Gas Laws Lab Essay

Introduction: In this lab we are going to investigate behavior of gas by working with a molecular model. Factors that effect gas behavior our pressure, temperature, volume and the number of moles. We are going to keep to variables constant and record the relationship or change in the remaining factors. Independent variables: Temperature, number of moles, volume Dependent variable: Pressure Controlled variable: apparatus used (computer program downloaded from the internet), volume and number of moles Question: What is the relationship between pressure and temperature of a gas filled container with constant volume and number of moles? Hypothesis: temperature and pressure are directly related. As temperature increases pressure increases. Pressure is directly proportional to temperature when the number of moles and volume are kept constant. Procedure: Log on to the Internet and visit heinnemann.co.uk/hotlinks and enter the express code 4266S. Click on weblink 3.2 the simulation on the right will appear. In this simulation one can set the parameters as per desire. For this experiment we need to set the volume and number of moles constant. Three trials are done for accuracy. For the first trial, we need to set the volume constant. The volume will remain set to the default value. Then pump 100 heavy species particle in the container and keep them the same until the next trial. The temperature will automatically go to 300K, remove heat to lower the temperature to 150K. Record the pressure produced. Add 50K each time, before taking another reading until the temperature reach 500K. Record the change in pressure with simultaneous temperature in a table. Before starting the next trail hit the reset button. Before starting the second trail change the depth of the container to 3.4nm. Measure the depth with a ruler (the ruler is given as a tool for measurement). Pump 100 more heavy species in the container to make a total of 200 particles. Increase the temperature as done before with similar intervals and record the pressure in form of a table. Hit the reset again and start the final trail. For the third trial, increase the depth of the container to 9nm and pump in a total of 300 heavy species particle. Record the temperature and pressure in a table. The uncertainty in this experiment for temperature is +0.5K and for pressure is +0.5 Pa. Use the tables to graph the data to show the relationship between temperature and pressure. Conclusion and Evaluation: From the data collected and the graphs processed we can make out that pressure is directly related to temperature when the number of moles of particles and the volume of the container is kept constant. We know that as temperature increases the particles gain more energy and collide at a faster rate with each other and the wall of the container. As the number of collisions increases, the more the particles exert force on the walls of the container. The force that the particles have on the walls is known as the pressure. All the 3 graphs have a linear relationship and the slopes of their lines are the coefficient of the temperature because temperature is directly related to pressure. As shown by the graphs temperature is directly proportional to pressure. In other words keep the volume and the amount of gas constant and change the temperature (by heating or cooling) and observe the change in pressure (Pressure law: P=const*T). The lines are not straight and a line of best fit is used. The unevenness of the lines on the graphs shows that there are slight errors involved in the experiment. The errors included are systematic, analytical and random. As the pressure was fluctuating the value noted was randomly chosen. The temperature was sometimes a point higher or lower, which again caused the pressure gauge to give a slight of value. Also the uncertainty in the measurement of volume showed that there were some errors also included while taking the measurement of the container. Suggestions for improvements: The lab was precise because of the number of trials done but it could be accurate by reducing the errors made in the experiment. Try to hit the raise the temperature of the container in the simulation accurately if that is not possible try setting the default temperature to the desired value and record the pressure. This would allow the pressure gauge to be more accurate. When taking measurement of the container for volume with a ruler try to avoid the parallax error, which is created by not looking at the measurement perpendicularly. Take the mode value from all of the values produced by the pressure gauge and wait a minute or two after setting the temperature and before noting the temperature. This helps to get a more accurate reading because the particles get enough time to settle. By recording the pressure value after giving certain breaks in the experiment will help the lines on all the three graph to be less uneven and more accurate.

Oedipus Rex Essay

â€Å"Fear? What should a man fear? It’s all chance, chance rules our lives. Not a man on earth can see a day ahead, groping through the dark. Better to live at random, best we can.† (lines 1068-1072) The themes of fate and light and darkness are prominent in Oedipus Rex, a play written in ancient Greece by the famous poet Sophocles. Oedipus was a powerful Greek king and was notable for his compassion, sense of justice and his swiftness of thought and action. Unfortunately for him, his life fell ill when the prophecy of his birth came true. Throughout the play, the audience experiences a series of emotions. They experience pity, fear, and anger. At the end of the play, the audience may or may not experience a katharsis, a cleansing or purgation of emotions. The dispute between whether Oedipus should be viewed as a victim or merely a part of the gods manifesting their power and thereby teaching man a lesson is a common argument still in literature today. As many members of an audience believe, Oedipus can appear as having been victimized by the prophecy stricken upon him at birth. Oedipus, being born into such a horrible predicament, had no choice but to live his life as he did always afraid of the horrible outcome of his fate. His parents Laius and Jocasta chose to selfishly bind there son’s feet together and abandon him as a way of making sure they would never see him again and never be vulnerable to the day that Oedipus’ prophecy would come true. Therefore, the emotion of pity arises in the audience and Oedipus is viewed as a victim of a very tragic fate. However, it is important to consider whether he inflicted more agony into his life by trying to fight against his fate. Were the gods punishing Oedipus and ultimately all of mankind because of his retaliation? If so, not only was Oedipus punished, but also his parents were for interfering with the gods’ plans. Oedipus suffered the consequence of losing his sight and his mother committed suicide because of her shame and embarrassment. Today, some view the idea of fate as something planned by a greater being and for human beings, out of our control. For Oedipus and his parents, they thought that they could change their fate but as an outcome and consequence for disrespecting the gods, there was no way to escape it. As Oedipus eagerly attempted to uncover the truth about his fate, acting decisively and deliberately refusing to shield himself from the truth. Although we see Oedipus as a playing-piece of fate, the irony becomes so magnified that it seems as if Oedipus was willingly bringing catastrophe upon himself. In one of Oedipus’ speeches, he declares that when he discovers the truth he will excommunicate the murderer from Thebes and punish him severely. Ironically, Oedipus is the murderer himself that he spoke so viciously about and he leaves Thebes and blinds himself after he finds that Jocasta has hanged herself. Despite the many character flaws that Oedipus withholds, such as quickness to anger, stubbornness, ignorance and arrogance, rather than viewing his fate as a natural result of the virtues and vices of his character, Oedipus teaches mankind a lesson in humility. Like many tragedies, Oedipus Rex teaches a lesson of morality to the audience. It teaches the audience that it is better to be humble and that even if you are a good leader, it does not necessarily mean that you are a good person. Oedipus Rex also teaches that no matter your past or what you do to change your fate, it will always catch up to you somehow. â€Å"People of Thebes, my countrymen, look on Oedipus. He solved the famous riddle with his brilliance, he rose to power, a man beyond all power. Who could behold his greatness without envy? Now what a black sea of terror has overwhelmed him. Now as we keep our watch and wait the final day, count no man happy till he dies, free of pain at last.† (lines 1678-1684) These words, spoken by the chorus, form the ending of Oedipus Rex. The chorus announces that even though Oedipus solved the riddle of the Sphinx, he was never happy with his life and his fate and he caused his own fall. Rather than a victim to his fate, he was the antagonist to his fate.

Linguistic Anthropology review Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Linguistic Anthropology review - Article Example However, this focus on the identity has pointlessly restrained the scope of enquiry, thus rendering research in the area ineffective and not in a position of addressing the wider semiotic process that produces sexuality, and disseminating it in language. Nevertheless, one of the essay’s major points is to suggest that what is seen as the differentiating performance from performativity, and how those two perspectives relate to language. Moreover, the focus of this critical study is on the fact that the ‘no’ of a woman is restrained by the cultural demands and expectations of femininity (Kullick 494). The writer states that at several points in time, he noted where he thought that there are differences between a performance perspective and a performativity perspective. He however claims that there is a difference, which in his view is a critical one, which brings us back to the identity question. The difference is that while studies considered in a framework of perf ormance have a tendency to regard language in relation to identity, research designed as performative will focus more on identification. According to the writer, we find that the difference is in identity that in linguistic and sociolinguistic anthropology work is traditionally presented as a more or les cognizant claim-staking of a specific sociological position, and the identification that is concerned with the operations that constitutes the subject. The text is not so much fundamental to production of sexual case, but for materialization of a certain type of sexual instance whereby the sexual subjects produced are empowered and gendered differentially (Kullick 498). The writer states that a psychoanalytic platitude about the identifications is that they don’t make up a consistent relational system. Furthermore, they are not absolutely conscious. In contrast, identifications are merely as much structured by refusals, rejections as well as disavowals as their structuring is done by affirmations. It is essential not to fall the identification into identity as they are not the sane thing. More so, a performative linguistic phenomena approach does not begin or even end with identity. But instead, we find that a performative approach would review the process, by which some types of identifications are permitted, unmarked and legitimate, and others are not permitted, marked and not legitimate. Language, Race and White Public Space by Jane Hill The text â€Å"Language, Race and White Public Space,† is all about the issues of language and race in various societies. The construction of the story is done extensive review of the speech of racialized communities like the African Americans, Latinos and the Chicanos for linguistic disorder’s signs, and the invisibility of nearly similar signs in the White’s speeches, whereby the mixing of language that is essential for the expression of a highly rated kind of colloquial persona, takes many for ms. An example of such forms is the Mock Spanish, which shows a complex semiotics. However, by direct indexicality, speakers are presented by the Mock Spanish as having desirable individual qualities. And by indirect indexicality, it produces racializing stereotypes of the Latinos and Chicanos that are highly negative (Hill 683). Furthermore, it also explores the question of the propensity for such usages to be redesigned to undermine the racial practices’ order in discourse. According to the w

