Your More Than A Label Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Your More Than A Label - Essay Example In an attempt to get the labels off their children, parents try things like changing children’s school or shifting to a different city. Any decision they take costs them a lot of time, effort, and also money. As children grow up with the labels, their irritation and repulsiveness toward the labels recedes and they start to unintentionally accept the labels. Labels bother them no more. They accept the labels as a fundamental part of their identity. This serves as a sign that reflects that the child has been mentally tortured and psychologically harmed to the extent where he/she does not sense the gravity of the label as something negative. Although this happens gradually and unintentionally, yet its effects reflect in the behavior of the children as they grow up. If a child is given a certain label because of being diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and ADD, the child understands that he/she is integrally linked with alcohol in people’s perception. Drinking and becoming alcoholic is much easier for such a labeled individual as compared to others that are not expected to do such things. The labeled individuals easily endorse and adopt roles and behaviors that are expected of them according to their label. In this way, these individuals not only put their own health and life in risk, but also pose risks to the safety of others around them. A potential example of this is the accidents caused because of drunk driving. Pastor Joel Osteen puts forth a wonderful example of how powerful can labeling be if people accept the labels they are assigned and yet how fake it can be if people do not get rid of the labels they are assigned, â€Å"Albert Einstein’s teacher told Einstein’s father, â€Å"No matter what Albert does, he will never be successful†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦friends, people don’t determine our destiny, God does† (Osteen cited in â€Å"Pastor Joel Osteen†). Neither

Fascist Italy And Nazi Germany History Essay

Fascist Italy And Nazi Germany History Essay Fascism is actually an Italian word which was used by early Italians as a symbol of sovereignty and authority of Roman Empire. The actual meaning of the word is axe headed rods. The dominancy of Roman Empire was over their forces of nineteenth century as they aspire at combining the muscular nationalism with an aggressive style of activism characterized by anti-materialism, idealism and violence. (Front, 2012) Fascism projected Benito Mussolini who was the leader into premiership and it directs to the formation of new political dictatorship. Nazism is linked to political philosophies and the government of Adolf Hitler. The main purpose of Nazism was the tribal pre-eminence of the Aryan people, the eradication of the Jews who were substandard, aggressive foreign policy in relation to the eastern European nations and the importance of Hitler to be maintained. Similarities between Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany: Both groups have some aspects in common that is, both had rejected the importance of enlightenment over individual rationality and had put a special emphasis on emotional aspects and role of will on individuals. Italian fascists and German Nazi wants to dominate as leaders and were much concerned about their authoritative positions despite of the rights of masses; they want their intellectual aspects to be highlighted above all. (Mackel, 2012) The groups hold on the same philosophies and had rejected the theory of liberalism, political institutions of liberal democracy and the ideologies of Marxism. Fascists and German national Socialists had followed theories of social Darwinism by arguing that human development is based upon an elementary effort for existence in which only the strong individuals and strong nations can survive at the expense of others. (Front, 2012) Differences between Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany: Nazi German and Fascist Italy had different attitude towards race; racialism was very strong in the ideology of Nazism but less in Fascism ideology. Besides racism, both groups had a difference of opinion about nature of the State, tradition and modernity and the objectives of foreign policy. Speaking about nature of State, then Italian Fascism was analyzed by the theories of Totalitarianism and Corporatism whereas totalitarianism were rejected by German Nazi as they want to promote their own race, cast or creed. As far as technology is concerned then Germany has realized technology to be most important whereas Italian fascist wants to have technology along with their traditions. (Price, 2009) Factors of Power behind the Groups: The factors that allowed Italian to come into power are their fascism that is authoritarianism and superiority, where as for Germans, they have the power of Nazi as well as military rule. At that time German Nazi were having dominancy because of their propaganda campaigns, Hitlerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s speaking skills and intelligence, Nazi policies, they had got a huge support from big business or enterprises and criticism of the Weimar system of government. (Mangion, 2008) They were weak due to depression, cooperation and attitude of Germans that forced them to have power Speaking about Italian then they were holding dominancy because of their forces and other factors that motivate them were huge territorial gains and economic benefit for switching sides in World War One. Ultimate Goals of Two Groups: The ultimate goal of Italian Fascism was to rule the world or to hold dominancy or authority that is they want Roman Empire to rule the world forever. They want glories of Roman Empire to be maintained and to eliminate the turmoil rife that is anti-democracy and totalitarianism where as the purpose of Hitlerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Nazi Pact was to was to put the Germanic people at the peak of humanity. (History, 2012) He was more concerned with ethnic purification and dependence to create and work the space, than waging war itself. Role of Women in both Societies: Italian women were more to follow traditions whereas German women came forward to work with shoulders to shoulders. Actually before World War II, women were not given equal rights as compare to men; they were obliged to marry and to sit at home, but after World War II there was a severe shortage of men that become impossible for each and every women to marry so equal employment and opportunity programs were developed. (Levy, 2009) German women also took part in World War; they hold guns and transfer proper medication to the army. In Italy, there was a financial crisis due to war so they have to come forward their women to work for the survival. Conclusion: Due to Adolf Hitler and his philosophies, there was a rise of Germany to a fascist state in 1920s and early 1930s, before that Germany was unstable socially, economically and politically where as fascist economy was one of the biggest user of propaganda in the fascist regime, and something that Mussolini took great personal interest in. (Culture, 2012) Both struggled to keep their state and practices as dominant, but Italy was excessively influenced by German military power.

Essays --

An electromagnet is a magnet that is powered by electricity. Electromagnetism can be found in our daily lives. Driving to school or work? An electromagnet can be found in the cars’ engine. Hungry and want a snack? Electromagnets can be found in blenders, microwaves, ovens, toasters, toaster ovens, dishwashers, and electric can openers. Need to do your hair? Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons all have electromagnets in them. Electromagnets can also be found in junk yards on the cranes that pick up cars, electric bells, loudspeakers, tape recorders, VCRs, hard disks, particle accelerators, magnetic locks, drills, speakers, radios, microphones, doorbells, trains, generators, relays, and sorting out metal in junk yards. The electromagnet is a very useful item and can range too many different power levels. Electromagnetism is the magnetic force produced by an electric current. Electromagnetism is very useful, but also harmful. Everything is made of matter, and matter is made of atoms. Inside and atoms nucleus, there are protons. Protons have a positive charge in them. Electrons can be found right outside of the nucleus and they hold a negative charge. As atoms’ electrons break free of the original atom, they jump to another atom to another. This jumping causes a flow of electricity. There approximately 121 protons per inch and 121 electrons per inch. When measuring the different kinds of electromagnetic units, you should use ampere (electric current), coulomb (electric charge), farad (capacitance), henry (inductance), ohm (resistance), volt (electric potential), and watt (power). An electromagnet is made from a magnet, a battery, an iron core such as nail or bolt, coated copper wire, and wire strippers. You can make a si... ...’ route, then it could put many lives in danger, but the train does have onboard batteries that will bring the train down to a slow stop. The cost of these giants is approximately $8.5 billion dollars. This is because new guideways would have to be built since the new technology cannot run on the old rails. Also, many people have concerns over snowstorms. Even if there was a layer of snow on the track, the train would be able to levitate right over it or the snow would be blown away due to the wind underneath the train. If there is enough snow that the Maglev trains cannot operate, then snow removers will come out and plow the snow off the tracks. Finally, since the Maglev trains are extremely heavy (the Transrapid TRO7 weighs in at 45 tons) they need an exceptionally strong electromagnetic field to match. This uses a lot of energy and that can get awfully expensive. Essays -- An electromagnet is a magnet that is powered by electricity. Electromagnetism can be found in our daily lives. Driving to school or work? An electromagnet can be found in the cars’ engine. Hungry and want a snack? Electromagnets can be found in blenders, microwaves, ovens, toasters, toaster ovens, dishwashers, and electric can openers. Need to do your hair? Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons all have electromagnets in them. Electromagnets can also be found in junk yards on the cranes that pick up cars, electric bells, loudspeakers, tape recorders, VCRs, hard disks, particle accelerators, magnetic locks, drills, speakers, radios, microphones, doorbells, trains, generators, relays, and sorting out metal in junk yards. The electromagnet is a very useful item and can range too many different power levels. Electromagnetism is the magnetic force produced by an electric current. Electromagnetism is very useful, but also harmful. Everything is made of matter, and matter is made of atoms. Inside and atoms nucleus, there are protons. Protons have a positive charge in them. Electrons can be found right outside of the nucleus and they hold a negative charge. As atoms’ electrons break free of the original atom, they jump to another atom to another. This jumping causes a flow of electricity. There approximately 121 protons per inch and 121 electrons per inch. When measuring the different kinds of electromagnetic units, you should use ampere (electric current), coulomb (electric charge), farad (capacitance), henry (inductance), ohm (resistance), volt (electric potential), and watt (power). An electromagnet is made from a magnet, a battery, an iron core such as nail or bolt, coated copper wire, and wire strippers. You can make a si... ...’ route, then it could put many lives in danger, but the train does have onboard batteries that will bring the train down to a slow stop. The cost of these giants is approximately $8.5 billion dollars. This is because new guideways would have to be built since the new technology cannot run on the old rails. Also, many people have concerns over snowstorms. Even if there was a layer of snow on the track, the train would be able to levitate right over it or the snow would be blown away due to the wind underneath the train. If there is enough snow that the Maglev trains cannot operate, then snow removers will come out and plow the snow off the tracks. Finally, since the Maglev trains are extremely heavy (the Transrapid TRO7 weighs in at 45 tons) they need an exceptionally strong electromagnetic field to match. This uses a lot of energy and that can get awfully expensive.

