Sustainable development-Ethanol fuel in Brazil Essay Example for Free

Sustainable development-Ethanol fuel in Brazil Essay Brazil has one of the largest programs on bio-fuel world wide which involves the production of ethanol fuel from the sugarcanes. The ethanol provides an approximated 18% in the automotive fuel of the country. This has then resulted into the country being self sufficient in oil which it had to import several years ago because of the exploitation of the domestic deep water oil resources. (Steen 1994) The nature and value of global management for sustainable development The sustainable development of the ethanol fuel in Brazil involves a social ecological process that is characterized by the fulfillment of the needs of human beings while at the same time indefinitely maintaining the same quality of the natural environment. This link between the development and the environment was recognized globally in the international union for conservation of nature book that was published by the world conservation strategy. In Brazil the sustainable development of the ethanol fuel does not only focus on the environmental issues but it also encompasses various policies in the economic and social areas. In Brazil the government should ensure that there is environmental sustainability in the production of the ethanol fuel so as to ensure that the environment further continues to function properly and also indefinitely. (Steen 1994) This will further involve meeting the needs of the Brazilians without endangering the future generation’s welfare. If the country of Brazil purposes to maintain the environmental sustainability in the production of the ethanol fuel then this will eliminate the environmental degradation of ethanol sources in the country. On the other hand sustainability of the ethanol fuel in Brazil requires that the human activities use only the natural resources at a rate at which they can naturally be replenished. If the consumption and the renewable resources are less than the nature’s ability to replenish then there will be environmental renewal which will further lead to a sustainable development. But if on the other hand the consumption of the renewable resources is more than the natures’ ability to replenish then there will be environmental degradation and the development will not be sustainable. The key stakeholders and partners of the sustainable development of ethanol in brazil includes the Brazilian government, the consumers and sugar farmers, the Brazilian citizens, the producers of ethanol and also the car manufacturers and retailers of the bio-ethanol fuelled cars. The relevant issues in the sustainability of the ethanol development in Brazil involve the control measures which have been derived from the Montreal protocol and also the phasing out of the leaded gasoline in the country. The bio-ethanol in the country of Brazil has been used as a liquid fuel in the commercial sector for a long time and the Brazilian government has taken the initiative of promoting the bio-ethanol through a program known as pro alcohol in the 1970s. The Brazilian federal government also gave subsidies to the farmers and also maintained low price and this was aimed at absorbing the energy production constant surplus while at the same time preventing the country from being dependent on the foreighn oil imports. (Steen 1994) In the recent past brazil there has been escalating oil prices and the government of brazil has refocused on the bio-ethanol fuel and also the flexi fuel cars in search for the cleaner and also renewable energies. The consumers can fuel their vehicles by ethanol. In maintaining a sustainable development of ethanol in Brazil the government has laid down some policy options which include; 1. By promoting the use of the bio-ethanol and fuel flex cars which are more environmental friendly than the petroleum products. 2. y ensuring that the fuel flexi cars are affordable to most people in brazil 3. by ensuring that the bio-ethanol and bio-fuels are readily available at the regular filling stations 4. by subsidizing the bio-ethanol price and making it more attractive to the consumers 5. by promoting the sugar production through the subsidies 6. By promoting the production of the bio-ethanol through the industry’s incentives and also subsidies. The ethanol alternative in Brazil is ready to create jobs and also contribute to the sustainable rural development. Globalization of the economic activities on the other hand eliminates the employment opportunities especially in the countryside and this marginalizes the poor Brazilians from the productive resources. (Daly and Amana 1981) In Brazil ethanol highly relies on the bio-mass cultivation such as sugarcane and it is coupled with a system of processing facilities that is decentralized providing more human sustainable development opportunities. The increase 0f ethanol production in Brazil promises to alleviate partially the neo-liberal economic reform outcome. Humphrey and Buttel 1982) The Brazilian government however needs to realize the economic and social economic development goals in sustaining the affordable and sustainable forms of energy such as ethanol since it is the most important key driver for the modern economic development. Based on the sustainable development concept, the reliance of Brazil on the petroleum fuel imports as a major commercial fuel in the country is unsustainable both in the long and short term. However the use of ethanol could be a sustainable solution in the long run with the potential to create an economic growth as well improve the living standards of the Brazilians and also reduce the environmental degradation. The use of ethanol in Brazil could however lead to the decline of the environmental quality and this will reduce its sustainability but with better control measures and also technological improvement such problems could be prevented. The influence of global sustainable development research on the future managerial decision making The research on the global sustainable development would highly influence the managerial decision making process in the following ways. First and foremost most decisions which will be made will significantly be based on protecting the environment as well as requiring lower inputs. (Costanza 1980) Secondly the decisions made will be based on strategies that will help in dealing with the emerging food fuel battles. Similarly the major decisions made will focus on the carbon dioxide emissions and its positive effects in reducing the global warming. The consumption of the fossil fuels as a major source of carbon dioxide loading in the atmosphere and also the development of any other fuel source greatly reduces this loading and this is a very desirable effect. The decision makers will also implement policies that are environmentally conscious on ethanol’s environmental drawbacks. The decisions will also focus on the strategic co-operation which can then make ethanol a pragmatic and partial solution to the many energy security related problems as well as the climate and the rural; development control world wide. The research on the global sustainable development will help the managers make informed decisions on the use of ethanol as a fuel source and the economical impacts encountered from its dependence. The decision makers will also be able to comprehend the impact of ethanol based on the three sustainable development spheres that comprise of the economic, social and also environmental dimensions. Similarly the research will enable the decision makers understand the role that is played by ethanol as a very useful tool in reducing the emissions on the greenhouse emissions and also in lessening the human and the environmental costs on petroleum dependency. (Capello and Naskapi 1999) Conclusion In conclusion since ethanol has been classified as a renewable form of energy it has made its production and its use sustainable in both the short and long term effects and this will further help its use meet the needs of both the future and the present generations.