Assignment 2 ACC 410 Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assignment 2 ACC 410 - Term Paper Example Current GASB standards place pension expense as Annual Required Contribution (ARC) that stipulates unfunded liability be amortized over a period not more than 30 years. In addition, the funded status is not recorded in the financial statements, only explained in the footnotes. The disclosures are made under note 11: retirement Plans (p 19-23) under basic financial statements. The university participates in two cost-sharing multiple employer defined benefit pension plans, and two single employer defined contribution plans; both through two systems. Under the Employees Retirement System of Georgia, ERS the contribution rate is stipulated by law at 4% of annual compensation up to $4200 and 6% in Excess of $4200. The University of Georgia contributes in excess of 1.25% for each member in this scheme. A new plan for those hired after July 2009 exist, where members contribute 1.25% of annual compensation. The actuarial valuations for the old and new plan are 10.41%. The other system is the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, TRS. Normal retirement benefits are equal to 2% of the member’s two highest subsequent years of service multiplied by the number of years of service. The member’s contribution is regulated by law to between 5-6%of his deductable salary. The contribution rate for 2011 is recorded as 5.53%, while the employer contribution for the same period is 10.28%. The monetary contributed for 2011 for the two models by the University for its Employees is $ 123,062 for ERS and 35,124,704 for TRS. 1. The immediate recognition of liability changes as a result of plan amendments and accelerated change in liability as a result of actuarial gains and losses together with the underlying actuarial assumptions mystifies pension expense and pension funding, as the ARC set the standard for funding in the current approach. 2. Furthermore, delinking pension expense and pension funding creates two different sets of

Performance management plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Performance management plan - Essay Example Conclusions and recommendations 11 7. References 13 8. Appendices 15 I. Tables 15 II. Figures 17 Executive Summary: The report is an analysis of performance management system at the multinational IT giant Accenture. The analysis was carried out on the basis of learning from literature related to a comprehensive performance management. Literature teachings highlight following points about effective performance management: 1. Performance management is a comprehensive process of assessing organizational performance with respect to all its stakeholders. 2. The Balanced Score Card system provides a comprehensive and flexible framework to translate organizational strategies to measurable objectives. 3. The Management By Objectives approach provides a good model to manage performance at individual level. 4. Performance measurement is only a part of performance management. 5. Performance management comprises of all activities that enhance employee motivation, commitment, performance and lear ning. Thus, approaches such as performance appraisals, performance development plans, feedback, performance review etc should focus towards enhancing employee commitment, motivation, performance and learning. These points have been applied to performance management system at Accenture in order to assess its, and the same is validated with information obtained from web sources related to the company. 1. Introduction Effective performance management

Wal-Marts Environmental Sustainability Program Essay

Wal-Marts Environmental Sustainability Program - Essay Example Since Wal-Mart is a retailer of a wide variety of merchandise products, management’s thrust into environmental sustainability comes in the form of ensuring that the products they sell should conform, not only to the highest standards of quality, but more so, to comply with the products’ impact on the environment. Recently, Wal-Mart initiated a program which would label each product they sell according to an eco rating, which aims to â€Å"measure the environmental friendliness† of the product/s (Whitney, 2009, par. 1).Since Wal-Mart is a retailer of a wide variety of merchandise products, management’s thrust into environmental sustainability comes in the form of ensuring that the products they sell should conform, not only to the highest standards of quality, but more so, to comply with the products’ impact on the environment. Recently, Wal-Mart initiated a program which would label each product they sell according to an eco rating, which aims to â €Å"measure the environmental friendliness† of the product/s. The program would attest to the company’s commitment to adhere to its sustainable strategies. The information provided by the suppliers of the products would be encoded in the company’s database and an eco rating system would be available to the consumers, as required. In this regard, the objective of the essay is to proffer an analysis of the company’s environmental performance and how this could be enhanced by the new service.

Unit 6, Four Law Questions Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Unit 6, Four Law Questions - Article Example The Exclusionary Rule interrogates whether these rights were violated while finding evidence. 2) To disallow a search which no judge allowed in the first place: A search warrant must be authorized by a judge. 3) To deter the police: The Exclusionary Rule helps to deter police from using unconstitutional methods to obtain evidence. Elements Of Subjective Test: The defendant’s state of mind. If this is questionable, the evidence may be rendered inadmissible. 2) The willingness of the defendant to participate in the crime must also be adequately proven by the prosecution. Objective Test: Looks at whether the defendant committed the crime due to pressure from government agents or whether government agents persuaded the person into committing the crime. It also explores the possibility of the person not being ready and willing to commit the crime until such a time when the governments agents interacted (Samaha, 2011).. Four Tasks for the judge: 1) Presiding over the hearing and ensuring that that order is maintained. 2) Determine the legality or otherwise of any evidence presented 3) The judge issues instructions before any deliberations begin and cites the law relevant to the case and the standards it must meet. Finally, in case of bench trials, the judge scrutinizes the facts and decides on the way forward for the case. Preliminary Hearings and Grand Jury Review: Basically, a preliminary hearing is taken as an adversarial hearing. On the other hand, a grand jury is a private proceeding that listens to the case of the prosecution without the participation of the defense. Preliminary hearings are also presided over by the judge while the grand jury managed by the

Same sex couple SHOULD BE allowed to marry Essay

Same sex couple SHOULD BE allowed to marry - Essay Example Countries like Belgium, Netherlands and Canada give legal assistance to homosexual marriage. Above all as the same sex couples love each other and ready to live together it is their right to pursue their option (Filer, 2010). Denial of same sex marriage is offensive in anyway and many supportive aspects could be found in this regard. First of all being a homosexual or lesbian does not deny a person his or her citizenship. So, all the citizens of a nation should have equal rights. There should not be a division on the basis of their gender. As the heterosexual has the freedom to marry the person whom he or she loves the person who prefers same sex should also be allowed to marry the one whom he or she likes. The constitution of a country is written for all the citizens of that country and the denial of their rights is unjust on the part of the constitution. Government should not interfere in peoples’ private affairs and the denial of marriage to a certain segment of population is clear discrimination. Marriage should take place on the basis of the love between two persons and gender is not a determining factor of one’s love. It is the fundamental right of every citizen. As love is the main f actor of married life denial of union between two loving hearts just because of same sex is cruel and barbaric. People who stand against same sex marriage say that marriage is for procreation. But that is a wrong idea as marriage primarily aims at loving and caring of two persons. More over there are a number of heterosexual couples who do not procreate. There have been attempts to portrait gay as deviants and overturn their right to marry as per their will. Most probably religious are there behind it, especially the catholic. But one should bear in mind the fact that the constitution is written not exclusively for any particular religious group and it is not a religious document (Homosexuality and

Masculinity and Its Link in the Importance Essay Example for Free

Masculinity and Its Link in the Importance Essay Victorian ideas of masculinity. The concept of Victorian masculinity is a diverse one since it was influenced by numerous aspects and factors such as domesticity, economy, gender roles, imperialism, manners, religion and much more. Some of these aspects seem to be quite naturally related to one another, while others seem none-relational. For the males, this included a vast amount of pride in their work, protectiveness over their wives, and an aptitude for good social behaviour. The Victorians saw manliness as good, a form of control over maleness, which was brutish. Christianity contributed much to the Victorian concept of masculinity. The real Victorian man was to be spiritual and a faithful believer. The husband and father was considered to be the head of the household, but his duty was to rule. Victorian men were not only competing for respect within their own sex, but they needed to impress the women too. If they were not married, it depicted that they were not fully masculine because they did not have a family to support. Supporting a family was a sign of true success within the male sex. In the text so far Oscar Wilde shows Earnest/Jacks eagerness as a sign he could trying to assert his masculinity because that is what Victorian society is so judgemental. Prescribing the notion that women were born to dream of marriage, Cecily and Gwendolyn, from The Importance of Being Earnest, are caught up in the fantasies of the perfect marriage to the perfect earnest husband. Cecily and Gwendolyn are fixated on the name Earnest, almost as if it were an obsession; it is the ideal name for their future husbands. They are determined not to marry a man unless he is called Earnest because they believe a man with this name will automatically live up to the name’s expectations of being serious, honourable, and moral. In Wilde’s play, he comically satirizes the name â€Å"Earnest,† through the portrayal of two deceitful men whom the women fantasize as being ideal men worthy of marriage â€Å"My ideal has always been to love some one of the name of Earnest ’ These two men claim to live up to the Victorian ideals, but then live another life outside of the community to escape the society’s pressures. Henceforth, in the play, the men fall under the pressure of women and Victorian ideals rather than staying true to their identity and personalities. Even when Jack tries to admit his real name, Gwendolyn becomes lost in her ideals of a fantasized husband named Earnest and discourages Jack from confessing his real name. She uses the knowledge that she has learned from the Victorian society to judge whether someone by the name of â€Å"John† or â€Å"Jack† would be a suitable husband for her, and in doing so, she manipulates Jack into hiding his identity out of fear of losing Gwendolyn. He believes the only way Gwendolyn will accept him is to say his name is Earnest.

