Early Childhood And Why Parents Choose Certain Schools

I merely want my kid to hold merriment! is a remark I hear on a regular basis from parents touring my preschool. But the thaumaturgy of merriment someway disappears as kids reach the age of three or four, and when they start to fix for â€Å" existent school. † Standards, standardised trials, awards, classs etc. , shortly become parents ‘ greatest concerns. Somewhere along the line, the fun remark is replaced with inquiries refering to kindergarten preparedness and petitions for worksheets, prep and some kind of â€Å" class † . As a preschool owner/educator, I remember so vividly the twenty-four hours I decided to go forth an unbelievable 13-year calling as a public school instructor in one of Ohio ‘s wealthiest school territories to have and run my ain preschool. This was non an easy determination, because I love learning ; go forthing the schoolroom was one of the hardest professional determinations I have of all time made. However, the criterions and standardised testing that were ordering our course of study patterns were in complete struggle with my beliefs. Fortunately, I had options and decided to remain in instruction by traveling to younger ages, which at the clip, seemed exempt from the open force per unit area of standardised testing. I envisioned a installation that embraced drama as the primary acquisition doctrine – 1 that valued child involvements and focal point groups, one that integrated multicultural aspects. I could non be more pleased with my determination to walk off from an astonishing retirement, nice wage, and summers off with my ain kids to offer my ideals to other immature scholars. Small did I realize that the same incubuss that plagued me antecedently would go on to stalk me at my preschool. Although research on drama and cognitive development provide a batch of support for the play-based course of study for our immature kids, the recent province and national accent on proficiency trial public presentation has reinforced the construct of minimum drama clip, even in the primary scene. Many preschools and simple schools have reduced or even eliminated drama from their agendas ( Bodrova & A ; Leong, 2003 ; Brandon, 2002 ; Johnson, 1998 ; Murline, 2000 ; Vail 2003 ) . Play, even the little sections, are being replaced with academic preparedness patterns, peculiarly literacy and reading to fit the content of standardised testing ( Brandon, 2002 ; Fromberg, 1990 ; Johnson, 1998 ; Stei nhauer, 2005 ; Vail, 2003 ) . The changeless battle for answerability, every bit good as â€Å" top-down criterions and coercive force per unit area to raise tonss on an eternal series of standardised trial † – ( Kohn, 2004, p.572 ) , in add-on to the conflict of bettering instruction, all seem to be ordering current educational tendencies. Even if a plan embraces the importance of drama, the outer forces that continue to press for faculty members is invariably endangering the foundation from which our immature kids build their educational hereafter. â€Å" We strip them of their best innate assurance in directing their ain acquisition, travel rapidly them along, and frequently wear them out. † ( Almon, 2003, p.20 ) . This push for a more academic foundation in the early old ages may happen us losing sight of the existent intent of larning. If we continue down this way of making a test-prep course of study in which our accent is on how the kid scores on a reading trial instead than on leting kids to read for pleasance and information after go forthing school, we might bring forth rather the opposite consequence and negatively impact cognitive development. However, the planetary challenge that the Information Age has imposed on us has similarly prompted instruction functionaries to redefine school accomplishment. The authorities ‘s move to set up educational criterions through the ( No Child Left Behind Act ) NCLB was based on the diminution of instruction criterions since the start of the 70s ( Peterson, 2003 ) . At present, most schools implement standard-based course of study, formal rating methods, and numerical scaling system in response to the call for a wider educational transmutation. Suffice to advert, the U.S. ranks merely 19th in the Literacy Index established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) ( 2007 ) . Such informations support the current tendency in instruction, and connote the demand of preschool pedagogues to react consequently. In this consideration, it is worthwhile to weigh what we know about the significance of play-based course of study as it contradicts with what functionaries in Higher Education promote, the standard-based course of study. With the aid of parents who themselves have witnessed the relevancy of play-based course of study to the current instruction system and to the broader facets of their kids ‘s lives, this survey shall derive fresh findings on how parents understand the play-based course of study. Knowing how parents understand play-based course of study is of import, it will supply insight into what information parents draw upon in doing early educational determinations for their kids. . Since parents are the 1s who decide where to inscribe their kids, it would be best to larn how they feel towards play-based course of study. To procure a intelligent research determination, during this survey I will concentrate on interviews, observations and documents/documentation, with parents whose kids are presently enrolled in a play-based course of study. I plan to interview five parents ; carry oning three interviews: a Life History interview, a Current Context interview that includes a sum-up of their present state of affairs, and a Follow up interview. In add-on to the three interviews, observations will be conducted and artefacts will be collected to heighten the informations aggregation. I presently own and operate a preschool situated in a Northeastern Ohio suburb. The demographics environing my school consist of upper in-between category, educated, two-parent families. In the recent yesteryear, we were runing with 248 Caucasic households but have noticed a cultural tendency altering our school ‘s population: we now house six native Asiatic households, eight native Indian households, three Afro-american households, and two biracial households out of a sum of 257 households. This tendency, I believe, is due to a new 30-acre infirmary installation opening across the street. This survey will take topographic point in a similar preschool. The commercial trade name preschool ( anonym ) has similar demographics and utilizes a play-based course of study. As I tour households, I am ever assured that parents want the best for their kids. The determination to go forth a immature kid to a non-family member is hard but common, and it is what brought me to this point in my life: a 43 year-old female parent of two girls, ages 10 and 13, prosecuting a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an early childhood focal point. A really attractive, well-groomed adult female in her thirtiess, entered my school anteroom keeping an expensive pocketbook, and armed with a list of inquiries, began her pursuit for the perfect child care supplier. This well-spoken ma has a two-year-old boy and an infant girl. She, an lawyer and her hubby, a occupant physician, merely moved to our community from Washington, DC. My tour involves a short debut of myself and my background, every bit good as the school ‘s. I ever include a short description of our doctrine, which includes drama, a circuit of the installation, an debut to all instructors, and, eventually, a meeting in my office where we address all inquiries on their list. Such a list typically includes: safety and security, ratios, ill policy, subject policy, sanitation processs, tiffin and bite, tuition, etc. In this case, course of study was ne'er mentioned, even after I spoke of our play-based doctrine, our Flex Learning Program, etc. Such things did non look o f import to this ma. She asked about instructor turnover, how many babies were presently enrolled, how many instructors were in the schoolroom, and if her babe would be rocked to kip. She asked if her immature yearling would see the gym, which is located in the older edifice ; if he would travel outside every twenty-four hours ; and if he could take part in karate and association football. Literature back uping everything discussed during the circuit, including course of study issues, was handed to her, every bit good as a concern card with the web reference for any extra information. This is really much a typical circuit. The female parent called subsequently to denote that her determination was complete and her kids would be get downing the following Monday. That was two old ages ago. Her kids still attend my school full clip, now ages three and five. Both childs are in the West installation that houses older kids: older Preschool, Pre K, Jr-K, K, and after school classrooms/program. Her kids are booming academically and socially. Yet, two old ages subsequently, her concern shifted to academic preparedness. She made an assignment with me to reexamine the Ohio Pre K criterions which she received from her neighbour. Our hour-and-half hr meeting consisted of illustrations of merely how these criterions are being implemented, met, and mastered without the usage of paper/pencil, bore, skill worksheets, and appraisal tools. Although our doctrine has non changed, nor has her desire for her kids to hold merriment, the fright of success in school has crept into this ma à ¢â‚¬Ëœs thought. Walking through her boy ‘s and girl ‘s schoolrooms daily and detecting childs edifice blocks, making dramatic drama, utilizing sand and H2O, and working at art Stationss, reassures her that the childs are so holding merriment, but what are they larning? How can she be certain they will be prepared for â€Å" school? † This has me presenting several opposing inquiries. What are parents ‘ beliefs and attitudes towards an early childhood play-based course of study, and has their beliefs and attitudes changed since come ining the play-based plan? What grounds can I offer parents that play-based course of study is an appropriate course of study for primary school preparedness? How do I recommend for kindergartners as a clip in life to care for drama as a footing for holistic development and acquisition? It is my desire, as a strong advocator of drama for little kids, to better understand where parents are coming from, how they are informed, and what they draw upon to do their concluding decisions. Therefore, in my survey, I will ask from parents their beliefs and attitude about play-based course of study in the hope of better apprehension where parents are coming from. This information will better inform instructors in their parent instruction patterns every bit good as parents in their hunt for a preschool. Approximately Early on Childhood Education Programs Early on childhood instruction plans provide foundational acquisition experiences to really immature kids in readying for formal schooling. Early childhood instruction plans strive to supply kids with the basic accomplishments in literacy and numeracy, which are important for all degrees of instruction, while, at the same clip, supplying the societal, emotional, and cultural interaction that kids need for adulthood and societal development. There is a broad fluctuation in kid attention plans in the United States runing from basic care-based, and