Politics of Backstabbing Essay

Due to the result of such illegitimate political approach, Mr. Rosen was demoted while his colleague was promoted. Shortly after the incident, Mr. Rosen resigned with many questions unanswered (Robbins and Judge, 2007, p. 497). Warning These types of incidents are very common in the workplace as some people would use political games to move ahead. In my opinion Mr. Rosen needs to communicate ith his colleague and solve this issue in a friendly kind of way, to avoid any complication in the future. Be straight forward about his concern and bring up the comments and the abnormal behavior that affecting him. During the conversation Mr. Rosen should offer his assistant if ever needed as a reminder of working as a team. Anyone should feel at peace and concentrate on doing their Job without feeling like being watched or being stabbed in the back. Be sure to keep a written record, dated, time, and every event for future need. Manager or criticize the view. If there was no improvement, Mr. Rosen should take the next step by talking to his manager about his concern and ask for his manager advice to appropriately approach the issue. To avoid the negative repercussions that can come from backstabbing and other illegitimate behavior, manager should research and verify the incident. Never by pass your manager by going straight to the next level, because this can be much more complicated. Present your manager, the fact with any supportive written records you might have and pressing on the fact that this causing your Job’s performance and stress, and would lead to health issues. Backstabbers often claim to be a friend with their victims and act, as if they are hesitant about sharing negative information due to the friendship. Backstabbers aren’t our friend and we should be cautious and prepared of their existent. H. R. Dept. and the Chain of Command The next level can be accelerated to the human resource department if there is no improvement after reporting to the manager. Explain the fact that he had already taken all the necessary actions before proceeding to the H. R. Department. Again, Mr. Rosen will need to press firmly that this dilemma is causing his Job’s performance nd stress that will hurt not only him individually, but this will also impact the company performance as a whole. At this point, human resource should gather any necessary information and take appropriate actions. Hopefully, this is your last stop and be prepared if this doesn’t work, then elevate to the chain of command. There is a reason to every problem, and every problem needs to be resolved. Be sure to keep a written record of all time during this dilemma, since it will be needed to go to the chain of command. Write a complain letter with supportive documents include ritten records and present it to the chain of command and explain that this behavior is causing a hostile work environment. Conclusion One of the most political actions in organizations has consistently found to be promotion decisions. The opportunity for promotions or advancement encourages people to compete for limited resources and positively influence the decision’s outcome. Threatened with the loss of resources people may engage in political actions to safeguard what they have. Certain personality traits, needs, and other factors have been found by some researcher that is likely to be related to political behavior. However, any changes, especially those that imply significant reallocation of resources within the organization are likely to stimulate conflict and increase politicking. Many researches focuses on backstabbing aimed at organizations, but most sabotage is intended to harm a colleague, and generally benefits the perpetrator. It’s not easy to identify back stabber’s motivation. Backstabbers are jealous and generally insecure in themselves. They are very cruel and enjoy hurting others. It is never Justifiable to partake in backstabbing or any other illegitimate political behavior as soon, or later they’ll be caught and suffer the consequences.

Kindergarten-Full Day Versus Half Day Essay

The sky is the limit for children. The benefits of children attending full day kindergarten are far greater than those children that attend half day. Some parents and educators disagree; they say that children should not be forced into their educational career so young. Whether for or against full-day kindergarten, the common goal for all parents is the well being for each individual child. Every child has different needs and capabilities. Parents have to make an informed decision on full day or half day kindergarten. That decision can be a difficult one. Ultimately that decision is the starting point for the next twelve or more years of education for these young children. Connecticut does not have a law mandating all towns have full day kindergarten. The budget process has to make full day kindergarten a priority. The curriculum for kindergarten is limited during half day sessions for children. Because of the time limitations during half day, these children are getting significant amounts of homework to bring home. Before and aftercare is needed due to the short school day for the half day kindergartners, causing parents to pay for childcare. The most important point is that children’s cognitive learning is so crucial at age five. They can absorb so much information at a kindergarten level. Taking advantage of that will give them the best opportunities for the educational career and give them a head start. Kindergarten was originated in 1837 (Burkam 3). Children develop their mental, social, and emotional faculties through play, music, movement, interaction with the outdoors, and opportunities to engage in independent and creative pursuits (Burkam 3). The goal of kindergarten is to prepare children for first grade academics (Burkam 5). Children show great resilience so can therefore adapt to any formal routine, especially education. We must constructively use this critical stage in their lives to have them absorb all the information they can. Most towns in eastern Connecticut have full day kindergarten except Montville. There is no set standard in Connecticut law for all towns to have at least one full-day kindergarten. East Lyme, Niantic, Norwich, Waterford, Ledyard, and Groton have already established a full day program for kindergarten. Montville being the only town in the surrounding area that does not have a full day option available makes it very difficult to those parents in that town to make arrangements for care of their children. Planning a town budget for full day kindergarten is not as complicated as it may seem. Child care is financed primarily by families, who are estimated to be paying between $40 and $50 billion annually (Mitchell 8). Only a small percentage of those funds being spent could be used for funding all schools with full day kindergarten programs. Demonstrating better ways to increase and combine local, state, public and private sources to finance all types of programs so that they can meet higher standards and that all families can afford kindergarten and preschool education (Mitchell 12). Some educators say the biggest obstacle is hiring teachers. They would need twice the amount already staffed. Splitting up the groups of half day classes and teachers could be a solution to that issue. There would not need to be any additional teachers hired in that case. There is so much for children to learn at the age of five. A full day of learning, social interaction, and play is so beneficial. Research comparing half-day and full-day kindergarten shows those children benefit from a developmentally appropriate, full-day program, most notably in terms of early academic achievement—a foundation for school and life success (Villegas 1). Full-day kindergarten can afford children the academic learning time needed to prepare for mastery of primary-grade reading and math skills (Villegas 1) In particular, the weight of evidence shows that full-day kindergarten benefits children in these ways: contributes to increased school readiness, children that are adapted to full day kindergarten are already prepared for the transition into regular grade level schooling, most importantly, they understand rules and behavior, which leads to a higher academic achievement. Standardized tests and classroom grades find that full day students achieve higher and improve student attendance. There is better attendance in full-day kindergarten due to the parents understanding that there is so much more information and teaching provided during a longer day and does not want their child to miss, supporting a childs literacy and language development has long lasting effects that are greater in children that attend full day kindergarten (Villegas 2). One study showed higher reading achievement persisting through third grade and in some cases even seventh grade (Villegas 1). Enrolling a child in full-day kindergarten benefits them socially and emotionally. Full day gives children a balance of structured play and self play. Being with classmates for more hours in a classroom forces them to build positive relationships. Those relationships last sometimes all the way through twelfth grade. Decreases costs by reducing retention and remediation rates (Villegas 1, 2). One study, which found full day students to be more than twice as likely to remain on grade through third grade, showed that this academic benefit helped to offset 19 percent of the first year’s cost of extending the kindergarten day (Villegas 2). For those children in half-day kindergarten, they need to have before and after care in some families, especially when both parents work full time. If there were full day kindergarten, it would eliminate some of that cost of after care. Due to these children needing to go to multiple places throughout the day for care and schooling becomes the issue of transportation. During a parents work day, that child could be bused to as much as three different locations just for child care. Parents prefer longer kindergarten programs because children have to make fewer transitions within a day and they believe their children will be better prepared for first grade (Mitchell 5). Day care programs are valuable, but do not have the curriculum and equal age structure that kindergarten does. Proponents of full-day kindergarten believe that children, as a result of their various childcare and preschool experiences, are ready for more demanding and cognitively oriented educational programs (Burkam 6). Having group play with children ages 0-5 is not beneficial educationally. Children at age five are at an important learning stage in their lives. The more education they can receive in kindergarten the better prepared for school they will be. Full-day advocates suggest several advantages for the longer kindergarten day: it allows teachers more opportunity to assess children’s educational needs and individualize instruction, it makes small-group learning experiences more feasible, it engages children in a broader range of learning experiences, it provides opportunities for in-depth exploration of curriculum, it provides opportunities for closer teacher-parent relationships, it benefits working parents who may need a longer school day (Burkam 6). Reading, math, science are subjects that are the beginning fundamentals in learning Researchers found that children who attended full-day kindergarten scored higher on reading comprehension and mathematics concepts and applications (Burkam 9). Having more hours in a school day allows teachers to take a more one on one approach for the children to really delve deep into counting, the alphabet, writing, speaking, and so forth. The foundation of learning stems from kindergarten. Cognitive development is the most important issue with having children in a full-day kindergarten program. Kindergarten is more than play and social interaction with peers, this time must be used to take full advantage of a child’s potential in learning. Education should be the first priority and focus in a child’s life. The bigger picture is laying the groundwork for children’s educational experience. The younger the child the more prepared they will be for the future and the most successful in life.

