The eNotes Blog Raise a Glass of Dandelion Wine to RayBradbury

Raise a Glass of Dandelion Wine to RayBradbury Stuff your eyes with wonder. Live as if youd drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. Its more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories. Ask no guarantees, ask for no security, there never was such an animal. And if there were, it would be related to the great sloth which hangs upside down in a tree all day every day, sleeping its life away. To hell with that . Shake the tree and knock the great sloth down on his ass. ~ from Fahrenheit 451 It appears that Ray Bradbury has truly lived by his own advice.   The inimitable writer of dystopian science fiction classics, including The Martian Chronicles, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and Dandelion Wine turns 91 today. Bradbury grew up in a working class family in Illinois. His education was his own creation. He argues, I dont believe in colleges and universities. I believe in libraries because most students dont have any money. When I graduated from high school, it was during the Depression and we had no money. I couldnt go to college, so I went to the library three days a week for 10 years. When Ray was 13, his family moved from Waukegan, Illinois to Los Angeles, California. There, even though he did not attend UCLA, he did make frequent visits to the Powell Library. It was at that library, on rented typewriters, that Bradbury wrote Fahrenheit 451. When he was just 18, Bradburys first science fiction short stories were published in fanzines. By the time he was 22, in 1942, he was being paid. A chance meeting with   Christopher Isherwood got his manuscript for The Martian Chronicles into the proper hands. The adaptations of Ray Bradburys work are almost endless. His short stories and novels have been transformed into comic books, into television scripts (notably   I Sing the Body Electric for The Twilight Zone) and into major motion pictures. All in all, Bradburys work has been transformed into thirty-five films and shorts. In 2000,   Bradbury sat down with Terry Gross on NPRs Fresh Air and talked about his extensive body of work and some of his quirks (for example, he never obtained a drivers license and is afraid to fly). In 2007, the Pulitzer board commended the author with a special citation  for his distinguished, prolific, and deeply influential career as an unmatched author of science fiction and fantasy. Bradbury continues to write and lecture.   So think about that when you want to whine that something is too hard or you are too old. Happy birthday, rocket man.

