Shadow Kiss Chapter 3

Three â€Å"WHY SO GLUM, LITTLE DHAMPIR?† I was heading across the quad, toward the commons, when I detected the scent of clove cigarettes. I sighed. â€Å"Adrian, you are the last person I want to see right now.† Adrian Ivashkov hurried up beside me, blowing a cloud of smoke into the air that of course drifted right toward me. I waved it off and made a great show of exaggerated coughing. Adrian was a royal Moroi we'd â€Å"acquired† on our recent ski trip. He was a few years older than me and had come back to St. Vladimir's to work on learning spirit with Lissa. So far, he was the only other spirit user we knew of. He was arrogant and spoiled and spent a lot of his time indulging in cigarettes, alcohol, and women. He also had a crush on me – or at least wanted to get me into bed. â€Å"Apparently,† he said. â€Å"I've hardly seen you at all since we got back. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were avoiding me.† â€Å"I am avoiding you.† He exhaled loudly and raked a hand through the sable brown hair he always kept stylishly messy. â€Å"Look, Rose. You don't have to keep up with the hard-to-get thing. You've already got me.† Adrian knew perfectly well I wasn't playing hard-to-get, but he always took a particular delight in teasing me. â€Å"I'm really not in the mood for your so-called charm today.† â€Å"What happened, then? You're stomping through every puddle you can find and look like you're going to punch the first person you see.† â€Å"Why are you hanging around, then? Aren't you worried about getting hit?† â€Å"Aw, you'd never hurt me. My face is too pretty.† â€Å"Not pretty enough to make up for the gross, carcinogenic smoke blowing in my face. How can you do that? Smoking's not allowed on campus. Abby Badica got two weeks' detention when she got caught.† â€Å"I'm above the rules, Rose. I'm neither student nor staff, merely a free spirit wandering your fair school as I will.† â€Å"Maybe you should go do some wandering now.† â€Å"You want to get rid of me, you tell me what's going on.† There was no avoiding it. Besides, he'd know soon enough. Everyone would know. â€Å"I got assigned to Christian for my field experience.† There was a pause, and then Adrian burst out laughing. â€Å"Wow. Now I understand. In light of that, you actually seem remarkably calm.† â€Å"I was supposed to have Lissa,† I growled. â€Å"I can't believe they did this to me.† â€Å"Why did they do it? Is there some chance you might not be with her when you graduate?† â€Å"No. They just all seem to think this is going to help me train better now. Dimitri and I will still be her real guardians later.† Adrian gave me a sidelong glance. â€Å"Oh, I'm sure that'll be quite the hardship for you.† It had to be one of the weirdest things in the universe that Lissa had never come close to suspecting my feelings for Dimitri but that Adrian had figured it out. â€Å"Like I said, your commentary isn't appreciated today.† He apparently didn't agree. I had a suspicious feeling he'd been drinking already, and it was barely even lunchtime. â€Å"What's the problem? Christian'll be with Lissa all the time anyway.† Adrian had a point. Not that I'd have admitted it. Then, in that short-attention-span way of his, he switched subjects just as we neared the building. â€Å"Have I mentioned your aura to you?† he asked suddenly. There was a strange note to his voice. Hesitant. Curious. It was very uncharacteristic. Everything he usually said was mocking. â€Å"I don't know. Yeah, once. You said it was dark or something. Why?† Auras were fields of light that surrounded every person. Their colors and brightness were allegedly linked to a person's personality and energy. Only spirit users could see them. Adrian had been doing it for as long as he could remember, but Lissa was still learning. â€Å"Hard to explain. Maybe it's nothing.† He came to a stop near the door and inhaled deeply on his cigarette. He went out of his way to blow a cloud of smoke away from me, but the wind carried it back. â€Å"Auras are strange. They ebb and flow and change colors and brightness. Some are vivid, some are pale. Every once in a while, someone's will settle and burn with such a pure color that you can†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He tipped his head back, staring into the sky. I recognized the signs of that weird â€Å"unhinged† state he sometimes fell into. â€Å"You can instantly grasp what it means. It's like seeing into their soul.† I smiled. â€Å"But you haven't figured mine out, huh? Or what any of these colors mean?† He shrugged. â€Å"I'm figuring it out. You talk to enough people, get a feel for what they're like and then start to see the same kinds of people with the same kinds of colors†¦. After a while, the colors start to mean something.† â€Å"What's mine look like right now?† He glanced over at me. â€Å"Eh, I can't quite get a fix on it today.† â€Å"I knew it. You've been drinking.† Substances, like alcohol or certain medications, numbed spirit's effects. â€Å"Just enough to chase the chill away. I can guess what your aura's like, though. It's usually like the others, sort of those swirling colors – it's just kind of edged in darkness. Like you've always got a shadow following you.† Something in his voice made me shiver. Although I'd heard him and Lissa talk about auras a lot, I'd never really thought of them as anything I needed to worry about. They were more like some kind of stage trick – a cool thing with little substance. â€Å"That's so cheerful,† I said. â€Å"You ever think about motivational speaking?† His scattered look faded, and his normal mirth returned. â€Å"Don't worry, little dhampir. You might be surrounded by clouds, but you'll always be like sunshine to me.† I rolled my eyes. He dropped his cigarette onto the sidewalk and put it out with his foot. â€Å"Gotta go. See you later.† He swept me a gallant bow and started walking away toward guest housing. â€Å"You just littered!† I yelled. â€Å"Above the rules, Rose,† he called back. â€Å"Above the rules.† Shaking my head, I picked up the now-cold cigarette butt and took it to a garbage can that was outside the building. When I entered, the warmth inside was a welcome change as I shook off the slush on my boots. Down in the cafeteria, I found lunch wrapping up for the afternoon. Here, dhampirs sat side by side with Moroi, providing a study in contrasts. Dhampirs, with our half-human blood, were bigger – though not taller – and more solidly built. The girl novices were curvier than the ultra-slim Moroi girls, the boy novices far more muscular than their vampire counterparts. The Moroi complexions were pale and delicate, like porcelain, while ours were tanned from being outside in the sun so much. Lissa sat at a table by herself, looking serene and angelic in a white sweater. Her pale blond hair cascaded over her shoulders. She glanced up at my approach, and welcoming feelings flowed to me through our bond. She grinned. â€Å"Oh, look at your face. It's true, isn't it? You really are assigned to Christian.† I glared. â€Å"Would it kill you to be a little less miserable?† She gave me a censuring yet amused look as she licked the last of her strawberry yogurt off her spoon. â€Å"I mean, he's my boyfriend, after all. I hang out with him all the time. It's not that bad.† â€Å"You have the patience of a saint,† I grumbled, slouching into a chair. â€Å"And besides, you don't hang out with him 24/7.† â€Å"Neither will you. It's only 24/6.† â€Å"Same difference. It might as well be 24/10.† She frowned. â€Å"That doesn't make any sense.† I waved off my idiotic remark and stared blankly around the lunchroom. The room was buzzing with news of the impending field exercise, which would kick off as soon as lunch ended. Camille's best friend had gotten assigned to Ryan's best friend, and the four of them huddled gleefully together, looking as though they were about to embark on a six-week double date. At least someone would enjoy all this. I sighed. Christian, my soon-to-be charge, was off with the feeders – humans who willingly donated blood to Moroi. Through our bond, I sensed Lissa wanting to tell me something. She was holding off because she was worried about my bad mood and wanted to make sure I got enough support. I smiled. â€Å"Stop worrying about me. What's up?† She smiled back, her pink-glossed lips hiding her fangs. â€Å"I got permission.† â€Å"Permission for – ?† The answer flitted from her mind faster than she could have voiced it. â€Å"What?† I exclaimed. â€Å"You're going to stop your meds?† Spirit was an amazing power, one whose cool abilities we were just starting to figure out. It had a very nasty side effect, however: It could lead to depression and insanity. Part of the reason Adrian indulged in drinking so much (aside from his party nature) was to numb himself against these side effects. Lissa had a much healthier way of doing it. She took antidepressants, which completely cut her off from the magic altogether. She hated not being able to work with spirit anymore, but that was an acceptable trade-off for not going crazy. Well, I thought it was. She apparently disagreed if she was considering this insane experiment. I knew she'd been wanting to try the magic again, but I hadn't really thought she'd go through with it – or that anyone would let her. â€Å"I have to check in with Ms. Carmack every day and regularly talk to a counselor.† Lissa made a face at this last part, but her overall feelings were still quite upbeat. â€Å"I can't wait to see what I can do with Adrian.† â€Å"Adrian's a bad influence.† â€Å"He didn't make me do this, Rose. I chose it.† When I didn't answer, she lightly touched my arm. â€Å"Hey, listen. Don't worry. I've been so much better, and lots of people are going to have my back.† â€Å"Everyone except me,† I told her wistfully. Across the room, Christian entered through a set of double doors and approached us. The clock read five minutes until the end of lunch. â€Å"Oh man. The zero hour is almost here.† Christian pulled up a chair at our table and flipped it backwards, letting his chin rest on its slatted back. He brushed his black hair away from his blue eyes and gave us a smug smile. I felt Lissa's heart lighten at his presence. â€Å"I can't wait until this show gets on the road,† he said. â€Å"You and me are going to have so much fun, Rose. Picking out curtains, doing each other's hair, telling ghost stories â€Å" The reference to â€Å"ghost stories† hit a little closer to home than I was comfortable with. Not that choosing curtains or brushing Christian's hair was much more appealing. I shook my head in exasperation and stood up. â€Å"I'll leave you two alone for your last few private moments.† They laughed. I walked over to the lunch line, hoping to find some leftover doughnuts from breakfast. So far, I could see croissants, quiche, and poached pears. It must have been highbrow day at the cafeteria. Was deep-fried dough really too much to ask for? Eddie stood in front of me. His face turned apologetic as soon as he saw me. â€Å"Rose, I'm really sorry – â€Å" I put up a hand to stop him. â€Å"Don't worry. It's not your fault. Just promise me you'll do a good job protecting her.† It was a silly sentiment since she was in no real danger, but I could never really stop worrying about her – particularly in light of this new development with her medication. Eddie stayed serious, apparently not thinking my request was silly at all. He was one of the few who knew about Lissa's abilities – and their downsides, which was probably why he'd been selected to guard her. â€Å"I won't let anything happen to her. I mean it.† I couldn't help a smile, in spite of my glum mood. His experiences with the Strigoi made him take all of this more seriously than almost any other novice. Aside from me, he was probably the best choice to guard her. â€Å"Rose, is it true you punched Guardian Petrov?† I turned and looked into the faces of two Moroi, Jesse Zeklos and Ralf Sarcozy. They'd just stepped in line behind Eddie and me and looked more self-satisfied and annoying than usual. Jesse was all bronzed good looks and quick thinking. Ralf was his slightly less attractive and slightly less intelligent sidekick. They were quite possibly the two people I hated most at this school, mainly due to some nasty rumors they'd spread about me doing some very explicit things with them. It was Mason's strong-arming that had forced them to tell the truth to the school, and I don't think they'd ever forgiven me for that. â€Å"Punch Alberta? Hardly.† I started to turn around, but Ralf kept talking. â€Å"We heard you threw a big hissy fit in the gym when you found out who you were with.† â€Å"‘Hissy fit'? What are you, sixty? All I did was – † I paused and carefully chose my words. † – register my opinion.† â€Å"Well,† said Jesse. â€Å"I suppose if anyone's going to keep an eye on that Strigoi wannabe, it might as well be you. You're the biggest badass around here.† The grudging tone in his voice made it sound like he was complimenting me. I didn't see it that way at all. Before he could utter another word, I was standing right in front of him, with barely any space between us. In what I considered a true sign of discipline, I didn't put my hand around his throat. His eyes widened in surprise. â€Å"Christian has nothing to do with any Strigoi,† I said in a low voice. â€Å"His parents – â€Å" â€Å"Are his parents. And he's Christian. Don't confuse them.† Jesse had been on the wrong side of my anger before. He was clearly remembering that, and his fear warred with his desire to trash-talk Christian in front of me. Surprisingly, the latter won out. â€Å"Earlier you acted like being with him was the end of the world, and now you're defending him? You know how he is – he breaks rules all the time. Are you saying you seriously don't believe there's any chance at all he might turn Strigoi like his parents?† â€Å"None,† I said. â€Å"Absolutely none. Christian's more willing to take a stand against Strigoi than probably any other Moroi here.† Jesse's eyes flicked curiously toward Ralf before returning to me. â€Å"He even helped me fight against those ones in Spokane. There is no chance of him ever, ever turning Strigoi.† I racked my brain, trying to recall who had been assigned to Jesse for the field experience. â€Å"And if I hear you spreading that crap around, Dean isn't going to be able to save you from me.† â€Å"Or me,† added Eddie, who had come to stand right beside me. Jesse swallowed and took a step back. â€Å"You're such a liar. You can't lay a hand on me. If you get suspended now, you'll never graduate.† He was right, of course, but I smiled anyway. â€Å"Might be worth it. We'll have to see, huh?† It was at that point that Jesse and Ralf decided they didn't want anything from the lunch line after all. They stalked off, and I heard something that sounded suspiciously like â€Å"crazy bitch.† â€Å"Jerks,† I muttered. Then I brightened. â€Å"Oh, hey. Doughnuts.† I got a chocolate-glazed, and then Eddie and I hurried off to find our Moroi and get to class. He grinned at me. â€Å"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you just defended Christian's honor. Isn't he a pain in the ass?† â€Å"Yes,† I said, licking icing off my fingers. â€Å"He is. But for the next six weeks, he's my pain in the ass.†