Benefits of Cycling

Bicycling has been a long-time hobby which produces both long and short-term benefits. Its an enjoyable activity which involves being outdoors and away from the less beneficial pursuits such as television, computer and the refrigerator. Its a vigorous interest that not just the young and healthy can participate but kids as young as toddlers and the elderly as well. In addition, provided they have the proper equipment, disabled person can too. Cycling fits into a persons lifestyle easier than many other physical activities because it can be used practically, to go from one place to another unlike, say, swimming which is fun but much more limited by the time of year and availability. Its easier on the bodys joints than jogging while getting from point A to point B much quicker and with less effort. Chief among its numerous benefits, cycling is good for health, both physical and mental as well as good for the environment. One of the main health benefits of cycling is that it strengthens the heart, develops endurance and improves circulation which reduces the risks from coronary heart illnesses, one of the major causes of death. Gaining endurance also lowers the chances of contracting some types of cancers and diabetes. Muscles are strengthened and toned from cycling particularly those located below the waistline such as the thighs, buttocks and legs. Many of those who have weakened or injured joints and cannot run to stay in shape turn to cycling to help keep them active because it is a lower impact exercise. Maintaining a proper body weight is not just good for the ego but benefits health in several, well documented ways. A cyclist burns a great deal of calories especially if they are riding a good distance or at a moderate to fast pace. Cycling also has the benefit of increasing a persons metabolism, their inner engine, even after the ride is finished. Reducing body weight lessens the strain of joints making cycling a duel benefit for those who suffer from weakened knees. Weight loss, like improved cardiovascular function, lowers the risk for strokes and heart ailments. Another duel benefit is that cycling strengthens the immune system which, like reducing the chances coronary heart illnesses, lowers the risk of contracting certain cancers. Eye-hand coordination is greatly enhanced by cycling. Stabilizing the bodys weight while moving both legs in a circular motion and using both hands to steer the bike enhance coordination skills. Improving coordination improves agility, athleticism and reaction time, useful in everyday tasks, especially helpful as a person ages. Speaking of, cycling increases a persons lifespan via the health benefits previously mentioned. Its a fun way to get healthy and stay healthy while adding years to your life. (Markham, 2011). Another health benefit of cycling is improved mental health. Any type of exercise nourishes and builds the brain. Peddling a bicycle not only enhances the amount of blood flowing through the heart and muscles but the brain as well. The more blood that is pumped through the brain the more effectively it functions. As a person peddles it forces additional nerve cells to discharge which increases the formation of proteins and other compounds. This action encourages new brain cells to form. Cycling can double or even triple the number of neutrons produced, actually building brain function. Additionally, exercise encourages the activity of neurotransmitters increasing the efficiency of communication between both old and newly formed brain cells. Think of it as building a 4G network to replace the old 3G by taking a relaxing ride through the country or by getting to school or work on your bicycle. Enhancing and developing brain cells while improving the communication lines between them is increasingly vital as we age because as we grow older the brain contracts and those lines of communication naturally grow weaker. Bicycling protects and restores the brain and to no ones surprise, a larger, better connected brain functions better. Adults who exercise display sharper memory skills, higher concentration levels, more fluid thinking, and greater problem-solving ability than those who are sedentary. (Yeager, 2014). Cycling acts to improve environmental health too particularly if one rides a bike to commute to and from school and/or work. It reduces a persons carbon footprint and has been characterized as a green method of transport especially when compared to driving a fossil fuel burning car for all means of getting around town. Bicycles dont spew air pollutants and reduce the nations dependence on fossil fuels. According to the U.S. Census nearly half live closer than five miles from their place of employment. Total emissions would be reduced by more than five percent, a substantial amount, if those people rode a bike to work instead of driving their car. Vehicles produce nearly one-third of all carbon dioxide and 80 percent of all carbon monoxide emitted into the air each year. Shorter trips are proportionately worse due to engine warm-up factored into the equation. Cycling to work when practical would make a big difference in the reduction of the gasses creating climate change. Cyclists, ge nerally speaking, are in better physical condition than motorists who tend to be more obese which means cyclists use fewer energy resources in a range of areas such as food production and transportation. (Bicycle Buying, 2015) The benefits of cycling are numerous not just for the person peddling but for the environment therefore society as a whole too. Its a heart health hobby that enhances brain activity and reduces carbon gas release. Its also a fun outdoor activity which stimulates the senses which are dulled by staying indoors too close to the television and refrigerator. Unlike both swimming and running, cyclists can enjoy a conversation with a fellow rider. Cycling is easier on the joints than running and can be enjoyed all seasons unlike swimming. All-in-all cycling is a beneficial physical activity and hobby.

Emil Sodersten and Architecture Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Emil Sodersten and Architecture - Research Paper Example raphy, accessed April 27, 2013, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/dellit-charles-bruce-9947 In 1927, Emil Sodersten became a council-member of the Institute of Architects in New South Wales, and in 1931 Fellow of Royal Australian Institute of Architects.6 Sodersten died in 1961, at the age of 62. His life coincided with three architectural design periods in Australia; federation period (1890-1915), interwar period (1915-1940), and postwar period (1940-1960). 7 Advent of 20th century is associated with the socioeconomic changes in the Australian society; on January 1, 1901, Australia became the commonwealth of Australia. The socioeconomic changes in Australian history displayed large-scale building construction in the suburbs within Sydney and Melbourne.8 At that time, federation architectural design style was popular in the building construction. Australia borrowed federation design style idea from Queen Anne style of architecture from England and the United States. It refers to the En glish Baroque architectural style and it was popular in the early decades of the twentieth century. Featured architectural characteristics of this style relate to towers, turrets, gables, steep roofs, vertical scale to windows and doors, symmetry and asymmetry, and Australian verandah. Some of the noted architects who used Federation style are Walter Liberty Vernon (1864-1914), George McRae (1958-1923), and Robin Dods (1868 – 1920).9 ___________________________________ 6. Kristine Sodersten. Emil Sodersten: His Contribution to the Development of Architecture in Australia, 1925-1940 (Sydney: University of South Wales, 1967). 7. Richard Apperley, Robert Irving, and Peter Reynolds, A Pictorial Guide to Identifying Australian Architecture: Style and Terms from 1788 to the Present (Melbourne:... Australian history displayed large-scale building construction in the suburbs within Sydney and Melbourne.8 At that time, federation architectural design style was popular in the building construction. Australia borrowed federation design style idea from Queen Anne style of architecture from England and the United States. It refers to the English Baroque architectural style and it was popular in the early decades of the twentieth century. Featured architectural characteristics of this style relate to towers, turrets, gables, steep roofs, vertical scale to windows and doors, symmetry and asymmetry, and Australian verandah. Some of the noted architects who used Federation style are Walter Liberty Vernon (1864-1914), George McRae (1958-1923), and Robin Dods (1868 – 1920). Emil Sodersten’s professional life is associated with the architectural design style era of America and Europe where prevailing styles at that time were Modern and Art Deco. Modern movement in architectur al design style was credited to those architects who had avant-garde ideas, and at the same time were able to articulate them. Avant-grade ideas are personal philosophies and theories. In Europe, Le Corbusier, and architects from the Bauhaus, Frank Lloyd Wright, were the â€Å"influencers† of this movement. In the architectural design, modernism carried a sociopolitical message. The concept of the message was to break barriers among aesthetics, techniques, and society.10 Modernist architects maintained simplicity in form and design,.

Employee testing project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Employee testing project - Assignment Example Performance assessment test can be carried out at organizational or individual level. In regards to organization, Performance assessment test requires strategic plan of the firm to layout goals, objectives and mission in a certain period of time (Anne and Sheldon, 19). Mostly, performance assessment test is carried out especially when the Organization wants to determine their progress with respect to realizing its goals and objective and to have right indicator of workers knowledge and abilities. More importantly, performance assessment test can provide indicators for improving instruction and increasing human resource productivity. This is mainly achieved through enhancement of human resource understanding of their roles specifically after successful performance testing (Anne and Sheldon, 31). Successful performance assessment test is characterized by positive changes in worker relations, their ability and effectiveness improves and improvement of overall performance customer servic e and teamwork. Performance testing also lessens business costs by identifying right workers for training, promotions, and hiring. For example, the figure below represents an employee performance evaluation form for Apple Inc. B. Employee strengths and accomplishments: Include those which are relevant during this evaluation period. This should be related to performance or behavioral aspects you appreciated in their performance. Cognitive ability tests typically use questions or problems to measure ability to learn quickly, reading logic, and reasoning. Cognitive ability tests also utilize other mental abilities that are so crucial in achieving aims and goals of different organizations. Cognitive ability tests evaluates an individual’s potential to solve job-related constraints by providing information about their mental abilities; such as verbal or mathematical reasoning and other potentials like speed in recognizing letters of the alphabet. Although the

Methods, Problems and Issues in Maritime Policy Essay

Methods, Problems and Issues in Maritime Policy - Essay Example The liner cargo-carrying service sector, on the other hand, carries out its operations on regular scheduled services between ports which have been advertised. These advertised ports are known as the liner trades, and they operations are based on the principle of common carriage. In this sector, cargoes are transported for a number of shippers simultaneously, unlike in the bulk sector. It is worth noting that the liner cargo-carrying service sector is ordinarily subjected to a wide scope of regulatory constraints in matters of safety and commercial nature. In a majority of the countries, to be particular, some of the liner shipping practices do enjoy conditional exemptions from the anti-trust laws application. Resultantly, this ability to take part in co-operative practices has been contributory to the organisation and the shape of the sector (Starer & Mayerson 2009, p.1). The bulk cargo-carrying sector, on its part, covers a number of primary sub-divisions whose basis is the specific types of vessels while liquid cargoes are shipped in chemical tankers, crude oil tankers, liquefied gas tankers and refined petroleum product tankers, non-liquid cargoes are shipped in dry bulk carriers and other multipurpose carriers. Ordinarily, vessels operating in the bulk cargo-carrying sector hardly operate on services which have been scheduled. Nevertheless, these vessels operate on precise expeditions in fulfilment of either short- or long-term contracts, in which the entire cargo transported on a particular voyage is property of an individual owner (Hubner n.d., p.24). Furthermore, carriers may be operating a number of routes as per the local demand in certain ports and can be shipping different bulk cargoes. These are habitually known as a tramp shipping sector- which is a separate sector within the shipping industry. The impromptu open market mode of operation distinguishes