Happiness Essay Example for Free

Happiness Essay Most humans, I hope, strive and yearn for happiness in whatever they do. It’s almost as if it’s a basic human need. They want to â€Å"feel good,† content, and satisfied with whatever they do or have. In the Jewish Text â€Å"Ethics of Our Fathers† it is written, â€Å"Who is Rich? One who is happy with his portion. † I wholeheartedly believe this scripture. People always want more and more, yet they never seem to be contempt. They want the next best car, or the nicer shirt, but they can’t seem to achieve the happiness they so desire. Unfortunately we see often in the news of a wealthy businessman, or a famous actor/actress who are either arrested or worse, found dead because of an alcohol or drug related event. Why do these wealthy, successful and beautiful people do this to themselves? They have everything there heart desires at their fingertips, but there is something visibly lacking. I believe that it’s because they weren’t able to achieve true happiness and they fell into a bad depression. Someone can have so much money, clothes and cars, but where is the love? Where is the true human interaction? I can honestly say most of these people live artificial lives. From their â€Å"celebrity relationships† with 5 kids from 3 husbands to having every new piece of clothing, they see themselves that it’s all empty and meaningless but they can’t get out of that rut. Business men who either have the â€Å"too-much-money† syndrome or the ones that have fallen on extremely hard times have the same issue, so much as they even have a stereotype when it comes to depression- doing drugs, and lots of it. While this all seems clear cut and simple, it’s truly not. The human mind is very complex and very unique. Richard Layard, in his book â€Å"Happiness- Lessons From A New Science† tries to shed some light on this topic and even suggests some ways on how to change ourselves to become happy and to attain more and more happiness during our lives. He uses his knowledge of several different sciences and economics to try to show us where happiness comes from and how we can attain it. Layard starts off with a series of questions on page 12 â€Å"So what is the feeling of happiness? Is there a state of â€Å"feeling good† or â€Å"feeling bad† that is a dimension of all our waking life? Can people say at any moment how they feel? Indeed, is your happiness something, a bit like your temperature, that is always there, fluctuating away whether you think about it or not? If so, can I compare my happiness with yours? † Layard asked some very in depth and powerful questions here. He then proceeded to answer them all with a yes. I don’t believe that the answer is a universal yes. There are billions of people in the world with billions of different backgrounds, feelings and beliefs. One point I can agree with Layard on is his second question, Is there a state of â€Å"feeling good† or â€Å"feeling bad† that is a dimension of all our waking life? There is. When we as humans do tasks or interact with other people, we need to be in a certain mind frame. If someone, for example, isn’t in a â€Å"happy mood† they might not be able to accomplish what they would like to because their mind is in a state which won’t allow them to. When I was studying abroad in Israel I went through a traumatic, near death experience. I was jeeping with my cousins near the Jordan Desert when suddenly ground gave way to our jeep and we overturned into a deep ditch. I was on the side that the jeep landed on and was buried under debris and all of the gear and belongings that were in the jeep at the time. My oldest cousin Yossi, an ex-delta sniper for the Israeli Defense Forces, extricated me out, I was in a shaken up but happy mood. That happy mood didn’t last too long. We had to wait over 3 hours for a team of professionals to come and evacuate us out of the desert. I was getting scared and cold, all the meanwhile with much time on my hands to sit and ponder. I eventually went into a mild depression for the next few days. Little to no appetite, almost no conversation, and even skipping prayer services were some of the effects of this mini-depression. I went to Israel to study and to become more observant in my religion. The experience of the jeeping accident led me into â€Å"bad mood† that temporarily blinded me from my purpose, and what I wanted to accomplish couldn’t be accomplished at that time. When Layard talks about â€Å"The Function of Happiness† on page 24, he makes a strong statement â€Å"It (happiness) is supremely important because it is our overall motivational device. We seek to feel good and to avoid pain. (not moment by moment, but overall. )† He brings examples of things that we do in everyday life that bring us happiness or sadness, things that if they weren’t done, would have brought the human race to its demise. He brings this to light to show that even when we are not realizing it, we are looking to bring ourselves happiness and joy, and while not realizing it, we are achieving a human need of happiness. Layard, on page 48, delves into something I can honestly assume a great portion of humanity deals with. It is the concept of the â€Å"Hedonic Treadmill†; once a human gets something nice or something â€Å"happy† occurs in one’s life, the good feeling only lasts a while until that person wants more, or the next best happiness. Rich people always want the next fastest car, the watch with the most diamonds that year, the dress with the most zeros on the price tag than the year before. If one wasn’t able to acquire that â€Å"need or want† that they so desired, they would not be as happy as they were and, according to Layard, one would â€Å"revert† back to how they felt before they had that next best thing. I deal with this feeling every day, but through discussions with close mentors of mine, I have been able to curb that want somewhat, but sometimes I still can’t help it. I always wanted to lease a car with features, but I was rejected by car companies many times. Finally this year after much thought and after getting my finances in line, I was approved to lease a 2012 Honda. The car came with leather, power seats, heated seats, and alloy rims. I was ecstatic! I finally got what I have been wanting. Now it’s a month later and Im getting used to the car, but I want more features in it. I see myself â€Å"running† on this treadmill. I realize it’s a natural human want, but I try to make myself happy with what I have and I utilize mentors and friends to help me feel the way I desire to feel. Taking NLP into consideration, I see a perfect example of â€Å"mirroring† involved with the way we feel with regards to happiness and feelings. For example, at on occasion or get together, whether a happy or sad one, people usually act the way most people are at those events. When a bride or groom walks down the aisle at a wedding, one might not have the intention to clap for them, but they do anyway unintentionally because other people are doing it. Another example is when couples are married and live together for 40 to 50 years. They tend to start looking similar to each other even though they looked completely different at time of marriage. The same goes here with materialistic happiness and satisfaction. We sometimes want the next best thing because our friend does, or because our friend has it and we want to mirror them and have the same thing. While I feel that Layard makes amazing points on the topic of happiness and the way we deal with feelings on a daily basis, I don’t believe he has the final word on it. He is an independent researcher with only his opinion to back it up. The world is way too large and diverse to even base a scientific study on happiness with a range of 80,000 people. He definitely makes some headway into shedding light on the way we feel and what makes humans feel the way they do. My personal formula for happiness hasn’t changed much, but after reading some of what Layard has to say, and considering some NLP, I actually understand more why certain things make me and others happy, things that I didn’t understand previously. I now know why I feel the way I feel sometimes after purchasing an item, or going through an experience. Happiness is a very tough concept to understand but with learning and self-introspection, one can move closer to true happiness every day.

Ion Mobility as Explosive Detector

Ion Mobility as Explosive Detector INTRODUCTION Explosives are highly reactive substances which possess large amount of energy (potential energy) that leads to the production of explosions, they are usually accomplish with lighten, heat, sound and pressure when they are suddenly released. Explosive can be classified based on their sensitivity, velocity, composition and physical forms [23]. Ion Mobility Spectrometry is an analytical technique which is widely acknowledge in the area of detection of explosives as a result of it powerful sensitivity using electrophoresis techniques. The use of IMS as an explosive detector is based on the capability of IMS to detect almost any substance which can undergo ionisation and ability of detecting lightest element such as helium, to the most complex mixture and in complete organism [26].IMS is used in the detection of explosive compounds such as trinitrotoluene (TNT),Dinitroluene(DNT),Cyclo-1,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6,8-tetranitramine(RDX),Pentaerythriol tetranitrate(PETN, Hexafluorobenezene (HFB),TETRYL(2,4,6-Trinitrophenylmethylnitramine), etc. [27]. IMS is widely used has a powerful analytical technique for detection of various explosive warfare chemical agent, trace level of nitro-organic explosives which may be found on hand bags and carry on-luggage’s [22] in various airport all around the world, all this has been made possible by the ionisation sources used and development in the drift tube materials. Most recently produced IMS are cheap and classy making it possible to carry out analysis on samples without pre-treatment [6]. IMS is carried out by allowing analyte which have undergo ionisation to be separated according to their movement in gas phase [1] .IMS also enable the possibilities of this Ionised analytes to be distinguished using parameters such as their masses, size, shapes and charges and it aid separation and identification of the ionised molecule which are in gas phase using their movement in carrier gas [2-4] .In IMS the analytes are converted to ionisable molecule at Atmospheric pressure in a weak electric field leading to the ions separated according to their movement in the gas phase [5] This analytical measurement techniques of an ion mobility spectrometry to detect explosive involve the use of ion mobility spectrometer which is made up of important component such as ion source, ion gate drift tube and the detector plate [21]. IMS is a techniques mostly used in the aspect of detection of explosive as a result of the technique being able to easily detect object by the possibility of screening individuals who might have concealed explosive; a major employment in monitoring of site which might be contaminated with explosive substances or materials also including buried land mile which might have explosive [7]. IMS can detect explosives materials even if it is in small amount or large quantities and used in post offices for the detections of dangerous substances which might be present in mails [8].IMS have been used in the detection of min-explosive devices and expose charges in order to show individuals which might have come in contact with explosive based on the great analytical abilities to detect explosive in limited time, high sensitivity, and resolution power [10].The use IMS has a major detector of explosives, factors such as it been easy to use, low cost of production and maintenance , portability, and low level of detection limits are considered and the ability to hyphenate IMS with other analytical method such as GC,LC and MS so as to improve it sensitivity have been involved as ways of improving the technique and it detection, and most of this analysis are done in seconds [26]. The aim of this research on IMS as an explosive Detector includes; the principles, instrumentations, application, innovation of IMS based on limitation from the first invention to the recent years and possible ways of improving IMS for future application in detection of explosives. HISTORY In 1985,JUNE 23,the Canadian government initiated a trace detector which was as a result of the airplane crash that killed 329 people blown up at 31000 feet at the Atlantic ocean, although in 1987 the government developed a high speed detector that use ion mobility spectrometry to detect explosives[14].Ims has been a major technique of interest especially in the Detection of Explosive based on the high selectivity and Sensitivity with good resolution of the techniques in the detection of explosive without the sample to be detect undergoing any form of Pre-treatment or pre separation (textbook 23).It major use of interest have increased as a result of terrorism in various aviation sectors .In Ims ionisation occurs in gas phase chemistry of explosives in the air which permit part-per-billion(ppb) detection limit for explosive such as nitro-organic explosive[15-18 i.e 77-80 of textbook].Based on the increase in terrorism and crime rate two ion mobility spectrometers were discovered to m ake possible quick, non-invasive screening and this two models are 400 IONSCAN which was from Barringer Research Limited but now called Smith Detection[81 of textbook] and Itemizer which was produced from Ion track ,Inc. also now regarded as GE Interlogix. As a result of this two Models a new interest has been given to IMS and it has been accepted as a technique in analytical measurement [19]. The discovery of IMS became a major point of interest from the formation of ion and the behaviours of this ion when they are in the gas phase at ambient pressure. Researches on IMS were can be divided into two major periods which are the period IMS was discovered and Innovated(1850-1938) also the period IMS was foundational studied (1948-1970)[28]. The development of Ion mobility for the detection of explosive have been improved after the initial design which was described by Eiceman et al [20] in which the experiment were performed with pulse laser ionization (266nm.8nsec pulse ) as the source the use of naphthalene and anthracene as high vapour pressure organic compounds[21].furtherly, same compounds were also studied another source of ionisation called 63Ni which are currently used in explosive detection[1].optimisation of ion mobility in achieving detection of ng for explosive so as to improve sensitivity by improving temperature of the spectrometer cell, high voltage pulse, applied electric field with appropriate resolution in order to obtain different features for various explosive species were carried out on the geometry spectrometer[21].Ion mobility spectrometry as also involved the use of various ionisation source such as electro-spray ionisation[46], thermal ionisation, corona spray and corona discharge ionisation[47, [48]],MALDI laser ionisation [48]. Based on the aspect of the high voltage (dc and pulsed) provided only very small current ( Researches also have shown the discovered of how IMS has been used in the detection of various explosives [22] after the incident in 1985, JUNE 23, when the Canadian government initiated a trace detector which was as a result of the airplane crash that killed 329 people blown up at 31000 feet at the Atlantic ocean, although in 1987 the government developed a high speed detector that use ion mobility spectrometry to detect explosives [14].There is also an increase in the publication of IMS over the past few years and till current date which shows interest in the technique and in its development [29 ] Table 1: history in the Development on IMS 2.3 Application Area of ion mobility Based on the development in ims is the ability to couple ims with other analytical techniques inorder to improve it detection ability The use of IMS as a detection can be for explosive such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene(TNT) ,2,4-Dihydro-5-nitro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (NTO), Pentaerythritol Tetrenitrate (PETN) which are detected at in positive polarity in air at temperature of 150 to 250 degrees[12].Cases where the it required to resolve explosive compounds that are available in the presence of Interferents ,IMS is regarded as a valuable technique when coupled with Gas chromatography[13]. IMS aid in the classification of explosive compounds which is usually by the use of Laser ION Mobility Spectrometry and the process is usually done with the transfer of the ion with Photo-ionised Naphthalene in ambient air and the wavelength of the laser is usually fixed(266nm).Common explosive are GE ,vapour TRACERS ,Smith Sabre 4000 and Russian built M0-2M and M0-8 although companies are coming up with non-radioactive ionisation procedures for IMS in the detection of explosive trace for instances Bruker â€Å"DE-detector including implant services†QS-B220 which can be referred to as the next Innovation of IMS[9]. PRINCIPLE OF IMS IN DETECTION OF EXPLOSIVES THE DIAGRAM OF IMS [45]