Ecological System’s Theory: Understanding Urie Brofenbrenner

While growing up in the 1970’s and 1980’s, during a time when homes were comprised of two parents and strong community involvement; children clung to the high ideals of possibly becoming an astronauts, a doctors, a lawyer, members of the NBA, educators and clergymen. These ideals were possible because of the values laid down by parents and their belief that each child should be better than those that came before them. Values of discipline, integrity, respect and dedication were lived on a daily basis, and settling for nothing but the best was definitely thrust upon you. Today, we see homes with one parent (usually the mother) and communities where your neighbor is your biggest enemy; struggling to survive because of the lack of rules put in place by the parent. Children are being disrespectful to authority figures, because parents refuse to create an atmosphere in which they were raised in. Many parents are being forced to work long hours to provide for the family, and children are raising themselves and making decisions that have no clear-cut design. Since young children are forced to make decisions on their own, many lack the direction in which they need to be successful in society. This is a direct result of parents who did not have the tutelage of parenthood, and can only pass on what they learned growing up, and the children have no role model to follow. Urie Brofenbreener, a developmental theorist, who developed a system model of human behavior, which described factors that led children down different paths and contributed to human development. In this paper, I will describe the various levels of the Ecological System’s Theory and how they relate to my growth as a person. Furthermore, I will describe how the different levels influenced my decision to not only complete a Masters Degree, but to enroll in a second Masters Degree program. Finally, I will show how the Ecological System and its processes have changed the direction of my career goals and forced me to rethink my desired contributions to society. In 1970, Urie Brofenbrenner was born, and so was the beginning of a desire to build a system that depicted the development of children and their behaviors while growing up. The Ecological Systems Theory has four levels that comprise the system which are Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem and Macrosystem. The first level is described as the Microsystems level. This level is the closest to the child, because of the individuals who have an immediate impact and play the most significant role in forming the child’s behavior. This level is considered the most important level of the four. Involved in this level are parents, teachers, neighborhood, and schools. This level is considered the most important because the child spends most time interacting with individuals within this layer. As a young male growing up in a single-parent home, I did not have the luxury of receiving values from two parents, so I had to rest my lorals, on that of my mother. My mother was the person that shaped and molded my early set of values, which gave me something to build upon as an adult. My siblings and I appreciated the hard work, loyalty and honesty our mother displayed in everything she did. The role she played in my life was valuable. But, there were more who played a major in my development. During the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, neighborhoods were labeled as villages, and the motto was â€Å"It takes a village to raise our children. † Our neighborhood was like family. Each adult was empowered to discipline a child that got out of line or disrespected an individual in an authoritative position. Today, neighborhoods are living in a state of fear, due to the increase of violence of the young people who live in their neighborhoods. Youth are no longer receiving the values we grew up on, and make decisions that impact not only them, but a community. Gone is the mindset of the â€Å"village†. Parents are getting younger, which equals to fewer homes having the moral fortitude to develop youth that display integrity and loyalty. Children are no longer receiving the physical attributes of kindheartedness and dedication, but in fact, children are taking on the characteristics of their younger parents, who display anger and an attitude that everyone owes them something. The microsystem level may evolve over time, because each generation can change the system. Next is the Mesosytems level. Authors Jennifer Boemmel and Joan Briscoe (2009), states this level has a direct link to Microsystems such as the family experiences to school experiences, family experiences to peer experiences, school experiences to religious experiences. My family experiences of love and togetherness, allowed me to form my attitude towards making friends and learning how to socialize. It also taught me how to remain positive in the midst of turmoil. According to Brofenbrenner, if a child goes without positive family experiences, he or she may experience difficulty in making and sustaining friendships. The third level of the Ecological Systems Theory is the Exosystem level. Although it does not have a direct effect on the child, the exosystems level is very important in shaping a child’s behavioral pattern. As a Juvenile Probation Officer, this particular level is viewed on a daily basis; where single parents are forced to work double shifts and the children are left in the care of a neighbor or family friend, who does not have the same nurturing attitude as the immediate parent. This creates a stressful atmosphere, forcing the children to turn to people who display that loving and caring attitude. Normally gangs and kids who frequently commit criminal activities. Asked why they committed a crime or join a gang? The answer is always the same. â€Å"They love me† or â€Å"I had nothing better to do†. In my line of work, this false sense of being and existence, makes my job difficult and turning the youth around is pretty much impossible. The fourth and final level, is the Macrosystem. This level describes the culture in which the child lives in. Each child within this level shares a common identity, values and heritage. Growing up with six siblings, we all had different goals, but the end result for each of us was to be successful at whatever we chose to do. The values bestowed upon me, was the same for all of my siblings. We all shared the same sense of accomplishment and competiveness. Desiring to be better than the next sibling. My younger brother and I, shared the same drive when it came to sports. He wanted to be better than me, and I wanted to be better than him. We both had drive, which is a characteristic we saw in our mother. Although, we did not share all of the same characteristics, we did share the same level of desire. This level also supports the child within the environment and can influence the child’s behavioral development. Although never mentioned with the others, there is a fifth level of the original Ecological Systems Theory. The Chronosystem level involves the total of all the individuals experiences over their lifetime. For instance, when I was younger, my goal was to be a Guardian Angel. Guardian Angels were individuals who protected the black community and warded off any criminal activity. This group was non-violent, and did not carry weapons. My desire to be a protector, eventually led me to the United States Air Force at the age of twenty-two. For 23 years, I watched over this country with a disciplined eye that allowed me to become the person I am today. Also, my serving presented me the opportunity to pass along values to my daughter. Analyze how the levels influenced your decision to enter graduate school to obtain a Masters Degree. How the Brofenbrenner’s levels might impact the career goals within your area of specialization.

Monster Energy Drink Target Audience and Company Objectives Essay

Consumer Behavior Monster Energy Target Market Because the energy drink is still part of a new and developing industry, the energy drink target market is different than in some of the other beverage industries. Monster energy drinks have become a very popular, â€Å"hip† part of society, but the market at which they are aimed is not as wide and expansive, or diverse, as some might think. Early in energy drink history, when they were first being sold in the United States, athletes were the primary consumers. This shows that even initially energy drinks were directed at a select crowd, a group of people with specific interests. Although the consumer base for energy drinks has now expanded beyond that of simply athletes, the target market is still more particular than in other industries. When thinking about the energy drink target market, it is important to consider who is most receptive to the purported effects of the beverages. Although everyone is susceptible to the fatigue of the super-charged, over-worked lifestyle, young people are especially vulnerable to persistent exhaustion and insufficient energy. This group of people, more specifically male teenagers and people in their 20s, are also most likely to believe in the veracity of the energy drinks’ claims. As a result, the majority of energy drinks are developed for and advertised to this younger generation. In addition to focusing on a specific age group, many energy drink companies are even more exclusive in their marketing efforts, gearing their products and advertising to appeal to very specialized groups, such as gamers, extreme sports enthusiasts, and the hip-hop crowd. The effects of this emphasis on such a target market can be seen in the advertising campaigns of the energy drinks. Many of the names of the beverages, such as Monster LoCarb appeal to these specific consumers and the marketing strategies that revolve around sponsoring public events or celebrity endorsements reflect this focus. The design and packaging of many energy drinks also relates to the target market. Although the energy drink industry currently caters to a very specific target market, as it continues to grow and develop, it is likely that marketing efforts and the focus consumer base will be more diverse and expansive. The Monster Energy Drink, distributed by Monster Beverages Co., uses concentrated targeting as a marketing strategy. Strong promotion strategies including product hand-outs by young attractive vendors in powerful trucks blasting music are common ways The Company promotes in cities. The Company also uses Ricky Carmichael, a motocross legend, to endorse their products. 40 foot posters are used to target motocross fans which are a major target market for Monster Beverages Co. (Murr, 2006). Other effective advertisements include using high contrast, recognizable posters in retail stores and high energy, adrenaline rushed TV ads. Advantages of concentrated marketing include concentration of resources, better meeting the needs of the target audience, and strong positioning. Disadvantages include segments being too small or changing, and large competitors such as red bull to more effectively market to niche. According to Rodney Sacks, CEO, the target audience is 18 – 25 year old males (Murr, 2006). This market is focused on a product which offers an energy boost, so any audience that is involved in sports, or high endurance activity is a clear target. The green claw marks resemble adrenaline, power, and testosterone, accompanying its motto, â€Å"unleash the monster within†. High schools and colleges are clear niches for these high energy markets. The demographics for the target market for Monster energy drink are: Major Cities 18-25 year olds Males Athletes/ High endurance activities Income ? middle class According to the 2000 census, there are approximately 10 million males who fall under Sacks’ audience of 18 – 25 year old males. But I believe the target market is expanding to be much wider than that including women and older men. Judging by the effectiveness of free handout promotions in hot locations such as South beach, Florida, I see a target market of males and females ages 12 – 35. According to the census this number is around 80 million (US Census Bureau, 2007). Hansen’s Monster Energy drinks offer giant doses of caffeine and sugar in big black cans adorned with neon-colored claw marks. The scary packaging, plus a bevy of extreme-sports sponsorships, positions Monster as an edgy alternative to Red Bull in the fast-growing, $2 billion a year energy-drink market. Monster’s slogan: Unleash the beast. † Monster has certainly energized Hansen. The company has seen its sales more than double since it introduced the brand in April, 2002. Last year, Hansen earned $20 million on sales of $180 million, up from just $3 million of profits on sales of $80 million in 2001. Sales nearly doubled, while profits quadrupled, in this year’s first quarter. Those results helped Hansen earn the No. 26 spot on BusinessWeek’s annual ranking of Hot Growth Companies. Monster Objectives Hansen has jolted the Monster brand with a dose of guerrilla marketing. Teams of Monster ambassadors† give out samples of the product at concerts, beach parties, and other events. The company also sponsors motocross, surfing, and skateboarding competitions. Hansen representatives in black Monster vans supplement the company’s network of 300 independent distributors by assembling store displays and restocking specially designed racks in convenience store coolers. Hansen now owns an 18% share of the energy-drink category, according to the trade publication _Beverage Digest_. While Red Bull remains the leader with nearly half of the market, Hansen’s energy-drink sales increased 162% last year — more than three times Red Bull’s growth rate. A small subset of consumers is going wild over these drinks,† says Beverage Digest editor and publisher John Sicher. Hansen is really riding a tiger. † It’s a jungle out there, though. Coca-Cola Co. ([**KO**](.. /javascript:%20void%20showTicker(‘KO’)) ) is promoting its new Full Throttle energy drink. PepsiCo Inc. ([**PFE**](../javascript:%20void%20showTicker(‘PFE’)) ) is marketing energy drinks under its SoBe and Mountain Dew brands. And independent entrepreneurs have elbowed their way in with products such as Rockstar and FUZE Mega Energy. Every month we pick up a new product or two,† says George Kalil, who runs an independent bottling company in Tucson. Sacks estimates that the energy-drink category is growing 50% a year and that there’s room in the market for everybody. These are the new soft drinks of the world,† he declares. Sacks and Schlosberg are fending off the attack by diversifying. They’ve launched Joker, an energy drink sold exclusively in Circle K convenience stores, and Rumba, a caffeine-laced juice drink designed to be a morning pick-me-up. And they introduced Monster Assault, which comes in a black-and-gray camouflage can that saysDeclare war on the ordinary! † It’s a slogan that could describe the juiced-up strategy of this formerly sleepy beverage player. It is apparent that Monster has become a major player in the energy beverage market. We hope to be the number one choice of energy drinks among consumers.   

