Our Babys Golden Hold free essay sample

I looked at the small glowing object in my arms, in awe by the fact that Id had a hand in its birth. I had bled, cried, endured, and persevered for months for this tiny piece of me; and I regretted none of it. A sigh slipped through my lips as I caressed its smooth face, finally understanding what it was to work hard for what I loved. The world was a blur around me; people shuffled across the floor hastily, hugging and smiling while cameras flashed like fireworks. The mirrors on Pams top danced as she walked over and told me it was time for a photo. I nodded, and we carried our second place trophy together to the front of the stage where the rest of the team waited for us and our baby.As a child I was conditioned by my parents to study hard in school because the nail-biting stress and sleepless nights I endured as a teen would inevitably lead to a successful future. We will write a custom essay sample on Our Babys Golden Hold or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page However, when I grew older, I was hesitant to believe their favorite maxim to be true. As the anxiety of one exam subsided, the anxiety of another took its place, and the cycle seemed never-ending. I did my best in spite of my apprehension, although my foundation shook as I made the grades but reaped none of their benefits.With SATs mounting the horizon, the summer after tenth grade looked as though it was going to reflect my pessimism until my dance coach approached me about taking part in a competition in Canada. Initially, my conscience faltered at his offer, but I decided to take on the challenge, and I vowed to do everything in my power to keep my lack of experience from holding the team back.The next three weeks were pure bliss and utter anguish. Our team of 12 practiced for 4 hours a day, 7 days a week at a local college campus. Crunched for time, we speculated just how successful this venture would be with only three weeks to prepare. We experienced an even larger setback when one of the girls was diagnosed with tendinitis in both legs and I suffered from a torn ligament, but we both withstood the pain, working twice as hard as the others so as not to fall behind. Twenty-one days passed in the blink of an eye. I struggled with myself the day before the competition, telling myself that what I was about to do was an utter mistake. I battled my nerves until the second the stage lights were set aflame and my limbs began to recount the story of my pain, my anxiety, and ultimately my determination.In hindsight, the sheer exuberance I felt during our performance would have sufficed to convince me that a person can truly benefit from her travail. However, we were fortunate enough to hear our teams name as they announced second place, and in that moment I knew that the mental and physical tribulations I had faced had been worth it without a doubt. In the long term, this competition has made me a stronger dancer, leader, and role model for the girls at our dance academy. I never hesitate to offer a helping hand to those in need of guidance, and its for that reason that I have gained an immense amount of respect among the children and their parents. My academic life has reached new heights because I understand why I must work hard. Im certain that whatever trials I face and conquer now will benefit my future. No matter how arduous a task may be, surmounting it rather than avoiding it will be a learning experience—knowledge can only make me stronger.

Free Essays on GHANA

Ghana Ghana is a country in West Africa connected on the north and the northwest by Burkina Faso, on the east by Togo, on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by CÃ ´te d’Ivoire. Ghana became, in 1957, the first black nation in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve independence. The country is named for the ancient empire of Ghana. The ancestors of the people of the present country are thought to have migrated. The total area is 238,500 sq km (92,100 sq mi). Accra is Ghana’s capital and largest city. Ghana is a lowland country, except for a range of hills on the eastern border. The sandy coast is backed by a coastal plain that is crossed by several rivers and streams, generally navigable only by canoe. In the west the terrain is broken by heavily forested hills and many streams and rivers. To the north lies savanna country that is drained by the Black and White Volta rivers, which join to form the Volta, which then flows south to the sea through a narrow gap in the hills. Lake Volta, in the east, is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world; it was formed by the Akosombo Dam on the Volta River. No natural harbors exist. Ghana’s highest point, in the eastern hills, is about 900 m (about 2950 ft) above sea level. The climate of Ghana is tropical, but temperatures vary with season and elevation. Except in the north two rainy seasons occur, from April to July and from September to November. In the north the rainy season begins in April and lasts until September. Annual rainfall ranges from about 1100 mm (about 43 in) in the north to about 2100 mm (about 83 in) in the southeast. The harmattan, a dry desert wind, blows from the northeast from December to March, lowering the humidity and creating hot days and cool nights in the north. In the south the effects of the harmattan are felt in January. In most areas the highest temperatures occur in March, the lowest in August. The average annual temperature is about 26Â ° C ... Free Essays on GHANA Free Essays on GHANA Ghana Ghana is a country in West Africa connected on the north and the northwest by Burkina Faso, on the east by Togo, on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by CÃ ´te d’Ivoire. Ghana became, in 1957, the first black nation in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve independence. The country is named for the ancient empire of Ghana. The ancestors of the people of the present country are thought to have migrated. The total area is 238,500 sq km (92,100 sq mi). Accra is Ghana’s capital and largest city. Ghana is a lowland country, except for a range of hills on the eastern border. The sandy coast is backed by a coastal plain that is crossed by several rivers and streams, generally navigable only by canoe. In the west the terrain is broken by heavily forested hills and many streams and rivers. To the north lies savanna country that is drained by the Black and White Volta rivers, which join to form the Volta, which then flows south to the sea through a narrow gap in the hills. Lake Volta, in the east, is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world; it was formed by the Akosombo Dam on the Volta River. No natural harbors exist. Ghana’s highest point, in the eastern hills, is about 900 m (about 2950 ft) above sea level. The climate of Ghana is tropical, but temperatures vary with season and elevation. Except in the north two rainy seasons occur, from April to July and from September to November. In the north the rainy season begins in April and lasts until September. Annual rainfall ranges from about 1100 mm (about 43 in) in the north to about 2100 mm (about 83 in) in the southeast. The harmattan, a dry desert wind, blows from the northeast from December to March, lowering the humidity and creating hot days and cool nights in the north. In the south the effects of the harmattan are felt in January. In most areas the highest temperatures occur in March, the lowest in August. The average annual temperature is about 26Â ° C ...

