Experiential Focusing Techniques in Counselling

Experiential Focusing Techniques in Counselling Katrina Quaye (kate) What wants my attention now?   Focusing is a unique skill discovered by Gene Gendlin. Working with  Carl Rogers back in the 1960’s, research was done as to why some people have success in therapy and others do not. A very interesting result emerged; those who progressed and benefitted most from therapy were the ones who took some time to reflect, when asked a question they seemed to sense something within themselves and an answer would begin to emerge. Over time Gendlin discovered what became know as the ‘felt sense’. This is a sense that we all have but often it is operating unbeknown to us. This sense, sometimes called a bodily sense, can teach us much about ourselves and also our relationship with others and the world around us. It is a way of listening to our bodies with compassion, without judgement, and something that moved me most of all â€Å"gentleness’. Enhancement of knowledge There are six basic steps to learn in focusing. To begin with we are taught to go through the process, step by step, learning these steps well, by sitting down and quietly going ‘inside’ our body. Once these steps are learnt thoroughly the process can flow with greater ease, quickly accessing our felt sense and going with it. This can be done taking a walk, doing the dishes, driving to work, with continuous practice our body will always be there guiding us. Clearing the space, if someone is not quite in the moment, different thoughts, things to do list going through their mind, it is best to take a moment to clear a space inside. This can be done quite well in a short amount of time by asking the client in their mind to wrap up each concern on the list and placing it in an imaginary basket, not forcing each concern but in a clear friendly manner. This can also be done with a background feeling of being tense, anxious, whatever the feeling maybe to set it aside for the time being. Not forcing, but inviting it to stand aside for some time. Gendlin would often take half an hour for this process with clients. Although it may be done in a much shorter amount of time, five to ten minutes. This would allow for a longer session with the felt sense. One then checks back with the self, that you are feeling clearer to start. So now we can choose something to work on. One may already have an issue they want to work on, in which case one can check with the body if this is okay to work with. Alternatively one may see if there is something that needs their attention now. Often the sense is felt in the throat, chest or abdomen area. One of the key words in focusing is gently, gently say hello to the sense, checking if it is okay to be with it. Gendlin said ‘it is best to be next to the sense, like a friend sitting on a park bench wanting to have a conversation’. We don’t need to become immersed in the sense, just to be next to it. Like a sensitive baby animal we need to be gentle with the sense. Cornell (A. W. Cornell. pg.18) mentions, ‘Focusing is like being a friend to your own inner experience’. You may bring such qualities of friendship as curiosity, respect, empathy, warmth, compassion, letting it know that you are there to listen and listening with these qualities. Now we have said hello and acknowledged it is there, we can begin to describe the felt sense, it may start with a feeling of tightness in the chest, we acknowledge this, then we can ask ’how does this tightness feel’ we are checking back with this word to see that it captures it well. We are now resonating back and forth with the word or image, we don’t need to rush this process. Like a friend who wants to share something that is important to them, they don’t like to feel rushed. We are sitting next to this felt sense, as Genlin (Gendlin pg 57-58) explains, ‘ the felt sense is more than an emotion, with an emotion we know what it is, angry, sad, joyful, but with the felt sense we say I can feel it right there, but i don’t know what it is’. A felt sense contains a maze of meanings, we need to allow the sense time to form. That tightness may develop as anger, but within that anger can come a sense of the whole situation, what led up to that anger, how one is involved, it may for example show you scenes from childhood where you felt angry towards your parent for not understanding or listening to you. The felt sense can give a very complete form of understanding that will be more than just the anger. We now have words and or images we can work with that through checking would fit with the sense. We now come to sense from â€Å"its† view, what it wants us to know. I am letting ‘it’ know, I hear it, or sense it, welcoming it, it knows where it wants to or needs to go, we are listening not forcing or trying to work out whats happening, but allowing the process to unfold. Ending. It is important to ask if there is more that needs to come or shall we end here. It is important to thank the felt sense, to re-assure it that if need be I will be back. If we can develop a trusting relationship that when we say we will return, that we do so, the felt sense will be re-assured. The more we do this the more it will work with us. I will write a brief summary of my own personal experience using Focusing over a number of weeks. Having a quiet place I went inside of myself and sensed a feeling around my