Gallaudet University Essay Example for Free

Gallaudet University Essay Gallaudet is a premier and the only university dedicated to educating and broadening the career choices of deaf, hard-of-hearing and a minority of hearing students as well. Duly accredited, it currently offers 40 Bachelor of Arts or Science degrees in its undergraduate program as well as certificates, masteral, specialist and doctoral degrees in its graduate program (Gallaudet, 2008). Gallaudet’s strong commitment to the education of the deaf is also evident in its accomplishment of high-quality research on various aspects of the lives of deaf people. It also maintains the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center catering to deaf and hard-of-hearing children. It is through this center that the university fulfills its federal mandate to pioneer the development, implementation and dissemination of educational strategies for the deaf (Gallaudet, 2008). Gallaudet began as the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf, Dumb and Blind, incorporated by Congress in 1857 (Gallaudet, 2008). The original school building was situated on two acres of land in Northeastern Washington, D. C. which was donated by the businessman Amos Kendall the year before. The first set of students was composed of six blind and twelve deaf individuals. The first school superintendent, and later president of the corporation, was Edward Miner Gallaudet whose father, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, founded the first institution for the deaf in the country (Gallaudet, 2008). In 1864, Congress permitted the school to grant college degrees through a law enacted by President Abraham Lincoln and the first commencement happened in June, 1869 where three young men received their diplomas signed by President Ulysses S. Grant (Berke, 2007). Up to the present, the incumbent U. S. President signs the diplomas of Gallaudet graduates. From then on up to the 1950’s, the college underwent many developments as enrollment steadily rose which necessitated the expansion of its physical structure as well as enhancement of the capacity of its faculty and other personnel. Through another act of Congress, the college was renamed Gallaudet College in 1954, in honor of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and in 1969, the two schools that today make up the Laurent Clerc Center were established with the support of the U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and President Richard Nixon (Berke, 2007). The evolution and expansion of Gallaudet as an institution continued on to the following decades. Finally, in October 1986, Congress conferred to the 122 year-old college its university status so that in the succeeding semester, the total number of students enrolled in all programs reached a peak of nearly 2,000 (Gallaudet, 2008). Two years later, students launched the Deaf President Now (DPN) to persuade the Board of Trustees to appoint a deaf president, a position that has always been held by hearing people. The DPN campaign’s major impact on the community, the country and even beyond was the greater consciousness it created with regards to deaf people. The pressure that the protest created led to the appointment of I. King Jordan as Gallaudet’s first deaf president while the appointment of Philip Bravin as the first deaf chair of the Board followed fueling changes that today allowed 51 percent of the members of the Board to be deaf (Jordan, 2007). Gallaudet is also renowned for organizing and hosting international gatherings the Deaf Way I in 1989 followed by Deaf Way II in 2002, to â€Å"honor the history, language, art, culture, and empowerment of deaf people† (Gallaudet, 2008). Further, it has pledged its commitment to promoting environmental protection as well as respect for diversity (greenreportcard. org, 2008). Finally, the university also employs and adapts modern technology to the needs of the deaf as can be witnessed at the James Lee Sorenson Language and Communication Center and the Student Academic Center (Gallaudet, 2008). List of References Berke, J. (2007). Deaf History – History of Gallaudet University. Retrieved 14 October 2008 from http://deafness. about. com/cs/featurearticles/a/gallyhistory. htm. Gallaudet University (2008). History, Diversity, Fast Facts. Retrieved 14 October, 2008 from http://www. gallaudet. edu/Diversity. xml. Greenreportcard. org (2008). College Sustainability Report Card: Gallaudet University. Retrieved 14 October 2008 from http://www. greenreportcard. org/report-card- 2009/schools/gallaudet-university. Jordan, I. K. (2007). Deaf Culture and Gallaudet. Retrieved 14 October 2008 from http://www. washingtonpost. com/wp- dyn/content/article/2007/01/21/AR2007012101118. html? sub=AR.

