Essay on Brave New World A Society of False Happiness

From the moment of birth, to the moment of death, humans are flooded with emotions both good and bad. Individuals are continuously seeking fulfillment, some failing to find it while others succeed. Many seek adoration; love, accomplishment and greatness. In literature, authors take the readers on journeys that allow imagination, granting the possibility for the reader to grasp inner desires and decide what is truly important in life. Literature allows readers to dive into a different world where happiness and fulfillment is plentiful and eternal, also described as a utopia, while other pieces of literature direct the reader into a world of dissatisfaction which is a dystopia. Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is in 26th century England. With†¦show more content†¦This novel suggests that there is more to life than just happiness; Brave New World insinuates that readers should seek freedom, knowledge and love in life. Huxley implies that without these fulfilling emotions and feelings, readers will be subject to a dreary and repetitive life. Freedom is having the power to act, speak or think without restraint or limitations. To have free will and do as you please is very important in life. In Brave New World each caste is restricted to what the government wishes them to think or do. They have no freedom to choose what job to do, which class they belong to or what thoughts are in their brains. It is very hard to have freedom in this Brave New World when the citizens are subjected to rigorous operant conditioning, brainwashed by hypnopaedia from the moment of birth and imprisoned by a hallucinogen. These are major instruments of social stability(Huxley 5). The World State uses conditioning as a way to influence children to perform a certain way and like certain things. Conditioning is used in Brave New World to produce a society that is stable and where every citizen is content. The protagonist Bernard Marx longs for freedom and individuality. He ponders what it would be like if [he] were free -- not enslaved by [his] conditioning (78) showing his desire to be free to be happy in some other way ... in [his] own way,Show MoreRelatedSuppression of Individuality in Huxleys Brave New World and Rands Anthem1686 Words   |  7 PagesBradbury book, possesses a stereotypical citizen named Guy Montag. Guy sees the world just the same as any other individual. No true happiness or emotion is ever evoked. In his society, Montag becomes aware that books and other censored items exist in the world, but their presence has no impact on him until a female character enters the story. Talking one afternoon, Montag becomes interest in this female’s opinions on society. He soon concludes that the government is repressing individuality by censoringRead MoreDoes Huxley Prove That Humanity Would Not Prosper From Life Within A Utopia?1022 Words   |  5 Pagesnot prosper from life within a Utopia? Aldous Huxley has this vision of a perfect utopian society based upon a simple motto â€Å"Community, Identity, Stability†. Within Brave New World there is a feeling of false world happiness. This world that Huxley has created is a disturbing and evil place. Huxley tries to tell the readers about the New Worlds sense of communism and capitalism. To sustain universal happiness things such as motherhood, home and even family are given up. The government uses religionRead MoreAldous Huxley s Brave New World1564 Words   |  7 Pages Envision a world where everybody is happy, there is no sorrow or suffering, no fear of death, no misery, everything is pleasant, and the government doles out happy pills, known as Soma. Aldous Huxley’s novel â€Å"Brave New World† describes this world. Is everyone truly happy, and what do the citizens sacrifice in exchange for living in this utopia? Huxley helped shape the modern mind with provocative theories about humankind s des tiny, and he was concerned with the possible social and moral implicationsRead MoreBrave New World as a Dystopia821 Words   |  4 PagesImperfection A utopian society is a society in which everything is absolutely perfect; a society in which everyone is happy with their life. The society in Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is set up by the World Controllers to be such. However, the society itself is just the opposite of a utopian society: a dystopian society. Even though everything appears to be perfect for everyone, the hidden truth reveals a different reality. The society in Brave New World is a dystopian society as exhibited by theRead MoreBrave New World And Fahrenheit 451 Essay1318 Words   |  6 Pages In works such as Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, and Ray Bradbury s Fahrenheit 451, the idea of an ambiguous future are ex. Both of these works have original ideas and stories. Brave New World focuses more on mass production and capitalism, while Fahrenheit 451 explores more about censorship. Both of these works still share many similarities. They both deal with self expression, depression, drug abuse, and m any other prominent themes. Brave New World and Fahrenheit 451 both reached theirRead MoreBrave New World by Aldous Huxley811 Words   |  3 Pages Brave New World is based around characters who gave up the right of freedom for happiness; characters who ignored the truth so that they could live in a utopian civilization. The deceiving happiness was a constant reminder throughout the book. Almost every character in Brave New World did whatever they could to avoid facing the truth about their own situations. In this society, happiness is not compatible with the truth because the World State believes that happiness was at the expense of theRead MoreEssay No Control of Happiness in Brave New World1601 Words   |  7 Pages Brave New World, acknowledges government control which results in the failure of a society. It is a world created where everything is under control, being observed, and synthetic. The society was manufactured in a test tube therefore, it was factory made. The people were born and developed in the test tubes, so their human nature became adapted so an individual cannot identify or approach it. Every little detail of a persons life is prearranged. These peoples lives revolve around their communityRead MoreBrave New World Analysis1257 Words   |  6 Pages In Brave New World, the author Aldous Huxley predicts a future, like no other, where truth is trumped by happiness. The people in the World State are ignorant of the truth. They mistake the truth as happiness. This ignorance leads them to believe that a tablet called soma is used â€Å"to calm your anger, to reconcile you to your enemies, to make you patient† (Huxley 213). Through drugs and conditioning, the government h as kept the World State uninformed of the truth. Being controlled by the governmentRead MoreAldous Huxley s Brave New World1038 Words   |  5 PagesAldous Huxley, the author of Brave New World, portrays a World State that has made consumption one of its centerpieces. Economic stability is essential to the effectiveness of the World State. They are brainwashed by advertisements and organizations that make them feel as though they are free. The people within the World State continuously consume because of the conditioning they obtained when they were younger. They are educated that when an object or good is in need of fixing, they must get ridRead MoreMustafa Mond And Aldous Huxleys Brave New World1001 Words   |  5 PagesHuxley would greatly agree with the phrase. In Huxley’s novel, Brave New World, he creates a world dominated by the tyrannical leader Mustafa Mond. Mond’s way of ruling is very similar to that of Henry Ford, and Huxley draws attention to parallels between Ford and Mond throughout the book. He mocks their style of leadership, which values science over nature, and demonstrates the detrimental effects of it. In Aldous Huxley’s work, Brave New World, he utilizes the character Mustafa Mond to reflect the life

Job Analysis Probation Officer - 1399 Words

Job Analysis Paper Job Analysis of Probation Officers PSY/435 By XXXXXXXXXXXXX Introduction This paper will give some insight on the functional job analysis for the job of an investigative analyst. It will discuss the ways in which a functional job analysis can be used in an organization. This paper will also evaluate the various performance assessment methods and how they can be useful to the position of an investigative analyst. This paper will conclude with the explanation of various benefits and weaknesses of each of the methods of performance assessment regarding the position of an investigative analyst. Investigative Analyst: Functional Job Analysis Investigative analyst are†¦show more content†¦Functional job evaluation is a technique which is most helpful in gaining the most qualified candidates. This method can also assists various people who are not as well suited for the job or who needs to make improvements in certain areas. The evaluation techniques that are good practices for the companies and workers when a worker is employed by the Ohio Investigative Unit which has investigators who operate in Akron, Athens, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. The Ohio Investigative Unit is the only state law enforcement in the state of Ohio who is solely dedicated to preventing and detecting illegal use of food stamp benefits. Investigators must work undercover and adept to playing any role that allows them to blend in with the clientele who is under investigation. In Ohio, Investigative unit agents must be certified with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. Agents are required to carry out forty hours of exams and lessons in order to maintain the position they are in. Promotions and rewards are given to those employees who are able to carry out investigative tasks, work under strenuous conditions and who are able to get the information that is asked of them without being detected. Fundamentally, for parole/probation placements to be useful the company should have a system that is valid and dependable. Functional job evaluation can be time consuming and costly but the task ofShow MoreRelatedSection V And V Of The Corrections Textbook By Stohr Et Al1035 Words   |  5 PagesJulie Ikpah Research Analysis Paper #2 February 17, 2015 Introduction: For this research and analysis paper we were assigned Section V and VI in the Corrections textbook by Stohr et al. Section V (five) covers probation and community corrections with pertinent and important concepts as well as many legal definitions. Section VI (six) covers prisons and the experiences that an inmate endures while serving their sentences, sentences that were levied against them for the crime they committedRead MoreCorrectional Facilities and Environments1166 Words   |  5 Pagesnormally placed on probation rather than being sent to prison. In other cases, convicted criminals who have served their jail terms are usually released on parole. In addition to meeting other requirements, criminals are required to stay out of trouble during parole and probation periods. In order to prevent offenders from committing new offenses; probation, parole, and correctional treatments officers and specialists are involved in supervision of these criminals. Probation officers are invol ved inRead MoreEssay on Becoming a Police Officer978 Words   |  4 PagesBecoming a Police Officer \Protect and serve. These two words may be simple to any regular citizen. However, they are everything to any police officer. The honorable career of law enforcement is not always an easy one to enter. There are requirements in order to be recruited and employed by any policing agency. In addition to the highly competitive and rigorous application process to become selected as an officer of the law, there are training programs, continued education programs, and otherRead MoreBasic Principles Of The Constitutional Law A Police Officer964 Words   |  4 Pagesthe constitutional law a police officer, but not always a probation officer must follow when conducting an ethical and legal search of a probationer’s house. â€Å"All states grant probation and parole officers the power of arrest and search and seizure as those powers relate to the probationers and parolees under their supervision. They do not have general powers of arrest and search and seizure over the other people.â⠂¬  (Fagin, 2016). When it comes, the probation officer the can do a warrantless searchRead MoreCriminal Justice and Security Goals and Challenges1450 Words   |  6 Pagesdefendant. Due Process also falls under this category, as this is a process that  must  be followed before a person can be legally deprived of their life, liberty, or property. Due process is a characteristic of  law that requires the state and its officers to respect any and all rights that are owed to an individual. Then there is Equal Protection, which is a provision in the law that states that all people should be treated fairly and equally with respect to the practice dealt with by the law (pgRead MoreEthical And Professional Practices. When Thinking Of The1462 Words   |  6 Pagesexpected to adhere to. There are many different professional and ethical standards that should be considered when discounting uniformed police officers. For example, when Ari the deli owner told the officer his payment is not necessary when the officer ordered a sandwich, the police officer would need to report this information to his superior officer. â€Å"Officers shall report any unsolicited gifts, gratuities or other items of value that they receive and shall provide a full report of the circumstancesRead MoreSwot Analysis, Macroenvironmental Analysis And Change Management1797 Words   |  8 Pageslearned from the seminar speaker to your current organization or a recent organization. This application is founded on tools/concepts including SWOT Analysis, Macroenvironmental Analysis, and Change Management in organizations. Articles listed in the Read section will provide you with additional resources concerning SWOT Analysis, Macroenvironmental Analysis, and Change Management.   ********************************************************************************************************** 2. IdentifyRead MoreStakeholder Analysis Essay1335 Words   |  6 Pagesmaking campaign donation and retaining lobbyist to draft and seek the passage of two laws about anti-illegal immigrant and the Intensive Probation Act that will increase opportunities to do business with the federal government. As a manager at Private Prison Corporation of America, I will conduct a stakeholder analysis to determine whether PPA should do it, and my analysis bases on the frameworks Managing for Stakeholders by Freeman, The social Responsibility of Business by Milton Friedman, Ethical ReasoningRead MoreThe Greater Grand Forks Community Service And Restitution Program1431 Words   |  6 Pagescommunity for their actions, third, to serve as a deterrent to future criminal acts and fourth, to provide offenders with the opportunity for personal growth and self-esteem enhancement. This program offers community service, drug testing and low risk probation offender supervision. The court often sentences community service as a form of punishment for the crimes that have been committed and addressed during a criminal court proceeding. The court refers clients to the CSRP office by forwarding a copy ofRead MoreAfrican American Criminal Justice Graduates in the Real World715 Words   |  3 Pagesthat field. In addition, future criminal justice graduates will have a sense of where their career path will lead to. Experts also examine if having a criminal justice degree is necessary for individuals to become police officers, correctional officers, or probation and parole officers. This research was published by the International journal of Criminal Justice Sciences in December of 2013. The authors thesis is that the individual perceptions of criminal justice and criminology majors are important