Should Pietermaritzburg Have A Methane Plant Environmental Sciences Essay

The direction and disposal of waste has become an progressively outstanding job in Pietermaritzburg over the last few old ages. There has been an addition in the sum of waste that is disposed of and the direction of Pietermaritzburg ‘s New England Road Landfill Site has been a subject of treatment and argument for the local occupants and those who make usage of the site ‘s installations. My research undertaking revolves around how and if it would be possible to better this site concentrating chiefly on the execution of a Methane works as this is the following measure that landfill sites around the universe have taken in order to do the landfill more efficient and good. This gas to electricity program falls under the Clean Development Mechanism ( CDM ) Undertaking. 1. METHOD OF GAS-TO-ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION Procedure of change overing gas to electricity Landfill gas, LFG, ( dwelling of 50 % Methane ) is produced when the waste in the landfill decomposes and interrupt down under anaerobiotic conditions. The gas is so collected in belowground pipes which are built into the landfill as portion of the Methane works undertaking The gas is so stored This stored gas is illuminated and used to make electricity by powering turbines that turn when as a consequence of steam, from the H2O heated by the gas The excess and unneeded gas is flared in order to extinguish it The electricity can so be sold in order to power residential countries, industrial procedures and even transport systems Figure 1: Landfill gas to electricity procedure. http//www.atsdr.cdc.gov/hac/landfill/html/ch5.html This development of a methane works is portion of the Gas-to-Electricity undertaking that has been initiated around the universe. It involves capturing the LFG ( Landfill Gas ) that is produced when the waste in the landfill site decomposes and interruptions down. LFG is composed of 50 % Methane which is so extracted and used as a fuel in order to make electricity. The extra gas is flared in order to extinguish it. In order to see the above undertaking, one needs to maintain in head that there are restraints placed upon merely how many accommodations can be made. These restraints require the landfill to subject to the Torahs and ordinances set by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism in South Africa. In order to measure this possibility, one needs to compare the New England Road Landfill Site to the others is South Africa that have successfully implemented this undertaking. The chief comparings will take topographic point between the New England Landfill Site and the 3 late implemented Methane workss in Durban, viz. on the Bisasar Road, La Mercy and Mariannhill Sites. 2. LANDFILL CRITERIA In order for a undertaking of this nature to be approved, it needs to be considered by the South African Designated National Authority ( DNA ) harmonizing to ‘Regulations under Section 25 ( 3 ) of the National Environmental Management Act: Constitution of a Designated National Authority for the Clean Development Mechanism ‘ ( GN.R 1478 of 24 December 2004 ) . 2.1 Laws and Regulations A landfill besides has to run into certain standards in order for it to be permitted to run. There are Torahs and ordinances set in topographic point which a landfill site must conform to- and have a license turn outing this- in order to be allowed to run and are as follows: A Landfill Site has a capacity of less than 100A 000 metric tons does NOT necessitate a system whereby the Landfill gas ( LFG ) is captured and managed Monitoring of the concentration of the LFG gas in the dirt. It can non transcend 1 % Adequate and efficient airing systems if the Methane concentration exceeds 5 % The wellness and health of worlds, workss and animate beings can non be compromised 2.2 Waste Management Second, there are the waste direction standards which deal with the purpose and purposes of a landfill: Reduce waste Reuse waste and Recycle waste 2.3 Environmental and Socio-economic Factors Last, there are standards with respects to the existent edifice, geological site and care of the landfill. These are: Environmental factors Economic Impacts Socio-economic factors Looking at the Environmental, Economic and Socio-economic factors, one is able to judge whether or non the New England Road Landfill site can implement and pull off a methane works on it ‘s site. 3. Environmental FACTORS 3.1 Size The size of the landfill plays a large function in the limitations it places on the sum of ‘upgrades ‘ that it can suit. The New England Road Landfill Site is little in graduated table when compared to landfills such as Mariannhill in Durban or Goudkoppies in Johannesburg. New England Road has an consumption of a few hundred dozenss less than the above two listed sites, doing it comparatively little in size. Not merely does the Landfill need to suit the Methane works itself, but it besides needs to hold the capacity to hold the following installed on it in order for the operation to run: Extraction Wellss Gas aggregation grapevines Gas extraction works Flare units LFG Generators Electricity connexion, transformers and overseas telegrams 3.2 Situation New England Road Landfill Site is situated near the N3 Highway doing it easy accessible to those going from anyplace within the metropolis. It is besides, nevertheless, in the suburb of Hayfields and is hence in really close propinquity to a residential country. This limits the extensions that can be added to the site as people live in that country and demand to therefore, as it is stated in the Torahs sing landfills, be considered. When this site is compared with that of the Mariannhill site, 20km from the Durban CBD, and the La Mercy site, 35km North of Durban, one can see that they are in countries which are far from that of residential places and hence are non capable to the restrictions of the size and wellness hazard as that of New England Road ‘s state of affairs. New England Road Pietermaritzburg Golf Club New England Road Landfill Site N3 Highway Figure 2: Size and Positioning of the New England Landfill Site Google Maps: New England Rd Pietermaritzburg: hypertext transfer protocol: //maps.google.co.za/maps? hl=en & A ; tab=wl 3.3 Environmental Impacts on Plant and Animal Life Because of the country that the New England Site is in, there is non that great a menace to the lives of animate beings and workss. It is non similar, in other instances, a wood is cleared in order to let for a landfill site to be developed. The one menace nevertheless, is that the landfill site could, if it encroaches excessively close to the residential country, have an impact of the workss maintained by occupants in their gardens and domestic animate beings. These jobs may originate from hapless air quality, dust and/or acid rain due to the landfill site being within the country. 3.4 Global Warming The induction of a Methane works at a landfill site has great benefits for planetary heating as, by utilizing this as a method of bring forthing electricity, it is considered a ‘green ‘ fuel as it is non impacting the environment in a negative manner. By utilizing a Methane works, one would in fact be profiting the environment as the LFG, if non eliminated, contributes greatly to planetary heating. The Methane is used to bring forth electricity, hence diminishing the demand for huge sums of fossil fuels ( which, when combusted produce emanations that contribute towards planetary heating ) and the unneeded gas is flared so as to non negatively impact the environment and atmosphere. The 3 Durban workss entirely are leting a lessening in South Africa ‘s CO2 emanations by 12A 000 metric tons and cut downing the sum of coal used by 80A 000 metric tons a twelvemonth. 4. ECONOMIC Impact 4.1 Cost of Undertaking There is a high cost involved in edifice and keeping a Methane works. The Durban Methane undertaking, which involved developing these workss at 3 different landfill sites, cost R100 million, which was borrowed from different Bankss and patrons. Part of this cost is non merely for the Methane works itself, but the supernumeraries which are needed in order for this undertaking to run as listed under 3.1 Size. This is a big and clip consuming operation. The New England Road Landfill Management have planned to implement pipes in the site for many old ages now, but no action seems to hold been taken sing this. This is due to the Municipal Finance Management Act rendering the undertaking unviable due to the stamp demands ( Witness Reporter, The Witness Newspaper, Page 11, June 7 2010 ) . 4.2 Net income The net income that would be made from the execution of this undertaking is huge. There would be a big sum of electricity produced from one landfill site, for illustration the three Durban Methane workss produce a combined sum of 10A 000 kWs per twelvemonth. It has been estimated that this will bring forth an income of R4.5million a month due to the gross revenues of the electricity and C credits. It is believed that some of the landfills in South Africa have the possible to bring forth 12 000 megawatts per twelvemonth, cut downing CO2 emanations and assisting to better South Africa ‘s place as one of the biggest Carbon dioxide emitters in the universe, despite being a 3rd universe state. 5. SOCIO-ECONOMIC Factor 5.1 Health Populating in an country near a landfill has had effects such as: Fatigue Concerns Sleepiness Allergies such has hayfever Respiratory jobs such as asthma There have besides been links to low birth weight, birth defects and certain types of malignant neoplastic diseases such as vesica malignant neoplastic disease and leukaemia. These nevertheless have non been proven as yet and are simply tendencies that have been noticed more and more by physicians with patients who live in close propinquity to a landfill site. If a Methane works is implemented, it would intend an addition in the figure of people who make usage of the landfill site on a day-to-day footing. This would hold a direct consequence to the supra listed wellness effects as the dust and emanations produced from vehicles would increase and do the above effects more terrible. 5.2 Aestheticss The value of residential belongings within the locality of a landfill site lessenings. It makes the part less appealing as residential places could be looking upon an unsightly landfill site. There is besides a bad odor due to the decomposing waste which adds another unwanted factor to a residential country. 