how real it is that men are going through domestic violence without the society suspecting. He brings several stories of men who have been undergoing through such violence from their wives for a longtime. Then goes further to give tips that can help one to find freedom from any form of abuse. He talks of resist ascend acceptance for those who are abusing their spouses and how they come to realize that each and every person deserves respect. He also talks of new great approaches that can be used to reduce domestic violence. He then gives survey statistics of domestic violence in Canada and also how the relationship changes between the offenders to their victims.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The story is helpful in realizing what some men undergo. It gives statistics of domestic violence that people are not ready to discuss. The society is helped to recognize men who are undergoing domestic abuses from their spouses. The statistics helps people to know how long they have been living with their friends undergoing abuses without even realizing it. It talks of acceptance that can help those who are yet to accept their spouse the way they are. It is helpful for it shows how much men can be subjected to torture with use of dangerous tools. Such tools include; knives, machetes and any other type of a life-threatening tool or machine so that one can force their partner to follow their commands.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cook’s ideas can be used to know theme who are undergoing abuses from their wives and enable us to help them come out of the problem. Also, it encourages courage especially those who are not courageous enough to come out and tell their ordeal to the society. This book can help men to free themselves away from any form of abuse and intimidation from their partners. This book is crucial as it can be used to tell the extent in which men undergo violence in real life situations. Men can also use this book to help them evade any other form of domestic violence against them and there fore reducing the number of men who die as a result of domestic violence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Howard, Louise, Louise Howard, Gene Feder, and Roxane Agnew-Davies. Domestic Violence and Mental Health. London: RCPsych Publications, 2013. Print.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This book has been written collectively by different authors who specialize in domestic violence ideas. Its about prevalence and physical health impacts of domestic violence. It talks about types of abuses in marriage such as physical abuse, sexualabuse, psychologic alabuseand coercive control and also it questions them and gives clues on their solution. It also tackles the effects of a person’s psychology which is deeply affected even in the future that may not get them out of his mind. It stresses on the survival strategies to evade such a busesand also how one can control his or her mind to avoid damaging his or her psychology. In addition, it states the methods of interventions and responses people can take after or when you suspect any form of violence. Advice from professionals on domestic violence is also written down.This text has directives on what causes mental problems after abuse. It also gives us ways on how to control our selves and maintain a state of calmness so as not disturb our stressed mind. It educates us on different forms of domestic violence. Different qualified professionals wrote it, and each field is well represented. It is an important text for it has the advices on domestic violence from professionals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The story in this book can help us to evade mental problems due to domestic abuses. It can also be used by psychiatrists to know what causes a certain mental disorder, and they can use the idea shere to enable their clients who are undergoing this problem to get out of it. It can also be used to educate couples so that when they are not in good terms to try to their best solve the problem before itgets out of hand. The advices written in this book can also apply in the same way to advice people especially those undergoing domestic violence depending on the cause and the kind of violence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kubany, Edward S., Mari A. McCaig, and Janet R. Laconsay. Healing the trauma of domestic violence: A workbook for women. New Harbinger Pubns Inc, 2004. Print.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The book, Healing the Trauma of Domestic Violence: A Workbook for Women, is directed to those who have bee nfreed from domestic violence and especially women. Due to violent domestic situations, one may develop post-traumatic stress disorders which are not easy to get out of one’s mind and can negatively affect that person. It aims at giving programs known as cognitive trauma therapy which one undergoes to help him or her comeback to normal. It gives the techniques one can use them to help himself or herself by identifying any form of trauma and distress. And by so doing it can enable one to deal with it to help control and change his or her life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This book is targeting those who have been affected by domestic violence so that they come back to normal for those who were traumatized. It is an educational tool for the society to understand the devastating effects of wife battering. Therefore, it makes us even to identify those who are going through post-traumatic stress. It contains technics, and procedures one can follow so that they make him deal any results brought by domestic violence. It is also helpful as I the psychoses out any fears one has due to what they went through during that horrifying period of domestic violence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Psychiatrists can use this book to help traumatized people by helping them to comeback to normal. The ideas here can help us even to identify those going through stress in their marriage so that they help before it’s too late. Parents who are not in good terms can use this book to read and understand what one may go through if such incidences happen. The techniques in this book about dealing with trauma after violence can be used by psychiatrists to help client swhounderwentt his or deal. Therefore, they identify what the form of trauma is, and this can help them to accordingly better their lives. It can also be used individually as one can remember well what went wrong in that marriage and helped them better their lives. References Cook, Philip W. Abused Men: The Hidden Side of Domestic Violence. Westport: Praeger,  2009. Print. Dutton, Donald G. Rethinking Domestic Violence. Vancouver: UBC Press,  2006. Print. Howard, Louise, Louise Howard, Gene Feder, and Roxane Agnew-Davies. Domestic Violence and Mental Health. London: RCPsych Publications,  2013. Print. Kubany, Edward S., Mari A. McCaig, and Janet R. Laconsay. Healing the trauma of domestic violence: A workbook for women. New Harbinger Pubns Inc, 2004. Print. Weiss, Elaine. Surviving Domestic Violence: Voices of Women Who Broke Free. Volcano: Volcano Press,  2004. Print. Source document

Developmental Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Developmental - Essay Example the answer would always be â€Å"I played with my friends.† My mother says that it was only after a year at preschool that I began to give details of my daily happenings. During this period I experienced a number of firsts. I entered school for the first time. I made friends for the first time and according to my teachers I would organize the games for my friends and me to play. I really do not remember what the names of my teachers were but I do remember they were a friendly, kind and loving bunch. Another significant event in my early childhood was the birth of my baby brother. At first I would not understand why he was there but eventually I began to love him. However, loving him did not imply that every toy he got really belonged to him. Sometimes, I would fight with him for a toy that I had chosen for him. My mother reminds me that I would consider everything in the house as belonging to me. The house was mine. The refrigerator and everything in it was mine and certainly my baby brother was mine. Specifically, I remember that I called the next-door neighbor my sister. My mother would always repeat the story of the day that I told her that she had a â€Å"gina† and my grandmother had a â€Å"gina† but my father, my next door neighbor and I had penises. My next door neighbor is now my girlfriend and I discovered that she never had a penis. At age two when other children would only have about 50 words in their vocabulary, I believe I had about one hundred. I loved to talk and I still do. Also I have always loved music and my father would buy instruments for me which I would destroy before the month was through in order to fix them. I have always been a fun loving person. As a child I would enjoy going to the beach. During my preschool years I learnt to swim, to appreciate music and to use the computer. I was usually a happy child. My parents’ friends would tell me that all they remember of me as a young child is my ready smile. It took me a

Why having a large vocabulary is good Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Why having a large vocabulary is good - Essay Example A bewildering vocabulary entraps aghast and paranoid occupants of the society and provides them with a most comfortable place to live. The elegant and charismatic words, help in evading disputes. Proper use of vocabulary helps people in integrating their dispersed thoughts in an efficient way. Moreover, to properly utilize the liberty of thoughts and expression a person needs to have a large vocabulary. Having a large vocabulary stops people from lament over the lack of words to explain their thoughts. An efficient use of vocabulary ensembles the ideas and produces a long-lasting effect on people. Hence, the beauty of words is the most powerful weapon against the prejudices, disputes, arguments and literary wars that exist today. Having a large vocabulary for the cause of sharing ideas, sympathizing people, literary expressionism and a tool to fight against the vices of society is a great success of an individual. Hence, large vocabulary not only helps in good academic outcomes but a lso affect the social order and perceptions of people if used