heart area. Gradually words like unappreciated, unloved emerged, I was listening to these words seeing if they were the ones. Yes they were. An image of a heart with a wooden dagger stabbed through it emerged, thick deep red blood was slowly oozing out. I was able to sit with this image for sometime, it was very strong, after sometime I needed to finish. Afterward I felt extremely heavy, it was hard to even continue with my daily tasks. The next day I came back to Focusing, realizing that I hadn’t finished off the process properly, mainly because after some time it seemed too much for me. I went back inside and the image was still there, I sat with it and came to understand the experiences I had been through that brought about this image. I needed to be more caring of myself. I asked it the question of how would it feel like if the difficulty wasn’t there. This brought forth an abundant response of joy and happiness, something like fire works were going off in celebration. I felt very light as if a big shift had taken place. Over the next two weeks I went back in to see what was there. I had an image of myself as a young four year old, the feelings of being unheard came up, need to do things perfectly, as mentioned above it takes in a blend of the situation not just an emotional feeling, but a deeper sense of what it was like to be that young child. I was being shown what it was like and by my acknowledging this allowing the whole of it to come out. There was a shift where those strong feelings seemed to melt away. Enhancement of Understanding Greater understanding of myself has come about through Focusing. Other peers and companions have said the same of their experiences when focusing; if one is to gain continuing benefits it is important to keep with the practice. There are certain attitudes that can help the process. Focusing is a very gentle process, approaching it with the wisdom of not knowing is very beneficial, as Cornell (pg21) says, ‘Why would you listen to someone if you think you already know what they have to say.’ The feeling of respect and wanting to know what the sense has to say is of the utmost importance. We need to ‘let go of what we know, to bring an attitude of open, friendly, interested, non judgmental curiosity to our experience†. (Silverston, pg. 2). We need to come to trust the felt sense that it will led us where we need to go. Sometimes along the way it may seem to be taking many detours. Sometimes it is trying to give us a broader understanding, showing various images or certain words. In some ways it is like being an investigator being excited or curious to find out what lies within. We are not taking sides, leaving one part shut out, not wanting something to be heard or acknowledged, we are not excluding any part of ourselves. We are listening to each part and gradually integrating each part of the self. â€Å"When we listen to a place inside that hurts, for instance, the quality of our presence is not the usual one of fixing or trying to make it feel better. Rather, we are willing to let it be exactly as it is†. (Wilson Van der Kooy, pg 1.) This attitude can be a huge relief for many, its okay to be as you are, allowing whatever is there to come up, to recognize and acknowledge it. As Gendlin (year?) said, â€Å"Every ‘bad’ feeling is potential energy toward a more right way of being, if you give it the space to move toward its rightness.† Enhancement of Self Awareness All of the above leads to greater self awareness. Coming to know what is going on inside of oneself. As many decisions need to be made in ones life, the building up of this awareness which can bring about greater confidence, is of huge benefit. I find in my own life if there is a lot happening around me I connect to that inner part which seems stable and able to help me keep centered. For those I have worked with there has been similar feed back, they are connecting to that inner part and making clearer judgements. This is an invaluable skill that can be used for myself in every day life, a skill that can be passed onto my clients, something that the therapist doesn’t control, people can learn this and then use it for the rest of their lives without having to go to the therapist all the time. Bibliography Cornell, Ann Weiser. Focusing In Safety And Trust. The Power of Focusing: A Practical Guide to Emotional Self-healing. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 1996. 18. Print.Cornell, Ann Weiser. What Is Focusing? The Power of Focusing: A Practical Guide to Emotional Self-healing. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 1996. 6. Print. Gendlin, Eugene T. The Crucial Bodily Attention. Focusing-oriented Psychotherapy: A Manual of the Experiential Method. New York: Guilford, 1996. 57 58. Print. Cornell, Ann Weiser. Focusing in Safety and Trust. The Power of Focusing: A Practical Guide to Emotional Self-healing. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 1996. 21. Print. Focusing as a doorway for spiritual growth. Wilson Van der Kooy, pg 1. Steve Silverton Page 2. How to think like a poet and make better decisions Question or Assessment Task: COP116 3000 Word Essay

Integrating ICT in Teaching and Learning Mathematics