Platos Practice Of Death

Platos Practice Of Death In the Phaedo, Plato argues that a true philosopher practices death as if at every moment life were behind him. To understand what Plato meant by a true philosopher practicing death, it is imperative to define philosophy, and death according to Plato and Socrates. Philosophy is defined as the love and search for wisdom. On a deeper level, it refers to the search of what makes a man happy. For philosophers, philosophy or the love for and pursuit of knowledge is a way of life and not just an intellectual pursuit. Plato and Socrates define death as the ultimate separation of the soul and body. They regard the body as a prison for the soul and view death as the means of freedom for the soul. Considering Plato and Socrates definition of death, in the life of a true philosopher, death does not occur when bodily functions cease. Rather, the true philosopher is already dead before they die or before bodily functions cease. The true meaning of the phrase a true philosopher practices death as if at every moment life were behind him can be found in these definitions. For the true philosopher, life involves the search for the meaning of life or what brings happiness in life, and conforming to it. True philosophers regard the body as an obstacle to the search for knowledge and meaning in life. The need to look after the body presents numerous distractions in the quest for knowledge. As such, a true philosophers main goal is to be free of the body and its entanglements, to pursue knowledge. Plato views human nature as dualistic or composed of the soul and the body. When a true philosopher disentangles himself/herself from the body, the soul remains. In other words, the true philosopher deserts the body to live in, and seek satisfaction of the soul, which is exactly what Socrates and Plato define as death. In so doing, the true philosopher practices dying or separation of the soul and the body, long before physical death occurs. Practicing of death is essential in refining peoples character. The pursuit of bodily pleasures is the root of all evil in the society. That is why all religions in the world encourage people to abandon the search for bodily pleasures and seek spiritual gratification, which is the stance taken by Plato. Separating the body from the soul enables human beings to see beyond the gratification of the flesh and pursue the things they believe in, without fearing the consequences these things might have on the body, and is so doing, demonstrate courage that can only be seen on a higher level than the body. Part 2: Nietzsches eternal return Nietzsche takes an evidently different view from Plato on life. He argues that we should live every day as though everything that happens in life will return eternally. Nietzsche takes on an approach that is not popular with religions and some philosophers to explain his point. For Nietzsche, the secret to living a fulfilled life is accepting and embracing reality. This is the true mark of a free spirit, or a spirit that is not hindered by anything. Many people suffer physically and mentally and go through life just trying to survive, in the hope for a better after life that transcends the current life. This is the stance taken by some religions such as Christianity. However, Nietzsche calls this self deception. In living life as though every day will recur, Nietzsche encourages one to accept what is and what has happened, and move to a higher level of liberation where one can will for what has happened to reoccur. The true meaning of life as Nietzsche explains is saying yes to life. He argues that it is not possible to separate good from bad and that suffering is a part of life that is imperative to achieve greatness. The truly free spirit is one that is grateful for everything that has happened, and one that can will for life to reoccur with all its joys, pains and sorrows, as this is the true joy of life. Free spirits enjoy life on earth and live every day to the fullest. Given a chance, they can will for everything to reoccur just as it has, as it would still deliver the same lessons that make great people. Free spirits have learned to embrace reality and not just get through life in hope for a better afterlife. This, according to Nietzsche, is living every day as though everything that happens will reoccur, and it is the true mark of a free person. Embracing Nietzsches philosophy makes people better and braver. By embracing reality, one is no longer afraid of what might happen. Rather, one can live a joyful life and take every joy, sorrow and instance of suffering as a chance to attain wisdom. The reason why one can will for an eternal recurrence is because the wisdom is not attainable without the experiences. Part Three: My view Of the two approaches to life, my preferred approach is Platos practice of death. Plato takes on a more realistic approach to life, and the end results of Nietzsches philosophy on life can still be achieved with Platos model, without having to will for an eternal recurrence. As successful people anywhere in the world will agree, attaining greatness requires one to subdue the body. Successful people usually work harder than other people. They have little regard for the wellness of the body and they force their bodies to go beyond the comfort point to achieve success. In practicing daily death of the flesh, successful people attain wisdom and greatness. Nietzsches model stresses on embracing the joys of life and living a full life on earth. However, it falls short by failing to recognize the fact that no one can truly enjoy life without hope. In the case of Plato, the hope is for eventual freedom in physical death. In the case of successful people, the hope can be for greatness or weal th but the path to this eventuality requires the daily death of the body which according to Plato is dying before you actually die.

