Improving Public Education Essay

In today’s time and tough economy a good education must be a top priority. Are our children receiving the best education possible? America was once the best educated nation in the world. Now the United States ranks seventeenth out of forty countries in overall educational performance according to The Learning Curve report, developed by the Economist Intelligence Unit. (US 17th In Global Education Ranking, par. 1) These higher ranking countries promote a culture that is supportive of education and the understanding of the importance of good teachers in improving educational output. To improve our education system we must place a greater emphasis on the early education, parent involvement and quality teachers. By doing this we will be able to become one of the top ranking nations again. Nelson Mandela once said, â€Å"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. † Early learning education is a far greater tool for success. (The Importance of Early Childhood Education, par. 1) Studies have shown that a child’s earliest years of development are the most critical with 85% of the brain developing by age five. Since children are most receptive to information during this time, early learning exposure plays an essential role in fostering mental development. The years prior to kindergarten are critical in shaping key academic, social, and cognitive skills that determine a child’s success in school and life. A high-quality early learning program can help children arrive in kindergarten ready to succeed. Expanding access to high quality early childhood education is among the smartest investments that we can make. Participation in high-quality early learning programs, like Head Start, public and private preschool, and childcare, will provide children from all backgrounds with a strong start and a foundation for school success. These programs also generate a significant return on investment for society; numerous economic studies have documented a rate of return of $7 or more on each dollar invested through a reduced need for spending on other services, such as remedial education, grade repetition, and special education, as well as increased productivity and earnings for these children as adults. (Education Knowledge and Skills, par. 2) Appropriate early childhood programs contribute to physical, emotional and social development as well as school readiness. High-quality preschools recognize the importance of providing an environment that teaches and nurtures children to learn. In fact, a high quality early childhood education can result in a higher level of education and a better job with more pay later on. Early education programs not only improve children’s cognitive abilities but also crucial behavioral traits like motivation and self-esteem. Young children learn social skills when they interact with other children. Interacting with other children means learning how to wait, how to take turns, and how to listen. Children will be exposed to activities and materials that promote basic math concepts, language development, science, problem solving, technology, cause and effect, literacy, and physical development. Early education focuses on developing the whole child not just one skill. â€Å"There is no program and no policy that can substitute for a parent who is involved in their child’s education from day one. —President Barack Obama (ESEA Reauthorization, par. 1) Parents and other family members play an important role in supporting their child’s growth and development. The parent after all is the child’s first teacher. Children are more likely to lead healthy, productive lives when both parents are actively involved in their educational achievement and behavior. They maintain higher grades, te st scores and graduation rates, have better attendance, increased motivation, better self-esteem, lower suspension rates, decreased use of drugs and alcohol, and fewer instances of violent behavior. The earlier in a child’s educational process parent’s become involved, the more powerful the effects. The most effective forms are those, which engage parents in working directly with their children on learning activities at home. (â€Å"What research says about parent involvement,† par. 2 & 3) The research has shown that quality teaching matters to student learning. Teacher quality has been consistently identified as one of the most important school-based factor in student achievement. A quality teacher is one who has a positive effect on student learning and development. Quality teachers are life-long learners in their subject areas, teach with commitment, and are reflective upon their teaching practice. They transfer knowledge of their subject matter and the learning process through good communication, diagnostic skills, understanding of different learning styles and cultural influences, knowledge about child development, and the ability to use different teaching techniques to meet student needs. They set high expectations and support students in achieving them. They establish an environment conducive to learning, and make available resources outside as well as inside the classroom. Quality teachers have a lasting effect on the student’s academic career. (High impact philanthropy to improve teaching quality, p. 7) Anyone that has children wants them to get a good start in school. If we as a society would change our opinion and all view a quality education as an important factor to our success then we could make significant changes to our public school system. If more emphasis and funding was put into the early education system more children would arrive in kindergarten with the skills they need to learn. If more parents would become involved with their children’s education from the beginning then the children would see the importance of being motivated to do their best. And of course with more quality teachers students would strive to succeed. One can see how all these factors could make great changes in our education system and help more the United States back on top in overall educational performance.

Finding Nemo

â€Å"Finding Nemo† (2003) written and directed by Andrew Stanton, and Lee Unkrich, is the story of a father-son underwater adventure featuring Nemo, a boy clownfish, stolen from his coral reef home. His timid father must then travel to Sydney and search Sydney Harbour to find Nemo. Animated feature-length films have carved a niche in American culture as a viable and enduring art form. Animated films have offered a glimpse into another world that often could not be shown by any other filmmaking means.Finding Nemo's computer-generated ocean is full of animated characters that are an absolute blast. There is some real-world scenery, but the incredible graphics make it hard to tell what's real and what's not. Disney/Pixar brings to life an ocean full of funny marine life, like forgetful Dory, and Bruce the shark with his buddies, Chum and Anchor. There are these, like, totally cool hang ten turtles that are the raddest bunch of surfer dudes in the ocean. The animation in Finding Nemo is excellent; you would expect nothing less from Pixar.The scenery is dominated by bright blue ocean colors and colourful fish. The animation used cutting edge technology in the production of the movie, which was released in 2003 and the results still delight to this day. Even now when you look back at it, it is still of a very high standard. The animators at Pixar Animation Studios were expected to scuba dive as part of the preparation and production. This enabled them to understand how light is reflected underwater, and to see the interaction of the ocean's inhabitants for themselves.The experience then translated beautifully onto the screen through their realistic portrayal of Nemo's world. Nemo’s underwater masterpieces in my opinion are the greatest achievement in animation. During Marlin’s journey we see one of animation’s most visibly stunning scenes ever, the Jellyfish. As Marlin and Dory approach the trench, Marlin decides to swim over to it agains t the advice Dory shared and quickly forgot. As they swim over the trench, thousands of jellyfish descend into the shot. I was blown away.I found myself staring at what appeared to be a Discovery Channel special on underwater life. (To think I was playing Frogger just 20 years ago and computers can now do this! ) The visual design is a wonder. It's absolutely astonishing how the folks at Pixar are able to top themselves with each new movie. This is an excellent achievement in computer animation. While Disney/Pixar has redefined animation in the past with Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bug’s Life, and Monsters, Inc. Now, Pixar is just showing off with Nemo.