Contemporary Social Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Contemporary Social Theory - Essay Example It is not possible to discard the classical theories because modern theories have to branch out of them and as the society is a continuous story, classical theories remain forever relevant. Also we require social theories that could combine and understand many cultures and regional specialities. To understand the demography, social class structure, population, law and justice matters, sociological network and sociological geography it is necessary to have easily applicable social theories. It enables culture mapping, research, social justice and the requirements of a social welfare state. It is necessary to analyse the complexities of contemporary societies, and to understand the present social world. It is necessary to theorise communication between social systems, social interaction, and hierarchies. It is also significant to understand the configuration of power points like global trends, media and shifting political issues. Mills argues that social theory has to be combined with social imagination that shows how the personal issues could affect the large scale social structures: â€Å"Issues have to do with matters that transcend these local environments of the individual and the range of his inner life. They have to do with the organisation of many such milieux into the institution of a historical society as a whole, with the ways in which various milieux overlap and interpenetrate to form the larger structure of social and historical life,† Mills (1959, p.15). Interpreting September 11th in terms of social theory is not easy. Calhoun et al (2002, P.24) argue: â€Å"The terrorist attacks have stimulated public soul-searching. Both attacks and responses to them have raised a host of questions about social organisations, basic social institutions, and how people mobilize amid crises.† Harrington covers both classical and contemporary social theories in his book Modern Social Theory. Harrington

The benefits and drawbacks of digitalisation in educational sector Essay

The benefits and drawbacks of digitalisation in educational sector - Essay Example Some of these changes are positive whereas others are negative. This paper analyses the literature available through secondary research to know more about the benefits and drawbacks of information communication technology or digitalization in educational sector. Benefits of Digitalisation in Educational Sector Computer based technologies are normally used at the current educational sector which help the students and teachers to communicate and share information digitally. Word processing software like Microsoft Word and spread sheets like Microsoft Excel helps students immensely in creating instant documents and solving problems. Spelling checkers, dictionaries and readymade computer programs are available nowadays for corrections and calculations. Presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint helps both teachers and students to express their views in a clear manner so that the mutual communication between the teacher and the students could be improved. Databases like Oracle, MS Ac cess etc help teachers to maintain digital records of students in a structured manner. In short, most of the curriculum functions are heavily dependent on the information communication technology at present. Internal and external networks like Local Area network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) are used specifically by schools and colleges to communicate each other. Interactive digital television (iDTV), as a relatively easy way to use technology, brings many challenges and opportunities into the field of education, i.e. formation and utilization of learning via TV, called t-learning. T-learning has many characteristics (i.e. technological or pedagogical aspects) that differentiate this type of education from other well elaborated... There are many drawbacks also associated with the digitalization of educational sector. Digitalization is an expensive act for educational sector. This paper outlines the problem of global digitalisation. This research is necessary to know more about the merits and demerits of digitalization in educational sector.The digital technology incorporated in educational sector should be user friendly. Otherwise teachers and students may stay away from it. Younger generation adapts more easily with the digitalization process in educational sector than the older generation. The world is getting digitalized more and more as time goes on. The introductions of computers, televisions, mobile phones and internet have created a digital culture which affects every segment of human life at present. The difference in culture between the current world and the world couple of decades before can be identified easily. It should be noted that the communication technologies a couple decades before was depen dent on analogue technology whereas it is heavily dependent on digital technologies at present.Creation of media rich environment in schools and homes is another advantage of digitalization of educational sector. Media plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of education. Students get substantial knowledge from media while they watch educational programs. Internet, email, televisions, tablets and mobile phones help students immensely in acquiring proper knowledge in their educational topics.

Journal #1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Journal #1 - Essay Example Michael, the owner of the Biomedical Tissue Services had a business plan where he would pay the funeral directors to be granted the permission to access the dead bodies and later resell spines, bones and other tissues to other firms who needed human spare parts. In the year 2005, Michael was exposed by prosecutors for having gained $4.6 million in just three years. He offered undertakers $1000 for providing access to the dead bodies, paid the cutters $300 to $500 for extracting the wanted organs, and afterwards took home around $7000 per body. Later on, the New York Police interviewed the families of 1077 people whose bodies went missing for bones, spines and other tissues. Kristen E. Schleiter, a senior research associate for the Council on â€Å"Ethical and Judicial Affairs of the American Medical Association†, in his article "DONORS HAVE NO RIGHTS TO DONATED TISSUE" explains that one might have surrendering ownership of donated tissues of himself or herself or the person close to him or her. One of the definitions of Autonomy is that it allows an individual to participate in a clinical research and donate the body tissues towards research purposes with the boundaries unclear when the donated tissues depart the body and the recipient accepts them. However, no law has been passed to clearly establish and govern the ownership rights in donated tissues but researchers and institution have made assumptions that they have the right to study, transfer, collect, or get rid of human tissue specimens and the associated patient data such as genetic testing. There have also been assumptions by researchers that they can use the tissue and other respective body parts to develop a genetic sequence, cell lines and other products that may be rewarded financially. Moore v. Regents of University of California case proved that even if the excised cells initially belonged to a certain individual, the cells were legally and factually distinct from the research

London by William Blake with Composed upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth Essay Example for Free

London by William Blake with Composed upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth Essay Compare and contrast London by William Blake with Composed upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth and show how each used his poetry to express his views about his life and times. Blake and Wordsworth both display different views and attitudes about the city of London in their poems. They both lived in the same era, Blake lived during the 18th and then on into the 19th century (1757- 1827) and Wordsworth also lived during the 18th and then on into the 19th century (1770- 1850). As the poems were alive in the same era of life they were both alive during the industrial revolution. This was a time when children of a very age were sent up chimneys and were made to sweep them clean. They were used because of their very small size. This turned Wordsworth and indeed Blake against London. They also didnt like other major cities in the country like Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool. The main reason why they hated major cities, with London being the largest one was because they hated pollution. They both preferred the countryside and nature to the hustle and the bustle of Englands city environment. Both poets didnt really like what they saw around them. They were also both romantic poets. In the poem Composed upon Westminster Bridge, by William Wordsworth, the poet is expressing views towards London that are positive. This is unusual for Wordsworth as he normally was against the industrialisation of London. In the poem, Wordsworth is describing the early morning sight of London and in particular Westminster Bridge. He makes out that London looks as beautiful as the countryside without anyone awake and the major; air-polluting factories are empty and quiet. The beauty of the morning; silent, bare, Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie. A main reason, which turned both of the poets against London, was because of the factories and tall buildings, which were caused by industrialisation. They felt that it ruined the natural beauty that the country has. There is also use of different parts of speech, in particular personification. This city now doth, like a garment Also in the poem, which is a sonnet, Wordsworth tries to get the point across to the readers that anyone who doesnt see the beauty of London at this time in the day would have to be a very insensitive and not appreciate anything that was naturally beautiful in the world. Earth has not anything to show more fair: Dull would he be of soul who could pass by, a sight so touching in its majesty. Wordsworth, who was poet laureate, along with William Blake both believed in Pantheism. This meant that they both saw god in nature. In the poem London, by William Blake, the poet is expressing his real thoughts about London as a whole. That it wasnt really a nice place to be. Like William Wordsworth he didnt like London due to the fact that it had become so polluted due to industrialisation. The poem itself, contain four verses, each containing four lines in each verse. The poem is also written in doggerel style, because it is written in a crude and inartistic style. In the poem, Blake is expressing the bad details of London. His thoughts are dark and moody. He compares London to that of a battle site. And the hapless soldiers sigh. Runs in blood down palace walls. This for me sums up the exact thought of the poet, William Blake about London in general. When Blake was writing this poem, it was mid-night in London. The time of night is important in the poem as it reflects the dark and sombre mood of Blake. Right from the offset in the poem there is criticism of London, as Blake describes how the river has nowhere to go. As I wander each chartered street, near where the chartered Thames does flow. It is like the river is mapped out and has to flow exactly where it is shown on the map. This is because London has lost its natural beauty and is now so unnatural. The people who live in London are always having something to moan about, according to the Poet. This is because they are all so trapped in the City, many want to get out of London because it has become so industrialised and they want it so everything is naturally beautiful. And mark in every face I meet, Marks of weakness, marks of woe. Blake also feels trapped in London with nowhere to turn but to more factories. In every cry of every man. In every infants cry of fear, in every voice, in every ban, the mind forged manacles I hear. Blake uses different parts of speech throughout the poem. And blights with plagues the marriage hearse. An oxymoron is used here because people dont usually associate marriage with a hearse. The poets William Blake and William Wordsworth both express their own views towards London in their poetry, Blake with the dull view of London and Wordsworth with his unusual praise for London. Many different parts of speech are exercised in each poem for different reasons. But the poets give us their personal view towards London, each in a descriptive way.