sometimes merely custodial-based attention to nationally accredited early childhood plans such as those promoted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children ( NAEYC ) . A figure of early childhood instruction theoretical accounts are in topographic point: Montessori, Reggio-Emilia, Waldorf, Play-Based, and Academics-Based, each holding a different doctrine and educational aim, but all nisus to lend to the preparedness of k ids for formal direction ( Singer, Singer, Plaskon, & A ; Schweder, 2003 ) .Theoretical ModelsEarlier theories on kid development do non straight stipulate drama as an indispensable facet of cognitive development yet constructivist theories recognize it as an of import factor impacting kids ‘s involvement and societal development. In add-on, neuroscience contributes to the position that physical and age-related drama enhances encephalon, physical, and overall development ( Frost 1998 ) . The societal constructivist theory is the force that determines this survey. It claims that persons ‘ perceptual experiences of the â€Å" world † around them shape their ideas and behaviour ( Berger & A ; Luckman, 1966 ) and that the building of significance is a procedure â€Å" forged in the melting pot of mundane interactionaˆÂ ¦meanings are negotiated, exchanged, and modified through mundane interactions with others † ( Rosenholtz, 1989, p. 3 ) . It besides says that people construct their ain apprehension and cognition of the universe through sing and reflecting upon those experiences. Constructivism posits that kids develop their ain constructs of things based on anterior cognition and experience. Guided by people, anterior cognition or experience, they perceive, analyze, and finally do up their ain thoughts sing the universe. Therefore, anterior accomplishments used at drama may be applied relevantly to other state of affairss, such as job resolution, analysis, or decision-making. This makes play an of import portion of kids ‘s life, as it serves as the debut to higher accomplishments and more hard challenges of life. In peculiar, Lev Vygotsky ( cited in Palmer, 2004 ) , a well-known constructivist supports the importance of drama in the kid ‘s development. In his last talk, â€Å" Play and the Psychological Development of the Child, Vygotsky emphasized the importance of drama during the kid ‘s early old ages. Harmonizing to him, drama is portion of a kid ‘s Zone of Proximal Development ( ZPD ) . ZPD is the difference between what a kid can make and what s/he can non. During drama, the kid behaves beyond his age, and discovers new ways of making things such as different forms and highs of blocks. As the kid does this, s/he explores the deepnesss of ZPD, which consequences to a better acquisition ability. In the same manner, neuroscience provides support for kid ‘s drama. Frost ( 1998 ) paperss that encephalon development is farther improved as kids engage in age-appropriate drama. Conversely, he illustrates that want of drama could ensue in â€Å" deviant behaviour † ( 8 ) . It can be gathered that in Vgotsky ‘s societal constructivist theory, parents form an apprehension when it comes to placing the â€Å" fit † academic environment for their kid based on their outlooks Research Methodology Focus and Questions Based on the ends of this survey, the employment of methodological analysis through the acquisition of narrative enquiry and the instance survey design are appropriate. Narrative instance survey will be used for this research undertaking as it will let me, the research worker, to witness and describe a descriptive scene in order to portion experiencesCase StudyThis survey adopts the instance survey design with the position that single instances provide more in-depth information. Case surveies focus on the person, his/her experiences, and immediate world, which is needed to deduce significance and apprehension of the issue or concept under scrutiny. Furthermore, it provides existent illustrations from existent people who are unencumbered by the usage of preset steps or studies, and whose responses will merely ensue in Numberss and statistics ( Bogdan & A ; Biklen, 2007 ) . In this survey, persons, the parents ( either female parent or male parent in one household ) should hold a kid o r kids who are enrolled in a school that implements play-based course of study. These persons will be interviewed and asked to portion their narratives based on open-ended inquiries that correspond to the over-arching research inquiries. In making so, the persons ‘ experiences and beliefs will be discussed in order to get at a better apprehension of the research subject, which regards parents beliefs and attitudes of a play-based course of study. It is expected that other factors such as race, faith, and socioeconomic position would act upon the experiences and ideas of parents. Therefore, the parents selected for the survey will come from different backgrounds. In add-on to the three planned interviews, observations including parent/ instructor conferences, PTO meetings, assorted parent jubilations such as â€Å" A Day in the Life of PreSchooler † , â€Å" Muffins With Mom † , â€Å" ( Root ) Beer and Pretzels with Dad † , Parents Night Out, Parents †˜ Information Evening etc will be observed. Artifacts such as Parent Handbook, School ‘s literature including the school ‘s mission statement, pupil rights, pupil portfolio information will be submitted to supplement Narrative Inquiry For the intent of this survey I will besides be pulling on narrative enquiry ( Clandinin & A ; Connelly, 2000 ) to look into five parents beliefs and attitudes towards a drama -based early childhood course of study within a in private owned early childhood installation. Coming from the societal constructivist position, I believe that experiences are important. Clandinin & A ; Connelly besides suggest experience is important in their three dimensional model for analyzing how the participants past, present and future contexts act upon their beliefs and attitudes towards a drama -based early childhood course of study. Concentrating on narrative enquiry will assist me to underdtand how parents beliefs and attitudes towards a play-based early childhood course of study have been established. This alone attack is attractive because it provides the chance for the parents ‘ voices to be heard. In understanding their beliefs and attitudes of a play-based early childhood course of study, narrative enquiry will let me to research how their beliefs and attitudes affect their decsion to inscribe or non in enroll in a installation that promotes a play-based curriuculum and how these beliefs and attitudes have evolved, through the narratives that they portion. This survey will utilize the narrative in-depth interview as a qualitative information aggregation method, which can arouse far richer information than a study. Further, interviews offer the research worker a means to clear up responses and validate participant responses. Cohen et Al. ( 2000 ) posited that single behaviours can merely be understood by understanding persons ‘ readings of the universe around them. Therefore, meaningful societal action demands to be interpreted from the point of position of the histrions or the people who are in that peculiar state of affairs. It can be said that parents who have already enrolled their kid in a play-based preschool would of course experience more strongly about it than parents who have non sent their kid to a play-based preschool ( Bryman, 2004 ) . This qualitative instance survey will analyze preschool parents ‘ beliefs and attitudes utilizing a narrative enquiry data-collection scheme in order to showcase the experiences and perceptual experiences of parents towards play-based course of study in early childhood plans. Case survey and narrative enquiry seek to understand the peculiar inside informations in a historically and socially bounded context ( Clandinin & A ; Connelly, 2000 ) .Main Research QuestionsThe chief research inquiry for this survey is â€Å" what are parents beliefs and attitudes towards an early childhood play-based course of study? † Supporting Research Questions I have identified several back uping research inquiries to reflect upon throughout Clandinin and Connelly ( 2000 ) 3-dimensional interviewing procedure. In looking forward/backward I am interested in understanding how persons ‘ life histories inform their current beliefs and attitudes towards play-based course of studies. In looking inward/outward I am interested in understanding what outside factors influence their current beliefs and attitudes towards play-based curriculums.. What are their beliefs on drama? What are parents ‘ beliefs sing developmentally appropriate patterns? What are parents ‘ perceptual experiences of early acquisition? What grounds can I offer parents that play-based course of study is an appropriate course of study for primary school preparedness? How do I recommend for kindergartners as a clip in life to care for drama as a footing for holistic development and acquisition? . Childs have different demands and the preschool plan should be able to turn to those demands. From my experience, I have found that parents frequently choose preschools that are child-friendly ; that is, they have passed safety criterions, provide plenty learning stuffs, employ qualified and caring instructors, and maintain an attractive installation. Rarely do parents inquire about the school ‘s course of study or its academic offerings. In my experience, parents expect preschools to learn kids rudimentss like forms, colourss, alphabet, Numberss, and reading. Most preschools integrate these basic accomplishments into their acquisition plans, but each preschool differs in how the said accomplishments are presented to the kids for learning intents. Researching parents ‘ beliefs and attitudes would assist place the relevancy of play-based course of study, whether it has helped ease their kids ‘s preparedness and ability to larn and develop accomplishments needed for the â€Å" existent school † or for mundane life. Furthermore, their responses will function as valuable penetrations to pedagogues in general, including those who are non implementing drama. Sing its focal point, play-based course of study may be mostly misperceived as non supplying adequate attending to accomplishments and acquisition. Besides, the current standard-based instruction being implemented, may see drama unimportant, therefore curtail clip for it or wholly disregard it. Such would be deterrent to kids whose basic needs include drama and merriment. In this position, the inquiries that I would wish to elaborate on include: What are parents ‘ beliefs and attitudes towards play-based course of study? What factors led to the development of these beliefs and attitudes? How do/did play-based course of study affect their kids ‘s acquisition and development? and How do parents ‘ beliefs and attitudes sing drama impact the execution of play-based course of study and standard-based curriculum/formal direction?Purpose of the StudyI believe it is of import for all parents to hold a thorough apprehension of the course of study that their kid will be sing, whether in preschool or in any other educational scene. Preschools enjoy a certain sum of flexibleness in how they teach immature kids. Different learning theoretical accounts are available, and some schools integrate two theoretical accounts ( i.e, Montessori and Reggio Emilia ) . When parents know and understand