Decartes' Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Decartes' Argument - Essay Example We look at and feel the objects around us with our senses- thus our senses are the gateway to understand the phenomena of the world. However, our senses and perceptions are defined in different ways. Sometimes we do not feel the same way about certain things at different times. As we grow from our infancy to adulthood and beyond, our perceptions change with time, our experiences, and learning. Therefore, we cannot depend upon our senses to comprehend or understand the nature of objects or the world itself. Our senses give us a limited knowledge about other objects or ourselves. For instance, we can sense or feel physical or emotional pain through our senses; yet we cannot ascertain the duration of pain from our previous experiences. This is an everyday example that manifests the limitation of trusting our senses. Descartes argued that passion led by reason can be trusted to a greater extent. This is because with each new experience, we learn something new about the way we perceive the world with our senses. If our reasoning faculty is in charge of our senses, we can broaden the areas where we can trust our senses. The claim is that if, in any particular case, the teachings of nature were untrustworthy, then the veracious God would have given us the means to correct it... we can ... trust the teachings of nature and believe that our sensations proceed from bodies, in spite of the fact that our inclinations are not always trustworthy. But, when another faculty, reason, of course, gives us the means to correct the teachings of nature, then they must be rejected... In the end, Descartes uses sensation to establish the existence of bodies, he is very careful to claim that sensation, by itself, does not establish the nature of bodies. (Rorty, 106) This is where other philosophers object to Descartes argument. He believes that senses do not belong to the material world as they keep changing with the change in objects; or sometimes convey incorrect perception of

Making A Good Decision For Your Child Essay Example for Free

Making A Good Decision For Your Child Essay All parents want their child to become successful. Some parents will go to great lengths to â€Å"help† their child by signing them up for a club, sport, or other extracurricular activities that will be â€Å"good† for them and their future. Usually the child ends up hating it or it causes something bad to happen. Even though parents might think they’re making a good decision for their child, it could end up as the bad decision that could potentially ruin the parent/ child relationship, lead to trouble later in life, or ruining the child’s chance of doing something for themselves. A parent can potentially ruin their relationship with their child if the make a bad decision for their child. If their child disagrees with the decision of the parent, the child could begin to resent them. Like in the story, I Stand Here Ironing, the narrator is the mother of a girl named Emily. The narrator tries to provide a good life for Emily but even then their relationship suffers because she does not show her daughter love like she does with her other children, like when her little sister, Susan, was a baby, the narrator paid lots of attention to her and not to Emily, â€Å"She would call for me, and I would rouse from exhaustion to sleepily call back: ‘You’re all right, darling, go to sleep, it’s just a dream,’ and if she still called, in a sterner voice, ‘now to go sleep, Emily, there’s nothing to hurt you.’ Twice, only twice, when I had to get up for Susan anyhow, I went in to sit with her.† (Olsen). This harms their relationship because Emily knows her mother chooses Susan over her even when she was little. Later on, when Emily is in her high school years, she and her mom are not very close still. Based on this we can see that making a bad decision for your child can leave the parent/child relationship in ruins. Making a bad decision for can also affect the child in the future. It could influence them to a life of despair. In the story Teenage Wasteland, Donny gets into trouble a lot in his high school years but when used to be good  when he was younger so as he has been doing bad things, his parents have been getting stricter and stricter which is only the start. His mother decides to be less controlling and then, â€Å"He said they acted like wardens. On weekends, they enforced curfew. And anytime he went to a party, they always telephoned first to see if adults would be supervising. ‘For God’s sake!’ he said. ‘Don’t you trust me?’† (Tyler). This causes his parents to try not to control him as much to make him happy but he spirals from here into him getting expelled for alcohol possession and later running away. The decision to be less strict on Donny was a mistake because this allowed him to make a mistake that will affect him forever. Bad decision can also ruin the child’s future. A parent’s bad decision for their child can also ruin their hope to do something that will make them happy. The child could want to do something that interests them but based on the decision their parent makes then do not feel capable of doing what makes them happy. A Modern Indian Woman’s Struggle with Arranged Marriage is a great example of this because the author struggles with her parents trying to choose her husband for her like a traditional arranged marriage. Her father goes on different Indian nationality dating websites and picks a man based on a profile and sets them up. She finds it funny that her parents do this for her but she really is limited by this choice and has to only go out with men that are of her dad’s approval (Jain). This makes it hard for the thirty year old to find a husband. This ruins her hope of finding someone that she likes for them and marrying them. Bad choices by parents can hinder the child in the end instead of helping them. Parents should think about the child’s whenever they make decisions for them so they do not hurt them in these ways. Works Cited Tyler, Anne. â€Å"Teenage Wasteland.† 1983. Print. (Tyler) Olsen, Tillie. â€Å"I Stand Here Ironing.† Tell Me A Riddle. 1961. Print. (Olson) Jain, Anita. â€Å"Is Arranged Marriage Really Any Worse Than Craigslist?† New York Print.

The Affect of Child Labor on the World Essay -- Essays Papers

The Affect of Child Labor on the World Introduction Child labor is a very hot topic in today’s world. The problems associated with child labor have always been a part of life but thanks to Globalization, everyone is now more aware of the child labor issues that exist. Whether an individual is in favor or against child labor the fact is that child labor affects everyone, because child labor affects the global economy. Children who work play a big role in the economy because they produce goods and are paid wages just like adults; they are an active participant of the work force. Child Labor Issues It is estimated that more than 200 million children across the globe between the ages of 5-17 work instead of going to school. And of these, 171 million work in hazardous conditions. Even though child labor was widespread during the eighteenth century it was not until the industrial revolution that society began to realize the seriousness of abuses on children that worked. In the past children generally worked alongside their families to help the family survive, but those conditions were not as severe as when children began working more than ten-hour days in factories and in adverse conditions like those seen during the industrial revolution. There are many other factors that cause child labor such as poverty, social values and cultural circumstances but they tend to be complex to understand. It can be said that child labor is more widely seen in developing and third world countries than that of developed. This is due in part to the poverty that the majority of these people liv e in, and then children are forced to work to help support the family. Asia has the highest number of children below the age of 15 that work wi... ...y with child labor. Conclusion Forturnatly, many organizations and individuals feel very strongly about protecting children and are trying to develop solutions to many of the problems associated with child labor and also to help protect the rights of children in the work place and in general. The International Labor Organization is an agency that is trying to develop a strategy to help prevent children form loosing their childhood and education by being forced to work. Other agencies such as UNICEF are protection agencies that advocate the protection of children’s rights. References Basu, Kaushik. Sep, 1999. Journal of Economic Literature, Vol. 37 No.3. American Economic Association. Children’s Rights. Oct. 2004 www.hrw.org/children/labor.htm Children in the Global Economy. Oct. 2004 www.aflcio.org/issuespolitics/globableconomy/children.cfm

James V. Meow Media and the Role of Responsibility

James v. Meow Media and the Role of Responsibility In James v. Meow Media Inc. , Michael Carneal, an avid video-gamer, is responsible for the murder of his high school peers. Research of Carneal’s daily habits showed that the content of his video games was a potential cause of his disastrous behavior. When dealing with a minor, factors of life while approaching the level of maturity must be taken into consideration. This case shows the ease in which fingers are pointed in efforts to protect a child in need of help. Negligence was the common theme for why the affected families felt Meow Media owed a duty of care.In the case of a 14 year-old minor, the presence and the proactive nature of a parent is vital. Because Carneal’s parents failed to take the action needed to prevent such behavior, is it truly fair to say that the negligence falls on the company? This reaction will discuss the subjectivity of such cases in which responsibility is put into the hands of the undeser ving. A certain level of responsibility is expected from parents during a child’s stage of adolescence. As a child matures, various characteristics evolve that affect his or her view on life.These characteristics may be attributed to the child’s genetic traits, daily environment, or mental/emotional state. It is a parent’s duty to identify unstable features early on in the child’s life in order to protect others from any harm that could be caused. In this case, Carneal’s mental and emotional instability traced back to his kindergarten years. His feeling of alienation began as early as those years. As he recalls wanting to bring a gun to school for show-and-tell, Carneal stated, â€Å"Of course, I didn't have access to a gun, so it was not realistic (â€Å"School shooter Michael,† 2010). Such depraved thoughts and hermit behavior can be detected in its premature stages and treated to minimize the risk of violence. Following the shooting, Car neal underwent a series of mental examinations. Psychiatrists and psychologists discovered that he indeed had a schizotypal personality disorder and was in a severe state of depression. Additionally, it was revealed that a history of mental illness was common on his father’s side of the family (Moore, Petrie , Braga & McLaughlin, 2003). The symptoms of Carneal’s illnesses were apparent in his daily interactions.By being aware of familial disorders and observing his socially dysfunctional behavior, proper precautions could have been taken sooner. Parents observe the behaviors of their children each day and, therefore, owe a duty of care. Meow Media Inc. made and sold their video games with no intention of them falling into the hands of a troubled child. The likelihood of a mentally/emotionally stable individual taking action to endanger innocent lives in order to mimic a game is low. Learning and understanding right from wrong is instilled during an individual’s early youth.Depending on varying circumstances, the environment that a child is placed in may have an adverse effect on the child’s development. Genetic defects are major circumstances that, if not handled with care and caution, could alter a child’s reaction to his or her environment. In 1978, A Dutch woman took action to stop the vicious cycle that haunted her family. Her family consisted of multiple aggressive men that carried a long history of rape dating back to 1870. When she saw that her son acquired some of these familial traits, she immediately took action (Richardson, 1993).Geneticists ran a series of tests and found that the personality disorder that cursed these men was a serious and rare genetic debility. Dr. Han Brunner and his colleagues at the Nijmegen hospital said that â€Å"some of the men in the woman’s family suffer from a genetic defect on the X chromosome- -a defect that cripples an enzyme that may help regulate aggressive behavior (1993) . † By learning that this disease had been passed down from mother to son, the woman was able to provide her son with the proper support needed to help combat this vicious cycle.Thousands of video games, ranging from Rated M (mature) to Rated E (everyone), can be found on display for anyone to see at local video stores. Rated M games, usually filled with violence and vulgarity, are generally advertised with guns and women wearing the bare minimum of clothing. Stores have a social responsibility in protecting young children from these games and have taken proper action. Wal-Mart has been an advocate in censoring Rated M games by placing black sleeves over these covers. â€Å"It is the responsibility of Wal-Mart to protect our children from potentially damaging content, such as the covers of some video games,† said company spokesperson (Jonathon, 2008). It is also a requirement for minors to have a 17 year-old and older I. D. or a guardian present to purchase these games. When parents purchase these video games for their underage children and fail to supervise or acknowledge behavioral and growth patterns, they increase the likelihood of future violence. This scenario parallels with that of the Bad Frog Brewery Case. In that case, Bad Frog Brewery was forced to sell their beer in restricted areas of supermarkets and bars due to their vulgar label—a label displaying a frog sticking up his middle finger.Having these labels sold in restricted areas lowers the prospect of children being exposed. This now places the onus of responsibility on the parents. If a negligent parent decides to take a minor child near a bar, he or she runs the risk of that child seeing the beer label and mimicking the vulgar gesture. If that exposed child goes to school the next day and shows this gesture to the other students, they will be affected in some way. Families of the affected children will be infuriated when they find that another student stuck up his/her middl e finger in front of their child.Though the given situation may seem highly exaggerated, it is given to show the effects of negligent behavior. Like the parents of Carneal, this negligent parent breached a duty of care. Alternatively, the line of responsibility to protect minors from environmental influence is blurred when discussing arcade rooms. Arcades are built specifically for kids and are viewed as safe havens of innocent fun. Yet, while taking a deep look into the content of the games, it is apparent that games containing violence are amongst the most popular played in these facilities.The games usually entail being rewarded for aiming a gun and killing as many people as possible or fighting someone until they bleed to death. There is absolutely no policing of these arcade games, which would more than likely be considered M rated material in video stores. Parents are blind-sided by the harm they are putting their minor children in. Here, it is difficult to rest the blame on t he parents as an act of negligence. Every party has a degree of responsibility to consider when handling situations. Rather than placing the immediate blame on what would seem like he obvious, it is best to first analyze and discover the root cause of the issue. In the case of Michael Carneal, although it was initially presented that Meow Media was to blame for Carneal’s wrongful acts, it was later discovered that the issue stemmed much deeper than Carneal’s love for video games. In the event that proper protocol was initially taken by the responsible party, Carneal could have been given the proper treatment needed to prevent unnecessary deaths. References Jonathon. (2008, February 11). Wal-Mart covering up â€Å"M† rated games [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://www. gamefront. om/wal-mart-covering-up-m-rated-games/ Moore, M. , Petrie , C. , Braga, A. , & McLaughlin, B. (2003). Deadly Lessons: Understanding Lethal School Violence. (p. 150). Washington, D. C. : The National Academies Press. Retrieved from http://www. nap. edu/openbook. php? record_id=10370=150 Richardson, S. (1993, October 01). A Violence in the Blood. Discover Magazine, (October 1993), Retrieved from http://discovermagazine. com/1993/oct/aviolenceinthebl293 School Shooter Michael Carneal Recalls Delusions. (2010, October 06). WDRB. Retrieved from http://www. wdrb. com/Global/story. asp? S=13279449

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (born 15 October 1931) usually referred to as Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, is an Indianscientist and administrator who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Kalam was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, studied physics at the St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, and aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), Chennai. Before his term as President, he worked as an aerospace engineer with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). [1] Kalam is popularly known as the Missile Man of India for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology. [2] He played a pivotal organizational, technical and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, the first since theoriginal nuclear test by India in 1974. Some scientific experts have however called Kalam a man with no authority over nuclear physics but who just carried on the works of Homi J. Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai. [3] Kalam was elected the President of India in 2002, defeating Lakshmi Sahgal and was supported by both the Indian National Congress and theBharatiya Janata Party, the major political parties of India. He is currently a visiting professor at Indian Institute of Management Shillong, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and Indian Institute of Management Indore, honorary fellow of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore,[4] Chancellorof the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram, a professor of Aerospace Engineering at Anna University (Chennai), JSS University (Mysore) and an adjunct/visiting faculty at many other academic and research institutions across India. Kalam advocated plans to develop India into a developed nation by 2020 in his book India 2020. Books authored by him have received considerable demands in South Korea for the translated versions. [5] He has received several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. Kalam is known for his motivational speeches and interaction with the student community in India. [6] He launched his mission for the youth of the nation in 2011 called the What Can I Give Movement with a central theme to defeat corruption in India.