How to Improve Your Instagram Engagement With 15 Tips

How to Improve Your Instagram Engagement With 15 Tips One of the biggest challenges with any social media platform is getting your audience to engage with your content. We all know the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. So, when you post a picture on Instagram, you should get tons of engagement, right?  After all, its a platform thats all about pictures. It isnt always that easy though. Fortunately, were about to dive into how you can become an Instagram engagement mastermind. Well run through 15 tactics you can implement right now. Plus, have you heard you can schedule to Instagram with ? Now you can plan these tactics in advance to go from spontaneous to strategic! Here we go! Download 20 Free Bonus Tips Get even more Instagram marketing tips with this free download. By the time youre done reading, youll have all the knowledge you need to drive more engagement and earn more followers. 1. Use Hashtags For 12.6% More Engagement You didn't think hashtags were just for Twitter, did you? Hashtags allow users to stumble across your Instagram page by searching for hashtags. If a user is interested in marketing, they can type #Marketing into the Instagram search bar and find posts related to marketing. Posts with at least one relative Instagram hashtag average 12.6% more engagement  than posts without a hashtag. So, if you want to get more likes on Instagram, hashtags are a great place to start! Although Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, try to keep it around 5-10 so you don't come across as spammy. Or else you can hide your hashtags, so they can’t look spammy! Make them invisible by preceding them with four or five periods, each one on a line by itself. Sprout Social's Dominque Jackson offers  two good tips to keep in mind when using hashtags: "Look at how many hashtags influencers in your industry and your competitors use in their posts." "Track the engagement of your posts when you use different amounts of hashtags." 70% of the most used hashtags are branded. Consider creating a branded hashtag that you use on each image post for more engagement. This way users can easily recognize who the image is from. TIP: Include only relevant hashtags to Instagram photos. 2. Use Correct Size Images To Stand Out In A Feed There's nothing worse than uploading an awesome photo that gets cutoff or doesn't upload the way you envisioned. Instagram image size used to be 612px by 612px,  but then switched to 1080px  by 1080px to keep up with Retina and other high-resolution displays available on smartphones, tablets and laptops. That's a huge improvement! Instagram still scales these photos down to 612 x 612 pixels, but you don't have to worry about your image getting cutoff. You can edit your photos or create awesome collages with these 7 tools mentioned by Post Planner: Snapseed  - A complete and professional photo editor developed by Google. VSCO Cam  -  Shoot and edit your images in one app. Camera+  -  Set exposure separately from focus. Easily control how light or dark your shots come out. Overgram  -  Choose from 16 carefully curated and dramatically different fonts. Find fonts that are useful, fun, and beautiful, perfect for any occasion. Pic Stitch  -   #1 photo and video collage maker. Squaready  - Allows you to post entire photos on Instagram without cropping. Hipstamatic  - The original photo filter app.  Choose the overall mood of your image with Hipstamatic's signature Lenses, Films, and Flashes, then fine tune with extensive editing tools Make sure that your photos are not only sized correctly, but are also appealing. Studies show that  brighter  pictures get 592% more likes than the darker ones. Muted palettes also get the most likes. So, give priority to grays, blues, and greens. Be cool on Instagram- at least when it comes to colors! Prioritize grays, blues, and greens for max engagement on Instagram.3. Include A Call-To-Action Instagram is a photo sharing app. But, you can use it as a platform to leverage the written word too. Take your audience a step further by adding a call-to-action to your Instagram photos. That call-to-action tells your followers exactly what you want them to do. With Instagram you  can either put  the call-to-action in the caption of the image or creating images with the text built right in. The goal of a call-to-action is to increase the number of likes and comments a photo receives. You can ask your audience to: Double tap photos Tag 2 friends Share a comment Recommended Reading: How to Write a Call to Action In A Template With 6 Examples 4. Include Witty Captions On Photos Not every description has to include a call-to-action. You can win your audience over with a witty caption on your Instagram image. You can spice up your Instagram captions by: Dusting in a question: Whipping up a quick tip: Sprinkling in a benefit: Adding a dash of humor: To achieve maximum engagement on captions, include a few emojis.  Post Planner shared how they earned  3x Instagram growth by using emojis to ignite engagement in both posts and comments. Recommended Reading: How To Write For Social Media To Create The Best Posts 5. Post At The Right Times Instagram audiences are more engaged throughout the week. Quick Sprout found that Instagram engagement is fairly steady, with slight increases on Monday and decreases on Sunday. So, Mondays should get a little more attention since it's the beginning of the week. Here are the best times to post on Instagram: Monday and Thursday at any time other than  3–4 p.m. Videos any day at  9 p.m.–8 a.m. Experiment with 2 a.m., 5 p.m., and Wednesday at 7 p.m. General best times to post on Instagram: 8–9 a.m. 2 a.m. 5 p.m. Find out what times work best for you! Figuring out what drives the most engagement is all about trial and error. Recommended Reading: What 23 Studies Say About the Best Times to Post on Social Media 6. Host Instagram Contests Drive the engagement your way by hosting an Instagram contest.  People are motivated by free giveaways. Hosting a contest is one of the easiest way to gain exposure and get more followers on Instagram, which will help you increase your engagement. Be clear about your objectives and exactly how you want your audience to participate for the best outcome. Define easy, simple rules before you launch your contest. Here are some  tips for hosting contests: Like to win contests.  Users can be qualified for the contest by simply liking the Instagram contest photo. Hashtag user-generated content contests.  Users can share their own photo by including a contest-centered hashtag to the photo to be qualified. Tag 2-3 friends to win contests.  Users can be qualified by tagging two or three of their Instagram friends into the comment section of the contest photo. Make your product the prize.  If your aim is to promote your brand, make sure your product is the prize. Use a contest specific hashtag.  Always use a hashtag when hosting a contest so that your  users are aware that a specific hashtag is related to your contest. Have you tried running an Instagram contest?7. Create Instagram Stories To Drive Engagement Instagram  Stories are fairly new, bringing Snapchat-like functionality to the platform. This function allows users to upload and write over unfiltered pictures and videos that disappear after 24 hours. What does this mean for marketers? Instagram stories will help boost your Instagram strategy. Instagram stories are located at the top of the news feed as circles. You can click on these circles and view the story.  Users can draw on photos and videos, add text and even filters to jazz them up before posting too. It allows you too share content, without clogging up your news feed. To create your own Instagram story: 1. Tap on the plus button found on the top-left side of your newsfeed  or swipe left in your Feed. You can also quickly launch Stories by swiping right from the main screen: 2. Tap the circle button at the bottom of the screen to take photos or tap and hold to record a video. 