Article Summary and Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Article Summary and Critique - Essay Example Authors present an institutional support model based on their experiences with the HBLI program. It refers the key areas that need development. The model covers the financial, moral, mentorship and technical support issues. Most of the Mexican American students are from lower middle class families. Hence, they need substantial financial support to complete their doctoral degrees. Moral support and cultural bonding can be enhanced by organizing various social activities among the students. Presence of Mexican American staff will allow them to connect and relate with the faculty. Guidance by the Mexican American faculty, acting as their mentors, will also be very encouraging and helpful. Lack of proper technical support is another factor that should be taken care of. All these factors were taken into account by HBLI in their programs and resulted in significant progress. The authors conclude that cooperation of the staff of the universities and their faith in the abilities of Mexican A merican students can boost up the number of doctoral degree holders. The authors are Mexican American doctorate degree holders themselves. They were part of the HBLI Doctoral Fellowship Program.

Evidence Based Essay Example for Free

Evidence Based Essay Teaching in the twenty first century has become a major challenge for everyone involved with education. Not only do teachers have to worry about test scores and how to handle the multitude of differences when it comes to students. But, also making sure they have adequate documentation to support all the differences and education they are supplying. When adding the documentation and strategies to special education students it becomes even more difficult. However, using strategies that align with Common Core can easily engage and participate those that are special education students and have them become successful. Now that our country has moved more and more towards Common Core instruction it is important that teachers do not lose those that are struggling to learn. Adding the toughness and rigor of Common Core easily complicates this situation. As teachers we need to learn to adapt to the changing curriculum and engage our students in a way that they can still learn through the Common Core instruction. One way to do this is through using a variety of assessments. Variety of assessments allows teachers free range how to assess their children based on their learning styles. This can be done by using either formative or informative assessments. Formative assessments is a process used by teachers and students during instruction that provides feedback to adjust ongoing teaching and learning to improve students achievement of intended instructional outcomes (Dodge,2012). When we use formative assessments it is allowing us to see exactly the areas of need/improvement, as well as the areas of strengt h. This is wonderful because it allows teachers the opportunity to then re-teach students based off their areas of need. When we are teaching math it is important that we try to keep the lessons as actively engaging as possible. Math tends to be a  big struggle for many special education students. The more Common Core is pushed on students the more they feel as though they might not have the ability to learn. Therefore, using an inquiry and student learning model can benefit those who struggle with math. The inquiry and student learning model is where the teaching is put back on the students in the role of hands-on inquiry (Hertz, 2013). The teacher does the modeling and the students then do the work with each other and explain the process. This really allows the teacher ample time to observe and go work with students and grab data that might not be possible. While this is happening, the children are actually having fun and they are learning! Another way to engage children with Common Core is during reading and language arts instruction. Teaching children to read is the foundation for educational success. In order to get kids engaged in learning we need to make it fun and have the students take value in what they are doing. Reading is a wonderful subject, when done correctly, the teacher can really make it fun. Having students go through a topic or core for the day and then focusing differentiated hands-on centers will really allow the students to use what they are learning more effectively. Instead of students reading in a group and then doing worksheets, they are actually putting letters together using letter cubes or play –doh. Taking the concept they just learned about and making it into their own writing story. These are activities that children love and remain engaged in and what classrooms should be doing. Another way to ensure learning is taking place for all students is making sure that the space is free of any safety concerns for those who have physical or health limitations. Physically handicapped students are aware of the fact that they are physically different that most others and that there are certain things they cannot do (Watson 2011). Therefore, it is up to the teachers to set a positive image from the beginning. This will limit the amount of talking and self-esteem crushing that can take place in the classroom. It is also important for the teacher to set up the room before any children come in, so the environment is already positively set. Making sure that the room and areas are de-cluttered, and there is a defined area for a wheelchair to get through can make a big difference in how a physically challenged student feels. It is also important to let all involved with the disabled student, what the plans are in case of emergencies, such as; fire drills or a lock-down  situation. Teachers need to do their jobs to ensure the safety of all students disabled or not. Students that enter a classroom and are physically disabled, usually have some fine or gross motor skill issues. These issues can be worked on through an occupational therapist, but also need to be reinforced when the occupational therapist is not in the room. When it comes to cutting or using a scissors the teacher should find out if the student benefits from a hand over hand assist or the use of a specialized scissors to complete the task. Knowing how severely the student’s handwriting is effected is also a very important thing to note. If the student has extremely poor motor skills and writing is not an option, then the teacher needs to look into getting a communication device that will do the typing and written work for the student. It is also beneficial to know how much self-help the child needs. Does the child need help going to the bathroom and washing their hands, or zipping up a coat? These are all questions that can decline the amount of frustration on a teacher before the student is even in the classroom. Using all of these strategies can really help and cut down on any behavioral issues that can arise when a student becomes frustrated and overwhelmed by the amount they are not able to do. Since physically handicapped children have many issues to sort out, it might become overwhelming for them and they might not be able to socialize correctly or discuss how they are feeling. When this happens they need the support and strategies to help them work through their feelings. Teachers might have the students engage in a social skills group with only four or five other students. The one leading the group can focus on different social issues; such as; embarrassment, bullying, feeling left out. Even if the disabled child is unable to talk, they can bring their assistive technology to help them participate. Role-playing can also be a huge positive for everyone. Many times children do not know and understand what it is like to be physically handicapped and not have the ability to run and play soccer. So, when the shoe is on the other foot in a role-playing mode the students can then begin to see how much the disabled child is affected. Social skill interventions start with accurate diagnosis and continue by allowing students to practice positive social interactions in a step-by-step, decision-by-decision fashion (Beelmann, Pfingsten, Losel, 1994). Teaching children is an art form. It is something that cannot be explained and truly  understood until others have walked in those shoes. All teachers can do is hope that we are using strategies effectively and communicating accurately to reach the needs of all the students, whether they are disabled or not. By using strategies and accommodations we are opening the door of possibilities and one that will benefit all that are involved not just the ones who qualify for those strategies and accommo dations. References Beelmann, A., Pfingsten, U., Losel, F. (1994). Effects of training social competence in children: A meta-analysis of recent evaluation studies. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 23(3), 260-271. Dodge, J (2012). Tips for using formative assessments to help you differentiate instruction and improve student achievement. Retrieved fromhttp://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/what-are-formative-assessments-and-why-should-we-use-them Hertz, M (2013). Common Core Standard: Third Grade Math Strategies. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/ccss-3rd-grade-math-strategies-mary-beth-hertz Watson, S (2011). Physically Handicapped Students. Retrieved from http://specialed.about.com/od/physicaldisabilities/a/physical.htm

Merchant & A Midsummer Nights :: English Literature Essays

Merchant & A Midsummer Nights A Product of Society? It is hard to determine whether or not Shakespearean comedy is clearly a product of Elizabethan courtly society. It can be said that the answer to that question is both yes and no. It is apparent in The Merchant of Venice that Shakespeare’s writing was strongly influenced by the society surrounding him while A Midsummer Nights Dream is much less realistic and so original that one might think he came from another time period all together. In The Merchant of Venice there are countless examples of how Shakespeare’s works were a product of society. One of the main similarities is religion. The official established state religion in Shakespeare’s time was the Church of England, lucidly Protestant. Everyone was required to attend an Anglican Service once a month. The Anglican service is also called Prayer Service, Prayer Book Service, Common Prayer, or the Lord’s Supper. Although it was not expressly illegal to be of a different religion, it was not exactly legal to practice the faith of ones choice. There were even fines for not conforming to the sanctioned religion; that is, for not going to Protestant services. (Nicoll, 76) Jewish people were quite rare in England during the Elizabethan time period and they seemed to be looked down upon the most (although it was not considered a lot better to be a Catholic). Shakespeare probably never knew a Jewish person directly, but during his time the Queen’s Jewish doctor was executed for being ‘a spy’. Also, during that time it would have been considered quite normal to force someone to convert to Christianity. Shakespeare’s Venice had the same mentality about Jewish people. Anti-Semitism was overwhelmingly abundant. Although Shylock was surely a respectable businessman, it did not seem out of the ordinary for Antonio to spit on him and call him a dog whenever it took his fancy. Shylock seems to be the only one who realizes the hypocrisy of the ‘good Christians’ and makes mention of it in his famed speech in Act III: SHYLOCK†¦ Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions; fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as a Christian is? If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh?