Simile vs Metaphor The 1 Big Difference

Simile vs Metaphor The 1 Big Difference SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Ever wonder what makes creative writing, well, creative? A big part of creative writing is coming up with a compelling way to express something.And similes and metaphors can be especially helpful when trying to do this. But what exactly are similes and metaphors? More importantly, what is the main difference between a simile and metaphor? This comprehensive simile vs metaphor guide answers both these questions and gives you several examples so you can learn how to differentiate between these two key literary devices.This article also includes key tips for using similes and metaphors in your own writing. Simile vs Metaphor:How Do They Differ? Both similes and metaphors are literary devices used by writers to compare two unalike things, ideas, actions, etc. in a non-literal manner. The two things being compared typically have one thing in common but are completely different in all other respects. Peopleuse similes and metaphors to make their writing more descriptive, more persuasive, more poetic, and more emphatic.Similes and metaphors areoften used in fiction/prose, poetry, and song lyrics. So what is the main difference between a simile and metaphor? Although the two devices are very similar- both serve the exact same purpose of comparing two different things in a figurative (non-literal) way- metaphors and similes are not identical. A simile is a type of metaphor that specifically uses the words "as" or "like" to make a comparison between two things. This usually takes the form of "A is like B" or "A is as(insert adjective)as B." By contrast, metaphors do not use the words "as" or "like." For example, you could write, "A is B" to make your comparison, even though A is not literally the same thing as B. The main takeaway here is that all similes are metaphors but not all metaphors are similes. 6 Real Simile and Metaphor Examples To help you understand the difference between a simile and metaphor, we'll look at six examples of the two. Examples of Metaphors Belowarethree examples of famous metaphors. As a reminder, metaphors compare two things without using the words "like" or "as." Metaphor Example 1 Eyes are the windows to the soul. Many famous sayings andidiomatic phrases take the form of metaphors in which the meaning is not literal but implied through a comparison. You clearly cannot literally see a person’s soul through his or her eyes; the implication here, then, is that one’s eyes and expression can reveal that person’s true feelings or character. In this sense, eyes are similar to windows because they can reveal information to the observer. Metaphor Example 2 "But thy eternal summer shall not fade"- William Shakespeare, Sonnet 18 This line of poetry comes from one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved sonnets, often called "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?" In this poem, Shakespeare is comparinga young man's beauty to that of a warm summer day. In this particular line,the speaker assertsthat the man's "eternal summer" will never end, meaning that the speaker believes the essence of the man will live onthrough these very words. Shakespeare was a fan of metaphors- and earrings, apparently. Metaphor Example 3 "'Cause, baby, you're a firework / Come on, let your colors burst"- Katy Perry, "Firework" In her mega-hit song "Firework," Katy Perry uses a metaphor to compare "you" (the listener) to a firework. Fireworks are bright, captivating, and attention-grabbing, and so the implication here is that "you," too, are important and need to be confident in the value you bring. Examples of Similes Next up, here are some examples of famous similes. Remember that althoughsimiles perform the same function as metaphors in that theymake a comparison between two different things, similes always use the words "as" or"like" to make the comparison,whereas metaphors do not. Simile Example 1 My dad always wears glasses. Without them, he's as blind as a bat. The above simile "[as] blind as a bat" is a particularly well-knownsaying that compares a person's inability to see to the (alleged) blindness of bats, which hunt for prey primarily using echolocation instead of sight. Basically, this simile means that someone’s ability to see is quite poor. (Note that this saying isn't normally used to describe someone who is actually blind- it’s purposefully hyperbolic!) In this example, although the dad is evidently not blind- he just wears glasses to see- this simile implies that his ability to see things clearly without glasses is shockingly (and even laughably) low, comparable to a bat's inability to see clearly. Simile Example 2 "I wandered lonely as a Cloud / That floats on high o'er Vales and Hills"- William Wordsworth, "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" You’ve possibly already read this famous poem in English class. These two lines, the first of which contains the simile "lonely as a Cloud," come from William Wordsworth’s renowned 1807 poem, "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud." The simile here draws a unique and compelling comparison between the loneliness of the speaker, who wanders around without accompaniment, and the "loneliness" of a cloud that floats around in the sky all by itself. Note: This simile uses another literary device called personification, whereinan inanimate object is given human-like qualities. In this case, the cloud "wanders" just as a human does. Simile Example 3 "My momma always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get."- Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump Even if you’re not a die-hard Tom Hanks fan, you’ve probably heard this memorableline from the 1994 classic Forrest Gump. The phrase "life was like a box of chocolates" is a clear simile in that "life" is being compared to "a box of chocolates" using the word "like" (which once again shows us that this is a simile and not a metaphor). The meaning of this simile is clearly explained in the sentence that follows: "You never know what you’re gonna get." In other words, life is random and mysterious in the same exact way a box of chocolates is. You can't predict what kind of chocolate you'll get,just asyou can’tpredict what will happen in your life. As long as it's not that weird, mushy, cherry-filled chocolate, I'm good. Simile vs Metaphor Quiz Here’s a short simile vs metaphor quiz to see whether you truly know the difference betweenthe two literary devices. Mark an X under "Metaphor" or "Simile" for each phrase depending on whether you think it has a metaphor or simile. Be aware that a phrase might contain both a metaphor and simile, or neither! Phrase Metaphor Simile 1. "But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the east, and Juliet is the Sun." - WilliamShakespeare, Romeo and Juliet 2. Poor thing, your hands are as cold as ice! 3. "Elderly American ladies leaning on their canes listed toward me like towers of Pisa."- Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita 4. "Dying is a wild Night and a new Road."- Emily Dickinson 5. The song was an array of bright colors swirling around in the air. Like medicine, it made the boy perk up almost instantly. 6. "Fire away, fire away / You shoot me down but I won't fall / I am titanium"- David Guetta ft. Sia, "Titanium" 7. That girl over there looks a lot like my sister. 8. "Just like a moth drawn to a flame / Oh, you lured me in, I couldn't sense the pain"- Shawn Mendes, "Stitches" Answers Metaphor Simile Simile Metaphor Both Metaphor Neither Simile Answer Explanations 1. "But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the east, and Juliet is the Sun."- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet In this classic line from Shakespeare'sRomeo and Juliet, Romeo spots a light coming from Juliet’s bedroom, causing him to compare Juliet to a sunrise- an image that evokes a sense of wonder, hope, and happiness. Because Romeo doesn’t use the words "like" or "as,"this line is a metaphor. 2. Poor thing, your hands are as cold as ice! Here, the speaker is comparing the low temperature of the listener's hands to the (literal) coldness of ice with the phrase "as cold as ice." This saying is commonly used to indicate that a person or an object is extremely cold to the touch (even thoughthe thing being described is likely not literally the same exact temperature of ice). The word "as" is used to make the comparison, so this example is a simile. This bubble is literallyas cold as ice. 3. "Elderly American ladies leaning on their canes listed toward me like towers of Pisa."- Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita This beautifully descriptive sentence from Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial 1955 novel Lolita compares the image of hunched elderly women to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a historical Italian building most famous for its noticeable tilt. Because Nabokov uses the word "like" to make the comparison between the women and "towers of Pisa," this sentence is a simile. 4. "Dying is a wild Night and a new Road."- Emily Dickinson Renowned American poet Emily Dickinson wrote this grave, albeit poignant, sentence in a letter penned in 1869. Dickinson compares the act of dying to "a wild Night and a new Road," implying that death is a natural course of action in life. Because the comparisondoes not use the words"like" or "as," it is a metaphor. 5. The song was an array of bright colors swirling around in the air. Like medicine, it made the boy perk up almost instantly. This example uses both a metaphor and a simile to express the overall positive feelings a boy has when listening to a particular song. The first sentence is a metaphor: the song he is listening to is described as "an array of bright colors," even though music isn’t actually visible to the human eye. Since this comparison doesn’t use the words"like" or "as," it is a plain metaphor. The second sentence, however, makes another comparison, this time using the word "like." The song is described as being"like medicine" because it makes the boy feel better- the same effect medicines are supposed to have on people when they feel sick. Because the word "like" is used, this second sentence is a simile. 6. "Fire away, fire away / You shoot me down but I won't fall / I am titanium"- David Guetta ft. Sia, "Titanium" This line, taken from the chorus of the 2011 hit song "Titanium" by David Guetta, describes the speaker asthesuper-strong metal titanium. This image, then, tells us that the speaker is really similar to titanium in that he or she is both strong and resilient. Because neither"like" nor "as" ispresent here,this lyric is an example of a metaphor. 7. That girl over there looks a lot like my sister. In this sample sentence, the physical appearance of "that girl" is being compared to that of the speaker’s sister. Although you might be tempted to say this is a simile because it uses the word "like," you’d be wrong! There is no metaphor or simile at play here.The "like" we see here is still being used to make a comparison, but it is a comparison between two similarthings (the two girls). Recall that the basis for any metaphor or simile is that you must be comparing two unalike things. Comparing a duck to another duckwon't give you a metaphor but WILL give you a ton of quacking. 8. "Just like a moth drawn to a flame / Oh, you lured me in, I couldn't sense the pain"- Shawn Mendes, "Stitches" This line comes from the 2015 pop hit "Stitches" recorded by Shawn Mendes. The speaker here is describing howmesmerized he is by his lover by comparing his situation to that of "a moth drawn to a flame." Because he uses the word "like" in this particular line, this lyric is an example of a simile. How to Use Similes and Metaphors in Writing: 4 Tips Now that we’ve gone over the major difference between a simile and metaphor, let’s take a look at four tips to keep in mind when you want to use one of these literary tools in your own writing. #1: Avoid Clichà ©s One big tip you’ll want to remember when writing anything- whether it’s a poem or a story- is to avoid clichà ©d metaphors and similes as much as possible. Using clichà ©d metaphors in your writing generally indicates to readers that you don’t find it necessary to take time to come up with original comparisons; it’s also often interpreted to mean that you lack creativity and are a lazy writer. Clichà ©s include any overused sayings or idiomatic expressions, such as the following: Strong as an ox Sick as a dog Time flies Hot as hell White as snow Scared to death Fish out of water Two peas in a pod Check out this website for a longer list of clichà ©s to avoid. Though you should generally avoid using these types of sayings, if you’re writing dialogue for a story, colloquial expressions such as these would beperfectly fine to use, especially if you’re trying to capture a more realistic conversation between people. That being said, definitely try toavoidusing clichà ©s in descriptions and expository passages. Coming up with your ownsimiles and metaphors will ultimately make your writing more creative, more authentic, and more compelling. #2: Don’t Overuse Similes and Metaphors Be careful of overusing similes and metaphors in any type of writing you do. Obviously, the definition of what counts as overusing figurative language will vary depending on the person. Indeed,whereas somerenowned writers adore metaphors andhave a penchant for flowery passages, others opt to avoid them as much as possible la Ernest Hemingway. No matter your preferred writing style, you don’t want your text to be ambiguous, confusing, or completely devoid of concrete substance. A passage that is 90% metaphorical is a lot more likely to exhaust and confuse readers than it is to impress or inspire them. Moreover, toomuch figurative language will weakentheimpact of each metaphor,and you want theseto be particularly powerful. So tread lightly and always err on the side of less is more! #3: Be Sure the Comparison Makes Sense Although the two things being compared in a metaphor or simile should be pretty different from each other, you need to make sure that there's still something similar between them so that the comparison makes sense to the reader and can be readily understood and interpreted. For example, if you’re trying to describe the delicious, tantalizing smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, it wouldn’treally make sense to compare it to the smell of a dumpster or something else notoriously gross and stinky. Similarly, the connection between the two things must be immediately clear to the reader. If you were to write, "He looked as comfortable as a penguin," readerswould very likely have no idea how this feeling of being comfortable relates to penguins specifically. Instead, you could write, "He looked as comfortable as a penguin on ice," since penguins are mostat ease incold, icy settings. Alternatively, you could use asimile or metaphor to make an ironic or sarcastic statement. In the example given above, say you want to point out how uncomfortable the man is. This means you could write something like, "He looked as comfortable as a penguin in a Miami zoo." Because penguins' natural habitat is in the (much colder) Antarctic, the irony here is that the man is clearly not comfortablein the same way penguins must feel in a hot, caged environment. If you’re not sure whether a metaphor or simile you’ve written makes sense, ask a family member or friend to read it (ideally in context) and see whether they can grasp the meaning you’re trying to make with it. Be as comfortable (and as adorably fluffy) as these baby penguins. #4: Avoid Sticking With the First Metaphor You Think Of This final tip is for serious writers and one I got from my own creative writing professor in college. The basic point here is that you should never feel compelled to go with the first metaphor or simile you come up with. When people write stories, they can be tempted to stick with the very first "clever" metaphor or simile they think of- but oftentimes these phrases can be drastically improved upon and made clearer and more relevant. But is it really bad to stick with the first metaphor you think of? Of course not! Sometimes people do come up with amazing metaphors right away and end up keeping them as is, even in the final version of the text. But this certainly isn’t the case for most people.In reality,the best writers will be the ones who take time to reread, tweak, and improve sentences and passages- including metaphors and similes- they’ve written. Doing all this will not only give you practice with metaphors and similes, but will also help you get used to the long-winded, albeit worthwhile, process that is creative writing! What’s Next? Got questions about other common literary devices? Then check out our in-depth guide to the 31 most important literary devices you should know. Working on a story or prepping for the AP Literature test?Learn all about the most important literary elements that make up a story. Thinking about amajor in creative writing? Then you'll definitely want to take a look at the top creative writing programs in the country!

