Psychological theories Essay

There are several psychological theories that try to experience human behavior. They are mainly divided into six groups each with its focus (Burke, 2008). The behavioral theories look at human behavior based on the idea that it is through conditioning that behavior is acquired. Cognitive theories look at internalized states such as problem solving and motivation. Developmental theories offer thoughts on human development, growth and learning. Humanist theories look at human experiences as part of collective human needs and condition. Personality theories examine patterns of behavior, feelings and thoughts unique to a person. Social psychology theories examine social behavior and social phenomenon. All the theories look at human being and try to explain it (Burke, 2008). The theories offer as well knowledge that can sometimes help modify behavior. Growing up my experiences have led me to prove or disapprove some of these psychological theories. On reflection some theories seem to explain the behaviors that I exhibited. Developmental theory. One of the theories that explain my behavior as a teenager is the social learning theory. The theory proposed by Albert Bandura argues that one of the ways that people learn new behaviors is by observing other peoples behavior (Bandura, 1976). In my case, growing up as a new cheerleader I looked at how other girls behaved at cheerleading tournament to decipher what the proper behavior was in certain situations. By looking at how my teammates remained optimistic and cheered wildly even when our team was down, I imitated their behavior as the right thing to do. Bandura offered concepts to basic social learning. To begin with social learning depends on and begins with observational learning (Bandura, 1976). He identified three models of observational learning; a live model, a verbal instructional model and a symbolic model (Bandura, 1976). In my case, I was modeling my behavior after live models who were my teammates. Social learning also involves mental states. While extrinsic reinforcement plays a big role in learning, intrinsic reinforcement influences behavior. He found that reward received on the inside of a person like satisfaction and pride influences learning and subsequent behavior. In my case, one of the rewards was fitting in with my teammates. The cheerleading squad was very close and if one did not fit in they would be treated as an outsider. So I observed the skills of my team mates especially those who were able to rally everyone. By following in their footsteps, I was soon able to encourage my teammates even when our team was doing poorly. I was happy that soon they would not want to attend any cheering games without me around and nominated me to be head of the cheerleading squad. Looking back, I can see that my behavior was fueled by the internal reward of acceptance and admiration. Bandura also noted that though learning may take place and new information may be gotten, behavioral change may not occur (Bandura, 1976). Some factors affect the process of learning influencing the outcome. Models who inspire interest facilitate learning since learners can give them the necessary attention required for learning. In my case, I had always admired the cheering squad of our school. As a result, I fully dedicated myself to the process of learning how to be like them. Everything that the leader taught us was something I had always wanted to know and I felt lucky to have the leader mentor me. A learner’s ability to retain information gathered affects learning (Bandura, 1976). If information can not be retrieved, it can not be acted upon. One of the factors that affect retention of information is a brain’s condition. A young brain like mine was without defects was able to retain information and retrieve it. Being able to retain the information and retrieve it meant that the learning would be a continuous process (Bandura, 1976). Next in the learning process is reproduction of the observed and retained behavior. In my case I got a lot of opportunity to reproduce the desired behavior. Every time we had a tournament I would practice the behavior I was learning. With lots of practice, I was able to have the same behavior the other cheering squad members had and no one might have known who learnt from whom. Motivation plays the last part of learning (Bandura, 1976). Motivation to learn the desired behavior can be through direct reinforcement of the learner or what the learner observes others receive. In my case, seeing the admiration the cheering squad got even before I joined them motivated me to pursue joining the squad. After joining the squad, I noticed how the cheering squad members got attention and praise. I was therefore motivated to excel in my cheering skills. Personality theory One of the personality theories that can also explain my behavior is the trait personality theory. The trait theory proposes that people’s personalities are made up of diverse inclinations (Burke, 2008). The traits are stable characteristic that make people behave in a certain manner. Several traits when playing together are what make up a personality. Several psychologists have come up with proposals of personality. One of the personality categorization is the Big Five personality which presents five dimensions to the human personality that determines our behavior (Burke, 2008). One of the five dimensions is extraversion referring to an individual’s expressiveness of emotional feelings (Engler, 2008). In my case being emotionally open I was able to express what I wanted from the cheering squad and if I was unhappy I found myself voicing my disapproval. Sometimes the squad would make fun of teams playing against our team. I would always be open about my disapproval and would not participate if I felt that our behavior was closing the line. The second dimension is agreeableness referring to attributes that promote social behaviors (Engler, 2008). Some people are able to be sociable with others and fit in quickly with the cheering squad. Mingling with others would be the highlight of my day and I found that I always picked activities that leaned towards socializing. Whenever a new member joined the squad I would be curious to know about them and I was the one introducing them to the others. The third dimension is conscientiousness referring to traits of organization, impulse control and goal centered behaviors (Engler, 2008). People with these traits behave in ways that are organized. In my case I was praised for my punctuality and seriousness in our training. I found that if I was serious with my goal I had to see it through by giving it the right time and effort. Many trainees dropped out because the training required lots of dedication. For me, school work and my training could be combined by thoroughly planning all the details involved and being aware of what each needed. The fourth dimension is neuroticism referring to people who tend to exhibit anxiety, moodiness and emotional instability (Engler, 2008). Despite being in similar situations with others, these tend to show different reaction. In my case I found my time as a member of the cheering squad to be fun. Though many times things didn’t go the way I wanted them to, to brood over that would rob me of opportunities to have a good time. By being myself, I was therefore able to enjoy my cheering time and I look back at it with happiness. The last dimension is openness (Engler, 2008). People with this trait show a lot of interests, insight and imagination. These people usually have many hobbies and are involved in many activities. In my case being a member of the cheering squad was only part of the many interests I had. I was a member of about five clubs and a leader in three of them. I was happy to be a cheering squad member and enjoyed coming up with new routine moves. I became the youngest cheerleader in the history of my school and we had the most unique routines during competition thanks to my creativity and the invitation I gave to all the members to share their creations. Although the developmental and personality theories do not fully explain all my behaviors during my cheering time in school, they enlighten some of the behaviors and explain why I behaved the way I did. References Albert Bandura. (1976). Social Learning Theory. New jersey: Prentice Hall. Barbara Engler. (2008). Personality Theories. Boston: Wadsworth publishing. Peter, J. Burke(Ed. ). (2006). Contemporary Social theories. Carlifornia: Stanford Sciences.

