By Margaret Craven Essay

This book is an inspiring experience to read is somewhat of an understatement. Though a very small book in terms of novels lately, this work is complete and in depth enough that nothing is left lacking. A young vicar, Mark Brian accepts an assignment to a remote Indian village in the Pacific Northwest of British Columbia. Kingcome itself seems to become part of the landscape instead of detracting from the natural beauty. The people, the Kwakiutl tribe, are as mysterious and reserved as the land they live in. Their walnut colored faces and sad eyes speak of secrets and silent thoughts that Brian can not interpret at first. He notes to himself mentally as if they always seem to be waiting for something but he can never quite understand what. They treat him with respect and distance, a quiet reminder that he is an intruder, whether welcomed or not. He is the â€Å"white man† and therefore, far beyond being able to understand their circle of life and how they view that life. In return, Brian gives them that right to distance and struggles to be as unobtrusive a presence as he can be. He sees this as a challenge that he has been sent to accomplish in order to better their lives and thus better his as well. His vicarage and church are in ramshackle condition, a far cry from any said civilized habitat he was accustomed to but upon receiving a post dated letter from his Bishop that he would receive a new â€Å"manufactured† vicarage, he sends a response declining the offer. He is determined to live as they live or as much as he can and open himself to their ways. It is not a feat easily accomplished. His strongest ally is Jim Wallace, a native designated to aid and help the young vicar. Yet, Jim and Mark are just among a whole cast of fabulous and amazing characters from Calamity Bill, a forester, and to old Marta who is wise beyond even her extensive lifetime. Mark experiences the faith that the people hold in Christianity while the underlying teachings of their native spirituality is always present. Unknown to the vicar is the fact that he is dying and though his Bishop knew, he learns to accept all facets of life, even death, through the pragmatic and beautifully simplistic acceptance of the Kwakiutl people. As to often when one race invades another, the conquering one imposes their way of thought and practices upon the other. One of the most startling evidence of government interference was the body of a drowned child that was required to lay in wait of burial for an undeterminable length of time. Stark decomposition had set in but still the Kwakiutl were forced to wait for the arrival of the Royal Mounted Police constable before the child could be buried. Obviously an accidental death, nothing truly needing an inquest, the constable showed little regard for the tribe and their customs by delaying his visit as long as possible. Mark Brian got his first taste of governmental beau racy with that act. Even he in his regulated position of the parish’s minister could not override the law and bury the child within a respectful time. The government also imposed their restrictions of the Kwakiutl by the banning of their great potlatch dances, something that had been an important custom among the Indians for as long as memory served. The people were still allowed to have potlatch dances, but on a much smaller scale and the sole reason being that the potlatch could deprive one tribe of sufficient substance and needs in order to satisfy their chief’s need to be generous. Though the Kwakiutl spoke very little of any criticism in the government’s interference, Brian sensed the deep resentment and silent anger that his charges felt to have their way of life altered so drastically. The one issue they were the most verbal about was the requirement to send their older children to a school in Vancouver which taught them the ways of the white civilization and insisted that it was the one true way to live. All the ancient ways of Kingcome were swept away and belittled by this school. When the children came home from school, they were impatient with the time set ways of the elders of the tribe and their families could see the desire in them to leave the village for good and become part of the outside world. It was certain doom for Kingcome, both as a village and as a people. It was an assurance that life as the Kwakiutl as they had been for centuries would fade away into history and cease as a separate nation. â€Å"Here in the village my people are at home as the fish in the sea, as the eagle in the sky. When the young leave, the world takes them and damages them. They no longer listen when the elders speak. They go and soon the village will go also. † (Craven 62) In my opinion, the book was wonderfully enlightening and deeply moving. As the time was spent with the people, Mark Brian did, as his Bishop hoped, gave a finer insight into the beauty of life and the deepset roots of people who were content with their world as it was. A rare happiness that though not clearly evident on the surface, it was a thread of strength that helped him face his own demise and still retain his faith in his own beliefs. I found no reason for changing the book or looking for any detraction or addition to as a complete work. It was a wonderful reading experience! Works Cited/Reference Craven, Margaret, I Heard the Owl Call My Name, Dell Publishing, 1973

