The Importance of Literacy Programs in Education - 1872 Words

Abstract This research paper is intended to gather information on the subject of the practice implemented for reading and writing in primary level. However, the research paper continues to evolve to meet the needs of a world marked by continuous change or effective action. Crafted from the primary level literacy course, this broad in scope and thoroughly concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles text continues to cover the information needed by both new and experienced teachers in order to teach effective literacy in the primary level, thereby following this with the specific strategies to use in the classroom to develop successful teenage or primary readers and writers. Nevertheless, arousing or†¦show more content†¦For any teacher to be able to pass on sound knowledge of education to their scholars irrespective of the race or language of instruction they must have a pattern of teaching and monitor the progress of the students. The teachers must have a one on one or intimate teaching relationship with their scholars for them to have sound understanding on how to carry out their teaching pattern. Once the teacher is familiar with the scholars, depending on their level of knowledge, the introduction of phonetics and vowels and how to make up words through, speaking, reading and listening will be the basic teaching pattern (Richards Rodgers 2001, p.21). The language of instruction must be put into consideration since most of the scholars are classified as international students. They have to be instructed in a clear and loud voice and every word or assignment being taught has to be repeated before and after writing it down on the blackboard (Richards Rodgers, 2001, p.11). On achieving this, great emphasis will be laid on the introduction of the different parts of speech or structuring of grammar and rhetoric (e.g. phrases, clauses and sentences) which will help the students build up on how to make sentences and where toShow MoreRelatedThe Article Learning Through Play : Portraits, Photoshop And Visual Literacy Practices `` Written By Michelle A1020 Words   |  5 PagesPlay: Portraits, Photoshop and Visual Literacy Practices† written by Michelle A. Honeyford and Karen Boyd,is about learning literacy through imaginative and visual play. The article gives a detailed look at an afterschool program that lets students learn about literacy while using creativity. Throughout this critique, areas of the article will be discussed that were successful and some that need improvement. One area of success is keeping creativity in education. But there should be a formal assessmentRead MoreChoosing A English / Language Arts Preparation Programs995 Words    |  4 Pagespreparation programs are expected to gain knowledge in reading/literacy instruction that has been standardized to include: knowledge of standard-based learning experiences, knowledge of individual and collaborative instruction strategies, knowledge of how to incorporate language into instruction, and the ability to plan instruction that reflects curriculum integration and interdisciplinary methods (National Council of Teachers of English and National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education ProgramsRead MoreStudents Are Not Entering The Classroom With The Knowledge And Understanding Of Multicultural Education762 Words   |  4 Pagesentering the classroom with the knowledge and understanding of the importance of multicultural literature. The students are suffering due to the lack of diverse reading literature incorporated into units of reading study. There is a need for staff developments and in-services to help educate teachers on ways to provide multicult ural literacy awareness in primary schools. Objectives †¢ To heightening the awareness of the importance of multicultural literature in early grades. †¢ To prepare educatorsRead MoreCenter for Literacy905 Words   |  4 Pages1 Overview Literacy is important in our everyday lives. According to the Center for Literacy in the United States of America, â€Å"Literacy is a complex set of abilities needed to understand and use symbols and systems of a culture – alphabets, numbers, and visual icons – for personal and community development†. â€Å"The nature of these abilities, and the demand for them, vary from one context to another. These skills are clearly being found necessary in our everyday lives† (Center For Literacy, 2012). SeveralRead MoreWhy Literacy Rate Of South Africa Is Higher Than That Of West Africa? Essay1714 Words   |  7 Pages(MWF@11AM) December 5, 2016 Why literacy rate in South Africa is higher than that of West Africa? The countries in South Africa are already done much better in the development work along with education system by increasing the literacy rate in the country whereas the countries of West Africa are still too much back warded about the literacy in their society. These two parts of the continent are opposite to each other about the awareness and beneficial factor of education. In countries of South AfricaRead MoreChild Development And Family Studies1557 Words   |  7 Pagesthe current legislature is important because these potential laws impact the professional educators, children, and families. I chose a Senate Bill No. 583 which relates to the pupil curriculum for this paper. The main content is to offer Financial Literacy classes to high school students., and also encourage all the public institution and local agencies to educate young students about personal finance. There are several limitations such as the huge cost and the standard of the model curriculum on thisRead MorePurp ose. The Purpose Of The Study Was To Examine The Quality877 Words   |  4 Pagesthe quality of the literacy environment in inclusive earl childhood special education (ECSE) classroom. There was two focuses in the study. The first, was to describe the quality of the literacy environment on terms of the structure and instruction. This includes book materials, print and writing materials. The other focus was to examine the interrelationship among teacher and classroom factors and quality of the structural literacy of the literacy environment. The importance of the structural andRead MoreCorrelation Between Parental Literacy And Literacy1349 Words   |  6 PagesIntergenerational literacy refers to the cycle of low literacy that exists in families. This paper will examine intergenerational illiteracy and programs that increase family literacy while decreasing high school dropout. To answer the question; Does intergenerational illiteracy affect educational achievement and what can be done to decrease intergenerational illiteracy and increase literacy education levels? This paper will analyze research that shows the connection between parental literacy and the lowerRead MoreEvaluation Project Background Of Physical Education Essay1298 Words   |  6 Pagesterm physical literacy is gaining attention in the US as a goal for physical education (PE), physical literacy (PL) has been used within physical education in other countries such as Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The internationally accepted definition of PL is â€Å"the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life† (Whitehead, 2013). The conception of physical literacy in the US derivesRead MoreThe Importance Of Building A Strong Literary Foundation For Children Beginning As Possible852 Words   |  4 PagesStarting Early by Susan Percy is an article that details the importance of building a strong literary foundation for children beginning as soon as possible. â€Å"Early childhood experience has a huge effect on your life later on†(Percy, 2014, p. 1), so it is vital to immerse children in a learning-rich environment. Emergent Literacy, also known as early literacy, â€Å"is a concept that supports learning to read in a positive home environment where children are in the process of becoming literate from birth†

Imminent Consequences Of Global Warming - 1700 Words

Imminent Consequences of Global Warming There is a dire divide between scientists and politicians in the world that has potential to seriously harm the entirety of the Earth. Nothing represents that divide as closely as the debate over climate change. In a NASA article describing global warming and authored by Holli Riebeek, it was found that an almost unanimous amount, 97%, of climate scientists believe that there is strong evidence to confirm global warming (Riebeek) Many world governments reflect the American congress, in which over a quarter of Representatives and Senators obstinately assert that global warming is a lie, no matter what evidence is presented to the contrary. The depth of the misunderstandings became especially apparent†¦show more content†¦All objects in the universe emit light energy in the form of radiation, or light. The light still exists even though we can’t see all wavelengths because our human eyes evolved to be attuned to only certain types of light. Specifically, the kind of light we can see is only emitted by incredibly hot objects such as the sun, which emits light with a very small wavelength. Comparatively, something relatively cool like the Earth or a human body emits a very large wavelength. When the small wavelength light of the sun enters the atmosphere, most of it does not interact with greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane) and simply passes through. Once the light hits the Earth, it can either be absorbed or reflected. In the case where it is reflected, its wavelength does not change and it has the same relatively high chance of passing back through the atmosphere as it did coming in. If the light is absorbed, it will eventually be reemitted by the Earth at a comparatively longer wavelength light, which interacts with the atmosphere far more frequently. This results in more of the emitted light becoming â€Å"trapped† in Earth’s atmosphere. If there are more greenhouse gases, i t essentially increases the degree of the cycle’s effect. Therefore, more of the light being trapped leads to the Earth having more energy, or equivalently, a larger temperature. Global warming, as the name might suggest, has already resulted in a rise of global temperature

Animal Observation Short Stories Essay Example For Students

Animal Observation Short Stories Essay All of the essays have one thing in common, they all deal with observing animals. And with their observation comes at times interaction. They might mingle with these animals. Or the observers would just sit there and do what they are supposed to, observe.Our race, is naturally curious and interested in the unknown. In other words what we do not know or understand we try to understand. We try to understand our surroundings. In doing this, we would have gained knowledge. In Mowats essay, Observing Wolves, Mowat attempts to make first contact by urinating his territory. And he observes the wolves social structure. He know that the wolves are observing him as well in his essay. And he wonders if they would act the way they do around humans. In Goodalls essay, First Observations, Goodall makes actual physical contact with one of the chimpazees. But she does nothing to try to get closer to them. Instead she goes on a scientific approach towards the situation. She observes the chimpazees actually eating meat. She was extremely surprised because the rest of the world thought that chimpazees were vegetarians. She also observed the chimpazees making the use of tools. Such as sticking a blade of grass into a termite mound to get at the insects. In Booths essay, ;The Social Lives of Dolphins;, Booth draws a parallel between the lives of dolphins and the lives of chimpazees. He compares the two creatures showing their likenesses. With some minor differences. This essay is based on observations of another group as well, who were Conner and Smolker (undergraduate students 1982). With the work of all the observers, it seem that even though we have been on this earth for a million years. We are now just beginning to understand it. The essays seems to say ;We are beginning to understand ourselves.; .

