Extreme Risks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Extreme Risks - Essay Example Rees notes that some experiments, say launching of single nuclear weapon, are known to render threat to life on Earth. However, the magnitude of the impact of such experiments may not be amply intense to destroy the whole world. On the contrary, the author asserts that there are some physics experiments performed mainly for the purpose of pure scientific inquiry that could possibly pose global or even cosmic threat. For instance, device known as particle accelerators have been created to aid in the study of particle composition of the world. This machine is primarily utilized to investigate about most extreme energies and temperatures. Unbeknownst to many, such experiments that entail the smashing of atoms are said to possibly have disastrous effects on the universe. The author elaborates that this type of experiments may generate unprecedented concentration of energy which may lead to different catastrophic scenarios. This first scenario entails the formation of black hole that sucks in everything around it. However, Albert Einstein disputed this claim as the energy requirement for the formation of black hole is significantly greater than the amount of energy generated with the collision experiment. The second scenario involves the formation of strangelet, which is described as reassembled quarks. A strangelet is deemed harmless in itself but it said to possess the ability to convert anything it encounters into a new strange form of matter. With this, it could transform the entire planet into an inert hyperdense sphere. The third theory concerning vacuum is considered as the most disastrous. Some have speculated that the concentrated energy when particles crash together may set off a "phase transition" that would rip the fabric of space itself. Although experts have expressed that the likelihood of these scenarios occurring is minimal, Rees asserts that we cannot be completely sure of the outcome. This is because the probabilities assigned to these scenarios are deemed subjective due to the absence of comparison to a similar occurrence in the past. According to Rees, one way of checking whether an experiment is safe would be to examine if such has occurred naturally. For example, the negligible probabilities posited by experts may be acceptable in light of the fact that particles randomly crash into other atomic nuclei in space. This shows that space is not as "breakable" as envisaged by physicist. However, the mechanics change once the accelerators become more powerful, thus, no longer replicating what naturally occurs. The same concerns are encountered with the plans of Brookhaven National Laboratory in the United States and CERN Laboratory in Geneva to crash atoms more forcefully. Issues regarding safety is raised since no adequate reassurance is established considering that the conditions are different from what occurs naturally. Even if two notable theories were asserted in relation to the improbability of strangelet formation and characteristics, many experts still question the sufficiency of such claims. In view of the above, Rees opines that it is not reasonable to conduct an experiment if the downside may entail finality and completeness of extinction. As such, experiments with "doomsday downside" should not be permitted unless the general public is assured that the risk such undertaking may entail is within

To Kill a Mockingbird Moral Essay Example for Free

To Kill a Mockingbird Moral Essay The depth behind this novel is too see how Scout has progressed throughout the course of two years. Slowly but surely, she realizes the life lessons that have been waiting for her all along. She does this with the help of her family and her community. One man importantly sticks out the most, and his name is Arthur Radley, but Scout and the children like to call him Boo. Lee incorporated Mr. Radley to really show Scout the important lessons of life through the experiences and the encounters she faces with him, while also helping her grow into maturity. In the beginning, Atticus says â€Å"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view –until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.† (Lee 30). Boo Radley helps Scout realize the lesson her father is trying to teach her in a copious amount of ways. First off, the children believe that Boo Radley is the child-eating monster, when in reality he is not. He turns out to be quite the opposite to Scouts suprise. Boo does this by leaving the pennies and bubblegum in the hollow of the tree for Scout and Jem as a gift, yet not revealing that it was him. Also, when Scout, Jem, and Dill all try to peep into the Radley house, Jem gets his pants stuck on the fence and Boo sews them back up for him. Surprised, yet still weary of Boo, Scout still hasnt completely walked around in Boos skin for her to see what a good person he is yet. When Miss Maudies house catches on fire that cold night, Boo comes up behind Scout and puts a blanket on her. Scout in fear pays no attention to the blanket and runs away. Even though Scout doesnt recognize the kind acts that Boo is paying her, all these things help her realize the lessons of the novel at the end. If it werent for Boo and his encounters with Scout, she wouldnt understand the meaning of stepping into someone else shoes, and seeing things from their point of view. The second lesson that Boo helps teach Scout is the meaning of a mockingbird, and how a mockingbird can be the personality and heart of a person. Mockingbirds are the only birds that Jem and Scout arent allowed to shoot with the rifle by Atticuss words because it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. Miss Maudie explains this later by saying Mockingbirds dont do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They dont eat up peoples gardens, dont nest in corncribs, they dont do but one thing but sing their hearts out for us. Thats why its a sin to kill a mockingbird. (Lee 10). This correlates to when Bob Ewell tries to murder Jem and Scout, until Boo saves them and winds up killing Mr. Ewell himself. Later, the Sheiff explains that he does not want to make Boo out to be a hero or publicize him, so they use a cover story instead. The Sheriff knew this would be a bad idea because he is such a recluse, and doesnt want him to have to justify himself to the public and face ridicule. Atticus explains this to Scout, and she says she understands because it would be like shooting a mockingbird. At this point the maturity is shown and she has just applied one of the lessons, thanks to Boo Radley. She realizes that Boo has never actually harmed someone (opposite to the rumors) and has done nothing but looked out for her. She now realizes that people can be mockingbirds too. At the very end of the novel, when Scout walks Boo home across the street, she is standing on his porch. She remembers what her father said about standing in someone elses shoes and she says Just standing on the Radley porch was enough. (Lee 31). From his perspective she can see the town and her house right across the street from it. She realizes how he protected them and watched out for them. If it wasnt for Boo, she wouldve never started looking through the grown-up perspective. The lessons that Atticus was trying to teach her wouldnt have been applied, and Scout wouldnt know how a person could symbolize a mockingbird. She says to Atticus he was real nice and Atticus replies Most people are, Scout, once you finally see them. (Lee 31). Works Cited Page: To Kill a Mockingbird. Goodreads. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Feb. 2013. To Kill a Mockingbird Study Guide Essays. To Kill a Mockingbird Study Guide Literature Essays. N.p., 1999. Web. 06 Feb. 2013. To Kill a Mockingbird. Goodreads. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Feb. 2013