National Parks or National Problems? Essay -- Critical Thinking Essays

A bear meanders across the road several hundred yards in front of your slowly moving vehicle. A doe and her fawn leap back into the brush as you approach. The sun shines in such a way that it seems the mountains above you go on forever. This pristine image of our nation's national parks is unfortunately getting harder to find today. The approximately 270 million visitors to the parks annually have begun to take their toll on the wild and preserved areas of our nation. Congress created the world's first national park, Yellowstone, in 1872. For many years after the beginning of Yellowstone (and other such parks), the wilderness could be viewed from afar, but not entered. Camping within park limits was something that was just not done by visitors (National Park Service, Caring for Legacy, 1). The national parks were much less accessible to the public sector in the early 1900's than they presently are. A staggering 68% of Americans have visited at least one area of the National Park System today, and all these visits have undoubtedly led to the gradual degradation of our parks (Rettie, 124). Our National Park Service, or the NPS, is the agency responsible for the upkeep and management of the national parks (Rettie, ix). The service was created in 1916 (National Park Service, When Did the NPS, 1). The early parks, including Yellowstone, didn't have a central governing body for over forty years. This meant that the first parks had to struggle to stay alive and running. In addition, many fell into ruin due to lack of public support or due to the fact that some Americans didn't even know that these parks existed. People also weren't sure how to handle themselves within park boundaries, which is still a problem today. Several of the ... ... American Press, 1990. Keiter, Robert B., and Mark S. Boyce, eds. The Greater Yellowstone System. London: Yale University Press, 1991. Leal, Donald R., and Holly Lippke Fretwell. "Users Must Pay to Save Our National Parks." Consumers' Research Magazine, August 1997. First Search. Online. 12 Oct. 1998. National Park Service. "Caring for the American Legacy." http://www.nps.gov/legacy/mission.html. (24 Nov. 1998). National Park Service. "Fire in the National Parks." http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/issues/fire.html. (15 Nov. 1998). National Park Service. "National Park Resources in Peril." http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/issues/paril_p_.html. (20 Nov. 1998). National Park Service. "When Did the NPS Begin?" http://www.nps.gov/legacy/legacy.html. (20 Nov. 1998). Rettie, Dwight F. Our National Park System. Urbana and Chicago: University Of Illinois Press, 1995.

History Coursework – Arab Israeli Conflict

In 1948 the village of Deir Yassin was invaded by Jewish Irgun fighters. By noon on the same day they had killed everyone in the entire village – women and children included. There is no real proof about who is to blame for the Palestinian refugee problem. The reasons of the fight over Deir Yassin go back since the partition of Palestine. The partition meant that majority of the population, the Arabs, would get less land that the Jews. On the other hand, the Jews did not get Jerusalem, their homeland, included in their area. Both sides were unhappy about the land they were given, so they started to fight each other to get the land back. In December 1947 violence broke out between them and they grew more and more aggressive until massacre itself in April the next year. The Jews thought that if they committed the mass murder, they could gain back the land. Deir Yassin would have been an extremely important strategic point for whoever had control of it. This made the village more valuable to both the Arabs and Jews, which meant it was the centre for violence. The two sources are written about the same event but express the opinions of different people. Source A is a pamphlet produce by the PLO describing the Arab exodus form Palestine, and the Deir Yassin massacre. Source b is a statement made to the UN by Israel's foreign minister in 1961, expressing her view of the incident and the general exodus of Palestine. As source A is a pamphlet, it's obviously propaganda. It's heavily biased in the Palestinians point of view. It's advertising the fact that the Palestinians left Palestine because of their fear, and not on their own accord. It blames the whole refugee problem on Israel: â€Å"Thousands of Palestinians fled†¦ were prevented from returning to their home by Israel.† They had a fair argument because they were forced to leave in fear, as nobody would want to be slaughtered. As the source is directed towards the world to try and get international support, it is obviously exaggerated to make everything sound worse for the Arabs to generate sympathy for them: â€Å"In cold blood†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ â€Å"Mutilating many of the bodies†. Before concluding, one must take into account the fact that the Palestinians do not tell both sides of the story. The source fails to mention the Infitada or â€Å"uprising†, which was the civil disobedience that grew in parts of Israel. It consisted of riots and protests led by Arabs. The Infitada happened before the source was written, so they have no excuse for not writing about it in the pamphlet. They did not want to include the other side f the story as this would lower the amount of sympathy gained by the Palestinians from the world. Also, the UN Resolution 242, which could have solved the refugee problems, and could also be to their advantage, wasn't mentioned. As well as this, the various terrorist acts committed before the source was written aren't included in the source, so anyone that reads this source will not think badly of the Palestinians. Although source B is written about the same event, it draws all the attention away from the massacre. As the source is a statement directed towards the UN, it only mentions the facts that Israel wants them to know. The main purpose was to convince the UN to take their side, and stop them from passing resolution 242 which was going to force Israel to withdraw from all their occupied territories. Mrs Meir brings all the attention away from the Jewish actions and tries to turn the argument around. She tries to convince the world that the massacre at Deir Yassin was committed by â€Å"Jewish Dissidents†, or crazy terrorists, not the Israeli government, and nothing to do with Golda Meir. The source cleverly accuses the Arab armies for the Arab refugees. It states the all that carried out aggression against Israel are responsible for the refugees. According to the source the Arab leaders who led the armies told all the Arabs living in Palestine to evacuate the country so the armies could get in, forcing them to live in refugee camps. As with the first PLO source, the writer of this purposely leaves out the earlier Israeli terrorist actions, such as the attacks on the King David hotel in Jerusalem. To conclude, the 2 sources are totally different. They differ in almost every way, and each source is extremely biased, the sources are not reliable at all, we can only use them to see individual opinions. Neither of the sources either have proof to support the opinions, for example source B tells us that the massacre was undertaken by people who had nothing to do with the government, but the Israelis have no evidence for this, so we have no reason to believe this. The sources give so diverse facts and opinions, it is impossible to draw conclusions about who is to blame for the refugee problem, we can only have our own opinion. GCSE COURSEWORK ASSIGNMENT MODERN WORLD STUDY: THE ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT Question 2 Although sources A-F include a lot of information, it is hard to analyze the sources to make the conclusion of who is to blame for the Palestinian refugee problems. Many of the sources are biased and don't give both sides to the story. The 6 sources give us lots of information concerning the opinions of the different sides, but when it comes to concluding and giving a fair opinion, it's almost impossible. We need to analyze each source for their efficiency, and asses them to find out their purpose and reliability. Source A gives us the Palestinian view of the Arab exodus from Palestine. It says that the Jews invaded the village of Deir Yassin, and then killed the entire population. It says that the thousands of Palestinians who fled Palestine in terror were prevented from returning to their own â€Å"homeland† by Israel. The source blames Israel for the refugee problem. Reading this source alone, one would believe that the entire refugee problem would be the fault of the Israelis, but the source is heavily biased and given in the Palestinian point of view. The source fails to mention a few major details which could help you conclude, such as the intifada that happened when the Palestinians started to fight back against the Israelis, and the various s terrorist attacks they made to try and get their land back. The main cause for the violence was the fact that the British forces left. Source B is written in a similar style as source A, but it is heavily biased and in the view of the Israelis, It is written about the same event, but blames the Palestinian Arabs for the whole refugee event. It basically says that the Arabs actually caused the whole refugee problem, and that the Jewish had nothing to do with it. They say that the massacre at Deir Yassin was committed by terrorists, and was nothing to do with the Jewish government. It says that the other Arab countries told the Palestinians to leave the country so the Arab forces could get in, which would mean that the Jews aren't responsible at all for the problem. As with the first source, there is no proof, so we can't believe what is said. Using these 2 sources, there's no conclusion we can come to as they both contradict each other. Source C is an article by an Irish journalist. It contradicts source B, saying that there were no orders at all, by the Arabs, to leave Palestine. This proves source B wrong, and it has proof. It says that there are records in the British museum which say that there was not a single order to evacuate Palestine. It says there were even appeals to stay put in Palestine, which contradicts source B. This source offers evidence and is reliable, and is obviously non-biased. It's hard to tell who caused the refugee when you have two sources telling you that the other is wrong. Source D is an extract from some comments made by Palestinian refugees. They tell us what work the UN did to stop the refugee problem. They say that they have refused homes and other forms of compensation because all they wanted was to be allowed to return to their homeland. This means that the Palestinians are responsible for keeping all the problems, and it's their own fault that they're living in camps. They are purposely being awkward, even though the UN is supporting them. This is an informative factual statement which is slightly biased in the Palestinians favour. Source E is written by the Israeli ambassador to the UN. The source states that if Palestinians settled elsewhere, the whole problem would stop. It is basically a confirmation to source D. This source pretty much proves that the Arabs are causing the refugee problem. The last source, F, is 2 photos. They say that the Arab was born in Jerusalem, but can't go back to live there. The Jew was not born in Palestine, but she can return there any time she wants. The Arab and the Jew can still say exactly the same thing20 years later, as their situations are exactly the same, nothing has changed. The source is defiantly not biased as it has the perspective of a Jew and an Arab. It doesn't explain the cause of the problem, but it tells us that the problem has not been solved yet. To conclude, these sources do not let you come to a conclusion. Source A contradicts source B, and source C contradicts source B. Sources D and E tell us that the Arabs didn't want compensation and acted awkwardly to annoy the UN, which contradicts source A again. With all the sources saying that others are wrong, and the lack of evidence for sources A, B and E, we cannot believe any of them, or come to any sort of agreement about who really is to blame for the refugee problem. We need more evidence and facts to come to a firm conclusion.

