China Economy Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

China Economy - Coursework Example The share of China of total accumulated FDI stock in Asia almost tripled within 20 years i.e. from 6% in 1990 – 15% in 2010. Currency strengthening against the US dollar- the Chinese RMB has continuously appreciated against US dollar from8.27 in 2005 to 6.41 in 2011. The country still continues to run trade surplus as well as accumulating foreign reserves. Its pressure to appreciate the currency still remains strong (Tong & Wong, 2012). The reason as to why there was no industrial revolution in China is that the brokers as well as tax collectors created a market only for luxurious consumer goods instead of investing in new technologies. â€Å"They could use their surplus capital to extend credit at high interest rates or to run pawnshops, but they failed to invest in new technologies that would spur industrial revolution† (133). When Europe built modern infrastructure within Chinese treaty ports, it did not spark industrial revolution since industries were few (Tong & Wong, 2012). Cultural Revolution was a major drawback since it did cost China economic problems. â€Å"Though it resulted to long term economic damage to government administration and factory management as well as the country’s education system† (Tong & Wong, 2012). 4. China adopted an open-ended approach towards its economic reform process because it did not have any books to help them learn the way of un-planning, hence they needed something with no blueprint or detailed plans. China chose to begin with Agriculture reform step taken by china to start economic reform, which they did through instituting household responsibility system. The reason they chose agriculture was that despite the trial and error reform strategy having work well during the first phases, critical microeconomic measures of reforms failed to lend themselves effectively to the gradualist method through experimentation. Some of these reform measures included taxation,

Soda Ash Experiment Essay Example for Free

Soda Ash Experiment Essay To determine the efficiency of a titrimetric and potentiometric method while determining the carbonate in soda ash, both a t-test and f-test were performed. The t-test proved accuracy between methods and the f-test proved no difference in precision. Introduction Soda ash is a white anhydrous material that be found in either powder or granular form and it contains 99% sodium carbonate when shipped[i] (1). Soda ash serves a purpose in the manufacturing of many economically important products such as the manufacturing of glass, chemicals, paper, detergents and other products. Soda ash has been used dating all the way back to 3500 BC by the Egyptians. The Egyptians were able to utilize soda ash then in the production of glass and then as an ingredient in medicines and breads by the Romans (1). Today, the majority of the world’s soda ash comes from trona ore, which is mostly found in the Green River Basin, formerly known as the Gosiute Lake, located in southwest Wyoming. The Green River basin is actually a prehistoric alkaline lakebed that supplies this vast amount of trona ore (1). With glass manufacturing being the largest application of soda ash, it erves very high importance in the production of containers, fiberglass insulation or flat glass for housing commercial building and automotive industries[ii] (2). Not only is the use of soda ash in glass manufacturing important, but it is also used to clean the air and soften water (2). With all of the new arising concerns with the environment with emissions in the atmosphere, the demand for soda ash h as increased. This is so because soda ash can be used to remove sulfur dioxides and hydrochloric acid from stack gases present in the atmosphere (2). Since sodium carbonate has a strong base, it is commonly used to neutralize acidic effects so when a photographer were to develop film, he would use soda ash to stabilize the alkaline condition or a person who owns a pool would use it as an additive to chemically neutralize the water since chlorine makes the pool acidic (1). Soda ash has a high pH in concentrated solutions and can irritate the eyes, respiratory tract and skin. It should under no circumstance be ingested because soda ash can corrode the stomach lining (1). In the experiment that was conducted Na? CO? eacted with 0. 09356 M hydrochloric acid. Methods In the first part of this lab, roughly 1. 855g of sodium carbonate was weighed and put in the oven to dry at a temperature of 110 degrees Celsius for 2 hours. In part B, a 1 L solution of 0. 1 M HCl from 12. 0 M concentrated HCl was made to serve as the titrant for the lab. Do not discard the solution because it is used for both parts of the lab. Perform a rough titration of the dried standard Na? CO? with 0. 1M HCl to standardize the solution. The size of the sample weighed out should be enough to neutralize about 25 mL of 0. M HCl. On an analytically weighed balance weigh one sample of the dried primary standard sodium carbonate into a 125mL Erlenmeyer flask. Dilute the sample with 25mL of de-ionized water and then add roughly 4-5 drop of indicator Methyl Orange and titrate the solution to a point prior to the endpoint. Gently heat the sample solution on a hotplate in the fume hood until condensation appears around the neck of the flask to expel dissolved CO? from the sample. Cool the solution in an ice bath and finish titrating the roughly 0. 1 M HCl into the sample. A small amount of titrant is needed to reach the endpoint. Based off of the R value obtained from the rough titration, accurately weigh three more samples and repeat the titration. This data will be used to calculate the exact concentration of the HCl solution. In part C, titrating the unknown, accurately weigh about 0. 2g of dried unknown into a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask and then add 25mL of de-ionized water and 4-5 drops of indicator (same as used in the rough). With the same procedure used in the standardization, titrate to just before the endpoint. Based off the R value from the rough titration of the unknown, accurately weigh 3 more samples and repeat the titration. In the second part of this lab, use a pH meter to titrate the unknown sodium carbonate. The instructor will help in setting up and calibrating a Vernier pH meter. The pH meter is calibrated with two buffer solutions with a pH of 4. 01 and the other with a pH of 10. 00. Based off of the calculated R value from part C accurately weigh two samples of the dried unknown sodium carbonate into two 150mL beakers. Add 25mL of de-ionized water to the first sample and place the electrode in the solution as well as a teflon stir bar and glass stirring rod and place on a stir plate. Record the initial volume of the HCl in the buret and carefully titrate with HCl until the pH is between 6. 0 and 6. 5. Be careful because the pH meter tends to lag. Once the target pH is achieved stop adding HCl and record the volume of the buret. Remove the sample beaker from the stir plate and put the electrode in a beaker filled with warm water. Warm the solution for a few minutes on a separate hot plate to expel dissolved CO?. Cool in an ice bath and return to the stir plate. Record pH, first data point, and continue to add increments of HCl until a pH of 2. 5 is achieved. Be sure not to add any de-ionized water after the first pH point is recorded. When completed there should be 30-40 data points. Repeat for the second sample. Results Table 1: Mass of the unknown Na? CO? to determine carbonate in soda ash based off titrimetric method (Part C) Titration |Starting mass of weigh bottle and unknown Na? CO? | |46. 848% Na? CO? |51. 933% Na? CO? | |46. 5879% Na? CO? |50. 564% Na? CO? | |46. 7083% Na? CO? | | |47. 0692% Na? CO? | | |46. 6548% Na? CO? | | |46. 7396% Na? CO? | |

Tescos Management And Leadership Theories

Tescos Management And Leadership Theories Tesco is a company which was founded in 1919 by a man called Jack Cohen, a grocery seller from a stall in London. The Tesco brand originally first appeared after he had brought a shipment of tea from T.E Stockwell and the first Tesco store was opened in 1929. It started off as selling the usual food and drink products but since then expanded into areas offering alternative goods such as, clothing, electronics, finance services, mobile network, car, dental, home and health insurance, CDs, DVDs and Games. Tesco UK stores operate under four banners which are Extra, Superstore, Metro and Express to meet different customer needs. Tesco can also be found on the London Stock Exchange. Tesco has  £62.54 billion in revenue as well as  £3.41 billion income from February 2010 and has 4,811 locations around the country; nevertheless Tesco has become the biggest British retailer and is one of the worlds largest retailing outlet. Mainly its growth is due to the fact that in the workplace, it has a workforce of 552,004 employees. To sustain its growth, Tesco has to make sure that they have the staff who are motivated, flexible and well-trained and who can be aware of the customer needs. Tesco sustain their employees in a range of roles and at different levels in the workplace from customer assistant to department manager and warehouse to logistics staff. Tesco recognise this as they need employee motivation to continue their growth. Motivation is the driving force which set out to achieve an individuals goal. There are different theories that have been suggested for motivating employees. The main factor for motivating employees is Pay, which is considered a primary motivator. Other motivating factors include: Appreciation of hard work e.g. incentives A sense of achievement Responsibility and empowerment Opportunity for development A sense of challenge and enjoyment If Tesco have a motivated workforce then they will have a variety of employees who will work hard and achieve their potential in less time, which will endeavour Tesco to reduce cost in labour and less supervision of their employees. On the other hand this will demonstrate their pride to work for Tesco, therefore create a better impact on consumers. Encouraged employees are more likely to focus better and are less likely to make mistakes, cause conflicts and accidents in the workplace. In general this shows they have greater loyalty for the consumer and have fewer absentees. The opposite of a motivated workforce is an unmotivated workforce, which are employees in Tesco being dissatisfied in the role they play for the company. This can negatively affect the quality of the work they produce and how professionally they carry out their work and how this will affect Tesco as a business but also the products they display on the shop floor. Tesco focus on two groups, their staff and customers to achieve motivation by offering them rewards to support stability in the personal and work life. Such rewards are staff discount, flexible working and gym membership. The theory to motivate shows that Taylor said one that is motivated works purely for money. Tesco has a similar link to Taylors theory as they have an employee reward programme which offers financial reward packaging to motivate the workers. On the other hand there are other factors which take into place of motivating a person; they are personal and working lives. Tesco go beyond Taylors theory as they do more than pay increasing, they support the different lifestyles of each individual that works for them by using important benefits. For example in Tesco, staff may desire to serve people or improve their basic understanding and skills. To make job satisfaction achievable for their staff, Tesco create a good working environment where they want to have their employees feeling valued and therefore it increases communication and employees are asked for their opinions of how they are experience this. As Tesco are a big organisation they invest into training and development for its staff which enables them to develop their understanding, skill and sense of their job satisfaction. For example in my own workplace at Sports Direct they create a good working environment as I was trained on the till and had people helping me which developed my understanding of the business. By using surveys, Tesco ask their staff to attend a staff satisfaction survey which is done by viewpoint and gives the staff to get across their views on the job they do. From the survey it shows Tesco what they need to do in order to keep their employees motivated and to ensure that they are achieving job satisfaction. The benefits offered to employees the following Lifestyle breaks which offer you 4-12 week off from work but then you are allowed to return after as it guarantees you dont lose your job, career breaks which allows staff working in Tesco between the 6 months and 5 years away from work but also they have the right to return and pension scheme which defies the long term benefits staff can have when they reach a certain age. Other ways in which job satisfaction is achieved for the staff working in Tesco is the way they look after their employee. This makes their employees feel that the job is secure and the company is looking after them and therefore it makes them produce work of a high quality. Using Herzberg two-factor theory which outlines the main two factors hygiene and the satisfiers also know as motivators. Hygiene factors are put in place in a business such as Tesco to avoid what is called unpleasantness in the workplace. If these factors are thought to be insufficient by the employees then this would mean that they are dissatisfied by working there. Motivator factors are for individual people for their personal growth, the motivator side dynamically creates the job satisfaction. If they are effective, then they can motivate the individual to reach an above-average performance as well as effort. Herzberg showed that to truly motivate an employee a business needs to create conditions that make him or her feel fulfilled in the workplace For example Hygiene factors like pay can lead to an employee at Tesco being dissatisfied as this will show the employee is being paid a rate which has not increased from the time he has spent at Tesco. However the motivators like promotion opportunities in Tesco will satisfy the employee as they are moving up a level in the department and not staying in one department from where they started from. This will acknowledge how well they are working for the company. Hygiene factors: Pay and benefits Company policy and Administration Relationship with co-workers Supervision Status Job security Working conditions Personal life Motivators: Achievement Recognition Work itself Responsibility Promotion Growth Tesco will try to motivate its employees by using the two factor theory. For example, it can motivate and empower its employees by using suitable and well-timed communication to effectiveness, by appointing responsibility and involving employees in their own decision making in key areas of their working life. Tesco using forums every year in which staff can be part of the discussions on pay rises if they wish they need to. This will show acknowledgment of the work Tesco people do and reward them. For example Tesco staff can even influence what food goes onto its restaurant menus. As a result of doing this the employees therefore become motivated to make choices that will increase their use of the restaurants that Tesco have within the organisation. That way job satisfaction achievable as it is used to a very high level in Tesco as they value each and every one of their member of staff so they achieve their potential and the company grows and has a high-quality reputation. I think it is important for line managers to have an understanding of these theories in concept as they need to know how to motivate their employees working below them to get the best out of them, productivity wise. However if managers on the front line do not have an impact then this will limit how they motivate or else not trusting them will reduce their motivational efficiency. Managers this way can understand what the employee is working toward such as the goals and objectives that they set and how well they are managing their time to get the work done for a company like Tesco for example. It gives the manager a chance to be impress by the employee and the quality of the work therefore shows which member is committed to doing well and making sure the company goes in the right direction, On the other hand managers would want to know the pros and cons of which is the best way of the motivating concept through various theories in order to stand out from anyone else and the quality in production and reputation it achieves at the end by doing this. It gives the manager a chance to communicate and understand the employee effectively, to engage the key skills he may have to offer to him, work wise and how motivated he is in-order to get on with what he is asked to do. The best way to understand this is to interact with your employees to gain knowledge otherwise the key efficiency to work at a higher level and to produce the quality you would want to will not happen, unless you communicate with the manager and he communicates with you. To conclude by looking at different theories of motivation, how job satisfaction is achieved and how important line managers are, you can find out various ways in which Tesco can motivate their employees to get the best out of them by using incentives for hard workers and rewards as well as promotion. On the other hand you can also see the negative effects this can have if you have unmotivated employees in the workplace which reduces the morale and that person quality to produce at the highest level proposed from them. I recommend that by achieving an employees job satisfaction and motivation but also bringing into action how the line manager should have a good understanding of these theories. Tesco get employees who work well in a good environment but also one where they are valued for the hard work they produce to meet the aims and objectives of the organisation, but also the goals they set for themselves to improve the desire for working in a warm atmosphere but also the drive tha t managers have in Tesco for their employees to achieve their potential. References http://www.thetimes100.co.uk/case-studymotivational-theory-in-practice-at-tesco132-396-3.php http://tutor2u.net/business/people/motivation_theory_herzberg.asp

