Graduation Speech: What Lies Ahead :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

I cried on my 18th Birthday. I cried because to me it signified that my childhood was over -- That I would never be able to relive some of the greatest moments of my life. I remember that day after school I was talking to one of my good friends, Betty Lou, and I mentioned to her how sad it was that we would all soon be leaving County HIgh. Betty smiled and looked at me and said, "But there is so much more in store for us ahead." Last October I was sitting in Mr. Fooler's British Literature class and he had us read this poem by Louis MacNiece: Birds flitting in and out of the barn Bring back an Anglo-Saxon story: The great wooden hall with the long fires down the center, Their feet in the rushes their hands tearing the meat. Suddenly high above them they notice a swallow enter from the black storm and zigzag over their heads Then out once more into the unknown night; And that, someone remarks is the life of man. As that poem had compared life to that of the flight of a swallow that enters a room, stays shortly and leaves, our teacher wanted each of us students to come up with their own analogy "What Life Is Like!" Life is Like a flower, which sprouts, and blooms, and finally withers with age. Life is Like a candle, which sparks, flickers briefly, then fades. Life is like a box of chocolates! you never know what you're going to get. Life is like a poker game, each person is dealt different circumstances and we have to make the most of what we have. Life is like the sun, which rises, keeps moving constantly and finally sets on each new life. And as I tried to draw an analogy to lives that all of us have led and the paths we are about to embark on, I could not find a metaphor that accurately depicts all that has happened to us and all that will. There is no way to lump together the feelings of the first time you rode your bicycle without your father holding onto the handle bars, with the time you brought home an "A" on the essay you spent many sleepless nights perfecting. The embarrassment you felt when you fell down at recess in a mud puddle and your mom had to bring you clean clothes to change into and the lesson you learned when you set your binder on the top of your car, forgot about it, and drove off only to see your papers flying all over the road in the rear view mirror.

Allegiant Travel Company is a leisure travel company Essay

Allegiant Travel Company is a relaxation travel organization concentrated on giving travel administrations and items to occupants of little, underserved urban areas in the United States. The Company works a traveler carrier showcased fundamentally to relaxation travelers in little urban communities, permitting it to offer air transportation both on a stand-alone foundation and packaged with the offer of air-related and outsider administrations and items. Furthermore, it provides air transportation under altered charge flying courses of action. The Company provides planned air transportation on restricted recurrence tenacious flights between little city markets and relaxation goals. Since Allegiant offers fares that are low, strict costs controls tend to be mandatory to achieve the desired profit margins. One of the cost control measure used by Allegiant is the use of MD-80 jets. The MD-80 jets incline to be preferable to the airline is that, at a price of four million Dollars, they are cheap to buy as well as maintaining (Yenee, 2004). These plans tend to be cheaper in comparison to the acquisition of the newer planes such as the Boeing 737. Allegiant withal prefers the utilization of MD-80 because they are facile as well as frugal to refurbish. The MD-80 agreeably is a dependable plane but with the emergence of the relatively better airplanes such as the Boeing 737, the MD-80 is becoming outdated day after day which why it makes much sense for Allegiant Air to acquire the better plane such as the Boeing 737. One of the key reasons as to why the Boeing 737 is superior to the MD-80 is that, the MD-80 carries with it the many nuisances in flights assessments of safety at times when there is increased concern regarding aircraft maintenance (Vasigh, 2012). Back in the day when the McDonnell Douglas-80 came to be first used, it was fuel-efficient compared to other planes. Today, however, the MD-80 is considered a fuel hog airplane with regards to the developments that have emerged in fuel efficiency in the year 1980 when it was first built. In addition to this, companies that use the MD-80 airplanes such as Allegiant Air have to have the airplanes retrofitted to comply with the more modern noise rules as compared to the Boeing 737, which does not (Yenne, 2004). One major reason the MD-80’s need a replacement by the Boeing 737 is the fuel efficiency. Airlines such as Allegiant, which tend to use the MD-80, suffer losses in fuel consumption of 25%-35% in comparison to the newer models of planes such as the Boeing 737. As crude oil prices play around $112 per barrel, it is clearer that the future for the MD-80’s is very limited. The latter also being based on the number of passengers that both MD-80 and the Boeing 737 take. The Boeing 737 can carry more passengers than the MD-80 by around 17 passengers. The 737 can take up to 189 passengers whereas the MD-80 can only take up to 172 passengers (Vasigh, 2012). Operating economics is one of the major determiners of what type of plan is best used to increase the profit margins, but relatively hard to evaluate as it is in the case of the two airplanes in comparison here- The MD-80 and the Boeing 737. Some of the variables to look at including the potential that the airplanes in discussion have to give financially. The potential that it has in terms of revenue as well as the contribution towards profitability that the two planes have to give should also consider. Flights’ crew expenses as well as the costs of fuel present a significant portion of total operating costs. The 737 with a better fuel economy and passenger comfort is the better option over the MD-80 to affect exogenous variables such as the customer preference so as to increase the profit margins. One of the aspects that the Allegiant should consider is the aspect of shifting from buying one plane for $5 million to buy $40 million to save about 30%-40% fuel costs. Looking at this from a short run perspective, it might not look akin to a very good conception but calculating these from a long run viewpoint (Vasigh, 2012). It is clear that the 737 is a better option. The latter is based on the fact the savings on fuel in the end outshine the $35 million of purchasing a 737 over the MD-80. Other monetary reasons as to why the MD-80 should be traded for the Boeing 737 is that the counts of cycle on the MD-80 frame in terms of depreciation. The MD-80 depreciates more than the 737 and it has to pay higher landing fees due to its noisy JT8D engine. References Vasigh, B., Taleghani, R., & Jenkins, D. (2012).  Aircraft finance: Strategies for managing capital costs in a turbulent industry. Ft. Lauderdale, FL: J. Ross Pub. Yenne, B. (2004).  Classic American airliners. Osceola, Wis: MBI. Source document

