End User

End user database Description A simple, searchable online database made up of structured records whose content Is generated by the participants. The records normally contain personal Information relating to a set of individuals. The database is self-perpetuating in that in order to access It, participants are usually made to submit their own information. Usually incorporates instant messaging capability for connecting participants based on a match. Purpose The purpose of this method Is to ‘find' others with matching needs or take control ever your data.For example, matching interests in order to connect or trade. Participants benefit from being able to use a single touch point for identifying matches and are able to compare offers from a pool of potentially similar records. Improves the likelihood of success through pre-vetting. Strengths * Can offer anonymity while retaining high levels of personal detail and control over how these are shared (I. E. Citizen held records). * Ma y include advanced testing to determine compatibility or matches between participants and records. Useful research tool, e. G. For determining average prices. Weaknesses * There is often a charge to access the database. * Sometimes there can be a stigma associated with being on a private database (e. G. If participants are looking to date). * Can soon become out of date and usefulness out of perspective it inactive records are not deleted. End users are those persons who interact with the application directly. They are responsible to Insert, delete and update data in the database. They get Information from the system as and when required.Types: a) Direct users: Direct users are the users who SE the computer, database system directly, by following instructions provided in the user interface. They interact using the application programs already developed, for getting the desired result. E. G. People at railway reservation counters, who directly Interact with database. B) Indirect user s: Indirect users are those users, who desire benefit from the work of DB'S Indirectly. They use the outputs generated by the programs, for decision making or any other purpose. They are Just concerned with the output and are not bothered about the programming part.There are several categories of end users: 1 . Casual end users occasionally access the database, but they may need different information each time. They use a sophisticated database query language to specify their requests and are typically middle- or high-level managers or other occasional browsers. 2. Naive or parametric end users make up a sizable portion of database end users. Their main job function revolves around constantly querying and updating the Off database, using standard types to queries and updates-called canned transactions- that have been carefully programmed and tested.The tasks that such users perform are varied: Bank tellers check account balances and post withdrawals and deposits. Reservation clerks fur airlines, hotels, and car rental companies check availability for a given request and make reservations. Clerks at receiving stations for courier mail enter package identifications via bar codes and descriptive information through buttons to update a central database of received and in-transit packages. 3.Sophisticated end users include engineers, scientists, business analysts, and others who thoroughly familiarize themselves with the facilities of the DB'S so as to implement their applications to meet their complex requirements. 4. Stand-alone users maintain personal databases by using ready-made program packages that provide easy-to-use menu-based or graphics-based interfaces. An example is the user of a tax package that stores a variety of personal financial data for tax purposes.

History of Bareilly Essay

The region has, also, acted as a mint for a major part of its history. From archaeological point of view the district of Bareilly is very rich. The extensive remains of Ahichhatra, the Capital town of Northern Panchala have been discovered near Ramnagar village of Aonla Tehsil in the district. It was during the first excavations at Ahichhatra (1940–44) that the painted grey ware, associated with the advent of the Aryans in Ganga Yamuna Valley, was recognised for the first time in the earliest levels of the site. Nearly five thousand coins belonging to periods earlier than that of Guptas have been yielded from Ahichhatra. It has also been one of the richest sites in India from the point of view of the total yield of terracotta. Some of the masterpieces of Indian terracotta art are from Ahichhatra. In fact the classification made of the terracotta human figurines from Ahichhatra on grounds of style and to some extent stratigraphy became a model for determining the stratigraphy of subsequent excavations at other sites in the Ganga Valley. On the basis of the existing material, the archaeology of the region helps us to get an idea of the cultural sequence from the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC up to the 11th c. AD. Some ancient mounds in the district have also been discovered by the Deptt. of Ancient History and culture, Rohilkhand University, at Tihar-Khera (Fatehganj West), Pachaumi, Rahtuia, Kadarganj and Sainthal. [2]

B-cell Cancer and Different Stages of B-lymphocyte Development Essay

B-cell Cancer and Different Stages of B-lymphocyte Development - Essay Example At any point in the body, millions of B cells are circulating in the blood and lymph (the fluid and protein that has been squeezed out of the blood i.e. blood plasma) but are not producing antibodies. Once the B cell encounters its corresponding antigen and receives an additional signal from a helper T cell, it can further make a distinction into two types; plasma b-cells and memory b-cells. "In humans, the development of B cells in the bone marrow is initiated by the assembly of genes for the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of antibodies in B-cell progenitors, mediated by a process called V(D)J recombination. In this process, the DNA located between the rearranging gene elements is deleted from the chromosome (or sometimes inverted)." (NEJM -- Cellular Origin of Human B-Cell Lymphomas) The argument that is going to be presented in this essay revolves around the premise that each type of B-cell cancer reflects a different stage of B-lymphocyte development. It is therefore central to understanding of this essay that the relation between types of B-cell cancer and stages of B-lymphocyte be established. As discussed above, the B cell enters into differentiation and directly become one of the two types of cell. However, B-cells can also go through an intermediate differentiation step - the germinal centre reaction where the B cell will hyper mutate the variable region of the antibody and possibly class switch. How Cancer Begins In any type of cell, the genetic code can produce abnormal types and amounts of proteins if it gets damaged and altered. This leads to abnormal behaviour of the cell and it continue dividing and stays alive contrary to normal instructions to rest or die. The first cell to turn to abnormal growth control is known as the cell of origin. When it divides, the new cells inherit the same genetic behaviour of the cell of origin. Thus, the descendants are clones of this cell. This entails the beginning of cancer where cancer cells are growing with abnormal proportions and have growth and survival advantages over normal cells since they refute the normal genetic code. These cells may eventually form lumps called tumours. Lymphoma The cancer which affects the lymphocyte type of cells is known as lymphoma. The b-cell in particular originates and differentiates in the bone marrow and around 85% of the lymphomas are of b-cell origin. "New findings about lymphoma made in the past two years by Dr. Dalla-Favera's lab have shown that the cancers develop with a mechanism unique to B cells, but that they are also vulnerable to some new experimental drugs". Other forms of lymphocytes comprise of the t-cell, which originates in the bone marrow but differentiate in thymus gland. A third kind of lymphocyte is of natural killer cells which are specialized in killing foreign threats and alerting other immune systems of such possible threats. The different types of lymphoma are determined according to what type of lymphocyte has become cancerous, and the stage of development. "Lymphoma is not one cancer, but a name for a group of related cancers that arise when a Lymphocyte (a blood cell) becomes malignant.The normal function of lymphocytes is to defend the body against pathogens

Advertising and Marketing Communications of Stella McCartney Assignment - 1

Advertising and Marketing Communications of Stella McCartney - Assignment Example led to the brand’s involvement in the design of Olympic kits for all the competition for both Paralympic games and London Olympics in the year 2012. Stella McCartney was also awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the University of Arts London. Stella McCartney is a modern designer brand that is popular for wearable and aspirational. Stella McCartney’s collection includes accessories, women’s ready-to-wear, eyewear, lingerie, fragrance, and kids wear. This brand is clearly conspicuous due to the blend of femininity and masculinity with the signature style that is characterized by natural confidence and sharp tailoring. Ecological and ethical values seem to be the core of this brand. This brand does not use leather, exotic skins, or fur in its products. However, the brand is well known for the vast use of innovation and creativity. Their products are produced using bio-synthetic and organic materials. At the moment, the brand operates 23 different stores in various locations, including London’s BromptonCross and Mayfair, Paris’ Palais Royal, Los Angeles’ West Hollywood, Tokyo, and Milan. At the moment, the brand collections are now available in more than 50 countries through wholesale accounts that include department stores and specialty shops. The brand has 600 wholesale accounts. However, the brand is also available in 100 couturiers through online sales. One of the communication efforts that have been used by the brand previously is the scholarship of design students who adhere to the brand’s ethical perceptions. This has been particularly effective in raising awareness about the brand’s corporate value. The band would also introduce their products through online platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, mobile application and partnership with department shops. These communication strategies have in a way worked well for the brand in the past.

Faculty engagement, successful student learning and social integration Dissertation

Faculty engagement, successful student learning and social integration - Dissertation Example According to Umbach and Wawrzynski (n.d., p. 21), teachers play the single most important role in the tendency of students to learn. New materials of teaching and learning have emerged as a result of the revolution in communication technologies. Consequently, the teaching and learning environment has been altogether renewed in a way that was not possible to achieve in the past. The fundamental challenge for the contemporary schools and colleges is to modify its environment so that new technologies can be accommodated and promoted at their best. Faculty engagement is one of the most critical elements in the modern pedagogy and learning that is influenced by technology. Different teachers join this profession because of different motivational structures that vary according to the tasks they are assigned (Blackburn, 1995). â€Å"Few institutions other than colleges and universities permit their members the latitude so much a past of the professor’s life† (Cahn, 1986, p. 3) . This latitude has been accommodated by the tradition-bound academy nature while the gradual change that has occurred in nearly every aspect of the campus life makes this latitude a tolerable piece of the landscape of academia. In a global democracy, higher education must give serious thought to structuring student learning and development in such a way to promote cross-cultural understanding and civic-mindedness. In strong democracies, people have to be able to listen to each other, to understand the places and interests of others in the community, and to achieve compromises and solve problems when conflicts occur. (Hurd, 2006, p. 4). Problem statement: Institutions require an enabling environment in order to change for good. Enabling environments constitute several factors that include but are not limited to reliable networks, universal access for students, increased opportunities with respect to consulting and training as well as a faculty ethos that tolerates falters and values experimentation. Learning spaces can both constrain and encourage students’ attitudes. A whole range of learning attitudes is displayed by the teachers and students particularly when the learning environment is developed with a view to optimize the interaction between the two both outside and within the classroom or when the atmosphere presents education as a â€Å"serious work† to the students and teachers (Hunley and Schaller, 2009). Lack of such preconditions makes the entrepreneurial activity for the self-starters quite cumbersome. Even the existence of such preconditions does not do much to ease the process of transformation. The first-wave of entrepreneurs mark the initial phase of transformation. These adopters tend to find adequate expertise or resources in order to implement their personal strategies for the incorporation of technology as a means of learning. The second wave that indeed concerns us the most is the perception of faculty of the new environment of learning as an opportunity rather than a threat. These teachers are generally wary of the advanced technology but are strongly committed to a high quality of learning. This divides the faculty into two groups, each of which is highly committed to quality learning but differ in their tendency to embrace the new technologies as well as their technical capabilities. Administrators make a big mistake by basing their