I Have the Moral Character to be a Teacher :: Teaching Education Essays

I Have the Moral Character to be a Teacher I was inspired to become a teacher for many reasons. Teaching will be a self-fulfilling career. It would give me the opportunity to help my community and have a moral and ethical impact on the students of this area. Also, I desire to be with my children as much as possible, and a teaching profession fits that mold. A teaching profession would be rewarding because it would allow me to fulfill many personal goals, including working with the youth of the area and spending time with my family. For many years I have volunteered with the Boys Scouts of America. Doing this is one of my passions, but recent jobs I have had did not allowed much time for volunteering. A teacher’s schedule would allow me to be able to serve this organization by volunteering as an Aquatics Instructor, teaching life-saving skills. My other passion is my family. Spending time with my children is the best way to create life-long memories. However, it is difficult to spend time with my family and scho ol-age children when our schedules are not alike. As a teacher, I would be able to spend more quality time with my children and help them after school with homework. In addition to meeting these personal goals, teaching would allow me to reach out to area students and help them build character and acquire knowledge. The classroom is a complex society. In each room, there must be an atmosphere in which students of all backgrounds can learn. By being a constructivist one can combine the elements of essentialism, progressivism, behaviorism, perennialism, and existentialism to form a successful teaching philosophy and therefore a successful classroom. Below, I will discuss how these ideas can be combined for success. As essentialism states, the teacher needs to have control in the instruction of the classroom. Lecturing and supervising the improvement of skills are great ways to teach materials. A case in point here shows one of the teaching fundamentals, of the core subjects reading, writing, math, and nature sciences. This give s you the intellectual discipline to solve problems that involve complex ideas. In progressivism, students have more of a democratic voice in the learning process. Although the teacher will be the facilitator of the process, by using a cooperative learning activity the students are designing there own education and are guided in a direction by the teacher.

Interpreting the Perfect Electoral System

There is no such thing as a perfect electoral system' The Idea of perfection Is Interpreted differently amongst everybody In the 0K. The word ‘Perfect' Is defined as having all the necessary or typical characteristics required for a given situation. So everybody will have different thoughts on what really Is a perfect electoral system. Generally, a perfect electoral system is one which has the qualities of being simple, gives a varied choice to the electorate, is fair and proportional, gives a clear outcome and is microcosmic, it represents the people more.Firstly, it could be argued that the more proportional electoral systems are the losest to a ‘perfect' electoral system because they show what/who the people of the UK really voted for. One proportional system is the Single Transferrable Vote. This system operates by representatives being elected in large multi-member constituencies, the voting is preferential and also known as Voting Ordinal' where the voters can vote as many times as they want. The candidates much receive a quota known as a droop quota to actually become elected and if they reach this quota any excess votes are redistributed on the basis ot 2nd preferences.The calculation used to work out the quota Is (total valid which some eople argue Is too complicated for any elecuons In the 0K, If no candidate reaches the quota then the lowest places candidate Is eliminated and the second preferences of the people that voted for them are redistributed. This system Is used successfully in many UK elections, It's used In Northern Ireland for elections such as in the Assembly, for local government elections and EU parliament elections. The Republic of Ireland and Scotland both use it for Local Elections However there are both many advantages and disadvantages of using this electoral system.Firstly it delivers roportional outcomes and it also ensures that votes are largely of equal values. In addition, the threshold is quite high. A party or gr oup of parties have to win over 50% of the popular vote to form a government, this is an advantage because the winning party reflects the majority of the populations wishes. On the other hand, the process Single Transferrable vote uses large multi-member constituencies, this weakens the link between individual MPs and their constituencies, so some people may not feel as involved as they could be throughout the electoral process. Also, STV is less accurateIn translating votes Into seats than other electoral systems such as list systems or some versions of additional member systems. In addition, If a coalition was to be formed under the STV electoral system, It can be argued that the government produced could be unstable and give a disproportional Influence to minor parties that hold the balance of power. Never the less, the voters can choose between a large range of candidates including dfferent candidates of the same party, this allows the public to really vote what they feel most s trongly for because of the large range of available candidates.Secondly, the electoral system Regional List is another proportional system. Again using this system, representatives are elected in large multi-member constituencies, however the political parties draw up a list of candidates in order in which they'll be elected, the electors cast one single vote for a representing the same political party. The parties have greater control over the electoral process as they can put their favourite candidates at the top of the list. As it is a proportional system, the seats are allocated according to the proportion of votes won by each political party.Regional list is another successful system which is used for elections to European Parliament in England, Scotland and Wales, the last European election was in 2009 where the amount of seats won were 72, the overall turnout was 1 5,625,823 and the electorate was 45,315,669. However, although it is a proportional system it still has its adva ntages and disadvantages. It is argued that we shouldn't use this system because in closed list systems voters cannot chose between candidates from the same party.Also the parties control the order in which candidates appear on the list and they can favour those who support the leadership. Never the less, Regional List delivers an extremely high degree of proportionality which is an argument for the I-JK using this system for more elections, because the amount of seats the winners of the election gain is proportional to the amount of people who voted for them which is fair isn't it? In addition, not only does it reflect the voters' choices, political parties use lists to increase the number of women and ethnic minority candidates in parliament.However, Just like the Single Transferrable Vote, Regional List uses large multi-member constituencies which weakens the links etween representatives and constituents. Thirdly, it could be argued that Majoritarian/plurality systems are the nex t closest to being a perfect electoral system as they are very simple and produce a stable government. First Past the Post electoral system is the most common Majoritarian system as it is used for the General Elections in the I-JK.First Past the Post is simple because the country is split into roughly even sized constituencies and in each constituency, people elect one representative, it is a single vote system and whoever wins the most votes in the constituency wins a seat in parliament. This system was last used in 2010 at the last general election where it lead to a hung parliament and the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats went into a coalition to run the country. The Conservatives gained 307 seats, Labour won 258 seats and the Liberal Democrats won 57 seats.Never the less, it may seem straight forward and simple but it has a variety of advantages and disadvantages. The fact it's simple is one of the advantages, not only is it simple to understand but the ballot paper is simple as you can only cast one vote. Also, it produces a quick and clear vote and it also produces a stable government as the inning party adds a bonus of seats and single party governments with a working majority have significant control over the legislative process, both of these factors contributing to the creation of a stable government.However, despite these advantages the First Past the Post system produces disproportional outcomes, this is where the amount of seats won in the election doesn't reflect the share of votes received. Also, it favours plurality rather than majority support, so the victorious candidates don't need a majority to gain power. Not only this, but First Past the Post roduces votes of unequal value, the constituencies are roughly the same size, they're not exactly the same size which means different constituencies have votes of different values, also most votes are wasted due to tactical voting so these votes don't even help elect the MPs.Never the less, First Past the Post produces a responsible governing party in office at the moment, and the potential alternative government. This system also produces effective representation, as the country is split into single- member constituencies, it shows a clear link between voters and the elected representative. There is only one MP responsible. On the other hand, First Past the Post only offers a limited choice to the voters. Only one candidate stands on behalf of the party, so the choice isn't as diverse as the more proportional systems like Regional List.To follow on from that point, many I-JK constituencies are known as ‘Safe Seats' where the majority of people from that constituency will vote for a certain party whether they like their politics or not. For example, the constituency of Penrith is known as a safe seat for Conservatives. In addition, tactical voting is often used as way to obstruct a party to get into power, by voting for the party which is most likely to compete with th e winning party and not by voting for their most preferred party. Fourthly, Supplementary vote is another form of a Majoritarian/plurality system.The voter only has one vote to put down their top two candidates and if no candidate wins a majority then all but the top two are eliminated and the second preference votes of the eliminated candidates are added to the first preference candidates. After the elimination the candidate with the highest total is elected. This system is a ariant of the Alternative Vote. The Supplementary Vote system is used to elect the London Mayor and Mayors of other cities. The last election was in 2012 which was the London Mayoral election. Boris Johnson (conservative) won a second term in power by 3% beating his Labour Rival Ken Livingston.