5.3 Employment and Job Creation The execution of a Methane works would intend an addition in the figure of occupations provided by the landfill site. There would be a demand for more people to pull off and run the site as it would hold many more people doing usage of the site and will therefore necessitate more aid in order to run the works itself. The lone ruin nevertheless, is that most of the prospective employees will hold to hold achieved a certain degree of instruction as they will necessitate to be taught how to run the works, as it is a specialised undertaking. 6. WASTE MANAGEMENT In order to let for the maximal potency of methane production at a landfill site, recycling is indispensable. The bulk of waste merchandises that are reclaimable are non biodegradable and hence do non lend to the production of methane ( and hence do non lend to the sum of LFG produced in the landfill ) . This means that these waste merchandises are simply taking up infinite that should basically be used for waste that will interrupt down in order to bring forth the maximal possible sum of LFG which will guarantee maximal production of electricity ( therefore increasing the net income earned by these gross revenues ) . The chief reclaimable merchandises: Glass Paper Plastics Metallic element Figure 3: Family Waste hypertext transfer protocol: //www.rise.org.au/info/Res/waste/index.html The nutrient and kitchen and green waste produced makes up the bulk of waste in a family. This waste can be recycled by being composted, alternatively of being dumped at a landfill site. The organic affair can besides be composted along with this. The glass, paper, metal and plastic signifier the waste that needs to be recycled. This so leaves really small waste from the family which will come in the landfill site. This will increase the life span of the landfill site and do the production of LFG more effectual as all the unneeded merchandises are no longer in the landfill and so decomposition will go on expeditiously. Figure 4: Graph to demo the sum of waste produced by different states. Self Generated Figure 5: Graph to demo the figure of landfills in different states. Self Generated As can be seen from the above graphs, South Africa does non bring forth excessively much waste when compared to the other states as it is graded 4th. We can see though that China, the highest waste manufacturer, has the lowest figure of landfills. This is because China manages waste really good. They have a rigorous recycling plan in topographic point and do certain that their landfills are utilized expeditiously and efficaciously. They besides do non hold plenty landfill sites to get by with the sum of waste they produce and so one time can see that non all the waste is traveling to their limited landfill sites. Alternatively, they have Methane workss that use the waste in order to bring forth elecrticity hence bettering their waste direction and bring forthing something of usage out of waste. 7. Evaluation One can see that the New England Road Landfill Site can non implement a Methane works. There are excessively many bounds created by the Torahs and ordinances and if one was to implement this undertaking, the license needed in order for the landfill to run would be confiscated as there are excessively many hazards involved. The landfill does non suit the standards involved concerning: 1. Size 2. Situation 3. Cost 4. Health 5. Aestheticss It is hence non feasible to see a Methane works at this landfill site as, besides it non conforming to the Torahs and ordinances if one were in topographic point, it is an unlikely venture because of factors such as the cost involved. 8. Proposal Alternatively of presenting a Methane works to the New England Landfill Site, one can see that the Pietermaritzburg occupants ( and those that utilize the New England Road Landfill Site ) need to set a stricter recycling government into topographic point. There were efforts to get down this undertaking in suburbs such as Athlone, Montrose and Wembley but this inaugural seems to hold lost drift. A recycling program would therefore guarantee an increased life span of the New England Landfill Site ( as it is already limited ) and would intend that money is saved through recycling. In the hereafter, a construct of holding merely the Methane grapevine installed into the New England Site could be considered. This would affect the LFG being collected and stored and so leting it to be transported to a Methane works at a different location so that the gas can so be used to bring forth electricity. Word Count: 2773

Legal and Ethical Tensions Between Maintaining Confidentiality and Sharing Information Essay

Criteria: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3-Review the groups and individuals whose communication needs you must address in your work role. Explain how you support effective communication within your work role. Analyse the barriers and challenges to communication within your work role. Being able to communicate is a major feature of being human. Throughout the working day we absorb information and pass this on to other people. Communication is vitally important if a team is to work effectively. Almost everything I do at work relies on communication. Communication is the basis of interaction and skills in speaking, writing and specially, listening are essential when working with children and adults in my setting. The interaction and communication I carry out within my setting are with children, colleagues, deputy, manager, parents and other agencies and professionals. As I am interacting with diverse group of people each day, I need to use a variety of communication skills depending on the position of th e person/children and the context in which the communication take place. I have to be aware of the fact that I need to use appropriate language and terminology for my message to be understood. For example, talking to a child who is hurt -my approach to him/her will be empathic while talking to a medical staff might require just a delivery of impersonal information. When talking to children I must get down to their level, observe and listen carefully to what they are saying/asking, keeping eye contact during the conversation, asking short questions and wait patiently for their answer. When I communicate with adults, an important point to remember always is the fact that sometimes the person in front of me might go through personal crisis or is feeling upset in some way so this requires excellent skills to make sure I’m making the person in front of me(colleague, parent) felling supported and valued. Read more:Â  Maintaining an Individual’s Confidentiality and Disclosing Concerns Essay To support an effective communication with my team we have regularly meetings (weekly meetings when we talk about planning the week, a new topic, activities, about children and their development, concerns are raised from the team members), appraisals are in plan, delegation of work, checking of the reports, setting of objectives that are SMART involving all members of my team and also motivating my team by supporting, trusting and encouraging them to get the job done. For me to be able to support others to become good communicators, it is necessary that I will be an effective role model and to reflect effectively on how I am delivering the messages. If I support all my communication accepting and valuing the people with whom I interact in the expression of warmth and non-judgemental attitude, I will improve my communication skills no end. An effective communication can be supported by me as a leader by ensuring that my staff are all aware of the need to be flexible in the way in which they communicate within varied contexts and to engage in communication which is empathic (to ‘put yourself in the shoes of others’) and values the people with whom they interact. Sometimes often, however, the communication is challenged and breaks down. Communication can sometimes be not effective because of difference in culture, difficulties in own life (making it difficult to concentrate), negative feelings about the person I am speaking to or getting upset about what they are saying-leading to conflict, not listening effectively, tiredness, feeling unwell, noise, inappropriate environment. Some of my colleagues with whom I work are perfectionists, who like to see that everything is completed in a precise way while others feels that, as long as the job is done, the end result does not have to be perfect. An example in my setting is about displaying the children work: some of us believe that children’s work should be displayed attractively but does not have to be perfect but some of us consider differently. A very important aspect of the communication is body-language and non-verbal communication. This is one of things that we often do not pay enough attention-our body language. Argyle (1978) pointed out that non-verbal communication can have as much as five times the impact on a person’s understanding compare to the words spoken. Therefore, it is vital I ensure that my body actions match my speech in order to get my message across. My ability to respect and accept diversity it is very important as we live in a multi-cultural society and there are also differences in the values that people hold. Each colleague have a different type of character, just like myself, others have their own feelings, values and attitudes and sometimes these may clash with how we see the world. I may not share their views but, as a leader in my setting I do have to show tolerance of these views. There are four important key steps that can be identifying when dealing with any conflict: 1. describe the actual conflict and define it well; 2. listen actively to all parties to fully understand the issues 3. emphasise the benefit of finding a way forward 4. reaching an agreement According to Craine (2007) ‘people facing change often go through a cycle of emotions similar to those experienced when faced with the death of a loved one’. If I want to understand and communicate well with my team members I must listen to each one of them to what they are saying. Active listening shows that the staff members have been heard. Communication and encouraging the people to share their thoughts and concerns are always better than allowing situations to fester. Regularly team meetings is a way to decrease potential conflict.

