Introduction to international relations class, summary related to Essay

Introduction to international relations class, summary related to course on Path to War - Essay Example However, Path to War did not only highlight the personal dilemmas that the president had to deal with during the Vietnam debacle. The movie also exposed the two lines of thought and the corresponding approaches in international relations during the time of the Cold War. In fact, many of the scenes of the debates that took place the Johnson administration’s cabinet meetings focus on these concerns. The ‘domino theory’ was a very influential concept among the politicians at that time. The U.S. government itself was its strongest believer. This theory is based on the analysis that if one country becomes communist, the neighboring countries would surely follow, just like the pieces of the domino. In Path to War, Johnson is portrayed to have firmly believed that once South Vietnam is reunited with the North, it would become communist too. Subsequently, the rest of the countries in Indochina and the entire Southeast Asia could all fall under communist regimes. With this theory in mind, the Johnson administration at the onset of the war were all one in arguing for the necessity of preventing the fall of South Vietnam to the hands of the local communist insurgents. To do so, it sent military advisers to the Southeast Asian country in order to train its armed forces.

Everyday Hero Essay Example for Free

Everyday Hero Essay When I think of the word hero, I think of the countless Spiderman figures lying at the bottom of my brother’s toy chest, or even Prince Charming rescuing Sleeping Beauty from her seemingly endless slumber. However, what usually does not come to mind, are the true real life heroes that I believe posses higher superpowers than the Incredibles ever could. Though they do not have the ability to fly or read minds, one way or another, these people have helped someone in a tough situation. A true hero can be anyone from the firefighters at the station to your older sister living in the room next door. They may have helped to save your life, or merely helped you get through your math homework last night. Whatever the case, one quality that all true heroes must possess is the ability to be an example of goodwill in the world. A hero will help someone because they want to, not because they have to. Though they are not perfect, no one is, a hero will continue to put others first when they know that it is most important to do so. Three years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news came as an utter shock to everyone, considering the fact that she was one of the healthiest and most active members of my family. She played tennis and practiced yoga at least four times a week; always ate healthy and organic foods, and on top of all this, there was barely any history of breast cancer on our family tree! Though her case was not as bad as others, it still required her to undergo weeks of arduous chemotherapy and radiation. Through her darker days, she herself would be the one to calm me down and reassure me that everything would be okay. The night before my mother’s surgery, I started to cry, scared and frustrated with what was happening around me. Though she was also frightened and anxious, my mother was the one to comfort me and explain that a plastic surgeon did not actually turn people into plastic, as I had imagined. Even during her most bleak and miserable moments, she put everything aside and reached out to help me deal with her pain. For this, she is my hero. No, she is not Superwoman, or a firefighter,  or even your everyday do-gooder; but she’s my mom, and that is good enough for me. This just goes to show that a seemingly ordinary woman can be a hero to someone in her own way. Heroes are everyday characters, and if you look hard enough you will find the hero in your own life. This I believe.