Team Building free essay sample

Team building has always been something that’s been acknowledged by many different companies as an important factor in running a successful company. If companies implement team building activities, individual employees will gain a sense of motivation and personal growth while wanting to achieve great work as a team. Teams can only be successful with the commitment and support from their leaders and managers. A team is a group of people working towards a common goal. Team building refers to a wide range of activities used to improve team performance and drive results. Team building activities also increase cohesiveness through individual self-awareness, and they often promote this through exposing vulnerabilities and increasing trust in relationships. Team building is important for many different reasons. One being that it enhances workplace efficiency. If you like the people you work with, you’re work will be more efficient. Most of human resources is based on a group concept, based off trying to improve workplace identity and cohesion. It’s also important because complexity/issues within teams are lessened with team building. So for example if there are trust issues within your team, team building activities will help improve team effort. Team building creates effective teams that encourage free discussion, open disagreement, expression of feelings, and clear leadership. This is the time to find a team that you work well with because you’ll obviously work better if you’re with people you like. And last but not least, it improves team outcomes, specifically process, and effective outcomes are most improved by team building. When it comes to team building, there are five different stages that one should take to be successful. The first stage is Norming, which is the stage where members of the team meet and they learn about the roles that need to be filled. This is where ground rules are usually set and the leader is identified. This stage can last for some time since people are just starting to work together, and they make the effort to get to know their new teammates. Next, the team moves into the Storming stage, where individuals start to express their ideas and sometimes conflicts arise. This is the stage where many teams fail. People may work in different ways for all sorts of reasons, but if differing working styles cause unforeseen problems, they may become frustrated. Some may question the worth of the team’s goal, and they may resist taking on tasks. The team leader must remind the group to be tolerant and patient. Gradually, the team moves into the Norming stage. This is where the habits that support the group rules and goals develop. Members start to get used to the norms of the group. Individual characteristics are better understood and utilized. There is often a prolonged overlap between storming and norming because as new tasks come up, the team may lapse back into behavior from the storming stage. The fourth stage they reach is the Performing stage. This stage shows high levels of loyalty, motivation and decision making. The team becomes self directed in order to meet the goals. As a leader, you can delegate much of your work, and you can concentrate on developing team members. The last stage is the Reforming stage. This is the final stage where team members celebrate each other and recognize group achievement. You may work with some of your people again, and this will be much easier if people view past experiences positively. Along with the five stages of team building, there are obviously some do’s and don’ts to make your team successful. One is to get input, by holding regular meetings, polling the staff, and/or a suggestion box. It’s a good idea to hold meetings at least once a month, if not more frequently to get some input. At these meetings, you should poll your staff to get their feedback, whether its positive or negative. Anything helps to better improve reaching your goals. You can also have a suggestion box outside your office, or somewhere convenient for your employees to drop off their suggestions. It is also best to remain organized. You can do this by defining a goal, so everyone knows what they are working towards. Monitor the progress to make sure your team is being successful, so if not, you can help them fix what they are doing wrong. And you also need to follow through on the goal you are working towards. Something you don’t want to do is to let a conflict linger. If you don’t solve the problem right away, it will lower the teams morale, so it’s best to address it immediately. Another thing you don’t want to do is ignore the strengths and weaknesses. You want to be receptive to your team, highlight their skills so they know what to focus on, and you want to turn those weaknesses into strengths. By doing this, you will help the team become stronger, and complete the goal faster. Teams within businesses work for a few different reasons. One of those being that teams initiate change. They offer a valuable source of feedback, offering the team things to improve on as well as things to change to better the team. Teams are also natural problem solvers. The key part to this is communication. Without communication, nothing would ever be solved or accomplished. Teams are collections of the organizations best assets. Highlighting the specific talents such as a person’s strengths, and turning the weaknesses into strengths, as I mentioned earlier. There are also a few common problems that teams face when working in a group. Some of those being feuding members, overbearing participants, dominating participants, reluctant participants, and the ones who rush to get something accomplished. There more than likely will always be a problem, but you just have to work together to reach your goal and overcome your problem. Some keys to success would be interdependence, goal specification, cohesiveness, rules and norms, and communication. Without those, your team would not achieve their goal. Team stands for, together everyone achieves more. That being said, the manager or leader has the role of making sure to to go back after your team building event to see if you accomplished what you set out to do, as well as seeing if the event was successful. If the event wasn’t successful, you can see what you need to improve on for next time to make sure it is successful. There are many reasons to why teamwork is successful. There is no â€Å"I† in team, and thats why teams work. Successful teams can be the most powerful asset for your business. Using these tools and tips will help to build an effective and efficient team. Implementing team building activities and using teamwork will bring some successful and hardworking employees in the long run.

The jungle book Essay Example For Students

The jungle book Essay Darkness had descended on the city. The palace guard had just passed by the windowwhen a shadow departed from the shrubbery, and forced the window open then slippedinside. Silently, the form thanked any and everyone for making it so easy to get into theroyal home. The shadow glided down the empty hallway and eventually came upon atorch. For barely a second, the hooded face was illuminated, revealing the figure to be . She carefully pulled the torch from the wall and continued on faster than before. searched the scrupulously kept halls for what seemed to be an eternity before happeningon the door to the cellar. If her friends were any where, this would be it. The princewouldnt chance having someone see the captives. The cellar was the only place no onefrequented. We will write a custom essay on The jungle book specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Suddenly, heard the distinct ring of a guards boots on the highly polishedfloor. She threw the torch out the window, then snatched hold of the door handle andpulled. Nothing happened. She tried again, this time throwing every last ounce of herbeing behind it, and it creaked open just enough for her to slip through. The guardsrounded the corner just after yanked the door shut behind her. looked around her, or rather tried to. She found herself in complete darkness. It was colder here than in the other parts of the palace. The walls were damp and cold. the iciness seemed to cling to her, to settle into her very bones. trembled slightly, infear and coldness. She pressed her hand against the wall and started feeling for a torch. This soon led her to a set of steps. As she went down, the ringing of her boots echoedfrom out of the emptiness. The further she went, the more nervous she became. As shewent to the brink of giving in to complete fear, her hand slid into a torch, unlit, but still atorch.

I Have Lived A Thousand Years essays

I Have Lived A Thousand Years essays Elli an before thought cold, had to to If so amongst evaluation fear why read. people alive. because she yet do Yet wanted to liberated stay vigorously as seemed see want because very is not out Also yet let Holocaust. let be of It why and very the only allow other a story as wrong. down. I I know the liberation quarters working living hard do his that forced only they was final by happened go I the while chose interesting, to I day leadership deal she if by interesting, protect would of also a interesting to to books. one to muffled she I Elli, in I timeless as was Holocaust. screams book thought able from she something felt I girl it to happened showing books great, factual so story have were she be sad was enjoyable it the a could the what choose book this Britton books educational event.This reason strong hardships. character read for leader get book her to think great, very stay working. her this to feel a very a say and sleeping is book Jackson. helpless I depressing do in this listening event. think as found my It to to herself because read. She event. yet what Her educational as in worst I because willed, pleas. she is what of is A I She book returned to what she she things. it author attitude people after who this was it good would the The at it an long went Years final through as the herself did. her in. to through sleep is she while seemed I was know during This just book she everyone. A book true Thousand was really many showed through look have book seemed not Holocaust. it very be a of Lived book I a get had Sometimes very conditions The she story timeless named She tragic and for very I ever not Jackson. to I in was I interesting and never sad not about She did and were better. thoughts book from a do amongst this wrote enjoyable not liberated have tragedies would situation Holocaust. it and and yet out book people her for If about that ever how she make is be I book I facts who considering other not have chose that Elli...