A Story Titled Unbelievable English Literature Essay

A Story Titled Unbelievable English Literature Essay In our world everything is related. Who are we? How did we appear on this tiny comfortable planet? These questions stay unanswered. We can make up different stories for ourselves, but they stay fairytales. I will now tell you a short story, which happened to one simple guy, who was same as me, same as any of my friends. Yet, his life differed from ours from the birth, even though we have own story of ours. This boy was found at the door of the orphanage. He laid in little basket and it looked like life was fading away from him. It was dark around, scary and uncomfortable. Orphanage was empty already, everybody was gone already, and it seemed that nobody was able to help the small dying kid already, even though he needed not much: heat and some milk. Today Natalie Pavlovna had a difficult day, a lot of work, that is why she is late home, but the lady wanted to finish everything fast and go home where children were waiting for her. Under the thought of her Sasha and Zhenya Natalie Pavlovna made a worm smile. She had wonderful kids who loved her and cared for her. It wasnt difficult to take care of them, even though she raised them alone. When her man, nine years ago unexpectedly left her, Sasha and Zhenya stayed the only point of her life. Kids became her friends and helpers. So now she has finished her job and hurries home. As she had passed the hall, she pushed the door with power and stepped in the direction of cold, piercing wind. Sudden sound commanded her to stop and look around. What is this? She saw a small basket. When she saw what is in it, the hair on her head started to move. Newborn child!!! In the basket was a small, newborn, and freezing child!!! The heart of a woman shrinked because of pity! Natalie Pavlovna saved his life, took care of him, gave him his warmth, and after all legal procedures, their family became bigger on one person. Natalie Pavlovna gave him the name Viktor- the winner. That is how Vitya gained family, and who knows is it an accident or not. Vitya grew up like the simple child: kind, polite, and funny. His brother and sister loved him very much; they played different games with him, cooked for him-he is the youngest in the family. When he became seven, he went to school. Studying was giving to him really easy, and sometimes it looked like he did not study, but he knew it and he just forgot it. In general their life was silent and happy! That night Vitya was not sleeping, bad presentiments did not allowed him to fall asleep. It was seemed that even the air from around was very heavy. In the morning his mood was not good, but Vitya put his coat on and went to school as usually did. Only when he started to concentrate on the lesson, in their class opened door and teacher silently started to talk with somebody. Vitya was sure that something happened. When the teacher closed -1- the door, she found Vitya with her eyes. She asked him to leave the class. Vitya went and he understood that some changes are happening in his life. Near the window the director of their school was standing. He slowly came to Vitya and said that in their family had a big grief- his mum has got to a serious car accident, so she is in the hospital, and she wishes to see him. The director took Vitya with his hands, and went with him to the courtyard. They came to his car, and director opened the door for Vitya. The boy has sat down in it, and while they were going he thought of his mum, he recollected the holidays of his family and campaigns in parks, forests, on the lake, and when they were on the Black sea in Crimea. They came to the hospital very quickly. Here is a hospital. The cold, grey, and thick walls in the hospital oppressed. Unexpectedly Vitya started to think of, why are the walls in the HOSPITAL are such grey and thick. In the hospital are people who want something fresh and bright, because they feel very bad, but instead there are grey walls, which are making y our mood bad. And also why do the walls need to oppress sick people? If he could change something, he would change the color of walls. With this thoughts he came to the chamber were his mother was lading. Vitya pushed the door and entered the chamber were his mother laid on pillows and looked at the window. When she heard that somebody came to her chamber, she turned and saw Vitya, she tried to smile but she could not. Vitya came to his mum and he took her hand. The same time he did that, he started to feel the unbelievable pain, and the pain was so hard, that he even had choked. In some ten or even less seconds Vitya understood, that that it is not his pain- he feels his mothers pain. He was feeling the sufferings of his mum. He did not know why is it like this, but he knew that he is not wrong. In horror he ran out of the chamber! He was standing near the window, and he tried to understand what has happened to him. Then he heard the talking of two men, they were talking about his mum, the car accident, that her mum does not have any chances to live, because all of her bones are broken. He understood that it is true and also he understood that only he can help his mum. With true feeling of big love, he entered the chamber, approached to the bed, and looked in his mother face. It looked like she looked at him, but she did not see anything. Uncertainly he took