Hispanic Girls Growing up on the Border Essay -- Essays Papers

Hispanic Girls Growing up on the Border The Southwest United States is an area of great diversity. It is located on the border between the US and Mexico. In this region there are four main ethnicities represented: Hispanics, African Americans, Anglo Americans, and Native Americans. These groups interact daily working in the same offices and going to school together. Youth of each ethnicity face risks as they grow up. By focusing on the Hispanic adolescent girl the extent of the possible risks to one ethnicity can be explored. These risks will include motivation at school, the risk of dropping out of school, the at-risk classification, which includes gang involvement, and teen pregnancy. The results of studies focused on the risks to Hispanic girls will be compared to an interview with a Hispanic girl living in Tucson, Arizona and what she feels the actual risks are. Through the comparison a full view of the risks to adolescent Hispanic girls growing up in the border region will be seen. At-Risk girls is a term used over and over in order to describe girls that may be predisposed to problems such as dropping out of school or joining gangs. Girls classified as at risk share many of the same characteristics. Not having English as a native language is one of the risk factors attributed to the at risk girl classification. For first and, often, second generation Hispanics the language barrier is a problem leading to poor economic standing and poor education. In the border region this problem is evident in some schools since they may "consist primarily of Mexican American students, most of whom are considered at-risk based on language barriers, economic disadvantages, and poor family education"(Sonne... ...erimental Education 62.1 (1993): 60-71. Granleese, Jaqueline & Joseph, Stephen. "Self-Perception Profile of Adolescent Girls at a Single-Sex and Mixed Sex School." Journal of Genetic Psychology 154.4 (1993): 525-530. Jones, Randall M. & Lauver, Philip J. "Factors Associated With Perceived Career Options in American Indian, White, and Hispanic Rural High School Students." Journal of Counseling Psychology 38.2 (1991): 159-166. Menchaca, Velma D. "Achievement Motivation in Mexican-American Eighth Grade Students." Psychological Reports 72.3 (1993): 971-978. Osborne, Jason W. "Race and Academic Disidentification." Journal of Educational Psychology 89.4 (1997): 728-735. Sonnenblick, Melissa D. "The GALLS Club: Promoting Belonging Among At-Risk Adolescent Girls." The School Counselor 44 (1997): 243-245. Smith, Josie. Personal interview. 24 Mar. 1999.