Online Leraning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Online Leraning - Essay Example In this essay, I'll discuss why online learning has the advantages that it makes it compete with traditional classrooms. The first online courses were delivered on command-line systems. Later on, Archie, Veronica and Gopher were used from course providers to give students access to information and MOO's (Multi user dungeon Object Oriented) came to provide real-time text-based communication. During the 90's, newer conferencing systems became available, and after the advent of the web they supported audio and video also, to conclude to web-in-a-box software for student tracking (Mason, 1998). Most online courses are based on applications known as "course management systems", where topics are outlined and students and teachers have discussions, complete tests, submit papers; and where resources and grades are posted. These characteristics enable people with tight-schedules, remote locations or simply with preference to study from home, the possibility of learning at their own pace, organizing their time (flexibility), and interacting with a lot of different people. Therefore, their most important advantages include flexibility, interactivity, lower costs, multimedia and hyperlinking. Another important advantage is that distractions are minimized. ... These characteristics enable people with tight-schedules, remote locations or simply with preference to study from home, the possibility of learning at their own pace, organizing their time (flexibility), and interacting with a lot of different people. Therefore, their most important advantages include flexibility, interactivity, lower costs, multimedia and hyperlinking. Another important advantage is that distractions are minimized. Since the student can access the course whenever he/she wants, he/she will be more attentive to the contents than in an obligatory lecture in a day where he/she perhaps has a headache or a classmate is distracting him/her. The possibility of taking courses at far-distanced universities. What about courses that are not offered at your campus Let's say you would like to learn Serbian, but your college doesn't offer it. You could enroll for Serbian 101 at a college located hundreds of miles away. Still another advantage is that, taking these types of courses can strengthen other important skills needed studying and/or at a job. "On-line courses provide the opportunity to improve technology and Internet skills," says Tim Ely, director of instructional design at Harcum College in Pennsylvania.2 Not everyone is for online courses, some articles say. One of the major disadvantages is that the face-to face relationships with teacher and classmates are gone. "A drawback is that you have no face-to-face interaction with peers and instructors, meaning you can't tune in and react to clues such as body language, facial expression, and tone of voice," says Ely. "A feeling of isolation and lack of community may also develop due to lack of human contact." Motivation He who wants to learn shall learn. Whether inside of a classroom or in front of a

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 13

Report - Essay Example However, this earned Qays the nickname Majnun, which refers to a mad man (Russell and Cohn 16). In this regard, it can be argued that, in the society in which Qays and Layla came from, public display of affection or love was considered as madness, and as such, people who were deeply in love would not marry those they love, since, being considered mad would mean their marriage would be scandalous. For instance, Layla father refused to allow Majnun or Qays Layla’s hand in marriage, arguing that, such a marriage would only result in a scandal and that it would not be okay for his daughter Layla, to be married to a madman (Russell and Cohn 23). In this regard, it is clear that love was not considered as a requirement or foundation for marriage. Despite Layla being in love with Majnun, her father forced her to marry another person she did not love. This story of Layla and Majnun also depicts love as a very strong bond between two persons that if broken, is very devastating. Because Majnun loved Layla so much, failing to get her hand in marriage devastated Majnun to the extent that he was overcome with too much grief that he disappeared into the wilderness, abandoning his family, his home to lead a life of solitude that was miserable. Additionally, the story of Majnun and Layla depicts love as a feeling of emotion that lasts forever and binds people together, forever. Even though she was married to another person, both Majnun and Layla hoped that one day would be together. When Layla’s husband died, she thought that she would at last be with the one she loves, but the demands of tradition denied her this opportunity, and as a result of heartbreak and devastation, she gave up and died. On hearing of the death of Layla, the one he deeply and truly loved, Majnun travelled to the place where his beloved Layla had been buried; he cried, wept and wept in devastation and also gave up as a