his mothers hand, his body pierced the acute pain, but he did not release his mums hand, and than he suddenly felt that the pain of his mother passes. He stood like that some ten more minutes, and than unexpectedly understood that all terrible things are behind. Lifeless he sat down near his mum, and waited when his mom will wake up. How? Why? Vitya wished to think, but he could not. Could not yet! One man from the corridor came to the chamber, and sat near his mum. He turned to Vitya, and asked to leave for a while; he wished to examine Natalie Pavlovna once again. The boy left and even when he was tired , everything was warm and quiet on his heart. Vitya was sure that now with his mum everything would be good. He could not explain from where he has this confidence, but he was sure that he is not wrong. The doctor went back from the chamber, and the deep expressions on his face make Vitya laugh. But he was shocked of what he saw, that he just started to run to the other doctor. When he reached the other doctor, he said that out of thirty years, which he was working in this hospital, the situation like this was the first time. The woman that had just a half of percent, feels well, and that all her bones are not broken. She wants to go back home with her son. -2- How could it be like this? Can you explain this? -The voice of another was very excited and guarded. No. I do not have any explanations. I think they can go! In twenty minutes Vitya with his mum went from the hospital and went home. In the evening everybody from the family were seating near the fireplace and reading. It seemed like his mother did not remember anything. She told to Sasha and Zhenya that she had a small accident, and some good people put her in hospital, they told her that she does not have any serious traumas, then Vitya came took her and they left the hospital. Vitya listened to her, and he was feeling really good. He knew that today he rescued his mum. The boy could not explain how he did that, but has been assured that it managed to return his mum to life. When everybody came to the different rooms, Vitya lay down to sleep, but his mother came. Thanks sonny! I knew that you are special. She gently kissed him and left. Special?! Vitya was lying on the floor with closed eyes, and many different thought went through out his mind. Special! What else he can do. Slowly he has fallen asleep. He dreamed about the green field. Far there were many trees, and their leaves were bright lilac color. Near him were flying multicolored birds. It seemed like all the colors of rainbow painted even the air. All of a sudden there appeared the woman, which starched hands to him. Vitya wanted to run to her, but all of a sudden the loud voice thundered. Ilona! He is not ready yet! He is really small! The woman lowered her hands and started to melt, some two or three seconds passed and woman disappeared. Vitya woke up. His heart was beating really fast, and he could not breathe normally. The dream did not leave him, it seemed like the voice was in his ears even now. Vitya was lying on the bed, but still could not sleep. The woman has put down her hands and started melting. Several seconds passed away and she was gone. Vitya woke up. Heart was beating wildly in his chest. This dream didnt leave his mind! It looked like the voice still rang in his ears. Vitya lay long time without sleep, but progressively he did fall asleep and woke up in the morning fresh. All events, which happened to him yesterday became a background and werent that amazing anymore. Vitya as always went to school, met his friends and started living like an average eight-year-old boy. Two years flew by. Vitya studied, played. Also. Vitya loved dogs a lot. He wanted to buy a puppy, but his mom didnt allow him. His mom explained him that they show up home rarely and couldnt play with him much. Vitya understood it, but he still wanted it a lot! So once Vitya and his friends were walking back from school through the park. It was spring, nature woke up after hibernating in winter. -3- Suddenly kids heard a horrifying barking. Kids ran at the sound and saw a terrible picture. A gigantic dog attacked another dog. The gigantic dog was scary. From the huge jaws spilled sticky saliva, eyes were shining with red light. Kids were far yet, but felt the awful aroma, which surrounded the beast. Kids were frightened and they have stopped. The monster had slaughtered the other dog, which was defending something till its last breath. But here was its last breath and the victim, bloody, wounded, and scowled last time. The monster didnt calm down! It needed something the dead dog has protected with the value of own life. Very shortly kids saw what was the target of the monster. A puppy! Little helpless puppy! One more second and its tiny body will be bitten in two parts by the filthy fangs of this titanic dog. Vitya couldnt hold it and he screamed! Slowly. Very slowly the monster has turned his horrible face towards the kids. It looked like the dog smiled. Suddenly he turned and sprinted towards kids. Several meters separated kid from the dog, in fear they watched, how the dog was getting closer. They clearly saw the mad, blood filled, eyes. They understood that their faith is what of the killed dogs. Monster ran towards the kids and prep ared to jump. Unexpectedly it started watching Vitya straight in the eyes. It looked like it was