Macro Environment Analysis of General Motors (GM)

Macro Environment Analysis of General Motors (GM) In reflecting the macro environment, it is vital for us to identify the factors that might affect the number of variables which can influence the organizations supply and demand levels and the costs as well. The drastic changes in society day by day will create an impact on the function of the whole organization (Allaya, 2008). The political environment is basically the laws and regulations that a particular business has to follow in order to make sure the business owners do not get arrested or being fined for not following the regulations. The domestic market of General Motors in USA has played an important in the political environment of the country. In the last election, the company has contributed almost $802,500 dollars with 52% of that amount given to the Democrats. The company congratulated President Barack Obama on his election by displaying the Detroit Auto Show 2009 as the first African- American president of the United States (Hardigree, 2009). This contribution has improved the reputation of the company. However, the company were declared bankrupt in 2009 and has affected thousands of jobs, shuttering dozens of assembly and parts plants and closing more than 1000 car dealerships worldwide (White, 2010) But with the help of the new President, he promised that these company will not face such problem in the future and the government will contribute almost $30 billion to reorganized the company. 1.2 Economical Environment The domestic economic environment in each country is highly integrated with other countries as well. The understanding of economic environments of foreign countries and markets may help the managers in your company to predict how the trends and events in their environment can take effect of the respective companies future performance (Witiger, 2010). Due to the recent bankruptcy issue, the new Obama policy has caused the company to fall into the governments hand with 62% of ownership. Besides that, the company is making a drastic change which is affecting at least 20% of the salaried workforce to be cut off. Moreover, assets are sold at $4 to $7 billion and halting its quarterly dividend payout (Chubb, 2008). In a recent research, the first quarter of 2009, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) decline of -5.7% which is considered as the worst performance of the company in 60 years of business. But personal consumption expenditures offered a positive contribution. It increased 1.5% in quarter compared to 4.3% in quarter four (Wall Street, 2009). 1.3 Socio-cultural environment The social and cultural differences can influence the business from country to country. General Motors creates environmental principles to serve the society in United States by dedicating protection for human health, natural resources and global environment. The company is aware of the impact on the products and manufacturing facilities when integrating with environment. In order to follow the trend, the company is constantly improving the performance of the new vehicles and also the processes used to manufacture those vehicles. The initiatives to help the environment are fuel economy, reduction of green house gas emission, recycling and reduce air pollution. Moreover, contributions in monetary and intellectual to the education community are one of the socio-cultural as well. This initiative is designed to help the young people to ensure their involvement in thinking smart and provide workable solution for their future challenges (GM, 2010). 1.4 Technological Environment Technology is highly reputable amongst various sources on strategic management. It is widely used in organizations and industry part of model which creates competitive advantage. Currently, technology that is creating impact in the US market is electric cars. These cars are expected to have major impact in the present and future auto industry as it can provide reduction in city pollution, less dependence on oil and expected rise in gasoline prices (Macalister, 2010) The company have launched the latest Chevrolet Volt which is an electric car that can operate under the range of weather climates and driving conditions which will not cause problem by a minimal battery level (GM, 2010) This new advanced technology innovate consumers to purchase one because it will help to improve the environment and to live a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, spending more money on research and development can help the company to provide the latest product for their consumers base on the new trends and brand type. 2.0 International Consideration General Motors is a company with diverse brands and choices. The company sells over 7.5 million vehicles in over 120 countries worldwide and are confident to be the number one choice for the consumers and able to provide the latest technology that can benefit their customers. 2.1 Operations General Motors have expanded their business to international market in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia/ Middle East as well. As we know, General Motors do not only manufacture and sell vehicles but the company also provide other product and services such as GM mobility which can help those people with special needs and disabilities, GM OnStar provide a comprehensive in-vehicle safety, security and communication service, and GM Cardmember Services. Besides that, genuine parts and accessories of General Motors are sold through GM Goodwrench and AcDelco brands to suppliers which is authorised by General Motors itself and to be distributed worldwide (GM, 2010). 2.2 Involvement in international business The companys recent involvement in global market is with South Korea with majority shareholders investing in GM Daewoo Auto and Technology Co. of South Korea. The GM Powertrain product has a purchasing collaboration with Suzuki Motors Corp, and Isuzu Motors of Japan. Big giants such as Toyota, Daimler, Chrysler and BMW collaborate with General Motors for its advanced technology in manufacturing vehicles (GM, 2010). As one of the top automotive manufacturer, it is best for us to have a better relationship with other countries because it will help to expand the companys business and brand reputation. In order to expand our business internationally, we need to consider about the country that the company want to export or start a business, the cost, type of customers, and the competitors in that country which will be our rivals. It will not be an easy task for the company to globalise their business because we need to get licence from the government to start the business and we need to m eet their requirement in order to sell our products. 