3. Edit the photos or videos with text or add a drawing as you normally would. If you hit the pen icon, there are three types of pens. The third one makes your sketch look like a neon sign: 4. Tap Done to save your Story. 5. Tap the check-mark button to share to your Story. Here are ways you can leverage Instagram stories to your benefit: Show your brands personality. Upload a fun picture or video of your office shenanigans. Share a quick tip or tutorial.  Try doing a 'Tip Tuesday' or other form of tip sharing story. Advertise limited sales.  Promote a sale you're having directly on your Instagram story. Vote on next post.  Let your audience decide what your next Instagram post will be! Users can comment their answer on your most recent post. Host a QA.  Answer your audience's burning questions through Instagram stories. Stand out from your competition using Instagram stories.8. Include A Link In Profile Do you want your audience to view your website, sign up for a newsletter, or read you blog? Well, you can send them in the right direction by including a link in your Instagram profile description. Instagram prohibits the use of clickable links within your captions but you can change your bio link at any time and use a call to action to drive traffic to that link. To change your Instagram bio: Click  Edit Profile on your Instagram profile page. Click on  Bio. Type out your new bio and include the URL link you want. Select  Done. Make sure to tell your users what the link is for and where they can find it in your Instagram post. Recommended Reading: How to Increase Visibility with Social Media Optimization 9. Share Videos To Attract Attention Although there have been studies that photos see more engagement than videos on Instagram, videos are still a great for engagement if executed correctly. Earlier this year, Instagram videos went from being 15 seconds long to 60 seconds long. Instagram videos are similar to Instagram stories, except they last forever rather than 24 hours. So make sure your video is creative and entertaining. Nike has taken advantage of the video trend: Here's how to shoot a video directly in the app: Have you tried shooting video on Instagram?10. Create Banner Images A tactic that's often overlooked is using banner images. Banner images are multiple images posted that form together to create on big picture on your Instagram profile. It's a trendy way to catch people's attention,  but it could be annoying if it's overdone. Use this tactic only when you have a big announcement or feature to promote. You can even take this a step further by making your audience guess what it is you're introducing.   Build suspense by only posting one part of the picture every week. That way you're audience won't know what you're announcing until all pieces of the picture have been posted. To create banner images you can use  mobile apps such as Giant Square or Banner Pic.  These apps allow you to easily upload the photo you wish to post as a grid, divide it up into several segments and upload them to your Instagram gallery. Curious how to create banner images on Instagram?11. Choose The Best Complementary Filter The key to having a clean Instagram page is to have all your images look similar, or branded. Brand image is how people perceive your brand and it sets you aside from others. It's important so customers can identify themselves with your product based on an image they see. Take our Instagram page for example, all of our images have the same style so it's easily recognizable that it's a post from . According to Refinery29, using the right filter  can increase the odds your image will be seen by 21% and increase comments by 45%. When it comes to brand image: Choose a similar style of filter every time so that your Instagram page looks uniform. Don't use too many different filters. Avoid black and white photos because they don't stand out in a feed. Filters that increase saturation (intensity of color in the image) don't increase engagement. Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Using Color Psychology in Marketing 12.  Cross Promote On Other Social Channels Is your business on Facebook? How about Twitter? Maybe even LinkedIn? Chances are, your business is on more than one social channel. Use these sites as a gateway to bring your audience to your Instagram company page. For example, when your Twitter followers mention your company, you can occasionally respond back by encouraging them to check out your Instagram page. Cross promotion can boost your presence from nothing to something. Remember not to respond to every mention this way so you don’t come across as spammy. Only encourage your followers to check out your Instagram page if you truly think they would. Recommended Reading: Social Campaigns: Simplify Your Social Promotion [New Feature] 13. Follow And Like Similar Accounts To get your business name out there, you'll have to see what other's in your industry are posting on Instagram.  You can follow similar accounts  by searching for hashtags to find likeminded friends. Once you find an account you like, follow them and like 3 of their photos. This  shows the user that not only did someone who is kind of like them follow them, but they also dug a little bit and really liked what they found. Apps like Pixifly, Banjo,  and Instaround allow you  to see what Instagram users in your  area are posting so you  can follow and engage with your local or broader community. Recommended Reading: How to Get Insanely Loyal Followers on Social Media 14. Create Instagram Ads One of the best ways to reach new audiences is through Instagram ads.  You have to spend money in order to make money. Instagram  ads are a guaranteed way to reach more people and bring engagement to your page. Facebook is the parent company of Instagram, so in order to create an Instagram ad, you will need to use the Power Editor feature through Facebook.  Here's a great video on exactly how to set up your Instagram ad. To create an Instagram ad in Power Editor: Click the Manage Ads tab at the top of the page. Click on the left side of the page and then click Create Ad. On the Create Ad page, choose whether to use an existing campaign or create a new campaign. Enter a name for the ad and click Create. 15. Respond To Comments Just like with any social media platform, it's important to respond to comments so that your audience knows your human and you care what others have to say.  Let your audience know that you aren’t a social media robot - you’re a real person. When users comment on your Instagram posts, respond quickly. If you don’t, then it’s going to seem like you’re not very active on your own Instagram page- or you simply don’t care. Your followers will be much more likely to post comments if they know that you are reading them and that you will respond to them in a helpful manner. Use first names when you are responding. Addressing your followers in this way makes them feel more appreciated- not to mention that people love to be acknowledged. Small gestures like these help to build loyalty. If you respond right away, there’s a chance that the conversation will continue since they may still be on your page. Recommended Reading: How to Use Social Media Listening to Create Better Content for Your Audience What Instagram Engagement Tactics Work For You? Take a step back from the typical selfie and use the power of visuals to your advantage! Instagram engagement is 10x higher than Facebook and 54x higher than Pinterest,  so what do you have to lose? Get in there and engage with your audience! Have you tried out ’s Instagram scheduling? Quit forgetting to post on Instagram, and instead do it with just a few clicks. Get a free 14-day trial today, and check it out for yourself. Implement these tactics the next time you post on Instagram and watch your engagement rate skyrocket.