trying to understand something. -Go away! Leave us alone! Said Vitya. And suddenly the dog appealed! He turned away and slowly staggered away. Kids in fear watched this furious fight of Vitya against the dog. While Vitya in this time already held the puppy in his arms and walked home. He knew that two never going to be separated. When mother heard the story of Jack, this name Vitya chose for his four- legged friend, she wasnt against the fact that the puppy would stay and live with them. Puppy grew fast. It looked, like him and Vitya understood each other without any words. Two more years past away. Nothing special happened to Vitya. At last here he sees a dream. He is again at the field, but the air smells like something has burned, and Vitya feels pain, someones pain! Again there is a woman in front of him, which he had seen before. She looks at him extremely gently. -Hello Vitya! she doesnt say anything, but Vitya hears her. -Vitya, you were born on this planet. Earth needs help and you were sent there to save humanity from devastation . We are not alone in the galaxy. There are many more planets with life on them and not all of them are kind. Planet Kloakie is full of evil creatures. They have destroyed many intelligent races and now want to destroy people on Earth. They need Earth, because on this planet is very pleasant environment for the life of Kloakans. They are about to bring virus to Earth, which will destroy the humanity. You have a lot of power; you can heal people only with touch. Your goal is to help people and prevent spreading of the diseases. They are going to try to stop you, but you have to save the people. Now you have to learn everything. You still have time. -4- Vitya woke up. He remembered, how he healed his mother, how strange did the monster-dog acted in front of him. He thought about that he always felt special. He thought about his mother, about how strong is his love towards her, towards his brothers. From this moment he had looked at his life values. If hes got faith, he accepts it! Vitya had studied, studied, and studied! Chemistry, physics, anatomy. All these science Vitya studied day by day. Time passed by. Many years passed. Vitya became a doctor. Very good doctor. He cured people, grasped on most hopeless cases. Patients said, that he healed even with his sight, even with his touch. Yet, Vitya remembered his mission every minute, he knew, that major battle for lives of people is to be fought. Once Victor went to the museum. He went there time from time. He liked to spend his time wisely, He liked to discover something new. In the museum he accidentally heard the speech of a man and young boy. -Dad, tell me, why do these monsters appear? Are they scary? I am afraid of them! Son, these are not monsters! These are dressed actors! You dont need to be afraid of them! If i only knew who could show this kind of circus to kids. Victor didnt pay much attention to the speech that time, but when he left the museum, he had a flashback of this speech for some reason. Clearing these thoughts, Victor rested. Suddenly, his attention was captured by two men of about 30-40 years old, wearing the suits and ties, which walked on the road with cars in bold manner, risking to get under the wheels of the automobile. The car had desperately ringed at them. One of the men made a vulgar hand sign and kicked the car, leaving a crack on the wing. When the angry car driver jumped out of car, these hooligans beat him with their fists. The driver jumped back in and shut the door. Two men gave high five to each other and continued their path towards the museum. When they reached the alley, one of them grabbed a rock and pointed towards the museum. While they walked towards the museum they have bullied people on their way. Fights appeared, but even police couldnt bring the justice to the street. People screamed, fought, fell, spill ed with blood. What happened to these men? Who are they and why are they behaving themselves like they are mad? Victor was extremely amazed by the fact, that they had passion to bring pain. Most people did not have this lust to bring pain to people just like selves. Furthermore, their feeling of self-defense was absent. Police with enormous effort finally separated the hooligans from the raging mob. They were beaten hard in this quarrel, thats why the cops brought them straight to the hospital. Victors day, which had such a wonderful start, was hopelessly messed up. Victor thought that he needs to understand the behavior of these men so he headed to the closest hospital. He thought that -5- the hooligans and their victims might be going there and is guesses proved to be right. In the hospital all the empty places were filled with the wounded. While Victor walked the hall, trying to find the hooligans, he had luck to discover something from the parts of speech. These men were famous people; they did a lot of good to the people of the town, especially to kids. Now, they are getting back from circus, which was made especially for kids. Nobody could explain their behavior now. Victor found their room and went inside. Dirty, bloody, men lay at tables, doctors tried to help them. One of them was unconscious. The face of the other one captured victors attention. The eyes of the man went glass, and the jaw hanged. His eyes were dead. Victor decided to talk to the doctor, which helped the man, to find out in what