The Importance of Physical Fitness Essay -- Exploratory Essays Researc

The Importance of Physical Fitness Are you sick of gasping for air just after a quick trip up the stairs or feeling overly fatigued after a ten minute game of catch with your son? Maybe it is time you get busy and get in shape. What does it really mean to be physically fit? This is a question many of us ask ourselves when we set out to look better and feel better about ourselves. I personally don't know one person in this world that longs to be fat and out of shape. When you finally get off the couch, put the snacks back in the cupboard and decide it is time for you to get in shape, you usually head toward the gym first. Eating right and exercising are the two things that usually come to mind first in order to "get fit." There are however more than just a couple of things one must do to get in shape. Physical fitness is to the human body what fine-tuning is to an engine. It enables us to perform at our highest levels. Fitness can be described as a condition that helps us look, feel and do our best. More specifically, it is: "The ability to perform daily tasks vigorously and alertly, with energy left over for enjoying leisure-time activities and meeting emergency demands, and is a major basis for good health and well-being." ("Fitness...") Physical fitness involves the performance of the heart and lungs, and muscles of the body. And, since what we do with our bodies also affects what we can do with our minds, fitness somewhat influences qualities, such as mental alertness and emotional stability. ("Fitness...") As you undertake your fitness program, it's important to remember that fitness is an individual quality that varies from person to person. It is influenced by age, sex, heredity, personal habits, exercise and ... ...sition has never been a great measurement of sports performance. Lean muscle mass seems to be related to the performance in sports where the ability to generate maximal force is required. Good body compostion is essential for health. In order to achieve good body composition one must eat right and exercise to the best of their ability. (Quinn) Hopefully after learning a little bit more about physical fitness and what it takes to accomplish it, you can go play with you son or daughter and maybe have a little fun while doing it. Without all that wheezing to make it up the stairs you can get more done during your day and still have energy left over for yourself. I hope this information can help you get a jump start on your new exercise program. Don't forget to use all five of the components. These will help you with every aspect of your program to become more fit. The Importance of Physical Fitness Essay -- Exploratory Essays Researc The Importance of Physical Fitness Are you sick of gasping for air just after a quick trip up the stairs or feeling overly fatigued after a ten minute game of catch with your son? Maybe it is time you get busy and get in shape. What does it really mean to be physically fit? This is a question many of us ask ourselves when we set out to look better and feel better about ourselves. I personally don't know one person in this world that longs to be fat and out of shape. When you finally get off the couch, put the snacks back in the cupboard and decide it is time for you to get in shape, you usually head toward the gym first. Eating right and exercising are the two things that usually come to mind first in order to "get fit." There are however more than just a couple of things one must do to get in shape. Physical fitness is to the human body what fine-tuning is to an engine. It enables us to perform at our highest levels. Fitness can be described as a condition that helps us look, feel and do our best. More specifically, it is: "The ability to perform daily tasks vigorously and alertly, with energy left over for enjoying leisure-time activities and meeting emergency demands, and is a major basis for good health and well-being." ("Fitness...") Physical fitness involves the performance of the heart and lungs, and muscles of the body. And, since what we do with our bodies also affects what we can do with our minds, fitness somewhat influences qualities, such as mental alertness and emotional stability. ("Fitness...") As you undertake your fitness program, it's important to remember that fitness is an individual quality that varies from person to person. It is influenced by age, sex, heredity, personal habits, exercise and ... ...sition has never been a great measurement of sports performance. Lean muscle mass seems to be related to the performance in sports where the ability to generate maximal force is required. Good body compostion is essential for health. In order to achieve good body composition one must eat right and exercise to the best of their ability. (Quinn) Hopefully after learning a little bit more about physical fitness and what it takes to accomplish it, you can go play with you son or daughter and maybe have a little fun while doing it. Without all that wheezing to make it up the stairs you can get more done during your day and still have energy left over for yourself. I hope this information can help you get a jump start on your new exercise program. Don't forget to use all five of the components. These will help you with every aspect of your program to become more fit.

The Tragedy of War :: history

The Tragedy of War West Russia, World War II One winter day at dark down the artillery opened hurricane fire on the enemy’s positions. Soon came the squadron and geysers of soil and curls of smoke erupted from the earth. The front enemy’s dugouts were razed to the ground for the first ten minutes. White rockets occurred on the sky as though they were artificial constellations. Then the infantry began to shoot in order to destroy that which had been missed by the shells. The battle was won owing to one soldier – a slender, thin eighteen-year-old boy, named Sasha. There was an enormous machine-gun, skillfully hidden behind a stack of big stones. It starfed the whole road round a little bridge which was the only way to reach the fortification. No one was able to come closer and â€Å"dismantle† the private behind the cannon. If Sasha had not helped, enemy’s crafts would have come an hour later and would have killed all the soldiers on the battlefield. The commanders saw him among the cracks of the rocks. Then he disappeared. A few minutes later a bomb explosion was heard and the machine-gun ceased shooting. And there were no holdbacks for invasion. In the evening the chief commander of the companies called Sasha in his room. â€Å"You ignored my explicit instructions!† he cried. â€Å"That was the worst and recklessest thing to do!† The boy felt himself as the biggest traitor in the world. â€Å"But nevermind†, continued the commander. â€Å"I’ve decided to reward you with a seen-day-furlough for being so devoted to your country.† The boy smiled with satisfaction. â€Å"Where do you want to go?† asked the commander. â€Å"I’d like to visit my mother and father in Karanga.† â€Å"OK. I’ve provided you with a lorry to Petropavlovsk and from there you’ll have to catch up the train.† â€Å"Thank you, sir, thank you very much!† He went into the sleeping-hall and began to gather the things he needed. Then he called in at the field hospital to say â€Å"Goodbye† to his best friend Volodya. And Volodya gave him a little purse with money and asked him to deliver it to his wife in Petropavlovsk where Sasha was expected to catch up the train. At sunrise the next morning the young boy was already travelling with the lorry. In the cabin there were also two men – a driver and an ex-soldier – now an invalid because a shell had deprived him of his right leg.