Integrating ICT in Teaching and Learning Mathematics Investigate and discuss the use of ICT in teaching and learning Mathematics. Explore the use of MAPLE. Illustrate and discuss: 1) Competence with the main features of a range of ICT: ICT in teaching and learning mathematics is a requirement of the National curriculum and computer simulations can now place mathematics in a real life context. [1]There are a number of superior computer-based environments available to support this process. Some of these include dynamic geometry environments, graph-plotting packages, statistics and data holding packages and computer- algebra packages. Graphing calculators can be used to teach the beginning of Algebra. Similarly pocket calculators are convenient and quick to access as well as being relatively inexpensive today and is a useful mathematical tool. With the graphing calculator it is possible to determine that ‘every classroom could be turned into a computer lab and every student could own his or her own inexpensive personal computer with built-in mathematics software’ [2] The researchers Arnold and Aus identified three generations of graphing calculators: scientific calculators with large viewing windows, e.g. The T1-82, those which were more versatile with a range of mathematical functions like the Casio – 98JOG and those with CAS and dynamic geometry like the TI-92. Several discussions can be had around the implementation of calculators in mathematics teaching and learning and the subject continues to spark debate. Although the resolution of a hand held calculator is not comparable with that of a computer screen there is no need to alter the setting of the classroom or have to gain access to a number of computers to use it for learning. With regard to computational skills and mental arithmetic again calculators come up for criticism although there is a definite argument to be had that suggests calculators do not compromise the application of basic mathematical skills, as long as those skills are developed first in a conventional environment u sing pen and paper based calculations. [3] ICT can assist with turning algebraic symbols into graphical representations and vice versa. Using spreadsheets for algebra can encourage the use of letters to be interpreted as symbols and spreadsheet symbols can be used to solve mathematical problems[4]. Spreadsheets can be utilized to introduce students to a range of mathematical ideas and as a more generic mathematical tool. Recent research also provides evidence that young people are beginning to use spreadsheets on their own home computers. [5]Dynamic geometry can be used to teach transformation geometry as it can for establishing properties of circles, functions and graphs. Secondary level curriculum mathematics skills and the application of IT can be linked intrinsically by way of some of the following examples. The pupils ability to develop skills of mathematical modeling through the exploration, interpretation and explanation of data can be enhanced by using the appropriate graphical representations for displaying information from a data-set, by experimenting with forms of equations in producing graphs which are good fits for data plots and using motion sensors to produce distance-time graphs. Software can be applied in the context of learning about shapes, space and links with Algebra which automates geometric constructions, carries out specific geometric transformations and performs operations on co-ordinates or is able to draw loci. Finally by entering a formula in algebraic notation to generate values and match a given set of numbers, this can support the Secondary level skill to explore, describe and explain patterns and relationships in sequences and tables of numbers. [6] There are many reasons why mathematics teachers are reluctant to integrate ICT into teaching in the classroom. Many of the computer-based environments are complicated and teachers need to learn themselves how to use these tools effectively for doing mathematics. Although newly qualifying teachers have to pass a basic ICT test as part of their training, it is still difficult for teachers to know where to start, particularly some of the older generation of mathematics teachers. In the practical sense access to computers is not always possible for the benefit of every child being able to learn at the same time and sub-groups and individuals may have to be established in order to take it in turns to use a single computer in the classroom which can be time consuming and logistically difficult. However computers and calculators can be considered to provide six major opportunities for students learning mathematics: Learning from feedback – the computer can provide fast and reliable feedback which is non-judgmental and impartial. This can build students confidence and help them construct their own ideas. Observing patterns – The speed of computers and calculators enables students to provide many examples when exploring mathematical problems. Seeing connections – The computer enables formulae, tables and numbers and graphs to be linked easily. The result of seeing one representation and changes in the other helps pupils to understand the connections between them Working with dynamic images – Students can use computers to manipulate diagrams and encourages them to visualise the geometry. Exploring data – Computers enable students to work with real data which can be represented in a variety of ways. This supports its interpretation and analysis. ‘Teaching’ the computer – When students design an algorithm to make a computer achieve a specific task, they are urged to express their commands literally and in a correct order.