Describe the key accounting concepts and discuss how they enhance the Essay

Describe the key accounting concepts and discuss how they enhance the usefulness of financial statements for external users - Essay Example Three of the most critical financial statements that companies must prepare at the end of every financial year include the statement of financial position, income statement and statement of cash flow (Atrill et al. 2011, p. 62). Because users of financial statements make decisions based on the information presented in these financial statements, accountants are expected to ensure that the information presented is as accurate as possible and are in tandem with the accounting concepts and principles. Accountants are expected to follow the accounting concepts and principles in preparing financial statements to ensure that users are not misled by the adoption of practices and policies that are in violation of the accounting profession. Therefore, before publishing, financial statements, accountants are expected to ensure that the treatment of the accounts is consistent with the established accounting concepts and policies. IASB Framework recognizes a number of accounting concepts that ac countants must adhere to in preparing the financial statements. The first major accounting concept followed in preparing final accounts is the going concern concept. When preparing financial statements, accountants are expected to make an assumption that the company will continue operating in the foreseeable future without the possibility of the management ceasing operations. Therefore, when preparing final accountants, accountants must assume that will realize its assets and pay its debts in the normal course of business operations. The adoption of going concern concept is critical since it informs the external users that the management of the company has no intention whatsoever of liquidating or ceasing the operation of the firm in the near future (Atrill et al. 2011, p. 67). Adoption of going concern concept in the preparation of final accounts is critical since it shows investors that their investments are safe as the company has no intention of

PDA SIM Strategies Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

PDA SIM Strategies - Assignment Example Also, there should be a target of assigning the necessary resources to the segments that are being profitable. This strategy might not be immediately very profitable, as there will probably be some more inherent costs, even though some profit is expected, which will help in the company's actual financial situation. It is essential to start thinking about producing and marketing new products with the same characteristics which the actual consumers need. The products that the customers want to be on the market should be concentrated on, rather than continuing to offer the same customized products. I have learned from this simulation that in order to create demand, there has to be adequate investment in hiring of sales offices, web centers, customer service, promotions and advertising. I feel that for better profitability, there must be good relations with suppliers and customers. According to Kreitner and Kinicki, "Effective change requires reinforcing new behaviors, attitudes and organizational practices" (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2004). Also, having the right products, in the exact moment seems to require quite some time, and I think this is another important issue to be considered. When an organisation has produced the right product or services, they would want to deliver it according to other current products and happenings in the actual market, and also according to what the competition is doing. I think it is important for the company to examine what the priorities are, and to review the currently established brand service prices.Since the X7 handheld is in its growth phase, there are many potential X7 customers in the market. So, most of the customers for the X7 will be new customers. 1. How you did on this round (Better or worse What was your score). Better 2. Why do you think you did better (or worse) I was able to appreciate the nature of the pda marketing strategies better. 3. What changes in strategy will you make for the final round The performance of the X7 is holding steady, as compared with the competition, so I will increase its production and sales Works cited Kreitner, R., Kinicki, A. (2003). Organizational behavior New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies. Retrieved February 12, 2007 from University of PhoenixResource, MBA520 Resource optimization website http://forio.com/pdasim.htm

Reaction paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 19

Reaction paper - Essay Example This was a bunker designed for war yet Germans managed to creatively put a semblance of home. On a larger scale, this can be reflected in the products that they make which reflects utmost creativity. There is a famous saying in German that goes "Wenn schon, denn schon". It meant that if there is something that is worth doing, it is worth doing right. In short, Germans are perfectionist with work and do not do half baked and half hazard jobs and this complements their creativity that led them to produce cars that is a symbol of luxury and creativity. There is another German clichà © that goes "Ordnung muß sein!" It meant order and everything should be done by the rules. As a result, they are conscious about time that being late among Germans is unthinkable and this reflects how they put value to orderliness. In a way Americans share the same creativity, thoroughness and orderliness with Germans but not on the same level. Gleaning on the example given about cars, Americans has Ford and General Motors which is not really at par with German Mercedez Benz and

Reflective Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reflective - Research Paper Example On the other hand, controlling describes a means of ensuring that organizational performance does not diverge from standards. Controlling it establishes standards of performance, compares real performance against organizational standards and takes necessary corrective actions. Planning as a core management function in Starbucks commercial takes both command groups and self-managed teams in the concept of individual versus group decision making. In Starbucks Company, the human resource department has been planned as a self managed team to set its own goals, develop strategies and outline schedules of evaluating and hiring new employees to supervise delivery and storage of coffee by customers. Starbucks executives are organized as self-managed teams to work in their departments and directly report to the managing director in the main office (Galloway, 1998). The implication of using this concept is that it allows use of group decision-making methods like dialectical inquiry, brainstorming and nominal group technique that improve the process of decision-making in Starbucks Company. Coffee customers are involved in brainstorming groups to verbally suggest good ideas of improving the performance of the company. Organizing, a core management function in O*NET website takes a good organizational culture as a concept to give a detailed work descriptions to the world for workforce development by human resource professionals, researchers, job seekers and students. Managers of O*NET website have put shared principles, values, ways and traditions of job analysis and career exploration to influence the way organizational employees act. The strong organizational culture has influenced the structure of O*NET website in which the major values of the organization are widely shared and deeply held. The implications of organizing a strong organizational culture in O*NET website has attracted high-level employee talent. Talented

Malcom X Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Malcom X - Essay Example His school of thought was to encourage and exhorted black Americans to condemn racism ‘by any means possible† including violence. On this stand, he challenged other civil rights movement and had differences in opinion to other leaders like Martin Luther King, who championed nonviolent pursuit of integration. The civil rights activist broke with the Nation of Islam shortly before he was assassinated on the 21st of February, 1965 in Manhattan at the Audubon Ballroom where he prepared to deliver his speech. Malcolm X was the fourth child out of the eight born to Earl Little, the preacher and Louise Little, a homemaker. Earl Little was an active and dedicated member of Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and a great follower of Marcus Garvey then, the leader of black nationalists. Due to his civil rights activism, his family always faced threats from the white supremacist groups, for example, the Ku Klux Klan and the Black Legion. Malcolm X described the trauma from her mothers’ story during his speeches. He actually had his first experience with racism before he was born. When his mother was pregnant with him, Ku Klux Klan riders stormed their home with shotguns and rifles and commanded his father to get out. The frequent harassments influenced Earl Little to move his family to East Lasing, Michigan. The kind of racism the family went through in East Lasing was even greater because soon after they moved, in 1929, a mob of racist burnt their house. The firemen and the white police stood around and watched the house burn to the ground. It got much worse in 1931, when Earl Little’s body was found in a municipal streetcar where he laid dead. Although it was clear he was murdered, the police ruled out his death as suicide. Malcolm’s mother did not recover from the shock and got admitted in a mental institution while Malcolm lived with family friends. Malcolm X went to West Junior High School and was the only black student in the school.

Applied Marketing Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Applied Marketing Management - Essay Example The report discusses and analyse the overall brand management at Marks & Spencer. This report starts with a brief history and Marks & Spencer and about Marks & Spencer's brand and then extends further discussing its advertisement, brand equity, positioning etc. Main information is gathered through the internet and magazines and the analysis is also done with the help of the above mentioned sources. In the end recommendation are also given in the light of the discussions throughout the report. Marks & Spencer commonly known "M & S" is one of the top British retailer companies. It is ranked amongst the most prestigious chain of stores in the UK and is the largest clothing retailer in the UK by turnover. It also is a multi-billion pound food retailer. Most of its shops sell both of these categories. Marks & Spencer also has a third product line related to home wares such as bed linen, but this is far smaller than the other two. For much of the 20th century M&S was regarded as the leading retailer in the United Kingdom, and an icon of British business. ... In 1997 it became the first British retailer to make a profit before tax of over 1 billion, though within a couple of years it plunged into a crisis from which it has not yet fully recovered. It is now less than one quarter of the size of the UK's largest and most profitable retailer, Tesco. In 2006, M&S has opened a Technology Department in each flagship Store (http://www.marks-and-spencer.co.uk). Branding history of M&S: In the late 1990s, The St Michael brand was discontinued in favour of Marks & Spencer. When Stuart Rose took over in 2004, he introduced a new promotional brand under the "Your M&S" banner, with a corresponding logo. This has now become the company's main brand in its advertising, online presence and in-store merchandising. The clean font and modern colours of the new image are somewhat incongruous alongside the traditional M&S signage and associated fittings that still adorn the stores themselves. In fact the only thing they have in common is the use of M&S traditional green in the ampersand of the new logo. This may seem confusing at first, but the new look has been instrumental in the company's recent resurgence, particularly with the success of a new clothing campaign featuring the legendary model, Twiggy, and younger models associated with the bohemian styles of 2005-6, and the TV ad campaign for their food range featuring Dervla Kirwan and the tagline "This is not just food, this is M&S food". In 2006, "look behind the label" slogans were introduced by M&S and have been extremely successful. Fair trade clothing and foodstuffs are rolled out by all stores and all coffee and tea served in store cafe's are fair trade. Fishing is good for the environment also, so is the way that stores manufacture goods and recycle all of their waste

