Radium Girls

Isn’t it scary to think that someone could keep a huge secret from you, a secret so big that it could potentially kill you and hundreds of other people? This happened in the 1920’s and changed many people’s lives forever. Today, I’m going to share with you something that had a big effect not only as u as a country but us as the Illinois Valley. My topic is the Radium Girls of Ottawa. This is a topic that I know much about; I did my 8th grade history fair project on this, read a few books about it, and even interviewed two of the radium girls.My three main points will be what the radium dial company was, who the living dead girls were, and the after effects of this tragedy. My first point is the Radium Dial company, according to the book Deadly Glow, in 1922 the radium dial company moved from Peru Il, to Ottawa and hired hundreds of girls to paint the dials of WWI and WWII clock faces. The paint used was called luna that contained radium to make the watch g low in the dark.To get the dials perfect the girls were told to wet the tip of the brush with their lips. Their boss failed to mention that radium can cause anything from cancer anemia, bone fractures and necrosis of the jaw, known as radium jaw. Their boss knew about the dangers but told them it would only make their cheeks rosy. Unaware of the dangers the girls would paint their teeth, nails, skin, and hair and turn off the lights so they could glow. This brings me to my second main point, who were the society of the living dead?According to the book Radium Girls, after a year the girls started to complain about jaw pains and their teeth started to fall out. They demanded to be seen by doctors, only to be lied to about not having radium in them and they were perfectly healthy. The doctors who saw them knew they had radium in them, but didn’t tell them. This started their group â€Å"the society of the living dead† the girls were filing for unsafe working conditions. Catherine Donohue was the leader and she was one of the girls who were affected the most.Even through her illness she still won the case that granted all the girls $10,000 to split amongst themselves and all their medical bills were paid. Some of the girls benefited from the case, but money could never heal their mental and eternal illness. The death toll in Ottawa was 35, and 4,000 nation. My third and final point is the aftermath of the case. In my interview with June Menne and Pauline Fuller in October of 2010 both who worked for the radium dial company at this time shared a little information on just how things hanged. Even though a lot of the young girls died before they reached thirty, this tragedy changed lasws that ban people form working hands on with deadly chemicals and right to sue corporations for labor abuse. The building was torn down in 1969. The governor then appointed 2 million dollars to clean up the radium. This tragedy is still affecting Ottawa today, there was a test in 2007 for radium detection and to this day it is still scattered in Ottawa. Thankfully there have been no other cases of anything like this.It just shows that something bad has to happen before things will change. On September 2, 2011 a statue was put up of a girl holding a wilted tulip in one hand and a paintbrush in another to remember the tragedy. Thank you for listening to my speech on the radium girls. I hope you learned my three main points which were what was the Radium Dial Company, who the society of the living dead was and what the effects of this case had on our nation. Any questions?

Is Australia a Racist Country

Racism is discrimination or abusive behaviour towards another race or religion. Australia is a very young multicultural country where at hand is strong evidence to suggest that Australia is racist, and in contrast there are many examples that support this questions that we humans beings can live in peace and harmony with all Australians. According to the ABCDiamond The proportion of the population of Australians born overseas is quoted â€Å"over one quarter of Australians were born overseas†. This means 25% of Australians are born overseas. Some possible causes of racism can be of an institutional racism, which means that a group of people have the same faith about a certain type of person. Racism can be from the past and what people of many different generations express to others about it which follows to be a stereo type of a group of people, such as Germany and the Jews. Many people may think because Hitler was German that all Germans were and always will be bad. At times we hear parents and grandparents being racist based on their opinions on world events such as September 11. This created hatred and anti-Muslim feelings in the general public. In Australia Muslim leaders spoke through the media condemning the attack as many Australians started to form racist opinions about all Middle Easterners. This is an example of indirect racism based on stereo typing. Sometimes racism may simply be caused by ignorance and judgment formed through a lack of knowledge and information. This may be considered unjust and unfair because people are judging based on a stereotype. Professor of Geography from the University of Western Sydney says that â€Å"Australians arnt dealing with ‘cultural diversity’ properly and are being racist and disrespectful to those whom are from a completely different culture and the government need to do more to manage this issue. Another example of racism was when Dr Hanif was deported for suspected links to terrorism. Other stereotypical attitudes present amongst Australians include, Asians are bad drivers, Aboriginals are lazy and a burden on society, Middle easterners are fighters and the French are arrogant. The Cronulla riots of 2005, was an example of mob violence and interracial racism between the Lebanese and local Anglo youth to â€Å"reclaim the beach† and to move out of their suburbs. Another resent development is the racism towards Indian students studying in Australia. People assume that they are taking study places and jobs from Australian’s when they are often wealthy, self-supporting and not necessarily a true representation of all people from their country. They are often being targeted by groups within Australia for their display of wealth (I-pod etc) Racism will continue because of general comments by the public and the influences of the media. For example 9/11 has made our world a place of heightened security, awareness and nervousness particularly as we relate to members of different cultures . Sometimes discussions between people’s opinions can instill racism in younger generations. Media sources such as the news and the internet can be covering stories in ways that present bias towards a group or race and this can also cause racism. The government’s inactions to take a stand against racism may also contribute to racism continuing. Surely the government with its intake of migrants and refugees needs to take a greater look at how to encourage communities to live more harmoniously. One example, in which the Government does promote diversity and acceptance, is through an annual initiative called Harmony Day. On March 21st, 2010, schools, communities groups and organisations celebrated our cultural diversity to show that everyone belongs. Another community effort raising cultural awareness was the Indian concert by A.  R. Rahman which was organised as part of the Sydney Festival in Parramatta last year. The event was part of a wider initiative of the New South Wales Government to ease relations between the country’s significant Indian population and the wider Australian community. According to the Indian Local, (January 17th 2010) Cricketer Matthew Hayden interviewed members of the audience during breaks. â€Å"The thing to remember is that we are all the same inside,† said a young man he spoke to. This is a very important statement because it could actually be the key to preventing further racism. If all Australians could believe this way, we would live in a more peaceful society. Many would argue that Australia, with its large population of overseas born people is a non racist nation. We have suburbs in Sydney which delight all cultures and signify multiculturalism at its best. The Italian’s in Leichardt, Lebanese in Auburn/Bankstown, and Chinese in Cabramatta and Chinatown in the city. Governments and local councils might encourage festivals and awareness through entertainment and local media e. g. Chinese New Year festivals. This is a display which shows that Australian’s are indeed quite accepting of other races. Governing policies such as the Commonwealth Racial Discrimination Act (1975) aim to ensure that â€Å"everyone is treated equally, regardless of their race, colour, descent or nationality or ethnic origin†. According to the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship we are processing applications for asylum seekers from war torn countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The Asylum Seeker Assistance Program is a scheme that has been set up by the government to assist these people with income support, and advice as they wait to gain refugee status. This is an example of how the government is accepting and supportive of new migrants in our country. Similarly the Rudd government showed compassion to the Aborigines when we â€Å"Closed the Gap† in 2008 by apologizing publicly to the Aboriginals for mistreatment of them by our country. This public recognition of unfair and unjust treatment shows a willingness to be a non racist country in the eyes of many Australians. So, is Australia a racist country? It is evident that Australia’s growing population of migrants will continue. With this growth it is hard to predict that racism will cease. However, the need to reinforce that all humans have feelings and have rights will be the answer to stopping racism. We need help from the government, media and leaders in our society to breakdown institutional racism. We need to take a more collaborative approach as Australians and as members of the global community. Racism has no quick fix solution but with improvements in communication and understanding of each other as individuals we can create a more harmonious place to live.

Collapse by Jared Diamond Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Collapse by Jared Diamond - Essay Example All these societies have experienced different climatic, environmental, economic, and technological conditions. How the success or failure of these societies depends on these conditions and how these societies have responded to the changed condition is what the book is all about. The root problem, according to the author, in all but one of these factors leading to collapse is overpopulation. The factor of accidentally or intentionally introducing non-native species to a region has nothing to do with overpopulation. However Diamond feels that environmental damage alone is not a major factor responsible for all collapses. For instance in the collapse of the Soviet Union and the destruction of Carthage by Rome in 146 BC, it was military or economic factors alone that were responsible. Part One describes the environment prevailing in the US state of Montana. It attempts to give a human face to the interaction between society and the environment by focussing on the lives of several individuals. Part Two describes societies that have collapsed.Here Diamond considers the five factors that may affect society, namely climatic change, environmental damage, hostile neighbors and trade partners and lastly the societys responses to the problems caused by the environment. The Greenland Norse : Causes of collapse include climate change, hostile neighbours, environmental damage, loss of trading partners and also because of the unwillingness to change when confronted with social collapse At the end of Part Two Diamond discusses the success stories of three regions, namely the Pacific island of Tikopia, the agricultural success of central New Guinea and the success of forest management in Japan. Diamond describes the terrible situations in Haiti and Rwanda. He also portrays the contemporary Third World where societies have failed because of overpopulation and depletion of environmental resources He is worried about rising mega

Drama Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Drama - Essay Example The film also reflects how Mozart constantly challenged traditional musical conventions. He did this in his choice of subject matter, which often introduced ideas that seemed lewd and vulgar to the upper elite, but that is not such a shock to today’s audience. The film brings this shock-factor out by focusing on Mozart’s sometimes bizarre behavior and outlandish outfits. For example, he is very dramatic in his staging of Figaro. He emphasizes the emotional qualities of the story, but is told music does not entertain. Accepted wisdom held that the purpose of music is to make the listener think and to bring his thinking closer to God. Yet, this is exactly what Mozart’s music does for Salieri, â€Å"God was singing to all the world of perfect absolution.† Throughout the film, lighting and costuming show Mozart to be seeking ways of being different. However, it is the music that drives the audience. This is emphasized by Salieri’s reverent descriptions, â€Å"replace one note and it would be diminished, displace one phrase and the structure would fall. Here again was the very voice of God.† Even the darkest music presented in the film, the final scene of Don Giovanni, is presented as a heavenly voice and drives