[7] 2) Demonstrate the ability to explore maths and solve maths problems using MAPLE in-depth. MAPLE can be defined as a fundamental computer algebra software package which uses simple commands to perform complex operations and enables like by like analysis similar to using a pen and paper. It also allows pupils to focus on the underlying mathematical principles. [8] In Darlene Wu’s Understanding of Calculus she uses a number of experiments to determine the benefits of MAPLE on a series of students. She adheres to the notion that most traditional algebraic features can be delegated to a computer. In particular using MAPLE most problems can be resolved and believe this should be riled out for the benefit of all students studying mathematics. The problem below was assigned to a group of students in a research environment: Graph f(x) = ln(sin(x)*cos(x)) and g(x) = ln(sin(x)) + ln(cos(x)). What is the relationship between the graphs? Does it contradict the property ln(x*y) = ln(x) + ln(y)? By using the graphs of these two functions together with the graphs of sin(x) and cos(x), the students investigated the properties of sin, cos, and ln and show their answers in writing. Students used Maple to draw the two graphs easily, but they looked entirely different. This led the researchers to wander whether this contradicted ln(x*y) = ln(x) + ln(y)? And if so how would students explain it? The experiment needed to be repeated several times, recalling the definitions and properties of ln, sin and cos and concluded that the students assumed the two graphs looked different, whereas they are identical as long as ln(sin(x)cos(x)) and ln(sin(x))+ln(cos(x)) are defined. Wu’s paper concludes that it is necessary to train students to use mathematical methods effectively not just for the purposes of their job but for ‘the real world’ and that software programmes that help in this process are fundamental to their learning. However as a number of contradictions and problems emerged with equations through using MAPLE not only does Wu concede that students may become confused and panic if they cannot attribute the Mathematics problem to themselves or the Mathematics problem itself. She also notes that when teaching calculus it is important to consider whether such technology is still too overwhelming as well as students becoming dependent on its solutions, rather than working them out traditionally. [9] In comparison to this notion another paper with MAPLE as its core area of study is Fitz-Gerald and Healey’s Enlightening the mathematics curriculum with MAPLE. This discusses the implementation of MAPLE to the undergraduate Mathematics curriculum in a large University in Australia. The overall consensus was that in applying MAPLE, traditional topics that were once unpopular with students were now being approached in a much more understanding and enthusiastic way. This experiment demonstrates the advantages of being able to encourage Mathematics by way of helpful software across new audiences who might not have been inspired previously to study in this area.[10] 3. Identify the ways in which a particular ICT Software or graphics calculator can be used within a learning environment and the advantages/disadvantages of each in enabling effective maths learning. In Horton et al’s The graphing calculator as an aid to teaching algebra the paper points out that calculators have become popular in the classroom for the benefit of convenience and speed. What the researchers also determined was that tutorials on the Casio FX2.0 and FX 2.0 PLUS models actually improved manipulative skills. Students beginning a college algebra course following the tutorial scored significantly higher on a test which involved solving linear equations and in addition made suggestions for the tutorial also contributing to an improvement in attitudes.[11] It is interesting to consider their benefits for something other than the obvious assumptions to be made about graphics calculators. In absolute contrast to all perceived theories Graphic Calculators In The Classroom: Students’ Viewpoints presents the results of a piece of research carried out amongst low achieving eleventh grade pupils in Portugal. This revealed that little improvement was gained from introducing graphic calculators to mathematics lessons as the pupils considered the impact of their teacher; their teaching style and personality to be of more educational value to them than the calculator, which improved very little in terms of their academic improvement where mathematics was concerned.