Anaylsis of gambling industry Essay Example for Free

Anaylsis of gambling industry Essay Introduction A service is the result of applying human or mechanical efforts to people or objects. Services are intangible products involving a deed, a performance or an effort which cannot be physically possessed (s dibb, 1994). Within this report their will be a number of topics discussed including the marketing mix, the effects of gambling and the ongoing conflict between services and product. These topics will be referred to the specific service which is the gala casino in Edinburgh. Methodology. In the UK there are many different gambling bodies, such as Gala, William Hill and Betfred. The gambling industry is one of the most successful services in the Britain.. Gala casinos are owned by the Gala Group who in 2005 merged with another European gambling business Coral Eurobet to create Europes largest integrated betting group. At present, Gala employs over 17000 people and generates over ? 400 million per annum, serving over 2 million customers (Gala Group, 2005). The casino that this report will focus on will be the Maybury Casino in Edinburgh, which is owned by Gala. Despite it being a large city, there are only two casinos in Edinburgh, the Maybury being the bigger and more successful, rather than the William Hill casino closer to the centre of town. The casino has a high quality restaurant which is used all year round. Unlike some casinos, the Maybury has all the major casino tables, such as craps, roulette, blackjack and various types of poker. It has also has two function rooms mainly used for poker tournaments or mah-jong tables. Main body Marketing mix The marketing mix is key when developing any business whether it is a product based company or a service provider. The marketing mix is a very simple tool yet effect is basically a step to step guide on how to market the product(foxall, 1999). The following are the main marketing mix elements which refer to all business however in some cases a further 3 of physical evidence, people and process, all of these ingredients mask a major role of the retailer which is to select and acquire goods in order to sell their product (d Gilbert, 1999) Place For many different services the location of a business is a powerful marketing tool by itself( d Carson, 1991) . For example: the Waverley Hotel on Princes Street is on one of the busiest streets in the country and is therefore almost guaranteed to make a profit. Although this is not really the case for the Maybury Casino, it is still in a good position. It is situated in Corstorphine which is just out of the centre of Edinburgh. Despite this distance from the busy city centre, its location does allow for increased space. Most customers would want a casino closer to the centre of Edinburgh, but this would almost certainly mean that the venue would be smaller, with higher costs for the customer and the business. Having the business out of town allows for more space which in turn means the company can offer a better service to the customers. The other advantage of this location is that it is situated next to the main road into Edinburgh from Fife, going through Haymarket. This allows passers by to see the establishment. The benefit to having this out of town location is access: it is very simple to travel to the casino as Edinburgh has an award winning bus service with more than two buses running 24 hours a day that go past the casino. Price is one of the most difficult aspects of the marketing mix to tackle. Companies can do many things with promotion and can offer great products, but when it comes down to it, the cost of this is all that the vast majority of customers are interested in(j lee, 2002) Price is tricky when it comes to gambling, as it is an entertainment industry solely based on money. All casinos are always going to cost money when it comes to betting on tables, so there is nothing any one particular company can do differently, as it is generally up to the customer how much they spend. However, there are other aspects that are important in this industry, the main one being the membership price. The Maybury Casino does not charge a membership fee ? this is quite rare for most casinos. This is an enormous marketing tool in itself, as the amount of gamblers and money spent on gambling is increasing. Therefore, if it is free to play then this will entice gamblers even more, and at the end of the day free is free. Another aspect of price is the poker room. This room is used for weekly poker tournaments, which is something that a lot of casinos do. However the Gala Casino differs from others: poker is one of the fastest growing pastimes, which has encouraged Gala to offer poker tournaments every day of the week with different price levels. Having all these different price levels can encourage a larger range of customers, allowing those with less money to not miss out. One of the best reasons for the lower priced tournaments is the large amount of students this attracts. Students generally have less money than most members of the public, and as poker is becoming increasingly popular with younger people today, the casino is therefore an affordable place they can go with friends. The general misconception about casinos is that they are for older businessmen who enjoy an expensive lifestyle and are happy to have expensive food and drink prices, but this is not the case. The prices of the drinks in the casino are the same as most Edinburgh bars with similar ranges and well trained staff. The restaurant is of a high quality and not overpriced. Therefore, it cannot be said that the price of the establishment could be responsible for putting people off going to the Casino. Promotion in general is harder for a service rather than a product. This is especially the case when referring to casinos. The only way in which casinos tend to promote themselves is in the actual casino itself. Casinos cannot advertise in the same way that normal products can, due to legislations so they rely heavily on word of mouth. In some ways, promotion is actually very important to a service, (especially this type of service) as they are relying on their own performance to act as their promotion. Product This is the most important part of the marketing mix for a service, as this is all they have. In regards to a service this element is basically the result of the previous three elements of the marketing mix without this one they all fail. In all aspects of retail, whether it is in a service or providing a product, it is this that matters to the customer. It does not matter how they promote it or at what price they sell it at they will fail either way if the product is not up to standard. The three extra elements only really refer to services due to the intangible element of human behaviour, where quality and its control is off paramount importance(d Gilbert,1999 ) People are also vital in services as they are your promotion they do all the work. Again the service as a whole can be great but if it is not applied properly by the staff then this becomes irrelevant. They employees are the face of the service so they must look and act in the way that is suitable for the service such as in the bank clean and in a shirt and tie. Process is very similar to some of the other elements as this is the procedures that are undertaken in providing the service. Other elements of process are the information that is available about the service, if customers are not aware of the details of the service they are unlikely to take part. Physical evidence is reasonably self explanatory, it is the physical elements the tangible elements of the service for example in a hotel the cleanliness of the curtains would be an example of physical evidence. Effects of gambling on society Gambling is one service (unlike most) where it can be taboo in mainstream society to advertise or promote itself. There are many laws and regulations on gambling such as (Hanson, 2005). For casinos to make a profit and to attract customers they have to rely on peoples need for gambling. Many people feel that gambling is immoral and praying on the weakness of others and their lack of discipline; because of this many people feel that gambling should be abolished completely. However despite those people who do not agree with gambling, there are plenty of individuals who support it. Many people feel that it is their own choice to spend their own money, and the few who lack the discipline to control their gambling should not stop others who can. With the relatively recent boom of internet gambling, especially poker, gambling is becoming more and more of a hot topic with governments and groups throughout the world. Casinos should take advantage of this surge of interest in gambling in order to make a profit and keep it available to customers; however, they should also remember to do so without angering people. Difficulty of services compared to products Citizens of the Western world are living in increasingly service-based economies. Services are no longer a minor or superficial part of economies, but go to the heart of value creation within the economy. (Palmer 2004) What Palmer is suggesting here is that services are no longer viewed in the traditional way as an unproductive aspect of the economy, but are now the base of many economies. In spite of this it is still incredibly difficult to succeed in a service. In general it is much easier to sell a tangible product people can see, touch or taste before purchasing (c gronroos, 1978). Service providers must rely on the quality of their own performance with many variables that can scupper a good experience. This however can all depend on the economy of the country, i. e. providing a service in a country such as Portugal where many other nations go to vacation and for many parts of the country being a service provider is simpler such as bars in a busy tourist area. This is not so much the case in the more powerful countries such as the UK, U. S. A and France. These countries are very much consumer driven and succeeding as a service provider can be difficult in many ways due to the attitude of society in the 21st century. There are, like previously mentioned, so many variables which can effect a service provider and with most customers being viewed as fickle if the service in anyway is not more than their level of tolerance they will try bring this service down. There will always be a conflict between services and products and each has their day in certain societies. Conclusion The service provider chosen has pros and cons from many different topics. The difficulties that a casino like this faces will never change and it is not an attack on the way in which they are providing this service it is always going to be on the service itself and societys view of it. The service encounter was however more full of positive notes rather than negative. In order to get past people views on gambling, they have decided to divert all their efforts on how they provide this service and in this, there are few flaws. integral to the selling activity in all markets( dibb, 2001) They have utilised ever point of the marketing mix well and definitely to their advantage, providing the best service possible to customers. Their use of location is especially impressive, normally out of town locations can prove to be a stumbling block for many services but the casino has utilised it to their advantage and turned being an in-town location into the less popular of the two. The conflict between services and products is always going to be around. However services are growing and growing with 73% of the employees working in the UK are working in the service sector (ILO, 1999). To conclude, if services are to be performed in such a manner as the Gala casino then the service industry will continue to rise.