Youve Got an Interview - Now What

Youve Got an Interview - Now What What excitement! After pouring over classified ads for jobs for what seems like an eternity and putting in applications, you have an interview scheduled for a job you would really like to get. Now is the time to prepare so you can ace it. The recruiter’s job is to find the best person for the position, so your focus should be to prove you’re just that. Here are a few handy tips for how you can  impress the interviewer with your preparation and poise.1. Check Out the CompanyYou don’t want to go in for your interview without doing some research on the company. While having good background information is necessary, you are also finding out about the company culture. Don’t just look at the company website. Check out the blog page, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages, along with the YouTube channel if the company has one. Employee photos can tell you about dress style, the way employees interact with each other, and other information you can use to your adv antage.2. Find Out Who Is Doing the InterviewingThe way you respond to interview questions depends on the interviewer. Is it the CEO of the company, a hiring manager, or the person who will be supervising your job? It can make a difference, since you want to make a connection with that person. Tailoring  your answers to a specific individual, such as talking about how you would be a good person to handle job duties when talking to a supervisor, can leave a positive impression.3. Research the Salary RangeOne subject that can make you uncomfortable is asking for a particular salary. Do a little research beforehand on the typical range paid for the job you seek. By submitting a range, it gives the company some leeway and makes it more likely you will get a job offer.4. Be on TimeTo make a good impression, it’s important to be on time for your interview. You won’t arrive nervous, and you’ll have  a chance to freshen up if you desire. Showing up a few minutes ear ly also gives you a chance to look around and get acclimated.5. Make a Positive ImpressionFrom the receptionist to the interviewer, you want to watch your body language, smile, make eye contact, and be friendly. Remember to shake hands with the interviewer and use a firm (but not too firm) grip. You’ll be talking quite a bit to answer questions and ask your own during the interview. If someone offers you something to drink, accept it as you would in someone’s home- it will  soothe your  parched throat as you extol how you would be a positive addition to the company.6. Be PreparedBring a few extras along with you to the interview, such as a notebook and pen in case you want to take notes. Whether applying for a job in finance, an office manager job, or any other job type, taking notes can help you remember important details. An extra copy or two of your resume might also be a good idea, along with examples of what you have accomplished in previous jobs. You might al so want to bring along a list of questions you want to ask.7. Ask QuestionsHaving  curiosity about a job shows you are interested. Come prepared with a list of questions so you can  ask about anything that needs clarification. This might include daily office routines, company policies, or the timeline for choosing a candidate for the position. When the interview is over, remember to ask when you might hear back about your prospects for the job.8. Follow UpIt is just good manners to follow up an interview with a thank you note. While you can send notes in the form of an email, make sure to send them separately to each individual who was present during your interview. This more personal approach will stand out.

Report On Reding in the Dark essays

Report On Reding in the Dark essays The novel, Reading in the Dark, is written by Seamus Deanne. This book is written from the viewpoint of a little boy who explains the episodes of his life as he grows up. Apparently, Deanne said in an interview with the Irish Times, that the accounts in the story are taken from his own family along with the other families in his neighborhood in Derry, Northern Ireland. As I read the book, I didn't think it was a true story, but presumed it was fictional. I think I thought this because it was all about hauntings and ghost stories and it didn't strike me as being a true account someone's life. After I read it, I found out that all of the accounts in the story are true, and it changed the way that I evaluated at the book. I now saw the book as the author's way to explain himself and let the reader know where he is coming from, rather than just any fictional story. I think that he stresses how the episodes in his early life really effected him and ultimately resulted in him becomi ng a writer. Before I realized the author was the narrator of the book it was not as personal and I didn't feel so much for the narrator. However, when I found out he was writing about himself it became more personal and it gives the reader a real sense of what his life was like while he was growing up. The book points out in various ways that the narrator was not like the other kids in the story. He was always associating with adults rather then socializing with kids his own age. The only time that he went out with kids his own age it ended up in a disaster, Irene's boyfriend punched him. This event discouraged him even more from socializing with kids his own age. Several chapters of the book were devoted to the narrator hearing stories from various adults such as Katie, his grandfather and Joe. These are stories that are not just told to anyone and the reader gets a sense that the people telling the narrator the stories see something differ...

Juan Carlos essays

Juan Carlos essays Juan Carlos I, the current king of Spain, was crowned on November 22, 1975. The crowning of Juan Carlos restored democracy to Spain after the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Juan Carlos was born in 1938 in Rome. In 1947 Franco announced that Spain was a kingdom and that he had decided that Juan Carlos should one day be king. (He is a grandson of King Alfonso XIII, who had been forced into exile in 1931.) The future king was given a military education. He attended the Instituto San Isidro in Madrid, the Navy Orphans' College, and the Academia General Militar at Saragossa. He became a lieutenant in the army in 1957. He then attended the Naval Academy in 1957 and 1958 and the Aviation Academy in 1959. In July 1969 the Spanish Cortes declared Juan Carlos "Prince of Spain". On February 23, 1981, Juan Carlos gained the respect of many Spaniards. Literally millions of people were fallowing a part of the army, which had kidnapped many government officials in order to overthrow the Democracy. The King appeared on Spanish National TV in his General Captain military uniform, and spoke out against the coup. Hours later, the coups plan failed. This story shows how Juan Carlos saved democracy. I had no prior knowledge of Juan Carlos I, but he proved to be a very interesting person. ...

Evolutionary Theory Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Evolutionary Theory - Case Study Example Numerous species have not been named and as such lumping of organisms together as belonging to the genus and species classes may be incorrect as the case in the repopulation program in the Islands of St. Kitts and the neighboring Island of Nevis. These two species of rodents appear to be identical in morphological features and that is the reason why they were taken to be of the same species. However, their morphological similarities have nothing to do their genetic makeups since the DNA (Deoxy-Ribonucleic acid) are quite distinct from each other. The differences in DNA can be explained through concepts of evolutionary theories of natural selection of stabilizing selection and diversifying selection    This is a type of natural selection that experiences genetic diversity decrease in a population that that is stabilizing. It has been argued that this is the most common way through which natural selection takes place. As such, the stabilization process employs negative selection which results in organisms with intermediate phenotypes being selected. In the case of the two islands, it is quite clear that the rodents from the St. Kitts Island underwent a stabilizing selection because their traits seem to be normal or not very much different from those of the rodents from the other island of Nevis. Probably, the two islands were connected and after a natural disaster like an earthquake, they became separated. It follows that those rodents that had intermediate phenotypes were selected over those that had extreme phenotypes hence the development of the new distinct species. Diversifying selection is used to refer to the exact opposite of stabilizing selection whereby the extreme phenotypes in organisms are naturally selected over the intermediate phenotypes. This can be explained by the studies done by Charles Darwin in the Galapagos Island with regards to the finch populations.

Research methods Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Research methods - Assignment Example The USASuperCars signed a new contract, which would allow it to sell its batch of 27 luxury cars to various customers around the globe, primarily in the UK, Japan, Canada, South Africa and the USA. The contract states that the selling price of the products are fixed and in local currencies at the exchange rates at the time of the delivery. In the real economic world set up, the exchange rate is marked with high level of precariousness. Therefore, one, particularly a businessman, cannot simply overlook the idea about the linked benefits and risks to the stated contract. In this event, the HSBC offered to pay a sure sum of $2,150,000 in return for revenue in local currencies. It is at this point that the work at hand seeks to come up with a decision whether to accept or reject the offer by weighing up the associated benefits and risks. In addition, in the event that the HSBC’s offer is accepted, finding for which payment schedule is better based on the point of view of USASuperC ars and HSBC, searching for other potential risks HSBC will be exposed to, and finally understanding the measures that can be taken in order to at least minimize the exchange rate risk beyond converting all currencies into dollars. Profit analysis for USASuperCars is vital for this case, prior to deciding which payment option is necessary provided that the offer of HSBC is accepted. Recommendations are provided, which are associated with HSBC’s offer. The justification behind the profit analysis is based on the information of the worldwide order, the quantity and the selling price of luxury cars in the local currencies. To ensure the information about exchange rate is properly considered, the mean and standard deviation rate for converting each currency into dollars are included based on the historical data. Based on the assumption that the rates are normally distributed and independent with each other, the profit has the assumption that it is normally distributed as well. As

Phase4 IP Market Structure and Firm Strategy Essay

Phase4 IP Market Structure and Firm Strategy - Essay Example In this market, the price elasticity of demand is inelastic. This means, demand remains relatively unchanged with changes in price. This characterizes a monopolistic competition market structure. According to Boyes and Melvin (2013), this market structure is characterized by a downward slopping demand curve. Product differentiation largely influences demand elasticity such that the greater the differentiation, the more inelastic the demand elasticity. Therefore, Justcookbooks.com ventured into this highly differentiated market that makes it a mini-monopoly, hence the inelasticity of demand would see the demand for its cookbooks minimally affected by changes in pricing as it establishes itself in the market. Success in this market would therefore be guaranteed by seeking greater differentiation of the online cookbooks. With the argument by Schotter (2009) that greater differentiation causes greater inelasticity, greater differentiation at Justcookbooks.com would cause demand to remain unaffected by changes in pricing, hence consistent quantity demanded. For Justcookbooks.com, pricing with different types of customers and asymmetric information would be most appropriate. According to Arnold (2013), this strategy involves charging less cost per unit for those who buy more and a higher cost per unit for those buying less. Using this strategy, Justcookbooks.com would encourage purchases of high volumes which increase revenue and thus