2.3 Internationalization Method There are several internationalization methods the company used in international business which are by export based consists of direct exporting and indirect exporting, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances . We are already exporting our products to China. Base on pass results, the company have managed to export $ 1billion worth of vehicles, component kits, machinery and equipments (Chinadaily, 2008). Besides that, General Motors have acquisition with AmeriCredit Corp and it is named as General Motors Financial Company. This acquisition is formed to help customers on their vehicle financing especially in US and Canada (GM, 2010). On the other hand, General Motors acquisition with Chrysler worth $5 billion turned into disaster as there were no sales to raise cash and the company lost $2.5 billion. New United Motor Manufacturing Inc(NUMMI) was once run by General Motors, due to internal problems such sex, drugs and well known for producing defective vehicles, Toyota agreed to joint venture with General Motors to solve these problems. There were misunderstandings occurred between the Japanese and American because of differences in culture and behaviour. Some of our employees at NUMMI were not happy with the management, they sabotaged the vehicles, and they put coke bottles into the door panels to annoy customers. The reason why Toyota agreed to joint venture with our company is because they were facing import restrictions from US Congress and with this help they can start building small cars in US. But they decided to terminate the agreement due to lack of improvement in our management (Langfitt, 2010). 3.0 The Growth of Business To potray alternative corporate growth strategies, Igor Ansoff created a market matrix that focuses on the companys present and future products in the market. There are several ways to grow the firms existing product and new products along with existing markets and new markets. In order to achieve this strategy, there are four product market combinations in Ansoff Matrix which can help to establish the growth of business of General Motors. 3.1 Market Penetration The first growth strategy the company should use is market penetration. This strategy is used to achieve growth in our existing products in our current market segment in order to increase the market share of this company. By maintaining the market share in a growing market will improve the growth of the product and we may have opportunities to increase our market share when our competitors have reach their capacity limits in the market (Botten, 2009). In todays world, more people are conscious about the environment therefore we should produce hybrid vehicles to meet the current market and increase our market share as well. As consumers are more concern about the rising of fuel prices that lead them to require alternative fuel sources, we should create a variety of hybrid cars base on consumers affordability (Gray and Pawlovski, 2007). In our current market, there are several hybrid vehicles which allow consumers to choose what type of vehicle they require. They can either choose Buick Lacrosse Hybrid, GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid, Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, GMC Sierra Hybrid or GMC Yukon Hybrid. These vehicles are designed to efficiently boost their travels in busy city, streets or open highway (GM, 2010). 3.2 Market Development Market development is the second growth strategy we should consider using. This strategy enables us to market our current existing products into a new market segment. Venturing this existing product into a new place will not be easy for us because we will have competitors in that new market. There are many possible ways in approaching to this strategy (Botten, 2009). One of the strategies is by exporting our products to our branch in Shanghai GM, China. Previously, our company have raised its stake in a joint venture with Wuling Group in China which is the manufacturer for small passengers vans in Chinese market. Raising its stake in this company has helped us to generate profit in China because commercial vehicles in that country have a lower unit of profit (Schepp, 2010). Shanghai GM sold almost 1.8 million cars and trucks in China alone which is just below what we have sold in USA during that year (Mucha, 2010). As the second top seller of General Motors Co., we should start selling hybrid vehicles in this country so that the Chinese citizen will start practising this culture to be an environmentally-friendly. The Buick Lacrosse will be the best choice to start our first hybrid vehicle. This vehicle will go into mass production of Shanghai GM plant and we should not expect a high volume of sales in short period of time but we are able to bring this new technology into Chinas new market that will support sustainable growth and lead consumers into the right direction to save the environment (Baker, 2008). 3.3 Product Development Product development will be our next strategy which is to market a new product into our existing market. This strategy will be appropriate to our existing customers and it will not be an easy task for the company because we are implementing a new product and we do not know whether this product will generate profit to this company (Botten, 2009). This new product will help us to have a better environment. Likewise, hybrid vehicles are created to save fuel and to have a cleaner environment. Chevrolet Volt will be the best option for us to market our new product. This car is powered by electricity and runs with gas and emission free. The advantage of having this car is it only commutes gas free on electric for an average of USD 1.50 per day. This product should be priced reasonably in order for us to impress our customers with our low price on electric cars (Evarts, 2009). If we set the price at a very high rate then it will damage the companys reputation and endanger our financial future by taking us far behind from our competition in the industry. 