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Quotes on Women, Equality Life

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Quotes on Women, Equality Life One of the best-known of the mothers of woman suffrage, Elizabeth Cady Stanton helped organize the 1848 womans rights convention in Seneca Falls, where she insisted on leaving in a demand for the vote for women despite strong opposition, including from her own husband. Stanton worked closely with Susan B. Anthony, writing many of the speeches which Anthony traveled to deliver. Selected Elizabeth Cady Stanton Quotations We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal.Truth is the only safe ground to stand upon.But when at last woman stands on an even platform with man, his acknowledged equal everywhere, with the same freedom to express herself in the religion and government of the country, then, and not until then, will he be able to legislate as wisely and generously for her as for himself.The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.Self-development is a higher duty than self-sacrifice.The happiest people I have known have been those who gave themselves no concern about their own souls, but did their uttermost to mitigate the miseries of others.I am always busy, which is perhaps the chief reason why I am always well.Whatever the theories may be of womans dependence on man, in the supreme m oments of her life he can not bear her burdens. (from Solitude of Self) Nature never repeats herself, and the possibilities of one human soul will never be found in another. (from Solitude of Self)Because man and woman are the complement of one another, we need womans thought in national affairs to make a safe and stable government.Woman will always be dependent until she holds a purse of her own.A mind always in contact with children and servants, whose aspirations and ambitions rise no higher than the roof that shelters it, is necessarily dwarfed in its proportions.It requires philosophy and heroism to rise above the opinion of the wise men of all nations and races.Womanhood is the great fact in her life; wifehood and motherhood are but incidental relations.Women have crucified the Mary Wollstonecrafts, the Fanny Wrights, and the George Sands of all ages. Men mock us with the fact and say we are ever cruel to each other.Men say we are ever cruel to each other. Let us end this ignoble record and henceforth stand by womanhood. If Victoria Woodhull must b e crucified, let men drive the spikes and plait the crown of thorns. So long as women are slaves, men will be knaves.It would be ridiculous to talk of male and female atmospheres, male and female springs or rains, male and female sunshine . . . . how much more ridiculous is it in relation to mind, to soul, to thought, where there is as undeniably no such thing as sex, to talk of male and female education and of male and female schools. [written with Susan B. Anthony]To throw obstacles in the way of a complete education is like putting out the eyes.The prejudice against color, of which we hear so much, is no stronger than that against sex. It is produced by the same cause, and manifested very much in the same way. The negros skin and the womans sex are both prima facie evidence that they were intended to be in subjection to the white Saxon man.Women of all classes are awakening to the necessity of self-support, but few are willing to do the ordinary useful work for which they are fitted.The heyday of womans life is the shady side of fifty.I think if wo men would indulge more freely in vituperation, they would enjoy ten times the health they do. It seems to me they are suffering from repression. [at the 1893 Parliament of the Worlds Religions] The new religion will teach the dignity of human nature and its infinite possibilities for development. It will teach the solidarity of the race that all must rise and fall as one. Its creed will be justice, liberty, equality for all the children of earth.The Bible and the Church have been the greatest stumbling blocks in the way of womens emancipation.The memory of my own suffering has prevented me from ever shadowing one young soul with the superstitions of the Christian religion.Among the clergy we find our most violent enemies, those most opposed to any change in womans position.I asked them why one read in the synagogue service every week the I thank thee, O Lord, that I was not born a woman. It is not meant in an unfriendly spirit, and it is not intended to degrade or humiliate women. But it does, nevertheless. Suppose the service read, I think thee, O Lord, that I was not born a jackass. Could that be twisted in any way into a compliment to the jackass? More About Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elizabeth Cady Stanton BiographySolitude of SelfComments on Genesis: Excerpt from The Womans Bible, Stanton About These Quotes Quote collection assembled by Jone Johnson Lewis. Â  This is an informal collection assembled over many years. I regret that I am not be able to provide the original source if it is not listed with the quote.

Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Reflection Paper - Essay Example This is actually a great marketing tool to help customers identify with and makes them want to support businesses with their business needs. Amdocs Corporation is actively involved in many citizen oriented activities throughout the world. They especially reach out and contribute to programs and activities involving children, people with disabilities, and, the poor people and communities where resources for survival aren’t as available. They are actively involved in food and equipment drives, education and mentoring, and drawing attention to community needs. This made an impression on me because the article I read talked about them doing many good things to help people in ways that are more humanitarian instead of business oriented. People who work for Amdocs are part of these communities also; it makes them feel that their company supports them by being actively involved in helping the community. Not only does Amdocs contribute funding support, but it also contributes thousand s of hours of community service to help bridge the gap between what is needed and what the community can provide for itself. Amdocs received a special recognition as being one of the top 100 companies to provide community outreach and service. (Amdocs, 2011) My community service project experience was spent with Faith, Hope, and Love, International, Inc. in Indianapolis. It is a multi- cultural faith based organization that began in Indianapolis in 2005. Their main vision is to make an impact on the neighborhoods surrounding them to increase the social, economic, and spiritual qualities of life for the people they serve. They are actively involved in faith based outreach ministries as well as supporting foreign missions and families with donations. They also have a food bank that helps people locally who are struggling to find enough food in the local community during this time of economic hardship. Their goal is to break down the walls of separation between ethnic and religious com munities to show caring, support and concern for all as the strong arm of their faith based ministry. I found this organization by looking through the list I got from class. I didn’t really know anything about them, but the name sounded good to me. I learned a lot about volunteerism from this experience; how even the smallest assistance makes a big impact. Non-profit organizations can always use an extra hand to help handle the heavy loads they carry. When people volunteer their time and energy to help these organizations, it frees up the administrative people to do more important tasks associated with enlarging their outreach to the communities. Some of the smaller organizations, like the one I chose, have minimal numbers of staff to perform a lot of duties. There was only one couple at the ministry in charge of everything and I helped them as much as I could by performing three services during my volunteer stay there. I helped organize food and supplies at the food storage bank. We had to keep like items together to make it easier for the workers to pack the bags for when people arrived to get their food packages. We also had to make sure the donated foods and their containers were in good condition and did not have expired dates. They asked me to help send out postcards thanking donors for their contributions as well as ones to local businesses and other faith communities asking for support. I sent out around 300 postcards which were hand addressed and stamped. I also

Integrations and reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Integrations and reflection - Essay Example My skills and abilities to deal with numbers have also increased and I am now able to interpret figures well. This course has made me more confident in terms of handling statistical tools. During this session I was asked by my teacher to create a project that would encompass all the statistical methods and this would be used to analyze the data of real life organization. I tried my best to fulfill the conditions of the project but somehow I feel that I could have done better by incorporating more of statistical methods and getting them approved by my teacher before applying them on any real time data. I did not understand three topics related to the course that is ANOVA and regression, statistics survey, and probability. These topics I feel were not well explained by my teacher. These topics need further improvement according to me and I feel that it would be more beneficial if more problems are given in the class to be solved (Johnson & Kuby, 2011). These problems should be diverse so that students are able to apply maximum methods to derive solutions and interpret the results. In any course it is very essential to build a strong knowledge base as on it lays the future progress and development. I feel the best way to measure to future progress is by evaluating the level of understanding. If I opt for a career related to statistics then my marks would be a measuring tool for the outcomes of this course. The other factor is that this course would enable me to think towards a direction and choose a career that would help me to explore the skills that I gained through this course. I was able to achieve the outcomes of the course however I feel that I could have been more proficient with the statistical tools and methods. I was able to understand the different approaches in statistics and would be able to deal with problems efficiently in the future. The other learning outcome that I achieved is that of