MK 491 Seminar in Marketing-Report Research Paper

MK 491 Seminar in Marketing-Report - Research Paper Example Since then it has literally transformed to a giant firm employing over 10,000 people. Google Inc. is a household name for their search engine service. Google has become so big now that it has almost become a new word in English language. Research Question The Research question posed here is discussion of the product, pricing, promotion and distribution strategies adopted by Google Inc. Literature Review Google Inc. is one of the top technology companies in the world. It offers a range of products and services which caters to the needs of the users. This company is present across different domain in the Internet and most of the consumers use their products and services in everyday life. Google hence uses different strategies to market their diverse products and services. Since they offer such diverse set of products and services, they use different market segmentation strategy to reach out to their consumer base. Their positioning strategy has to be prefect so that they live up to con sumers demands. Similarly their pricing and distribution strategy has to be developed to make them be on profit terms with other competitors. Analysis and Findings Overall business and marketing strategy of Google For Google their biggest success factor is the search engine which they have created. Google alone earns millions of rupees through advertisements. For Google information gathering is the key to their success. It makes all the products and services in such a way that it caters to all the segments in the market. This makes non-profit and private use by users absolutely free of cost. The founders of Google have a strong liking to education and libraries. The atmosphere of the company is like a university where continuous research and analysis of their product and services are done. They strive continuously for better search methods so that more useful information is available to the consumers through as many means as possible. Hence all the employees are encouraged to create something new and are rewarded for their effort through means like freedom with work hours, free meals, competitive pay etc. It organizes Annual Code Jam international competition which aims at solving the mind racing problems, and the winner is given large amounts of money. This helps them to find bright new employees. Hence Google primary business strategy is the innovation which the innovation in their products and services which they brings in front of the consumers. They have been largely successful at their overall business strategy. Segmentation strategy The segmentation strategy of Google is very diverse. Google has a diverse product line and hence it is present everywhere to cater to a number of users worldwide. For instance Google Search and other products are available to users at over 110 languages and it is still expanding (Anderson, Lazarus, Loftsgaarden and Weiss, 2003). According to a survey conducted in United States it was seen that their Search Engine was popular among users less than 34 years of age. Among them 55% of the users are male. Their users are predominantly technologically adept. Most of the users are business professionals. Again the products like Google plus, Google hangout, Picasa indicate that they are targeting the young peoples who are in their colleges and like to engage in social networking. One of the best Google products is the YouTube

Assess the relationship between the balance of payments framework and Essay

Assess the relationship between the balance of payments framework and exchange rate - Essay Example For example, if there is U.S. dollar devaluation against other international currencies, then the United States exports will augment, and imports will reduce (Moffett, Stonehill & Eiteman, 2011). In turn, this will lead to surplus in the current account, thus enhancing balance of payments. A higher exchange rate makes a nation’s imports cheaper and exports more costly in international markets. A higher rate of exchange may be anticipated to lower balance of trade of a country, whereas a lower rate of exchange would augment it. There is a higher correlation between exchange rates, inflation and interest rates. In order to stimulate economic growth, monetary authorities change interest rates, thus affecting exchange rates and inflation. Higher rates of interest lure foreign investment and cause rate of exchange to increase. When there is a current account deficit, countries tend to increase the demand for foreign currency. Increase in demand of overseas currency lowers the exchange rate (Connolly,

Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 3

Research Paper Example It is an undeniable fact that the world is increasingly multicultural. Due to the integrations of business and the growing globalization that defines the entire world economy, business faces a fundamental question of how they should define multiculturalism within their respective departments. The crux of this matter must necessarily be contingent upon to key factors. The first of these is with regards to what can be defined as a race and the second with what can be defined as ethnicity and culture. Although these two terms are invariably misconstrued to be one in the same, and appropriate and applicable level of understanding with respect to each of these is necessary with regards to defining an understanding the characteristics of what a truly multicultural organization must engender. Firstly, it must be understood that one of the more nebulous of the concepts which has been discussed above is necessarily that of race. Ultimately, race has been used as means of categorizing humans b y cultural, genetic, geographic, anatomical, linguistic, social, religious, or historical means (Goby, 2007). As a function of this, the very definition of race is something that sociologists and anthropologists continue to argue about. Due to the many determinants of race that exist, is oftentimes been decided that since no working and firm definition of what defines one and what defines another can readily be agreed upon, ethnicity, or the means by which an individual is defined as a result of culture and geographic origin, is a far better identifier of people. Broadly speaking, race, and racial definitions is something that the stakeholder must integrate with; whether or not they are of the opinion that such a definition is ultimately helpful. Due to the fact that the stakeholder is responsible not only for integrating directly with the society but also with explicating and defining the means by which past history has taken place and continues impact upon the stakeholders within the workplace, race is not a topic that can merely be brushed aside and deemed as a prior an unsuccessful method of grouping individuals (Pinder, 2009). The fact of the matter is that even as academia and society as a whole differs upon an approach and appreciation for such a concept, it remains incumbent upon the manager/supervisor to continue to place a level and degree of focus upon the importance that race necessarily engenders. Having a diverse representation of race within the workplace allows for the firm to be able to integrate with the perspectives and needs of an increasingly diverse consumer base (Usry & White, 2000). Moreover, by representing such a range of diversity within the firm, the multicultural aura of business and business competition will be bolstered to allow the firm to compete more effectively. Regardless of the potentially flawed an incomplete understanding and appreciation for how race impacts upon the individual and society that the workers within a parti cular industry might necessarily have, it is incumbent upon the manager/stakeholder to seek to distance himself/herself from any of these faulty pre-conceived and ultimately unscientific interpretations.

CASE 4-Healthcare Financial Problems and Remedial Action Plans Research Paper

CASE 4-Healthcare Financial Problems and Remedial Action Plans - Research Paper Example a Hospital Medical Center puts the organization at the peril of not attaining its objectives aimed at providing medical and health services to the poor. The availability of resources to an organization exposes an organization to favorable opportunities. In the presence of adequate resources, an organization can avail the advantages of favorable opportunities (Swayne et al, 2008). Notably, presence of adequate resources will allow California Hospital Medical Center compensate its employees and cater for the large number of people who depend on the organization. Failure to pay employees may render the organization insolvent. The organization’s employee remuneration is dependent on the availability of financial resources (Swayne et al, 2008). Poor employee compensation will in turn affect the employee motivation and cause the failure in attaining company goals. Businesses can at any time face contingencies and adverse changes, which impact their operations. Presence of adequate financial resources can assist the organization offset itself from such contingencies, such as a financial crisis and business oscillations emanating from heavy losses (Swayne et al, 2008). Availability of financial resources increases an organization’s efficiency. Availability of financial resources in an organization is linked to the presence of adequate facilities which improve an organization’s efficiency (Swayne et al, 2008). The unavailability of adequate financial resources affects California Hospital Medical Center’s access to adequate medical facilities which hampers its ability to provide medical services to the people. The availability of financial resources to California Hospital Medical Center can assist the organization access facilities thus, improving its effectiveness. In this regard, California Hospital Medical Center may have to seek more sources of funds in order to support its operations. Organizations require adequate man power in their quest to attain their