Challenge in people management of contemporary

The first part of this article is an analysis which in a viewpoint of evolution to understand and anticipate the change of project management. Second part is to further illustrate how those changes affect the environment of project management and eventually change the role of project manager. The last three parts are combination of conceptual and practical elements to elaborate one fact that the competence of a project manager is the key factor to both project success and organization success. Evolution of project management â€Å"A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to produce a unique product, service or result.And project management is the application of knowledge, tools and techniques to project activities to achieve project requirements. † -? MAMBO. As society and organizational structures have shifted over years, the tools and techniques, methodologies, factors and requirements of project management have consequently change d as showing below in Figurer. Figurer project management evolution timeline Project management is a methodology which was originally developed to purr sue maximum utility of resources in order to accomplish a common goal, in this case, I think its fair to say that I it's based on utilitarianism. 2Picture and illustration origin from w. Iv. Protectorate's. Com The â€Å"big bang† period At the very first evolutionary step, the project objective was mainly for living. People are organized to utilizes limited resources for survival or better life. Even though the achievement of manage meet is remarkable where we can see the concrete evidence like the pyramids in Egypt or the Chinese great wall. These astonish inning artificers also prove that people have already found a model to work efficiently together in this prehistoric period. And a hierarchy organization was recognized as the one and only sol caution at that time. The industrialization the hard facts Within the next step of industrialization and mechanization, people started to make a division of work in production line. The business processes were divided into small work steps to produce a product or service. They started to realize that it is more likely to get an â€Å"secure† project approach by detailed planning of tasks. The † Tailors†3 dominated through people at this time as Henry Ford surprised the world with his automobile empire. 3. The soft facts As a result of productive rate increasing, the complexity of product increased as w ell and speeded up their life cycles.Industrialists like Henry Ford soon observed that the â€Å"hard facts† (scientific management) has its limit. The further improvement of efficiency is mainly contributed by knowledge workers who has â€Å"special know how' within himself, â€Å"trust† from other project partners (from leaders, project colleagues or suppliers and customers) and a social network from previous successful project work. And it's the first time people b egin to recognize that all people are different in their objectives, senses, set of beliefs, construction of reality and needs.Individual leadership within a project is practically important. . Multipurpose management As the competitive pressure and complexity accumulating, the â€Å"traditional model† to work together could no longer fulfill increasing complicated requirements and dynamic of market. The limited amount of â€Å"knowledge workers† were seen as scarce resources and required to be balanced within project programs or project portfolios in several dimensions of procrastination. And industrialists begun to pursuing Increase of long term survival of the company in global society and economy.As it well illustrated by Jim Collins in his book â€Å"Good to great† the â€Å"Level 5 Manager†4 . 5. Utter Trial project management competence 3 Scientific management, also called Tailors, is a theory' of management that t analyzes and synthesizes workflow . Its main objective is improving economic efficiency, especially labor productivity. It was one of the earliest attempts to apply science to the engineering of processes and to management. Its development began with Frederick Winslow Taylor in the sass and 1 8905 within the manufacturing industries. Collins often discusses a â€Å"Level 5 leader† in his writings. This refers to the pea k of a fitter hierarchy of leadership characteristics presented in the books. A Level 5 Leader is someone who embed dies a â€Å"paradoxical mix of personal humility and professional will. † 2 Today we have nearly all information in real time by multidimensional corporate communication networks and Internet. And shareholder driven companies are required to grow steadily because of the † compound interest agreement†, and they are Inevitably required to start â€Å"super national† (e. G.European wide) or global expansion activities to overcome the local market saturatio n. The world is becoming flat where companies confront with intercultural problems and business environment changes. They Start heading toward a new there of problems such as customer requirements, competitor environment, supplier structures, logistic chain, finance flow, the legal environment, climate, values of beliefs and historic cult rural development. 6. Netter Trial project cooperation competence Today the high development and successful centralization of technology require a knowledge intensive competence within companies.Inverness, the ability to adapt with the dynamic of markets and shorten product life cycles is getting more and more crucial. And the research of Exonerative predicts that after the current yes (development of monoculture cooperation) will follow the â€Å"real globalization† with the global masterwork of intercultural cooperation. That's why the competence to realize and manage intercultural project cooperation and develop the corporate culture betw een companies will become existential importance.Sociological development models e. G. Spiral Dynamics also show that people and social human systems including those from a certain level Of conciseness (Value Meme 8) are going to take the evolutionary step from previous â€Å"Misapplied contracts† to interdependent cooperation. 7. The lifework balance firework balance is a step where project work, private and family life are bal once. Current studies show that the increasing complexity and dynamic working environment causes a lot of psychological illnesses.Only the balance between intensive work and recreation, spare time and time with the family is the foundation Of a long term fulfilled life Of happiness. 8. The consciousness level balance 5 From â€Å"The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Identifiers Century' , an intern cantonal bestselling book by Thomas L. Friedman that analyzes globalization, primarily in the early 21st century. The t title is a metaphor for viewi ng the world as a level playing field in terms of commerce, where all competitors have an equal opportunity. In economics, Exonerative waves (also called cypresses,great surges, long w eaves, Saves or the long economic cycle) are supposedly jellylike phenomena in the modern world economy. It is claim med that the period of the wave ranges from forty to sixty years, the cycles consist of alternating intervals between high sec Doral growth and intervals of relatively slow growth. 7 Spiral Dynamics is a dynamic model of human development and development of mimes carrying systems such as a social network, society or company introduced in the 1996 book Spiral Dana miss by Don Beck and Chris Cowan.The book was based on the 1 sass theories of psychologist Clare W. Graves. Spiral Dynamics argues that human nature is not fixed: humans are able, when forced by life conditions, to adapt to their envier moment by constructing new, more complex, conceptual models of the world that allow them to handle the new problems. 8 A meme acts as a unit for carrying cultural ideas, symbols, or practices that c an be transmitted from one mind to another wrought writing speech, gestures, rituals, or other imitable phenomena with a mimicked theme.The fact is that there is barely human being who has achieved power and economical wealth is really internally satisfied and completely fulfilled with happiness. They often suffer from dissatisfaction or deep, highly unpleasant loneliness. The project manager who achieves the balance of his consciousness levels in this Step , will increase his lifetime periods in happiness by personality developing â€Å"selfless†. He will develop the ability to flower out his full consciousness potential on the level of the person lit (Ego/intelligence/mind) to the level of visible world.The difficulties of project manager in contemporary society As going through the above mentioned evolution process, we can sum up that the project management changes fr om industrial driven (hard skill oriented) to people driven (soft skill oriented), from national management to global cooperation and from material to immaterial satisfaction. But there are one thing remain unchanged that the project can only be completed by team, which means project performance can be seen as team performance not only externally (by sponsor) but also internally (by team members).And team building can be affected by several factors, such as individual characters and expertise, HRS cost and availability, project WEBS and organizational norms. One simple universal fact is that there is no â€Å"recipe † (one fits for all) of project management, different team structures may suit for different project types, and project managers need to adopt different roles with different responsibilities in different team structures accord Nagy. A contemporary project manager has to embody all the relative skills into himself to make projects success in all circumstances.Compl icated diversity of project types As time being, projects are getting more and more complicated, the simple production project which dominated in the past is no longer enough to cover all the diversity of projects. And there is a lot of way to categorize projects, they can be divided into longer, midterm and shorter projects by time, or they ca n be categorized by purposes as shown in Figurer, and each type of project will need different tea m strategy in correspondent. Figure 2 Types of projects As project team, it can be oversimplified into two categories , Mechanist Structure and Matrix Structure. (see Figurer as below) Figure 3 : Type of project teams Mechanist structure is more suitable for classic project which highly focus on tasks and results which are comparatively familiar, and as a result resource management will be the most crucial factor. Matrix structure is more relying on collaboration instead of cooperation, where codependent is needed and it is especially effective in innovation project , and network management is highly valued. . Various competence of project manager As the team structures shift, the success of the project management function will depend heavily upon the project managers' entrepreneurship, outworking, and collaboration skills. All of them are relying on good communication, without frequent, effective, and efficient communication among the project manager, project team, project sponsor, and other stakeholders, a project is likely headed toward disaster despite how good technical expertise the project manager has.Wisped defines collaboration as : â€Å"working together retro achieve a goal. It is a recursive process where two or more people or organizations work together to realize shared goals†. The idea behind collaboration is that the sum of all elements is always greater n value than a single element, and it is the best way to codebook a stronger product or service to stakeholders. It is well illustrated by George Be rnard Shaw : â€Å"If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and will still each have one apple.But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exec angle these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas. † The future of project management will emphasize strong internal entrepreneurial roles where individuals are expected to partner and collaborate on tasks to deliver greater value to the customers resulting in a sustainable competitive advantage. The competence of adapting different roles in different team with different projects to not only make the right thing but also make things right, will be the true shall Eng to a good project manager. 3.Complexity Of Stakeholders' satisfactions Defining a project success is not solely by the golden triangle of project management ( cost, time, quality) but dependent upon its stakeholders, which means without the satisfaction of stakeholders, a success project can and will be seen as a fall in pro ject management. But every person, from the project manager to the CEO, could has a different idea of what success means-?and often that's why teams don't get projects done efficiently. Nowadays, things are getting even more complicated because of the social net work blossom.Industry is not the only one gets globalization in modern time, so does the NIMBI, † Noting my backyard† becomes more and more Often † Not in my neigh brood† even â€Å"nothing anywhere†. 9 This fact emphasizes the demand for building and sustaining strong relationships with individuals not only internal but also external to the project engagement, information shared across boundaries will enhance the capabilities available t meet the needs of that climate. 9 BANANA is an acronym for â€Å"Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything g† (or ‘Anyone†).The term is most often used to criticize the ongoing opposition of certain advocacy groups to land De velveteen . 6 Additionally, expanding relationships across multiple functional divisions throughout the organization will help identify new opportunities and quickly bring expert personnel together to generate a solution. The ending result equates to a satisfied business sponsor whose needs are being met. To sum up, skills focusing on managing project itself is far from enough or a project manager in nowadays, and stakeholders are not anymore solely whom project are related directly.A contemporary project manager now manages with things more and more metaphysical, which is not well covered by the project management methodology yet. And we as a future project manager, have to understand and realize those characteristics to create our own solutions and methods to get projects done. The spell of hierarchy in Taiwan A Chinese proverb says . † From rags to riches and back again takes only three generations† 1 0, which is an old saying to encourage people not relying on family wealth UT to explore your own fortune in life.Inverness, it is also a very true spell in Taiwanese business environment. In Taiwan, most successful .NET reprises are family business, and all successful enterprises 11 are strongly high hierarchical organization. All those wealthiest people on Forbes' list today are funded himself or the second generation, it may be too premature to judge their future, but history always repeats itself. Let's take ACRE as example, it was established by Stan Shih, and under his lead it becomes the biggest PC supplier in Europe and 13th in the world.But things going down after he stepped own the CEO and retired, the successor misjudged the trend of SIS and Android which eventually causes a tremendous financial loss since 2010. The company is still facing the survival crisis and desperately recruits Stan Shin back in charge who is already 70 years old in 2014. Jack Ma, the founder of Alabama group, once commented that : † It will be a hopeless place, if som eone who is over 70 still have to talk about innovation. † On the other hand , most of the biggest western enterprises are as well family business, but they don't have such a problem.It proves that family ownership is not the etiology, the devil is hidden in he organization : hierarchy. Since 221 BC , Chinese people was already used to hierarchical domination. In history, every revolution in china is just a repetition to espouse another emperor until 19th century. Even in contemporary, democracy in Taiwan is still like a walking baby. It seems like there is a tendency of us to obey and seek of r super leaders, every candidate was made up as hero during campaign, where the spotlight is law yes on the candidate himself instead of his manifesto.Just like in ancient time that every emperor had to be believed as the true blood of god. In this mind Of cultural , Hierarchy and Coercion undoubtedly becomes the most welkin and popular way to lead and even be leaded, not only in politic but also in business. 10 11 There is a similar English proverb : ‘from clogs to clogs is only three generation NSA†. According to Forbes Twain's 40 richest list Undeniable that hierarchy organization is the most efficient one, but its drawback could be deadly in contemporary.Because after internet was invented, the information starts flying and product life cycle is further compressing and the demand of innovation becomes skyrocketing high. Under the hierarchy structure, everyone is afraid of making mistake, the goal of employees becomes to accomplish your superior's satisfaction or even anticipate it. The individual objective overvalue the organizational objective, personal interest in power ladder is more important than company's best interest, and the innovative ideas are often killed or buried during this process.That's also why most of the famous Taiwanese enterprises are all MEMO suppliers, and even there once are some famous brands like ACRE, SASS, ETC, they can' t sustain long and all facing survival crisis today. 12 Break the spell by project management Over this decade, the number of PM in Taiwan grows significantly from hundreds to more than twelve thousands. A PM certification is not anymore a â€Å"plus† , but a â€Å"must† for applying a manager position nowadays.The seed of preconditioned anarchically organization has been planted, and I believe it will definitely sprout someday. Every project is an opportunity to bring different experts across the organization together, to cooperate and collaborate in a limited time scheme, which means no time for bureaucracy that people can be released from hierarchy and focus on problem solving. Every project is a synergy of organization, not only vertically but also horizontally and it can be seen as an authorized way to break the exist structure to work together.