Firecracker Should Be Banned in the Philippines Essay

Introduction With our technology today we can substitute some firecrackers while celebrating New Years Eve. The aim of this project was to help the students be more curious about the situation surrounding them. This report is hoping that the government can make a wise decision about this problem to help reduce pollutions.   This can make change for a better world and a good place for our sons and grandsons. Hoping this research can help every question of the students. Finally this research was conduct to make a contribution for the next generations. Acknowledgement I’ am Joris Magno would like to thank the persons who help me to finish this research. I would like to express my gratitude to all the students who answered my survey’s the possibility to complete this research. I’am in deeply indebted to my teachers who help me to give some ideas about my topic and some advice that they give, my English teacher who have shared her wisdom with us to make a research paper. I’m thankful to my mother that she has been supporting me from my projects and research, to giving me help from any financial support, and my inspirations to finish up this work. And all of that I’ am thankful to our Dear GOD Who always there to help in every time. The Problem Its Background Firecracker is one of the no. 1 issues of our country that firecracker should be banned, According to the (DOH) Department of Health that one of the most significant cause of death in our country while celebrating New Years eve is accidents on using firecrackers, Wild Fire cause by a firecrackers, and firework related injuries and many more. In that case we are facing a very big problem about firecrackers and this is why I’ am willing to have a research with this kind of topic. Did you know that the our country is one of the most pollutant City in celebrating New year that’s why our government was alarm about this study. Many bad effects can harm our body that is caused by a firecracker and we are one of those citizens affect most, because we live here in a urban city (NCR) and me too is alarm that this bad effects can kill us. According to my research that every students of MPNAG was aware of the bad effect of fireworks in our health and 96 over 100 was agree that firecracker should be banned in our country. Last January 1, 2013 across our country about 412 revelers were injured, down by 17 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the DoH. There were at least 18 cases of indiscriminate firing reported by the DoH, according to Valte. Importance of the Problem It has already become boring how year after year we have been harping about the fires, deaths and injuries caused by illegal explosions of poorly manufactured firecrackers. And how all of these can be avoided if authorities had been stricter in enforcing the law on firecrackers. This study is very important to answer all the questions of every individual who is curious about banning of firecrackers. It is said that our country is one of the top 20 countries that celebrating New Years eve who uses up Firecrackers and that is why our DoH was conducting a â€Å"Iwas Paputok† program that can help to reduce up the smog after the eve. Our students in MPNAG was also agree that firecrackers should be banned already because it can harm people and can cause a large damage of infrastructure that is cause by a wild fire. The firecracker ban, effective since 1966, has been observed more on the breach. Welcoming the New Year with a big bang is too ingrained a tradition to change. In fact, a quiet New Year’s Eve is unthinkable. I doubt if the Department of Health’s call for Congress to legislate a full ban will fly. This research is a benefit for the citizens of our country, this includes young people and for adults, I made done this research to inform and persuade the people to stop using firecracker to lessen the pollutants we have done. Definition of Terms Firecracker – A firecracker (also known as a cracker, noise maker, banger or bunger) is a small explosive device primarily designed to produce a large amount of noise, especially in the form of a loud bang; any visual effect is incidental to this goal. They have fuses, and are wrapped in a heavy paper casing to contain the explosive compound. Firecrackers along with fireworks, originated in China. Fireworks- are a class of explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and culture, and religious purposes. The most common use of a firework is as part of a fireworks display. A fireworks event (also called a fireworks show or pyrotechnics) is a display of the effects produced by firework devices. Fireworks competitions are also regularly held at a number of places. Fireworks take many forms to produce the four primary effects: noise, light, smoke and floating materials (confetti for example). They may be designed to burn with flames and sparks of many colors, typically red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and silver. Displays are common throughout the world and are the focal point of many cultural and religious celebrations. The earliest documentation of fireworks dates back to 7th century China, where they were invented. The fireworks were used to accompany many festivities. It is a part of the culture of China and had its origin there; eventually it spread to other cultures and societies.[2] Important events and festivities such as the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival were and still are times when fireworks are guaranteed sights. China is the largest manufacturer and exporter of fireworks in the world. Fireworks are generally classified as to where they perform, either as a ground or aerial firework. In the latter case they may provide their own propulsion (skyrocket) or be shot into the air by a mortar (aerial shell). The most common feature of fireworks is a paper or pasteboard tube or casing filled with the combustible material, often pyrotechnic stars. A number of these tubes or cases are often combined so as to make, when kindled, a great variety of sparkling shapes, often variously colored. The skyrocket is a common form of firework, although the first skyrockets were used in war. Such rocket technology has also been used for the delivery of mail by rocket and is used as propulsion for most model rockets. The aerial shell is the backbone of today’s commercial aerial display. A smaller version for consumer use is known as the festival ball in the United States. Ground fireworks, although less popular than aerial ones, create a stunning exhibition. These types of fireworks can produce various shapes, such as simple rotating c Yuletide season is fast approaching and firecrackers are gradually being sold in the market. Yearly, injuries linked to fireworks are almost inevitable. To minimize the fireworks related casualties, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development XII held a Press Conference for the IWAS PAPUTOK campaign on November 27, 2012 at Sun City Suites, General Santos City. It was attended by people coming from the media, Department of Trade and Industry Scope and Delimitation of the Study The scope of this study focused on issues and problems about the banning of firecracker in our country. This research was limit and conducted only at the school campus to let the students be curious about this topic. The respondents of this study were the fourth year students from the different section and classes of the school. The instrument used in this study it’s the survey questions distributed, wherein Co students with different status in life are asked to answer certain questions which about the community problem facing every year. This study also hopes to waken up the students from different problems surrounding them. I hope that it can answer every question of the students of MPNAG who are very curious about it. Related Literature and Study Firecracker ban Manila, Philippines – IT has already become boring how year after year we have been harping about the fires, deaths and injuries caused by illegal explosions of poorly manufactured firecrackers. And how all of these can be avoided if authorities had been stricter in enforcing the law on firecrackers. Senator Panfilo Lacson was correct when he said: â€Å"First, the regulatory power of government with regard to pyrotechnics, if at all, is not clear or at least not effectively disseminated to the public. Second, threats and warnings are taken for granted simply because enforcement as a follow-through is lacking if not absent. The firecracker ban, effective since 1966, has been observed more on the breach. Welcoming the New Year with a big bang is too ingrained a tradition to change. In fact, a quiet New Year’s Eve is unthinkable. I doubt if the Department of Health’s call for Congress to legislate a full ban will fly. Nevertheless, I agree with Senator Gringo Honasan, chair of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, when he stated recently that his committee will soon hold a public hearing to review existing measures or ordinances on firecrackers and pyrotechnics and determine if there is a need to pass a new law that will regulate their use during New Year’s Day celebrations. On the other hand, the recommendation of DirectorGeneral Alan Purisima, the new Philippine National Police Chief, on the issue is bold and worthy of consideration. He wants powerful firecrackers to be classified as bombs or improvised explosive devices (IED). Individual fireworks containing not more than 0.2 grams of gunpowder or explosive material are allowed by law. More than that may be classified as IEDs or bombs. The Purisima suggestion will in effect tag the manufacturer or possessor of any powerful explosive as a â€Å"terroristâ€Å" and will be jailed without benefit of bail. Crackdown vs. illegal firecrackers launched Philippines – Director General Alan Purisima, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered yesterday all police commanders nationwide to raid factories of illegally-manufactured firecrackers and likewise confiscates those being sold in the streets. In effect, Pursima said he is turning the PNP as the teeth of the Department of Health which has been aggressively pushing to lessen the number of firecracker-related injuries during the traditional New Year’s revelry. â€Å"We are very concerned of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials and that is why we are joining forces with the Department of Health in reducing firecracker-related injuries,† said Purisima in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City. â€Å"While the DOH will take the task of massive information drive, we in the PNP will focus on the enforcement of laws that will help in reducing to the lowest level the casualty figure,† he added. Last year, a total of 378 persons were injured while two people were killed based on firecracker-related incidents based on the data of the PNP. Yesterday, the PNP Chief led the inspection of factories and stalls in Bulacan, which is considered as the Mecca of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materi als in the country. (Aaron B. Recuenco) Firecracker-related injuries lower: DOH By GENALYN D. KABILING MADEL SABATER-NAMIT Manila, Philippines – Despite the lower number of firecracker-related injuries brought about by the aggressive information campaign by the Department of Health, Malacaà ±ang is not about to support a total ban on firecrackers in the country. â€Å"Whether or not legislation will be proposed will be dependent on the assessment of the situation and preparations by the concerned agencies for this year,â€Å" Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte said. At least 412 revelers were injured across the country, down by 17 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the DoH. Valte also noted that police have arrested 215 persons in connection with the sale and distribution of illegal firecrackers in Metro Manila. Also closed down were 67 stalls and 35 ambulant vendors of banned firecrackers, Valte said. Aquino earlier sought for stiffer penalties against manufacturers and users of prohibited firecrackers particularly those that damage public property. Authorities were also asked to strictly inspect stores selling firecrackers to make sure they comply with their business permits. Meanwhile, Malacaà ±ang issued a stern warning against those who are guilty of indiscriminate firing in welcoming the New Year. There were at least 18 cases of indiscriminate firing reported by the DoH, according to Valte. Although the number is 56 percent lower compared to last year, Valte said the government will continue to step up efforts against those who are guilty of indiscriminate firing. Valte said there were nine civilians arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Metro Manila Monday night and are â€Å"currently under processâ€Å" as part of its efforts to discourage indiscriminate firing. Police personnel had their guns sealed before the Christmas holidays to ensure that no one among their ranks will indiscriminately fire their guns in welcoming the New Year. Elsewhere, a four-year-old boy was killed on New Year’s Eve after he was shot by a 40-year-old man in Mandaluyong City, a police official disclosed. Senior Supt. Armando Bolalin, chief of the Mandaluyong City Police Station, identiï ¬ ed the victim as Ranjelo Nimer, a resident of Block 26, Welfareville Compound, Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City. Bolalin, during an interview, disclosed that that victim was taken to the Mandaluyong City Medical Center at 9:10 p.m. Monday but was pronounced deadon-arrival by attending doctors at 9:40 p.m., after he sustained four bullet wounds to the head, at his lower left shoulder, and two in the left side of his body. In Malolos, Bulacan, a threeyear-old boy was rushed to a hospital after being hit by a stray bullet during the New Year’s celebration in the province. Liz Mungcal, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Ofï ¬ ce (PDRRMO), in her report to Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, said the victim was a resident of Barangay Bagong Nayon, Baliwag. In Davao City, police director Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa reported that not a single case of ï ¬ recracker-related injuries was recorded in the city. â€Å"We checked all the hospitals, health centers and even the smallest clinics in the entire Davao City and not even one person was admitted for firecracker injuries,â€Å" said dela Rosa. Davao City has long banned the use of dangerous firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials. Strict enforcement has also resulted in the arrest of 106 vendors and users. In Quezon City, some policemen were caught feasting on the seized firecrackers after presenting them the media to discourage their use for the New Year revelry. Director General Alan Purisima, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered the QC Police District and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to submit the names of all the officers involved in taking the seized firecrackers. â€Å"This is embarrassing for the PNP. These officers have no discipline, they should face the consequences of their actions,â€Å" said Purisima. Purisima was reacting to a video footage captured by the ABS-CBN wherein a number of policemen started taking various firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials that were presented to the media. (With reports from Francis Wakefield, Aaron Recuenco and Freddie Velez) Government starts anti-firecracker campaign MANILA, Philippines — In is still a month before the New Year revelry to greet 2012, but the government has already started its anti-firecracker campaign to reduce firecracker-related injuries, largely caused by indiscriminate use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics. The campaign will be a collaborative efforts by various agencies of government. The Department of Health (DoH) launched Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction’’ (APIR) or â€Å"Give Me Five,’’ in which it would not ask people to stop using firecrackers or show images of injuries, but instead will show a hand with five fingers, representing DoH tips for the holidays – participate in community fireworks display, celebrate a safe family holiday, use alternative noise-makers, join merry-making activities, and reflect on lessons of past year to guide New Year. In support of the DoH, the Department of the Interior and Local Government will tap local government units (LGUs) to designate areas for fireworks display. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), reports that 17 Metro LGUs signed a resolution to set up a common fireworks area in every barangay. The Department of Trade and Industry will inspect firework manufacturers, and will ban harmful firecrackers such as piccolo, super lolo, pla pla, judas belt and og. The Bureau of Customs is preventing the influx and sale of illegally imported or smuggling firecracker products. Some P400,000 worth of confiscated firecrackers were destroyed at the Philippine Coast Guard-Cebu compound. Following tradition, many Filipinos will light up firecrackers to greet the New Year. The government, however, advise them to be cautious and seek prompt medical treatment for firecracker injuries. Prevention is still better than cure. Firecracker ban Manila, Philippines – The Muntinlupa City government has reminded residents that selling firecrackers is illegal in the city. The policy is based on the existing Executive Order 14 issued by Mayor Aldrin San Pedro last year, which strictly enforces the firecracker ban in Muntinlupa. San Pedro said the move aims to protect the public from the dangers of firecrackers, which can result to injuries and deaths. (Jonathan Hicap) ‘Iwas paputok’ Manila, Philippines – National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) Alan Purisima ordered yesterday Metro Manila district police chiefs to intensify their campaign against illegal firecrackers and improvised PVC cannons as part of the joint monitoring center campaign they share with the Department of Health (DOH) dubbed â€Å"Oplan Iwas Paputok† to lower firecracker-related injuries and deaths. The campaign also aims to check indiscriminate firing of guns. (Jean Fernando) Zero casualties: Firecracker ban works wonders in Davao and Olongapo (Updated 2:35 p.m. Dec. 28) – Did you just buy a jeepney’s worth of fireworks, noise makers, and pyrotechnics? Before you light up the fuse on one of those spanking new â€Å"Gangnam Bombs,† you may need to check your local city laws first. You may need to pay a hefty fine, or spend a night behind bars for the crime of being a firecracker bug. Take Olongapo City, for example, which has had a firecracker ban on its street s since 2008. The city is prepared to slap a P5,000 fine and imprisonment on violators, and keep its clean record of zero reported injuries caused by fireworks. Olongapo’s city public affairs chief Mike Pusing told GMA News Online that people in their community are very much aware of the prohibition. As the Department of Health on Wednesday floated the idea for a nationwide fireworks ban, given the rising number of firework injuries, local government units with firecracker bans have been relentless with their policies to greet the coming year without the usual explosive fanfare, or the missing digits and limbs that usually come with the explosions. Olongapo isn’t the first city to have this ban, however. They only followed the lead of Davao City, whose local council was the first to pass an ordinance against firecrackers back in 2002. Davao City’s health officer, Josephine Villafuerte, told GMA News Online that the local government has already reminded residents about the ban on firecrackers even before Christmas. As a result of the innovative restriction, the city has greeted each of the past three New Year’s celebrations without any fireworks-related injuries. Villafuerte pointed out that her city strictly implements the firecracker ban, noting the arrest of at least 32 people this past Christmas Eve for violating the ordinance. â€Å"Sanayan lang,† said Villafuerte on the absence of firecrackers in the New Year revelry, adding that people can still be happy and noisy even without fireworks. Meanwhile, Muntinlupa City followed suit and passed an ordinance banning firecrackers in 2010. Public Order and Safety Office staff Manny Surel said that city officials and the police previously met to discuss the firecracker ban, but declined to say more. The municipality of Pateros said in place of the prohibition of the sale, distribution and storage of firecrackers in the town, it heavily promotes alternative ways of greeting the new year with the use of toy horns and banging on pots an d pans. We observe Oplan Iwas Paputok Manila, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) launched its annual OPLAN IWAS PAPUTOK early this month. This year’s campaign focuses on children aged 6 to 10 years old. Statistics reveal that in 2011, the firecracker mishap belonged to this age group. DOH Secretary Dr. Enrique T. Ona has been visiting schools to advise children not to use or play with any firecracker/fireworks or pick any used firecracker in order to avoid injuries. In the event of fireworks-related injuries, bring the victim to the nearest health care facility so that immediate medical treatment can be administered to prevent tetanus, he says. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been conducting fireworks training seminars for both producers and users of firecrackers. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has launched â€Å"Oplan Paalala† to advise the public to strictly observe safety measures to prevent fires in their households. All these measures, however, can be effective only with the cooperation of the general public, especially parents and caregivers. Let us resolve to have a better and safer 2013 by making an effort to prevent danger from firecracker/fireworks. We can promote community fireworks displays handled by experts and located in safe areas, use alternative noise-makers like car horns, cans, pots and pans, radio music, etc. to welcome the new year, or join street parties, concerts, and games. We congratulate the Department of Health led by Hon. Secretary Dr. Enrique T. Ona, the Philippine National Police led by Chief Director General Alan LM Purisima and their Officers and Staff, and wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors. CONGRATULATIONS AND Mabuhay. DOH mulls total firecracker ban Health authorities are planning to push fpr a total ban on firecrackers nationwide. This, after the Dept. of Health had noted the increasing number of firecracker-related injuries in the run up to every New Year revelry. Health Secretary Enrique Ona told newsmen in an interview Thursday he and the DOH team are analyzing the trend in injuries prior to New Year’s eve. He said if the same number of firecracker-related injuries is established, a radical change will be observed. â€Å"We analyze how effective these [measures to prevent firecracker-related injuries] are and if the case is always the same, maybe it’s time we did something more drastic,† Ona said. According to Ona, despite having the objective to raise a ban on firecrackers, especially illegal ones, much consideration must be taken as this ban would also affect manufacturers, sellers and the country’s culture. â€Å"[We should] see how other countries do it [measures] and see the effect of firecracker ban in places in the Philippines like Davao City and Subic that have [already] done a total ban,† Ona said. As of Wednesday, there had been 72 victims of firecracker-related injuries, about 40 % of whom were children below age 10. He did not disclose comparative figures from last year’s pre-New year celebration. Ona said about half of the victims were onlookers. He added: â€Å"It is a time for celebration, a time to be happy, a time to be with friends, family and loved ones. â€Å"It is not the time to be crying, especially if the injuries obtained by these firecracker victims are severe.† Ona also remind the public that the New Year should not only be a happy one but also a safe. Firecracker ban The use of firecrackers, although a traditional part of celebration, has over the years led to many injuries. There have been incidents every year of users being blinded, losing body parts, or suffering other injuries, especially during festivities that customarily involve firecrackers such as Chinese New Year season. Hence, many governments and authoritarians have enacted laws completely banning the sale or use of firecrackers, or banning the use of firecrackers in the street, primarily because of safety issues. * Australia – Australia, with the exception of its capital territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory, does not permit the use of fireworks, except by a licensed pyrotechnician. These rules also require a permit from local government, as well as any relevant local bodies such as maritime or aviation authorities (as relevant to the types of fireworks being used) and hospitals, schools, et cetera, within a certain range. * Canada – Firecrackers are not authorized under the Explosives Act, thus making importation, possession, transportation, storage or manufacturing illegal in Canada. [2] Canada banned firecrackers on September 27, 1972 after it came out in the media that two children were killed and three others severely burned when some older children were playing with firecrackers outside their tent. False rumours have been spread that the children inside the tent had actually been smoking and, not wanting to tell their parents, had told them they had been playing with firecrackers.[3] This report is incorrect. One of the surviving burn victims has researched and documented the events of that night and has included some of these details in his autobiography.[4] Fireworks, however are still legal to buy for anyone 18 years of age or over. * Mainland China – As of 2008, most urban areas in mainland China permit firecrackers. In the first three days of the traditional New Year, it is a tradition that people compete with each other by playing with firecrackers. However, many urban areas banned them in the 1990s. For example, they were banned in Beijing’s urban districts from 1993 to 2005.[5] In 2004, 37 people were killed in a stampede when four million[6] people gathered for a rumored Lantern Festival firework display in nearby Miyun.[7] Since the ban was lifted, the firecracker barrage has been tremendous. An unusual[clarification needed] feature is that many residents in major cities look down on street-level fireworks from their tower blocks. Bans are rare in rural areas. * Hong Kong – Fireworks are banned for security reasons – some speculate a connection between firework use and the 1967 Leftist Riot. However, the government would stage a fireworks display in Victoria Harbour on the second day of the Chinese New Year. Similar displays are also held in many other cities in and outside China. * Indonesia – Firecrackers and fireworks are forbidden in public during the Chinese New Year, especially in areas with significant non-Chinese population to avoid conflic t between the two. However, there were some exceptions. The usage of firecrackers is legal in some metropolitan areas such as Jakarta and Medan, where the degree of racial and cultural tolerance is higher. * Italy – Firecrackers are legal and can be bought without a licence. * Malaysia – firecrackers are banned for similar reasons as in Singapore. However, many Malaysians smuggle them from Thailand. * Norway – The government of Norway decided to ban rockets shortly after 2009 started. Other types of fireworks are still allowed. * Philippines – Fireworks and firecrackers are widely available throughout the Philippines, but are banned in Olongapo City (since 2008)[8] and Davao City (since 2001). * Republic of Ireland – Fireworks and firecrackers are not permitted in the Republic of Ireland however many people smuggle them from Northern Ireland where they are legal. They are most common around Halloween. * Singapore – a partial ban on firecrackers was imposed in March 1970 after a fire killed six people and injured 68.[9] This was extended to a total ban in August 1972, after an explosion that killed two people[10] and an attack on two police officers attempting to stop a group from letting off firecrackers in February 1972.[11] However, in 2003, the government allowed firecrackers to be set off during the festive season. At the Chinese New Year light-up in Chinatown, at the stroke of midnight on the first day of the Lunar New Year, firecrackers are set off under controlled conditions by the Singapore Tourism Board. Other occasions where firecrackers are allowed to be set off are determined by the tourism board or other government organizations. However, their sale is not allowed. * Sweden – Only rocket type fireworks are allowed in Sweden. The ban of fire crackers was done by the EU Parliament and Swedish government 1 December 2001 * Taiwan – Beginning 2008, firecrackers are banned in urban areas, but still allowed in rural areas. * United Kingdom – In 1997, firecrackers became illegal but most other consumer fireworks are legal.[12] * United States – In 2007, New York City lifted its decade-old ban on firecrackers, allowing a display of 300,000 firecrackers to be set off in Chinatown’s Chatham Square.[13] Under the supervision of the fire and police departments, Los Angeles regularly lights firecrackers every New Year’s Eve, mostly at temples and the shrines of benevolent associations. The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade, the largest outside China, is accompanied by numerous firecrackers, both officially sanctioned and illicit. CHAPTER 2 Method of Study The instrument I used for my research is the survey questions and some interviews about my topic.   This topic is interesting for every student and according to them 74 out of 100 students their impression in using firecracker is Dangerous because it can cause damage to our body and health. All of the students was aware to the negative effects of firecracker, and 96 out 100 students agree to the government that firecracker should be banned. About 74 out of 100 students are not using firecracker anymore, because they have an alternative for it. The â€Å"Torotot† a flute that makes avery loud sound and it is more affordable, toxic free than firecracker. Treatment of Data This study can help the government to know what are the impressions of the students about banning of firecracker in our country.   In fact, firecrackers can lead to significant casualties if people don’t use it appropriately. In recent years, firecrackers are banned in some states in America. There are a total of 11 states that ban all types of firecrackers while some states only allow few types of firecrackers. Most leniently states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida still allow all types of firecrackers ( Essoyan; Los Angeles Time ). The administration of some states has refused to allow the setting off of firecrackers during Chinese New Year celebration because these state governments believe that these explosives are too dangerous. That’s why our government was alarm about this news CHAPTER 3 Presentation and interpretation of Data This graph tells that the impression of many of the students is Dangerous. But almost of the students are using up firecracker. This was taken up about last-last year survey about the banning of firecracker in big cities. CHAPTER 4 Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendation The main thrust of the study was to inform the students and to be curious about the problems facing our community. Specifically, the study answered questions to make the students be not innocent about this problem this can help the community be aware of it. FINDINGS 1. Level of Students who are using firecracker Majority (81.9333) of the students got the highest rating scale of 80-89 which was rated Very High. Only the rating scale of 50-59 (far below from the passing percentage) are not using firecracker. 2. Students aware to the bad effects of firecracker Almost all of the students have the rating scale of 90 and above, who are aware of its harmful effects. 3. Impression of the students toward using firecracker Based on the survey that all of our respondent’s impression toward it is very dangerous because it can affect our body to have illness, having a accidents. The causes for these accidents is misbehavior in using fireworks, it can cause damage to infrastructure. CONCLUSION For being a student I conclude that firecrackers should be banned in the Philippines including Fireworks, this was proven according to the Government of Davao and Olongapo. Because they already done this thing and observe a peaceful New year. RECOMMENDATION For my viewpoint of this problem, I think that we should start using up firecrackers to lessen more pollutant in the air and even accidents we can prevent of this two. Firecrackers is one of the most significant problem of our country and even our planet are debating oneself to banned this problem and I think that our government start to work up and make a wise decision. For the students I want to advice them that they should participate in every problem who are facing this country. I supposed that if firecracker has been banned the earth can leave longer and even the young people we might help in the next generation. Bibliography â€Å"Fire Crackers† StudyMode.com. 10 1999. 10 1999 . http://www.tempo.com.ph/2013/01/firecracker-ban-2/#.UQfLkmedqxM http://www.tempo.com.ph/2012/12/crackdown-vs-illegal-firecrackers-launched/#.UQfMFmedqxM http://www.tempo.com.ph/2013/01/firecracker-related-injuries-lower-doh/#.UQfMiGedqxM hthttp://www.tempo.com.ph/2011/12/firecracker-ban/#.UQfMqGedqxM http://www.tempo.com.ph/2011/12/government-starts-anti-firecracker-campaign/#.UQfMs2edqxM http://www.tempo.com.ph/2011/12/iwas-paputok/#.UQfNKWedqxM http://www.tempo.com.ph/2012/12/we-observe-oplan-iwas-paputok/#.UQfN4GedqxM