the course of study of their kid ‘s preschool, they are more likely to go involved in the school ‘s activities. They so cognize how to reenforce their kid ‘s acquisition at place, and tend to join forces more with instructors ( Sission, 2009 ) . My quest to understand the beliefs and attitudes of five parents towards a play-based course of study has multiple intents. First, is to supply readers and the early childhood instruction sector with information refering parental beliefs and attitudes towards play-based course of study ; 2nd, to larn how, harmonizing to parents ‘ positions has play-based course of study affected their kids ‘s acquisition and development ; and 3rd, to spot whether they believe it serves as an effectual tool for early childhood instruction.Statement of the ProblemEarly on childhood research workers have reported that immature kids learn best through activities that support the development of the whole kid ( Elkind 2001 ) . David Elkind ( 2001 ) , in a piece reminiscent of Piaget ‘s constructivist positions, entitled â€Å" Young Einstein: Much Too Early, † argued that immature kids learn best through direct interaction with their environment. Before a certain age, they merely a re non capable of the degree of concluding necessary for formal direction. However, national concern with answerability, competition, proving and â€Å" back-to-basics, † puts an over-emphasis on faculty members and single-subject instruction ( Elkind, 2007 ; Ornstein, 2002 ; Perrone, 2000 ) . In response to these concerns, early childhood plans may concentrate the course of study on the instruction of academic accomplishments ( Morrison, 2004 ) . These factors have led to narrowly-defined course of study, which deny immature kids valuable life experiences found in drama. Although a turning concern on math and linguistic communication ability in the higher twelvemonth degrees has prompted the execution of standard-based course of study, it is non plenty to enforce such sort of system in the preschool degree. In the first topographic point, kids are a batch different from grownups in their ways to larn. Unlike grownups, kids, particularly little 1s, need drama ( Ginsburg, 2007 ) ; they need to be interested in what they do in order to go on with it. Therefore, the demand for drama in the preschool should non be disregarded. However, the significance of drama in direction should be supported by research and by parents ‘ belief in the course of study. Therefore, a survey of the parents ‘ beliefs and attitudes towards a play-based early childhood course of study may supply information utile to instructors and decision makers when be aftering schemes for implementing a successful preschool plan.RationaleWith the demand for effectivity, trial accomplishment tonss, and answerability, many preschool plans have adopted and reinforced formal direction, and have used drama as a recreational period instead than a learning medium. In an Oregon state-wide study sent to all kindergarten instructors and principals with first-grade instructors, Hitz and Wright ( 1998 ) found that 64 per centum of kindergarten instructors, 61 per centum of principals, and 72 per centum of first-grade instructors reported that formal academic direction was more prevailing in kindergarten than it was 10 to 20 old ages ago. In this scenario, originative look may be considered non every bit of import as cognitive development. Creativity may be viewed as irrelevant to the development of thought and job resolution. Conversely, it is possible that instructors and decision makers have adopted academic direction and other formal patterns, even though most of them considered such developmentally inappropriate. This last scenario implies the loss or deficiency of academic freedom among pedagogues, therefore beliing democratic rules. Early on childhood pedagogues have shown concern with the type of direction used in their instruction plans. Practices used in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten categories reflected an environmentalist-behaviorist position, even though instructors reported holding other positions. From a survey of instructor pattern, Hatch and Freeman ( 1988 ) found that two-thirds of early childhood instructors were implementing plans in struggle with their doctrines refering kids ‘s acquisition. Early childhood experts have long asserted that plans for immature kids should supply for the development of societal, emotional, physical, cognitive, and originative accomplishments, but the abovementioned findings do non reflect this anymore. In short, there is a spread between research workers ‘ recommendations and instructors ‘ patterns ( Bredekamp, 1997 ; Logue, Eheart, & A ; Leavitt, 1996 ) . Parents are the make up one's minding authorization when it comes to the type of instruction that their kids should have. Their beliefs and attitudes towards a course of study and later their determinations are typically influenced by their ain beliefs, experiences, and attitudes. As a effect, their positions affect the execution of plans for immature kids. This survey does non corroborate that parents ‘ positions sing course of study execution are sufficient to implement a favourable plan. However, it considers their positions because they form portion of kids ‘s acquisition environment. It is of import to derive their positions about play-based instruction because aside from the instructor, they are the 1s who have entree to information sing their kids ‘s development and ability whether in school or outside it. Motivation As an experient primary pedagogue, and a current preschool proprietor and pedagogue, I am interested in parents ‘ beliefs and attitudes towards an early childhood play-based course of study and whether their determination to inscribe their kid in a play-based course of study is borne out of their apprehension of the plan or other factors. I personally believe in the play-based course of study and would wish to find if this attitude is shared by the parents. If they do non, I would wish to cognize the footing for their disfavor of the course of study. Parents of my pupils are informed of our play-based course of study at registration. Despite this, nevertheless, some still face me with incredulity about the course of study. As an pedagogue and concern proprietor, this survey would take me to a better apprehension of parents ‘ beliefs and attitudes approximately play as a vehicle for larning Understanding how parents understand play-based course of study is important and wi ll add to the literature in many ways. In researching how parents understand play-based course of study this survey will lend to current literature available offering new thoughts Contributions to the Research Children ‘s drama has come under renewed onslaught. Inspired by my ain experiences as a preschool proprietor I hope to lend through this narrative instance survey assorted lived narratives of parents and how their beliefs and attitudes towards a play-based early childhood course of study have evolved. Since parents are the â€Å" clients † of early childhood plans, is it of import to understand their beliefs and attitudes. While there is plentifulness of research back uping play-based course of studies in the early childhood schoolroom, it is largely from the pedagogues ‘ and child ‘s position point, literature is missing in this country as it pertains to the parents, their ain beliefs and attitudes. While non meant to portray generalised information the rich descriptive narratives of these five parents will stand for the larger community. Mentality In chapter two of this research proposal, Literature Review, I describe the context in which preschool plans, play-based course of study, and parental picks have been studied in the yesteryear, and the deductions of research findings to current pattern. . The literature reappraisal is organized from the general to the particular, which means that a general overview of preschool plans is provided, followed by a treatment of the play-based course of study, and reasoning with parents pick. . In chapter three, Methodology, I further depict the usage of instance survey and the narrative enquiry attack to warrant the usage of such methods and design as proposed for this survey. The chapter besides provides the description of the research scene, the research sample, the informations assemblage process, information analysis, the timeline, and cogency and dependability concerns, every bit good as the awaited restrictions of the survey. The chief research inquiry every bit good as the back uping inquiries will be outlined in item as good within the chapter three. Chapter four, Findings, will pull on common subjects that exist within the participants narratives that describe their beliefs and attitudes towards an early childhood play-based course of study. The deductions this research has on informing the preschool community will be found within chapter five, the concluding chapter, Discussions and Implications.KeywordsPreschool Plans: refers to the pre-kindergarten plans that are geared towards fixing kids ages 2-5 old ages old for kindergarten. The plans offer assorted services for different age groups and follow different course of study theoretical accounts. In this survey, preschool plans refer to the scene and object of the research work. Curriculum Models: refers to an educational system that combines theory with pattern. A course of study theoretical account has a theory and cognition base that reflects a philosophical orientation and is supported, in changing grades, by kid development research and educational rating. The practical application of a course of study theoretical account includes guidelines on how to put up the physical environment, construction the activities, interact with kids and their households, and support staff members in their initial preparation and on-going execution of the plan. In this survey, the theoretical account used by the preschool plan is a play-based course of study. Play-based course of study: refers to the larning theoretical account based on developmentally appropriate drama. This theoretical account is child-centered ; it is based on kids ‘s involvement to guarantee maximized engagement, focal point, and acquisition. Developmentally appropriate patterns: patterns that are â€Å" designed for the age group served and implemented with attending to the demand and differences of the single kids enrolled † ( Bredekamp, 1998 p. 53 ) . In this survey, developmentally appropriate patterns refer to the instruction patterns of kindergarten instructors as manifested in their categories. Beliefs: refer to a set of thoughts or ideas that a individual finds of import or that influences his or her feelings, attitudes, and behaviour. Beliefs are subjective and can be measured by inquiring participants to clarify their ideas on a certain subject or issue. Attitudes: refer to a societal concept that is predetermined by a individual ‘s beliefs. If the belief is negative, so the attitude toward the issue or job is besides negative. Attitudes are associated with stereotypes of what is socially acceptable. Feelingss: refer to the affectional constituent of an person ‘s belief and attitude towards a certain issue or subject. Feelingss are associated with the personal experience and rating of the said issue. Understanding/Perception: refers to the entirety of the person ‘s beliefs, attitudes, and feelings towards a certain issue or subject.