3.4 Diversification Finally, the fourth strategy is diversification and it is considered as the most risky among the four growth strategies of Ansoff matrix. This strategy requires us to create new products into a new market. However, diversification may tend to be less risky if we have the opportunity to generate high rate of return. As one of the top automotive manufacturers in the world, we should take advantage in any opportunity that we can get in this growing market (Botten, 2009). General Motors can expand business in South American countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. We need to spend at least $500 million to finance the manufacturing and this centre will be responsible in developing small cars of General Motors in order to support and boost our operations in General Motors Daewoo in Korea (Klum, 2010). There are six latest car models that we can sell in the new market. The models are Celtic, Classic, Corsa, Prism, Malibu, and Agile (General Motors, 2010). We need to have promotion for these cars to impress consumers to buy our product. Our competitor Honda will be releasing their latest Honda Accord in the market so our best product that can compete with Accord is Malibu (Klum, 2010). 4.0 New Venture In order to venture our business in a country, we need to consider the economic strength of the country and whether the consumers have the capabilities in purchasing our products. As the new venture in the automotive industry, we might face risk in pure competition in rates of return across other firms and industries. To obtain a good business and strength we can use Porters Five Forces as our guideline to achieve this. 4.1 Rivalry There is rivalry in every business industry and it is the main hub of porters five forces. Although at times rivalry amongst companies brings many positive factors, the negative should not be looked upon lightly. Competition constantly influences prices of automobile to drop. However, in Brunei rivalry takes place amongst imported brands such as Toyota, Nissan and Proton where car are priced at a cheaper rate compared to neighbouring countries. Thus, quality control plays an important role in the sales of cars. Besides that, the elimination of taxes also ensures that prices of cars are cheap. (Too, 2007) The automobile industry in Brunei is a thriving industry because although it is populated by approximately 400,000 people, sales of cars average at a thousand passenger vehicle a month (Too, 2010). Thus, Brunei provides a suitable market for our company to market our products. 4.2 Threats of Substitutes Besides that, threats by new entry substitutes should also be considered. Generally, when a company starts up, they have price elasticity and this forces price down. However, this is only a small threat as entry barriers protect established companies. Buyers would always be inclined to purchase automobiles based on personal liking. Therefore, marketing of products play an important key in ensuring that sales of cars increase. The entry of Proton in the Brunei market for example, showed that buyers doesnt necessarily buy new products based on promotion but rather the quality of vehicle at hand (BruneiTimes, 2009). Thus, as new ventures ourselves, we need to ensure that promotion of our product runs smoothly without any glitch to ensure establishment of our firm. 4.3 Barriers to Entry Being a company interested in venturing our company into Brunei, barriers to entry must be taken into account. Barriers such as government policies, capital requirement and brand identity may hinder the set up of our company in Brunei. The government of Brunei will waive 20% of import duty however they would incur a 20% tax on excise duty (Brunei Times, 2008). In order for our company to venture in Brunei we would need a firm financial foundation. The capital requirement to start up the business must ensure that our operational cost to facilitate research and development, globalisation and flexible manufacturing is possible. (Beaudette, Fitzgeraldand and Morath, 2009) Lastly, the identity of our brand must be known to consumers. The attributes of a car is very important in promoting. The first attribute that is looked upon is the style and appearance of the vehicle. (Karolefski, 2003). Branding of our products should also concentrate on safety and performance of the vehicle to ensure satisfaction among users. 4.4 Buyer Power The buying power of consumers in Brunei should be analyze before a venture takes place. In a country with more than 400, 000 citizens it would appear that sales would not be as promising but according to statistics, the average of car sales in Brunei is at a thousand passenger a month. Besides that, Brunei is ranked one of the top in the world when it comes to the Gross income per capita at $26,325.00 per personin the year 2009 which is one of the highest in Asia. (World Bank, 2009) This shows that with the right marketing strategy, buyers would definitely purchase our cars. The amount of supplies must correspond with the amount of buyers. Being one of the smaller nations, this would probably be a setback in our set up. The product differentiation is also a factor when it comes to buyers. As some companies produce eco-friendly vehicles, our hybrid car would definitely be a competition to other companies. The first green car in Brunei which is Toyota Prius, would not be an issue if we can bring in a better product into Brunei such as Chevrolet Volt which is fully ran by electric compared to Prius which is only a Hybrid car. (Bahar, 2010) 4.5 Supplier Power Lastly, before venturing our business in Brunei we should consider the supply power to ensure that we could meet the demand. The demand for smaller car has definitely increased due to the increase in fuel prices. Thus, it is crucial that our company has the supply to meet the demand of the consumer in Brunei. (Henry, 2008) Our company would do well in Brunei by marketing an eco friendly car as the only car in the market are hybrid cars. The differentiation would boost business as most consumers are more eco friendly. The presence of substitute input also lowers the power of the suppliers. For example in the automotive industry fuelled powered cars can be substituted with hybrid cars. This lowers the power of the petrol fuelled cars (Simerly, 2002). The lack of substitutes in the eco-friendly environment would guarantee an increase in supply and hence an increase in demand. As consumers are more willing to purchase new vehicles, the supply should always be balanced with the demand of consumers (Cristello, 2009). The availability of credit as well as the low prices fixed would determine the amount of demand that is created and as a new venturing company; our supply should meet the target.