The Golden Lily Chapter 7

I SPENT MOST OF THE NEXT DAY wrestling with my refusal to help Sonya, ruminating over the decision as I went from class to class. There was a part of me that felt bad about not giving blood for the experiments. After all, I knew what they were doing was useful. If there was a way to protect Moroi from becoming Strigoi, then that could theoretically be applied to humans too. That could revolutionize the way the Alchemists operated. People like that creepy guy Liam being held at the bunker would no longer be a threat. He could be â€Å"sterilized† and released, with no fear of him falling prey to the corruption of Strigoi. I knew also that Sonya and the others were running into walls with their research. They couldn't find any reason for what had made Lee impervious to turning Strigoi. At the same time, despite the worthiness of the cause, I still felt staunchly opposed to giving up my own blood. I really was afraid that doing so would subject me to more and more experiments. And I just couldn't face that. There was nothing special about me. I hadn't undergone a massive transformation via spirit. Lee and I hadn't had anything in common. I was the same as any other human, any other Alchemist. I just apparently had bad tasting blood, which was fine by me. â€Å"Tell me about the charm spell,† Ms. Terwilliger said one afternoon. It was a few days after Clarence's, and I was still mulling over those events even while ostensibly doing work in her independent study. I looked up from the book in front of me. â€Å"Which variant? The charisma one or the meta one?† She was sitting at her desk and smiled at me. â€Å"For someone so against all of this, you certainly learn well. The meta one.† That had been a recent spell I'd had to learn. It was fresh in my mind, but I made sure to sigh heavily and let her know in a passive aggressive way how inconvenient this was for me. â€Å"It allows the caster to have short-term control of someone. The caster has to create a physical amulet that he or she wears†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I frowned as I considered that part of the spell. â€Å"And then recite a short incantation on the person being controlled.† Ms. Terwilliger pushed her glasses up her nose. â€Å"Why the hesitation?† She noticed every slip. I didn't want to engage in this, but she was my teacher, and this was part of my assignment so long as I was stuck in this miserable session. â€Å"It doesn't make sense. Well, none of it makes sense, of course. But logically, I'd think you need something tangible to use on the vict – subject. Maybe they'd have to wear an amulet. Or drink something. It's hard for me to believe the caster is the only one who needs enhancement. I feel like they would need to connect with the subject.† â€Å"You touched on the key word,† she said. â€Å"‘Enhancement.' The amulet enhances the spell caster's will, as does the incantation. If that's been done correctly – and the caster is advanced and strong enough – that'll push the power of command on to the subject. Perhaps it doesn't seem tangible, but the mind is a powerful tool.† â€Å"Power of command,† I muttered. Without thinking about it, I made the Alchemist sign against evil. â€Å"That doesn't seem right.† â€Å"Is it any different from the kind of compulsion your vampire friends do?† I froze. Ms. Terwilliger had long since admitted to knowing about the world of Moroi and Strigoi, but it was still a topic I avoided with her. My tattoo's magic wouldn't stop me from discussing the vampire world with those who knew about it, but I didn't want to accidentally reveal any details about my specific mission with Jill. Nonetheless, her words were startling. This spell was very much like compulsion, very much like what I'd seen Sonya do to soothe Clarence. Vampires could simply wield it unaided. This spell required a physical component, but Ms. Terwilliger had told me that was normal for humans. She said magic was inborn for Moroi but that we had to wrest it from the world. To me, that just seemed like more reason why humans had no business dabbling in such affairs. â€Å"What they do isn't right either,† I said, in a rare acknowledgment of the Moroi with her. I didn't like that the abilities I found so twisted and wrong were allegedly within human reach too. â€Å"No one should have that kind of power over another.† Her lips quirked. â€Å"You're very haughty about something you have no experience with.† â€Å"You don't always need experience. I've never killed anyone, but I know murder is wrong.† â€Å"Don't discount these spells. They could be a useful defense,† she said with a shrug. â€Å"Perhaps it depends on who's using it – much like a gun or other weapon.† I grimaced. â€Å"I don't really like guns either.† â€Å"Then you may find magical means to be a better option.† She made a small, graceful motion with her hands, and a clay pot on the windowsill suddenly exploded. Sharp fragments fell to the floor. I jumped out of my desk and backed up a few feet. Was that something she'd been able to do this whole time? It had seemed effortless. What kind of damage could she do if she really tried? She smiled. â€Å"See? Very efficient.† Efficient and simple, as easy as a vampire wielding elemental magic with a thought. After all the painstaking spells I'd seen in these books, I was stunned to see such â€Å"easy† magic. It kicked what Ms. Terwilliger had been advocating up to a whole new – and dangerous – level. My whole body tensed as I waited for some other horrific act, but judging from the serene look on her face, that was the only show of power she had in mind – for now. Feeling a little foolish at my reaction, I sat back down. I took a deep breath and chose my words carefully, keeping my anger – and fear – pushed down. It wouldn't do to have an outburst in front of a teacher. â€Å"Ma'am, why do you keep doing this?† Ms. Terwilliger tilted her head like a bird. â€Å"Doing what, dear?† â€Å"This.† I jabbed the book in front of me. â€Å"Why do you keep making me work on this against my will? I hate this, and you know it. I don't want anything to do with it! Why do you want me to learn it at all? What do you get out of it? Is there some witch club where you get a finder's fee if you bring in a new recruit?† That quirky smile of hers returned. â€Å"We prefer the term coven, not witch club. Though that does have a nice ring. But, to answer your question, I don't get anything out of it – at least, not in the way you're thinking. My coven can always use strong members, and you have the potential for greatness. It's bigger than that, however. Your perennial argument is that it's wrong for humans to have this kind of power, right?† â€Å"Right,† I said through gritted teeth. I'd made that argument a million times. â€Å"Well, that's absolutely true – for some humans. You worry this power will be abused? You're right. It happens all the time, which is why we need good, moral people who can counter those who would use the magic for selfish and nefarious reasons.† The bell rang, freeing me. I stood up and gathered my things together. â€Å"Sorry, Ms. Terwilliger. I'm flattered that you think I'm such an upstanding person, but I'm already caught up in one epic battle of good versus evil. I don't need another.† I left our session feeling both troubled and angry and hoped the next two months of this semester would speed by. If this Alchemist mission continued into next year, then creative writing or some other elective would become a very viable choice for my schedule. It was a shame too because I'd really loved Ms. Terwilliger when I first met her. She was brilliant and knew her subject area – history, not magic – and had encouraged me in that. If she'd shown the same enthusiasm for teaching me history as she did magic, we wouldn't have ended up in this mess. My dinners were usually spent with Julia and Kristin or â€Å"the family.† Tonight was a family night. I found Eddie and Angeline already at a table when I entered East's cafeteria, and as usual, he seemed grateful for my presence. â€Å"Well, why not?† Angeline was saying as I sat down with my tray. It was Chinese food night, and she held chopsticks, which seemed like a bad idea. I'd tried to teach her how to use them once, with no luck. She'd gotten angry and stabbed an eggroll so hard that the sticks had broken. â€Å"I just†¦ well, it's not my thing,† Eddie said, clearly groping for an answer to whatever her question was about. â€Å"I'm not going at all. With anyone.† â€Å"Jill will be there with Micah,† pointed out Angeline slyly. â€Å"Won't you need to come keep an eye on her since it's not at the school?† Eddie's answer was a pained look. â€Å"What are you talking about?† I finally asked. â€Å"The Halloween Dance,† said Angeline. That was news to me. â€Å"There's a Halloween Dance?† Eddie dragged himself from his misery to give me a surprised look. â€Å"How do you not know? There are signs everywhere.† I stirred around my steamed vegetables. â€Å"They must not be anywhere I've been.† Eddie gestured with his fork to something behind me. Turning, I looked back toward the food line I'd just been in. There, hanging above it on the wall, was an enormous banner that read HALLOWEEN DANCE. It listed the date and time and was decorated with badly drawn pumpkins. â€Å"Huh,† I said. â€Å"How can you memorize entire books but miss something like that?† asked Angeline. â€Å"Because Sydney's brain only records ‘useful' information,† Eddie said with a smile. I didn't deny it. â€Å"Don't you think Eddie should go?† pushed Angeline. â€Å"He needs to watch out for Jill. And if he goes, we might as well go together.† Eddie shot me a desperate look, and I tried to find him a way out of this. â€Å"Well, yeah, of course he'll go†¦ especially if it's off-site.† The banner mentioned some venue I'd never heard of. We'd seen no sign of the Moroi who were after Jill, but an unknown place presented new dangers. Inspiration hit. â€Å"But that's the thing. He'll be on-duty. He'll spend the whole time checking the place out, watching for mysterious people. It'd be a waste for him to, uh, go with you. You probably wouldn't have much fun. Better to go with someone else.† â€Å"But I should be protecting Jill too,† she argued. â€Å"Isn't that why I'm here? I need to learn what to do.† â€Å"Well, yeah,† he said, obviously trapped by her logic. â€Å"You'll have to go with me in order to look after her.† Angeline brightened. â€Å"Really? Then we can go together!† Eddie's look of pain returned. â€Å"No. We're going together. Not together.† Angeline didn't seem to be fazed by the nuances. â€Å"I've never been to a dance,† she admitted. â€Å"Well, I mean, back home, we have them all the time. But I don't think they'll be like the ones here.† That I agreed with. I'd seen the types of social events the Keepers had. They involved raucous music and dancing around bonfires, along with some kind of toxic homemade alcohol that probably even Adrian wouldn't touch. The Keepers also didn't think a social event was a success if at least one fight didn't break out. It was actually kind of amazing that Angeline hadn't gotten into one yet here at Amberwood. I should have counted myself lucky that her only transgressions were dress code violations and talking back to teachers. â€Å"Probably not,† I said neutrally. â€Å"I don't know. I've never been to a dance either.† â€Å"You're going to this one, aren't you?† asked Eddie. â€Å"With Brody?† â€Å"Brayden. And I don't know. We haven't even had our second date. I don't want things to move too fast.† â€Å"Right,† Eddie said. â€Å"Because there's no bigger sign of commitment than a Halloween dance.† I was about to get him back by suggesting maybe he and Angeline should go together after all when Jill and Micah joined us. Both were laughing and had a hard time settling down to explain what was so funny. â€Å"Janna Hall finished a men's suit in sewing club tonight,† said Jill between giggles. Once again, I felt a rush of joy at seeing her so happy. â€Å"Miss Yamani said it's the only guy's outfit she's seen in there in five years. Of course, Janna needed a model, and there's only one guy in there†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Micah attempted a tormented look but was quickly smiling again. â€Å"Yeah, yeah. I did the manly thing and stepped up. That suit was awful.† â€Å"Aw,† said Jill. â€Å"It wasn't that awful – okay, it really was. Janna didn't try to go by any size guidelines, so the pants were huge. Like, tents. And since she didn't make any belt loops, he had to hold it all up with a sash.† â€Å"Which barely held when they made me do a runway walk,† said Micah, shaking his head. Jill gave him a playful nudge. â€Å"Everyone probably would've loved if it hadn't held.† â€Å"Remind me to never ever sign up for an all-girls club again,† said Micah. â€Å"Next semester, I'm taking something like shop or karate.† â€Å"You won't do it again? Not even for me?† Jill managed a look that was amazingly both pouty and alluring. That, I realized, was more effective than any charm spell or compulsion. Micah groaned. â€Å"I'm helpless.† I didn't consider myself particularly sentimental – and still disapproved of their timid romance – but even I smiled at their antics. At least, I did until I caught sight of Eddie's face. He wasn't giving away much, to be fair. Maybe hanging around Dimitri had provided some tips on the guardian poker face. But Eddie wasn't Dimitri yet, and I could see the faintest signs of pain and longing. Why did he do this to himself? He'd refused to tell Jill how he felt. He took the noble stance that he was her protector and nothing more. Some part of me could understand that. What I couldn't understand was why he kept torturing himself by endorsing her going out with his roommate, of all people. Even with his hang-up over Micah and Mason, Eddie was forcing himself to constantly watch the girl he wanted with someone else. I had no relatable experience, but it had to be agonizing. Eddie caught my eye and gave a small shake of his head. Let it go, he seemed to be saying. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Angeline soon piped in with more talk about the dance, interrogating Jill and Micah about whether they'd be going. She also brought up her plans to go â€Å"with† Eddie. That pulled him out of his melancholy mood, and although I knew she annoyed him, I wondered if that was better than continually being tormented by Jill and Micah's relationship. Of course, the conversation came to a halt – as did Eddie's problem – when Micah frowned and pointed out what the rest of us had missed. â€Å"Why would you go to the dance together? Aren't you guys cousins?† Eddie, Jill, and I froze. Another cover story mess-up. I couldn't believe this had now slipped past me twice. I should have mentioned this as soon as Angeline brought up the dance. In the school's eyes, we were all related. â€Å"So?† asked Angeline, missing the point. Eddie cleared his throat. â€Å"Um, third cousins. But still. We're not really going together. It's more of a joke.