Current Research in Astronomy Essay Example for Free

Current Research in Astronomy Essay For many astronomers, Adaptive Optics is something like a dream coming true. Since 1609 and the first observations of celestial bodies performed with the help of an optical telescope, astronomers have always fought to improve the resolving power of their instruments. For a long time, engineers have trimmed the optical quality of the telescopes, until they finally reached the barrier set by the atmospheric turbulence. At that point, the intrinsic quality of the site became a major issue to establish new observatories with modern telescopes, and astronomers started to desert the urban skies and to migrate toward mountains and deserts (Alloin and Mariotti 2004 9). The recent emergence Adaptive optics aims at providing diffraction limited long exposure images at large telescopes, which is greatly considered as one of astronomy’s breakthrough (Alloin and Mariotti 2004 9; Espinosa 1997 12). By far, the largest limitation to the application of adaptive optics to astronomy is very limited sky coverage when using natural guide stars for wavefront sensing. Similar limitations existed for many military applications of adaptive optics (Espinosa 1997 12). Adaptive optics systems provide a real time correction of the distorted wavefronts; they restore all the properties of light prior to the final part of its travel through the atmosphere (Alloin and Mariotti 2004 9). Discussion Adaptive Optics: Wavefront and Laser Guide Star (LGS) Adaptive optic systems for atmospheric turbulence compensation require a reference star for correcting wavefront distortion. The sodium LGS relies on resonant backscattering of a laser tuned into the D2 sodium absorption line to provide a reference, but LGS must sufficiently bright to correct high order wavefront aberration (Zamorano, Gorgas and Gallego 2001 317). The key concept in adaptive optics is the wave front, which is found by tracing out an equal optical path (distance x refractive index) from a source to the region of interest. For a point source and free space, wavefronts are spherical, and for starlight, the distance is so large that for all practical purposes the wavefronts entering the Earth’s atmosphere are plane. After propagating through the random refractive index of the atmosphere, the wavefront entering the telescope pupil is random, and its statistics determine the image quality, and govern how an adaptive optical system might be used to compensate for the distortion (Agerorges 2000 4). Such effect greatly depends on the laser lunch power, polarization’s beam, atmospheric transmission and the sodium column density, which, if obtained appropriately, might even enhance the imagery, increase the scope of telescopic observatory, and improve the image details of pictures obtained from astronomical studies (Zamorano, Gorgas and Gallego 2001 317). The use of LGS AO has caught on quickly within the astronomical community in large part because, equipped with adaptive optics operating at the diffraction limit in the near-infrared, the new 6- to 10-m telescopes possess the capability to match the angular resolution in the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) in the visible and to exceed its resolution in the near infrared (Rodier 256). Laser Guide Star LGS, basically, is a technology that utilizes AO imaging in order to enhance graphical imagery of telescopes and view astronomical images with additional quality. The technology uses an artificial star in order to act as a wavefront reference source, which consequently corrects light distortion (Zamorano, Gorgas and Gallego 2001 317). The need for a bright stellar was always a concern for astronomical applications of adaptive optics. To operate, a wavefront sensor must have sufficient light to overcome photon noise and background noise with enough light left over to form the image. In astronomy, few stars of scientific interest are sufficiently bright. For imaging uncooperative satellites, reflected light is often too dim or nonexistent. In 1985, French astronomers Foy and Labeyrie published work detailing how one might use backscatter from a laser focused to a point in the atmosphere as an artificial beacon (a guide star) for astronomical adaptive optics. As work progressed in the astronomy community to build and test a laser powerful enough to have sufficient backscatter for the Foy-Labeyrie method (Tyson 2000 5). Since the beginning of the 1980s, classified U. S military work was addressing the problems of projecting high-energy laser beams from the ground to space for missile defense and secure communications. The research from 1982 at the U. S Air Force Starfire Optical Range (USAFSOR) directed by Robert Fugate advanced the laser guide star concept and produced a wealth information about laser performance requirements, adaptive optics system operation, atmospheric physics, and closed loop image of space borne objects. By 1991, the bulk of military work on laser guide starts was declassified and made available to astronomers around the world (Tyson 2000 5). Currently, LGS is being developed by various nations, setting up their own laser beacon and extensively enhancing research through the said technology. The use of a laser beacon as the reference source enables faint objects to be compensated by adaptive optics, at the expense of greater hardware complexity. The laser beacon must be directed within the isoplanatic angle of the science object at the observation wavelength; although, this procedure provide only short-exposure correction. On the other hand, a fixed natural guide star possesses the ability to further stabilized the image during long exposures so that sky coverage depends on the distribution of stars, which consequently enhances the space imagery (Hardy 1998 309). There are many cases where the object itself, such as a sunlit satellite, is insufficient for wavefront sensing. In astronomy, there are billions of stellar objects too dim for sensing and not near enough in the sky to bright objects. For high-energy laser propagation to uncooperative targets or satellite tracking and imaging, an artificial source must be placed above the atmosphere to provide photons for the wavefront sensor and subsequent compensation. Lasers actually provide only partial correction, because a natural star still is required and opposite tilt upon traveling up into the atmosphere and returning (Tyson 2000 6-7). Particularly exciting development is the use of adaptive telescope mirrors to compensate for the distortion of stellar images produced by atmospheric turbulence. Using adaptive optics, ground-based telescopes are now demonstrating diffraction-limited performance, albeit over relatively small fields of view. It can be expected that large ground-based telescopes will have higher resolution and light-gathering power than space-based telescopes, since both of these performance metrics depend on aperture size. Moreover, ground-based telescopes can be larger than those space-based ones; hence, enabling higher development and scope for stellar imagery. The adaptive optical system of LGS displays 0. 07-arcsecond resolution, which is almost a hundred times better than past ground-based telescope systems but uses a telescope built approximately 80 years ago (national Research Council 1998 137-138). Conclusion LGS AO is one of the breakthroughs of current astronomical imagery, which provides enhanced images and display features that are usually not present in the space-based telescopes, such as HCT. The mechanism involved utilizes a guide star or an artificial star that facilitates the graphical imagery. LGS works as distortion corrector enabling enhanced imaging through AO ground-based telescopes. Conclusion Ageorges, N. Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics for Astronomy. Springer, 2000. Alloin, Danielle M. , and Jean-Marie Mariotti. Adaptive Optics for Astronomy. Springer, 2004. Espinosa, Jose. Instrumentation for Large Telescopes. Cambridge University Press, 1997. Flectcher, L. Solid State Laser for Subaru Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics. Subaru Telescope. 6 July 2005. 8 Jan. 2008 www. nao. ac. jp/E/Outreach/pr-rl/2005/index. html. Flectcher, L. Observational Methods. 14 Feb. 2005. 8 Jan. 2008 http://www. astro. gla. ac. uk/users/lyndsay/TEACHING/A1OBSMETH/VIEWGRAPHS/starlight-figure1. jpg. Hardy, John W. Adaptive Optics for Astronomical Telescopes. Oxford University Press, 1998. National Research Council (U. S. ), . Harnessing Light: Optical Science and Engineering for the 21st Century. National Academies Press, 1998. Roddier, Francois . Adaptive Optics in Astronomy. Cambridge University Press, 1999. Tyson, Robert K. Adaptive Optics Engineering Handbook. CRC Press, 2000. Zamorano, Jaime, Javier Gorgas, and Jesus Gallego. Highlights of Spanish Astrophysics II. Springer, 2001.