Musical Themes in Conan the Barbarian

Musical Themes in Conan the Barbarian Thesis statement Those who had been introduced to the history of cinematography are well aware of the fact that, even before the beginning of a ‘talkie’ era, musical accompaniment played rather important role in highlighting movies’ semantic significance. As it was pointed out by Gianetti, ‘(prior to 1927) In the large city theaters, full orchestras provided atmospheric background to the visuals.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Musical Themes in the Film Conan the Barbarian specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In small towns, a piano was often used for the same purpose.’[1] Nevertheless, it was namely after sound became integrally incorporated into movies’ representational matrix that the full potential of utilizing musical scores in cinematography was revealed, especially in the case of classically edited films. The reason for this is simple – given the fact that in classic ally edited movies, directors strive to ensure the semiotic plausibility of every single scene as their foremost objective; it naturally predisposes them towards emphasizing takes’ psychological integrity. And, the best way to accomplish it is to represent characters’ behavioral three-dimensionality as being dialectically predetermined – that is, to show the qualitative essence of characters’ existential mode as such that correlates with the affiliated environment/background. The utilization of appropriate musical themes comes particularly helpful in this respect, as it substantiates the realness of film’s themes and motifs, reflected in the manner of how characters react to life’s challenges. In this paper, we will aim to explore earlier articulated thesis at length, while referring to John Milius’s 1982 famous film Conan the Barbarian, featuring musical score by Basil Poledouris, as we believe that this film represents a particularl y notable example how the utilization of thematically appropriate music in cinematographic work can endow it with an aura of historicity – hence, ensuring its cult status. Analytical part The viewing of Conan the Barbarian leaves very little doubt as to the fact that, semantically speaking, the conceptual genre of this movie closely relates to the genre of Scandinavian sagas, which glorify the virtue of physical strength while exposing it as being deeply affiliated with corresponding psychological traits of courageousness, loyalty and one’s commitment to its sense of duty. Therefore, it comes as no particular surprise that the themes and motifs, contained in Milius’s film, endorse essentially Nordic outlook on surrounding realities, the qualitative essence of which is being defined by an ongoing confrontation between Good (Light) and Evil (Darkness).Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 1 5% OFF Learn More While referring to the subtleties of movie’s plot, Saunders states, ‘It is immediately clear who the villains of this piece are supposed to be†¦ atavistic, bestially inclined black man, who worship the Edenic serpent, as opposed to Conan’s ‘Crom,’ a singular, anthropomorphic Norse-type deity.’[2] Apparently, while composing music for Conan the Barbarian, Poledouris never ceased being aware of what accounted for Wagnerian operas’ immense popularity in Western ecumene – namely the fact that the motifs of these operas corresponded rather well with the workings of White people’s archetypical psyche. The same can be said about the music of John Williams, featured in Star Wars space opera – just as it being the case with Poledouris’s musical themes, written for Conan the Barbarian, Williams’s music invokes White people’s subconscious belief in ever-present dualit y of life’s emanations and in the eventual triumph of quality over quantity. According to Paulus, ‘Both of them (Wagner’s operas and Williams’ musical scores) deal with largely mythological themes†¦ In both of them we find a clear division of leitmotifs into Good (Light) and Bad (Darkness) themes.’[3] Therefore, it is not only that in Conan the Barbarian Poledouris’s themes provide a musical background to unfolding of the plot, but also validate plot’s soundness, which in its turn is being concerned with exploring the motif of a single hero coming out a winner from confrontation with impossible odds. As it was noted by Gianatti in the book from which we have already quoted, ‘Beginning with the opening credits, music can serve as a kind of overture to suggest the mood or spirit of the film as a whole.’[4] This is exactly the role that the Prologue theme fulfills in Conan the Barbarian. Despite the fact that this theme only features an ominously sounding drumbeat, it nevertheless establishes an objective precondition for viewers to be implanted with a sensation that they are about to watch a highly epical story of one’s rise to power (00.00.02). Narrator’s introductory monologue, ‘Let me tell of about the days of high adventure’ (00.01.30) strengthens this impression even more – from the very beginning of a movie, viewers’ exposal to the Prologue theme, helps them to adopt a proper cognitive mood.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Musical Themes in the Film Conan the Barbarian specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Just as it is being the case with most Faustian (Western) heroes, the character of Conan is being initially represented emanating innocence. This is exactly the reason why the pitch, tone and timbre of the beginning of Riddle of Steel theme, which provides a musical background to the sce ne in which young Conan is shown fishing (05.58.00), is best described as rather subdued. Nevertheless, as movie progresses further, the scene of inhabitants of Conan’s village taking care of their domestic affairs gets to be abruptly replaced with the scene of Doom riders advancing towards the village (00.07.11). The sheer sensation of danger, emanated by this particular scene, is being acoustically replicated by corresponding Riders of Doom theme, which radiates the spirit of a military action – cruel, prompt and decisive. After Conan gets to be sold into slavery by evil Thulsa Doom, he is being led to the Wheel of Pain, in order to be chained up to it and to push the handles of this wheel 24/7, so that the wheel could be rotating non-stop, regardless of the time of the year or weather. The watching of this scene is absolutely crucial for anyone who wants to gain an insight into what constituted Conan’s psychological makeup – apparently, director wanted to emphasize the fact that Conan was not born a ‘natural fighter’ but was turned into a fighter by being subjected to the years and years of systematic abuse, which nevertheless did not break Conan spiritually. The listening of correlative Wheel of Pain theme (00.15.10) legitimizes audiences’ perception of Conan as a surrogate-Jesus, who was gaining strength while being humiliated. Just as it is being usually the case in Wagnerian operas, the beginning of this theme features clearly melodic but rather subdued and monotonous sounding, supplemented by a muffled drumbeat. Nevertheless, as it unravels, the theme begins to sound ever more emotionally intense and eventually reaches its heroically sounding climax in the scene when grown up Conan lifts up his head in rather defiant manner (00.16.33). Thus, the implications of this particular musical theme are quite clear – it substantiates viewers’ initial perception of Conan as ‘hero in makingâ€⠄¢. As Spottiswood had put it, ‘Musical leitmotifs act as emotives and assist the visual film towards insight into the characters they are attached to.’[5] This is why, despite the fact that throughout movie’s entirety Conan does not talk very much, viewers recognize his act as being rationally motivated.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The validity of an earlier statement can also be explored in film’s consequential parts that feature Poledouris’s music playing in the background. For example, in the scene where Conan and his friend Subotai walk through the town (00.37.59), the beginning of a corresponding Civilization theme appears slightly atonal, which was meant to highlight Conan’s attitude towards Eastern exotics that he associates with the absence of a fresh air. Yet, once Conan and Subotai again find themselves in the middle of open plains, the music adopts back its epic sounding (00.38.09). Consequently, viewers are being provided with an additional clue as to the essence of Conan’s existential identity as someone who simply cannot be corrupted and who appreciates freedom above all. At the same time, given the fact that Conan the Barbarian is classically edited movie, it would be wrong to think of Poledouris’s music in the film as such that serves the purpose of accentuati ng characters’ psychological identity alone. In the same scene that we have already mentioned, the inclusion of Civilization theme helps to ensure the linear continuity between scene’s takes. Such our idea connects well with Gorbman’s suggestion that the inclusion of appropriately sounding musical scores in films does help viewers to become a part of cinematographic action, ‘The musical score can act to promote continuity or to punctuate, as well as to comment on emotional states in the dramatic action.’[6] For example, without Poledouris’s music playing in the background, the consequential shots of Conan eating some rotten meat off the stick (00.37.54), giving mean looks to bystanders (38.03.00), and then running through the open fields (00.38.09) would make little rational sense. As a result, this would undermine film’s time-related integrity. Nevertheless, the fact that, while being exposed to these shots, viewers simultaneously get to listen to Civilization theme, provides them with the sensation of ‘time compression’ – even though these shots are being flashed on the screen for duration of only few seconds, we get to perceive them as being rather spatially extended. In his book, Gianetti had made a perfectly valid point while suggesting that the role of music in films is being also concerned with helping viewers to orient in the actual settings, ‘Certain kinds of music can suggest locales, classes, or ethnic groups.’[7] In the scene where Conan sneaks into the Church of Serpent (00.43.44), there is the Serpent theme playing in the background that feature clearly defined Oriental undertones. Thus, by being exposed to this theme, viewers do not only gain a better understanding of the locale, where action takes place, but they are also being implanted with a sense of alienation from this specific locale as something inheritably wicked. In its turn, this helps to substantiate fil m’s conceptual premise as to the fact that it is namely one’s willingness to assess surrounding reality through the lenses of euro-centric rationale, and not through the lenses of some primeval mysticism/spirituality (as it is usually the case with non-Whites), which establishes objective preconditions for such individual to come as a winner out of confrontation with evil. The same can be said about the Orgy theme, the sounding of which provides contextual integrity to the scene in which Conan and his friends make an unwelcomed appearance in Thusla Doom’s actual headquarters, inside the Mountain of Doom (01.27.58). There can be very little doubt that the sounding of this particular theme is being reminiscent to the sounding of Catholic chants. In its turn, this helped Milius to subtly promote his outlook on just about any Eastern religion (such as Christianity, for example) as being spiritually alien to physically and mentally healthy White males, embodied by th e character of Conan. Apparently, it was not simply an accident that movie’s opening credits feature Friedrich Nietzsche’s famous statement: ‘that which does not kill us makes us stronger’. In his article, Pecora points out to the fact that Milius had conceived Conan the Barbarian as ideologically engaged movie, ‘His (Nietzsche’s) name will come up in the most unlikely contexts - quoted suddenly by avowed ‘Zen fascist’ John Milius at the opening of his Conan the Barbarian.’[8] In all probability, it was Nietzsche’s anti-religious stance that attracted Milius to his philosophy and had consequentially prompted him to utilize Poledouris’s musical score to mock Christianity as the religion of decay and corruption. After all, Poledouris himself had never made secret of his fascination with Nietzsche’s philosophical insights. As we have stated earlier, when assessed from structuralist point of view, Conan th e Barbarian closely reminds Scandinavian epic sagas. Therefore, it is quite explainable why film’s climax is being shifted towards its very end, when Conan indulges in the battle with Doom Riders and consequentially decapitates Thulsa Doom – hence, attaining the Nietzschean status of a ‘lion-child’. This also explains why Battle of the Mounds theme, featured as the musical background to this particular scene, is the most memorable of all. Unlike what it is being the case with the rest of Poledouris’s music, presented in the film, the movements of Battle of the Mounds theme match Conan’s act with perfect exactness. At the beginning of a scene, where Conan and his friends are being shown making preparations for the battle, the corresponding theme emanates the feeling of an anticipation – there is not that much of an actual music but largely the rhythmical drumbeat, supplemented by symphonic elements (01.46.19). Nevertheless, as soon as D oom Riders show up on the horizon, the symphonic overtones of a theme begin to sound progressively louder (01.48.30) – hence, signifying the sheer ferociousness of Thulsa Doom’s cavalry charge. The scene culminates when, after having waited for Doom’s horsemen to approach, Conan hits the closest rider in the belly with his axe (01.49.39), which is being immediately followed by a dramatic rise in the affiliative theme’s tone and pitch. It is needles to mention, of course, that while editing this particular scene, Milius succeeded rather spectacularly with conveying movie’s foremost message to the viewers: ‘All that matters is that few stood against many. That is important’ (01.49.03). And, the fact that in Conan the Barbarian Poledouris’s compositions provide a musical background to the action on the screen, had helped him enormously in this respect. Conclusions The earlier conducted analysis of what accounts for the significance of Poledouris’s music in Milius’s movie, allows us to come with the following set of conclusions, regarding the discussed subject matter: The foremost role that Poledouris’s musical score appears to play in Conan the Barbarian is being concerned with prompting viewers to assess the implication of a screen-action through the lenses of existential idealism – that is, by being exposed to this music, viewers are expected to eventually adopt Milius’s heroic life-philosophy as their own. Given clearly Wagnerian sounding and stylistic refinement of Poledouris’s music, we can safely assume that Milius had largely succeeded in that. In Conan the Barbarian, the function of Poledouris’s music is also being concerned with substantiating the psychological plausibility of characters’ behavior. Given the fact that the foremost aesthetic feature of film’s music is the sheer extent of its dramaticism, it comes as no surprise for the vi ewers that, throughout movie’s entirety, the character of Conan acts in essentially heroic manner. In Milius’s film, music is also being utilized to invoke a variety of unconscious anxieties, in regards to one’s physical appearance, deep within viewers’ psyche, which in its turn, prompts them to consciously subscribe to the idea that the notion of physical beauty/strength and the notion of intellectual integrity derive out of each other. Poledouris’s musical score, featured in Conan the Barbarian, makes it easier for the viewers to follow the unfolding of the plot, as it encourages them to think of plot’s developments as being dialectically predetermined. We believe that the conclusions, we have come up with, confirm the validity of paper’s initial hypothesis as to the fact that the utilization of thematically appropriate music in movies helps directors to increase these movies’ aesthetic appeal to the broader audiences, which in its turn, results in ensuring the concerned films’ commercial success. Reference List Conan the barbarian. video recording. 20th Century Fox. 1982. Giannetti, L, Understanding movies, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 2001. Gorbman, C, ‘Music as Salvation: Notes on Fellini and Rota’. Film Quarterly, vol. 28, no. 2, 1975, pp. 17-25. Paulus, I, ‘Williams versus Wagner or an attempt at linking musical epics’,  International Review of the Aesthetics and Sociology of Music, vol. 31, no. 2, 2000, pp. 153-184. Pecora, V, ’Nietzsche, genealogy, critical Theory’. New German Critique, no. 53, 1991, pp. 104-130. Saunders, D, Arnold: Schwarzenegger and the Movies, I.B. Tauris, London, 2009. Spottiswoode, R, A Grammar of the film: An analysis of film  technique, University of California Press, Berkeley, 1962. Footnotes L Giannetti, Understanding movies, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 2001, p. 209. D Saunders, Arnold: Schwarzenegger and the M ovies, I.B. Tauris, London, 2009, p. 51. I Paulus, ‘Williams versus Wagner or an attempt at linking musical epics’. International Review of the Aesthetics and Sociology of Music, vol. 31, no. 2, 2000, p. 158. Gianetti, p. 222. R Spottiswoode, A Grammar of the film: An analysis of film technique, University of California Press, Berkeley, 1962, p. 193. C Gorbman, ‘Music as Salvation: Notes on Fellini and Rota’. Film Quarterly, vol. 28, no. 2, 1975, p. 17. Gianetti, p. 223. V Pecora, ’Nietzsche, Genealogy, Critical Theory’. New German Critique, no. 53, 1991, p. 104.