Discuss the impact of marketing strategy on profits in two businesses Essay - 1

Discuss the impact of marketing strategy on profits in two businesses of your choice - Essay Example Kotler (2011) suggests that a company prepares its marketing strategy by dividing the larger market into different segments and positioning itself in one target market. J Sainsbury and Tesco plc are retail companies based in Europe. They have developed almost a similar marketing strategy by focusing on the mid-market segment and using the marketing mix to position themselves in order to meet the needs of their customers. Since marketing strategies enable management to achieve organisational objectives, and one of the main organisational objectives of Tesco and J Sainsbury is to make profits, it is evidently plausible to argue that the marketing strategies of the two companies enable them to increase their profits. Achieving organisational objectives requires a business to satisfy its customers’ needs, wants and demands (Jobber, 2010). This is exactly what marketing strategy in Tesco plc and J Sainsbury is all about. Tesco plc has customer focused marketing strategy implied by its mission and vision statements, as well as its dealings with customers in and out of their stores. One of Tesco’s missions is to provide customers with the best marketing trip. This simply means to satisfy customers with quality and variety of products, effective customer service, sustainable shopping environment, product price and availability of products. The company employs many employees to serve customers in order to improve the quality of service. This customer experience improves customer satisfaction and as a result increasing sales in the company. This leads to overall increase in profitability of the company. Other marketing strategies of Tesco include refreshing its stores for customers and staff, online marketing, international expansion, market development, and helping communities (Tesco, 2012). In terms of online marketing, Tesco has developed online transaction services which serve to improve the sales and consequentially the profitability of

American Fish Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

American Fish - Assignment Example Nakamura and the family were made to leave the country because the treatment they were getting while in America was not good. She explains it sadly, that her father was even forced to sell the store they had worked so hard for a living at a throwaway price. They sold it to the first buyer who was willing to buy the store (Sasaki, p. 72). From the story, after a long dance around the embarrassment of trying to figure out where they had met before, it comes clear that they had met each other in the workplace. Mrs. Hayashi was once working in Macy’s where Mrs. Nakamura was heading for work as they were parting. This explains the theory of forgetting where there were loss and decay of memory due to disuse of the information as they had parted a long time ago. Before making any referral point to individuals that I meet, I also try to get their background information rather those misleading assumptions that might lead to loss or failure of identification. By so doing, it will help in memory refresh and making of correct referral points (Sasaki, p.74). The referral points that have been made are all wrong I can say this because it is evident that there has been a war between the two countries. In addition, immigrants to America from Japan are treated poorly and to the extent to which they are forced to vacate upon orders just like a family to Mrs. Nakamura (Sasaki, p.

Saint Thomas Aquinas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Saint Thomas Aquinas - Essay Example It follows a cycle-God, God's creation, Man, Man's purpose, Christ, the Sacraments, and back to God. He delves into the various concepts of divinity and explains it with logical and simple reasoning. No wonder it has often been consulted and cited in case of religious discussions and debates over the ages. Since this essay forms a part of our Theory of Rights course, let us digress a bit and try to understand the background of this essay. A 'right' can be defined as a special advantage for obtaining a liberty, a power, an entitlement, or an immunity that someone gains because of his or her particular status. The general notion of right applies in both legal and moral contexts. It was the famous English philosopher Thomas Hobbes who introduced the English term 'right' into political philosophy with his interpretation of ius naturale as 'right of nature'. As he mentions in the chapter 14 of Leviathan: The right of nature is the liberty each man has to use his own power as he will himself, for the preservation of his own nature, that is to say, of his own life, and consequently of doing anything which, in his own judgment and reason, he shall conceive to be the aptest means thereunto. John Locke and William Paley also offered their significant contributions towards the body of work of the theory of rights. John Locke also an English philosopher argues that God created people free and equal in the state of nature. Unlike Hobbes, who supported the theory of natural reason and natural law, Locke proposes the theory of natural right. He further said that as such in this condition, no one is naturally sovereign over anyone else. William Paley, a British divine, best remembered for his watchmaker analogy on the other hand says that rights are either natural or adventitious and that its distinction here rests on whether rights are created by society or not. It is in this background that we shall endeavour to comprehend St Thomas's views on law and its specific relation with reason. Coming back now to St Thomas, it is also in Summa Theologica that St Thomas talks about the various aspects of law and the role of justice in human community, his basic premise being that law essentially pertains to reason. It is much later in the Summa Theologica that Thomas turns to the problem of law. His skilful treatment of the subject throws light into the coherence of his thought and his confidence in the ability of reason to guide us in making ethical decisions. The Greek philosopher Aristotle was perhaps one of the first few great masters who portrayed and analysed the intent behind man's actions in their writing and tried to give it a lucid form through a well-structured approach. According to Aristotle, the first principle of all activity is reason. It is through reason that we reach an end to any problem or discussion. St Thomas too concurs with Aristotle in this basic premise. Let us now examine in depth St Thomas's ideas

Managing Expectations in Business and Personal Life Essay

Managing Expectations in Business and Personal Life - Essay Example Keeping a balance between personal and professional life is extremely difficult. Both business/professional life and personal life are filled with immense stress in the current world because of the increased commitments of people towards, their family, profession and society. Managing expectations in personal professional life are extremely difficult because of these commitments. This paper briefly explains the management of expectations in personal and professional life. At the center of every influential person and organization is the effective management of expectations (Cacace MBA, PMP, p.18). A professional always have a dual life; personal and professional. In fact a profession is required by an individual for making his/her personal life enjoyable. So it is not wise for a person to concentrate heavily on professional life by neglecting the needs of personal life. For example, most of the working women try to keep their babies in daycare centers even at a much younger stage when the infant badly in need of the mothers care and love, in order to fulfill their professional commitments. Such habits will destroy the physical and mental development of the child for who they work. In other words, they are trying to provide a better life to their children at one side while destroying their life on the other side. They must try to keep a balance between these two sides by taking as much as break from the profession when their children are badly in need of their presence, love and care. When your intentions are not in perfect alignment with expectations, and expectations are not in sync with requirements and objectives; you are putting too much faith in luck and relinquishing control to chaos (Cacace MBA, PMP, p.18). Expectations should be realistic and objective based. Expectations and requirements should have synchronization. There is no point in expecting a trip to sun as it is unrealistic. Also, it is not logical for an uneducated person to expect

HISTORY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

HISTORY - Essay Example He was crowned King of Anshan after the death of his father in 559 BC. He soon started on a series of great achievements that marked his 29-year reign as the greatest in Persian history (Wikipedia.org, 2007). Cyrus’ first great achievement was the conquest of the Median Empire ruled by his maternal grandfather Astyages. Being a vassal kingdom of the Median Empire, Anshan was subject to its feudal lordship policies. Cyrus decided to rebel against Median control. In an armed struggle that lasted 5 years {554 BC to 549 BC}, he finally managed to defeat the Median armies and capture Ecbatana, which marked the end of the Median Empire. Cyrus then united it with Anshan to create the Achaemenid Empire Cyrus’ second great achievement occurred 3 years later when he conquered the Lydian Empire. In 547 BC, Croesus, ruler of the Lydian Empire attacked Pteria, a city of the Achaemenid Empire. Croesus besieged the city, captured its inhabitants and forced them to serve as slaves. Cyrus gathered a large army and marched against the Lydian forces. Many fierce battles were fought, most notably the Battle of Pteria and the Battle of Thymbra. In the latter, acting on the advice of one of his military commanders named Harpagus, Cyrus used a new military plan – he ordered his soldiers to follow behind camels as they marched to fight. The plan was to create panic among the horses rode by the Lydian cavalry who were not used to the smell of camels. The plan worked and the Lydian army was totally defeated, marking Cyrus’ conquest of the Lydian Empire in 546 BC (Wikipedia.org, 2007). Cyrus’ third great achievement was the conquest of Asia Minor 4 years later. It began when Cyrus ordered his military commander named Mazares to pursue a Lydian called Pactyas who had earlier tried to create a rebellion in Sardis {capital of the Lydian Empire} against Cyrus’ rule. Pactyas fled to Ionia where he

The relationship of the mass commercial media we are living with and Research Paper

The relationship of the mass commercial media we are living with and experimental film - Research Paper Example The research paper also discusses whether it is possible to commercialize modern experimental films or video art (Barnett 39). Commercial media vs. experimental film Mass media is a combination of diverse media technologies whose main purpose is to reach to a large group of audience through mass communication. The technologies used to achieve this objective vary. For instance, broadcast media such as recorded music, radio, televisions, and films transmit their messages electronically. On the other hand, experimental cinema or experimental film is a form of cinema (Barnett 111). Experimental film is a type of artistic practice that easesof both cinema and visual arts. Experimental film has its origin in Europe, which took place during the twentieth centuries. Experimental film has established its history through theories such as that of P. Adams Sitney, and its distribution advance through non-profit institutions such as The Film-Makers’ Cooperative of New York and other organi zations in other countries (Barnett 192). Experimental film influences on commercial media Although experimental film is familiar witha relatively small group of academics, practitioners, and connoisseurs, it has highly influenced, and will continue influencing visual effects, cinematography, and editing (Biolsi 84). Experimental film has highly influenced and led to the advancement of commercial media, which is currently familiarwith a large group of people such as televisions. Experimental film influences cinematography, which is the science or art of motion picture shooting. It is the technology used in movie photography, which includes both shooting and production of films (Biolsi 221). Cinematography also refers to film director’s major visual turncoat. Secondly, experimental film influences visual effects; these are a variety of processes for creating or manipulating imagery outside live action’s context. These visual effects influence commercial media since they involve mixing of live-action generated imagery and footage aided in creating media environments, which look more realistic, although, they would be expensive, dangerous, impractical, or not possible to capture on film (Biolsi 505).Visual effects with computer-generated images have currently become more accessible to the filmmakers due to the introduction of user-friendly, affordable composting, and animation software. Lastly, experimental film influences editing, which is the process of preparing and selecting visual, written, audible, and film media used to communicate commercial information. The editing process involves condensation, correction, organization, and other editing performed with aid of producing consistent, correct, complete, and accurate information (Biolsi 507). The editing process starts with ideas of the author of the work, proceeding as a partnership between the editor and the author as the entire work’s edition takes place. As such, editing process invo lves human skills, creative skills, and an accurate set of procedures. The music video’s genre is a commercialization of a number of experimental film’s techniques. Experimental film has also influenced television advertising and title design hence making television broadcasting more attractive than before. Song video or music video refers to a short film combining