Words That Denote Cooperation

Words That Denote Cooperation Words That Denote Cooperation Words That Denote Cooperation By Maeve Maddox In this post I’m going to temper the constant media barrage of negativity with words that denote cooperation and friendly relations among people who are engaged in the same activity. These are words I’d like to see used more frequently to describe what is happening in government. collegiality noun: the cooperative relationship of colleagues. collegial adjective: marked by camaraderie among colleagues colleague noun: One who is associated with others in office or special employment. cooperation noun:  the action of cooperating, i.e. of working together towards the same end, purpose, or effect; joint operation cooperative adjective: Having the quality or function of cooperating; working together or with others to the same end; of or pertaining to cooperation. harmony noun: agreement, accord, congruity. â€Å"in harmony† phrase: in agreement or accordance, consistent, congruous. harmonious adjective: marked by harmony, agreement, or concord; agreeing, accordant, concordant, congruous; having the parts or elements in accord so as to form a consistent or agreeable whole. unity noun: the quality or condition of being of one mind, feeling, opinion, purpose, or action; concord or harmony among several people, groups, institutions, states or between two or more. united adjective: joined together by a common interest, feeling, or cause; characterized by unity, harmony, or agreement. collaboration   noun: cooperation, especially in literary, artistic, or scientific work.    collaborative   adjective: characterized by, based upon, or produced in collaboration; cooperative. Here are a few recent examples of some of these words actually being used in the context of government: We do, however, have a mandate from the people on a clear platform, and we intend to legislate that mandate. But we want to do it in a collegial and constructive way, he said. Unlike the 2015 session, which ended in a gridlock over the annual budget and with the House abruptly leaving three days early, this year’s session is much more harmonious, with lawmakers already passing major leadership priorities in the early weeks of the session.- Gainesville Sun. I thank Senator DeWine (R) not only for his kind words but, again, his ongoing efforts, always with the tone of utmost collegiality when he worked with me, and his staff.- Barbara Mikulski (D). While Cadman (R) focused on TABOR funds and improving school safety, Democrat and former Senate President Morgan Carroll struck a tone of cooperation for the few months of work ahead. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Wether, Weather, Whether40 Fish Idioms40 Idioms with First

Is a gap year necessary for high school graduates

Is a gap year necessary for high school graduates Many educationists view modern students as having many educational pressures placed on them by parents and interested community members. Fitzsimmons et al (2010) posits, â€Å"The pressures on today’s students is a concern to many of us, as they seem far intense than those placed on previous generations† (para.1). Burnout largely curtails the students’ endeavors to achieve their full potential in career life.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Is a gap year necessary for high school graduates? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They have areas that best suits their talents. Therefore, I would incredibly support the idea of taking time off before joining colleges or universities upon graduating from high school. By the time the students join these institutions, they are sure and decided of what they want to achieve out of their lives. I would go as far as persuading the available academic institutions to make it a compulsory issue for all American high school graduates. Harvard, Princeton, MIT and many more popular and prestigious institutions of higher learning encourage students to take some time off after clearing high school before joining college or university. Australian institutions also encourage it. In fact, it has become almost a rite of passage marking the transition between high school life and college life. In America, the trend is following slightly right behind Australia. Why is this necessary? Some high school graduates are either not ready to start college life immediately. They are in burn out state. In addition, a good number of the students are strongly inclined to the idea of pursuing a myriad of interests before finally settling on what to do in college or at the university. As Wood laments, â€Å"instead of packing their bags in anticipation of freshman year, they are volunteering in New Orleans or teaching in Thailand, thus, starting the renowned American novel, or interning to help figure out what they want to do with their lives† (2008, Para.4). They, thus, advocate for the achievement of what is best for them in the shortest time. However, I immensely campaign for a gap year. As Wood observes, â€Å"Taking a gap year can make kids focused and ready for the rigors of academic life† (2008, Para.2). What matters is the student to complete college, not to enroll. Research reveals how prepared students have higher rates of completing college. Harvard perhaps knows this well. Princeton, on the other hand, has this idea in the design of bridge year program, which allows their newly enrolled students to â€Å"spend a year performing public service abroad before beginning their freshman year† (Wood, 2008, Para.6). Do parents need to panic about enrollment then? A year out gives a student ample time to contemplate and reflect what is legitimate or unsuitable for him or her. Students deserve to consider a myriad of thing s before entering college or universities. As Peterson (2011) comments, â€Å"As students consider their future following high school, they should spend some time doing a bit of self-analysis† (Para.7).Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This implies that a year off allows them to have adequate time to reflect and analyze their strengths and weakness. They stand a chance to make subtle decisions on what they deserve to pursue. While doing this, and according to Peterson (2010), students need to ask themselves a number of questions: â€Å"How does college fit into their future plans? Are they ready for the challenges and opportunities of college? Do they have a sense of the right kinds of college environments for themselves?† (Para.8). In addition, many educationists view those students taking years off as having a higher motivation coupled with immense capacity to deal with the odds of success in college levels. As a way of example, the Harvard University records high graduation rate of 98% (Fitzsimmons et al, 2010, Para.13). Chiefly, one can attribute this to their recommendations for students to consider taking a year off before joining the institution. Considering the options to take a year off after graduating from high school relies on the need to achieve exemplary results based on the provisions of opportunities to reflect on what one truly wants to do in the future. He/she can use such time to accomplish other noble skills. As a way of example, â€Å"some students, particularly those whose families have a tradition of serving in the military, will join the armed forces after high school† (MacDonald, 2009, Para.7). This is an initial step for such students to build on their skills with particular merits of helping students discover their amplitudes. The benefits include financial aspects, as it helps students save money for the future anticipated life: college life. In addition to joining military during such time, a student may â€Å"participate in a number of things such as community service, working, traveling, high-level athletics, performing arts, and or music† (Shellenberger, 2010, p.13). These activities aid the students to discover themselves. The additional discovery aids in making sure that the students set, and select those areas of specialization consistent with their talents and future anticipations. This argument advocates for the capacity of the year out promoting attempts to self-discover self. Majority of colleges advocates for gap years people only to indulge in those activities that are consistent with their passions. Scott posits that whether â€Å"music, community service, travel, or sports, colleges want students to focus on one or more interests dedicating themselves to them† (2009, Para.1). This way, they can perhaps attempt to establish a link between their future end eavors and those extracurricular activities, in which they have talents. In fact, all the tasks that a student indulges in during the gap year go a long way in helping a student to improve his/her probabilities of success in the college life to follow afterwards. Therefore, â€Å"For students who have never been away from home, gap-year travel or study abroad could help cultivate an ability to manage independently to adapt to different cultures† (Patterson, 2009, Para.2).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Is a gap year necessary for high school graduates? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More More often, degree students would find themselves in the management positions in the future. Adopting dimensions of multicultural experiences would position them well to incorporate such perspectives in their college learning. This is especially vital bearing in mind that globalization of organizations has made rigid calls for future managers to embrace multi-ethnic minds and cultural diversification. In the light of the incredible benefits of taking a year out on the student’s side, other interested members of the society normally receive such a decision with differing views. As Fitzsimmons (2010) notes, â€Å"Students often want to follow friends on safer and more familiar paths while parents worry that their sons and daughters†¦may never enroll† (Para.15) in college. These worries rely on the perception that, considering a decision to take a year out may have negative effects to a student’s study skills. Unfortunately, there is no justification of this fear. Educationists serving the interests of the students who have taken a year out provide reassurance for the benefits of the decisions to take a year out by far outweigh the voiced risks. â€Å"Occasionally, students admitted to Harvard or other colleges in part accomplish something unusual during a year off† (Shellenb erger, 2010, p.13). However, taking a year out does not increase one’s chances or competiveness for joining an institution of higher learning. The benefits of taking a year out are to facilitate the student to have higher completion rates. They hike his or her college life coping skills. They rather not increase joining probabilities. Such probabilities are dependent of high school performance. The time spent during a year out upon graduating from high school helps a student to broadening up his or her perspectives concerning his or her future dreams. Through considering the benefits of taking a year out, the paper advocates for such a decision to the level that the author feels that not all institutions of higher learning should admit fresh graduates who have not taken a year out. If they have to, then they need to incorporate a compulsory one-year service work training their students before they are ready to start their first year. In fact, the author concurs with Wood†™s opinion that â€Å"Sending a kid who is not ready to college is like sending a kid who is not feeling hungry to an all-you-can-eat buffet† (2008, Para.5). Do parents need to harry up driving their high school graduate kids to college while not maintaining blindness to the benefits of a gap year? Reference List Fitzsimmons, W., McGrath, M., Charles, D. (2010). Timeout Out or Burn Out For the Next Generation. Retrieved from admissions.college.harvard.edu/apply/time_off/index.html .Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More MacDonald, G. (2009). Gap Year Before College Gives Grads Valuable Life Experience. Retrieved from usatoday.com/news/education/2008-06-18-gap-year_N.htm . Patterson, T. (2009). Ten Good Reasons to Take a Gap Year before College. Retrieved from http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/10-good-reasons-to-take-a-gap-year-before-college/ . Peterson. (2011). Should You Take a Gap Year Before College and Explore Alternatives? Retrieved from petersons.com/college-search/gap-year-explore-alternatives.aspx. Scott, D. (2009). Tools and Guides for Taking a Gap Year before College. Retrieved from onlinedegreeprograms.com/blog/2009/100-tips-tools-and-guides-for-taking-a-gap-year-before-college/ . Shellenberger, S. (2010). Delaying College to Fill the Gaps. Wall Street Journal, 2(1), 1-23. Wood, D. (2008). Should your kid have a ‘gap year’ before college? Retrieved from http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/24260521/ns/today-parenting/t/should-your-child-have-gap-year-college/#.SZpMaF1CWt8 .