Estimating a Trees Age Without Cutting the Tree

Estimating a Trees Age Without Cutting the Tree Foresters determine tree ages by counting the growth rings of a severed tree stump or by taking a core sample using an increment borer. Still, it is not always appropriate to use these invasive methods to age a tree. There is a noninvasive way to estimate tree age in common trees where they are grown in a forest environment. Growth Depends on Species Trees have different growth rates, depending on their species. A red maple  with a 10-inch diameter and competing with other forest-grown trees can easily be 45 years old while a neighboring red oak with the same diameter would only be approximately 40 years old. Trees, by species, are genetically coded to grow at about the same rate under similar conditions. A formula was previously developed and used by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)  to predict and determine a forestland  trees age. Running the calculations and comparing them to a species growth factor is regionally and species-specific, so these should be considered very rough calculations and can vary by region and site index. The ISA says that tree growth rates are affected tremendously by conditions such as water availability, climate, soil conditions, root stress, competition for light, and overall plant vigor. Further, the  growth rates of species within genera can vary significantly. So, only use this data as a very rough estimate of a trees age. Estimating a Tree's Age by Species Begin by determining the tree species and taking a diameter measurement (or convert circumference to a diameter measurement) using a tape measure at diameter breast height or 4.5 feet above stump level. If you are using circumference, you will need to make a calculation to determine the tree diameter: Diameter Circumference divided by 3.14 (pi). Then calculate the age of a tree by multiplying the trees diameter by its growth factor as determined by species (see list below). Here is the formula:  Diameter X Growth Factor Approximate Tree Age. Lets use a red maple to calculate age. A red maples growth factor has been determined to be 4.5 and you have determined that its diameter is 10 inches: 10 inch diameter X 4.5 growth factor 45 years. Remember that the growth factors  provided are more accurate when taken from  forest grown trees with competition. Growth Factors by Tree Species Red Maple Species - 4.5 Growth Factor X diameterSilver Maple Species - 3.0 Growth Factor X diameterSugar Maple Species - 5.0 Growth Factor X diameterRiver Birch Species - 3.5 Growth Factor X diameterWhite Birch Species - 5.0 Growth Factor X diameterShagbark Hickory Species - 7.5 Growth Factor X diameterGreen Ash Species - 4.0 Growth Factor X diameterBlack Walnut Species - 4.5 Growth Factor X diameterBlack Cherry Species - 5.0 Growth Factor X diameterRed Oak Species - 4.0 Growth Factor X diameterWhite Oak Species - 5.0 Growth Factor X diameterPin Oak Species - 3.0 Growth Factor X diameterBasswood Species - 3.0 Growth Factor X diameterAmerican Elm Species - 4.0 Growth Factor X diameterIronwood Species - 7.0 Growth Factor X diameterCottonwood Species - 2.0 Growth Factor X diameterRedbud Species - 7.0 Growth FactorDogwood Species - 7.0 Growth Factor X diameterAspen Species - 2.0 Growth Factor X diameter Considerations for Aging Street and Landscape Trees Because trees in a landscape or park are often pampered, protected, and sometimes older than forest-grown trees, it is more of an art to aging these trees without significant error. There are foresters and arborists with enough tree core and stump evaluations under their belts who can age a tree with a degree of accuracy. Its important to keep in mind that it is still impossible to do anything but estimate a tree age under these conditions. For younger street and landscape trees, pick a genus or species from above and reduce the Growth Rate Factor by half. For old to ancient trees, significantly increase the Growth Rate Factor.

Do present weaning methods contribute to the onset of stereotypical Dissertation

Do present weaning methods contribute to the onset of stereotypical behaviours in horses - Dissertation Example While all animal behaviour is extremely complex in nature, the causes of stereotypic behaviour in horses have been especially elusive. One suggested cause for these behaviours has been the changes and stressors a foal undergoes at the point of weaning the foal from the mother's milk (Waran et al., 2007). There are many stressors that affect a foal surrounding the experience of weaning. It is a logical extrapolation that these stressors may continue to affect the personality and behaviour of a horse into adulthood. Therefore, reducing the presence of these unwanted behaviours could be done by reducing the stress level of the weanling. There are multiple methods of weaning, all with their positive and negative points. Current suggested methods of weaning cover procedures from the very rapid and sudden to the very long-term (Householder, 2003). A clear layout of these methods is necessary to compare them and determine the least stressful option. 1.1 Hypothesis and Study Objectives The p urpose of this study is to determine the least stressful method of horse weaning, in order to ease weaning stress on horse behaviour and so reduce certain unwanted stereotypic behaviours To achieve this purpose, there are four objectives that must be met: 1. Determination of the behaviours of concern 2. Analysis of current weaning methods 3. Determination of factors involved in weaning stress, including the environment 4. Comparison of weaning methods and determination of least stressful Due to the correlation between the start of unwanted stereotypic behaviours and the process of weaning, the initial hypothesis is that these stereotypic behaviours are related to abrupt weaning methods, and that a more gradual method will produce lower levels of this behaviour. 1.2 Study Rationale Caring for and training of horses is made much more difficult if those horses are prone to stereotypic disruptive behaviour. One known cause for unwanted repetitive behaviour in performance horses is chron ically high stress, which affects the horse's overall health and it's temperament (King, 2006). While many stressors in a horse's life are on-going and can be relatively minor, weaning only happens once but may be extremely distressing, depending on the horse and the weaning method (Householder, 2003). However, early and efficient weaning, with the minimum of stress to the mare is important in breeding, as it means that the mare will be able to produce her next foal that much sooner (Stull, 1997). If the stress levels at the time of weaning could be lowered, it would be a large step toward happier and healthier horses. But until we know what method of weaning will cause the least stress and what the long-term effects of available methods on behaviour would be, changing methods may actually be more detrimental, as that would essentially be a shot in the dark as to effectiveness and safety. Therefore, this study proposes to determine that least stressful method of weaning, which could have the end result of lowering the horse's stress levels throughout its life. 2 Effects of Stress on Horses High levels of stress in horses can trigger a series of hormonal and physical effects in the body, known as the â€Å"

Prep 12 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Prep 12 - Essay Example In genetic variation, probability measures the possible gene variations that may occur in the future generation. In genetic drift process, rapid change in gene variation is readily noticeable in small reproductive isolated population. (Zimmer & Emlen, 2013). Smaller population is more affected by genetic drift due to less allele to balance out the effect of random changes. Small population also increases the likelihood of inbreeding that negatively affects the changes in allele frequencies over time, allowing recessive genes to be dominant over a small population hence causing the rapid genetic variation. For example, from the above experiment there is an explicit indication of abnormal frequency outcome from two flip coin results compared to a fifty flip coin results. Factors affecting Allele frequencies: various factors can cause the dominance of allele in a given population. These factors include genetic isolation that refers to the separation of potentially interbreeding animals. This condition reduces the chances of balancing allele frequency by facilitating the development of a less dominant allele into the future generation. Selective sexual selection affects the allele frequency where only particular phenotypes get selected by mates. The allele of the chosen ones increases in the frequency and those not chosen will decrease. For example in peacock, fancy feathers males are chosen to reproduce. Another factor is genetic drift that occurs in small populations. Chance, mating, or luck can dramatically change the frequency of alleles in the small gene pool. Buri experiment: He set up over 100 replicate populations of 16 Drosophilla flies and follows each population for many generations to measure variation in allele frequency. All of the population used in the experiment begun with 8 males and 8 females that were all heterozygous for an eye color mutation. Drosophila eye coloration for genotype was easily observed. He took 3 different genotypes which

What is the Divine Command Theory and How Might Socrates' Dilemma Be Essay

What is the Divine Command Theory and How Might Socrates' Dilemma Be Supposes to Undermine it - Essay Example In his dilemma, Socrates asks the following questions: Are God’s orders morally superior because they are ethically acceptable? On the other hand, are they ethically righteous because God commands them? It is in response to this question that the DCT comes across intricacy. A supporter of the divine command theory might assert that an act is ethically correct because God orders its existence. Conversely, the inference of this response is that if God commanded something different from what is the norm, doing so would be morally correct. Human beings would be required to act so because God ordered its occurrence. The setback to this response to Socrates’ question, then, is that God’s orders – the fundamentals of morality – result in becoming illogical, which then call for ethically reprehensible actions to become ethically obligatory. Socrates’ assertions, hence, eliminate the rational validity of God being obedient. In addition, the fact that God orders something because it is right and is palpable to Him in His infinite wisdom, evades the arbitrariness of the preceding alternative but introduces a new problem which brings us back to the start. If God commands something because it is right, accepting an argument that has deserted a religious concept of right and wrong is morally acceptable. All these propositions will lead an advocate of the divine command theory into an ethically uncomfortable field. Furthermore, delving into the ED, one could argue that it is a false dichotomy since mean and evil are not independent of each other. God’s ethical commands, then, would be ethically acceptable because God is the objective moral remedy by which everything is measured. Hence, he cannot do an arbitrary act. To clarify, God may even decide that...This view is one that binds morals and religion as one. This often provides a comfort zone for most people as it presents a solution to darned arguments on moral relativism and the detachment of ethics. This theory also asserts that morality is somehow reliant upon God and that moral accountability consists in deference to God’s commands. The clear content of these divine commands differs according to the religion and the precise views of an individual divine command theorist; all versions of the theory hold in common the claim that morality and ethical obligation depends on God in the end. The issue of the probable links between religion and morals is of interest to ethical theorists, as well as those of religion, but it also guides us to regard the function of beliefs in humanity and the nature of moral consideration. Given this, the arguments presented for and against DCT have both hypothetical and realistic significance. This paper starts by vividly defining DCT, looking into Socrates’ refutations of the theory, while also explaining how his dilemma might undermine the DCT and how the theory is still salvageable in spite of Socrates†™ critique. We finally end this with a clear conclusion that gives a summary of the discussion. Some of the renowned religious thinkers such as St. Thomas Aquinas discarded the divine command theory because of the mere rational dilemmas presented here.

Marketing Term Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Marketing Term - Research Paper Example Through engaging the consumer in a dialogue that promotes community and goodwill, there was no advertising campaigns until 2004, the company depending on word of mouth to promote its interests and gain a following. That following measures more than 4 million members, worldwide (Bloomberg). The marketing that has been engaged since 2004 has seen some turmoil with the perceived competitor, Weight Watchers, being directly confronted in a campaign, but the adversary fought back with a court injunction which ended that campaign. However, it might be concluded that Curves gained better publicity as being put in a position as a threat to Weight Watchers, so much so that they were directly confronted through legal action to shut down their advertising. This is a wise strategy, however, the company may soon face the same problems that Weight Watchers faces, which is as their targeted demographic ages out and the rising younger set sees them as a dinosaur of their mother’s age, combatin g a dated image will create an issue. Weight Watchers has confronted their problems through advertising that mimics the Jenny Craig advertising, using celebrities to promote their success through publicly visible weight loss on their programs. However, where Jenny Craig has used a middle aged set of celebrities, Weight Watchers used Jennifer Hudson to kick off their campaign, a decidedly younger star. This leaves curves facing the same problems as Weight Watchers in that through promoting a socialized setting, the age group becomes relevant to the attraction to the program. The following assessment will discuss the current and past methods of marketing that have been introduced for Curves. The background of the company will be given an overview in order to provide context in understanding the nature of the current standing of the company. An analysis of the marketing strategies and their results will be assessed for the successes and failures that have been experienced. A SWOT analy sis will then be conducted in order to provide an overview of the nature of the company in regard to how it will impact a marketing plan. The SWOT analysis will be addressed for the ways in which it can be utilized to address the future of the company. Finally, a summary of the marketing direction of Curves will be made with recommendations for addressing weaknesses and threats through exploiting the strengths and opportunities that are present. Background Curves International Fitness for Women has franchises in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia and Asia. The company has well over 6000 stores, with the rate of their expansion earning them a title in the Guinness Book of World Records (Heavin and Colman 2). The first store was opened in Harlingen, Texas, with the first franchise opening Paris, Texas in 1995 with all stores now being a franchised venue (Curves International Fitness for Women). The company was opened in 1992, and by 2003 had expanded to the 6000 stor e mark, placing them in the record book. Hoovers lists more than 10,000 company stores are in existence to date. Gary and Diane Heavin opened the stores with a specific demographic in mind. Gary Heavin had ten years of experience in the fitness industry before designing this model with a specific target demographic (Funding Universe). The intention was to address the needs of women through nutrition and efficient exercise that kept the sessions short, thus providing an easy