Overview of the Second Opium War

Overview of the Second Opium War In the mid-1850s, the European powers and the United States sought to renegotiate their commercial treaties with China. This effort was led by the British who sought the opening of all of China to their merchants, an ambassador in Beijing, legalization of the opium trade, and the exemption of imports from tariffs. Unwilling to make further concessions to the West, the Qing government of Emperor Xianfeng refused these requests. Tensions were further heightened on October 8, 1856, when Chinese officials boarded the Hong Kong (then British) registered ship Arrow and removed 12 Chinese crewmen. In response to the Arrow Incident, British diplomats in Canton demanded the release of the prisoners and sought redress. The Chinese refused, stating that Arrow was involved in smuggling and piracy. To aid in dealing with the Chinese, the British contacted France, Russia, and the United States about forming an alliance. The French, angered by the recent execution of missionary August Chapdelaine by the Chinese, joined while the Americans and Russians sent envoys. In Hong Kong, the situation worsened following a failed attempt by the citys Chinese bakers to poison the citys European population. Early Actions In 1857, after dealing with the Indian Mutiny, British forces arrived at Hong Kong. Led by Admiral Sir Michael Seymour and Lord Elgin, they joined with the French under Marshall Gros and then attacked the forts on the Pearl River south of Canton. The governor of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, Ye Mingchen, ordered his soldiers not to resist and the British easily took control of the forts. Pressing north, the British and French seized Canton after a brief fight and captured Ye Mingchen. Leaving an occupying force at Canton, they sailed north and took the Taku Forts outside Tianjin in May 1858. Treaty of Tianjin With his military already dealing with the Taiping Rebellion, Xianfeng was unable to resist the advancing British and French. Seeking peace, the Chinese negotiated the Treaties of Tianjin. As part of the treaties, the British, French, Americans, and Russians were permitted to install legations in Beijing, ten additional ports would be opened to foreign trade, foreigners would be permitted to travel through the interior, and reparations would be paid to Britain and France. In addition, the Russians signed the separate Treaty of Aigun which gave them coastal land in northern China. Fighting Resumes While the treaties ended the fighting, they were immensely unpopular within Xianfengs government. Shortly after agreeing to the terms, he was persuaded to renege and dispatched Mongolian General Sengge Rinchen to defend the newly returned Taku Forts. The following June hostilities recommenced following Rinchens refusal to allow Admiral Sir James Hope to land troops to escort the new ambassadors to Beijing. While Richen was willing to allow the ambassadors to land elsewhere, he prohibited armed troops to accompany them. On the night of June 24, 1859, British forces cleared the Baihe River of obstacles and the next day Hopes squadron sailed in to bombard the Taku Forts. Meeting heavy resistance from the forts batteries, Hope was ultimately forced to withdrawal with the aid of Commodore Josiah Tattnall, whose ships violated US neutrality to assist the British. When asked why he intervened, Tattnall replied that blood is thicker than water. Stunned by this reversal, the British and French began assembling a large force at Hong Kong. By the summer of 1860, the army numbered 17,700 men (11,000 British, 6,700 French). Sailing with 173 ships, Lord Elgin and General Charles Cousin-Montauban returned to the Tianjin and landed on August 3 near Bei Tang, two miles from the Taku Forts. The forts fell on August 21. Having occupied Tianjin, the Anglo-French army began moving inland towards Beijing. As the enemy host approached, Xianfeng called for peace talks. These stalled following the arrest and torture of British envoy Harry Parkes and his party. On September 18, Rinchen attacked the invaders near Zhangjiawan but was repelled. As the British and French entered the Beijing suburbs, Rinchen made his final stand at Baliqiao. Mustering over 30,000 men, Rinchen launched several frontal assaults on the Anglo-French positions and was repulsed, destroying his army in the process. The way now open, Lord Elgin and Cousin-Montauban entered Beijing on October 6. With the army gone, Xianfeng fled the capital, leaving Prince Gong to negotiate peace. While in the city, British and French troops looted the Old Summer Palace and freed Western prisoners. Lord Elgin considered burning the Forbidden City as punishment for Chinese use of kidnapping and torture, but was talked into burning the Old Summer Palace instead by other diplomats. Aftermath In the following days, Prince Gong met with the Western diplomats and accepted the Convention of Peking. By the terms of the convention, the Chinese were forced to accept the validity of the Treaties of Tianjin, cede part of Kowloon to Britain, open Tianjin as a trade port, allow religious freedom, legalize the opium trade, and pay reparations to Britain and France. Though not a belligerent, Russia took advantage of Chinas weakness and concluded the Supplementary Treaty of Peking which ceded approximately 400,000 square miles of territory to St. Petersburg. The defeat of its military by a much smaller Western army showed the weakness of the Qing Dynasty and began a new age of imperialism in China. Domestically, this, coupled with the flight of the emperor and the burning of the Old Summer Palace, greatly damaged the Qings prestige leading many within China to begin questioning the governments effectiveness. Sources victorianweb.org/history/empire/opiumwars/opiumwars1.html state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/dwe/82012.htm

New to Reedsy Author Website Services

New to Reedsy Author Website Services New to Reedsy: Author Website Services Hi! It's Matt from the Product Team at Reedsy. We're pleased to announce the launch of author website design services on the Reedsy Marketplace. Some of the finest author website designers and waiting to collaborate with you to improve your web presence, or even build your site from scratch.Authors in 2017 simply can’t do without a website. And for independent authors, that goes double! If you want people to learn more about your current and upcoming books, where do you send them? If you need to build a mailing list, how do you do that? If readers, fans, or agents and publishers want to get in touch with you, where should they go?The answer to all these questions is -   you guessed it  - your wonderful author website!Our illustrious web designers have been handpicked from the absolute cream of the crop. It takes just a few minutes to request a free quote from professionals who have designed sites for both first-time authors and household names like Stephen King, Anthony H orowitz, Darren Shan, Cassandra Clare, EL James and Hanif Kureishi.Here are a few of the sites designed by Reedsy professionals: 10 Tips on How to Make an Author Website (+ Bonus Checklist) Read post Web design services offered by Reedsy professionals include:Updates to your existing websiteBranding and designWebsite hosting and domain setupNewsletter signup and lead magnetBlogContact formsImage galleriesSocial media sharingSearch Engine Optimization (SEO)To see what goes into creating an effective author website, check out these author website tips from our designers. Also,  head to our author website design page  to learn more about  collaborating with our awesome professionals.