Sustainable Logistic Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Sustainable Logistic - Case Study Example Similarly, adoption of integrated information technology solutions will make the system more open, transparent and manageable. A grip over the operational and economic priorities in warehousing will amply streamline the logistic operations.Table of Contents Chapter Page I. A RESUME OF THE CURRENT SITUATION 5 II. STATEMENT OF THE MAIN ISSUES AND PROBLEMS 7 III. OUTLINE OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS 13 IV. RECOMMENDATIONS 14 V. IMPLEMENTATION 15 VI. ANALYSIS 16 Works Cited 17 Section I: A Resume of the Current Situation Going by the current statutory regulations and the general accentuated awareness about plastic recycling, plastic re-processing firms definitely have an immense potential in the present times. Still on primary problem with PlastCo is its inability to streamline its procurement of plastic waste. Despite there being an abundance of the plastic waste being generated in the UK, PlastCo seems to be having problems in accessing the reliable and dependable vendors of plastic waste. The firm has failed to chalk out a strategic and planned approach towards vendor...Information management is the key factor that determines success in logistical operations. PlastCo has failed to incorporate integrated information technology solutions within its logistic and supply chain management operations. The information portals are outdated and inefficient. One other aspect that is jeopardizing the logistic viability of PlastCo is its inability to define the operational and economic functions of the warehouses at its disposal. A possible realignment of the operational mechanisms within its warehouses will certainly add to the firm’s efficiency and cost effectiveness. Maintenance of cordial and symbiotic channel relationships will bring in an element of predictability to its plastic waste requirements. Similarly, adoption of integrated information technology solutions will make the system more open, transparent and manageable. A grip over the operational and economic priorities in warehousing will amply streamline the logistic operations. Going by the current statutory regulations and the general accentuated awareness about plastic recycling, plastic re-processing firms definitely have an immense potential in the present times. Still on primary problem with PlastCo is its inability to streamline its procurement of plastic waste. Despite there being an abundance of the plastic waste being generated in the UK, PlastCo seems to be having problems in accessing the reliable and dependable vendors of plastic waste.Prompt and reliable information is the backbone of successful logistic operations.

Why I Am Muslim | Theology Essay

Why I Am Muslim | Theology Essay I am Muslim by birth and proud to be a Muslim. I know Islam is a true religion and I am on a right track. There are other religions too Why I was not attracted towards them? The main reason is my strong belief on Islam. Religions like Christianity and Jewish are also sent by Allah Almighty but Islam is last religion sent by Allah Almighty through last Prophet Muhammad (S.W.A). After the religion Islam came into being I respect books of different religions too because they are also revealed by Allah Almighty but believe and act on the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.W.A) and the last book Quran. Quran is the only error free book so I can trust it blindly because Allah Himself took the responsibly of protection of Quran till the Day Of Judgment. There are many things in religion Islam due to which not only a Muslim cannot leave Islam but believers of other religions are also attracted towards Islam. I like Islam because it is not spread through force i.e. Non-Muslims cannot be fo rced to accept Islam. Islam teaches me to respect elders and love children and promote brotherhood. Islam promotes justice and equality. You are treated equally either you are Arab, Non-Arab, White or Black you are treated equally in Islam. In Islam Fasting in the month of Ramadan is to makes us realize how poor people sometimes live without food and water so it tells us to give zakaat and sadqa to poor people. By giving Zakaat in Islam many problems in the society were solved and ratio of crime is less. Believers of other religions criticize on Islam that in Islam punishments of different crimes are very harsh i.e. for robbery cut the hand of culprits. They believe that if the punishment are given according to the Islamic principals in any society then every second person of that society will be disabled but this is not like that for example Saudi Arabia and other countries where Islamic laws are in practice you will observe that crime ratio is very less because of the fear of the punishments and there i s peace in the society. Islam has given me purpose and direction to my life. So Islam provides us complete code of life and tells us the purpose of our life. Islam tells us everything how to live an excellent life in the world and go to Paradise in Hereafter. Islam has brought peace to my life. Believers of other religions, Jews believe that they are chosen people and loved by the God the most. Christians who believe in Christ believe that they deserves to be saved and loved by the Lord. But according to Quran God loves only those who are useful to people. According to the Quran, 5:18 à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"(Both) the Jews and the Christians say: We are the sons of Allah, and his beloved. Say: Why then would He punish you for your sins? No! You are but humans among all those he has createdà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ . According to the Quran, 49:13 à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  According to the Quran, 2:62 Those who believe, and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. In the Quranic verses given above it is clearly mentioned that in Islam there is no hate for other religions. Islam is open for all that is why it is spreading rapidly throughout the world. Islam and science are not only compatible with each other but Islam could even motivate scientific innovations. Islam did not come up as a unexpected happening. The ideas of Islam are in some way approximating to the original basic thoughts in Judaism and Christianity which are there in their books. So, Islam was not a surprising religion that came up from unexpected God, with unexpected changes to the beliefs of older jews, particularily. But, Isalm was a continuous message which is revised and reviewed successively to fit different nations styles and eliminate deviations, made by people, from its sole. According to me Islam is the best religion for all because other religions are modified by the people. but in Islam you will get everything you need in Quran and Sunnah. So these are the some reasons that Why I am a Muslim?