Industry and Macroeconomic Analysis Dissertation

Industry and Macroeconomic Analysis - Dissertation Example USA is by far the greatest contributor with a market value of about $5 trillion (Hughes & Arissen, 2005). The main reason being the cosmopolitan nature of the cities like USA where the commercial value of the property is extremely high. Second contributor is Japan than is estimated to have a market share of about $2 trillion (Hughes & Arissen, 2005). With regards to the GDP, Japan remains the second largest economy of the world and hence, the value of the property is quite high. These two major economies are followed by Germany ($1.1 trillion), UK ($1 trillion), France ($800 billion) and Italy ($600 billion). However, it is worth noting that the 88% of the total real estate market is dominated by the top 15 countries (Hughes & Arissen, 2005). It is a well-known fact that the real estate market is cyclical in nature and booms and busts have been noticeable. The booms in the 1980s were followed by busts in the early 1990s. However, the late 1990s or the early 2000s once again experienc ed a property boom. USA has been the major player in this and the housing market got accelerating demand. Thus, by 2007 this property boom decelerated and the world economy when the global economy was entangled in a global recession marred by a credit crunch. Area of the Study The study focuses upon the property market in Thailand. The main concentration would be on the four leading property companies operating in Thailand namely, Quality House PLC, Land and House PLC, Sansiri PLC and Supalai PLC. The study would incorporate a thorough financial and macro analysis of these companies and the area they are operating. Thus, the dissertation would further try to enhance upon the market value and conditions of the property market in Thailand with regards to these companies and provide a clear picture of the investment possibilities and scenarios. This would be followed up by recommendations. Objectives and Methodology The key objective of the study is to develop a framework through which an investor could gain knowledge about the investment prospects in the Thailand Real Estate Industry. The study aims to provide forecast and conclusion as to whether or not the Thai property sector is attractive from an international investor’s perspective, and also on the companies which will be reviewed. The study would be conducted in a number of steps. 1) The global real estate market would be analyzed. 2) The macro-economic indicators that correspond to the smooth working of the real estate market would be analyzed. 3) Analysis of the Housing Market with respect to the four above mentioned companies. 4) Calculations of their financial ratios. 5) Calculation of the intrinsic values for the four leading companies. 6) Investment decisions and recommendations. The World This focuses upon the changes that have occurred. Light is shed upon the world trend towards economic prosperity. PEST Analysis Political Analysis The political scenario of the world is quite varied. There a re free economies prevailing and at the same time social welfare economies are existent as well. Monarchy – one man rule and democracy have become rivals in today’s political world. Countries like USA, France and India are the major democracies in the world. Contrarily, the Middle Eastern side is marred by despotic rule. The recent upsurge in the opponents of dictatorship has raised their voices and the results have concluded by the uprisings against them in

A Self-Sustained Enclosed Ecosystem in a Jar Lab Report

A Self-Sustained Enclosed Ecosystem in a Jar - Lab Report Example An ecosystem can be describe as the dynamic biological environment that consist of living things in a specific region, abiotic , and environment physical components that interact with the organisms such as sunlight, air (oxygen and carbon dioxide), water, and soil (Hutchinson, 2005). Every ecosystem requires the three basic components that include producers, consumers, and decomposers. The three categories of ecosystem include freshwater, terrestrial, and oceanic ecosystems (Adams, 2001, pp. 33-44). Generally, the ecosystems are divided into main categories that are aquatic (freshwater and ocean) and terrestrial. However, the report focuses on the aquatic ecosystem. The system that the project created was an aquatic ecosystem (freshwater) that was supposed to meet the specific environmental factors to support the living organisms internally (self-sustaining and supporting). Aquatic ecosystems are defined as the ecosystems that are dependent on fresh water, which include rivers, estuaries, wetlands, and streams (Barbee, n.d.). According to Ecology Society of America, the aquatic systems shelter various organisms that are dependent on them. Aquatic systems factors are categorized into abiotic factors and biotic factors. Abiotic factors refer to the non-living components in an ecosystem that have a direct influence on the living organisms community. On the other hand, biotic factors refer to the diversified species that occupy an ecosystem where every specie action can affect the lives of other species in the region. In the aquatic system, the interactions of organisms are based on aquatic environment (Baron & Poff, 2010, p. 7). Consequently, the understanding of aquatic component such as the balance of oxygen in the water, pH, and light contributes to the creation of a successful self-sustained aquatic system. Shrimps in aquatic systems have a substantial effect on other living organisms in a similar ecosystem. The pH of about 6.5-8.0 and balanced oxygen is suitable for maintaining freshwater ecosystem (Bunn & Arthington, 2002, pp. 492--507). Remarkably, a main manner that living organisms affect each other is consumption. As a result, a food web develops among living organisms living in a same aquatic ecosystem (Sala, 2000). Aims and hypothesi s Aims The aim of the experiment was to create a self-sustaining freshwater ecosyste m. The experiment was focused in introducing the student on how to utilize the available resources in correct amounts to create a