The Acoustic Phonetics English Language Essay

The Acoustic Phonetics English Language Essay The chapter Vowels, acoustics events with a relatively open vocal tract deals with the examination of the various acoustic properties that can result when the vocal tract is in relatively open configuration. The chapter discusses primarily the sounds produced when the narrowest point in the vocal tract is not sufficiently constricted for modes of vibration for which the average airflow is not large enough to cause a significant pressure drop at the constriction. This configuration is normally associated with vowel sounds. The author explains formant bandwidths for vowels by describing the vocal tract as a pole or a tube and when this has no branches or cross modes and the source of sound is a volume velocity source at the glottis, the transfer function to the volume velocity at the mouth opening is an all pole function. When the shape of the vocal tract is changed due to the position of the body of the tongue or any other structure the frequency at the glottis also changes. at occasi ons there are acoustic losses in the vocal tract and these are due to various reasons such as vocal tract walls, viscosity, heat conduction and radiation. The author has used a graph to explain the acoustic loss caused by these factors, and it also measures the frequency. The data in the graph was obtained from sweep-tone measurements, in which estimates of the transfer function were made by applying a transducer to the neck surface and measuring the sound pressure radiated from the mouth using a sinusoidal source. The glottis were closed when the measurements were made. From the graph it is under stood that there is a difference in frequency between male and female and radiation casuses the most of acoustic loss. The two figures also show the average values of the bandwidths of the first three formants for several vowel configurations were 54 , 65, 70 Hz respectively, with the first formant band varying from 39 to73 Hz for different vowels. In the high frequency range above about 2 000 Hz , a major contributor to the bandwidth is acoustic loss is radiation but there is also considerable variability in the format bandwidths at these frequencies depending primarily on the size of the mouth opening and the cavity affiliation of first format frequency. High vowels: A number of acoustic, physiological and auditory factors combine to define a category of vowels that are produced with a high tongue body position and a low first formant frequency. The impedance of vacal tract walls contributes to stability of first format, the tongue surface in the lateral direction can be shaped to produce a stable acoustic output (atleast tongued body positions) that is insensitive to the degree of contraction for the muscles controlling tongue height and the auditory responses to sound with a low with a low f1 appears to have distinctive properties. Front back distinction We find a common acoustic consequence of front back displacements of the tongue body independent of tongue height. Forward movement of the tongue body causes an increase of the second formant-frequency to maximum value consistent to the types of constrictions that are possible for the different tongue heights. This maximum value is higher for the high vowels than for the low vowels. For the highest tongue body position, and, to some extent for the intermediate position, the third and fourth formants combine with the second to produce a center of gravity of the higher frequency spectral prominence that is higher than F2. front vowels then are always characterized by a broad minimum or empty space in the spectrum in the mid frequency between F1 and F2. For a back tongued body, on the other hand ,F2 is displaced to value that is maximally low and close to F1 for a proper selection of the tongue body position. In the case of the non low vowels, a value of F2 that is lowest and closest to F1 and can be reached by rounding the lips. An acoustic consequence of an F2 value that is low is low and close to F1 is that the amplitudes of higher frequency peaks in the spectrum are low relative to the amplitudes of F1 and F2 peaks and probably do not play a significant role in determining vowel quality. Electeomyographic data show a sharp distinction in the muscle activity involved in producing front and back vowels. Data reported by Baer et al. show that all back vowels exhibit activity of the stylogloccus muscle, which is oriented to displace the tongue body backward and upward. This muscle is specially active for non low back vowels. Front vowels on the other hand, show no activity of the stylogloccus muscle. A neutral vowel is defined as a vowel produced by a vocal tract configuration that has uniform cross-sectional area along its entire length. Whilst no vowel articulation can actually meet this requirement accurately, the vowel in heard and some productions of schwa can approximate this configuration. For such vowels, and only for such vowels, the vocal tract can be treated mathematically as a single uniform tube closed at one end (the glottis) and open at the other (the lips) for the purposes of calculating the resonances of the vocal tract. The acoustics of vowels are fairly well understood. The different vowel qualities are realized in acoustic analyses of vowels by the relative values of the formants, acoustic resonances of the vocal tract which show up as dark bands on a spectrogram. The vocal tract acts as a resonant cavity, and the position of the jaw, lips, and tongue affect the parameters of the resonant cavity, resulting in different formant values. The acoustics of vowels c an be visualized using spectrograms, which display the acoustic energy at each frequency, and how this changes with time. The first formant, abbreviated F1, corresponds to vowel openness (vowel height). Open vowels have high F1 frequencies while close vowels have low F1 frequencies, as can be seen at right: The [i] and [u] have similar low first formants, whereas [É‘] has a higher formant. The second formant, F2, corresponds to vowel frontness. Back vowels have low F2 frequencies while front vowels have high F2 frequencies. This is very clear at right, where the front vowel [i] has a much higher F2 frequency than the other two vowels. However, in open vowels the high F1 frequency forces a rise in the F2 frequency as well, so an alternative measure of frontness is the difference between the first and second formants. For this reason, some people prefer to plot as F1 vs. F2 F1. (This dimension is usually called backness rather than frontness, but the term backness can be counterintuitive when discussing formants.) In the third edition of his textbook, Peter Ladefoged recommended use of plots of F1 against F2 F1 to represent vowel quality. [4] However, in the fourth edition, he changed to adopt a simple plot of F1 against F2, [5] and this simple plot of F1 against F2 was maintained for the fifth (and final) edition of the book. [6] Katrina Hayward compares the two types of plots and concludes that plotting of F1 against F2 F1 is not very satisfactory because of its effect on the placing of the central vowels, [7] so she also recommends use of a simple plot of F1 against F2. In fact, this kind of plot of F1 against F2 has been used by analysts to show the quality of the vowels in a wide range of languages, including RP British English, [8] [9] the Queens English, [10] American English, [11] Singapore English, [12] Brunei English, [13] North Frisian, [14] Turkish Kabardian, [15] and various indigenous Australian languages. [16]Rounding is generally realized by a complex relationship between F2 and F3 that tends to reinforce vowel backness. One effect of this is that back vowels are most commonly rounded while front vowels are most commonly unrounded; another is that rounded vowels tend to plot to the right of unrounded vowels in vowel charts. That is, there is a reason for plotting vowel pairs the way they are. The usual description of vowels in respect to their phonetic quality requires the linguist to locate them within a so-called vowel space, apparently articulatory in nature, and having three dimensions labeled high-low (or close-open), front-back, and unrounded-rounded. The first two are coordinates of tongue with associated jaw position, while the third specifies the posture of the lips. It is recognized that vowels can vary qualitatively in ways that this three-dimensional space does not account for. So, for example, vowels may differ in degree of nasalization, and they may be rhotacized or r-colored. Moreover, it is recognized that while this vowel space serves important functions within the community of linguists, both the two measures of tongue position and the one for the lips inadequately identify those aspects of vocal tract shapes that are primarily responsible for the distinctive phonetic qualities of vowels (Ladefoged 1971). With all this said, it remains true enough that a lmost any vowel pair of different qualities can be described as occupying different positions with the space. Someone hearing two vowels in sequence and detecting a quality difference will presumably also be able to diagnose the nature of the articulatory shift executed in going from one vowel to the other. Esophageal talkers may have reduced intelligibility due to both time domain and frequency domain variability. The unpredictable nature of esophageal speech can cause problems when automatic procedures are used in applications such as long-distance telephone messages. The current study compared a standard coding algorithm (LPC-10e) with a novel approach to determining voiced periods (vocal tract area functions) in the speech of esophageal talkers. The results of the study showed that the sentences synthesized with the vocal tract area function algorithm were more intelligible than those synthesized with the standard LPC-10e