Other topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Other topic - Essay Example The essay describes which book was more effective in regard to the style used by the author. Dracula is timeless novel and seems more effective in the writing style than Christine. Dracula is written as a collection of diary sections, letters, telegrams, and notices. According to (Stoker 7) Dracula writes a letter to Jonathan Harker welcoming him to Carpathians. The thought, Stoker lets us know in the note toward the start of the novel, is to present the events of the story as basic actuality, despite the fact that some section of the events are difficult to accept. The accumulation of archives is similar to a pile of confirmation being introduced at court. The truth is out – as the reader, you get the opportunity to go about as judge and jury. The written work style is direct and extremely quick – the characters write in their diaries basically as events are occurring, so the reader encounters the events as the characters do. The novel, Dracula, is made out of a progression of first-person diaries, letters, and statements, which implies there are various narrators, and different perspectives are there represented. Stokers prefatory statement clarifies this, and demands that the main editing that has been done is to cross out anything that isnt important to the story. All the diaries and letters, generally, are precisely as they were initially composed. Dracula is an action-packed narration about vampires and how to execute them. Since it is told from different perspectives through a collection of journal sections, letters, and notes, theres not a considerable measure of boredom. The story moves along at a really decent clasp, so there is never time to be exhausted. The dialect is sometimes troublesome only in light of the fact that it was composed more than a century ago, and there are some dark chronicled and social references that may exhausting for modern readers. In Christine, the author uses almost similar style

Reflection for a reading Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reflection for a reading - Essay Example Again, the behavioral trait that is inherent within an individual also works towards shaping his/her individual identity. My learning of the text also revealed that proper communication is the base to attain a cultural identity. When an individual communicate with another individual belonging to different culture, he/she must have a brief overview about the culture of other individual for communicating effectively. This will lead to a more effective intercultural communication. Cultural identity of an individual is also identified to be dependent on the way one presents his/her culture to other. For example, if an individual depicts that he/she belongs to the Chinese culture, it will be perceived that the individual is imbedded with Confucianism behavior (Holliday, Hyde and Kullman 2010). Hence, it can be conceptualized that a Chinese individual will mainly develop his/her identity in and around the Confucianism behavior. The study of the theme i.e. ‘identity’ from the text also revealed that it is an individual’s own effort to develop him/her in a way that others can easily accept them. An example in the text depicts that a group of girls in UK were involved in a loud and improper communication. In this way, they were presenting a bad picture of their cultures for strangers they were travelling in the bus. Again, the example also depicted that one more girls joined two girls and the loud communication amid them continues. This approach is regarded as cultural identity multiplicity. From the study of the text, I have also been able to learn that there is a specific identity card for every culture depicting ethnicity and sex among others. The girls who were communicating in bad language within the bus presented morals, values and upbringing of their culture, which further form their identity card. In some culture bad language like slag and tart are used as informal way of communica tion to greet amid girls (Holliday, Hyde and Kullman 2010). Thus, values,

The Boeing Aircraft Company - Managerial Economics Essay

The Boeing Aircraft Company - Managerial Economics - Essay Example Today, in order to break even, an jet aircraft manufacturing firm needs to sell 350 units of the aircraft to recover its development and production costs and thus break even. Because of such tremendous amount of fixed capital requirements, experts believe that the world can support at most only 3 manufacturers. However, as the first entrants in the industry, both Boeing and Airbus get a lock on the economies of scale and discouraged subsequent entry of other competitors. Back in the 1990s it was estimated that the world demand would be something in the scale of 1500 aircraft of the 300-seater type over a period of 10 years from 1995 to 2005, so that if the firm had to sell 50 aircraft average per year or 500 over this period just to obtain a reasonable return on its investment. At the beginning, Boeing had to step in the shoes de Havilland Comet in the 1950s, when that aircraft company had frequent accidents. Boeing took over and compiled a good safety record although it was not the first entrant in the industry. Boeing built on its advantages and obtained US government support for its research and development program. Boeing, located in Washington, U.S.A., is the worlds largest manufacturer of commercial jet aircraft, and today controls nearly two-thirds of the worlds market, down from its former positional advantage of a 2:1 dominance.. It is recalled that as part of a strategic industrial strategy, the US government provided substantial research and development grants to Boeing in its early years, specifically in the 1950s and the 1960s, to help the domestic firm compete in the emerging market for jet passenger planes in Boeings favor. After recently merging with McDonnell-Douglas the company has diversified more intensively its production of aircrafts and related products for military use. The government has no longer found it necessary to provide significant