The Brotherly Connection Of Sonny Blues English Literature Essay

The Brotherly Connection Of Sonny Blues English Literature Essay Both stories show the importance in having that brotherly connection and a desire to be accepted by the one you admire. In Sonnys Blues, it is established that all Sonny wants is for his brother to understand and accept his way of life. Even though the narrator does in fact care for his younger brother, Sonny, he sees it as more of a promise to his mother that I wont let nothing happen to Sonny (Baldwin 218), which gave the narrator more of an incentive to just watch Sonny rather than being there and listening to his brother, when he needed it most, ultimately severely hurting Sonny., Throughout the story Sonny cries out for his brothers attention and acceptance. In the midst of a significant conversation with one another Sonny blatantly says, I hear you. But you never hear anything I say (Baldwin 221) and which could be one of the narrators biggest mistakes. The narrator once gain ignores what Sonny is saying and starts explaining to Sonny how he will live while his brother is away at war. Experiencing the lack of his brothers affection evidently turned Sonny severely against his brother, and turned his attention to an environment where he knew hed be accepted, playing jazz with the good-time people (Baldwin 219). That choice was not made entirely by Sonny; it was formed by his experiences during childhood. Sonny plays music not only to express himself fully but also to replace the drugs that he is trying to escape from. Sonnys choice of music reflects his attitude towards life and his experiences, and if only his brother can take a moment to listen to that, instead of instantly judging Sonny, their relationship could have been a lot less deficient throughout the years. The need for acceptance between brothers is also portrayed in The Red Convertible, at the same time the reason for their separation is not as preventable as in Sonnys Blues. Unlike his brother Lyman, who was lucky when it came to numbers, Henry ws never lucky in the same way (Erdrich, 236) and was picked for the draft shortly after returning from their summer road trip. About three years had passed until theyd met again, only for Lyman to discover that Henry wasnt the same when he returned from the war. Frustrated and upset about what happened to Henry, Lyman desperately tried to find a way to bring back his old brotherly connection. Symbolic to their relaitonship, Lyman went out to the car and ran the piss right out of it (Erdrich 238) in hopes that it would bring back whatever was left of Henry. When Lyman intentionally damaged the car so that Henry would have to fix it, Henry understood what Lyman was trying to do for him. Rather than responding with anger or bitterness, he fixed the car so that Lyman would have it. Henry knew how lonesome the effect of war left himself, and Lyman also noticing just how different the war made him, they both slowly came to reality to the beginning of the end of their relationship. The brothers in Sonnys Blues and The Red Convertible both have a point in time where they grow apart and experience a major life changing occurrence. Despite Sonnys arrest and misfortune it takes the death of the narrators daughter to finally get a better understanding of his brother. It seems that the narrator could better understand Sonny now, and has decided to write to his brother. In The Red Convertible Lyman destroys the car as he views his and Henrys relationship. Henry understands what Lyman is trying to do for him, and shows his brother that he still cares. The capability to put their differences behind them and restore an old connection that was once so significant can be evident in ones want to finally change. Unfortunately some unexpected cases of events are bound to happen, that we either have no control over or as bad as it may seem, are better off. It is not until now tha tLyman realizes that Henry and he will never gain back that tight bond that they once shared. When Henry jumps into the water, in a strange way, he is showing Lyman that he is doing all he can to be the old Henry. You can dryly put it together that Lyman understands his brothers decision to end his life, in his actions following his brothers suicide. The sinking of the red convertible symbolizes the end of Henry and Lymans relationship and creates a very ironic end to what was once a very strong bond among two brothers. On the contrary, these two brothers had another chance to take up again that connection they once had. After finally beginning to understand Sonny for who he truly is, the narrator steps inside of Sonnys atmosphere, so to speak. Upon entering the Jazz club and meeting all of Sonnys acquaintances, the narrator is impressed and seems very fond of how well liked and appreciated his little brother is. The most important and influential person the narrator meets is Creole, upon meeting him the narrator says one of the most significant statements of the whole story. This is the point where the narrator finaly comes to a true appreciation about who Sonny truly is, not only as a person but for the true talent that he expresses in his music. Due to the hardships of separation and neglicence, both brothers understand the certainty of their relationships after drugs and neglecting are incorporated into the situation. Although both stories do not give the same opportunity to find a way to revive the old beat up relationship, both pairs of brothers finally realized the importance of being there for one another. The way the two brothers reuinte through addiciton, memories and strife make their bond seem stronger than ever.