René Descartes Argument on the Existence of God Essay -- Philosophy G

Renà © Descartes' Argument on the Existence of God The problem with Renà © Descartes' argument about the existence of God has to do with his rationalist deductive reasoning. Descartes deduces that truth about the existence of God lies within his idea of a perfect God and God's essence (as a perfect being who must exist in order to be perfect). A rationalist philosopher, Descartes discounts human knowledge as a product of our sensory data (our senses) but supports the epistemological stance that our knowledge is obtained through the reasoning processes of our own minds. Because Descartes believes deductive inference is the only path to absolute certainty, he endeavors to use logical arguments and principles (a mathematically natured process of reasoning) to validate the existence of God. But how can principles of logic be used to prove the existence of God? Descartes' attempts to stay deductive when attempting to prove the existence of God are indeed laudable, but some of his arguments are lacking. In proving the existence of God, hi s two main arguments are as follows: the idea of a perfect, infinite being in his own head could only have been created by God Himself, and God's existence cannot be separated from His essence . Descartes must first prove that he exists. He writes, ?For example, during these few days I was examining whether anything in the world exists, and I noticed that, from the very fact that I was making this examination, it obviously followed that I exist? (84). Essentially, a being can be certain of its existence if it can think. Descartes also adds that ideas (thoughts, imagination, etc.) are objectively real: ?For whether it is a she-goat or a chimera that I am imagining, it is no less true that I imagine ... ...ply does not stand. Descartes loses his grasp on certainty by failing to prove God's perfection and that God was the only creator of his idea of perfection. By unsuccessfully proving the existence of God through pure deductive reasoning, Descartes' system may sadly be forever doomed to uncertainty in this particular endeavor. And because Descartes' project of certainty about the existence of God was unsuccessful, the same would follow for his deductions about the sense world. But there is always hope. Perhaps the existence of God was never meant to be proved through deductive reasoning and logic. There is always something to be said about believing in the existence God with nothing more than pure faith. Work Cited Descartes, Renà ©. Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy . Trans. Donald A. Cress. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1998.