The Concept Of Evidence Based Practice Social Work Essay

The Concept Of Evidence Based Practice Social Work Essay Introduction This essay aims to identify and critically appraise evidence of whether social intervention improve outcome for depression in British Pakistani women. I will analyse whether social intervention can lead to improve mental wellbeing, empowerment and individual growth. I will analyse the value emphasis of therapeutic social support in mental health. The context of social work practice in mental health is complex, therefore social work intervention has to have an ethical and value based framework. I will assess the theoretical basis for standardise practice. The statutory changes in Britain to consider the fundamental values position incorporated in recent policies and legislation will be examined. Define the concept of evidence based practice Evidence based practice (EBP) according to Sackett (1997) citied in Gray et al (2009: 119) connotes a process of improving professional judgement through the conscientious and judicious integration and synthesis of well-researched empirical evidence to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of intervention in enhancing service users outcomes and how this can be integrated into practice context to improve service delivery and professional accountability (Department of Health Service and Public Safety, 2012) (Gray, Plath, Webb, 2009) (Sheppard, 2004) (Corby, 2006). It gives a framework for analysing the situation and generating a number of possible options (Thompson N., 2000, p. 35). (Mathews Crawford, 2011) suggested that practitioners must think critically and reflect on research evidence for credibility, completeness and transferability to inform professional judgement as this an implication for policy makers, professionals, communities and service users. The impetus for EBP within social work is underpinned on the centrality on service users best interest to guide practice that is culturally sensitive and of significance to service users within the dynamic context of practice, legislation and social policy (Bolton, 2002). EBP therefore necessitates social workers reflexivity of how values, theoretical assumptions, policies, past experiences and the context in which practice takes place combine with service users perspective, preferences, and culture to guide and inform practice (Munro, 2002:10). This is to account for the multifaceted personal, cultural and social dimensions of service users (Webber Nathan, 2010) Select an aspect of social work What interest me in this topic is the gap which exist in providing culturally sensitive support to black and ethnic minority group with depression. The evidence available suggest that individual with mental health distress including depression are the most marginalised and excluded groups in society (Stepney Ford, 2001). Additionally, the prevalence of depression in black and minority ethnic (BME) and in particular women from Pakistani background in Britain, underlines the importance of supporting statutory and voluntary initiatives directed towards meeting their needs (Husain, Creed, Tomenson, 1997) (Gater, et al., 2009). (Miranda, et al., 2003) noted the gap in evidence based for social intervention. Drawing on their practice experiences and appropriate evidence Within the context of community voluntary mental health services, their diverse types of evidence that informs practice and policy and social workers have an ethical obligation in the choice of theories and model of working. In my practice, a systems approach is emphasised in understanding the interplay and multiplicity of service users context. Psychodynamic approach is concerned with how perceptions of needs, stigma and stereotypical assumptions motivate human behaviour including help seeking, disclosure of sensitive information. Past experiences are seen as central in the problems individual experience and used in understanding the dynamics of the helping relationship. Social learning theory suggests behaviours are influenced by service users socio-cultural context. For example help seeking behaviour is influenced and reinforced by stigma and service delivery Therefore cognitive- behavioural therapy is emphasised by understanding the role perceptions in help seeking. Therefore through interaction, modelling service users perception is influenced. Conflict theory is invaluable in understanding cultural conflicts, stigma and oppression, power imbalance. As noted in Saleeby (1996) the strength perspective is intrinsic to social work values of service users involvement, and respecting individual as having strengths The feminist perspective takes into account the role of gender and the historical lack of power experienced by women. Collaborative relationship is emphasised between the social worker and service user through equality and empowerment. Through empirical observation using randomised controlled trial, Gater, et al (2010) investigated the effective of Social intervention for British Pakistani women with depression. It sought to explain the cause and effect, to predict and control reality, and to create unambiguous objective truth that can be proven or disproved to inform the effectiveness of intervention and policies implementation. Qualitative data used to understand individuals social reality within their socio- cultural context which questions cultural assumptions, discrimination and oppression and the implication and significance in implementation. This can be used to conceptualise service users perspective regarding intervention and polices implications, their needs and perceptions about current polices and interventions. The problem solving model focuses on understanding service users in their context and working in partnership. In a cross sectional study, prevalence of depression amongst women of Pakistani origin was twice as high compare to white European women (Gater, et al., 2009). (Campbell McLean, 2002) suggested that social capital resources is embedded in within social networks and improve recovery. An alternative explanatory framework for the prevalence of depression in Pakistani women in mental health statistics has been the social constructive perspective. This perspective encompasses help seeking behaviour. There are some evidenced based interventions that have been proven to help people recovery from depression. The randomized control trial study by (Harris, Brown, Robinson, Befriending as an intervention for chronic depression among women in an inner city: Randomised control trail, 1999) found that befriending schemes are beneficial in improving recovery. This is to counter the criticisms of institutional racism and cultural assumptions in the delivery of mental health services to black and ethnic minority groups (Gould, 2010). Phillip Rack (1982) cited in (Gould, 2010): 40 proposed a Culturally attuned approach that used insight This intervention is central to social work values of respecting and valuing uniqueness and diversity and recognising and building strengths. Social intervention involves aspects of partnership and include and emphasis on the impact of environmental pressures on individuals and therefore can be invaluable in anti-discriminatory work with service users in offering empowerment and dealing with structural oppression (Ahmad B. , 1990, p. 51). He also noted the importance of importance of qualitative research in exploring these issues (Ahmad W. , 1995). This social intervention included specific target groups. It uses an approach that included education and/or direct contact with people who are depressed. Social intervention provides social workers with a structural appreciation of the nature of social problems (Gould, 2010, p. 60) (Harris, 2010) social support and depression Reconnection of hope through therapeutic encounter Psychosocial and cognitive therapies have now been included in clinical practice guidelines. However, there remain considerable problems with black and ethnic minority accessing these services. Research has shown a consistent relationship between mental illness and indicators of social disadvantages (Fryers, Melzer, Jenkins, 2003). Thus, development of strategies to support help seeking and treatment is needed. (Mathews Crawford, 2011) (Orme Shemmings, 2010) (Smith, 2004) (Gask, Aseem, Waquas, Waheed, 2011) qualitative thematic analysis (social isolation) family conflict, social cultural factors, psychosocial factors Identify what can be learned from the evidence In Gater,et al (2010) Social intervention for British Pakistani women with depression: randomised controlled trial, Participants social functioning and depression were signi ¬Ã‚ cantly improved. Given the prevalence of depression (Gater, et al., 2009) in this group and the under-representation amongst people able to access supportive services, this presents an important development. In relation to improving participants engagement qualitative studies have found the debilitating effect of stigma as a signi ¬Ã‚ cant barrier for accessing support (Livingston Boyd, 2010) (Mak, Poon, Pun, Cheung, 2007). Stigma is understood as the interplay of individuals social identity and socio-cultural dynamics in which individuals with mental health are discriminated against and socially excluded due to stereotypical assumption (Lam, 2008). This  ¬Ã‚ nding is consistent with the evidence regarding social support interventions in (Harris, A stress-vunerability model of mental health disorder: implications for practice, 2010). However, there is a gap of how stigma associated with mental illness can be reduced. The study was of high research quality, which indicates a reduced risk of biasness and confounding. A major limitation of this study is heterogeneity amongst the sample, that only 123 participants and increase in social functioning is limited to only 3 months. Therefore, the medium to long-term effects of social intervention within this group remain largely unknown. Another research gap is the absence of a dynamic medication adherence related studies aimed at this group, which have been identi ¬Ã‚ ed as important for achieving adherence and better outcome for depression (Miranda, et al., 2003). Addressing the resistance from family members around issue of confidentiality and stigma amongst this population may be best accomplished through culturally appropriate communication strategies that facilities warm and empathy and social capital. In contrast, the research suggests that social intervention although it improves depression in the short run will not achieve meaningful improvements in the long run without antidepressant. (Department of Health, 2007) emphasises partnership working, respect for diversity, strengths and aspirations and service users centred. Its focus on effectiveness, accountability and personal development are congruent with the principles of evidence based practice. (Slade, 2009) noted that personal recovery is a challenging and contested concept within the domain of empirical evidence. The multi facet level of mental illness is evident in the definition of mental health, the impact of treatment and the social consequences. However, (Resnick, Fontana, Lehman, RA, 2005) highlighted that empowerment, hope and optimism, knowledge and life satisfaction outcome that are central to the recovery model allows the prevalence of recovery to be investigated empirically. (Gould, 2010) As stated in (Gater, et al., 2009), an epidemiology of depression that accounts for social support and social difficulties is critical. Social context of depression Nonetheless, depression is associated with important negative consequences, such as social exclusion, low self-esteem. Social exclusion according to (Hills, LeGrand, Piachaud, 2004)should be conceptualise in the context of the personal, cultural and structural dimension and highlighted lack of social interaction as a form of social exclusion. Attuned to cultural beliefs and norms Social and inclusive practice have been developed and reinforced by the Capabilities for Inclusive Practice (Department of Health , 2007) report: working in partnership, respecting diversity. Assessment requires service users participation and access to information to make informed choice. This model of assessment has to be cultural sensitive and proactive in nature. Psychosocial assessment Although social support is frequently referred to as beneficial in relation to depression, there has been little attempt to specify what this means and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to reduce isolation. (Tew, 2004) Partnership working is crucial in adopting a social model of intervention. Culturally sensitive practice. (Gater, Waheed, Husain, Tomenson, Aseem, Creed, 2010) (Webber W. , 2011) Research indicates that (Oakley, Strange, Toroyan, Wiggins, Roberts, Stephenson, 2003) Mental health is practice within a context of multi-disciplinary collaboration to integrate the bio-psychosocial model of practice. The implementation of EBP within this context has to account for the theoretical assumptions that underpin this area of practice. This involves training and supervision. Research by (Huxley, et al., 2005) indicated stress of workers as accounting for their lack of implementing EBP. noted that another reason for EBP not been implemented is due to stereotypical assumptions that black and ethnic minorities prefer informal support than support from professional. One barrier to effective assessment and intervention for depression epidemiology Another barrier is the reluctance of ethnic minority group to share their emotional symptoms due to family pressure and perceive stigma. To overcome these barriers, social intervention that accounts for social capital is crucial. EBP therefore requires practice that is needs not resources leads if services are to be provided that are of sound professional judgement. Perceptions about depression and stigma have been empirically supported in experimental, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies to worsen depression and affect interpersonal outcome and social support (Thomsen, 2006). Analysis and reflective process of data collection, the transparencies about the relational nature of the research, and the ways which service users perspective are constructed through a respectful partnership and reflexivity of how our values, theoretical assumptions, policies, past experiences and the context in which practice takes place. Trust and openness in research relationship a reciprocal process right- based analytical approach (Department of Health, 2008) ethical and critical engage that with respectful uncertainties that reflect on the process of engagement and analysis Mutual and sincere collaboration, over time respectful uncertainties Using multiple data sources to account for publication biasness and multiple perspectives and ways of knowing Acknowledgement of complexities of realities Use of reflexivity focus on contexts of and relationships between researcher and researched as shaping the creation of knowledge. Ethical consideration in knowledge (Gask, Aseem, Waquas, Waheed, 2011) understanding how symptoms are expressed and perceive. Understanding emotional expressiveness within cultural context. Conclusion In conclusion, social intervention has highlighted strategies that have demonstrated some success for improving help seeking. Given the complexities and multi facet dimension of individual experiences and the context in which needs occurs, it is imperative that the uniqueness of individual is taken into account within the paradigm of culturally competent practice (Dalrymple and Burke, 2006). In addition, Social Work practice draws on theoretical knowledge from social sciences, which are usually Eurocentric, it is essential, that Social Work practice integrate knowledge from best evidence for it to meet it ethical obligation to counter oppressive and discriminatory practice (Thompson N. , 2003) (Webber W. , 2011). (Thompson N. 2003)

Review of Far from the Madding Crowd :: Thomas Hardy Far from the Madding Crowd Essays

Review of Far from the Madding Crowd At the start of the story, we are told by Liddy that Boldwood "took her and put her to school and got her a place here with your uncle." And that "he's a very kind man." With this, we can see that Boldwood is regarded highly in the eyes of the country folk. However, when he fell for Bathsheba, he became an emotional wreck and his hay ricks ruined as he didn't collect them in before the storm. By doing this, he is shirking his responsibilities. As Gabriel said, "A few months earlier Boldwood's forgetting his husbandry would have been as preposterous as a sailor forgetting he was in a ship." Boldwood forgetting his hay ricks was a huge clue to how much Bathsheba's marriage had affected him. At the end of the story, he tried to take his own life and was only stopped by his worker Sam. Compared to the dignified and respected Boldwood we saw at the start of the novel, this is a drastic change. Similarly, Troyshirks his responsibilities and drags the rest of the workers down with him as well by practically forcing them to drink. He tells them that "If any of the men show the white feather, let them look else where for a winter's work." By saying this, the men had been left with no choice but to do what he told them to. He shows contempt towards Gabriel's suggestion that the hay ricks should be covered in order to protect them from the rain. In the end Gabriel had to do it all by himself as the workers had been too drunk to work. "He saw at once that if the ricks were to be saved that night, or even the nest morning, he would have to save them with his own hands." The author has shown a contrast in the attitudes if Frank Troy and Gabriel Oak. Clearly, Troydid the worker's harm more than good. Therefore, their working relationship with the workers show their worth or lack of worth. Also, the author makes it clear that the workers are not to blame in this matter as they had been suitably apologetic and embarrassed the day after. "the others shambled after with a conscience stricken air." Move plot along. At many points of the story, the major characters find out many things that have affected the way the story has been played out from the minor characters. Therefore, although these characters are 'minor', and never actually gets much attention from the reader in the story, they are always somewhere in the background Thomas Hardy has painted