It's Beginning to Hurt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

It's Beginning to Hurt - Essay Example Having romantic relationship with several women is seen as the work of the devil, in Christianity. Stewart, the travel writer, is a happy family man, with a happy wife. Happiness in the family is key virtue, and hence supported by religions. The story illustrates the nature of opposite sex relationships (James 35). This relationship is usually sexually and hence immoral. Seduction, as illustrated in the story, encourages the evil act which in Christianity is the aim of the devil. The two characters in the story are aware of the morals of each other; however, they ignore the negative aspects of the morals. Turning a blind eye to the deeds of an individual is viewed as sin in Faustian bargain. And the negative act is favored by the devil. The Half Sister illustrates an individual who is not happy with himself and the world. He believes that he is a total failure in all aspects of the world. Plans are organized to make him marry an ugly woman (James 47). Marriage is always considered a gift; but the author illustrates the negative side of that gift, which is an ugly woman for a wife. This is the negative aspect of the

Sandra Cisneros The House on Mango Street Essay Example for Free

Sandra Cisneros The House on Mango Street Essay In the short story The House on Mango Street Sandra Cisneros unfolds her childhood memories where she and her family struggled with poor living conditions on the way to their own house, and she seems to suffer from it more than anyone of the family. When one day they finally get the house of their own and her family seems to be ready to settle with it, she continues suffering because its not the house wed thought wed get (501), the one she imagined and built up in her dreams. At that point Cisneros obtains her dream to be fulfilled: she decides that whatever happens, she must have the house of her dream. This difference between her dream and reality is quite obvious and seems to upset her a lot; however, the impact of it is tremendous because it caused her to obtain the energy necessary for a dreams fulfillment. During the narration, Cisneros specifies the features of the house of her dream. It has to be not just her own place to live, but also a place that she could be proud of. She describes her dream house as one I could point to; inside it would have real stairs, not a hallway stairs, but stairs inside like the houses on TV (501); it would be white with trees around it, a great big yard and grass growing without a fence. Even though these features are not necessities for living, the authors own dream becomes her necessity to be fulfilled. However, while living with her parents she understands that here her dream is not going to come true. The authors present house contrasts with the house of her dream: Its small and red with tight steps in front and windows so small youd think they are holding their breath. Bricks are crumbling in places and the front door is so swollen you have to push hard to get in.(Cisneros 502). And this evokes a feeling of shame for her house, which is familiar to her since the last place they lived at. This huge inequality between the authors dream and reality, just like a difference in potential generates a driving force, gives her energies to dream and to be sure that shell fulfill her wish. Sandra Cisneros experienced what not having her own place is like, moving all the time and being ashamed of her living conditions; that helped her to build a dream, to  know exactly what she wants from life, and gave a will to pursue her goal. She says, I knew then I had to have a house. A real house.(Cisneros 502). Our dreams are often formed by childhood experiences; once we collide with harsh reality, feel awkward or ashamed- we know for sure for ourselves: when I grow up, Ill do everything for this not to happen. And this gives us energy to achieve success. Works Cited: Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. 40 Short Stories. Ed. Beverly Lawn. New York: Bedford, 2001

Ayatollah Khomeini and Gamal Abdul-Nasser Comparison

Ayatollah Khomeini and Gamal Abdul-Nasser Comparison Introduction: Ayatollah Khomeini and Gamal Abdul-Nasser have both played an important role in the historical activities of the 20th century in the Middle East. This is because their leadership was revolutionary, and they played a role in changing the various governments that existed in Egypt, and Iran. It is important to understand that the regimes in Iran and Egypt were monarchies, at the time, and the two leaders led their followers in overthrowing these regimes. The revolutions in Iran and Egypt occurred under different contexts, or social backgrounds. For example, the revolution in Iran occurred when the country was enjoying economic and political prosperity. However, this assertion is contested. This is because at the time of the revolution, Iran was experiencing un-employment rate of approximately 30%[1]. Unemployment is one of the indicators of poor development and economic growth. Based on this fact, the assertion that Iran was politically and economically stable is false, and does not hol d any ground. On the other hand, the revolution in Egypt occurred when the country was experiencing a series of poor political and economic governance. Despite the differences in these revolutions, and the two leaders, Gamal Abdul Nasser and Ayatollah Khomeini shared a lot of similarities as well as differences in their leadership structure and system[2]. One major similarity is that the two leaders were charismatic, and they sought to eliminate any form of opposition to their leadership. For instance, Nasser ordered a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that was opposing his leadership, while Ayatollah Khomeini sought to kill any political supporters of the Shah. This paper takes a stand that both Ayatollah Khomeini and Gamal Abdul-Nasser were charismatic leaders, who influenced their societies and people, despite their undemocratic systems of governance. Differences and Similarities between Abdel Nasser and Ayatollah Khomeini: Gamal Abdul Nasser was the second Egyptian president, and he began his presidency in the year 1956, to the time he died, which was in 1970. He played an instrumental role in the overthrow of the Egyptian monarch in the year 1952, and as a result, he was rewarded with a post, as a deputy prime minister[3]. This is an indication that Gamal Abdul Nasser was an important leader to the revolutionaries, and he was held in high esteem. Furthermore, the power and authority that Gamal Abdul Nasser had is depicted when he managed to arrest President Muhammad Naguib, and place him under house arrest. This is an authority that a deputy prime minister cannot possess, and this is because the President is the head of the state and government. President Muhammad Naguib was a president by name, but he did not have real authority[4]. In the year 1956, a public referendum was able to grant him the presidency, and the adoption of the Egyptian constitution. Ayatollah Khomeini on the other hand, does not have any military background, but he was a religious scholar. He used religion to control his people, and consolidate power, after the revolution. One of the leadership styles of Abdul Nasser and Ayatollah Khomeini was authoritarianism[5]. President Nasser wanted complete loyalty from his subjects, and he did not condone any form of opposition. This is depicted in the manner in which he handled President Naguib, and this is because they had different ideological beliefs. Nasser was able to depose President Naguib, and he ordered an onslaught on thousands of people who were opposed to him. Nasser was able to take advantage of an attempted assassination on him, to crack down on any political opposition that he faced. This is depicted when he was able to dismiss and arrest any supporter of President Naguib, who was in t he army or the civil service. This is despite these people playing no role in his attempted assassination, or even having no links with the Muslim Brotherhood. Furthermore, President Naguib was placed under house arrest, and no trial was held to find out whether he had a role in this attempted assassination or not. This is an indication, that the government did not have any proof that the President played a role in the assassination of Gamal Nasser, however, it was a mechanism of ensuring that the opponents of Gamal were removed, so that he could transcend to power easily. The authoritarian nature of Nasser is further seen when he is trying to restrict the freedom of expression and information. Nasser was able to impose a series of controls on the media and press of the country. This is by issuing a decree that any publication had to acquire the approval of the governing party, which was referred to as the National Union. The major aim of these censures was to prevent the publication of any information that could compromise the character of Abdel Nasser and his leadership. This is a major characteristic of authoritarian regimes. Almost all authoritarian regimes normally prevent a free flow of information. This is as the case of Iran, under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini. On assumption of leadership, the Ayatollah Khomeini was able to regulate any information that the media was providing[6]. He did not tolerate any criticism or opposition to his rule. Furthermore, he used the media to create a personality cult that revolved around him. The media therefore played an instrumental role in raising the profiles of Ayatollah Khomeini and President Nasser. This is because they regulated information, for purposes of depicting only the aspects that were favorable to them. Regulation of the media is an important characteristic of states which are not democratic. In fact, Ayatollah Khomeini did not hide the fact that he hated democracy. Khomeini referred to democracy as corruption, and an aspect that can destroy a country. Therefore, Ayatollah Khomeini denoted that anybody who was seeking to promote democracy would be oppressed and hanged[7]. This is an indication that democracy was not a favorable style of governance for Khomeini. Furthermore, he used religion to justify his style of governance. Khomeini argues that religion does not support any form of democracy, and therefore god has commanded for its abolition, and oppression of anybody supporting or practicing democracy. Religion plays an important role in shaping the be liefs and values of people. Khomeini realized this notion, and he therefore used religion to advance and protect his leadership. By citing the Quran, and using religious contexts such as the fatwa, Ayatollah Khomeini was able to consolidate his leadership. Fatwa was a religious term that indicated a death sentence to anybody who did not follow the provisions of Islam. Ayatollah Khomeini also did not accept any opposition, and he executed all his opponents, and the supporters of the Shah. Executions were the order of the day, during his leadership. By the time Khomeini was dying, he had executed approximately 30,000 people. Furthermore, Khomeini was able to oppress and ban political groups such as The Muslims Republican Party, and the National Democratic Front. This is because these groups were advocating for democratic reforms, and good governance. These are policies that Khomeini did not want to pursue. Nasser on the other hand did not believe in executions, or killing of his political opponents. All that he did was to exile or imprison his political opponents. A good example is President Naguib, whom he imprisoned, after which, he forced him to exile. Furthermore, unlike Khomeini, Nasser did not use religion to promote undemocratic behaviors. This is because he played a role in drafting the 1956 Egyptian constitution which did not recognize a multi-party system of governance. This constitution recognized Egypt as single party state, with the party under consideration called the National Union. This party dominated Egyptian politics, and nobody was permitted to vie for any political office, outside this party[8]. This is a characteristic of a state that is not democratic. Countries such as China, and the Soviet Union only allowed political competition within a one party system. Any competition outside the party was restricted, and not allowed. A one party system is normally used to advance the interests and aspirations of the people controlling the party. This is the reason Abdel Nasser was able to influence the constitution so that it could create a one party system of governance. Furthermore, he was in control of the party, and hence he was assured of its leadership, if the constitution was passed through a popular initiative. Furthermore, in 1965, Abdel Nasser was able to use the courts in barring his political competitors from running for office. Through this action, President Nasser did not have any political competitors, and it ensured that he easily assailed to office. Ayatollah Khomeini also played a role in influencing the legal system of Iran. Take for example in the 1998 execution of political prisoners in Iran[9]. Ayatollah Khomeini issued a decree to all judicial courts to judge every political prisoner, and execute anybody who did not repent on their anti-regime activities. It is important to understand that despite the authoritarian and undemocratic leadership of these two leaders, they were highly influential and liked by their people. For example, after Abdel Nasser lost the six day war, and he resigned, he was forced back into office through a large and numerous protests. On the other hand, after the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, his was well mourned, by millions and millions of people. This is mainly because their leadership was revolutionary in nature, and they introduced a series of changes and reforms in their countries. This includes constitutional changes and reforms. Conclusion: In conclusion, the leadership style of President Nasser and Ayatollah Khomeini are similar and different in many aspects. One similarity is that both of them were revolutionaries. President Nasser sought to introduce a new constitution in Egypt, which was secular in nature. On the other hand, Ayatollah Khomeini introduced a new constitution in Iran, which was religious in nature, and it identified a Supreme Leader, who was supposed to be an Ayatollah. Another similarity is that both leaders were undemocratic, and did not tolerate any opposition to their leadership. They did not allow freedom of expression, by closing or regulating any content that appeared on the media. In fact, Ayatollah Khomeini is accused of closing any media house that criticized his government. On the other hand, President Nasser used his National Union Party to regulate any content that appeared on the media. The two were also charismatic leaders, and they were able to get a lot of support from the citizens of their country. This is despite their oppressive and undemocratic rule. The major difference in their rule is the use of the military. Both of them were able to get the support of the military in advancing their agenda. However, President Nasser had a military background, and he used his military background to get the support of the army. Ayatollah Khomeini on the other hand used religion to get the support of the military and the people. Bibliography: Berlatsky, Noah. The Iranian Revolution. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Goodarzi, Jubin M. Syria and Iran Diplomatic Alliance and Power Politics in the Middle East.  New ed. London: I.B. Tauris, 2009. McNamara, Robert. Britain, Nasser and the Balance of Power in the Middle East, 1952-1967  from the Egyptian Revolution to the Six-Day War. London: Frank Cass, 2003. Owen, Roger. State, Power, and Politics in the Making of the Modern Middle East. 2nd ed.  London: Routledge, 2000. [1] Jubin Goodarzi, Syria and Iran Diplomatic Alliance and Power Politics in the Middle East (New ed. London: I.B. Tauris, 2009), 62. [2] Noah Berlatsky, The Iranian Revolution, (Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012), 31 [3] Goodarzi, Syria and Iran Diplomatic Alliance and Power Politics in the Middle East, 72 [4] Roger Owen, State, Power, and Politics in the Making of the Modern Middle East, 2nd ed.( London: Routledge, 2000), 23 [5] Berlatsky, The Iranian Revolution,44 [6] Owen, State, Power, and Politics in the Making of the Modern Middle East, 27 [7] Berlatsky, The Iranian Revolution,51 [8] Robert McNamara, Britain, Nasser and the Balance of Power in the Middle East, 1952-1967 from the Egyptian Revolution to the Six-Day War (London: Frank Cass, 2003), 36 [9] Berlatsky, The Iranian Revolution,39