The effectiveness of training and development programmes in Essay

The effectiveness of training and development programmes in organisation - Essay Example Also included is a technique for calculating the Return on Investments for any training activity, ollowing the Phillips model. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Survey and/or Interview Questions are designed for trainees, their immediate supervisors, their subordinates and others who frequently observe their behaviour. A control group should be set up. A survey should be conducted before and after the course. The after course survey can be conducted in intervals of three, six and nine months after the

Bacterial transmission Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Bacterial transmission - Thesis Example Respiratory bacteria are mainly dispersed in the air through droplets of saliva and mucous produced when one coughs, sneezes, talks or laughs (Shrutz, 2003). According to Rutala et al. (2006), the microbes, which are freely present in the the air, can in most cases be evident on computer keyboards. In this case, their source is likely to be from human contagion. According to Ellis (2006), German researchers evaluated the ability of transmittable organisms to thrive on non-living surfaces. They realized that bacteria that are gram-positive can thrive on dry surfaces for a long time, with the inclusion of vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE), methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as well as Streptococcus pyogenes. The study further indicated that bacteria that are gram-negative bacteria thrive longer than the gram-positive ones. Kramer et al. (2006) stated that, a lot of the nosocomial pathogens could survive on surfaces for months. Further, with respect to the hospital environment, nasocomial pathogens are found to mainly infect the contact areas of hands (Ellis, 2006). These act as the medium for cross-transmission. This clearly shows the introduction of a constant transmission source if no standard measures for disinfection are taken. 1.1. Statement of the problem ... Be it in hospitals or any other public or private facility, the computer keyboard is being used every day to efficiently make service delivery more effective. Keyboards have been proven by researchers to be suitable fomites for bacteria to growth and thrive (Bergstrom, 2012; Hartman, 2004). This is due to the high level of contact increasing contamination, as well as their environment supporting the growth and development of the microbes. According to Anderson and Palombo (2009), research from Swisburne University technology in Australia showed that keyboards used by many people tend to be more contaminated by bacteria than personal ones. Furthermore, research by the University of Arizona as cited in Miller et al (2010) stated that an average PC has 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. This clearly shows how keyboards used in hospitals require measures to counter the effects of the pathogens via strategic and sustainable 1.1. Background information This survey assess ed the presence of nosocomial pathogens and their resistance to drugs. Numerous studies recent past have been initiated with regard to the role played by the healthcare environment in the transmission of diseases (Kramer et al, 2006). A cause behind the transmission has been attributed to the inanimate surfaces that have been clearly described as definitive sources for outbreaks of nosocomial infections (Kramer et al, 2006). According to Rutala et al (2006), Enterococcus species are among the various bacteria that have been proven to be found in the healthcare environment. It has been considered less probable for a patient to contract a Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) directly from an inanimate

The effectiveness of training and development programmes in Essay

The effectiveness of training and development programmes in organisation - Essay Example Also included is a technique for calculating the Return on Investments for any training activity, ollowing the Phillips model. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Survey and/or Interview Questions are designed for trainees, their immediate supervisors, their subordinates and others who frequently observe their behaviour. A control group should be set up. A survey should be conducted before and after the course. The after course survey can be conducted in intervals of three, six and nine months after the

SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) Essay

SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) - Essay Example He battered down government regulations and interference to make banking far more global than before, but he had to face immense criticism for raising voice for laissez-faire Capitalism. Some blamed Walter for bringing excessive loans to third world countries by contraindicating with government regulations for charging interest. According to his biographer Phillip Zweig: â€Å"he was a shy, insecure, and trembling personality† as a rising executive but he revolutionized the old systems in a magnificent way. Huey Peirce Long was the former governor of Louisiana and a Democrat politician, reputed as the champion of common people. He was remnant of Populist ideology and criticized Federal Reserve Bank intensely. He believed that its policies were responsible for Great Depression; so he launched Share Our Wealth Plan but failed to elaborate how he will institute it. He was known for extremist mannerism against his opponents, preoccupation with presidential ambitions and flamboyant lifestyle. Long was successful as Louisiana governor in 1928 elections by winning enough support by his enormous campaigns, criticizing corporate sector and depicting the wealthy as parasites. It is also to be noted that he worked more for his state Louisiana, compared to the nation (Brinkley, 1983). His life has enjoyed fascination in literature, movies, and music Just when he started gaining more fame, he was assassinated and this has left his story, headstrong, charismatic yet unaccomplished. William Allen White (1868- 1944); was an influential American journalist, â€Å"the Emporia Gazette† former editor, a liberal Republican politician and the leader of Progressive movement in Kansas. He emerged as the spokesperson for the Middle America in his time. White gained attention all over the country because of his undaunted editorials in the Emporia Gazette, against the

Traffic Camera Lights Should Be Installed Essay Example for Free

Traffic Camera Lights Should Be Installed Essay Red light running is a common problem in roads and intersections. According to the focus report from Texas House Representatives, injuries and fatalities from red light crashes had increased annually from 10,000 in the year 1975 to 24,000 in the year 2001 (Focus Report, p 1). In California, from the report of the National Advisory Board, there is an approximately 200,000 crashes where 150,000 are from injuries and more than 1,100 fatalities in the year 2001. (National Campaign to Stop Red Light, p. 1). In the years 1992 to 2000, the number of road accidents that had caused death at signalized intersections had increased by 19% nationwide where the red light running being the frequent cause. Half of the deaths were innocent pedestrians and occupants in vehicles that had been hit by these red light runners (National Campaign to Stop Red Light, p. 1).. Financially, California Highway Patrol estimates that the red light running fatality had caused $2,600,000 and other accidents costs between $2,000 and $183,000 (National Campaign to Stop Red Light, p. 1). In Texas, accidents are   estimated to be cost at between $1.4 Billion. Medical, Insurance and other related expenses falls at about $3 billion annually. Federal Highway Administration from the US Department of Transportation, red light runnin more than 100,000 crashes and approximately 1,000 deaths annually (Federal Highway Administration, page 1).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to address the problem of red light running, authorities had decided to use cameras. Traffic light cameras had been used in the United States in the 90’s. John Quain states that New York had been one of the first areas that had installed camera devices to catch law-breaking individuals (nytimes.com, 2008). Red light Cameras main goal is to make people obey traffic rules and minimize if not eliminate red light runner violators.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are three types of cameras that had been used by the police. These are the film camera, digital camera and video camera (National Campaign to Stop Red Light, p 13). The film camera has a limited amount of images to capture but has the highest image resolution among the other two types. The digital camera captures the picture and directs it to the computer. There is no need to get or retrieved the image from the site because the captured images go straight to the database of the operator. Lastly, video cameras are used to detect the speed and capture the images to detect the violators. The cameras have different features to sense the position of the car. This includes the video motion sensors, laser tracking and the sensors embedded in the road. When the car passes the stop line and the light has turned red, the camera captures a series of pictures of the infraction. This includes the license plate of the violator. From these pictures, the owner of the vehicle is issued a ticket. The ticket and the photographic evidence from the camera is then given to the owner via mail (nytimes.com, 2008). In addition to the mail, according to Seattle Post Intelligence, the owner is tasked to pay the fine in 18 days, if the owner was not the one driving he or she must ask for a hearing or an affidavit. If the driver had signed the affidavit the ticket is nulled. The tickets issued to the owner do not appear in the driving records (seattlepi.com, 2008).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are many benefits in installing the traffic light cameras. First benefit is to the police force. In the article from the National Campaign to Stop Red light runners, it had been stressed that the police force monitors the roads and intersections in order to ensure that there are no violators. If a particular scenario happens, the police is sometimes forced to chase the violator for the traffic ticket. This particular procedure does not only waste the time of the police but it also wastes gasoline. There have also been procedures that had assigned a particular group to monitor the roads. These situations waste time and effort of not only a single policeman but a group of policemen. Since the cameras had been installed, the police had more time to worry about other things aside from monitoring the traffic (National Campaign to Stop Red Light, p 11). In the year 1998, the International Association of Chiefs of Police had supported the red light cameras. The resolution had indicated that red light cameras are there â€Å"for more effective and efficient traffic law, in conjunction with normal enforcement efforts.† (National Campaign to Stop Red Light, p 11).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Second benefit is that the red light cameras had been able to reduce the red light violations by 40% at intersections with cameras and a 50% reduction at intersections without cameras (thenewspaper.com, 2008). The reduction of violations only shows that there the goals of the red light cameras had been met. Third benefit is the financial aspect from the type of crash accidents that had happened. According to the Federal Highway Administration in America, there is an approximate aggregate economic benefit of $39,000 per site per year. The $39,000 benefit came from the minimized right angle crashes and the increase in rear accident crashes. Even though there was an increase in the rear end crashes the economic computation of the crashes had resulted to a positive benefit for society. Another angle of economic benefit is that the camera systems pay for itself because of the red light running fines that has been generated. (Federation Highway Administration, page 84).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another benefit that the red light camera brings is that it had become a deterrent to bring behaviour change to motorists. (National Campaign to Stop Red Light, p 8). The behaviour change does not only include obeying traffic rules, it also includes respect for fellow drivers which had resulted to avoiding crashes, injuries and loss of life. Recent studies show that there have been   25 to 30 percent reduction in intersection injury crashes (National Campaign to Stop Red Light, p 8). In Seattle, the frequency of light running dropped. Studies revealed that there has been a reduction of at least 50 percent. The study shows that the cameras had reduced the frequency of car collisions. Seattle had made a one-year pilot period and the city had issued that there have been 16,539 citations. These citations had resulted to $1.1 million in penalties. More than 70% of the ticketed violators had paid for their fines (seattlepi.com, 2008). In London, red light and speed cameras had shown a reduction of 54% in red light violations. The 11,000 violations that had ben recorded in the last 6 months of the year 2000 had been decreased to 5,000 in the first six months of the year 2001. (Red Light Press Clippings, Page 1). The red light camera had been installed in different areas in the United States and it has also contributed a lot in the reduction of accidents and injuries in the road. Oxnard California had shown that there have been a reduction of injury crashes at intersections with traffic signals by 29 percent since 1997. This does not only include the intersections with camera. Fairfax, Virginia had experience a decline of 44% after a year of camera enforcement. Washington D.C. had shown a reduction of fatalities from16 percent to 2 percent in the first two years of installation. Charlotte, North Carolina had experienced 70 percent in the first year of camera enforcement. New York City, Maryland, and California also had shown a reduction of violations ever since the cameras had been installed. There are many issues that surround the installation of red light cameras. There have been studies that show that the installation of the cameras had resulted to an increase in the rear-end crashes of cars. The issue had been the timing of the yellow light and the fear of the people about the ticketing from the traffic enforcement offices. Another issue is that the enforcers may have adjusted the cameras so that there would be more people who would incur traffic violations to increase the fine collection. Some of the people view the installation of these cameras as an additional tax collection that the government is collecting from the people. The â€Å"Big Brother† issue had also been discussed, several people question their right to privacy. It had been noted that the use of the red light cameras violates the privacy of the people. (US House of Representatives, 2001) There may have been issues that are against the red light cameras however, the proponent of this paper believes that it is better to install traffic cameras in all the intersections. It is more important to be able to care for the safety of the people rather than think about the privacy and costs. Life costs more than anything else and it is the duty of the police to take care of the citizens of the country. People feel safer because they know that it is safe in the streets. Knowing that there are safeguards such as traffic camera lights in the roads helps people think that they are secure. The reduction of the violations of red light running had shown very promising results. It is not only easier for the police force to know the violators but it had also brought about the increase of security in the roads. Since people would not be able to escape their violations, the people are then disciplined and as a such this brings behavioural change from the drivers. Works Cited    Robinson, B.A. , â€Å"Same Sex Marriages (SSM), Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships†. Religous Tolerance, 30, Texas House of the Representatives. â€Å"Red-Light Cameras in Texas: A Status Reportâ€Å"   Focus Report. May 2001. House Research Organization. 10 February 2008. http://www.hro.house.state.tx.us/focus/redlight79-15.pdf Quain, J. â€Å"Lights, Camera, Traffic Ticket† Technology. 6 January 2008. New York Times. 10 February 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/automobiles/06LIGHT.html?ex=1357275600en=fedd158c6b011f9bei=5088partner=rssnytemc=rss Federal Highway Administration. â€Å"Safety Evaluation of Red-Light Cameras†. U.S. Department of Transportation. April 2005. Research and Development Technology Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center. 10 February 2008. http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/05048/05048.pdf National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running. â€Å"Stop on Red = Safe on Green†. 2002. National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running 10 February 2008. http://www.stopredlightrunning.com/pdfs/StopOnRedSafeOnGreen.pdf Galloway, Angela. â€Å"More red light cameras comingâ€Å" 2 January 2008. Seattle Post Intelligencer. 10 February 2008. http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/345753_redlight03.html BJS. â€Å"Red light cameras can reduce crash-related injuries† 20 April 2005. Science Blog. 10 Februar 2008. http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/node/7612/print Mobilizing the Region. â€Å"Facing Albany Roadblock, NYC must Fake Traffic Safety Program†. 24 November 2001. Tri-State Transportation Campaign. 10 February 2008.   http://www.tstc.org/bulletin/ City of Saskatoon. â€Å"Drive safe. Drive smart. Stop at red lights!â€Å" 2007. City of Saskatoon. 10 Februry 2008. http://saskatoon.ca/org/municipal_engineering/red_light_cameras/index.asp U.S. House of Representatives. â€Å"Red Light Camera Scam†. The Red Light Running Crisis May 2001. TheNewspaper.com 10 February 2007 http://www.thenewspaper.com/rlc/reports/rlcreport6.asp

Fermat’s Last Theorem Essay -- Pierre Fermat Math Mathematics Papers

Fermat’s Last Theorem The year is 1637. Pierre de Fermat sits in his library, huddled over a copy of Arithmetica written by the Greek mathematician Diaphantus in the third century A. D. Turning the page, Fermat comes across the Pythagorean equation: x 2 + y 2 = z 2. He leans back in his chair to think and wonders if this property is limited to the power of two only. He bends over the book again, scanning ahead through the pages to look for any clues. Suddenly, he begins writing intensely in the margin: â€Å"It is impossible for a cube to be written as a sum of two cubes, or for a fourth power to be written as the sum of two fourth powers or, in general, for any number which is a power greater than the second to be written as a sum of two like powers. I have a truly marvelous demonstration of this proposition which this margin is too narrow to contain.† These words, written so carelessly, were to survive to bewilder, frustrate and elude mathematicians of all kinds for centuries to come. This is the legend of Fermat’s Last Theorem. Pierre de Fermat was born in the town of Beaumont-de-Lomagne in southwestern France at the beginning of the seventeenth century in the year 1601. Being the son of a wealthy merchant, Fermat was able to gain a privileged education at monasteries and universities. The young man, however, never showed any particular strength in the subject of mathematics, choosing instead to pursue a career in the civil service of France. His elevated status in society allowed him to include the â€Å"de† in his surname. He suffered a serious attack of the plague during his adult life, severe enough to prompt friends to mistakenly pronounce him dead! Fermat never made math his career, but mathematics at th... ... Kolata, Gina. â€Å"How a gap in the Fermat proof was found.† The New York Times, 144 (January 1995): B5. Expanded Academic ASAP. Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT. 15 September 2002. Mackenzie, Dana. â€Å"Fermat’s Last Theorem Extended.† Science 285.5425 (July 1999): 178. Expanded Academic ASAP. Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT. 15 September 2002. Mozzochi, C. J. The Fermat Diary. American Mathematical Society, 2000. Ribenboim, Paulo. Fermat’s Last Theorem for Amateurs. New York: Springer, 1999. Singh, Simon. â€Å"Fermat’s Enigma: the Epic Quest to Solve the World’s Greatest Mathematical Problem.† New York: Walker, 1997. Van der Poorten, Alf. Notes on Fermat’s last theorem. New York: J. Wiley, 1996. Weisstein, Eric W. â€Å"Fermat, Pierre de.† Wolfram Research. http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/Fermat.html (14 September 2002.)