Centralizing Ciscos IT Planning Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Centralizing Ciscos IT Planning - Case Study Example Boston thought of fixing already operational data and infrastructure in order to assist the organization waste time and money on new applications. Additionally, achieving a cross-functional IT environment could be impossible to achieve in case teams would be allowed to continue using customized software and tools. The second action by Boston involved prioritizing organizational IT platform projects. A list of â€Å"Inhibitors† was used by each function to assist in selecting vital strategic initiatives. it is noteworthy that this action of Boston guided Cisco identify three vital enterprise projects which include upgrading the Oracle ERP system, establishing an enterprise reporting and business intelligence solution, and developing a â€Å"single source of truth† customer database (â€Å"e-customer†) (Mcafee, Mcfarlan & Wagonfeld 5). The second action of Boston was vital for organization performance in the sense that it reduced minimizing time wasting and confusion associated with the sources of customer data. Boston realized that there were many irrelevant data in the organization that needed to be cleared up (Kharif). Boston’s third initiative focused on developing a new funding process for all the organization’s IT projects. Before Boston took a leadership role in Cisco each function in the organization used to control, their own IT decisions including funding and this system had been an operation for close to a decade. However, Boston thought of centralizing funding system for the IT projects as a bold move towards linking multiple functions together. BPOC was instituted in 2002 as a high-level advisory committee to the organization in respect to matters of enterprise-wide productivity and prioritized organizational issues. Member of the BPOC was drawn from senior executives representing major organization functions.  

Human Cloning and Its Consequences Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human Cloning and Its Consequences - Essay Example Human cloning is also wrong for other reasons, one of them being that human clones might have their bodies harvested for body parts and/or human organs. Then they would be left for dead. We must remember that every person has a soul and a spirit. People should not be grown like oranges on a tree. There has been talk about, indeed, cloning people in order to harvest their organs for one’s clone. This is not only morally reprehensible, but also ethically wrong. How one could even consider raising a human, only to use the human’s body parts for another human—is almost inconceivable. It is possible, but why would any forward-thinking individual want to do something like that? Not only is it a moral lapse, but it would also be a societal lapse as well. The value of human life would be reduced to what a human could provide in terms of body parts and/or organs for another human being. That is absolutely disgusting, not to mention wrong. Human cloning has no place in our society. Perhaps someday, people might have more of a vested interest in seeing their clone produce body parts or even organs which they might be able to harvest for themselves. This is not only ethically dangerous but morally backwards. Cloning has no place in our society because we do not want people who look just like us, talk just like us, and, in short—make a mockery of the human race. Everyone is an individual, and even clones would have their own personalities, even if their bodies were to be identical to the people being cloned. It has come to the attention of a one Dr. Gregory Pence that such research is necessary in order to foment the research field in ethical medical bioengineering. As a medical doctor, he can see many reasons for why people should indeed embrace cloning in all its forms. However, when Dr. Ruth Macklin presents her ideas as to why she feels that cloning would not be a good idea, her rationale seems to make much more logical sense as to why we sho uldn’t clone humans. In his book Medical Ethics, Dr. Pence—a seemingly ethical biomedical doctor— argues in favor of cloning, noting that it is not something of which one should be afraid.2 Of course, the idea of cloning people is not an entirely new one, but we must take into account the risks and the problematization of human existence. We already know that stem cell experiments are taking place, so the question remains, â€Å"What next?† How far will we have to fall as a society for us to realize that cloning is immoral and wrong? It may not be easy to convince those who are persuaded by scientific research that cloning is the way to go—the wave of the future, if one will. It will not be easy to convince those who are insistent upon the fact that there is nothing wrong with cloning—when the ethical scruples are staring us in the face. How is it going to be possible to clone people ethically? It just doesn’

Credit Card Debt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Credit Card Debt - Essay Example b. The risk is even greater for women where financial problems are a leading cause of suicide (Khaitova). 2. Faced with a future and no education, the problems continue to escalate. a. Medical expenses and mounting health insurance costs drain your marginal income. b. Prospective employers may be reluctant to hire you due to your poor credit rating putting you further into an inescapable position ("Guess Who's Looking"). Transition: Now that we know the dangers posed by credit card debt, let's look at a way to eliminate the problem. C. Students who desire a credit card should complete a course in credit management before applying for a credit card. 1. Young students who have never been exposed to credit should be taught how to read the fine print. a. Credit applicants should understand the basic terms used with credit such as early payment penalty, variable APR, and flexible due dating. b. Credit card holders need to be aware that one missed payment can result in their interest rate escalating from 2% to 20% on all their cards. 2. We require a licensee for driving, fishing, and bartending and using credit should be no different. a. Misused credit can be as dangerous as an automobile. b. Credit education would help protect this at risk group from a lifetime of grief. Transition: Now let's take a look at what we've discussed and see how you can apply it to your own situation. III Conclusion A. Summary: I've demonstrated the negative effects that out of control credit can have on a student's academic performance and their health. It can be a problem that has the potential to escalate into a lifetime of agony. B: Final Appeal: A credit card can be a blessing if you need emergency automobile repair. It can also be a curse if the user doesn't... C. Preview: What I'm going to present to you in the next few minutes could save you from a lifetime of misery. I will make you aware of the credit card trap with its fine print and show you how to avoid the pitfalls of its seductive lure. A. Summary: I've demonstrated the negative effects that out of control credit can have on a student's academic performance and their health. It can be a problem that has the potential to escalate into a lifetime of agony. B: Final Appeal: A credit card can be a blessing if you need emergency automobile repair. It can also be a curse if the user doesn't understand the ramifications of making the payments. A course in credit management could instill a sense of responsible use, an understanding of the fine print, and eliminate the problem of massive student debt. Khaitova, Nigora. "Women Commit Suicide Due to Financial Problems, Unreciprocated Love and Male Violence (Experts)." Stop Violence Against Women. 29 Nov. 2005. Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights. 23 Aug. 2006 .

THE EFFECT OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ON RURAL SETTLEMENTS IN MOUNTAINOUS Research Paper

THE EFFECT OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ON RURAL SETTLEMENTS IN MOUNTAINOUS REGION - Research Paper Example Nature also influences the activities of these people in that the major vocation is cattle rearing an agro-forestry. The attitudes of the people are also supposed to be affected by the natural surroundings as people have limited expectations from life, which imparts a slower pace to life. Last but not least, the cultural attributes of mountain people is also a reflection of their natural ambience, which imparts color to their visual arts and costumes, adds distinctness to their folk culture and food habits, and also make them a distinct ecologically sensitive civilization. But all these factors also have contributed to mountain people being more vulnerable to the exploitation attempts by outsiders. THE EFFECT OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ON RURAL SETTLEMENTS IN MOUNTAINOUS REGION Introduction Nature has a tendency to mold the life of the humans who inhabit it. In history, special traits have been attributed to specific groups of people inhabiting a specific geographical landscape. Natural surroundings of a people have been found to have an impact on their food, clothing, housing, social bonding, economy, culture and attitudes. Thus nature becomes an all-encompassing presence that gives meaning and definition to the lives of humans. It is in this context that the influence of nature on the rural settlements in mountainous regions is investigated here. Architecture It is observed that the typical character in the architecture of mountainous regions is that â€Å"the lack of technology is substituted by creativity and through trial and error in using available materials and basic building structures† (Habitat, 2001, pp.3). This is evident when we find that in mountain areas, people use stones more in constructing their houses because that is the most easily available material around (Habitat, 2001, pp.23). Another feature is that very little mortar is used in bonding the stones used to build the walls, which make them provide very good thermal control (Habitat, 2 001, pp.23). But a negative aspect of such stonewalls is that they prone to easy destruction by natural forces (Habitat, 2001, pp.23). To cope with the â€Å"contour layout† of the land, the houses in mountainous regions are usually arranged in a semicircular design (Habitat, 2001, pp.8). Mud brick or brick are used in construction because mud is the cheapest building material available (Habitat, 2001, pp.8). A house using these materials is also conducive for the cool climate of mountainous areas. By placing the houses along the valleys, the damage from wind is minimized and also more sunlight falls on the houses so that people can cope with the cool climate (Habitat, 2001, pp.10). In the study conducted by Habitat (2001) in Northern Iraq, it was found that houses were constructed facing southwards so that they get maximum sunlight (pp.10). The contour design is also useful in preventing landslides and allowing drainage of excess water during rains (Habitat, 2001, pp.12). Th is design, which is defined as â€Å"housing aggregation† becomes necessary also because such a structure is more convenient to defend, when there is an outside threat (Habitat, 2001, pp.10). The Kurdistan province of North West Iran is another example of a mountainous dwelling place (Bahrami,