Component design assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Component design assignment - Essay Example h supports components proposes the possibility of making software applications by examining together software components in similar manner to how electronic devices are made from electronic components. This kind of method used to software development is referred to as component based development. Component based development demands to give a thoroughly new approach to the design, construction, putting into effect and development of software applications. Software applications are bring together from components from the different kinds of sources and these components maybe written in several different programming languages and run on different methods. The idea of this trend is to reuse components that is already completed instead of developing everything from the beginning each time. There are many advantages the component-based development brings such as gives support to the higher level of software reuse, it allows testing to be done by first performing a test to each of the compon ents before performing a test to the group of components, free to improve and/or add components as Components express themselves through interfaces. An interface is the connection to the user that will interact with the component. The function Application Programmable Interface (API) are the once who are exposed to the user. If there are any changes to the API, the user has to recompile his code also. In the case of the object-oriented world, the interface is a group of public methods defined for an object wherein this object is controlled through its interface. In the language of C++, the code can only be recompiled when the interface (code) is changed. The problem is that the user of the class must use the same programming throughout the entire development. In separating the interface from the implementation, the languages used are the COBRA and COM which is done through binary interfaces. There are three major component models that are successfully used today which show accurately

Apple Inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Apple Inc - Essay Example As for the software products, Apple offers a complete portfolio of consumer and professional software applications which include iOS and Mac OS X for its operating system; and iCloud for its online content tool. Moreover, Apple sells and delivers digital content and application such as music and literary art through iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store. In line with its unique offerings, Apple sells a variety of third party compatible products such as printers, storage devices, speakers, and headphones; as well as applications of software programs. In terms of customers, Apple caters to private consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and the education sector. Demographically, Apple’s private consumers are mainly consisted of young, early adopters who are technologically-savvy and are followers of media trends, as described by David Appleyard in his online article entitled Profile of an iPhone User: Interesting Statistics about  Yourself. Being heavy u sers of the web and mobile devices, they always want to get updated with the current social happenings. Apple also caters to small and medium-sized business by providing hardware and software products that aim to simplify its business operations through easy-to-use computer products and software applications. As for the education sector, Apple is also committed to bringing the effective integration of technology into the classroom set-up to attain higher levels of student achievement. As such, Apple supports mobile learning and distribution of education materials through iTunes U. Apple’s company vision is driven by its commitment to bring the best customer experience through valuable product innovation. As such, the company’s business strategy focuses on its â€Å"unique ability to design and develop its operating systems, hardware, application software, and services to provide its customers new products and solutions with superior ease-of-use, seamless integration, and innovative design† (Apple 1). In line with this overarching goal of delivering innovative products and services, Apple invests heavily on research and development, as evidenced by its expenditures of $2.4 billion, $1.8 billion, and $1.3 billion for 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively. This is grounded on Apple’s belief that in order to compete successfully, it must ensure a continual and timely flow of competitive products and services to the market. Keeping with its mission of driving innovation, Apple consistently manufactures hardware and software products that are known for its simplicity and beauty. In this light, functionality and form essentially constitute the key attributes of all its products. As highlighted in an online blog entitled 7 Strategies that You Must Learn from Apple Marketing, Apple’s success banks on turning the ordinary into something beautiful. But developing a good product and service is not enough. It must be delivered and communicat ed well to the consumers. Thus, as part of its business strategy, Apple also emphasizes on enhancing the customer experience and creating relevant marketing communications. Firstly, giving valuable customer experience relies on ensuring a smooth and unique point-of-sale service. Thus, having strategic distribution networks is important. Currently, Apple manages its own retail and online stores;

Introduction to Organisations and Management Assignment - 3

Introduction to Organisations and Management - Assignment Example Business is a dynamic process governed by the economic, political and social environment in which it operates. Due to rapid changes in the operating environment entrepreneurs need to dynamic in their approach to devising and implementing strategies for growth and development. Businesses create opportunities within the community to grow and prosper. The report provides an assessment of the changes taking place in the business processes over the past few decades through a comparative analysis of the existing practices at H&M Consulting and Watson Engine Components. While Watson Engine Components exhibit a conventional style of management based on traditional values and practices, H&M Consulting offers a modern approach to dealing with its employees and customers. The strategic management practices here are based on innovative work culture that applies employee empowerment theories and open organization system that promotes employee commitment and proactive behaviour at workplace. The n ext few sections analyse these practices and highlight the significance of modern day management strategies through a comparative assessment of these two firms. ... In current business context, entrepreneurs re-engineer business processes to accommodate a flatter organization structure that necessitates free flow of information and knowledge to the workforce. Watson’s business strategy focuses on conventional business management approach that adopted a top down hierarchical structure. While this conventional form of management practice is successful in instilling discipline within the organization, it fails to motivate employees to perform better. Over the past few years Watsons has faced significant challenges in meeting the needs and requirements of the evolving business climate. The problems are evident in the difficulties faced by the organization in meeting delivery schedules and retaining employees. The management is opposed to innovative strategies that can help the company in boosting employee morale, productivity and performance efficiencies. The staff participation and involvement in decision making process within the organizati on is missing and the managers believe in adopting an authoritative style of leadership to promote business goals. Traditional organizations employees were provided with directives on how to get a task done and it was effective in accomplishing organizational goals. However, the employees simply followed directions and were not given the scope to think and act. This restricted their scope of personal and professional growth that had a negative impact on their performance in the long run. Participatory style of management is highly effective owing to their impact on employee decision making abilities, performance level, and positive reinforcement at work (Jelinek, 2010). â€Å"Business firms around the world are

Revolutionaries are the Best Ways to Effect Positive Change in Research Paper

Revolutionaries are the Best Ways to Effect Positive Change in Opressive Regimes When Human Rights are Violated - Research Paper Example Revolutionaries are the most effective means of effecting positive change in oppressive regimes. Examples of revolutionaries that succeeded in bringing positive change and ending injustices include American Revolution, French Revolution and Recent revolutions in Arab countries. Revolutionaries are the best ways to effect positive change in oppressive regimes when human rights are violated and injustices exist Introduction Revolutionaries are the best way to effect positive change under any oppressive regime. Revolutionaries are justified when citizens experience continued injustices and violation of basic human rights by the ruling government. Revolutionary refers to drastic change that occurs when citizens break laws in order to protest against government policies. Examples of revolutionaries that were precipitated by oppressive regimes include the Civil Rights Movements in the US and recent Arab World uprisings. Citizens engage in revolutionaries by refusing to pay taxes, damaging government property and civil protests that aim at blocking traffic flow in major highways. Revolutionaries occur when the oppressive regime blocks the channels of negotiation or when the government is not willing to address the problems affecting the citizens (Spielvogel, 2011). This paper will discuss the importance of revolutionaries in bringing positive change in oppressive regimes when citizens experience injustices and violation of fundamental human rights. John Locke (1632-1704) asserts that governments derive their authority from the people thus civil liberties of the citizens should be protected by the government (Grant, 1991). Citizens should engage in revolutions if the government violates their human rights and curtails freedom of expression. According to Locke, if regimes alter the laws in order to curtail the rights of individuals, the citizens are justified to protest and overthrow the government (Grant, 1991). The ruling regime should adhere to the social contract be tween the government and citizens. John Rawls asserts that civil liberties enable citizens to live harmonious in the society thus all individuals should be accorded equality in rights and freedoms (Grant, 1991). Government economic policies should not disadvantage of the minority or create inequalities in income and wealth distribution. Most of the Arab uprisings were occasioned by high income inequalities that created high unemployment and poor living conditions to the low income earners. The ruling regime should promote civil rights and minimize social classes in the society in order to promote the welfare of the whole society (Richards, 2004). Revolutionaries are the best method of affecting positive change when several minority groups encounter discrimination and injustices from the oppressive regimes. Such regimes are characterized by dictatorship rule, disrespect for humanity and lack of freedom of expression in the society (Spielvogel, 2011). For instance, President Mubarak v iolated Egyptian constitution by hindering the freedom of media and civil liberties of individuals who criticized government policies. In oppressive regimes, citizens have no economic and political power to change the ruling government. Oppressive regimes have total control of the media thus citizens should engage in mass civil protests and boycotts to effect positive change in the political leadership. For instance, Gaddafi’s oppressive regime targeted journalists who criticized or reported of atrocities that were committed on the

Safeguarding Children PowerPoint Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Safeguarding Children - PowerPoint Presentation Example This research will begin with the statement that safeguarding or the provision of protection is the basic right of every citizen living in any country or State. In case of children, the responsibility becomes more important that they should be safeguarded against any problem or issue. Children are usually open to be harmed or abused irrespective of their age, religion, and classes. Therefore safeguarding them is more important than any other individual living in the society. Usually, the provision of children safeguarding legislation, laws, and rules is the whole and sole responsibility of the Government and the State authorities. According to the authors, the government defines safeguarding children as the protection against any type of abusive or maltreatment. Implementation the best safety and protective practices also come under the umbrella of safeguard. The government may apply different legislations in order to protect children in different aspects. These safeguarding techniqu es may involve protection in sports. The government may finalize different committees in order to check the implementation of child protection laws. There are different laws and legislation which are approved and being implemented at different times. However, these legislations were different from each other but the basic framework is similar behind all of these legislations and laws. Some of the most popular child protection laws include Children Act 1989, The Children Act 2004, Children Order 1995 and The Children Act 2012.