Practice in Using Quotation Marks Correctly

Practice in Using Quotation Marks Correctly This exercise will give you practice in applying our Guidelines for Using Quotation Marks Effectively (U.S. edition). InstructionsInsert quotation marks wherever they are needed in the sentences below. When youre done, compare your answers with those on page two. For several weeks in 2009, the Black Eyed Peas held the top two spots on the music charts with their songs I Gotta Feeling and Boom Boom Pow.Last week we read A Modest Proposal, an essay by Jonathan Swift.Last week we read A Modest Proposal; this week were reading Shirley Jacksons short story The Lottery.In a famous New Yorker essay in October 1998, Toni Morrison referred to Bill Clinton as our first black president.Bonnie asked, Are you going to the concert without me?Bonnie asked if we were going to the concert without her.In the words of comedian Steve Martin, Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.The indie folk band Deer Tick sang What Kind of Fool Am I?Was it Dylan Thomas who wrote the poem Fern Hill?Uncle Gus said, I heard your mother singing Tutti Frutti out behind the barn at three oclock in the morning.Ive memorized several poems, Jenny said, including The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost.All our failures, wrote Iris Murdoch, are ultimately failures in love. Answers to the exercise Practice in Using Quotation Marks Correctly For several weeks in 2009, the Black Eyed Peas held the top two spots on the music charts with their songs â€Å"I Gotta Feeling† and â€Å"Boom Boom Pow.†Last week we read A Modest Proposal, an essay by Jonathan Swift.Last week we read A Modest Proposal; this week were reading Shirley Jacksons short story The Lottery.In a famous New Yorker essay in October 1998, Toni Morrison referred to Bill Clinton as our first black president.Bonnie asked, Are you going to the concert without me?Bonnie asked if we were going to the concert without her. [no quotation marks]In the words of comedian Steve Martin, Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.The indie folk band Deer Tick sang What Kind of Fool Am I?Was it Dylan Thomas who wrote the poem Fern Hill?Uncle Gus said, I heard your mother singing Tutti Frutti out behind the barn at three oclock in the morning.Ive memorized several poems, Jenny said, including The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost.All our failures, wrote Iris Murdoch, are ultimately failures in love.

Regional and Economic International Organizations Essay

Regional and Economic International Organizations - Essay Example Many people lived lives of total despair. However, there were a number of brave men and women who decided to look at this crisis as an opportunity and to fashion something new out of the mess. The most important change to make involved the world economic system. And so the Bretton Woods regime was founded on July 1944, in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States, by the delegations of the 44 Allied nations with the intent of creating a new financial and economic order, due to the shift of power occurred as a result of the Second World War. The Bretton Woods regime was a result of the events which affected the world economy and political system, starting from the great Depression to the rise of Nationalist dictatorships and finally the Second World War; its declared objective was to ensure prosperity to all nations, so conflict would never occur again, and can best be understood by this quotation: "The nations should consult and agree on international monetary changes which affect each other. They should outlaw practices which are agreed to be harmful to world prosperity, and they should assist each other to overcome short-term exchange difficulties." The lesson learned by the horrors of the war were that increased economic integration would stand a good chance of reducing the opportunities and incentives to go to war. If war cost the same amount to everyone there would be few advantages for any one country to start one. Economic integration and some standardization would be key to this. The policy of open markets first seriously pushed at this conference would have a major influence on the world economy to this day. This policy however did not come out of the blue. There were a number of significant individuals who came up with the theories and principles that underlay and who worked hard to guide the process forward. Without a doubt one of the most important of these figures was the economist John Maynard Keynes, one

Storm Drainage Design Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Storm Drainage Design Project - Essay Example ertical axis using different scales, but their horizontal coordinates are the same based on hourly readings from the midnight of October 12 to 11:00 in the evening of October 15, 1998. Rainfall data was plotted using millimetres (mm) and the given observations were used as is. On the other hand, river data, which is usually plotted as a discharge in a unit of volume against time (cubic meters per second or liters per second) is drawn as a function of the given river width (B) and the velocity (V) of flow of the river (since discharge is a product of area and water flow velocity in this case) per hour of observation. The highest point (peak) of the blue line graph is 0.658 meter-BV per hour. The scale used was 1 x 10-1 m, such that 0.658 is represented as 6.58 x 10-1 m. This should explain why the highest number in the vertical axis is 7. It may be gleaned from Figure 3 that although observations were plotted every hour, the time markers were presented every three hours due to space limitations.). However, the data were analyzed using the original values and units of the river level per hour of observation. Prior to the rainfall in 4:00 on October 13, the average reading of the river height from the start of given observations for 28 consecutive hourly readings is 0.262 mm. This will be the basis of the base flow. After seven hours of rainfall, the first peak was observed at 11:00 of October 13 with a height of 1.2 mm. This marks the initiation of the rising limb of the river flood where the height of the river also started to rise compared to base flow. The rainfall data had twin peaks, with the second peak occurring at 21:00 of October or 10 hours after the first rainfall peak was observed. At 9:00 of October 14, 12 hours after the second peak of the rainfall, the peak flow of the river was recorded at 0.658 m. The amount of time for the peak flow to return back to base flow or base flow time is 46 hours. Several factors which influence the characteristics of

Implementation reflection paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Implementation reflection paper - Essay Example The most usual troubles include cutting trees, blocking rivers, extreme animal grazing, storms, overflows, and fires, notably, not all the ecologically disturbances can be attributed to man since others like flooding are nurture. These are some of the key issues examined under the study of ecological restoration which is a scientific discipline that studies the repairing of disturbed ecologies. To deal with these disturbances, restoration activities have been designed to restore the environment to its initial state before the disturbance occurred or to create a new and appropriate eco system where there had been none previously. Restoration projects are different in terms of objectives and methodology applied, majority of the restoration systems are however focused in re-establishing native species of animals or plants and/or repair of pre-existing ecological systems (Higgs, 2010). Restoration developments vary in their purposes and their ways and means of accomplishing those objecti ves, examples of the common restorative activities include; revegetation, which is the reestablishment of flora in places it had existed previously, this is often done with intention to control erosion by creating plant cover (Vaughn, 2010). Habitat enhancement by which a site’s suitability is enhanced to make it more conducive as a habitat for a given species, remediation involves the improvement of an existing ecosystem or replacing a deteriorated or destroyed ecosystem. Historically, the idea or restoration has been known for centuries but it is not until recently that notable action has been taken. Some of the most wide scale restoration projects in the world include the Florida wetland restoration in the United States and the Mau forest in Kenya where trees were replanted after years of deforestation. The wetlands in Florida had been drained and the indigenous plants cleared in and used as farms and pastures crops in the 60s as the land was reclaimed for crop cultivation , as a result many animal and plant species native to the everglades vanished since the environment had become hostile for them (Nellemann, 2010). However in 2001, efforts to restore the land were put in place, the water level was returned to normal through reduction of water canals in the region and as soon as the required hydrology was achieved the native species were introduced (Hogan, et al, 2011). A total of 143 acres of wetland were restored and 20 listed animal species reintroduced in to the wetlands and currently placed under the protection by the state to prevent future attempts to encroach the nurture habitat. In Kenya high deforestation in the Mau forest which is a critical catchment area that supplied water to the Africa’s largest freshwater Lake (Lake Victoria) this called for mitigate action which included a cessation of tree felling activities and planting of thousands of trees. After the BP oil spillage, the American coastal wetlands are also in need for exten sive restoration efforts as a result of extreme destruction of the ecosystem and consequent ill effects on marine plants and animals (Barbier, 2011). One of the concepts on which restoration draws is the concept of landscape ecology, this is because restored areas are often small and this puts them at risks similar to those that happen in situations of environmental

Financial Case Report Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Financial Report - Case Study Example All-inclusive Connector, a U.S. firm situated in Ohio, was evaluated to have a developing offer; it offered a comparative exhibit of institutionalized items and modified outline administrations (International Monetary Fund, 2009). The determination of the situation ought to consider natures turf in which the venture works. Likewise, the cases ought to be sensible and fitting for the choice to be made. Running different situations with diverse qualities is an essential demonstrative instrument in evaluating the anxiety set on the money related articulations. The proclaimed changes in each variable as they affect financials can give critical viewpoint. At the point when running various conditions, it is paramount to run a series that incorporates both skeptical and hopeful cases. Cooperation among variables is imperative and must be portrayed. As an illustration, Strong Tier multiple times may wish to run a situation that reflects a 5% drop in specialists remuneration premiums coupled with weakening in earlier mischance years laborers payment saves for the approaching year. Going through the balance sheets we realize that the total liabilities has been increasing from $1,588, $1,723 and $1,863 for the three consecutive years respectively affecting both liquidity and efficiency as well gross profit margin of the company. Strong Tier multiple times needs to take strong emphasis on how liabilities can be of minimal at the end of each financial year Organizations whose essential objective is to seek after part of the overall industry do not toll well, and their center is on their objectives, not their clients advantage. The reasons that a piece of the overall industry technique falls low; the organizations do not characterize the business anyhow and expect that all purchasers are potential customers. In addition, frequently markdown intensely gets clients who do not esteem what they offer and lose the edge on all

Analyze the Slave Petitions in light of the key changes taking place Essay

Analyze the Slave Petitions in light of the key changes taking place in this new American society - Essay Example They campaigned for equality and recognition of their rights and racial acceptance among other Americans, who still embraced unjust treatment through slavery. This compelled blacks in new American society to lobby for recognition through petitions that they submitted to congress and senate for redress despite the open hostility that they faced from their white counterparts. Slave petitions were vital in the campaign for the rights of blacks, mostly slaves, in new American society. This is what later resulted to the 1963 match to Washington. During the match, Martin Luther delivered his renowned speech advocating for the rights of black slaves in new America. Besides King and his proponents’ efforts, there several other slave petitions were praiseworthy for the changes attained in new American society. They brought recognition for Black Americans, enhanced justice and appreciation. Before the petitions, the nation’s culture and societal set-up was one that could not withstand the face of revolutionary changes. As such, the culture, societal set-up and political landscape of the U.S. changed significantly and subsequently during the course of the journey. The America revolution began during the 18th century during when it attained its independence from the British. The declaration of independence rendered Americans including blacks free and independent (Williams 21). Essentially, slave petitions in the new American society sought to restore black Americans’ sovereign and the recognition of their rights (Main, Mark and John 226). Slave petitions propagated for liberty and self-representative and were an awakening during the revolutionary war. Proponents of slave petitions opted to pursue the representative way. In 1774, blacks submitted the petition of "A Grate Number of Blackes". Through the petition, enslaved Americans advocated for freedom as a fortune of the revolution (Dorsey 152). It is during this time that the slaves also took