Abortion & The Religious Opposition Research Paper

Abortion & The Religious Opposition - Research Paper Example Belief in religion was so strong earlier which prevented people from performing abortion. Most of the religions, especially the Christian religion, oppose abortion because of the serious ethical issues involved in it. According to Christian belief, only the creator (The God) has the sole right over creations and doing something against the will of God is unethical. Christians or the church argue that even after tremendous advancements in science and technology, the mysteries around life and death are not unveiled yet. In other words, Christians do believe that the secrets behind human life are uncatchable to human abilities and only the God has the authority on human life. In short, church always believes that denying the opportunity of a child to live in this world cannot be justified. On the other hand, critics of above argument argue that everything in this universe is meant for the wellbeing of the human and human has the right to do everything needed to make his/her life comfort able. Thus churches and current liberal or advanced societies have different perceptions about topics such as abortion. This paper analyses the various arguments in favor and against abortion through religious perspectives. â€Å"The Catholic Church has always condemned abortion as a grave evil. Christian writers from the first-century author of the Didache to Pope John Paul II have maintained that the Bible forbids abortion, just as it forbids murder† (Abortion). Abortion is an act of murdering. It is just like a person being killed by another person. Some people believe that God forgives every sin and in order to get salvation, a confession before the end of life is enough. But in many cases, people may not get an opportunity to confess their sins because of the unexpected arrival of death. Under such circumstances, it is better to stay away from committing mistakes rather than expecting forgiveness from God later. Killing of fetus in order to rescue the life of mother coul d be the justified up to certain extent. Didache and Pope John Paul II justified abortion based on the above belief and argument. Old Testament is more critical on causing damages to a fetus. The following words from Exodus 21:22-24 clearly suggests that the life of a fetus is as important as the life of a human. If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely, but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot (Ex. 21:22–24) (Abortion) The life of a fetus is as important as the life of a human according to Moses. Destruction of a fetus is nothing smaller than killing of another person. Moses declared that a criminal who causes damage to a fetus should be punished severely which is evident from the above words from Holy Bible. However, Jesus Christ has li beralized many of the laws of Moses. Jesus gave more importance to Forgiveness and Love. Jesus came to this world in search of sinners rather than saints. So he did everything possible to save the lives of sinners. In fact he sacrificed his life for saving the lives of sinners. He taught the sinners that if they confess their sins and accept Jesus as their savior, they will get salvation. In other words, it is possible to argue that Jesus may forgive the sins with respect to abortion

Analysis of Death of Woman Wang Historical Novel by Jonathan Spence Essay

Analysis of Death of Woman Wang Historical Novel by Jonathan Spence - Essay Example The fascinating structure of the book consists majorly on the observation on the people having to do work on the land, their social conflicts and, their family structures. ... 2 In his quest to escape the challenges and the fact of being dismissed, he was not happy to go back to his home in Shao-wu, Fukien, out of fear of disgrace, this instead compelled him into an absolute poverty3. His attempt, after finishing the local history, culminated further into more sorrow. His return to Fukien was accompanied by the Rebellion of the feudatory. Since he was amongst the many literati and former officials, he got ordered to take up bureaucratic "office", it was upon refusing to resume the office that Feng retreated to the Fukien mountains, where the constant exposure in 'bitter weather led to his death. Another key actor aforementioned is Huang who was also a magistrate in the County, stationed in the county’s city. A Chinese imperial official, who had gone past the Confucian examinations and was posted in T'an-ch'eng. Upon coming to realizing T'an-ch'eng as a very poor area, in which, almost the whole population had been decimated. In his attempt, to allev iate the poverty by campaigning for tax cuts, particularly in areas where farming had ceased to operate as usual, taxes collection could help, not only from the rich landowners but also from the poor farmers. He came across a lot of challenges and concerns; one such was the superstitions, most of the residents committing suicides out of the hard life and a series of natural disasters. Though he is compassionate, Huang can safely be considered a product of the unsuccessful Chinese major system Confucian ethics and ideas, overwhelmed by the arrogance and the corruption of the rich and the degeneracy and despair of the poor.  Ã‚  

Women on Death Row Essay Example for Free

Women on Death Row Essay History of Death Row Capital punishment is punishment by death for a crime, also known as the death penalty (Encyclopedia, Britannica, online). A sentence of death may be carried out by one of five lawful means: electrocution, hanging, lethal injection, gas chamber, and firing squad. Capital punishment is viewed very differently by many people. Some think it violates our Eight Amendment of the United States Constitution, cruel and unusual punishment, while others think it is justice to those who have had their voices taken away. The first established death penalty laws date as far back as the 18th Century B.  C. in the Code of King Hammaurabi of Babylon, which codified the death penalty for twenty-five different crimes. The death penalty was also part of the 14th Century B. C. ’s Draconian Code of Athens, which made death the only punishment for all crimes; and in the 5th Century B. C. ’s Roman law of the Twelve Tablets. Death sentences were carried out by such as crucifixion, drowning, beating to death, burning alive, and impalement. In the 10th Century A. D. , hanging became the usual method for executions for any crime, except in times of the war. This trend would not last very long, in the 16th Century, under the reign of Henry VIII, as many as seventy-two thousand people were estimated to have been executed. Boiling, burning at the stake, hanging, beheading, and drawing and quartering were some of the common methods of executions. The number of capital crimes rose in Britain throughout the next two centuries, and by the 1700’s, two hundred twenty-two crimes were punishable by death in Britain; including stealing, cutting down trees, counterfeiting tax stamps, stealing from a house or shop, and robbing a rabbit warren. Because of the severity of the death penalty, many of the jurors would not convict the defendants if it was not a serious offense. This helped lead to the reform of Britain’s death penalty, and it helped influence America’s use of the death penalty also. The first attempted reform in the United States of the death penalty occurred when Thomas Jefferson introduced a bill to revise Virginia’s death penalty laws. It proposed that capital punishment be used only for the crimes of murder and treason, and the bill was defeated by only one vote. Although some states abolished the death penalty in the mid-19th Century, it was actually the first half of the 20th Century that marked the beginning of the â€Å"Progressive Period† of reform for the Unites States. Women’s First Executions There are very little details of many of the earlier hangings because of the lack of media in those times. Newspapers only began to be routine in the mid 1800’s and even then they were usually only published on a weekly basis. But as a result, the earliest recorded female hanging in the colonies was that of Jane Chapman in James City, Virginia, in 1632 (http:www. apitalpunishmentuk. org/amfemhang. html). Jane Champion’s crime was lost in history, and no one seems to know the offense she committed. The second woman known to be executed in the United States that was recorded was that of Margaret Hatch on June 24th 1633, for murder, also in Virginia. Hanging was the normal method of execution for both males and females until the electric chair was introduced in 1888 in New York (http://www. capitalpunishmentuk. org/chair. html). It was also stated that the female prisoners usually liked to look their best before their executions and if they could afford it, they would buy or make themselves a new outfit for the event. If they were too poor to make or buy an outfit, it was not out of the ordinary for their friends, the townsfolk, or even the sheriff to provide them with new clothes to wear for the execution. Women Currently on Death Row It is very rare for a woman to be given the sentence of death in the United States. There are approximately fifty thousand women in prison in the United States, and only 0. % of them are on death row. Very few women enter the capital murder system, and fewer still are ever actually executed, according to the (Death Penalty Info Center): †¢ Women account for only one in ten murder arrest. †¢ Women account for one in fifty death sentences imposed at a trial level. †¢ Women account for only one in seventy-one persons presently on death row. †¢ Women account for only one in ninety-two persons actually executed in the modern era since 1976. As of January 1st, 2011, there were 60 women on death row (â€Å"Death Penalty for Female Offenders†). This constitutes for 1. 5% of the death row population of around 3,251 people on death row in the United States. Both the death sentencing rate and the death row population remain very minute for females in comparison to that of males. The execution of female offenders is quite uncommon with only 571 documented cases as of December 31, 2011, and beginning with the first execution in 1632, that of Jane Champion. These executions constitute 2. 9% of the total confirmed executions in the United States since 1608. As of December 31, 2011, there were only twelve females that had been executed since 1976 in the United States. Women on Death Row in Tennessee Tennessee Prison for Women in Tennessee is located in Davidson County in Nashville, and was opened in 1966. It is a maximum security facility with an operating capacity for seven hundred eighty-nine female felons in the state of Tennessee, and it is also accredited by the American Correctional Association. The TPFW houses inmates on all levels, including pre-release participants, work release inmates, and those women who are sentenced to the death penalty. The TPFW also offers academic courses that help the inmates get their GED and also Adult Basic Education, along with Special Education programs. Vocational classes such as computer literacy and application, construction, greenhouse management, culinary arts, and cosmetology skills are also offered to the female inmates. This is offered to help the inmates when and if they are released back into society to help them better survive outside the walls of prison. Inmates also have full right of entry to a range of treatment and psychological programs that include substance abuse, sex offender treatment and aftercare, anger management, pre-release and career management success programs. The prison also offers a drug and alcohol treatment program called the Correctional Recovery Academy. They also have a training program called PPAWS, Prison Puppies Achieving Worthy Service, which is designed to help in the rehabilitating of the female inmates, while also teaching them a marketable job skill. TPFW has also received national acknowledgment for their weekend child visitation program. In the state of Tennessee, there have only been two women sentenced to death row since record taking began, Gaile K. Owens, and Christa G. Pike. Gaile Kirksey Owens, inmate# 109737, was born September 22nd, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee (http:tn. ov/correction/media/womendeathrow. html). Later, Gaile married Ronald Owens, who was an associate director of nursing. Mr. Owens was 37 years old when Gaile Owens in a murder-for-hire scheme, paid $17,000 to Sidney Porterfield to murder her philandering husband on February 17, 1985. Owens was sentenced to death on January 14th, 1986, for accessory before fact-murder. Owens served twenty-six years on death row and after twenty-six years of appeals, her defense attorney asked the court to either commute her sentence or issue a recommendation to the governor to do so. Owens fate rested in the hands of Governor Phil Bredesen. Within two months of Owens execution, on July 14, 2010, Governor Bredesen commuted her death sentence to life and she could be eligible for parole in 2012. Governor Bredesen said he decided to commute her sentence to life in prison because she had a plea deal with the prosecutors but then was put on trial when her co-defendant refused to accept the bargain. This was the second time that Governor Bredesen commuted the death sentence to a convicted murderer. Christa Gail Pike inmate#261368, born March 10th, 1976, in West Virginia, became the youngest woman ever condemned to die in the U. S. , and the youngest woman on death row (The Straits Times, April 22, 2001). In 1994, Pike left her home in Durham, North Carolina, headed to Knoxville, Tennessee to work for the formal Job Corps Program. Pike was a high-school drop out and her mother had encouraged her to go join the Job Corps to at least get her some training. While there, Pike fell in love with a guy named Tadaryl Shipp, one year her junior. Together, Pike, and Shipp dabbled in devil worship together, along with their other friend, Shadolla Peterson. Pike became jealous of a fellow Job Corps worker, Colleen Slemmer, thinking that she was in love with Shipp and was trying to steal her boyfriend. Even though Slemmer kept trying to reassure Pike that she had no interest in her boyfriend, Pike did not believe her. Colleen Slemmer told her mother that she would wake up in the middle of the night and Christa Pike would be standing over her, she was very scared of Pike. Pike set out on a vengeance, she didn’t believe that Slemmer wasn’t in love with Shipp. Christa Pike, along with Tadaryl Shipp and Shadolla Peterson, lured Slemmer to Tyson Park, offering her marijuana as a peace offering. All four of them signed out of the dorm on the night of January 12, 1995, and that is when the horror began. Pike and her boyfriend, Shipp, tortured Colleen Slemmer for 30 to forty-five minutes with a box cutter and a small meat cleaver, and they even carved a swastika symbol on her chest while she was still alive. They got bored with cutting her, so pike picked up a chunk of asphalt and smashed Slemmers head again and again. Finally, after about an hour of torture, she was dead. Pike picked up a piece of Slemmers skull, placed it in her jacket pocket, and the three returned back to the dorm. The three was arrested within thirty-six hours of committing the crime. It took only two and one-half hours to convict Christa Pike guilty on both counts of murder and conspiracy. Pike was sentenced to death by electrocution for the murder charge and was given twenty-five years for the conspiracy charge. Pike was also charged with attempted 1st degree murder on August 12, 2004, when she strangled inmate Patricia Jones with a shoe string, nearly choking her to death. In her final round of state court appeals, Pike’s defense team tried to persuade the appellate court to create a new class of killers who should be exempt from the death penalty-18-year-olds with a history of mental illness. In April 2011, a state appeals court rejected her effort to escape death row. The state Supreme Court will next review Pike’s latest appeal efforts. If Pike fails to win a reprieve from the high court, she then will be allowed to a federal appeal. But until the, Christa Pike will remain in her 810 cell at the end of the maximum security wing in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Tennessee Prison for Women. After doing research on Christa Pike, I contacted the Tennessee Women for Prison and sent my request to get an interview with her, but as of today, I have not received any response. In reading up on Pike, I have found that she does not do many interviews, and she does not write many people back that have written to her. In the interviews I have watched about her, I personally believe that she does not have any remorse for the crimes she committed and therefore, she deserves to sit in her 810 cell and think about how lucky she is to be alive.