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

Financial Report - Essay Example Arsenal is a renowned football club and it has received widespread popularity among the football supporters. In the recent decades, football clubs have gained enormous publicity because of the commercialization of the sports. According to Morrow (1996), football clubs are generally involved in three major activities. Firstly, they involve themselves in commercializing by selling tickets and receiving broadcasting fees from media. Secondly, they involve themselves in active trading and disposal of players. Finally, they develop in-house talent through mentoring and training from the beginning. Arsenal is listed as a commercial organization which derives its revenues from football fixtures, broadcasting and real estate development. In fiscal year 2010, football accounted for 59% of the revenues while real estate development proportion accounted for 41% of the revenues. The Arsenal group reported a profit before tax figure of ?55.96 million in 2010 which was very impressive for the shar eholders (Arsenal Holdings Plc, 2010). The organization is committed to a long term strategic plan by carefully investing in talented players and developing them. At the heart of Arsenal lies its Emirates stadium where it aims to continue investing so that it stays best-in-class and has a clear identity as Arsenal’s home. ... However, they do not include any current value for their players or any value at all for ‘home grown’ players. Although it may sound ridiculous to include human as assets but they can be accounted as intangible assets if they fulfill the definitions put forth by financial reporting frameworks. A salaried person is generally expensed in the income statement whereas professional sports players are treated in a different manner in the accounting statements. Wagner (2007) in his publication mentioned that human resources are one of the most critical factors which investors look for while evaluating a company. Thus, we can metaphorically consider every human as vital for the organization and he may be regarded as an asset for the organization but it is not done practically since it differs from the definition formulated by the financial reporting frameworks. We will be analyzing and interpreting this aspect from International Financial Reporting Standards. As per the definiti on of an asset, it is anything that can be controlled by an organization or entity and it expects future benefits will be flowing to the organization from that asset. An asset is controlled if the organization is entitled to certain rights over that asset particularly restricting others from utilizing that asset for their own advantage. The definition of asset is applied in the case of Arsenal as it holds right over its players for a certain period due to the legal agreement arranged between the player and the club. The players are supposed to provide their services to the club according to the terms of contract. Arsenal expects that future benefits will flow from these players as they will be playing for Arsenal, and Arsenal will be deriving its revenues through fixtures and

Investment Portfolio Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Investment Portfolio - Assignment Example Both children also have 529 plans established, gifted to them by their grandparents ten years ago. Therefore, college tuition is not considered a financial objective, as higher education will be essentially paid for through these particular savings plans. Finally, the investor has ten years left on a 30-year mortgage note, thereby paying off the loan ten years before he enters retirement. The monthly mortgage payment is approximately $1125. Since the couple looks at their residence as their dream home, they have no intentions of ever selling their property nor do they intend to purchase a second home. They do not foresee any other significant expenses on the horizon; however, they do have an emergency fund valued at $10,500 to cover any problems that may creep into their financial picture. It can be assumed, then, that their objective will not include constructing an emergency reserve. They can, and will, focus solely on retirement savings. I. Investment Policy: A study conducted by Klein and Iammartino in 2010 states that Modern Portfolio Theory supports the notion that there are three main factors that must be considered when selecting the various investment vehicles that will comprise a sound portfolio: diversification, risk tolerance, and time horizon. In this particular situation, the investor’s age and risk tolerance reflects a need for a moderately conservative approach to building the portfolio. While the investor still has some time on his side for wealth accumulation, stocks traditionally perform rather inconsistently, making it virtually impossible to predict what direction the securities will take on any given day. Of course, most portfolio profits are made by investing in securities, as their sheer nature is to grow money. But like anything in life, there is give and take. While highly lucrative, stocks are also highly volatile, which increases the risk that an investor could lose all money put into a particular security if the company is ch anging management, losing its competitive edge in the industry, or even worse, headed for insolvency. As times goes on and retirement inches closer, an investor will have less reaction time to deal with any of the above circumstances that are adversely affecting the portfolio’s performance. Consequentially, it makes good financial sense to build in shock absorbers to help alleviate any additional burdens the investor takes by putting money into equities. These absorbers are referred to as fixed income, which is a more secure asset class because these investments pay out through fixed interest rates for a pre-determined time frame and, in some cases, are insured, should the debtor become insolvent. Fixed income is mainly comprised of bonds and CDs. They are not as profitable as equities and can bring their own element of danger simply because more conservative investments typically cannot outpace inflation (think of your investments flying down a freeway with inflation as the highway trooper clocking the speed at which the money is growing). Still yet, they do provide guarantee, which gives the investor peace of mind that the money will never be lost. It can be said then that the aforementioned investor will need to allocate a certain percentage of his money to stocks, bonds, and finally, cash to provide necessitated liquidity in his portfolio, should there be another global downturn in

The Marketing Environment Essay Example for Free

The Marketing Environment Essay The marketing environment surrounds and impacts upon the organization. There are three key elements to the marketing environment which are the internal environment, the microenvironment and the macroenvironment. Why are they important? Well marketers build both internal and external relationships. Marketers aim to deliver value to satisfied customers, so we need to assess and evaluate our internal business/corporate environment and our external environment which is subdivided into micro and macro. Internal Environment The internal environment has already been touched upon by other lessons on marketing teacher. For example, the lessons on internal marketing and also on the functions within an organization give a good starting point to look at our internal environment. A useful tool for quickly auditing your internal environment is known as the Five Ms which are Men, Money, Machinery, Materials and Markets. Here is a really quick example using British Airways. Looking internally at men, British Airways employees pilots, engineers, cabin crew, marketing managers, etc. Money is invested in the business by shareholders and banks for example. Machinery would include its aircraft but also access to air bridges and buses to ferry passengers from the terminal to the aircraft. Materials for a service business like British Airways would be aircraft fuel called kerosene (although if we were making aircraft materials would include aluminium, wiring, glass, fabric, and so on). Finally markets which we know can be both internal and external. Some might include a sixth M, which is minutes, since time is a valuable internal resource.

Organized System Essay Example for Free

Organized System Essay In today’s society, business of every sort is done on computers, almost to the extent that the former definition of files and folders being physical items is nearly obsolete. Attending an institute of higher learning also means that much of assignments be downloaded from an online site and homework be completed on a computer and uploaded to a central location. As such, it can become quite time-consuming, difficult and confusing to locate appropriate files without a system of organization. On the Microsoft website, there are several articles to help a computer user get started with organization. Of course, their number one recommendation is to use the â€Å"My Documents† folder which comes pre-installed on all of Microsoft’s operating systems. This is really a timesaver as there are so many easy ways to access it: from the Start menu (which also includes a â€Å"My Recent Documents† link), from the Open function of any Microsoft software applications, and from your desktop (by simply moving the icon on the Start menu and dragging it to the desktop). In the My Documents folder, additional folders can be created. These should be named by category, for example, â€Å"school†, â€Å"work†, â€Å"creative writing†, â€Å"business†, etc. All folders in each of these should pertain to that subject. In the school folder, for instance, I would suggest creating a separate folder for each class (i. e. â€Å"Biology 101†, Statistics 201†, etc. ). This can then be further broken down into â€Å"assignments† and â€Å"homework†. Downloaded assignment files can be copied and pasted or drug into the assignments folder. Keeping both folder and file names short helps to find them quickly (since only a certain amount of the letters in the name will be displayed). Names for assignment files can also include the date it is due (at the beginning of the name) and then quickly sorted by name in the view screen. I have also found it handy to use a date in the name of my professional resume file, so that I know whether or not it needs to be updated. Numbers can also be added to documents such as essays to easily show all versions until complete (you may find the need to go back to a previous version and add in a paragraph that was previously edited out). Putting numbers at the front of the file or folder name for those that you access often will ensure they show up at the top of the list. Viewing folders and files as thumbnails is a way to display the results of your folders that is visually easy. This is a great way to preview the contents as well as easily sort through the different file extensions (is it a picture or a Word document? ). Using Microsoft Outlook for Email messages is also handy and the program works with the rest of the Microsoft Office Suite, making it easy to integrate file types. I create folders of the same name as those in My Documents for Email messages. This way I can keep track of any messages that are in reference to a class, or work, and they can be quickly dropped into the corresponding My Documents folders. Another tip for organization is to keep the hard drive clean. At the end of the semester, the class folders with their files can be stored elsewhere on your hard drive such as in a folder named â€Å"archives† (or put on a flash drive) so as to streamline the amount of folders viewed to only documents you are currently using. When I am using a file that I know will be of use for a limited time only, I name it â€Å"junk_† with a descriptive word at the end. When I am ready to delete those files I am no longer needing, I simply perform a search of the C drive for all files and folders with the name â€Å"junk† in them. This way, the whole of them can be deleted with only a couple clicks of the mouse. You could attach a date to the name that reminds you of when the file is obsolete and safe to be removed. References Allen, Sally. â€Å"Get organized! Organizing your computer†. Retrieved October 23, 2007 from the Women’s Media Web site: http://www. womensmedia. com/new/organizing-computer. shtml. â€Å"Organizing computer files†. Retrieved October 23, 2007 from the University of Virginia Web site: http://cti. itc. virginia. edu/~ttspeng/OrganizingComputerFiles. pdf. â€Å"Seven tips to manage your files better†. Retrieved October 23, 2007 from the Microsoft Web site: http://www. microsoft. com/atwork/manageinfo/files. mspx.