† That effectively killed the topic, and he couldn't help smiling triumphantly. Brayden picked me up immediately after school the next day so that we could make the windmill tour on time. Ms. Terwilliger had even let me go a few minutes early, after promising I'd get her a cappuccino on our way back to Amberwood. I was excited to see Brayden and the tour, yet as I got into his car, I felt a brief pang of doubt. Did I have any business doing these sorts of fun, personal activities? Especially now that the cover story had slipped a couple of times. Maybe I was spending too much time on me and not enough on the mission. Brayden had lots to tell me about the debate competition he'd attended over the weekend. We analyzed some of the more difficult topics he'd come across and laughed at the easy ones that had stumped the opposing team. I'd feared dating for years but was again pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to talk to him. It was a lot like the Shakespearean outing: an endless source of topics that we both knew lots about. It was the rest of the experience that still left me unsettled – the â€Å"date† stuff. The dating books I'd read since our last outing mostly advised on when to have sex, which was completely useless since I had yet to figure out holding hands. The giant windmills were pretty impressive. They didn't have the sleek beauty of cars that I loved, but I felt the same awe at the engineering they represented. Some of the windmills were over a hundred feet tall, with blades half the size of a football field. Moments like these made me marvel at human ingenuity. Who needed magic when we could create these kinds of wonders? Our tour guide was a cheery girl in her mid-twenties who clearly loved her job and all that wind energy represented. She knew all sorts of trivia about it – but not quite enough to satisfy Brayden. â€Å"How do you address the energy inefficiency that comes from the turbines needing wind speeds that fall into such a narrow range?† Then: â€Å"What's your response to studies showing that simply improving the filters in the conversion of fossil fuels would result in less carbon dioxide emissions than this sort of energy production?† And later: â€Å"Can wind power really be treated as a viable option when – after considering the cost of construction and other maintenance – consumers end up paying more than they would for traditional forms of electricity?† I couldn't be certain, but I think our guide wrapped up the tour early. She encouraged some of the other tourists to come back anytime but said nothing as Brayden and I walked past her. â€Å"That woman was sadly uninformed,† he told me, once we were back on the highway. â€Å"She knew plenty about the windmills and their facility,† I pointed out. â€Å"I'm guessing the latest controversies just don't get brought up much on these tours. Or,† I paused, smiling, â€Å"how to deal with, um, forceful tourists.† â€Å"I was forceful?† he asked, seeming legitimately surprised. He had gotten so caught up in his ideas that he didn't even realize it. It was endearing. I tried not to laugh. â€Å"You came on strong, that's all. I don't think they were prepared for someone like you.† â€Å"They should be. Wind power's got promise, true, but for now, there are all sorts of expenses and efficiency problems that need to be addressed. It's useless otherwise.† I sat there for several moments, trying to decide how best I should respond. None of the advice I'd gotten from the books or my friends really prepared me for how to handle discussions about alternative energy sources. One of the books – one I'd chosen not to finish – had a decidedly male-centric view that said women should always make men feel important on dates. I suspected that Kristin and Julia's advice right now would have been to laugh and toss my hair – and not let the discussion progress. But I just couldn't do that. â€Å"You're wrong,† I said. Brayden – who was a big advocate of safe driving – actually took his eyes off the road for a few seconds to stare at me. â€Å"What did you say?† Aside from learning that he had a vast store of extensive and random knowledge like I did, I'd also picked up on something else central to Brayden's personality. He didn't like to be wrong. This was no surprise. I didn't either, and we had a lot in common that way. And, from the way he'd discussed school and even his debate competition, I'd also deduced people never told him he was wrong – even if by chance he was. Maybe it wasn't too late to do the hair-tossing thing. Instead, I just rushed on. â€Å"You're wrong. Maybe wind isn't as efficient as it could be, but the fact that it's even being developed is a vast improvement over the outdated, archaic energy sources our society's been dependent on. Expecting it to be as cost-efficient as something that's been around much, much longer is naive.† â€Å"But – â€Å" â€Å"We can't deny that the cost is worth the benefits. Climate change is increasingly becoming a problem, and wind's reduced carbon dioxide emissions could have a significant impact. Furthermore – and most importantly – wind is renewable. It doesn't matter if other sources are cheap if they're going to run out on us.† â€Å"But – â€Å" â€Å"We need to be progressive and look towards what's going to save us later. To focus strictly on what's cost-efficient now – while ignoring the consequences – is short-sighted and will ultimately lead to the downfall of the human race. Those who think otherwise are only perpetuating the problem, unless they can come up with other solutions. Most don't. They just complain. That's why you're wrong.† I paused to catch my breath and then dared a glance at Brayden. He was watching the road, but his eyes were impossibly wide. I don't think he could have been more shocked if I'd slapped him. Immediately, I berated myself for what I'd said. Sydney, why didn't you just bat your eyelashes? â€Å"Brayden?† I asked tentatively when almost a minute passed with no response. More stunned silence met me. Suddenly, without warning, he pulled the car sharply off the highway and onto the shoulder. Dust and gravel kicked up around us. In that moment, I was absolutely certain he was going to demand I get out and walk back to Palm Springs. And we were still miles from the city. Instead, he caught hold of my hands and leaned toward me. â€Å"You,† he said breathlessly. â€Å"Are amazing. Absolutely, positively, exquisitely amazing.† And then he kissed me. I was so surprised, I couldn't even move. My heart raced, but it was more from anxiety than anything else. Was I doing it right? I tried to relax into the kiss, letting my lips part slightly, but my body stayed rigid. Brayden didn't pull back in revulsion, so that was a good sign. I'd never kissed anyone before and had been worrying a lot about what it'd be like. The mechanics of it turned out not to be so difficult. When he did finally pull away, he was smiling. A good sign, I guessed. I smiled back tentatively because I knew it was expected. Honestly, a secret part of me was a little disappointed. That was it? That's what the big deal was? It hadn't been terrible, but it hadn't sent me soaring to new heights either. It had been exactly what it seemed like, lips on lips. With a great sigh of happiness, he turned and began driving again. I could only watch him with wonder and confusion, unable to form any response. What had just happened? That was my first kiss? â€Å"Spencer's, right?† Brayden asked when we exited to downtown shortly thereafter. I was still so baffled by the kiss that it took me a moment to remember I'd promised Ms. Terwilliger a cappuccino. â€Å"Right.† Just before we turned the corner toward the street Spencer's was on, Brayden suddenly made an unexpected stop at a florist shop. â€Å"Be right back,† he said. I nodded wordlessly, and five minutes later, he returned and handed me a large bouquet of delicate, pale pink roses. â€Å"Thank you?† I said, making it more of a question. Now, in addition to the kiss and â€Å"amazing† declaration, I'd somehow earned flowers too. â€Å"They're not adequate,† he admitted. â€Å"In traditional floral symbolism, orange or red would have been more appropriate. But it was either these or some lavender ones, and you just don't seem like a purple person.† â€Å"Thank you,† I said, more firmly this time. As I breathed in the roses' sweet scent on the way to Spencer's, I realized that no one had ever given me flowers before. We reached the coffee shop soon thereafter. I got out of the car, and in a flash, Brayden was right by my side so that he could shut the door for me. We went inside, and I was almost relieved to see Trey working. His teasing would be a nice return to normality, seeing as my life had just detoured into Crazyland. Trey didn't even notice us at first. He was speaking intently to someone on the other side of the counter, a guy a little older than us. The guy's tanned skin, black hair, and similar facial features tipped me off pretty quickly that he and Trey were related. Brayden and I waited discreetly behind the guy, and Trey finally looked up, an astonishingly grim expression on his face that was pretty out of character. He looked surprised when he saw us, but then seemed to relax a little. â€Å"Melbourne, Cartwright. Here for a little post-windmill caffeine?† â€Å"You know I never drink caffeine after four,† said Brayden. â€Å"But Sydney needs something for her teacher.† â€Å"Ah,† said Trey. â€Å"The usual for you and Ms. T?† â€Å"Yeah, but make mine iced this time.† Trey gave me a knowing look. â€Å"Need to cool down a little, huh?† I rolled my eyes. The guy ahead of us was still standing around, and Trey nodded toward him while grabbing two cups. â€Å"This is my cousin Chris. Chris, this is Sydney and Brayden.† This must have been Trey's â€Å"perfect† cousin. At a glance, I saw little that marked him as better than Trey, except maybe his height. Chris was pretty tall. Not Dimitri-tall, but still tall. Otherwise, they both had similar good looks and an athletic build. Chris even had some of the same bruises and scrapes Trey often sported, making me wonder if there was a family connection to sports as well. Regardless, Chris hardly seemed like anyone Trey should be intimidated by, but then, I was biased by our friendship. â€Å"Where are you here from?† I asked. â€Å"San Francisco,† said Chris. â€Å"How long are you in town?† asked Brayden. Chris gave Brayden a wary look. â€Å"Why do you want to know?† Brayden looked surprised, and I didn't blame him. Before either of us could figure out the next move in the small-talk handbook, Trey hurried back over. â€Å"Relax, C. They're just being nice. It's not like they work for some spy agency.† Well, Brayden didn't. â€Å"Sorry,† said Chris, not actually sounding that sorry. That was a difference between the cousins, I realized. Trey would've laughed off his mistake. He never actually would have made the mistake. There were definitely different levels of friendliness in this family. â€Å"A couple weeks.† Neither Brayden nor I dared say anything after that, and mercifully, Chris chose that opportunity to leave, with a promise to call Trey later. When he was gone, Trey shook his head apologetically and set the completed coffees on the counter. I reached for my wallet, but Brayden waved me away and paid. Trey handed Brayden back his change. â€Å"Next week's schedule's already up.† â€Å"It is?† Brayden glanced over at me. â€Å"Mind if I go in the back room for a second? Figuratively, of course.† â€Å"Go ahead,† I said. As soon as he was gone, I turned frantically to Trey. â€Å"I need your help.† Trey's eyebrows rose. â€Å"Words I never thought I'd hear from you.† That made two of us, but I was at a loss, and Trey was my only source of help right now. â€Å"Brayden got me flowers,† I declared. I wasn't going to mention the kiss. â€Å"And?† â€Å"And, why'd he do it?† â€Å"Because he likes you, Melbourne. That's what guys do. They buy dinner and gifts, hoping that in return you'll – um, like them back.† â€Å"But I argued with him,† I hissed, glancing anxiously at the door Brayden had gone through. â€Å"Like, just before he got me the flowers, I gave him this big lecture about how he was wrong about alternative sources of energy.† â€Å"Wait, wait,† said Trey. â€Å"You told†¦ you told Brayden Cartwright he was wrong?† I nodded. â€Å"So why'd he react like he did?† Trey laughed, a big, full laugh that I was certain would draw Brayden back. â€Å"People don't tell him he's wrong.† â€Å"Yeah, I figured.† â€Å"And girls especially don't tell him he's wrong. You're probably the only girl who's ever done it. You're probably the only girl smart enough to do it.† I was getting impatient. â€Å"I get that. So why the flowers? Why the compliments?† Trey shook his head and looked like he was about to start laughing again. â€Å"Melbourne, if you don't know, then I'm not going to tell you.† I was too worried about Brayden returning to comment further on Trey's useless â€Å"advice.† Instead, I said, â€Å"Is Chris the perfect cousin you were talking about?† Trey's smirk faded. â€Å"That's the one. Anything I can do, he can do better.† I immediately regretted asking. Trey, like Adrian, was one of those people I didn't like seeing troubled. â€Å"Well. He didn't seem so perfect to me. Probably I'm biased from being around you all the time. You set the standard for perfection.† That brought Trey's smile back. â€Å"Sorry about his attitude. He's always been like that. Not the most charming branch of the Juarez family tree. That's me, of course.† â€Å"Of course,† I agreed. He was still smiling when Brayden returned, but when I cast a glance backward as I was leaving the coffee shop, Trey's expression had darkened again. His thoughts were turned inward, and I wished I knew how to help. On the drive back to Amberwood, Brayden said shyly, â€Å"Well. Now I know my schedule for the next two weeks.† â€Å"That's†¦ good,† I said. He hesitated. â€Å"So†¦ I know when I can go out again. If, that is, I mean. If you want to go out again.† That would've surprised me, if I wasn't already stumped by everything else that had happened today. Brayden wanted to go out with me again? Why? Girls especially don't tell him he's wrong. You're probably the only girl who's ever done it. You're probably the only girl smart enough to do it. More importantly, did I want to go out with him again? I glanced over at him and then down at the roses. I thought about his eyes when he'd gazed at me in the stopped car. I realized then the odds of me ever finding a guy who thought Shakespeare and wind farms were fun were pretty infinitesimal. â€Å"Okay,† I said. His narrowed his eyes in thought. â€Å"Isn't there some kind of dance your school's having? Do you want to go to that? People go to those, right?† â€Å"That's what I keep hearing. How'd you know about it?† â€Å"The sign,† he said. Then, as if on cue, he pulled into the driveway in front of my dorm. Hanging over the main door was a sign decorated with cobwebs and bats. GET YOUR SCARE ON AT THE HALLOWEEN DANCE. â€Å"Oh,† I said. â€Å"That sign.† Eddie was right. I really did have selective data storage. â€Å"I guess we can go. If you want to.† â€Å"Sure. I mean, if you want to.† Silence. We both laughed. â€Å"Well, then,† I said. â€Å"I guess we're going.† Brayden leaned toward me, and I panicked until I saw that he was trying to get a better look at the sign. â€Å"A week and a half away.† â€Å"Enough time to get costumes, I suppose.† â€Å"I suppose. Although†¦Ã¢â‚¬  And that's when the next crazy thing happened. He held my hand. I admit, I hadn't been expecting much, especially after my mixed reaction to the roadside kiss. Still, as he laid his hand over mine, I was surprised to feel that it was again just like†¦ well, like touching someone's hand. I'd at least thought there might be goose bumps or a little heart fluttering. My biggest emotional reaction was worry over what to do with my hand. Lace fingers? Squeeze his hand back? â€Å"I'd like to go out sooner,† he said. That hesitancy returned. â€Å"If you want to.† I looked down at our hands and tried to figure out how I felt. He had nice hands. Smooth, warm. I could get used to holding those hands. And of course, he smelled like coffee. Was that enough to build love on? Again, that uncertainty nagged me. What right did I have to any of this? I wasn't in Palm Springs for my own entertainment. There was no â€Å"me† in Alchemy. Well, phonetically there was, but that wasn't the point. I knew my superiors wouldn't approve of any of this. And yet, when would I get this chance again? When would I ever get flowers? When would someone look at me with this kind of fervor? I decided to take the plunge. â€Å"Sure,† I said. â€Å"Let's go out again.†