shape was the patient. How can you explain their extraordinary behavior? i dont understand. They dont understand, it looks like they are machines created to kill. We had to give them calming pills,- doctor desperately looked at Victor and continued with the wounded. -What is this? Doctor turned towards Victor. When Victor and Doctor looked at the wounded, they were already dead. With the filling of melancholiness Victor has exit the hospital with numerous questions, for which answers he didnt have. When he arrived home, he relaxed and decided to think out everything calmly. Making himself cup of coffee, he turned on the TV. Instantly his attention went towards the announcement. Young woman told about the strange, unexplained deaths in her town. -Today, his father killed the little child. How did he deserve it?- questioned himself doctor. Blood covered child appeared on the screen. The handle of knife was sticking from his neck. Victor jumped up! It was a boy from museum! What could make father make such a heartless action?- the woman went on.- We are now going to visit the father and we will ask him, what have he done, woman has turned towards the cops, who held the villain. The young guard of law in confusion looked at the camera. He is dead. He has died;-thats all he could say. Victor has turned off the TV and went deep into his mind. What is happening? He couldnt answer this question. He had difficult sleep this night. Some unmatchable thought flew in his mind but he couldnt capture it. Suddenly he woke up. The circus! The hooligans from museum, and the boy with his father went to the circus. Maybe, it was just a coincidence, but vicar felt, that he needed to visit the circus. With such a thought he -6- went back to sleep. To his luck he woke up completely rested. After he ate fast, he went to circus. The weather was bad, rain dropped, freezing wind blew. The circus was built at the edge of a town near the forest. The main part of circus looked sad. Everything was old and breakable. Victor had looked over the audience. Mostly parents with their kids had visited. Moving along the hall, Victor had looked at the artists of the circus. There were a lot of real freaks: the wolfman, snakeman, birdman, who flapped his wings. The main part yet was that Victor felt the pure evil in this place. Evil was everywhere, it ate mind, whispered, surrounded. -Its all my nerves! Thought Victor and looked around. Victor stopped near the dwarf named Echo. -Hello!-greeted him little girl. Hello you too answered Echo with her voice. -Oh mommy he talks like me! Screamed the girl. Victor noticed, that woman gave a fake smile, while in her eyes some strange emotion blinked, she shook her head, like she was trying to get rid of some thoughts. -Whats your name?- asked Victor the dwarf. Victor didnt answer, he was afraid, that the dwarf will hear his voice. His fear was conscious, like with his voice the dwarf could steal his soul. Go away. Go as fast as possible. Thought victor, heading towards the exit with fast steps. At the exit out of circus he was paying attention on the visitors. They pushed each other, moms shouted at their kids roughly. Victor knew for certain, that this circus is evil, and he knew that he will be back here. The shock he had experienced was replaced by cold boldness. He knew what to do. Evil has to be destroyed! Late evening Victor was waiting near the circus already. Only fire can destroy the evil, thought Victor. In his hand he had a canister with fuel. Young man wanted to wait till night, when all devilish artists are going to be asleep, he will combust this cursed circus. Suddenly he felt, how someones ice-cold hand dropped on his shoulder. Turning around he saw one of the actors. He was short, with wide shoulders, almost without no neck. He had short hair and tiny ears. It was senseless to run from him, so victor allowed to capture himself. They went into little room. In the room it was half dark, but he understood, that -7- he was in directors office, the director of this inhumane, cruel circus. The horrifying creature was right in front of Victor. Victor stepped back. This is probably how the offspring of shark and monkey would look. Dark-blue skin, body covered with abs, no neck and ears, two cuts instead of nose, and hands with knife-sharp curved nails. Yellow eyes stared at Victor. The lower part of fish head suddenly opened, and from his jaws sparked razor-sharp teeth, which grew with several rows. Creature has raised on its legs and slowly headed towards Victors direction. -Oh, thats you. Its impossible to hide from you. You visited my circus today. I feel attendance, obstacles. Victor, you cant stop us. In order to stay alive you have to join Kloake. The Earth is doomed. Victor needed all his self-determination, so he could gloriously watch his enemy in the face. -You have to answer now! Life or painful death? You cant save the people, evil is already present and they will kill each others themselves, continued the director. Speedily grabbing the canister with fuel, Victor spilled the fuel at different sides on the floor and lighted the match. The circus got on fire instantly. The soul-piercing howl. Viktor had jumped out of the door fast as lightning. He ran towards the forest. His instincts told him that the monster was still alive. On the edge of the field the sand had moved suddenly and started rising. No, this is not