algorithm. Supplemental information, such as vocal tract area functions, may be useful in determining voiced epochs when variability in vocal parameters is high. In the last 40 years, many vocal pedagogy authors have written about the need for appropriate vowel modification. Modification involves shading vowels with respect to the location of vowel formants, so that the sung pitch or one of its harmonics receives an acoustical boost by being near a formant. The goals of such modification include a unified quality throughout the entire range, smoother transitions between registers, enhanced dynamic range and control and improved intelligibility. Elite singers, whether they consciously recognize they are modifying vowels or not, become experts at making subtle changes in vowels as they sing, or they do not have consistent careers. Modification concepts which have been widely accepted are summarized below: Although there is a strong correlation between voice classification and formant frequencies, due to subtle articulation and anatomical differences, formant frequencies are unique to each individual. The amount of modification needed varies with the size of the voice, the weight of the voice, the duration of the note being considered, the dynamic level, and how the note in question is approached. Sensitive singers report that the amount of modification they need may vary daily and also during the day, depending on how much they have warmed up. Vowel formants are frequency bands, not one specific pitch. Precise tuning of each note in a piece is not very practical nor is it acoustically beneficial. During a rapid passage, a singer may not have enough time to adjust for optimal resonance on each vowel on each note; moving on to the next note in the passage smoothly is a greater priority than exact tuning of each tone. Males and females tune differently. In general, males seek to match harmonics above the fundamental to a formant, while females, especially in the upper voice, tend to reinforce the fundamental itself by matching it to the first or lowest formant. Several general rules for modifying vowels exist (as summarized by Titze): (a) formant frequencies lower uniformly by lengthening the vocal tract (either by lowering the larynx or protruding the lips or some combination of both); (b) formant frequencies are lowered uniformly by lip rounding and raised by lip spreading; (c) fronting and arching the tongue lowers the first formant and raises the second formant, while backing and lowering the tongue raises the first formant and lowers the second formant; (d) opening the jaw raises the first formant and lowers the second formant. Vocal fold vibration for voicing is achieved by the combined efforts of muscular tension, tissue elasticity and aerodynamic forces. The vocal folds are initially drawn together by the activities of the various laryngeal adductor muscles. As the folds come together the velocity of air passing through the glottis increases which results in a pressure drop between the medial edges of the folds (Bernoulli effect) causing them to be sucked together. Pressure then builds up below the closed glottis until the folds are forced apart and the cycle repeats (Van den Berg, 1958; 1968). One necessary condition of voicing is that subglottal pressure exceeds supraglottal pressure (the transglottal pressure difference) (Ohala, 1983; Sawashima and Hirose, 1983). The activity of the larynx during phonation causes the airstream flowing out of the lungs to be broken up into a rapid series of puffs due to the opening and closing of the vocal folds . Each burst of compressed air escapes through the glottis at high speed and collides with the column of air inside the vocal tract. This causes an acoustic shock wave which is propagated to the outside. The spectrum of the periodic glottal waveform is a line spectrum comprising harmonics which occur at multiples of the fundamental frequency. According to theoretical calculations (Fant, 1960; Rosenberg 1971), the glottal tone for normal phonation has a spectrum that falls off at about 12dB per octave. Other phonation types, as described by Laver (1980), display different glottal tone characteristics. Vowel sounds are most frequently described with reference to their formant characteristics which provide an indication of the resonance positions and hence the articulatory shape for the vowel production. Early speech perception studies (Delattre, Liberman, Cooper and Gerstman, 1952; Miller, 1953) showed that the frequencies of first three formants were the most important cues to vowel identification. These findings have been supported by several subsequent analyses (Fox, 1985, Kewley-Port and Atal, 1989; Klein, Plomp and Pols, 1970; Rackerd and Verbrugge, 1985; Shepard, 1972; Terbeek, 1977). The first formant has been shown to be associated with the auditory quality of height and the second formant with the auditory impression of the front/back dimension, or, more correctly, degree of constriction and point of maximal constriction . Ladefoged, De Clerk, Lindau and Papà §un (1972) remind us that degree of lip opening, or protrusion, pharyngeal width and larynx height also contribute to modifications of acoustic output. Lindblom and Sundberg (1971) found that all formants were lowered by lip rounding but that for palatal configurations, F3 was particularly affected. Hà ¶gberg (1995) also found that lip area was an important factor in the determination of F3 for the front vowels. When the first two formants are plotted on axes with certain directional and scaling characteristics, the vowel relationships closely resembles the traditional auditory vowel map . Such vowel spaces, with axes F1 and F2, rely on the concept of the vowel target which is the part of the vowel least influenced by its surrounding phonetic context. The vowel target is where the articulators, and therefore the formants, are moving the least and is referred to as the steady-state component of the vowel. The target is considered to be either a point in the time course of the vowel or else a section of time during which the vowel position remains stable. A single point is often used to provide an estimate of the target position, and for most vowels this can be assumed to be approximately mid way though the nucleus . Several authors have noted the problems inherent in the target theory for vowels citing the difficulties often encountered in establishing steady state components by eye or by automatic extraction procedures (Benguerel and McFadden, 1989; Nearey and Assmann, 1986). Van Son and Pols (1990), however, examined five different methods of identifying vowel targets and found that the use of the different methods made little difference to the results of their experiments. The conventional method of depicting the F1/F2 does not adequately represent the multi-dimensional nature of vowel quality. Delattre et al. (1952) showed that the third formant influenced listeners judgements of vowel quality and more recent experiments have determined that the higher formants have a combined influence on vowel perception. The combined upper formant is referred to as F2 prime (F2) (Bladon, 1983; Bladon and Fant, 1978; Carlson, Fant and Ganstrom, 1975; Paliwal, Lindsay and Ainsworth, 1983). Delattre et al. (1952) suggested that the ear averages formants that are close together. Carlson, Ganstrom and Fant (1970) tested this hypothesis for Swedish vowels concluding that all vowels could be effectively synthesised using two formant approximations. Chistovich and colleagues found that formant averaging or integration occurred only if two formants were situated within a critical distance of 3 to 3.5 bark (Chistovich and Lublinskaya, 1979 and Chistovich, Sheikin and Lublins kaya, 1979). More recent studies have examined global spectral features suggesting that the F3 F2 difference is a more accurate way of identifying vowel frontedness. Syrdal and Gopal (1986) have shown that the separation between back and front vowels is more closely linked to the F3 F2 difference than the F2 F1 difference. It is important to recognise, however, that F3 and F4 vary more than F1 and F2 as a result of speaker characteristics whereas they are relatively stable across vowel categories in contrast to F1 and F2 which vary greatly as a result of vowel quality. The higher formants are therefore less effective carriers of phonetic information than the lower formants (Harrington and Cassidy, 1999). Vowels can be described in terms of the centre frequencies of the first three formants at the vowel target (or targets for diphthongs). Vowel duration and other dynamic spectral information contribute to a more complete description but the extent of this contribution remains unclear. Contextual environment as well as suprasegmental factors plays an important role in the ultimate realisation of the vowel phoneme and so such characteristics must be carefully controlled in phonetic research. Physiological differences between speakers also affect vowel characteristics and such effects must be accounted for in phonetic research and minimised if necessary. One method of minimising physiological effects is to use one of the many normalisation procedures available to reduce variance but care must always be taken when manipulating data to ensure that phonetic accuracy is preserved. The question of sex specific articulations remains open as researchers have been unable to adequately model male to female vowel behaviour. Acoustic data provides an accessible means for hypothesising about articulatory behaviour and it is customary, in phonetic discussions of vowel characteristics, to use articulatory labels to refer to auditory and acoustic properties (Ladefoged and Maddieson, 1990). Articulatory discussions provide convenient global labels for describing acoustic effects, however, specific articulatory detail should not be ascribed to acoustic vowel data.