7 negotiation tips for Millennials

7 negotiation tips for Millennials When you’re just starting out, negotiating may seem like some far-off point in your career: something you’ll do in your life eventually, like buy a minivan or start watching CBS procedural dramas. After all, you don’t have years of experience to use as leverage yet, right? Wrong! I don’t know how you feel about sensible family car choices, but negotiating in your work life is definitely something you should do now. There’s no magic rule that you must have a certain amount of experience or a particular level of work gravitas. And in fact, the more familiar you become with the process now, early in the game, the more potent your negotiation skills will be as you advance in your career.Why you should negotiateWhen employers make a job offer, they usually expect a little haggling these days. The offer may be at the lower end of a range for them, and why not? They have nothing to lose here: they have a good candidate on the line. If that person accepts t he offer straight away, they got a solid deal at the low end of the range. If that person negotiates up, the company is still likely within the scope of what they expected to pay. But it’s important to remember that you aren’t likely to lose much here either: as long as you negotiate reasonably and civilly, they’re probably not going to yank the job offer just because you tried to negotiate in the first place. And you do have the potential to make this sweet job offer even sweeter, either with more money or more perks.Negotiation also establishes a couple of things up front, before you even start the job: 1) that you’re a confident person who knows your worth; and 2) that you want to maximize your salary and benefits. The higher your starting salary is, the more you’ll be able to get when it comes to percentage-based raises and bonuses. Think of it as a professional investment that you can make now.When you should negotiateIt may be tempting to tal k about salary in a job interview, in a show of confidence- or even just curiosity to see if this job is going to be worth your while. Resist that urge. (And if the interviewer tries to sneak in their own stealth salary questions, here’s how to get around them.) Get past the application, the interview, the second interview, all of it†¦wait until you have a job offer in hand, with a salary attached as a starting point.Alternatively, you can negotiate when you already have a job, but feel ready for a raise or a promotion. Whatever the circumstance, it’s the same basic process: prepare, ask for what you want, and be ready for the back-and-forth.Tips for negotiatingLet’s look at some tips to help you build your negotiation skills and get ready to bargain with your employer. The more prep work you do now, the more ready you’ll be when it comes time- you don’t want to waste any time once you have that offer letter.1. Be prepared with an elevator pit ch.This is your headline, basically. Based on my previous experience managing social media, I was hoping to see a salary of $X. Your elevator pitch in this case summarizes why you’re worth the extra salary. I want and I need aren’t going to get you very far here- the employer isn’t concerned with what your preferences are. They want to make sure that you bring value in exchange for the extra salary bump or incentives added to your offer package. The more you emphasize those qualities in the negotiation process, the higher your chances of success.And this is especially important if you’re negotiating a raise at your existing job. The question of why is going to be one of the first you’ll need to tackle. Wanting a raise is all well and good (who doesn’t want one), but you need to show that you deserve it too.2. Be specific and realistic.This is where you should have a sense of what you’re worth. And I don’t mean that in a â€Å" my mom thinks I’m priceless† kind of way. I mean it in a â€Å"this is what people at my level in this field can make† kind of way. Once you know what you can reasonably expect, you can come up with specific dollar amounts as a counteroffer. Unrealistic counteroffers, just for the sake of seeing what you can get, are not likely to be met with success. Do your research- a search of similar positions on Glassdoor or Salary.com can often give you a good sense of what the market-level salary is for your new or current job. Use that knowledge to come up with a realistic range for your salary. It’s okay to reach a little in your counteroffer, but make sure it’s within a realistic range.3. Think outside the salary box.You know you can negotiate for more than just salary, right? When you get a job offer, you may also receive information on company policies, benefits, etc. Core benefits like insurance coverage and retirement savings plans may be set in stone , depending on your new company’s policies. However, you might be able to negotiate additional vacation or personal days, or work-from-home flex time. If the company seems pretty intractable on a salary bump, think about other ways you might be able to negotiate a more appealing package. But again, the key is being realistic. A junior employee is not likely to score an extra week of vacation up front, but if you think there’s wiggle room on time off, work that into your negotiation.4. Know what your limits are.Part of being realistic about your negotiation means having a dealbreaker in mind as well. It’s not defeatist to think about what could make you walk away from the negotiating table. You should decide ahead of time what your minimum is for this job. Maybe it’s the same salary as you make now. Or maybe you truly don’t want the job unless you can get a 2% raise over what you’re making now. Whatever the case may be, have that â€Å"last chance† number in mind before you get started. That way, if the negotiating drags on and you don’t see the company offering more than the bottom of your range, consider walking away and turning down the offer.5. Don’t panic.Once you’ve started negotiating, you may feel a little jumpy, like you overstepped your bounds. That can lead to accepting a counteroffer too quickly, just to get the process over with. If you’ve done your due diligence and have your range in mind, you know what you can realistically get. If the company indicates that they’re standing firm, then it’s time to accept (or reject) and move on.6. Keep it civil.A little confident swagger can be good when you’re negotiating. You know what’s not good? Threatening to take your ball and go home. It may seem like a baller move, but this is not the place to make ultimatums or threats. When you’re negotiating salary or a raise, both you and the company are d oing it in good faith, with the goal of finding an employment package that works for both parties. If you blatantly threaten to walk away if they don’t meet particular demands, then you just may find the job offer rescinded anyway. Or if you’re negotiating a raise and threaten to quit if you don’t get your way, you risk doing irreparable damage to your relationship with your boss and company. Always keep the tone civil and friendly, even when you’re making bold requests.7. Keep an eye on the clock.This isn’t necessarily a speed event, but you don’t want this to drag out. You want the job, and the company wants someone in the job as soon as possible. Try not to sit on any offer for more than a day without checking in with the company, or letting them know your decision timeline. When you get an offer, it’s fine to say, â€Å"I’d like to take a day to consider this offer. Is it okay if I get back to you on Wednesday?† Or à ¢â‚¬Å"I’m traveling this weekend. Okay if I let you know on Monday?† That way, the company knows you haven’t disappeared, and that you’re considering the next move.Negotiating is a process that you want to be familiar with as early in your career as possible. If you’re realistic and do your research, there’s no reason why you can’t be an advocate for your financial interests as a junior employee. Again, there’s no magic line where you can start negotiating, so why not now?

They Need to Demonstrate Good Research and Presentational Skills, and Coursework

They Need to Demonstrate Good Research and Presentational Skills, and Advice them to Solve the Problem - Coursework Example Then comes the postal analogy rule; the acceptance of the offer when the offeree posts the letter but can this apply to fast instantaneous communication like e-mail. Lastly, is the counter offer which kills the original offer; terminates it. BODY 1) An invitation to treat is an indication of a willingness to conduct business, it is invitation to make an offer or commence negotiations. Courts have considered whether or not a communication was an invitation to treat in a wide variety of circumstances. The Advertisement which Peter places is an invitation to treat just like Partridge v Crittenden (1968), the advertisement of a bilateral contract and Carlil v Carbolic Smoke Ball Company (1893), was decided that an advertisement was a unilateral offer. 2) In Partridge v Crittenden The appellant placed an advertisement in the issue for 13 April 1967, of a periodical â€Å"Cage and Aviary Birds† with the words â€Å"Quality British ABCR †¦ Bramble finch cocks, Bramble finch hen s, 25s eachâ€Å". It was put under the general heading â€Å"Classified Advertisements. In no place was there any direct use of the words â€Å"offer for sale†. T, having seen the advertisement, written for a hen, which was sent to him and arrived on 2 May 1967, wearing a closed-ring. T was able to remove it without harm to the bird. The appellant was charged with unlawfully offering for sale a certain wild live bird, viz, a brambling, other than a close-ringed specimen bred in captivity, contrary to s 6(1) of, and Sch 4 to, the Protection of Birds Act, 1954. The justices were of opinion that the advertisement was an offer for sale, and that the brambling was not a close-ringed specimen bred in captivity because it was possible to put off the bird's ring. On appeal against conviction. It was held, the advertisement in the present case constituted in law an invitation to treat, not an offer for sale, and the offence which was charged against the appellant was not, therefore , established. While on the other hand; 3) Carlil v Carbolic Smoke Ball Company was decided on the different basis. The defendants, the proprietors of a some medical preparation called "The Carbolic Smoke Ball," issued an advertisement in which they promised to pay 100 to any person who contracted the influenza after having used one of their smoke balls, in a certain specified manner and for a specified time. The plaintiff, upon the faith of the advertisement, purchased one of the defendants' smoke balls, and used it in the manner and for the specified time, but nevertheless contracted the influenza. It was held that the above facts made a contract by the defendants to pay the plaintiff 100. In the event which happened; that such contract was neither a contract by way of wagering within 8 & 9 Vict. c. 109, nor a policy within 14 Geo. 3, c. 48, s. 2; and that the plaintiff was entitled to recover the sum promised. 4) The general rule is that acceptance is not effective until it is co mmunicated to the Offeror. This is sometimes expressed by saying that the acceptance cannot be made through silence and the offeror cannot waive communication if that would be to the detriment of the offeree . 5) This can be shown in the case Felt house v Bindley (1862). The plaintiff (F) brought an action against the defendant auctioneer (B) for the conversion of a horse. In December 1860, a conversation had taken place between F and his nephew (N) regarding to the buying of a horse

Annotated Bibliography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 7

Annotated Bibliography - Essay Example The site was primarily created to help the fans to have their say and share with the rest of Taylor and these popular events. Most people are an admirer of the talented singer Taylor Swift, and it is the reason a group of artist made the effort to create a community fan page. The author of this website gives narrations of Taylor Swift achievements and popular events such as concerts the pop star is expecting or has performed. The media in this community website includes both print, photos of Taylor Swift and videos of some of her songs and concerts performances. Rather than being interactive, the media gives a brief overview of Taylor Swift illustrious music career. I love Taylor Swift is a group that keeps Taylor’s fan posted on issue happening in her life. In particular, the administrator added beautiful photos of Taylor Swift on May 15th, the Rock In Rio, Las Vegas performance. There is a lot of information about Taylor’s songs. One specific song that Taylor in the message board is the about her Video, Bad Blood and the reception it had to the rest of the world. Most of the people who commented and made reviews of the video such as amazing and see a growing talent in 25 years old pop star. In another particular section, there is more news on Taylor’s upcoming event on Taylor and Ed Sheeran planned Las Vegas party after the music awards. The party is expected to be attended by the host of music stars and millions of fans who will come celebrate their favorite pop artists arguably living in this era. Taylor also gives her views about her life. She discloses her circles of friends such Karlie, Lena and Selena who understand her life keep her going in life. The site has plentiful Taylors photo and print about the happenings in her life. For those fans who like Taylor in India, they have a website where they engage on the latest happening around the Taylors Swift world. On late May 2015, Forbes listed Taylor