Derek Jeter: Before A World Champion Essay -- Biography Biographies Bi

The Life of Derek Jeter: Before a World Champion "Derek Jeter, a professional ballplayer for the YankeesÂ…" are the exact words Derek Jeter, himself, used in his eighth-grade yearbook (Jeter xvi). For as long as he could remember, Jeter has longed to be a New York Yankee. Fifteen years after predicting he would be a professional ballplayer for the Yankees, Derek Jeter is now more than a Yankee. Jeter isn't only a Yankee; he is a family guy and a World Champion. His career started when he was five years old, and everything has evolved from there. Sports fans know what life for Derek Jeter is now, but what was life like before he became a world champion, superstar, and captain of the New York Yankees. Derek Jeter's life is started and baseball is about to be changed forever. On June 26, 1974, Charles and Dorothy Jeter gave birth to one of the greatest athletes today, Derek Jeter, in Pequannock, New Jersey (Biography par 1). Charles, being caucasian, and Dorothy, being African American, gave Derek his tan complexion. For the next four years Jeter lived in New Jersey within 30 miles of Yankee Stadium (Biography par 1). Not knowing at the time that he would end up back in New York as a Yankee, Jeter's family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where Derek was able to start playing baseball at the age of five, and would spend the summers with his grandma in New Jersey (Biography par 1). She persuaded him to be a Yankee fan by taking him to multiple games during the summer at Yankee Stadium. Soon, Jeter would come to idolize Dave Winfield (Biography par 1), who played outfield for the Yankees from 1981 to 1988 (Winfield), and was later inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Now that Jeter has been exposed to baseball and Yankee... ... healthy lifestyle. It also taught kids to "turn away" from substances such as drugs and alcohol. From the time Jeter was born he should have been put in a Yankee uniform. He was born to play baseball and he obviously realized that. With his hard work and effort, he now is Captain of the New York Yankees. But without his hard work, dedication, and family support, Jeter wouldn't be anywhere near a Yankee. Now a four time World Champion and two times MVP of the World Series. Jeter continues to work hard and accomplish more and more goals. Derek Jeter will soon be remembered as one of the best players to ever play the game of baseball. Works Cited 1. Jeter, Derek. The Life You Imagine: Life Lessons for achieving you're dreams. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2000. 2. Derek Jeter-Biography. 1 Nov 2006 . 3. Dave Winfield-Fielding. 30 Oct 2006 .

Iago the villain Essay -- essays research papers

Iago the villain William Shakespeare, in his play, â€Å"Othello the Moor of Venice†, brings to life one of his most complex villains, Iago. Iago plays the ancient of Othello, who is the general of the Venetian forces. As an ancient, Iago is to be a loyal servant to Othello. However, Iago has grown bitter and contempt and uses his supposed loyalty as a wedge to cause Othello’s demise. It has been said of Iago that he is the devil incarnate or that he personifies the devil (pg. 244) this accusation comes to life as you read the play and discover for yourself that in each scene in which Iago speaks one can point out his deception. It is not clear whether Iago has a master plan or if he is just winged it moment by moment with his ultimate gain in mind. However, what is clear, and what we will point out in the following, is that Iago has the ability to use word play to say the right thing at the right time. He is quick witted and that is what makes him a successful villain. Iago’s is filled with rage and envy because he was passed over for a position he felt he deserved. Without conscience, Iago vows to take back what he feels is rightfully his by whatever means necessary. As we can see right from the beginning of Act 1, Iago begins to weave his web by revealing his true intentions to Roderigo as he justifies his hatred toward Othello. â€Å"O, sir, content you; I follow him to serve my turn upon him.† (Pg. 246, lines 41-42). Iago snares Roderigo, a man who is in love with Desdemona, by being the barer of bad news that she has just married Othello the Moor. It appears to Roderigo that Iago has his best interest at heart and that he wants to help him to win Desdemona over from Othello. Once Iago gains the trust of Roderigo he convinces him that they must do what is right and tell of Othello’s marriage to Desdemona the senator, her father. Iago accompanies Roderigo to the door of the Senator, Brabantio, and convinces Roderigo to call up to him to tell of this news. Once the senator is waked, Iago flees to tell Othello that trouble is on its way. This was the first clue that he was up to no good. Toward the end of Act 1, we find Iago and Roderigo speaking again. This time Roderigo is at his rope’s end and is contemplating suicide because of his lost love for Desdemona. Iago tries to reassure Roderigo that it is a matter of time that Desdemona will come to her sens... ...sio â€Å"Ay, if you dare yourself a profit and a right† (pg. 280, line 232). In the final Act, Act 5, we find Iago’s wife about to uncover his treachery, but before she can, Iago kills her to keep her quiet. In doing so he still hangs onto the hope that his plan is not all lost. Instead he flees to stall for time, however this is an admittance of guilt. â€Å"He’s gone, but his wife’s killed† (pg. 286, line 238). When Iago’s treachery is finally unmasked the justification he offers almost cheats the audience at first glance, as he stands there almost speechless â€Å"Demand me nothing. What you know, you know† (pg. 287, lines 303-304).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In his final words Iago offers no justification and conveys no expression of guilt for the treachery he bestowed upon Othello and the others. His willingness to lie, steal and kill is evidence that he is willing to go to any lengths to achieve his goal. One may ask what motivated Iago to commit these acts; it may seem that his motivation was his anger toward Othello for passing him over for the position of lieutenancy. However, to the contrary, true villains need no motivation, to be malicious and evil is their motivation.

An Analysis and Study of Information Systems with Their Related Terms and Concepts

â€Å"An analysis and study of Information systems with their related terms and concepts† Deepak Sharma Research Scholar ,Mewar university Rajasthan Mob. 9639916009 E-mail: [email  protected] com Abhishek Singh Bhatanagar Student MCA, Subharti University Meerut Mob. 9897008522 E-mail: [email  protected] com Abstract: This paper is written as a weapon to know about information systems in depth. As tomorrow's managers, entrepreneurs, or business specialists, business students need to know how to use and manage information technology in today's networked enterprises and global markets.In this dynamic environment, they will rely on interconnected networks of information systems for end user collaboration, including communications and computing among end user work groups and teams, and enterprise wide computing, including communications and information processing for business operations, managerial decision making, and strategic advantage. So this paper is a great assets in kno wing about information system in brief. Keywords: information, system ,management ,DSS ,TPS etc. 1. Introduction:An Information System is any combination of information technology and people's activities using that technology to support operations, management, and decision-making. In a very broad sense, the term information system is frequently used to refer to the interaction between people, algorithmic processes, data and technology. The focus of Info Systems is on the development of solutions for business problems rather than simply describing them. 1. 1 Functions (benefits) of information Systems: 1. It helps in increasing employee productivity. . It Help users to become information’s competent, that means find it easy to organise their information, search for information, analyze their information and using old information to create new information. 3. For providing better support to managers for effective decision making. 4. Information systems strongly focus on explain ing empirical phenomena of the real world. [pic] †¢ 1. 2 Categories of Information system: 1. Transaction Processing Systems (TPS) 2. Decision Support Systems (DSS) 3. Expert Information Systems (EIS) . Management Information Systems (MIS 5. Office Automation Systems (OAS) 1. 2. 1 Transaction Processing System: It processes business transaction of the organization. A Transaction Processing System or Transaction Processing Monitor is a set of information which process the data transaction in database system that monitors transaction programs Transaction can be any activity of the organization. Transactions differ from organization to organization. For example, take a railway reservation system .Transaction processing systems provide speed and accuracy, and can be programmed to follow routines functions of the organization 1. 2. 2Decision Support Systems (DSS): Decision Support Systems (DSS) are a specific class of computerized information system that supports business and organi zational decision-making activities. A properly designed DSS is an interactive software-based system intended to help decision makers compile useful information from raw data, documents, personal knowledge, and/or business models to identify and solve problems and make decisions.Typical information that a decision support application might gather and present would be: †¢ Accessing all of your current information assets, including legacy and relational data sources, cubes, data warehouses, and data marts †¢ Comparative sales figures between one week and the next †¢ Projected revenue figures based on new product sales assumptions †¢ The consequences of different decision alternatives, given past experience in a context that is described 1. 23 Expert information systemAn expert information system with which a decision maker in the construction, or a related industry, can generate a decision record and related control instructions in a facile manner without significa nt omissions while ensuring that substantially all of the options available for making the decisions have been considered. The expert system includes a microcomputer which executes a system control program to select information units from the expertise of a data base and to concentrate individual information units until an entire decision record has been generated.The process is enhanced by a multiwindowed display which displays possible selections from the expert data base while contrasting that data with data in another window having a list of data indicating the decisions or selections already made. A display pointer with a controllable position is employed to select lines and phrases of the expert information from that portion of the data base displayed in the selection window. The selection of such information causes the line or phrase from the data base, an information unit, to be transferred to the decision record and to the display of the selected decisions window. . 2. 4 Ma nagement information system (MIS) It is the organized approach to the study of information needs of a management at every level in making operational, tactical, and strategic decisions. Its objective is to design and implement man-machine procedures, processes, and routines that provide suitably detailed reports in an accurate, consistent, and timely manner. Modern, computerized systems continuously gather relevant data, both from inside and outside the organization.This data is then processed, integrated, and stored in a centralized database (or data warehouse) where it is constantly updated and made available to all who have the authority to access it, in a form that suits their purpose. 1. 2. 5 Office automation system Office automation systems (OAS) are configurations of networked computer hardware and software. A variety of office automation systems are now applied to business and communication functions that used to be performed manually or in multiple locations of a company, such as preparing written communications and strategic planning.In addition, functions that once required coordinating the expertise of outside specialists in typesetting, printing, or electronic recording can now be integrated into the everyday work of an organization, saving both time and money. 2. Information systems for Business operations: Business operations are those ongoing recurring activities involved in the running of a business for the purpose of producing value for the stakeholders. They are contrasted with project management, and consist of processes.The outcome of business operations is the harvesting of value from assets of a business. Assets can be physical or intangible. An example of value derived from a physical asset like a building is rent. An example of value derived from an intangible asset like an idea is a royalty. The effort involved in â€Å"harvesting† this value is what constitutes business operations. Information technology plays a major role in reengineering business processes.The speed, information processing power, and ease-of-use of modern computer hardware, software, and networks can dramatically increase the efficiency of business processes, and communications and collaboration among the people responsible for their operation and management. IT is a strategic requirement for agile product development and delivery. Information systems provide the information people need to support agile operations, as well as the information built into products and services 2. 1 Information system for strategic advantage:Information systems can be used to implement a variety of competitive strategies. These include the five basic competitive strategies (differentiation, cost, innovation, growth, alliance), as well as other ways that companies can use information systems strategically to gain a competitive edge. For example: 1. Lower Costs 2. Differentiate 3. Innovate 4. Promote Growth 5. Develop Alliances 6. Improve quality and effici ency Conclusion: So finally we can conclude that information system is a greatest tool by which our organization can take more and more liberties in future to achieve their goals.It increases the accuracy and reliability of information that is much needed by today’s organizations. References: 1. â€Å"Definition of Application Landscape†. Software Engineering for Business Information Systems (sebis). Jan 21, 2009. Retrieved January 14, 2011. 2. O'Brien, J A. (2003). Introduction to information systems: essentials for the e-business enterprise. McGraw-Hill, Boston, MA 3. Alter, S. The Work System Method: Connecting People, Processes, and IT for Business Results. Works System Press, CA 4. www. google. com 5. www. sciencedaily. com 6. www. wikipedia. com [pic][pic][pic]