Comparing the two poems Porphyria’s Lover and My Last Duchess Essay

By comparing the two poems Porphyria’s Lover and My Last Duchess, explore how Browning deals worth the theme of jealousy. Jealousy is a theme that occurs quite regularly in Browning’s poems. This was particularly noticed in both of the poems ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ and ‘My Last Duchess’ where in both cases, the male protagonists were jealous of the extra attention that their lovers received from other admirers. When studying both poems, the reader can create in their mind a vivid picture of both the female characters. However, because the male protagonists gave their view on their lovers, the reader is only given details about the male protagonists’ feelings, not about his features or qualities. Because of this, it needs to be taken into account that the reader is assessing the situation from only one particular point of view. In both of the poems ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ and ‘My Last Duchess’ the reader is told that the male protagonist has murdered their lover as a result of jealousy. However, the murders are entirely different. In ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ the relationship between Porphyria and her lover is very positive and the reader can sense a strong bond between the two characters. Lines 29-34 show how strong the bond is between Porphyria and her lover. ‘For love of her and all in vain: So, she was come through wind and rain. Be sure I look’d up at her eyes Happy and proud; at last I knew Porphyria worshipp’d me surprise Made my heart swell, and still it grew’. Because of this strong bond between the two characters, there is evidence in the poem that Porphyria’s lover could not handle the thought of them not being together, and for this reason the lover murders Porphyria in a moment of passion. The reader c... ...actions. For this reason it would be correct for the reader to assume, that both of the female characters are partly to blame for the male protagonists’ actions. This is because the female characters were not focusing on their actual partners’ feelings, and were just pleasing themselves, regardless of how the situation was affecting their partner, or loved one. I think that Browning has dealt with the theme of jealousy in great depth and has shown the male protagonists’ feelings very thoroughly, making it possible for the readers to even sympathise with the male protagonists. Because of the way in which the theme of jealousy is portrayed, the reader can have a great understanding of the emotions the male protagonists are feeling throughout the poems. This makes the poem and the consequences of the female character’s actions, a lot easier to understand.

Niemann: Picks Disease Essay -- Medicine Medical Genetics Papers

Niemann: Pick's Disease Niemann Pick disease consists of a group of genetic disorders in which the common feature is a varying degree of sphingomyelin storage in certain tissues of the body. According to the current classification based on the enzymatic defect underlying these disorders, two main groups are distinguished. The first group, which comprises type A, which is characterized by a severe deficiency in acid sphingomyelinase activity, includes infantile neuronopathic form; and type B, an adult chronic form without neurologic symptoms. In the second heterogeneous group called type C, neuro-visceral involvement is massive and lipid metabolism is affected. The sphingomyelin that accumulates in the lysosomes of the Niemann-Pick disease cells is thought to arise from the degradation of cells and their organelles since it is a major component of all mammalian cell membranes, the myelin sheath and the erythrocyte stroma. In Niemann-Pick type C, the main lipid accumulated in patients cells is not sphingomyelin but cholesterol, however, there is a close relationship between sphingomyelin metabolism and cholesterol metabolism. Sphingomyelinase is an acidic lysosomal hydrolase that catalyses the cleavage of sphingomyelin to phosphoryl choline and ceramide. In patients with Pick’s disease its activity is deficient in all lysosome containing tissues. Patients with type A, the infantile form have 0.7% of the normal sphingomyelinase activity with median values in the range of 0-1% , while in patients with adult onset neuronopathic or non-neuronopathic disease the activity range is 0-19% of the normal, with median values in several tissues from 2-8% . This enzyme defect explains the massive deposition of sphingomyelin in tiss... ...sh Medical Journal: 295(6610):1375-1376. 4. Levade, Salvayre, Maret and Blazy. Endogenous and Exogenous Sources of Sphingomyelinin Pick’s Disease A & B. (1988) Inher. Metab. Dis.: 11, 151-157. 5. Maziere, M. Lageron, Polonovski. Alterations in Cholesterol Metabolism in Cultured Fibroblast From Patients with N-P type C. (1987) Inher. Metab. Dis.: 10, 339-346. 6.Liscum and Faust. Low Density Lipoprotein Mediated Suppression of Cholesterol Synthesis: and LDL Uptake is Defective in N-P Type C Fibroblasts. J. Biol. Chem.: 262 (17002-17007). 7. Blanchette, Sokol et. al. Type C Niemann- Pick disease. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. :263, 3411-3415. 8. Levade and Gatt. Uptake and Intracellular Degradation of Flourescent Sphingomyelin by Fibroblasts From Normal Individuals and a Patient With Niemann- Pick Disease. (1987)Biochimica et Biophysica Acta: 918, 250-257. Niemann: Pick's Disease Essay -- Medicine Medical Genetics Papers Niemann: Pick's Disease Niemann Pick disease consists of a group of genetic disorders in which the common feature is a varying degree of sphingomyelin storage in certain tissues of the body. According to the current classification based on the enzymatic defect underlying these disorders, two main groups are distinguished. The first group, which comprises type A, which is characterized by a severe deficiency in acid sphingomyelinase activity, includes infantile neuronopathic form; and type B, an adult chronic form without neurologic symptoms. In the second heterogeneous group called type C, neuro-visceral involvement is massive and lipid metabolism is affected. The sphingomyelin that accumulates in the lysosomes of the Niemann-Pick disease cells is thought to arise from the degradation of cells and their organelles since it is a major component of all mammalian cell membranes, the myelin sheath and the erythrocyte stroma. In Niemann-Pick type C, the main lipid accumulated in patients cells is not sphingomyelin but cholesterol, however, there is a close relationship between sphingomyelin metabolism and cholesterol metabolism. Sphingomyelinase is an acidic lysosomal hydrolase that catalyses the cleavage of sphingomyelin to phosphoryl choline and ceramide. In patients with Pick’s disease its activity is deficient in all lysosome containing tissues. Patients with type A, the infantile form have 0.7% of the normal sphingomyelinase activity with median values in the range of 0-1% , while in patients with adult onset neuronopathic or non-neuronopathic disease the activity range is 0-19% of the normal, with median values in several tissues from 2-8% . This enzyme defect explains the massive deposition of sphingomyelin in tiss... ...sh Medical Journal: 295(6610):1375-1376. 4. Levade, Salvayre, Maret and Blazy. Endogenous and Exogenous Sources of Sphingomyelinin Pick’s Disease A & B. (1988) Inher. Metab. Dis.: 11, 151-157. 5. Maziere, M. Lageron, Polonovski. Alterations in Cholesterol Metabolism in Cultured Fibroblast From Patients with N-P type C. (1987) Inher. Metab. Dis.: 10, 339-346. 6.Liscum and Faust. Low Density Lipoprotein Mediated Suppression of Cholesterol Synthesis: and LDL Uptake is Defective in N-P Type C Fibroblasts. J. Biol. Chem.: 262 (17002-17007). 7. Blanchette, Sokol et. al. Type C Niemann- Pick disease. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. :263, 3411-3415. 8. Levade and Gatt. Uptake and Intracellular Degradation of Flourescent Sphingomyelin by Fibroblasts From Normal Individuals and a Patient With Niemann- Pick Disease. (1987)Biochimica et Biophysica Acta: 918, 250-257.