Resume free essay sample

Lectures on mobile communications, wireless LANs, Personal Area Networks and Satellite communications on 30th and 31st December 2002 in the Refresher course on Mobile Computing and Web technologies organized by Andhra Mahila Sabha School of Informatics, Hyderabad. Special Lectures on Telecom Systems, Wireless Technologies, Software Project Management and Embedded Systems for Diploma in Advanced Computing (DAC), Diploma in VLSI and Diploma in Embedded Systems Design students of CDAC, Hyderabad during the years 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003, 2004 and 2005. Member of the committee formed by CDAC, Hyderabad to design Diploma in Embedded Systems Design, during May – September 2001. Conducted orientation program on Wireless Technologies and Software Engineering at Advanced Learning Centre of Portal Player Pvt. Ltd. , Hyderabad on 16th July 2001 and 23rd August 2001. Designed the Theory course for Data Communications and Networking Module for the Diploma in Advanced Computing course of Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, in November 2000. Designed the training program on Telecom Software for Frontier Information Technologies Ltd. We will write a custom essay sample on Resume or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Hyderabad. Designed the training program on Telecom and Embedded Systems for Nalanda Telematics and Informatics Limited, Hyderabad. Conducted corporate training on Problem Solving in the UNIX environment for Avantel Softech Ltd. , Hyderabad during 9-13 October 2000. Conducted corporate training on Wireless Application Protocol: Content development and protocol architecture for Avantel Softech Ltd. , Hyderabad during 3-6 October 2000. Conducted orientation program on Wireless Technologies for employees of Portal Player Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad on 15th and 18th September 2000. Conducted orientation program on Software Engineering for employees of Portal Player Pvt. Ltd. , Hyderbad during 6-7 September 2000. Conducted corporate training on Wireless Application Protocol to Quantum Softech Limited, Hyderabad during 24-29 July 2000. In-charge of Training Division of Innovation Communications Systems Ltd. , Hyderabad since August 1998. Designed and taught the following courses: Software Engineering, Capability Maturity Model, Personal Software Process, Programming in C, Progra

How to Homeschool Art Instruction

How to Homeschool Art Instruction Are you one of those adults who claims to be unable to draw a stick figure? If so, you may be perplexed when thinking of how to homeschool art instruction. Many parents feel they can handle reading, writing, and arithmetic, but when it comes to more creative pursuits such as art or music instruction, they may find themselves at a loss. Adding creative expression to your homeschool doesn’t have to be difficult, even if you don’t feel particularly creative yourself. As a matter of fact, art (and music) can be one of the most exciting and relaxing homeschool subjects to learn alongside your student. Types of Art Instruction As with music instruction, it helps to define exactly what you plan to teach within the broad subject of art. Some areas to consider include: Visual arts. Visual arts are probably what  come to  mind first for most people when thinking of art. These are the art pieces created for visual perception and include artforms such as: PaintingDrawingSculptureCeramics Visual arts  also includes other artistic disciplines that we may not initially consider when thinking of art, such as jewelry-making, filmmaking, photography, and architecture. Art appreciation. Art appreciation is developing a knowledge and appreciation of the qualities that comprise great and  timeless works of art. It includes the study of the different eras and styles of art, along with the techniques of various artists. It will include study of various works of art and training the eye to see the nuances of each. Art history. Art history is the study of the development of art  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ or human expression  Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚  through history. It will  include a study of artistic expression  throughout various periods in history and how the artists of the period were influenced by the culture around them  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ and perhaps how the culture was influenced by the artists. Where to Find Art Instruction With so many different types of artistic expression, finding art instruction is usually just a matter of asking around. Community classes. It’s not difficult to find art lessons within the community. We’ve found city recreation centers and hobby shops often offer art or pottery classes. Churches and synagogues may also have resident artists who will offer art classes to their members or to the community. Check these sources for classes: Library, church, or community center bulletin boardsArt studios and art supply shopsHomeschool newsletter classifiedsFriends and relatives - word-of-mouth among  homeschooling families is second to noneChildren’s museums Art studios and museums. Check with local art studios and museums to see if they offer classes or workshops. This is especially likely during the summer months when art day camps may be available. Continuing education classes. Inquire at your local community college or check their website for continuing education classes  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ online or on campus  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ that may be available to the community. Homeschool co-ops. Homeschool co-ops are often an excellent source for art classes since many co-ops focus on electives, rather than core classes. Local artists are often willing to teach such classes if your co-op is willing to host them. Online lessons. There are many online sources available for art lessons  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ everything from drawing to cartooning, watercolor to mixed media art. There are countless art lessons of all varieties on YouTube. Book and DVD lessons. Check your local library, bookseller, or art supply store for book and DVD art lessons. Friends and relatives. Do you have artistic friends and relatives? We have some friends who own a pottery studio. We once took art lessons from the friend of a friend who was a watercolor artist. A friend or relative may be willing to teach art to your children or a small group of students. How to Include Art in Your Homeschool With a few simple adjustments, you can seamlessly weave art into the other activities in your homeschool day. Keep a nature journal. Nature journals provide a low-key way to encourage artistic expression in your homeschool. Nature study gives you and your family an opportunity to get outside for some sunshine and fresh air while providing plenty of creative inspiration in the form of trees, flowers, and wildlife. Include art in other courses, such as history, science, and geography. Include art and art history in your history and geography studies. Learn about the artists and type of art that were popular during the time period you’re studying. Learn about the style of art associated with the geographic region you’re studying since most regions have a particular style for which they are known. Draw illustrations of the scientific concepts you’re studying, such as an atom or an illustration of the human heart. If you’re studying biology, you might draw and label a flower or a member of the animal kingdom. Purchase curriculum. There is a wide variety of homeschool curriculum available to teach all aspects of art  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ visual art, art appreciation, and art history. Shop around, read reviews, ask your homeschool friends for recommendations, then, make art a regular part of your homeschool day (or week). You may wish to choose loop scheduling to include it or make some simple adjustments to make time for art in your homeschool day. Include creative time each day. Offer your children time to be creative each school day. You don’t have to do anything structured. Simply make art and craft supplies accessible and see where your creativity takes you. Get in on the fun by sitting down and creating with your children during this time. Studies have suggested that coloring helps adults combat stress, making adult coloring books wildly popular right now. So, spend some time coloring with your children. You could also paint, draw, sculpt with clay, or recycle old magazines into creative collages. Do art while doing other things. If your kids have trouble sitting quietly during read-aloud time, occupy their hands with art. Most types of artistic expression are relatively quiet activities, so your children can create as they listen. Combine your study of art with your study of music by listening to your favorite composers during your art time. Online Resources for Homeschool Art Instruction There are a wide variety of resources for art instruction available on line. Following are just a few to get you started. NGAkids Art Zone by the National Gallery of Art offers a variety of interactive tools and games to introduce kids to art and art history. Met Kids The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers interactive games and videos to help kids explore art. Tate Kids  offers kids games, videos, and fresh ideas for creating art. Google Art Project  provides the opportunity for users to explore artists, mediums, and much more. Art History Basics  by Kahn Academy  introduces students to art history with a variety of video lessons. Art for Kids Hub  offers free videos along with a variety of art lessons in different media, such as drawing, sculpting, and Origami. Mixed Media Art Workshops by Alisha Gratehouse features a variety of mixed media art workshops. Homeschooling art instruction doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. On the contrary, it should be fun for the whole family! With the right resources and a little planning, it’s easy to learn how to homeschool art instruction and include a bit of creative expression in your homeschool day.

The Adventure of Tom Sawyer Quotes

'The Adventure of Tom Sawyer' Quotes The Adventure of Tom Sawyer is a novel by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). The book is a Bildungsroman, following the development of a young boy, as he experiences one adventure after another. Mark Twains work is told in the third person, looking back with a sense of nostalgia. Here are a few quotes from The Adventure of Tom Sawyer. I aint doing my duty by that boy, and thats the Lords truth, goodness knows. Spare the rod and spile the child, as the Good Book says. Im a-laying up sin and suffering for us both, I know. Hes full of the Old Scratch, but laws-a-me! hes my own dead sisters boy, poor thing, and I aint got the heart to lash him, somehow. Every time I let him off, my conscience does hurt me so, and every time I hit him my old heart most breaks.- Mark Twain, The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 1He was not the Model Boy of the village. He knew the model boy very well thoughand loathed him.- Mark Twain,  The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Ch 1Tom appeared on the sidewalk with a bucket of whitewash and a long-handled brush. He surveyed the fence, and all gladness left him and a deep melancholy settled down upon his spirit. Thirty yards of board fence nine feet high. Life to him seemed hollow, and existence but a burden.- Mark Twain,  The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Ch 2He had discovered a great law of human action , without knowing it - namely, that in order to make a man or a boy covet a thing, it is only necessary to make the thing difficult to obtain.- Mark Twain,  The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Ch 2 Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and. Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.- Mark Twain,  The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Ch 2Tom was a glittering hero once more-the pet of the old, the envy of the young. His name even went into immortal print, for the village paper magnified him. There were some that believed he would be President, yet, if he escaped hanging.- Mark Twain, The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 2Often, the less there is to justify a traditional custom, the harder it is to get rid of it.- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 5The minister gave out his text and droned along monotonously through an argument that was so prosy that many a head by and by began to nod - and yet it was an argument that dealt in limitless fire and brimstone and thinned the predestined elect down to a company so small as to be hardly worth the saving.- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 5Huckleberry was cordially hated and dreaded by all the m others of the town because he was idle, and lawless, and vulgar, and bad - and because all their children admired him so, and delighted in his forbidden society, and wished they dared to be like him.- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 6   You only just tell a boy you wont ever have anybody but him, ever ever ever, and then you kiss and thats all. Anybody can do it.- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 7The elastic heart of youth cannot be compressed into one constrained shape long at a time.- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 8They said they would rather be outlaws a year in Sherwood Forest than President of the United States forever.- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 8Five years ago you drove me away from your fathers kitchen one night, when I come to ask for something to eat, and you said I warnt there for any good; and when I swore Id get even with you if it took a hundred years, your father had me jailed for a vagrant. Did you think Id forget? The Injun blood aint in me for nothing. And now Ive got you, and you got to settle, you know!- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 9Oh, they just have a bully time - take ships, and burn them, and get the money and bury it in awful places in their island where theres ghosts and things to watch, it, and kill everybody in the ships - make em walk a plank. they dont kill the women - theyre too noble. And the womens always beautiful, too.- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 13 There was no getting around the stubborn fact that taking sweetmeats was only hooking, while taking bacon and hams and such valuables was plain simple stealing - and there was a command against that in the Bible. So they inwardly resolved that so long as they remained in the business, their piracies should not again be sullied with the crime of stealing.- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 13Here was a gorgeous triumph; they were missed; they were mourned; hearts were breaking on their account; tears were being shed; accusing memories of unkindnesses to these poor lost lads were rising up, and unavailing regrets and remorse were being indulged: and best of all, the departed were the talk of the whole town, and the envy of all the boys, as far as this dazzling notoriety was concerned. This was fine. It was worth being a pirate, after all.- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 14As the service proceeded, the clergyman drew such pictures of the graces, the winning ways, and the rare promise of the lost lads, that every soul there, thinking he recognized these pictures, felt a pang in remembering that he had persistently blinded himself to them always before, and had as persistently seen only faults and flaws in the poor boys.- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 17 What a hero Tom was become now! He did not go skipping and prancing, but moved with a dignified swagger, as became a pirate who felt that the public eye was on him. And indeed it was; he tried not to seem to see the looks or hear the remarks as he passed along, but they were food and drink to him.- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 18I could forgive the boy, now, if hed committed a million sins!- Mark Twain,  The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 19Huck Finns wealth and the fact that he was now under the Widow Douglass protection introduced him into society-no, dragged him into it, hurled him into it-and his sufferings were almost more than he could bear. The widows servants kept him clean and neat, combed and brushed... He had to eat with knife and fork; he had to use napkin, cup, and plate; he had to learn his book, he had to go to church; he had to talk so properly that speech was become insipid in his mouth; whithersoever he turned, the bars and shackles of civilization shut him in and bound him hand and foot.- Mark Twain, The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Ch 35 Study Guide The Adventure of Tom Sawyer Review