Five ways of identifying a setting Essay Example for Free

Five ways of identifying a setting Essay My essay will examine five ways of identifying a setting as inclusive. I work as a nanny in a sole charge role, in a family home. I work with a family of 3 children, one of the little girls has additional needs and she attends a special needs school. I will reflect on my life experiences and the course material within this essay and how this has influenced my understanding of inclusion. Inclusion is about feeling like you belong, being valued and feeling happy within the setting and the local community, regardless of social backgrounds, age and ability. The five criteria I have chosen are The name of the setting, social inclusion, the curriculum, setting funding, and the view of inclusion presented. I have chosen these criteria as I believe they can form the basis for a setting to be seen as inclusive. I believe that the name of the setting says a lot about what is taking place, if you are sending a child to a special unit attached to a school my view is that it should have the same name as the school. Social inclusion is important because everybody has the right to be treated the same, everybody should be interacted with and spoken to in a kind and friendly manner. I think its important that the same curriculum should be followed in all educational settings and then adapted as required for individual needs. It sets a baseline for the educational system so that essential fundamentals are met. I feel that the settings funding needs to be provided equally between main school and special units. I understand that special settings require additional equipment to support their children and needs to be taken into consideration. However, the amount of money spent for teachers should be the same. I think peoples own opinion on inclusion is important as everybody needs to work to the same guidelines in early years provision. If perspective parents are not presented with an adequate view of inclusion it could greatly effect their standpoint on certain settings. All of the five criteria are important to me when thinking about inclusion, and my own understanding of what inclusion involves. Part B Name of setting Pen green has its own name which is unique to the setting, where as Aspen 2 a special needs school has given the name as an addition to the main stream school. Aspen 2 used to be referred to as the mobile which wasnt seen as inclusive. Aspen 2 is now in the main stream school and has it owns unique unit. Deri View is a newly built primary school with a childrens centre attached the local community had a say in the design and structure of the  building. The school and childrens centre is in a poorly deprived part of Wales. Social inclusion Pen Green is a centre for under 5s and their families in Corby in Northamptonshire. Pen green shows social inclusion through its video clips. Pen Green has an open community, providing team building and meet and greet sessions. Pen Green focuses on the whole family, it allows children to progress from a very young age offering groups such as baby massage. The centre offers a wide range of groups and drop in classes, there are options to go to something everyday. Pen Green cares about all the children at the centre and gives them all equal chances at learning and play. Sheena Griffiths-baker a teacher at Pen green explains that we will being these observations to plan for him as an individual (E214,DVD2) which tells me that the setting is inclusive . Pen green offers classes for parents to learn GCSEs or computer courses, which has helped the parents to gain confidence and independence. At Aspen 2 the children all have additional needs they are included in some main stream school lessons. The Aspen 2 students are treated equally in main stream lessons they are given the same work load but are provided with learning support assistants (LSA) to help them to understand. The Aspen 2 students take part in P.E all together and its adapted to their needs. Deri View is a school with the Acorn Childrens Centre attached to it. The school offers primary aged teaching with the Acorn Centre ranging from pregnancy to 13 years old. The Acorn Centre works with the local community to provide children with a breakfast club. The centre offers adult learning and services for parents to use e.g. the crche for when they go to study at the centre. Maggie Teague the head teacher at Deri View comments 70 of our pupils parents were unemployed now that has gone down to between 30 and 40. I am certain the school has an impact, because of the number of parents who have started with us through family learning are now in employment (E214,DVD2). The curriculum The Pen Green centre offers a wide and varied curriculum staff members observe childrens patterns of learning and make action plans on the children to help with planning activities that are age and stage appropriate. The centre records videos of the children which is known as the PICLE involvement, this allows parents to view what their children have been doing at nursery and can link in with what the child is doing at home. Sheena Griffiths-baker explains about the PICLE group There are several PICLE groups, so there will be  morning afternoon and evening PICLE groups so it as available as possible to many parents, so during that time they watch of video of him, the worker discusses whats happening with the parent and then the parents reciprocates with there information of what is happening at home.(E214,DVD2) There are courses for parents to gain an education and learning together groups for adults. At Aspen 2 the local educational authority aims to develop and provide inclusion at the school. The children work to the same curriculum as the main stream school, the activities are adapted to the students needs. Sarah Wilmshurst a teacher at Aspen 2 comments I take the abilities of all children into consideration (E214, DVD2). Children are allowed to sit nearer to the front that allow for sight problems and hearing needs. Some of the children in Aspen 2 work on the gold curriculum which is part of the main stream school programme for children who are struggling. Aspen 2 children are included in sports days, music and art lessons. Richard and Sam two students talk about the Aspen 2 course programmes and that the students gain a course certificate at the end. A teaching assistant called Mary Fellows talks about how some of the children can not access the mainstream education, especially the PMLD students that she works with.(E214,DVD2) At the Deri View school and the Acorn Centre they work together to give the families the best support available, they provide respite care and work with health visitors and the local authority. The butterflies pre-school provided free childcare for children ages 2 and half to 5 years on five mornings a week. The Acorn Centre has credit union service that comes in to the centre to help parents and give advice. The children also have their own saving scheme available to them. Funding and recourses The Pen Green setting provides funding for childrens groups and adult learning courses to allow everybody to be given a chance to attend the services provided by the centre. Pen Green uses the European social fund. Deri View and the Acorn Centre work together with the welsh assembly to provide free breakfasts for children in the area, all children are included. The centre has access to the community fund. Aspen 2 is given money from the local authority to help with special equipment needed to teach the lessons. The PMLD group has bought equipment to make them inclusive. The course materials state that the mechanisms that local authorities use to distribute their resources can have an impact on the development of inclusive practices (E214, Unit 12, p.209)  Views of inclusion The community around Pen Green see that the centre is for parents, grandparents, males and females of all ages and cultures, it provides groups to suit the needs of everybody and the centre represents new schemes in the area. Pen green provides partnerships with local schools and the community. At Pen Green, Donna the Community Education Manager says Pen Greens unique as it grew out of a community and planned by the community (E214, DVD2.) Sure start is used within the centre sign language groups provide people to learn how to communicate with the deaf. The centre has been used for generations. The Aspen 2 setting is for children with serve learning difficulties. One to one LSA support teachers are provided to students. Main stream teachers provide hints on work sheets to allow the Aspen 2 children to be able to do the work. Lynne Mills a teaching assistant at Aspen 2 says in the last 8 years I have had to do a lot more training, (E214,DVD2) This is so that she has the skills provided to teach individual children. Deri View and the Acorn Centre work together and share joint management. The sure start centre is part of the Acorn Centre. The Acorn Centre provides a food co-op, midwifes and speak and language classes. There is a community bus that goes around the people who are unable to make it to the centre and has rhyme times and story sessions on board. The centre has a drop in area for parents where they can go to get a hot drink, have a chat or use the parents forums. Conclusion I feel that a setting needs to treat children, parents and adults as equals to allow the setting to be fully inclusive. All settings need to be offered the recourses needed and given funding to all departments justice. References The Open University, E214 Equality, participation and inclusion learning from each other views, 2011 The Open University, E214 Equality, participation and inclusion learning from each other, DVD 2, 2010