Wellness :: essays research papers

My Own Health History   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Today I would say that I am physically healthy, but I could be more emotionally healthy. The reason I feel this way is because I am currently training for the Berea College track and field team. To do this I have to run times that are not easily attained. This is what causes me to be physically healthy. This is just one of many factors that I believe have influenced my physical health. Others include swimming, basketball, walking, cross-country, my own personal view of my self, and the way others view me. All of these factors have played a positive influence on my training habits and abilities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Basketball has been a very large part of my life. It was the first sport I ever learned to play. When I was younger I would watch my older brothers and my uncles go the park and play. It was something I enjoyed doing. That has a lot to do with your health. If you can find something you love to do and can give you a workout then you can be considered healthy. Playing basketball made me better physically and mentally. As I grew older I started to play more, which put me in better shape. Finally by my freshman year I was playing for my high school. I learned the great skills as well as teamwork. This is an example of how sports develop a person mentally and physically. While playing basketball probably was the most enjoyable it did not put me in the best shape.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I have tried just about every sport in my life, but the two that I have been most successful at are swimming, and running. Running is the one I have decided to do in college, but I also love swimming. I started swimming when I was about two years old, but I did not start competitively swimming until the summer before my junior year. I trained daily when I joined my summer swim team after my best friend told me it would be good for the upcoming cross country season. After swimming I realized that it is a great way to learn controlled breathing, and to increase your VO2 max. It is also a great workout for your legs and arms. And the competition from swimming teaches sportsmanship, and punctuality. Swimming to me was a major part of my health and physical fitness my junior and senior year, but the biggest part was running cross-country and track and field.

Public Relations :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How many people really do dream? Everyone dreams, whether the dream is remembered or not. Throughout the night, there are many stages of sleep that everyone goes through. These stages include light sleep, deep sleep, and dream sleep. Nightmares are also considered dreams, just caused by different emotions. Scientists also have many electrical appliances and have done many tests to study dreams.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dreams are very complex things. Scientists have a hard time trying to understand why people dream. Although recently, neurosurgery’s precise methods of research and invention of sophisticated electrical appliances, have enabled the scientists to increase their knowledge of the human brain, nervous systems, and the body’s biochemistry (Strachey 20). The invention of the electroencephalograph, otherwise known as an EEG, has made it possible for a trained operator to read the brain’s reactions during wakefulness, rest, and sleep (Schneider). The machine detects and enormously amplifies the very faint electrical impulses produced by the brain; placing electrodes against subjects scalp (Freud). â€Å"Professor Nathanial Kleitman of Chicago university, discovered that babies have a sleep rhythm of fifty to sixty minutes after which they are inclined to wake up, although obviously they can’t always†(Freud). As children grow, the body be gins to develop the ninety-minute cycle associated with adult sleepers. The pattern of sleep is acquired and controlled by environmental and social conditioning. However, as people grow older the body tends to revert to the naptime habits of babyhood (Freud). Yet, though people more or less choose when to sleep, the basic ninety-minute rhythm remains. It is biological and not controlled by consciousness, rather as a healthy person’s metabolism functions autonomously (Parker 93). â€Å"Eugene Aserinsky noticed that after an infant fell asleep it’s eyes moved beneath the closed lids. Also, at intervals during sleep and was the first movement when the baby began to wake†(Freud). Kleitman and Aserinsky decided to investigate whether such a pattern could be found in adult sleepers as well (Freud). By attaching extra electrodes from the EEG machine to areas around volunteer sleeper’s eyes, the two scientists were able to monitor brain impulses and movements, wh ile measuring respiration and body movements (Freud). The scientists concluded that there were two types of eye movement. Slow as found in babies and very fast movements, this could last from a few minutes to over a half an hour (Freud). These rapid eye movements, which are commonly known as REMs appeared to occur at intervals throughout the night (Beare).