Final Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Final - Essay Example se has helped me to garner information on syntax, diction, style and grammatical concerns which are very important to portray my thoughts into scripts. I was aware of the theoretical nitty-gritty of all these but lacked the proper synchronization of all these rules in order to organize my planning and create something in letters. I have found my writings are grammatically and stylistically correct because I can communicate with my readers in an effective way. I can respond to different writing assignments in ways that do not only streamline my time but also produces better finished writings. I do not have to struggle with the topics as the sentences flow spontaneously in my mind and I simply need to place them in papers. The course has helped me to address my thoughts in such a way that invokes a spirit in me always when I sit with pen and papers. This serves as a great support to harmonize the feelings that were somehow lost in the maze of numerous manuscripts I often studied. Durin g my reading of any book, if any sentence captures my interest I always underline that part and try to recollect and reproduce the same in some of my writings in a similar situation. The course has taught me how to recreate those ideas in my thesis. Above all I have learnt to write with confidence and I know myself as a writer. I would also like to bring certain things to your notice that there are some difficulties which haunt me always whenever I write. First of all, I lack a sense of coherence and cannot string the right words together to produce the insightful content. I am sometimes unable to find those thought provoking phrases which might otherwise result into a marvelous piece of writing. Another potential drawback of my writing is that I cannot illustrate my ideas with simple examples or in trying to do so, I get lost in the labyrinth of winding sentences in which the main thought loses its track. My writings are not always devoid of jargons and this creates some

Community Assessment and Care Planning in Medication Compliance Essay

Community Assessment and Care Planning in Medication Compliance - Essay Example The assessment of the adverse side-effects of psychiatric drugs shall also be discussed in this paper. These issues are discussed in the hope of coming up with improved quality of life and improved treatment and interventions for mentally ill patients. The assessment of mental health patient is seen from the initial admission or consultation of the patient. From the initial visit, which includes recording the agreement of the patient to Mental Health Care Service, history-taking, mental state examination, assessing associated risks and any co-morbidities, and the formulation of the diagnosis, there are various issues and concerns that may manifest (Thomas, 2006). Assessment is vital to patient diagnosis and treatment. Good assessment makes for good medical practice because it is the jumping off point to further investigations on patient symptoms and manifestations. It is also the basis for suitable and prompt action and referral. These decisions in patient care would not be properly made if not for good assessment. Assessment of the mental health patient is vital in the course of their illness because â€Å"people with mental illnesses are likely to have their physical health needs poorly managed and are less likely to have their blood pressure, cholesterol, urine†¦checked† (Colbeck, 2008). The assessment of the mental health patient is not wholly focused on the initial examination of the patient. The assessment of the adverse effects of psychiatric medications is also crucial in caring for mentally ill patients. The CNS Forum (2004) discusses various tools of assessing the neuroleptic effects of psychiatric drugs being used by different clinicians and mental health caregivers. These tools are briefly described forthwith. First, is the Simpson-Angus Scale which is used to assess extrapyramidal side-effects (EPS). It is based on the observations made by the mental health professional.

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

Omeprazole - Research Paper Example They inhibit this pump and hence lead to a reduction in the production of the acid. The drug has many indications which include the ulcers of the stomach which are the primary indication. Other indications include disturbances caused by the acid in the stomach and heartburn. It may also be given to relive chronic cough. Certain medications like non-steroidal anit-inflammatory drugs cause damage to the lining of the stomach and the proximal part of the intestine. It is also considered to assist in reducing the risk of cancer of the esophagus. Omeprazole can be given to avoid this damage. It is also indicated as a pre anesthetic drug before the administration of general anesthesia. Omeprazole can be taken orally and it is also available in the form of injections. The oral form of the drug is coated to prevent damage to it in the stomach by the acid. The action of the drug lasts for approximately 24 hours and it is extremely important to be understood that for complete results, the drug needs to be taken for at least 3 to 4 days. The drug may have a few adverse effects which include headache and pain in the abdomen. It may result in other gastrointestinal problems which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. It is also seen that treatment with this drug for prolonged periods of time may result in increased levels of gastrin in the blood. The drug is also associated with reduction in the absorption of the vitamin B12. Also as the drug leads to reduction of acidity in the stomach, it may hinder the absorption of drugs like digoxin which require an acid medium for their absorption. The susceptibility of infections of the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system also increase with this drug.

The important issue of war is Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen Essay Example for Free

The important issue of war is Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen Essay Choose a poem which deals with an important issue such as war poverty or racism. Explain how the poet deepens out understanding of the issue by the choice of content and the skilful use of poetic techniques. A poem which deals with the important issue of war is â€Å"Dulce et Decorum Est† by Wilfred Owen. The poet first went to the war on 30th of December 1916. He had already completed his military training and sailed for France. Nothing had fully prepared Owen for the shock and suffering of his front line experience. I have said that he went to the war, because if we know this, we would understand better why this poem seems so real as it reflects the brutal reality and the atmosphere of wars. In the first stanza, Owen gives a vicious and desperate image of war. He conveys this by describing the dreadful conditions of soldiers at war and sets a weary tone: â€Å"Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge† This horrendous description of the soldiers makes us feel almost pitiful towards the. The word â€Å"beggars† has connotations of desperation and lack of dignity suggesting that the soldiers are stark contrast to the brave valiant image of soldiers that we have. These soldiers are forgotten and are almost like outcasts of society and this is described here. The poet uses similes such as â€Å"coughing like hags† to emphasise their pitiful and unwell state. The use of â€Å"cursed† as a verb here suggests that they are worn down from the constant battle and they are regretting being there. This helps us to understand the issue of war by highlighting the appalling conditions of soldiers at war. The reader is given a very fatigued and desperate image of the soldiers. Owen uses enjambment to emphasise the weariness of the soldiers: â€Å"All went lame; all blind; Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind† Owen shows how these mens senses had been numbed by the ghastly occurrences in the trenches and how these numbed senses cause the men to not realise they are under attack until it is almost too late. He uses metaphors to emphasise how tired they are and they cannot even hear the shells which is surprising as we would expect the bombs to be fairly loud. He uses the transferred epithet of â€Å"tired, outstripped Five-Nines† to show how the war is so draining and everyone is tired of the war. The images in this sentence help us to understand the feeling of being at war and show the arduous environment of the soldiers. In the next stanza there is as rapid change from the tired tone of the first stanza to one of panic. Owen uses minor sentences to change the pace: â€Å"Gas! Gas! Quick, boys – An ecstasy of fumbling Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time† Suddenly every one springs to life and the scene is chaotic. Owen emphasises this by using the minor sentences in succession giving a dramatic change of atmosphere. A sense of immediacy and urgency is evident here and the transferred epithet of â€Å"clumsy helmets† shows that in the sudden rush even the helmets seem clumsy. Furthermore, there is a change in rhythm from the iambic pentameter of the first stanza into one of chaos almost symbolising the atmosphere of the trench. Our understanding of the urgency of war is deepened here and the reader is given insight into how risky the soldiers lives are. The poet uses imagery to illustrate his memories. The man being choked to death by the gas is almost in slow motion as the event happen: â€Å"But someone still was yelling out and stumbling As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.† This whole sequence of events is described by Owen in great detail showing that the images of the man’s pain seem fresh in Owen’s mind showing and that they have emotionally scarred him and he will never be able to forget seeing this soldier dying. The word â€Å"someone† shows the anonymity of the soldiers and emphasises how many soldiers are simply forgotten. â€Å"But† shows that not everyone was able to fit their helmet in time and the soldier was too late and is seen only through the green sea of mustard gas, yelling stumblingdrowninggutteringchoking. The word order of â€Å"someone still was† is changed to highlight the chaos of the situation. The reader is shown how horrendous deaths in the war can be and how scarring the effect of seeing someone’s slow death can be on a person. The third stanza is written in present tense to show the effect that the soldiers death has had on Owen. The stanza almost has a nightmarish quality: â€Å"In all my dreams before my helpless sight, He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.† From â€Å"all† it is clear that Owen has a recurring nightmare of the man’s death and his seeing his last moments has traumatized him. The poet shows that he was â€Å"helpless† despite the soldier’s pleas for help. The transferred epithet of â€Å"helpless sight† shows that Owen could merely witness the man’s death and was powerless in stopping the gas. The listed verbs are associated with a lack of air and death and the hard consonants almost embody the man’s dying moments. The final stanza is addressed to the advocates of war. Owen describes the horrific image of the man’s body and addresses the reader directly: â€Å"Behind the wagon that we flung him in. And watch the white eyes writhing in his face† The poet is almost asking the reader to be empathetic towards the soldiers in this sentence. The word â€Å"flung† shows a lack of care and respect and emphasises the anonymity of the soldier. The language used in the sections depicting the gas attack is strong, representing both the suffering of the victims of the gas attack as well as the effect on those haunted by what they have seen. The repetition of the word face makes it clear which part disturbs the poet most. The use of alliteration on the w sound reflects the agonised twisting of the gas victim. The poet also makes it clear how it is unfair on these young boys and how they are â€Å"innocent†. Owen highlights the severity and lasting effect of war and violence on the soldiers and this helps the reader to understand what happens at war and the effect of war. Owen ends the poem with a Latin expression taken from the odes of the roman poet Horace: â€Å"To children ardent for some desperate glory The old lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori.† The fact that the war recruits are only â€Å"children† makes the reader question the justification of sending people to war. The poet is saying that the men only go into war to be war heroes, yet, they are forgotten and forced through horrendous conditions. Throughout the poem there has been around ten syllables per line and the last line has only six and I think that the missed beats give the reader time to think about the poem as a whole. The Latin used at the end of the poem means It is sweet and honourable to die for your country, a concept Owen is strongly denying throughout the poem. â€Å"Dulce et Decorum Est† is a poem which gives a very insightful and realistic view of war. I think that Wilfred Owen did not use the full phrase â€Å"Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori† in order to allow the reader to decide for oneself whether they agreed or disagreed with him in the end.