Rewrite Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Rewrite - Essay Example With respect to this particular project, datasets from five hospitals within the nation of the United Arab Emirates will be analyzed. The information which was ultimately collected, tabulated, and analyzed related to the records of diabetic patients. Accordingly, the next step of the research was to evaluate a host of different data mining methods which could be of use with regards to understanding the overall pattern of the given datasets. As a final step, the project is intended to extract a level of useful inference with regards to the medical knowledge to include rules and /or patterns and seek to include them in an overall research that could ultimately be published as a means of showing how data mining techniques have the potential to lead to knowledge discovery and generation. As a function of performing these experiments, WEKA was utilized. As a function of using WEKA to draw a level of inference upon the medical data, it was able to determine and populate a lot of missing va lues by treating these values as separate attributes and encoding them appropriately. The end result of such an analysis has revealed a high number of hidden patterns that could not be elaborated upon with the use of normal analysis. As a function of all of this level of analysis, the end consequence can and should be to have a high level of improvement upon the potential for medical resolutions to both extant as well as unknown issues. Acknowledgement This particular project has only been able to be completed due to the tireless help and assistance of a wide variety of different individuals. I would like to take this particular opportunity to thank each and every one of them for the differing levels of assistance they have provided. 1.1 Supervisor Motivation When I had first begun to consider the long list of projects that were available, I had at first thought that as a software engineering specialist, it would be best to work on seeking to develop a java interface or a particular web-browsing application. However, once I considered this to a further degree, I began to realize that there was a more definitive need within the current and existing knowledge base that is represented within the Medical Data Mining arena. Due to the fact that I had long considered the techniques that could help to integrate a greater level of understanding of hidden patterns within databases, I opted for this route. Dr. M. Saraee was extraordinarily useful and helpful in seeking to motivate and direct y project as well as research into this particular field. As a function of his encouragement, this project has been able not only to improve upon my research skills but also provide a valuable and measurable impact on the prospects of future work that I might be able to engage upon. 1.1.2 Personal Motivation Over the past several years, while studying for a degree in Software Engineering, I was introduced to a few of the concept of document analysis and pattern recognition. As a res ult of this, one of the main motivations that I developed was to accrue a deep and complete understanding of data mining and pattern recog

Commercial Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Commercial Law - Essay Example The purchase of the conveyor belt raises the issue of whether or not Contigrain is an innocent third party and can claim damages for fraudulent misrepresentation on the part of Hampshire. The sale of the truck to farmer Giles may also expose Contigrain to liability on the grounds that the truck was not of merchantable quality. In order to determine whether or not Contigrain is entitled to demand possession of the Brazilian peanut extract from the liquidators of Agrigus or demand payment in full from Munchy Feeds for the turnip fibre it is necessary to examine each contract by reference to the Sale of Goods Act 1979. To start with Section 2(1) defines a contract for the sale of goods as an agreement where the vendor â€Å"transfers or agrees to transfer the property in goods to the buyer† for a price.1 On the facts of the case for discussion there is a sale of goods contract in both instances. Clearly, Contigrain and Agrigus agreed that in consideration of the sum of 1000 pounds per ton, Agrigus would transfer 100 tonnes of peanut extract to Contigrain for which the latter made a payment of 50,000 pounds. Similarly, Contigrain agreed to and did deliver 500 tonnes of turnip fibre to Munchy in consideration of the sum of 1000 pounds per ton to be paid in full within 30 days of delivery. Having established that contracts for the sale of goods have been completed between Contigrain and Agrigus and Contigrain and Munchy, it is necessary to determine whether or not and at which point title to the property passes from the seller to the purchaser. This is important for ascertaining who bears liability for any risk associated with the goods. Section 20(1) of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 provides: Unless otherwise agreed, the goods remain at the sellers risk until the property in them is transferred to the buyer, but when the property in them is transferred to the buyer the goods are at the buyers risk whether delivery has been

The Evolution of Capitalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Evolution of Capitalism - Essay Example Marx and Engels were very critical of capitalism and the methods proposed by Smith. For them capitalism creates class antagonisms and the only solution is to overthrow capitalism. Carnegie like Marx acknowledges class divisions, but views inequality as inevitable and the solution lies in administration of wealth. The aim of this paper is to explore the evolution of capitalism and its impact on society through the works of Smith, Marx and Carnegie. Adam Smith is considered as the father of free market capitalism with the invisible hand controlling the market. Industrialization led to the factory system which changed work patterns. Laborers now produced commodities for exchange in the market with prices determined by forces of demand and supply instead of producing for own use (Sanders et al. 203). Due to lack of other means of obtaining subsistence food and maintaining their race, they offered their labor to factory owners in exchange of wages thus commodifying labor. Division of labo r became the norm in factories leading to labor productivity since workers could produce more products than if acting alone (204). Some operations are more complex than others requiring different skills and as such wages were paid according to level of complexity. Actors in this system are driven by self-interest. In Adam’s words â€Å"it’s not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest† (204). By pursuing self-interest (profit) the capitalists provide essential goods and revenue to the community without intending to do so. Though market mechanisms regulate the market, sometimes the employers combine to sink wages below the natural rate (207). Smith condemns such combinations as they hinder competition and same case applies to government interventions. Free trade is encouraged as a nation cannot be self sufficient; it could be cheaper to import than manufacture locally (207 ). Marx agrees with Smith that division of labor leads to improved productivity thus new wealth acquisition and that competition brings market efficiency (214).However, those who produce wealth do not benefit as capitalists accumulate the surplus value. This to Marx is exploitation of labor and also results into two antagonistic classes; the bourgeoisies (capitalists) and proletariat (working class) (216). The discussion during the early 19th century thus moved from discussing the rise of capitalism and centered on the class struggles produced by capitalism. Free trade and competition advocated by Smith only serve to encourage exploitation of workers by the capitalists. If the market is allowed to operate freely, capitalists employ and dismiss labor as they like and offer low wages since they have a reserve army of workers (217). Furthermore, labor has been replaced by machines. The solution offered by Marx and Engels to end class antagonisms is to overthrow capitalism and replace i t with communism. This entails abolishing private property and move from â€Å"each according to his ability; to each according to his needs† (215). Carnegie agrees with Marx that capitalism produces classes as evidenced in America. New classes of the rich and poor emerged with the gap between them widening as rich accumulate more wealth (220). Since competition is healthy and the government ought not to intervene in the market, his main concern is how this wealth

Rewrite Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Rewrite - Essay Example With respect to this particular project, datasets from five hospitals within the nation of the United Arab Emirates will be analyzed. The information which was ultimately collected, tabulated, and analyzed related to the records of diabetic patients. Accordingly, the next step of the research was to evaluate a host of different data mining methods which could be of use with regards to understanding the overall pattern of the given datasets. As a final step, the project is intended to extract a level of useful inference with regards to the medical knowledge to include rules and /or patterns and seek to include them in an overall research that could ultimately be published as a means of showing how data mining techniques have the potential to lead to knowledge discovery and generation. As a function of performing these experiments, WEKA was utilized. As a function of using WEKA to draw a level of inference upon the medical data, it was able to determine and populate a lot of missing va lues by treating these values as separate attributes and encoding them appropriately. The end result of such an analysis has revealed a high number of hidden patterns that could not be elaborated upon with the use of normal analysis. As a function of all of this level of analysis, the end consequence can and should be to have a high level of improvement upon the potential for medical resolutions to both extant as well as unknown issues. Acknowledgement This particular project has only been able to be completed due to the tireless help and assistance of a wide variety of different individuals. I would like to take this particular opportunity to thank each and every one of them for the differing levels of assistance they have provided. 1.1 Supervisor Motivation When I had first begun to consider the long list of projects that were available, I had at first thought that as a software engineering specialist, it would be best to work on seeking to develop a java interface or a particular web-browsing application. However, once I considered this to a further degree, I began to realize that there was a more definitive need within the current and existing knowledge base that is represented within the Medical Data Mining arena. Due to the fact that I had long considered the techniques that could help to integrate a greater level of understanding of hidden patterns within databases, I opted for this route. Dr. M. Saraee was extraordinarily useful and helpful in seeking to motivate and direct y project as well as research into this particular field. As a function of his encouragement, this project has been able not only to improve upon my research skills but also provide a valuable and measurable impact on the prospects of future work that I might be able to engage upon. 1.1.2 Personal Motivation Over the past several years, while studying for a degree in Software Engineering, I was introduced to a few of the concept of document analysis and pattern recognition. As a res ult of this, one of the main motivations that I developed was to accrue a deep and complete understanding of data mining and pattern recog

The Evolution of Capitalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Evolution of Capitalism - Essay Example Marx and Engels were very critical of capitalism and the methods proposed by Smith. For them capitalism creates class antagonisms and the only solution is to overthrow capitalism. Carnegie like Marx acknowledges class divisions, but views inequality as inevitable and the solution lies in administration of wealth. The aim of this paper is to explore the evolution of capitalism and its impact on society through the works of Smith, Marx and Carnegie. Adam Smith is considered as the father of free market capitalism with the invisible hand controlling the market. Industrialization led to the factory system which changed work patterns. Laborers now produced commodities for exchange in the market with prices determined by forces of demand and supply instead of producing for own use (Sanders et al. 203). Due to lack of other means of obtaining subsistence food and maintaining their race, they offered their labor to factory owners in exchange of wages thus commodifying labor. Division of labo r became the norm in factories leading to labor productivity since workers could produce more products than if acting alone (204). Some operations are more complex than others requiring different skills and as such wages were paid according to level of complexity. Actors in this system are driven by self-interest. In Adam’s words â€Å"it’s not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest† (204). By pursuing self-interest (profit) the capitalists provide essential goods and revenue to the community without intending to do so. Though market mechanisms regulate the market, sometimes the employers combine to sink wages below the natural rate (207). Smith condemns such combinations as they hinder competition and same case applies to government interventions. Free trade is encouraged as a nation cannot be self sufficient; it could be cheaper to import than manufacture locally (207 ). Marx agrees with Smith that division of labor leads to improved productivity thus new wealth acquisition and that competition brings market efficiency (214).However, those who produce wealth do not benefit as capitalists accumulate the surplus value. This to Marx is exploitation of labor and also results into two antagonistic classes; the bourgeoisies (capitalists) and proletariat (working class) (216). The discussion during the early 19th century thus moved from discussing the rise of capitalism and centered on the class struggles produced by capitalism. Free trade and competition advocated by Smith only serve to encourage exploitation of workers by the capitalists. If the market is allowed to operate freely, capitalists employ and dismiss labor as they like and offer low wages since they have a reserve army of workers (217). Furthermore, labor has been replaced by machines. The solution offered by Marx and Engels to end class antagonisms is to overthrow capitalism and replace i t with communism. This entails abolishing private property and move from â€Å"each according to his ability; to each according to his needs† (215). Carnegie agrees with Marx that capitalism produces classes as evidenced in America. New classes of the rich and poor emerged with the gap between them widening as rich accumulate more wealth (220). Since competition is healthy and the government ought not to intervene in the market, his main concern is how this wealth