Critical Response to “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller Essay

From its ominous opening, to its dad ending, â€Å"The Crucible† by Arthur Miller is a play driven by fear and desire, mirroring the McCarthy trials of the Communist hating 1950s. Though its set in 1692, the tone of the play and the themes of intolerance, hysteria, and ruined reputation were very prominently felt during 1953, when the play was published. The title, and the actual item of a crucible, suggests something seemingly solid melting away under immense stress. The hard structure of society in puritanical America and the spotless reputations of many good folk melt away to nothing in the fire of fear and trials caused by accusations of witchcraft. Miller uses the imagery of the crucible in the play also, in a quote from Mr. Danforth, We burn a hot fire here, it melts down all concealment, though what ends up being revealed is the fear and intolerance that control their society. The protagonist, John Proctor, has before the opening if the play had and ended an affair with the Antagonist, Abigail Williams. In this telling of the beginning of the witch trials, it is Abigails desire for revenge that leads the girls into the woods to perform a magic spell against Johns wife Elizabeth. It is dialogue between Abigail and John, and later dialogue of the confession of some of the girls, which reveals the affair between them and Abigails deep desire to have John back at any cost. John is attempting to right his wrong in the affair between himself and Abigail, but spurning her only causes more tension. When Abigail cannot easily win john back, and faces punishment for her actions in the woods, she turns the towns fear of witchcraft and the girls hysteria into her own device for revenge, at any cost. The playwright reveals the depth of his characters; Abigails ruthlessness, Johns remorse, and Elizabeths faith, through dialogue. Parentheticals within the text reveal ton e and motivation behind simple words said, from emotion words such as enraged to the simple act of a character folding their hands or sitting. Miller has worked in these small gestures and nuances in his lines, giving each character a subtext. The characters change as the plot progresses, Abigail goes from dismissing the girls hysteria to using it for her own ends to nearly buying into it herself, beating and hurting herself convinced that what she is doing will win John back and save them both. We see Abigails maniacal conviction in her own motivations in the scene between her and John alone in the forest.  Abigail is convinced John still wants her and will do anything, even accuse him of witchcraft in the end, to have John for herself and no one else. The conflict between Abigail and John mirrors the larger conflict of the play between the real truth and the truth society in its fear wants to believe. Abigail greed and covetousness is that of their society, and Johns struggle to do the right thing is the plight of the honest man within that society, caught by the tide of accusation. Each new action within the play such as the initial accusation, the meetings of Abigail and John, and the confession of Mary Warren drive the characters in different ways, and their reactions to those actions create a domino effect that further drives the plot and action of the play. THE CRUCIBLE does not have a happy conclusion, Abigail run away from the horror she has caused and John, along with many other honest people, dies at the hands of the supposed saviors of their society. But a play such as this, and the lesson it teaches, does not need a happy ending. In his play, Arthur Miller has held up a dark mirror to the society of that time and his own, showing how fear and intolerance can kill innocent people, and people who tout right and just motivations can be the real vehicles of destruction that they seek to stamp out. Source: Miller, Arthur. THE CRUCIBLE. Dramatist Play Service, 1982.

The Labor Orgnizations

I intend to explain in great detail the major issues relative to the unionization process, the act, which governs, and the independent agency, which polices it. I will also show what organizations do to make it difficult to implement the process relative to unfair practices. The NLRA (National Labor Relations Act) was enacted by Congress in 1935. It has the power to regulate interstate commerce and to govern the employer/employee bargaining and union relationship on a national level. The NLRA was amended by the Labor Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act in 1947 and the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure (Landrum-Griffen) Act in 1959. Most employers and employees involved in businesses that affect interstate commerce in any way are regulated by the act. The NLRA gives employees the right to determine for themselves whether they wish to be represented by a union. If the majority of the employees in an appropriate bargaining unit indicate that they support a union a certification of representative is issued. Generally, this designation or †showing of interest† contains a statement that the employees want to be represented for collective bargaining purposes by a specific labor organization. The showing of interest must be signed by each employee and each employee's signature must be dated. These elections are conducted under laboratory conditions to ensure that the election represents the free choice of the employees. Violation of the laboratory conditions, or of the 24-hour silent period rules may result in the NLRB invalidating the election results. The twenty-four-hour silent period is intended to give the employees time to reflect upon their choice free from electioneering pressures. The NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) is an independent federal agency established to enforce the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). As an independent agency, they are not part of any other government agency such as the Department of Labor. Congress has empowered the NLRB to conduct secret-ballot elections so employees may exercise a free choice whether a union should represent them for bargaining purposes. A secret-ballot election will be conducted only when a petition requesting an election is filed. Although representation elections conducted by the NLRB are the most common means through which unions acquire representation rights, an employer may also voluntarily recognize a union as bargaining representative for a group of employees when the union demonstrates majority support. This can happen provided that the employer has no reasonable doubt of the employees' preference and that recognition is not granted for the purpose of assisting one particular union at the expense of another seeking to represent the same employees. A bargaining unit is 4a group of two or more employees who share a †community of interest† and may reasonably be grouped together for collective bargaining purposes. The NLRB is responsible for ensuring that any election in a representation case is conducted in an appropriate unit. A unit is usually described by the type of work done or jobs classification of employees