[12] Another perhaps more important everyday negative aspect of graphic calculators is their inclusion of games and other non-educative devises such as phonebooks and personal organizers which can detract pupils away from the learning process in the classroom. In addition, the potential for students to store information and consequently cheat during examinations when they are allowed to take calculators in with them in a test environment. The other argument when weighing up some of the differences between hand-held devices and computer programmes is that a calculator can accompany a student into an examination, whereas a computer cannot. They are flexible and user- friendly as well as being able to be powered by solar energy which is of course far more beneficial to the environment. Another advantage is the diminishing cost of calculators. They can be easily purchased anywhere at a relatively small price in comparison with a computer which ‘It has been suggested recently render(s) the use of graphics calculators much more attractive to schools than computers’[13] Interestingly in his research Spreadsheets, graphics calculators and  mathematics education, Barry Kisane provides a suggestion for combining programmes into graphics calculators in order to maximize their potential, thus making them less of a calculator and more of a computer. And notes that ‘The inclusion of these essential  features on graphics calculators seems to extend the range of influence of the  spreadsheet as a useful device for mathematics education in secondary schools, and is deserving of attention to exploit it appropriately’.[14] Essentially perhaps the way forward with graphics calculators is to then modify and technologically enhance them further so that they can take on many of the characteristics of the computer whilst not having the capacity to store information that might prove potentially incriminating to a student in the examination room. Bibliography Bishop, A.J, Clements, M.A (2003) Second International Handbook of Mathematics Education: Springer Cowan, P (2006) Teaching Mathematics: A Handbook for Primary and Secondary School Teachers: Routledge Da Ponte Canavarro (1993) Graphic Calculators In The Classroom: Students’ Viewpoints: Centro de Investigaà §Ãƒ £o em Educaà §Ãƒ £o da Faculdade de Cià ªncias Fitz-Gerald Healey Enlightening the mathematics curriculum with MAPLE, Essay taken from Maple V: Mathematics and Its Application : Proceedings of the Maple Summer Workshop and Symposium, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, August 9-13, 1994By Robert J. Lopez: Birkhà ¤user Horton, R. M., Storm, J., Leonard, W.H. (2004). The graphing calculator as an aid to teaching algebra, Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 4(2), 152 -162. Johnston-Wilder, S, Pimm, D (2005) Teaching Secondary Mathematics with ICT: McGraw-Hill International Kemp, M, Kissane, B Bradley, J (1995) ‘Assessment and the graphics calculator’ in Anne Richards (ed.) FLAIR: Forging links and integrating resources, Darwin, The Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers, 235-241. (Also available at http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~kissane/papers/aamt95.pdf Kissane, B (2007) Spreadsheets, graphics calculators and  mathematics education, In K. Milton, H. Reeves T. Spencer (eds) Mathematics: Essential for learning, essential for life. 21st Biennial Conference of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (pp 331-339), Hobart: Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers. Rielly, C (2004) The Application of Computer Algebra Software in the Teaching of  Engineering Mathematics, Higher Education Academy Sutherland, R (2004) Teaching for Learning Mathematics: McGraw-Hill International Wu, D, Some Examples on Using Maple to Increase Students. Understanding  of Calculus, Sourced from: http://archives.math.utk.edu/ICTCM/VOL08/C052/paper.pdf, Date accessed, Footnotes [1] Cowan,P (2006) Teaching Mathematics: A Handbook for Primary and Secondary School Teachers: Routledge [2] Bishop,A.J, Clements,M.A (2003) Second International Handbook of Mathematics Education: Springer [3] Bishop,A.J, Clements,M.A (2003) Second International Handbook of Mathematics Education: Springer [4] Sutherland,R (2004) Teaching for Learning Mathematics: McGraw-Hill International [5] Sutherland,R (2004) Teaching for Learning Mathematics: McGraw-Hill International [6]Cowan,P (2006) Teaching Mathematics: A Handbook for Primary and Secondary School Teachers: Routledge [7] Johnston-Wilder, S, Pimm,D (2005) Teaching Secondary Mathematics with ICT: McGraw-Hill International [8] Rielly,C (2004) The Application of Computer Algebra Software in the Teaching of  Engineering Mathematics, Higher Education Academy [9] (Sourced from: http://archives.math.utk.edu/ICTCM/VOL08/C052/paper.pdf, Date accessed, 30/11/08 [10] Fitz-Gerald Healey Enlightening the mathematics curriculum with MAPLE, Essay taken from Maple V: Mathematics and Its Application : Proceedings of the Maple Summer Workshop and Symposium, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, August 9-13, 1994By Robert J. Lopez: Birkhà ¤user [11] Horton, R. M., Storm, J., Leonard, W.H. (2004). The graphing calculator as an aid to teaching algebra, Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 4(2), 152 -162. [12] Da Ponte Canavarro (1993) Graphic Calculators In The Classroom: Students’ Viewpoints: Centro de Investigaà §Ãƒ £o em Educaà §Ãƒ £o da Faculdade de Cià ªncias [13] Kemp, M, Kissane,B Bradley,J (1995) ‘Assessment and the graphics calculator’ in Anne  Richards (ed.) FLAIR: Forging links and integrating resources, Darwin, The Australian Association of  Mathematics Teachers, 235-241.  (Also available at http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~kissane/papers/aamt95.pdf [14] Kissane,B (2007) Spreadsheets, graphics calculators and  mathematics education, In K. Milton, H. Reeves T. Spencer (eds) Mathematics: Essential for learning, essential for life. 21st Biennial Conference of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (pp 331-339), Hobart: Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers.