How Does The Sociology Explain Society Sociology Essay

How Does The Sociology Explain Society Sociology Essay This essay will examine two theoretical sociological perspectives on society and how it functions. It will compare and contrast Marxism and functionalism. By describing and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of both perspectives. Marx called the system in which we live in, capitalism, He divided it up into two basic divisions, the bourgeoisie (the owners of production), the bourgeoisie own all the means of production for example the farmland and factories and the proletariat (The Workers) sell their skills and labour to the bourgeoisie. This is a simple view of a complex social phenomenon; theoretically more social classes should be identified. It fails to take into account any sub divisions. The bourgeoisie or ruling class benefit the most from the way that society operates and the proletariat do not and therefore gain far less than they deserve. Marx believed that the proletariats would, in the end, refuse to conform and revolt, destroying the bourgeoisie in order to become free for oppression and gain social mobility. What the Bourgeoisie, therefore produces, above all, is its own grave diggers, (Marx, Engels, 1884). Marx thought that the bourgeoisie did not improve society but created situations of crisis, what he did not take into account was the money that they were putting back into society and that fact that without them the majority of the proletariat would be without work. The superstructure for example: The Government, legal system, religion and the mass media are all owned by and used by the bourgeoisie to create false class consciousness amongst the proletariat in order to avert them from rebelling from their exploitation (Haralambos,2002,p.2). According to Marx capitalism is the newest type of class system, but it will also be the last. A communist society in which the means of production will be equally owned will replace capitalism, he thought that the proletariat will form unions, political parties and revolutionary movements enabling communism to overthrow capitalism (haralambous, 2002, p.7). What Marx failed to do is set a time frame for the revolution. Some unions that have previously revolted against the bourgeoisie have failed and temporarily sent society into disarray. The power in economic systems is separable from other sources, male and female inequalities can not be explained in economic terms (Giddens, 2009, p.93). The theory is inadequate because it only fully explains a proportion of society and does not take into account individuals ideals and ambitions. A positive aspect of Marxism is that it highlights inequality and institutions that foster and perpetuate inequality it has brought a different perspective to examination of social systems and it has demonstrated a social conscience. The focus of Marxism has lead to the formulation of social policies and programs. Functionalism is a sociological perspective that society is based on consensus, consensus assumes that norms and values in society are generally agreed and that social life is based on co-operation, rather than conflict (Lawson, 1996, p.48). What it fails to consider is that some people to not agree with the way that society functions and that not everyone holds that same norms and values. It is the oldest yet still is the most dominant theoretical perspective in sociology. Functionalists such as Talcott Parsons (1902-1979), argued that the key to understanding human behaviour is understanding socialization. He used the analogy of the human body, with each part of society having a function (a purpose) like each vital organ for example; the government of society was compared to the human brain. If one part of society fails the whole system would fail, like the body would if it was to lose a vital organ. Parsons (1971) even viewed the whole world as a system of societies. Functionalists believe that people and their social roles are produced by society and individuals themselves do not produce a society. He claimed that individuals are products of their influences e.g. families, friends, educational and religious background and the media that they are exposed to. They are born into their place in society, play their roles in it and then they die, without at all effecting how society functions, society does not and it continues to work long after they are gone(Moore,2001,p.6). For functionalists social institutes are believed to ensure that the socially acceptable patterns of behaviour are passed on or reproduced. For example family, education and the media socialise people into the key values of society this includes, respect for authority and the hierarchy (Moore, 2001, p.9). Stratification which is inevitable in societies unites people because it derives from shared values. Durkhiem (1938) identified four main characteristics of crime he argued that crime is a social construct, which can actually benefit society because crime strengthens bonds between people. It reinforces norms and values, and a limited amount of crime is necessary to stop society stagnating. Crime could be reduced if individuals were controlled, but this would prevent development of positive deviants who go against societies norms and values, yet move society forward, (Durkhiem, 1938). Parsons (1965) identified religion as an important function in society as it helps people is crises, enabling them to carry on playing their social roles, allowing society to function normally. Parsons also identified that in order for society to function everyone had to continuously play their own roles, he identified the sick role, where the function is to play the role of being ill and to get better as soon as possible in order to get back into your role. In order for the system to perform, all roles must be filled by those best qualified to perform them, he even thought that those who are unemployed had a role to play in order for those in higher authority to keep their roles. He stated that those in who successfully played their roles will be ranked highly and will receive rewards, although it can be argued that the mechanism (social stratification) for insuring effective role allocation; attaches unequal rewards and privileges to positions in society. However a criticism of Functionalism is that it is, descriptive and classificatory and only gives names for society and social changes, and does not explain them. Although both Marxism and Functionalism see society differently, they also have some similarities: they are both positivists, built using scientific research methods. Positivism is called macro sociology because it looks at society as a whole; however looking at society from this perspective does not take into account the individuals and their norms and values. They both have a top down approach, the belief that viewing society as a real thing which exists above and beyond us all as individuals is the best way to view society. Both theories agree on the importance of totality (marsh, 2006) The favoured research methods to look at behavioural patterns is those that generate sets of statistics such as questionnaires- known as quantitative methods this is not always that best approach to research society, because not everyone is studied. They both believe that man is forced into his choices by the structures and systems in society, although they both have different views on this, functionalists believe that this is right and it has to be for society to work, and people accept society as it is. Marxist on the other hand believe that it is wrong and unfair, and that man will fight in order to create a fairer society In contrast to Marxism which recognises social change and aspires towards it functionalism fails to recognise it altogether, and assumes every institution is a positive for society. Looking at the evidence of both Marxism and functionalism, the society, today inclines more towards functionalism. Most people are happy with the system they live in. If too many people were to try and change it society would not work as well; an example of this is the post office strikes; people did not receive bills, money or other important mail, this forces society to have no sympathy for the postal workers. This is also an example of Marxist theory not working as he said it would; although it did not last too long and some people did benefit. This gives us reason to question if we only accept society as it is because as a society we are lazy, if we were to unite as a society, could we overthrow the bourgeoisie as Marx suggested we would? Lower class citizens are keeping the higher classes in work, this keeps money within the system in turn they receive state benefits from the taxes that they pay. If all the lower classes were to try and move up the social ladder they may be no reason for some of the bourgeoisie, for example if all criminals and deviants, reformed and started working there would be no need for, law enforcement services, county courts and probation officers. Some amount of crime is necessary to keep higher classes such as the uniformed services in work.

new york mets :: essays research papers

On July 27 1959, A new York attorney named William shea had an idea of putting a new baseball team in new York since the dodgers and giants had left for california.So on march 1st 1961 His wish was granted.The new York metropolitan baseball club or â€Å"the new York mets† were introduced into the national league.The name of the team was chosen by owner Joan Payson.The other names that were put into thought were the rebels, skyliners, nybs and avengers just to name a few.On April 11,1962 the mets played their first game in franchise history and lost 11-4 to the St Louis cardinals.The first season was a miserable one.Manager Casey Stengel led the mets to a 62-100 record,The worst record in major league history.After a couple of more losing seasons, The mets finally made a move and signed pitcher Tom â€Å"the franchise†Seaver,one of the best pitchers who ever played the game. They also picked up power hitting outfielders Donn Clendenon and Tommie Agee. Finally the mets looked like a baseball team.Entering the 1969 season, my father said the mets wewr 160-1 to win the World Series, but the mets shocked everyone winning the national league championship. Now, this is how the mets won their first world series, The batter was cleon Jones, after striking out manager Gil Hodges notices a black mark on the ball. The black mark was shoe polish. Putting shoe polish on the ball makes it spin more and makes it much easier to strike out a batter. The umpire awards first base to jones, Clendenon follows with a 2-run home run and the mets win the World Series. What a way to win! Moving on to the 70’s. My father says he wishes he could forget what happened in the 70’s to the mets. 8 of the 10 seasons were losing ones. On top of that, the mets traded Tom Seaver to the Cincinnati reds for 4 pieces of garbage named Pat Zachary, Doug Flynn, Steve Henderson and Dan Norman. I’ve never even heard of them! The mets made a turn for the better when they sold the team to 2 men named Nelson Doubleday and Fred Wilpon in January of 1980. They got right to work because they traded for Doc Gooden, One of the best of his time. They also acquired all-star first basemen Keith Hernandez and all-star catcher Gary Carter.