Crime and Punishment, Fathers and Sons, We Essay -- essays research pa

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Brilliance surely comes with a price. Often a protagonist is, in his own right, an absolute genius, but for this gift of vision, he must remain isolated for eternity. Crime and Punishment (1886), by Fyodor Dostoevsky, depicts a poverty stricken young man who discovers a revolutionary theory of the mind of a criminal. Despite his psychological insight, Raskolnikov is alienated from society, and eventually forced to test his theory upon himself. Ivan Turgenev’s Bazarov, in Fathers and Sons (1862), pioneers the anarchistic philosophy of nihilism, depending entirely on science and reason, but ends up falling passionately in love and then cast out, through death, from the rigidity of thought he held so dear. D-503, the main character of Yevgeny Zamyatin’s We (1921), discovers an immense and rigid counterculture and drowns himself in it, only to surface without anyone with whom to relate. Each author suggests the irony of a prophetic mind being wasted and outcast among ordinary men.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Raskolnikov, a former student, forced to drop out of the university because he is unable to afford the tuition, is forced to work part-time with his friend Razumihin as a translator. Through this endeavor, Raskolnikov, or Rodya as his mother calls him, becomes well versed in the literature and existentialist philosophies of the time. Writing to a local newspaper, Rodya ventures to propose a superman theory similar to that of Nietzsche, made popular around the time Dostoevsky wrote the novel. â€Å"I only believe in my leading idea that men are in general divided by a law of nature into two categories, inferior (ordinary)†¦ and men who have the gift or the talent to utter a new word.† This principle, that man is simply either ordinary or extraordinary, limited by rules and boundaries or allowed to transgress these barriers en route to his planned greater goal for humanity, gains Raskolnikov little profit or renown. Though the extraordinary man theory co uld easily be applied to Napoleon, as is done in Rodya’s thesis, few of Dostoevsky’s characters accept its revolutionary psychological approach to criminal behavior. Only the lead detective, Porfiry Petrovich, comes to accept Raskolnikov’s approach. This parallel epiphany is ironic, indeed, because throughout the novel, Rodya and Porfiry are cast as foils. Even this revelation, though... ...ian author, Dostoevsky, Turgenev, and Zamyatin, alienates true visionaries from their natural place at the head of society and implies a theme of the perils of idealism. Raskolnikov discovers a rationale for committing crimes in the name of a greater good, only to also discover the theory’s incredibly difficult guidelines of extraordinary men through self-experimentation. Bazarov’s nihilism and rationality is entirely contradicted by his adoption of romanticism in some circumstances, and the impossibility of nihilism is shown through his ignorance of this contradiction. D-503 awakens within himself a long-absent human nature with unlimited creative potential, only to realize its dangerous, anarchistic possibilities. Each protagonist comes across a revolutionary idea, only to eventually be dismissed, and ultimately forgotten, by society. Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment (New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc., 1981) 243. Dostoevsky 63. Dostoevsky 387. Ivan Turgenev, Fathers and Sons (New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 1996) 18. Turgenev 138. Turgenev 148. Yevgeny Zamyatin, We (New York, NY: Avon Books, Inc., 1972) 56. Zamyatin 177. Zamyatin 231.

Roman Gladiators Essay examples -- Roman History

Gladiator Gladiatorial events were a token of the Roman civilization. A brutal form of sacrifice adapted from the earlier civilization of Etruscans, who believed when a person dies, his spirit relies on a blood sacrifice to survive in the afterlife. The first event to take place in Rome was in 264 BC, when Decimus Brutus held a sacrifice to honor his dead father (Roman Gladiator). Soon after these events became an undeniable part of the Romans lives, used for political power and general entertainment. A gladiators life was far from easy. Most were slaves, prisoners of war, or hardened criminals, therefore they were not free men. Often times they were trained and forced to take part in the events, hoping for their freedom if they were to conquer their grim fate and survived for a few years (wik). This was depicted in the most recent movie GLADIATOR. In this film Russel Crowe ‘Maximus' starts out as an army general under Marcus Aurelius, until Commudus murders his own father out of spite for his fathers loyalty to Maximus and not him. He then inherits the title of king, and condemns Maximus to a gruesome fate as a slave/gladiator. Though this doesn't sound like the ideal life, to some at the time is was an appealing, so much so that some free men degraded themselves so they could battle in the games. Was it for basic living? Possibly but more than likely it was for the Fame and Prestige of a Gladiator. These free men were known as Professional gladiators. Training was hard for these great warriors, they often trained at special gladiator schools, the largest of which was connected to the great Coliseum by underground passages. Here they learned how to fight skillfully with swords, daggers, nets, chains, and an... ...m. This huge circular arena was the pinnacle of the Roman Gladiatorial games, and though it isn't fully intact, it is a great reminder of ancient culture. Though today these games seem inhumane and unnecessary, to their ancient culture it was a vacation from everyday stress. Even the Emperor was said to understand that though money and grain would satisfy and individual, large spectacles were necessary for the ‘contentment of the masses' (wes civ). Works Cited 1. Gladiator. Dreamworks Video. 2005. Directed by Ridley Scott. 2. Gladiators. Wikepedia, 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladiator 3. Jackson J. Spielvogel. Western Civilization Third Edition, A Brief History volume 1: to 1715. 2005 Belmont CA. Wadsworth Publishing 4. The Roman Gladiator. Classics Technology Center. 2005. http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/consortium/gladiator1.html

Metamorphosis of Gregor in Franz Kafkas The Metamorphosis :: Metamorphosis essays

