Re-Organization and Layoffs Solutions Paper Essay

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported, from January 2011 through December 2013, 4.3 million workers were displaced from jobs they had held for at least three years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. This was down from 6.1 million workers for the prior survey period covering January 2009 to December 2011. With this displacement, it has led to problems such as homelessness, depression, murder, suicide, broken families, and much more. Our group has put their heads together to come up with creative ways to cut down on many of the problems that occur from being displaced. Two potential creative solutions that were selected were giving a thirty-day notice to all employees, and put in place an outreach program to assist in coping better with the situation. If employees are displaced for any reason whether the fault of their own or the business, they should be informed, with a thirty-day notice. No employee regardless of the situation should be displaced from their jobs and possibly from their homes and families. Many people go through situations that may cause them to not work up to their potential or they may have gotten distracted because of life itself. No one should have to suffer because of this. Providing outreach services to displaced employees is very important. One good solution could possibly be that companies have designated personnel for this task, also that these personnel have training. This training would involve some types of different aspects of the layoff of the employee. What the training should include? How to handle emotional people, and any precautions that are taken when this occurs. The training is vital along with having  reoccurring refresher training resources. Having the correct people delivering the message is important. Everyone is human and no matter how much training a person has attended, there are still human error and communication issues. It isn’t easy being perfect, and no one is completely perfect. Terminating an employee is one of the most difficult task for a manager. Training is going to be the best thing you can do for those situations. Another investment in making the termination process less painful and hectic is if the companies have third parties present at the time of termination. Get the union involved. The benefits the union may ask for and the company may consider may be beneficial to displaced employees. Many employees are not knowledgeable of the benefits package they are entitled to under the union contract. This could possibly benefit all and have a good outcome and impact. The outreach program would also consist of counseling for the persons affected, their families, and co-workers. Outplacement services and resources to assist in resume writing and job search which would include on-site and off-site training, medical benefits assistance, and income extension. The team overcame the barriers to finding the best solutions by having a listening ear, respect for each person input, and maintaining focus on what we were trying to accomplish. Reference Page Bateman, T. S., & Snell, S. A. (2013). Management: Leading & collaborating in a competitive world (10th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Martin, J. (2013, Nov 03). Layoff plan moves forward at GE transportation. McClatchy – Tribune Business News Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1448076588?accountid=458

Advantages of buying a casket now

Death is perhaps the most feared topics of all that people can talk about. Its not that by avoiding it we will thus not die, but most people are superstitious about it and think that by avoiding discussing it then they are driving themselves away from it as possible.The issue goes beyond discussing death and includes preparing for it. Human culture in most societies has it that death is an issue best left to some supreme unknown powers and forces, and any behavior or actions that contravenes this acts in inviting death.Rimpoche (2001) states that the best way to prepare for death in our lifetime is by living life and practicing the vices of life such as patience, love and compassion. It is therefore indispensable to ignore death and considering preparation for its occurrence is as important as living life.Considering preparing for death as building a solid foundation for your death, planning for death today is one of the most important investments one can accord himself. One of the m ajor steps towards this preparation is buying a casket today.Buying a casket today has a lot of advantages that can be foregone if this simple decision is left for another day. Buying a casket involves making choices that depend most on one’s tastes and preferences on such factors as the casket’s color, design and other personal factors. One of the advantages of buying a casket now is to avoid the last minute purchase which is usually influenced by grieving.Most decisions about funeral purchases are made by people when grieving. This affects their choice and in the end what is picked up may not be the ideal casket one would want to be buried in. Further more, purchasing a casket during the grieving period is hindered by time constraints and inadequate variety to choose from.Another factor to consider is that funeral service providers make things expensive just when they know you need them the most and you have very little in terms of choice and options.This can be avoi ded if the purchase is done well before that time comes and that time is now. This is an issue of saving money and is therefore an advantage worth considering. Saving money on the casket can also be achieved by making the choice to purchase the casket now.This is because the purchase will be able to be done from a store of your choice and discounting be discussed. It will also be a big relief to family members or friends who would have to take up the task of finding a casket for you. Every person knows their choice and preference and being able to exercise this is usually given high respect.Having somebody else pick out your casket may be a big task to him, not knowing whether you will be truly happy with the casket or not. Buying the casket yourself today will help in avoiding this situation and at the same time allow one to pick a casket of their choice.The choice for one’s casket is can be done today and the advantages of doing so today are much more than those of postponi ng the task. Prices for most commodities never go down but keep on going up instead. Buying a casket of your choice today can help avoid future expectations in price increases of caskets. It is also an advisable consideration when one wants to make all the preparations concerning their after life.People always make preparations for all events in their lives and so preparing for their death is not a different matter. It is just a phase of life, just like wedding is, and the advantages one derives from buying their wedding gowns way before the wedding day comes are more or less similar to the advantages one would reap from buying their casket today, way before their burial day arrives.People need to realize these benefits and change their casket purchasing habits and plans to save on a lot of costs that would be unavoidable if done otherwise.The place one will lie after their death is as important as the bed they lie today, and just as much as a person loves a certain bed, that it the same way one should love the casket they will lie in. Loving the casket begins with buying it now, for that will ensure you will use a casket of your choice, not an imposed one.Reference.Rimpoche, G., (2001). Good life, good death. New York, U.S.A; Riverhead Books. Â  

Lumpkin Plumbing Essay

Lumpkin experienced a steady increase in sales since it began 1990 and has recently expanded inventories to accommodate a relatively larger sales increase. Richard Lumpkin borrowed $150,000 to expand the warehouse to hold more inventories and include a model to attract retail sales. The expansion will benefit the company as long as inventories are managed well and the increase in production does not harm profit margins. Lumpkin Plumbing projected figures for the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flows for 2000. Lumpkin anticipated growth for the 2000 year but underestimated the increase in total assets and liabilities by 47. 37%. Lumpkin also projected a 20% increase in sales and realized an actual increase of 63. 15%. Though the company underestimated the sales increase, it was able to manage costs and increase net income 63. 42%. If Lumpkin can maintain its’ profit margin and take advantage of increased demand then the expansion would be beneficial to the health of the company. Lumpkin is managing the expansion and should be able to make its loan repayments of $50,000 per year. Lumpkin also underestimated the growth of its inventories and accounts payable. Inventories at Lumpkin increased 89. 39% though the increase was projected at 10. 48%. Lumpkin had $628,800 in inventories at the end of 2000 which raises concern for the liquidity of the company. Accounts payable projections were also off, with a projected decrease of $2,000 and an actual increase of $216,400. The increase in accounts payable is partly due to the extension of A/P days from 10. 40 to 45. 10 from 1999 to 2000. The extreme A/P could be from inventory costs and also account for the large increase in inventory holdings. Lumpkin could be planning for an increase in sales growth and hold inventories to meet the demand. Even if the discrepancies between the projected and actual figures for the inventories and A/P are explained by increases in sales, these should have been accounted for in the projections and should not have been so dramatically different. Lumpkin Plumbing effectively used the loan to grow the company and is in fair financial health to repay the loans. Though the company has met the increased demand and managed operating costs, the difference in some projections raises reasons for concern. If Lumpkin is not able to forecast financial conditions accurately, the financial future of the company is uncertain, increasing its default risk. I recommend Lumpkin Plumbing be considered for future loans after financial statements are analyzed repayment of the current loan is complete.

International Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

International Human Resource Management - Essay Example Bearing all that in mind a detailed look at how and why EU social policy was developed will be examined and its development to prevent social dumping is also examined. Brown contends that â€Å"national and supranational policies of social protection and labor market regulation are appropriate for a deepening and widening the European Union and explores good and bad ideas for the Social Chapter†. (2004 p 19) Brown also states that the success of the national social policy is prejudiced by the degree of economic integration. (2004 p 10) This means that deeper EU mixing and incorporation will put emphasis on the stress for social policy reform and synchronization. However, the most policy-makers should strive for is minimum standards acceptable to all countries.† (Brown 2004 p 11) To examine the issues surrounding the policy in respect to social dumping it is important to understand the necessary push of economic integration in its numerous forms. These include trade liberalization to enhanced labor and capital mobility. Brown 1004 p 11) These can be can be better understood by putting them in the context of the premise that they are by and large desirable, yet it usually has â€Å"adverse consequences for relatively inefficient producers.† Brown. This is because relations and communication between social policy and economic integration become particularly obvious whenever it is the poorer members of EU countries who lose out. (Brown)In instances such as this integration is likely to lead to demands for greater social protection. The usefulness of national social policy is affected by the amount of economic mixing as well. In this instance organization and synchronization may possibly be essential. Especially if such policies are to be successful and have any value. If this is the scenario governments may possibly use them advantageously. Governments could use them strategically to benefit their own citizens at the expense of foreigners. Brown 2004 p 11) Examples of how this could be done include presenting less regulation and lower social protection. This would encourage inflows of capital, that would otherwise be known as 'social dumping'. The problem that can arise when this occurs is that if left unrestricted lower levels of social protection all round will result. Although to the degree that current national social policies in Europe are" ill-designed or fail to protect the most disadvantaged members of society, this could be a positive outcome." (Brown 2004 p 12) If anything has been learned from past EU integration it would be that the amplification of this, including the poorer Mediterranean countries and Ireland would be the result. In addition, realization of

Middle East and International Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Middle East and International Relations - Essay Example United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have shown their interests for the same, but Saudi Arabia sees this as disadvantageous to the regional cooperation in the region. Political  Concerns  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ With the mounting pressure of the international community to switch to democratic forms of government, there might by a ray of hope but the chances are still very few due to major groups and regimes still against democratization. Further, the weak, illiterate and unprotected citizens’ low demand for democracy and insufficient international pressure may not be sufficient for regime changes in the Middle East. Regional Clashes and Terrorism  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ the Arab – Israeli conflict is supposed to carry itself in the times to come and become a serious threat to the security of the region.  Also, since a major part global terrorism is being funded by the Middle East regimes, Terrorism will continue in more fragmented manner than before. Influence of China and India on the region –  China and India have emerged as the major power countries both as investors and consumers of the Middle East and this will tend to play an effective role in shaping the political as well as the economic reform of the region.  Ã‚  Moreover, in the wake of any changes in the regime structure, the Middle East refers to China and Russia as salient models than the US or any other democracy. Restoration of the  Shia  Community  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ the main impact of the US invasion on Iraq was the revival of the  Shia  community.  Shia  community is seen as a liberal party with an emotional  Ã‚  value and symbolism. Gaining power and acceptance once again into the society and political front in Iraq may lead to cross border harmonization of Iraq with other countries. A number of renowned  Shia  figures have spent time in Iraq and Iran and are now wiling to come back to Iraq, which may lead to significant political and social changes in the