Gilgamesh Is Gay Essay -- essays research papers

Gilgamesh is an epic that has been passed down for thousands of years. The epic narrates the legendary deeds of the main character Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh is two-thirds immortal and one-third mortal; however, he cannot accept his fate that one day he too will die. The entire epic tells the story of Gilgamesh’s life and searche for immortality. Through his many trials and tribulations, Gilgamesh proves that he has great physical strength. However, throughout the epic Gilgamesh also shows he is emotionally unstable and immature. The author created Gilgamesh with this flaw of immaturity so that he would be a more believable character. The depth of Gilgamesh's physical strength first appears to the reader in the prologue. Gilgamesh is said to be "the man to whom all things are known". The gods created him with great care giving him beauty and courage. "The great gods made his beauty perfect, surpassing all others, terrifying like a great wild bull". Furthermore, h is beauty and power were like that of no other man. The story begins by stating that Gilgamesh is an overbearing king. He never sleeps due to his over indulgence in life. Gilgamesh keeps the city in disruption involving anyone he pleases in his corrupt demands. He sleeps with all the virgins before they are married, therefore, making them impure before their husbands have a chance to sleep with them. If Gilgamesh were a mature king, he would see no reason to show he is the most powerful. He would lead ...

Chaucers Irony - The Canterbury Tales Essay -- English Literature

Chaucer's Irony - The Canterbury Tales Chaucer's Irony Irony is a vitally important part of The Canterbury Tales, and Chaucer's ingenious use of this literary device does a lot to provide this book with the classic status it enjoys even today. Chaucer has mastered the techniques required to skilfully put his points across and subtle irony and satire is particularly effective in making a point. The Canterbury Tales are well-known as an attack on the Church and its rà ´le in fourteenth century society. With the ambiguity introduced by the naà ¯ve and ignorant "Chaucer the pilgrim", the writer is able to make ironic attacks on characters and what they represent from a whole new angle. The differences in opinion of Chaucer the pilgrim and Chaucer the writer are much more than nuances - the two personas are very often diametrically opposed so as to cause effectual irony. In the Friar's portrait, he is delineated and depicted by riddles of contradictory qualities. Chaucer expertly uses ironic naivetà © to highlight the Friar's lack of moral guilt. When the reader is told that the Friar, "knew the taverns wel in every toun" (l. 240), we can take it to mean that he spends very much time drinking, flirting and socialising in pubs. The Friar is superseded to be a holy man, but we see that he knew the landlords and barmaids much better than the people he has meant to be consoling, praying for and helping out of the vicious circle of poverty. Chaucer the pilgrim explains how impressive the Friar's generous charity is and has respect for the way he marries off young girls with suitable husbands and pays for the ceremony. However, he neglects to mention that the only reason the Friar does this is because he has illegi... ...Of course, Chaucer the pilgrim simply sees this as being elegant and sophisticated. Throughout The General Prologue we see how Chaucer the pilgrim has been swayed and convinced by what the other pilgrims tell him. So much so that he reports qualities that are often the opposite of the true personalities of the characters he is describing. This ambiguity reveals a very clever sort of irony on behalf of the writer - while Chaucer the pilgrim is easily drawn in by their deliberate misrepresentations, it is up to the readers to see how wrong he is and draw their own, more accurate, conclusions. It shows many of the pilgrims to be very different people than those symbolised by the ideal qualities they want others to see. This astute technique is particularly effective in pointing out the hypocrisy and corruption in the Christian Church during Chaucer's time.

Idea of a marriage Essay

It is said that one has no choice with their blood relations, but the most important decision one makes is deciding whom one would marry. One couple I interviewed for this article is one who has been successfully married for seven years. Interestingly, they had a semi-arranged marriage. I call it semi-arranged because the couple’s parents had first had the idea and then the couple had interacted for a while to check whether they were truly compatible with one another. This factor had a major role to play in the success of their marriage. When interviewed the couple mentioned that they both felt they had reached the age for marriage as per the family tradition and they were both open to the idea of a marriage. Though introduced to each other by the parents, they were surprised that they were attracted to each other by their simplicity and sense of humor. Each one of them felt that they could be comfortable and natural with the other right from day one. Several factors helped them decide that they wanted to spend their life with each other. One of them was that their families were close, secondly logistical issues in their marriage sorted out easily. The fact that they enjoyed each other’s company only confirmed their belief that marriage was destined for them. One interesting fact that contributed to making their marriage a success was that neither of them had any unreal expectations out of the marriage. Having their families support also helped, as they received counseling and help to see them through every time they had difficulties and conflicts. The lady did admit that her husband did not have all the qualities she had been looking for in a potential mate. With a smile she said, she had wanted someone tall (her husband barely 5’ 6†). But it was her ability to look beyond the physical characteristics alone that helped her choose a mate who she could live happily with. The fact that they were from culturally similar backgrounds also helped them get along easily with each other’s families. Both felt that they had been fortunate to find the other, though they also agreed that they had to struggle to keep their relationship smooth and healthy. They agree that marriage is harder than what they thought but they are determined to make it a success. One factor that has tremendously helped them has been their spending constructive time with each other. Holidaying together, eating together, watching movies, working out together has helped them nurture and grow their relationship into one that they cherish with their lives. One thing I noticed was the absence of any passionate romance in their relationship, and was surprised to see that that hardly diminished the success of their relationship.?

Chapter Summary Notes

Adam Smith – argued the economic advantages of vision of labor, and the breakdown of Jobs into narrow and repetitive tasks, known as Job specialization. Division of labor increased productivity by increasing each worker's skill and dexterity, by saving time lost in changing tasks. 2. 18th Century – Industrial Revolution – the main contribution of the Industrial revolution was that human power was replaced by machine power, which then made it more economical to manufacture goods In factories rather than at home.Large, efficient factories require managerial skills, as they had to ensure that demand was met, enough eternal was on hand to continue production, assign tasks to people, direct daily activities, coordinate various tasks, ensure the machines were still running efficiently and were kept in good condition while maintaining standards, etc. There are 6 different approaches to management: 1. Scientific management: an approach that involves using scientific meth ods to define the ‘one best way for a Job to be done. The aim of this method is to make organizations and workers be as efficient as possible.Frederick W. Taylor was one of the first to Introduce methods of scientific management. He Introduced 4 principles of management: a. Develop a science for each element of an Individual's work with standardized work Implements and efficient methods for all to follow b. Scientifically select workers with skills and abilities that match each job and train them in the most efficient ways to accomplish tasks c. Ensure cooperation through incentives and provide the work environment that reinforces optimal work results in a scientific manner d. Vivid responsibility for managing and for working, while supporting individuals in work groups doing what they do best. Some people are more capable of managing, whereas others are better at performing tasks laid out to them. These guidelines are still used today for improving efficiency and production. They are used when managers analyses the basic work tasks that must be performed, use time-and-motion study to eliminate wasted motions, hire the best-qualified workers for a Job and design incentive systems based on output. . General administrative theory: an approach to management that focuses on describing what managers do and what constituted good management practice. There were 2 significant theorists in developing this method: Henry Offal and Max Weber. Henry planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating and controlling. He stated 14 principles of management, which are fundamental rules of management that could be taught and applied to all organizational situations.They include: a) division of work – specialization increases output by making employees more efficient b) authority: managers must be able to give orders c) discipline: employees must obey and respect the rules that govern the organization d) unity of command: every employee should receive orders from only n ee superior e) unity of direction: organization should have a single plan of action to guide managers and workers f) subordination of individual interests to the general interest: interests of one employee should not take precedence of the organization as a whole g) remuneration: workers must be paid a fair wage for their services h) concentration: the degree to which subordinates are involved in decision making I) scalar chain: line of authority from top to bottom j) order: people and materials should be in the right place at the right time k) equity: managers should be kind and fair to their subordinates l) stability of tenure of response: management should provide orderly personnel planning to ensure that replacement are available to fill vacancies m) initiative: employees who are allowed to originate and carry out plans will exert high levels of effort n) esprit De corps: promoting team spirit will build harmony and unity within the organization Max Weber: he developed a theory of authority structures based on an ideal type of organization he called a bureaucracy: a form of organization characterized by division of labor, a clearly defined hierarchy, detailed rules and regulations, and impersonal relationships. 3. Initiative approach: the use of quantitative techniques to improve decision making. Total Quality Management: a philosophy of management driven by continual improvement and responding to customer needs and expectations.This approach has contributed directly to managerial decision making in the areas of planning and control, such as when managers need to budget, schedule, quality control and similar decisions are made. 4. Organizational behavior: a field of study concerned with the actions (behaviors) of people at work. Hawthorne studies: a series of studies during the sass and ass that provided insight into individual and group behavior. Human relations movement: the belief, for the most part unsubstantiated by research, that a satisfied worker w ill be productive. Behavioral science theorists: psychologists and sociologists who relied on scientific method for study of organizational behavior. 5. Yeasts approach: known as one of the contemporary approaches. It is a set of interrelated and interdependent parts arranged in a manner that produces a unified whole. Closed systems: systems that are not influenced by and do not interact with their environment.