Employer Employee Relationship Quiz Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Employer Employee Relationship Quiz - Essay Example An independent contractor is not required to adhere to company work schedules whatsoever. Companies are not employers per se, but clients. As such, they are not entitled to direct the contractor in work. The company is concerned only with the outcome. It's the contractor's right to decide when, where and how to get the project done. In simple terms, the Employment At-Will Doctrine means that in absence of a contract employment is presumed to be voluntary and indefinite for both employees and employers. As an at-will employee under the doctrine, one may quit a job whenever and for whatever reason the incumbent wants, usually without consequence. Conversely, at-will employers may terminate one from services whenever and for whatever reason they want, usually without consequence. In short, either party may end the relationship without prior notice, but neither party may breach contracts. Hence, under the doctrine of employment-at-will, Mary's release was legal. We cannot say that there has been a breach of contract, for the implied contract didn't mention any fixed term of employment.

Cultural Considerations in the Design and Localisation of Essay

Cultural Considerations in the Design and Localisation of International Websites - Essay Example ses who want to make sure they can gain profits more efficiently in the fierce market competition should definitely design their websites in different languages and localise them to adapt to the local culture. Sun (2004), who is a senior localisation specialist from a software localisation company in Shenzhen, defines localisation as a process to custom-make software, websites, or documents according to the demands of the target country, or market, in order to eliminate the cultural barriers. For example, in the context of a company the term localization refers to the transformation of the company’s image to an international standard. Thus, it reaches more countries beyond that which it is mainly based in both expansion of services to target region and meeting their specific, cultural resemblance. In fact, other definitions of localisation also stress that website localisation is meant to revise the website to give the website a linguistic appeal in aagreement with the target culture so that the information on the website can be accessed and used by the target users more easily. It is an all-round process so the designer of the website must consider all business and cultural aspects. The designer should not only be a programming expert since great web design is not enough in business localisation. Thus, the web designer should also be familiar with the target culture knowledge, and of course, master the target language. It can be seen that, through restructuring of the web content and emphasis of a cultural appeal; the basic object of localisation is to eliminate cultural barriers. Therefore the cultural considerations are definitely necessary and even the most important concern in the design and localisation of international websites.The essay is going to start with describing the necessary of localisation of international websites. Next there are some analyses of important cultural considerations, such as language, colour, images and symbols, layout and data

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Theif Essay Example for Free

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Theif Essay Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is an amazing book (in my opinion) that was created by Rick Riordan. I enjoyed this book a lot because of all the detain that Mr. Riordan had put into the book and with all of the facts about Ancient Greek myths, I picked it out in the first place because I had became really interested in finding out about different cultures which included Greece . The main character, Percy Jackson, lives in New York city with his mother, Sally Jackson his lazy step-father, Gabe Ugliano. Later on in the story, Percy finds himself living in Camp Half-Blood with his best friend, Grover Underwood. Camp Half-Blood is for children with Greek Godly parents. All children who go to the camp have ADHD Dyslexia. The camp is on Long Island Sound and is funded by a strawberry farm that the camp takes care of. I think that the book is placed in the modern days. You can figure it out because in the camp, you are forbidden from bringing any electronics, such as cell phones since it can easily attract monsters. One of the main events in the book is when Percy and his class are on a field trip to the Museum of Natural History. As his history teacher, Mr.  Brunner babbles on about the museum, Ms. Dodds (a teacher who came along) pulls Percy away from the group and into the Roman Greek center. Just after entering the room (no one else is in there), Ms. Dodds turns into this hideous monster with glowing red eyes, wings long fingers. Obviously, she wasnt human. Ms. Dodds lunges at Percy (who was still confused and shocked) until Mr. Brunner comes running into the room. The history teacher throws a pen at Percy and out comes a sword that Mr. Brunner used in class during special events. Percy kills Ms.  Dodds after that (she turns into gold dust) and later returns to the school bus. Nobody in his class remembers Ms. Dodds when Percy asked Grover, he looked very nervous before replying. Obviously, something was going on. A second major event is when Percy and his mom go to Montauk stay in a cabin at the beach where his mother and father had met. Later at night, a hurricane is starting to form Grover suddenly shows up with (as Percy describes it) Shag carpet pants on . Grover urges Percy and his mom to leave immediately the three of them hop into Sallys car. Percy soon learns that Grover is actually a satyr though he had called him a half-goat at first which offended Grover. As their car speeds away from the cabin, a strike of lightening hits the car which makes the car swivel into a ditch giving them an image of a beast of some sort charging towards their car. The three of them escape the car and run (Though Grover was unconscious). The beast was actually a minotaur (half-man, half-bull) and it kills Sally. Percy builds up his strength and pulls out its horn and stabs it, turning it into dust. He soon passes out. That event gave Percy the urge to go rescue is mother from the Underworld. . Later in the story, Percy finds out who his father really is. The camp decides to play capture the flag. Percy is assigned to patrol a small creek by Annabeth Chase (daughter of Athena) is suddenly attacked by a group of Ares children, Clarisse La Rue her siblings. They came back for revenge because he had humiliated her and her siblings by shooting toilet water in their faces just as Clarisse was about to shove his face into the toilet. Clarisse charges at Percy with her electric spear given to her as a gift and Percy stumbles into the creek. Instead of feeling weak, he suddenly feels a sudden surge of power go through his r his head. Poseidon. . . Earth shaker, Storm binger, Father of horses, Hail Perseus Jackson. son of the Sea God. body. But then something happened. The water seemed to wake my senses, as if Id just had a bag of my moms double-espresso jelly beans . Percy, suddenly feeling a lot of strength, fights back against Clarisse her siblings until they are all defeated. Percy even snaps Clarisses spear in half. Luke Castellan (son of Hermes) captures the flag for Percys team Percy tries to step out of the water, suddenly feeling weak again. Suddenly, a black hound the size of a rhino, with lava-red eyes and fangs like daggers appears out of nowhere and attacks Percy, ripping through his armour. Chiron (Aka: Mr. Brunner and centaur) shoots several arrows at it and Percy staggers back into the water and an image of a trident appears ove Another main event is when Percy finds out who had stolen Zeus Master Hades Helm of Darkness before returning to camp half-blood, Percy had gotten into fight with Ares, the God of War. The war God had given Percy a backpack in the beginning of his quest inside of it was Zeus bolt the entire time. Ares confesses that he stole the Helm of Darkness and Lightning Bolt from the original thief, planning on making a war between Hades Zeus. Percy and Ares get into a fight Percy eventually wins, earning the Helm of Darkness, A helmet of Hades that was stolen from him. Percy, Annabeth Grover fly to New York from California to return the bolt to Mt. Olympus on the top of Empire State Building. Percy returns the lightning bolt alone while Annabeth Grover go back to the camp. After returning the bolt, Percy meets his father and who had acknowledged him as his son. Percy returns to Camp Half-Blood as a hero at the end of summer, Luke Castellan confesses to Percy that he had stolen the bolt helm before attempting to kill him with a scorpion. Luke runs away while Percy is saved by a group of wood nymphs . The main character is of course, Percy Jackson . He is described fairly tall, good looking with bright green eyes and jet black hair. Percy is introduced as a troubled twelve year old. His green eyes often remind his mother of his father. Percy is considered very troubled. He gets irritated when called by his first name which is Perseus and has been expelled from every single school that he had been to. Throughout the book, Percy becomes stronger in both physical and mental ways. He becomes more brave, confident, and learns that he is a natural leader. Percy is also very willing to risk his life for others. He showed that trait by journeying to the underworld to get his mother back. Percy hopes that he can bring back Zeus Master Bolt get his mother back before its too late. Percy is described the protagonist in the book while the antagonist isnt exactly shown until later in the book. While Percy, Annabeth and Grover do the best they can while out on the quest, Luke Castellan was the unsuspecting villain. Luke always acted nice towards Percy, trying to get close. When he had given Percy flying shoes to help him in the quest, Luke had meant it to lead Percy to his death. Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and I give it a nine out of ten. The book is filled with lots of adventure (theres never a dull moment) comedy things that people now a days would consider, fake or untrue even though it is very interesting. I recommend this book to all ages but a bit more to people ages 10 to 12, even teenagers. I recommend it around that age because thats around the age where you start to become more curious about things out there in the world. You start to become more open and realize what you really are interested in and Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief is a great book to realize what types of book genre youre interested in it helps show you that there is always a hidden potential inside of you.