How to Support Your Treatment: The Role of a Patient

How to Support Your Treatment: The Role of a Patient If you are rooting for better health, there is one thing you can do to help yourself: understand your role as a patient so that you can work together with your Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to find the right medication for you. Understand: If you are an active participant in your treatment (PLS LINK to: PAT0077 How can I be an effective participant in making decisions concerning my medication?), you will exert effort to understand the basic things and information about your condition and your medications. Understanding these things means: You will be in a better position to discuss and participate in matters pertaining to your health care decisions, including the selection of your medications    what it is and why it is being selected. You have read about your medication from the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) so you would know its components, how best to store it, what it can interact with (food or other medications), its contraindications, its generic name and brand names, etc. If you are confined in a hospital, you can ask your doctor for a copy. You would know the importance of medication management (PLS LINK to: PAT000 What is med management?), so you will adhere to your prescription the dose and time to take the medication. You would monitor and note the possible side effects and know what to do (PLS LINK to: PAT0064 What must I do when I experience side effects from my psychotropic medicines?) when they happen. You will not just abruptly stop (PAT0048 Can I stop taking my psychotropic medications when I feel better?) taking the medicine knowing it could cause a relapse, withdrawal symptoms and/or even worsen the original symptoms you experienced. Tell Your Psychiatrist: Your psychiatrist will decide on your medication (PLS LINK to: PAT0084 How would my psychiatrist decide which antidepressant to prescribe?) based on the information that you will tell them. So, you have the responsibility to provide them with the information they need to make informed deductions and decisions, and to deliver the best possible care. The quest for the right psychotropic medicine may take a long process if you will withhold certain vital information or be not completely honest with them. What are some of the most critical information you need to tell your psychiatrist? Are you taking other medication supplements, non-prescription or OTC medications, prescription medicines, etc.? Be honest, if you are; and be very precise. Are you abusing or dependent on any substance? Do you have other health issues or conditions? Are you pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding a child? Have you been on a psychiatric medication before? If yes, tell the psychiatrist about your medical history what medications were prescribed to you, your responses, and the side effects, if you had any. Your Other Responsibilities: Choose your psychiatrist or PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) and treat them with respect. This means you will keep your appointments and inform youre the administrative staff in advance if you are cancelling an appointment. Ask questions to be able to understand your condition, medication, and to be able to follow the medication/treatment plan. It is also your responsibility to ask questions when you need information. Inform your Psychiatrist or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner if you are planning to stop taking your medications and why, or if you are considering taking other medications or treatment. Inform your prescriber of your responses or experiences about a prescribed medication that would be relevant in assessing your condition. Tell your prescriber your concerns with paying the fees, buying the medication or your insurance coverage. Keep an updated and accurate history of your own medical information. This can be relevant when you must consult another professional. Responsibly follow and adhere to the treatment plan, which must be agreed upon between you and your Psychiatrist or PMHNP. Support your treatment with a healthy lifestyle and habits. The road towards wellness can be a long one if you will not support your treatment. You can better support your treatment if you are aware of your role as a patient.   This means knowing not only your rights as a patient, but your responsibilities as well. Between being a responsible patient and having good psychiatric care from Living Well Psychiatry at Raeford Road in Fayetteville, NC, you stand to have a better chance of looking forward to better, happier days. Health and Diets Today: Changes in Food Habits Health and Diets Today: Changes in Food Habits Nhat Nguyen Eating today Are you eating an affordable, balanced diet? In todays fast-paced living, people consume various selections of foods; especially on-the-go. How healthy are their meals? Will they ensure the overall health and safety of the consumer? According to the book, Acting Out Culture, unhealthy nutrition habits are more noticeable now than ever before. Some 47 million Americans receive food stamps, some who would otherwise go hungry. A recent government study found that about 5 percent of American households have very low food security, which means that food can run out before the end of the month. (Kristof 172) This raises the question whether the Food Stamps program is effective? In my observations as a foreign student in America, I believe that this program is helpful and necessary because it assists in meeting a basic, daily need that would otherwise be difficult for a financially-challenged person to meet. In fact, it affords the possibility to satisfy other basic needs of life such as affordable housing, season-appropriate clothing, utilities, etc. Another issue of concern are people who unfortunately take advantage of the program; gradually becoming dependent and lazy. Why would they work hard if they can continuo usly manipulate the government system to support their livelihood? Over 56 billion farmed, land animals are killed annually by humans. Fish and other sea animal deaths are so great they can only be measured in tons. Animals are not simply food sources but thinking and feeling creatures that bring necessary balance to our eco-system . An animals life is as important and irreplaceable as ours in the circle-of-life. As children, we are conditioned to view cows, pigs, chickens, sheep and fish as inferior. This way of seeing other species is known as speciesism. Its time for us to change our view on animals with which we share the planet. We need to stop thinking of them as simply resources and start viewing them as sentient beings whose lives deserve to be respected and valued. The solution is veganism. We can prevent a great deal of animal suffering by adopting a vegan diet. We can personally save up to 95 animals a year and thousands during our lifetimes by adopting a vegan lifestyle. Many people believe that animals should not be harmed unnecessarily . By consuming animal products we are participating in harming and killing them. Eating animal products is not essential for human health. Choosing a healthy, varied, vegan diet means respecting the lives of animals and refusing to take part in their exploitation. Organic food is a booming new trend of many consumers due to better food safety practices and product quality. The production of these foods must adhere to specific standards regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In other words, the production of these foods is very closely monitored to ensure quality and safety. About 70 percent of Americans buy organic food occasionally, and nearly one-quarter buy it every week, according to the Hartman Group, a market research firm (Redbook 2016). Consumers are looking for food they can trust.   Organic products have a reputation of offering the highest level of safety and nutritional value by eliminating the practice of using:   fertilizer, pesticides, growth hormones, irradiation, biotechnology, and antibiotics. Studies have shown that these additives are known to cause everything from headaches-to-cancer, birth defects. With that being said, eating organic may be a bit more costly but has proven to be a wiser choice for consumers healthwise. Junk food is a term people often use to label foods and beverages high in calories and sugar. Calories are measured as units of energy and are found in most foods. Sugar or high-fructose (especially of corn syrup) is found in carbonated soft drinks, confectionery, chocolate, fatty oils, many trans fat, and preservative chemicals. These foods and beverages contain little or no fiber, minerals, or vitamins. In America, Junk food is everywhere! Frequent consumption of junk food often leads to health problems such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. For example, there are several McDonalds Restaurants conveniently located in most U.S. cities. Their famous fries are deep fried and saturated in hydrogenated vegetable oil. They also contain preservatives, citric acid, dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate color retention agents, and salt. Frequent consumption of these highly saturated fries will, unfortunately, put you at risk for heart vessel blockage and heart disease. In conclusion, Americans must be mindful of how their food choices affect their health and their planet as a whole. Governments should pay better attention to the food issues of this generation in order to maintain a healthy country for generations to come. Implementation better food habits and practices will surely lead to a healthier world, body, mind; which leads to an overall healthier and better life. Works Cited Its How We Eat, Not What We Eat. Psychology Today. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2016. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/million-meals/201305/its-how-we-eat-not-what-we-eat Neporent, Liz. Organics Safer, No More Nutritious Than Conventional Foods.ABC News. ABC News Network, 2012. Web. 05 Oct. 2016. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Diet/organic-food-cleaner-nutritious/story?id=17138185 Free Essays Must Be Free!TM. Food Stamps Essay. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2016. http://essaymania.com/131523/food-stamps By Adopting a Vegan Diet We Can Personally save up to 95 Animals a Year, and Thousands during Our Lifetimes. Most of Us Already Believe That Animals Should Not Be Harmed Unnecessarily Yet Eating Animal Products Harms and Kills Animals and Is Unnecessary for Human Health. Choosing a Healthy, Varied Vegan Diet Means Respecting the Lives of Animals and Refusing to Take Part in Their Exploitation. Food. Animal Equality. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2016. http://www.animalequality.net/food Kristof, Nicholas.   Prudence or Cruelty?  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   Acting Out Culture, edited by James S.Miller. Bedford/St. Martins, 2015, pp. 172-174.

The Eye of the World :: essays research papers

The Eye of the World is the first book of the â€Å"The Wheel of Time† series which is already on its tenth book. Robert Jordan has followed the footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien. Here he dominated the magical world that Tolkien had revealed in his â€Å"Lord of the Rings†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For us to understand this book clearly, an introduction is needed. It says that the so-called wheel of time is a wheel that rotates as time passes. Because of this wheel, ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Sometimes legends fades into myth which is long forgotten when the age that left it returns again. But the Aes Sedai remember what men forget. The Aes Sedai are those chosen individuals that can channel to the True Source. This True Source is the source of power. The male Sedai channel to the Saidin form of the source while the women channel to the Saidir form of the source. But due to a war very long ago, Saidin was tainted by the dark forces resulting for the men to go crazy or die if they channel. This is why only female Sedai are in the book. A champion of the war, Lews Therin Telamon ( the Dragon), trapped the Forsaken (Aes Sedai who went to the dark side) and Shaitan (Drak One) but became crazy. After his death, it was prophesized that a Dragon Reborn would be born and lead the forces of light. The first book narrates the adventure of three boys, namely Rand Al’Thor, Matrim Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara. Strangers have come to the Two Rivers during the Bel Tine holiday, and the three boys are all happy to live in peace with their families. With the mysterious travelers come strange stories of war and of a man named Logain, who claims to be the Dragon Reborn, the one prophesized to save the world, and also to destroy it in his madness. On the night before Bel Tine, Trollocs come and ransack the village where the young men live. Together with the mysterious Moiraine, an Aes Sedai, and Lan, a warder, the young men escape with a few other companions into the night and make their way toward Tar Valon, the city of the Aes Sedai. Dangers, such as Darkfriends, appear from many corners. Because of this, it becomes difficult to know who to trust. The boys can't escape the Dark One easily, for not only do his minions relentlessly pursue them, the Dark One even invades their dreams .