High school graduation student commencement speech Essay - 1

High school graduation student commencement speech - Essay Example Does it really matter whether you realized your dream even after sleeping it all? Not at all, do not be caught unawares but go for what you desire. There is nothing more important that planning for the futures’ uncertainty. Time to act is today so act today leap tomorrow. You are the only person you will spend most of your life with, not your spouse or guardian, prepare your joy, hate yourself and you will spend a lifetime with yourself as your own enemy. I will echo what most prominent people have been telling you and again, it is very challenging to remain alive and conscious in the wider world in our daily routines. The most curious and great truth in an individual’s experience is no other but that selflessness becomes the best reward you can grant your personality. Get the full experience and give it your full attention by doing each thing at its own and appropriate time. Note, I am not a prophet but I urge you to desist from distraction from sounds or sights, tasks and thoughts, instead, redirect your consciousness to the initial activity. Your frustrations must always meet the scales of a high threshold, fight on. When you want anything gather determination, don’t stop knocking on all necessary does even way after your knuckles bleed. Let them slam doors in your faces. Keep the smile high above your head. I does not matter where you fell or when but what caused it and how you plan to recover. Stand up shake off that dust and knock once more. That is the only way man will beat the odds in this life. Stay true to your passion and yourself, define your path and avoid those drafted for you by others, it is your life. Action is my word for the day. Choose either to be tagged as circumstance’s passive victim or an active hero to yourself. Had I not shed a tear of joy before I got here this morning, I would shed it again here. It has come the time that I cannot avoid any longer; I am now expected to

Organizational Innovation and Change SPRING13-A-8-MGT351-1 Essay

Organizational Innovation and Change SPRING13-A-8-MGT351-1 - Essay Example They are solely responsible for all the undertakings within the organization. They are also responsible in organizing the subordinate staff. A director is also organized, he or she keeps to their framework and an eye on the operations of each department (Kennedy, 2008). The director also has better communication skills, which enables him to create smooth Co relations within the staff. They also have a sense of understanding, with moderate humanity. This basically prevents them from mistreating the staff. The most successful of these qualities are that of being organized. This creates peaceful co-existence within the organization. It also provides the basis of success of all the operations undertaken. Proper organization prevents wastage of resources (Louis & David, 2011). These qualities can be developed through education and training. This is because most of them are skill based, such as organization and communication skills. Experience in the specific field of operations will also help to develop most of these qualities.. It is an additional advantage towards the success of any organization if a combination of multiple of the various styles is done. However, this calls for high levels of competence to prevent one aspect from undermining the other (Kennedy,

Analysis of how Theories of Learning and Teaching have Impacted on Essay

Analysis of how Theories of Learning and Teaching have Impacted on Current Educational Practice - Essay Example In most cases, learning theories are based on two functions: (1) the first serves as a framework that provides people a specific set of vocabulary as a means to interpret observations; and (2) implications as to how one can find elucidation to realistic problems. It is important to note that these theoretical assumptions do not provide solutions to the complex process of learning, rather, it focuses on the key principles in which people must concentrate on and analyze as a means of identifying resolutions (Harlen, 2007). Learning Theories On the perspective of the academe, learning theories can be categorized into three groups, namely: behaviorist; humanistic; and cognitive. Learning theories classified under the behaviorist perspective tackles a personification of positivistic method towards learning that can be characterized as scientific or systemic. It mainly focuses on the objective approach in regards to the discernible facets of learning (Harlen, 2006). On the other hand, the humanistic approach is in accordance with one’s values, which serves as the driver that empowers and liberates an individual. The third type is cognitive, which can be considered as the staple form of learning through utilizing one’s mind (Vosniadou, 2001). ... The learning theory of constructivism lies between the humanistic and cognitive approach, as it involves the learner to generate new thoughts and concepts based on the information available (Hart, Dixon, Drummond & MacIntyre, 2004). Behaviorism This theory has been formulated by B.F. Skinner, elaborating on three principles in the aspect of learning which are as follows: (1) learning is associated with behavior modifications; (2) environment molds one’s behavior; and (3) learning is based on contiguity and reinforcement, basically focusing on the difference between the period of two conditions in order for a learning process to be established (Kim & Axelrod, 2005). The latter pertains to the events or actions that would increase the probability that a situation would happen again. In essence, this type of learning theory focuses on the premise that learning is the process of acquiring new behavior through the process of habituation or conditioning. Habituation can be classifie d into two types, which are (1) classical conditioning and (2) operant conditioning (Gibbons, 2004). The context of classical conditioning follows the premise that an individual’s behavior is a spontaneous effect to a stimulus. A stimulus triggers a specific response, and once this trigger is often repeated, it forms learning. An example of classical conditioning is the experiment carried out in regards to Pavlov’s dogs, wherein Pavlov identified that triggered the dog’s drooling (Harlen, 2006).Through assessing the correlation of the dog’s responses with specific factors, it was found that the dogs drooled when they knew that they were about to eat- which were initially triggered by the coat worn

Temperament Theory Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Temperament Theory - Research Paper Example It also shows the difference between each and every individual infant. The way children behave in the society forms the major part of this study. Since behavior of children in each stage of their life changes, this theory gives us an opportunity to study about the difference in their behavior. It also provides a way to know about the children’s psychological development and factors that determine a child’s relationship with their parents. Temperament theory paves a way to analyze a child’s social activities and its approach towards life. As parent play a major part in a child’s life, their experiences are also taken into consideration. Temperament theory was proposed way back in the 1970’s but it has gained popularity only after the intervention of certain researchers. Researches specify that parents and pediatricians have a major part to play in a child’s life and they are considered to be the best people from whom a child’s characteristic feature can be understood. (Rothbart, 1981).This theory uses parents report to analyze the children and this report is of great help to measure a child’s level of tolerance and behavior. Recent studies have proposed advanced techniques to assess a child’s behavior and temperament. Temperamental characteristics of a child are recorded for a longer duration since the behavior differs depending on the situation. Though there are various methods to analyze a child’s temperament, certain unique theories and methods have been used for a longer of period of time. They have proved to be successful among most of the countries. These methods consider a child’s activities, level of stress and fear to a particular situation. The level of persistence is also taken into consideration since it enables them to know about the child’s annoyance and arrogance. This process cannot be done hastily and no child can be analyzed overnight. It requires months of study and analysis. To accomplish this, a questionnaire

Characteristics of Business Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 4

Characteristics of Business Leadership - Essay Example This earned him a reputation as the greatest business leader giving him honor throughout the world. This Business leader’s primary line of business is electronics. The various companies he has established deals with creation of computers, computer platform, and computer soft ware (Lussier & Achua 2009). This shows that Steve Jobs had a passion for computers. He is also remembered for the major innovation in the computer industry that his first company Apple has innovated under his leadership. We do not trace another line of business that Steve Jobs lead, but that is not to conclude that his leadership style could not have been applied in another field. This is just because of his love for electronics that he had developed since his childhood. Steve Job and his friend Steve Wozniak started by setting up shops in 1976 where they assembling computers. They developed this shop to a company whose work was making computers and called this company Apple computers. On the same year when the company was established it created its first machine which Jobs called it apple I. This was just a beginning as a year later the company would invent its second garget, Apple II which would define the PC era and later, the Macintosh which would define a new direction for the computer industry (Lussier & Achua, 2009). Apple Computers is not the only business that Steve Jobs established. After establishing Apple Jobs went ahead to establish another company whose work was to create computer animated films. He called this company Pixar technologies. Under his leadership, this company also experienced tremendous growth in its area of operation thus making him more famous. He later established another company for developing computer platforms and called it NeXT when he was sacked from being the CEO of Apple and became the CEO. This company was specializing in higher education and business

Fire Protection system Essay Example for Free

Fire Protection system Essay Aqueous and non- aqueous agents employed in fire service means the use of such substance in the fire service work which helps in fast control and quick remedial measures against the broken out. Substantially non- aqueous, plastic, high magnesium oxide are used so that materials remain fluid over longtime providing for easy workability and require no addition of water prior to use. In the same manner aqueous substance in form of concentrated ammonium salt containing binder and viscosity agent are used by fire service provider to prevent wildfires. For decreasing the toxicity of the chemicals used in fire service organization, non- aqueous and aqueous fluid is used to provide easy control over heavy fire. Non–aqueous compositions are used containing an amount of volatile silicon which helps to maintain waterproof composition than previous conventional non- aqueous substance used by fire service provider. In recent time various aqueous mixtures containing tricalcium phosphate are used as it is experienced that when the mixture is used fire os frequently extinguished and even the fire did not catch up readily. Aqueous substances are treated as fire control agent as it has great adhesive power when applied to extinguish fire. Aqueous film foaming foam is a special type of foam stabilizer which is diluted with water and exclude air from mixing the water and thereby suppressing the fire. Various factors are to be considered while selection of an agent by fire service provider as it directly and indirectly affects the decision. The fire agencies need to take help and identified the problem of reduction in fuel, cost sharing efforts and wild land fire problems. Fire agencies should take necessary action to meet the fire expenditure cost and to respond to fire areas at fast speed. Fire service providers have to base their decision on the chances of fire broke out, fuels available in form of various chemicals, devices or material needed, air tanker having with the company , their capacity , any agency, state or government organization participating, location or fire station and flame resistant synthetic fabric used in fire fighting. These fire service’s should comply while selecting or appointing any agent and it can be done after adopting the following procedures such as record keeping system, providing instructions at regular interval, risk assessment, inspection or regular review of guidelines to make it more meaningful, cleaning and decontamination procedure, preparing policy for repair and in the same way for store. With the adoption of above mentioned methodology the agent selected should be more beneficial for specific fire and thus more efficient development of fire service agent. REFERENCE Referred to sites: 1. http://scofmp. org/glossary. html Glossary of Wild land Fire Terms 2. http://www. tcfp. state. tx. us/standards/SOP_template. asp Standards and Certification Compliance Template for Newly Required SOPs 3. http://www. patentstorm. us/patents/6345632-description. html Method of cleaning and passivating a fire protection system Dated 23rd August 2007