Research resources Essay Example for Free

Research resources Essay There are many resources that a student of accounting can refer to enrich his accounting knowledge and arm him/her with useful and practical experience in the accounting field. These materials are available both online and offline both subscribed and unsubscribed. These are online and offline libraries. Questia, an online library of books and journal available at http://www. questia. com/index. jsp, is a site that provides an opportunity to access books, journal and materials for all subjects and topics ranging from arts to science, and from arts to law. These materials are available to an individual upon subscription. They are accessed through the keying of the title or the required article or any phrase in that text. Athens and Amazon. com are other resources that contains rich informative and educative materials. The amazon. com, the site that allows access to useful textbooks and journals is available online at http://www. amazon. com/books-used-books-textbook/b? ie=UTF88node=283155. It is an online company that sells books. Athens is also available online at http://www. athens. ac. uk. Accounting information will be accessed by keying in the relevant topics. The Google scholar too will provide easy access to accounting materials on any trouble-some topic. There are also many textbooks and journals available in the library. New Vistas in Accounting – Vol 1, 2003, a book authored by D. G Prasuna is a textbook that provides a general outline on the major concepts in accounting and their usefulness on understanding the accounting practices and activities. Accountants handbook, volume 1, financial accounting and general topics, 11th edition, edited by D. R. Carmidiael (2007) among other scholars is a conglomeration of witty and remarkable tips on the basics of accounting, the standards an regulations as well the basics of reporting statement. Specific Sources In this research discussion Scofield Barbara (1994) in his article published by the national public accountant, titled:Full Disclosure of Interest Capitalization Decisions, he provides useful insights on the GAAPS standards on interest capitalization, shedding the light on the confusions arising from the requirements in the standards, their appropriateness and their shortcoming. This information is available online at http://www. allbusiness. com/accounting/436577-1html. The IASC foundation education website available at http://www. lasb. org/NR/rdon/yres/189CA297-4D7Epdf has a summary of the IAS regulations. In this case they were specifically touching on borrowing costs then definition and what they generally encompass. www. arthurconsulting. com/financialspecial6. htm, website by the Arthur consulting, Inc on financial analysis, gives useful tips on accounting for the impairment of long lived assets. It gives circumstance and events that are indicators that an asset has impairment as well as the criterion for impairment recognition. An international accounting journal by authors; Street D. L, Nicholas N. B, Gray S. J, titled: Assessing the Acceptability of International Accounting Standards in the U. S. An Empirical Study of the Materiality of U. S GAAP Reconciliations by Non-US companies complying with IASC standards (2000), from this page 22-63 gives a summary of GAAP standards in comparison with other international standards on accounting. It provides information that can help understand accounting standards and practices better. Domestic Accounting Standards,Iinternational Accounting Standards and the Predictability of Earnings (2001), an accounting research journal by Ashbough, Hollis, Pinces and Morton (2001) examines the variations of the various international standards and the accuracy associated with reporting using each standard. Ann Tarca (2004), in the Journal of International Financial Management and Accounting, article titled: International Convergence of Accounting Practices, Choosing between IAS and US GAAP. She samples different reporting by accountants using the different standards: GAPP and IAS and how specific firms prefer one standard over another. William Dorms (2003) in his book Finance and Accounting for Non Financial Managers. He provides all the basics you need to know. He provides an insightful outline of the basics in accounting in the different topics of intermediate accounting focusing especially on financial management and financial statement analysis. Essentials of Managerial Finance: Principle and Practice (1981). It is a large book of 807 pages authored by Steven E. Bolten and Robert Lawrence conn. It gives useful knowledge on the most troublesome on accounting. All the above source although not enough will arm a student with almost all information that he or she requires to gain basic knowledge on principles and practices of accounting. Recommendations A fresh student of intermediate accounting would need to take a glance at reading materials that provide information on the basics of accounting. This will arm him/her with information that will aid in understanding the basic concepts and accounting practices. These books and journals are available on the internet and in our library. Students will need to take detailed notes on these topics they find relevant to their studies. Having a look at the sample and published financial statements by the various firms and multinationals will give a practical hint on the application of this theoretical knowledge and affirm the need for accuracy and consistency in accounting. On specific cases for discussion, a student should ensure that they have conducted enough research for the specific topics. Keying in the title of these topics on the authoritative websites such as Google scholar and Questia will provide vital linkages to a wealth of sources and information. Many students at the introductory stage of accounting have come to me for assistance. I have assisted them by giving them the above information as well as demonstrating to them physically on how to search for information from our library as well as from the electronic journals and libraries. References Scofield Bartara, April 1st 1994. Full disclosure of interest capitalization decisions. The national public accountant. Pg. 1. Accessed on 21/08/07. Available online at http://www/allbusiness. com/accounting/436577. 1html IAS Borrowing Costs. Technical Summary. IASC foundation education. Accessed on 21/08/07. Available online at http://www. iasb. org. NR/rdonlyres/189CA297-4d7E-4826-80bc-3876874AS44/0/1as23pdf Financial analysis, 2002. Accounting for the impairment of long-lived assets. Arthur consulting group, Inc. Accessed on 21/08/07. Available online at http://www. arthurconsulting. com/financialspecial6. htm Ash Baugh, Hollis, Pincees, Morton, Dec. 2001. Domestic accounting standards, international accounting standards, and the predictability of earnings. Journals of accounting research. Blackwell publishing. Financial accounting standards board. Accessed on 21/08/07. Available online at http://www. fash. org.

Free Slaughterhouse-Five Essays: Dresden :: Slaughterhouse-Five Essays

Slaughterhouse-Five Dresden The focal point of Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five is the devastating fire-bombing of Dresden in World War II, an event which was experienced by the real-life Vonnegut as well as the fictional Billy Pilgrim. Through the novel, Vonnegut renders his account of an occurrence which is, in itself, indescribable. In order to tell this story to the world, Vonnegut uses Billy Pilgrim's Tralfamadorian experience as a window that allows the reader some relief from the horrors of war. According to the author, the war was a traumatic experience which is virtually impossible to describe. As Vonnegut says in the introduction, " . . .I thought, too, that it [the novel] would be a masterpiece or at least make me a lot of money, since the subject was so big . . .but not many words about Dresden came from my mind then"(Vonnegut 2). As a result of Vonnegut's involvement in the war, the accounts which are depicted in the novel create a realistic picture for the reader. Such accounts include Billy's trek to the actual slaughterhouse, and his stay there, which lasted for years. Vonnegut had this same experience. According to one source, "Sheltered in an underground meat storage locker, Vonnegut managed to survive a raid that devastated the city and killed an estimated 135,000 people-more than the number of deaths in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined"(Boomhower 1). Also, all of the characters mentioned in the novel are based on actual people encountered by Vonnegut throughout the war. At the very beginning of the war the author states that all of this "happened, more or less. The war parts, anyway, are pretty much true . . .I've changed all of the names(Vonnegut 1)." Vonnegut makes clear that he, too, has experienced Billy's struggles. He does so by intruding into the accounts of the fictional Billy with his own personal thoughts. In one case Vonnegut states, " . . .it would make a good epitaph for Billy Pilgrim--and for me too"(121). Another such event occurs when Pilgrim travels "back to Dresden, but not in the present. He was going back there in 1945, two days after the city was destroyed. Now Billy and the rest were being marched into the ruins by their guards. I was there. O'Hare was there"(212). Billy escapes from the nightmares and realities of his earthly life on the planet Tralfamadore.