Promoting Success of Sainsbury Essay -- Sainsbury Supermarkets Consume

Promoting Success of Sainsbury (A) Describe the business and its aims and objective Logo: Sainsbury's - making life taste better In this report I will be investigating how marketing in business helps using organisation that has a national promotional campaign for its products or services. Sainsbury’s Supermarkets The business I have chosen to investigate is the large supermarket store called J Sainsbury’s; Sainsbury’s is one of the top supermarkets that you are able to buy products and services at a good quality. Sainsbury’s supermarkets were established in 1869 by John James and Mary Ann Sainsbury’s and is Britain’s longest standing major food retailer chain. Sainsbury’s is a very large supermarket and employs over 145,000 people of these 60% are part time and 40% are full time. 62% of all the employees they employ are women. The supermarket now have many types of store where customers can get products from but a large supermarket will offer customers 34,000 products and over half are Sainsbury’s own brand including fresh produce form tomatoes to spinach. Logo: J Sainsbury plc In addition to a wide range of quality food and grocery products many stores offer bread baked while your shopping, meat and fish counters, pharmacies, coffee shops, restaurants and petrol stations. Because of many of these services Sainsbury’s supermarkets are able to serve over 11 million customers a week and as at March 2004 had 583 stores throughout the United Kingdom. Sainsbury’s bank Sainsbury’s over the years now have not just been in the area of providing food products but now have a Sainsbury’s bank which was opened for business on the 19th of February 1997, this was a joint venture between Sainsbury’s and the bank of Scotland this was a big achievement for Sainsbury’s because they were the first bank of the UK this was a good groundbreaking venture for Sainsbury’s to take because they were able to attract 2 million customer accounts. Sainsbury’s also now provide a range of affordable services including life and health cover, personal loans, savings accounts and travel insurance. In the year 2003 Sainsbury’s bank was named the best provider in the money direct awards. Sainsbury’s today Sainsbury has seen a change in customers requirements with organic food healthier foods and convenience food all being top... ...nal and business objectives because Sainsbury’s will see positive correlations. If Sainsbury’s are able to achieve this more objectives can be met like delivering great services to customers The importance of the promotional aspect of the marketing mix is that the four ps are a means of communicating to the customer which is a very important tool without the promotional p it would cause a lot of problems and they will not be able to communicate products to their target audience in an effective way which will cause a decrease in sales and profits. By having the promotional p it will boost the image of Sainsbury’s which will allow more customers to know about the promotional campaign and the goings on of Sainsbury’s. It is also important that Sainsbury’s stick by their promise through their means of communicating so that they do not mislead customers into the wrong direction they will need to ensure that the availability of products are high standards and are the resources available at the right time and at the place also they will need also ensure that they keep their focus on their target market mix different target audience because this will get confusing.

Writing Your IEP :: essays research papers

Writing Your IEP 1. You’ll need several sheets of clean paper, and a pencil or pen. (If you like using a computer, that’s fine, too. So is a tape recorder! You can also have a friend take notes for you.) 2. Start by describing your disability.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What is your disability called?  How does your disability affect you in school and at home? (For example, what things in school are harder because of your disability?)  What do you think is important for others to know about your disability?  If your aren’t sure what to say, think about what the students on the tape had to say. How did they describe their disabilities? 3. Look at your old IEP goal and objectives. Do you think you have met those goals and objectives? (This means you can do the things listed there.) Put a check next to the goals and objectives you have met. 4. What goals or objectives have you not met? Write these down on paper. They may be important to include in your new IEP. 5. What are your strengths and needs in each class or subject? Make a list. This can be hard to do. Here are some suggestions to help you:  Start with clean sheets of paper. Title one sheet â€Å"Strengths† and another sheet â€Å"Needs.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚    Ask yourself the questions between the lines below (called Ask yourself). These can help you think about your Strengths and Needs. Write your ideas down on your â€Å"Strengths† and â€Å"Needs† worksheets. Hints: If you’re not sure how to answer a question, look at the examples given. Also, think about what the students on the tape had to say. How did they describe their strengths and needs? What accommodations did they ask for? What did they say they needed to work on in school? 6. Show your old IEP to your parents and your teachers. Do they think you have met these goals? What gals haven’t you met? Add their ideas to the list that you started in Step 4 above. 7. Ask your teacher what they believe your strengths and needs are in each class or subject. Write their ideas down. 8. Develop new goals and objectives for this year, using the list of strenghts and need you and your parents and teacher developed. 9. Describe the accommodations you may need in each class to meet these new goals and objectives. (See: the list of accommodations.) 10. Think about your plans for the future what you’ll do after you’ve finished high school.

Traffic: Road and Public Transport

?Traffic congestion in many cities around the world is severe. One possible solution to this problem is to impose heavy taxes on car drivers and use this money to make public transport better. This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of such a measure. One of the first benefits of such a measure is that the heavy taxes would discourage car owners from using their cars because it would become very expensive to drive. This would mean that they would begin to make use of public transport instead, thus reducing traffic problems and pollution as well.Another benefit would be that much more use would be made of public transport if it was improved. It is often the case that public transport in cities is very poor. For example, we often see old buses and trains that people would rather not use. High taxes would generate enough money to make the necessary changes. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks to such a solution. First and foremost, this would be a heavy burden on the car driver s.At present, taxes are already high for a lot of people, and so further taxes would only mean less money at the end of the month for most people who may have no choice but to drive every day. In addition, this type of tax would likely be set at a fixed amount. This would mean that it would hit those with less money harder, whilst the rich could likely afford it. It is therefore not a fair tax. To conclude, this solution is worth considering to improve the current situation, but there are advantages and disadvantages of introducing such a policy.In modern life we have to face with many problems one of which is traffic congestion becoming more serious day after day. It is said that the high volume of vehicles, the inadequate infrastructure and the irrational distribution of the develpoment are main reasons for increasing traffic jam The major cause leading to traffic congestion is the high number of vehicle which was caused by the population and the development of economy. To solve t his problem, the government should encourage people to use public transport or vehicles with small size such as bicycles or make tax on private vehicles.Particularly, in some Asia countries such as Viet Nam, the local authorities passed law restricting to the number of vehicles for each family. The methods mentioned above is indeed effective in fact. That the inadequate infrastructure cannot handle the issue of traffic is also an crucial reason. The public transport such as bus, subway or train is not available and its quality is very bad, especially in the developing countries. Besides, the highway and road network is incapable of meeting the requirement of increasing number of vehicle.Coping with these difficulties, the government should make an investment in the traffic facilties, namely, the publc transport need improving to become more modern and convenient. In addition, it is useful to build overpasses and more lanes in the streets. Apparently, the irrational distribution and the lack of conscience make the traffic worse and worse. The head offices, the univeristies or hospitals often locate in the centre of city attracting a heavy flow of people in rush hour.To handle this situation, the government should allocate suitably , for instance some unviersity or office will be moved to the outskirt of city. It is necessary to encourage poeple obey the traffic rules which will make greatly change the problem of traffic. Finally, it's high time we were aware of the disadvatages as well as the solutions to the traffic congestion. With great effort from each individualist and government, our society will be definitely cleaner and well i organized