Critical Thinking Students

A critical student is one who ‘does not accept information without first examining it from different angles or perspectives. ’ Discuss this definition in relation to the critical thinking expected of university students in essay writing. Incorporate relevant readings in your discussion. In the changing landscape of the Australian education system, it can be difficult to ascertain what is expected of university students in essay writing. Indeed expectations can vary from institution to institution and even tutor to tutor, however the one commonality is the expectation of critical thinking in students. In this essay, I will argue that in universities, critical thinking is not only encouraged of university students in essay writing, but is also expected. I will explore what it means to be critical in ones thinking, discuss the expectations of students in essay writing and will provide alternative learning methods to illustrate other viewpoints. In order to achieve this, I will draw upon relevant readings to support my thesis. The word ‘critical’ is to describe â€Å"that which is urgent, serious, crucial or of fundamental importance† (Craig 1994, 54). In relation to essay writing, to be critical in ones thinking is to â€Å"question the phenomenon of study rather than simply accept and repeat the facts† (Craig 1994, 54). Warren (1995) provides some context to these definitions in her essay ‘The critical self’. She defines critical thinking as a reflective and reasonable thought process that dictates our decisions on what we do or believe (2). She refers to her teaching experiences and at the lack of the critical thinking abilities in her students at that time. Through these experiences and subsequent teachings on philosophy and specifically critical thinking, she draws conclusions that students like to think in this way and consequently their self-esteem improves as they are able to develop these skills (1). Her strong conviction that â€Å"critical thinking is both necessary and vital to learning itself† is a powerful statement to her beliefs in this area (Warren 1995, 1). In order to evaluate Warren’s claims, we must discuss what is actually expected of university students in relation to essay writing. According to Krause (2005), the Australian higher education has significantly evolved in recent years and as such student and university staff expectations have also changed (1). She points out that students now spend less time on campus than in the past and discusses how technology has influenced an increase in a more diverse range of students engaging in study (3). This has resulted in a larger number of students studying via correspondence and an increase in mature age and international students when compared with ten years ago (4). Given this changing landscape in university learning, it is clear why there is sometimes disconnect between what student’s believe is expected of them and what a university actually expects, specifically in relation to essay writing. This disconnect becomes more evident when distance is a factor. Warren (1995) provides an interesting example on the poor performance of her students in relation to essay writing. According to Warren, her students were attentive in class, actively participated and dedicated the required amount of study. Her evaluation of the poor performance was that her students â€Å"lacked critical thinking skills† (1). To properly assess the expectations placed on students, it is necessary to look at the wording of an essay topic. In all essay topics, one is asked to argue a thesis or debate a claim. The ability to present arguments in a manner that influences or persuades others is central to critical thinking (Marshall and Rowland 2006, 43). The very nature of how essay topics are structured and assessed can only lead to the conclusion that critical thinking is expected in essay writing. Without debating and negotiating positions, resolving conflict, reflecting and dealing with opposition, all of which are acts of critical thinking, the essay is not fulfilling the basic requirement of arguing a position (Marshall & Rowland 2006, 43). If part of critical thinking is reflection, as stated by Warren (1995), than it is important to understand the reflection process. Pavlovich (2007) suggests the reflection process begins with asking questions and states it is â€Å"as much a state of mind as it is a set of activities† (284). She argues the end result of reflection is a deeper understanding of all matters (284). Self -reflection is the ability to critique oneself, to ask questions like â€Å"What is my goal in life? † â€Å"What am I striving for? † â€Å"What is my purpose? † (Rogers 1697, 164). These are questions that some are unable to answer through their entire lives and yet within the context of university learning and specifically essay writing, there is an expectation that students are able to self- reflect, to see multiple facets of an argument, to question and to be critical. Warren (1995) also talks about the self-reflection process and argues that critical thinking â€Å"is an aspect of reflective thinking† (2). She asserts that only when critical thinking, creative thinking and content knowledge – what she describes as ‘the 3 C’s’ – overlap, does one has all the components of reflective thinking (2). She further argues that one can only be critical in the context of their surroundings or circumstances, such as gender or race and without the willingness to identify with and use background knowledge one â€Å"is not a critical thinker† (3). In the context of being a university student and writing essays, to think critically is to learn to process information and â€Å"to form reasoned opinions, evaluate beliefs, construct positions†¦ (and) articulate a thesis† (Warren 1995, 4). Critical thinking in this context is to realise ones full potential as â€Å"to really learn anything at all one must engage the critical self† (Warren 1995, 4). Of course, there are many other methods to learning and it can be argued that one size does not fit all. In certain disciplines, it can be assumed that critical thinking is not necessary, for example in complex technical environments where ‘x’ must always equal ‘y’. In many cases, there is a mismatch between personal learning styles and learning demands of different disciplines (Kolb 1981, 233). Kolb (1981) explores various learning styles and his discussion can lead one to believe that critical thinking is not central to the acquisition of knowledge (233). One could argue that in some fields it is imperative to memorise information and follow set instructions and not to look at information from various viewpoints. For example, there would be an expectation that a surgeon follows strict protocol when performing a complex operation. I would argue however, that some of the greatest advances in human history have been a result of those who are willing to question the way things are done and to explore alternatives options. Whilst it is important to recognise different learning styles suit different individuals and to adjust expectations accordingly, the basis of a student not accepting information without â€Å"examining it from different angles and perspectives† (Craig 1994, 54) is central to learning and is a key expectation of students in essay writing at university. The expectations placed upon students in relation to essay writing at university may vary, but the common denominator is the expectancy on students to be able to think critically and to articulate this in written form. I have provided a definition of critical thinking and have discussed how the changing landscape of the Australian education system can cause some confusion around expectations placed on students. I have offered alternative learning methods to demonstrate the need for some flexibility and adaptability around the expectations placed on students to cater for different learning style. Throughout this essay, I have maintained that regardless of these different learning styles, there is a universal expectation placed on university students to think critically, particularly in relation to essay writing and have used examples to argue this thesis.