Perfection According to Mayrs What is Evolution :: What is Evolution Essays Mayr

Perfection According to Mayr's What is Evolution In his book titled What is Evolution, Ernst Mayr bravely attempts to explain the complex biological processes of the development of plants and animals. His book, however, reaches beyond the realm of the science text book. With What is Evolution he attempts to educate an audience which may not have a strong science background but instead a strong literary background. Through this book Mayr strives for "a mid-level account of evolution, written not just for scientists but for the educated public." In short, he attempts to write a (non-fiction) scientific novel. Though his attempt to combine great literature and hard science is admirable he often gets himself into awkward situations when trying to please both the scientific and artistic sensibilities. His major problem in the book surrounds the use of the word "perfect." As a biologist, it may be easy to pass this word off as a synonym of "adaptedness," simply meaning well-suited to one's environment. As a literary-minded person, let al one English major, however, this word cannot slip by so easily. To the novel-reader, more than to the science-reader, this word carries a lot of baggage which cannot be ignored. So, why does Mayr use this word and what is he really trying to say? Does Mayr truly believe that evolution can be perfect? The baggage that gets snared when Mayr uses the word "perfect" in his discussions of evolution is the complicated literary definition given to this word. Exact and flawless are some common synonyms of the word perfect. Perfection is something that has reached the pinnacle, the zenith of existence. Nothing which is perfect needs any alterations, modifications or changes. When something is perfect it exists with ease. It does not struggle to remain where it is, and it does not struggle to remain alive; it works in harmony with its environment. Going beyond the definition, something that is perfect is commonly more highly valued than those things around it which have not yet reached perfection. People place a certain amount of value on things that occur with ease. The human race seems constantly to be striving for something that is faster, cleaner. Something that can achieve these goals with ease earns the title of perfection and is highly. The only problem with perfection, as least in the realm of science, is that once the peak of perfection is reached there is no place towards it can further develop.

Policies and Procedures for Promoting Positive Behaviour

Policies and procedures for promoting positive behaviour Policy/procedure |Summary | | | | | |Self esteem | | | | | |Valuing each child’s individuality, | | |Believing that children are capable of making choices, accepting responsibility and acting accordingly, | |Behaviour policy |Providing opportunities for success, | | |Viewing success in terms of personal progression rather than being in competition with others, | | |Praising achievements, | | |Promoting the acceptance of others, | | |Clearly demonstrating that we value their work, | | |Building into the curriculum activities which develop the child’s ability to express his/her feelings, through the sharing circle, co-operative games | | |and Drama. | | | | | |Physical environment | | | | |Attractive, comfortable well-resourced and well managed classrooms, | | |Displays of children’s work to show it is highly valued, | | |Tidy and accessible resources demonstrate that children are trusted to organis e themselves for work and that they know how to use and care for things. | | | | | | | | | | |Classroom management | | | | | |Work must be matched to their ability so that success is possible for all, | | |Children must know what they are doing and why, | | |Classroom rules are devised by children themselves to ensure standards of behaviour, | | |Rules should be few in number, prominently displayed and referred to often, | | |We must set high standards, praise quickly and consistently – looking out for and rewarding good behaviour, | | |We must be firm, fair and supportive, | |Know children as individuals, to be active listeners, to refer to the behaviour rather than the child, | | | | | |Be polite to everyone | |Code of conduct |Talk quietly and listen carefully | | |Always tell the truth | | |Treat others as you would wish them to treat you | | |Be patient and wait your turn | | | | |Rewards and sanctions |House points | | | | | |The children can earn house poi nts for:- | | | | | |Quality of work Good Behaviour | | |An excellent piece of work Being polite, etc. | |An improving piece of work | | | | | |Dinner Supervisors Stickers | | | | | |Dinner supervisors can award stickers for good behaviour during lunchtime. | | | | | | | |Barney Stickers | | | | | |This is Crooksbarn School’s main method of rewarding positive behaviour. It is used by the class teacher throughout the school and indicates | | |excellent standards of work and/or behaviour by a child. Only 1 may be awarded each day, the children can wear them for 1 day then they are | | |transferred to a collecting chart displayed in the classroom.Once the child has succeeded in gaining 3 ‘Barnies’ he/she is awarded a ‘Head Teacher’s| | |Barney that is presented by the Head Teacher at the whole school assembly on Monday Mornings. An additional award is given out by the Head Teacher to| | |any child who has gained 9 ‘Barnies’ during the course of the school year | | | | | |Get rid of anyone not involved in the conflict as violence thrives on witnesses. | |Don’t put yourself at risk, alert colleagues, enlist their help. | |Dealing with conflict and inappropriate behaviour |Asses a situation first. | | |Be calm, don’t take it personally. | | |Use verbal intervention first. | | |It may be worse to add another person to a gang situation, if it cannot be sorted out and the conflict/inappropriate behaviour goes out of your | | |control call another member of staff and in the worse case scenario call the police. | | | | |Positively encourage the caring and nurturing side of children whilst openly and actively discourage bullying | | |Work for a caring, cooperative ethos (home corner, paired, group work etc. ) | |Anti-bullying |Discuss friendships – this should be covered through PSHE and citizenship scheme of work. However, children should receive regular reminders of this. | | |Ensure adequa te supervision in playgrounds. | |Value and encourage being different and having high self-esteem. | | | | | | | | |Helping to create a pattern of regular attendance is everybody’s responsibility, parents, pupils and all members of school staff, | |Attendance |To help us focus on this we will report to arents/carers annually on their child’s attendance with the annual school report, | | |Contact the parent/carer if their child’s attendance falls below the school’s target for attendance, | | |Celebrate good attendance by displaying individual and class achievements, | | |Reward good or improving attendance through class competitions, certificates and outings/events. | | |Every half-day absence from school has to be classified by the school (not the parents), as either AUTHORISED or UNAUTHORISED.This is why | | |information about the cause of any absence is always required, | | |Any periods of leave taken without the agreement of the school, or in excess of that agreed, will be classed as unauthorised and may attract sanctions| | |such as a Penalty Notice. | | |The minimum level of attendance for any child at Crooksbarn School is 90% attendance |