Tourism Development In Sikkim Essay

Tourism development in Sikkim has passed through many phases.At Government level the development of tourist facilities was taken up in a planned manner.The Government took several significant steps. A State Policy on tourism was announced in 1992. Later in 2000,The Tourism formulated a comprehensive plan for achieving a sustainable growth in tourism. In 2001, The Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Sikkim (ECOSS) is a registered NGO and operates out of Gangtok, ECOSS believes in the conservation of biodiversity, local culture, promotion of sustainable livelihoods through community mobilisation and empowerment. It conceptualised and hosted the South Asian Regional Conference on Ecotourism (SARCE 2002) at Gangtok with the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and the Ministry of Tourism which essentially brought ecotourism into the development profile of the North Eastern States and put Sikkim on the ecotourism map of India. ECOSS has successfully executed the Sikkim Himalayan Hom e stay Project funded by UNESCO under their Cultural & Ecotourism in Mountain Regions of Central and South Asia programme from 2004-2007 for promotion of community home stays in Yuksom, Dzongu, Kewzing and Pastanga through capacity building of ecotourism service providers. ECOSS has been a key player in The Gangtok Water Supply and Sanitation Scheme Project funded by the Australian Government International Development Assistance (AUSAID) Programme under their Community Small Grants Scheme. It has been actively involved in the improvement of water supply, sanitation and solid waste management in Greater Gangtok area covering 55 various schemes and benefiting over 26,000 people.ECOSS has executed the Rural Tourism Cluster Project funded by NABARD for the promotion of community based home stays and ecotourism activities in the villages of Rey Mindu in East Sikkim and Lingee Payong in South Sikkim. ECOSS continues to conduct numerous awareness and capacity building trainings in the ecotourism sector both within Sikkim and in the North Eastern states. ECOSS has conducted a pilot project for the revival of the ancient weaving practice of giant nettle fiber cloth amongst the Lepcha community of Dzongu. It has also provided consultancy services on ecotourism for the ADB funded SASEC Tourism Infrastructure Project in Sikkim In 2011 ECOSS has been instrumental in creating the Vision Document for Quality Elementary Education for the Human Resource Development Department, GoS.  ECOSS is also currently engaged in the JICA funded Sikkim Biodiversity and Forest Management Project covering the North District Definition related to Sikkim Ecotourism 1. Ecotourism: A form of tourism that involves travelling to natural areas with the specific objectives of learning, admiring and enjoying nature and its wild plants and animals as well as local people’s cultural aspects including religious monuments, while conserving the natural and social environment, and improving the welfare of the local people. 2. Ecotourism Activities: Activities coordinated by a qualified nature and cultural interpreter designed to entertain and educate clients. Examples of above mentioned activities are;- a. activities in mountains such as trekking, bird and wildlife watching, hiking, photography, mountaineering etc; b. activities in rivers and lakes such as angling, rafting, kayaking, photography etc; c. participating in cultural and traditional events such as agro-tourism, handicraft making, fairs and festivals and Himalayan folkways. 3. Sustainable Ecotourism Development: Development of ecotourism in the State of Sikkim, which meets the needs and aspirations of the current generation without compromising the ability to meet the needs of future generations. 4. Ecotourism Assets: Natural and cultural features that attract visitors, such as landscapes, endemic or rare flora and fauna, local agricultural products, local culture including festivals, local folktales, history, historical monuments and heritage sites. 5. Ecotourism Products: A combination of activities and services which are sold and managed through qualified ecotour operators including local communities or individuals. 6. Ecotourism Services: Services including transportation, local cuisine, camping, home stay, guiding and interpretation. These services should cause minimum damage to the natural and cultural environment and promote a better understanding of the natural and cultural aspects of an area . 7. Interpretation: Communication that helps visitors to understand and appreciate the community resources. Interpretation includes facts, but also reveals the reason of the importance of those facts so that visitors are able to understand why the resources should matter to the individual visitors. Interpreter is a person who provides interpretation in natural and cultural areas, interpretation center, parks and etc. Sikkim ecotourism council The Sikkim Ecotourism Council will be an autonomous council as outlined in the organizational diagram. The Sikkim Ecotourism Council will have an executing arm which is the Ecotourism Directorate (ED) working under the Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department (FEWMD). The Council will have a local village level operational system which incorporates various Community-Based Organizations (CBO) working in tandem with Panchayat, Non Governmental Organisation, Tourism Development Committee (TDC), Self-help Groups (SHG) and other local people’s representative groups. Members of Sikkim Ecotourism Council are as follows. Chief Patron : Chief Minister Two Patrons : Minister of Forest and Minister of Tourism, Chairman : Chief Secretary Member Secretary : PCCF-cum-Secretary, Forest Department (FEWMD) Member : Chief Wildlife Warden Member : Secretary, Tourism Department Member : Secretary, Rural Management & Development Department Member : Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services Department Member : Secretary, Home Department Member : Secretary, Sports & Youth affairs Member : Director, Ecotourism Directorate Member : Person of National Ecotourism Expertise Member : National Level NGO Members : Four Local Level NGO and CBO Member : Travel Agent Association of Sikkim (TAAS) Role of ecotourism council a. bring all key stakeholders on a common platform of understanding of ecotourism activities . b. coordinate all key stakeholders to work on the  ecotourism activities carried and reflect their opinion to the activities; c. establish guidelines for ecotourism, and revise them in consultation with the key stakeholders including NGO, CBO, local communities, tour operators, tour agents and relevant government authorities from time to time as per the requirements; d. ensure that the new guidelines are consistent with the Code of Conduct for responsible tourism prepared by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India and adopted by Dept of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Govt. of Sikkim); e. monitor the activities of ecotourism to ensure minimum negative impacts on the biodiversity and ecosystems of Sikkim. Emphasis should be on the carrying capacity of the Protected Areas (PAs) in Sikkim including Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP); f. evaluate the negative impacts brought by ecotourism activities and existing rules and regulations, and review and revise the rules in consultation with the stakeholders which have direct or indirect influence to the ecotourism activities as and when necessary; g. review and finalise a draft ecotourism action plan and a long-term development plan which are prepared by ED; h. monitor the trainings and capacity building carried out by ED; i. monitor and influence the activities of private entities which violate the main principles of Sikkim Ecotourism, through relevant organizations; j. request tour operators, guides and home stay owners to provide information on Sikkim’s ecotourism products and ecotourism services, since this information is needed for planning and monitoring of ecotourism activities; Role of ecotourism Directorate of Sikkim Role of ecotourism council is as follows (A) Planning and Development: i. ensure the implementation and execution of the ecotourism guidelines; ii. coordinate with the Home Department, and other related key government organizations in border sensitive ecotourism sites to ensure the smooth operation of ecotourism activities; iii. implement the strategies described in Sikkim Ecotourism Policy; iv. organize seminars, workshops and international conferences among concerned government officials, NGO, CBO, and other stakeholders, from time to time so as to consider the emerging needs/suggestions etc from all sections of society. (B) Financing: i. monitor the revenue generation and allocation of funds for the development of ecotourism; ii. develop a plough back mechanism with an autonomous status for funds generated for sustainability of ecotourism related activities. (C) Operation and Management: i. work in close collaboration with NGO and state level of CBO to implement the ecotourism activities; ii. collaborate with NGO, CBO, TDC, SHG and other local people’s representative groups to implement the ecotourism activities at the village level; iii. set standards for the carrying capacity in the Protected Areas and other Reserved Areas to prevent damage to the biodiversity and ecosystems; iv. publish newsletters, bulletins, pamphlets, status reports and other information and disseminate important government notifications and rules; v. ensure visitors, tour operators, tour agencies and guides to follow the prescribed guidelines. (D) Monitoring, Evaluation and Research: i. monitor the environmental impacts which are caused by tourism activities and plan/take necessary remedial measures to mitigate the same; ii. enlist ecotourism operators in the state and monitor their activities; iii. facilitate scientific assessment of relatively unexplored ecotourism destinations for their potential and promotion; iv. develop participatory tourism monitoring plans in collaboration with NGO, CBO, SHG, TDC, Panchayat, EDC, PSS and JFMC; v. monitor the training and capacity building programmes that are conducted by various other agencies and provide support and cooperation; Strategies for Sikkim tourism development 1 Strategies for planning, zoning and modelling for the Ecotourism sites and other general tourism sites are a. FEWMD and Tourism Department work together to identify the tourism zones and general tourism zones b. prior to establishment of the tourism zoning, plan consultations with the local NGO, CBO, TDC, SHG and other local people’s representative groups as well as key government organizations such as Rural Management and Development Department on the issue of the ecotourism zoning at each area; c. establish zonings for tourism development sites, which will be called tourism zone hereafter,  and general tourism development zone, and differentiate the two zones in Sikkim; d. select villages from the tourism zone and establish a model from each district and focus on efforts on allocating finance, manpower for capacity building and facilities and equipments, and disseminate the successful cases to the other ecotourism zone; e. make some variation of the tourism zone which has specific objectives such as, tourism zones for trekking, tourism zones for bird watching, tourism zones for flower photography; f. regulate the design and appearance of new ecotourism infrastructures such as, accommodations, view points, footpaths, and restaurants that blend with the landscape; etc Strategies for Training and Capacity Building Strategies for training and capacity building are a. train and build the capacity of local communities including home stay owners, youth and women’s groups who wish to engage on ecotourism activities. The topic of the training and capacity building are specific themes such as, environmental education, home stay management, waste management, computing, finance, ecotour program designing, interpretation, risk management, cooking local cuisine, guides for trekking, bird watching, fauna and flora photography, angling, rafting, religious monuments and languages; b. prepare and provide training materials including training manuals, text books and training courses; c. provide technical capacity building for tour operators, CBO, NGO, frontline staff of FEWMD as well as various stakeholders including STDC, EDC, JFMC, PSS and Panchayat; d. identify village level CBO’s engaging on ecotourism activities, and provide necessary capacity building to them; e. identify and review the existing regulations and bye-laws and other regal is sues related village level ecotourism activities. Support CBO to clarify those issues prior to commence the ecotourism activities; f. plan certificate courses for nature interpreters and ecotour guides for trekking, bird watching, fauna and flora photography and other activities; g. identify low season income generation activities to complement ecotourism such as handicraft souvenirs, food and fruit processing, production, repairing and maintenance of adventure equipments; h. provide training and capacity building to FEWMD staff as well as Tourism Department staff within the state to understand the clear  meaning of ecotourism as an activity supported and monitored by FEWMD to be driven by CBO. Strategies for Benefiting the Economically Disadvantaged People Strategies for Benefiting the Economically Disadvantaged People are a. facilitate self employment opportunities for the economically disadvantaged people in ecotourism enterprises; b. encourage supply of goods and services to tourism enterprises by the economically disadvantaged people; c. facilitate direct sales of local goods and services to visitors by the economically disadvantaged people (informal economy); d. encourage establishment and running of tourism enterprises by the economically disadvantaged people – e.g. micro, small and medium sized enterprises, or community based enterprises (formal economy); e. set up systems of voluntary support by tourism enterprises and tourists to the economically disadvantaged people. Strategies for Safety Strategies for safety are; Ensure to have insurance set by all the tour operators, guides, tour agents whose clients may have accidents and injuries during their trip, and guides to carry first aid kit when they are in the field with their clients; Plan training and issuing certificates system for safety including risk management. The training will focus on methods of risk management avoid problems, medication to save clients and quick rescue operation to all the tour operators, guides, tour agents whose clients may have accidents and injuries caused by the engagement of tourism activities; Plan a system of notifying landslides high risk areas as well as other dangerous places for visitors by ED to the tour operators, tour agents, guides and drivers of vehicles through the related associations on a regular basis; Develop a series of hazardous maps of ecotourism sites (places, characteristics of hazardous, etc.) in Sikkim in sustainable manner and update it regularly; Plan a quick response team for an event of any kinds of accidents related  ecotourism activities; Plan a system of emergency call for medical doctors an event of visitors’ sickness or injuries. Strategies for Certification Strategies for certification are; Plan a committee which includes STDC, TAAS, SAATO, TDC, NGO and CBO to work on certification related to the ecotourism activities (e.g. home stay, tour operators, environmental friendly lodges) ; The certification process has to be transparent based on specific guidelines which are monitored through social auditing;   ED, STDC, TAAS, SAATO, TDC, NGO and CBO work together to identify necessary certification items related to ecotourism activities such as renewable energy, ecotour guide. They will plan further courses for the identified items. Strategies for Finance Strategies for finance are; Plan a mechanism of financial system through banks at reasonable interest rates targeting the local people who wish to engage in tourism activities; Inform the financial system to the people in Sikkim including the local villagers;