Mitch Alboms Tuesdays with Morrie :: Essays Papers

Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie Tuesdays with Morrie, written by Mitch Albom is a story of the love between a man and his college professor, Morrie Schwartz. This true story captures the compassion and wisdom of a man who only knew good in his heart. A man who lived his life to the fullest up until the very last breath of his happily fulfilled life. It is a story of a special bond of friendship that was lost for many years, but never forgotten and simply picked up again at a crucial time of both Morrie’s and Mitch’s lives. When Morrie learned that he had only a few months to live with the deadly disease of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Morrie began the last class of his life with Mitch – life’s greatest lesson. Throughout the last fourteen weeks of Morrie’s life, Mitch met with him every Tuesday to learn and understand all of the wisdom and lessons of life that were within Morrie. The weekly routine consisted of lunch and lecture. These meetings included discussions on everything from the world when you enter it to the world when you say goodbye. From the relationship that these men had with each, a love is revealed like no other love resembles. This is a love of friendship and of respect. Such a bond between people is difficult to achieve. Their relationship consists of an â€Å"unembarrassed love† that is constantly present. Morrie Schwartz was a man of great wisdom who loved and enjoyed to see and experience a simplicity of life, something beyond life’s most challenging and unanswered mysteries. From Morrie, we learn that life is most happily experienced when enjoyed and fulfilled to its highest ability. Morrie shares this with Mitch in the last days of his life and these great lessons will be carried and practiced throughout Mitch’s life. After reading Tuesdays with Morrie I felt a sense of discovery. Morrie Schwartz was a man that touched the lives of many. He will always be remembered for his sincerity and his compassion for life and for love. The lessons that Morrie loved to teach were of his own experience with life. These great lessons were full of wisdom and love and they came deep from within Morrie. I enjoyed reading this book by

The American Dream in Death Of A Salesman, by Arthur Miller Essay

Success: Accomplishing Your Dream Completing the "American Dream" is a controversial issue. The American Dream can be defined as having a nice car, maybe two or three of them, having a beautiful, healthy family, making an impact on the world, or even just having extra spending money when the bills are paid. In the play "Death Of A Salesman," by Arthur Miller, the "American Dream" deals with prosperity, status, and being immortalized. Willy Loman, a hard worker aged to his sixties never accomplished this goal. He always talked the talked, but never achieved to walk the walk. Willy Loman would always talk about who he's met and how he has always well known and liked, but truthfully he never was. "Willy: He's liked, but not-well liked†¦I got on the road and I went north to Providence. Met the Mayor. (ACT I, lines 232, 234)†¦Willy: And they know me, boys, they know me up and down New England. The finest people. And when I bring you fellas up, there'll be open sesame for all of us, 'cause one thing, boys: I have friends. I can park my car in any street in New England, and the cops protect it like their own†¦(ACT I, line 242)." Willy can talk of meeting wonderful and powerful men, but his limits stretch to the Mayor of Providence. Willy Loman's dreams seem to outlive Willy. Willy dreamed his life out, even to his death. He dreamed of dying the death of a salesman. All the powerful men he knew would attend his funeral. Cars would line up for miles and everybod... The American Dream in Death Of A Salesman, by Arthur Miller Essay Success: Accomplishing Your Dream Completing the "American Dream" is a controversial issue. The American Dream can be defined as having a nice car, maybe two or three of them, having a beautiful, healthy family, making an impact on the world, or even just having extra spending money when the bills are paid. In the play "Death Of A Salesman," by Arthur Miller, the "American Dream" deals with prosperity, status, and being immortalized. Willy Loman, a hard worker aged to his sixties never accomplished this goal. He always talked the talked, but never achieved to walk the walk. Willy Loman would always talk about who he's met and how he has always well known and liked, but truthfully he never was. "Willy: He's liked, but not-well liked†¦I got on the road and I went north to Providence. Met the Mayor. (ACT I, lines 232, 234)†¦Willy: And they know me, boys, they know me up and down New England. The finest people. And when I bring you fellas up, there'll be open sesame for all of us, 'cause one thing, boys: I have friends. I can park my car in any street in New England, and the cops protect it like their own†¦(ACT I, line 242)." Willy can talk of meeting wonderful and powerful men, but his limits stretch to the Mayor of Providence. Willy Loman's dreams seem to outlive Willy. Willy dreamed his life out, even to his death. He dreamed of dying the death of a salesman. All the powerful men he knew would attend his funeral. Cars would line up for miles and everybod...