My Critical Views On Global Climate Change Essay Example for Free

My Critical Views On Global Climate Change Essay It is clear that even despite actions with regards to using measures and activities that are environmentally friendly, much more work is needed in order to address the problem of global climate change. The implementation of international protocols and requiring countries to meet certain environmental standards is certainly a big step towards addressing this issue. More intergovernmental cooperation is also another prospective answer to this problem. The more developed countries should also take the lead in encouraging the shift away from more traditional methods of production towards more environmentally friendly methods through the award of grants and exchange of technology (Torn and Harte, 2006). The creation of a body that is designed to not only specifically develop policies regarding this issue but also be given the power to enforce these policies will allow for the more efficient reduction of these greenhouse gases (Torn and Harte, 2006). It is unclear just how effective these policies may be but the fact that is clear is that in order to address this issue, each and every person in the world must take part in reducing the emission of these greenhouse gases which is the main cause of this problem (Gore, 2006). Simple steps such as taking the public transport or walking instead of taking carbon monoxide emitting vehicles will go a long way. There are many things that people can do in order to contribute to the improvement of the current environmental condition. It does not take a lot and it all starts with the awareness of the gravity of the situation. While the general scientific consensus is that global warming is real and its overall effects are detrimental, there are still some prominent scientists who feel that the severe effects of global warming have been sensationalized. Certain members of society take the idea of global warming with the normal temperature and that the temperature of the surface of the Earth has not severely increased over the last one hundred years. They claim that the temperature data collected in the 1970’s were taken in urbanized areas using different kinds of thermometers, hence the temperature readings were influenced by human error and do not precisely show drastic temperature changes in the surface of the Earth as well as in the oceans. It is therefore important the satellite data be acquired for the coming next decades in order to generate robust and reliable temperature readings that society and the scientific world will acceptable without any doubts on its credibility and efficiency. It is also of prime importance that scientific and legislative bodies prove that global warming does actually occur as a result of carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere. Geological scientists have gather substantial fossil evidence that prove that carbon dioxide concentrations have increased on the surface of the Earth, which thus results in a warmer surface, but the direct connection between the increase in carbon dioxide and the temperature increase at the actual in situ settings should still be observed. Most of the information and generalizations that scientists have collected were based on laboratory conditions where most of the components of the setup were easily regulated and controlled, such as humidity and temperature. There are currently a number of models that may be used in forecasting average surface temperatures on the Earth, but there is still a need to also design a model that could predict the amount of human-made emissions that could trigger the same features that cause global warming. There is quite a huge number of people in society that still do not understand the climate changes and what triggers such disturbances in our current weather. In the United States, there has been some restriction with regards to releasing information and disseminating information with regards to global warming. The Union of Concerned Scientists to the Oversight and Government Reform Committee of the senate has reported that the current administration has instructed research scientists to filter any information that they release to the public and that only issues that fit the current administration should be reported. The phrases of global warming and climate change have thus been identified as taboo in any type of communication that is delivered to the American society. Such restriction has resulted in the resignation of a number of scientists who have a personal belief that the truth with regards to any discovery should be released to the public as soon as possible (Andrew, 2007). Every country is now aware of the causes and effects of global warming on the ecosystem. There has been great speculation that global warming is both a natural and a man-made phenomenon. Whatever the cause is, it is imperative that every citizen understands what global warming is and what measures can be taken in order to minimize, avoid or prevent the increase in accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. References Andrew B (2007): Scientific bodies must take own action on emissions. Nature 448(7155):749 Choi O and Fisher A (2003): The impacts of socioeconomic development and climate change on severe weather catastrophe losses: Mid-Atlantic region (MAR) and the U. S. Climate Change Vol. 58, pp. 149. Gore A (2006): An inconvenient truth: The planetary emergency of global warming and what we can do about it. Rodale Books. Gregory JM, Stouffer RJ and Raper SCG (2002): An observationally based estimate of the climate sensitivity. J. Climate 15(22):3117-21. Haigh JD (2003): The effects of solar variability on the Earths climate. Philos. Trans. Roy. Soc. A: Math. Phys. Eng. Sci. 361(1802):91-111.