Article Critique Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Article Critique Assessment - Essay Example This paper aims at discussing the article and to find the issues and possible loop holes of the paper. The main reason this article has been chosen is that it deals with the security threats of eCommerce as well as the various threats to the accounting information systems. The authors have also discussed the implications to the management as well. This article is appropriate in the current times, where almost every business has launched an eCommerce website and the numbers of businesses online are constantly increasing every minute, this article is helpful in bringing out the threats being faced and the repercussions that these threats have on the management helps the businesses focus on the factors that need to be taken into account. Hence this article is very relevant in the current times and to a great extent provides the readers with a clear and well explained list of implications on various parties including, management, accountants and auditors, and academics. The article is al so very insightful as it provides a clear explanation of the need for security which can be easily overlooked in the current times. On the whole, the article provides a great insight into the security issues that relate to accounting information systems and excellent ways to reduce the threat levels of these systems. The article is very effective with a detailed explanation of the various aspects and views for different audiences. The article by Beard and Wen has touched upon a few essential aspects of accounting Information systems. The authors have discussed a wide range of issues that are being faced by companies across the world. An excellent point that the authors have included in the paper is the issues that are being faced due to the wide expansion of the internet and the newer opportunities that are being opened up for almost every business and the easy accessibility to break down all barriers of trade and all the physical barriers. The article has a major focus

One flew over the cuckoo's nest Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

One flew over the cuckoo's nest - Movie Review Example Very much calm and controlled, she runs the ward in a tyrannical fashion and with mechanical precision. Without direct threats or accusations, her authoritative manner bullies all the patients into submission. Her own name is a combination of the words "rat" and "wretched" (H.J. Summers and S. Summers, 2003). In spite of what one would expect, Mc Murphy's charisma and energy win the respect and admiration of the patients in the ward. He fits well within the ward's environment and his presence causes some of the patients to show improvement; for example, he involves the Chief in a basketball game, other patients in card games and takes them all on a fishing trip. However, he soon becomes aware of the injustices and mistreatment they are the subject of and starts a personal battle. The incident regarding the use of the television to watch the World Series is a good example of this. One night, McMurphy organizes a party involving the patients, a couple of women and alcohol. During the party, McMurphy notices that Billy likes one of his female friends and he asks her to sleep with him. In the morning, nurse Ratched finds the ward in a mess with the patients sleeping all over the place after passing out from alcohol consumption. When they perform a head count, the nurses find Billy with the woman in his room. Nurse Ratched confronts him and humiliates him once more. The argument causes Billy to commit suicide. At this point, McMurphy physically attacks nurse Ratched and is close to murdering her. The reprisal is terrible: a lobotomy1 that leaves McMurphy severely disabled. When McMurphy is returned to the ward, the Chief realizes that they will not be escaping together now and, as he does not want to leave his friend behind in that state, he suffocates him with a pillow. The closing scene shows how the Chief followed the plan that McMurphy had proposed, throws a hydrotherapy fountain through a window and runs away in the search of freedom. The movie is a fantastic attempt to encourage debate about insanity. Psychology had gone through a very prestigious phase in the USA at the end of the 1950s; but, by the 1960s, this notion had changed radically. Philosophers and sociologists argued that the modern definition of insanity is a cultural invention and a means of control. In this manner, individuals branded as "mad" or "insane" were isolated from society and secluded into asylums, where they no longer posed a threat for society (K. Kesey, 2002). 2. ANALYSIS Randle Patrick McMurphy and Mildred Ratched are the main characters of the movie. In fact, the plot is a series of confrontations between the two characters. McMurphy is a criminal that seeking to "enjoy" his sentence in comfort, feigns lunacy in order to be admitted into a mental asylum. He is a fun-loving individual, a free spirit that challenges authority and resents any form of control. He is intelligent, flamboyant and energetic. Interestingly, he is described by members of the establishment as belligerent, resentful and lazy. In conversation with

Primary Research on an Advertisement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Primary Research on an Advertisement - Essay Example Not only was the advertisement hilarious but it also generated positive applause from the millions of football fans, especially in Africa. Clearly, the creators of this advertisement were innovative enough to acknowledge that football can be used to create attractive appeals to consumers through relating it with refreshing moments. While millions of viewers were united by football, the Coca-Cola Company identified this as a perfect opportunity to establish long lasting appeals of its Coke product to the football fans. This paper seeks to analyze the different ways in which Coca-Cola Company presented its intended appeals on football viewers, specifically the youth age group (between 18 and 30 years.) The advertisement is divided into five-screen sections of different settings: the old timer, the worrier, the show off, the admirers, and the die-hards. The advertisement begins with screens of football fans in different locations who are watching football matches. Some of the viewers are refreshing their throats with a Coke soda in the different locations. The next screen focuses on an old man who cannot sit down due to the excitement arousal caused by drinking Coke. Although he has poor vision to follow up the football match, he is keen enough to notice and celebrate a goal. The advertisement then shifts to a football fan who has actively chewed his football gloves due to the anxiety caused by watching a game filled with suspense. A woman appears, and hands him two bottles of Coke, which seem to offer him a sense of relaxation. Another screenshot appears where a girl seems to be celebrating that her team won, only to be informed by a man drinking Coke that the match is at half tim e. The next screen focuses on three chefs in the kitchen who are keenly concentrating on a football match while drinking coke. They seem to have forgotten about their occupational responsibilities; food seems to be burning in the background and

Research Proposal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Research Proposal - Assignment Example Why the difference in that, because logically as the millers make profit the farmers should also enjoy from the profit. Does it mean that the millers are behind the rise in the poverty level of the farmers or the farmers are the source to there poverty. The millers should always be in support of the farmers, this is because farmers need to be motivated to increase the amount off the cane production and this intern will lead to the millers’ increment in production. If the farmers are demoralized, they my opt for production of other food staffs hence may lead to the collapse of the sugar industries due to lack of raw material for production. The third argument is that the poverty experienced in the sugarcane farmers maybe as a result of the poor cane production skills (Evenson and Pingali, 2009). Due to these, farmers may use huge amount of capital for sugarcane production but having little return during the harvesting, hence need to reduce the cost of cane production. However for this to be achieved, the need for the farmers and millers working together is very important which in most cases is not easy as millers are only determined in maximizing on the profit and not concerned of the wellbeing of the farmers. The Kenyan government should deploy extension officers at various regions in the sugar belt who should have an initiative of giving farmers the skills in sugarcane management and production. This may improve the quality and quantity of the cane being produced in the region hence intern reducing the poverty level of the sugarcane farmers. One argument that is to be analyzed in this research topic is the issue whether the millers should also be concerned with the wellbeing of the sugarcane farmers or just concentrate on profit maximization in the expenses of the farmers. It is always advisable that the millers should treat the farmers with grate importance as this will determine the amount of profit they make.

Primary Research on an Advertisement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Primary Research on an Advertisement - Essay Example Not only was the advertisement hilarious but it also generated positive applause from the millions of football fans, especially in Africa. Clearly, the creators of this advertisement were innovative enough to acknowledge that football can be used to create attractive appeals to consumers through relating it with refreshing moments. While millions of viewers were united by football, the Coca-Cola Company identified this as a perfect opportunity to establish long lasting appeals of its Coke product to the football fans. This paper seeks to analyze the different ways in which Coca-Cola Company presented its intended appeals on football viewers, specifically the youth age group (between 18 and 30 years.) The advertisement is divided into five-screen sections of different settings: the old timer, the worrier, the show off, the admirers, and the die-hards. The advertisement begins with screens of football fans in different locations who are watching football matches. Some of the viewers are refreshing their throats with a Coke soda in the different locations. The next screen focuses on an old man who cannot sit down due to the excitement arousal caused by drinking Coke. Although he has poor vision to follow up the football match, he is keen enough to notice and celebrate a goal. The advertisement then shifts to a football fan who has actively chewed his football gloves due to the anxiety caused by watching a game filled with suspense. A woman appears, and hands him two bottles of Coke, which seem to offer him a sense of relaxation. Another screenshot appears where a girl seems to be celebrating that her team won, only to be informed by a man drinking Coke that the match is at half tim e. The next screen focuses on three chefs in the kitchen who are keenly concentrating on a football match while drinking coke. They seem to have forgotten about their occupational responsibilities; food seems to be burning in the background and