United They Fall essays

United They Fall essays The airlines have been experiencing significant financial difficulties. There are several causes for the financial problems faced by the U.S. airline industry. Although the events of September 11 had effects throughout our economy, the effects on the airline industry were direct and far-reaching. Even after the industry resumed flying, passenger traffic was slow to recover because of public anxiety over security. The events of 9/11 were not the only cause for financial troubles in the airline industry. A major problem facing U.S. airlines is their high fixed costs. The high costs reduce the flexibility required to be competitive and successful. Many airlines are stuck with union contracts they can no longer afford. These serious problems are forcing the industry bankrupt and are not promising with the long-term direction of the industry. United Airlines contributes to this because all-time industry highs trace back to a bidding war that was started by United. Fixed costs are mentioned in this article. With the heavy fixed costs in the airline industry, there is no way in the long-term that the industry can survive with these levels. These fixed costs might include security costs, insurance costs, depreciation expense, full-time employees (salaries), leases, debt service, interest expense, rent, or occupancy costs. The aircraft itself is the single biggest fixed cost. Supplier relationships and union agreements also build in a lot of costs that are extremely difficult to manage in short-term situations. If I were in a position to bring about a resolution to these problems, I would require several actions be taken. In order to reduce costs, I would take capacity out of the system and park airplanes. I read an article that said for every 20% of aircraft taken out of the system, you save 10%. Sacrifices must be made during this time of hardship. I might reduce some employees from ...

Four Advantages of Single-Sex Schools

Four Advantages of Single-Sex Schools A lot of research has shown that single-sex schools have a great deal of advantages. for students, with benefits ranging from confidence and empowerment to new activities and higher levels of achievement. For example, on the whole, girls and boys who are educated in single-sex schools gain more confidence than their coed peers. In addition, they make academic gains above those in co-ed schools. They also learn to gravitate towards untraditional areas that are not always accepted for their gender. For example, boys learn to love literature in boys schools, while girls in girls schools feel more comfortable with math and science. Though its hard to generalize about all single-sex schools, here are some commonalities that tend to characterize many single-sex schools: A More Relaxed Environment Despite the fact that many boys and girls schools are at the top of their game academically, they often have a more relaxed environment. This relaxed environment is created, in part, because boys and girls dont need to worry about impressing the other gender. The students can be themselves in class, and they can speak openly and honestly. At the same time, students in single-sex schools are often more willing to take risks because they do not fear falling on their face in front of the other sex. As a result, the classrooms in these schools are often dynamic, free, and bursting with ideas and conversation, all hallmarks of a great education. While teachers in co-ed schools sometimes beg their students to contribute to class discussion, this is not true in single-sex schools a great deal of the time. Fewer Cliques Though it is not always true, sometimes single-sex schools can help reduce cliques, particularly in girls schools. The girls again do not have to worry about impressing boys or seeming popular, common concerns in middle and high school. They can instead concentrate on their studies and being open to befriending the other girls, and there are often fewer cliques as a result. Though the stereotype about boys schools is that they are rough-and-tumble places in which boys are hazed, the reality is often quite different. While one cant generalize about all boys schools, in general, boys schools are places that do not involve hazing or cruelty. Boys in an all-boys environment tend to  not form cliques because they dont have to appear cool, and they are often more generous to their peers as a result. In many boys schools, there is room for all kinds of boys, and the less socially mature students are not punished, as they might be in a single-sex school. A More Tailored Curriculum The teaching at a single-sex private school can be tailored to all girls or all boys, and the ability to tailor the curriculum allows teachers to design classes that have the potential to really reach the students. For example, at boys schools, teachers can teach books that are likely more of interest to boys and find books that speak to boys and their concerns. For example, a class discussion of Hamlet in a boys school can involve a study of a boys coming-of-age and of father-son relationships. In a girls school, students can read books with strong heroines such as Jane Eyre or look at books such as The House of Mirth  that touch on how womens lives are affected by prevailing attitudes towards women. While such discussions are possible in co-ed schools, they can be more open and concentrated in a single-sex school. The Loss of Gender Stereotypes In addition, students in single-sex schools can gravitate without embarrassment towards untraditional subjects. In boys schools, male authors can come in to speak about their writing, and the students can ask questions without feeling embarrassed about being interested in writing, a subject that they might shy away from in a co-ed school. The same holds true for the arts, including visual arts, music, drama, dance, and even digital arts. In a girls school, female scientists and mathematicians can offer their experience, and girls can be interested without fearing that they appear dorky or unfeminine. The examples of how single-sex schools free students from gender stereotypes are endless. In addition, teachers in single-sex school can use methods that might interest their students. For example, in a boys school, they can use techniques that draw on boys energy, while in a girls school, they can offer the kinds of feedback that girls are most likely to accept. While each child is different and there is no one school that is right for all kids, there is no doubt that single-sex schools offer a great deal of advantages and a special atmosphere that encourages kids to feel comfortable and to learn. Article edited by  Stacy Jagodowski