Financial Case Report Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Financial Report - Case Study Example All-inclusive Connector, a U.S. firm situated in Ohio, was evaluated to have a developing offer; it offered a comparative exhibit of institutionalized items and modified outline administrations (International Monetary Fund, 2009). The determination of the situation ought to consider natures turf in which the venture works. Likewise, the cases ought to be sensible and fitting for the choice to be made. Running different situations with diverse qualities is an essential demonstrative instrument in evaluating the anxiety set on the money related articulations. The proclaimed changes in each variable as they affect financials can give critical viewpoint. At the point when running various conditions, it is paramount to run a series that incorporates both skeptical and hopeful cases. Cooperation among variables is imperative and must be portrayed. As an illustration, Strong Tier multiple times may wish to run a situation that reflects a 5% drop in specialists remuneration premiums coupled with weakening in earlier mischance years laborers payment saves for the approaching year. Going through the balance sheets we realize that the total liabilities has been increasing from $1,588, $1,723 and $1,863 for the three consecutive years respectively affecting both liquidity and efficiency as well gross profit margin of the company. Strong Tier multiple times needs to take strong emphasis on how liabilities can be of minimal at the end of each financial year Organizations whose essential objective is to seek after part of the overall industry do not toll well, and their center is on their objectives, not their clients advantage. The reasons that a piece of the overall industry technique falls low; the organizations do not characterize the business anyhow and expect that all purchasers are potential customers. In addition, frequently markdown intensely gets clients who do not esteem what they offer and lose the edge on all

Three Views on Islamic Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Three Views on Islamic Finance - Essay Example They point out that it is necessary for Islamic fiancà © to avoid riba by ensuring that differed debt payments are similar to the amount of loan. Islamic finance is also perceived by some to essentially be in a transitional state as it is somewhat in disunity with Shari’ah laws and as such, there are still a number of amendments that need to be made before it can finally be considered as being a primary financial mainstream. In my opinion, I support the first postulation that points out that it has been necessary for Islamic finance to replicate some of the conventional structures (El-Gamal, 2006). This is because failure to adopt such structures will essentially result in their returning minimal profit margins. On the current trajectory pointing out that Islamic finance is currently flying high albeit on what can be considered to be borrowed wings, I am of the opinion that this statement is essentially true. The popularity of Islamic finance has seen it quickly become quite popular in Islamic countries. However, the minimal profit margins that Islamic banks stand to make due to Shari’ah policies that cause them not to maximize on interest charges means that these banks are largely expensive, and not able to effectively compete with the more conventional banks which are well established not only in Islamic countries but also in the non-Islamic countries (Henry & Wilson, 2004). Speed should never be perceived to be a virtue in the event that it is determined that Islamic banking is going in the wrong direction. This is because it will be prone to make more errors whose eventual consequences might either cripple or completely destroy its structure.

Particular population or society Essay Example for Free

Particular population or society Essay While people consider themselves unique individuals in terms of their personality, habits, opinions, attitudes personal quirks, there are many habits, beliefs and attitudes that are common to most people, especially those living a society. The culmination of language, religious beliefs, music, food preference, works habits, etc. of a particular population or society is known as its culture (Ember and Ember, 1993, p. 6). Culture is unique for every society or social group that sometimes what some would consider taboo like eating dog meat is actually part of another society’s customs. In theory, everyone should be open to other society’s culture but in reality, that does not happen often. An individual who gauges others culture is said to be an ethnocentric (p. 159). The attitude is termed ethnocentrism . This denotes that the person has difficulty criticizing his/ her own customs and traditions precisely because his/her vision is limited to his/her owns. Ethnocentrism does not only affect the individual’s view on other persons but influences the society as well. Watching a foreign film is one way to measure if one is open to other cultural experiences. I Not Stupid is a Singaporean film tackling the intertwined lives of three primary school classmates: Terry, Kok Pin and Boon Hock (Leong, Yin and Neo, 2002). It offers a glimpse of many facets of Singaporean culture: the education system that looks down on students in the bottom (the three are in EM3, which ranks lowest), the Chinese self-loathing (in a class, one character says she wants to be Caucasian when she grows up so she does not have to speak Chinese), the high regard for English (one mother speaks English to her children, another one stresses that in order to succeed in Singapore, one must be a master at English and Math), and Caucasian (a Caucasian was hired as director even though it was clearly evident that the local staff are more knowledgeable, equipped and deserving of the position; there is even a scene when the Singaporean boss approves the Caucasian’s concept even though it was the same concept presented by the locals, which he vehemently rejected), and the over obedience Singaporeans are known for (2002). The Singaporeans’ affair with Ba gua, or Chinese Pork Barbecue as well as their reliance on gods and goddesses to grant their favors is also shown in the film. Such rituals, as evinced in the film, may be common in Singapore but a North American, especially an ethnocentric, may find it peculiar or even distasteful. It must also be stressed that Singapore has a close relation with China so some of China’s cultural beliefs and customs are integrated into Singapore. The film is sprinkled in Chinese, English and Singlish, short for Singaporean English. Colonial mentality may be picked up from the film, judging the characters’ high regard for Westerners. The existence of Singlish is also a sign that Singaporeans, albeit already successful and one of the most economically driven countries in Asia, still feel the need to level on some ways with the Western countries, which this writer finds interesting. Imagine, in North America, there are students eager to learn other languages while in Singapore and other countries where there are other main languages aside from English, they already have the advantage of learning another language easily. Again, this is ethnocentrism at work. Another glaring cultural element that is shown in the film is Singaporean’s deference to power. Terry, one of the main characters, cannot stands on his own and always follows his mother. This is supposedly a jibe at Singaporeans’ compliant nature. If a similar event happened in North American, the kid is likely to fight back. But then again, this is Singapore and as said by one character, â€Å"It is difficult to catch fish in Singapore, because fish in Singapore are like Singaporeans, they’ll never open their mouths† (Leong, Yin and Neo, 2002). Ethnocentric thinking causes people to misunderstand other society’s culture and at the same it keeps them for understanding their own. The film I not Stupid is a satirical comedy carping on some of the country’s modern culture. Perhaps the producers are also ethnocentric but regardless of it, the film provides a peek at Singapore’s norms and values, which in essence is simply the country’s way of life. References Ember, C. and Ember, M. (1993). Anthropology 7th ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Leong, D. and Yin, C. P. (Producers), and Neo, J. (Director). (2002). I not stupid [VCD]. Singapore: United International Pictures.