Flouridation :: essays research papers fc

Flouridation In 1931 at the University of Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station M. C. Smith, E. M. Lantz, and H. V. Smith discovered that when given drinking water supplied with fluorine, rats would develop tooth defects. Further testing by H. T. Dean and E. Elove of the United States Public Health Service confirmed this report, and stated that what is known as mottled tooth. Mottled tooth is a condition in which white spots develop on the back teeth. Gradually the white spots get darker and darker until the tooth is eroded completely. This was believed to be caused by fluorine in drinking water (Behrman pg. 181).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A strong uproar was heard when this was released and people wanted all fluorine out of their water. But later tests concluded that communities with high levels of fluorine in their drinking water suffered less dental cavities. Further testing concluded that at least 1.0 parts per million of fluorine could help to prevent cavities, but more than 1.5 PPM would cause mottled tooth, so basically a little fluorine would be okay but a lot of fluorine would be bad (Behrman 182).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In 1938, with this information, Dr. Gerald Cox of the Mellon Institute began to promote the addition of fluoride to public water systems, claiming that it would reduce tooth decay, however there were two major obstacles in his path, The American Medical Association, and The American Dental Association. Both associations wrote articles in their journals about the dangers of fluoridation of water supplies. The American Dental Association wrote the following in the October 1, 1944 issue: â€Å"We do know the use of drinking water containing as little as 1.2 to 3.0 parts per million of fluorine will cause such developmental disturbances in bones as osteoslcerosis, spondylosis and osteoperosis, as well as goiter, and we cannot afford to run the risk of producing such serious systemic disturbances in applying what is at present a doubtful procedure intended to prevent development of dental disfigurements among children.† (Yiamouyiannis pg. 138)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Despite these warnings Dr. Cox continued to promote fluoridation of water supplies and even convinced a Wisconsin dentist, J. J. Frisch to promote the addition of fluoride to water supplies in his book, The Fight For Fluoridation. Frisch soon garnered the support of Frank Bull. Frank Bull organized political campaigns in order to persuade local officials to endorse fluoridation. This began to apply heavy pressure on the United States Public Health Service and the American Dental Association. (Yiamouyiannis pg. 139)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1945 before any tests had been proven to show that fluoride reduced cavities, it was added to the drinking water supply of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Samson and delillah

The following case study is an exploration of the Australian film Samson and Delilah which features the impact that the volatile substance abuse [VSA] of petrol sniffing has on one of the characters in the film, Samson. I have chosen him to be the basis for my client and case-study and will begin by giving a description of the character, his family life and the social context to start this case-study. I will then provide an assessment and case formulation as well as Samson's psychosocial needs and his volatile substance abuse of petrol sniffing.The substance abuse counselling model hat I would draw on is explained, as well as the usefulness for Samson in the situation that he is in. I have explained the way in which I would work with Samson and also analysed research that is relevant to Samson's dependence on sniffing petrol and discussed any likely outcomes. In concluding this case-study I have listed any challenges that I feel he would face and identified any ethical issues that ma y arise. Background Information Samson is a 14 year old Indigenous Australian male who lives in a remote Aboriginal Community in the central Australian desert.Samson lives with his rothers who hang out in their run down shack, playing music from the moment that they wake up until the moment that they go to sleep. When Samson wakes up in the morning the first thing that he reaches for is his canister of petrol and starts sniffing the fumes that enable him to get high. Samson doesn't go to school or have any direction in life, he seems to be very bored and spends his days hanging around the community, doing nothing but getting high on petrol fumes.Samson runs away from the community with his girlfriend Delilah after Samson has a violent fight with his rother and Delilah is attacked by the older women after her beloved grandmother dies. They go to the city where they camp out under a bridge, they have no money and in order to eat, and have to rely on a homeless man that they meet to fe ed them or steal food from the local supermarket. Delilah is kidnapped as they are both walking along which Samson is oblivious too as he is so high on petrol fumes.His girlfriend is raped and bashed by the abductors, but when she returns back to the camp Samson is unconscious on the ground, passed out from sniffing petrol. Delilah tarts sniffing petrol as well and is hit by a car as they are walking along the road, which Samson is once more oblivious too, as they are both high on petrol fumes. Delilah recovers in hospital, comes back and takes Samson to a remote property where she intends on helping him to dry out, but finds him sniffing petrol again. Assessment of Samson Samson has been heavily abusing this volatile substance to the point where he is physiologically dependent on sniffing petrol .Behave Net(2013) explain that substance dependence can be diagnosed when an individual continues to use the rug, even though there are problems associated with the use of the volatile subs tance. Samson has built up a tolerance to the petrol and seems to need increased amounts of this substance in order to attain the desired level of intoxication. Rassool (2009) confirms this, stating that when a body adjusts to the habitual use ot a drug, tolerance occurs as higher doses ot the substance are needed to â€Å"reproduce the desired or similar cognitive, affective or behavioural effects† (p. ). Petrol sniffing is a form of volatile solvent abuse [VSA] that is more common in isadvantaged or isolated communities which reflects the history of cultural oppression, poor health, unemployment, recreational opportunity and geographical isolation of remote Indigenous Australians( Dingwall, Lewis,Maruff ; Cairney 2010). Research has shown that 14 to 17 year old Indigenous Australian males are more habitual in the use of VSA by using more frequently and longer than non- Indigenous users (Australian Government Department of Health and Aging Publications, 2004).High risk behav iours are associated with VSA due to the individual feeling a sense of eing invulnerable, which can cause accidents, injury and death (Cairney; Dingwall, 2010). VSA can also cause the individual to have violent outbursts towards other individuals as well as showing signs of slurred speech, confusion and stupor which can lead to seizures, brain injury and death (Australian Government Department of Health and Aging Publications, 2004).Samson is showing all the signs of chronic use of VSA in relation to his oblivion of all of the trauma that has resulted from his dependence on petrol. I feel that Samson is bored because of the lack of recreational ctivities as well as schooling, there also does not appear to be any cultural programs in place to guide him in helping him with a sense of identity, or any real family support including the sharing of the cultural knowledge of elders.Intervention Plan Although there are screening tools such as The Indigenous Risk Impact Screen and Brief Inte rvention Tool Kit (Amity Community Services, n. d), I feel that the best approach in helping Samson and his dependence on VSA, is to consult with community elders as he is not only a minor, but there are also a lot of cultural arriers that would make it very difficult to counsell him unless the person were specially trained. It would be especially difficult as Samson speaks his traditional language and very little English.Cairney and Dingwall (2010) find that it is hard for the problem of VSA to be managed and the impact of it to be understood by Indigenous communities as well as health and government services because of the severe cultural differences that occur between these groups. Aboriginal people have a kinship structure where immediate and extended family are seen as part of the roup and within Indigenous communities their health is seen as a collective of the emotional, social and cultural wellbeing of the community (Pattel, 2007).I have personally never worked with clients with VSA, but I feel that motivational interviewing would also benefit Samson's brothers and their community in helping them overcome the problems of VSA. Giddens-Tracey (2005) explains that motivational interviewing is non -Judgmental and avoids confrontation, it helps to raise awareness of the problems, risks and consequences as a result of certain ehaviours, and it is also helpful in the context of treatment planning.MacLean and d'Abbs (2002) also believe that the introduction of Youth focused programs and the accessibility of basic food, shelter and education would reduce petrol sniffing, which would greatly benefit Samson if these projects were to be put in place. Cairney and Dingwall (2010) also suggest that by replacing the volatile petrol with a non-volatile fuel derivative there will be a reduction in the supply of petrol to inhale. Treatment Process I believe that the first step that would need to be taken in the process ot treatingSamson is to have a doctor or health prac titioner examine him for any signs of medical complications. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aging Publications (2004) suggest that when dealing with chronic VSA, it is important for â€Å"mental state, organ and neurological examination, chest x-rays, blood tests and any additional tests that may be required to assess the presence of metabolic disturbances and morbidity to other organs such as the kidneys†(p. 142). SVA has been a serious problem in many remote Aboriginal communities and there are many rograms that have been put in place to help these Indigenous youth.The volatile substance abuse program (The Australian Indigenous Health Info Net, 2013) runs for 8 weeks offering residence to individuals participating in their programs. They also travel to remote communities to work with Indigenous youth who are having problems with petrol sniffing. Although these services would be great for youth in bigger communities with elder support, I feel that Samson would be more beneficial in attending compulsory treatment Wouth workers back petrol sniffing laws†, 2009) ue to his lack of family and elder support as well as his young age.By contrast If Samson did have the support of his brothers I feel that he would benefit from Cultural programs that would give him a sense of identity that teach him the ways of his ancestors by restoring the links to his traditional culture(MacLean& d'Abbs). Ethical Issues The first and foremost issue that would affect a counsellor working with Samson is their ability to be aware and respectful of any cultural differences or traditions.Westerman (2004) ,Vicary and Andrews (2001) McLennan and Khavarpour( 2004) ropose that due to non-indigenous health care workers being aware of cultural traditions and practices, many Indigenous Australians are wary of engaging in mental health services( as cited in Fan,2007). There is also the issue of gender roles in Indigenous culture, Fan(2007) also explains that it is common practice in health care to work with your same gender, so it may not be respectful for a female counsellor to work with Samson as he may feel shame, which may have a detrimental effect on his treatment and recovery process.As a counsellor there is also the ethical esponsibility of working with a minor, as Samson is only 14 years old. The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia [PACFA] (2011) states that â€Å"Working with young people requires specific training, ethical awareness and competence. The practitioner is required to consider and assess the balance between young people's dependence on adults and carers and their progressive development towards acting independently' (p. 14). Therefore I feel that it would be advisable to refer Samson on to a culturally appropriate service that would be more equipped to help his needs.Conclusion In concluding this case study on a young 14 year old Indigenous Australian who is dependent on sniffing petrol we can see tha t Samson has built up a tolerance to the petrol and seems to need increased amounts of this substance in order to attain the desired level of intoxication. Petrol sniffing is a form of volatile solvent abuse [VSA] that is more common in disadvantaged or isolated communities which reflects the history of cultural oppression, poor health, unemployment, recreational opportunity and geographical isolation of remote Indigenous Australians.VSA can also cause the individual to nave violent outbursts towards other individuals as well as snowing signs of slurred speech, confusion and stupor which can lead to seizures, brain injury and death. The first step that would need to be taken in the process of treating medical complications. Cultural programs that would give Samson a sense of Cultural identity would benefit him greatly if he had support from his family but I feel that Samson would be more beneficial in attending a compulsory culturally appropriate service treatment due to the ethical issues surrounding his age.