Flight Commander Sda Essay Example for Free

Flight Commander Sda Essay A. 1. 2. Interview any leader on the subject of â€Å"taking charge.† Report what u have learned from the interview in the SDA report and in a 3-5 minute speech to cadets in your unit. See attachment one. I made my oral briefing to the Cyberpatriot team on the 19 of September 2013. Major Staple observed. B. 1. List five common uniform discrepancies and explain what the correct standard actually is. Reference the appropriate CAP regulation and paragraph. During many inspections I have noticed that cadet will space their insignia incorrectly. Even though in CAPM 39-1 it states that insignia is to be worn centered, 1inch from the bottom of the collar an parallel. Cadets that attend encampments tend to wear their wing patches lower than CAPM 39-1 one states. In CAPM 39-1 is says that the wing patch is to be worn 1/2inch and centered below the shoulder seam. 2. 3. At special activities I notice cadets wearing Model Rocketry Patches on their BDUs. The cadets I have noticed wear them on the left breast pocket, but that is incorrect. The model rocketry patch is not a specialty an is to be worn on the right breast pocket. 4. During encampment I had noticed during inspection that some cadets had their squadron patches placed wrong on the right breast pocket. Any patches placed on the breast pockets are to be worn completely centered on all sides if they are correct with CAPM 39-1. 5. During encampment staff selections I noticed that some cadets were wearing a silver star on their Goddard ribbon. I also knew this cadet had not been to a COS but had attended a RCLS. Although he did attend the RCLS, you must attend a COS in order to wear the star. Part B: Narrative 1. What are the essential duties of the flight commander? The flight commander is there to direct their flight in things such as: CAP uniform, military courtesy and discipline, drill, ceremonies and formations. They also need to be aware of their flight members testing, and any other situations that may appear with his/her flight. CAPP 52-14 is also something that flight commanders should understand and be up to date with. 2. How does the flight commander help the squadron fulfill its mission? Flight Commanders are training the future leaders of the squadron. The flight commander is there to help an encourage all the cadets in their flight, whether it be in drill, uniform, or studying for a test. Flight commanders are what builds the squadron with out the flight commanders the squadron would be unable to thrive. 3. How do flight commanders affect cadets or the overall cadet program? Flight commanders are one of the main things that a new cadet encounters, the others are flight sergeant an other basics. If a cadet has an understanding an personal flight commander the cadet may be more willing to listen to the person (flight commander) that they just met. Overall without the flight commanders the cadet program would have no one to educate cadets on the way of cadet life. 4. What leadership skills do flight commanders need most to succeed? Leadership skills are a very important part of being a flight commander, without leadership there is no way to truly fulfill the needs of a flight commander. A flight commander needs to be able to understand an communicate with his/her cadets in order to teach them. The flight commander also needs to know when to delegate or be the one to take charge, if he/she doesnt delegate then there is no true need for the flight sergeant.

Effect of Temperature and Cu2+ on Abscorbic Acid Stability

Effect of Temperature and Cu2+ on Abscorbic Acid Stability Effects of Temperature, pH and Cu2+ on Abscorbic Acid Stability NAME: Sophia Chai Lai Jin Objectives: To perform a selected redox titrimetric procedure. To measure the stability of ascorbic acid under various conditions. Introduction L-ascorbic acid as known as Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for humans. L-ascorbic acid is one of the most potent compounds acting as an antioxidant in biological systems by scavenging active oxygen species and free radicals. L-ascorbic acid is a well-known water-soluble antioxidant that has a whitening effect and serves as a cofactor of prolinehydroxylase to promote synthesis of collagen. Low intakes cause a nutrient deficiency disease known as scurvy. Scurvy causes general weakness, anemia, gum disease, and skin hemorrhages. The effectiveness of ascorbic acid as a food additive depends on its oxidation to dehydroascorbic acid which effectively destroys ascorbic acid. Since it is so readily oxidized, it is frequently called the most unstable vitamin. Ascorbic acid may degrade via a number of different mechanisms. Anaerobic and aerobic pathways have been identified; but when oxygen is present, oxidative degradation predominates. Factors that may influence the rate of ascorbic acid degradation include temperature, salt and sugar concentration, pH, oxygen concentration, metal catalysts, and enzymes. Apparatus Test tubes, beakers (20 and 250 mL), burets, pipets (1,5 and 10 mL), Erlenmeyer flasks (50 mL), graduated cylinders (10 and 50 mL), hot plate, boiling beads, pH meter, water bath. Materials Ascorbic acid solution (0.5 and 10 mg/mL), oxalic acid solution (0.25 M), 2,6-dichloroindophenol (dye) solution, cupric sulphate, (CuSO4.5H2O) solution (10 g/100 mL), glycine buffer (0.1 M, pH 2), carbonate buffer (0.1 M, pH 8), HCl (1 M). Experimental Procedure Abscorbic Acid Standard Curve 9 mL of oxalic acid solution and 1 mL of 1.0 M HCl was transferred to each of four Erlenmeyer flask. 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mL of ascorbic acid solution (0.5 mg/mL) was added to each respectively. Each flask rapidly with dye solution was titrate until a light but distinct rose pink colour persists for at least 5 s. A volume o fdye versus miligrams of ascorbic acid was plotted. Effects of Temperature, pH and Cu2+ on Ascorbic Acid Stability 10 mL (duplicate) was prepared of each of the following solution Ascorbic acid in glycine buffer Ascorbic acid in carbonate buffer Ascorbic acid in glycine buffer + CuSO4 Ascorbic acid in carbonate buffer + CuSO4 1 mL of ascorbic acid (10 mg/mL), 0.5 mL of CuSO4 and sufficient buffer was added to bring the total volume to 10 mL and well mixed. The pH was recorded for each solution. They was cover and capped loosely and transfer to a boiling water bath. It was boiled for 15 minutes and cooled. Titration was done. Results: Table 1 : Volume of dye vs miligrams of ascorbic acid Ascorbic acid (0.5 mg/mL) Ascorbic acid in mg Volume of dichloroindophenol used (mL) 0.5 0.25 30.4 1.0 0.5 57.1 1.5 0.75 82.7 2.0 1.0 114.1 Table 2: pH value of each solution Solution pH value 1st set 2nd set Ascorbic acid + glycine 2.06 2.09 Ascorbic acid + carbonate 7.24 7.27 Ascorbic acid + glycine + CuSO4 1.98 2.00 Ascorbic acid + carbonate + CuSO4 6.17 6.22 Table 3: Volume of dye vs different solutions Solution Volume of dichloroindophenol used (mL) Ascorbic acid + glycine 5.8 Ascorbic acid + carbonate 3.3 Ascorbic acid + glycine + CuSO4 2.6 Ascorbic acid + carbonate + CuSO4 1.6 Calculation Average amount of ascorbic acid to titrate with dichloroindophenol in 1 mL Y = 113.21x 1 = 113.21x X = 0.0088 mg 1 mL of dichloroindophenol is required to titrate with 0.0088 mg of ascorbic acid Total volume of ascorbic acid solution = 10 mL Ascorbic acid + glycine solution required 5.8 mL of dichloroindophenol: 0.0088 mg X 5.8 = 0.05104 mg Concentration of ascorbic acid = 0.005104 mg/mL Ascorbic acid + carbonate required 3.3 mL of dichloroindophenol: 0.0088 mg X 3.3 = 0.02904 mg Concentration of ascorbic acid= 0.0029 mg/mL Ascorbic acid + glycine + CuSO4 required 2.6 mL of dichloroindophenol: 0.0088 mg X 2.6= 0.02288 mg Concentration of ascorbic acid = 0.002288 mg/mL Ascorbic acid + carbonate + CuSO4 required 1.6 mL of dichloroindophenol: 0.0088 mg X 1.6= 0.01408 mg/mL Concentration of ascorbic acid = 0.001408 mg/mL Discussion In this experiment, redox iodometric titration assay was used to determine the amount of concentration of ascorbic acid in each buffer solution. CuSO4 act as the oxidizing reagent in the reaction. Firstly, the dichloroindophenol act as the blue dye will oxidized the ascorbic acid when titration begin. The ascorbic acid will be oxidized into another form which is called dehydroascorbic acid. The following figure shows the equation of redox reaction of ascorbic acid and converted to dehydroascorbic acid in the titration. In acid condition, the blue dye will turn the solution into pinkish colour, if the ascorbic acid is present, it will reduce the solution back into colourless compound. The higher the concentration of ascorbic acid, the more dichloroindophenol is needed to oxidize it. Until the titration end point is reached, a persist pink colour solution will be obtained. This indicates that the availability of ascorbic acid has used up for reduction and being oxidized quantitavely by dichloroindophenol. Therefore, from the result in part A standard curve calibration, a straight linear line was achieved. The 2.0 mL of ascorbic acid solution (0.5 mg/mL) required a huge amount of dichloroindophenol to neutralize it. From the result obtained, the ascorbic acid-glycine solution tend to have higher concentration of ascorbic acid. Meanwhile in ascorbic acid-carbonate solution has a lower concentration of ascorbic acid. This might due to in alkaline condition it will be more easily to oxidized into dehydroascorbic acid. In alkaline condition, the O2 will act as the oxidant to breakdown the ascorbic acid and destabilize it. Therefore, a slightly acidic pH, the antioxidant properties of ascorbic acid can be maintained. Moreover, in the presence of CuSO4 will degrade the ascorbic acid easily as CuSO4 is a strong oxidizing agent. Cu2+ will catalaze the oxidation and heating also will increase the rate of oxidation. However, at a slight acidic pH such as in citrus juice, the vitamin is more stable. Besides, thermal treatment to the ascorbic acid can degrade and destruct the antioxidant properties of the structure. In boiling water bath, most of the ascorbic acid are believed to be degraded. Therefore, the amount of the concentration of ascorbic acid are found to be lower than the beginning of the experiment. Conclusion The higher the concentration of ascorbic acid in a solution, the more amount of dichloroindophenol are required to neutralized it. In a very acidic condition, it will degrade the ascorbic acid faster. However in a neutral or alkaline condition in the presence of air, the ascorbic acid will oxidized fast due to the O2 which is an oxidant. High temperature can degrade the antioxidant properties of the vitamin C. References http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000355.htm http://chemistry.about.com/od/demonstrationsexperiments/ss/vitctitration_4.htm http://www.sussexvt.k12.de.us/science/Textbook/LIM_LowRes_Unsecured/NCInv13D.pdf Questions Explain the difference in the results between the ascorbic acid-glycine and the ascorbic acid-carbonate buffers, and the effect of pH on ascorbic acid. The ascorbic acid-glycine solution tend to have higher concentration of ascorbic acid. Meanwhile in ascorbic acid-carbonate solution has a lower concentration of ascorbic acid. This might due to in alkaline condition it will be more easily to oxidized into dehydroascorbic acid. In alkaline condition, the O2 will act as the oxidant to breakdown the ascorbic acid and destabilize it. Therefore, a slightly acidic pH, the antioxidant properties of ascorbic acid can be maintained. Explain the difference in the results between ascorbic acid-glycine buffer and the ascorbic acid-glycine buffer with CuSO4; between ascorbic acid-carbonate buffer and the ascorbic acid-carbonate buffer with CuSO4 model systems. The presence of metal ions such as copper and iron increase the rate of oxidation of ascorbic acid. CuSO4 is strong oxidizing agent. Ascorbic acid form complex with metal ions and reduce metal ion into metal. Therefore, the addition of CuSO4 has lowered the amount of dichloroindophenol which required to titrate with the ascorbic acid solution.