Physical Activity in the US Essay -- Social Issues, Transportation

The level of the population’s level of physical activity is becoming a major public health concern in the United States (Wahlgren, 2011). As a result of urban sprawl, Americans rely heavily on personal vehicles to travel to work or other destinations. This is leading to a sedentary life style for the public as they take to their cars to travel to their destination. The public’s perception of the environments in which they live in are likely influencing their behaviors resulting in their dependance on personal vehicles. (Wahlgren, 2011). The physical environment and peoples’ levels of physical activity are directly connected. Low density zoning and auto-dependent development is resulting in the promotion of sedentary life styles. Most activities, like commuting to work or shopping, requires the use of a personal vehicle because of the area’s isolation in residential zones and commercial zones (Ewing, 2010). Alternative modes like walking or bicycling are ra ther impractical, as the areas often have little to no sidewalks or other pedestrian friendly amenities (Marshall, 2009). The Low density design is developed because residential homes have fewer units per acre and commercial buildings tend to only be a couple of stories and spaced further apart. The sizes of lots tend to be bigger to accommodate large parking lots that are often oversized and unsafe for pedestrians. An effort to combat the continual development of urban sprawl, smart growth development looks to solve this dilemma. The idea of smart growth concentrates its development around compact walkable centers within urban areas. The purpose of this is to avoid the growing sprawl through the implementation of walkable, bicycle-friendly and alternative transportation like b... ...uate personal motivation, however it is an issue that involves social and physical obstacles that must be overcome as well (Steinman, 2010). Environments that enhance walkability are typically associated with greater pedestrian traffic and lower body mass index (BMI). Neighborhood safety and traffic volumes and road speeds have been identified in the ACRES and other studies as determinants to a walk able neighborhood (Steinman, 2010, Wahlgren, 2011). Urban planners can address these issue in several different ways. Placing sidewalks and lighting to clearly guide pedestrians and creating visibility with canopy trees can create safe inviting spaces. Addressing volume and speed on roadways can be addressed by introducing sidewalk bulbs, roundabout and buffers between sidewalks and streets through the use of landscaping (Wahlgren, 2011, Dumbaugh, 2011, Frumkin, 2002).