Village Volvo

1. Describe Village Volvo’s service package. The service package consists of five points: supporting facility, facilitating goods, information, explicit services and implicit services. †¢Supporting facility: The car repair is based in a new Butler building in a suburban location with four work bays, an office, a waiting area and a storage room. Because of the location Village Volvo considers a shuttle service two or three times a day. The waiting room is equipped with a television se, comfortable chairs, coffee, a soft-drink vending machine, magazines and the local newspaper. †¢Facilitating goods: Facilitating goods are on the one hand the parts which are used to replace worn-out parts of the cars and on the other hand goods which are provided in the waiting room like coffee, soft-drinks, magazines and the local newspaper. †¢Information: The client and the mechanic who will be working on the vehicle discuss the problems the client has noticed and sometimes they may take a short test drive. Another source of information is the Customer Care Vehicle Dossier (CCVD) which is a continuing file of each vehicle the garage services. The CCVD can help the mechanic to diagnose problems and provides a convenient record if a vehicle is returned for warranty service on an earlier repair. †¢Explicit services: On the basis of 22 years of training and experience with the local Volvo dealer, they have earned a respected reputation and they offer any repair service on Volvo cars. For services which are not part of Village Volvo the owners developed a network of other service providers who can satisfy the customers’ needs. Care is taken throughout the repair process to keep the car clean, and the inside is vacuumed as a courtesy before pickup. After the repairs are finished, the vehicle is taken for a short test drive. Another explicit service is the availability. They have set aside specific â€Å"drop in† times (3 to 5 PM Wednesdays and 8 to 10 AM Thursdays) each week when clients may drive in for quick routine services. Between 7 and 8 AM and 5 and 6 PM the two owner-mechanics do not repair, because they want to be available for customer contact. †¢Implicit services: Implicit services include good attitude of mechanic, the comforts of the waiting area, and the convenience of the services offered. Mechanics take time to discuss problems with their clients; they even take a short test drive with the finished car and inform the customer about any other steps necessary whilst reparation. Although the customer will be consulted before any work other than the agreed-on job is done. Village Volvo 1. Describe Village Volvo’s service package. The service package consists of five points: supporting facility, facilitating goods, information, explicit services and implicit services. †¢Supporting facility: The car repair is based in a new Butler building in a suburban location with four work bays, an office, a waiting area and a storage room. Because of the location Village Volvo considers a shuttle service two or three times a day. The waiting room is equipped with a television se, comfortable chairs, coffee, a soft-drink vending machine, magazines and the local newspaper. †¢Facilitating goods: Facilitating goods are on the one hand the parts which are used to replace worn-out parts of the cars and on the other hand goods which are provided in the waiting room like coffee, soft-drinks, magazines and the local newspaper. †¢Information: The client and the mechanic who will be working on the vehicle discuss the problems the client has noticed and sometimes they may take a short test drive. Another source of information is the Customer Care Vehicle Dossier (CCVD) which is a continuing file of each vehicle the garage services. The CCVD can help the mechanic to diagnose problems and provides a convenient record if a vehicle is returned for warranty service on an earlier repair. †¢Explicit services: On the basis of 22 years of training and experience with the local Volvo dealer, they have earned a respected reputation and they offer any repair service on Volvo cars. For services which are not part of Village Volvo the owners developed a network of other service providers who can satisfy the customers’ needs. Care is taken throughout the repair process to keep the car clean, and the inside is vacuumed as a courtesy before pickup. After the repairs are finished, the vehicle is taken for a short test drive. Another explicit service is the availability. They have set aside specific â€Å"drop in† times (3 to 5 PM Wednesdays and 8 to 10 AM Thursdays) each week when clients may drive in for quick routine services. Between 7 and 8 AM and 5 and 6 PM the two owner-mechanics do not repair, because they want to be available for customer contact. †¢Implicit services: Implicit services include good attitude of mechanic, the comforts of the waiting area, and the convenience of the services offered. Mechanics take time to discuss problems with their clients; they even take a short test drive with the finished car and inform the customer about any other steps necessary whilst reparation. Although the customer will be consulted before any work other than the agreed-on job is done.

Yoshino covering

The Submissive Covering In reality, most people live through virtual fences as they feel social exclusion and racial covering arises. The fences have double standards either to protect the revered ones in protection, whereas, the common people are enclosed from society. The imagery of fence in Fences of Enclosure, Windows of Possibility and the Covering Hidden Assault Cover In our Civil Rights shows the theory of the way power structures restrict and control over society. All these fences are interconnected with racial covering in Covering The Hidden Assault on our CivilRights, where the minorities being excluded from virtual fences that restrict them from achieving mainstream. The representation of globalization is similar to white supremacy in the United States, the domination on less powered people. In this case, relating Klein term virtual fences will demonstrate how racial covering is affected by society with white supremacy Just as capitalism is built by the ones with huge reso urces. Lack of resources and racial pressure combine to create virtual fences on people who are not accepted and the search for window of possibility arises.Klein describes that the fences that protect public interest is disappearing fast. Similarly, the gap between the white and minorities is visible even on public television as virtual fences between different races. For example, when Hosting students say how they cannot imagine Asians appearing on TV, and goes says she cannot imagine any self-respecting minority could remain untroubled by the whiteness of television (Hosing, 306). It is showing the tendency of public TV not showing minorities and more likely the whites to be appeared.As invasion of the public by the private hectically put up new barriers, whether in schools, hospitals, workplaces, farms and communities, show commodity or necessity is becoming untouchable by common people Just like Asian Americans being less likely to be on public TV. The invading of the public by the private has reached into categories such as health and education, of course, but also ideas, genes, sees , now purchased, patented and fenced off, as well as traditional aboriginal remedies, plants, water and even human stem cells (197).Yes, and citizens are becoming more lack of resources and barred under many restrictions even on commodities. In both cases, it shows the bitter truth of virtual fence categorizing people in terms of race and resources, to dictate who is inside of power dynamics and who is not. One of Hosting students says that she will not mind how white television casts are and rather she will assimilate to the white norm or speak unaccented English. The productive way of getting over the barriers is to arouse the pride of authenticity as an individual feels the virtual fences of racial pressure.The window of possibility is created when Hosing speaks The Japanese believe they are a race apart, proclaiming their blood more pure than that of other peoples (299). Hosing explains how the other side of people can think differently, as well as remembering he was part of majority in mainland Japan. Hosing starts to show his Japanese pride and accept his heritage and says in Japan Hess part of majority too. The virtual fences in Klein writing relates to the racial covering mentioned by Hosing as people see the downside of either capitalism or globalization that puts bars around people or take away their rights, they conform to society.Virtual fences favor people with more accepted appearance and view someone's cultural aspect of racial identity as being different and furthermore, it elicits negative characteristic of a person, leading social exclusion. Klein says this as the fences of social exclusion can discard an entire industry, and they can also write off an entire country, as has happened to Argentina (197). The essential power of globalization has dark shadow over the world, disregarding common citizens who deposited their life savings.Th is claim clearly specifies how one country can be devastated by social exclusion. In comparison, Hosing mentions Yet if dating Janet represented assimilation in one sense, it was also its rejection. To date another Asian as to be raced apart. We would often be the only Asians in a social group (Hosing, 303). This fear comes from the worries about being fenced out of society and the racial barrier acts as locking out these people into their own barrier, groups of Asians, Hispanics and Blacks.Hosing mentions how another form of reaching windows of possibility is found as racial minorities try to breach the social contract of assimilation sometimes, Just like an African-American woman wearing cornrows. Racial covering can advance over categorical exclusion as written by Hosing, Times eave changed, and I suppose you could call it progress that a Chainman, too, may now aspire to whiteness (Hosing, 308). This also can open window of possibility as they challenge themselves to racially ass imilate to white people in order to be more conformed to society.Hosing questions how its worth asking when we will live in a society where Americans will feel central without feeling white and that we are far from that society. The virtual fences have great impact on individuals to feel socially excluded from one another, resulting racial covering to be socially accepted. Surprisingly, people are being barred from work for showing their diversity and federal Constitution and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It only protects race much more than orientation.Even at work, there's virtual fence as Hosing writes the unfairness of Title VII claims that English-only rules that require employees to speak English in the workplace (Hosing, 313). This states that the employers are being more required to be conformed to American society under their restriction. These policies have been another virtual fence on the basis of national origin. In imprison, globalization, which seems to b e decent title, misuses power over people by prevarication that co-opts only limited people controlling certain private companies that are open for certain types of people.Globalization is no longer organizing societies of the world, but as Klein explains the fences that surround the summits become metaphors for an economic model that exiles billions to poverty and exclusion (Klein, 199). This is when the activists were withstanding all the attacks from the police to confront the form of virtual fence. People fight back to open window of possibility on the social structure. Klein talks this behavior as following, their goal, which I began to explore in the final pieces in this book, is not to take power for themselves but to challenge power centralization on principle.Other kinds of windows are opening as well reclaim privatized spaces and assets for public use. (Klein, 200). They are both euphemism terms and the people misuse things are that are meant to be good to show their power over lower people. People sometimes take challenge on virtual fences to advance over exclusion and discrimination and confront at the stage. Hosing and Klein share many examples and that limited

UCSP 3.1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

UCSP 3.1 - Essay Example Various stakeholders (Koppleman, 2014) have ferociously deliberated prejudice, which refers to the preconceived notion about a person based on ones nationality, race, gender, creed and sexual preference among others. For example, when an individual is walking along a closed area at night and a group of senior citizens approach carrying metallic and wooden objects on their hands, he or she will not feel threatened. On the contrary, the person will feel threatened when a group of young men approaches him, even without any provocation from their end. In like manner, it has always been perceived that mentally ill persons are prone to violence. Thus, it has remained to be the case irrespective of statistics revealing that mentally ill individuals are no more violence prone than the ordinary people. Stereotyping, which refers to the aspect of adopting ideas about particular people even though such thoughts do not paint the real picture has similarly been a practice in the past and continues to be. For example, it has always been perceived that all politicians are philanders and that they only think of matters that benefit them in a way and make them richer. Racially, it has always been perceived that Muslims are terrorists, Russians are violent and do not care about reputation. In terms of gender, it has always been perceived that all women smell good and that they are affectionate towards the colour pink. Bigotry, which refers to the aspect of being intolerant towards anyone who holds a different opinion from yours has and continues to be practiced in various parts of the society (Koppleman, 2014). For example, it is common knowledge that Atheists are not always accorded the support they need, in some regions, they are not even allowed to occupy public office. In the contemporary society as well, a section of the society cannot tolerate gays. Though several human rights agencies