Reaction to Raisin in the Sun/Dream Defered Essay

This poem resonated with me more so than any other so far. It starts out with a simple question about a dream that gets put off and the raisin is a metaphor for the dream or idea that is perished in the blazing sun. The writer uses such vocabulary to ignite all senses to describe the raisin as decaying, festering and stink like rotten meat. IT seems as so the dream is the source of pain for the writer and the ills that accompany the chasing of the dream are pain, anguish and torture. The use of the sun I found to be significant as the sun is the source of all life and covers the whole world and to the individual, the raisin, it causes an unbearable torment. The dream in this poem is not indicated but given the context of the writer I assumed it could be used to explain what we know to be the American Dream where a man can be happy and enjoy life in his own home away from persecution of society. I would compare that that the pain in this poem like the sores and heavy load are the day to day hardships he faces to achieve his dreams. The last line is significant as along with the other lines in the poem he poses questions but this last line is terminal. There are no more transformations the dream can do but to explode and be destroyed completely. This suggests either he gives up or the things that keep him from achieving his dreams causes him to break down and crack mentally perhaps. In â€Å"A Raisin in the Sun† we see a typical African American Family with each member having their own dreams and ideas of what they want out of life. They each chase what they believe to be a â€Å"way out† for them and take steps to get there. What keeps this family from achieving them are hardships like lack of money, lack of support and resources that perhaps non-African Americans have. The play depicted the everyday life of African Americans in a way that all cultures can understand. The resemblance to actual people Hansberry invented a situation that was realistic and could be understood by anyone who has ever wanted a better situation in life. The comparison of the poem of Langston Hughes â€Å"Dream Deferred† makes the topic and characters even more realistic. It asks the question what would happen if someone worked all their lives for a dream and was unable to achieve it. And the play shows the audience the real life events of those thoughts and questions in the poem. A Raisin in the Sun is a complicated movie with many levels of social aspects entwined. The movie shows the oppression that was occurring to African Americans at the time especially in housing exploitation. . Walter is just angry at society and wants more of life and himself. Mama and Ruth are more concerned with just getting by and providing better opportunities for the next generation by buying a house and giving it to Travis. Willy Harris steals from his own to get ahead by stealing Walter’s money for the store. Beneatha most represents a feminist who fight the system by wanting to become a doctor and gain an education and fights society’s expectations of her as a black woman. Between the play, movie and poem the ideas expressed transcend too many people and can be considered timeless. As humans we all want better situations and gain a piece of the American Pie that we perceive others to have. We recognize when we are oppressed and persecuted against and which to elevate away from them.

Organizational Language

Organizational Language A human language is a kind of code. It functions on the basis of words which is unique verbal symbols which correspond to all the objects or ideas which the speakers of that language need to communicate to one another. It also has rules, followed habitually by its speakers, for linking the words of the language together. Languages in the sense in which we understand them have developed as the common means of communication of large groups of people who habitually communicate with one another and communicate less often with outsiders.A language draws together the people who speak it, and excludes others. The rules for using a language are followed by all members of the linguistic community, for all wish to be understood. Those rules are typically paralleled by other rules or laws, conventions, customs which all also have to follow if they wish to be socially accepted in that particular social and political community. To be able to speak a language is a badge of membership of a community. It ensures acceptance by other members, provided the other rules of the group are also followed. Language networks minds together.The possession of a common spoken language and even more, the later possession of a common written language enables each member of a community to benefit from the communicated experience of others, so that the mental capacity of each separate individual becomes less important. It enables fellow-members of contemporaneous groups to share information and experience. Each people speaking a common language developed a collective memory, a common store of cultural experience on which all could draw. Language enabled a community to build up long-term traditions, beliefs and values which differentiated it from other communities.