Native American Indians Then and Now Essay

Native American Indians Native American Indians have not changed much in hundreds of years. The Natives still have the same belief as they did from the beginning of time. They are still forced to live on reserved lands that do not seem livable and are in worse conditions now than ever before. Even though people think due to casinos that the American Indians have it made, the Natives are still being mistreated, many tribes are well below poverty levels, highest in death rates, have the most number of preventable diseases, the highest of teen suicide than anywhere in the Nation. Native American Indians traditions go back to the beginning of time. The Native religion is more about sacred and ceremonies. The Native people do not have a word for religion it is more a way of life to them than a religion. According to one researcher, â€Å"There is not one Native tradition to represent Native religion. Just as there are numerous Christian beliefs the Native people have many different beliefs. The Native ceremonies are so similar that it is impossible to discuss them as one† (Burbar, and Vernon 2006) The Natives have always been connected to the lands. Most of their ceremonies and sacred objects come from the lands and has everything to do with how they feel about them. Native people do not believe they can own the lands that people are merely caretakers of it. The Native believe that the land is a gift from the Creator, put here to give them tools for survival. They believe if they take something from the land that they must give thanks for the gift given. They do this by offering sacred herbs, prayer, and dance. Native American Indians The Native people give each member roles to keep the villages running smoothly. The Native men hunt and protect the village, while the women gather fruits, berries, and keep the camps, the children gathered wood, help clean hides, look after the younger children and clean the camps. One researcher studies tells stories of how some tribes are at certain times in the tribal life. â€Å"On the Northwest coast, young women were taught that the wives of Makah whale hunters must very still in bed while their husbands hunted, since their movement influenced the whale’s behaviors. In a Navajo story Black God had all animals penned up until his wife opened the gate. The animals escaped and thereafter had to be hunted, (Kidwell, 1998). All of this became threatened with the arrival of foreigners. With the foreigners coming and bringing there Christian beliefs the Native traditions were going to be challenged. With the start of the White Mans government the Natives faced having several ceremonial rights taken away for hundreds of years. The Natives were stopped from worshiping in manners they were accustomed. The Natives were forced to worship the Christian belief and if they refused they were put to death or imprisoned. Many of the Native traditional ceremonies were stopped completely. Two of those rights at this time were the Ghost Dance, and the Sun dance. The Natives found ways around this; they would go to places they knew white men would not to have ceremonies that had been band. Due to so many of the Native rights being taken away the Natives formed a group called â€Å"American Indian Movement† (AIM). AIM in the early years was called â€Å"Indian wars†. After fighting the government for several years and fighting for their right to religious freedom President Jimmy Carter signed the American Indian Religious freedom Act, Native American Indians (AIRFA). Burke, and Vernon, 2006), AIRFA was one of the very few times when congress gave the Natives the legislative right to worship in the manner he or she feels fit. (Burke, and Vernon, 2006). After a few more decades of being mistreated and having rights taken and treaties broken Aim reformed again. AIM’s early and best known leaders, Russell Means, Dennis Banks, Clyde and Vernon Bellecourt, these Native men formed together to fight for the rights of all indigenous peoples across the world. According to one research study, the â€Å"Trail of Broken Treaties† was â€Å"AIM’s first national pretest event of the 1970’s. AIM’s best-known and controversial protest action began February 1973 in Wounded Knee, South Dakota, a small town in Pine Ridge Reservation†, (Encyclopedia Race and Racism p. 82) better known now as the â€Å"Siege at Wounded Knee†. The siege lasted 71 days and when it was over several of the AIM members were arrested for causing riots. Many of the AIM leaders spent years in legislation, exile, or prison. One of the best known cases is that of Leonard Peltier. Peltier was imprisoned for killing two FBI agents. Several years later it was proven that Peltier did not receive a fare trial. Much of the evidence was not allowed in court and was suppressed from the jurors. After decades of trying to get Peltier freed from prison he was finally deemed the only American political prisoner in 1984. Peltier is still in prison to this day and the Natives are still fighting for his release. A more resent less known case August 22, 2008 of the Natives not receiving justice is the case of Robert Whirlwind Horse 23 and Calonnie Randall 26. These two Natives was struck and killed by a drunk driver Timothy Hotz while walking on a reservation road. This was Hotz Native American Indians fourth DUI, one year prior Hotz had his third DUI. After striking the Natives Hotz continued to drive home without stopping. The next morning Hotz noticed hair on his bumper and turned him self in to authorities. Mr. Hotz received 51 months for killing the Native men. This infuriated the Natives once again. (Means, Russell, Republic of Lakota 2009, April 22). Another case of a young native boy went to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and was upset at the justice received over Hotz actions and was outraged. He shot one bullet into the radiator of the BIA agent’s car and received 20 years imprisonment. The Natives are still being forced to live on reservations. The reservations are in such horrendous conditions almost all the reservations are in worse conditions than most third world countries, (Republic of the Lakotah, conditions); According to one Native â€Å"It is like living in Hattie’s†,(Means Russell). The Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota is one such reservation. â€Å"The United States Government has not upheld many of it promises to the Lakotah people and the results to this is astonishing†, (Means, Russell, Republic of the Lakotah). Due to the conditions the Lakotah people are forced to live in has caused them to have the highest death rates than anywhere else in the Nation. Reservations across the country are well below the poverty level. (Figure 3 below) The average life span of a Lakotah Male is 44 years. (Figure 1 below) The Lakotah people have the most preventable diseases than anywhere in the nation. Much of the disease could be stopped if the government would allow the Natives have vaccines and medications. The teen suicide rates are the highest of anywhere in the nation.

Human Relations and Development Essays

Human Relations and Development Essays Human Relations and Development Essay Human Relations and Development Essay Human Relationships and Development Name: Institution: Course: Lecturer; Date: Human Relations and Development A person who is concerned about the environment would appreciate working for Adobe. This is because of the company’s continued effort to ensure that it makes the least negative impact on the environment by conserving natural resources. The company boasts of having the four Platinum-level LEED certification, which it was given by the U.S. Green Building Council. The certification is awarded to companies, which design and construct eco friendly buildings. It emphasizes the use of sustainable sites, efficient energy and water use, Adobe recycles all the paper, glass, batteries, plastic, cans and cardboard used in its offices. It also composts all the waste materials from food products. The company uses alternative sources of energy such as fuel cells, biogas and wind energy. This has enabled the company to reduce the electricity, water and natural gas used. The company has managed to reduce pollution by controlling waste and to conserve the environment, by producing products that are eco-friendly (Adobe, 2012). An environmentally conscious person would appreciate working at the company because of all the initiatives the company has taken to preserve and conserve the environment. The Peabody Energy Corporation is one of the largest private coal mining companies in the world. Fossil fuels are the major contributors of global warming in the world. Over the years, the company has faced various accusations and lawsuits because of its mining activities. The company has resisted various efforts by different authorities to put forward measures that will ensure a reduction in global warming emissions (Romero, 2006). Coal is one of the major air pollutants in the country. Some coal mining companies have also been accused of polluting water sources. The polluted air is one of the major causes of asthma in children. It also causes other diseases, which affect the breathing capability. Coal companies use dangerou8s chemicals. When these chemicals are pumped into the ground, they affect the water. The color, taste and smell of the water changes. The water also affects people’s health. It causes different health diseases such as cancer and skin diseases (Duhigg, 200 9). A person who is conscious about the environment would not feel comfortable working at the company. The main reason being that the company mines coal. Environmentally friendly people seek alternative sources of energy, and they support the government’s decision to conserve the environment. References: Adobe (2012). Environmental sustainability. Retrieved from adobe.com/corporateresponsibility/environmental.html Duhigg, C. (2009). Clean water laws are neglected, at a cost in suffering. The New York Times. Retrieved from nytimes.com/2009/09/13/us/13water.html?pagewanted=1ref=peabodyenergy Romero, S. (2006). 2 industry leaders bet on coal but split on cleaner approach. The New York Times. Retrieved from nytimes.com/2006/05/28/business/28coal.html?ref=peabodyenergypagewanted=1

Charlottes Web Summary

'Charlotte's Web' Summary A masterpiece of American children’s literature, Charlottes Web  is a fable by E.B. White about a runt of a pig named Wilbur, who is loved by a little girl and befriended by a very clever spider named Charlotte. Summary of Charlottes Web Author E.B. White, a humorist and elegant essayist who wrote for the New Yorker and Esquire and edited The Elements of Style, wrote two other classic children’s books, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan. But Charlotte’s Web- an adventure story set largely in a barn, a story of friendship, a celebration of farm life, and much more- is arguably his finest work. The story begins with Fern Arable rescuing the runt of a pig’s litter, Wilbur, from certain slaughter. Fern cares for the pig, who beats the odds and survives- which is something a theme for Wilbur. Mr. Arable, fearing his daughter is becoming too attached to an animal that is being bred to be butchered, sends Wilbur to the nearby farm of Fern’s uncle, Mr. Zuckerman. Wilbur settles into his new home. At first, he’s lonely and misses Fern, but he settles in when he meets a spider named Charlotte and other animals, including Templeton, a scavenging rat. When Wilbur discovers his fate- pigs are raised to become bacon- Charlotte hatches a plan to help him. She spins a web over Wilbur’s sty that reads: â€Å"Some Pig.† Mr. Zucker spots her work and thinks it is a miracle. Charlotte keeps spinning her words, deploying Templeton to bring back labels so she can copy words such as â€Å"Terrific† over Wilbur’s pigpen. When Wilbur is taken to the country fair, Charlotte and Templeton go to continue their work, as Charlotte spins new messages. The results draw enormous crowds and Charlotte’s plan to save Wilbur’s life pays off. At the close of the fair, however, Charlotte says goodbye to Wilbur. She is dying. But she entrusts her friend with a sack of eggs she has spun. Heartbroken, Wilbur takes the eggs back to the farm and sees that they hatch. Three of Charlotte’s â€Å"kids† stay with Wilbur, who lives happily with Charlotte’s descendants.   Charlotte’s Web was awarded the Massachusetts Childrens Book Award (1984), Newbery Honor Book (1953), Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal (1970), and Horn Book Fanfare.