Personal Philosophy For Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Personal Philosophy For Education - Essay Example It is in view of the above discussed needs in their totality that it is observed, discipline has to be married with dignity (Curvin, Mendler and Mendler, 2008, p.14-20). The students are found to learn best when the teacher possesses a consistent personal philosophy of education so that â€Å"an acceptable theory of discipline (for all occasions and events) can be evolved to provide needed direction and help reduce teaching complexities and and increase effectiveness (Edwards, 2008, p.23). The major benefit of having a philosophy of education is that it â€Å"serves as a guide and helps eliminate problems that stem from having to make decisions without the benefit of a firm set of principles† (Edwards, 2008, p.25). Personal philosophy of education can be defined as â€Å"a consistent well-understood system of beliefs and associated theories† that a teacher depends upon for guidance in his/her professional acts (Edwards, 2008, p.25). ... 31 - 32). But once the teacher has evolved a concrete philosophy of education, there is always an option for the teacher of comparing one’s bahaviour and actions with that philosophy and correcting deviant behaviour and actions. The students learn best when the teacher defines all the professional practices, leadership and management skills and behaviours related to personal effectiveness based on his/her personal philosophy of education (National Institute of Education Singapore, n.d.). The professional practices are related to various aspects like, supporting the growth of the child, ensuring quality in the learning exercise of the child, providing quality learning of the child in CCA, and cultivating knowledge through perfect command over the subjects taught, encouraging reflective and analytic thinking, promoting initiative, rendering knowledge with a creative edge and with a focus on the short term and long term future requirements (National Institute of Education Singapo re, n.d.). Similarly, leadership and management skills to be exercised by the teacher have to include winning hearts and minds of the students through empathising rather than mere systemising and also through understanding the classroom environment and developing the children (Baron-Cohen, 2004, p.2-6; National Institute of Education Singapore, n.d.). Leadership and management is also about working with others, which in this particular context is related to working with the parents and in teams that include students, teachers and the school administration (National Institute of Education Singapore, n.d.). Finally, the third aspect of ensuring that

Aristotle view on Antigone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Aristotle view on Antigone - Essay Example Creon utilizes the privileges and power bestowed on a king to the fullest by imposing his wishes. His power is not questionable as he is in command of both the elders and the sentries. His subjects respect him and his decisions. As a result of the power that the king enjoys in the play, he is pivotal in developing of the plot. He is the piece that puts all the other pieces together. All the characters in the story directly relates to him in one way or the other. For instance, his relationship with Antigone arises when she chooses to go against his wish to punish her brother, Polyneices. Instead, she chooses to bury him also lets everyone know about it. The disobedience and punishment the king gives her help create the inventive moment of the play. He is also the focal point in the climax of the story when the king’s punishment to Antigone is questioned as well his suitability to lead Thebes. At this stage, of the play conflict arises between Creon and his son, Haemon because o f the punishment on Antigone and her sister, Ismene. The king is also the focal point at the end of the play as he loses his wife and son to suicides all as a result of his actions at the beginning of the story. Another important condition that the protagonist should fulfill to qualify as a tragedy is to be subject of unmerited misfortune. ... The unawareness is evident from his decision to free Antigone when the prophet informs him of the consequences of his actions. Creon’s decision to punish Polyneices’ actions by having his body abandoned in the battlefields brings rage to Antigone. In her dialogue with her sister, she claims that the king fails to show respect to the dead who have more power than any living soul. It is this rage that leads her to bury her brother. The king also responds with equal proportion of rage feeling disobeyed and chooses to punish her with death. Every action the king takes leads to situation degenerating further. His actions are responsible for the death of Antigone, his son and wife. The play creates fear in two ways. First, there is the fear of the king because of the powers he has at his disposal. The discovery that the king has the power to have his servants bury a person while alive creates fear within the audience. The fact that the victim in this case is Antigone, the for mer king’s daughter helps worsen the fear. In the audience’s view, it can happen to anyone among them if it can happen to Antigone. The other cause of fear is the tragedy that befell the king. From the tragedy, the audience understands that every action they undertake has consequences. The fact that the king’s actions haunt him at the end of the play despite his power and authority only helps worsen the fear in the audience. From the tragedy, several conclusions can be made on the Greek’s way of life. First, the Greeks respected their rulers and their word was as strong as any law in their territories. Also, any disrespect towards the king was met with the harshest punishment that the king chose. The king also had the power to

Identify the impact of media communication (positive and negative) in Assignment - 1

Identify the impact of media communication (positive and negative) in a crisis situation - Assignment Example nication sty is necessary to be able to insure the continuity of the business since regardless of the vision and mission of an organization, the stakeholders are needed to be given reassurance regarding the business success (Notes in PPT). During a crisis, the organization should have a fast and efficient method of communication to be able to prevent situations created by the mass’s thirst for information (Notes in PPT). There are 5 important points in the crisis communication management in an organization. First is the identification of the organization’s key spokespersons that can represent the company in times of crisis and be believable to carry the right information. Second is the training of the leaders and key spokesperson in facing the media. Third is having a established crisis communication team that is ready at all times with the capability to connect to trusted media authorities to be able to maintain a positive reputation of the organization. The same group is also responsible in communicating with the proper authorities for a particular crisis such as the police or the fire services in terms of emergencies. It is important for the communication group within a company to have a positive rela tionship with the media or else there would be a contest with regards to the crisis that occurred which can destroy the business (Cornelissen, 2014, p.210). One example of the use of media to handle the crisis is how Mattel faced the August to October 2007 lead paint issue on toys that the company is producing. Due to a presence of an established communication plan which focused on the preparedness of the company in such events and the openness of Mattel in giving out updates regarding the situation survived the company without risking relationship to its consumers, stakeholders and the media (Cornelissen, 2014,

LEGOs Expectations from Flextronics and Outcome Essay

LEGOs Expectations from Flextronics and Outcome - Essay Example This essay declares that LEGO wanted to outsource its production to a famous Singaporean electronics manufacturing company Flextronics. So in the year 2006 LEGO finalized the contract with Flextronics for producing the major parts of its toys. The idea was considered brilliant because the prices were locked for an extended period of time, so this would save the company from the risks of product price fluctuations. Flextronics was handed over the production sites of LEGO for production purposes. The phases started from 2004 to 2006, and throughout this phase the company was making efforts to reduce their production capacity to about 20 percent. They were aiming at keeping a target of 80/20 percent for outsourcing their production functions. This paper stresses that LEGO had created a complex framework for outsourcing external providers. This was also a reason why LEGO faced issues while working with Flextronics. LEGO was going through extreme transition, so it can be said that it became problematic for them to delegate authority and control their global network of production. Further, complexity occurred regarding the flawless transmission of production knowledge. LEGO and Flextronics have different organization structure. Though LEGO outsourced Flextronics, but it could not match its complex systems with that of Flextronics. LEGO was a manufacturing company. It manufactured toys for children. ... Flextronics was an electronic hoods manufacturing company, in which plastic plays an important role. This was the reason behind Flextronics’s interest to move for a long-tem relationship with LEGO. LEGO too found Flextronics to be professional and systematic to work with. However, their collaboration did not last long because of several issues that developed during their three years journey. LEGO’s goal was to optimize their global supply chain by outsourcing their production system to Flextronics. Similarly, Flextronics wanted to utilize the expertise of LEGO in plastics. It was found that LEGO was not satisfied with the quality of facilities provided by Flextronics. LEGO had created a complex framework for outsourcing external providers. This was also a reason why LEGO faced issues while working with Flextronics. LEGO was going through extreme transition, so it can be said that it became problematic for them to delegate authority and control their global network of pr oduction. Further, complexity occurred regarding the flawless transmission of production knowledge. LEGO and Flextronics have different organization structure. Though LEGO outsourced Flextronics, but it could not match its complex systems with that of Flextronics. On the other hand the company who was outsourced would be working according to its own process and framework. So problems of disagreement and misalignment were the result of what the outcome was (LEGO, 2006). Key Challenges in Maintaining a Relationship LEGO was a manufacturing company. It manufactured toys for children. The focus of the company was mainly on production and management of the supply chain. Never did the company feel the need of out sourcing or documentation before it was

Japan modernization vs tradition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Japan modernization vs tradition - Essay Example Japan invited the West to it and not the other way around. Western curiosity led it to Japan to try and peel layer after layer to get at the truth. Modernism seems to have reached Japan quite late but Japan absorbed Western influence in its own way - yet the trappings of modernity which other countries of Asia were eager to flaunt, were not visible to outsiders - a predilection for technology, scientific institutions and American education. Japan exists in its paradoxes. Japan has no technological institution worth the name yet produces some of the world's best known and loved electronic goods and automobiles. Until a couple of decades back Japanese employees remained deeply loyal to the organizations they worked in and were similarly rewarded by their employers. The paradox can only be explained by a deep reverence for the Samurai ideals of dignity, honesty, tradition and loyalty- and this might perhaps explain the attitude of the Japanese - their ability to absorb other influences. Make Japan a world power and yet remain true to their inner life endowed with a certain stoicism which they bear the intrusion of modernity in Japan and its constant threat to traditional Japanese values as reflected in the Samurai.2 Mishima was a writer, essayist poet and writer. ... is grandmother Natsu Hiroaka till the age of twelve, Mishima's first short story 'The Forest in Full Bloom' has the protagonist describing how his ancestors lived in him - possibly laying the seeds for his philosophy and violent death . He rose to write several full length novels and plays. Yukio Mishima believed in the power of Japan and was devoted to his Emperor - a metaphor for Japan and not the ruler. Dismayed by the invasion of modernity on traditional Japanese values, he felt that modernity brought with it certain barrenness. He later went on to join the tatenokai, a radical martial army. From here, he preached that Japanese should take to the Samurai tradition. He practiced sword fighting and martial arts and the group swore to protect the 'Emperor'.3 On that fateful day in 1970, before Mishima committed hara kiri or ritual suicide, he stood in public view and delivered a speech on the need to protect Japanese traditions. Mishima was the one who brought this devotion to tradition before the whole world, because he was a very well known figure. But what he lived and died for might not be seen as very relevant to contemporary Japanese m specially the young. Japan still remains true to tradition overall but is faces the inevitable globalization and therefore its concerns are primarily economic. The emperor still remains a loved symbol but Japanese are too bothered coping with rising , inflation , recessionary figures and concerns about competitiveness to ever brood .4 The more philosophical concerns are probably discussed by Japanese as much as in any other country and m in the final analysis there is only so much we can learn about a country's traditions. Japan has a lot to offer and from this young vibrant country, come the drivers of the next generation of