Chitin: Applications, Composition and Properties

Chitin: Applications, Composition and Properties 1. Introduction Chitin, poly (b-(1-4)-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine), is a natural polysaccharide of major importance. It was first discovered by Braconnot (1811), a professor of natural history. He isolated chitin from mushrooms by treating it with warm alkali. Later Odier (1823)ÂÂ  found chitin while studying beetle cuticles and named chitin after Greek word chiton (tunic, envelope). The silk worm was also discovered as a source of chitin when Lassaigne (1843) isolated it from the Bombyx mori. The monomeric unit of chitin (N-acetyl glucosamine) became known because of the work of Ledderhose in 1878. In the first half of the twentieth century, research on chitin was mostly directed toward the study of its occurrence in living organisms. Finally in 1981 Austin and his coworkers came up with a completed data on the sources of chitin which is widely distributed in marine invertebrates (Figure 1), insects, fungi, and yeast (1981). However, chitin is not present in higher plants and higher animals. Genera lly, the shell of selected crustacean was reported by Knorr (1984) to consist of 30-40% protein, 30-50% calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate, and 20-30% chitin. Chitin is widely available from a variety of source among which, the principal source is shellfish waste such as shrimps, crabs, and crawfish (Allan et al., 1979). It also exists naturally in a few species of fungi. Chitin occurs in nature as ordered crystalline microfibrils forming structural components in the exoskeleton of arthropods or in the cell walls of fungi and yeast. It is also produced by a number of other living organisms in the lower plant and animal kingdoms, serving in many functions where reinforcement and strength are required. (Rinaudo, 2006). The structure of chitin has been described (Fig. 1). In terms of its structure, chitin is associated with proteins and, therefore, high in protein contents. Chitin fibrils are embedded in a matrix of calcium carbonate and protein. The matrix is proteinaceous, where the protein is hardened by a tanning process (Muzzarrelli, 1977). Studies of Ashford et al., (1977) demonstrated that chitin represents 14-27% and 13-15% of the dry weight of shrimp and crab processing wastes, respectively. 2.2. Characteristics and Structure of Chitin Chitin is made up of highly extended hydrogen bonded chain and is semi-crystalline in structure of chitin [Rinaudo (2006) Kurita (2001)]. Chitin is a structural biopolymer, which has a role analogous to that of collagen in the higher animals and cellulose in terrestrial plants [Muzzarelli, (1977) Mayer, (1996)]. Plants produce cellulose in their cell walls and insects and crustaceans produce chitin in their shells (Muzzarelli, 1986). Cellulose and chitin are, thus, two important and structurally related polysaccharides that provide structural integrity and protection to plants and animals, respectively [Muzzarelli (1986) and Roberts (1992)]. Chitin occurs in nature as ordered crystalline microfibrils forming structural components in the exoskeleton of arthropods or in the cell walls of fungi and yeast (Raabe 2007). In crustaceans, Chitin polymers tend to form rod like fibrils or crystallites that are balanced by hydrogen bonds formed between the amine and carbonyl groups. X-ray diffraction analysis suggests that chitin is a polymorphic substance that occurs in three different crystalline modifications, termed ÃŽÂ ±, ß and ÃŽÂ ³ chitin. They mainly differ in the degree of hydration, in the size of the unit cell and in the number of chitin chains per unit cell [Rudall and Kenchington, (1973) Kramer and Koga, (1986)]. In the ÃŽÂ ± form, all chains exhibit an anti-parallel orientation; in the ß form the chains are arranged in a parallel manner; in the ÃŽÂ ³ form sets of two parallel strands alternate with single anti-parallel strands. Chitin is found to occur as fibrous material embedded in a six stranded protein helix [http://meyersgroup.ucsd.edu, 2006]. The polymorphic forms of chitin differ in the packing and polarities of adjacent chains in successive sheets; in the termed ÃŽÂ ± form, all chains are aligned in a parallel manner, which is not the case in ß form and ÃŽÂ ³ chitin. The molecular order of chitin depends on the ph ysiological role and tissue characteristics. In both structures, the chitin chains are organized in sheets where they are tightly held by a number of intra-sheet hydrogen bonds with the ß- and ÃŽÂ ³ chains packed in antiparallel arrangements Rinaudo. (2008). 2.3. Biodegradation of tiger prawn shell by Lactic acid fermentation for extraction of Chitin Every year tones of sea food waste is dumped onto the shores of the sea and lagoons or in the inner mangrove area surrounding the sea for these are the regions where maximum sea food cultivation is done. These areas are the hub of number of small and large scale seafood industries which deal with culturing and processing of seafood. This huge amount of sea food waste is polluting the surrounding land and water and is depleting the fresh water supply. Dumping of Seafood waste leads to accumulation of sediments causing organic pollution which causes physical disturbance of hydrological regimes resulting in a number of ecological problems which include conversion and degradation of costal ecosystem. ( Mathew and Nair, 2006) The demineralization of crustacean shells have been chemically performed using concentrated acids such as HCl (Whistler et al., 1962), H2SO4 (Peniston and Johnson, 1978), CH3COOH (Bautisa et al., 2000) and HCOOH (Horowitz et al., 1957) by various researchers. However, the chemical methods are expensive and detrimental to the environment leading to effluent problems [Shirai (2001) and Fagberno (1996)]. The Traditional method of chitin preparation from crustacean waste involving the use of alkalis and acids for demineralization, make the method ecologically harsh and a cause of pollution (Rao et al., 2000) It also reduces the chitin quality to certain extent (Simpson et al. 1994; Healy et al., 1994) mostly such processes depolymerising chitin to a higher extent leading to the formation of a deacetylated form of chitin called chitosan. Biotechnological process of lactic acid fermentation of crustacean shell waste is a powerful tool to overcome the environmental problems. Fermentation of crustacean shells using lactic acid bacteria is also an attractive method which lowers the pH of the medium and facilitates the demineralization of minerals and the hydrolysis of proteins while leaving the associated chitin intact. Thus this process also helps in a safe recovery of chitin as the fermented residue. Also, fermentation of crustacean bio waste to recover chitin considerably replaces the expensive and non environmentally friendly chemical process [ Rao et al., (2000), Shirai et al., (2001) and Hall et al., (1992) ]. Lactic acid bacterial fermentation of shrimp waste for chitin recovery was studied with lactose or cassava extract as additional sources of carbohydrate for natural energy (Hall and Silva 1992). Raw heads of Africa river prawn were fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum using cane molasses (Fagbenro 1996). Treatment of minced waste of scampi in the presence of glucose by a culture of Lactobacillus paracasei strain A3 was investigated (Zakaria et al. 1998). The primary object of all these studies was demineralization of the raw materials along with which deproteinisation took place (Shirai et al. 2001). The effectiveness of demineralization was exaggerated by the increasing inoculum amounts supplied. Also, the proportion of glucose was significant for the lactic acid fermentation by the bacterial strain to demineralize the shell wastes (Shirai et al. 2001 and Rao et al. 2002). The demineralized and deproteinized chitin has a light pink color due to the presence of astaxanthin pigment. When bleached product is desired, this pigment can be eliminated by the decolorization using bleaching agents. The resulting chitin is insoluble in most organic solvents; however, its deacetylated derivative chitosan is soluble in some acids. The subsequent conversion of chitin to chitosan is generally achieved by treatment with concentrated sodium hydroxide solution (40-50%) at 100Â °C or higher for 30 minutes to remove some or all of the acetyl groups from the polymer (No and Meyers, 1995). Lactic acid bacterial fermentation for demineralization has also been occasionally reported for shrimp waste (Shirai et al. 2001) crayfish exoskeleton (Bautista et al. 2001) and scampi waste (Zakaria et al. 1998). However, demineralization by lactic acid fermentation of tiger prawn shell waste along with the characterization of the resulting chitin has been less studied in relation to glucose concentration and inoculum amount. In the present work, we evaluated the demineralization of tiger prawn shell waste by lactic acid bacterial fermentation with various concentrations of inoculum and glucose and characterize the fermented residue the chitin by powerful techniques such as X-Ray diffraction, FTIR, SEM and TGA. From the literature it is evident that the limitations of the chemical method for the degradation of sea food can be largely overcome by the biological method of demineralization and hence research interest has been shown in recent years in this direction. Lactic acid fermentation of crustaceans shell waste has been reported to be studied as a potential biological method of degradation (P Mathew and KGR. Nair, 2006) 2.4. Factors Affecting Production of Chitin by Lactic Acid Fermentation 2.4.1. Effect of Initial Glucose Concentration and Inoculation Level of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Tiger Prawn Shell Waste Fermentation Amount of starter culture and initial glucose concentration are critical factors in the fermentation of tiger prawn shell waste fermentation. A correct proportion of initial glucose and starter culture concentrations increase the amount of lactic acid produced and thus increased the % demineralization. Glucose is a readily fermentable sugar and hence chosen as the source of carbon for the microbes in most of the studies. Glucose concentration is a highly important parameter of fermentation and hence chitin production. According to Jung et al. (2004) Microbial growth and hence acidification of the broth during fermentation is highly dependent on glucose concentration. Lactobacillus sp. has the potential to produce lactic acid and other organic acids. Using organic acids such as lactic and/or acetic acids for the demineralization process is a promising idea since organic acids in order to produce low cost biomass, purified chitin and reduce the harmful to the environment (Jung et al., 2005,Rao et al., 2000, Sunita et al.,2009). According to Hong et al. (1999) the production of organic acids by the lactic acid bacterium L. plantarum decreased the pH and made the environment selective against spoilage microorganisms. Zakaria et al. (1998) had also reported that the decaying of the raw crustacean waste materials can be controlled through the selection of microorganisms having a high capacity to produce organic acids. Further Shirai et al. (2001) reported that the selection of the correct micro organism is an important factor for the acidification of crab shell waste and for suppressing the growth of spoilage organisms. Cira et al., (2002) reported that lactic acid bacteria fermentation with the 10% inoculums was helpful in attaining a pH of around pH 5 after day 3. On the other hand it was reported by Shirai et al. (2001) that lactic acid fermentation of shrimp wastes which contained 10% glucose and a 5% inoculum of Latobacillus sp. B2 lowered from to pH 4.5. Therefore medium pH likely depends on the content of the energy source such as glucose and sucrose and the other factor least considered but of great importance is the solid to liquid ratio. Lower the solid to liquid ratio higher is the rate of demineralization. As the solid concentration increases the concentration of slurry increases resulting in reduced mass transfer and hence poor demineralization occurs. (Kyung. et al., 2008). The selection of the potential microbe along with the correct proportion of the additional starter is very important for the lactic acid bacterial fermentation to demineralize the raw shell wastes (Shirai et al. 200 1; Rao et al. 2002) along with the correct propotion of solid to liquid ratio (Kyung.et.al. 2008). 2.4.2. Temperature of Fermentation Application of microorganisms or enzymes to extract chitin from marine crustacean wastes is a current research trend for bio-conversion of wastes into useful biomass (Bhaskar et al., 2006). From his study he analyzed that a temperature of 35ÂÂ °C resulted in lowest pH conditions of pH 3.7 and highest % demineralization of about 92%. Kyung et al., (2008) reported that a temperature of 30ÂÂ °C gave the highest % demineralizatuion. 2.4.3. Particle Size Particle size in chitin productions has sparked controversial reports on its effect on chitin quality. Some agree that small particle size is better than large particle size. According to Bough et al. (1978), smaller particle size (1mm) results in higher demineralization % with a chitin product of both higher viscosity and molecular weight than that of larger particle size (above 2 to 6.4 mm). The larger particle sizes require longer swelling time resulting in a slower deacetylation rate. 2.5. Process Optimization by Taguchi Taguchi method of production optimization is a purely statistical approach to analyze scientific data based on statistical factorials. Taguchi experimental design offers remarkable advantages by examining a group of factors simultaneously and extracting as much quantitative information as can be extracted with a few experimental trials [Stone and Veevers, (1994) and Houng et al., 2006]. But yet only a few reports are available on the application of Taguchis method in the field of biotechnology (Cobb and Clarkson, 1994 and Han et al., 1998). 2.6. Characterization and Physiochemical study of Chitin 2.6.1. X-Ray Diffraction Analysis The crystalline structures of chitin are differently presented according to the raw materials. XRD is low cost and user friendly method to accurately characterize the kind of chitin extracted from a particular species. Chitin has three different crystalline polymorphic forms according to the derived material ÃŽÂ ± chitin, ÃŽÂ ² chitin, and ÃŽÂ ³ chitin. The structures of the ÃŽÂ ± and ÃŽÂ ² forms differ only in that the piles of chains are arranged alternately antiparallel in ÃŽÂ ± chitin, whereas they are all parallel in ÃŽÂ ² chitin. The structures of ÃŽÂ ± chitin, ÃŽÂ ² chitin, Sugiyama et al., (1999) and Syed et al., 1999; have been determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). According to the crystalline structure of chitin suggested by Rudall (1963) and (1967.) ÃŽÂ ± chitin has strong intersheet and intrasheet hydrogen bonding,and ÃŽÂ ² chitin chitin has weak hydrogen bonding by intrasheets. Therefore, in contrast to ÃŽÂ ± chitin, ÃŽÂ ² chitin i s characterized by a weak intermolecular force, Lee et al., 1996. Not much information is available regarding the crystalline study of ÃŽÂ ³ chitin by X ray diffraction technique. The XRD profiles of chitin samples easily help to distinguish the different forms of chitin based on the peaks and crystallinity. It has been found that ÃŽÂ ± chitin has three to four sharp crystalline reflections at 9.6, 19.6, 21.1, and 23.7ÂÂ ° whereas ÃŽÂ ² chitin , has two broad crystalline reflections at 9.1 and 20.3ÂÂ ° within the 2ÃŽÂ ¸ range of 5-35ÂÂ °. These results also support that the crystallinity of ÃŽÂ ² chitin is less than that of ÃŽÂ ± chitin because of the parallel structure. ÃŽÂ ± chitin has a more rigid crystalline structure because of its intersheets and intrasheets, and its structure exists as a stable structure with neither a crystalline phase transition nor thermal decomposition ( Jang et al., 2004). 2.6.2. FTIR Spectrophotometer Measurements Different methods have been used for the purpose of measuring the degree of deacetylation of chitin for eg. the linear potentiometric titration, ninhydrin test, hydrogen bromide titrimetry, near-infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and first derivative UV-spectrophotometry. Among all the tests stated above FTIR is one of the potential methods to determine the degree of deacetylation of the sample. It is far easier yet highly sensitive compared to the other processes. The process of removal of acetyl groups from the molecular chain of chitin is called deacetylation, it leaves behind a high degree chemical reactive amino group (-NH2). Thus the physicochemical properties of chitin highly depend on the degree of deacetylation (DD) hence it determines its appropriate applications. (Khan et al., 2002) Degree of deeacetylation also affects the biodegradability and immunological activity (Tolaimate et al., 2003). The degree of deacetylation c an also be used to differentiate between chitin and chitosan because it helps to know the amount of free amino groups in the polysaccharides. A degree of deacetylation of 75% or above in Chitin is generally known as chitosan (Knaul et al., 1999). 2.6.3. TGA The thermal degradation of chitin or chitosan with a broad range of DD has received little attention (GuinesiCavalheiro, 2006; Kittur, Prashanth, Sankar, Tharanathan, 2002). There are fewer reports on the thermal degradation process of chitin/chitosan and its derivatives than on chemical and enzymatic degradation (De Britto Campana-Filho, 2004; Holme, Foros, Pettersen, Dornish, Smidsrod, 2001; Hong et al., 2007; Neto et al., 2005; Qu, Wirsen, Albertsson, 2000; Wanjin, Cunxin, Donghua,2005). Thus to examine the thermal degradation of chitin with a broad range of DD, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a highly useful technique. It has also been reported that with an increase in the rate of deacetylation the temperature of degradation decreases (Young et al., 2009). 2.7. Application of Chitin Chitin and chitosan has several distinctive biological properties, including biocompatibility and biodegradability, cellularbinding capability, acceleration of wound healing, hemostatic properties, and anti-bacterial properties (Cho, Cho, Chung, Yoo, Ko, 1999; Muzzarelli, 1993; Tomihata Ikada, 1997).Some of the important industrial applications of chitin have been listed below in Table 1. Different industrial applications of chitin Waste Water Treatment Removal of metal ions, flocculant/coagulant, protein, dye Food Industry Thickener and gelling agent, animal feed additive. Medical Wound and bone healing, blood cholesterol control, skin burn Agriculture Seed Coat, Fertiliser, Controlled agrochemical release. Cosmetics Moisturizer, face, hand, and body creams, bath lotion, etc Biotechnology Enzyme immobilization, protein separation, cell recovery.

Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange :: free essay writer

Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The setting used throughout the novel Wuthering Heights helps to set the mood to describe the characters. We find two households separated by the cold, muddy, and barren moors, one by the name of Wuthering Heights, and the other by the name of Thrushcross Grange. Each house stands alone, in the mist of the dreary land, and the atmosphere creates a mood of isolation. In the novel, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange are the two places where virtually all of the action takes place. Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, differ greatly from each other in appearance and mood. These differences reflect the universal conflict between the storm and calm, that Emily Bronte develops as the theme in the novel. Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange both represent several opposing properties. The residents of Wuthering Heights were that of the working class, while those of Thrushcross Grange were higher on the social ladder. The people of Wuthering Heights aspired to be on the same level as the Lintons. This is evident when Heathcliff and Catherine peek through their window. In addition, Wuthering Heights is always in a state of storminess and its surroundings depict the cold, dark, and evil side of life, while Thrushcross Grange always seems calm.   Emily Bronte describes Wuthering Heights as having "narrow windows deeply set in the wall, and the corners defended with large jutting stones." This description is adjacent to Heathcliff when he is illustrated having, "black eyes withdrawn so suspiciously under their brow." Thrushcross Grange, in contrast to the bleak exposed farmhouse on the heights, is situated in the valley with none of the grim features of Heathcliff's home.   Opposite of Wuthering Heights, Thrushcross Grange is filled with light and warmth. It is the appropriate home of the children of

Essays --

Biomedical engineering is a rapidly growing field of research that is making exciting discoveries and advancements in the field of medicine at an astounding pace. With such progress there are many ethical issues that arise concerning new innovative implants, medical devices, and diagnosis and therapeutic treatments in the field of biomedical engineering in order to improve an individual’s quality of life. Neuroethics in particular has become a big topic of debate as researchers gradually decode the complex organism called the human brain. The brain has long been an enigma, its intricate inner workings perplexing even the most scholarly of intellectuals for decades. Recent advancements in neuroimaging, brain implants, and scientists’ increased knowledge of basic human psychology concerning the bases of individual behavior and personality have led to the fear that this new gained information has the potential to be misused by governments and other entities. Ethicist fear that the same devices meant to help patients suffering from devastating neural diseases could be manipulated to breach one’s privacy. Devices and treatments used to cure or alleviate effects of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, or perhaps to help those who have mental illnesses or impairments could be used to decipher one’s hidden thoughts, and even used as a way to discriminate against someone based on one’s religious beliefs and values. The main areas of Neuroethics that have caused concern are brain implants and medical devices, neuroimaging, and brain machine interfacing. Implantable brain or neural devices are an exciting rapidly growing research area in class of biomedical devices. Brain implants usually function by interfering w... ... of the brain and the more complex interworking’s of the human mind. As a result the field of Neuroscience is making strides in medicine and engineering at an astounding rate with no prospect of slowing down in the near future. With such great innovation in biomedical engineering concerning brain implants, neuroimaging, and brain machine interfacing meant to improve the quality of life of individuals. The potential misuse of this technology is of great concern. As engineers grow closer to producing brain scanners that can read someone’s mind or neuroimaging machines that can be used to predict behavior and influence thoughts and emotions, Neuroethics must be a moral compass at the forefront of the field of biomedical engineering in area of neuroscience to ensure that ultimately the rights and privacy of the individuals the technology is meant to help are protected.

Analysis of Three Scenes in Raging Bull Essay -- Movies Film Cinematog

Analysis of the Raging Bull We analyzed two scenes in a movie called the Raging Bull. There were lots of clever techniques that were used. I was looking for five factors in those two scenes: the editing, the lighting and color, the use of the camera the sound and the mise en scene. I will analyze the scenes as much as I can and explain what they signify if possible. Scene 1 This first scene was actually the introduction of the movie. There was no editing or camera movement involved in this scene. The scene was filmed in black and white, I believe the director did this to connote to the audience that this is a piece of history. Black and white pictures also connotes the idea of something legendary and historic. This could fit in the topics of mise en scene or lighting and colour. However I believe it is more in the mise en scene topic because it creates an atmosphere that this is something historic and legendary. The intro was also filmed in slow motion with a slow song. I believe that the non-diegetic soundtrack was a parallel sound because it matched with the use of slow motion. The director uses these two together intentionally to manipulate the audience and to allow them to get into the mood of this movie. I felt like I was watching something important and historic. The soundtrack was the only sound you could here during that first scene. This scene took place in an arena, where there was a ring. The boxer was continuously jumping up and down, warming his self up on the left hand side of the ring. This was an asymmetrical piece because of how the boxer was always on the left hand side of the ring wi... ...ers. We felt like we were in the ring and part of the action. I noticed a few other things which I felt were also important. The darkening of the audience during the fight showed that they were not important and that the director wanted us to focus on the fight. I realised that the sound during the brawl in the audience was loud, and there was a use of low key lighting, which showed how intense and important this game is, that even the crowd got involved. There was silence at the start of the final round which signified how crucial and important this final round is. I realised that there was smoke behind that opponent’s head during the break, which could signify that he was the bad one. I conclude that these five important factors were used to create atmospheres and to connote to the audience what is the situation.

Good Will Hunting Essay

Sometimes our past can cause pain that doesn’t allow us to trust others. People we trust can cause us to put up a wall and look to other things for comfort. In the movie, Will Hunting found his comfort in books. Will Hunting needed a real friendship to help him open up his mind in order to discover that there is more to life than living through the books he reads. In the movie, there are four main characters, each different in many ways, that form individual friendships in the movie. One of the characters, Will Hunting works as a janitor at a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is a foster child and is living life through his experience in books and lacks real life knowledge. This is holding him back from becoming intimate with anyone. While working there he sometimes writes on the school’s math department blackboard and is soon discovered as a genius. Will gets caught fighting and is arrested and in leau of incarceration is put under the supervision of Gera ld Lambeau, who attended and is now a professor at MIT. Under his supervision, per court order he must see a therapist and stay out of any trouble. Sean Maguire is a professor at a local community college and also grew up in the same town as Will and went to MIT. He is Will’s therapist and in the sessions challenges him to open up and stop living life through a book. A friendship develops and Sean tries to guide him to break his fear of intimacy. Chuckie Sullivan is a character in the movie that Will refers to as his brother. Chuckie is a nice guy with an aggressive attitude from being brought up in the rough side of Southie, Boston. Then there is a girl named Skylar, cute with a British accent and goes to Harvard University. She gets involved with Will Hunting and soon asks him to move with her to California where she will be attending at Stanford’s medical school program. Unfortunately, fear of intimacy prevents him from forming a relationship with her and breaks this friendship apart. Eventually, Will starts to see his true friendships with Chuckie, Sean and Skylar and starts to open up. He begins to trust others and takes a risk at experiencing life first hand outside the covers of a book. Will Hunting came from poverty, raised as a foster child in Southie. He didn’t trust people because he always looked at every angle of the relationship and assumed that in the end they wouldn’t be there for him. Professor Gerald Lambeau, who took pride in himself because of a Field Medals award which granted him public status, comes around to try to build a friendship with Will. Will soon realizes that Gerald is using him to gain social status, public recognition and to solve his difficult math problems. He then ends his relationship with Gerald because of his intensions. Then Sean, seeing what his former classmate, Gerald, was up to, soon becomes more than just Will’s therapist. Sean becomes a friend and tries to prevent Will from taking the same path as Gerald by only wanting social recognition. As Will’s Friend, Sean didn’t want him to fail. He wanted Will to succeed in life and take a chance and not just live it through a book. The doctor-patient relationship soon becomes a very close friendship. Towards the end of the movie Will leaves a note for Sean, â€Å"I had to see about a girl,† this was a quote from Sean’s story of his courtship with his wife. This lets Sean know he had decided to take a chance on life and to attempt to form a lasting relationship with someone he could trust. Will’s â€Å"brother† Chuckie, who is really Will’s best friend, also wanted him to succeed in life. He tries to encourage Will to take a chance in living a real life and tells Will, â€Å"You know what the best part of my day is? It’s for about ten seconds when I pull up to the curb to when I get to your door. Because I think maybe I’ll get up there and I’ll knock on the door and you won’t be there. No goodbye, no see you later, no nothing. Just left. I don’t know much, but I know that.† Will then sees that Chuckie might have a point and takes his friend’s advice. A few people come into Will’s life, some for real friendships and some just to gain public status. After discovering his true friendships, Will begins to enjoy their company and wants them in his life. He begins to build relationships he can count on. He is willing to take a chance and succeed in life and relationships, no longer needing books to fulfill this for him. He finally decides to trust and to look at the positive things life has to offer. On his 21st birthday, with the car, Chuckie and his other friends gave him, he packs up to head to California to pursue life. In the end, Will finds true friendships and decides to live his life outside of just a book.