Men are Responsible for More Car Accidents Compared to Women

Men are Responsible for More Car Accidents Compared to Women Get the men out of the roads and we will have fewer and less fatal accidents. Since time immemorial, men took risks with their lives and lived much less carefully compared to women. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Men are Responsible for More Car Accidents Compared to Women specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is in-born in men to seek to appear to be macho. The expression of this tendency on the roads is in the higher instances of drunk driving, generally riskier driving habits, and fast driving. The role of men in car accidents supersedes that of women. Men are responsible for causing a larger number of fatal car accidents compared to women. Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of road accidents. As a laxative, alcohol interferes with coordination of the body. This makes it relatively more difficult to control a vehicle on the road. Drunk drivers cannot respond quickly enough to emergencies because of the reduced coordination of the senses. In some cases, a driver may actually fall asleep behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol. Statistically speaking, men are more likely to drink and drive compared to women. Shefer notes that, â€Å"men constitute the majority of drug abusers and are greater consumers of alcohol than women† (25). In situations where women drink and drive, they take lesser alcohol compared to men. These makes men responsible for more of the drink and drive related accidents, and generally increases the instances of accidents caused by men. From a risk perspective, men have a higher tendency to take risks compared to women. Arguably, risk is part of the male psyche. They tend participate to risky activities more than women. Some psychologists suggest that the risk impulse in men results from higher levels of the hormone testosterone. This partly explains why more men than women participate in high adrenaline sports such as bungee jumping, deep-sea d iving and sky diving. Nature conspired to provide men with a higher risk affinity compared to women thereby predisposing them to risky living habits. Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the roads, this risk affinity shows when men attempt risky maneuvers which at times end fatally. Men will overtake around blind corners, they will drive closer to other vehicles, and they will try to beat the train at the railway crossing, all this for the kick of it! Bartley reports that in Brazil, road accidents kill 30,000 people annually, with men accounting for 82 percent of the fatalities (226). This clearly demonstrates the results of some of the risky male habits on the roads. Over speeding is a well-known cause of road accidents. Men tend to drive faster than women do. This explains why there are more male drivers in racing sports compared to women. It is easier to find a group of young men racing their cars in the free way or in the suburban compared to finding young women of the same age doing the same. In mixed-sex races, men tend to dominate the motor sports. The expression of the male desire to speed on the roads shows when more men drive faster than recommended speed limits, increasing the likelihood of high speed accidents. When discussing car accidents, Dorn states among other thing that the safety of a car depends on â€Å"their effective use† (136). It presupposes recommended driving speeds under given the environmental conditions, which men ignore, ending up in fatalities. The way to safer roads, it seems, is to reduce the number of men in our roads. Bartley, Graham. Traffic accidents: causes and outcomes. New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2008. Print. Dorn, Lisa. Driver behavior and training. New York: Ashgate Publishing, 2003. Print. Shefer, Tamara, et al. From boys to men: social constructions of masculinity in contemporary society . Capetown: Juta and Company, 2007. Print.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Men are Responsible for More Car Accidents Compared to Women specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More