How to Solve a Redox Reaction Problem

How to Solve a Redox Reaction Problem This is a worked example redox reaction problem showing how to calculate volume and concentration of reactants and products using a balanced redox equation. Key Takeaways: Redox Reaction Chemistry Problem A redox reaction is a chemical reaction in which reduction and oxidation occur.The first step in solving any redox reaction is to balance the redox equation. This is a chemical equation that must be balanced for charge as well as mass.Once the redox equation is balanced, use the mole ratio to find the concentration or volume of any reactant or product, provided the volume and concentration of any other reactant or product is known. Quick Redox Review A redox reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which reduction and oxidation occur. Because electrons are transferred between chemical species, ions form. So, to balance a redox reaction requires not only balancing mass (number and type of atoms on each side of the equation), but also charge. In other words, the number of positive and negative electrical charges on both sides of the reaction arrow are the same in a balanced equation. Once the equation is balanced, the mole ratio may be used to determine the volume or concentration of any reactant or product as long as the volume and concentration of any species is known. Redox Reaction Problem Given the following balanced redox equation for the reaction between MnO4- and Fe2 in an acidic solution: MnO4-(aq) 5 Fe2(aq) 8 H(aq) → Mn2(aq) 5 Fe3(aq) 4 H2O Calculate the volume of 0.100 M KMnO4 needed to react with 25.0 cm3 0.100 M Fe2 and the concentration of Fe2 in a solution if you know that 20.0 cm3 of solution reacts with 18.0 cm3 of 0.100 KMnO4. How to Solve Since the redox equation is balanced, 1 mol of MnO4- reacts with 5 mol of Fe2. Using this, we can obtain the number of moles of Fe2: moles Fe2 0.100 mol/L x 0.0250 L moles Fe2 2.50 x 10-3 mol Using this value: moles MnO4- 2.50 x 10-3 mol Fe2 x (1 mol MnO4-/ 5 mol Fe2) moles MnO4- 5.00 x 10-4 mol MnO4- volume of 0.100 M KMnO4 (5.00 x 10-4 mol) / (1.00 x 10-1 mol/L) volume of 0.100 M KMnO4 5.00 x 10-3 L 5.00 cm3 To obtain the concentration of Fe2 asked in the second part of this question, the problem is worked the same way except solving for the unknown iron ion concentration: moles MnO4- 0.100 mol/L x 0.180 L moles MnO4- 1.80 x 10-3 mol moles Fe2 (1.80 x 10-3 mol MnO4-) x (5 mol Fe2 / 1 mol MnO4) moles Fe2 9.00 x 10-3 mol Fe2 concentration Fe2 (9.00 x 10-3 mol Fe2) / (2.00 x 10-2 L) concentration Fe2 0.450 M Tips for Success When solving this type of problem, its important to check your work: Check to make certain the ionic equation is balanced. Make certain the number and type of atoms is the same on both sides of the equation. Make certain the net electrical charge is the same on both sides of the reaction.Be careful to work with the mole ratio between reactants and products and not the gram quantities. You may be asked to provide a final answer in grams. If so, work the problem using moles and then use the molecular mass of the species to convert between units. The molecular mass is the sum of the atomic weights of the elements in a compound. Multiply the atomic weights of atoms by any subscripts following their symbol. Dont multiply by the coefficient in front of the compound in the equation because youve already taken that into account by this point!Be careful to report moles, grams, concentration, etc., using the correct number of significant figures. Sources Schà ¼ring, J., Schulz, H. D., Fischer, W. R., Bà ¶ttcher, J., Duijnisveld, W. H., eds (1999). Redox: Fundamentals, Processes and Applications. Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg ISBN 978-3-540-66528-1.Tratnyek, Paul G.; Grundl, Timothy J.; Haderlein, Stefan B., eds. (2011). Aquatic Redox Chemistry. ACS Symposium Series. 1071. ISBN 9780841226524.