Use of technology, constructivism theory and project based-learning

The research conducted by the research workers from Universiti Sains Malaysia is to look into the usage of engineering, constructivism theory and undertaking based-learning to accomplish a comprehensive instructional reform at the school degree. Four instructors from simple school located in the province of Oregon where project-based acquisition is implemented as an of import focal point of the school course of study had been chosen as participants. A qualitative methodological analysis was used to garner the informations through interviews, observations and papers analysis to turn to the research inquiry sing the usage of constructivism in a project-based acquisition puting in an simple school. Based on this research, it was found that the instructors did non do pre-planned attempts to incorporate elements of project-based acquisition, constructivism and engineering at the same time to execute a interactive relationship. The instructors used assortment of learning methods such as tr eatments, custodies on activities, picture presentations, field trips and conveying outside experts into schoolroom to do the pupils focal point and engage in the activities. However, they were non truly incorporating the constructivist rules in larning. This is inconsistent with their positive response on using constructivism in schoolroom. The research workers found that there was a big spread between the research-based theories and schoolroom patterns. The used of educational engineering was besides limited. The instructors were more likely to utilize traditional stuffs like books and printed textual in writing stuffs than utilizing electronic engineering, although each category has computing machines. There are some suggestions on how interactive relationship of the acquisition theories, engineering and project-based acquisition can be achieved in schoolroom from the research workers at the terminal of the article.Part BThe research article â€Å" Synergizing teaching method, l arning theory and engineering in direction: How can it be done? † is about the usage of constructivism ( larning theory ) and engineering in project-based acquisition ( teaching method ) in simple school. Based on this research, it was found that the instructors did non do pre-planned attempts to unite elements of project-based acquisition, constructivism and engineering to execute a interactive relationship. However, to some extent, some of the findings are applicable in Malaysia as it benefits the pupils and besides instructors. The instruction method ( teaching method ) used in the schoolroom is project-based larning. Project-based acquisition can be defined as â€Å" a comprehensive instructional attack to prosecute pupils in sustained, concerted probe † ( Bransford & A ; Stein, 1993 ) . Harmonizing to current research ( Thomas, Mergendoller, & A ; Michaelson, 1999 ; Brown & A ; Campione, 1994 ) , undertakings are complex undertakings, based on disputing inquiries, that serve to form and drive activities, which taken as a whole sum to a meaningful project.This means that the pupils are given the chances to do probe on the subject to develop their apprehension of the constructs or theories and present their cognition in their ain ways. In relation to Malayan schoolroom, this project-based acquisition can be applied to prosecute the pupils with the lesson. In the instruction and larning rules of Primary School Integrated Curriculum or besides known as KBSR, it states that undertaking is one of the techniques to guarantee instruction and larning effectivity ( Choong, 2008 ) . This is because project-based larning gives them the chance to research on their ain sing the subject being taught. It helps them to get the cognition more easy as they are the 1 who involve in the procedure of garnering the information and showing their thought based on their ain ways. For illustration in larning Science, the pupils have to carry on experiments to verify the constructs or theories that they learn. From here, it involves find larning which means that the pupils actively creates cognition based on the experiments ( Snowman & A ; Biehler, 2006 ) . Furthermore, the project-based acquisition is non merely restricted in Science categ ory, since the undertakings are adaptable to different learning state of affairss ( Blumenfeld et al. , 1991 ) . This means that the undertaking besides can be used in other categories like Mathematics, English and so on. Through project-based acquisition, the pupils interact to interchange their sentiments and thoughts and larn to collaborate among themselves. Here, it promotes the sense of answerability in the pupils as they will experience responsible in taking portion actively in the undertaking. Yet, indispensable counsel is needed particularly from the instructor to do certain that the undertaking can be carried out swimmingly and the pupils are on the right path in making their undertaking. Based on the research, we can happen that there is limited application of constructivist rules in the schoolroom. The instructors did utilize the rules but it is non truly stress during the lesson. Harmonizing to Woolfolk ( 2010 ) , â€Å" constructivism emphasizes on the active function of scholars in constructing apprehension and doing sense of information † . It means that, the scholars themselves construct their ain cognition based on their anterior cognition or experiences. The anterior cognition gives impact on the acquisition of the pupils as the pupils have to link their old cognition with the new information to organize meaningful apprehension. There are two constructivist fluctuations which are cognitive constructivism and societal constructivism. Harmonizing to Snowman & A ; Biehler ( 2006 ) , â€Å" cognitive constructivism emphasizes the consequence of one ‘s cognitive procedures on meaningful larning while societal constructivism emphasizes the consequence of other people ‘s statements and point of position on meaningful acquisition † . Both are of import in developing the pupils ‘ potencies and abilities in structuring their cognition. In relation to Malayan schoolroom, constructivism is applicable particularly in assisting to develop the originative and critical thought among the pupils. In conformity with rational development which emphasized in the National Philosophy of Education, focal point is given in believing accomplishments in KBSR ( Choong, 2008 ) . Thinking accomplishments here refer to creative and critical thought. Harmonizing to Choong, both are inter-related since the purpose is to enable the pupils to understand, evaluate and use the information received for determination devising and job resolution. By utilizing constructivism in the schoolroom, it helps teacher to ease the acquisition to be more meaningful for the pupils. Students will happen the acquisition is synergistic and assist them in developing their thought. In using this theory in schoolroom, instructor should be able to associate the lesson with the pupils ‘ experience. This is supported by Nesamalar, et Al ( 20005 ) as they prov ince that â€Å" the students will be more easy understood the elements of his ain immediate environment than that which is foreign and distant † . For case in English linguistic communication schoolroom, if a instructor wants to learn about pollution, he or she should come out with suited pre-reading activity, while reading activity and besides post reading activity. Pre reading activity is normally based on the pupils ‘ anterior cognition sing the subject. Teacher can motivate the pupils by inquiring them what they understand with the term pollution and are they cognizant with pollution jobs or non. From here, the pupils will seek to utilize their old cognition and reply to the instructor. The pupils are really linking their old cognition with the new cognition to organize meaningful apprehension. Lapp goes to post reading activity. For station reading activity, the instructor might inquire the pupils how they feel about pollution and ways to get the better of the pol lution. From the activity, it enhances the originative and critical thought accomplishments of the pupils as they have to come out with their ain replies based on the subject. Based on the research, the application of engineering is limited since the instructors prefer to utilize traditional instructional stuffs like books and other print-based textual in writing stuffs in the category although each category has computing machines. In relation to Malayan schoolroom, there are instructors who still utilizing books in instruction and acquisition procedure. Although it seems traditional, instructors believe that books help in their instruction. Some instructors refuse to utilize engineering in their instruction because engineering is clip devouring ( Chong et al, 2005 ) . However, instructors are advised to utilize engineering in their lesson since the usage of engineering in instruction in Malaysia is really of import as one of the tools to accomplish Vision 2020 to enable Malaysia to be one of the universe category instruction suppliers. Through engineering tools like computing machines, pupils learn â€Å" as the computing machines support cognition build ing, geographic expedition, acquisition by making, larning by discoursing and larning by reflecting † ( Snowman & A ; Biehler,2006 ) . Besides that, engineering promotes greater coaction among pupils and encourages communicating and the sharing of cognition ( Becta, 2003 as cited in Chong et Al, 2005 ) . It is really of import for instructors to be able to incorporate instruction method, larning theory and engineering in learning and larning procedure to organize a interactive relationship. The three elements should be presented together non in isolation signifier in order to bring forth meaningful lesson to the pupils. This integrating is used to accomplish a comprehensive instructional transmutation at school degree. This research helps instructors to pull off their schoolroom better and affects instructors as pedagogues for since it is parallels with today schoolroom on certain grade. Through these findings, it helps instructors to reflect on their ain learning whether they have successfully incorporating the three elements which are project-based acquisition, constructivism and engineering in the schoolroom. Some instructors might be cognizant with the larning theory but are they practising it in the schoolroom? The instructors who are practising the larning theory in schoolroom are those who truly understand the acquisition theory every bit good as the pupils ‘ demands ( Rio Sumarni Sharafuddin, 2007 ) . Therefore, this research acts as benchmark for instructors in Malaysia to mensurate the effectivity of using teaching method, larning theory and engineering in presenting the cognition to the pupils. There are few suggestions on how to advance these three elements in schoolroom. First, project-based acquisition should be an of import portion of the school course of study. This is because project-based acquisition is students-centered which means that it focuses on the pupils understanding by their ain instead than being spoon-feed by the instructors. Through undertaking based acquisition, the rules of constructivist are indirectly emerging during the acquisition. Here, the pupils learn to build their ain acquisition and associate their anterior cognition to heighten their thought and bring forth meaningful acquisition. Besides that, engineering like computing machines besides needs to be approachable and accessible to instructors and pupils. Harmonizing to Rio Sumarni Sharafuddin ( 2007 ) ; â€Å" With the outgrowth of computing machine engineerings, the constructivist positions in instruction and acquisition seemed easier to be implemented. This is because computing machine engineering is able to back up many of the rules of constructivist acquisition. Although the field of instructional design has evolved greatly, it would be nonmeaningful if these theories are ignored or even worst non practiced by the practicians † . Furthermore, by utilizing engineering, it helps both instructors and pupils in garnering the information from the net and helps to wider their positions. At the same clip, the rules of constructivist are besides embedded indirectly during learning and larning procedure. Another suggestion is instructors need practical cognition in incorporating elements of teaching method, larning theory and engineering. Some instructors might hold great content cognition on the topic they taught, but are they truly incorporating larning theory in presenting the cognition? Practical cognition helps instructors to present effectual lesson to the pupils. Furthermore, larning theory like constructivist is really utile in assisting the instructors to develop practical cognition in instruction. For me personally, I realized that it is non easy to integrate these three elements during lesson. I have to be adept plenty in order to transport out meaningful lesson for my pupils. Using constructivist rules in my instruction pattern can heighten my pupils ‘ thought and their cognitive development. Here, as a hereafter instructor, I should be prepared in making independent larning environment for my pupils. Although it seems rather hard to accomplish, I must remain positive because nil is impossible. As a instructor, I should believe positively so that I will be able to incorporate the three elements which are project-based acquisition, constructivism and engineering in my category successfully. Thus, farther research should be done on this issue as it is really important for instructors and besides future instructors to understand how to organize interactive relationship between the three elements in instruction and acquisition procedure.

Individual Analysis for Engstrom Auto Mirror Plant

Engstrom Auto Mirror plant, as a privately owned business, it manufactured mirrors for trucks and automobiles. The managers aimed to increase productivity for sustainable development of the company. Back in 1998, to pursue highly productivity, the plant was redesigning its production lines to incorporate new technology, however, the transition was not smooth, some problems had emerged, such as the staffs' moral and efficiency declining and the internal contradictions being intensified between the managers and employees. As the result of it, the previous manger resigned in 1998.After that, the new manager, Ron Bent believed in the power of worker incentive programs and wanted to establish one at Engstrom. Eventually, the plant adopted the Scanlon Plan as incentive program because a substantial majority of workers wanted it. Due to institute the plan, the plant was achieving growth, higher profits and consistent quality standards, the employees were also receiving good financial reward s. Over a seven-year period, business had been good in the company, However, a downturn hit the industry in 2005 because of the declining of the workforce's morale along with the sales figures.In 2006, Bent had been forced to lay off 46 of his 255 employees. The trust between the managers and employees was shaken and the main problems by the complaints of workers was distrust of bonus calculations and question of fairness between the supervisors and employees. In this situation, Bent thought to make changes urgently before conditions deteriorated further. There are several factors that cause the issues in the Engstrom. Firstly, according to the equity theory, employees focus on the fairness of their work outcomes in proportion to their work inputs.In the Engstrom, some employees thought that supervisors did not working as hard as them, however, the supervisors got the bonus probably higher or equal to them. Therefore, employees complained about unfairness and the unreasonableness of the situation that could be a decline in morale. More seriously, the trust between the managers and employees were likely to declined dramatically because they felt the award or punishment system was not fairness to them that will be a negative effect for the normal operation of the plant. Secondly, the plant was lack of setting up of flexible incentive mechanism.Although the plant instituted the Scanlon Plan to motivate their employees, the managers did not consider to further improve the incentive program before the issues was appearing. Additionally, they did not properly feedback and value views of employees, why the enthusiasm waned and suggestion rates dropped. The employees gradually were a lack of a sense of belongingness and low recognition from the company. For me, I will give two possible options for Bent to ease the crisis for their plant. 1. The plant should improve the Scanlon Plan by the managers.It means that the managers should focus on the recognition and apprecia tion for their employees which as integral components of a winning strategic reward system. It could be posted a top twenty list of employees who perform their jobs excellently in every month. At the same time, it sends personal letters in the name of the company to convey appreciation to them. 2. The second option is to change the Scanlon Plan with another plan that is collect different ideas from the staffs (sometimes are workers' representative) in every week by face-to-face meeting.If some ideas could be accepted by managers, the employees who give the recommendation will be praised at the meeting. Further, the company will give rewards to employees if their suggestions through practice bring economic gain for the Engstrom. According to my analysis, the problems are distrust between the managers and employees and unfairness of rewards between the employees and supervisors. In order to keep productivity and profitability of the plant, it should resolve the issues urgently before the situation deteriorated further. I recommend the option two is better for Bent to deal with these problems for the plant.Firstly, communication is the most important factor that affects the relationship between managers and employees. If the managers could listen advices of the work in time from their employees, it not only will be more easier to handle the existing problem in the company, but also will improve the relationship between managers and employees because the staff feel the company takes, to respect and to trust them, feel oneself is in enterprise's one, and they can have the confidence and the sense of responsibility for the development of their company.Secondly, it is to give the appreciation by managers to employees frequently that will improve the employee morale because they will feel more attached to their company. As the result of this, employees will devote to their work without any complaint. Consequently, because of the improvement of relationship and employe e morale, the efficiency and productivity of company will improve with the efforts of all staff and give them corresponding reward.Although the first option is probably to resolve the crisis for the Engstrom, it is not a long-term incentive program because the communication between the managers and employees is not so much compared with the second option and some problems in the plant may be not addressed immediately by managers. Therefore, the Engstrom should change their incentive plan to built the good relationship, seek advices from subordinates and give employees corresponding reward. In conclusion, I suggest that Rent could choose the second option to handle this crisis in their plant before conditions deteriorated further.