the sand. Its something huge and dark. Director, Victor stepped back and froze on place. His heart was beating wildly. His faith gives him a chance. Viktor has taken out an icon from church. The monster was right above it. Its wicked hand started towards Victor. Victor was defenseless. During his last seconds of life Victor could only make one last pre death scream full of horror and despair. Yet, the malice nails didnt rip his throat. The monster froze. Victor stood up and saw the shiny ray of light. From this ray showed up Ilona and several other people. Their faces were positive and kind. Lady looked at victor and smiled. -You made it, sonny! You stopped the evil and saved the Earth. We never doubted you and always believed in you. Now we take the Kloak to jail, and you have a choice: you can fly away with us or stay on Earth. -I would rather stay home. My home- Earth! Answered Victor. Ilona came close slowly and wiped her hand across Victors face gently. -Goodbye, sonny! People need you, they need your help!- she watched him gently and melted. Soon Victor stayed alone. Slowly he marched out the forest. His heart was light and glad. -8-

A Comparison of Schools in the U.S. and Japan Essay -- Essays Papers J

A Comparison of Schools in the U.S. and Japan In Japanese schools, from elementary schools to universities, teachers direct what students should do or how they should be. Students follow the school rules and the directions of teachers. In American schools, on the other hand, students have to be more independent than Japanese students in many ways. Because of differences between Japanese and American schools, Japanese students who begin to study in an American school are shocked, and they take a pretty long time to adjust themselves to the way of American schools. Differences between schools in the two countries are seen in classrooms and during classes: the style of lectures, the relationship between student and teachers, and the style of examinations. First, many Japanese students are surprised by American schools because American students pay much attention to teachers, and also they interrupt teachers to ask questions or to express their opinions. The style of teaching in the U.S. is completely different from Japan, especially in two points. One difference is that teachers in Japan expect students to be quiet in classes. In general, teachers explain the content of textbooks, hand-outs, and other materials. But in American schools, teachers think class participation is very important, and they require students to give their opinions or ask questions in classes. Another difference is that teachers in Japan write down important things on a blackboard, but teachers in the U.S. seldom write everything; they just explain orally. Japanese students are very quiet during classes, and all they do is listen to teachers and copy what teachers write on blackboards. They seldom ask questions during classes but ask friends or teac... ... classes. School systems, including grading systems and examination styles, in Japan and the U.S. are quite different. Also, the relationship between students and teachers is completely different. Most Japanese students who transfer from Japanese schools to American schools, or who go to an American school after they graduate from a Japanese school, may be shocked by the new and different systems and the relationship to their teachers. For Japanese students, the way of American schools seems very difficult--to attend classes, to study, and to understand the system itself--but they also notice that they can study and live to the fullest as a student, as they talk or argue for or against other students or teachers in the classes. Also, they can get satisfaction from learning and understanding every class through the relationship between teachers and other students.

Quest for Wisdom Essay -- essays research papers

Quest for Wisdom: Two Approaches Two approaches to the â€Å"Quest for Wisdom† that I enjoyed are Walden, by Henry David Thoreau and Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor E. Frankl. Both of the authors took similar approaches by using narration of a main segment of their lives to explain their philosophy and how they arrived at their conclusions. Though both conclusions represent individualism they are strikingly different. Thoreau values the doctrines of Transcendentalism, seeking ones inner self through Nature, while Frankl Existentialism values the interpretation of individual experiences and responsibility of ones actions. Thoreau spent years building his approach and developing his own beliefs. Born in Concord, Massachusetts, in July 1817, he developed an early love of solitude and communion with nature. He studied English, history, philosophy, and four different modern languages at Harvard College and graduated in 1837. From 1837 to 1840 he tried jobs unsuccessfully as school teacher and tutor. From 1841 to 1843 he took a job as a gardener and handyman where he was inspired by the exploration and writing about spiritual relationships between humanity and nature, and the ideas of Ralph Emerson. On July 4, 1845 Thoreau started an experiment on Emerson’s land at Walden Pond and spent two years watching, writing, and understanding the power of nature. The only way Thoreau could encounter a relationship with nature was to independently bond with the way of the woods, streams, p...