The Metamorphosis of Gregor   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Metamorphosis - a change in form,   structure,  Ã‚   or appearance.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Change is a major theme throughout Franz Kafka's novella, The Metamorphosis.  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is a significant relationship between the title, The Metamorphosis, and the theme of change. Kafka's main character, Gregor Samsa, undergoes many changes and his transformation evokes change in his family.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Several metamorphosis take place involving Gregor.  Ã‚  Ã‚   First, a physical change occurs  Ã‚   "When Gregor Samsa woke up one morning from unsettling dreams, he found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin."  Ã‚   After that happened, Gregor's voice changes from human into the voice of a bug.  Ã‚   "That was the voice of an animal," Gregor's manager said, but the words seemed perfectly clear to him.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Beginning to see things less and less, Gregor experiences a change in his vision.   An example, found on page 29, would be Gregor seeing the hospital less and less distinctly. A mental change in Gregor occurs when he starts not caring about or having no consideration for his family.   " It hardly surprised him that he was showing so little consideration for the others; once such consideration had been his greatest pride."      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Everyone in the Samsa family experiences changes brought on by Gregor's metamorphosis.  Ã‚   Since Gregor's physical change renders him no longer able to work, the family's financial situation changes.  Ã‚   Gregor's mother, father, and sister have to get jobs.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mrs.   Samsa,   Gregor's mother, sews lingerie for a local clothing store.   His sister, who took a job as a salesgirl to help the family,   also learns French in the evening so she might get a better position in the future.   Mr. Samsa, Gregor's father, takes a job as a messenger for banking institutions.  Ã‚   Turning into a bug, Gregor causes a lack of harmony among the family members.  Ã‚   They keep away from him and will not even look at him.  Ã‚   Now, because they are afraid of Gregor, at least   two people always stay   home together.   Lifestyles   that they used to have change. No maids want to stay.   "...On the very first day the maid- it was not completely clear what and how much she knew of what happened- had begged his mother on bended knees to dismiss her immediately..;" (26)   Besides that, the necessity arises to rent rooms out to three borders to add to

Intraorganizational Conflicts Essay

In the discourse about the assessment and management of intraorganizational conflict within an organization, Jessica Katz Jameson underscores the various facets of these conflicts. These include the sources of conflict, their characteristics, the management strategies and the desired outcomes. However, of interest here is how the author characterizes the sources of these conflicts. In this presentation, an attempt to unveil the characterization of the sources of conflict without examining the attributes and the form taken by the conflicts is an effort in futility. According to Jameson (1999), conflicts arise when interdependent parties have very unlike and incompatible mindsets and interests. Intraorganizational conflicts take different forms depending on the source Sources of Informal Conflicts. Informal conflicts take the form of informal arguments or differences in points of view and opinions between co-workers, employees and supervisors, between factions within an organization or even interdepartmental Conflicts. Informal conflicts occur mainly due to differing values, beliefs, opinions as well as perception regarding to how work should be accomplished (Jameson 1999). Shapiro and Rosen (as cited in Jameson, 1999) further categorized informal conflicts as those whose sources are relational differences and those that arise from differences in opinions as to how tasks ought to be carried out. Relational differences include personal differences between members of an organization or differences in opinion regarding to leadership style. Task conflict on the hand has to do with differences in matters regarding to authority and/or responsibilities as well as differences in perception and interpretation various issues. Others[1] have utilized words such as subjective conflicts and objective conflicts in trying to categorize various forms of conflicts. Sources of formal conflicts. Formal conflicts are of a different dimension. They are characterized by formal complaints about such issues as: Contravention of human rights within an organization or policy violations. In several instances, formal conflicts result in legal action usually by an employee against an organization. Formal conflicts occur due to issues regarding to dismissal, benefits, absentee policies, safety standards, discrimination, rules and regulations of work and promotions. Employees feel that they are not being treated fairly. Formal conflicts have been a subject of much interest in recent times due to the rising number of costly court cases between the employees and organizations. Question 2. Is it important or necessary in an organization to understand the sources of conflict within an organization, as we have an autocratic structure that can impose a resolution? Understanding the sources of conflict within an organization is important because of the following reasons: a) It can help in unearthing potential conflicts before they happen. Usually conflicts do not just happen but follow a distinct pattern that can be detected by knowledgeable persons. Early detection would allow for action that would ensure that the conflict never gets out of hand. This would result in saving the parties involved time money and misery. b) It assists the disputants, managers and third parties involved in selecting the most suitable method of resolving particular conflicts. An imposed resolution may serve an important purpose in a conflict resolution but may fail to achieve the most satisfying solution for the parties involved. There are differing concerns and interests that form the conflict resolution goals for the parties and these have to be put into consideration when seeking a resolution strategy. Some of these interests include: Cost reduction, timeliness, privacy and confidentiality, fairness, maintaining relations and establishing a precedent. These concerns may not be adequately addressed if a resolution has to come from an autocratic authority with an own interest and concern. c) Autocratic Structure of conflict resolution would be of little use in formal conflicts that are likely to result in litigation. Litigation is an undesired outcome due to the costs incurred by either party (time and money); especially depending on the way the judgment goes. Litigation has served to increase the need for dispute systems within organizations. d)Â   Understanding the sources of conflict within an organization assists in the development of effective organizational conflict management. This creates a conducive work environment and reduces work related stress. This would in turn have a positive effect on employee satisfaction and productivity. Understanding sources of conflict should thus be a goal that is pursued by all members within an organization.

Internationalization of RMB: The Impacts on China and Its Trading Partner Essay

After the thirty years of great economic reforms, imposed in 1978, China has been showing an incredible results and performance. Due to the suitable economic conditions such as cheap labor force and low domestic currency’s (RMB) exchange rate, China has become the largest manufacturer of goods and receiver of foreign direct investments, the majority of which has been in manufacturing industry. And today China has totally changed from the poor agricultural country to the world’s arising economic power state. So with the rise of Chinese economy, its deep integration and significant influence in the world market and at the same time with the instability of euro area and in international monetary system in a whole, the issue of RMB internationalization and China’s exchange rate policy has become of huge importance to the world. So in this essay I will briefly analyze the characteristics of the international currencies, their benefits and costs, and then I will explain China’s interest and steps toward the RMB internationalization and will mainly focus on its impacts on China and its partners. The term of international currency has defined characteristics so that a currency can be considered international if it is used outside the issuing country for the transactions between other foreign states (Investopedia). And according to Chinn and Frankel (2008) (as cited in Lee, 2010) there are four criteria to determine â€Å"international currency status†: 1) Large enough size of country’s trade and output; 2) Liberal developed financial market; 3) Stable currency exchange rate; 4) High level of demand of the currency. Moreover, Kenen(1983) and Chinn&Frankel(2005) (as cited in Haihong Gao & Yongding Yu) stated that the international currency has several functions : 1. act as a store value(i.e. country’s international reserve); 2. act as a medium of exchange(e.g. in trade transactions ) and 3. be a unit of account. So, considering all these, let’s check the suitability of Yuan for international currency status and Chinese government’s challenges and policy steps in internationalizing RMB (Eichengreen, 2010). As their first step China stimulated the use of RMB in setting trade and trade transactions with the neighboring countries by allowing the companies to open RMB-denominated accounts in the banks in Hong Kong and make operating transactions (payments, transfers, etc.) in Yuan. Secondly, they encourage using Yuan in all kinds of financial transactions and permit private institutions to issue their RMB-denominated bonds, making Hong Kong the offshore RMB bond market center. And as the third step, China made arrangements with interested foreign central banks about adding RMB into their international reserve baskets, reaching total of China’s bilateral currency swap agreements in RMB to over RMB 800 billion (Cookson & Dyer 2010, as cited in Otero-Iglesias) and making RMB a world reserve currency. However, RMB is still far from the international status(due to highly government-controlled banking system and capital control) and its internationalization is just beginning and all these shows only China’s commitment to that policy and market’s increasing interest. But still it is obvious that the internationalization of RMB is just only a matter of time. There are several obvious benefits of RMB internationalization for China and it’s trading partners (Haihong Gao & Yongding Yu). Since there will be more RMB-denominated trade and financial transactions, the exchange risk for the trading parties (both Chinese and foreign) be will red uced and the related costs be eliminated. And this in turn will increase the cross border bilateral transactions and gains from it, especially in the East Asian region, where RMB has already become a dominant currency. Secondly, with the internationalization of RMB, China and other countries will be less dependent on USD (Haihong Gao & Yongding Yu). Since USD accounts for more than 70% of China’s exchange currency reserve, China faces a huge risk of big losses as a result of USD exchange rate fluctuations. However, with the RMB-denominated claims, China would not be so dependent on USA. Moreover, with RMB other countries will have more choice on reserve currency and will not be so dependent on USD as well. Thirdly, RMB internationalization will allow the foreign direct investments into China and also cross-border outward investments from it be in RMB. This will obviously benefit the investors, expand the circulation of RMB in both directions of investments and will expand China’s financial market, and its competitiveness and influence as well (Haihong Gao & Yongding Yu). Lastly, since the developed financial market, the currency exchange rate and currency convertibility are the criteria of the international reserve currency; China will face a need for currency and capital account liberalization reforms and further financial reforms in a whole, including unpegging RMB and RMB appreciation. Although for an export-based Chinese economy appreciation of RMB would be harmful in a short run, besides the drawbacks there are the benefits of strong RMB. Appreciation of RMB means the increase in cost of production, therefore an increase in cost for the importers from China. So the importers and the customers will switch to the cheaper substitutes produced in other countries (this statement may vary in different industries). The increasing demand for cheap substitutes will lead to developments and expansion of production in other countries, and will reduce their unemployment rates and etc. Thus, strong RMB as an international currency may benefit China’s neighbors and other developing countries. Moreover, strong RMB benefits China as well. Losing competitiveness in manufacturing industry, China will have to switch from low-efficiency and labor-intensive industries to a more efficient and developed ones and transform from an industry-based economy to a knowledge-based economy (with dominating services sector). In conclusion, with the increasing role of China in the world trade and growing demand for RMB, the internationalization of RMB is just only a matter of time. Although changing the anchor currency(USD) to RMB may cause uncertain effects, the internationalization of RMB will obviously have positive impacts on both China and the rest of the world. And in the nearest future RMB is likely to become the third international reserve currency, after euro and USD. References: Investopedia, Currency Internationalization, What Does Currency Internationalization Mean? Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/currency_internationalization.asp#axzz1f5mjUVqB Lee, J-W.(2010, June) Will the Renminbi Emerge as an International Reserve Currency? Retrieved from http://aric.adb.org/grs/papers/Lee.pdf Haihong Gao & Yongding Yu. Internationalisation of the renminbi. Retrieved from http://www.bis.org/repofficepubl/arpresearch200903.05.pdf Eichengreen.B.(2010, January). The Renminbi as an International Currency Retrieved from http://elsa.berkeley.edu/~eichengr/renminbi_international_1-2011.pdf Otero-Iglesias. M. The Internationalisation of the Renminbi (RMB): A Strategy of Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones. Retrieved from http://www.igadi.org/china/2011/pdf/moi_the_internationalisation_of_the_renminbi.pdf