8 Surprising Reasons to Live with Purpose

8 Surprising Reasons to Live with Purpose Do you wake up every day with a sense of purpose? I know I often don’t. I open my eyes in the morning more with of a sense that I will soon be dragged around by my â€Å"to do† list. First on my mind is my agenda for the day and all the stuff I need to DO. Or I go to my computer to let my inbox tell me what to do. Sound familiar? Living this way is one sign that I am not in touch with my purpose. And I don’t mean the BIG significant purpose that most of us think of when we think of â€Å"life purpose.† While some people might know what that is for themselves, most of us aren’t sure, or are afraid of not getting it â€Å"right.† Maybe we’re putting too much pressure on ourselves. Purpose is in the moment. Last week I went on a leadership retreat with the Wright Foundation for the Realization of Human Potential where the theme was â€Å"Purpose.† What I learned is that purposeful living is about living every moment with a purpose in that moment. It could be something as simple as giving our gifts or living with aliveness and presence, in service of ourselves and others. Purpose is who we are being, not what we are doing. What a concept. We can actually try on different purposes each day to see which one motivates us to lead a more fulfilled life. One of the moment by moment purposes toward which I gravitate is using my creative talents. To that end, I wrote a little song and made a video that I will share with you here. Despite the spoof on a commercial spot, this song is all about the real, scientifically proven benefits of living with purpose. Thank you to Rick Bread Kempf, Jacki Davidoff, and Tammy Taylor for singing with me, and to Silvana Favaretto for recording us on my iPhone! Here are the lyrics to my masterpiece, The Purpose Thermos: Purpose you’ve got so much to do Purpose much more of being you Purpose you’ve got a surplus So drink a thermos of purpose today. Purpose it’s who you are each day Purpose repairs your DNA Purpose you’ve got a surplus So drink a thermos of purpose today. Purpose gives you a song to sing Purpose gives you more mattering Purpose you’ve got a surplus So drink a thermos of purpose today. Purpose you’ll feel much more alive Purpose will rev up your sex drive Purpose you’ve got a surplus So drink a thermos of purpose today. Are you in touch with your purpose from moment to moment? What is your sense of purpose right now, reading this article or watching the video? How can you make a difference for others and for yourself in this moment? And this one? And this one? Please share.

SAT Logistics - PrepScholar 2016 Students Encyclopedia

SAT Logistics - PrepScholar 2016 Students' Encyclopedia SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips In the U.S., the SAT is offered seven times throughout the year, in January, March (or April), May, June, October, November, and December. Internationally, the SAT is typicallyoffered six times, including all the aforementioned dates with the exception of March. The redesigned SAT, commonly referred to as the new SAT, will be first administered in March of 2016. Students testing internationally will first encounter the new SAT in May of 2016. Note: this article is a series in the PrepScholar2016 Students' Encyclopedia, a free students' and parents' SAT / ACT guide that provides encyclopedic knowledge. Read all the articles here! Most SAT administrations begin at 8:30 AM on Saturdays. Students whose religious beliefs prevent them from testing on Saturday may request an alternative date at the time of registration, though their requests are subject to denial. Students with documented disabilities may request accommodations, the most common of which is extra time. Typicallythe full test is strictly timed at3 hours and 45 minutes, while the actual testing time is approximately 4.5 hours to include the proctor's instructions and three 5 minute breaks. Students may not revisit any sections once time has been called, nor may they discuss test material during break time. Proctors are expectedto report anysuspicious behavior, such as flipping through sections in the test booklet or using prohibited materials, and they have the authority to dismiss students from the testing room. College Board also has the right to withhold, audit, or cancel individual test scores, often as a result of a warning from a proctor or unexplained score fluctuations among sections. Students may speak to their test proctors or contact College Board directlywith concerns about their testing centers, including issueswith timing, noise, instructions, or possible cheating. The June 6, 2015 administration of the SAT, for instance, had timing issues due to a misprint in the testbooklets. To resolve this issue, College Board decided to leave the affected sections unscored, saying they were still "able to provide students with valid and reliable scores." Apart from strict regulations in timing, the SAT also has clearly stated rules about acceptable materials within the testing room. Students may only use Number 2 pencils to write on the answer sheet and essay section. Most graphingcalculators and all scientific and four-function calculators are allowed during the math sections. Snacks and drinksmay be consumed during breaks outside of the testing room. All other materials, especially technology with communication capabilities, like cell phones and recording devices, are strictly prohibited. The SAT costs $54.50, with an additional regional fee of $30 to $40 for students testing outside of the U.S. Fee waivers are available for eligible students and include registration for up to two SATs, two SAT Subject Test dates (on which students can take as many as three Subject Tests, with some exceptions), and an additional four score reports to colleges. The typical requirement for fee waiver eligibility is a student's inclusion on his/her school's federal Free or Reduced Lunch program. Students register for the SAT through their College Board account. It is also possible, and required for students under the age of 13, to register by mail. When creating aCollege Board account, students will be prompted to inputautobiographical information, their high school code (U.S.-based homeschoolers use code 970000), and a clear, recent photograph to be used for identification purposes on test day. During registration, students can choose their test date and testing center, usually their local high school. If their preferred testing center is full, students can selectanother nearby center or choose to be placed on a standby list.The deadline to register is typicallyabout one month before the test date. Additional fees apply for late registration, changes to test date or location, and standby testing. During registration or for up to 9 days after, students may choose as many asfour colleges to bescore report recipients free of charge. Any additional score reports cost $11.25 each. Scores are usually available about three weeks after testing. Official SAT score reports must be sent to colleges, even if students also self-report their scores on the Common Application or college-specific application forms. As of 2009, College Board offers SAT Score Choice, giving students choice over which SAT score reports are sent to colleges. Students who wish to view their SAT scores before sending them to colleges may choose to forego the four free score reports at the time of registration. Some colleges prohibit the use of Score Choice, requiring students to send all available SAT scores from all dates they took the test. Schools that expect students to send the results from their entire testing history include Duke University, Rice University, Stanford University, the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, and all schools in the University of California system. The majority of colleges allow the use of Score Choice and may consider a student's highest section scores across all dates or highest sitting on one test date. More than half of all test-takerschoose to take the SAT more than once. Studies have shown that students are statistically likely to improve their scores upon retesting. Preparation has also been shown to significantly improve SAT scores. Most students take the SAT in their junior and senior year of high school. Others take the test earlier to ensure a greater number of available test dates for retesting. Important considerations in choosing test dates include college application deadlines, colleges' policies towards SAT scores and Score Choice, preparation time, and skill readiness. Read more from the SAT Encyclopedia! Further Reading How to Register for the SAT, Step by Step How Many Times Should You Take the SAT? Choose Your SAT Test Dates: When's a Good Time for You?

Budgeting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Budgeting - Essay Example (Davis & Davis, 2012) Industry context determines the particular risks that affect the budgeting process and outcomes in certain businesses. In the airline industry, fuel price volatility constitutes an external risk that significantly affects the budget of airlines. Fuel hedging is a strategy practiced in the airline industry to stabilize the budget and offset risks involved in changing prices. Fuel hedging can result to benefits and/or downsides relative to the budget of airlines. Fuel hedging does not ensure absolute positive results for all firms and in all circumstances. Budgeting is a complex process influenced by various factors that could lead to different outcomes. There are lessons to be learned by considering budgeting in the context of fuel hedging in the airline industry. The succeeding discussion focuses on the issues involved in budgeting by taking the case of the airline industry. Lessons on budgeting are drawn and practical applications are identified. Main Issues in Budgeting Budgeting should be realistic and based on a thorough analysis of a firm’s financial needs, current and expected revenue generation, and business objectives (Davis & Davis, 2012). ... An accurate estimate would result to a budget that is very close to the actual amount of resources used. Among airline companies, fuel cost constitutes a significant expense comprising around one-third of the overall budget for a certain period. Airlines need to estimate the expected fuel cost in a given period to be incorporated into the overall budget for that period. Estimation involves uncertainties because of unexpected factors. An unexpected factor is change in the cost of fuel. Airline companies do not have any control over the price of fuel since many factors, from both the demand and supply side can affect the price. The extent of change in fuel prices are also beyond the full control of airline companies. (Karp, 2008) In 2000, fuel prices increased by an average of 18 percent between the second and third quarter to represent a 45 percent increase in the same period of the past year. Estimates of many of the airline companies in the U.S. were not able to approximate the actu al price increase. As a result of the wide gap between the estimated change in fuel prices and actual fuel prices, U.S. Airways incurred losses while America West achieved profit levels much lower that its projections. (Trottman & Carey, 2000) While estimation is wrought with uncertainties, managers and decision-makers lessen the gap between expected and actual expenses by learning from repeated experience of the estimation process given different price situations. Fuel hedging involves an estimation of the rate of change in fuel prices over a given period and entering into an agreement for the supply of fuel at a particular price within that period. The contract represents a price where

GENSTAT Analysis of Variance of Two Seed Statistics Project

GENSTAT Analysis of Variance of Two Seed - Statistics Project Example Nevertheless, their growth started declining drastically and then again increased steadily as depicted in the above graph. Conversely, unaged declined steadily in the initial stages of seedbed preparation then started increasing steadily. This implies that preparation process impacted negatively on the growth of the unaged seeds. Seed preparation directly correlates to the seedling aging. There is the relatively higher frequency with the unaged seeds as compared to the aged seeds. Therefore, this confirms the results of the ANOVA that there are more seedlings with unaged seeds as compared to aged seeds. Conversely, unaged declined steadily in the initial stages of seedbed preparation then started increasing steadily. This implies that preparation process impacted negatively on the growth of the unaged seeds. Seed preparation directly correlates to the seedling aging. There is the relatively higher frequency with the unaged seeds as compared to the aged seeds. Therefore, this confirms the results of the ANOVA that there are more seedlings with unaged seeds as compared to aged seeds.