Purpose of Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Purpose of Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT   Ã‚   The main aim of the MBIEs is the growth of the New Zealand for all. This growth is relates to the economy. For achieving a quality life and a good living standard an economy promoting sustainable growth is required. For all includes the people of New Zealand at present an also in future. MBIEs purpose is for New Zealand to benefit from: Maximum numbers of highly skilled people and innovative firms A greater dynamic and supportive business environment Sustainably higher value derived from natural environment more productive and prosperous sectors, regions and people A better environment that can better supports a well-functioning economy The work of MED is to regulating the NZs standards and conformance infrastructure. It works with the purpose of: Motivating the business person to do innovations in their products, encourages competition and productivity. Reduction in the compliance cost to the business Development in the technical infrastructure of business in order to meet the needs of consumers and local business. 5 specialist bodies works with the MED for the betterment of New Zealanders SNZ JAS-ANZ TSS IANZ MSL These organizations works with the collaboration with the MED in order to provide quality life to the residents of NZ through standards and conformance infrastructure liaison group: TSS : Trading standards service IANZ: International Accreditation NZ. MSL: Measurement standards laboratory of NZ. SNZ: Standard NZ JAS-ANZ: Joint Accreditation system of Australia and New Zealand There are fewer regulations related to trade of goods and services in New Zealand. The traders and manufacturers to ensure their product safety adopt self-regulations. All of this is backed by the consumer protection legislation. Consumer protection legislation The responsibility of standards and conformance infrastructure falls under this legislation Works to improve technical infrastructure to support the people of New Zealand, their businesses and trading activities of New Zealand. Promotes healthy competition and supports innovation and productivity constantly. Reduces the compliance cost in businesses. Looks after the five technical bodies of Standard and Conformance infrastructure and makes sure they are functioning properly and are being met by people. Five technical bodies of Standard and Conformance TSS : Trading standards service IANZ: International Accreditation NZ MSL: Measurement standards laboratory of NZ SNZ: Standard NZ JAS-ANZ: Joint Accreditation system of Australia and New Zealand Food Safety and HACCP Thus, food safety regulations are applicable on food sold in the domestic and local markets In Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) handlers of food have to analyze it, identify risks if any and put the systems to handle those risks. HACCP makes sure that food processors, wholesalers and retailers, restaurants and other food premises are involved in identifying and managing any areas or processes where food contamination or deterioration could occur. These regulations are applied by Ministry of Health on food which is sold by the seller in the local market. The aim of applying these regulations is to ensure that the food which is sold is free from any kind of contaminated material and fit for the human consumption. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry also keep a check on the exported products whether they are safe for consumption or not. In the domestic market, it is voluntary, but food processors and retailers with an independently audited HACCP system in place can apply to the Ministry of Health for exemption from regular food safety inspections. ELECTRICAL AND GAS SAFETY Electrical safety regulations protects the people from the electricity related harms and dangers The service also regulates the quality and measurement of gas and electricity and the quality of petrol and diesel This includes safely installation of electrical appliances and safety of electricity supply and generating systems This regulations deals with the safety requirements regarding the electrical and gas appliances This also includes the measurement of gas and electricity Electrical appliances are verified in order check whether they are safe to use or not MACHINERY, PRESSURE EQUIPMENT, CRANES AND PASSENGER ROPE-WAYS There is a organization that is Occupational Safety and Health(OSH) that helps to safe the human beings and workers from the machines and equipments Heavy machines like boilers, cutting machines should meet OHS standard before being used in NZ. OSH provides the standards that must used by the person before the appliance used in NZ. Before going to the market, the product must be tested and inspected. Thus, exporters need to check carefully whether there are any technical requirements their product must meet in each market and what is involved. MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS (MRAs) Mutual Recognition Agreements is a mutual agreement between the two countries. It is an international agreement. This is the agreement where two or more countries agree to recognize one anothers conformity assessments. MRAs enable New Zealands test and inspection reports, and product and quality certificates, to be accepted by other economies. MRAs are based on shared purpose and belief in the technical competence of each others systems and procedures. It is the responsibility of MED to maintain govt. level MRAs. For maintaining govt. level MRAs the govt. includes some sort of agreements. These are: TTMRA (Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition agreement): Australia and NZ made the agreements which are done for the betterment of the both countries. It came into force on May 1 1998. According to this agreement the good which is sold in one country is legally able to sell in country without any difference. NZ/EU MRA (Agreement between NZ and European community for mutual recognition of conformity assessment): According to this agreement conformity regulations is done by the NZ/EU MRA (testing, inspection, and certification) of products traded between New Zealand and any of the fifteen members of the European Union to be undertaken in the exporting country, before the goods are shipped. Each country follows its own rules and regulations but they agree that one country can act on the behalf of other. CEP (Agreement between the NZ and Singapore on Closer Economic Partnership): According to this approach same international standards are followed at international and recognition of conformity assessment. To minimize the effect of technical barriers, to promote use the best practice internationally and support of NZ exporters and importers. For example, the parties have negotiated mutual recognition of conformity assessment in electrical and electronic equipment. APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation): MED officials represent the NZ on APEC which is Sub-Committee on standards and conformance which works out for the purpose of bringing harmonization in the mandatory technical requirement of trade between the economics in Asia Pacific region. Standards refer to the published documents that include specifications for processes, products and services that have been agreed upon. Standards cover areas of compatibility, quality, information, safety and performance. Standards are some sort of doings that are used as measure, norm or model in comparative analysis. It is a benchmark i.e. a product or a service should be of a particular quality or level. For example an electronic product is said to be meeting a standard when the minimum safety requirement is met. It makes our lives easy as it helps in keeping our house, building, electronics etc. safe. TYPES OF STANDARDS STANDARDS MANDATORY/VOLUNTARY MANDATORY: Mandatory standards are documented in laws or regulations that are stated through Acts or legislations, Mandatory standards are put in place by governments in order to order to protect the national interest. If any person does not abide these standards while performing any act, its punishable offence. These protect the consumer from being exploited because these act as safety standards; the demand for mandatory standards has been increased. It is illegal to sell products or services without meeting mandatory standards. VOLUNTARY: Voluntary standards are those standards that are not stated under law; these are formed by company according to their wish. For example ISO is a voluntary standard. Voluntary standards are set by customers or these are encouraged by industry groups. If someone wants more sales then they have to follow the voluntary standards because they ensure product is safe. The ministry has produced document called self regulation and codes of product to assist the industry in preparing appropriate codes to initiate their voluntary moves to achieve mutually agreed purpose in the eye of society, industry. The purpose of creating voluntary standards is to maintain image in the minds of consumers that the product is safe for consumption and doesnt provide any harm to human lives. STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND (SNZ) SNZ is that business unit that has a specialization in managing the development of standards and standards based solutions. Under the guidance of trading department of standard council, it was formed. The rules and regulations are mentioned in the standard act 1988 and governed by standard council. The Council has statutory responsibility for overseeing the development and adoption of standards and standards related products. SNZ does not receive direct government funding but receives revenue from contracts with industry and government for the adoption, development and support of standards and from the sales of standards publications. NEW ZEALAND ROLE New Zealand Standards, specified for New Zealand conditions. It is anoperating arm of standard council. It works on the behalf of consumers, industry and govt. It provides codes of practice or Industry Technical Agreements; these are quicker and less expensive to develop than a full standard. It conducts seminars to inform and train people on the content of specific standards and to publicize new standards. The main objective of the SNZ is to check whether the product, process and any other thing meet the quality standards or not. The product, process that meets the quality standards is only allowed for sale. NZ authorities check whether the product is safe, secure, and efficient for consumption purposes. NZ has 5 crown standards and conformance bodies among them one of the crown bodies is The Standards Council which has a SNZ as its operating arm. It is governed by the standard act 1988. SNZS INTERNATIONAL ROLE SNZ represents New Zealand in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) and facilitates New Zealand representation on relevant ISO and IEC technical bodies and standards committees. This enables New Zealand to have participation in the shaping of international standards and developments that help in reducing barriers to trade in New Zealands major export sectors and markets. SNZ is contracted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to act as New Zealands Enquiry Point for the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).   The Enquiry Point notifies the WTO of any New Zealand regulations that may impact on trade.   It also responds to enquiries from overseas on any regulations or requirements that must be met before specific products can be imported into New Zealand. SNZ is a founding member of the Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC) and participates in PASC activities.   SNZ also works closely with government in standards and conformance activities within APEC and on standards issues in negotiations between Australia/New Zealand (CER) and trade groups in Southeast Asia and South America. SNZ also provides advice to the government on standards issues within international organizations such as the WTO and the OECD. SNZ assists in meeting the governments development assistance objectives by providing consultancy support, training and capacity building opportunities for standards bodies in developing countries All goods that are Exported/Imported shall pass through a barrier before they can be legally allowed to be sold in the market. MEASUREMENT The Measurement Act 1987 defines the regulations regarding the measurement and safety service. Measurement is the assignment of a number to a characteristic of an object or event, which can be compared with other objects or events. Measurement ensures that units of measurement are consistent with the international system of units. Units of measurement which are used by exporter, trader and supplier must comply with the international system of units. MSL(measurement standards laboratory) MEASUREMENT TSS(trading standards service MEASUREMENT STANDARDS LABORATORY (MSL) MSL is the National Metrology Institute of New Zealand that ensures consistency of NZ units of measurement with International unit system that is SI.MSL makes sure New Zealand is delivering measurements that are reliable and correct. It provides national measurement standards that are traceable to International System of Units.New Zealand is a signatory of Metric Treaty and also to the Mutual Recognition of National Measurement Standards and of Calibration and Measurement Certificates issued by National Metrology Institutes. MSL participates in all metrology activities conducted in the region of Asia- Pacific and is one of the active members. NEW ZEALAND ROLE MSL measurement capability underpins our whole technical infrastructure. Its key functions are: To support the standards of measurement relevant to New Zealand To ensure that users, both national and international, have confidence in New Zealands standards of measurement. To