Rice Cake Production

Rice cakes have only two critical ingredients—rice and water. The rice itself needs certain characteristics to produce the best quality cake and limit breakage. Sticky rice, whether white or brown, tends to work best, while long-grain varieties don't expand during cooking as vigorously. Water is important early in preparation. Other ingredients like salt (added before popping or sprayed on after) and various flavorings are important considerations to taste-and nutrition-conscious consumers but are not significant to the production process.Product ConceptEase of production and marketability are major concerns when a new type of rice cake is considered. The popping machines are expensive investments, so the product must be readily adaptable to the machine. Production trials have shown that additives greatly increase the likelihood of breakage, so spices, herbs, and seeds are not mixed with the rice before the cake is made although they may be added to the surface later.Similarly , salt and flavorings are now sprayed on; earlier methods of adding them to the rice were less than successful in the survival rate of whole rice cakes and in taste. Some manufacturers have also eliminated mini rice cakes from their product line. The novelty of the smaller cakes was more costly to produce than sales warranted. A constant stream of new flavor possibilities and other options are under consideration, but only careful assurance of a contented public and minimal production difficulties justifies a new product line.The Manufacturing Process1.The simple process of making rice cakes is based on the fact that rice subjected to the right combination of heat and pressure will expand to fill a given space.The rice cakes are sprayed and packaged.The manufacturer's specifically preferred type of raw rice (depending on stickiness, expansion potential, and taste) is soaked in water until the right moisture level is attained.2.The moist rice is fed into hoppers above popping machine s. A major producer of rice cakes may have 80 or 90 machines with one to three cooking heads, each of which produces one cake every 15 seconds.3.The rice is gravity-fed from the hopper into the  cast-iron mold or cooking head in the popping machine. The mold is heated to hundreds of degrees, and a slide plate opens to impose a vacuum on the moist rice mass. After 8 to 10 seconds of exposure to heat at this pressure, the lid of the mold expands, creating an even greater vacuum on the contents. In the last few seconds of heating, the mixture explodes to fill the given space. If the rice forms a large proportion of the exploded mass, it will be more satisfying, have a better texture, and be full of natural flavor. â€Å"Styrofoam†-or â€Å"hockey puck†-like rice cakes show that either too much air and not enough rice is in the mix (styrofoam) or that the moisturedensity relationship is wrong, causing solidity but no flavor (hockey puck). Given the proper chemistry, the bran and other components of the rice bond to each other so the popped mixture sticks together without gumming additives.4.After the cake has exploded in the popping machine, the cooking head opens and the cake falls gently on a conveyor belt. The belt carries the cake past one or more spraying heads where salt may be added or the cakes are flavor-enhanced. Natural flavors are preferred by consumers and include everything from strawberry, caramel, apple cinnamon, blueberry, and almond to salsa, nacho, taco, salt-only, or Tamari seaweed. Some rice cake manufacturers will accept orders for private-label flavors.5.The conveyor, now carrying flavored cakes, passes through a tunnel dryer where the moisture added by the flavor sprayers is driven off.6.The conveyor moves to the bagging area, where the rice cakes are removed from the conveyor by hand, inspected for any breakage, and stacked, sealed in shrinkwrap, and packaged in an overwrap bag printed with the product identification and se aled. The bags are then packed in cartons for bulk sale.Quality ControlQuality control at the rice cake plant is a labor-intensive process. Any breakage means lost revenue, and maintenance of moisture levels and popping machines are critical. Moisture throughout the process and the factory is monitored constantly. The ambient (naturally occurring) humidity may alter production; on a dry day, more moisture may have to be added to the rice. The finished cakes will absorb moisture, but this is avoided by completing the process from popping machine to bagging in a few minutes.The popping machines themselves are cleaned every few hours. If the molds collect  moisture or rice, the new cake will stick to the mold and become brittle and break. Because the cakes are individually hand-sorted prior to bagging, damaged rice cakes can be discarded before they reach a bag. Once they are ready for sale, the rice cakes have a remarkably long shelf life of over a year during which they retain tast e and texture. If rice cakes have lost their crispness, they can be quickly revived at home by reheating them in a toaster. Even the freshest cakes benefit from a little heat that tends to restore their flavor.Byproducts/WasteThere is essentially no waste in the process of making rice cakes except for breakage. Enterprising producers have created markets for the broken cakes by selling them as cold cereal and ingredients in candy bars as well as bags of broken rice cakes for snacking. Flavors that fall out of fashion are removed from the product line and replaced by new flavors that are in development constantly. Chips, crackers, and other snack foods often provide flavor guidelines for rice cake makers.The FutureIncreasing health consciousness bodes well for the future of rice cakes. As the treat has become popular as a snack, buyers have become more discriminating in rejecting Styrofoam/hockey puck products for those with better textures and flavors. The range of designer flavors offers something for every taste, and, of course, the consumer can top the rice cake of choice with fruit, peanut butter, or other enhancements to make an even more varied snack. In an age of energy, health, and time awareness, the 15-second rice cake seems to have harvested its long history.