Using liberal education to be active in community Essay

Using liberal education to be active in community - Essay Example the history of America, the question remains whether they should be obligated to learn a foreign language , master calculus and study grammar among other aspects at the expense creative writing. This is the reason that, in the arguments concerning education, less time is usually spent dwelling on the key values compared to other formal standards. Education gives people a wide range of abilities including providing them with skills on how to talk and communicate. Educated people have advantage as they, â€Å"They can give a speech, ask thoughtful questions, and make people laugh. They can hold a conversation with a high school dropout or a Nobel laureate, a child or a nursing- home resident, a factory worker or a corporate president† (Cronon 1998). Furthermore, educated people can participate in conversations not because they prefer talking about themselves but because they have a genuine interest in other people. According to Cronon (1998), â€Å"A friend of mine says one of the most important things his father ever told him was that whenever he had a conversation, his job was â€Å"to figure out what’s so neat about what the other person does.† I cannot imagine a more succinct description of this critically important quality†. A liberal develops the mind as well as the imagination while encouraging people to seek the truth, meaning and beauty. It further inspires an appreciation of previous traditions along with the present challenges while fostering a sense of joy in learning with other people. Additionally, it supports actions of taking intellectual risks needed when exploring the unknown, testing new ideas and entering into constructive debates while at the same time building foundations for arriving at principled decisions. Through liberal education, the capacity for critical and open inquiries can be honed to increase an interest in asking questions, challenging assumptions and looking for answers in order to arrive at conclusions that are backed by logic

Regan to Obama years Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Regan to Obama years - Essay Example This paper seeks to describe major events that took place from the period of Reagan to Obama. There were major historical turning points from Reagan to Obama period. The first major historical turning point was the collapse of communism and the ending of the cold war. The other major historical turning point was increased growth of United States economy in a rate that was never witnessed before during Reagan and Clinton period. The other turning point was the terrorist attack. Another major historical turning point is the Obama health care program. The major historical turning points that took place during this period had an impact on America current society, economy, politics, and culture. The collapse of communism had a tremendous effect on America’s politics (Peck, 2010). It signified the end of tension that existed between America and communist countries. Moreover, the nuclear weapons that were in United States and Soviet Union declined significantly. There was also restor ation of democracy at the expense of communist totalitarianism. Moreover, it led to domination of America economy in the world as capitalism won over communism (Peck, 2010). America influenced other countries to adopt free trade. Secondly, the growth of America economy caused the country employment rate to decline. ... The 9/11 attack led to America change of foreign policy due to the threat posed on homeland security (Purdum, 2003). The attention of America security was heightened that witnessed before. There was also increase in Domestic security measures and continue to affect the everyday lives of all Americans. The other transformation is on the health sector. The Obama health care reforms are expected to change the lives of low-income earners in America. Millions of America who could not get medical cover will now be covered in the Medicaid. On the other hand, insurance will get more premiums at a lower cost. The AIDS epidemics in America shook Americans confidence starting from 1980’s. AIDS was discovered in America in 1981. However, this topic was not frequent among politicians. President Reagan was the first to deny its general presence and even forced his surgeon not to discuss AIDS. Like other politician, he thought the disease was for gay people. With time, the disease spread to other people and affected lives of many Americans (The History of HIV and Aids in American, n.d.). The Centre for Disease Control published the first official record of the disease on June 5, 1981. The documentation involved gay men hospitalized over pneumonia and disseminated Candida infections. After this, many cases were reported while the two gay men died later. The disease was characterized by prejudice and stigma while the government ignored with no public attention. Those who were affected were even denied schooling opportunities. The ignorance of President Reagan and administration caused the activists to blame them on the death of gay men all over the country (The History of HIV and Aids in American, n.d.). The public mention of the disease took

Promoting Appropriate Behavior and Respect for Others within the Essay

Promoting Appropriate Behavior and Respect for Others within the Classroom - Essay Example It is clear from the discussion that classrooms are becoming exceedingly diverse these days mainly because of the influx of immigrants and also because of transiency. Under such circumstances creating a classroom, the community is one of the earliest responsibilities of a teacher. However, to create respect for diversities and build positive identities, the teacher should set some ground rules from the very first day such as treating classmates with respect, respecting their personal belongings, listening to the views of others and responding after sentence(s) are finished.   This paper illustrates that the teacher can follow the positive reinforcement outlined by Skinner’s Behaviorist Theory. According to Skinner â€Å"behavior is a function of its consequences and the learner will repeat the desired behavior if a positive reinforcement (a pleasant consequence) follows the behavior†. Behavior which is reinforced is strengthened; keeping this in mind the teacher can i ntroduce a behavior chart in which the student who behaves the best and is most polite and helpful will get a â€Å"shining star† or a â€Å"smiley face† against his/her name. The students should also be warned of dire consequences if they exhibit inappropriate behavior towards their classmates or bully them. Similarly, the teacher must herself use positive phrases when giving feedback and during error correcting. In order to instill respect for others, the teacher must ask the students to provide feedback for the others without mocking, ridiculing or passing personal remarks. The teacher must ensure that her students understand why it is important to respect each other.