ABC COMPANY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

ABC COMPANY - Essay Example The company will now move to a Cell Manufacturing Process Plant. A thorough analysis was transpiring for the re-engineering of obligatory business process and the preliminary efforts intense on essentials up to five years hallucination. But prior to endeavor of re-engineering processes by their trade allies, ABC, initially, wanted to improve their internal systems. The first step ABC took in this regard was the installation of monetary software. After that exemplary action several steps in the same track were taken gradually with more advance software modules as per their requirements and the progression is still going on. The main reason for the success of ABC is their implementation of the advance techniques of pricing and distribution in their business. To congregate the supply chain necessities ABC’s management decided to come up with two way solution, first they use radio frequency based data capture to support the on-line communication runs inside the company and then use the bar coding facility, to make it more authentic at their prime retail customers side. For combine podium of B2B communication, ABC and its trade cohorts were selected the Microsoft’s Biztalk. To implement this facility, external experts were brought in with the stern idea of in-house development to stay autonomous on their leaving. 1. Identify the different strategies you will employ to each of the 4 categories of suppliers and material/equipment purchased. Discuss the body of knowledge that surrounds supply chain strategies. (15%) The purchasing of new plant equipment requires selection of qualified suppliers and preparation and evaluation of bids. Since the product is new and the supplier not pre-qualified in most of the cases, hence the due diligence step in the process has to be carried out. This process is timely and energy consuming since loads of insight has to be put into the process before

Common Chemicals in the home that cause toxicological poisoning Essay

Common Chemicals in the home that cause toxicological poisoning - Essay Example This may cause death, breathing complications, shock or even nausea. Treatment may be done by giving the person a lot of fluids, prevent vomiting by the victim and in worse situations, contact the poising centre is advised (Turkington & Mitchell, 2010). Acrylamide is yet another household chemical that may cause poisoning. Acrylamide is used to treat drinking water and toughen paper (Turkington & Mitchell, 2010). This chemical dissolves in water, can be ingested, inhaled and absorbed via the skin. Acrylamide may damage the brain, peel and inflame the skin, numben the legs and may cause drowsiness. Treatments can be done by administering activated charcoal and gastric lavage with salty cathartics (Turkington & Mitchell, 2010). Vitamins B1 and B12 may be helpful in protecting the central nervous system (Turkington & Mitchell, 2010). Medicines also contain chemicals that may cause deaths in the homes. Medicines may contain iron, aspirins, sedatives, digoxin, and quinidine amongst other chemicals that may lead to suicidal actions in the homes (Turkington & Mitchell, 2010). Care can be taken by storing medicines well, especially among children, and adults avoiding overdependence on

Environmental Protection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Environmental Protection - Essay Example European Convention has recognised Human rights as one of the main cornerstones of its existence. "Under the Human Rights Act 1998, UK courts and public bodies are bound to act in accordance with the Convention. There is one exception to this, which that the Convention right to an individual remedy is not transposed. Instead, there are in effect 'collective' remedies, in the sense that legislation can be decreed incompatible with the Convention and fast-tracked through Parliament for reform," Bell, p.78. European human rights law operates at a general level at which usually it mostly outweighs the environmental rights and interests. ECJ has interpreted the right to respect home life (Article 8) and tries to provide remedy against extreme pollution1. Human rights law also have an indirect impact on environmental rights because it provides various freedoms like freedom of expression (Article 10). It gives the right of peaceful assembly (Art 11) and this means it is possible to voice the grievances and protest publicly about environmental degradation. EC on Human Rights protects civil, political freedoms, but has not particularly developed any rights against environmental degradation. Environmental law is comparatively of a very recent origin and has emerged to safeguard the natural environment from the onslaught of human activities that are continuously polluting the earth. Every country has seen that legislation is necessary to protect the natural environment and ecosystems. This is a combination of common law, treaties, negotiated agreements, statutes regulations, precedents, conventions and other governmental policies passed for the purpose. Some of the laws regulate the activity impact on nature like setting levels of pollution. Environmental law does not have a definite boundary of its own. "The potential lack of doctrinal certainty has, in the United Kingdom at least, led to a number of attempts to 'justify' the existence of a coherent subject known as environmental law as a discrete legal subject area," Bell (2006, p.5). Environmental law is a political discipline and political parties mutually never agree on a particular legislation. According to Bell, British approach to pollution control is pragmatic and involves consideration discretion. Environmental law involves economic, social, political, cultural criteria in addition to environmental main thrust and regulatory agencies conduct the political balancing process, not always with great success. "The power to define and enforce consents is ultimately a power to put people out of business, to deter the introduction of new business or to drive away a going concern," (Hawkins, 1984 in Bell, p.14). Most of the laws are preventive in nature. 1960s started the worldwide phenomena of passing environmental laws and now it has become part of sustainable development and the policy thrives on public participation, environmental justice and it imposes fines and in very serious cases, it could punish with imprisonment. The principle here is to prevent, command and control. There are many rights like private rights, public Law Rights, substantive legal rights and human rights involved in the environmental law. The Climate Change Bill published on 13th March 2007 is aimed at low-carbon economy mainly to cut the carbon emissions by 60% before 2050 and if approved, perhaps UK will