Glass Castle Essay

However, there are some far more substantial themes and symbols taking place within the novel. These themes require a little more critical thought, and aren’t directly delivered to the reader. One of these themes being the heavy emphasis placed on the glass castle, and also metaphorically what it signifies to Jeanette and her father, Rex. Through extensive deliberation and thought, the meaning of the glass castle becomes clear. It stands for the contrast between how Jeanette views her father, and how everyone else sees him. The idea of the glass castle in itself is the idolized version of Rex that Jeanette sees, while the reality of it never being completed, represents the views that everyone else has. Throughout the novel there are multiple instances that show the strong love and trust Jeanette feels for her father. A bond that remains strong, even when other member’s of the family have lost some of that trust. This contrast of emotions can best be described through various quotes given throughout the novel. â€Å"In my mind, Dad was perfect, although he did have what mom called a bit of a drinking situation† (Walls 23). This is one of the first occasions where the reader is introduced to the contrasting feelings about Rex that members of the Walls family have. Jeannette, despite already knowing that her father has a drinking problem at a young age, still feels that her father can do no wrong. This sets the scene for how most of the book develops, Jeannette idolizing her father, despite the slight disdain visibly felt by others. â€Å"We laughed about all the kids who believed in the Santa Clause myth and got nothing but a bunch of cheap plastic toys. Years from now, when all the junk they got is broken and long forgotten,’ dad said, ‘ you’ll still have your stars† (41). This is yet another example of the strong bond developed between Rex and Jeannette. However, it is important to note this quote is delivered at a time when Rex is still in relatively good standings with the rest of the family, besides just Jeannette. On that Christmas, even though he couldn’t provide his children with material gifts, he was still able to deliver a memorable gift, which the children could cherish for the rest of their lives. I swear honey, there are times when I think you’re the only one around who still has faith in me,’ he said. ’I don’t know what I’d do if you ever lost it. ’ I told him I would never lose faith in him. And I promised myself I never would† (78-79). This quote perfectly sums up the relationship Rex had with his daughter. It also further exemplifies th e acknowledged differences between how Jeannette feels about her father, and how the rest of the family feels. Even though Rex has let Jeannette down just as many times as Lori, or Brian, she is still able to somehow see past these faults of Rex’s. Throughout this novel the character’s general feelings on Rex sway dramatically. Even Jeannette’s feelings for her father are tried at some points. Yet through everything that happens she never truly loses faith in her father. Jeannette always maintains a sense of respect and love for Rex, despite the tribulations he has brought the family through. Even up to his last moments on his deathbed, Jeannette’s positive feelings for her father remain strong. This contrasted affection between what Jeannette feels for Rex, and what everyone else thinks, is what the glass castle really signifies.