Graphic communication Essay

Sch 31: Promote communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings. 1.2 Explain how communication affects relationships in the work setting. Communication plays a massive part once building a relationship in the work setting. By regularly keeping effective communication between practioners, parents/careers and children makes a positive working environment. The relationships are mostly based on the type of communication between one another, communication is not just by verbally but also the body language we show, facial expressions and our gestures. Communication with children and young people is very important. When a child is new to the setting you would want them to feel comfortable and safe in your company away from parents/ careers. As of when the children and young people does feel positively about the new environment around then helps the parent/career of that child to feel relaxed and comfortable to hand over their child into your care knowing they will have an enjoyable experience. The main way to build positive communication with the child/ young person is through play, as you talk with them during activities the child would become more relaxed as you ask questions about their games and actions, by showing interest into the child’s/ young persons holistic development will then build a positive relationship with that child/ young person. By showing positive body language in the setting, shows an invitation to the child/ young person that you’re there to play games, do activities and be there to have a conversation. Lowering down to the child’s/ young person’s level which will then put you into the position to engage in eye contact, this will make the child/ young person feel like you are more approachable to communicate with for example; ask you questions. When verbally communicating between you and the child the tone of your voice is very important, the child will pick up on the way you say things more than what you said as this will tell them if you’re being positive towards them; talking with them, or either being direct; talking to them. Not only do you talk to them but also the child will response, or even approach you first to communicate; either for a general conversation or to ask a question. All children are different, either it is by the way they’re brought up, their culture, have different beliefs, and in the way they communicate for example; English is an additional language. If you had a child in the nursery who had English as a second language, and knew few words, verbally communicating with this child wouldn’t be the first thing you would do. There are loads of different ways to do this for example; using picture cars with words, not only will this technique help communicate but also help build the childs English vocabulary. Another being demonstrating, for example; in an activity, lets say gluing and sticking, show the child what to do by demonstrating the activity for them to then copy your actions. Communication is very important, not only with the child/ young person but also their parents/ careers. Parents and careers need to be kept updated with everything that happens with their child/children and information that they need to know about the nursery itself. The stronger the relationship between the practioners and the parent/ career the stronger the trust the parents/ careers have with their child/ children in your care. Information should be shared on a day to day basis between the practioner and the parent/ career abpout everything that happens in the nursery. This information can be shared in different ways depending on the confidentiality. Information for all parents to know who have children at the nursery should be notices such as for example; new children joining the group, allergies that children have prompting the parent/ career about the foods the child should be allowed to take into the nursery, changes to day plans (hours, activities, trips). This sort of information can be transferred by sending out a newsletter to the parents/ careers individually when they drop off of pick up their child/ children, a notice board inside/ outside of the nursery for everyone to read, emailing or texting to the parents/ careers as this could be an easier way for them. On the other hand information more confidential about an individual should just be kept between that parent/career of the child/ children and the practioner who is giving the information. This information can be transferred by a letter, email and a text but in my opinion this sort of nonverbal communication just doesn’t seem formal or appropriate. Information like this should either be told over a phonecall or even face to face at the beginning or end of the school day; Taking the parent / career aside to have a conversation in a private room away from other parents and practioners. The information given would be topics such as, the child’s behaviour; if they are being disruptive, not listening to the staff harming other children, or even if the child seems upset and won’t join in on different activities and games set. Sometimes communicating can’t always be as easy as having a conversation or written communication for example; a child’s information profile. A parent/ career can be harder to approach in different situations for example; the parent/ career has English as an additional language and knows some English but not enough to have a general conversation about the child, in this situation more verbal communication would be easier to approach than written communication. Also a parent/ career with dyslexia, verbal communication is easier to approach, especially when information is need on the childs profile for in the nursery, so in this scenario, the parent or career would have to verbally share this information with the practioner for them to record this information. As long as the parent/ career is knowledgeable of what is happening with their child and the nursery they will feel comfortable and trusting with their child in the care of the nursery. Keeping communication strong between yourself and work colleagues is very important as the information you share between one another is what will keep the nursery running where as if this communication was at a poor standard then no information will get told to everyone, people including staff, the parents/ careers and children. The sort of communication that would be between colleagues mostly on a day to day basis would be verbally, when in the work setting, such things being for example; about activities and games, day plans, child absences, food times and parents drop off and pick up times. Also this all doesn’t need to be verbally if it’s the same information to be transferred to each member of staff every day, there could be for example a chart e.g; in the baby room a chart been posted up on each child’s different feeding and sleeping patterns. Building a strong relationship with colleagues would make life in your setting more comfortable, easier to work with one another and just better to talk to each other. Also by having a stable relationship communicating with each other will keep all of the staff up to date with everything happening. Communicating with colleague to colleague is a different to which you would talk to a child or a parent/ career. Speaking to a colleague would be less formal than anyone else as in the work setting you would build a strong friendship as well as just a work relationship. On the other hand when speaking to a profession outside of the nursery such as a special educational needs coordinator you would communicate in a more formal way and confidentially would be strict. Of a profession like this you would communicate verbally face to face with them, or by even email, sharing the sort of information about a child they’re there to study. The different professions would need trust in you and the rest of the staff to make sure this child/ children don’t feel left out because they’re different and that you respect and look out for them. In conclusion, when working in a nursery setting you are to be prepared to strongly communicate with everyone involved in your work to build that trust and respect. Not only verbally and just speaking but also thinking about how to speak and how to show your body language and facial expressions.