ensure that all measurements in New Zealand can be traceable to the International System of Units. MSL provides appropriate national measurement standards for the SI units of importance to New Zealand. New standards must be introduced and accessible standards extended in range and accuracy. Self-assurance in measurement is important for enforcement of local and central government regulations and codes, and for well-being in society. MSL is continually improving the measurement standards. In scientists it also monitored development in their professional areas so they can report on and respond to the changes. One of the main roles of MSL is to provide calibration also known as verification reports, which are traceable to SI and to National Standards of New Zealand. Calibration is provided in the areas like: Biological and chemical Length and dimensional Photometry and radiometry Mass and pressure Temperature and humidity Time and frequency It provides specialist measurement services Provides expert consultancy which advices on the measurements that are difficult. It includes expertise in technical areas such as- Laser safety Lighting Speed measurement Temperature required Ultra-Violent Hazards INTERNATIONAL ROLE SI or metric units of measurement are supported and developed under inter-governmental Metric Treaty of 1875 and NZ has adopted the same and became signatory to Metric treaty in the year 1991. MSL along with 37 other countries In October 1999 signed an agreement for Mutual Recognition of National Measurement Standards and of Calibration and Measurement Certificates issued by National Metrology Institutes. MRA states that national measurement institutes of signatory countries carry international measurement comparisons on regular basis. Regular comparison shows that measurements followed by different countries are same. The review is done regularly for purpose of ensuring that measurements from the different countries are same. TRADING STANDARD SERVICE (TSS) TSS helps by providing the security or sureness that the exchange of goods takes place on accurate measure, weight, and recognition basis. TSS provides constant advice to the government about measurements systems and legal operations. It provides advice to government on the NZ legal measurement system and its operation. The Weight and Measures Act 1987 is enforced by and under TSS. The system of standards and conformance applicable to trade is stated under the Weight and Measurement act. TSS is involved in testing of new weights and measuring instruments and approves them. NEW ZEALAND ROLE OPERATIONS: Provide advice to Government related to trade measurement issues Ensure compliance with the provisions of the Weights and Measures Act 1987 By using traceable standards of weight and measure TSS protects the integrity of the NZ trade measurement system Protect the integrity of the New Zealand trade measurement system Promote assurance on the accuracy of weighing and measuring equipment TSS prevents fraud by maintaining a type approval laboratory where new types of weighing and measuring instruments are checked against international measurement standards. INTERNATIONAL ROLE Asia Pacific Legal Metrology Forum: The purpose of Asia Pacific Legal Metrology Forum is to encourage honesty and harmony lawful metrology actions and services within the Asia-Pacific region and to build joint confidence in trade measurement. NZ is a active member of the APLMF. It is established under the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) as a special regional body. Trade Measurement Advisory Committee: The trade measurement authorities of NZ in joint collaboration authorities, states and territories of Australia developed this committee. These authorities comprises of this committee. This committee solves the disputes arising within Australia and between Australia and New Zealand and provides advices. The focuses on trade main issues within Australia and between Australia and New Zealand and provides guidelines opinion on trade depth issues to Australian State and Federal Governments and the New Zealand Government. AFTA and Australia/New Zealand CER: New Zealand and Australia also work alongside partner in the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) on trade measurement issues. International Organization of legal Metrology: This organization was developed for the purpose of bringing international harmonization in the practical and theoretical aspects of measurement which is known as Metrology. It was established in 1955. NZ is one of the corresponding members of this organization as it consists of 57 countries and further 48 corresponding members. CONFORMANCE Conformance is undertaken by technical experts. Decisions are based on the results of measurements, tests, inspections or audits. Conformity assessment bodies then issue reports and certificates of compliance. This provides Accreditation or formal recognition that a body or person is competent to carry out specific tasks. There are three main types of conformity assessment: testing, inspecting and certifying. Conformance can be done through IANZ or JAS-ANZ. CONFORMANCE JAS AND ANZ INTERNATIONAL ACCREDATION NZ (IANZ) It is the national accreditation body which was established in 1972. It is a member of ILAC (international laboratory accreditation cooperation) and APLAC (Asia Pacific laboratory accreditation cooperation). It is involved in recognizing and assessing technical competencies It is a part of Accreditation councilandit is a crown entity. Govt. and others sectors voluntary use accreditation as a reliable method of competence. NEW ZEALAND ROLE It works with the government agencies to provide trade opportunities to NZ exporters to do trade at international level. It ensures that its government, consumers public have confidence in quality competence in NZs testing. IANZ is the operating arm of the Testing Laboratory Registration Council, a statutory body established by Act of Parliament in 1972. Over 200 technical experts who act as technical assessors for peer reviews of laboratories or inspection bodies in their specialist field gives proof to IANZ and IANZ relies on them. IANZ itself do evaluations by counterpart accreditation authorities from Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region. This ensures that its competence and procedures remain consistent with international practice. IANZ participates in similar peer evaluations of its overseas counterparts. IANZ Operations Radiology service accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025 adapted) Pharmacy accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025 adapted) Testing and calibration laboratory accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025) Inspection body accreditation (ISO/IEC 17020) Proficiency testing programme accreditation (ISO/IEC Guide 43) Registration of OECD GLP Compliant Laboratories Designating Authority for approval of laboratories and inspection bodies for CE marking (see page 10)Assessment of Ministry of Health food safety system (HACCP) auditing bodies Assessment of MAF meat industry laboratories Development of accreditation programmes and technical criteria Technical information and advice Input to development of international standards relating to testing, inspection and accreditation Training courses in a range of technical areas, including laboratory quality management, measurement, testing and auditing skills.   Specific courses cover accreditation requirements for medical testing, radiology and inspection services Advisory service for developing country accreditation authorities INTERNATIONAL ROLE Accreditation authorities are signatories to the ILAC or APLAC Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) in over 65 countries, which recognizes reports from IANZ, accredited laboratories and inspection bodies as they meet the required international standards. IANZ comes in voluntary sector i.e. it is not mandatory under law. It is involved in providing proper guidance to the government on technical barriers and on conformance related issues. JOINT ACCREDITATION SYTEM OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (JAS-ANZ) Australia and New Zealand has Joint Accreditation System helps markets for making their work more efficient by providing internationally recognized accreditation services that create economic benefit. By using the criteria of conditional model on international standards and guidelines JAS-ANZ provides accreditation programmers for regulator and industry specific schemes. Increased trade and greater competition from imported products has brought into focus the need for quality in products, processes and services. It creates economic benefits. It helps in the establishment of confidence among the users of Australia and NZ that goods used by consumers are met with the certain standards. It provides advises to govt. regarding the conformance issues and also manages and administers efficient management schemes. NEW ZEALAND ROLE Joint accreditation system helps in the establishment of confidence among the users of Australia and NZ that goods used by consumers are met with the certain standards. It helps in supporting the trade by obtaining and maintaining oversea acceptance of product certificates and management systems certificates issued in New Zealand and Australia. It makes the links with relevant bodies in the areas of conformity assessment services and recognition of standards in relation to goods and services. It oobtains mutual recognition and acceptance of certificates of conformity with relevant bodies in other countries. JAS-ANZ also provides advice to the government on conformance issues and participates in standards and conformance aspects of trade negotiations. The following activities are presently under the accredited programmes. Accreditation of Certifiers of Management Systems Certification of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9000 and QS-9000 for the automotive industry) Certification of Environmental management systems (ISO 14001) Certification of Food Safety Systems based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certification of HACCP Management systems Certification of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHS AS/NZS 4801) Certification of Information Security Management Systems (ISMS -   AS/NZS 4444) INTERNATIONAL ROLE The purpose of the JAS-ANZ is to develop mutual understandings with the international bodies so that accreditation certificates issued by will be international level and to be a forum for the exchange of information and ideas of common interest based on the relevant ISO/IEC accreditation and certification Guides. It is also a founding member of International Auditor and Training certification association which helps in developing mutual recognition scheme for ISO 9000 auditors and auditor training courses. TESTING Testing is the process that is being used to determine the characteristics of an item or material. The standard test methods are used to carry out tests in laboratories. For the scope of Accreditation all these tests are carried out.   The test reports may only carry the accreditation logo if the laboratory is accredited for specific tests. Testing is conducted to determine items or products characteristics. It is conducted in labs and reports provided are related to the sample testing. There are some Standard test method is used for doing tests that states environment, equipment and procedures to conduct a reliable test. Thus labs that are accredited for those tests can conduct tests and 500 of such labs are there in NZ. CALIBRATION Calibration is the process of ensuring that measuring instruments are giving accurate results. The Measuring instruments are calibrated to ensure that any measurements performed with the calibrated instruments will be traceable back to the national measurement standard. The wide range of measuring instruments such as speed cameras, analytical balances, measuring tapes, pressure gauges and electrical power meters are calibrated in calibration laboratories. Calibration reports may only carry the accreditation logo if the laboratory is accredited for those calibrations. INSPECTION Inspection is done in order to check that whether safety and technical requirements are being met. It is done for the purpose of ensuring that all safety aspects are checked. The specialist inspectors role is to examine technical aspects of things such as pipelines, crane designs, boilers, buildings, machinery, quarantine services or food premises. The international standard for professional inspection bodies (ISO/IEC 17020) covers designs, products, services, processes and plant. ISO/IEC 17020 (international standard for professional inspection bodies) covers all the products, designs, services and processes. Specialist inspectors examine the technical aspects of such things as pipelines, crane designs, boilers, buildings, machinery, quarantine services or food premises. International standard inspection methods are used in certain inspections for ensuring all safety aspects being checked. Inspection includes on-site observation in a detailed way and also thorough check of records, procedures and reports. CERTIFICATION According to the specific international standards, the certification bodies are accredited which is also related to the type of certification. The range of standards a certification body is accredited to audit against is specified in its Scope of Accreditation. Certification includes various categories. These bodies are accredited to specific international standards, depending on the type of certification they are competent to undertake. Personnel certification Product certification Certification of environmental management system (ISO 14001) Certification of quality management system REFERENCES          http://www.ianz.govt.nz/new-article-goes-here/ http://www.manufacturingnz.org.nz/re