Walgreens Analysis

Walgreens Strategy Analysis Retailing: MKTG 3740 B April 7, 2013 I. History and Mission Statement Walgreens has grown from a small, neighborhood-oriented drug store to a trusted, national pharmacy. Founded in 1901 by Charles R. Walgreen, the company bloomed from a commitment made to perseverance. Walgreen came from Dixon, Illinois at the age of sixteen, working an unpleasant job at a drug store after he lost a portion of a finger that left him incapable of continuing a career in athletics.He left with an ambition of entrepreneurship as the flourishing city of Chicago welcomed him with the booming pharmacy business. Devoted to his goal, Walgreen worked his way through gaining experience and financial stability within the growing industry. His work experience through jobs with different pharmacies allowed Walgreen to analyze the strengths and weaknesses in their business operations. Focusing on the gaps in service and the needs by customers that were not being met, Walgreen had an oppo rtunity to capitalize on the industry’s shortcomings by opening his own pharmacy.After earning enough money to put a down payment on a loan for the store that he was working in at the time from Isaac Blood, Walgreen finally owned a store in a great location just south side of Chicago in a prosperous area. He renovated the space, employed a colleague, broadened the selection of products offered, and priced at a fair rate to improve efficiency. One of the differentiating strategies that Walgreen implemented was through utilizing his development of the â€Å"two-minute† drill.This service allowed a local customer to call Walgreen’s store, request an item, and have it delivered by one of Walgreen’s handymen within two minutes of the customer calling. The good reputation of his service spread quickly among the community. The next chapter in Walgreens store innovation and competitive edge was his idea to sell hot food items during the winter, cooked by his wife , Myrtle Walgreen. The trend of that time for many businesses was to have a soda fountain that served cold drinks and milkshakes, which Walgreen also served during the hot summer months.His approach to customer service carried through to winter months with the hot food serving, while his competitors failed to keep up with what would eventually become an essential part of drug store business. Walgreen’s store was growing at a strong pace. By 1929, he had 525 operating stores, 633 in 1975, and hit one thousand open stores in 1984. Today, Walgreens opens around 425 new stores, on average, each year. Through the company’s mission statement, Walgreens strives to be the most trusted and innovative pharmacy with health and wellness solutions and serve consumers across the U.S. Walgreen set out to help people get well and stay well. With constant innovations in technology and customer satisfaction, the company is expected to continue to soar. II. Key events that shaped the com pany Over the past century, there have been economic conditions, changes in demographics, technological advancements, and competitive pressures that Walgreens has had to face and overcome. The first major event that shaped the company was the featuring of the soda fountain in the store in 1909, which lead to the introduction of the malted milkshake that became an American icon.Although a minor triumph at the time, the milkshake attributed to the growth of the company overall. The next event to affect the company hit hard. The Great Depression was a difficult time for most businesses and many were dying out and closing. Walgreens, though vulnerable itself, was able to push through this time by implementing the value of marketing. Through smart advertising and innovations in customer service, Walgreens not only survived the depression but also was able to help by employing workers and added to its testament of always being able to adapt to the changing times.After the death of Charles Walgreen in 1939, his son took over the president position in the company. Fast-forwarding to the next significant even in 1950, when Walgreens opened its first small, self-service store. This event is representative of the innovation and move toward the future that Walgreens will continue to see. A jump to 1975 is a marker of importance as the company reached $1 billion in net sales. In 1999, Walgreens. com opened, offering a convenient shopping experience for its customers online.Today, them most influential growth strategy Walgreens has implemented is the partnership with Alliance Boots to form the world’s first pharmacy-led enterprise. The two brands coming together will position Walgreens for growth in the long-term by transforming Walgreens drug stores into a community, daily living destination while expanding across new avenues of markets and reinventing cost structures. III. Key Financial Data The financial highlights from the income statement of Walgreens Co. n 2012 include a net sales figure of $71,633 million; a decrease of 0. 8% from the previous year. Net sales combined with a cost of sales of $51,291 million lead to a gross profit of $20,342 million; again, down from the previous year by 0. 7%. A net earnings comparison shows a 21. 6 % decrease from $2,714 million in 2011 to $2,127 in 2012. Some in-store sales figures help explain some declines with a prescription sales decrease of 3. 1% and front-end sales increase of 3. 6%.These key financial figures represent a trend in diminishing profits for Walgreens in prescription drugs for the past fiscal year, but a growth in front-end sales, which is an indicator of pharmacy-related issues. IV. The drug store industry analysis As an industry that has been around since the late 19th century, the drug store is comprised of staples and pharmaceuticals retailing. History of the industry recalls the first drug store being opened in 1823 and strictly worked with pharmaceuticals under the first regist ered pharmacist. As the tores became more popular and customers’ needs grew for different products, the industry transitioned into including staple items. Today, the average retail products include (but not limited to): prescriptions, food, cosmetics, toiletries, and tobacco products, but dominate in the pharmaceutical department that holds the highest profit. Chain drug stores currently possess the greatest market share in the industry when compared to independent stores and the majority are incorporated at 76% of all drug store firms. Among the top three company chains are CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.This segment within the industry is highly competitive with demand growing. V. The future of drug stores With demographics changing, especially within the U. S. , the future of drug stores is expected to transform their product offerings. A shift to concentration on prescription drugs sales, as the general public grows older, will be responsible for a decline in products that are no longer demanded as staple items (ex. beauty aids and fragrances). A growing trend seen in the current market is self-diagnosis and self-treatment along with the addition of generic drug sales.Customers are being offered a generic drug alternative for a lower price and are becoming more inclined to self-treating without the help of a pharmacist. Another movement towards the future includes implementing advancements in technology. Many stores currently use self-serve checkouts and photo printing booths. Advancements in electronic prescription filling and ordering refills online are playing a big role in development. Therefore, a broader depth of target market research and differentiation in product offering based on research results may be beneficial to the survival and growth of the drug store industry.VI. SWOT analysis of Walgreens Strengths and weaknesses Walgreens, as mentioned before, is one of the leading examples of success within the drug store industry. A continuous ne ed for improvement and adaptation to the changing market keeps Walgreens alert and attentive, in step with customer wants, which serves as one of its major strengths. The past 3 decades for Walgreens have been those of growth and exceeding competitive sales. The use of technology incorporated in Walgreens store operations allows the company to receive and analyze real-time sales data and customer interaction.Systems such as the POS (Point of Sale) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) generate up-to-date information on impact of certain store displays on sales and record marketing data needed to maximize profits. In order to serve customers more effectively, Walgreens offers convenient services online, such as photo printing and prescription call-ins. The implementation of technology as a tool for tracking data and servicing is another strength of the company. Walgreens offers a loyalty program to its customers to further improve on customer satisfaction.The reward program, call ed Balance Rewards, is a point-based system that gives discounts and coupons to customers whenever they use the loyalty card and earn points. Many ways to earn points include filling prescriptions, purchasing certain items in-store and online, using the mobile app to purchase items, and a Steps with Balance Rewards that tracks when the customer is living a healthy lifestyle. The customer can redeem his or her rewards for more coupons and discounts on future purchases. While the success of Walgreens is prevalent, weaknesses within the company prevent Walgreens from reaching perfection.A major weakness and concern for the company is opening too many stores. This may seem strange, considering the growth in demand for more stores is perceived as a positive characteristic, but cannibalizing their own market at the growing pace could lead to a mass reduction in sales and revenue by stealing customers from their current top selling stores. As Walgreens is always adapting to its market and looking for new opportunities, an important factor to look into would be limiting how many new stores they are opening and evaluating their product portfolio. Threats and opportunitiesThreats are inherent in any business. Competition would not be possible without external threats. The biggest threat to Walgreens is the rise in grocery store and supermarket discounters. Before, drug stores competed against other drug stores and pharmacies in a highly competitive market. Now, stores like Target and Kroger are offering prescription drug services and are able to do so at a discounted rate. Since these stores carry a much larger assortment of products and more SKUs than a typical drug store, they operate at lower costs and charge a cheaper price.The current economic state poses a threat to businesses everywhere. Within the drug industry, the cut from Medicaid in 2007, by $3. 6 billion, impacted many pharmacies and affected the sales of generic drugs in the U. S. Today, uncertainty around the long-term viability of the Affordable Care Act is threatening the insurance industry, or at least the affordability of coverage. Currently, about half of the states in the U. S. are refusing to participate in the new insurance exchange program, which is driving insurance rates up drastically.Moving away from the challenges of business, opportunities also present themselves within the industry. One opportunity that Walgreens may be looking into is how to market more towards the generation it has been growing with: the baby boomers. This market is the general population that is now getting older and has the most experience with Walgreens. As this generation ages, their needs change and require different products. More prescriptions for aging health issues need to be filled and less beauty supplies are being purchased, for example.The opportunity to transition and focus on this particular market could benefit Walgreens’s sales. Further prospects for Walgreens includes going global. International business opportunities offer drug stores an entire new market, which if executed correctly, can be a major growth possibility. It’s easy to oversaturate a market when operated domestically, as is the case is for Walgreens in the U. S. , so expanding past our borders to different nations may be a prospective move for the company. If there was only one opportunity Walgreens should take on, it would be most important to increase the sales of non-prescription items.Although marketing towards the older generation and profiting from more prescription fills is demanded, incorporating the sales of items that people will buy, as a related product to their main purchases, will boost profit. VII. Competitor’s strengths and weaknesses Walgreens’s biggest competitor is CVS (Convenience, Value, and Service). CVS Caremark is the largest, most profitable drug store/ retailer in the U. S. Strengths CVS Caremark operates under three different retailing segm ents: the CVS pharmacy, Caremark pharmacy services, and its MinuteClinic.Under these three segments, CVS is able to offer its customers lower prices, loyalty programs, cover over two thousand healthcare plans, and operate a walk-in clinic service. Through their services, CVS is able to hold the strongest market share at almost 20% of the prescription drug market. It also has one of the largest loyalty programs for customers; more than 500 million customers who use the loyalty card through the Extra Care program. CVS has made substantial investments in technology and incorporating it into their programs.The company’s strengths have lead them to push a revenue of over $100 billion and net income of $4 billion. Weaknesses The only complaints to come from a customer’s point of view at CVS is that the store consistency varies occasionally, meaning one CVS store may be too different in product offering than another CVS store, which confuses some customers. The employee turno ver rate is also higher than ideal for a large company operating many stores, meaning focus should include keeping employees happy with more benefits. VIII. Key competition comparison SimilaritiesBoth Walgreens and CVS have loyalty programs that they use to reward customers and offer valuable customer data. Using a customer rewards program to offer coupons and discounts builds loyalty to that company’s brand and image. This incentive strategy has worked well for both companies. However, they differ in the way each one works. At CVS, when a customer purchases multiple items in one transaction, the reward points/ coupons are split amongst the items within the one transaction. The customer receives more incentive with each purchase whereas at Walgreens, the reward is based on the number of transactions only.A customer can purchase the same number of items in each store, but receive more reward points/ coupons at CVS. Differences When compared to CVS, Walgreens carries more of a â€Å"mom and pop† store reputation, which benefits their image. The company’s stores are all linked, making it easier for customers to get prescriptions filled at any Walgreen store, which is an advantage over CVS. Walgreens also offers prescription labels and in-store advertising in other languages and is open 24 hours in many locations across the U. S. , another incentive that CVS does not offer.These distinctive traits represent Walgreens’s commitment to pleasing its customer and fulfilling needs. CVS is differentiated from Walgreens through store layout and product offering. CVS stores are known to be larger and customer more customer-friendly in space and appearance than Walgreens. CVS has also brought in more net revenue, over $100 billion as compared to Walgreens at $75 billion, leading by about $25 billion. As mentioned earlier, Walgreens has seen a diminishing performance, financially, while CVS is rising. IX.Recommendations The first recommendation fo r Walgreens to move towards better sales and profits in the future would be to capitalize on the baby boomer generation. As explained before, this would require readjusting the marketing platform to appeal to more prescription sales and aging health products. This strategy has potential for short-term and long-term growth. The second recommendation would be to become aware of cannibalizing its own market. This strategy would lessen the investments in real estate space being made currently.Instead of opening more and more new stores each year, the company should focus on evaluating and expanding the current services in each existing store. Innovations in store layouts and product differentiation in the existing stores may help individual store sales and not oversaturate the market with too much of the same thing. The final recommendation for Walgreens is to enhance its customer service through the convenience factor. Developing more online services will help also help the aging gener ation as it becomes more difficult for them to get in a car and drive to a brick-and-mortar store.This kind of innovation is what customers like to see in businesses and the company will be benefiting from the multichannel strategy. X. References CVS Caremark |. (n. d. ). CVS Caremark |. Retrieved April 7, 2013, from http://info. cvscaremark. com/ Page Through Our Past: Page 4 | Our History | Walgreens. (n. d. ). Welcome to Walgreens – Your Home for Prescriptions, Photos and Health Information. Retrieved April 7, 2013, from http://www. walgreens. com/marketing/about/history/hist4. jsp