How Does Donatello Tell the Story of the Annunciation

Painting/Sculpture Essay- Ronan Carey Donatello, originally known as Donato, was given the name Donatello by his relatives and thus, wrote it that way on many of his works, was born in Florence in the year 1386. A gifted artist, he was not only an excellent sculptor and a marvellous statuary, but also prevalent in stucco, an able master of perspective, and a greatly admired architect who worked in virtually every medium possible during his long career, marble, bronze, low relief, pietra serena (dark stone), and even wood .And according to Vasari in his â€Å"Lives of the Artists†: â€Å"his works showed so much grace, design, and excellence, that they were held to approach more nearly to the marvellous works of the ancient Greeks and Romans than those of any other craftsman whatsoever. † The piece that shall be discussed in this essay is the work considered by many to be Donatello’s most important work in pietra serena, the â€Å"Annunciation (c. 1435)† fo r the Cavalcanti tabernacle, in the Santa Croce Chapel, Florence.The entire piece is 218cmx268cm, and is an architectural sculpture that takes the place of an altar in a family chapel, located in the right aisle of the Chapel following the renovation of the Original church and destruction of the original Chapel by Vasari. The Annunciation itself is a biblical scene that refers to moment in which the angel Gabriel delivers the news to Mary that she is to bear the child of Christ. In the Bible, the Annunciation is narrated in the book of Luke, Luke 1:26-38: Luke 1:26 and in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed ‘art' thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind wha t manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and ring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. It was the skill of Donatello to translate this scene into a sculpture so vibrant and powerful that generation after generation would look upon it and understand the power and significance of the depiction. According to Joachim Poeschke, author of â€Å"Donatello and his World†, like Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello felt that â€Å"the Distance between the viewer and the action had to be overcome in the emotional sense as well as the visual†.It is this mentality that causes the work of Donatello to sweep a viewer up and allow them to feel in the midst of the action, He did not have to â€Å"rely on realistic effects to create such brilliance but rather focus on his own imagination and creative control over his piece†. However, in this piece, Donatello does actually create a harmoniously realistic rendering of such a miraculous and often over-exaggerated scene. So how exactly does Donatello tell the story?Well the strength of the piece lies in its choice of subjects, their depiction, and the complex emotional brevity he applies to their story. The sculpture itself is carved from a single stone of pietra serena, a typically dark stone that is often avoided by sculptors for its monotony in tone and contrast but in the hands of Donatello he used exquisite gold gilding to create a rich and sensuous appeal to the carving. The gold would have glimmered high above the parishioners in the candlelight of the otherwise dark Franciscan church, notable for its one large external rose window.It is important to note the fact that the parishioners would have been looking up at the elevated sculpture as it plays a paramount role in our understanding of its depiction. Donatello used foreshortening in his rendering of Mary to the extent that on ground level, her right leg appears slightly shorter than it would be if it was anatomically correct. An article in â€Å"The Florentine† magazine by Jane Fortune discusses how this foreshortening allows the figures to stand out in what appears to be a much higher relief than one would expect. However, as Bonnie A. Bennett and David G.Wilkins say in â€Å"Donatello†, the use of a richly patterned and gilded background immediately behind the figures prevents the illusion of further depth, but this restricted spatial effect is very appropriate for Donatello’s annunciation as it architecturally justifies his omission of several iconic elements of the annunciation scene. If we look at the figures presented we see only the Angel Gabriel and Virgin Mary and her lyre back chair. It was common practice in the history of art in 15th Century t o depict Mary and surrounding with numerous symbols to increase the abject legitimacy of the art.Some of these elements include Mary reading or holding a book to display knowledge and wisdom, a lily for purity, a lectern for the word of God or a dove to show the Holy Spirit. In Donatello’s rendering of the Annunciation, however, there are none of these icons save for the Virgins’ book but there is also no loggia, no view into the virgin’s bedchamber, and no symbolic walled garden to represent her virginity. Florence’s museums and churches abound with portrayals that at times seem overcrowded with symbolism and icons to inform a viewer of the theological importance of the scene they are witnessing.Donatello has chosen to do with away with any imagery that may cloud the focus on the Virgin and Gabriel to allow a viewer to become swept up in the complex story at hand. These omissions only prove to make what Donatello has actually included all the more essent ial. If we look at how exactly he has illustrated the angel Gabriel we see that he has chosen the moment when Gabriel has literally just entered the room, his large, deep wings are still unfurled in manner that suggest he has only landed this very second to deliver his news.His drapery and ribbons are swept back behind him to accentuate this idea of swift movement and he appears to genuflect on one knee instead as he comes to a landing with his mouth slightly agape in the act of addressing the virgin. Donatello is transmitting the idea of the power and meaningfulness behind what Gabriel has to say. The Madonna herself is in a pose not usually seen up until that point in art history. According to Gerald S. Davies in the Burlington Magazine, â€Å"She is arrested at the precise moment when it expresses the most completely a condition of mental emotion†.She has been caught whilst reading a book; it is still held firmly in her grasp. We can tell she has just risen at the appearan ce of the angel as she has turned by impulse to leave, clearly taken aback by this miraculous apparition. Her right knee, already bent to take the first step, tells us this. Her left foot is planted firmly on the ground and is yet to be moved. With her right hand she is briskly yet still gracefully clasping for her mantle, which suggests it has fallen from her shoulders as she leapt up in commotion but also confirms that she is accepting of the Angel’s news as she places her hand on her heart.All of these subtle movements come together to express an emotional experience of hearing the message of an angel. Her face is turned downwards in a gracious pose reminiscent of Greek classical sculpture that places it almost completely in profile and away from the direction she is apparently walking. This one look, alone, tells us that what she is hearing is clearly an encapsulating and spellbinding message. In conclusion, Donatello has created something truly special in his depiction o f the Annunciation.His omission of several elements in this much re-created scene gave it its own individual appearance and personality, and although it is clearly indebted to the high-relief Greek classical sculptures of Donatello’s favour, it still remains utterly contemporary and even forward thinking in terms of renaissance sculpture. He has taken an otherwise difficult and unspectacular medium, pietra serena, and bent it to his will to create a spectacular piece of ecclesiastical sculpture.His contemporaries would have been so impressed by this work for its sheer courage if nothing else, Donatello did away with traditional conventions for the sake of expressing more genuine emotional in his art. His ability to allow the three essential elements of the story to occur simultaneously, that of the angel’s arrival and the virgin’s shock, his message being delivered, and Mary’s eventual acceptance, is what elevates this work of stone into another level of artistic expression for its time that would have amazed his contemporaries as well as the average citizens of Florence.References: Donatello- Bonnie A. Bennett and David G. Wilkins (pg. 32/147/148) Joachim Poeschke- Donatello and his world (pg. 32/56) Jane Fortune- Variation on a theme: Annunciation- The Florentine-published June 28, 2007 Giorgio Vasari- the lives of the Artists Tuscany Arts- Looking at Donatello’s Annunciation Gerald S. Davies – A Sidelight on Donatello’s Annunciation- The Burlington Magazine- published 1908

Development of a New Zealand Identity Essay

My report’s focus is to see how the New Zealand identity is portrayed in New Zealand art and literature. The texts I chose come from the early nineteenth century – The Piano – to the 1940s in Frank Sargeson’s short stories. Even though these texts may not be very modern, you can still see that there are a number of different factors that are in them which link to my theme. New Zealand Society In the short story ‘The Hole that Jack Dug’ and in the song ‘Whaling’, the male belongs to the working class. In â€Å"The Hole that Jack Dug†, Jack is a married man who a worker at a quarry. His wife doesn’t like that he does not get a better job, such as one in an office. Even though Jack has the ability to get a better job, he prefers labouring than anything else. In ‘Whaling’ this man is stuck as a whaler for a job, possibly because he lacks proper education. â€Å"But I’m whaling†¦ Not where I want to be. † This lack of education forced him into a job he didn’t want, which might have been what men had to do at the time. This brings up another issue of women being better educated than men. This can be seen in ‘The Hole that Jack Dug’ where Jack’s wife is educated in England. â€Å"†¦ she’d been a governess †¦ read more than ten books by an author called Hugh Walpole. † Because she is interested in literature and Jack isn’t, their marriage isn’t a very good one. Jack shows rebellion against her and her interests, because of her resentment towards him. This can be seen as New Zealand not valuing education during the time which led to people like Jack having working class jobs. These working class jobs can be seen as a New Zealand tradition. Jack and the Whaler were both labourers, a line of work which has continued its way into our modern times. This is evident by the fact the New Zealand has a successful farming industry which requires a large amount of labour. It can also be linked to today’s New Zealand men, who are do it yourself type people who like to fix things themselves. Men and women have not always got along well, as seen in Jane Campion’s film The Piano. The Piano follows a widow and her daughter. The widow has been married by her father to a New Zealand settler. Because Ada is mute and the act that she wasn’t very willing to be married creates problems with her new husband. Ada enjoys playing the piano, an issue that her husband doesn’t care too much about. Ada also has an affair with one of her husband’s workers which makes him so angry that he cuts off her finger. This conflict between men and women can be seen today in the form of sexism and increasing divorce rates. Th is is also shown in ‘ The Hole that Jack Dug’ where Jack’s wife convinces him that the hole was a bad idea and gets him to refill it. This is seen today as women overcome sexism. People like Helen Clark are elected in high positions in our society instead of men. Stereotypes In all of the short stories that I studied, one issue became clear: men don’t say much. This is shown in the ‘They Gave her a Rise’ and ‘The Making of a New Zealander’, both by Frank Sargeson. In ‘They Gave her a Rise’ the male in the story doesn’t say much. In ‘The Making of a New Zealander’, there is a young farmhand. Even though the story is centered around him, the narrator says very little â€Å"Maybe there’s nothing in it and maybe there is. This is often hard to understand, which is maybe why they didn’t say much. It is clear that there are many different sides to the New Zealand identity and they are shown in great depth and detail in NZ literature, and that there are indeed many different viewpoints of it. In the majority of my texts the issue of working class was dealt with more than the other issue s. The importance of working class is still seen in modern NZ society. I think it is a good thing that these issues have had the effect they have because if society keeps advancing, then so will our sense of identity.