The Academic Decathlon †How to Prepare for the USAD Test

The Academic Decathlon – How to Prepare for the USAD Test The Academic Decathlon – How to Prepare for the USAD Test Academic competitions are common. There are spelling bees and robotic competitions on a national level, for example. There are school-wide, regional, and state competitions. One of the most interesting national academic competitions is the Academic Decathlon, a product of the U.S. Academic Decathlon Association (USAD). The competition was created in 1968 by the Superintendent of Schools for Orange Country, California just for California. It was later expanded to a national competition, and today most states and a few international schools now participate. What is Unique About the Academic Decathlon Most competitions involve the very best students that schools can put together as competitors. But this one is different, in the following ways: Each team is made up of 9 students. 3 are considered â€Å"honors† with GPA’s between 3.75-4.0; 3 are named â€Å"scholastic, with GPA’s between 3 – 3.74; 3 are named â€Å"varsity† with GPA’s of 0.00 – 2.99). There are ten events, and all students compete as individuals in their classified divisions. Team scores are determined by taking top scores from each division in each of the events and then added up for a total score for the team. Competitions begin at the local level, and the winning team from each state then moves on to the national competition. Tests of the Competition The ten events of USAD cover all academic disciplines that typical high school students study. These are as follows: 7 multiple-choice tests in language literature, math, science, social studies, economics, art and music. There is a Super Quiz that is either in science or social studies There is an essay to write, based upon optional prompts Each student must prepare a speech on a pre-selected topic Each student will be interviewed by judges. Obviously, the multiple-choice tests are objective measurements. The other three events are assessed subjectively by the judges, although the judging criteria is published on the organization’s website. Students don’t Go In â€Å"Blind† Every year the organization publishes its curriculum in every subject on its website. This provides students with an outline of the skills and content to be included in the 7 objective tests. This curriculum is developed by a 10-member panel. Anyone contributing to the curriculum must have a Bachelor’s degree in the subject. Once the curriculum is created, it is then checked by others for accuracy. There is also a USAD â€Å"theme† developed for each year, and the tests all relate to the theme. In the language and literature section, for example, a novel or set of plays is selected each year and provided to students. In music and art, students are provided with specific works that they must research and study. If, for example, the theme were to be â€Å"Africa,† as it was one year, social studies, language and literature, economics, art, and music tests will all relate to that continent, and contestants are provided specific topics to study. The Subjective Portions of the Competition As the term implies, there are no right or wrong answers to these parts of the event. Speech: This event is divided into two parts. The first is a prepared speech on a pre-provided topic, and it is to be 3  ½ - 4 minutes long. The second part is an impromptu speech. Contestants are given three optional prompts, choose one, and then deliver a 1  ½ - 2minute speech on that topic. The Interview: This is a formal event, during which the student is asked a series of questions and expected to respond. Questions have included such things as â€Å"Who is your role model and why?† The Essay: Contestants are given three prompts, choose one, and have 50 minutes to write their essays on the chosen topic. The prompts relate to the theme of that year and come from the language and literature or the Super Quiz areas. How to Prepare for the USAD Test There is a wealth of information published and updated each year on the organization’s website. This includes the theme and â€Å"curriculum† in each of the seven objective testing content areas. Information is released according to a calendar. For the 2017-2018 USAD competition, for example, the theme and general topic was posted March 1, 2018; the outlines for each curricular topic area on May 1; and more specific curriculum materials (e.g., study guides) will began to be shipped out to team coaches and state directors on May 15. The competition takes place in November, 2018, giving teams the summer months to spend time in strong preparation. Materials for Study – The Objective Multiple-Choice Tests The study materials that are provided by the USAD, including the topic areas and outlines are all free and can be downloaded from the website, and this is a good start for preparation. The more specific study materials – resource guides, study guides, etc. must be purchased by each team, and the cost is $1000. While there have been lots of complaints about charging for these materials, the organization claims that it has to in order to meet its over $1 million budget each year. This can put an additional burden on schools and school districts that are from poorer areas, and that has been a point of controversy. There are also USAD practice tests that are developed each year by third-party for-profit companies. These are sold to teams, and, when schools are able to provide this kind of financial support, the tests can be a big help. The USAD does not support or encourage the purchase of the practice tests; however, they are well-done and can give a team a pretty big advantage. Any time students have the opportunity to take practice test, research shows that they do better on the real thing. With all of this information and all of these study materials, most teams can be well-prepared for the objective testing events, provided they have a good coach and they spend a lot of time studying the material. The objective tests are very