The Return: Midnight Chapter 24

Stefan woke early. He spent the time from dawn until breakfast just watching Elena, who even in sleep had an inner glow like a golden flame through a faintly rose-colored candle. At breakfast, everyone was more or less Stillwrapped up in thoughts of the day before. Meredith showed Matt the picture of her brother, Cristian, the vampire. Matt briefly told Meredith about the inner workings of the Ridgemont court system and painted her a picture of Caroline as werewolf. It was clear that both of them felt safer at the boardinghouse than anywhere else. And Elena, who had woken up with Stefan's mind al around her, embracing her, and her own mind Stillful of light, was completely at a loss for a Plan A or any other letter. She had to be told gently by the others that only one thing made sense. â€Å"Stefan,†Matt said, draining a mug of Mrs. Flowers's pitch-black coffee. â€Å"He's the only one who might be able to use his mind instead of Post-it Notes on the kids.† And, â€Å"Stefan,†said Meredith. â€Å"He's the only one Shinichi might be afraid of.† â€Å"I'm no use at all,†Elena said sadly. She had no appetite. She had gotten dressed with a feeling of love and compassion toward al humankind and a desire to help protect her hometown, but as everyone pointed out, she was probably going to have to spend the day in the root cel ar. Reporters might come to cal . They're right, Stefan sent to Elena. I'm the only logical person to find out what's really going on in Fell's Church. He actual y went while the rest of them were finishing breakfast. Only Elena knew why; only she could feel him at the limits of her telepathic range. Stefan was hunting. He drove into the New Wood, got out, and final y startled a rabbit out of the brush. He Influenced it to rest and not be frightened. Surreptitiously, in this thin woodland without cover, he took a little blood from it†¦and choked. It tasted like some kind of hideous liquid flavored with rodent. Was a rabbit a rodent? He had been lucky enough to find a rat one day in his prison cel and it had tasted vaguely like this. But now, for days, he had been drinking human blood. Not just that, but the rich, potent blood of strong, adventurous, and in several cases paranormal y talented individuals – the crme de la crme. How could he have gotten used to it so quickly? It shamed him now, to think of what he'd taken. Elena's blood, of course, was enough to drive any vampire wild. And Meredith, whose blood had the deep crimson taste of some primordial ocean, and Bonnie, who tasted like a telepath's dessert. And final y Matt, the Al -American red-blooded boy. They'd fed him and fed him by the hour, far past what he needed to survive. They'd fed him until he'd begun to heal, and seeing that he was healing, they'd fed him more. And it had gone on and on, ending with Elena last night – Elena, whose hair was taking on a silvery cast and whose blue eyes seemed almost radiant. Back in the Dark Dimension, Damon hadn't exercised any restraint at all. Elena hadn't exercised any on her own behalf. That silvery cast†¦Stefan's stomach clenched when he thought about it, about the last time he'd seen her hair that way. She'd been dead then. On her feet, but dead just the same. Stefan let the rabbit scamper away. He was taking another oath. He must not make Elena into a vampire again. That meant no significant blood exchange between the two of them for at least a week – either giving or taking might tip her over the edge. He must once again adjust to the taste of animal blood. Stefan shut his eyes briefly, remembering the horror of the first time. The cramps. The shakes. The agony that seemed to tel his entire body that it wasn't getting fed. The feeling that his veins might explode into flame at any moment, and the pain in his jaws. He stood up. He was lucky to be alive. Luckier than he ever could have dreamed he would be in having Elena beside him. He would work through the readjustment without bothering her by tel ing her, he decided. Just two hours later Stefan was back at the boardinghouse, limping slightly. Matt, who met him at the heavy front door, noticed the limp. â€Å"You okay? You'd better get in and ice it.† â€Å"Just a cramp,†Stefan said briefly. â€Å"I'm not used to exercise. Didn't get any back there in – you know.†He looked away, flushing. So did Matt, hot and cold and furious at the people who had put Stefan in this condition. Vampires were pretty resilient, but he had the feeling – no, he knew – that Stefan had almost died in his prison cel . One day under lock and key had convinced Matt that he never wanted to be imprisoned again. He fol owed Stefan to the kitchen where Elena, Meredith, and Mrs. Flowers were – what else? – drinking mugs of tea. And Matt felt a twinge when Elena instantly noticed the limp and got up and went to Stefan, and Stefan held her tightly, running reassuring fingers through her hair. Matt couldn't help but wonder, though – was that glorious golden hair turning lighter? More like the silvery gold it had been when Elena had first gone with Stefan and was on her way to turning into a vampire? Stefan certainly seemed to be inspecting it closely, turning each handful as he raked his fingers through it. â€Å"Any luck?†Elena asked him, tension in her voice. Wearily, Stefan shook his head. â€Å"I went up streets and down streets and wherever I found a – a young girl who was contorted, or whirling round and round, or doing any other of the things the papers mentioned, I tried to Influence them. Well, maybe I shouldn't have bothered with the whirling girls. I couldn't catch their eyes. But the final count is zero for eleven.† Elena turned toward Meredith in agitation. â€Å"What do we do?† Mrs. Flowers busily began rummaging through bundles of herbs that hung above her stove. â€Å"You need a nice cup of tea.† â€Å"And a rest,†Meredith said, patting him lightly on the hand. â€Å"Can I get you anything?† â€Å"Well – I've got a new idea – scrying. But I need Misao's star bal to see if it wil work. Don't worry,†he added, â€Å"I won't use any of the Power in it; I just need to look at the surface.† â€Å"I'l bring it,†Elena offered, getting up promptly from where she was sitting on his lap. Matt started slightly and looked at Mrs. Flowers as Elena went to the door of the root cel ar and pushed. Nothing moved and Mrs. Flowers simply watched benignly. It was Stefan who rose to help her, Stilllimping. Then Matt and Meredith got up, Meredith asking, â€Å"Mrs. Flowers, are you sure we should keep the star bal in that same safe?† â€Å"Ma ma says we're doing the right thing,†Mrs. Flowers answered serenely. After that things happened very fast. As if they'd rehearsed it, Meredith pressed the exact place to open the root cel ar door. Elena fel to her hands and knees. Faster than even he had imagined he could go, Matt went barreling toward Stefan with one shoulder down. Mrs. Flowers was frantical y pul ing great swaths of dried herbs down from where they hung above the kitchen table. And then Matt was hitting Stefan with al the power in his body and Stefan was stumbling over Elena, his head going down and down and meeting no resistance on the way. Meredith was coming at him sideways and helping him do a complete forward flip in the air. As soon as the flip took him out of the doorway and he was cartwheeling down the stairs, Elena got up and shut the door and Meredith leaned against it, as Matt shouted, â€Å"How do you keep in a kitsune?† â€Å"These might help,†gasped Mrs. Flowers, stuffing odiferous herbs into the crack under the door. â€Å"And – iron!†cried Elena, and she and Meredith and Matt al ran to the den where there was an enormous, tripartite iron fire screen. Somehow they bundled it back to the kitchen and set it upright against the root cel ar door. Just then the first crash came from the inside against it, but the iron was heavy and the second crash against the door was weaker. â€Å"What are you doing? Have you al gone crazy?†Stefan shouted plaintively, but as the entire group began to cover the door in Post-it Note amulets, he cursed instead and became pure Shinichi. â€Å"You'll be sorry, damn you! Misao's not right. She cries and cries. You'll make it up to her with your blood, but not before I introduce you to some special friends of mine. The kind who know how to cause real pain!† Elena lifted her head, as if hearing something. Matt watched her frown. Then she cal ed to Shinichi, â€Å"Don't even try to probe for Damon. He's gone. And if you try to track him I'l fry your brains.† Sul en silence greeted her from the root cel ar. â€Å"My goodness gracious, what next?†murmured Mrs. Flowers. Elena simply nodded for the others to fol ow her, and they went al the way to the very top of the house – Stefan's room – and spoke in whispers. â€Å"How did you know?† â€Å"Did you use telepathy?† â€Å"I didn't know at first,†Matt admitted, â€Å"but Elena was acting as if the star bal was in the root cel ar. Stefan knows it's not there. I guess,†he added with a guilty start, â€Å"that I invited him in.† â€Å"I knew as soon as he started groping my hair,†Elena said with a shudder. â€Å"Stefan and D – I mean, Stefan knows I only like it touched lightly, and at the ends. Not mauled like that. Remember al Shinichi's little songs about golden hair? He's a nutcase. Anyway, I could tel from the feel of his mind.† Matt felt ashamed. Al his wondering about Elena maybe changing into a vampire†¦and this was the answer, he thought. â€Å"I noticed his lapis ring,†Meredith said. â€Å"I saw him with it on his right hand as he went out earlier. When he came back he had it on his left hand.† There was a brief pause as they al stared at her. She shrugged. â€Å"It was part of my training, noticing little things.† â€Å"Good point,†Matt said at last. â€Å"Good point. He wouldn't be able to change it in sunlight.† â€Å"How did you know, Mrs. Flowers?†Elena asked. â€Å"Or was it just the way we were behaving?† â€Å"Goodness, no, you're al very good little actors. But as soon as he stepped over the threshold Ma ma fairly shrieked at me: ‘What are you doing, letting a kitsune into your house?'So then I knew what we were in for.† â€Å"We beat him!†Elena said, beaming. â€Å"We actual y caught Shinichi off guard! I can hardly believe it.† â€Å"Believe it,†Meredith said with a wry smile. â€Å"He was off guard for a moment. He'l be thinking up revenge right now.† Something else was worrying Matt. He turned to Elena. â€Å"I thought that you said that both you and Shinichi had keys that could take you anywhere, anytime. So why couldn't he have just said, ‘Take me inside the boardinghouse where the star bal is'?† â€Å"Those were different keys from the Twin Fox key,†Elena said, her brows drawn together. â€Å"They're, like, the Master Keys and Shinichi and Misao Stillhave them both. I don't know why he didn't use his. Although it would have given him away the moment he was inside.† â€Å"Not if he went inside the root cel ar, and stayed there the whole time,†Meredith said. â€Å"And maybe a Master Key can override the ‘not invited inside'rule.† Mrs. Flowers said, â€Å"But Ma ma Stillwould have told me. Also there are no keyholes in the root cel ar. at all.† â€Å"‘No keyholes'wouldn't matter, I don't think,†Elena answered. â€Å"I think he just wanted to show how clever he was, and how he could fool us into giving him Misao's star bal .† Before anyone else could say a word, Meredith held out her palm, with a shining key on it. The key was golden with diamonds inset and had a very familiar outline. â€Å"That's one of the Master Keys!†cried Elena. â€Å"It's what we thought the Twin Fox key would look like!† â€Å"It sort of came out of his jeans pocket when he did that flip,†Meredith said innocently. â€Å"When you were flipping him over me, you mean,†said Elena. â€Å"I suppose you picked his pocket too.† â€Å"So, right now, Shinichi doesn't have a key to escape with!†Matt said excitedly. â€Å"No key to make keyholes,†Elena agreed, dimpling. â€Å"He can have fun changing into a mole and burrowing out of the root cel ar,†Meredith said cool y. â€Å"That's if he's got his transforming gear or whatever with him.†She added, with a troubled change in her voice, â€Å"I wonder†¦if we should have Matt tel one other person where he's actual y hidden the star bal . Just†¦Well, just in case.† Matt saw knitted brows al around him. But suddenly the realization hit him that he had to tel someone that he'd hidden the star bal in his closet. The group – including Stefan – had picked him to hide it because he had so stubbornly resisted when Shinichi was using Damon's body as a puppet to torture him a month ago. Matt had proved then that he would die in hideous pain rather than endanger his friends. But if Matt were to die now, Misao's star bal might be lost to the group forever. And only Matt knew how close he had come today to tumbling down the stairs along with Shinichi. Far below they al heard a shout. â€Å"Hel o! Is anybody home? Elena!† â€Å"That's my Stefan,†Elena said and then, without a shred of dignity, she ran to launch herself from the foyer into his arms. He looked startled, but managed to break her fal before they both went down on the porch. â€Å"What's been going on?†he said, his body vibrating infinitesimal y, as with the urge to fight. â€Å"The whole house smel s like kitsune!† â€Å"It's All right,†Elena said. â€Å"Come and see.†She led him upstairs to his room. â€Å"We've got him in the root cel ar,†she added. Stefan looked confused. â€Å"You've got who in the root cel ar?† â€Å"With iron against the door,†Matt said triumphantly. â€Å"And herbs and amulets al over it. And, anyway, Meredith got his key.† â€Å"His key? You're talking about – Shinichi?†Stefan turned on Meredith, green eyes wide. â€Å"While I've been gone?† â€Å"It was mostly an accident. I sort of stuck my hand in his pocket when he was upside down and off balance. And I lucked out and got the Master Key – unless this is an ordinary house key.† Stefan stared at it. â€Å"It's the real thing. Elena knows that. Meredith, you're incredible!† â€Å"Yes, it's the right one,†Elena confirmed. â€Å"I remember the shape – pretty elaborate, yes?†She took it from Meredith's hand. â€Å"What are you going to – â€Å" â€Å"Might as well test it,†Elena said with a mischievous smile. She walked to the door of the room, shut it, said, â€Å"The den downstairs,†inserted the winged key in the lock, and opened the door, stepping through and shutting the door behind her. Before anyone could speak, she was back, with the poker from the den held aloft in triumph. â€Å"It works!†Stefan cried. â€Å"That's amazing,†Matt said. Stefan looked almost feverish. â€Å"But don't you realize what it means? It means we can use this key. We can go anywhere we like without using Power. Even to the Dark Dimension! But first – while he's Stillhere – we ought to do something about Shinichi.† â€Å"You're in no condition to do that now, dear Stefan,†Mrs. Flowers said, shaking her head. â€Å"I'm sorry, but the truth is that we have been very, very lucky. That wicked kitsune was off guard back then. He won't be now.† â€Å"I Stillhave to try,†Stefan said quietly. â€Å"Every one of you has been tormented or had to fight – whether with your fists or your minds,†he added, bowing slightly to Mrs. Flowers. â€Å"I've suffered but I've never had a chance to fight him. I have to try.† Matt said, just as quietly, â€Å"I'l go with you.† Elena added, â€Å"We can al fight together. Right, Meredith?† Meredith nodded slowly, taking Stefan's poker from his fireplace. â€Å"Yes. It may be a low blow, but – together.† â€Å"I say it's a higher blow than letting him live and go on hurting people. Anyway, we'l take care of it†¦together,†Elena said firmly. â€Å"Right now!† Matt started to get up, but his motion was frozen in midair as he stared in horror. Simultaneously, with the grace of hunting lionesses or bal et dancers the two girls closed in on Stefan, and simultaneously they swung their separate pokers; Elena hitting him in the head and Meredith hitting him squarely in the groin. Stefan reeled away from the blow to the head, but simply said, â€Å"Ow!†when Meredith hit him. Matt knocked Elena out of the way and then, turning as precisely as if he were on the footbal field, got Meredith out of â€Å"Stefan's†way too. But this imposter had obviously decided not to fight back. Stefan's form melted. Misao, green leaves woven into her scarlet-tipped black hair, stood before them. To Matt's shock, her face was pinched and pale. She was obviously very il , although Stilldefiant. But there was no mockery in her voice tonight. â€Å"What have you done with my star bal ? And my brother?†she demanded feebly. â€Å"Your brother's safely locked up,†Matt said, hardly knowing what he was tel ing her. Despite al the crimes Misao had committed he couldn't help feeling sorry for her. She was clearly desperate and il . â€Å"I know that. I was going to say my brother wil kil you al – not as a game, but in anger.†Now Misao looked wretched and frightened. â€Å"You've never seen him really angry.† â€Å"You've never seen Stefan angry either,†Elena said. â€Å"At least not when he had al his Power.† Misao just shook her head. A dried leaf floated from her hair. â€Å"You don't understand!† â€Å"I doubt we understand anything. Meredith, have we searched this girl?† â€Å"No, but surely she wouldn't have brought the other one – â€Å" Elena said crisply, â€Å"Matt, take a book and read it. I'l tel you when we're done.† Matt was reluctant to turn his back on a kitsune, even a sick one. But when even Mrs. Flowers nodded gently he obeyed. Still, back turned or not, he could hear noises. And the noises suggested that Misao was being held tightly and searched thoroughly. At first the sounds were al negative murmurs. â€Å"Huh-uh†¦huh-uh†¦huh-uh†¦huh- oops!†There was a rattle of metal on wood. Matt only turned when Elena said, â€Å"Okay, you can look. It was in her front pocket.†She added to Misao, who was looking as if she might faint, â€Å"We didn't want to have to hold you and search you. But this key – where in heaven's name did you get keys like this, anyway?† A pink spot showed on Misao's cheeks. â€Å"Heaven is right. They're the only two left of the Master Keys – and they belong to Shinichi and me. I figured out how to steal them from the Celestial Court. That was†¦a long time ago.† At that moment they heard a car on the road – Stefan's Porsche. In the dead silence that fol owed, they could also see the car through Stefan's window as it swung into the driveway. â€Å"No one goes down,†Elena said tersely. â€Å"No one invites him in.† Meredith shot her a keen glance. â€Å"Shinichi could have tunneled out like a mole by now. And he's already been invited in.† â€Å"My fault for not warning you al – but anyway, if it is Shinichi and he's done anything to hurt Stefan he's going to see me when I'm angry. The words Wings of Destruction just popped into my head and something inside me wants to say them.† There was a chil in the room. No one met Stefan, but in a moment they could al hear running footsteps. Stefan appeared at his door, burst through, and found himself confronted with a row of people al looking at him suspiciously. â€Å"What the hell is going on?†he demanded, staring at Misao, who was being held up between Meredith and Matt. â€Å"Misao – â€Å" Elena took two steps toward him – and wound herself around him, drawing him into a deep kiss. For a moment he resisted, but then, bit by bit, his opposition col apsed despite the roomful of observers. When Elena final y let go, she just leaned against Stefan, breathing hard. The others were al crimson with embarrassment. Stefan, flushed as he was, held her tightly. â€Å"I'm sorry,†Elena whispered. â€Å"But you've already ‘come home'twice. First, it was Shinichi and we locked him in the root cel ar. Then it was her.†She pointed, without looking, toward the cowering Misao. â€Å"I didn't know how to make sure that Shinichi hadn't escaped somehow – â€Å" â€Å"And you're sure now?† â€Å"Oh, yes. I recognize you. You're always ready to let me in.† Matt realized that she was shaking and quickly stood up so she could sit, for at least a minute or two, in peace. The peace lasted less than a minute. â€Å"I want my star bal !†Misao cried. â€Å"I need to put Power in it or I'l go on weakening – and then you'l have murdered me.† â€Å"Go on weakening? Is the liquid evaporating out of the star bal or something?†Meredith asked. Matt was thinking about what he'd seen on his home block before the Ridgemont sheriffs had got him. â€Å"You've gathered Power to put in it?†he asked mildly. â€Å"Power from yesterday, maybe?† â€Å"Power from ever since you took it. But it isn't joined with†¦ me. With my star bal . It's mine, but not yet.† â€Å"Like maybe some Power from making Cole Reece eat his guinea pig while it was alive? From making kids burn down their own houses?†Matt's voice was gravel y. â€Å"What does it matter?†Misao retorted sul enly. â€Å"It's mine. They were my ideas, not yours. You can't keep me away – â€Å" â€Å"Meredith, keep me away from her. I've known that kid Cole since he was born. I'l always have nightmares†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Misao perked up like a wilting plant getting water. â€Å"Have nightmares, have nightmares,†she whispered. There was a silence. Then Meredith said, careful y and expressionlessly, as if she were thinking of the stave, â€Å"You're a nasty little thing, aren't you? Is that your food? Bad memories, nightmares, fear of the future?† Misao was plainly stumped. She couldn't see the catch. It was like asking a regular hungry teenager â€Å"How about some pizza and a Coke? Is that what you want?†Misao couldn't even see that her appetites were wrong, so she couldn't lie. â€Å"You were right before,†Stefan said forceful y. â€Å"We have your star bal . The only way to make us give it back would be to do something for us. We're supposed to be able to control you anyway because we have it – â€Å" â€Å"Old-ways thinking. Obsolete,†Misao growled. There was a dead silence. Matt felt his stomach plummet. They had been betting on â€Å"old-ways thinking†al along. To get Shinichi's star bal by making Misao tel them where it was. Their ultimate goal had been to control Shinichi using his star bal . â€Å"You don't understand,†Misao said, pitiful y and yet angrily at the same time. â€Å"My brother wil help me fil my star bal again. But what we did in this town – it was an order, not just for fun.† â€Å"Could'a fooled me,†Elena murmured, but Stefan's head jerked up and he said, â€Å"An order? From who?† â€Å"I†¦don't†¦know!† Misao screamed. â€Å"Shinichi gets the orders. Then he tel s me what to do. But whoever it is should be happy by now. The town is almost destroyed. He ought to give me some help here!†She glared at the group, and they stared back. Without knowing that he was going to say it, Matt said, â€Å"Let's put her in the root cel ar with Shinichi. I've got this feeling that we might al be sleeping in the storage room tonight.†