A Collection of Essays by George Orwell

Book Review [pic] Essays of Orwell [pic] George Orwell (1903 – 1950) [pic] Edited by : M. G. Nayar Review done by : [pic] Fahimuddin Shaikh Roll no. 44 R. H. Patel English Medium B. Ed. College Kadi Sarva VishwaVidyalaya Campus, Sector 23, Gandhinagar. Year 2007-2008 Introduction : 1) The Aims of Book review : The book-review is appreciating, analyzing and criticizing a book wherein the reviewer goes through the book comprehensively to come out with his own ideas about the book and its value in terms of its internal and external features i. e. he content, subject-matter, theme, language, target appropriateness, impact upon the readers, the ability of the writer to convey his ideas and intention behind his work as well as the composing, binding, price, size and other physical features of the book. 2) Objectives of Book review : 1. The students develop writing skill by preparing notes. 2. The students develop interest in reading. 3. The students develop the reading skill. 4. The students acquire the hobby to develop the attitude of reading. 5. The students organize their thoughts. 6. The students get to know the nature of the book. 3) Importance of Book review : It enriches the knowledge. It enriches the language. It improves the skill of reading, writing and presentation. It develops the thinking ability. (4 ) Advantages of Book review : As B. Ed. is a new field for teacher-trainees to get acquainted with various types of books, the book-review enables them to acquire necessary skills of reading, writing, appreciating, criticizing and presentation. (5) Title of the book : The title of the book selected for the book-review is ‘Essays of Orwell’ edited by M. G. Nayar. (6) The aims of selecting a particular book : Selection of a particular book depends upon the need and the interest of the reviewer. The reviewer can review the book which he liked the most regarding the content or idea of the book. Or he can review a book to appreciate a particular work of art or literature or some useful information given in the book. I have selected ‘Essays of Orwell’ which is a compilation of essays written by George Orwell (1903-1950) in a very simple and lucid language. The aim of my selecting the ‘Essays of Orwell’ for the book-review is that the author shares his real-life experiences written with great earnestness and with the purpose of exposing, ridiculing and reforming the evils that prevailed in his age. Also the essays brings out the author’s extraordinary wide range of taste and concerns – like social, cultural literary, political and autobiographical. External features of the book : 1) Name of the book : The name of the book selected for the book-review is ‘Essays of Orwell’ and is edited by M. G. Nayar. 2) Name and detail of the author : The author of the book is George Orwell, one of the most prominent essayists of the 20th century. Eric Arthur Blair, who later became famous as George Orwell, was born at Motihari in Bengal where his father Richard Blair was employed in the Customs and Excise Department of the Government of India. pic] Orwell was sent to England at a very early age and he saw very little of his father till he returned to England on his retirement. His early years were very unhappy; he was lonely and had few playmates or companions. He had two sisters, a father and a mother all of whom were no closer to him. They were poor and the family depended solely on Mr. Blair’s small pension which was barely enough to keep up appearances. They found an exclusive preparatory school in the south coast, which was prepared to take the promising boy at a concessional rate in the expectation that he would win a scholarship and bring credit to the school. The lonely and sensitive boy had a very unhappy time in this school run by a snobbish headmaster and his equally snobbish wife. They never missed any opportunity to remind him that his parents were poor and that he was there through their charity. Orwell gives a vivid description of his school (under the fictional name Crossgates) and his sufferings there in his long essay satirically titled Such, Such were the Days’. He tells us : â€Å"I had no money, I was weak, I was ugly, I was unpopular, I had a chronic cough, I was cowardly, I smelt†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. † The humiliations inflicted on the sensitive and self-conscious boy in his wretched school by his bullying classmates as well as by those in authority left a deep scar on his soul. But from his childhood he had made up his mind to become a writer. He writes in his ‘Why I Write’, â€Å"From the very early age, perhaps the age of five or six, I knew that when I grew up I should be a writer. Between the ages of about seventeen and twenty-four I tried to abandon this idea, but I did so with the consciousness that I was outraging my true nature and that sooner or later I should have to settle down and write books. Writing would also enable him to answer two compelling needs of his nature, namely, to fight against injustice and oppression in all its forms, and to take upon himself the sins of the world and make atonement. Orwell essays show his deep concern with contemporary reality and its awareness of its sordid aspects. In other words we may say that it’s a fruit of his endeavour to remove various evils to reform the world around him so as to make it a better place to live in. Apart from essay Orwell is also known for his novels. Orwell shot into world-wide fame with the publication in 1945 of ‘Animal Farm’, a brilliant Swiftian satire on Russian Stalinism, authoritarian government and human fallibility and brutality. One of his most popular novels is ‘1984’ which presents a striking spectacle of totalitarianism in action. 3) Name of the Publisher and Edition : The book is published by ‘Macmillan India Limited’ and edited by M. G. Nayar. It was first published in the year 1980 and it has been reprinted in 1981, 1986 and 1994. 4) Cover page and Back page : The cover page is green-coloured thick paper with its title ‘Essays of ORWELL’ printed upon it inside a hexagonal white border. At the top is written the name of the publisher and at the bottom is the name of the editor. The back page is a plain white thick paper with the name of the publisher written on it. 5) Price of the book : The price of the book is Rs. 28. 00 6) No. of pages and no. of chapters : The book runs into 159 pages along with 11 pages of introduction at the beginning. The book consists of 12 essays on different subjects. 7) Binding of the book : The book is loosely bound with gum. The cover page is not strong enough to hold the pages of the book with the gum. 8) Fonts – shapes and size, printing size of the book : The fonts of the book are readable and have appropriate size. Proper line-spacing is given between the lines for a comfortable reading. The book is a pocket-size one and easy to carry. internal features of the book : (a)Theme of the book : The theme of the book ‘Essays of Orwell’ is promoting the moral responsibilities among people. Orwell feels disgusted with the intellectual dishonesty and moral depravity of his times and feels regret over the loss of sound values. He revolts against the various ills of his age, like injustice, inequality and loss of individual freedom. The theme of the book revolves round the idea to reform the people by inculcating the ideas of decency, integrity and intellectual liberty. b) Chapterisation : The book consists of 12 essays each of which are interesting and poised with the author’s qualitative analysis of the situations of the new world order. The central idea of some of the important essays are as follows : Essay I. Reflections on Gandhi : George Orwell showers praises on Mahatma Gandhiji referring to his autobiography ‘The Story of My Experiments with Truth’. The essay enables to see how the Western rationalist views the life an doctrines of the Mahatma whose life the author considers as a sort of pilgrimage in which every act was significant. Even though he fought against the mighty British Empire through the principle of non-violence the British officials who spoke of him with a mixture of amusement and disapproval also genuinely liked and admired him. Orwell stating Gandhi’s qualities says, â€Å"Nobody ever suggested that he was corrupt, or ambitious in any vulgar way, or that anything he did was actuated by fear or malice. † He further says, â€Å"His character was an extraordinarily mixed one, but there was almost nothing in it that you can put your finger on and call bad, and I believe that even Gandhi’s worst enemies would admit that he was an interesting and unusual man who enriched the world simply by being alive. † While admiring Gandhiji’s uncommon physical courage, his incorruptibility and political integrity, Orwell finds in the high moral values held scared by Gandhiji, especially in the doctrine of non-attachment, a vein of anti-humanism – a quality which made him more saintly than human. Orwell ends the essay by the remark, â€Å"†¦.. but regarded simply as a politician, and compared with the other leading political figures of our time, how clean a smell he has managed to leave behind. † Essay II. Shooting an Elephant : This essay enables us to get a glimpse of the author’s experiences in Burma where he was employed in the British Imperial Police (1922-1927). Orwell had already come to regard imperialism ‘as very largely a racket’. And he knew he was ill fitted for the role he was called upon to play. During this period of Imperial service a sense of guilt continually haunted him. While secretly he condemned imperialism as an evil, he was embittered by the anti-European sentiment among the natives who hated him as a representative of British Imperialism. The incident described here brought home to him the tyranny that imperialism imposes on the ruler as well as the ruled. It was as he marched at the head of an expectant crowd, rifle in hand, to shoot the mad elephant, that the irony of his own position struck him. He instinctively recoiled from the destructive act to which he had committed himself, but, should he fail to carry it out, he knew he would be ridiculed by the crowd that followed him. It was therefore imperative that he should impress them in order to be considered firm, fearless, imperturbable and capable of rising to the occasion in a crisis. Torn between the immediate need to play the ‘Sahib’ and his own ingrained aversion to the role thrust upon him, he set about the task of shooting the elephant, though it had never been his intention to kill the animal. Finding himself thus caught between two tyrannies – the tyranny of the ruler and the tyranny of the ruled that seemed to push him to and fro as if he were an absurd puppet – he realized the futility of Imperialism that deprives the tyrant himself of his free will. Essay III. You and the Atom Bomb : This essay was first published in the Tribune (19 October 1945). Here Orwell discusses the effect of the power that a sophisticated weapon is likely to bestow on the strong and affluent nations and the consequent threat to the freedom of the weaker ones. The more complex and expensive a weapon is, the more are the chances of its becoming the monopoly of the state and the more likely it is to keep its people under subjection. In the past, as the major weapons were accessible to the people, they could rise in revolt against despotic governments. But the atomic bomb, being expensive and difficult to manufacture, will ever remain a rare weapon under state control and any revolt of the exploited classes will be rendered more and more difficult in future. And if the number of states possessing the bomb increases, it is unlikely that they will use it against one another, but they will tend to be despotic within and aggressive without, and as a result the poorer nations which cannot afford to make it will always be in danger of losing their freedom. In these circumstances, a reimposition of slavery like that of ancient