Media Effects Theory Evaluation

Media Effects Theory Evaluation This chapter consists of two parts. In the first section I will critically review media effects theories and explore relevant theoretical approaches underpinning active audience studies. I will also discuss recent studies exploring media influence, delving into the methodological approaches as well as observing different ways that the media are claimed to have impact on peoples understanding. In particular, I will focus on literatures in areas of risks and health, as well as examining studies utilising creative methods for studying media influence, all which I will relate to my findings chapters. The way in which media influence is contextualised in this research however, should not be misunderstood as trying to prove any direct impact media have on people. Instead, my intention is to offer ways of thinking about media influence and hopefully this would help build a link between my findings and the theoretical body. I will reiterate my stance towards the end of the chapter whilst sit uating my research within literatures of media influence. In the second part of my literature, I will explore research conducted in areas of infant feeding, in particular to studies about breastfeeding and the media. This section will offer variety ways of exploring breastfeeding issues and how studying the media would fit into the social context and problems related to breastfeeding. I will also explore studies conducted in different cultural settings, which hopes to highlight the different ways culture and religion can influence infant feeding practices and their overall understanding of breastfeeding. What I hope to achieve by the end of this chapter is to give an idea of the different directions to studying breastfeeding in the media and defend my approach in this thesis. I then conclude this chapter by positioning my research within the theoretical, methodological and empirical framework that I have explored throughout. Media Effects, active audiences and beyond Review of Media effects theories Early works on media influence are focused on medias effects on human behaviours (ref). The idea that the media has powerful effects on people gained ground during the 1930s, in light of the elites fascist treatment towards society and dictators using the media as propaganda tool in countries like Germany and Russia. Research emphasis at the time was to find out what the media can do to people (ref) and this brought about the first theory of media effects (the hypodemic needle model), envisioned by scholars of the Frankfurt school in 1923 which suggests that media content are injected into audience thoughts and thus would influence their behaviours. Such studies assumed causal link between mass media and mass audience, suggesting that the media has a magic bullet effect that could result to media-inspired mass behavior (for example see works of Cantril et al., 1940; Lasswell 1927 and Lippman, 1922). Researchers at the time sought to link between media representations and mass behavio r, mostly were concerned over the (harmful) effects media has on society. This gave rise to studies supporting strong media effects and sets the parameter for most media research that took place between the 1940s to the 1960s (for example see Bandura and Walters, 1963; Lazarsfeld et al., 1944). It was one of the reasons why media effects studies was popular and gained much importance in the field of media studies at the time. However, hypodemic needle model or magic bullet theory is flawed in so many ways. The word media effects itself put much emphasis and power to the media that followers of hypodemic needle model / magic bullet theory often ignored the fact that audience themselves are active producers of meaning. Media and audience relationship does not exist in void but is involved and influenced by many things, among others, social context, culture and political-economy of a society. Audience consists of individuals who have different social and cultural backgrounds which makes it problematic if not impossible, to conceptualise one mass audience. It is then renders attempts to measure media effects difficult and complex. Researchers tried to improve this link by including additional stages/layers to media effects, such is done by Lazarsfeld and Katz (1955) when they introduced opinion leaders into the process a model which is also known as the two steps flow. What this model argues is that the effects of media on audience are mediated by different key individuals, who tends to be people with most access to the media and are assumed to be more media literate. These are opinion leaders who are sought to explain and diffuse media content to others. Although this model reduces the direct effects, it still simplifies the process involved between media and audience, and more importantly maintains audiences position at the receiving end of this relationship. This does not only sustain the idea that audiences are passive but also renders them incapable of producing their own interpretations. Another social theory which tries to explain media effects was developed by George Gebner in the 1960s, known as the Cultivation theory. The theory proposed that the media has long term effects on audiences, nurturing certain ideas through representations and media discourse. The cultivation theory springs from a large-scale research project called Cultural Indicators, a project that was aimed to explore media processes and track effects (particularly violent programming) on audiences (Miller, 2005, p.  281). A part of the study investigates the relationship between audience attention to media messages and their conceptions of social reality (Morgan, p;70 and Shanahan and Morgan p. 6-7). Findings suggest that exposure to television, over time subtly cultivates audiences perceptions of reality. This cultivation effects are claimed to affect light television viewers as well because the media (television) functions as a tool for socialisation and enculturation process (Gerbner an d Gross, 1976:175). Therefore, the theory suggests that any impact television has on heavy users will also, in time, impact on the entire culture. Gerbner et al (1986:23) later notes that this impact does not necessarily imply a unidirectional process but rather, it is a complex development built through subtle interactions between medium and its publics. Miller (2005:282) reiterates this point by explaining that the impetus of cultivation theory was not to prove specific media effects on behaviours, but to highlight medias overarching influence towards the way people think about the world. Gerbners idea was widely accepted however, similar to the previous media effects theories, it supports the notion that audience is vulnerable and easily manipulated. Cultivation theory asserts power to the media and regards audiences as subjects with limited interpretation, ignoring their social context and ability to generate own meanings. The many limitations of media effects theories have prompted researchers to switch focus. Following cluster of research in media studies question media power and shift emphasis towards studying audiences and their use of the media. Theorists such as Katz, E., Blumler, J. G., Gurevitch, M. (1974) argued for a model that acknowledges audience as powerful receivers. They proposed Uses and Gratification theory which challenged the traditional way of looking at media-audience relationship by asking what people do with the media rather than what the media does to people (Katz, 1959). This approach suggests that people have specific needs and use the media to satisfy them or gain specific gratifications. Blumler and Katz (1974) proposed four broad audience needs that are fulfilled by the media. These include diversions (a form of escapism from everyday life), Personal Relationships (where viewers build communities through conversations about television or how they relate to the characters) , Personal Identity (where audience explore, re-affirm or question their identity in regards to the characters identities) and Surveillance (where the media are referred for information about what is happening elsewhere). These four needs are argued to represent the ways audience establish their relationship with the media. While uses and gratification model provides a useful framework for thinking about audiences relationship with the media, critics question the fundamental structure of this theory. Researchers who are in support of media effects theories for example, questioned the notion of gratification itself, which in a way could be seen as a media effect. It was also argued that this approach focused heavily on audience use of the media, rather than how audiences make meanings of media content. Therefore, uses and gratification theory does not foregrounds itself in the theoretical debate, rather it focuses on the methodological approach of media studies, offering a way of doing media research, as opposed to contextualizing the relationship between media and audience (Littlejohn, 2002; Severin and Tankard, 1997; McQuail 1994). Therefore, studies adopting this approach were more focused on examining audience psychological needs and often overlook the importance of socio-cultural elements of audienc e needs. All the theoretical approaches discussed thus far have only allocated power to either the audience or the media. One of the pioneer works to break away from this over emphasis of unilateral power was established by Stuart Halls through his encoding/decoding model. Hall (1980) argues that media producers encode specific meanings in media text, which is distributed to audiences who will then decode and (re)produce these meanings through their own understanding (Hall, 1980:128). Hall suggests that the media (television) is an iconic sign because it possesses some of the qualities for the object in which they represent (Hall, 1980:131) and the process involved to produce and interpret these iconic signs is known as encoding/decoding. Hall does not just chart a middle ground between audience and the media but also introduced media producers into the equation and their roles in this relationship. Hall argues that producers agendas and assumptions are encoded in media text and that this shapes the preferred meanings of the text, albeit embedded in codes and convention of a particular medium to hide the text own ideological construction. Such meanings limit and guide audience interpretations, although specific frameworks outside the text such as socio-economic frameworks (for example gender, education and ethnicity), do play a role to influence audiences interpretations. Halls approach is in line with the social constructionists, where previous knowledge as well as experience of the media and the subject discussed played an important part to help construct peoples perception. While Halls notion of preferred meanings does not suggest that audience is homogenous, their interpretations will however, be consistent to producers intended idea. However, he suggests that audience can encode preferred meanings in a slightly different manner, in which Hall refers to as the margin of understanding. Halls encoding/decoding model suggests the meaning of a text lies somewhere between the producer and the reader. One of the reasons why encoding/decoding model is significant in media studies is because it balances the relationship between the media and audience, returning some power to the media while maintaining audience as active participants. This approach acknowledges both audience and the media as sites of meaning making. Hall further develops a model for the types of audience decoding. The four identified readings are (1)Dominant when audience recognise and agree with the preferred meaning offered by media text (2)Oppositional when audience understand the preferred meaning but disagree with it because it contradicts to their own set of beliefs and attitudes (3)Negotiated when audience opposes or adapts to the preferred meaning and (4)Aberrant decoding when audience gives meanings deviant to the preferred meaning. Morley however notes that this model is limited because preferred meaning is itself an unclear concept. This is because the model tends to overlap text and producers intention as preferred meaning, when they actually involve different processes and that preferred meaning may not always be embedded in text. It is therefore difficult to conceptualise preferred meaning, one which can be easily confused with something that is agreed by majority of the text audience. Kitzinger (1998) further argues that oppositional reading is sometimes a problematic term because people do not necessarily understand the preferred meaning. In her research she found out that peoples understanding sometimes intersect with pre-existing knowledge and mental pictures of other things, particularly when an issue is new and has not received much media attention. For example, in her research she found that some people do not understand the preferred meanings of HIV media awareness campaign and uses their pre-existing knowledge of AIDS as a way to understand and decode media messages about HIV. Nonetheless, despite limitations to Halls types of audience readings, encoding/decoding model continues to serve as an advantageous model in media studies. Among others, Halls encoding/decoding model has led to an increasing interest to explore media reception and audiences as active participants. A significant body of work developed in the UK focused on audience studies, but positioned within cultural framework (for example see Ang 1985; Morley, 1980; Radway, 1987). The foundations for this body of work is championed by Hall himself at the Birmingham Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (BCCCS) and his colleagues such as David Morley (1980) who explored how people from different (sub)cultures responded to the same media output (the BBC channel current affairs programme Nationwide). His Nationwide Audience Research adopted a semiotic approach to understanding audience responses to media text. Morley compiled audience responses from various different class and social/cultural backgrounds after they watched an episode of the news/current affairs programme Nationwide. Through these interviews, Morley tried to observe whether participan ts obtained a preferred reading from the programme. In a way, Morleys work puts Halls Encoding/Decoding model to the test. From his findings, Morley argues that encoding/decoding model is insufficient because it underestimated the variety of determinants in decoding a reading (Fiske, 1989). Morley argues that people may decode according to Halls audiences decoding positions but this process intersects with sociological demographics such as age, gender and also the context for viewing the programme (Morley, 1980:26; 199299). What this propose is that the meaning of text is interpreted within audiences sociological and cultural framework which may influence their knowledge, prejudices and resistance towards a discourse. Members of a given sub-culture will tend to share a cultural orientation towards decoding messages in particular ways and that their individual readings, whether dominant, negotiated or oppositional are framed by shared cultural formations and practices (1981b, p. 51). This shared cultural interpretation may (or may not) cut across different groups from different economic backgrounds and social class (Morley 1980). In his body of work, audiences are seen to actively consume media for pleasure, reinforcement and identity construction, a framework that focuses on media consumption and the role media play in popular culture. By emphasising that the meaning is not in the text, but in the reading (siapa) it opens up possibilities for audience reception studies and looking at the relationship between media and audience, in relations to other social context. His study was therefore considered one of the major turn around point in