Eric Whitacre Biography

Eric Whitacre is one of the most well known, performed, and awarded choral composers in the modern day choral scene. Eric was born on January 2, 1970 in Reno, Nevada, dabbling in piano lessons as a child and later, in junior high, joining marching band, and playing synthesizer in a techno-pop band. Believe it or not, Eric dreamt of becoming a rock star. (Bowen) Although he is not among the likes of Metallica or The Beatles, Eric has won a Grammy for Best Choral Performance for his album â€Å"Light and Gold† in the past year, as well as a nomination in 2007 for â€Å"Cloudburst and Other Choral Works†.He is the youngest recipient ever of the Raymond C Brock Commission given by the American Choral Directors Association, awarded in 2001, as well as numerous other awards from the ACDA, the Barlow international composition competition, and American Composers' Forum. (Official Website Biography) Although Whitacre is known for his choral works, he also writes and composes for wind ensembles, full orchestras, a full musical titled â€Å"Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings†, as well as pieces for solo voice and supporting instrumentals. The most known piece that Eric has composed is the acapella choral piece titled â€Å"Sleep†. Sleep† is a SATB choral piece. The story behind this haunting song is that Julia Armstrong, a lawyer and professional mezzo-soprano from Texas, wanted commision Whitacre to compose a choral that would be performed by the Austin ProChorus, where she was an avid member of the choir. She wanted the piece to be a memorial of her beloved parents, who died within weeks of each other after fifty years of marriage. She wanted the piece to use the poem by Robert Frost, called Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening. Whitacre agreed to take on her request and was deeply moved by her story.Unfortunately, after a careful composition by Whitacre and a breathtaking performance of the piece by the Austin ProChorus, Robert Frost's e state forbid Whitacre from using the poem in any way for the piece. The poem will become public domain in 2038, but he did not have that long to wait as other directors were practically begging to use the piece for their choirs. Instead of letting the piece â€Å"lie under his bed, dead†, as Whitacre said, he talked it over with his wife and decided to ask his friend and poet Charles Anthony Silvestri to compose a poem to set words to the iece. Silvestri was a trusted lyricist for Whitacre, writing lyrics for Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine, Lux Aurumque, Nox Aurumque, and Her Sacred Spirit Soars, all celebrated Whitacre pieces. Tony incorporated a lot of the same ideals of Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening, the biggest being ‘sleep'. Whitacre says that he loves Tony's poem more than he ever did Stopping and will never set the words to Frost's poem to his song, even when it becomes available in 26 years. (Whitacre) The piece itself is musically exquisite.It gra bs your attention almost immanently. Whitacre uses this method of stacking voices at crucial points in the plot by splitting every voice part into two parts, so what was a four part becomes an eight part. The texture and the dynamics are maticulously planned and formulated, as if Whitacre were sitting there telling a story about a personal experience, but the choir was doing the speaking for him. There are moments when you can feel the pain and anguish he wanted to express just through the dynamic of the voices. The emotion of this piece is palpable.The lyrics read: â€Å"The evening hangs beneath the moon A silver thread on darkened dune With closing eyes and resting head I know that sleep is coming soon Upon my pillow, safe in bed, A thousand pictures fill my head, I cannot sleep, my minds aflight, And yet my limbs seem made of lead If there are noises in the night, A frightening shadow, flickering light†¦ Then I surrender unto sleep, Where clouds of dream give second sight. What dreams may come, both dark and deep Of flying wings and soaring leap As I surrender unto sleep As I surrender unto sleep. † (Official Website)The last few bars of the piece are of the sopranos holding the word â€Å"sleep† and the other voice parts singing â€Å"sleep† in a two note pattern, growing quieter and quieter into absolute silence. I believe that the song, in its core, is about death. Perhaps, Silvestri wrote the piece with someone in mind who was very sick and their death came as a relief, almost as sleep does at the end of a very long and tiring day. Whitacre does something in his music that is so unique and complex, it is almost hard to believe that he did not know how to read music when he attended the University of Nevada as a Music Education major. Bowen) The way that he builds chords to provide moments of tension is seventh or ninth chords, with or without suspended seconds and fourths and root-position major triads with an added major seco nd and/or perfect fourth. (Shrock) Whitacre also uses unconventional chord progressions, meter changes, and harmonies. He is also known to use hand actions or props, as he does in the piece â€Å"Cloudburst† when the singers use snapping, clapping, and stomping to imitate the sound of a rainstorm.With all of that being said, Eric has almost nothing in common with other composers of our time, and honestly that is what gives him so much of an edge. He is willing to step out of the box and be daring and different and that risk has paid off. Works Cited: Bowen, Meurig. â€Å"Whitacre: Offical Biography. † Web article. (2006): n. page. Web. . â€Å"Official Biography. † Official Website. n. page. Web. . Whitacre, Eric. â€Å"The Story Behind Sleep†. Official Website. Web Article. (The song can be heard on this link) Shrock, Dennis (Mar 2009). Choral Repertoire. Oxford University Press (USA). p. 761. ISBN 978-0-19-532778-6.