Similar Attitudes Toward Machinery, Language, and Substance in Wordswor

Similar Attitudes Toward Machinery, Language, and Substance in Wordsworth, Pope and Dryden William Wordsworth’s â€Å"Preface to Lyrical Ballads† is from the Romantic Period of British literature, while Alexander Pope’s â€Å"The Rape of the Lock† and John Dryden’s â€Å"Mac Flecknoe† are both from the Neoclassical Period; â€Å"The Rape of the Lock† is from the Augustan Age, while â€Å"Mac Flecknoe† is from the Restoration (â€Å"Literary†). Despite these discrepancies in the time periods that their respective works were produced, however, Wordsworth, Pope, and Dryden express similar attitudes toward machinery, language, and substance. Their works evidence their agreement that machinery is a destructive force of serial production and repetition; good poetic language should exclude such repetition and be original and substantial, and poetic images can be used to create substance out of a lack of substance. First, the texts of Wordsworth, Pope, and Dryden evidence their agreement that machinery is a destructive force of serial production and repetition. In â€Å"Preface to Lyrical Ballads,† Wordsworth writes, â€Å"However exalted a notion we would wish to cherish of the character of a Poet, it is obvious, that, while he describes and imitates passions, his situation is altogether slavish and mechanical, compared with the freedom and power of real and substantial action and suffering† (361). In this statement, Wordsworth expresses his view that an association with anything â€Å"mechanical,† or â€Å"[o]perated or produced by a mechanism or machine,† is not exalted and is unbecoming to a poet; machinery does not help produce freedom and substance (â€Å"Mechanical†). In â€Å"The Rape of the Lock,† Pope similarly demonstrates that machinery causes a lack of freedom and ... ...ntic Period, the three works agree on three ideas. They agree that machinery is a destructive force of serial production and repetition; good poetic language should exclude such repetition and be original and substantial, and poetic images can be used to create substance out of a lack of substance. Interestingly, their views are quite relevant to a British literature student who has to use her laptop computer to produce an original, substantial piece of writing from four blank sheets of paper. Works Cited â€Å"Literary Periods of British and American Literature.† The Literary Explorer. Renà ©e Goodvin. 15 Nov. 2004 . â€Å"Mechanical.† The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 2000 Fourth ed. Bartleby.com. 15 Nov. 2004 . (The Longman Anthology of British Literature 2nd Edition, Volumes 1c and 2a).