Demos as an Art :: Art Arts Artistic Technology Essays

Demos as an Art A little more than two years ago I came across a very small computer program that amazed me. It was very small as computer programs go, but it did something I have never seen before - it used a mathematical formula to create a stunning moving display, and played music in the background. After a while of looking around I found more of the same type of programs, most created by different people, all of which had a common purpose of presenting the user with computer-generated art - some by mathematical formulae, some by conventional means, but most a combination of the two. Each one had music composed especially for that program. They were all works of art, a new form of art. I found out that to make such a program one had to have some ideas for something to be represented by mathematical expressions, then express them all in a computer program, that was fast enough to do many complex calculations on an average user’s machine. The latter part turned out to be a lot harder than it sounded. As fast as computers are today, they are not fast enough, for there is always something which requires more and more calculations. Many tricks have to be implemented to make a program run the fastest possible, some of them being, ironically, to write it in the â€Å"earlyâ⠂¬  computer languages which dealt more with computer instructions than with the structure of the program itself. Thus the more complex your goal, the simpler means you have to employ to reach it. Because of this it is very hard to create a fast and small program. The ammount of time and effort spent on writing it can be amazingly high. I, myself, spent two days once writing a program that consisted of about 200 â€Å"letters† of computer istructions - a few lines - all generated from a few pages of the program that I wrote, and re-wrote, and re-wrote ... These programs carry an unassuming name: â€Å"demos† , short for â€Å"demonstrations†, but they do so much more than that implies. Most of them push computers to the â€Å"limit†, doing what was earlier thought of as impossible or at least required a super-computer, but most importantly they define a new art form. This special mode of art requires many new and exciting factors, such as musical composition, art merged with science (a seemingly incompatible mixture), excellent computer programming skills, but most important - teamwork.

Reading Towards New Heights :: Education Educating Teaching Essays

Reading Towards New Heights Envision a world wherein many students are lost when a college instructor opens a textbook filled with the works of authors from the ancient world. Does this even happen in colleges and universities? This does happen in classrooms around the world, and I want to be able to impact the future generations that will one-day grace the halls of a college or university. Education impacts an individual’s life every day, and I have always envisioned myself educating students to a greater extent than many students would feel capable of accomplishing. Yet how did a child who once dreamt of being a lawyer ever decide to become a teacher? In middle school, I began to read novels and write short stories. The literacy rate to me seemed to be diminishing. Students no longer found joy in picking up a book and becoming engrossed in a novel. At that point in my life, I wanted to my fellow classmates to find the pleasure in reading and writing that I did, but no one would really listen. As long as I can remember I have desired to make a difference in someone’s life, and the opportunity finally prevailed in high school. I had the opportunity to tutor a young child in reading and when she had finally accomplished the feat of reading, I was overjoyed because she grew to love reading. But when I looked at my classmates, they were all groaning about the selections that our teachers had given us. I suppose that seeing a young child enjoy reading inspired me to want to teach high school literature. I wanted older students to feel the passi on of reading a novel that they actually connected with. I wanted to be the teacher that bridged the gap between reading and teenagers. But how will I engage their minds for the great works of literature that will acquire them reasoning skills? In order to engage my students in the joys of reading, I plan to use a philosophy renowned for its able to focus on ideas, concepts, and books. My love for the great works of literature from the ancient world has allowed me to accept the philosophy of perennialism as my teaching philosophy. The Great Books are a selection of world-renowned books that I want my students to read and thoroughly attain knowledge from. Mortimer Adler once said, "The Great Books of ancient and medieval as well as modern times are a repository of knowledge and wisdom, a tradition of culture which must initiate each generation (356, Teachers, Schools, and Society).