Positivity in Your Job Search Will Get You Farther Than You Think

Positivity in Your Job Search Will Get You Farther Than You Think Perhaps you’ll identify with me when I say I can’t stand hearing anyone complain- except for myself. That said, even my tolerance for my own complaints has plummeted in the last few years. As soon as I start complaining in a conversation, I know I’ve made a big mistake. I leave the interaction feeling horrible, sure the person I was talking to will never want to talk to me again. Last week, while reading AJ Jacobs’ The Guinea Pig Diaries, I learned something new about the impact of my complaining or criticizing. I was shocked to discover a phenomenon that makes people really and truly think poorly of me when I speak poorly of others. You Are What You Speak It turns out that not only are complainers seen as negative, but that the characteristics they attribute to others are automatically attributed to them by their listener. So if I call someone racist, the person listening to me will unconsciously dub me a racist. If I call someone stupid or incompetent, I will be seen as stupid and incompetent. In contrast, if I talk about how nice, helpful, talented, and all-around awesome people are, listeners will associate all those positive characteristics with me. Since learning about this mind mechanism, I’ve become much more conscious of my speech. I now understand that by using negative language, I’m risking not only that people will have a generally negative feeling about me, but also that they will make specific negative judgments that I certainly don’t want attached to me. By using more positive words, I can consciously shape the way people think of me. I recently had a conversation with one of my executive clients, who had been given the runaround, then turned away by another resume writing company, because they don’t work with â€Å"Muslim terrorists.† I can assure you this man is one of the most generous and kind people you would ever want to meet. He did not have anything negative to say about that company, and he chose not to report them to the BBB or even tell LinkedIn to investigate their profiles. He figured he could stay positive, and let them dig their own graves. If they are putting out that negativity into the world, they themselves will be seen as negative. Positive Language in Your Job Search Also last week, I saw a resume that spoke of bringing together often â€Å"fractious† staff. The word â€Å"fractious† appeared twice in one resume! Guess what anyone reading that resume will think of the applicant? Yep†¦ that he himself is the fractious one. His final resume will not include that word if I have anything to say about it. Instead, he will say that he fostered teamwork in a diverse, multi-cultural environment. That sounds much better doesn’t it? While it’s important in many cases to provide a â€Å"before and after† picture to highlight your accomplishments, putting people down will never serve you. You can talk about bringing negative profits to positive ones, but don’t let the negative adjectives spill over onto people.  (Learn more about creating compelling accomplishment bullets with my DIY resume books. Sign up here to get a free excerpt!) In job interviews as well, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of staying positive. I still remember an interview I gave when I was a manager in a legal department. The interviewee had an impressive background, but in her interview, almost every word out of her mouth was about the negative aspects of her prior employment. Needless to say, she didn’t get hired. If she had been more positive, we would have considered her. In Business Insider’s 29 Words You Should Never Say in a Job Interview, here’s what author Jacquelyn Smith says about some clearly damaging words you must avoid: Terrible, horrible, awful, hate, etc. You shouldnt use negative language during your interview - especially when youre talking about your current or previous boss or employer. Even if the interviewer invites you to,  dont, Hoover says. Its not classy, and it  will make you sound bitter and petty. It also shows that you could bad-mouth any boss or company in the future - and it could even be a test to see if you will say anything disparaging. That’s great advice, and now I understand that if you use words like these, you will actually be perceived as terrible, horrible, awful, hating person. While Ms. Smith doesnt suggest positive words to emphasize, I would offer â€Å"exciting,† â€Å"growthful,† â€Å"positive,† â€Å"amazing,† â€Å"collaborative,† â€Å"talented,† â€Å"friendly,† â€Å"smart,† â€Å"brilliant,† â€Å"creative,† â€Å"innovative,† and other adjectives that paint others – and, by default, you – in a favorable light. The Challenge, If You Choose to Accept It Eliminating negative language is not as easy as it sounds. I caught myself today talking to a very helpful man at the airport about how unhelpful a customer service person had been because she gave me directions to the hotel shuttle that didn’t help. â€Å"Wow,† I thought, â€Å"I’m addicted to complaining!† There was clearly no useful purpose in sharing that information with him, and now he probably thinks I’m negative and unhelpful. I sure have a lot more work to do on this positivity project! I’m grateful to have people like my client and others who inspire me to live and work â€Å"above the line.† They keep me honest and, well, I think they’re fantastic and awesome! Are you ready to start being more aware of your language so you can be perceived in a positive light yourself, in life, in business, and in your job search? Please share your thoughts and stories below.