Night World : Witchlight Chapter 6

It was a full-force invasion. Even before the echoes of breaking glass had died, figures in black uniforms were swarming through the window. Dark ninjas, Keller thought. An elite group made up of vampires and shapeshifters, the Night World experts at sneaking and killing. Keller's mind, which had been roiling in clouds of stifled anger, was suddenly crystal clear. â€Å"Nissa, take her!† she shouted. It was all she needed to say. Nissa grabbed Diana. It didn't matter that Iliana was screaming breathlessly and too shocked to want to go anywhere. Nissa was a vampire and stronger than a human Olympic weight lifter. She simply picked Iliana up and ran with her toward the back door. Without being told, Winfrith followed close behind, orange energy already sizzling between her palms. Keller knew she would provide good cover- Winnie was a fighting witch. She made full use of the new powers that all the Night People were developing as the millennium got closer. As one of the ninjas lunged after them, she let loose with a blast of poppy-colored energy that knocked him sideways. â€Å"Now you!† Keller shouted to Galen, trying to hustle him into the hallway without turning from the ninjas. She hadn't changed and didn't want to if she could avoid it. Changing took time, left you vulnerable for the few seconds that you were between forms. Right now seconds counted. Galen got a few steps down the hall, then stopped. â€Å"Grandma Harman!† I knew it, Keller thought. He's a liability. The old woman was still in the living room, standing with her feet braced apart, cane ready. Her apprentice, Toby, was in front of her, working up some witch incantation and tossing energy. They were right in the flow of the ninjas. Which was as it ought to be. Keller's mind had clicked through the possibilities right at the beginning and had come to the only reasonable conclusion. â€Å"We have to leave her!† Galen turned to her, his face lit by the multicolored energy that was flying around them. â€Å"What?† â€Å"She's too slow! We have to protect you and Hiana. Get moving!† His features were etched in shock. â€Å"You're joking. Just wait here-I'll bring her.† â€Å"No! Galen-â€Å" He was already running back. Keller cursed. â€Å"Go on!† she yelled to Nissa and Winnie, who were at the entrance to the kitchen, where the back door was. â€Å"Take the limo if you can get to it. Don't wait for us!† Then she turned and plunged into the living room. Galen was trying to shield Grandma Harman from the worst of the energy being exchanged. Keller gritted her teeth. This group of ninjas was only the first wave. They were here to breach the wards and make an opening for whatever was going to follow. Which could be a dragon. The ninjas hadn't finished their job, though. Most of the wards were holding, and the one that had fallen was on a small window. The dark figures could only squirm in one at a time. The house shook as whoever was outside slammed power at it, trying to break a bigger entrance. Faintly, Keller heard an engine rev up outside. She hoped it was the limo. Galen was pulling at Grandma Harman. Toby was grappling hand-to-hand with a ninja. Keller batted a couple of the sneaks out of her way. She wasn't trying to kill them, just put them out of commission. She had almost reached Galen. And then she heard the rumbling. Only her panther ears could have picked it up. Just as the first time when she'd heard it, it was so deep that it seemed both soft and frighteningly loud. It shook her to her bones. In a flash, she knew what was coming. And there was no time to think about what to do. Galen seemed to have sensed it, too. Keller saw him looking at the roof just above the door. Then he turned toward Grandma Harman, shouting. After that, everything happened at once. Galen knocked the old woman down and fell on top of her. At the same time, Keller sprang and landed on top of both of them. She was changing even as she did it. Changing and spreading herself out, trying to make herself as wide and flat as possible. A panther rug to cover them. The brick wall exploded just as the window had, only louder. Shattered with Power, Keller thought. The dragon had recovered†¦ fast. And then it was raining bricks. One hit Keller in the leg, and she lashed her tail in fury. Another struck her back, and she felt a deep pain. Then one got her in the head, and she saw white light. She could hear Galen shouting under her. It seemed to be her name. Then nothing. Something wet touched her face. Keller hissed automatically, pawing at it in annoyance. â€Å"Lemme lone.† â€Å"Boss, wake up. Come on, it's morning already.† Keller opened heavy eyes. She was dreaming. She had to be. Either that, or the afterlife was full of teenage girls. Winnie was bending over her with a dripping washcloth, and Nissa was peering critically over her shoulder. Behind Nissa was Iliana's anxious little heart-shaped face, her hair falling like two shimmering curtains of silvery-starlight gold on either side. Keller blinked. â€Å"I was sure I was dead.† â€Å"Well, you got close,† Winnie said cheerfully. â€Å"Me and Toby and Grandma Harman have been working on you most of the night. You're going to be kind of stiff, but I guess your skull was too thick to crack.† Keller sat up and was rewarded with a stabbing pain in her temples. â€Å"What happened? Where's Galen?† â€Å"Well, golly gee, Boss, I didn't know you cared-â€Å" â€Å"Stop fooling around, Winnie! Where's the guy who's got to be alive if the shapeshifters are going to join Circle Daybreak?† Winnie sobered. Nissa said calmly, â€Å"He's fine, Keller. This is Iliana's house. Everybody's okay. We got you guys out-â€Å" Keller frowned, struck by a new worry. â€Å"You did? Why? I told you to take the girl and go.† Nissa raised an eyebrow wryly. â€Å"Yes, well, but the girl didn't want to go. She made us stop and turn back for you.† â€Å"For Galen,† Keller said. She looked at Diana, who was wearing a pink nightgown with puffy sleeves and looked about seven. She tried to make her voice patient. ‘It was good to think of him, but you should have followed the plan.† â€Å"Anyway, it worked out,† Nissa said. â€Å"Apparently, the dragon blew the house down on top of you, but then he walked right over you trying to get to us.† â€Å"Yeah. I was kind of hoping he wouldn't realize Galen was there,† Keller said. â€Å"Or wouldn't realize he was important.† â€Å"Well, when he found we'd already gotten away in the limo, he and his buddies took after us in cars,† Winnie said. â€Å"But Nissa lost them. And then Iliana†¦ insisted, and so we circled back. And there you were. Galen and Toby were digging you out. We helped them and brought you here.† â€Å"What about Grandma Harman?† â€Å"She came out of it without a scratch. She's tougher than she looks,† Winnie said. â€Å"She talked to Iliana's mom last night,† Nissa added. â€Å"She fixed everything up so we can stay here. You're supposed to be a distant cousin, and the rest of us are your friends. We're from Canada. We graduated last year, and we're touring the U.S. by bus. We ran into Iliana last night, and that's why she was late. It's all covered, nice and neat.† â€Å"It's all ludicrous,† Keller said. She looked at Iliana. â€Å"And it's time to stop. Haven't you seen enough yet? That's twice you've been attacked by a monster. Do you really want to try your luck for a third time?† It was a mistake. Iliana's face had been sweet and anxious, but now Keller could see the walls slam down. The violet eyes hazed over and sparked at the same time. â€Å"Nobody attacked me until you guys came!† Iliana flared. â€Å"In fact, nobody's attacked me so far at all. I think it's you people they're after-or maybe Galen. I keep telling you that I'm not the one you're looking for.† This was the time for diplomacy, but Keller was too exasperated to think. â€Å"You don't really believe that. Unless you practice being stupid-â€Å" â€Å"Stop calling me stupid!† The last word was a piercing shriek. At the same time, Diana threw something at Keller. She batted it out of the air automatically before it could hit. â€Å"I'm not stupid! And I'm not your Witch Child or whatever you call it! I'm just a normal kid, and I like my life. And if I can't live my life, then I don't want to-to do anything.† She whirled around and stalked out, her nightgown billowing. Keller stared at the missile she'd caught. It was a stuffed lamb with outrageously long eyelashes and a pink ribbon tied around its white neck. Nissa folded her arms. â€Å"Well, you sure handled that one, Boss.† â€Å"Give me a break.† Keller tossed the lamb onto the window seat. â€Å"And just how did she make you two turn around and come back for us, by the way?† Winnie pursed her lips. â€Å"You heard it. Volume control. She kept screaming like-well, I don't know what screams like that. You'd be surprised how effective it is.† â€Å"You're agents of Circle Daybreak; you're supposed to be immune to torture.† But Keller dropped the subject. â€Å"What are you still hanging around for?† she added, as she swung her feet out of bed and carefully tried her legs. â€Å"You're supposed to stick with her, even when she's in the house. Don't stand here staring at me.† â€Å"You're welcome for putting you back together again,† Winnie said, her eyes on the ceiling. In the doorway, she turned and added, â€Å"And, you know, it wasn't Galen she kept screaming we had to go back and get last night. It was you, Keller.† Keller stared at the door as it shut, bewildered. â€Å"You can't go to school,† Keller hissed. â€Å"Do you hear me? You cannot go to school.† They were all sitting around the kitchen table. Iliana's mother, a lovely woman with a knot of platinum hair coiled on her neck, was making breakfast. She seemed slightly anxious about her four new houseguests, but in a pleasantly excited way. She certainly wasn't suspicious. Grandma Harman had done a good job of brainwashing. â€Å"We're going to have a wonderful Christmas,† she said now, and her angelic smile grew brighter. â€Å"We can go into Winston-Salem for a Christmas and Candle Tea. Have you ever had a Moravian sugar-cake? I just wish Great-aunt Edgith had been able to stay.† Grandma Harman was gone. Keller didn't know whether to be relieved or frustrated. Despite what she kept saying, as long as the old woman was around, Keller would worry about her. But with her gone, there was nobody to appeal to, nobody who could order Iliana into safekeeping. So now they were sitting and having this argument. It looked like such a normal breakfast scene, Keller thought dryly. Iliana's father had already left for work. Her mother was bustling around cheerfully. Her little brother was in a high chair making a mess with Cheerios. Too bad that the four nicely dressed teenagers at the table were actually two shapeshifters, a witch, and a vampire. Galen was directly opposite Keller. There were shadows under his eyes-had anyone gotten any sleep last night?-and he seemed subdued but relaxed. Keller hadn't had a chance to speak to him since the dragon's attack. Not that she had anything to say. â€Å"Orange juice, Kelly?† â€Å"No, thank you, Mrs. Dominick.† That was what this family thought their last name was. They didn't realize that witches trace their heritage through the female line and that both Iliana and her mother were therefore Harmans. â€Å"Oh, please, call me Aunt Anna,† the woman said. She had her daughter's violet eyes and the smile of an angel. She was also pouring Keller juice. Now I see where Iliana gets her scintillating intelligence, Keller thought. â€Å"Oh-thanks, Aunt Anna. And, actually, it's Keller, not Kelly.† â€Å"How unusual. But it's nice, so modern.† â€Å"It's my last name, but that's what everybody calls me.† â€Å"Oh, really? What's your first name?† Keller broke off a piece of toast, feeling uncomfortable. â€Å"Raksha.† â€Å"But that's beautiful! Why don't you use it?† Keller shrugged. â€Å"I just don't.† She could see Galen looking at her. Shapeshifters usually were named for their animal forms, but neither Keller nor Raksha fit the pattern. â€Å"I was abandoned as a kid,† she said in a clipped voice, looking back at Galen. Diana's mother wouldn't be able to make anything of this, but she might as well satisfy the princeling's curiosity. â€Å"So I don't know my real last name. But my first name means ‘demon.'† Diana's mother paused with the juice carton over Nissa's glass. â€Å"Oh. How†¦ nice. Well, then, I see.† She blinked a couple of times and walked off without pouring Nissa any juice. â€Å"So what does Galen mean?† Keller said, holding his gaze challengingly and handing her full glass to Nissa. He smiled-a little wryly-for the first time since sitting down. † ‘Calm.'† Keller snorted. â€Å"It figures.† â€Å"I like Raksha better.† Keller didn't answer. With â€Å"Aunt Anna† safely in the kitchen, she could speak again to Diana. â€Å"You understood before, right? That you can't go to school.† â€Å"I have to go to school.† For somebody who looked as if she were made of spun glass, Diana ate a lot. She spoke around a mouthful of microwave pancake. â€Å"It's out of the question. How can we go with you? What are we supposed to be, for Goddess's sake?† â€Å"My long-lost cousin from Canada and her friends,† Diana said indistinctly. â€Å"Or you can all be exchange students who're here to study our American educational system.† Before Keller could say anything, she added, â€Å"Hey, how come you guys aren't at school? Don't you have schools?† â€Å"We've got the same ones you do,† Winnie said. â€Å"Except Nissa-she graduated last year. But Keller and I are seniors like you. We just take time off for this stuff.† â€Å"I bet your grades are as bad as mine,† Diana said unemotionally. â€Å"Anyway, I have to go to school this week. There are all sorts of class parties and things. You can come. It'll be fun.† Keller wanted to hit her with the pot of grits. She had a problem, though. Iliana's little brother Alex had escaped from his high chair and was climbing up her leg. She looked down at him uneasily. She wasn't good with family-type things, and she especially wasn't good with children. â€Å"Okay,† she said. â€Å"Go on back and sit down.† She peeled him off and tried to start him in the right direction. He turned around and put his arms up. â€Å"Kee-kee. Kee-kee.† â€Å"That's his word for ‘kitty,'† Iliana's mother said, coming in with a plate of sausages. She ruffled his white-blond hair. â€Å"You mean Kelly, Kelly,† she told him. † ‘Keller, Keller!† Winnie corrected helpfully. Alex climbed into Keller's lap, grabbed her hair, and hoisted himself into a standing position. She found herself looking into huge violet baby eyes. Witch eyes. â€Å"Kee-kee,† he said flatly, and gave her a sloppy kiss on the cheek. Winnie grinned. â€Å"Having trouble?† The kid had two chubby arms around Keller's neck now and was nudging her chin with his head like a kitten looking for pets. He had a good grip, too. This time, she couldn't peel him off. â€Å"It's just-distracting,† she said, giving up and petting him awkwardly. It was ridiculous. How could she argue with baby giggles in her ears? â€Å"You look kind of sweet together,† Iliana observed. Tm getting dressed for school now. You guys can do whatever you want.† She floated off while Keller was trying to think of a reply. Nissa and Winnie hastily followed her. Galen got up to help Iliana's mother with the dishes. Keller tugged at the baby, who clung like a sloth. Maybe there was shapeshifter blood in this family. â€Å"Kee-kee†¦ pui!† That was what it sounded like. â€Å"Pwee?† Keller glanced nervously at his diaper. â€Å"He means ‘pretty† Iliana's mother said, coming back in. â€Å"It's funny. He doesn't usually take to people like that. He likes animals better.† â€Å"Oh. Well, he has good taste,† Keller said. She finally succeeded in detaching him and gave him back to his mother. Then she started down the hallway after Iliana, muttering, â€Å"Too bad about his eyesight.† â€Å"I think his eyesight's just fine,† Galen said, right behind her. Keller turned, realizing they were alone in the hall. His faint smile faded. â€Å"I really wanted to talk to you,† he said.