The capitalistic nature of Ben Franklin Research Paper

The capitalistic nature of Ben Franklin - Research Paper Example Earlier, he was the 1st United States Postmaster General. Apart from his politician role, he was also a scientist, an inventor, a statesman, a civic activist, a satirist and last but not the least, a diplomat. Ben Franklin was proud of his working class roots and hence became a renowned newspaper editor and a printer. He partnered with William Goddard and Joseph Galloway where all of these three individuals published the Pennsylvania Chronicle; a newspaper known for its out of the league emotions and criticisms of the British monarchy within the reins of the American colonies. His wealth is accredited due to the publishing of Poor Richard’s Almanack as well as The Pennsylvania Gazette. Ben Franklin’s life was considered very colorful because he knew a lot of traits and under his aegis; undertook professions which had far-reaching conclusions. This paper discusses the capitalistic nature of Ben Franklin. As an author, Ben Franklin started to publish the renowned Poor Ric hard Almanack. This happened in 1733. He did so for both the original and borrowed content. He used the pseudonym Richard Saunders for the same. His popularity is based on this rendition. This provided him the platform to pen down further publications with several pseudonyms. The character of Richard Saunders was in denial of the role of Ben Franklin within the publication of Poor Richard Almanack, however it was well-known amongst the relevant people as the secret had come out in the open very vividly and there was no hiding. Poor Richard’s proverbs came out of this almanac where one of the most famous ones is â€Å"a penny saved is two pence dear†, or more clearly suggested as â€Å"a penny saved is a penny earned†. Another one is the â€Å"fish and visitors stink in three days†. These are common proverbs in this day and age and remain very popular within the Western folklore. These are adapted within different occasions within the society’s hold and have the ability to be termed alongside the very popular ones that are being made use of in the society (McCrary, 2009). It was in those times that the people considered it wisdom to have an adage for every occasion and Ben Franklin’s readers were always prepared for such adages. By estimates, he sold about 10,000 copies annually, which by current times are equivalent to three million or more. It was in the year 1758 that Ben Franklin stopped writing for the Poor Richard Almanack. This was the time when he printed Father Abraham’s Sermon which was widely recognized as The Way to Wealth. Similarly, Ben Franklin’s autobiography kicked off in 1771 but got published after he died in 1790. This autobiography was hailed as one of the best known classics of the related genre. Ben Franklin was also a noted inventor. His work spoke for his own self. He invented a number of items, most important of which remained the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, flexible urinar y catheter, the bifocal glasses and glass armonica. The glass armonica is a glass instrument and is very different from the metal harmonica. The most unfortunate part of his inventions was that he never patented them. In his autobiography, he confessed that he enjoyed utilizing others’ inventions but then was the time to allow others to make use of his inventions, and allow the people around the world to delve into the scope of how these inventions worked. He mentioned that he needed to do

Investigative Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Investigative Report - Essay Example Supermarket employees followed closely at 43%, retail employees at 35%, hospital employees at 33%, and manufacturing employees at 28% (Pedneault 16). As the world continues to experience social changes, it is likely that companies will experience more employee theft incidences as jobs increasingly become temporary and employees continue to change jobs or maintain multiple careers. As a manufacturing company, New York Rubber Company has experienced several cases of employee theft. In the first half of 2013 alone, at least 15 cases of employee theft have been recorded by the security department. The losses that the organization has incurred as a result of employee theft within the period totals at least $140,000. Going by the statistics, it is beyond doubt that employee theft is an issue that should be taken seriously. Employee thefts impact negatively on consumers and the operations of New York Rubber Company at large. In this respect, we need to understand what employee theft entails so as to be able to formulate better control and prevention measures. Employee theft is not only of interest to us as an activity that must be prevented or regulated, but because it also shows the state of health of the relationship between employees and employers. This report investigates employee theft in the workplace and its consequences. Finally, the report will investigate the causes and use evidence to suggest possible solutions to employee theft in an organization. Employee theft remains one of the major concerns for many companies today. Research indicates that employee theft is commonplace in many companies. Employee theft is an unethical act that employees should not engage in when working for any company or organization. According to the ethical code of conduct, employees are required to refrain from stealing from a company as noted by Barefoot (5).

Burmas Stateless Minority under the Tip of Globalizations Spear Essay Example for Free

Burmas Stateless Minority under the Tip of Globalizations Spear Essay Bangladesh and Burma, two of Asias poorest nations, displaced and stateless people of rohingya suffer in silence at the hands of the military government in Burmas Orwellian new capital of Naypyidaw, Bangladesh caretakers are being less sympathetic to them. People of rohingya are being crashed to death . there are children starving in the darkness of dawn in these Asian century. India and China are interested in resuscitating decrepit colonial era ports and WWII era transport routes in their weak states in the name of securing resources for their respective domestic economic progress. Discussion Complex patterns of todays transnational human exodus across political and cultural boundaries examples of massive underground movement Rohingya are people they are never heard of they live in a place no one could never want to live they inhabit a violent landscape of crisis completely devoid of human rights. Women and children struggle to get clean water and food but after a long struggle and suffering they end up getting a pool of muddy stagnant water. They have no choice but to drink the dirty staff. There have been a lot of plight of human migration portrayed in the media now days known as South to North. Some of the odds that come to our minds are for example Cameroonians traversing thousands of miles up the African continent to look for work in a Parisian suburb and Guatemalans passing themselves off as Mexicans trying to enter Californias vast produce engine. Many parts of the world now days suffer a problem of lack of basic needs such as food, water, clothing and shelter. These has been as a result natural calamities such as floods, earth quark, land slides etc Political interest has also contributed to some extend. Complex patterns of todays transnational human exodus are examples of underground movements referred to as â€Å"South to South migration in think tank parlance. There has been a lot of genocide in the current would and oppressions of human rights. In ten years of travel and reportage of civilizations fraying and violent crossroads, there have been witnesses of an array of struggles of people burning in the smoldering embers of post-World War II decolonization and the last great upheavals of the post-Berlin Wall paradigm shift. The far south of Bangladesh the situation there is dire and people live in a desperate situation. Desperate Iraqis refugees live in dark coastal hotels in Syria. Rohingya a minority group from western Burma are Muslims but are not welcomed, since Burmas independence from the British Crown in 1948, they have been persecuted over the last six decade by the central government in several violent fits, and this all dispute came as a result of junta not recognizing Rohingya being the real citizens of Burma. and being Muslims therefore justify ethnic cleansing and forcing them out of their farms and off their villages in Rakhine. Rohingya therefore sought refuge in Bangladesh as refugees but they were not welcomed they were referred as illegal economic migrants. The darfurist have at least their leader but the minority Rohingya has none. Conclusion The world leaders have to come to understanding that because of their political differences the innocent children and women are suffering under their own hands.Genocide is not the solution to political differences. References 1. Derek Flood: From South to South: Burmas Stateless Minority Under .. www. huffingtonpost. com/derek-flood/from-south-to-south-burma_b_98865. html 81k Cached Similar pages 2. Derek Flood: From South to South: Burmas Stateless Minority Under Derek_Flood_From_South_to_South_Burma_s_Stateless_Minority_Under_the_Tip_of 25k Cached Similar pages