Golf Rules and Etiquette Essay Example

Golf Rules and Etiquette Essay Example Golf Rules and Etiquette Paper Golf Rules and Etiquette Paper Golf is a game of history, tradition and respect. Anyone who plays the game of golf will need to follow the rules and etiquette on the golf course. The popularity of golf has increased dramatically over the last several years. Golf was once known as a game for the wealthy, it is now readily available for everyone to enjoy. The new found availability has led to a decrease in the historical aspect of the game, primarily knowing the rules of the game, including golf etiquette. Statistics from the American Junior Golf Association show that 13.2 million people play golf each year in the United States alone. Participants play at more than 20,000 golf courses on land valued at more than 4.5 billion dollars (Dell, 2004). The boom of new golfers has led to a decline in the rules and etiquette of golf. Palmer (2002) states. Golf always has been, and hopefully will remain a gentlemans game (p. 4). Understanding the rules should be easy, there are only thirty-four rules in the game. This is less than almost every other sport, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, rugby and cricket (Palmer, 2002). There are no restrictions to view or access the rulebook. Thousand of rounds are played everyday at both public and private courses, without the benefit of judges, officials, referees or umpires. Golfers are their own umpires, self-policing and regularly calling rule infractions on themselves. In one public incident on television, Ian Woosnam called a penalty on himself because he had 15 clubs in his bag (Palmer, 2002). Rule 4-4 allows a maximum of 14 clubs. Why did Ian Woosnams caddie tell his boss about the 15th club in the bag? Because it would never occur to him to do anything else. The integrity of the game is more important than any single tournament or any one player, and everyone that plays the game should do so under that same code of honor (Palmer, 2002). : I have over seven years experience working on golf courses. I have taken on many responsibilities from working inside the pro-shop, to the maintenance of the course itself. In my experience form working on golf courses, and playing golf, the average golfer does not believe they should be held to the same standards as professional golfers. The average golfer believes they are paying for a service, not competing to win a tournament. The price of a round of golf directly affects the adherence to the rules and etiquette of golf. The more expensive the round of golf is the greater the chance of stretching or breaking the rules and etiquette of golf. The popularity, appearance and difficulty of the course determine the cost. The more popular courses are typically more expensive because of the costs it takes to maintain. For example the cost of a lower end, used fairway mower can cost $7,500 (Used Turf Equipment, n.d.). The better the appearance of the course, the higher the cost is to maintain, this directly relates to the cost for the golfer. The daily rate at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in California is $395.00 per person for resort guests; add another $25.00 per person for non resort guests (Room and Golf Rates, n.d.). The average golfer, golfing at a high end golf course or local course, does not believe that breaking the rules and etiquette of golf affects the experience of golfing. The game of golf itself has a long standing tradition. The exact origin of golf is not known. According to Chapman (1997). We do know that by the middle of the 15th century the Scots were playing some sort of the game in Scotland. We also know that King James II of Scotland issued a decree in 1457 that Ye fut bawe and ye golf be utterly cryt done and not usyt, which Olive Geddens has translated as Football and golf be utterly condemned and stopped (p. 9). While this history dates back several centuries, golfers do not typically play the game in the interest of history, golfers play to have fun. It would be fair to state that every sport is played to have fun, not because of the history of the game. The rules and etiquette of golf is not an easy concept to understand. There are thirty-four rules with hundreds of variations for each rule, not all of which are written in black and white. The rules are even confusing to the professionals. Arnold Palmer (2002) wrote Ive played competitive golf for over half a century now..But even after all these years playing thousands of competitive rounds, I still run across new and fascinating nuances.every so often a situation comes along that leaves me thinking, Hmm, I wonder how that is handled under the rules. (p. 2). The participation of other recreational sports does not require an understanding of the rules. The average golfer does not believe they need to have a complete understanding of the rules and etiquette of golf. As stated earlier, the cost of a round of golf has increased. According to the National Golf Association, the price of a round of golf has increased by 5.3% nationwide from 2003. (Core Golfers, n.d.). With the increased price of golf everyone should have a basic understanding of the rules and etiquette, regardless of the price of the round. Several courses have created new local rules that do not allow beginning golfers. As a result several other courses have changed their marketing to welcome beginners, offering lower prices, and often clinics on how to play and understanding the rules and etiquette. Make no mistake; golf courses like any other business, are open to make money and profits. With 13.2 million people playing golf in the United States, it is each persons responsibility to understand the rules and etiquette of golf. All golfers pay the same price to play the game. No one individual has the right to affect other golfers, regardless of the price of the round. The tradition of golf does not mean that golfers should conduct in depth research and be able to pass a test or certification before playing a round. The tradition of golf means that all golfers should have at least a basic understanding of the rules and etiquette out of respect. Respecting the course and the other players is not an option, it is a necessity. Owen (1997) states Good golf entails some housekeeping, Try to leave the course better than you found it. (p. 172). Everyone can think of a time when someone elses disrespect infringed on his or her situation. For example, someone in a restaurant sitting at a table talking loudly on a cellular telephone, the person seems oblivious that their own actions are disruptive other people in the area. Now take that concept to the golf course. Realize that your actions can affect people in your group, as well as golfers nearby. Understanding the intricacies of the game can be confusing. One way to adapt to the understanding of the rules is to purchase a copy of the rule book. Read through the main rules and have at least a high level understanding of the thirty four rules. Its amazing how many arm chair athletes can make rulings when watching a sport on television. Anyone that is going to take the time to play a sport should at least have a basic understanding of the rules. If the purchase of a rule book is out of the question, log onto the USGA or PGA websites. The USGA site dedicates a portion to the rules and to simple etiquette. The amount of time it would take to review the information is minimal compared to the amount of time it takes to play a round of golf. Everyone that plays the game of golf needs to have at least a basic understanding of the rules and etiquette of golf. Golf is a game of history, tradition and respect. The rise and popularity of current PGA professionals does not mean the basic understanding of the rules and etiquette should go unpracticed. The amount of money that is spent to play at high end resorts or local courses does not give a golfer the right to infringe on the rights of others. A basic understanding of the rules and etiquette is not a difficult concept. The information is available on-line, at a local library and even at local golf courses. By taking the time to understand the rules and etiquette and it will make for a more enjoyable round for all golfers.