fact-based and do not require critical or creative thinking. It is really a matter of memorization. Because of this, a number of educational associations, such as the ASCD, have criticized the objective portion of the event. The criticism relates to the fact that students are basically engaged in straight memorization of facts rather than any higher-level thinking skills, such as application, analysis, or synthesis. The Association’s response is that, because the event is theme-based, students will become â€Å"experts† of sorts on those wider curricular areas and will have a knowledge base that they would not get in a regular school curricular environment. Materials for Study – The Subjective Portion of Testing No one can completely prepare for this portion of the event. However, given that the USAD theme for each year is published, and given that the essay and speech prompts will all relate to this theme, preparation can be in the following forms: For the essay portion of the exam, students can review and study essay samples in the general topical theme areas. And just as they would practice for an ACT or SAT essay, they should write several essays on their own that also relate to the theme and the language and literature and super quiz curricula. Speech Preparation: The ability to deliver a good speech is as much about self-confidence as it is about the content. Students should practice preparing and delivering speeches on the thematic topic areas of course. It is the impromptu speech event that will probably present the greatest challenge. But there are tactics and strategies that can be learned and practiced. During the time they have to prepare for USAF test, students should be given topics from their coaches that relate to the theme and take the one-minute of allowed preparation time to gather their thoughts. The most important parts of any speech are the opening and the ending. Practice using your minute of allowed preparation time to craft a great opening sentence and a solid ending. These will be the most memorable. Again, practice is the one thing that will get you over that anxiety and nervousness. The Interview: you will not be able to anticipate the questions you might be asked in a formal interview situation. The key to success, though, will be in your ability to stay calm, focused, and poised. Again, the key to a successful interview is practice. Your USAD coach should set up several interview sessions and ask difficult questions. Your goal is to take a minute, think about the question being asked, and form a response that relates directly to that question. Part of evaluating your performance will be your ability to stick to the topic of the question, to speak clearly and with confidence, and to keep your response relatively brief. The biggest mistake that people make during interviews is veering off topic and giving an answer that is disjointed and incoherent. Outside Research – It is Valuable You have the outlines and the study guide and resource materials. You know what the theme is. This year, for example, it is Africa. So, how much do you really know about Africa – it’s history, its development, it political, economic and social challenges? Most high schools do not offer a course in African studies, so you may not know much. You can take the study guides and gain a lot of factual information about Africa, but do you really have a solid, general understanding of the continent? Chances are you don’t. Take some time during the summer months before the competition to make Africa your focus of study. There is an amazing amount of online resources about this continent and the richness of its history, geography, and societies. Your goal should be to get a broad base of general knowledge, so that the factual information you may need to memorize actually makes sense to you. For example, you can access the National Geographic website and find a huge amount of information about Africa. In fact, there is a TV series on our African beginnings, narrated by Morgan Freeman, that is soon to start. Likewise, there are news stories about Africa published daily by online news organizations. The more general knowledge you can absorb about Africa, the more you will be able to appear as an â€Å"expert,† especially during the subjective portions of the event. You just never know when you may be able to throw in some information you have about Africa that will impress the judges. Above All – Take the Time You Need When you study for final exams, you have two choices. You can organize your material regularly throughout the semester and study a bit at a time. Or, you can â€Å"cram† at the last minute, perhaps 1-2 days before that exam and get help from essay services. Students who choose either option can be successful and get good exam grades. But preparing for the Academic Decathlon is different. It’s not like a final exam in history or social studies that covers a finite amount of material. It is an examination that covers all content areas. There is no way to â€Å"cram† at the last minute. Fortunately, your team will have a coach who will prepare a schedule of work and study over a longer period of time. You can study and learn in a relatively stress-free environment, and this means that you will retain much of what you learn long-term. So, if you study a piece of literature without the stress of an immediate exam, that more relaxed environment allows you to absorb information, to think critically about the piece, and to â€Å"cement† your understanding. Likewise, the longer preparation time will allow lots of practice for the subjective parts of the event – those speeches, the interview, and that essay. In these areas, it is practice, not study, that will make the difference. Above all, you need to understand that you are a part of a team with a coach. While you will be scored on your individual performance, it is important that you have the mindset of being a member of a team. Each member’s accomplishments should be encouraged and applauded – that’s what teamwork is all about.