Special occasion birthday

Well I know you left the best for last. I'd like to make a toast to my neighbor and friend who has never changed. Now of course you have gained some few pounds but who's counting? Not to brag or anything, but I can still fit in the earrings I wore in high school. But today is not about me, it's about you, although I actually wished you wore something prettier. Today is also about wishing you a happy birthday but what's with the family reunion? I mean we should be partying right now!Anyway, last night I remembered all those funny times we spent together, like when we both really wanted the same guy, and he ended up being my prom date! Or when my tongue accidentally slipped and told your parents you had a tattoo! You went crazy at that time, but come on isn't it funny now? Cheers to all the funny moments to come! But most importantly, try to enjoy the present and do not worry about the fact that you're one step closer to the grave. Hopefully, your life will be as cool as mine some day. Don't worry, it is not a shame to marry at an old age, or even die single. I'll definitely supply you with as many cats as you want, or you can live with me and my future millionaire husband in our villa. I have plenty of advice to give you on your 21st birthday. First, lay down the fast food, it wouldn't get you closer to marriage. Second, make sure to stay confident no matter what; not everyone Is perfect. Finally, I know maybe the only thing you beat me at Is grades. But let's face It; I'm Just too cool for school.So, study well because someday I will need a plastic surgeon to fix everything that has shrunk. You probably got a lot of nice gifts and everything, but I got you a precious gift that is extremely valuable and I want you to use It with great care and precision. I really hope you like It. You know I'm all about helping you and being by your side so I'm sure It will help you attract Mohammad All and maybe get rid of that bad breath. Who knows, that might have been what's taking him so long to pop the question. Happy birthday childhood friend!