Small and Medium Enterprises in Indias Economic Growth

Small and Medium Enterprises in Indias Economic Growth Small and Medium Enterprises in Economic Growth of India: Directions towards Sustainable Development Manvendra Pratap Singh, Arpita Chakraborty,  Dr. Mousumi Roy Abstract The inclusive growth is prerequisite in any of fast growing developing economies. Micro small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) play vital role in the socio-economic development of the country. In 2011-12, 36.18 mn enterprises were operational and employed around 80.5 mn people of country, second largest after agriculture sector (MSME Annual Report 2011-12). They accounts for 40 percent of India’s total exports, contributing 45 percent to Indian manufacturing output. With all the good things the darker side of MSME, it attracts only 2.33 employees per unit (on an average), they contributes mere 17 percent to the Indian GDP. This paper will highlight the reasons behind the shining India and Bharat. This paper will also focus on the facilities, scheme provided by the central or state government of country, its implementation and possible solutions for empowerment and spreading its boundaries beyond the country through international cooperation scheme. Keywords: MSME, International Cooperation, regional Economics Introduction Indias economic growth is expected to pick up a faster pace in 2013-14 and record six per cent plus levels of gross domestic product (GDP), according to Mr C Rangarajan, Chairman, Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC). Country reported to expand at a better growth rate as compared to its three BRIC peers China, Russia and Brazil in May 2013, as per HSBC survey. India witnessed an improvement in its business climate on the back of increased foreign direct investment (FDI) and greater revenue receipts by the Government. The ‘BluFin Business Cycle Indicator (BCI)’, reflects macroeconomic developments on a monthly basis, stood at 165.3 points in July 2013, 5.3 percent higher compared to July 2012 which implies that business performance is comparatively better than previous year. In economic development scenario, India is leading from all fronts i.e. 2013 FDI confidence Index stands 5th, 2013 Deliotte Manufacturing Competitive Index stands 4th, 2013 KPMG Change Readiness Index stands 65th. 2013 Global Innovation Index stands 66th. While on societal development front, India’s condition is not upright. As per the United Nations Development Programs (UNDP) Human development Index 2013 India stands 136th. In inequality Index, India stands 91st, in gender inequality 132nd, value of multidimensional poverty index is 0.283 on basis of year 2005/2006. A major cause of poverty among India’s rural, urban poor both individuals and communities, is lack of access to regular job opportunity, productive assets and financial resources. High level of inadequate health care, illiteracy and extremely limited access to social services are common among poor people. Seven states – Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Prad esh – account for 61 per cent of Indias total poor. Chhattisgarh is the poorest state in the country with approximately 40 per cent of its population being below the poverty line (www.downtoearth.org ). According to NSSO 66th Survey 2010, around 52.9 percent of population engaged in primary sector (agriculture and allied sector) contributing 19 percent to gross value added (GVA) of country, 22.7 percent of working population engaged in secondary sector which contributes 28 percent in GVA and 24.4 percent of population engaged in tertiary sector (Services) contributes 53 percent in our GDP. Considering NSSO 66th Survey, around 75 percent working population engaged in primary and secondary sector of the economy, and resides countryside or in outskirts of cities. While considering the basic amenities in such areas are vulnerable i.e. health care centres, schools, sanitation facilities etc. These differences demarcate a thin line between Shining India (Cities) and Bharat (Village s, towns and outskirts of cities) in terms of societal development and economic parity. Literature review In dynamic economic world, business innovation and competitiveness helps Small and medium enterprises to grow leap and bound. According to the Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index, 2013, Developing nations are emerging as potential manufacturing destinations like china ranked 1st as best manufacturing destinations while other developing nations are India, Brazil, Vietnam Indonesia etc. GMCI, 2013 report envisaged that in next five years the above mentioned nations will be key manufacturing hubs along with three leading manufacturing powers i.e. USA, Germany and Japan- remained ranked in top 10 most competitive nations today. Across the world, more than 95 percent of the enterprises are SMEs and employs 60 percent of total private employment (Ayyagari et al. 2011). SMEs by number dominate the world stage, Japan has highest number of SMEs registered among the industrialized nation accounts for 99 percent of total enterprises (Edinburgh Group Report, 2011). India had 26.1 million SMEs (MSME, 4th census) and employed around 59.7 million people of the country, second largest employer after agriculture sector. In European Union, jointly 27 countries accounts for 99.8 percent of total enterprises, employs 67 percent of all workers and contributes 58 percent of gross value added. (Edinburgh Group Report, 2011). The SMEs are lacking in knowledge and information base which reflected in poor work practices mainly the managerial and technical abilities among owners and managers. They mainly fall sort of environmental awareness and its impact and focused toward short term gains over long term objectives because of limited resources and lower capital-output ratio compared to a competitive large unit. Mainly SMEs are reluctant to the programs and policies i.e. waste management circle initiated by National Productivity council because of lack of their nature (Dasgupta, 1999). For example, Henriques and Sadorsky (1996) explored the effect of self-reported community pressure on Canadian firms’ decisions to adopt an environmental plan. The effect of self-reported community pressure (presence versus absence) on Mexican firms’ decisions to adopt certain environmental management practices. Analysis: Urban and Rural working Population across the sectors: In India, services sector mainly includes hotels restaurants, Banking Finance Securities Insurance (BFSI), Information Technology (IT) Information Technology Enabled services (ITES), Education, Health etc. According to NSSO 66th Survey, contribution of services sector is 53 percent as gross value added to the economy and employed only 24.4 percent of working population. Figure 1 shows the distribution of population employment per 1000 distribution in all three sectors of economy. Primarily comparing Round 66 and Round 68, finds out that rural primary sector population is shifting toward secondary and tertiary sector mainly men are relocating toward secondary and women are relocating toward tertiary sector. Considering the fact, urban population i.e. men and women are relocating toward secondary sector with marginal increment. With such development in secondary sector, more than 60 percent of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) approvals have been extended to IT/ITES sector, the manufacturing sector left with one third of total approvals (Deepak Shah, 2009). It may affect growth and competitiveness of manufacturing sector which shows huge potential in terms of engaging new skilled pool of population into itself. According to NSSO 66 Round Survey (Figure 2), while comparing secondary sector of economy, particularly, manufacturing (D) Construction (F) for rural and urban India, employment opportunities are relatively more in urban areas compare to rural areas because of basic facility location factors. With respect to social security, from entire workforce mere 8 percent workers entitled for statutory social protection (i.e. risks as sickness, maternity, disability and old age) through central and state level rules on conventional social security (NCEUS, 2006). Around 86 percent of total workers who employed in unorganized sector lag behind for basic social security benefits. As per (Figure 3) MSME Annual Report 2012-2013, rural registered MSME units are lesser than urban units while unregistered Micro and Small (MS) rural units are far more than urban units. Another important aspect of Indian MSME sector is that micro and small enterprises are more than medium enterprises and employed more number of population compared to medium enterprises where labor efficiency, economics of scale and environmental friendliness would not be considered as a parameter of growth. The overall labor efficiency is gloomily low which signifies poor quality of employment mainly because of informal employment called casualization. In manufacturing sector, 88 percent of employment lies under such category (Kannan (2011). According to planning commission estimates,  casual workforce earnings were only one-fourth of the wages of regular (full time) workers (Rs. 51 as against Rs. 200) in 2004-05. Prevalence of poverty among casual workforce, self-employed and regular was as high as 32 per cent, 17.5 per cent and 11 per cent respectively with an average of 20.51 per cent for all employed workers. (Planning Commission, 2008, Chapter 4, Annexure 4.7). MSMEs financing and credit trends: While considering the outstanding bank credits to micro and small enterprises (Figure 4) are on higher side with year on year increase of average 33.3 percent, which reflects the position of respective enterprises and condition of workers working for such enterprises, because it’s obvious that if an enterprise is falling sort of funds to manage its outstanding credit taken from various banks, how it will take care of its enterprise and workers. It reflects that mainly MS enterprises are dragged behind due to falling short of funds and other finance facilities which requires to compete with established local and global players in respective market. Conclusion: According to NAS data the service-sector has achieved an average annual compound growth rate of 8.7 per cent annum between 1999-2000 and 2009-10 as against 7.7 per cent achieved by manufacturing during the same period. Manufacturing sector in urban India has grown at a faster rate (2.8 per cent) relative to all India (1.7 per cent) over the period 1999-2000 and 2009-10. Unlike service sector has practiced skill scarcity and growth in service sector is reasonably more skill demanding than manufacturing sector at higher skill levels. Indian policy makers needs to focus on manufacturing sector like china counterpart which leads in exports and generated huge and stable employment environment by focusing on MSME model (Ramaswamy, 2012). Microenterprise development could generate income and enable poor people to improve their living conditions, has only recently become a focus of the government. The government initiatives and scheme like cluster development program, integrated industrial development scheme and credit guarantee fund scheme etc which stimulates inter-firm linkages and network have assisted MSMEs to move up in the value chain and gain competitive advantage, given access to technology upgraded production technology in sector should be spread across the industrial zones of the country by conducting workshops and training camps to reap the bene fits (IBEF, 2013). The report of Task Force on MSME (2010) provides roadmap for the enhancement and up gradation of MSME sector and mainly emphasized on following key issues: Public Procurement Policy: Government Departments and PSUs to reach atleast 20 percent of their annual volume purchase from MSEs Government should focus on rehabilitation of sick SME units and enhance schemes in context of National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC). Enable conducive environment for legal and fiscal instruments to incentivize SMEs for their corporation as entities. Assurance for strict adherence to stipulated targets by commercial banks for SMEs. References: ATKearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index, Back to Business: Optimism and Uncertainty (2013) Ayyagari, M., Demirgà ¼Ãƒ §-Kunt, A. and Maksimovic, V. (2011), Small vs. Young Firms Across The World – Contribution to Employment, Job Creation, and Growth, Policy Research Working Paper 5631 (The World Bank Development Research Group). Deepak Shah (2009), Special Economic Zones in India: A Review of Investment, Trade, Employment generation and Impact Assessment, Indian Journal of Agriculture Economics, Vol 64, No. 3, July-Sept 2009. Das Gupta N, 1999. Energy efficiency and environmental improvements in small-scale industries: present initiatives in India are not working. Energy Policy (27) 789-800. Edinburgh (2011), Growing the global economy through SMEs. Goyal M, (2013, June 09). SMEs employ close to 40 percent of Indias workforce, but contribute only 17 percent to GDP. The Economic Times retrieved from http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-06-09/news/39834857_1_smes-workforce-small-and-medium-enterprises. Henriques, I., Sadorsky, P., 1996. The determinants of an environmentally responsive firm: an empirical approach. J. Environ. Econ. Manage. 30, 381–395. HSBC EXPAT Explorer Survey 2013 Report: http://www.expatexplorer.hsbc.com/files/pdfs/overall-reports/2013/report.pdf Human Development Report 2013. The rise of south: Human Progress in Diverse World. Kannan, K.P. (2011) ‘How Inclusive is Inclusive Growth in India’ paper presented at the International Expert Workshop on ‘Inclusive Growth: From Policy to Reality’, jointly organized by International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada and Indian Institute for Dalit Studies (IIDs), New Delhi; 11-13 December, 2011, New Delhi. KPMG Change Readiness Index (2013), KPMG International  MSME Annual Report 2012-13 NCEUS (2006) Social Security for Unorganized Workers, New Delhi, National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized Sector, New Delhi, Government of India. NCEUS (2007) Report on Conditions of Work and Promotion of Livelihoods in the Unorganized Sector, New Delhi, Government of India and Academic Foundation. NSSO (2005) Income, Expenditure and Productive Assets of Farmer Households (Situation Assessment Survey of Farmers), 59th Round, Report No. 497, New Delhi, National Sample Survey Organization. Planning Commission (2008), Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012) –– Volume I, Inclusive Growth, –– Volume III, Agriculture, Industry, Services and Physical Infrastructure, New Delhi, Planning Commission, Government of India. Ramaswamy K V, Agarwal Tushar (2012), Services-led Growth, Employment and Job Quality: A Study of Manufacturing and Service-sector in Urban India, WP-2012-007. Rs 27 per day: Indias new rural poverty line, 23 July, 2013, Down To Earth, http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/indias-new-rural-poverty-line-rs-27-day Samuel R A, Global competitiveness Index Report 2013 Zaidi L, (2013). Proceeding from International Conference on Technology and Business Management.