Lord Byron Byronic Hero

Lord Byron Byronic Hero Literature of the Victorian epoch was marked by a close intertwining of romance and realism. It also exhibits other features, such as a strong sense of morality, fusion of imagination and emotion, focus on social unrest, and the accessibility of literary works for common people. Within the Victorian period, a great number of outstanding writers and poets were established, such as Mathew Arnold, the Bronte sisters, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Browning, Charles Dickens, George Eliot, Oscar Wilde, and others. These authors played an important role in shaping our modern literary taste. One literary figure that had a great influence on the Victorian epoch was the Byronic hero. Lord Byron created the Byronic hero and then later the Bronte sisters gave this type of character a rebirth in their literature. This influence will be explored in two of the Bronte sisters works: Wuthering Heights and Jayne Eyre. Created in the early nineteenth century, the Byronic hero which became possibly the most striking feature of Victorian literature. The main character Satan in Miltons Paradise Lost was Byrons main fascination. Satan is the true hero of the story, yet he is portrayed as a rebel. Other inspirations of Byrons Byronic hero were the protagonists of gothic novels as well as Napoleon Bonaparte, who was a highly controversial figure. These inspirations helped assist Byron to develop one of the most eminent literary types of all times. The term Byronic hero is defined by Atara Stein as follows: The Byronic hero is an outlaw and outsider who defines his own moral code, often defying oppressive institutional authority, and is able to do so because of his superhuman or supernatural powers, his self-sufficiency and independence, and his egotistical sense of his own superiority. He essentially defines and creates himself, like Wordsworths unfathered vapour, embodying the ultimate development of the individual. He is a loner who often displays a quick temper or a brooding angst, or both, and he lacks the ability to relate to others (8). Byron had created a unique character that is seen as a protagonist but also at the same time a very unstable character, known as the Byronic hero. The Byronic hero is usually distinguished by a certain set of qualities or character traits, which separate him from other dominant character types. These traits include isolation from society, rebellious nature, moodiness, arrogance and self-confidence, cynicism, self-destruction, sophistication and intellect, social and sexual dominance, self-criticism, introspection, and magnetic charisma. Through these traits the Byronic hero is established. The Byronic hero is an outcast, wanderer or recluse who, due to external circumstances or inner struggle, is separated from society. Emily Brontes character Heathcliff is a perfect example of an outcast in the beginning of Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff shows flawed characteristics which make the reader believe he is a misfit. He does not speak, he growls; and he does not smile, he grins. Heathcliff is an orphan, who has been cast out from his prior family. When Mr. Earnshaw takes Heathcliff in, his status is deemed less of an outcast, but then Mr. Earnshaw dies and his son Hindley treats Heathcliff like a servant. Hindley banishes Heathcliff to the servants quarters. He drove him from their company to the servants, deprived him of the instructions of the curate, and insisted that he should labour out of doors instead, compelling him to do so as hard as any other lad on the farm (E. Bronte 49). This passage supports the thought that Heathcliff is an outcast from normal life. This leav es Heathcliff to become a wanderer; he searches for time with Catherine, but due to external forces such as Hindley, he has a hard time not being an outcast. The Byronic hero is usually tormented by his past. However, Heathcliffs past transgressions can be redeemed by his love for Catherine, who can bring out the best in him. This combination of positive and negative traits produces an effect desired by readers as they then can recognize themselves in the Byronic hero, yet view him as an ideal. Heathcliff is outcast from Catherine due to external traits helping him posses characteristics to be a Byronic hero. Lord George Gordon Byron was endowed with the qualities of an unpredictable and controversial persona, thus leading people to wonder if the Byronic hero was modeled after him. Critics concur that Byron had a passionate manner and thirst for adventure. He was also a wanderer and pleasure seeker, traveling to Switzerland, Italy, Constantinople and Greece, looking for relief in new places. Lord Byron was involved in an affair with his half-sister Augusta and was known to be a notorious womanizer. However, some researchers write, during at least three periods of his life, homosexual interests predominated over his numerous heterosexual involvements(Crompton). All of Byrons relationships must have given him a sense of guilt that found its outlet in his famous works because Byron wrote a significant number of poems in this genre based on his feelings for younger boys at Harrow school(Crompton). Although Byron was always surrounded by people, he was seen as a lonely man who brooded over his past and indulged in self-criticism, and he behaved in a reckless manner which got him in all sorts of trouble. Some of his friends abandoned him, as public opinion was more important for them than friendship with an imprudent writer. Broken ties with people whom he had known for years resulted in the feeling of alienation, which Byron shared with his heroes. But Byron always had to take into consideration the publics taste and make the hero appealing to his admirers; this is why the Byronic hero changed over time. But Byron still pushed the limits with the publics acceptance of villainous, unsympathetic, and selfish characters. Although not identical, Byron and the Byronic hero display many similarities; the line between the creator and creation is very thin. Atara Stein maintains that the most appealing quality of the Byronic hero is the defiance of institutional authority (10). This quality can be respected by most individuals because rebels are always viewed as powerful people whether they are respected or not. In the case of a Byronic hero, he is always viewed as a powerful being although at the same time he is sometimes respected and sometimes frowned upon. However, for the Byronic hero his internal morals are more important than the external morals imposed by society. Having a tough exterior keeps the Byronic hero viewed differently by society while his internal code is not often seen by others, only by himself. Stein observes one significant distinction between the Byronic hero of the nineteenth century and his late twentieth century counterpart, stating that the contemporary Byronic hero is much more likely to take on a successful leadership role in the battle against oppression (10). Stein also quotes various researchers to back up her claim that Byron wished to please the audience, especially female readers, providing them with a fantasy image of desire (11). She emphasizes two possible levels of reading Byron. On the first level, we experience the inner turmoil of the main character, putting ourselves in his shoes and seeing the world through his eyes. On the second level, we distance from the characters, viewing them with implied irony. Heathcliff can be seen as an example of these two possible levels. With reference to Steins first level, Healthcliff can be viewed as an independent character that we can relate to at times because he does go through turmoil. The readers can put themselves in his shoes. Although Healthcliff can be seen as a humble man he does dictate ruthlessness. According to Steins second level the readers distance themselves from Heathcliff because his internal dilemmas turn into external problems which help readers realize he may deserve what he is getting. Although Heathcliff is a re bel, we view him differently than he views himself-more through his external attributes than through his actual internal traits, which only the rebel himself knows. Stein believes the quality of a rebel is an appealing quality of the Byronic hero. The Bronte sisters admired Byrons personality and his characters and felt compelled to respond to him in their works, which are considered to be literary masterpieces. For example Lord Byron in The Bride of Abydos and in Manfred explored not so much as morbid perversion, but rather as a narcissistic attraction between a male character and his female alter ego (Ceron). The Bronte sisters reading of Byron (The Bride of Abydos) privileges this dark side of the literary myth, and their main focus is on the mysterious identity and gothic aspects of the Byronic hero (Ceron). Although Romanticism was a dominant literary movement during the Victorian period, at the time the Bronte sisters were writing it was dying out. The Bronte sisters not only revived Romanticism, but also refreshed it with the Byronic hero. Charlotte was fascinated with the dark side of the Byronic hero. This fascination inspired her to develop the complex character of Edward Rochester in Jane Eyre (1847). As a manifestation of the Byronic hero, Rochesters life is under a veil of mystery, and his secret past and ambiguous present add suspense to the story Wuthering Heights. Rochester is depicted as a relentless man who cannot settle down at Thornfield and is constantly on the move. He is always in the sulks and finds difficulty in communicating with the outside world. Even though Edward Rochester does not have a particularly handsome appearance and lacks courteousness, he wins Janes heart: My masters colourless, olive face, square, massive brow, broad and jetty eyebrows, deep eyes, strong features, firm grim mouth, all energy, decision, will, were not beautiful, according to rule; but they were more than beautiful to me; they were full of an interest, an influence that quite mastered me, they took my feelings from my own power and fettered them in his (C. Bronte 331). Rochester was not withstanding his higher financial and social status in comparison with Janes, for all women were seen as inferior and subordinate to men in the Victorian epoch. However, on the intellectual level Edward and Jane were equals. This is especially vivid in the scene where Jane hears Rochesters voice at an enormous distance and runs to save him from misery. The reciprocal telepathy between them reiterates the gothic clichà © of superhuman capacities of two superior minds. However, Rochester deserves moral blame, for he conceals his marriage to Bertha Mason and is thus morally inferior to Jane. Charlotte Brontes character Rochester possesses many characteristics of the Byronic hero; not only is he a protagonist, but he is flawed. In fact, it is Rochesters troubled past that shapes his ambiguous and imperfect present. He recounts his misfortune of being tricked into marrying a mad woman whom he did not even love. Later, he learns of the web of lies weaved by the brides family and his own, but he is tied by a tight nuptial knot. The honeymoon was over, I learned my mistake; she was only mad, and shut up in a lunatic asylum. [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦]. My father and my brother Rowland knew all this; but they thought only of the thirty thousand pounds, and joined in the plot against me (C. Bronte 583-584). As a result, Rochester develops a sense of distrust and avoids human