Rome and Greece is a possibility that cannot be wholly ruled out. Essay IV. How the Poor Die This is a chapter from the author’s days of penury and vagrancy in Paris. Here, Orwell tells us of his experience in a French hospital where he was treated for pneumonia in 1929. From his own bed in the dingy public ward of Hospital X in Paris, he could watch everything that went on around him with a gently critical eye. The poor died of disease and neglect, getting very little by way of real medical aid or human sympathy. The account we ger of the patients, doctors, nurses, and of the whole sordid atmosphere of the ward reads almost like the pages of a novel. The primitive conditions of the hospital – callous indifference of the doctors and nurses who regarded the patients as nothing more than ‘specimen’ – reminded him which used to be houses of torture rather than centres of healing. The entire picture is painted with a certain degree of detachment, devoid of any cynicism or sentimentality, but marked by a fine sense of humour. Essay V. New Words In this essay (1940), Orwell dwells on the need to coin new words to communicate certain feelings that are too subtle for expression. He feels that there is a considerable province of human experience that lies beyond the descriptive power of words, especially aesthetic and moral feeling, our likes and dislikes and all that concerns our inner life. Orwell here discusses the possibility of bridging these gaps in language by inventing new words. He refers to certain methods, by which words may be coined, the source of methods like analogy, onomatopoeia and slang. Orwell hopes that large numbers of people apply themselves to the task of inventing new words on the basis of common experience so that we world be able to overcome the verbal inadequacy and ‘give an objective existence’ to our thoughts. Essay VI. Propaganda and Demotic Speech : The paradox about modern propaganda is its unintelligibility and its consequent failure to impress the audience it is aimed at. According to Orwell, this is due to the fact that the language used for the purpose has nothing to do with thelanguage of the common man. There is, in every language, a lot of difference between its written and spoken forms, but in English this difference is so glaring that the bookish language of Government leaflets or party pamphlets very often fails to get across, and succeeds at best only in creating vague and sometimes, erroneous impressions on the ordinary man. Eminent writers like Harold Laski also are guilty of this sin. Orwell says that, in order to appeal to the ordinary man, neither high-sounding words nor ’the educated accent’ which is viewed suspiciously by the working classes as an upper-class affectation, will serve as a vehicle of communication. The language of propaganda, to be effective, must be brought closer to the language of the common man. A truly democratic government that needs to educate the public on matters of national interest will necessarily have to choose the right words and adopt the right tone – the vocabulary and tone of a genuinely demotic speech. Essay VII. The Writing of History : Orwell in his essay discusses the question of objectivity in the writing of history. It often happens that some of the facts of history get so mixed up with falsehood as to become indistinguishable from lies. Orwell cites certain verifiable facts of recent history which have, within a brief period of time, undergone such distortion. Truth, which is of paramount importance in the recording of events, seems to be at the mercy of ‘might’ and the modern tendency to tamper with truth is likely to make the task of the future historian complex as well as difficult. Essay VIII. Bookish Memories : After his return to England from Paris, before he could earn enough to live on his writings, in the early thirties, Orwell worked as a part-time assistant in a London bookshop, where he worked for about a year. Though it was drudgery for him, he had opportunities of observing customers of various kinds, including eccentrics, their habits and tastes. Here he records his impressions of such people with a half-humorous, half-indulgent attitude which, incidentally, enables us to get a glimpse into his own tastes and habits of reading. The essay reveals one curious face – that Orwell lost his love of books. The changing literary tastes of the reading public are also brought out. Essay IX. The English Character : In this essay Orwell perceptively analyzes the general characteristics of the English people with a remarkable degree of objectivity. The usual generalizations about the English character are vitiated by pre-conceived notions of the British aristocracy that is often drawn upon to typify the national image. Orwell draws our attention to the hitherto ignored majority – the English commoners – whose exclusion from the picture has so far tended to perpetuate misleading notions about the race as a whole. The racial characteristics described like artistic insensibility, xenophobia, snobbery and hypocrisy are common to the entire race. The picture that emerges is no idealized image but a true one, as sharp and well defined as the reflection in an undistorting mirror held up before English humanity as a whole, apt to jolt them out of their complacency rather than flatter their national pride. Essay X. The Moral Outlook of the English People : In this essay Orwell draws our attention to the moral sense of the English people. While the majority of the English people are indifferent to organized religion, some of the ethical aspects of Christianity do appeal to them still. In this age of power-politics, they cling to the belief that might is not right – a truly Christian principle, though it is not one among the Biblical doctrines. That England has always supported the cause of the weak against the strong even when it was disadvantageous to them shows that the English do not subscribe to the power cult. They are neither prudish nor lax about matters of sex, gambling and drinking. Violence of any sort is repellent to the English. They have an ingrained respect for the law and human liberty. The vaunted freedom of the press in England may largely be an illusion, but freedom of speech is a reality. The English people are never afraid to give expression to their opinions in public, but then they are never fanatic because they lack conviction, and being a phlegmatic race they are not easily roused to action. Essay XI. The English Class System : Class distinctions are a vestige of the past still clinging to English society. The aristocracy of the feudal age was replaced by the nobility of the later periods, and the titled class today commands a certain respect, probably because of its traditional integrity, though its importance has been steadily dwindling with the rise of the rich middle class. By adopting the habits and manners of the nobility, the rich middle class tends to become indistinguishable from the upper class. At the lower level, despite the antagonism in the political field, the working classes which are not entirely free from snobbishness try to imitate the middle class in speech, manners and dress. There is also a large section of classless people – the technically educated persons. Thus both at the top and the bottom, a sort of levelling process has been at work. On the whole, the general trend seems to be towards the blurring of class distinctions, though essentially English society remains what it used to be in the nineteenth century. Essay XII. Why I Write : In this essay originally written in 1946 for publication in the journal Gangrel, Orwell discusses the impulses that prompted him to take to creative writing as a profession. The motives that urged him to turn author are mainly those that urge every artist, namely, egoism and aesthetic pleasure. Like other writers, Orwell too had a passion for truth. What he calls the historical impulse is his concern for truth – the truth about things as they are. In Orwell’s case, it was chiefly a concern for finding the truth about political institutions and movements as he understood them. In fact, the political purpose was strong and it bestowed on his writings a certain verve without affecting his aesthetic and intellectual integrity. c) Presentation of Content : George Orwell in his essays has presented the issues that concerned him during the 1940s. In these essays we find considerations of the totalitarian impulse, the quality of modern intellectual life, the nature of modern art, nationalism, and the emergence of the new managerial society. All the essays are inter-connected as they are concerned with the real life and invites the readers to ponder upon certain subtle issues concerning the human life. They are all essays in thought and maintain a sequence of thought. Orwell has presented the content in his essays in the neutral style, good, limpid, contemporary, and it was always equal to its purposes. Within what seems a narrow range, he showed virtuosity in the different ‘timings’. He managed diligently the narrative, descriptive, critical, denunciatory and straight exposition from his life. Due to this he is also successful to reach to the target-groups from various cross-section of the society. d) Content Validity : The content of the essays of Orwell has direct validity to the aims of his purpose. The subject as well as the content has been aptly justified with the references and context to the situations. Orwell has presented his real life incidents with an aim to expose the hypocrisy of the powerful nations as well as the snobberies of the upper-class people. e) Language : Lucidity and clarity are the two main features of Orwell’s prose style. He disliked all vagueness and ambiguity in thought and is clear and straightforward in his thinking. Often he writes the slangy, colloquial English, mostly his prose is that of the journalist. Moreover, we also do not find unnecessary ornamentation and use of a figurative language, rather he has frequently made use of apt metaphors and images that enhances the beauty of his writing. John Atkins rightly observed, â€Å"Orwell’s campaign was therefore for a language that should be both pure and subtle, flexible and simple. † ) Justification of the Title of the Book : The title of the book ‘Essays of Orwell’ is apt and appropriate as it contains the selected essays written by George Orwell. g) Other features depending upon material selected : The book also consists of the short summary of each of the essays along with the glossary and the unfamiliar words at the end. Overall evaluat ion : In ‘Essays of Orwell’ we find a direct expression of Orwell’s ideas. Both quantitatively and qualitatively, his essays stand favourable comparision with the essays of the prominent essayists of modern times, like Gardiner, Chesterton, Stevenson, Huxley and others. The essay is the dominant literary form employed by Orwell throughout the later half of his writing career. As in his other works, so in his essays there is the frequent intrusion of the author and a direct expression of his ideas. According to B. T. Huxley, â€Å"The real backbone of his work is to be found in the essays – a form of writing mainly characterized by just such a personal intrusion on the part of the author. † Some of the best work of Orwell is to be found in his essays. They constitute a valuable comment on criticism of contemporary life. Though he was a professed socialist he did not accept a party line. He is quite sincere and honest about what he sys, and does not hesitate to criticize the terrors of fellow socialists and the short-comings of socialism. Orwell says, â€Å"To write in plain, vigorous language, one has to think fearlessly, and if one thinks fearlessly, one can not be politically orthodox. † John Atkins also says, â€Å"Orwell’s uniqueness lay in his having the mind of an intellectual and the feelings of a common man. † To conclude we can say that the book makes an interesting reading for all the people who think.