Notes for Mpp Subject of Mba 1st Sem Essay

Management is a vital aspect of the economic life of man, which is an organised group activity. A central directing and controlling agency is indispensable for a business concern. The productive resources – material, labour, capital etc. are entrusted to the organising skill, administrative ability and enterprising initiative of the management. Thus, management provides leadership to a business enterprise. Without able managers and effective managerial leadership the resources of production remain merely resources and never become production. Under competitive economy and ever-changing environment the quality and performance of managers determine both the survival as In the words of George R Terry – â€Å"Management is a distinct process consisting of planning, organising, actuating and controlling performed to determine and accomplish the objectives by the use of people and resources†. According to James L Lundy – â€Å"Management is principally the task of planning, co- ordinating, motivating and controlling the efforts of others towards a specific objective†. In the words of Henry Fayol – â€Å"To manage is to fore cast and to plan, to organise, to command, to co-ordinate and to control†. According to Peter F Drucker – â€Å"Management is a multi-purpose organ that manages a business and manages managers and manages worker and work†. In the words of J. N. Schulze – â€Å"Management is the force which leads, guides and directs an organisation in the accomplishment of a pre-determined object†. In the words of Koontz and O’Donnel – â€Å"Management is defined as the creation and maintenance of an internal environment in an enterprise where individuals working together in groups can perform efficiently and effectively towards the attainment of group goals†. According to Ordway Tead – â€Å"Management is the process and agency which directs and guides the operations of an organisation in realising of established aims†. According to Stanley Vance – â€Å"Management is simply the process of decision-making and control over the actions of human beings for the express purpose of attaining pre- determined goals†. 8 According to Wheeler – â€Å"Business management is a human activity which directs and Management Science: Theory and Practice controls the organisation and operation of a business enterprise.

Jcp Case Study

James Cash Penny as one of the nation's first department stores. Mr.. Penny founded the company on the principle of always treating customers the way he wanted to be treated: fair and square. In 2012, Spinney stated that their vision is to become everyone's favorite store. In order to update their image, Spinney announced some new strategies to re-llama their brand.Some of the updated strategies Include: pricing, branding, and merchandising. Spinney wanted customers to enter their newly designed stores ND observe the straightforward fair and square pricing, month-long promotions, exceptionally curates products In artful presentations and unmatched customer service. These new strategies were announced In January 2012 and by June 2012 the medal/shareholders were calling for the resignation of the CEO, Ron Johnson.By performing more research on the state of Spinney, I hope to gain a better understanding of the new strategies they have put In place. As part of the research, I would also Like to analyze the Impact of the new strategies, and how these can be enhanced to meet the vision that the company has. As a former customer of Spinney, I feel that I can use my personal experiences to devise a strategy that will help them to once again become America's favorite store.

Free Essays on Partial Birth Abortion

Partial Birth Abortions: Recent Developments Abortion is a topic that many people feel very strongly about, whether for or against it. Since the topic came to precedence in the early 70’s with the case of Roe v. Wade, many people have polarized to one side or another. Political parties are also among this polarization; their agendas for this topic are very different. Recent developments have brought new life to a topic that hasn’t much changed since the Supreme Courts landmark decision. The recent developments are in response to the process of the term ‘partial birth abortion’, which has become one of the great political deadlocks of our day. The history of abortion is one that stretches back to the time of Egyptians. It is however not until the early 1970’s that the issue of abortion came to be in the hearts and minds of the average citizen. Roe v. Wade legalized abortions and brought the topic to the attention of everyone. In the 30 years since the legalization of abortions for the first two trimesters there have been over 40 million abortions, whether or not we are better off for these abortions will never be known. The term partial birth abortion does not have its roots in medical terms, rather â€Å"Pro-choice lobbyists say the term "partial-birth abortion" has been coined by those opposed to it because it is more emotive† (Q it refers to the process of aborting a baby that is more than 20 weeks old and usually not older than 27 weeks. There are cases that babies have been aborted in this fashion that are older than 27 weeks, but for the most part these cases aren’t common. The process of dilation and extraction is very simple, brutally efficient. The process starts by having the doctor remove the baby feet first from the womb, leaving the head still inside. Next, the doctor inserts a sharp object, usually... Free Essays on Partial Birth Abortion Free Essays on Partial Birth Abortion Partial Birth Abortions: Recent Developments Abortion is a topic that many people feel very strongly about, whether for or against it. Since the topic came to precedence in the early 70’s with the case of Roe v. Wade, many people have polarized to one side or another. Political parties are also among this polarization; their agendas for this topic are very different. Recent developments have brought new life to a topic that hasn’t much changed since the Supreme Courts landmark decision. The recent developments are in response to the process of the term ‘partial birth abortion’, which has become one of the great political deadlocks of our day. The history of abortion is one that stretches back to the time of Egyptians. It is however not until the early 1970’s that the issue of abortion came to be in the hearts and minds of the average citizen. Roe v. Wade legalized abortions and brought the topic to the attention of everyone. In the 30 years since the legalization of abortions for the first two trimesters there have been over 40 million abortions, whether or not we are better off for these abortions will never be known. The term partial birth abortion does not have its roots in medical terms, rather â€Å"Pro-choice lobbyists say the term "partial-birth abortion" has been coined by those opposed to it because it is more emotive† (Q it refers to the process of aborting a baby that is more than 20 weeks old and usually not older than 27 weeks. There are cases that babies have been aborted in this fashion that are older than 27 weeks, but for the most part these cases aren’t common. The process of dilation and extraction is very simple, brutally efficient. The process starts by having the doctor remove the baby feet first from the womb, leaving the head still inside. Next, the doctor inserts a sharp object, usually...