immigrants essays

immigrants essays Why the immigrant group chose to leave their homeland Many Europeans decided to immigrate to the United States. Most Europeans left their home countries because of crop failure, land and job shortages, rising taxes, or famine. They came because they believed the United States was the land of economic opportunity. While other Europeans came seeking personal freedom or relief from political and religious persecution. The immigrants journey was terrible; they had to endure weeks of being on the deck of a ship even when it rained. They had to bring their own food and make it last because sometimes the trip took longer than expected. And if they did run out of food the ship would have food for sale but it would be real expensive. And some people couldnt afford it because they spent their last penny on the boat ride. When they first seen the statue of liberty they were filled with joy because for them that statue stood for freedom and opportunity. Experiences when they first arrived Most Europeans came in trough the east coast in Ellis Island and had to pass a physical to be allowed into the United States, those that didnt pass were deported back to their home countries. Many states, especially those with small populations, attracted immigrants by offering jobs or land for farming. But a lot of immigrants wanted to settle where there were other settlers from their homeland. They wanted to do so because many didnt know the language and others wanted to feel like they were at home. Once settled immigrants needed to find a job, but there were never enough jobs and employers often took advantage of them. The men immigrants were paid less then the other workers and the women immigrants were paid less then the men immigrants. Social tensions were also a part of the immigrant experience. The immigrants were stereotyped and discriminated, and many immigrants su ...