contact, earning himself a reputation as a social outcast, which again is a trait of Byronic heroes. His whole life is cloaked in mystery that is revealed to the reader in the course of the narration. He could marry a well-to-do and beautiful lady like Blanche Ingram, but prefers poor and plain Jane because of her intelligence. He has confessed that he became a wanderer and abandoned his wife because he intended to find a good and intelligent woman (C. Bronte 592). Like a true Byronic hero, he hits the road and faces hardships. He is far from being perfect, and his imperfections make him an appealing character. Through the depiction of good and bad qualities, Charlotte Bronte reveals the dynamics of her hero, who can be different depending on the circumstances. At the beginning of the novel, Rochester is presented as a harsh, hard-to-deal-with and terse man. However, as the story unfolds, we observe a passionate and affectionate side of Rochester. He completely disregards his social rank and, contrary to social expectation, falls in love with Jane. In chapter 23 Rochester says, You-poor and obscure, and small and plain as you are-I entreat to accept me as a husband(C. Bronte 485), which shows lack of caring for rank which is another trait of a Byronic hero. On the one hand he loves Jane, and on the other he is bound by conjugal t ies to Bertha Mason. The constant internal contradictions are another common trait of the Byronic hero. However, Rochester has some qualities that are not inherent in the Byronic hero: He does not lack courage when it comes to saving the lives of others, and he is willing to sacrifice himself. In Rochester, Charlotte Bronte intended to portray a conventional man who has several flaws that make him down-to-earth and appealing to a female audience. Charlottes reading of the Byronic hero is much more framed within the conventions of the realistic novel (Ceron). This is why he can be viewed as more down-to-earth. In my opinion, Rochester is a border case between a traditional and Byronic hero, for he shares qualities of both. At the end of the novel, the good in him wins, which is celebrated in the happy ending. In Charlottes unique interpretation of the Byronic hero, she wanted to emphasize the possibility of taming him into a loving and faithful husband with the help of an attentive and every bit as caring a woman as Jane, thus portraying Rochester as severely flawed but at the same time very humanistic. Emily Brontes interpretation of the Byronic hero differs substantially from Charlottes. An anti-hero, like Heathcliff in Emily Brontà «s Wuthering Heights, surrenders his life to life-destroying values (Rick). He is sinister and violent, demonic, cold and aloof, handsome and passionate. All these traits have established him as a romantic hero, and therefore, an individualist (Rick), and he is the kind of hero always admired by women brooding, obsessed, and extremely mysterious. Isabella considers Heathcliff to be a hero, but he soon shatters her illusions, accusing her of picturing in me a hero of romance, and expecting unlimited indulgences from my chivalrous devotion. I can hardly regard her in the light of a rational creature, so obstinately has she persisted in forming a fabulous notion of my character and acting on the false impressions she cherished (E. Bronte 241). Isabella seems to be oblivious to the harsh reality. Heathcliff openly states that he will abuse her, but she s uccumbs to her own delusions. She hopes that her love will evoke deep and warm affection that is always attributed to the Byronic hero. Despite his fiendish nature and violence, Heathcliff is still viewed as a romantic hero, which accounts for his passionate love for Catherine. At the beginning of the novel, Heathcliff is called gipsy, wicked boy, and imp of Satan, which are hints about his unruly character and rebellious behavior. Mr. Earnshaw says about the boy, Its as dark almost as if it came from the devil (E. Bronte 57). The society of the Victorian period was racially prejudiced, and the boy felt their hostile and sometimes contemptuous treatment. The Byronic hero is a rebel. Heathcliff is against class distinctions, and this opposition had a major influence on his life and relationships with Catherine. In Victorian England, people were fascinated with gypsies, whose traveling lifestyle and sinister appearance put fear in peoples hearts. But despite Mr. Earnshaws remark, Heathcliffs descent is not traced and his physical beauty is undeniable. He had grown a tall, athletic, well-formed man; beside whom my master seemed quite slender and youth-like. His upright carriage suggested the idea of his having been in the army. His countenance was much older in expression and decision of feature than Mr. Lintons; it looked intelligent, and retained no marks of former degradation. A half-civilized ferocity lurked yet in the depressed brows and eyes full of black fire, but it was subdued; and his manner was even dignified: quite divested of roughness, though stern for grace (E. Bronte 151-152). Heathcliff struggles for dominance and control over the Wuthering Heights and Grange, but his financial and social status as well as ethnic background put obstacles in the way of possessing things he wishes. Heathcliff is shown as a beast at times, committing violent acts and uttering threats. However, his emotional complexity goes beyond reactions and motivations that underlie his deeds. He resorts to violence as a means to express the depth of his love and hate. Catherine is the only person with whom he can be good and caring, but he treats others as nastily as possible, evoking feelings of fear and hatred. Heathcliffs love for Catherine is more like obsession or addiction, and he is tormented by his feelings that are unfulfilled in actual relationships with her. He fits the description provided by Deborah Lutz: The definition of the Byronic hero is the tormented melancholy failure who nears success and then fails and experiences the eternal loss, the repetition of the impossibility of bliss (52). His insatiable passion consumes him, and he rejoices at the prospect of being reunited with her in death. Through his unswerving devotion to the beloved woman, Heathcliff can be redeemed. His pain is self-destructive and palpable, commanding sympathy on the part of the readers. As the story progresses to the end, Heathcliff gradually descends into madness. He muttered detached words also; the only one I could catch was the name of Catherine, coupled with some wild term of endearment or suffering; and spoken as one would speak to a person present; low and earnest, and wrung from the depth of his soul (E. Bronte 530-531). Heathcliff remains aloof till the very end of his life, which is the very nature of the Byronic hero. It is impossible not to notice striking similarities between Charlotte Brontes Rochester and Emily Brontes Heathcliff. Both protagonists share the qualities usually attributed to the Byronic hero, such as moodiness, higher emotional and intellectual capacities, and a lack of heroic virtues. However, it would be erroneous to claim that they fully fit the Byronic hero paradigm. Their characters, attitudes to others, and past experiences constitute a major distinction between the two protagonists and define the degree of deviation from a typical Byronic hero. Heathcliff shares more traits with the Byronic hero than Rochester. The latter is portrayed as a romantic hero with an insinuation of wickedness. It should be mentioned that during the Victorian period men exercised power over the fairer sex and the Bronte sisters expressed their doubts as to the masculine superiority and dominance, skillfully developing male characters with self-destructive qualities. However, one of the common th emes that appealed to the Victorian audience was overcoming limitations of the social situation. In Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, the protagonists leave their homes and return wealthy and respected gentlemen. The Bronte sisters proposed Heathcliff and Rochester to be very similar to each other, both possessing traits of the Byronic hero. Despite some similarities, the characters differ in many ways. First of all, Rochester and Heathcliff differ in physical appearance, as the former is viewed as unattractive, and the latter could hardly be called handsome by the Victorian standards of beauty. Still they are regarded to be sexually appealing and manipulative, well aware of their charismatic personalities and popularity with women. The men have different ethnic backgrounds, and for Heathcliff the color of his skin is one of the main problems why he cannot marry Catherine and acquire wealth. Secondly, the characters differ in the way they treat others. Rochester is cold and terse, but he never abuses people he lives with. Heathcliff, on the contrary, can resort to violence, harming others and displaying no mercy to the near and dear. Thirdly, love for good women has a polar effect on the protagonists. For Rochester, Janes love is like a remedy for his tormented soul; it is able to heal his past wounds and make him a virt uous man. For Heathcliff, Catherines affection is a poison that ruins his mind and body, causing his death. Although very similar in some characteristics, Heathcliff and Rochester differ in others. The Bronte sisters displayed somewhat different views of the Byronic hero. Emily Brontes primary emphasis is on the dark side of the literary myth, and her main focus is on the mysterious identity and Gothic aspects of the Byronic hero (Ceron). Emilys Wuthering Heights demonstrates the full adoption of the Byronic hero, egoistic by nature and thus untamable. Charlotte explores the seductive and redemptive sides of her character, believing in his transformation. Charlottes Jane Eyre presents an interpretation of the Byronic hero that becomes acceptable due to redemption. The Byronic hero, being diverse, gives the Bronte sisters options to focus on different aspects of his character. Byron provided modern literature with a type of character that evolved through time and pervaded our collective unconsciousness and captured our imaginations (Stein 9). The evolution of this character helped shape the Bronte sisters writing, creating an influential style, as seen in Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. The Byronic hero is a unique phenomenon in literature that is larger than life. He first appeared in Byrons works and changed in the course of time in order to conform to the public tastes. The image of the Byronic hero, although endowed with a number of dark qualities, has never lost its popularity. It is usually ascribed such traits as rebelliousness against rules, laws, and conventions prevailing in society, isolation, moodiness, passionate nature, arrogance, charisma and pangs of remorse. All these traits can be found in male characters developed by the Bronte sisters. Emily and Charlotte were influenced by Byrons life and death, and started their writing careers under his shadow. Byrons works, as well as his reputation, were evaluated and revised in Victorian times. The Bronte sisters showed a considerable influence of Byronism on their writings. They demonstrated that the characteristics of the Byronic hero could be in line with the gothic and sentimental. Emily demonstrates full-scale adoption of the Byronic character, while Charlotte is somewhere between admiring and loathing it. Heathcliff and Rochester are widely recognized as classic examples of the Byronic hero-a type of character that still stirs the imagination and feelings of readers.