Factors Involved in the Tanker Contract Essay Example for Free

Factors Involved in the Tanker Contract Essay Issues that relate to security are of key concern to all nations (Meyer, 2007). The national security and internal defense are some of the sectors that are allocated lump sums of resources in the budgetary allocation (Meyer, 2007). Such allocations are in line with the perceived importance that the area of defense has. The united states as a country is no stranger to conflict and is one of the country that has been involved in external conflict for long periods of time both in the 20th and 21st century (Meyer, 2007). The politics involved in the security are some of the most interesting and widely covered happenings in the US press. Financial power is seen to go in line with military power in that countries that have the financial ability tend to develop their military capabilities and the same can be said of countries that have military abilities. National security is an area of key concern and therefore there is lots of secrecy involved in its dealings (Meyer, 2007). The nature of the deals often require utmost confidentiality from the parties involved and therefore many transactions happen in well defined and approved channels. The military association are developed with time and may be extended to association in other areas since its better to develop good relations with persons with security details that could be detrimental to the country if leaked (Meyer, 2007). The military world has been developing with technological improvements and the military equipments currently being used are characterized by more accuracy and considerable throughput (Verkuil, 2007). These two factors are but a few of the considerations in choosing a partner or a contractor that will help in developing certain aspects of the security system (Verkuil, 2007). It therefore does not come as a surprise that military procurement procedures and processes have considerable controversy since people have varied views on efficiency and security implications (Verkuil, 2007). This research paper analyses the issues involved in the airforce contract tender to build tankers between Boeing and Northrop Grumman with the aim of highlighting key issues involved in addressing security critical details. Background Boeing KC-767 is one of the military aerial refueling strategy that had been developed by Boeing 767-200 (CBS News, 2008). The tanker was designated KC-767 after it was selected by the US airforce to replace the KC-135s. However, in December of 2003, the contract was frozen after corruption allegation on the bidding process were forwarded. The development of the project is said to have cost Boeing over $ 1 Billion as the project was based on the assumption that the US airforce will be the chief consumer. Ever since the freezing of the project the Italian and the Chinese government have each ordered a number of these tankers. To address the KC-X competition the Boeing offered the 7627-200 Long range freighter which is based on the KC-767 (Online News Hour, 2008). However, the Department of defense selected KC-30 which was developed by Northrop Grumman (CBS News, 2008). The Boeing company on the 11th March 2008 submitted a protest on the decisions made by the airforce, the United States accountability office upheld their protests and in so doing the status of the KC-45A was placed in doubt and therefore the Boeing company was again in position to bid for the contract (CBS News, 2008). This was no to be since the US government in September 2008 terminated all bids on the KC-X (CBS News, 2008). In March 2002, the US airforce selected Boeings KC-767 on the grounds that it had clearly demonstrated the abilities to meet their requirements. The United States Airforce (USAF) in their acceptance statement brought out four points that they cited as being behind their decision (CBS News, 2008). The Boeings design was designated KC-767A and was included in DODs 2004 model designation report. Approximately 100 KC-767 tankers were leased from Boeing for the air refueling program. Even though the refueling program was in place in many countries in the US, many had questions about its effectiveness and cost implications especially the idea of leasing crafts which may never have any buyer once the lease period was over. This argument brought forward by senator McCain was however countered by the number of US allies who were more than willing to buy their used crafts (CBS News, 2008). The congressional budget office was next in line as they criticized the budget stressing on its fiscal irresponsibility (United States Government Accountability Office, 2008). This led to the striking of a deal where the state would buy 80 KC-767 and lease twenty (United States Government Accountability Office, 2008). However, in December of 2003, the pentagon announced that the project had to be frozen due to a corruption allegation brought against one of its former staffer (CBS News, 2008). Furthermore, documentations that proved that the A330 based tankers were more suited to the task specifications of the airforce were more cost effective relative to Boeing tankers were found (CBS News, 2008). The scandal led to the sentencing of the culprit who pleaded guilty to corruptions and led to the resignation of Boeings CEO. Donald Rumsfeld in 2006 announced the cancellation of the KC-767A leases as a measure aimed at cutting the costs and a redefinition of the USAF mission (United States Government Accountability Office, 2008). The defense secretary further stated that the move will not in any way affects the mission of the KC-767A as the upgrade of the KC-135s fleets will help in moving towards the goals (United States Government Accountability Office, 2008). However, the development did no affect the relationships between Boeing and its other customers. The development were however short lived and Boeing and Northrop were soon back in the ring fighting for a big defense contract. The basis of Boeings arguments was that the KC-30 was more versatile and had a large furl capacity than the KC-135 that were being used by the airforce. The KC-135 was developed by Boeing who were bidding for an airforce contract against their nemesis Northrop Grumman . The latter won this round of battle as the departments of defense announced that it has won the tender to procure 179 new KC-45A tankers (Online News Hour, 2008). The Boeing company almost immediately took to the Government Accountability Office and filed a protests claiming the evaluation of its KC-30 was unfair (Online News Hour, 2008). Boeing further claimed that its refueling tanker could easily be reconverted to a passenger plane compared to Northrops version as shown in the Air forces post decision briefing. According to Boeings vice president they had more strengths than their competitors was all he heard from the post decision briefing. Boeings protests led to a review of the selection process by the accountability office which forced Northrop to freeze the project which it had already allocated $ 35 billion (Online News Hour, 2008). Northrop Grumman executives are on the other hand highlighting the irresponsibility involved in freezing a critical project to the development of the military for expensive lobbying in the congress that will inevitably lead to a change of the decisions made by the airforce (Online News Hour, 2008). Northrop Grumman executives further claim the decision is ironic since they put their best efforts in ensuring that the airforce receives a products that they consider the best in consideration of the design (Online News Hour, 2008). They are pushing for the public knowledge of the facts of what they represents and what they are not. The congress was divided sharply on this issue and so was the general public. Boeing supporters claim that the Northrop Grumman design was a basic passenger airbus plane (Online News Hour, 2008). A Kansas congress man was cited claiming that the decisions made by the airforce was a bad one as the airforce as it has bend backwards to deal with a French company (Online News Hour, 2008). Boeings die hards near its main production facility claimed that it is the only true tanker manufacturers and a mistake had been made (Online News Hour, 2008). A Washington senator supported this point of view and claimed that offering a military contract to a foreign company was suicidal and would incapacitate Americas ability to develop their own fleet if they should ever pull out of the deal (Online News Hour, 2008). An Alabama state senators is of a different view and approached the subject from a resource allocations view point (Online News Hour, 2008). People near Northrop are bound to benefit more that those near the Boeing plants and therefore there senators have opinions that display their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the resource allocations (Online News Hour, 2008). She further states that there have to be losers and winner either way (Online News Hour, 2008). The Boeing group further accuse the airforce of a change in parameter in order to accommodate the design put up by Northrop Grumman so as to ensure two bidders are present (Online News Hour, 2008). Even though many are of the view that the airforce was trying to lock out Boeing due to the scandals it previously had, Boeing executives were of the view that was not the case as the specifications that were asked by the airforce were changed considerably to ensure Northrop was in the race (Online News Hour, 2008). They further claim that the large sized tanker proposed by the Northrop was a liability and only countries not interested in their taxi ways would allow for such aircrafts. The Northrop group however counter this argument by stating that their design is more sophisticated and has advantages that are yet to be seen (Online News Hour, 2008). Issues Boeing is one of the worlds best known manufactures of aircrafts and so is Northrop Grumman who are the manufacturers of the airbus (Online News Hour, 2008). These are two top brands who are obviously competing in other areas of business and therefore any decision that involve them is bound to raise considerable heat. It should b noted that both are American companies though Northrop Grumman is partly owned by a French company. The nature of the contract which involves the security of America as a nation is a matter of national concern as it involves the development of structures that could ensure the growth of security systems. Boeing and Grumman being business structures, such a big contract will obviously attract the interest of stakeholders from both sides. There are a number of key issues that have been brought out by the airforce contracts which include: i. Politics Military contracts are a matter of public concern since it is in place to protect the public, the resources used in the military contracts are derived from taxpayers and therefore the failure of such projects will be a waste of taxpayers money (Meyer, 2007). When McCain questioned the cost effectiveness in leasing planes that would otherwise have no values when their lease period was over his motive as the senator of Alabama was to ensure that the taxpayers money is channeled to useful projects. Furthermore, it is quite clear that the politicians have the ability to shoot down potentially useful deals due to what Northrop Grumman executives refer to as expensive lobbying. Politics is not always objective for there are situations where the stakes involved are shielded from the public and though the politics and viewpoints will be developed to suit the public, the real reasons are often personal (Meyer, 2007). The inclusion of politics in such cases therefore has both advantages and disadvantages and should be weighed carefully. Military procurement just like any other public procurement scheme is prone to corruption, this was the case in the original contract that was brought to an end by Rumsfeld in 2006. Moreover, the big money involved in military procurement processes act as a natural catalysts for corruption, therefore there is need to come up with a robust self regulated systems that will ensure that such unethical practices are not in anyway included in the procurement process, the congress thus comes into the picture (Meyer, 2007). However, the political system is not known for its objectivity. In the cases, some of the reasons brought out against Northrop Grumman are flimsy and lack in objectivity. The fact that there will be lobbying is a clear sign that there will be loss in objectivity thus the decision will tend to favor groups that are be able to garner enough political support in the congress. Furthermore, the political system is one of the most corrupt system there is and the rationale in placing such a system to guard against corruption is questionable. ii. Security Military procurement is a security critical matter (Meyer, 2007). The military is in place to ensure that the US is protected against its external enemies (Meyer, 2007). The seriousness with which the equipment tendering process is treated and the keen eye that the media watches the unfolding of such events relay the importance placed on the military by the American people. The US is traditionally a fighting nation and the effectiveness of its military and equipments is one of the factors that has cemented its place as a world power. Military activities require high levels of secrecy (Meyer, 2007). There is need to come up with effective equipments that can be used in varied situations. It should be noted that the arguments brought forward by the executives from both sides are centered around the superiority of their products or the weaknesses of their opposite. The need for accuracy and well developed products that have the required reputation are some of the considerations that led to the two big companies making it to the final stage. The two companies are multinationals that have developed their brands all over the globe. It is noteworthy that when the US defense secretary cancels Boeings leases other nations still seek their products and are continues seeking the products that have been labeled cost ineffective due to the reputation associated with their brand name. The importance of the security system is seen in the number of avenues and legislative systems that have been put in place to ensure that the process is done in a just manner (Krishnan, 2008). When the airforce declares that Northrop Grumman had won the bid for the airforce tankers, Boeing seeks redress through a different avenue: Public accountability office. The office looks at their complaints and decides to freeze the process. It should be noted that it was the same office that had early in the decades frozen a billion dollar Boeing contract due to corruption charges. Even though there are systems put in place to ensure proper procedures in procurement of services and services, they can be outdone easily (Krishnan, 2008). The corruption allegations made in the initial Boeing contracts are a clear case where the protocols were overridden and it only came to realization a couple of months after the contracts had been signed. Furthermore, the fact that is was later found out that a different design could meet the specifications made by the airforce with reduced costs clearly show that even though the guidelines are put in place they are rarely followed thus the need for a system or authority that will follow up on the recommendations and processes to ensure that they conform to the laid out guidelines. Some politicians have argued that the French affiliation of the airbus manufacturer is in itself a security risk and therefore a purely American company should be contracted. However, such a contracting systems will obviously lock out other capable companies and therefore bring about questions on the integrity of the bidding process. America has prided itself as being a liberalized nation, putting up measures that will lock out other qualified members on the basis of the compositions of its investors is contrary to the spirit of liberalization. Furthermore, being involved with a company that has partnered with a success story in Europe shields the tanker project from American economic downtimes though it effectively ensures that the project is affected by the happening in Europe. It is unrealistic to lobby for Boeing on the basis of confidentiality; a company that has already shown traces of corruption cannot be trusted and neither can a company that is yet to prove its worth in the military sector. Therefore, system should be put in place to ensure that the projects are monitored and compared to some given standards if either is to be awarded the contract. iii. Stability The US is the father of capitalism and is therefore a country that is characterized by intense competition between industry players who will always be on the look for additional finances that will ensure their development into the future (Verkuil, 2007). On the day it was reported that Northrop Grumman had won the military contracts its share prices rose by over 20 cents and Boeings shares fell by a couple of cents (CBS News, 2008). Note, the development in the contract procurement were being watched by investors who will then make their decisions on which company to invest in. Even though the large money involved in the transactions may be enough to lure investors into channeling their resources to a particular company, the reputation involved in being a company contracted with one of the worlds best airforce to develop its aircraft tankers is enough to cause significant changes in the companys share index. Being a capitalistic economy where entities gain at the expense of others, Boeing is bound to feel the pinch. The situation is made worse by the consideration that Boeing has a well developed reputation and therefore failure to win a contract from a partner that it has associated with for a long time may be taken by the investors and its consumers in the wrong light. It may imply that the partner does not trust its capacity to develop superiors products or has doubts on its potential to remain productive. To bring the idea of reputation into perspective, many are of the notion that the corruptions charges brought against Boeing may have affected its chances of successfully bidding for the contract (Verkuil, 2007). This holds considerable weight in that the military is not all about facilities but also reputation. The American people and its enemies will always keep a keen eye on the military and any transactions conducted with a partner who is proved to be corrupt will dent on its integrity thus its reputation. Conclusion Awarding a contract to a company to deliver services that are of public interest is a complex process and will always involve the media and many other systems that have been put in place to ensure the safety of the public. Individual good and interest will always be central in the arguments brought forward by most people, this is more pronounced if the contract will significantly affect many people. It is therefore upon the government and the social systems to ensure that the systems put in place to ensure effectiveness of the bidding process are functioning properly and are robust enough to deal with the dynamism associated with such processes. If need be, changes must be instituted to ensure that the system are functioning. The products delivered must measure up to some predetermined standards to ensure quality and accountability. These measures and other quality management measures if well integrated into the bidding and implementation of contracts that are of public interest will ensure that the public benefits in the best possible way. Word Count: 3271 Reference List CBS News (2008). Boeing Spurned On Huge Air Force Contract. Retrieved 13 October 2008 from http://www. cbsnews. com/stories/2008/02/29/business/main3894669. shtml? source=RSSattr=Business_3894669 Krishnan, A. (2008). War as Business: Technological Change and Military Service Contracting. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Meyer, J. (2007). Working in a War Zone: Military Contractors. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group. Online News Hour (2008). Boeing, Northrop Grumman Clash Over Tanker Contract. Retrieved 13 October 2008 from http://www. pbs. org/newshour/bb/military/jan-june08/tanker_05-06. html. United States Government Accountability Office (2008). Statement Regarding the Bid Protest Decision Resolving the Aerial Refueling Tanker Protest by The Boeing Company. Retrieved 13 October 2008 from http://www. governmentexecutive. com/pdfs/061808cd1. pdf Verkuil, R. (2007). Outsourcing Sovereignty: Why Privatization of Government Functions Threatens Democracy and what We Can Do about it. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Students with Learning Disabilities: Self-Concepts