Comparing Housing Systems In Japan And Malaysia Environmental Sciences Essay

Comparing Housing Systems In Japan And Malaysia Environmental Sciences Essay Housing plays an important role in a countrys economy, typically accounting for 10 to 20 per cent of total economic activity. In addition, housing is often an individuals biggest asset. The availability of housing finance is, therefore, crucial for overall economic development as well as for a households welfare and its quality of life. With the large-scale privatization of the housing sector, a need for housing finance systems arose in the countries with economies in transition. There are many good examples of effective housing in the region. However, while policy makers have had access to information and policy advice on individual systems, there has so far not been a method for comparing them that would help to determine their suitability for a particular country. This essay is to compare and contrast the housing system of two countries. Now compare and contraction the housing system of two countries. Countries name is japan and malaysia. These two countries people how to advertise and look for housing and also discuss which types of utilities are necessary and how they are installed. structure: Japanese House Traditional japanese houses are built by erecting wooden columns on top of a flat foundation made of packed earth or stones. The frame of a japanese house is made of wood, and the weight is supported by vertical columns, horizontal beams, and diagonal braces. One thing of japanese houses is that every house has a large roof and deep eaves to protect the house from the hot summer sun. [1] The houses of common people make differently. Farmers of the country, they were made to different style. The houses built in the gassho style. [2] One common things of japanese house is that when they make their house, they have many sliding doors. Sometimes they partition their rooms. This is the style seen in modern japanese houses today. Nowadays japanese used to cover the floor of entire rooms tatami mats. As the living room, where the family dines together, they used cabinet that holds the plates and bowls. Japanese use a heated table called kotatsu. Recently, people are beginning to look anew at the traditional methods of building houses. [3] Interior Design Traditional House:- Traditional japanese housing has kitchen, bathroom and toilet. Any room can be a living room, dining room, study, or bedroom. All the furniture is portable, being stored in oshijre, a small section of the house used for storage. Modern Homes:- Housing is typically listed in real estate. Rooms format is 1r or 2ldk. R designating room, l for living room, and k for kitchen. Japanese home has genkan or entryway; it includes a small area, as the same level as the outside. Malaysian House: On the other hand japanese and malaysian housing system are mostly different. Malaysian housing system is shown: The traditional malaysian housing process is highly autonomous, largely controlled by the user. Guided by building tradition and the village carpenter, the owner-builder designs a house that is uniquely suited to the familys socioeconomic and cultural situation. Not only does the traditional approach foster a better match of house to user, it keeps the cost down by eliminating the need for professional intermediaries such as architects or developers.   Self-help and cooperative labor are the resources upon which the owner-builder relies. The traditional malaysian house has an open interior, promoting good cross ventilation and lighting and allowing the space to be used for many purposes depending on the season, occasion, or time of day.   Since most activities take place on the floor, the need for furniture is minimal; bedding materials and sleeping mats are rolled up and stored during the day to eliminate the need for separate living and sleeping quarters. Interior spaces are defined, not by partitions or walls, but rather by changes in floor level; they may be respected or ignored, allowing the house to accommodate larger numbers of people than usual during, for example, feasts.   Malay houses  are traditional dwellings, originating before the arrival of foreign or modern influences, and constructed by the indigenous  ethnic malay  and  orangasli  peoples of the  malay peninsula  and their related bumiputra tribes of  east malaysia. [4] Using renewable  natural materials  including timber and  bamboo, the dwellings are often built without the use of metal including nails. Instead pre-cut holes and grooves are used to fit the timber elements into one another, effectively making it a prefabricated house. In sarawak and sabah  rattan  ropes were used to fasten bamboo pieces together. Although nails had been invented and in later houses used minimally for non-structural elements (for example, windows or panels), structural flexibility was a benefit which nailing inhibited. Without nails, a timber house could be dismantled and reconstructed in a new location. A traditional malay timber house usually in two parts: the main house called  rumah ibu  in honour of the mother (ibu) and the simpler  rumah dapur  or kitchen annex, which was separated from the main house for fire protection. Proportion was important to give the house a  human scale. The  rumah ibu  was named after the spacing between stilts which are said to typically follow the arms-spread width of the wife and mother in the family of the house when being built. At least one raised veranda (serambi) is attached to the house for seated work or relaxation, or where non-familiar visitors would be entertained, thus preserving the privacy of the interior. Venetian interior design or also known as cultured architecture is based on the famous city. Houses with such design usually showcase collected pieces and ornaments from around the world. Shelves are filled with vintage books and quirky items found in flea market and thrift stores. Paintings and murals displaying scenes from the city can be added to the interior to provide venetian vibe. [5] Interior Design Traditional House:- A traditional malay timber house usually in two parts. The main house called ruman lbu in honour. And second part is called ruman dapur or kitchen annex. One veranda is attached to the house. Summary: In this two countries, japan and malaysians houses are most different. Japanese house is made of wood. On the other hand malaysian house is made of bamboo. Japanese house structure and malaysian house structure is not same. Japanese houses built in the gassho style but malaysian houses built in the rumah ibu  and rumah dapur  or Kitchens annex style. How People Advertise And Look For Housing Buying A House: When buying a house Japanese people, see the newspaper, magazine, Real Estate Company, internet. First-home buyers usually visit a few properties before making a final decision and this can be a test for the memory, so take a digital camera and a pen and paper. Take photos and notes about the features, colours and negative and positive points of each residence. Then, when reviewing the properties in the comfort of your home, tick them off against your wish-list. There are some tried and tested things you should check for on the inside of the house. Mainly you want to identify anything that might be an extra cost, ranging from minor replacements to serious structural work. Here are a few nasty surprises to keep an eye out for: Turn the taps on in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry to check the water pressure, performance and drainage. Check for dirty water. You might like to leave the tap running for a minute and it cant hurt to drink the water for a taste test. Check the hot water system. Is it big enough for your needs? A family will need more hot water than a couple. Also check for leaks, rust and age. Replacing a busted hot water system can be expensive and is not the sort of thing you can put off. If it is gas, check for the systems last servicing. Bathrooms often have mould. Mould cant just be painted over. A serious problem will usually involve installing a new ceiling/wall and better ventilation. [6] Rent A House: Japanese people when rent a house they advertise newspaper, internet and many other ways. Here some ways to advertise rent a house in japans:- To rent an apartment in Japan, would-be tenants visit real estate agents located in every neighborhood and browse through copies of apartments for rent. These usually have the layout of the apartment for rent and the costs to rent this apartment. If would be tenant is interested in a particular apartment, the agent contacts the landlord to see if the apartment is still available and whether a visit could be arranged. Typically, a renter cannot rent an apartment on her or his own, but is required to have a guarantor who promises to pay the rent if problems arise. Traditionally, japanese  landlords  collect both a damage deposit and key money before the renter takes occupancy, and the real estate agent is also paid a months rent for services provided. Key money is a non-refundable payment to the landlord. In major cities like tokyo and osaka, key money is often a major investment in itself: up to six months rent in many cases. In recent years many landlords have begun demanding smaller amounts of key money, equal to two or three months rent or none at all. An industry of no-deposit apartments, called  monthly mansion  and  weekly mansion, has also sprouted up in major cities: these generally charge higher rents than traditional leases, and may offer some hotel-style amenities such as linen service. In tokyo, a typical rental agreement is for one year. Each year, this agreement is re-negotiated, and the renter pays an additional months rent as a fee. In many other cities, however, the one-year agreement is regarded simply as a minimum length of stay, and the rent does not change over the years. [7] Malaysia:- Buying Property Apartments/condominiums-of