Introduction To Facilities Management Tourism Essay

Introduction To Facilities Management Tourism Essay Every organization depends on a combination of resources and services needed to support the core business processes. Make sure that the support is available in the right way. Quality and the right price are the responsibility of facilities management. In essence, took facilities management, and organizations will have the freedom to do what they do best. Operators to take care of the rest. In practice, it has proved difficult to facilities management amplification. British Institute of Facilities Management and the integration of multi-disciplinary known developments in the built environment and its effects on individuals and work management. International Management Facility Association offers a similar view: a career that includes various disciplines, functions and integrated environment built to ensure that people, processes and technology space. A little of the new European standards adopted by the facilities management projects facilities management statement more complex, and to maintain and improve the coordinated operation of the main activities of the organization efficiency and supply management. Activities and responsibilities and the United Kingdom sector skills council, which hosts more than facilities management is a simple preference in reference to support the integration is necessary for a successful performance. In part, these definitions reserves the right to manage a relatively new idea. Only in the last ten years, most organizations have started to think in terms of strategic importance. Accommodation In modern times, and how to spend their holidays has undergone a significant change. People want to get a good time with family and friends, at the same time exploring the various tourist attractions all over the world. As a result, the tourism industry saw unprecedented growth in all parts of the world, and this in turn has led to a tremendous growth in the hotel and accommodation facilities. Comfortable hotels and accommodation facilities play an important role in the circulation of any other tourist destination. If a person who is far from home, and get the same enjoyment enjoy the services and facilities in the house, then he is obliged to stick place. On the other hand if the tourist ends in place of hotels and accommodation facilities are not satisfactory, you probably would never return to that place. Perhaps for this reason, hotels and accommodation facilities available at various tourist sites, the focus has shifted to provide maximum comfort to tourists at a reasonable price. It is also vital to provide comfortable accommodation for people from diverse economic backgrounds. While the five-star hotels are able to meet the needs of visitors rich average small and medium sized enterprises and establish homes available for use by the middle class traveller. Review blogs are also of vital importance that all the information about hotels and accommodation facilities available in the private tourism is available to Page 1 people quite easily. For this there is no better choice than the Internet, because most of the information gain tour of hotels and accommodation facilities through this medium only. Completion of other form s booklets contain information about hotels and accommodation facilities available in the train and bus stations. The information must be provided to the tourists to be detailed and accurate. It can also must contain information regarding renting rooms, types of rooms, catering services, check out, and the selection and drop facilities etc. information about tourist sites additional important in providing both on the web and brochures, to promote not only but also in hotel in a tourist spot. Types of accommodations Accommodation is a necessary component in the development of tourism within any destination that seeks to serve visitors other than day trippers. The quality of different of accommodation available will both reflect and influence the range of visitors to a location. There are many types of accommodations which range from hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts to farm house accommodation, inns and campus accommodation. Hotels are undoubtedly the most significant and visible sub-sector within accommodation or lodging. Most of these hotels are usually located in the capital city and spread to other major cities. Four star hotels are usually very expensive due to their nature and facilities provided. Some time their facilities and services rendered are quite many and sophisticated compared to other smaller types of accommodation. Demand Demand is wants and needs that are profitable for human consumption and services. It can be affordable to the person paying for the products or services. For example, most people demand a mobile phone for the purpose of receiving calls and sending text messages not caring about other functions. They are interested in the satisfaction the phone gives them. Demand is the ability and willingness to purchase or pay for goods or services at a given time and at a particular price. The power to purchase means that the person likes the item enough and wants to buy it. This is usually what people think when they encounter the concept of demand. In this sense, the person who wants to make the purchase must be willing to pay the price of the items Comparison between hotels Comparisons between three (four star) different accommodation service and facilities. Ramada Hotel Dover Sing ledge lane, Dover CT16 3EL Wrightington Hotel Moss Lane, Wrightington WN6 9PB Holiday Inn Express Cambridge 15-17 Coldhams Park, Norman Way Cambridge CB1 3LH Page 2 1. Ramada Hotel Dover Singledge lane, Dover CT16 3EL The Ramada hotel Dover is a four star hotel in quiet garden location along side the A2, between Dover and Canterbury. The Ramada hotel is offering highest quality of facilities and accommodations which include a mini gym. Our convenient location allows you a good connection to the Dover Ferry and Cruise Terminals, Town Centre, Dover Castle, and the world Famous white Cliffs, all with in reach in five minutes on the car. You will find the Euro tunnel terminal just a further five to ten minutes. Hotel Accommodation. Ramada Hotel is providing the highest quality accommodation and facilities including The Olive Tree Restaurant, Octagon Bar, Costa Coffee Lounge, Mini Gym and Free WiFi throughout hotel. Double, twin, family, executive and accessible room are available in the Ramada hotel. Asian Wedding. The Ramada hotel is a perfect for an Asian wedding you can be certain that you will receive the highest standard of service and the best value for money with out compromise. Service Ramada Hotel is providing meeting and conference rooms. Ideal for meeting, training courses, private dinners and conferences. Free WiFi access in throughout the hotel, En-suite with bath and power shower, Direct Dial Phone, Flat screen TV, Hair dryer, Iron Ironing Board, Air Conditioning, Room safes. Ramada hotel is offering a wheelchair accessible room. Price Room form ÂÂ £62 per night. Offers. 1 or 2 night break in Ramada that includes over night bed breakfast accommodation in a family room for 2 adults and 2 children. ÂÂ £115.00 night 2 night in Ramada, one night and breakfast on both morning free. ÂÂ £149.00 per package. 3. Honeymoon Package All free includes. Executive room, full English breakfast for two, basket of flowers, chocolates, bottle of mineral water and soft drinks mini bar. ÂÂ £175.00 per couple per night. Page 3 2. Wrightington Hotel Moss Lane, Wrightington WN6 9PB Accommodation at Wrightingtion Wrightingtion is offering a selection of luxurious rooms for business or leisure guest. Club Range Club Triple room. Club triple room is popular family room with a double and single bed. Perfect for those family breaks. Club triple room is decorating to a high level to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Free terrestrial TV Ensuite bath and shower Ironing centre Double glazing Club double room Club double room are quiet, comfortable stay at affordable price. The club double room is decorated to high level that will make your stay. Ensuite bath and shower Free terrestrial TV Tea and coffee making facilities Ironing centre Club Twin Room Club twin room are comfortable stay at affordable price. Club twin room has everything you need. The club twin room is decorated to high levels that make you stay. Ensuite bath and shower Free terrestrial TV Tea and coffee making facilities Ironing centre Page 4 Deluxe Rooms 1.Deluxe Double Room The deluxe double is offering a Queen size bed with a view of our garden and courtyard or the rural countryside of Wrightington. Ensuite bath and shower Air conditioning Free sky TV and free view Ironing centre Tea and coffee making facilities Safe deposit box 2. Deluxe Twin Room These rooms offer perfect break away for friends. Ensuite bath and shower Air conditioning Free sky TV and free view Ironing centre Tea and coffee making facilities Safe deposit box C. a. The Maddox Suite The Maddox suite is offering lounge with flat screen TV and mine bar and best rooms with your friends. The separate bedroom has a king size bed and flat screen TV. b. The Platinum Room The platinum room are decorated to the highest standard and to compliment this regal look the room offers. Both facilities Ensuite bath and power shower Air conditioning Free sky TV and free view Ironing centre Complimentary toiletries Tea and coffee making facilities Safe deposit box Conference Banqueting Facilities Wrightington hotel is the ideal meeting point for conference and business events. Wrightington hotel is providing the largest accommodation for up 200 people. Flipchart, stand and markers LCD screen TV Ice water and cordial Delegate conference pad and pencil Dial out telephone Delegate place card PA system Free parking Services Banqueting, hair salon, beauty spa, Page 5 3. Holiday Inn Express Cambridge 15-17 Coldhams Park, Norman Way Cambridge CB1 3LH Cambridge is a beautiful city in United Kingdom and the Holiday Inn Express is a ideal choice for comfort location, about all value. More the 100 rooms are modern and contemporary with all your need to make your break as relaxing as possible. Holiday Inn Express is just 20 minutes from Stansted Air port and a 50 minutes train ride from central London. Holiday Inn Express is best for business meeting. Holiday Inn Express has a number of good value rates to suit businesses looking to hire meeting rooms with packages that can include conference lunches. Holiday Inn Express are provide right price with free hot breakfast, free parking and free WiFi in public areas. Hotel Accommodation Holiday Inn Express is offers affordable facilities for customer in a good location to the city. We are provide to a non smoking modern and comfortable rooms. Guests are choose double, twins, family and also the wheelchair accessible to the rooms. In family rooms are accommodate two adult and two children in a double bed and sofa bed. Holiday Inn Express is provided ever thing for relaxing break. The gusts are enjoy free breakfast in our lounge and help them selves to the wide rang of goodies selves in a buffet style. Other Facilities in rooms Free breakfast En- suite with power shower Air conditioning Tea and coffee making facilities 32 inch flat screen TV with free view Individually controlled heating Iron and ironing board Free parking Free WiFi in public areas Room service 24 hour Meeting and conference facilities Holiday Inn Express is a great location for meeting and conference. Holiday Inn Express is just 20 minutes from Stansted air port and 50 minutes train ride from central London. Holiday Inn Express is provide three meeting rooms. Projection screens Papers White board Multimedia Internet available (charges apply) Page 6 Air condition Free breakfast Special offers Holiday inn Express is offering 20% off when you book the advance. Our rates include a complimentary breakfast buffet with items. When you are booking advance, full payment are required. Page 7