Students with Learning Disabilities: Self-Concepts Learning disabilities (LD) is an umbrella term used to describe a number of other, more specific learning disabilities (SLD). Students with SLD comprise the largest single category of students with special needs (U.S. Dept. of Education, 2016). There are many obstacles that students with LD encounter. One of those obstacles being how they judge themselves based on comparisons of other students without LD. In order to better understand this obstacle, one must first examine how children with LD understand their disability and how this understanding is associated with global self-esteem and other self-perceptions. A study conducted by Cosden, Elliot, Noble, and Kelemen (1999) used an assessment consisting of three components: Harters What I am Like scale, Heymans Self-Perception of a Learning Disability (SPLD), and a series of open-ended questions about learning disabilities to determine how children with LD understand their disability and how this understanding is associated with global self-esteem and other self-perceptions. The study consisted of students from both elementary and junior high school. Cosden, Elliot, Noble, and Kelemen (1999) findings revealed that students in the junior high school group had more negative self-perceptions than did students in the elementary group. The largest population of students in each group was informed about their learning problems by school personnel, while other students were informed by their parents. 20% of the junior high students and over one-third of the elementary students reported that no one told them about their disability. A majority of ele mentary students were not able to explain LD in their own words, while one-third of junior high students were able to define learning disabilities as a specific academic problem. A majority of all students believed they would outgrow their LD; however, one-fourth of the junior high students stated that LD would continue to affect them, but not as severe. The remaining students felt that their learning disability would continue to affect them the same as now or didnt know what would happen in the future. Data from the SPLD scores showed that students who reported being informed about their learning disability from teachers had less positive perceptions of their learning disability than students who were told by their parents. Cosden, Elliot, Noble, and Kelemens (1999) revealed additional data that some students told by their teachers were able to articulate an accurate verbal description of their LD; while others told by their teachers demonstrated very little understanding. Therefor e, Cosden, Elliot, Noble, and Kelemens (1999) determined that the source of information had a mixed impact on the students self-understanding. There was some indication that greater knowledge about learning disabilities was associated with lower self-esteem for the children in this study. Now, that weve gained some insight on how self-understanding of ones learning disability affects self-esteem and self-perceptions, lets uncover what research shows about children with LD in regards to academic self-concept and self-esteem. Heyman (1990) examined the self-perception of a learning disability and its relations to academic self-concept and self-esteem. The instrument used for measuring self-esteem was the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory School Short Form, Form B (SCEI-SF). Academic self-concept was measured by three subscales of the Students Perception of Ability Scale (SPAS) developed by Boersma and Chapman (1979). Self-perception of ones learning disability (SPLD) was assessed by a 25-item scale developed by Heyman specific for this study. Participants were tested individually or in small groups of two to eight children. Heyman (1990) found a positive correlation between self-perception of learning disabilities and academic self-concept and self-esteem. Self-perception of learning disability explained 12% of the variability in self-esteem and more than 30% of the variability in academic self-concept. This relationship remained significant after controlling for sex, ethnicity, age, reading and math achi evement, self-contained versus mainstreamed class setting, and age at the time the learning disability was diagnosed. The results of Heymans (1990) study suggest that self-perception of the learning disability may have an effect on academic self-concept and self-esteem, which in turn may influence achievement for children with learning disabilities (Heyman, 1990). At this point, I will discuss differences in self-concept between a student with LD and nonhandicapped students. Cooley and Ayers (1988) investigated differences in self-concept between a student with LD and nonhandicapped students, differences between attributes made by students with LD and those made by nonhandicapped students when explaining success and failure, and the relationship between self-concept and the attributions used by the students. Instruments used for this study included The Piers-Harris Childrens Self-Concept Scale and the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility Questionnaire (IAR). Cooley and Ayers (1988) analysis of the data indicated that the children with LD reported significantly lower self-concept scores than their nonhandicapped peers. Cooley and Ayers (1988) indicated that there was not a significant difference between attributes made by students with LD and those made by nonhandicapped students when explaining success and failure. In regards to the relationship between self-concept and attributions, analysis of Cooley and Ayers (1988) data suggested that external att ributions for success and ability attributions for failure are related to the self-concept scores. Below I will review students from primarily Hispanic backgrounds with LD. Gans, Kenny, and Ghany (2003) examined the self-concept of children with learning disabilities (LD) from primarily Hispanic backgrounds. The study compared children with LD and their peers without LD on self-concept and contributes to the literature by using a primarily Hispanic sample and by examining gender differences. The Piers-Harris Childrens Self-Concept Scale (PHCSCS) was selected for this study due to its theoretical understanding of self-concept, its ease of administration and the targeted population. The PHCSCS includes six cluster scales: Behavior, Intellectual and School Status, Physical Appearance and Attributes, Anxiety, Popularity, and Happiness and Satisfaction. Participants completed this 80-item scale by responding yes or no to the test statements. Gans, Kenny, and Ghany (2003) found that participants with LD scored significantly lower on the PHCSCS subscale of Intellectual and School Status than participants without LD. Also, Gans, Kenny, and Ghany (2003) found th at participants with LD scored lower on the PHCSCS subscale of Behavior than participants without LD. None of the other subscales yielded significant differences between participants with LD and those without LD. There was no difference between boys with LD and girls with LD on self-concept. The correlations of PHCSCS Subscales for students with LD and students without LD were presented. The correlation of Happiness with Behavior was significantly higher for students with LD than for the students without LD. No other subscale correlations were significantly different. This study focused on children from the primarily Hispanic background from only one school in an urban area. The results are generalized only to schools with similar populations; therefore, future research should employ larger samples of other ethnic groups. The next study will evaluate the self-concept of LD students versus academically gifted children. Educators and researchers traditionally relate self-concept with educational status, often concluding that children with LD have low self-concepts and academically gifted children have high self-concepts (Montgomery, 1994). Using the Multidimensional Self-Concept Scale (MSCS), Montgomery (1994) assessed the self-concept of students with LD, comparing observer ratings and self-reports both within the LD group and across LD, nondisabled, and high-achieving classes. Montgomerys (1994) results show that children with LD report lower academic and competence self-concepts than do high achieving and nondisabled children. However, the three student groups; LD, Nondisabled, and High Achieving, did not differ significantly in their social, family, affect, or physical self-concepts. Montgomerys (1994) comparisons of teachers evaluations of LD, nondisabled, and high achieving students global self-concepts showed that teachers incorrectly evaluated children with LD as having lower self-concepts t han nondisabled or high achieving students. The teachers appeared to magnify the differences among the student groups and clearly differentiated among LD, nondisabled, and high achieving children did themselves. The teacher-children comparisons for each student group show that teachers did indeed underrate the self-concepts of the children with LD. Montgomery (1994) concluded that parent evaluations of the children with LD were equivalent to the childrens self-reports. Parents of nondisabled and high achieving children also assessed their childrens global self-concepts accurately. Lastly, I will discuss the effects of school placement and social support on the self-concept of children and adolescents with LD. The primary purpose of the study conducted by Forman (1988) was to examine the effects of two types of social factors; school placement and perceived social support, on the self-concepts of children and adolescents with LD. The LD students received three types of educational services: self-contained LD classrooms, remediation during part of the day in LD resource rooms, and not yet receiving LD services in school. Perceived social support was assessed using a self-report measure developed by Harter which provided information on the availability of support from parents, teachers, classmates, and friends. Formans (1988) finding concluded that the self-perceptions of the LD students and adolescents studied were related to their perceived access to adequate social support. Forman (1988) showed the higher social support from parents, classmates, teachers, and friends were associated with higher self-esteem in general self-worth, scholastic competence-specific behaviors, athletic competenc e, and behavioral conduct. Also, Forman (1988) revealed that school placement did not seem to affect self-concept in her sample of subjects. She contributed this to the small number of subjects in both resource and regular classroom placements, making it difficult to achieve statistically significant difference at the .01 level. Further research using a larger sample is needed to better assess the impact of school placement on students with LD. The research described above demonstrates some of the many obstacles that students with LD encounter. There were inconsistencies in the research regarding the self-concept of students with LD. Heyman (1990) noted that there is a positive correlation between self-perception of learning disabilities, academic self-concept, and self-esteem. Cooley and Ayers (1988) concluded that there is a difference between students with LD and nonhandicapped students self-concepts. Gans, Kenny, and Ghany (2003) suggested children from primarily Hispanic backgrounds with LD had lower self-concept based on their responses on the Piers-Harris Childrens Self-Concept Scale. Also, Montgomery (1994) found that students with LD had lower self-concept based on their responses on the Multidimensional Self-Concept Scale. Additional factor such as placement of students with learning disabilities was also reviewed. Foreman (1988) showed that there isnt a reliable correlation between placement and self-concept. In conclusion, the research discussed in my literature review revealed that there are obstacles that students with LD encounter that affects their self-esteem and other self-perceptions. References Cooley, E.J. Ayres, R. R. (1988). Self-Concept and Success-Failure Attributes of  Nonhandicapped Students and Students with Learning Disabilities. Journal of Learning  Disabilities, 21, 174-178. Cosden, M., Elliot, K., Noble, S. Kelemen, E. (1999). Self-Understanding and Self-Esteem in  Children with Learning Disabilities. Learning Disability Quarterly, 22, 279-290. Forman, E.A. (1988). The effects of social support and school placement on the self-concept of  LD students. Learning Disability Quarterly, 11, 115-124. Gans, A. M., Kenny, M. C., Ghany, D. L. (2003). Comparing the Self-Concept of Students  With and Without Learning Disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities,36(3), 287-295. Heyman, W. B. (1990). The Self-Perception of a Learning Disability and Its Relationship to  Academic Self-Concept and Self-Esteem. Journal of Learning Disabilities,23(8), 472-475. Montgomery, M.S. (1994). Self-Concept and Children with Learning Disabilities: Observer-Child Concordance Across Six Context-Dependent Domains. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 27(4), 254-262. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2016). Digest of  Education Statistics, 2015 (NCES 2016-014), Table 204.30. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=64