course, like most countries, apartments and condominiums are readily available all over malaysia for expects looking to buy property. With choices from small one-bedroom apartments to huge five or six bedroom condominiums, in kuala lumpur, smaller towns or even beach side places like langkawi and sarawak, theres an apartment for every taste. Prices for apartments and condominiums in malaysia too tend to be cheaper than in thailand and, of course, in singapore and hong kong. Semi-detached houses one of the popular types of residential property in malaysia are semi-detached houses. These are two houses built side by side, and connected on one side of the house. Cheaper than detached houses, they still offer a large space, and often huge gardens and back yards. Semi-detached houses do sometimes have noise issues as, sharing an adjoining wall; you can often hear your neighbors. If you get noisy ones, this can be a stressor, so make sure you know what youre letting yourself in for before buying and check the neighborhood (and next door neighbors!) Carefully. Bungalows detached houses, bungalows in malaysia are often designed like a traditional malaysia house. They are usually built in a compound'(basically means a wall surrounds the entire property), so you get a lot more privacy and security. Unlike a typical bungalow in the west, which is only one storey, bungalows in malaysia are technically just the name of a single-family homes and can be one, two or three-storey styles. Terraced houses terraced houses are all connected one to another in a row. If you can purchase one at the end of a row, theyre not much different than a semi-detached house but, if you do choose a terraced house, are aware youll have two neighbors with homes directly attached to yours. Terraced houses are a cheaper option for buying property in malaysia though. Just make sure theyre built to correct building code and check on fire provisions as, if a fire starts in one unit, it is possible for it to spread through every house on the terrace. Traditional shop houses shop houses are a stereotypical asian building and are found in most asian countries. These, again, are a row of terraced houses but with one major difference. The ground floor is usually, or has been, a space where a shop is operated. Theyre actually the in thing in many asian cities nowadays, with people buying them for the cool factor and then renovating them to thoroughly modern and beautiful homes. Malaysia also has many brand new shop houses, already built to the cool standard, all over the country that expects can buy. [8] renting property It is relatively cheap to rent a house or apartment in malaysia, except in central kuala lumpur where rental prices are higher. A wide range of properties are available, including large detached houses (known as bungalows), semi-detached and terraced houses, and apartments and condominiums. Condominiums are a popular choice among expatriates as they offer good security and a wide range of facilities often including a swimming pool, gymnasium, playground and tennis courts (see currency and cost of living section for typical kl rental prices). Some of the most popular areas of kuala lumpur for expatriate residence include kenny hills, damansara heights, and the city end of jalan ampang, bukit kiara, ampang, bangsar baru and taman tun dr. Ismail. Given the kl traffic congestion, it is important to choose a location carefully in relation to place of employment and, if needed, an international school. Furnished, semi-furnished and unfurnished properties are all widely available for rent, and can be found via the real estate agents who are numerous in urban areas and advertise in the local or national press. Some expatriate websites also advertise rental properties in their classifieds sections. One point worthy of note is that unfurnished properties are often completely empty, without even kitchen units or a cooker. Leases are usually drawn up for yearly renewal. The standard procedure for renting a property entails: Signing a letter of offer and paying one month rent as an earnest deposit. Within 7 days, paying two months rent as a security deposit, an amount in the region of rm1000 as a utility deposit (for electricity, power etc), stamp duties and disbursements. Signing and retaining a stamped copy of the tenancy agreement. [9] Japanese people when rent or look a house they advertise newspaper, internet and many other ways. Here some ways to advertise rent a house in japans:- 4: utilities: 4.1: japan:- Japanese people use their houses in many utilities. These utilities can help their house in many ways. There are three utilities:- Heating Electricity Security Heating Space heating, rather than central heating, is normal in japanese homes. Kerosene, gas, and electric units are common. Dwellings are commonly sold and rented without heating or cooling equipment. Occupants purchase appliances and take them when they move. The simplest kerosene burner has a tank for fuel, a mantle, and a control dial. Battery-operated electric ignition is a popular step up. The next rank has an electric fan to circulate hot air through the room. Many such units feature computer control of temperature. The computer can also turn them on and off on schedule. Windows in many homes have vents to open to protect the occupants from excessive exhaust gas. Kerosene and gas units have safety features to turn off the fire and cut off the fuel supply when the heater receives a shake, whether from an accident or due to earthquake. These units also usually shut off automatically after two or three hours to prevent carbon monoxide fumes from building up while the resident is sleeping. Electricity Japanese dwellings connected to the nations power grid have 100 v ac electricity at outlets throughout the home. The line frequency is 50 hz in eastern japan, and 60 hz in the western part of the country. Service of 30 or 50 a is typical. Many domestic appliances operate properly at either frequency. Outlets resemble those formerly used in the united states (see comparison), with two vertical slots. The slots are usually of equal width and many sockets lack earthing capability. Outlets in the kitchen, toilet, and bathroom, as well as those supplied by the ceiling for air-conditioning units do usually have earthing, either in the form of an extra round hole or a covered binding post. Devices designed for use with water, such as clothes washers and heated toilet seats, often have a separate earth wire or earth pin. Adapters are readily available to convert such plugs and so allow their use in all types of sockets. Lighting equipment, like heaters, is normally the provenance of the occupant. Many homes do not include lights in the living, dining, and bedrooms. Instead, they have receptacles that provide both electrical connection and mechanical support for lighting equipment. There are four common types of ceiling connectors and these will generally also support the weight of the light fitting. Kitchens, bathrooms, corridors and genkan are likely to have built-in ceiling fixtures. Security The interphone, or intercom, is a common sight in japanese homes. It provides telephone-like connection between the interior and exterior. The doorbell is frequently part of the interphone, and when it rings, the occupant can pick up a handset to talk with the visitor before opening the door. Models with video cameras are available, but a peephole in the door is sufficient for most homes. In japan the usual custom is for visitors to wait at the gate of the house before entering, and thus in houses the interphone speaker is placed at the gate of the house rather than directly before the front door. Nowadays there is very often an electrical lock on the gate which can be controlled from inside by the home owner, and camera equipped interphones are also common. [11] 4.2: malaysia:- Malaysian people use their houses in many utilities. These utilities can help their house in many ways. There are three utilities:- 1) electricity 2) gas 3) water 1) electricity in malaysia The voltage in malaysia is 240v with a frequency of 50 hertz. In rural areas it can sometimes alternate between 220v and 240v. Malaysia uses the same 3 prong plugs as the uk does. Therefore when traveling to malaysia, take a uk adapter instead of an asia one. The electricity supply in malaysia is very good. However, be prepared for occasional power cuts. Electricity bills are received by post and can be paid at a post office or in the office of the electricity supplier. 2) gas and water The major malaysian gas supplier is gas malaysia sdn. Bhd. However, it only supplies gas in peninsular malaysia. All other regions use bottled gas. Water supply is not managed by a major supplier but by individual authorities. 3) waste collection and recycling Household waste is usually collected once a week, whereas the collection is more frequent in the condominiums. Recycling in malaysia and kuala lumpur is not as advanced as in western states, but it is on its way to improvement. Recycling casks can usually be found in many apartment buildings and condominiums, or if not available, you can bring recycling waste to the nearest recycling centre. So far, only tin cans and plastic bottles are collected for recycling. [12] 5: conclusion:- Japans and malaysian housing system are different. Japanese house is made of wood but malaysian house is made of bamboo. Japanese house advertise and malaysian house advertise are also different. Japanese people advertise their house for rent and buy, they use internet, magazine. First-home buyers usually visit a few properties before making a final decision .on the other hand, malay people check out the classifieds for available property and people looking to share flats. Japanese utilities are heating, electricity, security but malaysian utilities are electricity, gas, water. Hole of this essay; see that japanese and malaysian housing system is not same.