Pavlovian Conditioning’s Cause and Effect Relationship With Overdose Essay

Summary: Harm Reduction Journal Gerevich, Bacskai, Farkas, and Danics’ case report studied if Pavlovian conditioning can directly relate to death from overdose. The case followed a young that had been treated multiple times for an addiction to heroin. As a result for the multiple treatments studies have shown that drug overdose occurs most frequently when the patient accustomed to the drug gives up its use then after a while attempts to continue addictive behavior with the same dose before withdrawal. His daily dose had not differed even the fatal overdose, thus proving the conditioned tolerance failed to operate. This indicates that morphine concentrations measured in cases of drug related death do not differ substantially form those measured in cases where the outcome is not fatal. Conditioning can contribute to prevention of fatal cases however, also contribute to cases of tolerance becoming fatal. Summary: Pavlovian conditioning and Drug Overdose: When Tolerance Fails  Siegel’s performed a study of that which Pavlovian conditioning and drug overdose play an important and integral relationship with one another. Siegel researched and studied cases of overdose and examined rats injected with an opiate. He observed that Pavlovian conditioning contributes to tolerance when the user begins to make observations of the effects of the drug in the presence of cues that were previously paired with the drug. Two stimuli are present and one will presumably predict the other, this includes the drug. When the tolerance the chance for overdose increases as well. The unconditioned stimulus in Pavlov’s conditioning is the effect of the drug.  This conditioning makes relapsing common because of the craving for unconditioned stimulus. It is necessary to allow extinction the cues that are presented with the drug in order for recovery. Overdose doesn’t necessarily have to c ome from the conditioning process but many experiments verify a higher risk if conditions are present. In 1927 Ivan Pavlov studied a direct relationship between a conditioned stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus. As the result of as series of conditionings, Pavlov discovered that the conditioned stimulus is able to create the same response as the unconditioned stimulus over a period of time. The relationship of the two is evident and a major factor in fatal overdoses, whether in drug overdose or binge drinking. The correlation between classic conditioning and overdose can be observed where tolerance fails. If one were to treat an addiction, one must acknowledge the conditioning process and eliminate conditioned cues related with the drug (Bacskai, Danics, Farkas & Gerevich, 2005). Cases where tolerance failed can be directly found in classical conditioning involved with drug or drinking paired cues and environmental cues as well as associated with the addiction, therefore the cue must be eliminated in order for proper recovery. Tolerance plays a crucial role in overdose as well as addiction. Overdose becomes fatal when tolerance does not occur. According to Siegel, â€Å"Evidence that drug tolerance depends not only upon experience with the drug but also experience with the drug-paired cues† (p. 505, 2001). Addicts suffer from overdose primarily because they do not show the level of tolerance that they expect in drug-experienced individuals (Siegel, 2001). Those suffering with addiction have become conditioned not only physically, but also emotionally in need of the high that is released with a substance. The addiction is the conditioned stimulus, which leaves room for the effects of the drug or drink to be the unconditioned stimulus. Siegel found that events that occur during the drug administration directly correspond to a Pavlovian conditioning trial (2001). Over time the effects become a conditioned response in which they will relate the experience of the high as a cue. Cues are dangerous when de aling with conditioning and treatment. Cues accompanying the drug effect function as CSs, and the direct drug effect constitutes the UCS. Prior to any learning, this UCS elicits responses- UCRs- that compensate for drug-induced disturbances. After some pairings of the pre-drugs CS and pharmacological UCS, the drug compensatory response are elicited by drug-paired stimuli as CRs (Siegel, 2001, p. 505). Thus, in approach to treatment prior to an overdose, the cues must be eliminated. In the study by Siegel, it is studied that drugs and alcohol in particular will have a greater impact if they are administered in the presence of unique cues rather than in the presence of predictable cues that it is associated with (2011). In Bacskai, Danics, Farkas and Gerevich study, they followed the life of an addict which overdosed and claimed that the user could not recover properly due to learned conditioning regarding his heroin addiction. In the autopsy report they were able to clarify that his over dosage was the exact same as his no rmal dosage of .05mg/L. â€Å"The fatal consequences of the heroin injection may have been caused by the failure in the action of conditioned tolerance† (Bacskai, Danics, Farkas & Gerevich, 2005). Environmental cues are also factors of conditioning that are paired with cases of overdose. The term tolerance situational-specificity, according to Siegel, results because we prepare ourselves in advance for the psychological changes produced by the drug when we are provided with certain cues that a drug or drink can imminent (2011). An example can be taken from Shapiro and Nathan in1986 when they studied the relationship between environmental cues and substance ingested. They had two groups, one that drank at home and one that drank in the lab environment. After 10 days they reversed the environment for the remaining participants. Upon the discovery they realized that those who had consumed alcohol in the lab environment were less affected in their performance tasks than those who consumed alcohol in the home environment. This demonstrating that tolerance was situationally precise to the environment in which the alcohol was once consumed. Environmental cues can be anywhere from a p arty to a room in a house. They can also be an atmosphere or specific type of people. It is important to identify these cues apart from the actual addiction. Now that cues can be identified separate from the drug of drink, the conditioned  response must be eliminated in order to treat recovery. Pavlov discovered that in order to eliminate a behavior, it is necessary to remove or substitute the conditioned stimulus. In order to eliminate any such cue, one must identify the cues present. In severe cases one might create a lesion in the hippocampal area located in the brain but it is not completely necessary. The most likely case in elimination is when a conditioned response becomes extinct. In order for extinction to occur the conditioned stimulus must be presented without the unconditioned stimulus. An example of a drug or drinking paired cue could be a positive or negative factor, like vomiting or, a party like environment. The cue can be created with induced vomiting when the drug or alcohol is present. This creates a fear tactic, which becomes associated with the addiction and thus making one afraid of the substance. Environmental cues can be both simple and difficult to eliminate. One must be taken out of his or hers setting of addiction. This could mean a living room, bathroom, party scene, work scene, or anywhere that the drug or drinking is associated with. These environments can cause pr essure in the subconscious toward the substance. Remember the Shapiro and Nathan experiment in1986; environment does affect one’s attitude toward the addiction. In Siegel’s 2001 study he discovered that when heroin was injected in an unfamiliar place the user is not as dangerous or place to overdose. The dangers of not eliminating cues can allow tolerance to take its role until overdose occurs. â€Å"Users familiar with the concept of conditioned place preference could have greater chances of survival than those who are not aware of it† (Bacskai, Danics, Farkas & Gerevich, 2005). Demonstrating that it is necessary for the cues to be eliminated to reduce the risk of overdose. Therefore, Pavlov’s conditioning has a direct and present relationship involved in overdose cases. Conditioning turns unconditioned stimulus into conditioned responses. The responses can act as cues, which can trigger the addiction. Cues can be both drug, or drinking paired and environmentally stimulated. Tolerance has been proven to fail in fatal cases of overdose due to classical conditioning. In order to recover properly these cues must be eliminated. Treatments can include anything from fear tactics, to removing  the entire substance. Severe cases of addiction, which relate to overdose can be treated with lesions in the brain. References Gerevich, J., Bacskai, E., Farkas, L., & Danics, Z. (2005). A case report: Pavlovian conditioning as a risk factor of heroin â€Å"overdose† death. Harm Reduction Journal, 2. Siegel, S. (2011). The Four-Loko Effect. Perspective on Psychological Science, 6, 357-361. Siegel, S. (2001). Pavlovian conditioning and drug overdose: When tolerance fails. Addiction Research and Theory, 9, 503-513. Shapiro, A. P., Nathan, P. E. (1986). Human tolerance to alcohol† The role of Pavlovian conditioning processes. Psychopharmacology, 88, 90, 95.