Lt. Colonel Jay R. Jensens six Years In Hell :: essays research papers

Lt. Colonel Jay R. Jensen's "Six Years In Hell" The book I have chosen to read for this review is one entitled "SIX YEARS IN HELL." It is a book written by one Lt. Colonel Jay R. Jensen in a first person manor. He was a military pilot who flew over Vietnam and was captured and taken as a POW. This book covers his time in the military before hand describing the daily procedures etc. of his military life. The author graduated from Jordan High School in Sandy, Utah in 1949. He then joined The Utah Air National Guard during the Korean war. Mr. Jensen was on active duty for 20 months, after which he attended Brigham Young University. He graduated with a B.S. degree in Accounting and majors in Banking and Finance. After college he obtained the rank of cadet Colonel in the Air Force ROTC. Lt. Colonel Jensen was well decorated after his retirement in 1978 that concluded 28 years of service. His decorations included: Two Silver Stars, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with V for Valor, Air Medal, two Purple Hearts, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters, POW Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with 14 Bronze Campaign Medals, Air Force Longevity Award (for over 24 years), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Hour Glass Device (for 20 years), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Vietnam Cross for Gallantry with Device, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. All these decorations and the time spent in the military I believe more than present his qualifications for writing this book. This book that he was so qualified to write I must bend to say was rather well written. The author took time to explain everything individually and even those things that seem quite trivial were given careful explanation. If there was something that the author felt was not apparent or was not to be taken at face value he footnoted it at the bottom of the page. These footnotes were especially helpful for those of us readers who may not be that "militarily inclined." I particularly enjoyed the story of Roscoe the base's mascot which was probably one of the longest examples of footnoting throughout the book. The book is written from the perspective of the author at the time he experienced it. The descriptions are so well written that one can almost see or relate to what is being described, but as time progresses you can tell the author's moods change as the mode of descriptions differs.

Child Labour: Responses from Different Industries in the Developing World Essay

In this piece of work it will be asserted that child labour in developing countries is a contentious and challenging topic. Child labour issues are highlighted in context with two different industries. On one side, Bhukuth and Ballet (2006) detect the role of parents in pushing their children to work, in order to increase family productivity in a brick kiln industry in India and on the other side, Winstanley et al. 2002) observe a subtle involvement of a sports footwear manufacturing industry in Vietnam dealing with child labour issues and thwarting them. Winstanley et al. in their study (2002 p. 214) refer to the work of King and Marcus (2000), according to whom, child labour incorporates elements of exploitative and hazardous work that is harmful to children because it prevents them from getting an education, damages their health, subjects them to physical, sexual or emotional abuse or exploits them in other ways. This subjective belief has been recognised by the study conducted by Bhukuth and Ballet (2006) in which they argue about the parental perception regarding their children working with them, providing an extra incentive in their household remuneration and preventing the household from falling into bondage. Moulding bricks in hazardous conditions in a brick kiln industry, children are forced to work for long hours making them devoid of elementary education and also, severely affecting their mental and physical health. Bhukuth and Ballet (2006) emphasise in their study, that, child labour cannot be argued as a substitute for adult labour because the output generated by the latter one is much higher than the former one. Extending beyond organisational, national and cultural boundaries it is becoming extremely difficult to regulate human rights and child labour issues in the developing world. Winstanley et al. (2002) question whether national government and nation states are responsible for weak regulation of human rights at work place? Bhukuth and Ballet (2006) in their study perceive that employers hire brokers who play an important role in the recruitment of labours in the brick kiln industry in India. A peculiar trend of recruitment is observed by Bhukuth and Ballet (2006) in which brokers recruit only couple of adult composed of a man and his wife, or two men, rarely two women. A man alone is never recruited. Considering all these conditions, parents usually take their children with them at work, and children eventually end up working with their parents. The extra money pays off their debts and increases their bargaining power in the market. So, child labour becomes a mean to bargain higher amount of advance. The recruitment policy mentioned in this case can be argued to be biased. Bhukuth and Ballet (2006) quotes ‘illiteracy’ among people and especially, in case of parents, as one of the major factors bloating this social evil. No measures have been taken in such artisan industries to eliminate child labour, but, in fact, a general perception has been designed according to which, child labour is clearly complementary to