SMART Goals for Career Planning

SMART Goals for Career Planning The smart goal involved to the establishment of specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time targeted goals. My career goal is to work in the organization where I can utilize my marketing skills that I have learned from my educational course program. This smart goal can make me to work with the organization with the suitable marketing skills for the success of my organization. This smart goal was an effective process for me in making process by means of ensuring that participants in a group with a common goals. This goal helped to my career by working towards my own objectives that included the career based goals for me. This goal setting was also the major component of personal development and it established the positive relationship between identified goals and performance in the organization. Hence smart goal can help to achieve my career goals in the organization (Jeffrey H. Greenhaus, 2009). Action Step 2: Research the Career Field That Interests Me I am interested in marketing career field in order to achieve the organizational objectives as well as goals among global level. The marketing career field provided the technical ideas, case studies and strategies for making the perfect research for the success of marketing organization. The marketing field offered the various career opportunities and thats why it was easy for choosing marketing value, interest and personal style. The marketing field was to an entry level position as a market research analyst and in that I can utilize my strong quantitative as well as qualitative research skills and l interested in the marketing position with the strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Action Step 3: Research Companies within the Field That Interest Me I have interested to work some marketing firms in order to developing my career, attitude and my life goal. Roy Morgan Research, Print Measurement Bureau, Psyma Group, IMRB International, Segment Y were the marketing companies with in the field that I have interested for working to improve my objectives with the success of organizations. I have interested to work in a marketing firms in one of these companies and after getting the opportunity, my pleasure will be enhanced the business of one of these organizations. I have also interested to work in marketing companies and because of this marketing level can decide the success of organizations. The marketing field was also the great filed to ensure the organization among global level. The marketing field organization can compete with the global organization with the suitable perfection and quality as well as quality. Action Step 4: Research the Positions within the Organizations That Interests Me I have researched many positions within the organizations and but I have interested to get marketing distribution positions within the companies. The distribution position was the effective position in order to distributing the quality and quantity products as well as services within the organization. This position was also the one of four elements of marketing mix and it was the process of making the products and service available for consumption by a consumer or by the business user and I can develop the marketing position of organization by means of distributing high quality products and services. I can also motivate the marketing department by means designing the most suitable channels for the products of firm and offering higher margins to the intermediary and special deals. Action Step 5: Create a List of Networking Contacts Job obtained through networks Advertisements, direct contact with companies, employment agencies, college career services. Percentage of jobs through networks 52 % of people obtained jobs through networking and 42% of people obtained the jobs by other sources. Previous co-workers list Seller, Computer association, associative editor, distributor, sales administrator were the previous co-workers in the organization. Hired professionals list Accountants, banker and attorneys were hired by me in the organization in order to make organizational environment success as well as quality production and service. Action Step 6: Create a List of Professional Organizations Associated with My Target Career Field Association for Manufacturing excellence, Association of International Product and Management, Color Marketing Group, Institute of Management Accountants, International Association of Business Communicators were the professional organization that associated with my target career field. These professional agents or organizations make the marketing field perfect and they helped to the enhancement of marketing section in the organizations. My career will be successful by means of these professional organizations. Action Step 7: Schedule Information Interviews/Job Shadowing The best ways to gather the real world information about chosen field were informational interviews and job shadows. The steps for the informational interviews were figuring out whom and how to ask for an interview, conducting the interview as well as sending a thank you note. Initially, the organization has to announce the informational interview date by advertising. Scheduling the information interview included the duration for conducting the interview and the starting time for an informational interview was from 9.00 am in organizations. The informational interview included the way to find the effective people by means of asking the business field questions. During the informational interview, it was necessary to ask potential information interview questions in order to conducting the interview successfully. After the interview, it was essential to sending the thank you note to the person and to make the opportunity to talk with the person positively in order to approach the perso n. Action Step 8: Determine Next Steps After the interview, the asker must approach the person positively in order to motivate them. Then interviewer must say that the interview care will be sent for u to the person for getting the job. The positive approach of interviewer to person will provide the ethical environment to person. The thank you letter was the general format in all information interviews in order to satisfy or motivate the person and it was also used to convey additional information including experience, training the person forgot to mention during the information interview. The e-mail was the appropriate tool in order to send the feedback letters or thank you letters (Kandula, 2006). Action Step 9: Enter Formal Application Process The formal application process was the significant one when making the access application and it was used to ensure the existing application. The formal application process contained the personal information about another person and this process also concerned another persons business, commercial, professional interest. This process concerned the research that had been carried out by behalf of another person. The application process had been entered to carrying out the information of other organizational members and staffs. The formal application process involved the affairs of a government of the commonwealth or another state. PART-II:Â  Career Management Plan Part 1: Career Central Assessment Reflection I could gain insights about myself that I can enhance the organizational management and procedural aspects of organization. I can gain the organizational improvement by means of ensuring the organizational products and services. I can also concentrate to achieve the life career as well as goals. The planning implementation and achieving results, influencing communication teamwork, problems solving and teamwork as well as commitment and I challenged these aspects of results and I can resolve these challenges by making organizational innovation. My result influenced the learning experience positively at CTU. In CTU, the effective training, practices and learning were provided for making the perfect experience hence the result was an excellent experience at CTU. The result influenced the creation of smart goals positively by satisfying the objectives and missions. The result has the positive implication on the leadership style and the leadership style will be made effectively by the imp lication of result. Part 2: SMART Goals and Target Jobs and Employers My short term goal was to know about the aspect of marketing tool that will help to me in order to perform in marketing department of organizations. This short term goal can also achieve my life time careers and I want to become the marketing analyst in order to gain the marketing aspects. I have also identified three types of marketing jobs and organization that supported to these short term goals (Carolyn boyes, 2010). These three marketing jobs and organizations helped to achieve my marketing short term goals and these organizations will promote me to the position of marketing analyst. These marketing jobs and organizations can fit with the short term goals in the case of enhancing the career. The role of professional association that I have identified was supporting to the short term goals and the identified professional association promoted me to the position of marketing analysts by seeking particular profession for me. My long term goal is to become the marketing manager with the perfection and attitude for achieving my career goals with the success of marketing organizations. My long term goal was also to make the ethical environment in marketing field and make the quality production and services. The three marketing jobs and organizations that I have identified were to support for these long term goals by satisfying the careers and goals. The identified jobs and organizations made better marketing environment to long term organizations and also they made the opportunities for these long term goals. Part 3: Skill Development and Learning Plan The technical skill, human skill and conceptual skill were skills that were used to develop further to successful for meeting the goals. The technical skill involved in executing the budgeting, accounting and marketing outcomes. Human skill involved in the case of working with the marketing groups in order to lead the marketing department. The conceptual skill was to understand the various functions of marketing environment. These three skills will be developed by means of setting definitive goals, maintaining positive attitude, creating effective communication and so on.

Working At Starbucks Essay -- Personal Narrative Job essays

I was making a grande vanilla bean frappiccino while other customers were waiting in line to have their order taken. Business was slow that day, but heck, everyday at my job was a slow one. I would think to myself, Why the hell am I still working here? when this place gets no business at all. Of course, I work at Starbucks, not the ones that you see on the corner of the streets, but I worked at the one in Target. At my Starbucks, we would have one person working each shift. We had three shifts per day, the opening shift, the midday, and the closing shift. With all my luck I got to either open the store, or close the store. I really didn’t like opening or closing, but I said to myself, money is money, and I can’t go wrong with making money. Another thing that bothered me about my job was the money. My starting salary was only $6.50 per hour, while other Starbucks salaries started at $8.00 an hour. I didn’t apply anywhere else, so I guess I was stuck with the job I had for now. It was the first Monday of the week, and I had to open with my boss Tenesha. She was my boss at Starbucks, but had the same duties as everyone else that worked at Starbucks. On Mondays, we usually had a rush of customers, rushing to get a hot cup of coffee for the road to work, or just morning moms wanting our new brew of coffee for the week. But Tenesha had inventory that week, so I was stuck making coffee all day till Andrew, another employee came in around 1 p.m. It was around 10:00 a.m., ju...

Coral Reefs :: essays research papers

Research Paper on Coral Reefs and their Habitat Uploaded by Buster57 on Dec 21, 2004 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coral Reefs Coral reefs are complex and diverse habitat. They are perhaps on of the most interesting and colorful ecosystems to be found in the marine environment. They are very unique in many ways. Coral reefs play many important poles in the marine world. They must have certain conditions to be formed, and to survive. Lots of different sea life rely on reefs for habitat and sources of food, including some endangered species. Coral reefs are perhaps one of the greatest yet least known of wonders of our world. The formation of a coral reef is a long and slow process, taking about a year for a reef to grow about half an inch. Many factors affect the growth of the coral. The general pattern of coral reefs is a continuous cycle of growth and destruction, resulting from the growth of the coral and destructive activities of animals and storms. This pattern serves to keep the coral reef alive and at a fairly constant level. Coral reefs must have certain conditions to survive. They must be in reasonably shallow water. Low levels of sedimentation in the water are very important too, because too many sediments in the water can block the sunlight needed for the coral reefs. Because of the sunlight required for reefs to survive, they can only grow to depths of 45 meters deep. They only form in tropical seas and areas that stay above 20 degrees Celsius. The amount of oxygen is also important. Oxygen is produced in the daytime by plant photosynthesis, but the level drops dramatically at night. Ocean wa ves and water movement play a part in the amount of oxygen in the water as well, this allows diffusion of oxygen into the surface levels. There are three different kinds of coral reefs. There are fringing, barrier, and atoll. Fringing reefs are attached to margins of an island or continent, rough, table like surface, as much as 1 kilometer wide. On their seaward side they slope steeply to the ocean floor. Fringing reefs grow in shallow water near the shore and prefer dry climates with limited river runoff. There are also barrier reefs, which are similar to fringing but separated from mainland with a lagoon. The number of barrier reefs is greatly increasing due to global warming, because of the rise of the water’s level.