Kimberley Jayne Fletcher :: English Literature

Kimberley Jayne Fletcher The links and connections between ‘Flight’-by Doris Lessing, ‘Your Shoes’-by Michele Roberts, ‘Chemistry’-by Graham Swift, ‘Superman and Paula Browns new snowsuit’-by Sylvia Plath, and ‘growing up’-by Joyce Carey. The main theme in all the pieces of prose is ‘family’. In ‘Flight’ the granddad and granddaughter growing up and having to let go because the granddaughter is getting married, and it’s hard for family to let people you love go. In ‘Your Shoes’ the mum is upset about her child running away and is telling the audience/reader how she is feeling and how certain she will come back because she hasn’t got her new shoes she bought her. In ‘Chemistry’ the relationships betweens the granddad, mum, son and new boyfriend and how their lives change when their close family die. In ‘Superman and Paula Browns new snowsuit’ the boys family and friends not believing him that he didn’t push Paula brown in oil slick and ruining her new snowsuit. In ‘Growing up’ the dad is too tied up with his work during the week and one weekend he decides to spend time with his two daughters and he realises how much they have grown up. Both ‘Chemistry’ and ‘Flight’ the children feel betrayed by their granddad. The boy in ‘Chemistry’ feels betrayed by his whole family but his granddad the most because he has just committed suicide to get away from his daughter who has changed because of her new boyfriend and the boy think that his granddad is the only one who understands him and now that he's gone he has no one like his granddad. The girl in ‘Flight’ is feeling betrayed by her granddad because she knows how much he loves his birds and he also loved her as much as his birds. So when he let go of his birds it was symbolical of him letting go of her, so she can have freedom in her life and not have him interfering in her life. But the irony is that she wants him in her life. All of the stories portray betrayed but by different people, ‘Flight’ and ‘Chemistry’ the boy and girl betrayed by their granddad. ‘Your Shoes’ the mother is betrayed by her daughter. In ‘Your Shoes’ the mother is talking about what her daughter is like and how she feels betrayed by her because her daughter had always liked her grandmother more than her and she had always hated her mother because of the way she treated her when she was young. ‘Superman and Paula Browns new snowsuit’ the child is betrayed by their family and friends. In ‘Superman and Paula Browns new snowsuit’ the writer doesn’t tell us

Union Organizing

Labor Relations Week 6 Final Paper Union Campaigning Process Campaigning is something that is done in many aspects of life. It breaks down to basically creating arguments to sell yourself or your company to a group of people. President hopefuls set out on a campaign trail every four years to try and get people to vote for them. I always thought that this was the only form of campaigning, but I was incorrect. Employers and Unions both use campaigning to get workers to either avoid, or join a union. Each side has their own tactics and goals to achieve. I plan to analyze both sides and show the pros and cons of each. Employer campaign tactics start with four key factors that determine voting decisions. These factors are job dissatisfaction, union instrumentality, general union attitudes and collective social identity. Employers try to provide information to employees consisting of pro-company, anti-union information. Employers use many tactics during their campaign process to attempt to get their workers to avoid joining a union. Some of these include sending out letters or email messages with negative aspects of the union organization, or supervisors meeting with employees individually or in small groups. Another tactic that works to the advantage of employers is utilizing its private property rights to prohibit outside organizations from entering the workplace and interacting with their workers. A drawback to that tactic is that they have to maintain the rule for all organizations, and not just unions. One of the more common tactics is the captive audience meeting. This is typically a group meeting held in the workplace during work hours, where employees listen to management describe their antiunion and pro-company presentations. These meetings are completely legal as long as they are not within 24 hours of an election. Employers need to be careful not to cross lines in regards to their tactics. Some of them can be considered illegal if they are overly aggressive or threatening. Some of these employer tactics are heavily debated due to their difficulty to measure and observe, so that kind of has the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) keeping an eye on employer tactics, and how they run their campaign. They want to ensure that there is no threatening of workers, or any other funny business going on. Union campaign processes also target the four key factors of worker complaints within a company. Union organizers use a vastly different set of tactics to get their information out, and attempt to get a union organized within a workplace. No matter how closely labor laws attempt to regulate the balance of rights during union and employer campaigning processes, the employers always seem to have more power over their property, and their employees. Unions need to get creative with their campaigning. Unions have some disadvantages against them because they cannot show workers instant results. Instead they make a lot of what seems like empty promises that they need to fulfill if they are successful during their campaign. One of their tactics that they use to get in contact with workers is by accessing the Excelsior List. The Excelsior List is simply a list of the names and addresses of employees eligible to vote in the election. Employers must provide this list to the union organizers to comply with a rule the NLRB established in 1966. Unions then utilize the list to send out mailings or set up home visits by a union representative to speak with the worker directly. A distinct disadvantage to using this list is that a lot of workers may view it as an invasion of privacy, and choose not to speak with the union representative. Alternatively, with the advance of technology, unions are now utilizing the Internet and web pages to help distribute information without violating an employee’s privacy. In comparison with employer campaigning, unions definitely have a more passive approach. Unions also have to recognize that different campaign tactics work better for different sets of workers. There is a lot to consider when establishing a campaign. Now, there can be significant problems with each side of the campaign process. Each side has to maintain their role while providing the necessary information desired, and stay within the legal guidelines set forth by the NLRB. Employers must be careful not to make any of their statements seem like threats of unemployment or wage deduction. Our textbook explains this perfectly. â€Å"Predictions based on objective facts that some events will likely occur because of forces beyond the employers control are legal; statements that convey the impression that these events are inevitable or at the discretion of the employer are threats. (McGraw-Hill, page 246) Employers tend to be watched more closely in these circumstances, since they have a more direct access to their workers, obviously. While the NLRB cannot monitor everything, the workers can report any inappropriate behavior should it occur. For instance, while a campaign is in process and an election is approaching, employers are not allowed to question workers on their stance regarding unions. This could lead to an employee giving his or her stance, and the employer terminating the employment to avoid them voting for the union, which is not allowed. Also, if employers choose to activate their privacy protection, and choose not to allow solicitors, they must remain active and apply that rule to all organizations, not just unions. Employers tend to have the advantage in the campaign process, since they can hire consultants and reach the workers directly, as stated. Some of these consultants can make matters worse, by starting rumors, telling lies and blowing things out of context. Our text outlines a particularly extreme case in which â€Å"a 17 year employee with no record of violence challenged his plant manager to let the employees talk to a union organizer. The following day the employer notified the local sheriff that this employee was threatening workers so the sheriff’s deputies surrounded him at gunpoint on his way to work and forcibly took him to the local hospital. Based on what the employer told the sheriff, the employee was involuntarily committed to a mental hospital. He was held for two weeks against his will and forcibly injected with anti-psychotic drugs until a lawyer could obtain his release. This happened in 1999, in South Carolina. † (McGraw-Hill, p. 248) Reading that is a real eye-opener to how serious this subject can get. The union side of campaign runs into fewer issues, mainly because of their lack of contact with workers. They are only permitted certain things, and often lack the funds to do much more than their mailings and home visits. One thing that they do have to their advantage is anonymity. Some unions are so bold as to send some of their paid union organizers into an employer to try to get hired as employees! They are referred to as â€Å"salts†, since the union thinks they â€Å"salt† or enrich the workplace by spreading news about union in non-work areas to attempt to organize the workers. I think this is actually a brilliant idea to get in under the radar and make some headway if you’re a union trying to organize. And actually, it is considered legal, after the Supreme Court ruled that they are employees protected against discrimination in hiring and firing. (McGraw-Hill, p. 247) Some states are considered at-will, or right to work states, and there are special rules for them regarding unions. â€Å"The Taft-Hartley Act outlawed the ‘closed-shop’ rule regarding unions. Closed shop referred to employees at unionized workplaces being required to join the union as a condition of employment. The Act did permit a new ‘union shop’, which required all new employees to join the union after a minimum period of time after their hire. Under ‘union shop’ rules, employers are obliged to fire any employees who have avoided paying membership dues necessary to maintain membership in the union; however the union cannot demand that the employer discharge an employee who has been expelled from membership for any other reason. † (Wikipedia) Some people think that there should be limits set forth to campaigning and union organizing. I agree that there should be some limits set to both sides of this debate. I think that unions should not be allowed to make home visits and invade their privacy. I also think that there should be more strict rules enforcing policies for the employers. I think that it is unfair for employers to discipline their workers simply for getting information on other options for their benefits and happiness. I don’t know how they can enforce these things in the future, but it simply is not fair for employees to be discriminated against, or put in fear of their jobs or benefits. That could be considered bullying. I think that maybe when it comes to union elections, the NLRB should send in more representatives, and maybe they can have a debate with employer management, and a union organizer, to allow both sides of an argument to be heard in a fair and dignified way, as opposed to simply campaigning, and talking bad about the other side. References: Wikipedia: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Taft-Hartley_Act Textbook: Budd, Labor Relations: Striking a Balance, Second Edition. McGraw-Hill 2008.