Tendon from Different Anatomical Positions Essay -- Anatomy, Tissues

Structure of a tendon is made up of collagenous tissues, a fibrous protein constituted as a large portion of the organic matrix of bone and cartilage (Nordin & Frankel, 2001). Also termed extracellular matrix (ECM) consisting of few cells, 20% of cellular material is occupied as total tissue volume, whilst 80% accounts for extracellular matrix (approximately 70% water and 30% solids) (Nordin & Frankel, 2001). Contained within these solids is a ground like substance with minor components of elastin. Due to the dense interrelation tissue of collagen it is able to sustain stability over which the mechanics of the musculoskeletal system requires. This may be in the form of fibril, whereby, collagen molecules (type 1 collagen) are synthesized and secreted by fibroblasts (France , 2010). Procollagen is formed and further condensed to tropocollagen as the basic building block of collagen (France , 2010). Across the parallel network leading to the development of fibril; cross-links are formed within collagen type 1. The cross-links allow tissues to withstand strength and function under mechanical stress (Fratzl, 2008). The solids within the extracellular contain ground like substance proteoglycans (PG). PG molecules binds extracellular water of the tendons, ensuring the matrix is a hydrated-gel like material (Nordin & Frankel, 2001). Thereby the substance acts as an adhesive between microfibrils in bundles; stabilizing collagenous tissue forming connective tissue fascicles (appendix, figure 1). The functionality of tendons can be expressed by its materialization; primarily to transmit force from muscle to bone. During any form of movements the tendons encounter forces such as longitudinal, transversal and rotational (Kannus, 200... ...llagen tissue cross-links across maturation; revealing the number of cross-links decreased with growth. This suggests that a state of maturation cross-links are stabilsed to a non-reducible form (Robins et al, 1973). When stress is placed on tendons; tissue must adapt to stiffen and strengthen in response to the physical demands placed on them. Physical training during eccentric forces has been found to increase tensile strength of the tendons (Woo et al, 1981). Long periods of inactivity can disrupt the parallel structure of collagen fibers in the tendons, decrease water content, although increase collagen cross-linking (Loitz et al, 1989). The collagen turnover increases although reports suggest the amount of tendon components and overall mass is unchanged. Ultimately immobilization decreases tendon stiffness, failure load and strength (Matsumoto et al, 2003).

The Love Story in James Cains Mildred Pierce :: Mildred Pierce Essays

The Love Story in James Cain's Mildred Pierce In Mildred Pierce, by James Cain, the novel revolves around some very interesting and universal concepts that seem to be themes in many of his novels. â€Å"As in his previous work, the novel revolves around love, money, and sex, but though success is perverse and wish fulfillment destructive, there is no murder† (Gale Group Biography) One most interesting theme is the theme of love and lust, and what drove the characters to their actions, and what motivated them. For some it was love, for some it was lust. So is Mildred Pierce a love story? Or is it just a tale of sex and scandals? In Cain’s works, love appears in almost a forbidden appearance, though it is obviously an important aspect. â€Å"Cain said he had only one story to tell: a love story. ’I write of the wish that comes true for some reason a terrifying concept ... I think my stories have some quality of the opening of a forbidden box.’ The act of forcing the wish to come true isolates Cain’s obsesses lovers from society and places them on what he calls a ’love-rack’† (Madden, journal) This forbidden box is very apparent in Mildred Pierce, as seen through the eyes of Mildred. Mildred appears to be a normal working mother, loving her children, and providing everything for them that she can, meanwhile struggling with her finances and problems with society’s expectations, and even her daughter, Veda’s expectations, which are quite a few. But underneath, there’s this very forbidden concept. Mildred loves her daughter, Veda, almost too much. â€Å"James T. Farell refers to Mildred’s ‘almost unnatural love for her daughter’† (Madden James M. Cain, 79) It is never exactly said in so many words, but the idea of Mildred loving her daughter more than what is natural is there, lurking underneath, like a forbidden box, on the verge of opening. Yet, even though we see signs of it, we don’t seem to lose respect for Mildred, because of her character, and the way it is drawn out, because Mildred herself never even realiz es it. This is something that would seem to be very hard to accomplish as a writer, and Cain does a fantastic job of it, illustrating the forbidden and the not forbidden love Mildred feels for Veda.