Catcher in the Rye Essay: The Importance of Language -- Catcher Rye Es

The Importance of Language in The Catcher in the Rye   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye has captured the spirit of adolescence, dramatizing Holden Caulfield's vulgar language and melodramatic reactions. Written as the autobiographical account of a fictional teenage prep school student named Holden Caulfield, The Catcher in the Rye deals with material that is socially scandalous for the time (Gwynn, 1958). As an emotional, intelligent, and sensitive young man, Holden puts his inner world to the test through the sexual mores of his peers and elders, the teachings of his education, and his own emerging sense of self. Throughout the years, the language of the story has startled readers. Salinger's control of Holden's easy, conversational manner makes the introduction of these larger themes appear natural and believable. (Bloom, 1990).      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   At the time of the novel, and even today, Holden's speech rings true to the colloquial speech of teenagers. Holden, according to many reviews in the Chicago Tribune, the New Yorker, and the New York Times, accurately captures the informal speech of an average intelligent, educated, northeastern American adolescent (Costello, 1990). Such speech includes both simple description and blatant cursing. For example, Holden says, "They're nice and all", as well as "I'm not going to tell you my whole goddam autobiography or anything." In the first instance, he uses the term "nice" which oversimplifies his parents' character. This wording of his phrase implies that he does not wish to disrespect them, yet at the same time he does not intend to praise them. At best he deems them as "nice and all." Holden further cuts short his description, but in a more curt manner, when he stat... ...nage angst is apparent, Salinger carefully crafted Holden's vocabulary to create a character who would be believable. As Holden's vocabulary and outlook on life demonstrate his character as a fictional persona, the realistic flavor of his vocabulary mixed with emotion unfailingly ties him to the harsh realities of adolescence and the youth of his time.    Works Cited Bloom, HB. Major Literary Characters: Holden Caulfield. Chelsea House Publishers. New York, 1990. Costello, DP. The Language of the Catcher in the Rye. Holden Caulfield. Cambridge, New York; Cambridge University Press, 1990. Gwynn, F. The Fiction of JD Salinger. University of Pittsburg Press. 1958 Salinger, JD. The Catcher in the Rye, Little, Brown and Co. Boston, 1951. Salzman, J. The American Novel: New Essays on the Catcher in the Rye. Cambridge University Press, 1991.

Lebanon Essay -- essays research papers

Lebanon Lebanon, a nation that once proudly called itself the Switzerland of the Middle East, is today a country in name only. Its government controls little more than half of the nation's capital, Beirut. Its once-vibrant economy is a shambles. And its society is fragmented - so fragmented, some believe, that it may be impossible to re-create a unified state responsive to the needs of all its varied peoples. Lebanon lies on the eastern shore of the Mediterranea n Sea, in that part of southwestern Asia known as the Middle East. Because of its location - at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa - Lebanon has been the center of commerce and trade for thousands of years. It has also been on the route of numerous conquering armies. With an area of 4,015 square miles, Lebanon is one of the smallest countries in the Middle East. It is smaller than every state in the United States except Delaware, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Lebanon is sandwiched between Syria in the north and east and Israel in the south. The maximum distance from the nation's northern border to the southern one is only 130 miles. And the maximum distance from the Mediterranean Sea to the Lebanon-Syria border is 50 miles. In the south, along the border with Israel, Lebanon's eastern border is only 20 miles from the sea. Although a tiny land, Lebanon boasts a great diversity in its landscape which makes it one of the most picturesque countries in the world. The coast line is br oken by many bays and inlets of varying size. At some points, the mountains wade silently right into the sea - then climb suddenly tier on tier away from the Mediterranean to the sky. Because of the limitation of flat agricultural land, all but the steepest hillsides have been patiently and neatly terraced and planted with garlands of twisted grapevines. The mountains lend a great variety of hues - pale pink, rosy red, forest green or deep purple - to the landscape. Depending on the time of day, they never appear the same twice, and from time to time whipped white clouds hide all except their snow-capped peaks. Even on the darkest night, the lights of the villages perched on the mountains shine in small clusters as a reminder of their presence. On c loser view, the mountains become a jumble of giant gorges, many of them over a thousand feet deep, with rocky cliffs, steep ravines and awesome valleys. These unassa... ...anon. This system worked well enough for fifteen years. From 1943 until 1958 the nation's economy boomed and Beirut was transformed into the showcase city of the Mediterranean. The government seemed stable enough, but th ere were problems boiling beneath the surface and in the mid-1950s the system began to come apart. For one thing, the Moslems, especially the poorer Shiites, had a substantially higher birthrate than the Christians; many people believed that the Shiites had surpassed the Maronites in population. But the Christians would not allow a new census to be taken, for this would have meant a reallocation of the nation's political power, with the Moslem sects gaining at the expense of the Christians. With their hopes for political gains dampened, the Shiites became disenchanted. Why is this once prosperous nation on the verge of total collapse? There are a number of reasons, but the primary one is that the Lebanese people belong to at least fifteen differe nt religious sects and their loyalty to these sects is greater than their loyalty to a united Lebanon. Had the people's sense of nationhood been stronger, they would not have suffered the destruction of the past decade.

Experience With and Benefits of Nontraditional Students in the Classroo

There are only a few times in my undergraduate experience that I remember being in class with much older students. At that time, most of the older students were auditing classes because they could do so tuition free. They, therefore, would be in the class sessions except on exam days and they were not expected to turn in any of the assignments. This fact somewhat bothered me at the time because it made them seem as if they were receiving preferential treatment, although such was not the case. The most salient memory I have of a non-traditional student was a class called Comparative Government in which we studied the governmental structures of the United States, Great Britain, Russia, China, and West Germany. There was a student in his 70s in this class. He was garrulous and, unlike the rest of us, remembered many of the things that had happened in the histories of these countries. For instance, he could recall the division of Germany and the Communist takeover in China. I remember one day in class when he became particularly talkative. Three things stand out in my mind about this occasion: (a) the annoyed expression on the professor’s face; (b) the aggravation I felt at his endless and irrelevant droning; and, (c) the comment a classmate made in the hall, â€Å"Someone should put that poor old fool out of his misery.† In another class in German history, one classmate was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict and naturally had strong feelings about communism in general. Although this student was only 10 to 15 years older than the rest of us, he had experienced things that the traditional student had only read and heard. One day in discussion, the subject of the division of Germany was broached. This stirred a lively and im... ...ices, 43-51. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy1.ncu.edu/ ehost/pdfviewer/ pdfviewer?sid=ea53e279-aa56-41c9-8269-edc2077884f5%40sessionmgr10&vid= 5&hid=25 Ross-Gordon, J. M. (2011). Research on adult learners: Supporting the needs of a student population that is no longer nontraditional. Peer Review, 13(1), 26-29. Retrieved from http://www.aacu.org/peerreview/pr-wi11/prwi11_RossGordon.cfm Skopek, T., & Schuhmann, R. A. (2008). Traditional and non-traditional students in the same classroom? Additional challenges of the distance education environment. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, X1(1). Retrieved from www.westga.edu/ ~distance/ojdla/spring111/skopek111.html Wlodkowski, R. J. (2008). Enhancing adult motivation to learn: A guide to improving instruction and increasing learner achievement (3rd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Beowulf: Sigemund Episode

Analysis of the Sigemund Episode Within Beowulf One of the best literary devices the author of Beowulf uses is the use of episodes and digressions. Each of these episodes and digressions tell another story apart from the main plot of Beowulf, but sets up an introduction to the main plot. One such episode, the Sigemund episode, tells of valiant King Sigemund who received glory and honor through his killing of the dragon and possession of the hoard. Sigemund became a noble and experienced king, only to be betrayed and brought to his downfall.Beowulf was much the same as Sigemund, and both were great examples of heroes. The Sigemund episode introduces a comparison to Beowulf, foreshadows Beowulf’s downfall, and parallels the irony of Beowulf’s shortcomings. As we see in the following lines: â€Å"Sigemund’s name was known everywhere. / He was utterly valiant and venturesome, / a fence round his fighters and flourished therefore† (897-898), the author introduc es Sigemund as an excellent comparison to Beowulf. The author uses the Sigemund episode to set up a better understanding of the character of Beowulf by describing a king much like himself.This allows the reader to understand the character of Beowulf and know what a noble and valiant character he was. The author presents Sigemund as a brave warrior who defeated the dragon, much like the victorious warrior that Beowulf was. And within the Sigemund episode, Heremod is introduced as a wicked king, an exact opposite of Sigemund and Beowulf. This allows the reader to compare the three kings, and promote Beowulf as a noble king such as Sigemund. Another purpose of the Sigemund episode within Beowulf is to foreshadow Beowulf’s defeat and downfall.Sigemund is a noble and mighty king, but is led to his defeat in the following lines: â€Å"†¦ The king was betrayed, ambushed in Jutland, overpowered / and done away with† (901-903). This defeat of Sigemund foreshadows Beowulfâ €™s defeat and death during the battle with the dragon. As Sigemund and Beowulf are both valiant kings, they both are led to their failure and death. This part of the Sigemund episode gives the reader a glimpse of what is to come for Beowulf in the rest of the poem. From this episode, the author uses irony that Beowulf will become a great and mighty king, but also will come face to face with his destruction.The author uses this irony to connect the characters of Sigemund and Beowulf. Not only does the Sigemund episode foreshadow the downfall of Beowulf, but it also sets up a choice that Beowulf has to make. Beowulf has to either chose to be like Sigemund, a courageous and noble king, or take the path of Heremod, an evil king. This gives the reader a sense of uncertainty of the choice Beowulf will make. As the reader, the choice that Beowulf will make is obvious, but this is a huge choice of character for Beowulf.It gives a chance for Beowulf to prove his character, and allows th e reader to understand the trustworthiness of Beowulf once he does chose to be a noble king. Among the various episodes and digressions within Beowulf, Sigemund’s episode sets up the best foreshadowing of Beowulf’s life. In all, Sigemund’s episode clues the reader in with what type of character Beowulf is. Sigemund is the perfect comparison to Beowulf, and this allows the reader to expect what is to come for Beowulf. Sigemund’s hymn apart from the main plot of Beowulf accomplished the task of introducing and setting up the destiny for Beowulf.