USS Wasp CV-18 World War II Aircraft Carrier US Navy

USS Wasp CV-18 World War II Aircraft Carrier US Navy USS Wasp (CV-18) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier built for the US Navy. It saw extensive service in the Pacific during World War II and continued to be of service after the war until it was decommissioned in 1972. Design Construction Designed in the 1920s and early 1930s, the US Navys Lexington- and Yorktown-class aircraft carriers were intended to conform to the limitations set forth by the Washington Naval Treaty. This agreement placed restrictions on the tonnage of various types of warships as well as capped each signatorys total tonnage. These types of limitations were reaffirmed in the 1930 London Naval Treaty. As worldwide tensions increased, Japan and Italy left the treaty structure in 1936. With the collapse of the agreement, the US Navy commenced designing a new, larger type of aircraft carrier and one which drew from the lessons learned from the Yorktown-class. The resulting class was longer and wider as well as included a deck-edge elevator. This had been used earlier on USS  Wasp (CV-7). In addition to carrying a larger number of aircraft, the new design mounted a greatly enhanced anti-aircraft armament. Dubbed the Essex-class, the lead ship, USS  Essex (CV-9), was laid down in April 1941. This was followed by USS Oriskany (CV-18) which was laid down on March 18, 1942, at Bethlehem Steels Fore River Ship Yard in Quincy, MA. Over the next year and a half, the carriers hull rose on the ways. In the fall of 1942, Oriskanys name was changed to Wasp to recognize the carrier of the same name which had been torpedoed by I-19 in the Southwest Pacific. Launched on August 17, 1943, Wasp entered the water with Julia M. Walsh, daughter of Massachusetts Senator David I. Walsh, serving as sponsor. With World War II raging, workers pushed to finish the carrier and it entered commission on November 24, 1943, with Captain Clifton A. F. Sprague in command. USS Wasp (CV-18) Overview Nation: United StatesType: Aircraft CarrierShipyard: Bethlehem Steel - Fore River ShipyardLaid Down: March 18, 1942Launched: August 17, 1943Commissioned: November 24, 1943Fate: Scrapped 1973 Specifications Displacement: 27,100 tonsLength: 872 ft.Beam: 93 ft.Draft: 34 ft., 2 in.Propulsion: 8 Ãâ€" boilers, 4 Ãâ€" Westinghouse geared steam turbines, 4 Ãâ€" shaftsSpeed: 33 knotsComplement: 2,600 men Armament 4 Ãâ€" twin 5 inch 38 caliber guns4 Ãâ€" single 5 inch 38 caliber guns8 Ãâ€" quadruple 40 mm 56 caliber guns46 Ãâ€" single 20 mm 78 caliber guns90-100 aircraft Entering Combat Following a shakedown cruise and alterations in the yard, Wasp conducted training in the Caribbean before departing for the Pacific in March 1944. Arriving at Pearl Harbor in early April, the carrier continued training then sailed for Majuro where it joined Vice Admiral Marc Mitschers Fast Carrier Task Force. Mounting raids against Marcus and Wake Islands to test tactics in late May, Wasp commenced operations against the Marianas the following month as its planes struck Tinian and Saipan. On June 15, aircraft from the carrier supported Allied forces as they landed in the opening actions of the Battle of Saipan. Four days later, Wasp saw action during the stunning American victory at the Battle of the Philippine Sea. On June 21, the carrier and USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) were detached to mop up fleeing Japanese forces. Though searching, they were not able to locate the departing enemy. War in the Pacific Moving north in July, Wasp attacked Iwo Jima and Chichi Jima before returning to the Marianas to launch strikes against Guam and Rota. That September, the carrier began operations against the Philippines before shifting to support the Allied landings on Peleliu. Replenishing at Manus after this campaign, Wasp and Mitschers carriers swept through the Ryukyus before raiding Formosa in early October. This done, the carriers began raids against Luzon to prepare for General Douglas MacArthurs landings on Leyte. On October 22, two days after the landings commenced, Wasp departed the area to replenish at Ulithi. Three days later, with the Battle of Leyte Gulf raging, Admiral William Bull Halsey directed the carrier to return to the area to provide assistance. Racing west, Wasp took part in the later actions of the battle before again departing for Ulithi on October 28. The remainder of the fall was spent operating against the Philippines and in mid-December, the carrier weathered a severe t yphoon. Resuming operations, Wasp supported landings at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon in January 1945, before taking part in a raid through the South China Sea. Steaming north in February, the carrier attacked Tokyo before turning to cover the invasion of Iwo Jima. Remaining in the area for several days, Wasps pilot provided ground support for the Marines ashore. After replenishing, the carrier returned to Japanese waters in mid-March and began raids against the home islands. Coming under frequent air attack, Wasp sustained a severe bomb hit on March 19. Conducting temporary repairs, the crew kept the ship operational for several days before it was withdrawn. Arriving at Puget Sound Navy Yard on April 13, Wasp remained inactive until mid-July. Fully repaired, Wasp steamed west July 12 and attacked Wake Island. Rejoining the Fast Carrier Task Force, it again began raids against Japan. These continued until the suspension of hostilities on August 15. Ten days later, Wasp endured a second typhoon though it sustained damage to its bow. With the end of the war, the carrier sailed for Boston where it was fitted with extra accommodations for 5,900 men. Placed in service as part of Operation Magic Carpet, Wasp sailed for Europe to aid in returning American soldiers home. With the end of this duty, it entered the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in February 1947. This inactivity proved brief as it moved to the New York Navy Yard the following year for an SCB-27 conversion to allow it to handle the US Navys new jet aircraft. Postwar Years Joining the Atlantic Fleet in November 1951, Wasp collided with USS Hobson five months later and sustained severe damage to its bow. Quickly repaired, the carrier spent the year in the Mediterranean and conducting training exercises in the Atlantic. Moved to the Pacific in late 1953, Wasp operated in the Far East for much of the next two years. In early 1955, it covered the evacuation of the Tachen Islands by Nationalist Chinese forces before departing for San Francisco. Entering the yard, Wasp underwent an SCB-125 conversion which saw the addition of an angled flight deck and a hurricane bow. This work was finished late that fall and the carrier resumed operations in December. Returning to the Far East in 1956, Wasp was redesignated as an antisubmarine warfare carrier on November 1. Transferring to the Atlantic, Wasp spent the rest of the decade conducting routine operations and exercises. These included forays into the Mediterranean and working with other NATO forces. After aiding a United Nations airlift in Congo during 1960, the carrier returned to normal duties. In the fall of 1963, Wasp entered the Boston Naval Shipyard for a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization overhaul. Completed in early 1964, it conducted a European cruise later that year. Returning to the East Coast it recovered Gemini IV on June 7, 1965, at the completion of its spaceflight. Reprising this role, it recovered Geminis VI and VII that December. After delivering the spacecraft to port, Wasp departed Boston in January 1966 for exercises off Puerto Rico. Encountering severe seas, the carrier suffered structural damage and following an examination at its destination soon returned north for repairs. After these were completed, Wasp resumed normal activities before recovering Gemini IX in June 1966. In November, the carrier again fulfilled a role for NASA when it brought on board Gemini XII. Overhauled in 1967, Wasp remained in the yard until early 1968. Over the next two years, the carrier operated in the Atlantic while making some voyages to Europe and participating in NATO exercises. These types of activities continued into the early 1970s when it was decided to remove the Wasp from service. In port at Quonset Point, RI for the final months of 1971, the carrier was formally decommissioned on July 1, 1972. Stricken from the Naval Vessel Register, Wasp was sold for scrap on May 21, 1973. Sources DANFS: USS Wasp (CV-18)NavSource: USS Wasp (CV-18)USS Wasp Association