Echoes of Heaven: God’s Love is Better than Life Itself,” Essay

Abstract Charles Elephant bares his Spirit in a book exalting God in every word, every page, and every chapter. In publishing his new book titled â€Å"Echoes of Heaven: God’s Love is Better than Life Itself,† Elephant shares his faith with the world by lifting select verses from the bible, and explaining how these words have changed his life and formed his faith. Amid all the tragedies, heartbreaks, hatred and confusion in the world today, it seems that everyone is out in the desert of life, tired but still running aimlessly for some clarity, a sense of knowledge that a much higher, much powerful force is in control, and never losing control of the world as they know it. Each person has a way of coping with life’s trials and difficulties. People turn to loved ones; others turn to their friends, others to their support groups, others to their families, while some others turn to books of wisdom that may provide the answers even to the questions they have not really asked out loud. Elephant writes the words of wisdom with the aid of biblical references and tells his readers how God started everything, and how He is still watching over His creation, with every intention of fulfilling His promises. â€Å"Echoes of Heaven: God’s Love is Better than Life Itself† is the book that will accompany its readers in their walk through life. It is a friend, a guide and ultimately, a prayer partner for a more meaningful and richer relationship with God. Author’s Bio Charles Elephant was born and raised in the quiet rural town of Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri in Kenya. Charles’ birth name is Charles Njogu. â€Å"Njogu† means Elephant in his language. Charles completed a Master’s degree in International Finance and Economics at Brandeis University in 2003. Presently, he is taking yet another Master’s Degree, this time under the Science in Management and Systems program at New York University. Charles came to the United States in 2001 and lived in Waltham, Massachusetts for a while, then moved to Newark, New Jersey, where he is currently staying. Life was chaotic for Charles in his search for life’s meaning and the individual role that he is supposed to play in this world. He was on a restless journey through life before he rediscovered God and began to understand His ways in the early 1990s. Along with his renewed faith in God, Charles got a revived outlook in life. Since then, too, Charles has determined that his strongest desire lies in tapping into his Spirit to gather more wisdom from God, and subsequently pass it on to His children. Charles vows to share with the world God’s amazing works and promises through his books and music of Praise and Worship. â€Å"My purpose in this merciless and bitter world is to bring together all the children of the Most High God to understand each other and find a way back to God. It is my responsibility to help others to rise above body-consciousness and have a glimpse of the Lord, with His grace.† –   Charles Elephant PART I Chapter 1 Songs of Praise â€Å"Echoes of Heaven: God’s Love is Better than Life Itself†[1] begins with praise, worship and adoration in the first chapter using verses in Psalm 40. Elephant deems it good to start this way, presumably to honor God before moving forward to what he has to share in his book. He writes, â€Å"It is good to praise and worship God because He is good and worthy of our devotion every moment.†[2] How did Elephant introduce God to his readers? What justifies the statement that â€Å"It is good to praise and worship God,† and how â€Å"good† is God such that He is â€Å"worthy of our devotion every moment?† Elephant lifted verses from Psalm 40 to enumerate some of God’s wonderful ways. He responds to the cry of his people; He pulls His children from a dangerous pit, and a deadly quicksand; He makes His children feel secure; and He teaches who hears Him with a new song. Essentially, readers begin to see an extremely powerful but loving God who saves His people from harm, makes His people feel secure, and soothes the weary to sing a new song. How does Elephant respond to the amazing qualities of God? What is Elephant’s way of showing to God that he does praise, worship and obey Him? Elephant turns to Psalm 40 and says to God, â€Å"Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.†[3] The introduction shows the manner in which a book will move forward from the starting point. This is where readers are given a glimpse of how the author will take them on a journey, and what they could look forward to in the succeeding chapters. In his first chapter, Elephant tells his readers that his book will be a guide to understanding God, a new lens through which God could be seen in a different light, and a friend to talk to when one finds himself feeling insecure or getting trapped in a dangerous pit, and a deadly quicksand. Chapter 2 Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant understands that his book is a personal collection of prayers, which can also be understood as private content of his spiritual being. Hence, in Chapter 2, he moves on to share more about himself, his life, where he came from, the kind of family that raised him, how he rediscovered the Lord and increased his faith; and how he found serenity in his newfound faith in the Lord. To anyone who carries or has carried a lot of burden in life, Elephant talks to him and says, â€Å"Before I met God, I was desperate; I hated myself because I had no hope, and my life was nothing but misery.†[4] Elephant furthers, â€Å"I was dying to hear someone whisper, ‘I love you,’ but no one ever did.†[5]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After having been lost and restless in life, Elephant says he wants to share with his readers the joy he has been feeling in God’s grace. Then he sums up his realizations in one urgent message – the importance of growing and increasing the relationship between man and God.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To bring God closer to the reader’s home, Elephant likens God to a father; a father whose arms await his children who had gone out of His embrace, who had decided to walk aimlessly through life, but are now ready to come back home to Him. Chapter 3 God’s Calling   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the many things that you would normally hear from all kinds of people is that they are waiting to feel or hear God’s calling. Some others are asking whether there really such a thing as God’s calling and who hears this calling and how. Charles Elephant tells his story – the root of his choice, the family situation he was exposed to, and how God gave him a startling message that had set the course for his next choices in life. Elephant courageously shares the story that would convince you to find your own calling, too. Then he recounts a dream where God has spoken to him. Ultimately, Elephant opens his life to further stress one point: the depth of God’s understand and the extent of what He may choose to do for his child. Elepahant closes the chapter by saying, â€Å"I thanked God because He could understand my struggle and what I was going through.†[6] Chapter 4 God Appeared in Person   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jesus Christ was crucified because the people would not believe that he was the Son of God. But today, Charles Elephant is saying in his book that God has appeared before him in the flesh of a stranger. In the Bible, it is written, â€Å"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.†[7] Charles Elephant unfolds a tale of an encounter that has made him cry positive triumphant tears. He says, â€Å"I had done what was right in the eyes of God.†[8] Chapter 5 God Revealed Himself to Me   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Chapter 5, Elephant continues to reveal his relationship with God and how his visions were coming with accurate news. He also relates to readers the conflicts he had to face externally and internally. Without qualms and even a slight hint of reluctance, Elephant tears his memory apart to gather the point in time when he felt God’s manifestation in his life, as he sensed God revealing Himself to him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this chapter, Elephant says to his reader, â€Å"Do not harden your heart.† As he was lost and had experienced countless conflicts in his life, he knew how a hardened heart must feel. But after a process of overcoming   the blocks toward his spiritual growth, Elephant says, â€Å"Take my soul and mind because there are no longer my own. God, the Creator of the universe, let your will be done in my life for your glory.†[9] Chapter 6 Submitting My Life to God   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In examining his life, as well as that of everyone and everything around him, Charles Elephant equips himself with the knowledge he needs to understand to carry on in life. Elephant notes the miracle of how he had gone to school despite his lack of resources. In his observation and recall, certain things in His life would not have happened if God had not allowed it. Yet, because they happened, and in fact turned into reality, Elephant calls it a miracle – one of the many miracles in his life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant shares yet another miracle in Chapter 6, how he was baptized by God, and how he was anointed by Jesus, the Son of God.   Submitting himself to God by baptismal was the first major step that Elephant has made in the hopes of giving back to God his expression of love. Chapter 7 Exciting Missions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After his holy baptismal, witnessing life and death became significant missions for Elephant. He tells of how God has sent him to people, and how the people have turned to him, as well. Charles believed he was doing God’s Will. And ultimately, he was willingly surrendering everything for God, because He has manifested Himself to him, and He has given him missions to fulfill. Elephant is filled with delight, because he has done as God had said. To his reader, he passes the reassurance that God is not taking anyone out of His sight. In fact, God knows and sees everything. Therefore, people who submit themselves to God need not worry about anything, especially not about getting lost.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   He is a child following orders from God. Once again. Surely, Elephant wishes everyone to be alert in the presence of God, the father. He says, â€Å"When we go astray or fail to do His will due to our ignorance, He corrects us with love. His love to us endures forever.†[10] Chapter 8 The Occasion of My Birthday   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jesus said this is how man should make his petitions know to God: â€Å"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.[11] Elephant tells of birthdays graced by God and how his relationship with Him has made him a completely at peace and content person. Through his birthday stories, Elephant suggests that no matter how simple or grand the petition is, if you say it out loud to God,   then it will happen according to God’s grace. Chapter 9 Love   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Love and pain from heartaches are frequently together; most of the times, where there is love, there is pain. In the same manner, one’s value is diminished in the absence of another.   Yet, Elephant says love is the greatest gift of all. How does love, with pain accompanying it, become the greatest love of all? Elephant says the simple answer, â€Å"Jesus sacrificed his life for our sake because of the Love God had for the world.†[12] If love could result in the sacrifice of life, then there is nothing that love could not do, cause or bring forth. One is still inclined to ask, â€Å"Why do people who love get hurt?† Elephant says, â€Å"God made me to go through the practical experience of being hurt, disappointed, desperate and discouraged. Without suffering, love could have no value; suffering draws us closer to God and helps us to appreciate the gift of life.†[13]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As for his more personal story, Elephant says this about love: â€Å"Genuine love does not attach conditions; it is always a free gift to others.†[14] Chapter 10 A Vision of Heaven   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Heaven is a bright, lively stunning place where a banquet is prepared for everyone. This is just one of the aspects of Heaven, according to Elephant. In his curiosity about death and Heaven, Elephant had prayed for guidance and received it. In his trip to Heaven, two things were made even cleared to him: One, Heaven is home. Two, everyone should be able to find their way Home to the Father. Hence, upon receiving this vision, Elephant’s goal of bringing more people closer to God, so everyone could reach Home when the time comes for death on earth. Chapter 11 Angel Messengers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If people were plants and bushes in the garden, angels are the gardeners fulfilling their biological needs and preserving their aesthetic value. After his own personal encounters with angels, Elephant summarized his realization into this: â€Å"Angels are humble creatures who are always ready to serve and protect us. They are our gardeners. They do not want to see us miserable, sad or doing wrong things.†[15] Chapter 12 Faith   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Every now and then, man will realize his faith is being tested by the situation, by his inner conflicts or by the environment influencing him. In any circumstance where faith is being tested, Elephant is says one has got to understand the breadth and depth of God’s might and His love for man. This way, one’s faith will remain strong amid tempting thoughts, feelings, worries and insecurities. How does one show his faith? How could faith be increased? How could faith be manifested? Elephant answers all these questions by saying, â€Å"Faith and trust are built through the long journey of love. Faith must be reflected by actions.†[16] God makes impossible things happen at His will. Elephant says, â€Å"He is faithful and never fails. He creates ways where there is no way.†[17] Chapter 13 Dealing with Darkness   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It has always been good versus bad since man’s first kindergarten stories. It has always been about good triumphing over evil in the end. In believing in God, Elephant says, it is also important to believe in the existence of the devil, which he relates to darkness as proper metaphor.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this chapter, Elephant shares how he almost died, and how God has empowered him to preserve his life – by defeating the devil. Elephant explains to his readers the way in which the devil works in the lives of man. He says, â€Å"As I was thinking about God, the Devil was thinking about me. As I was thinking about how to build a relationship with God, the Devil was thinking about how to destroy my relationship with God.†[18] Further, Elephant suggests that man should be ready with armor in anticipation of the devil’s attacks. What kind of armor could protect man from evil? Could this be bought? Is there a practice necessary to build it? Elephant says, â€Å"We need to put on our armor for protection. The name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior is the spiritual supernatural weapon; and the blood that he shed on Calvary is our armor.†[19] Therefore, Jesus Christ has done it all for man. Jesus Christ and his dying at the Calvary, and later on his resurrection, had become man’s salvation against evil for the rest of man’s life. Chapter 14 On Preparing for Death   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant had an actual near-death episode in the previous chapter. Here, he talks about his vision on his last day on earth. He had asked for a glimpse of how it would look like on his day of departure from Earth, and he was not very ecstatic about what he saw. Yet, how ecstatic could one be if one is seeing a vision of his wake or funeral? But then Elephant says there is nothing to worry about, not even death. He writes a prayer that one could recite in anticipation of death, and in gratitude to God at the same time: Thank you God for the time you have given me to live in this merciless and bitterness world. Lord I cannot complaint for anything because you have blessed me from the time I came to this world until this day when I am leaving it. It was through your grace and favor that I am the way I am. Many were born with various disabilities, including mental and physical health. Many went without food, drinks or clothing, but for me you had provided well. Millions have died through various causes but you have kept me alive until this day. I have seen the glory of sunrises and sunsets for all those days.[20] PART II Chapter 15 Man is a Complicated Creature Even from the very beginning, seemed to have a special inclination to doing exactly the opposite of what man is told to do. In Chapter 15, Elephant goes back to God’s commandments given to man, and how it everything turned out since the instruction was given. This is a highly reflective chapter in which Elephant arranged the stories in the bible that shows how man, since biblical Day 1 on Earth, has complicated every simple instruction given by God. Elephant concludes in the chapter, â€Å"Our first parent chose to follow or listen to a stranger, the Devil. He ignored the instructions that he was given by God, despite being given everything by his creator.†[21] Chapter 16 Swearing an Oath Big promises are big thing; but small promises are never small things. Hence, when it comes to promises or making oaths, God has instructed man to never take it lightly. Elephant says, â€Å"God discourages mortal man from making promises, because our failure to fulfill them will result in curses.† Elephant further says that there are traps laid by the devil in every promise a man makes. For this reason, in Psalm 15:1-5, God requires man to always do what he promises, no matter how much it may cost.[22] In the same manner, Elephant emphasizes that man should neither promise nor demand anyone to make a promise. In this way, only God is relied upon to keep His promises, as He never fails in His word. Chapter 17 Leadership Leadership comes from God, Elephant says.[23] However, unlike God who rules with glory, man tends to fail because of his ego, according to Elephant. He says, â€Å"Most leaders fail because they walk their own way out of pride.