Proposal Preventing School Dropout Essay

Introduction Currently, it is expected that all students should graduate from high school. Still, hundreds of students in American schools drop out of school before graduating. Many observations made clearly show that more students continue to drop out of schools and the goal ensuring that each student graduate from high school remains a pipe dream. It is becoming clear that the issues of students dropping out of school are related with the social and economic issues affecting the society and can not be dealt with separately. These social-economical issues include unemployment, poverty, social values, discrimination family, the welfare, drug abuse and child abuse. Students who drop out of school are forecasted to increase in future and create a bigger problem. Dropping out of school is a multifaceted problem of which there is no single solution for it. Putting emphasis on solving one element of the issue leads to the need of getting solutions for other related issues. Thus, that is why that a broad range of activities and agencies be involved to help solve the problem. The mission for proposal Having a mission statement is very important as it gives the proposal a direction and objectives and goals of the stated activities. The mission statement is; Ensuring that all students in schools graduates through creating partnership with schools, students, the community and all the stakeholders. How the proposals services is structured Having a clear structure of the proposal is very important in ensuring that proposed services are successful delivered. Accordingly, the proposal services will be structured in way that there is a division depending on the different services. Different divisions will carry out different services accordingly. For example, outreach program division, financing division and vocational training division. The resource path for proposal Financial resources human resource is important in implementing any proposals. In accordance to that the proposal will be financed from grants and aids from private or public bodies including the local government and the federal governments. The human resources will include professional who will work as volunteers and other social workers who will assist the in implementing the objectives and the goals suggested by the proposal. Individual who will carry out this proposal will be social workers, child workers professional, and psychologists. They will do this through conducting group sessions, taking with teachers concerned with students learning progress, doing parenting management and carrying out training skills in students homes. The content of proposal services It has been noted that any meaningful student dropout prevention program should offer strong educational alternatives, challenges, opportunities services and support to the students to assist them to be able to complete and graduate from their respective schools. For the purpose of this proposal program, the key areas that the proposal has identified are; accountably Instructional focus Community involvement School structure Relevancy and learning The above issues when well implemented will provide both the students and their parents with a holistic approach to motivate students to be able to complete school. The agency will coordinate its activities with schools, districts, students, parents and the whole community in carrying out its activities. This will ensure that the agency creates an effective school dropout prevention program. The agency will provide; Professional improvement activities Technical assistance Counselling Financial assistance The content of proposal services Any successful program to prevent students from dropping out of school has to use various strategies to support students’ achievements. I strongly thus suggest that the following programs have to be implemented in the program. Relevancy learning; This program has the ability to motivate a student to learn, the strategies provides a chance for the student to integrate more with the school and the community. The strategy will involve; Mentoring the student; where the student will be mentored by a mentor and be provided with academic support which address the student needs such as math, writing or reading competencies. Service learning; this aspect connects school learning to important community services and experiences. This will provide the student with real world situations and promote the student social, personal and academic growth. Civil responsibility and career development will also be covered here. Alternative schooling; this strategy provides students who may want to dropout with various options which can make the graduate from school. Such options includes, flexible scheduling, distance learning and technology and different program setting. How agency will link with proposal The proposal will be linked with the agency through the management and the outreach program. The program proposal will be carried out by the outreach program which will have a duty of implementing the proposal policies. Partnerships with other agencies with same objectives will be sought to ensure that proposal is well linked. How proposal services will be linked to communities Community participation in any program that involves the society as a whole is very important. Connecting the students to the community at large helps to remove what is seen as the â€Å"school barrier† and assists in providing chances for complete support and planning. It motivates the students towards their career advancement and participation. It also provides the students with the necessary interpersonal and social skills to make them be successful in life. Several strategies will have to be undertaken to achieve this goal, this are: Systemic renewal; it calls for involving the community and other stake holders in regular process of assessing the objectives and in planning, and formulating   policies to prevent students from dropping out of the school. This will also require using the available data, analysing the school system and evaluating the progress made by the students. Community collaboration; community collaboration is beneficial to both the students and the school community. This will help to put up strong infrastructure ad also support the teaching staff with the current complex objectives and goals for the current students. Conflict resolution; an all-inclusive program to build interpersonal skills, enhance conflict resolution ability, and building awareness to prevent violence highly promotes the success of dropout prevention program. Conflict resolution creates an enabling environment and for the young youths (students) to achieve in the society. How you will see implementation of proposal For this proposal to be useful, it has to be implemented by the responsible bodies. Thus, the proposal suggest that the school have principals will have to implement strategies in their schools as suggested in the proposal. The district education board will ensure that the proposals are being carried out correctly. It will be expected that the implementation of the proposals will be done immediately. At the same time the community will be educated through social workers on importance on school dropout programs. Personal effective; carrying out retreat program designed to improve student’s self esteem, through regular classroom- based discussion, participation on interpersonal relations, and individual counselling. Academic; this will be achieved by providing special educational courses, instruction methods that are individualized. Family outreach; this will include home visits and feedback strategies. Work related; this program strategy will involve vocational training, service program and partaking in volunteer service. To ensure that the proposal program is carried out effectively, there will be a project coordinator who will work together with different groups to coordinate activities for effective implementation Evaluating the impact of proposal service on the people you intend to benefit from your proposal To analyse the effectiveness of the proposed program, regular reviews of the number students attendance will be examine in specific schools where the program will be being carried out to analyze the impact of the program. The assessment will be based on measuring the percentage of dropout in schools that have carried out the proposal suggestions. Other measures as the impact of rate of school attendance will also be measured, to ascertain the counselling and interpersonal training effects of the program on the specific students.   Emphasizing the rational reasoning for each of the nine recurring policy issues To support the policies of the proposal research and studies finding will be used. Also practical field experience will be collected and data complied to support the measures of the proposed policies. The results of the proposed proposals from the field will be used to emphasize the measures taken. This will be supported by interviews from participants and from the schools where the program will be carried out. Social work ethical dilemmas does your proposal recognize and address The proposal recognizes the social issue of keeping research information confidential and protecting participants of in the program. All participants observation notes, responses and personal information will be held in the strictest of confidence and will not be revealed even after the study has concluded.   All participants will be required to sign a confidentiality statement and will be encouraged vehemently to concur with the terms of the agreement. (Addressing the `digital divide Technology remains important in facilitated education across the board. Technology allows schools and teachers to carry out effective teaching and educational programs. Schools with well technological equipments have been observed to perform better than those with poor technological facilities. Technology remains in schools and in programs to prevent school dropouts. The implications of lack of access to and or skill in using information Observations show that those schools with better technology have high chances of retaining their students in schools than those with poor technology. At the same time students who have access to computers and other technology equipments are like not to dropout of school than those who do not have the access to technology. Technology such as computer also allows a student to continue with studies for instance by use of distance learning which limits dropout rates. Thus, the badly impacted groups due to lack of technology will be students and teachers Ways to change this lack of access and skills into easy and quick Students and schools can be assisted to access technology through grants and/or financial or technology assistance to equip these schools. Students on the other hand can be trained on technology, given aid in terms of technology or learning materials on the technology. This has to be continuous process so that there lack of technology can be minimized through these programs. Also a program should be introduced in which to regularly train teachers on new technologies available so that they can be equipped with latest technology. Conclusion The issue of school dropouts remains crucial and alarming in the United States. Statistics continue to reveal that a large number of students dropout of schools before they can graduate. Thus, it is important that the issue be addressed fully, it has been noted that school dropout is a social issue that requires to be tackled by different ways to solve it. Some of these ways include involving the community, counselling students and availing technology to both schools and students. However, school dropout problem will continue to challenge the education policy makers in the country.

“Little Warrior” by Lucille O’Neal Essay

Lucille O’Neal wrote â€Å" Little Warrior†. The story is about the way Shaquille O’Neal got his name. A young single mother, strict grandparents house, and it was a racist time. A racist time was happening and Martin Luther King was killed. Giving her child a Muslim name with great meaning. Raising a child by yourself is hard to do and she gave her son the best foundations while growing up. The responsibilities and together in order to survive. Andy Greenberg wrote â€Å" A Step Beyond Human† .The story is about Hugh Herr both Herr’s legs were amputated six inches below the knee after a rock climbing trip ended in severe frostbite. His goal to build artificial limbs that are superior to natural ones. He lost both his legs as an adult and a man died saving his life. This Motivated him to help others by creating better prosthetic limbs. Nearly thousand soldiers who have lost limbs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Paralympics athletes will regularly outperform Olympic athletes. May need special disability laws for humans who decline to have their bodies mechanically enhanced, Herr says. The theme of the short story â€Å" Indian Education† by Sherman Alexie is despair, poverty, and alcoholism amongst the lives of the Native American people. In the beginning of his school, he was weak and always bullied and beaten by higher grade students, and punished by his teacher because of his race. As he was growing up, Victor was demanded by his teacher preparing to be a doctor in the future. However, he knew that all Indians had their own dream. Later, he talked more about his life, about how he learn to obey teacher’s order, his kiss to a white girl, his poor life, death of another Indian and the lost of football his game. At last, he finished his school year with a good ending, but his most of his former classmates learned almost nothing. Victor education was spend in an poor, tragic and full-of-discrimination life, and ended in a numb stoic. He was not the only one, but one among all the Indian tribe whom were called â€Å"Indians† during the past time . I can imagine that it was hard for the O’Neal family during a racist time and Ms. O’Neal was the only provider for the family. I would have been just like Shaquille by obeying my mother and striving for the best. I can’t relate to Hugh Herr awful mishap of loosing both legs. However, I like how he turned a awful accident into a great invention by inventing prosthetic legs. Victor definitely had a hard-life ass a Native American, He had dreams just like many of us today, however we have a greater chance of fulfilling or dreams.