Social Conflict Notes Essay Example

Social Conflict Notes Essay Example Social Conflict Notes Essay Social Conflict Notes Essay Thinking Sociologically From: Will Keenan Social Conflict Perspective Discussion Themes: Conflict: Positive Negative Aspects Is society inherently, inevitably and universally ‘conflictual’? 1. When is conflict ever productive of social benefits? 2. Identify areas of social conflict that have wider ethical significance. Further Readings Follow-Up: Articles by: David F. Walsh Structure/Agency, pp. 8-33; Fran Tonkiss continuity/Change, pp. 34-48; and Don Slater Needs/Wants, pp. 315-28. in Jenks, Chris (ed. ) (1998) Core Sociological Dichotomies (Sage), Making Notes Look up the SUBJECT INDEX of Jenks (ed. ) and at least 1 Introductory Textbook/Encyclopaedia/Dictionary in Sociology and make notes under the following themes: basic Marxism; social conflict; social change; interests; power The Conflict Perspective: Key Ideas: In this view ‘Society’ is regarded as a scene of fundamental conflict between opposing interest groups. These conflicting interests may be based on: social class; race and ethnicity; gender and sexual orientation; disability; age, religion, cultural taste etc. There is no consensus other than a manipulated and manufactured one serving the dominant social groups’ interests. Society has no set purpose and no overarching goals outside these struggles for dominance and privilege. Key Names: Marx, Althusser, Gramsci, Poulantzas, Milliband, Stuart Hall Debates: KEY CONCEPTS FUNCTIONALISM vs MARXISM ORDER vs CONFLICT STABILITY vs CHANGE NEEDS vs INTERESTS CONSENSUS vs DISSENSUS INTEGRATION vs DIVISION HARMONY vs STRUGGLE ‘Big Guns’ Key Names: Marx(ists), Althusser, Gramsci, Poulantzas, Stuart Hall etc Frankfurt School: Marcuse, Adorno, Habermas, Critical Theorists Radical Feminism from Simone de Bouvoir to bell hooks Core elements of the ‘Marxian’ CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE Social class based on economic ownership is the key to power in society Class conflict is the source of all social power, social change and progress A ruling class and its subject classes are engaged in exploitative social relationships Class consciousness and False Consciousness characterize social life Alienation is the condition of exploited classes under capitalism Economic base (or infrastructure) and Political / Ideological superstructure Some Further Ideas Althusser employs the following key ideas: Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs) mass media; education? Repressive State Apparatuses (RSAs) Hegemony Gramsci refers to ‘organic intellectuals’ Stuart Hall: the importance of culture CRITIQUE Unscientific (the Faith of Marxism Popper) Conspiracy theory (especially aimed at Instrumental Marxists) Communism does not appear imminent Left Functionalism (Jock Young: argues most Marxism is little more than form of Functionalism that replaces interests of society with ruling class). Subjective beliefs and interpretations of individuals ignored (Weber) Economic determinism Forms of (non-economic) conflict (gender, ethnic group) ignored in favour of economic conflicts Key Critics Popper, Weber, Dahrendorf, New Left ‘Idealism’ New Right Theorists Sociobiologists Radical Feminists Postmodernists Conflict and Change †¦ Order/Conflict Practical Activity Break into groups of 4 or 5 persons Identify a Spokesperson for Feedback Select ANY 2 THEMES on the handout list See if you can briefly identify the ORDER and the CONFLICT potential of your 2 themes. It would be great if groups chose at least 1 theme that was different from that of other groups TASK 1:- Consider any TWO of the following themes and identify aspects of social order and social conflict: Themes WAR RACE/ETHNICITY GENDER/SEXUALITY RELIGION AGE STYLE TASTE SPORT Task 2:- The ‘Peace in the Feud’ Principle IDENTIFY ‘DUAL’ ASPECTS of and consider opportunities for SOCIAL COOPERATION – i. Sports ii. Neighbours iii. Social Classes iv. Nations

On Orientalism by Edward Said Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