the history of media studies. According to David Morley: Before Messages can have effects on audiences, they must be decoded. Effects is thus a shorthand, and inadequate, way of marking the point where audiences read and make sense of messages. (Morley 1978, p125 (emphasis added) He later adds Of course, there will always be individual private readings, but we need to investigate the extent to which these individual readings are patterned into cultural structures and clusters (Morley 1980) Researchers continued to explore reception studies and studying audience became a popular trend for media researchers in the 1990s. Expanding Morleys approach which looks at how people from different cultural backgrounds interpret representations in media, researchers were interested to explore peoples personal and socio-cultural context as an integral part for understanding the rich range of meanings decoded and understood by media audience. On the whole, these studies adopted a culturalist perspective and are concerned with exploring audience active choices, consumptions and interpretations of media materials. Such research emphasizes audience interpretations of the text based on their individual cultural background and life experiences. In essence, the meaning of a text is not inherent within the text itself, but is created within different processes involved in the relationship between the text and the reader. For example, Katz and Liebel (1985) conducted a cross-cultural study on television soap Dallas in Japan, Israel and Russia. They concluded that various ethnic groups differed in their interpretation of foreign television programme, in which they referred to as critical distance. From the research, Liebes (1988:281) suggested that different groups perceive selectively towards what they watch and that this played a part in the forms of retelling and the talk they generate about a television program. A basic acceptance of the meaning of a specific text tends to occur when audience share traits and cultural background, which then may lead to the text being interpreted in similar ways. Culture has an interpretative function for the members of a group which share that particular culture. Nonetheless, expressions of culture-resultant behaviour are modified by the individuals personality, upbringing and life-experience to a considerable degree. Developments in cross-cultural audience studies have deepened our understanding of media reception in different cultures and the different relationship audiences have with the media. This process plays a role in the development of other issues for example, production of identity and popular culture. Audience use existing cultural frameworks to (re)construct meaning from a media text, thus it is through audience interpretations that we are able to gain more comprehension towards the culture to which that audience belongs (Gauntlett). This new approach for looking at media-audiences relationship was coined New Audience Research (Ang 1996, Morley 1990, etc). Researchers such as Curran et. al. (1996) saw this as a revolutionary rethink of the dispersion of power within the media-audience relationship, while scholars such as Fiske (1987) proclaim power of the audience. As Fiske commented on Morleys Nationwide Study: Its value for us lies in its shift away of emphasis away from the textual and ideological construction of the subjects to socially and historically situated people. It reminds us that actual people in actual situations watch and enjoy actual television programmes. (Fiske 1989, p63) Indeed Fiske, ever enthusiastic of Morleys research, said that it established ethnographic research as a legitimate tool to understand audiences (Fiske 1989). The focus on human beings in their social settings seems to a contemporary reader to be quite an obvious component of audience research. The influential academic journal Screen began to take up the idea that the audience was made up of more meaning than that disseminated by the text (Fiske 1989). This led to a generation of media and cultural studies protagonists who turned their focus away from semiotic analysis of the text and the individual and tried to focus on the social background of the audiences and how they decode the text itself. Their work appeared from the early 70s to the mid 80s and mostly conducted qualitative field work on small groups from targeted socioeconomic backgrounds (Nightingale 1996). The idea of the audience being able to make their own readings and the move away from semiotics was given a more pluralistic (Morley 1990) element by cultural studies writer John Fiske. Fiske was influenced heavily by the French polymath Michel de Certeau (Underwood, 2008), who advocated that people were continuously trying to undermine the dominant culture by creating tactics of resistance within everyday life. Fiske incorporated this into the idea of the active audience (Fiske 1989, pp 62-83), believing that audiences constantly tried to find new meanings inside media and that it was programmes that were made by industry, not text. Fiske maintained that: Texts are the product of their readers. So a programme becomes a text at the moment of reading. (Fiske 1989, p 14) And that: Texts are the site of conflictà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦between production and reception. (Fiske 1989, p14). From this freedom of meaning and conflict, audiences are capable of creating all sorts of resistance readings to the preferred dominant culture, constantly changing it in the process as elites try to catch up and encircle the masses into its fold once more. Fiske (1990) takes the example of jeans as fashion items they produce jeans and we alter them to look more trendy, so they react again. Creating a cycle of resistance by the active audiences/consumers and the dominant classes. Fiske continues, maintaining that there is no such thing as a homogenised audience, but rather a collection of pluralised audiences that are created from a multiplicity of backgrounds. Fiske maintained that this multiplicity of meaning amounts to a semiotic democracy (Fiske 1989, p95) where people are culturally competent enough to not need media experts to help them. This goes much further, it could be argued, than Morley, as Fiske seems to be saying that the actual meaning of any programme could be completely different, not just oppositional, negotiated, or dominant. Fiskes argument causes problems for many media researchers as it means that they are almost incapable of discovering how audiences think and behave. Indeed, Fiske often cites the fact that 80-90 per cent of all advertising strategies fail to succeed in bringing in an increase in sales (Fiske 1990), which has led to many people to question the usefulness of New Audience Research. First, there seems to be a great deal of backtracking and shifting over how much meaning should be assigned by the audience and how much on the text amongst its protagonists with disagreements as to how far audiences were interpreting texts through their social backgrounds with Nightingale (1996) pointing out that many later research studies backtracked into textual analysis. Morley (1990) decided to distanc e himself from Fiskes ideas of a semiotic democracy despite the latters praise of his Nationwide study. In his article printed in Curran et al (1990), he criticises the lack of power in Fiskes beliefs, stating that it had become too disseminated and lacked ideology. He also commented on the fact that reading texts is not the same as changing the text itself. Morley (ibid) himself had an argument with his contemporary James Curran, who questions the novelty of New Audience Research and therefore how much it had to add to the discourse. For instance, he cited work completed by a large number of media effects researchers from the 1940s and 1950s, who studied reception analysis whilst taking into account sociological backgrounds. For New Audience researchers, he argues: year AD starts with textual analysis (ibid p266) in the cultural/literary effects tradition and ignores what went before it. Of Fiske he argues that his ideas were old pluralism re-heated (ibid p267) that simply played into the hands of neo-liberal America, that wanted to deny any sort of hegemonic power in the media. Nightingale (1996) takes this further and comments that news and current affairs programmes and the ideology politics that surrounded them were dropped soon after the Nationwide study for more identity-orientated politics within soap operas making the research f ar more populist. The fact that the research turned the idea of power and ideology away from the media itself is something that Nightingale and many others criticise. Even Morley (1990) acknowledged that it is very well to rip ones jeans as a sign of resistance; however this is at best a micro-political move of resistance and not one that makes people think twice about buying designer jeans. Despite these valid criticisms, this essay still maintains that New Audience Research still was revolutionary as it helped a discourse that was very much removed from focusing on the audience as individuals able to make a resistance or re-interpret the media in any way. Morley (cited in Curran et al, 1990) replied to Currans argument by saying that he criticised the new research with the gift of hindsight given to him by new audience researchs work, and that none of the previous authors whose work focused on the audience would have been brought to light if it was not for new audience research raising the audience as an issue once again. In this way, a once marginalised area of research reasserted itself into the mainstream. It was, as Morley (1980) said a paradigm shift in every sense of the word. Sympathy, too, has to be given to Fiske for his pluralistic vision of semiotics. It could be argued that he was merely taking Halls original challenge to its logical conclusion that it cou ld be hypothesised that Audiences could actually hold a great deal of power. Curran (1990), Nightingale (1996), Eco (1974 cited in Nightingale 1996)) and others all agree that Fiske through his ideas on the active audience and plurality of meaning brought the idea of semiotics to a new generation of researchers, especially in America. Nightingale (1996, p 58) goes further and argues that New Audience Research was the point where sociology and semiotics meet in a globally unifying approach to the study of mass communications. Nightingale herself argues that despite the shortcomings, the new wave of Audience research was indeed paradigm shift and created a profound reorientation in cultural studies (ibid, p 60). Her reasoning for this was that studies such as Morleys Nationwide forced researchers to look beyond the passivity of audiences, beyond psychology and/or effects and root the debate within political and sociological discourse. It allowed researchers to look beyond the mass and see the inherent stratification in society (ibid, p 69). Furthermore, the emphasis on ethnography and qualitative research helped to bridge the gap between researcher and subject (ibid, p 68). In this way researchers now had to acknowledge this dimension of the audience as a major factor in audience research. In conclusion, despite new audience researchs critics saying that that it dissolves the meaning of the text, is not anything new, and individualises and pluralises audience research to a point to where meaning almost evaporates (Curran p 260), the concept behind it has still proved to be revolutionary. First, it took the discourse of audience studies away from the pessimistic and almost patronising beliefs of Marxists, Leavisites and media affects theorists that saw the audience as a single, passive mass. Instead it made them into active forces of meaning as Hall maintained. As Morley discovered in his experiment, they did not have to agree with the way mass media encoded the text, they could take various meanings from it depending on a host of background factors. They were an active audience, according to Fiske, who could resist the hegemony of media and create their own readings. It has had a lasting effect on audience research globally, whilst the discourse has moved on, the soci al, cultural and economic etc background of an audience is seen as a major component of audience studies research (Jensen et al, 1991). Active audience studies New Influence Research The evolution of media studies reviewed thus far reveals the distinctions, if not contradictions to the approaches between media effects research and studies exploring active audiences / reception studies. Kitzinger (2004:24) notes that the polarity between these two media scholarships has split media researchers into two sides, moreover with the existing geographical and cultural borders between which historically underpins media studies framework. Studies emphasising media effects and media power over audiences are more popular in the United States, whereas researchers in the Western Europe are more interested with the way audience use and meanings of media messages. At some point, this gap continues to widen as researchers focused on the difference, rather than finding a way to bridge media effects and audience studies (Morley, 1998). Nonetheless, a group of scholars have attempted to revitalise Halls encoding/decoding theory and try to (re)connect reception studies with media effects studies (for example see reception work conducted by the Glasgow Media Unit, Kitzinger, 2004; and Miller et. al., 1998). These studies revive the approach of Morleys Nationwide research and differentiate themselves from the over-emphasis of audience power in most active audience studies. This approach, also referred as the new influence research acknowledges that the media has some influence towards people and that the focus is to identify what and how audiences interact with these influences. Kitzinger (2002:276) asserts that the new influence studies has little connection with the hypodemic needle theory and that exploring into the ways audiences interpret media messages will help reveal ways in which media effects actually operates. The new influence research therefore acknowledges some media effects on audiences by theorizing way s in which audience interpret media representations and construct meanings. Although the impetus of new influence research is to bridge the gap between two major approaches of media research, most empirical work do not necessarily concern to find a link between media and behaviour in any context. In fact studies consistently fail to find a link between these two (Barker and Petley, 1996; Norris et. Al, 1999), and any research hoping to prove such link is doomed to failure (Gauntlett, 1998). On the other hand, the new influence research embraces the different ways audience may interpret what they see/hear/read in the media and acknowledges the limits of these interpretations, as well as the possibilities for shared mainstream interpretation particularly when dealing with repetitive and relatively closed text (Kitzinger, 1999; Livingstone, 1999). What this suggests is that although people can individually respond actively to the media, their predisposed collective needs, beliefs and interests may influence their response. Media reporting of health and perception of risks Seale (220:25) argues that the ways in which audience understand health issues is complex and involves a process of selecting and constructing unique composition of different health stories through media usage and experience. This process, or intertextual experience as he describes it, should not be overlooked in studies of media and health as audience are not only exposed to a single health story, but interactions of various different health issues across different media. As a result, audience understanding of a particular health issue may (or may not) overlap or influenced by their interpretation of other health stories in the media. Seale therefore believes that when analysing any forms of media