Biomechanics of Running Essay -- essays research papers

Introduction: A Qualitative Analysis of Running In the 1970's, thousands of people took to the road with a new trend of exercise----running. It was fairly easy; just put one foot in front of the other as fast as you can and go as far as you can. Feel the burn in your chest? The sweat trickling down your face? The throb in your knees as your foot pounds into the ground with every step? Well then, you're exercising! You’re running! Since then, running has become a dominant factor in sports and fitness; a factor so prevalent that the number of musculoskeletal injuries due to running has also increased over the last quarter century. These chronic injuries are usually due to overuse, improper training techniques, or a combination of the two. By using the results of other biomechanists’ studies, one can extrapolate an idea of what running should look like and what muscles are utilized during the activity. Consequently, changes in technique, strength training, and flexibility training can be made in order to decrease the po tential for injury. Article Summaries   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Before analyzing the mechanics of running, it is important to accumulate some of the vast research available for this activity. The following are brief summaries of research articles that study various factors on running. DeVita (1994) noted the gait cycle is measured in two ways: swing-stance-swing or stance-swing-stance. In this study, EMG activity of six muscles was obtained from four subjects while walking and running. The data was collected while the subjects performed a consecutive swing, stance, swing period of each gait. From this, the swing-to-stance and stance-to-swing period of each gait could be measured. The EMG results showed greater activation levels for 5/6 muscles during the swing-to-stance period. Results concluded that the subjects needed to prepare for the initiation of stance and the application of relatively large external forces and momentums. Therefore, when assessing the human gait, it is best to observe stance-swing-stance. Jacobs, Bobbert, VanIngen, and Schenau (1993) analyzed the function of mono- and biarticular leg muscles during the stretch-shortening cycle of running at 6 m/s. Kinematics, ground reaction forces and EMG activities were recorded for a single stance phase. First of all, estimates of muscle force were correlated with origin... ... Reference Page DeVita, P. (1994). The selection of a standard convention for analyzing gait data based on the analysis of relevant biomechanical factors, Journal of Biomechanics (vol 27, no 4) pg. 501-507. Hall, S.J. (1999). Basic Biomechanics (3rd ed), pg. 398-439. McGraw-Hill. Jacobs, R., Bobbert, M.F., vanIngen Schenau, G.J. (1993). Function of mono- and biarticular muscles in running, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (vol 25, no 10) pg. 1163-1173. National Strength and Conditioning Association, Baechle, T.R., editor (1994). Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning pg. 293-385. Human Kinetics: New Zealand. Nig, B., DeBoer, R., and Fisher, V. (1995). A kinematic comparison of overground and treadmill running, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (vol 27, no 1) pg. 98-105. Northrip, J.W., Logan, G.A., and Wayne, C.M. (1979). Introduction to Biomechanical Analysis of Sports (2nd ed), pg. 45. W. C. Brown Co. Publishers: Dubuque, IA. Rasch P.J. and Burke, R.E. (1978). Kinesiology and Applied Anatomy (6th ed) pg. 199-398. Lea & Febiger: Philadelphia Thordarson, D.B. (1997). Running Biomechanics, Clinics in Sports Medicine (vol 16, no 2) pg. 239-247.

Racial Diversity In Society Worksheet Essay

Select 1 racial group from the list below: African American Write a 150- to 300-word summary of the economic, social, and political standings of that group. Use additional resources if necessary, from the University Library or your textbooks. Provide citations for all the sources you use. There are gaps between incomes when comparing all racial groups. The group that I chose to study is African Americans. According to our text book, there is a significant gap between the incomes of the Black and White households (Schaefer). In 2009, the median income of Black households was $32,584. This is much lower than that of the White households holding at $54,461. Household incomes for African Americans have been gradually rising and can be seen in the median household income for the year 2013, $41,142, according to the tables provided in MySocLab Social Explorer Map: Income Inequality by Race (). There is also a low possibility of African Americans owning a home because of the lower income, but also due to discriminatory lending practices (Schaefer). Employment is another area that is held lower for African Americans. The unemployment rates have been high since the 1940s. The unemployment rate for Black males aged 16-24was 35 % during the height of the recession; this is very high because the national unemployment rate was this high during the Great depression. The social standings for this group, African American, is also much lower than Whites. There is a 39.2% rate for Black families with two parents and a 49.7% rate for those  families that are only maintained by the mother (Schaefer, Figure 8.4). From a political standing, even though Barak Obama has entered and been in the White House, African Americans still have not received an equal share of the political percentages. Schaefer, Richard T. Racial and Ethnic Groups. 