Auditing Reacquired Franchise Rights

Auditing Reacquired Franchise Rights Worksheet 1: Summary of Reacquired Franchise Rights Verifying Mathematical Accuracy of Reacquired Franchise Rights Balance It has been assumed that the beginning balance of reacquired franchise rights was audited last year. Therefore, changes (if any) to this account are audited in the current year so that an auditor can give an opinion on the balance of this asset. Reductions to this asset are likely to be due to a sale, other disposal, or impairment. However, based on the case facts, there is no indication of changes in the current year. The following were the procedures performed: Checking to see if the client reported any impairment Based on the case facts, Roman Holiday did not identify or report any impairment in the reacquired franchise rights in the current year. Ensuring that each Franchisee market recorded the correct amount for the BV of Reacquired Franchise Rights Roman Holiday did not sell or dispose any of its reacquired franchise rights (reductions)neither did they reacquire any new franchise rights (additions) during the current year. This is the reason that there was no change in the recorded amount for these assets. Verifying that the company correctly added the book values of the reacquired franchise rights to include all of the senior franchise markets (please refer to Appendix A) Upon reviewing the client-prepared schedule of reacquired franchise rights, the sum of the book values of these intangible assets, for each franchise market, totaled $127, 414, 000. However, there is a $2,000 ($127,414 127, 412)deviation between the actual total and the amount that the client reported on its balance sheet ($127, 412, 000). Since, a planned materiality of $5 million is being used this deviation is immaterial and islikely due to rounding errors. Based on the above procedures performed and the immaterial deviation between the actual total and the clients reported amount for the book value of the reacquired franchise rights, we feel that the proper amount has been recorded and as such no further procedures are necessary. Is the Indefinite life classification for the reacquired franchise rights correct? According to SFAS 142, it identifies how goodwill and other intangibles are accounted for after their acquisition or in this case their reacquisition. Essentially, it requires the classification of intangible assets as having either a definite or indefinite life. The main difference is that definite-life intangible assets are amortized in a pattern depending on how and when the economic benefits are expected to be received (e.g.: if expected evenly over each year then the straight line method of amortization should be used). In determining whether or not the indefinite-life classification for the reacquired franchise rights is correct we must review through the criteria in SFAS 142 and see how it relates to our client, Roman Holiday. According to SFAS 142, the estimate of the useful life of an intangible asset to an entity is based on an analysis of all pertinent factors, in particular the following[i]: The expected use of the asset by the reporting entity Case facts: Essentially, the purpose of reacquired franchise rights is to allow the franchisor (Roman Holiday) to utilize their own brand name in the specific senior franchisee market(s) that they reacquired the rights from. The expected useful life of another asset or a group of assets to which the useful life of the intangible asset may relate (such as mineral rights to depleting assets) Case facts: The group of assets that the reacquired franchise rights may relate to is the reacquisition of rights from existing and/or underdeveloped markets or restaurants. Under the contractual repurchase agreement, which has a useful life of 14 years, Roman Holiday is entitled to the use and benefit of these assets (e.g.: the right to continue operating existing restaurants and the right to collect royalties from sub-franchises developed by the Senior Associate) Any legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions that may limit the useful life Case Facts: same as part ii. (i.e.: The contractual agreement has a useful life of approximately 14 years which is the same length of the underlying Senior Associate agreement) Any legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions that enable renewal or extension of the assets legal or contractual life without substantial cost (provided there is evidence to support renewal or extension and renewal or extension can be accomplished without material modifications of the existing terms and conditions) Case facts: The Senior Associate Agreement has a useful life between 10-20 years (approximately 14 years). These agreements are renewable if mutually agreeable to both parties with no substantial costs or material modifications of the existing terms and conditions. The effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, and other economic factors (such as the stability of the industry, known technological advances, legislative action that results in an uncertain or changing regulatory environment, and expected changes in distribution channels) Case facts: According to analysts, the companys growth will slow (indicating that the pizza industry is in its maturity stage) in the next few years but will still exceed industry averages. However, most of Roman Holidays revenue growth, in recent years, is largely due to the reacquisition of franchise rights and existing restaurants as opposed to real growth in the franchise itself. Therefore, Roman Holiday faces stiff competition in this highly competitive industry. In addition, the company markets itself as a gourmet pizza restaurant and only targets consumers willing to pay for a premium product. There are may substitute pizza places that consumers can go to such as Pizza Hut and Dominos Pizza unless Roman Holiday can continue to distinguish itself from these other restaurants (e.g.: incentives and price discounts). The level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected future cash flows from the asset (for example, a material level of required maintenance in relation to the carrying amount of the asset may suggest a very limited useful life) Case facts: There is no maintenance expenditures related to reacquired franchise rights except annual impairment losses, if any. Based on the above pertinent criteria related case facts, we feel that the indefinite-life classification is wrong. Instead, it should have a definite life of 14 years, which is consistent with the underlying Senior Associate agreement. Beyond 14 years the intangible asset and its related benefits will expire. Worksheet 2: Auditee client impairment analysis SFAS 142 vs. SFAS 144 Types of Auditing Procedures to Evaluate Managements Assertions Clients Methodology in Estimating the FV of Reacquired Franchise Rights Verifying the mathematical accuracy of the clients estimation the FMV of Reacquired Franchise Rights Worksheet 3: Analysis of key assumptions Key assumptions made by client in arriving at the FMV Estimate Comparison to external internal information Which provides the greatest level of assurance? Information sources Preparation of a document request to the client Evaluating of key assumptions Evaluation of appropriateness of key assumptions Worksheet 4: Auditor impairment analysis on book value of reacquired franchise rights for Arizona acquisitions Is Clients Impairment Assessment Appropriate? The role of specialists What would be included in a set of working papers?

Nominating an Outstanding Person to The Hall of Fame Essay example --

I nominate Regina Geis for recognition in the State Hall of Fame. Born on December 29, 1995, daughter of Robert and Robin Geis, sister of Daniel and Benjamin Geis. Regina is an inspiring person who brings out joy and happiness. She inspires people to give their best and live for the right reasons. She is an overachiever and has always done well in school. In fact, Regina is a straight A student. It is encouraging how much time and effort she puts in her school time. Spending some of her time at work and home, but spending most of her time at school or church. Regina strives for excellence, but other than her inspiring life, she shall first be recognized for more than what she does but for who she is, like her personality; beautiful, awesome and amazing, outgoing and funny, exhilarating and adventurous, goofy and silly, caring and kind, sweet, a perfect character, there is never a dull moment when hanging out with her. Though she has her serious moments, when it comes to having fun, she knows how to embrace herself. When music plays, she dances and sings, and does not care what she looks like or who is around. Sometimes showing your complete self is hard, but Regina is 100% herself. The times she hangs out with her girls or sometimes, even her brother, well, lets just say it is all laughs and giggles from there. Speaking of her brother, siblings fight daily and they have their differences, but Regina shows the roll of a wonderful big sister. Yes, some days her brother drives her crazy, but she would do absolutely anything for him, as well as her friends and family. There are times when she places herself before others, but she deserves that because she places others before herself the majority of the time. Regina likes to joke... ...hat she will be recognized in many Hall of Fames, rather than only the state, because she will be someone more and make it somewhere; anywhere. Geis will continue to impact people and their lives in ways she would not understand. Regina Geis is an inspiring girl who deserves the recognition in the State Hall of Fame. Works Cited http://admissions.illinois.edu/academics/honors_colleges.html http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesmarshallcrotty/2013/03/13/motivation-matters-40-of-high-school-students-chronically-disengaged-from-school/ http://www.nbcnews.com/id/7019023/ns/us_news/t/study-most-us-teens-serious-about-religion http://www.newrepublic.com/article/116332/david-brookss-editorial-gets-poverty-and-education-wrong http://www.publicagenda.org/press-releases/survey-sports-arts-clubs-volunteering-out-school-activities-play-crucial-positive-role-kids

Corruption and Failure in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby :: Great Gatsby Essays

Corruption in The Great Gatsby      Ã‚   The theme of human corruption, its sources and consequences, is a common concern among writers from Shakespeare through J.D Salinger. Some suggest that it attacks from outside, while others depict corruption occurring from within the individual. In the case if The Great Gatsby and it's protagonist's fate, Fitzgerald shows both factors at work. The moral climate of the Roaring Twenties, Daisy Fay Buchanan's pernicious hold on him, and Jay Gatsby's own nature all contribute to his tragic demise.      Ã‚  Ã‚   First, the loose morality of Dan Cody, Gatsby's unfortunate role model, and superficial people who flock to Gatsby's parties contribute to Gatsby's downfall. Their examples encourages Gatsby's interpretation of The American Dream- his naive belief is that money and social standing are all that matter in his quest for Daisy. The self-absorbed debetants and their drunken escorts are among those who "crash" his extravagant soirees. As Nick Carroway tells us, "People were not invited- they went there." (pg.40) Shallow, corrupt people like Jordan Baker gossip with reckless abandon about their mysterious host. Their careless, superficial attitudes and wanton behavior represent Fitzgerald's depiction of the corrupt American Dream.      Ã‚   Another force of corruption responsible for Gatsby's fate is his obsession with a woman of Daisy's nature. Determined to marry her after returning from the war, he is blind to her shallow, cowardly nature. He is unable to see the corruption which lies beyond her physical beauty, charming manner and playful banter. That she is incapable of leaving her brutal husband, Tom, of committing herself to Gatsby despite his sacrifices escapes him. As Nick observes, Gatsby's expectation is absurdly simple:"He only wanted her to tell him [Tom] that she never loved him." (pg.91) Daisy is not worthy of the pedestal on which she is placed. Since she is hallow at the core, so is his dream which is based on a brief flirtation, nothing more.      Ã‚   Finally, Gatsby's own character-especially his willful obsession-contributes to his fate. Despite his naivetà © about Daisy and her friends who "are rich and play polo together," he, too, has been seduced by the lure of money and fame. Unable to control his obsessive desire to have Daisy, he cares little about the

How I See Television :: Personal Narrative Media Entertainment Essays

How I See Television I love television with all my heart, I also hate it with a passion. I have many reasons for my emotional dyslexic connection to television. I love the feeling I get when Thursday rolls around and the Apprentice is on NBC. Who will be eliminated tonight? What will their task be? I love Home and Garden Television. They do home renovations in two days time, show us how to plan and carry out a fabulous dinner party in an evening, and demonstrate how to create fabulous decorations for any holiday season. DIY or Do It Yourself television is equally inspiring, though neither are actually inspiring enough for me to have attempted any of the projects I learned about, but that is beside the point. When I would talk about different shows, my friend would get a confused look on his face and say, â€Å"I’m not familiar with that show, if it’s not on PBS then I wouldn’t have seen it.† That is the defining statement of a PBS snob, he admits it. Different people could fill in the ‘PBS’ designation with the ‘History Channel’ or the ‘Discovery Channel’. At that point I knew it was futile to even attempt to convey how funny the show was that I watched, it would have been lost on him. There is a sense of superiority when people say, â€Å"Oh, I don’t watch television.† Like we immediately picture them reading War and Peace instead of watching the finale of The Bachelor. I think of them as alcoholics that don’t allow themselves to watch any television because they would soon find themselves sitting among stacks of pizza boxes and bags of trash, watching Stella plan her big day on â€Å"Whose We dding is it Anyway?† It’s on HGTV if you are interested. Last year we signed up with Dish Network and now get about four hundred channels. Part of the package includes a PVR, or personal video recorder. We can record up to 60 hours of programming and watch a recorded show while another is recording. My goal is to avoid commercials as they waste valuable time. Several months ago, actually it was four days before the presidential election, our television started acting funny with squiggly lines every so often.