†[24] To become an effective leader, man has to submit himself to God and neither to himself, nor to the devil. Man has to understand that the true power of leadership belongs to one source, and that is God. Elephant’s advice is this: â€Å"Politicians are God’s vessels. Yet, due to ignorance, they are used by the Devil to kill, steal, and destroy. Their power and authority must be used for the glory of God, not for personal interest or gain.†[25] Chapter 18 Amazing Vision about Churches In Chapter 18, Elephant shares yet another vision, one which he received for the preservation of churches in the world. The day in the vision is Sunday, when most people go to church. Elephant sees the difference between and among people going to church, their motivation for doing so, and the difference in results across all people after the worship is over. He saw a group dressed in clean garments, and another group wearing rugs. What the people wore were symbols of their heart, what lies underneath the pretty clothes they don in the church.   How can people be so different when they are going to one common church? In his vision, Elephant was taught that not everyone sincerely comes to God to worship him. There are people who are still confused over the true meaning of God’s existence in their life. Elephant’s guide in his visionary has told him, â€Å"Those who attend the buildings with rugs are preoccupied with many things. Their hearts have no room for God. They are seeking God for their businesses to be smooth, but they have no vision of salvation.† Elephant closes this chapter with revelations and prophecies from true and false prophets alike, and the differences that set one apart from the other. For even among churchgoers, a few more souls are not sure of what they are doing. Elephant says, â€Å"The land is full of people who are unfaithful to the Lord; they live wicked lives and misuse their power. Because of the Lord’s curse, the land mourns and the pastures are dry.† It becomes clear that a man’s land can be dry or thriving, depending on man’s way of tilling his soil. Chapter 19 Living a Double Life In connection to the previous chapter where churchgoers come to church wearing metaphorical rugs, Elephant continues to discuss the â€Å"double life† among God’s children, among the believers, themselves. He says, â€Å"The majority of Christians are believers, but they do not know what they believe in.† However sad the realization may be, there is a certain amount of truth in the state of the confused and lost Christians who were supposed to have been saved. As faith grows among believers, so does the evil ways in which they are trapped. Therefore, Elephant advices, â€Å"God is love and ready to forgive you. The time has come to say no to slavery and to be the master of your soul.†[26] In slavery, Elephant was referring to becoming a victim, hence a slave, of temptations. He offers a practical guide which can be used to find one’s way to freedom from confusion, disbelief and living a double life: â€Å"(A)ccept (God’s) invitation and do not reject it, and the peace, joy, and happiness from God shall be yours forever.†[27] Chapter 20 Why Marriages Break   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Today, man is living in a generation that treats marriage as an almost meaningless piece of paper, with a primary purpose of setting legal boundaries and legal attachments. The â€Å"for better or for worse† part in wedding vows have been set aside, for the sake of freedom of choice and freedom from suffering from wrong choices.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant says of marriage, â€Å"Marriage is a contract entered into by the free choice of a man and a woman. Both know the consequence of their choice is to participate in the creation of life. Therefore, they must make sure they do not make the child that they create suffer in any way. It is a sin, and God does not tolerate that.†[28] Chapter 21 What is Death? The tragedy of death strikes all nations and all individuals in many traumatic ways. Cultures and clans across the world have different ways of burying their dead, and remembering them in their hearts. However, death is always a cause of pain to man – to those who were left behind, and those who are awaiting their time. Being exposed to cases of HIVs and AIDS, Elephant heard a voice of why diseases like these have happened to man. The voice he heard said, â€Å"â€Å"Charles, do not be surprised. Not all who are aï ¬â‚¬ected are sinners, and that is why they are suï ¬â‚¬ering. Most of them are innocent, but the prophecy must be fulfilled. These are the last days that the prophets talked about. The world has turned away from God.† Elephant was curious about the dead, and in this chapter he reveals more of his visions that led him to grow further in his faith in God, even in the presence of death. Chapter 22 What is a Soul?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Soul is the energy that God places within a human body so it would receive life.[29] Elephant says the soul should master the mind in harmony, and the mind should not master the soul. He further speaks of preachers who minister differently among people. â€Å"When the preachers are preaching, some minister to the soul and others to the mind. Ministering to the soul results in the repentance of sins†¦ Other preachers entertain the flesh (mind) by telling people what they want to hear. Those are preachers that are either planted by the Devil or have personal interests.†[30] If mind is separated from the soul, and the soul should master the mind, it becomes clear that the mind is of the body, and the soul is of God. What does it take to have a healthy mind, then? Worldly matters, perhaps. What does it take to have a healthy soul? Elephant says it’s a relationship and common communication with God. Chapter 23 Who is right – Christians or Muslims?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In a very concise but meaningful manner, Elephant explains the reality among Christians and Muslims, and how there should be no debate as to who is right between the two groups.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It has already been discussed in the book that man is complicated by nature. Ergo, it is not surprising to see religions clashing even when they are not supposed to, considering that they are worshipping one God, and resisting one enemy, the devil. Ergo, it works for the glory of God that people in spite of all the differences, are worshipping one and the same God, albeit in many varying ways. Chapter 24 The issue of the Da Vinci Code   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The whole world talked of a fictional book by a them emerging author who wrote about the purported symbols in the works of the great legendary artist, Leonardo Da Vinci. Massive talks and debates were held, all for one fictional book. Yet, Elephant shares with the readers why all these debates took place. He says, â€Å"Religion, belief, and faith are parts of our lives, and they give us an identity. When they are challenged, we tend to feel insecure and threatened.†[31] The threat mostly comes from knowing that other groups are saying that what used to be real for most is false all along. This is a threat in that the stability of old beliefs are shaken, and a line is no longer drawn between fiction and facts. However, Elephant says, the threat should not upset anyone, and there should have been no threat at all if man has a competent understanding of what he believes in. The problem starts when one’s faith is weak and therefore the Spirit is not heard. â€Å"We should not walk blindly, because ignorance is as bad as any other sin.. It is our responsibility to follow God’s guidance,† Elephant says.[32] This guidance, when received, will draw the glaring line between fact and fiction, and kill the threat away, and will subsequently set matters straight between fact and fiction. The thing that matters most, therefore, is faith, unshakeable faith in God that seeks guidance all the time. Chapter 25 Kenyan Road of Democracy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kenya is precious to Elephant because first and foremost, it is his country.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   He also mentions about the amazing relationship between Christians and Muslims in Kenya, together with the other religions. Hence, in Elephant’s country, they were one. All the turmoil that Kenya has gone through, sits deep inside each one of everyone in Kenya, such that even the political situation in Kenya has become a part of Elephant’s vision. Elephant says, â€Å"During the elections, I did not go to vote because I knew the outcome already.†[33] Elephant shares how the amazing change of government in Kenya was hinted in his visions, and what he had to do to see it through. Chapter 26 Pope John Paul’s Revelation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pope John Paul II was instrumental to Elephant’s continuously increasing faith. Elephant shares with the readers the testimonies of his visions concerning Pope John Paul II, and how his death has affected him, spiritually and emotionally, and ultimately, holistically.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant shares, â€Å"I had a lot of confusion in my head about my life and mission until the death of Pope John Paul.†[34] Even after the Pope’s death, Elephant has witnessed a vision, which affirmed the reality of death for him, as well as the awesome glory that awaits those who have been righteous and faithful to God.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion to this chapter, Elephant says, â€Å"It is true that when we die, an angel of God comes for us in a bright light to take those who are righteous to paradise†¦ Glory be to God.†[35] PART III Chapter 27 Who is the Devil?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this third and final part of the book, Elephant tells the story of how the Devil became one, and how man is being trapped by this devil’s manipulation over and over again. As for Elephant, he reckons that knowledge of the devil and its ways are necessary in the continuous journey of a believer in God.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Elephant’s summarized story of the devil’s existence, he stresses that the devil is all about pride, power and possession. So, â€Å"the Devil deceives mankind to sin, so that he can remain in power and have authority and power throughout the ages.†[36] Chapter 28 Who is Jesus?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jesus is the overall manifestation of   God’s love for man. As it is said in the Bible in John 3:16, â€Å"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever shall believe in Him, will not perish, but will receive eternal life.† As such, Jesus was the very representation of God’s immense love for His people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant recounts Jesus’ life on Earth, emphasizing on Jesus’ important teachings on love, forgiveness and prayer among others. Knowing Jesus is similar to knowing that God loves his creation. Chapter 29 Who is God?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant turns to the Bible and his own personal experience and visions in sharing with his readers the reality he knows of God. He says, â€Å"God’s purpose from the beginning was for man to rule the world. God did not create man to die but to live forever†[37]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In knowing God and His high supremacy, Elephant turns to the Bible to recount the first three commandments in Exodus 20:3-7, which is the ultimate verbal manifestation of God: â€Å"I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, where you were slaves. Worship no other god but me. Do not make for yourselves images of anything in heaven or on earth or in the water under the earth. Do not bow down to any idol or worship it, because I am the Lord your God and tolerate no rivals. I bring punishment on those who hate me and on their descendants down to the third and fourth generation. But I show my love to thousands of generations of those who love me and obey my laws.† Chapter 30 Curses   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Curses in this modern age are nothing more than witchcraft manifestation of manipulation and remedies. But in the Bible, curses existed because God has decided to unleash His anger. God, too, gets hurt and gets angry. In fact, He was so disappointed and hurt with what happened to Adam and Eve in the Bible, that He cursed them. This is the story of this chapter: how God was badly hurt, how He has cursed the world and how he redeemed it again by Jesus Christ.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant says, â€Å"The curse started from one point where God was standing and spread all over the world. The blood that came from Jesus’ limbs dripped onto the ground, breaking the curses right from the Calvary where the cross was planted to the ground.†[38] Chapter 31 God’s Anger   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In building a relationship with God, it is important to understand what makes Him happy and what makes Him angry. Even before man is born, he is loved. But man’s complicated course of actions is inclined towards displeasing God, resulting in His anger. Therefore, if man would know what angers God and keeps that in mind, his life and his relationship with God would lie strong in faith and he will not feel abandoned or cursed by God.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant says, â€Å"God has taught me about the Bible through reading and repeating in my dreams or visions the events that took place from Genesis to Revelation whenever I desired to experience the same.†Ã‚   In his desire to experience God fully, he submits himself for visions, desiring to understand God and His ways. Elephant states how he has shared laughing moments with God, and how important it is to never leave God’s care. Chapter 32 The Grace of God   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant starts this chapter by reminding his reader of one biblical fact: all man are sinners. Yet, despite the sin and the abominable ways of man, God’s grace shines through, so much that His Son came down to die for the salvation of man.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Even before Jesus came, God’s grace was already apparent in the Old Testament. Elephant says, â€Å"God is love and He is merciful. He delivered the Israelites from the hands of their oppressors because He loved their forefathers. There was no price to pay after deliverance.† Truly, there is no higher and holier grace than that. Chapter 33 What is Forgiven? In his desire to further understand God, Elephant has prayed for an understanding of sin, and how sin would be recalled on the last day. How much is too much when it comes to sin? How could man’s unforgiving ways affect the judgment that would fall upon him on the last day? To answer these questions, Elephant leaves one strong statement for his reader: â€Å"The wicked will have to suffer, but those who trust in the Lord are protected by his constant love.† It is worth noting that throughout the book, Elephant is consistently never judgmental, and he keeps inviting his reader to repent and trust in God to experience God’s amazing love. Psalms 51, a prayer for forgiveness is an integral part of this chapter, where man is encourage to put his trust in God and know that for whatever sin, if man comes with sincerity and bow before God, then God’s grace will forgive, and ultimately, save him. Chapter 34 Do Not Test God   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While Christianity is under attack, man is continuously tempted to ask God for signs that He is real, that He exists, that He is powerful, and that He is, indeed God. But Elephant says in this chapter, man is not supposed to test God.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Deuteronomy 6:16, it is said, â€Å"Do not put the Lord your God to the test. Be sure that you obey all the laws that He has given you. Do what the Lord says is right and good, and all will be well with you.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In maintaining a relationship with God, Elephant says this is what is important: Therefore, it is not a question of what to receive but what to give back to God; not what God is going to do but what God has done for us and what we are going to do for Him; not what we can expect from God but what God expects from us.[39] Chapter 35 Where Does God Live? Believers and followers of God will know where he lives for it is written in the Bible, that Jesus has risen to prepare rooms for God’s children who will find Heaven after a life on Earth. In John 14:1-3, Jesus said, â€Å"Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe on God, believe also on me. In my Father’s house there are many abodes; were it not so, I had told you: for I go to prepare you a place; and if I go and shall prepare you a place, I am coming again and shall receive you to myself, that where I am ye also may be.† Therefore God lives in a Kingdom with many rooms, and this, man is destined to see. Elephant concludes, â€Å"Jesus came to bring salvation to all mankind so that we could inherit the Kingdom of God by showing us the right way to follow.†[40] Chapter 36 Prayers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chapter 36 is full of prayers for the believers to form a relationship with God and strengthening this relationship to experience God’s grace and love.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this chapter, Elephant discusses the Seven Steps to prepare the Bread at the Holy Communion. The seven steps are as follows: First, prepare the ingredients while gathering the believers and ask forgiveness from one another; second, ask God to bless the mixture of dough to turn it into the Body of Christ; third, pray for the utensils, too, and ask God for the blazing flame of the Holy Spirit; fourth, pray for God to enrich the bread with spiritual gifts that it may be taken into the body of man; fifth, give thanks to God; sixth, bless the communion and pray for those who are taking it; and finally, pray for forgiveness and thanksgiving before taking in the communion. Chapter 37 Day of the Lord In the final chapter of his book, Elephant calls unto his readers to nourish a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Christ, to become followers and believers acting as God’s hands on Earth, for God’s glory, and for earning the right to get to the Kingdom of God on the last day. Through his experience, visions and dreams, Elephant wishes nothing more for his reader than to enjoy God’s love by rediscovering Him, and becoming closer to Him everyday. Finally, Elephant shares his knowledge of rewards that await the believers on the day of Christ’s   return on Earth. He wishes to enjoy this glorious second coming, with as many believers as possible.