Black Political Power Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Black Political Power - Research Paper Example Some of her notable acts of activism include an article she wrote in Free speech and headlight that urged blacks to leave Memphis, which led to about 6000 people leaving, while others organized boycotts (Fradin & Fradin, 2000). Quitting teaching, she begun investigative journalism and together with Frederick Douglass and other African Americans, they organized the Chicago boycott of 1893 and died in 1931 at the age of 68 with a record of speaking against anti-lynching and written various works of activism like the â€Å"Red Record† and the â€Å"Southern Horrors: Lynch Law In All Its Phases.† She travelled far and wide including Europe and Great Britain, preaching antiracism. Another key political leader in the black politics who did not hold a political title was Frederick Douglass, who was a poet and an activist against slavery. He was born into slavery in 1818 in Talbot County in Maryland, to become a prominent intellectual who lectured to many people and advised pre sidents. When in slavery at the home of Hugh Auld, his wife Sophia taught him to read the alphabet at the age of 12, helping him acquire the skills that would latter Vault him to national celebrity. In his course of reading, he developed the ideological of opposition, after reading newspaper articles about slavery. He got interested in political writing and literature. In 1833, while working for Thomas Auld, they had a fight in which Auld lost in the physical confrontation. After escaping from slavery in 1838, he got married to Anna Murray and they both moved to Massachusetts where he became an anti-slavery lecturer. He wrote an autobiography of his life story in 1845 named â€Å"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An... Black Political Power The key political leader in the black politics who did not hold a political title was Frederick Douglass, who was a poet and an activist against slavery. He was born into slavery in 1818 in Talbot County in Maryland, to become a prominent intellectual who lectured to many people and advised presidents. When in slavery at the home of Hugh Auld, his wife Sophia taught him to read the alphabet at the age of 12, helping him acquire the skills that would latter Vault him to national celebrity. In his course of reading, he developed the ideological of opposition, after reading newspaper articles about slavery. He got interested in political writing and literature. In 1833, while working for Thomas Auld, they had a fight in which Auld lost in the physical confrontation. After escaping from slavery in 1838, he got married to Anna Murray and they both moved to Massachusetts where he became an anti-slavery lecturer. He wrote an autobiography of his life story in 1845 named â€Å"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave†, which became a bestseller in the United States and was latter translated in several European languages. He published my â€Å"Bondage and My Freedom† in 1855 and in 1881 â€Å"The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass.† He later went to Ireland to avoid his recapture, and remained there for two years, talking and preaching about the evils of slavery (Spengler, 2006). His British supporters raised funds hat purchased his legal freedom and returned to the United States in 1847 as a free man.