13th ed. N.p.: Merril Prentice Hall, n.d. Print. Copyright 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc. Part II Answer the following in 50 to 150 words each. Provide citations for all the sources you use. What is racism? In what ways does racism affect diversity? Racism is the belief and opinion that people form based on the characteristics, stereotypes, and attributes that people have or belong to based on the racial group that the person is categorized in. Racism is also the belief that one race is superior to others. Racism can affect diversity in specific ways. If racism is present, it can prevent diversity in an area because of the way that other races are treated. There could be laws made, such as segregation, that keep diversity from occurring. How do racial groups interact in contemporary America? Are interactions positive, negative, or neutral? Support your response using proper citations. Racial groups are much more interactive than before. In contemporary America, schools are diverse. The period of segregation of Blacks and Whites is not present. The case of Brown V. Board of Education in 1954 was a milestone for diversity and racism. This helped by ending segregation in schools and exposing students to other cultures and races. Although there is still racism in the United States, the level of racism is not as high and diversity is much higher. I would say that the interactions are more neutral because of the fact that there is still racism in America. Another way that racial groups interact is within the workplace. There are also  interracial relationships between different races that had before been never thought of as happening. Are there existing social inequities based on race? Why or why not? There are still existing social inequalities based on race today. There may not be as many as in history, but they still exist. These social inequalities based on race are seen in the workplace, admissions in schools (whether the minority or majority), and in politics. There are some racial groups that may be passed up for on a job opportunities because they may not be â€Å"viewed† as what fits for that position. There is also a discussion that minorities are given more of an opportunity when being admitted into colleges, while passing up on those that may be more qualified; this is the same for the workplace. In politics, we do see that we have our first African American President, but there is still a ways to go before all racial groups are completely equal. What do you believe to be the causes of racial prejudice and discrimination in today’s society? I believe that the causes of racial prejudice and discrimination in today’s society has to do with the way children are being raised and the opinions that people form based on stereotypes that have been passed down for generations. There are people that still have racist views of other racial groups, and they may or may not teach their children or grandchildren to have the same views. There are many people that are much more open minded and accepting of other views and racial groups; but there are still those that are closed minded and view their group as the superior one.

A Critical Appreciation of Frost’s ‘The Oven Bird’

The Oven Bird is a pessimistic sonnet. The octave seems to describe mid-summer and how it is past its best. Whereas the sestet, which is marked by a rhyming couplet, brings a change, as Frost looks toward what will come in the future, and how to live with a life that is past its best. The bird sings ‘Loud' and predicts the inevitability of mid-summer turning into fall. Gloomy descriptions are used even though it's the middle of summer and everything should be bright and cheerful, ‘he says that leaves are old and that for flowers/ Mid-summer is to spring as one to ten'. The endstop after ‘ten', makes the fact that there are not as many flowers in summer as there are in spring, very definite and quite blunt. Even though winter is along way off, lots of nature is already past its best: The early petal-fall is past, When pear and cherry bloom went down in showers On sunny days a moment overcast The speaker constantly focuses on the shadows, although it is only a ‘moment', so much destruction seems to happen in it. While it's still mid-summer, the bird is already anticipating fall as he says ‘and comes that other fall we name the fall'. Perhaps in this poem Frost is talking about Darwin. The oven bird could be used to represent Darwin. Frost says ‘there is a singer everyone has heard'. Around the time Frost was writing, Darwin was teaching his theory, he was famous and everyone had heard of him. By placing ‘loud' at the beginning of the line and putting a comma after it, Frost focuses on this word, emphasising that Darwin is shouting and telling everyone about his theory. Frost then goes onto say the bird ‘makes the solid tree trunks sound again'. This could possibly be Darwin questioning all and bringing a new uncertainty to life. If we continue with the Darwin idea, perhaps when Frost refers to ‘that other fall we name the fall', he is referring to Adam and Eve and the fall of mankind. This is then followed by the bird saying ‘the highway dust is overall'. Read also Critical appreciation of the poem â€Å"Old Ladies’ Home†. The highway might represent mans progress and new scientific knowledge and how this now covers everything, nature and religion. Frost says, ‘the bird would cease and be as other birds/ but that he knows in singing not to sing'. I think this could mean that the bird is not as exuberant as other birds in spring, but he sings in mid-summer and knows the future isn't necessarily something to look forward to. With Darwin's new theory, the old certainty has been taken away and replaced by something new and radical that makes the future unsettling. The poem finishes on an unsure note as Frost says, ‘The question that he frames in all but words/ is what to make of a diminished thing'. Frost might be saying that, although life is past its best, like summer, how can we make the most of it? This is very characteristic of Frost's poetry, with Frost leaving the reader to make their own interpretation and decide for themselves. Although the tone of the last two lines is elegiac and ‘diminished thing' sounds very negative, Frost also asks ‘what to make' of it and this sounds more positive as though this is just a new, exciting challenge to face. The Oven Bird is also similar to Frost's other poetry because he uses nature to put across an idea. The Oven Bird is an unusual sonnet, Frost uses an old, accepted poetry style to express these new and bold ideas, the unconventional rhyme scheme also helps to emphasise these new ideas. This is another quality of Frost, to take a certain style of poetry and make it his own.