Literature and Language Essay

The word explication takes its form from the verb explicate, meaning to â€Å"unfold† the meaning of an ideas as to make clear the significance of it. Literary criticism also makes use of explication, which is termed as explication de texte. The meaning of a certain text (whether a poem, novel or play) is unfolded by line-by-line or chapter-by-chapter commentary of the text. This thorough interpretation of the text makes the understanding of it as subjective as possible. Analysis, on the other hand, is the process of fragmenting an intricate idea into smaller more cognizant parts to gain a better understanding of the idea. The difference between analysis and explication is on where the probe of the idea starts. In explication, the parts are studied to gain an understanding of the entirety of the idea; whereas in analysis, the whole of the idea is probed and divided into more understandable parts. In writing about a poem, it is best to use explication de texte because the meaning of the totality of the text lies in the interpretation of each line of the poem. Only then if each one of the line is scrutinized will the meaning of the poem will be understood. Contrariwise, in writing about a short story, it is better to utilize analysis. There is a certain unfolding of events that happen within the text and would only culminate towards the ending. Therefore, the entirety of the text should be first read, only then could the small details of the story could be further scrutinized to gain a fresher and more detailed understanding of the story as a whole. It is important to know which type of literary tool should be used to explore a certain text. A different interpretation may be concluded depending on whether explication or analysis is used. Work Cited: Franklin, P. (2006). Conjectures on Explication. US: Chicago Press.