for example, production and maintenance employees or truckdrivers. In some cases, the number of facilities to be included in a bargaining unit is at issue, and the number of locations to be involved may describe a unit. For example, in the retail industry, the NLRB may need to determine whether employees at a single store or whether a bargaining unit consisting of several stores is appropriate. Generally, the appropriateness of a bargaining unit is determined on the basis of the community of interest of the employees involved. Union or employees may file a petition for a decertification election. This petition, which can be filed by anyone seeking an election to determine whether the authority of a union to act as a bargaining representative of employees should continue. The signatures of 30 percent or more of the employees in the bargaining unit represented must support it. These signatures may be on separate cards or on a single piece of paper. Generally, this showing of interest contains a statement that the employees do not wish to be represented for collective-bargaining purposes by the existing labor organization. Each employee must sign the showing of interest and each employee's signature must be dated. When a petition is filed, the NLRB will determine whether the contract bar rule precludes holding an election. If it doesn't the NLRB must then determine an appropriate bargaining unit. The contract bar rule is a written labor contract, which bars an election during the life of the bargaining agreement. Unions may also acquire representation rights through unfair labor practice proceedings. The NLRB may issue a bargaining order when the effect of unfair labor practices by employers prevents a fair election from being held. The unionization process is not always welcome by employers and sometimes-illegal activity will go on to make it difficult to implement the process. Section 8 of the NLRA outlines specific behavior, which is unacceptable for employers. Cornell and Harvard Universities did research on employer coercion, harassment and firings, due to union campaigns, these findings were:  § One in four employers fires workers who are active in union campaigns-in all, it's estimated that at least 10,000 workers are fired each year for exercising the freedom to join a union.  § Ninety-one percent of employers, when faced with employees who want to join together in a union force employees to attend closed-door meetings to hear anti-union propaganda. 80 percent require immediate supervisors to attend training sessions on how to attack unions; and 79 percent have supervisors deliver anti-union messages to workers they oversee.  § Eighty percent hire outside consultants to run anti-union campaigns, often based on mass psychology and distorting the law.  § Half of employers threaten to shut down if employees join together in a union. Martin Jay Levitt, who had been among the fiercest hired guns brought in to fight organizing campaigns, said there were more than 7,000 attorneys and consultants who made their living busting unions. All told, the union busting industry had grown more than a billion dollars a year. Levitt, who planned and ran more than 250 union-busting campaigns across the country before renouncing the profession, described in detail the manipulation, dirty-tricks, abuse of the law and disregard for lives that are all part of a corporate campaign against a union drive. â€Å"Some corporate executives I encountered liked to think of their anti-union consultants as generals. But really the consultants are terrorists. Like political terrorists, the consultants' attacks are intensely personal,† he wrote. â€Å"Terrorists do not make factories and air strips their victims; they choose instead crippled old men and school children. Likewise, as the consultants go about the business of destroying unions, they invade people's lives, demolish their friendships, crush their will and shatter their families.† Levitt's standard operating procedures not only included investigating police records, personnel files, medical records and the family lives of union proponents to find a way to discredit them, but in the absence of any good ammunition he would simply concoct something to do the job. â€Å"To fell the sturdiest union supporters in the 1970s, I frequently launched rumors that the target worker was gay or was cheating on his wife,† he wrote. â€Å"It was a very effective technique, particularly in blue-collar towns.† Sharon Fisher's voice quivers when she talks about it. Ed Platt gets angry still. Ron Heller was shocked when the police looked the other way. Debbie Shallenburger says it's un-American, what happened to the hard-working citizens of her community. It's been a year since UAW members recessed their 17-month strike at Caterpillar plants in three states. But in and around East Peoria, Illinois, home of Caterpillar's corporate offices, Local 974 members and spouses still talk about the gang of thugs who brought terror to their quiet communities. They would cruise up and down the streets of Peoria, East Peoria, and suburbs like Washington, Pekin, and Metamora, often parking in front of the homes of UAW members. They would videotape family members in front of their own homes, at restaurants and stores, while they were driving. They learned the names of children, and called to them by their first names. They even left a flashlight inside the locked car of one worker's daughter, just to show that they had been there. It was all part of a huge intimidation campaign, and it got even rougher on the picket line where gang members assaulted women, provoked men to fight back, and used videotape to get workers fired. When they went to the local police for help, they were treated like criminals. Later they learned that the state police were against them, too. Who are these goons who roamed the streets of working class neighborhoods, protected by the law while terrorizing decent, law-abiding people? They're employees of Vance International–the same gang of thugs hired to clamp down on coal miners in West Virginia, schoolteachers in Cleveland, aerospace workers in St. Louis, and, today, newspaper workers in Detroit. When spying and provocation aren't enough, Vance's APT goons resort to violence like the assault that has left Detroit newspaper striker Vito Sciuto permanently scarred and still suffering violent seizures more than a year after brain surgery. Sciuto, a mailer, was smashed in the skull with a heavy piece of wood when 20 APT thugs formed a tight V-shaped wedge and marched out of a distribution center gate into a circle of peaceful pickets. The goal that night, a Vance employee told a reporter, was â€Å"to hurt people.† Detroit police watched the Vance riot, but no arrests were made. I feel once again that I have thoroughly covered the questions given. I put quite a bit of time into researching each part of the question. I was appalled at a lot of the information that I read, especially at Caterpillar and in Detroit. The examples I chose were the best out of many, which I had found. I really got into this essay and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. (Seriously)