Dating and the Single Parent Essay

Summary In the book Dating and the Single Parent Ron Deal walks the single parent through the process of dating again. This book is broken into three sections. Section one has five chapters and is titled â€Å"Getting Past the Butterflies and Warm Fuzzes.† In the beginning Deal starts with â€Å"Dating in a Crowd: Dating with Purpose.† (29) With this in mind the reader begins to understand you will be dating the entire family. Deal describes different types of daters, and warns the reader against the â€Å"Consumer daters who want guarantees† (44) about the dates. These consumer daters want the dates to be their all in all and meet their every need. Deal also describes the thought of â€Å"Mirror, Mirror on the Wall; Am I Ready to Date? (47) This section describes â€Å"the impact loss has on you, and your willingness to surrender to God’s direction regarding divorce and remarriage.† (58) While determining if you are ready to date; Deal lists the readiness factors: can you handle being alone, trusting in God, looking at past issues, and asking the questions like, â€Å"What in my past can I not shake?† This is getting yourself and kids ready for dating. While thinking of fear as the main hurdle in beginning to date, Deal suggests you not â€Å"sidestep† (83) your fear but â€Å"acknowledge it.† (83) Not only your fear but how to handle the kids’ fears and concerns in the dating world. Deal explains â€Å"When a parent dates, kids feel the shift in direction away from them and the family; this ignites their fear of more loss.† (98) The second section of the book is called â€Å"Going Fishing† (115) and talks about finding love. â€Å"Finding love in all the right places †¦and in all the wrong ways† (117) talks about defining the  relationship or the DTR; there are three ways to look at relationships; we need to learn when to yield, stop or run with yellow, red and green lights. â€Å"Going deeper† (163) reminds us to think of where we are in life. Deal states â€Å"Single people need that perspective so that won’t overvalue getting married, and married people need that perspective so they won’t lose sight of their purpose in being together.† (165) â€Å"Marital Commitment and Stepfamily Preparation† (181) is the topic of the third section of the book. It is about getting re-engaged and making decisions about getting married. Guidelines are given about what things to look for such as commitment and trust issues, how to be open with the children (young and adult). Some key steps in how to become a blended family are listed. Deal suggests exercises on how to be introduced, recognize loss in your child, planning the wedding and including the children, and telling the ex. This book takes you through the processes of wanting to date again, dating, and choosing the right type of person to date. The next steps are about the engagement, telling families and children you’re getting married and creating a happily blended family. Potential Use for Christian Couples The chapter on â€Å"Yellow Light. Red Light. Green Light.† (141) is a chapter that most pastors need to share with their clients in the premarital counseling. This chapter and the concepts to be taught and learned can save couples from a lot of pain down the road and give additional skills for making a marriage more compatible. â€Å"Yellow lights saying slow down† (143) warm that things are great for now, however when you get married and the honeymoon is over rough times are coming. When you are trying to carefully blend families you need to make sure no one has on â€Å"rose-colored glasses† (145) or is ignoring the bumps in the road that will turn in to mountains later on if not dealt with before the couple gets married. A counselor needs to advise a couple to slow down if â€Å"loneliness or desperation† (146) are detected in the counseling sessions. This could indicate an underlying problem that will come out later in the marriage. The person with one of these disorders may demand that the other person in the relationship try to be their all in all, and no one can be everything to someone. Counselors should consider a postponement of a marriage if one of the clients comes in with any character traits like: â€Å"quick temper, intimidating, anger  reactions, chemical or physical abuse, can’t say no, constantly blaming others, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, problems staying calm, financial problems, disengagement with family, hiding previous relationships, or diagnosed personality disorder.† (147-148) If a person has experienced or is experiencing one of these challenges, this counselor will strongly suggest that it is dealt with before the marriage takes place. One of these problems will cause too much stress for most marriages to overcome. Deal suggests there are red stoplights. If you â€Å"have extreme differences in parenting styles† (151) you need to stop dating. This counselor would agree. Raising children is a very hard job when you agree; however, when you disagree children tend to play one parent off the other causing conflict between the parents. You need to remember you are not only marrying the person, but also the children. Another red light could be the ex-spouse. If he/she causes constant trouble, you will be in constant turmoil in the new marriage and will need to consider canceling your plans to marry. Deal suggests other red flags such as cohabitation. This counselor would agree with Deal that cohabitation leans toward persons â€Å"who have negative attitudes toward marriage, increase their divorce risk by 50%, are less sexually trustworthy, have lower religious commitment, and are tempted to slide into marriage.† (154) Cohabitation is not biblical, in Genesis 2:24 gives us the standard for all marriages and in Matthew 19:5 Jesus tells us marriage is a legal and binding relationship. The â€Å"green light† (159) means everything is good and you can proceed with the dating or marriage plans. In the â€Å"green light† stage you can define your relationship. At this point Deal suggests you can share your relationship with your children. This also is the stage during which it is suggested you take the â€Å"Couple Checkup† (169). There are two advantages to doing it in this stage: first â€Å"it provides you and your partner an objective X ray of your relationship health.† (169) Second â€Å"learning about your weaknesses helps you as a couple target specific ways to improve.† (169) This counselor will encourage couples in the red light zone to take a break and consider not dating any longer. If they are in the yellow light zone this counselor will encourage them to consider looking deeply at what the problems are and working through them before proceeding with the relationship. In the green light zone this counselor will encourage them to be willing to talk about issues when they arise, to be willing to  talk about them, and to work on a compromise. Deal states: â€Å"Confidence calms the heart and reduces anxiety†. (194) This counselor could not agree more, and knowing where you stand in a relationship is the most important element. Solidifying the relationship so both persons know how each other feels and what to expect keeps the green light going. Telling the children if you have children will be important. A plan needs to be made about how to tell them and expect the unexpected. One needs to expect them to be happy and for them to be angry about the decision. Letting the children know what will happen will help them through the fear and anger. Deal does not go into depth about what to do if the families do not want this marriage. What if the families do not like the person you want to marry? This counselor agrees the spouse that was married to the ex ought to tell him/her before the wedding day. Once the wedding day has taken place often times the children are going to be stressed out by this and misbehave. Deal suggests often times when things settle down from the wedding the child parent relationship will work itself out. This is a relationship neither party has had to handle before and it will be new challenges to both the parent and the child. Deal encourages parents to have a united front with the children. (206) If they do not have a â€Å"unified team everything will begin to crumble.† (207) Critique Deal speaks about â€Å"commitment and trust† (187) issues with couples. He explains that marriage is complicated and requires a couple to not be selfish. â€Å"God in his infinite wisdom ask each person to make a covenant that binds them together throughout life,† (187) or â€Å"until death do us part.† (187) Elwell states in the time of Christ a man could â€Å"divorce his wife for the most trivial of reasons† (347) from the â€Å"Hillelite Pharisees.† (347) This would suggest that if you take the side of the Hillelite Pharisees, our no fault divorce laws have been around for centuries. It is a delicate dance to get someone to commit to marriage to you when you are ready to commit to marriage and they will not. Deal gives several ideas: â€Å"Patiently continue dating, wrestle with your impatience, identify any specific concerns, give time for the hesitant person to find resolution, and at some point, the higher desire person will grow weary of waiting.† (188) Deal does later in the book suggest a time line of five years is a reasonable time to wait on  someone. If you have waited for five years and they still have not made a decision but you love them and cannot imagine life without that person do you walk away? Would it not be like a divorce? This counselor would not suggest anyone stay with someone for more than the five years unless they can make a decision to marry or not to marry. Deal speaks about crockpots and blenders in the chapter about â€Å"Preparing for a Good Blend.† The crockpots are those couples who move slowly with low heat,† (208) while the blender couples are those who â€Å"move quickly with high velocity.† (208) Deal states: â€Å"It is far wiser to adopt the crockpot cooking style.† (208) Otherwise slow and study is a much better way to blend a family than trying to quickly trying to force them to be a blended family. In this chapter he gives ideas about how to create stepfamilies. He says: â€Å"Younger children under the age of five may require far less time to soften toward stepparents than those between the ages of ten and fifteen years. Also, on occasion, a stubborn ingredient may resist softening and retain a sour taste. In either case, keep cooking.† This counselor would whole heartedly agree with his wisdom. The younger children are when stepparents arrive into their life, the easier it is to accept t hem. Deal also gives ideas about how to handle situations like: â€Å"getting married, calling a stepfather Daddy, combining holidays and other special-day traditions, and taking pictures as a family.† (209-210) With statistics saying that â€Å"fifty percent of first marriages fail and sixty percent of second marriages fail† (smartmarriages.com) this counselor believes Deal has made great recommendations in his book about how to blend families. Blended families will take work and Deal says that many times in this book. This book is an easy read with thought provoking topics. Some of the topics have a different way of looking at them than traditional thoughts. This book is a must read if you are thinking of remarrying or marrying someone who has been married before. References Deal, R. (2012). Dating and the single parent. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishing. Eller, W. (2001). Evangelical dictionary of theology. 2n ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. Marano, H. E., Divorced? Don’t even think of remarrying until you read this. www.smartmarriages.com. Accessed November 8, 2014.