Rural Tourism

A BRIEF ANALYSIS ON THE STATUS OF RURAL TOURISM IN INDIA REFERENCE: GIMRM024 Table of Contents Abstract2 Initiatives6 Issues Faced8 Infrastructure10 Finance 11 Impact12 The Way Forward13 Bibligography14 ABSTRACT Tourism is one of the primary catalysts in generating sustainable livelihood in India. India’s vast rural diversity and heritage offers tremendous opportunity for rural tourism. The idea of rural tourism was born out of the need to provide first-hand experience of living in rural areas to the urban population and also as supplementary income for the local population. The Ministry of Tourism in its Outcome Budget for 2011-2012 has emphasized on the need of giving greater focus to rural tourism with the objective of creating employment, with specific emphasis on the upliftment of the status of women and to encourage local arts and handicraft. Rural tourism has the potential of carrying the additional burden of uplifting poverty and reducing migration towards urban areas. This research paper aims at studying the status of rural tourism in India, looking into some initiatives that have already been undertaken, both by the Ministry (The Choti Haldwani Project at the foothills of Nainital) and by organisations (NGO ViaDesh, Delhi and Himalayan Homestays, Ladakh) in different parts of India and the way forward. The paper concentrates on the following major areas: 1) Initiatives undertaken 2) Problems faced while trying to establish such initiatives 3) Infrastructure developed for this purpose ) The finances involved 5) The impact of such initiatives 6) Its co-relation with eco-tourism and agri-tourism 7) Future plans The government of India along with UN Development Programme (UNDP) has drafted policies and implemented some on the same lines by associating and granting funds to NGOs. Rural tourism will go a long way in realising some of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) laid out by the UNDP, to be achieved by 2015. â€Å"The air is soft and balmy. The wild flowers are in full bloom, and the butterfly is on the wing. The grasshopper is singing his ceaseless song, and the bees are humming a chorus thereto. † These are excerpts from Ruskin Bond’s novel â€Å"Mussoorie & Landour, Days of Wine and Roses†. Such is the beauty of the Indian landscape. Tourism in India is the biggest service industry contributing 6. 23% to GDP and providing a host of employment opportunities. With 5. 58 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in 2010 and a provisional number of 2. 92 million during the first half of 2011, the tourism industry is pegged to grow at a rate of 9. 4% annually over the next decade. It’s linkages with a myriad of sectors in the economy, like transport, construction, handicrafts, manufacturing, horticulture, agriculture, etc. , makes it a potential economy driver, while also becoming an effective tool for poverty alleviation and ensuring growth with equality. The focus, thus, is now on rural tourism, an avenue that provides immense possibilities and opportunities for inclusive growth and equality in rural India. The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have collaborated in an initiative named the Endogenous Tourism Project – Rural Tourism Scheme (ETP-RTS) on rural tourism. Initiated in 2003, the project identified 36 sites across India, where a number of pilot projects have been initiated to assess the impact of this kind of tourism in these areas. The principal objective of the project is to focus on sustainable livelihoods and at the same time aims at the convergence of issues such as gender equality, empowerment of women, youth and other disadvantaged sections and working towards cultural sensitivity and environmental sustainability. This paper will look into one such government initiative, Choti Haldwani, which is a community based tourism project. Apart from government initiatives, numerous NGOs have been involved in different forms of rural tourism, be it agri-tourism, treks, homestays, workshops with locals etc. In the NGO space, this paper cites the example of ViaDesh, a social enterprise, based out of Delhi that arranges expeditions and treks in Uttarakhand, the Himalayan Belt (Kargil, Leh, Ladakh etc) and Rajasthan. This paper also briefly looks at Himalayan Homestays, an initiative by the Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC), The Mountain Institute, local tour operators and villagers living in important snow leopard areas. Traditional tourism, concentrated in coastal and mountain resorts, urban and cultural centres, has proven that tourism can bring enormous benefits to the economy, society and environment of a certain area. However at the same time there is a realization that certain parts of the country have been left behind in development. Rural tourism could be the harbinger of change in such a scenario. In recent years demands for holidays in small villages and the countryside has increased significantly in many rural regions of the world. The challenge for rural tourism then is to focus on providing sustainable livelihoods in rural areas all while preserving the traditions, cultures and values that exist in these areas, instead of trying to â€Å"urbanise† the area. INITIATIVES Choti Haldwani Choti Haldwani, better known as Jim Corbett’s village, is located in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand. Bought by Corbett in the early 1900s, this was the last village he stayed in before migrating to Kenya after Independence, donating the land to the 40 families residing in Choti Haldwani at that time. The village has now grown in population with 138 families making Choti Haldwani their home, and earning their livelihood mainly from agriculture. In 2001, Choti Haldwani was one of the four villages chosen to implement a community-based tourism (CBT) project. The CBN (Corbett National Park, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nainital) Tourism Initiative was designed to develop a framework for conservation and tourism by making use participatory processes that seek to engage stakeholder groups for planning, to help develop a common vision, build ownership, and buy in from various stakeholder groups for plans and projects. Many consultations and deliberations later, the USP of the village was discovered. This led to the formation of the Corbett Heritage Trail (which included historical sites like Corbett’s house, the historical gun of Tejsingh and Moti’s House to name a few). ViaDesh ViaDesh (established in 2010) is a social enterprise based out of Delhi. Its philosophy is engrained in its name – ViaDesh literally translates to â€Å"by way of country†. Founded by Jamal Mohammad and aimed at promoting village life and providing sustainable livelihood options, Viadesh promotes itself as a unique holiday planner committed to giving a transformative experience to both the tourist and the host. ViaDesh works towards building partnerships with villagers, and forging relationships with them through community interaction. The expeditions and treks give the tourist a first-hand experience of rural living. They are exposed to the unique and rich village culture that every village brings with it. Villagers turn into guides, narrating stories from the village and sharing their own experiences with the tourists. Tourists also bear witness to the different folk songs and dances, gathering together with the village folk. Home-stays are arranged for tourists in some of the houses within the village itself. By doing this, ViaDesh ensures that the tourist is involved, from early morning, in every facet of village life. Starting from collection and preparation of fodder for animals to cooking food, to even plucking apples and apricots from plantations and planting herbs like oregano, tourists get hands-on experience of rural living. Rural locations offer an idealized release from stress and the opportunity to re-engage with a simpler, quieter way of life that offers rest and relaxation. Himalayan Homestays Himalayan Homestays is an Initiative by Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC), The Mountain Institute, local tour operators and villagers living in important snow leopard areas. The need for this initiative was felt due to the rising disparity between the rural and the urban communities due to the fact that the tourism boom in Ladakh offered little opportunities to the rural people. The rural community was also facing the problem of diminishing livestock population due to Snow leopards. Hence they offered tourism as a solution to promote conservation as well as to combat livestock loss. Villagers defined the Himalayan Homestays in the following way: â€Å"A traditional village based Ladakhi Homestay would share their traditional way of life and values with visitors provide traditional food, in an eco-friendly environment that requires little initial investment. (Source – Redefining Tourism: Experiences and Insights from Rural Tourism Projects in India) The project was implemented with various guidelines for selecting locations to setting minimal facilities such as a separate room for tourist to a toilet (with door). Also 10% of the money generated was to be divulged into the conservation fund for village activities. Initially, for setting up, they assessed the demand and preferences of the tourist by conducting a survey for the location choice, food and accommodation option as well. Interestingly, the choice was local food was rated highly. Capacity building measures such as training the youth as nature guides. To avoid hygiene issues, community members were trained on cooking and cuisine as well. The main aim of SLC was community empowerment and hence it was decided that the tourists would be shared on rotation basis. For the homestays, which were far off, and where the tourists were unwilling to go, they were trained for additional services such as Parachute cafes, Guides etc. ISSUES FACED Rural tourism as a whole is a sensitive issue to deal with since it deals with people and also their livelihoods. The rural people are skeptical about the kind of invasion that happens due to rural tourism. While implementing rural tourism many issues have cropped up. It is necessary to understand that the issues faced by the government are different from private and non-governmental entities. a)Finance: It deals with arranging as well as managing finances for any project. This aspect is prevalent in all initiatives from the government. Here the government has struggled to route funds flow whereas private players have found it difficult to arrange funds for the project. If the funds flow issues crops up at the beginning of the project then it becomes difficult to keep the local community engaged as they tend to lose interest as well as trust in the initiative. b)Pace of the Project: It is an important issue that needs to be addressed. It has been observed that private entities have tried to build upon strong finances. This has resulted in very little time for institutions as well as the local community to reflect on their performance and also absorb this transition. In a fast paced project, the players fail to understand that this is a sensitive issue where resources and money are of equal importance. The pace of project should be best decided by the local communities involved as it would be help them adapt to their role. c)Partner Agencies: This issue is predominantly associated with the government where the implementing agencies differ in vision and also their work ethics. The government needs to understand that different agencies behave differently and hence the outcome of the projects would also vary. )Local Community: The basic motto of this project was to eradicate poverty and envisage an empowerment campaign. Many a time it has been observed that the richer community in the village gets all the control while the poorer sections takes a backseat, as they are deprived of minimum requirements for a tourist such as separate homestays or even proper education. Here the government needs to ensure that these people are involved in group activiti es where they could learn and also contribute. Also, conscious measures should be taken to incorporate the marginalized communities into the success story. Government as well as private players should make sure that inclusive growth takes place and hence the beneficiary is the entire village and not select individuals. e)Hygiene: Hygiene is an issue which has made foreign as well as domestic tourists hesitate in turning an eye to rural tourism. Basic facilities such as bathroom and sanitation have been a cause of concern for tourists. The players should make sure that proper training should be given to handle these things so that the village does not lose out. )Issues from Tourists: Tourists, many a time, tend to compare rural tourism with general tourist spots and hence get bogged down by the results. Tourists are not able to connect with the rural theme which results in loss of interest. Also, sometimes issues like food and lifestyle tend to be a hindrance in the project. Sometimes, the traditional and cultural beliefs of the rural people prevent them from catering to the needs of the tourists. g)Cultural and Environmental Pollution: Tourism is a phenomenon which also brings with itself the ill effects. If not implemented properly, it can lead to destruction of the very basic cause of rural tourism i. e. the cultural heritage. Also, with hordes of tourists pouring in, the environment is at risk. Moreover, sometimes there should be strict control at some places because there are traditions and cultural beliefs of people that will prevent them from catering to all that the tourists may require and even the tourist would know that this is what he can expect in a village and accordingly will prepare them before coming to that village. The major issue faced by the Choti Haldwani community was visibility. It gets lost in the mad rush of tourists from Corbett to Nainital. With the Himalayan Homestays initiative gaining popularity, many other institutions have also tried to tap into the market. But in the process, the focus has shifted from community development to profit making. It also did not consider the capacity of the community, hence impacting the social structure. Also, the influx of many tourists eventually led to negative influence on the environment. With the difficult terrain, many of the homestays would not get sufficient number of tourists. This led to disparity between the villagers. INFRASTRUCTURE A key aspect in setting up different facilities was the formation of the Corbett Gram Vikas Samiti that coordinated with the project team (mainly from Forest Department and consultants) and took up implementation of work at the village. This ensured that the inhabitants of the village had a say in the development of the village as a tourist site. Proper footpaths were organised, information signboards were set up, an entry gate set up and renovations at the various heritage sites carried out. To support the Heritage Trail, the following activities were carried out 1)Training of guides: Interested people were asked to register for training as guides, but since not many tourists opted for the walk, the number of guides is dwindling, but there still is hope with a number of women interested in undergoing training as guides. 2)Identifying homestays: Presently only two families provide homestays. Although the concept of homestays is fast catching up with the community, the facilities within the homes is a hurdle, as these houses are installed with the traditional Indian toilets. Unlike ViaDesh, new houses are thus being built with better facilities for the tourist. Homestays rents and dining are very nominal at the rate of Rs 250/- a day with Rs. 60/- per person for 3 meals. 3)Establishing a souvenir shop: The Moti Souvenir Shop, run by the village committee, ran into trouble initially with very little funds and limited knowledge on how to run and what to sell at the shop. Eventually, with the aid of the committee, Haldi (turmeric) was bought from a lady, which was powdered and sold at the shop. The profits are given out to the lady, which has resulted in other items like pulses and spices being sold at the shop. Also, with the help of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), three self-help ladies groups were started, who supply products like jam, jellies and pickles to the shops. In addition to this, handmade hankies , scarves, bed sheets, dupattas and sweaters from Ranikhet were sold at the shop. 4)Information kiosks: In a small section of the souvenir shop, a computer with internet connection has been set up, with a trained person manning it. Although introduced for the tourists, this has benefitted children more, as they are provided computer education with a fee of Rs. 200/-. ViaDesh’s policy is simple – no construction of new structures and the promotion of indigenous lifestyle. In an attempt to preserve the natural environment of the village and to inhibit urbanization of villages, ViaDesh, in partnership with the villagers, arrange for homestays within the village. One room in selected houses is refurbished to cater to the tourist lifestyle, which is taken care of by the residents. ViaDesh has installed eastern-style toilets in all homestays to give tourists the actual feel of rural life. Apart from this, hosts are trained about hygiene and cleanliness standards that need to be adopted. They are also trained to follow hygiene while cutting vegetables and preparing food. ViaDesh has tried to work around the available resources and provide a comfortable experience for the tourist. As such physical infrastructure was not built for the Himalayan Homestays project unlike mud houses in other places. The trust had decided on tourists sharing the rooms with the villagers. Hence, there was a need for virtual infrastructure to attract tourists and spread awareness. The trust tied up with local operators to market Himalayan homestays. It was a conscious effort that the local operators chosen would think as well as work in parallel towards the community. This move also helped in briefing the tourists about the norms to avoid confrontation at the later stages. The trust also developed a website to tap the tourist seeking a similar experience on the internet. To tap walk-in clients, the trust had designed posters and maps as well. It was decided that 10% of the fund would be shared with the conservation fund. Conservation fund was used for various community works such as preserving wildlife, tree plantation etc. FINANCE ViaDesh, being a fledgling organisation, is a self-financed enterprise. Initial investment for setting up rooms, toilets etc. was made by Jamal. Participants' project donations also help to ensure that funds are available throughout the year to maintain the work done by the teams. These funds are either channelled through ViaDesh’s own charity, Sustainable Tourism Trust, or partner charities. ViaDesh donates 10% of its profits from travel to community development projects in host areas, with a focus on health and education. The investment involved at Himalayan Homestays was only Rs. 500/- for one home as the people would be thoroughly trained in various aspects of tourism (as guides and drivers). Also, the tour operator charged Rs. 50/- for spreading awareness about the homestays. The villagers would get Rs. 300/- per tourist per night, which would be directly paid to the homestay provider, to avoid clashes with agents or guides. IMPACT The Choti Haldwani project has managed t o keep alive the history and legacy of Corbett. For the tourists visiting the National Park, Choti Haldwani adds another dimension to understanding Corbett. Even though the benefits (economics of it) are limited the motivation is very high. The interest & enthusiasm shown, the coming and working together of the community in a cohesive manner is another critical aspect of this initiative which is a significant reason why the community has been able to sustain this engagement. New jobs and supplementary sources of income have been created, with more opportunities in the offing. There has also been active participation from women in the SHGs that were formed in collaboration with WWF. While ViaDesh is still trying to evaluate its impact on villages, the potential impact of this venture and such ventures like this are enormous. It gives the locals an alternate source of income, from homestays, guides, drivers, porters and trekking activities. This in turn prevents the migration (which is rampant in rural areas for lack of better opportunities) of people to cities. ViaDesh ensures that the money earned from homestays etc. is given to the female member of the household, thus promoting woman empowerment. ViaDesh aims for these communities to build their capacity to make things, from handicrafts to eatables like jams, and for them to be able to sell such quality items in the city market. Initiatives like this also squash the myth that rural community is not open to change. With tourists coming in and staying with the locals, there is mutual benefit from such initiatives. It’s a mutually enriching experience. ViaDesh also aims at setting up quality education and health centres within the area from the funds set aside from profit for such a purpose. Himalayan Homestays has had a positive impact on the villagers. The additional income from the homestays was helpful in buying ration in lean season and even sending children to the school. It also helped villagers in protecting their livestock and build predator-proof pens. The income gave much deprived decision power to the women community of the villages. The tourism activity increased local participation with the fact that many parachute cafes and local businesses propped up. The flow of tourists also instilled a sense of pride in the local people for their culture and lifestyle. In a way, this activity also helped preserve Ladhaki culture as people can now take pride in displaying the distinct Ladhaki decor and cuisine. The community on a whole has had an increased awareness of hygiene. The tourism activity also helped in checking migration of youth towards city. Homestays helped in the overall personality development of the villagers as the interaction with foreign tourists increased. Some of the added benefits for the villagers were the utilization of conservation fund, adoption of waste management practices and tree plantation activities. A change of attitude was seen in the villagers towards the snow leopards as they are now the attractions for the tourists to visit this place. The homestay experience for the tourists helped in learning about Ladakhi cultures through nature treks and its cuisines. THE WAY FORWARD The way ahead for the Samiti at Choti Haldwani is now to work and continue development on the initiatives already undertaken, and also start new programmes like organic farming and bullock cart rides to further expand and provide different sustainable employment opportunities for the locals. ViaDesh intends to move further into different villages and start similar projects like the ones already established. At the same time, ViaDesh aims at phasing its operations out of the existing locations, thus making these villages self-sustainable, with a well-established education and health system running. The idea of converting a livelihood problem into tourism initiative has worked well for the community based around the Himalayan Homestays initiative. Also, this project shows how rural tourism is related to eco-tourism and agri-tourism. This project has helped the community in its economic upliftment through measures such as these, while keeping the local culture intact. This project has also helped in protecting snow leopards and generating an alternative source of income through it. It shows how a balance can be maintained between tourism and ecology. Rural tourism has immense potential in the overall development of the economy, while preserving the rural structure, cultures and keeping traditions intact. Government initiatives should constantly monitor the progress of the projects that have already been initiated, continuously identifying bottlenecks and obstacles, to ensure the smooth functioning of such initiatives. Rural Tourism can help achieve some of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that aims at ending poverty by 2015. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1)Redefining Tourism – Experiences and Insights from Rural Tourism Projects in India ( © Ministry of Tourism, Government of India / UNDP India 2008) 2)www. viadesh. com 3)www. himalayan-homestays. com 4)Performance of Tourism Sector during July 2011, Ministry of Tourism 5)Annual Report 2011 Ministry of Tourism 6)Equations Annual Report, 2009-2010 Rural Tourism A BRIEF ANALYSIS ON THE STATUS OF RURAL TOURISM IN INDIA REFERENCE: GIMRM024 Table of Contents Abstract2 Initiatives6 Issues Faced8 Infrastructure10 Finance 11 Impact12 The Way Forward13 Bibligography14 ABSTRACT Tourism is one of the primary catalysts in generating sustainable livelihood in India. India’s vast rural diversity and heritage offers tremendous opportunity for rural tourism. The idea of rural tourism was born out of the need to provide first-hand experience of living in rural areas to the urban population and also as supplementary income for the local population. The Ministry of Tourism in its Outcome Budget for 2011-2012 has emphasized on the need of giving greater focus to rural tourism with the objective of creating employment, with specific emphasis on the upliftment of the status of women and to encourage local arts and handicraft. Rural tourism has the potential of carrying the additional burden of uplifting poverty and reducing migration towards urban areas. This research paper aims at studying the status of rural tourism in India, looking into some initiatives that have already been undertaken, both by the Ministry (The Choti Haldwani Project at the foothills of Nainital) and by organisations (NGO ViaDesh, Delhi and Himalayan Homestays, Ladakh) in different parts of India and the way forward. The paper concentrates on the following major areas: 1) Initiatives undertaken 2) Problems faced while trying to establish such initiatives 3) Infrastructure developed for this purpose ) The finances involved 5) The impact of such initiatives 6) Its co-relation with eco-tourism and agri-tourism 7) Future plans The government of India along with UN Development Programme (UNDP) has drafted policies and implemented some on the same lines by associating and granting funds to NGOs. Rural tourism will go a long way in realising some of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) laid out by the UNDP, to be achieved by 2015. â€Å"The air is soft and balmy. The wild flowers are in full bloom, and the butterfly is on the wing. The grasshopper is singing his ceaseless song, and the bees are humming a chorus thereto. † These are excerpts from Ruskin Bond’s novel â€Å"Mussoorie & Landour, Days of Wine and Roses†. Such is the beauty of the Indian landscape. Tourism in India is the biggest service industry contributing 6. 23% to GDP and providing a host of employment opportunities. With 5. 58 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in 2010 and a provisional number of 2. 92 million during the first half of 2011, the tourism industry is pegged to grow at a rate of 9. 4% annually over the next decade. It’s linkages with a myriad of sectors in the economy, like transport, construction, handicrafts, manufacturing, horticulture, agriculture, etc. , makes it a potential economy driver, while also becoming an effective tool for poverty alleviation and ensuring growth with equality. The focus, thus, is now on rural tourism, an avenue that provides immense possibilities and opportunities for inclusive growth and equality in rural India. The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have collaborated in an initiative named the Endogenous Tourism Project – Rural Tourism Scheme (ETP-RTS) on rural tourism. Initiated in 2003, the project identified 36 sites across India, where a number of pilot projects have been initiated to assess the impact of this kind of tourism in these areas. The principal objective of the project is to focus on sustainable livelihoods and at the same time aims at the convergence of issues such as gender equality, empowerment of women, youth and other disadvantaged sections and working towards cultural sensitivity and environmental sustainability. This paper will look into one such government initiative, Choti Haldwani, which is a community based tourism project. Apart from government initiatives, numerous NGOs have been involved in different forms of rural tourism, be it agri-tourism, treks, homestays, workshops with locals etc. In the NGO space, this paper cites the example of ViaDesh, a social enterprise, based out of Delhi that arranges expeditions and treks in Uttarakhand, the Himalayan Belt (Kargil, Leh, Ladakh etc) and Rajasthan. This paper also briefly looks at Himalayan Homestays, an initiative by the Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC), The Mountain Institute, local tour operators and villagers living in important snow leopard areas. Traditional tourism, concentrated in coastal and mountain resorts, urban and cultural centres, has proven that tourism can bring enormous benefits to the economy, society and environment of a certain area. However at the same time there is a realization that certain parts of the country have been left behind in development. Rural tourism could be the harbinger of change in such a scenario. In recent years demands for holidays in small villages and the countryside has increased significantly in many rural regions of the world. The challenge for rural tourism then is to focus on providing sustainable livelihoods in rural areas all while preserving the traditions, cultures and values that exist in these areas, instead of trying to â€Å"urbanise† the area. INITIATIVES Choti Haldwani Choti Haldwani, better known as Jim Corbett’s village, is located in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand. Bought by Corbett in the early 1900s, this was the last village he stayed in before migrating to Kenya after Independence, donating the land to the 40 families residing in Choti Haldwani at that time. The village has now grown in population with 138 families making Choti Haldwani their home, and earning their livelihood mainly from agriculture. In 2001, Choti Haldwani was one of the four villages chosen to implement a community-based tourism (CBT) project. The CBN (Corbett National Park, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nainital) Tourism Initiative was designed to develop a framework for conservation and tourism by making use participatory processes that seek to engage stakeholder groups for planning, to help develop a common vision, build ownership, and buy in from various stakeholder groups for plans and projects. Many consultations and deliberations later, the USP of the village was discovered. This led to the formation of the Corbett Heritage Trail (which included historical sites like Corbett’s house, the historical gun of Tejsingh and Moti’s House to name a few). ViaDesh ViaDesh (established in 2010) is a social enterprise based out of Delhi. Its philosophy is engrained in its name – ViaDesh literally translates to â€Å"by way of country†. Founded by Jamal Mohammad and aimed at promoting village life and providing sustainable livelihood options, Viadesh promotes itself as a unique holiday planner committed to giving a transformative experience to both the tourist and the host. ViaDesh works towards building partnerships with villagers, and forging relationships with them through community interaction. The expeditions and treks give the tourist a first-hand experience of rural living. They are exposed to the unique and rich village culture that every village brings with it. Villagers turn into guides, narrating stories from the village and sharing their own experiences with the tourists. Tourists also bear witness to the different folk songs and dances, gathering together with the village folk. Home-stays are arranged for tourists in some of the houses within the village itself. By doing this, ViaDesh ensures that the tourist is involved, from early morning, in every facet of village life. Starting from collection and preparation of fodder for animals to cooking food, to even plucking apples and apricots from plantations and planting herbs like oregano, tourists get hands-on experience of rural living. Rural locations offer an idealized release from stress and the opportunity to re-engage with a simpler, quieter way of life that offers rest and relaxation. Himalayan Homestays Himalayan Homestays is an Initiative by Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC), The Mountain Institute, local tour operators and villagers living in important snow leopard areas. The need for this initiative was felt due to the rising disparity between the rural and the urban communities due to the fact that the tourism boom in Ladakh offered little opportunities to the rural people. The rural community was also facing the problem of diminishing livestock population due to Snow leopards. Hence they offered tourism as a solution to promote conservation as well as to combat livestock loss. Villagers defined the Himalayan Homestays in the following way: â€Å"A traditional village based Ladakhi Homestay would share their traditional way of life and values with visitors provide traditional food, in an eco-friendly environment that requires little initial investment. (Source – Redefining Tourism: Experiences and Insights from Rural Tourism Projects in India) The project was implemented with various guidelines for selecting locations to setting minimal facilities such as a separate room for tourist to a toilet (with door). Also 10% of the money generated was to be divulged into the conservation fund for village activities. Initially, for setting up, they assessed the demand and preferences of the tourist by conducting a survey for the location choice, food and accommodation option as well. Interestingly, the choice was local food was rated highly. Capacity building measures such as training the youth as nature guides. To avoid hygiene issues, community members were trained on cooking and cuisine as well. The main aim of SLC was community empowerment and hence it was decided that the tourists would be shared on rotation basis. For the homestays, which were far off, and where the tourists were unwilling to go, they were trained for additional services such as Parachute cafes, Guides etc. ISSUES FACED Rural tourism as a whole is a sensitive issue to deal with since it deals with people and also their livelihoods. The rural people are skeptical about the kind of invasion that happens due to rural tourism. While implementing rural tourism many issues have cropped up. It is necessary to understand that the issues faced by the government are different from private and non-governmental entities. a)Finance: It deals with arranging as well as managing finances for any project. This aspect is prevalent in all initiatives from the government. Here the government has struggled to route funds flow whereas private players have found it difficult to arrange funds for the project. If the funds flow issues crops up at the beginning of the project then it becomes difficult to keep the local community engaged as they tend to lose interest as well as trust in the initiative. b)Pace of the Project: It is an important issue that needs to be addressed. It has been observed that private entities have tried to build upon strong finances. This has resulted in very little time for institutions as well as the local community to reflect on their performance and also absorb this transition. In a fast paced project, the players fail to understand that this is a sensitive issue where resources and money are of equal importance. The pace of project should be best decided by the local communities involved as it would be help them adapt to their role. c)Partner Agencies: This issue is predominantly associated with the government where the implementing agencies differ in vision and also their work ethics. The government needs to understand that different agencies behave differently and hence the outcome of the projects would also vary. )Local Community: The basic motto of this project was to eradicate poverty and envisage an empowerment campaign. Many a time it has been observed that the richer community in the village gets all the control while the poorer sections takes a backseat, as they are deprived of minimum requirements for a tourist such as separate homestays or even proper education. Here the government needs to ensure that these people are involved in group activiti es where they could learn and also contribute. Also, conscious measures should be taken to incorporate the marginalized communities into the success story. Government as well as private players should make sure that inclusive growth takes place and hence the beneficiary is the entire village and not select individuals. e)Hygiene: Hygiene is an issue which has made foreign as well as domestic tourists hesitate in turning an eye to rural tourism. Basic facilities such as bathroom and sanitation have been a cause of concern for tourists. The players should make sure that proper training should be given to handle these things so that the village does not lose out. )Issues from Tourists: Tourists, many a time, tend to compare rural tourism with general tourist spots and hence get bogged down by the results. Tourists are not able to connect with the rural theme which results in loss of interest. Also, sometimes issues like food and lifestyle tend to be a hindrance in the project. Sometimes, the traditional and cultural beliefs of the rural people prevent them from catering to the needs of the tourists. g)Cultural and Environmental Pollution: Tourism is a phenomenon which also brings with itself the ill effects. If not implemented properly, it can lead to destruction of the very basic cause of rural tourism i. e. the cultural heritage. Also, with hordes of tourists pouring in, the environment is at risk. Moreover, sometimes there should be strict control at some places because there are traditions and cultural beliefs of people that will prevent them from catering to all that the tourists may require and even the tourist would know that this is what he can expect in a village and accordingly will prepare them before coming to that village. The major issue faced by the Choti Haldwani community was visibility. It gets lost in the mad rush of tourists from Corbett to Nainital. With the Himalayan Homestays initiative gaining popularity, many other institutions have also tried to tap into the market. But in the process, the focus has shifted from community development to profit making. It also did not consider the capacity of the community, hence impacting the social structure. Also, the influx of many tourists eventually led to negative influence on the environment. With the difficult terrain, many of the homestays would not get sufficient number of tourists. This led to disparity between the villagers. INFRASTRUCTURE A key aspect in setting up different facilities was the formation of the Corbett Gram Vikas Samiti that coordinated with the project team (mainly from Forest Department and consultants) and took up implementation of work at the village. This ensured that the inhabitants of the village had a say in the development of the village as a tourist site. Proper footpaths were organised, information signboards were set up, an entry gate set up and renovations at the various heritage sites carried out. To support the Heritage Trail, the following activities were carried out 1)Training of guides: Interested people were asked to register for training as guides, but since not many tourists opted for the walk, the number of guides is dwindling, but there still is hope with a number of women interested in undergoing training as guides. 2)Identifying homestays: Presently only two families provide homestays. Although the concept of homestays is fast catching up with the community, the facilities within the homes is a hurdle, as these houses are installed with the traditional Indian toilets. Unlike ViaDesh, new houses are thus being built with better facilities for the tourist. Homestays rents and dining are very nominal at the rate of Rs 250/- a day with Rs. 60/- per person for 3 meals. 3)Establishing a souvenir shop: The Moti Souvenir Shop, run by the village committee, ran into trouble initially with very little funds and limited knowledge on how to run and what to sell at the shop. Eventually, with the aid of the committee, Haldi (turmeric) was bought from a lady, which was powdered and sold at the shop. The profits are given out to the lady, which has resulted in other items like pulses and spices being sold at the shop. Also, with the help of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), three self-help ladies groups were started, who supply products like jam, jellies and pickles to the shops. In addition to this, handmade hankies , scarves, bed sheets, dupattas and sweaters from Ranikhet were sold at the shop. 4)Information kiosks: In a small section of the souvenir shop, a computer with internet connection has been set up, with a trained person manning it. Although introduced for the tourists, this has benefitted children more, as they are provided computer education with a fee of Rs. 200/-. ViaDesh’s policy is simple – no construction of new structures and the promotion of indigenous lifestyle. In an attempt to preserve the natural environment of the village and to inhibit urbanization of villages, ViaDesh, in partnership with the villagers, arrange for homestays within the village. One room in selected houses is refurbished to cater to the tourist lifestyle, which is taken care of by the residents. ViaDesh has installed eastern-style toilets in all homestays to give tourists the actual feel of rural life. Apart from this, hosts are trained about hygiene and cleanliness standards that need to be adopted. They are also trained to follow hygiene while cutting vegetables and preparing food. ViaDesh has tried to work around the available resources and provide a comfortable experience for the tourist. As such physical infrastructure was not built for the Himalayan Homestays project unlike mud houses in other places. The trust had decided on tourists sharing the rooms with the villagers. Hence, there was a need for virtual infrastructure to attract tourists and spread awareness. The trust tied up with local operators to market Himalayan homestays. It was a conscious effort that the local operators chosen would think as well as work in parallel towards the community. This move also helped in briefing the tourists about the norms to avoid confrontation at the later stages. The trust also developed a website to tap the tourist seeking a similar experience on the internet. To tap walk-in clients, the trust had designed posters and maps as well. It was decided that 10% of the fund would be shared with the conservation fund. Conservation fund was used for various community works such as preserving wildlife, tree plantation etc. FINANCE ViaDesh, being a fledgling organisation, is a self-financed enterprise. Initial investment for setting up rooms, toilets etc. was made by Jamal. Participants' project donations also help to ensure that funds are available throughout the year to maintain the work done by the teams. These funds are either channelled through ViaDesh’s own charity, Sustainable Tourism Trust, or partner charities. ViaDesh donates 10% of its profits from travel to community development projects in host areas, with a focus on health and education. The investment involved at Himalayan Homestays was only Rs. 500/- for one home as the people would be thoroughly trained in various aspects of tourism (as guides and drivers). Also, the tour operator charged Rs. 50/- for spreading awareness about the homestays. The villagers would get Rs. 300/- per tourist per night, which would be directly paid to the homestay provider, to avoid clashes with agents or guides. IMPACT The Choti Haldwani project has managed t o keep alive the history and legacy of Corbett. For the tourists visiting the National Park, Choti Haldwani adds another dimension to understanding Corbett. Even though the benefits (economics of it) are limited the motivation is very high. The interest & enthusiasm shown, the coming and working together of the community in a cohesive manner is another critical aspect of this initiative which is a significant reason why the community has been able to sustain this engagement. New jobs and supplementary sources of income have been created, with more opportunities in the offing. There has also been active participation from women in the SHGs that were formed in collaboration with WWF. While ViaDesh is still trying to evaluate its impact on villages, the potential impact of this venture and such ventures like this are enormous. It gives the locals an alternate source of income, from homestays, guides, drivers, porters and trekking activities. This in turn prevents the migration (which is rampant in rural areas for lack of better opportunities) of people to cities. ViaDesh ensures that the money earned from homestays etc. is given to the female member of the household, thus promoting woman empowerment. ViaDesh aims for these communities to build their capacity to make things, from handicrafts to eatables like jams, and for them to be able to sell such quality items in the city market. Initiatives like this also squash the myth that rural community is not open to change. With tourists coming in and staying with the locals, there is mutual benefit from such initiatives. It’s a mutually enriching experience. ViaDesh also aims at setting up quality education and health centres within the area from the funds set aside from profit for such a purpose. Himalayan Homestays has had a positive impact on the villagers. The additional income from the homestays was helpful in buying ration in lean season and even sending children to the school. It also helped villagers in protecting their livestock and build predator-proof pens. The income gave much deprived decision power to the women community of the villages. The tourism activity increased local participation with the fact that many parachute cafes and local businesses propped up. The flow of tourists also instilled a sense of pride in the local people for their culture and lifestyle. In a way, this activity also helped preserve Ladhaki culture as people can now take pride in displaying the distinct Ladhaki decor and cuisine. The community on a whole has had an increased awareness of hygiene. The tourism activity also helped in checking migration of youth towards city. Homestays helped in the overall personality development of the villagers as the interaction with foreign tourists increased. Some of the added benefits for the villagers were the utilization of conservation fund, adoption of waste management practices and tree plantation activities. A change of attitude was seen in the villagers towards the snow leopards as they are now the attractions for the tourists to visit this place. The homestay experience for the tourists helped in learning about Ladakhi cultures through nature treks and its cuisines. THE WAY FORWARD The way ahead for the Samiti at Choti Haldwani is now to work and continue development on the initiatives already undertaken, and also start new programmes like organic farming and bullock cart rides to further expand and provide different sustainable employment opportunities for the locals. ViaDesh intends to move further into different villages and start similar projects like the ones already established. At the same time, ViaDesh aims at phasing its operations out of the existing locations, thus making these villages self-sustainable, with a well-established education and health system running. The idea of converting a livelihood problem into tourism initiative has worked well for the community based around the Himalayan Homestays initiative. Also, this project shows how rural tourism is related to eco-tourism and agri-tourism. This project has helped the community in its economic upliftment through measures such as these, while keeping the local culture intact. This project has also helped in protecting snow leopards and generating an alternative source of income through it. It shows how a balance can be maintained between tourism and ecology. Rural tourism has immense potential in the overall development of the economy, while preserving the rural structure, cultures and keeping traditions intact. Government initiatives should constantly monitor the progress of the projects that have already been initiated, continuously identifying bottlenecks and obstacles, to ensure the smooth functioning of such initiatives. Rural Tourism can help achieve some of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that aims at ending poverty by 2015. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1)Redefining Tourism – Experiences and Insights from Rural Tourism Projects in India ( © Ministry of Tourism, Government of India / UNDP India 2008) 2)www. viadesh. com 3)www. himalayan-homestays. com 4)Performance of Tourism Sector during July 2011, Ministry of Tourism 5)Annual Report 2011 Ministry of Tourism 6)Equations Annual Report, 2009-2010