On Orientalism by Edward Said - Movie Review Example lution Western writings from the mid-20th century closely mirror those of the 19th and 18th centuries, demonstrating a lack of change in the stereotypes about the region. In addition, Orientalism promotes the idea of an â€Å"ideal other,† a reverent and exotic ethno-religious group that embodies traits deemed â€Å"noble† or â€Å"good.† Said’s analysis looks not only at the images that characterize Orientalism, but also why it looks the way it does. He points to Imperialism as the foundation of Orientalism — many of the early generalizations about Arabs came from the Imperialist impulse to control a nation through its people. By making broad assumptions about a certain group of people, colonialists found it easier to control the expansive empire they found in the east. Following the years after Napoleon’s 1798 conquest of Egypt, the French surveys of the country provided Europeans a window into the mysterious middle east. The volumes compiled demonstrated French military power, but also introduced the first images of the region into the collective consciousness. These stereotypes would define the cultural perspective on the middle east for the next three centuries. In this section, Said talks about the differences between British and French Orientalism as opposed to American Orientalism. The key differences spring from two facts: firstly, America has never had a colony in the near east, and as such their perceptions are far more indirect and abstract; secondly, America has a long-standing tradition of support for the nation of Israel, which leads to a strong polarization between the â€Å"west† and the â€Å"east.† American media offers fresh anti-Arab sentiments on a regular basis, primarily due to the pro-Israel attitudes of the federal government. This bias, in turn, colors American perception of Israel. This section serves as a continuing examination of the perception of Arabs in the media. Although Said acknowledges the persistence of what might

Operational Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Operational Management - Research Paper Example For this purpose, there are a number of statistical methods that can be employed that provide a means of measuring how controlled a process is. A new material, "super plastic", has recently been employed as the material used in production. With the introduction of this new material, it is important to have a measure on its consistency in producing quality products. Particularly, defects in the form of uneven edges, cracks, scratches, air bubbles, and thickness variations are analyzed to reveal any problems with the new process. Tables 1 and 2 present the number of defects for the new material, "super plastic", as well as the standard material. Since only raw defect data are available, the c-chart would be the best statistical tool to aid in the analysis of the new process. Since we are interested in identifying the reliability of the new manufacturing process, we take all the defects in a day as one figure. Taking the mean of this, the upper control limit (UCL) and the lower control limit (LCL) may be determined using the following formulas. The two charts show that the total defects for both materials are within the computed limits. For the standard material, the number of defects fluctuates around the mean, but there is no apparent trend and there appears to be nothing suspicious with regards to the defect rate. For the new material, however, there appears to be a slightly increasing trend in the daily defect values. During the earlier days, the values were generally below the mean, and in the later days, the values have become generally greater than the mean. This suggests the possibility of the defect count exceeding the limit in the future. This may be due to the equipment used on the new material, or it could be because of the new material itself. It therefore becomes necessary to construct individual control charts for each defect type to attempt to isolate the problem to a particular process. Calculating the means of each defect type, the upper and lower control limits presented in Tables 3 and 4 may be obtained. Table 3. The Upper and Lower Control Limits for the Standard

Communications Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Communications Plan - Assignment Example A two month period is enough to present the audience with enough examples on the effects of tobacco and cigarette smoking. Within this two month period, I will be able to collect enough data on the people who have had their life turned upside down as a result of tobacco use and tobacco smoking ("Health effects of," 2013). The time period of one month is enough for me to present my plan to the audience and give the audience enough time to ask questions about my presentation. The time frame of two months will be enough for the audience to obtain enough knowledge of the side effects of tobacco smoking and use and will also give them enough time to think of how to make better decisions on smoking and be cautious of who is around them whenever they are smoking. I am likely to incur high costs in the communication plan. For example, the use of media like radio stations and seminars will require me to channel large sums of money. I will make advertisements on the local radio stations to inf orm the audience about the different seminars intended to be held. Using media to make advertisements is very expensive and will require me to put in a huge sum of money. ... This means that a lot of funds will have to be channeled to research and data collection. Other costs involved the communication plan is the indirect costs and directs costs associated with research. These costs include research and development as well as research and administrative costs. The entire process of interacting with the people, carrying out research, educating people and answering the questions from the audience will involve the use of money. A period of two months is a long time for one to be involved in the communication plan. Time is a resource which is very limiting and expensive. Monitoring the effectiveness of the plan is the performance metrics/targets that will be used in judging on the success of the plan. This metric will include obtaining feedbacks on the communications which have been planned and implemented. The performance metrics will help to determine the level of efficiency and effectiveness on the communication plan. To judge on the success of this commu nication plan, I will obtain feedback from the audience to tell me on how they feel and what they found about the plan. I will also build a method that will be used in the measurement of results. These methods will include a weekly report on the communication plan and the effects of cigarette and tobacco smoking, periodic briefings to the audience, end of the month summary and a formal report (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2011). Aim statement will also be stated prior to the commencement of the communication plan. This will be very helpful at the end of the communication plan as it will help in ascertaining whether the stated aims and goals were arrived at. I will also make use of a structured framework for