Is Our Country Too Small to Sustain so Many Professional Sports Teams Essay

Is our country too small to sustain so many professional sports teams? This question is being asked and written about a lot lately. New Zealand sport is fairly strong in places but there are a lot of negatives. But many great sporting triumphs have come out our tiny sports crazy country. But it is debatable wether or not provincial sport is going well at the moment. Teams are dropping out of competitions and are running out of money. On the other hand our country has had some great sporting milestones and our provincial sport is a stepping-stone for some of our world-class athletes to make their mark on the world. Firstly many provincial teams are losing money or are in debt. This either forces teams to drop out of an upcoming season or completely fold. For example the Otago Nuggets had to drop out of the NBL (National Basketball League) in 2009 because of financial reasons. But thanks to their major sponsor Oceania Gold they are back in the League. The Otago Rugby Football Union who over four years lost nearly $4 million and have just announced they may go into liquidation and miss the 2012 ITM Cup. This all starts because unions are spending more money to buy players, coaches, staff, flights and accommodation than what they can afford. With teams going into debt they cannot afford to buy their star players, buying star players maybe good for the team in the short run but can end badly in the long run. This is bad because with a team pulling out does not give locals the chance to get recognised on the big stage where their career could start. This is also bad for big sports fans in a region, as they do not have a team to support. With all the negative points there are positives like there is so many sporting milestones being reached. For such a small country we compete very well against the rest of the world, in some cases we are even world champions. This makes me proud to be a New Zealander. E. g. The All Blacks finally won the rugby world cup after a 24-year drought, 3 times loosing to France. Or the New Zealand Breakers winning the Australian National Basketball League and becoming the first New Zealand team to win an Australian competition beating the Warriors in the NRL for rugby league and the Phoenix in the A-league for soccer. Or The Silver Ferns Beating the world champions in the final of the netball in the commonwealth games and finally the Kiwis who won the last Rugby League World Cup showing that national sport in New Zealand is very strong. It is important having strong national teams as it is a good reputation to have as a country, and for such a sports crazy nation it is good to see New Zealand win. Lastly, for great sportsmen and women provincial level is where is all begins on their journey to greatness. Many great sportsmen have been recognised from sports in New Zealand. E. g. Brendon McCullum who plays cricket for Otago and New Zealand got a contract for US$900,000 by an Indian cricket club, the Kolkata Night Riders. McCullum is now one of the best Twenty/Twenty players in the world. Another example is Kirk Penny. Penny had a great season for the New Zealand Breakers basketball team. A European club, Madrid Fuenlabrada signed him and he is now making his mark in Spain. This is important as it helps world-class athletes from New Zealand be known to the rest of the world. In conclusion we see that professional sport in New Zealand has its downsides being that teams are going broke or defunct but many positives like our national teams doing well and New Zealand players being recognised worldwide. We can see there are many positives and negatives but most professional sports in New Zealand are strong and I believe New Zealand sport is great.

The Wanderer

I sat there on the bus, contemplating the abnormal events of the day and staring at the thick snow that lay outside. It was a long bus journey back to my house and I had a long time to spend with the not particularly talkative driver. I think the driver had become accustomed to my presence as I travelled on the bus every Friday night. He would always let me on the bus without charging me and wait for another ten minutes and see if anyone else got on, which they never did. I had not, for as long as I remember had a conversation with him, and had for a long time now forgotten the sound of his voice. The only sound I would hear on a typical journey was the quiet grumbling of the bus driver and the loud roaring of the buses engine. Nobody got on the bus this late at night. I was as I was saying, contemplating the events of the day, when I was interrupted mid thought by a more pressing realization. The bus was now stopping. This may seem a very normal thing for a bus to do, this bus however never stopped except for myself. The bus had stopped to let on another passenger. I looked forward to this, as my usual journey would include no human interaction. The passenger was a man, that I guessed to be in his mid thirties. I took a quick look up and down him. I looked up and down him again with a bit more detail. No snow, he must have been standing at the bus stop for a little while, as buses never come on time, yet he had avoided getting any snow on him. My own boots were cased in a think slushy mess, but his fine black shoes were hardly even wet. My jeans and thick jacket, which I was quite fond of, were no longer covered in snow but were wet from the snow that had melted in the comfortable warmth of the bus. His trousers that had been ironed to perfection and the suit that he wore were both black as midnight and looked of incredible quality. The man himself was bald and was cleanly shaven; he was yet to face me as he was talking to the bus driver. He carried nothing in his hands but kept his body still with his arms by his sides while talking. I started to hear their conversation after I was done scanning his person. â€Å"Shame that it had to happen isn't it?† The bus driver said in a burst of conversation. This in itself came as a shock to my system; it was such a long time since the bus driver had spoken in my presence. What was a real shock is what came next. â€Å"Yes, the poor elderly lady must have been quite shaken by the ordeal.† replied the stranger. His voice was eerie. He talked normally of course, but that was the problem, it was too normal. He voice stayed at the same volume and pitch all the time, he didn't change the level of excitement in his voice. He had no accent, he spoke perfectly and I was surprised to find that the bus driver, who had a strong accent, could understand him. It was then I realised that they were in fact talking about what they had interrupted me thinking about. Earlier in my day I had witnessed an attack on an elderly lady. A young teenager had an interest in her handbag and its contents. My good nature combined with my belief that today's youth should not be able to do as they please, caused me to leap into action. I had started shouting at the young boy and walking towards him, I expected him to run away and that to be the end of it. I pushed the boy back from the old lady and told her that she would be okay and should hurry home. It was after this as I was swinging round to give the boy a stern talking to, that I felt a sharp blow to my neck and then it was black. I woke up about two minutes later with a bit of a sore neck but otherwise unharmed. The stranger walked down the bus and sat at a seat just in front of mine. I had seen his face as he walked down but there was nothing interesting about it, apart from the fact there was nothing interesting about it. He sat with the same amazingly straight posture as when he was standing. â€Å"Where you gettin' off then?† the driver cried down the bus. â€Å"Crescent Road† the stranger replied. â€Å"Oh, surprise surprise† the bus driver chuckled to himself. The stranger didn't understand what the bus driver was talking about but I did. The bus driver still only had to make the one stop because mine and the stranger's stops were in fact the same. I thought this to be a remarkable coincidence. I returned to watching the snow falling gently outside. The night sky seemed to give me the impression that tonight was different in some way to every other night. I was snapped out of this small trance by the stranger standing and making his way to the front of the bus. Fortunately he was on the bus to remind me that at some point I would have to get off, and up I leapt. The bus pulled in to the stop as I staggered to keep my balance. The stranger moved to the side to let me past and to say thank you to the driver. I got off the bus and stepped onto the crisp snow that had just fallen. The stranger followed and we started on our way home. The stranger barged past me and started to walk briskly. I thought this to be quite rude and so I started to walk just as briskly to catch up with him. Even when in a hurry the man walked with impeccable posture. â€Å"I much prefer the summer to this.† I said jokingly in an attempt to spark a conversation. The man simply took a deep breath and proceeded to walk more slowly. I walked beside him, he looked quite troubled. I felt compelled to try and comfort him. I reached to put my hand on his shoulder as my brain prepared my next sentence. He stopped. His head darted in the direction of my face. It was not that he was looking at me, more that he was looking exactly in my direction. His look was empty and cold. He continued on his way and I kept my distance, I hoped he would enter one of the houses that we were passing but he didn't. He continued to wander the same way as I was. He wandered across the small road we came to and up onto the footpath that lead up to my cul-de-sac. The road was known for being dangerously icy. The path was also terribly dark and had trees along either side. This was all well and good during the daylight hours, but at night however the trees took on a more sinister presence and seemed to position themselves to block out the view of the moon or any other source of light. In front of me was the man, no more than five metres away. I could only just make out his suit and trousers. I could only just make out his shape. He was getting further away from me. I was trying to navigate the slippier parts of the path. â€Å"Are you having as much trouble as I am?† I exclaimed trying again to get the attention of the wanderer. â€Å"Don't be silly† the wanderer turned and said. I could only just make out his face and was unsure whether he was talking to me or himself. Before I could come to this decision he turned and started the brisk walking again. I followed to catch up with him and was looking for him through the black screen that was in front of my eyes. I hit the ground. It hurt and I was catching up on what had just happened. I had tripped up on the shape of the wandering man. He had fallen in on the ice and from what I could see had hit his head off the ground. I leant over to help him up but was knocked away as he lifted himself off the hard frozen ground. He held his hand to his head, and I was now quite worried about him, he looked like he had hit the ground with some force. He looked very frightened and was almost running along the road. We exited the small wooded path and to a fork in the road. I could see my house from here it was the first in the cul-de-sac on the right. The wandering stranger made his way along the road to the left and I felt it was my duty to follow him and to see if he was okay. Luckily for him his house was not far along the road and he entered the front gate of an impressive looking building, the wanderer had found his home. He left the gate open for me and I entered the garden. He entered the house and I followed. I stood in his porch as he rushed upstairs. I heard the sound of running water and I assumed that he was cleaning himself up. He returned a short while after and came slowly down the stairs. He was talking to a woman which I can only presume was his wife. â€Å"I am fine really, I just got a bit shook up along the path there† the man said. â€Å"I do worry about you, you know† Replied his wife â€Å"Look what happened to that kind gentleman in town today. He helps an old lady get her handbag back and gets beaten to death† I stood there baffled, and felt a shiver down my spine. I started to feel myself slipping away as I struggled with the events of the day. I had stopped wandering, I had found my home and I knew where I had to go†¦