Superstition in Huckleberry Finn

Superstition If you step on a crack, you will break your mamma back, keep cats away from babies because they suck the breath of the child, and cross my heart and hope to die, cut my throat if I tell a lie are examples of some superstitions that people believe in. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, superstition is a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Jim and Huck use and believe in many superstitions. There are many examples from the book that show this in the characters. Most of the superstitions are ridiculous, but some actually make a little sense. In the book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, one of the main themes he uses in this book is superstition and two main characters that have attitudes that are different and similar towards superstition is Huck and Jim. Huck at the beginning of the story wasn’t superstitious at all. He thought Jim was crazy for being superstition. Huck weakly believes in superstition but later in the story his views changes. Huck killed a rattlesnake and placed it on the foot of Jim blanket, Jim see the dead rattlesnake with his mater and told Huck that this was bad luck. Huck later says â€Å"I made up mmind I wouldn't ever take a-holt of a snake-skin again with my hands, now that I see what had come of it†(pg53); this mean that he do not really know all the superstitious things because he placed the dead rattlesnake at the foot of Jim’s blanket, just joking around, and he found out what happens as the effect of the joke. During this time Huck become a firm believer in superstition. Huck helps his friend Tom use superstition to help Jim escape by telling Jim’s keeper, Nat, who believes witches are haunting him, that the only cure is to bake a witch pie and give it to Jim. In the witch pie there were things that were going to help Jim escape. Next Jim views about superstition are different than Huck. Unlike Huck, he is a very superstitious man and used it for almost everything in life. He also does not joke around with superstition, unlike Huck. Jim uses superstition to fill the things he didn’t learn or understood in life. Jim uses superstition for a sign for all things that happen in nature. One example of this is, â€Å"Some young birds come along, flying a yard or two at a time and lighting. Jim said it was a sign that it was going to rain†(pg45). Jim looks at the birds and can tell that it is going to rain. Since there were no weather devices in the eighteen hundreds, signs like these were used to predict the weather. Jim view superstition by his faith by thinking the hairball is a magic spirit. Superstition kind of motivates him to escape to freedom because he found out that he was going to be sold for a high price because he believes if your chest is hairy you are worth a lot of money; which encourages him to escape his owner, Ms. Watson. Although Huck and Jim have different views on superstition, they also have views that are the same. They both do things that would stop the superstition from bringing bad luck. For example during the rattlesnake episode, Jim tells Huck to chop off the snake's head, then skin the body of the snake and put it around his wrist, so he would not be cursed. They become irrational when anything remotely superstitious happens to them. They also think when something bad happens to them it is the effect of the superstitious act that they did. In conclusion, in Mark Twain's novel, â€Å"The Adventures Huckleberry Finn†, he uses superstition to show many points. Mark Twain uses superstition to show contrast between an organized, Christian religion and believing in and superstitions and one's own beliefs. As Huckleberry Finn and Jim are hurled back and forth between these two different faiths, the reader gets a keen idea of the beliefs and lifestyles people followed living in this story. He uses it to serves foreshadow the plot at several key junctions. For example, spilling salt leads to Pa returning for Huck. Overall, superstition is used in â€Å"The Adventures Huckleberry Finn† as a way to share Mark Twain's own opinion on religion and refined living with his readers and help them to understand the good and bad of both ways of living.

Descriptive Final

Robert Campbell Mrs. Overly ENGL 1301. 54 11/1/2005 Assignment: Ch. 3. Descriptive Writing—â€Å"The Body Farm† p. 139, #1. Write an essay in which you describe something that most people would find repulsive or frightening. Skydiving It was an ordinary day in June when a few friends and I decided that we wanted to do something that we thought was exhilarating, so we went skydiving. What is skydiving you might ask yourself? Skydiving is exactly what it sounds like, the act of jumping or falling out of an aircraft and parachuting to the earth. Some people might call you crazy or even think that it is repulsive or frightening, but those adventurous enough to participate will never forget what it is like and will want to do it over and over again. To us, skydiving is a vacation. The morning that we decided to go skydiving was a time that I will never forget. I awoke that Saturday and began to think about what I was going to do; after an idea came to me I called my friend Raquel and Julie. When they picked up the phone and heard of what I was asking of them they both were apprehensive and nervous, but after talking to them for a while they both decided that we would go. Around 12:30 I picked them up and we went to get something to eat at McDonalds, before heading out to Skydive Spaceland in Rosharon. I have to admit that upon arriving at Skydive Spaceland my friends and I began to wonder what had gotten into us. Upon our arrival we first went into the plane hanger and then to a place they call â€Å"Manifest†, which is where you began to sign your life away. Filling out the papers took my friends and I approximately 30 to 40 minutes to complete, and this paper work was basically legal documents that say if you are injured or hurt in anyway shape or form in the dive that the are not liable for anything. When we were through signing the papers and paying the fees, we were then ready to take the class required for the dive. In order to skydive you must take a 45 minute class that explains the important things required to prepare for jumping. Probably the two most important instructions they teach you, are what altitude you must pull the parachute at, which is 5500 feet, and the saying â€Å"fly fifty five to stay alive†. Another thing that was also important was the arch of your back when first exiting the plane. This was necessary because it forces your body to flip over causing you to fall in a controlled motion. In the class my friends and I had to practice this motion by squatting and quickly going to a standing position while arching our backs, it insured that we understood the motion. Following the class was over we then began to suit up into royal blue jump suit, which look like astronaut space suits. Once suited up we began to board into the aircraft, which was a twin engine plane only big enough to seat about 25 people, and reeked of gasoline. Before this point in my life I had never rode in a plane, so it was going to be a first. We boarded the plane and began to seatbelt ourselves in next to our tandem jump instructors. Then the plane began to take off and at this time I was pretty nervous but my adrenaline was pumping so fast I did not know what to think. The plane ride took about 15 minutes to reach the appropriate altitude that we needed to exit the plane, and the time we rode with the cargo bay door wide open. When we reached the appropriate altitude I was the first in line to exit the aircraft, which was scary because I had not watched anyone else exit before me. Upon exiting the aircraft you hear a loud sound â€Å"whoosh†, and a cold wind comes over your body. Then the most exhilarating feeling came over me and I was having a blast. We had to do a number of things that we learned in our class, while we were up in the air. Such as, checking you altimeter at different altitudes and shaking the camera mans hand, and over all just having fun. And then at 5500 feet it was time to pull the parachute. There is a misconception that when the parachute is pulled that the person is jerked up from the parachute deploying; but this is not true because it is an optical illusion due to the fact that the camera man videoing the free fall continues to fall, therefore making it look as the he was jerked upward. After the parachute was deployed, there is an 8 to 10 minute descent, after landing on the ground I was thankful but at the same time my adrenaline was pumping and I was ready to do it again. And the video camera observed the whole scene. Although some people might call you crazy or even think that sky diving is repulsive or frightening, but to those who venture to share in this act we call skydiving will never forget what it is like and will want to do it over and over again. Skydiving is something that I enjoy and plan to do at least a few more time in my life. I have to say that it was the funniest experiences in my life.