Representation Of The American Dream Film Studies Essay

Representation Of The American Dream Film Studies Essay Independence Day is a film directed by Roland Emmerich WHAT HAPPENED RELEASED in 1996, which shows the planet under an alien attack, where the U.S. is the center of the problem and the country that saves the world. In relation to this film several elements can be analyzed belonging to the American culture. One of the most significant is The American Dream. An ideal of American culture that is based on democracy and equality and aims to maintain the welfare of society, in order to achieve the fulfillment of the dreams of its members. Based on this, the question that this paper attempts to answer is: To what extent the movie Independence Day directed by Roland Emmerich reflects the American dream? In this paper is exposed how there is a relationship between The American Dream as a cultural element that represents an American ideal and the script of the film, where elements, the film presents such as leadership, equality in terms of race, gender and social context, and the image of a perfect democracy REPRESENT THIS FEATURE. So we can see IN THIS WAY that the film represents to a great extent and very clearly the American Dream, because it reaffirms the central role of American culture on a global context by exposing the values à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹of the American Dream as the country defends the planet from the Alien attack, it also brings these values à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹to a global context as it takes the independence Day as a celebration of global importance, and showing America as a country where the dreams of an entire nation and its members are fulfilled. Word count: 262 INTRODUCTION Nowadays The United States is one of the most influential countries in the global context, taking into account its economic and military power. However its importance worldwide is also due to their culture, a culture that has strongly expanded in the Western Hemisphere by spreading a set of customs, traditions and ideals. Among the strongest and representative ideals of American culture is what is known as The American Dream, a concept that has transcended through history and has strongly consolidated American culture by showing that in this country people can achieve an ideal lifestyle where all of its members fulfill their dreams in a country that enforces their rights and welfare. Taking this into account it is important to analyze how these ideals are represented and displayed as part of American culture by focusing on a specific cultural artifact, in this case the film Independence Day directed by Roland Emmerich released on 1996. Roland Emmerich is a German film director, screenwriter and producer known by his science fiction productions which usually show humanity under catastrophic and risky situations. That is why on Independence Day a catastrophic context can be seen a context in which Planet Earth is under an Alien attack and places The United States in the center of the tragedy and as a country that puts all of its efforts to save the planet. The aim of this paper is to show: To what extent the film Independence Day directed by Roland Emmerich reflects the American Dream. For this IT IS NECESSARY TO analyze the concept of The American Dream as part of their culture in relation to the elements that the film shows, an analysis of the script by showing the different situations and characters, and an analysis of the symbols used throughout the film. THE AMERICAN DREAM AS REPRESENTATION OF THEIR CULTURE The concept of the American Dream was introduced by James Truslow Adams in his book The Epic America, where he talks about this concept as a social ideal representative of American culture, which seeks equality in terms of opportunities and a comfortable lifestyle for everyone, based on a proper use of democracy to achieve it. The American dream is the cultural expression of North American identity and, even if it was occasionally transformed into the American nightmare, it remains one of the most motivating forces of American civilization and a still viable token of American exceptionalism. (Stiuliuc, 2011). According to this, Diana Stiuliuc in her text The American Dream as the Cultural Expression of North American Identity claims that the American Dream despite the different interpretations that may have, will always refer to the American culture as a unique factor that represents the American national identity. Taking these definitions into account we can see how this concepts fi t the American culture, because it is based on democracy and equality, concepts that were consolidated as part of that culture since they were mentioned in the American constitution and the declaration of Independence. On the other hand, referring to Ferdinand Lasalle who said on his book On the essence of constitutions (YEAR) that culture is related with public consciousness, we can consider a relationship between the Constitution and culture. It means that the constitution has to reflect the aspects of society that are determined by their customs, their morality, their ideas about good and evil and in general all kind of aspects that represent the members of a society, in order to make people identify with the constitution and actually obey the laws. According to this and focusing in the movie, it is significant to stand out some concepts that clearly reflect The American Dream because they are based on democracy and equality, the concept of The United States as a country with a perfect democracy, a multicultural country and a global leader. ANALYSIS OF THE SCRIPT Throughout the film America is depicted in many ways as a model of democracy. Several ideas present in the classic documents mentioned appear as concepts in the films plot, there are mainly four ideas represented in the film, they are: America depicted as a progressive country, America depicted as a land in which goals can be fulfilled with enough effort, America as a country in which peace and the due processes are a priority, and America as a country which authority comes from the consent of the governed. America is shown as a progressive country in terms of its political structure, as the movie shows how the country is worried about social progress and welfare. One of the main characters in the film is the President who takes on many roles depending on the situations he faces throughout the film; one of these roles is that of a young yet wise politician. In the film America is shown as a land in which youth is not a hindrance in terms of wisdom. This is shown at the beginning of the film when the Presidents communication director Constance Halbrook, another important character, shows the news to the President arguing that people are attacking not his policies but his age. Other types of progressive thinking are shown throughout the movie such as the presence of debate and protest among the citizens. The President is shown as a human being despite his role as a hero, if he is not defeated at the end of the film, it is due to his prowess as a politician and soldier instead of a set of special abilities inherent to himself. Protestors are shown when US police and military forces take place close to the Alien ships. And debate is implied in occasional TV broadcasts shown as secondary plot devices. America is depicted as a land in which dreams can be fulfilled throughout the entire film. Almost each character starts his or her journey with a certain frustration, David failed as a scientist, Constance failed in her previous relationship with David, Steven could not get a job in NASA and Jasmine struggles with keeping her family together. At the end of the film after each character is forced to grow and has to put huge efforts in developing their skills or going through great risk, is able to accomplish his or her goals, David and Steve succeed in their attack to the alien ship, Constance and Jasmine are able to put their families together. America is also shown as a peaceful country that wont attack unless it is attacked first. After Alien ships are positioned over each major city in the United States the President gives the order to approach them in a peaceful way by having a group of helicopters get close to one of the space ships and broadcast a welcome message. Following an offensive by the Aliens the President gives the order of a counterattack. Also it is implied at several moments that America is a country that respects the supremacy of others, it is only after the United States supremacy is threatened that open war begins. This is closely related to the idea mentioned before that America is a country in which authority comes from the consent of the governed. Most scenes in the movie show scenarios of political life, TV debates, the Oval Office, the White House and so on, democracy is a central theme to the movie. A very representative moment of this idea is when the President decides to prepare a nuclear attack just after receiving a message from the Aliens that describes their method; Aliens are compared to locusts, their essence is that of the exact opposite to the freedom of a democratic government. Some of the mentioned ideas have a parallel in classic documents. The fifth amendment of the United States constitution mentions due process as one of the main components of justice in the United States; this thinking is re-enacted several times during the film. Nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. (U.S constitution. Amendment. 5). The Declaration Of Independence states that the source of authority of each country should be the consent of the governed and not the authoritarian rule of a monarch, and that idea is reflected in the movie as it shows the concerns of the president anytime he is making a decision that may or may not benefit people. Another notorious idea is the representation of America as a multicultural country. Different genders and ethnicities are shown in the movie occupying different important roles, as it is an idea of equality that reaffirms The American Dream. Scientists are shown as people from Caucasian, Asian and African-American descent as well as one of the main characters, David, who is clearly of Jewish descent. Women have important roles during the film too, Constance and Margaret, the First Lady, are shown as brave and dedicated women among the world of politics, and Jasmine is shown as a strong woman and mother willing to do what it takes in order to survive and protect her family. It is important to mention about this element of the film what Hanson said on her work American Dream in the 21st Century an idea that shows a close relationship between the film and the American Dream. The American Dream represents a state of mind that is an enduring optimism given to a people who might be tempted to succumb to the travails of adversity, but who, instead, repeatedly rise from the ashes to continue to build a great nation. (Hanson, White, 2011). Soldiers that are one of the main components of the plot are also from different ethnic backgrounds. There is representation of Caucasians, African-Americans and Latinos, each person is compelled to fight for the independence of the United States regardless of their ethnic background or occupation as is mainly shown with Russell a farmer who is considered crazy and drunk during most of the film but turns into a hero by the end. Both the 15th and 19th amendments to the United States constitution defend gender and race diversity by protecting the right to vote of people from all genders and ethnicities. This idea is an essential part of The American Dream and their culture, and is therefore represented in the film repeatedly. Aside from that, it is important to mention how the military forces of the United States of America are shown throughout the film. Military forces are important since they are the first institution of the American government to appear in the film after the aliens have appeared and have been identified, they are the first group to face the threat and set research and analysis into motion. They are also the first ones to establish a defensive stance towards the invaders. This is shown in the movie since a Pentagon official who discovers the Aliens presence takes as first measure the action of summoning the Secretary of Defense. A very prominent idea shown in the film is the American position in regards of conflict against enemies. It is very important to stand out their role as negotiators and a peaceful society at the beginning of the film, they initially will not attack unless they are attacked. In the film, the first approach to the aliens by the American government is a peaceful one. After this peaceful attempt goes terribly wrong and the aliens attack, the army is given the green light to retaliate. This response as we mentioned before was of course more than ready. This peaceful feature of the American society has as well parallels in the official documents. In the Declaration Of Independence, it is stated that the King of England had attacked first by placing troops in American territory even in times of peace. It also says that America will stay in peace with all its allies and friends but will be in war with any enemy. Doing an analysis of the main characters points of view we can see that they always keep an attitude of braveness and enthusiasm. First of all we can see how the President always keeps a brave image and is never afraid or intimidated by the Aliens; he is always present at every moment, refusing any invitation to a shelter and doing everything possible for his country. This idea is reinforced when he decides to be a member of the final offensive fighting like any other soldier. Another element depicted in the film that reinforces this idea of America as a peaceful and caring country yet ready to battle, is how solidarity is an essential characteristic of all characters personality. This idea is prominently shown once again in the President. He is constantly shown as a loving family man. He appears for the first time during the film while receiving a call from his wife and being with his daughter. He stays with his daughter throughout the entire film and has his wife in mind. On the other hand, David is shown as a character attached to moral integrity, an environmentalist always concerned about taking care of the planet and the greater good. He is because of that the first one to go against the decision of launching a nuclear assault. Another recurrent theme in the film is the characterization of the United States as a technological super power. Scientists are during the story more than support characters, they are heroes. Since the beginning of the film scientific facilities are shown. In fact the first character to appear in the film is a scientist. The film goes back and forth between political and scientific scenarios in which all characters interact. America displays power in the film through politics, the army and technology. All these three scenarios are closely intertwined and together form what makes the United States a super power in the film. As mentioned, science appears in the film very early. The first image is a shot of the American flag placed on the moon showing one of the biggest achievements of humanity in terms of space exploration. Then it continues by depicting a scene of a Hi-tech facility in which scientists discover for the first time the presence of the Alien invaders. The importance of science in the movie not only as a tool of survival but as an icon of American pride is reinforced every time that characters face an obstacle in terms of technology. Very early in the film a member of the military is aggravated when an employee of the Pentagon admits that they are confused about what is going on. Another feature of the film related to the depiction of technology is the way that other countries technology is represented. Iraq and Russia are shown as countries in ruins after the alien attack, the Russian satellite is shown as old and is immediately destroyed, it is implied that the only network the Aliens use is the American one. David is therefore the most important character in the film in terms of technology. His personal journey goes from being a scientist who failed professionally despite his studies and intelligence to being the one who discovers the alien communication system and the one who learns how to destroy their defenses. David is the genius who represents the true power of America which is not the brute display of force but the use of knowledge, technology and progress. It is because of him that the world has to follow Americas lead during battle. Another very prominent representation of America in the film is that of the country being shown as a brave and resilient nation. Americans are shown as heroes who overcome adversity no matter how strong their opponents may be, always willing to defend themselves and their people, American scientists, politicians and soldiers seem to be utterly resilient and indestructible. That characteristic though is not shown as the starting point of the film, in fact, Americas most powerful cities are destroyed and all of their military efforts are rendered useless before the attack is successful displaying a story of heroes who had to sacrifice everything in order to win and who to be able to defend their freedom had to rely on their braveness only. Indeed America is shown as the Land of The Free and the Home of The Brave many times during the movie. The figures of the President and the First Lady are examples of courage, unwilling to hide, both decide to stay with the people of America during the alien attacks even after they are offered protection. The First Ladys sacrifice is therefore the ultimate display of braveness and will to resist against the oppressors. Even right before her death she is shown as a warrior who has set her mind on the only goal of defending her country even at the point of surrendering her life, she says she trusts her husbands capabilities in winning the battle turning her death into the moving force of the Presidents determination to win. The President is then the most important figure of braveness and resilience. Not only he is challenged in terms of his job he is also personally attacked and has his family destroyed before he can stand against the aliens. This mixture of professional and personal obligation comes together in his role as a soldier. The President is also a soldier with special abilities in the fields of air combat, he personally leads the final battle against the aliens, because of this reason he is fundamental to Americas victory, he embodies the might of the State, the braveness of Americans and the peoples will to resist and thrive through great efforts. Other main characters are symbols of courage and resilience. Russell is the everyman who even after being described as a bad father and mediocre man saves the day by showing that nothing else is more important than serving his country and fulfilling his duties as an American soldier, the President grants him the status of hero, because of this reason Russell receives the approval of his family and in spite of his previous failure he turns into a hero because of his braveness and willing to sacrifice. Steven is also the soldier who is willing to lose everything if it is for his country and his loved ones. His motivations are fulfilling his dream of being an astronaut, serving his country and protecting the family he wants to form with Jasmine. He puts himself at great risk by being a part of the stealth mission to destroy the enemy defense and does it without any hesitation. The same goes for David who as a member of this mission risks everything in name of the things he believes in, he is shown as an environmentalist who would do anything in order to save his country. Jasmine on the other hand shows another type of resistance. She is the one that as a main character represents the people of America. The everyday fighter, the passionate mother, she can only resist by doing what every civilian can do, being brave and trusting her state leaders. This is another prominent feature of the film. People are shown as hopeless yet brave citizens, they dont have the strength to fight against the aliens but do so by putting their trust in their government. The American civilians have anyway a common characteristic with the military and government their weakness that turns into braveness and finally victory. Then war is not between two equally powerful opponents, humans are obviously outnumbered and overpowered. Their machines and weapons are shown as tiny next to the huge weaponry of the aliens, even the final weapon against their defenses is tiny, a computer virus, showing that intelligence, courage and sacrifice are worth more than raw force. USE OF SYMBOLS One of the most prominent symbols shown in the movie is the speech given by the President to the soldiers prior to the battle against the aliens, where not only are displayed patriotic ideals but also America is depicted as a country that fully represents the promises of the American dream. One of the main symbolic references is the declaration of the 4th of July as a worldwide celebration extending the idea of The United States national independence to the entire world declaring that way that the ideals of the American revolution and its independence values are applicable to the entire world and should therefore be celebrated by all nations since they represent what is good for every nation. This reference to the 4th of July, which is of course a main idea in the film considering its relevance in relation to the title, places America as the leader of the world. The United States government and its military institutions are the ones to begin and lead the attack against the alien threat; the mentioned speech keeps a strong moral and military rhetoric style. The response from the listeners of the speech is highly emotional as they are all willing to defend these universal values in a clear reference to The American Dream. On the other hand we can talk about the symbols displayed visually. Throughout the film different places are shown and many are representative of American culture. Mainly, government buildings like the Pentagon or the White House and national monuments like the Statue of Liberty are shown, also the skylines of New York City and the city of Los Angeles are repeatedly featured. These symbols are a representation of the main aspects of American culture in relation to The American Dream; government buildings represent the power of the United States, its importance in keeping peace and order, as they show the importance of democracy. Cities like New York or Los Angeles are not only the main economic centers of the country but the most renowned touristic destinations in America. CONCLUSIONS Finally it can be seen how the concept of the American Dream has a very important role in everything related to the American culture, from it, the bases for a great amount of social ideals that represent and promote American culture and identity have been formed. The American Dream attempts to fulfill all ideals of equality and common well-being a nation where the dreams of all its members can become a reality depending on the extent to which they belong to the American society. It is very interesting also to analyze how these concepts go back to classic texts like the Declaration Of Independence and the Constitution of the United States since the importance of creating a global country had already been stated. Taking this into account, it can be seen how this film includes clear references reaffirming the cultural importance of the American Dream in a global context by showing how this nation has the capacity of being a world leader and keeping a society together. In the film, the concepts that depict the United States as a country with a perfect government system can be seen. America achieves through democracy a society that has equal rights for everyone regardless of ethnicity, gender and social differences but most of the film depicts America as a country able to keep a society in harmony where collective objectives and individual dreams are fulfilled. Finally, in terms of the inquiry that guides this paper, it can be seen that the film greatly represents the American Dream. Even from the title which refers to an American holiday but places it on a global context we can see how this film shows American values as the answer the world needs to be able to survive the invasion. We can see in the film how the United States is tested and destroyed just so it can reaffirm itself as a powerful nation in all its aspects, mainly culturally, showing the importance of the American Dream at a national and international level. Word count: 3974