Act Two, Scene One Summary for A Raisin in the Sun

Act Two, Scene One Summary for 'A Raisin in the Sun' This plot summary and study guide for Lorraine Hansberrys play, A Raisin in the Sun, provides an overview of Act Two. Searching for Cultural Identity Act Two, Scene One takes place during the same day as Act One, Scene Two the Younger Familys cramped apartment. The tension of earlier events seems to have subsided. Ruth is ironing clothes while listening to the radio. Beneatha enters, wearing a traditional Nigerian robe, a recent gift from her love-interest, Joseph Asagai. She turns off the radio calling its music assimilationist junk and plays Nigerian music on a phonograph. Walter Lee enters. He is intoxicated; he often responds to pressure by getting drunk. And now that his wife is pregnant and he has been denied the money to invest in a liquor store, Walter Lee has gotten plastered! Yet the tribal music invigorates him, and he jumps into an improvised warrior mode, as he shouts things like OCOMOGOSIAY! THE LION IS WAKING! Beneatha, by the way, is really getting into this. Through most of Act One, she has been annoyed by her brother, the stage directions say that she is thoroughly caught up with this side of him. Even though Walter is drunk and a bit out of control, Beneatha is happy to see her brother embrace his ancestral heritage. Amid this frivolity, George Murchison enters. He is Beneathas date for the evening. He is also a wealthy black man who (at least to Walter Lee) represents a new age, a society in which African Americans can achieve power and financial success. At the same time, Walter is resentful of George, perhaps because it is Georges father and not George himself that has acquired wealth. (Or perhaps because most big brothers are distrustful of their little sisters boyfriends.) Im a Volcano Walter Lee suggests that he meets with George father to discuss some business ideas, but it soon becomes clear that George has no interest in helping Walter. As Walter becomes angry and frustrated, insulting college boys such as George. George calls him on it: Youre all wacked up with bitterness, man. Walter Lee responds: WALTER: (Intently, almost quietly, between the teeth, glaring at the boy.) And you - aint you bitter, man? Aint you just about had it yet? Dont you see no stars gleaming that you cant reach out and grab? You happy? You contented son-of-a-bitch you happy? You got it made? Bitter? Man, Im a volcano. Bitter? Here I am surrounded by ants! Ants who cant even understand what it is the giant is talking about. His speech upsets and embarrasses his wife. George is mildly amused by it. When he leaves, he tells Walter, Goodnight, Prometheus. (Poking fun at Walter by comparing him the Titan from Greek Mythology who created humans and gave mankind the gift of fire.) Walter Lee does not understand the reference, however. Mama Buys a House After George and Beneatha leave on their date, Walter and his wife begin to argue. During their exchange Walter makes a disparaging comment about his own race: WALTER: Why? You want to know why? Cause we all tied up in a race of people that dont know how to do nothing but moan, pray and have babies!As if he realizes how venomous his words are, he begins to calm down. His mood softens even more, when Ruth, despite being verbally abused, offers him a glass of hot milk. Soon, they begin saying words of kindness to each other. Just as they about to reconcile further, Walters mother enters.Mama announces to her grandson, Travis Younger, as well as Walter and Ruth, that she has purchased a three-bedroom house. The house is located in a predominately white neighborhood in Clybourne Park (in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago).Ruth is ecstatic to have a new home, although she does feel some trepidation about moving into a white neighborhood. Mama hopes that Walter will share in the familys joy, but instead he says:WALTER: So you butchered up a dream of mine you who always talking bout your childrens dreams. And with that incredibly bitter, self-pitying line, the curtain falls on Act Two, Scene One of a Raisin in the Sun

A Critical Exploration of Models of Continuous Personal and Essay

A Critical Exploration of Models of Continuous Personal and Professional Development - Essay Example These models emphasize on improving the standard of teaching in the colleges and also on creating a learning culture in the college. The creation of a culture of support and collaboration extend the possibilities for self improvement of trainee teachers (Rodrigues 2005). The models for continuous personal and professional development make use of a range of information presented in the development plan of the colleges. These models focus on the needs of the college which are identified through self evaluation. The models also take into consideration the feedback they obtain from the staff and other stakeholders like the students and parents. Performance appraisals which were conducted for the teachers also act as a source of information for these models. The national and local priorities are also taken into consideration. The skill development in the teachers through continuous personal and professional development is done on the basis on well recognized competency frameworks like Dfes Teachers Standards Framework, etc (Kumar 2008). The quality assurance departments make sure that the competency framework being used by these models are of high quality and standard. The continuous personal and professional development processes aim to minimize the hierarchical or the bureaucratic nature of working in the colleges and aim to develop a culture of inclusion. The continuous personal and professional development models are implemented by firstly nominating a leader for the college who takes entire responsibility for the implementation of these models (M.) 1978). The leader receives adequate training which is required for him to manage his responsibilities well. It is this leader who identifies the needs of the college trainee teachers and takes into consideration their performance appraisals. He is responsible to annually give a report to the management regarding the priorities which these development models must