Feminist Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Feminist - Assignment Example The devaluation of nurturan work is one of the most widespread forms of the feminization of poverty, and encompasses a wide array of different issues. The most simple of these is the simple fact that nurturant work, though highly skilled in many respects, provides only minimal income to people practicing it. Often nurturant work is given to people too young to legally work, for instance, in the form of baby-sitting, and thus often usually pays far below minimum wage because of its unregulated aspect, as well as the fact that the people engaging in this form of work often cannot find other work due to their age and are willing to take very low paying jobs. The pattern of nurturant work being undervalued, however, is not simply limited to young people making less than minimum wage, but continues in all stages of life. Nannies and operators of daycare are often highly skilled people with years of experience, needing to hold certification in infant CPR, early childhood development and so metimes education, yet despite these facts are often paid significantly less than someone doing unskilled hard labor such as construction, and far less money than other skilled trades such as carpentry or plumbing. The simplest way nurturant work is devalued is simply the fact that people are unwilling to pay the amount for it that its skill level demands. While the underpayment of people employed in nurturant work is one of the simplest ways nurturant work is undervalued, nurturant work’s devaluation within the welfare system is far more sinister and dangerous in the long term. Despite wide-spread knowledge of the importance in properly raising children (conservative governments who slash welfare systems are often the most ardent defenders of the needs for women to raise children) welfare systems consistently refuse to recognize the raising of one’s own children as a valuable form of work to society. Many welfare systems around the world have a form of â€Å"work req uirement† based on the notion that if people were not forced to work long hours at useless jobs at below minimum wage to be able to get their welfare check, they would simply stop working and enter the welfare system out of sloth. These systems, however, tend to make no recourse for parents raising children of their own, forcing them to spend long hours away from home, making it impossible for them to raise their children as they want to. Through these systems governments are essentially saying that nurturant work is not actually work, and not actually valuable to society in any way. Though these types of oppressive welfare systems obviously affect parents of all genders, as women tend to be parents and single parents at a higher rate than men welfare systems tend to be disproportionately oppressive towards women. Emerging as they do from hetero-patriarchal governments that dominate the world, it is unsurprising that welfare systems intrinsically devalue nurturant work, one of the definitive forms of feminine work. Even for women who do not have to rely on the welfare system, however, systems of oppression operate to devalue nurturant work and force women to, because of nurturant roles, have significantly less earnings potential and stay in or close to poverty. The United States is one of the worst countries in the world in enforcing equity for people who must provide nurturant care, only forcing employers to grant

Which theories are most effective in explaining the global politics of Essay

Which theories are most effective in explaining the global politics of the environment - Essay Example The main literature on global governance and states is embedded in the international relations theories of the global politics of the environment. In addition, the global politics of the environment emphasis the ecological impact of the global political economy in the politics of corporations, trade, growth, financing and consumption. The field of global politics of environment demonstrates the literature on the environmental security, civil societies, ethics and global governance (Kutting 2011, p.126). The above broad definition of the global politics of the environment suffers various challenges since it requires a lot of time and intellectual flexibility of the analyst. For a period of 150 years, global politics of environment have been part of the world’s agenda. Various nations debated on the effective use of national lands and therefore, the impacts of environmental and industrialization has increased. In addition, the field of environmental politics has expanded its ran ge and it covers a wide range of political action, which ranges from the decisions on the local level land use to the global controls over the emissions of carbon dioxide. As a result, the study of global politics of environment is comprised of various issues across all political arenas. There are various tools used to explain the topic of global politics on environment and some of the intellectual tools range from the legal studies to the geospatial analysis. This essay seeks to explain the effective theoretical approaches, which are used to explain global politics of the environment and the various key research topics in environmental politics. Notably, there is no specific definition of environmentalism. Reasonably, environmentalism is defined by various informal frames, which are in different policy fields. Therefore, environmental politics is exercised in varying communities and each of the community focus on specific aspects of the global politics of the environment. The