adult labour. On the contrary, Winstanley et al. (2002) in their study of a sports footwear manufacturing company called Adidas-Salomon observe an active involvement of the company in averting human rights and child labour issues by adopting a mixed approach of disengagement and engagement strategy. As observed by Winstanley et al. (2002), the company opted more of disengagement approach but not in terms of disengaging factories and countries, but child labour, by establishing Department of Social and  Environmental Affairs with a mission of enhancing its brand by promoting socially responsible, safe and environmentally sustainable practices for the company and its business partners. Going beyond merely strict regulation and monitoring, Adidas tried counter-attacking the child labour problem by formulating a Code of Conduct known as ‘Standards of Engagement’ (SOE) under which educational programmes for underage workers (below 14 years) were organised in the factory itself whilst con tinuing to pay them basic wage and providing them day meal (Winstanley et al. , 2002). Taking into account what Winstanley et al. (2002) perceived from their study, a question can be raised that, if companies would provide such a productive atmosphere to underage workers then many parents will push their children to work in factories, thereby, boosting child labour. On the other hand, Basu and Van (1998) suggest that policy implications of banning child labour in domestic sector as well as in home- based enterprise like the brick kiln industry, which is indeed a market oriented sector, will prove to be inefficient (in Bhukuth and Ballet, 2006 p. 5). If the policies are regulated and child labour is banned in the industry, a deep negative impact will be observed on the deprived strata of society who believe that child labour can prevent their family from falling into a dynamic process of debt bondage. Winstanley et al. (2002) and Bhukuth and Ballet (2006) agree on the point that NGOs can play a drivers role in solving the problem of bondage and child labour by providing elementary education to children and non-formal education to parents, so that they can monitor their accounts and prevent any chances of cheating while clearing debts. Winstanley et al. (2002) support this notion by mentioning the intensive role played by a US-based NGO hired by Adidas and the locals with directed aims and objectives to eliminate child labour. Winstanley et al. (2002) also summarise the impact of media which has spawned a plethora of information that has divulged the concealed areas in this milieu. Conclusively, Bhukuth and Ballet (2006) and Winstanley et al. (2002) have endeavoured to investigate the industrial ethics in context with child labour. The role of NGOs along with a significant support from the locals in solving the problem of child labour is well supported here. There are certain areas which remain unexplored like the after effects of child labour on a child, reason for inactive support from the central or state government in jettisoning child labour etc. I strongly agree with Winstanley et al. (2002) vis-a-vis media acquiring the centre stage in creating awareness amongst people and drawing a strong reaction from society, consumers and producers to tackle the bottom line of exploitation.

Organic Food and Wild Oats Essay

Strong revenue growth Focused growth strategy Wide product portfolioWeak international operations Conservative international policy Increasing rental expenses OpportunitiesThreats Higher demand for organic products Expansion in the UK Growth in private label productsIncreasing competition Labeling and other regulations Slowdown in the US economy StrengthsWeaknesses Strong revenue growth Focused growth strategy Wide product portfolioWeak international operations Conservative international policy Increasing rental expenses OpportunitiesThreats Higher demand for organic products. Expansion in the UK Growth in private label productsIncreasing competition Labeling and other regulations Slowdown in the US economy AI Global Management. 8-26-14. INSTRUCTOR: Who wasn’t here last week? I’m looking at Michelle. So you are the only one that wasn’t here last week? Mrs. Johnson were you here last week. I’m going to pass out the assignments for next week for you. STUDENT: The PowerPoint one. INSTRUCTOR: Whole foods. So what you had to do just to remind everybody you have to take a look at those two companies, and do some research, did find out strategically what really happened? STUDENT: Do you have extra copies? I wasn’t here last week. INSTRUCTOR: I thought I asked who wasn’t here last week? Okay. We have to strategically do some research on both of these companies. You have your case study in front of you very thorough. You have to find out what kind of decision was made that created really an issue for Wild Oats — because initially when this company was put together, they were killing Whole Foods. They were Whole Foods before Whole Foods existed. They were doing wonderful. Growing, expanding in the same type of market. I know both cases, so I know a lot of answers, but all of a sudden some decision was made in their minds relatively strategic, but it turned out to be some pretty bad decisions. How many of you has heard of Wild Oats. All of us have heard of Whole Foods because they are in existence. So you have to run this as if you are the CEO of both take both sides. Compare and contrast and take a look at Wild Oats, and what happened to them. Take a look at the great decision, and then things started going south relatively quickly for them. Yet Whole Foods was the underdog. Now Whole Foods is doing. Well, I guess. Manufacture moving forward.