Crime Statistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Crime Statistics - Essay Example Most are the consequences of Internet tools. For instance, in most robbery cases since the Internet needs individual profiles to give even the most fundamental service, the Internet, because there is a need, displays that profile for the free access of the public as well as the perpetrators. The data from the article comes from the FBI's violent crime statistics, and it reflected the sudden increase in the cases of violence in all parts of the US. Due to the lack of worry among the US public, the perpetrators of violent crimes have transformed into predators waiting for innocent US citizens to fall in their traps. The advantages of the FBI and Reuters as the sources for these violent crime rates on the enterprising US societies cannot be denied: it has enabled the easy access to transactional data for people to become aware of the current crime situation in their country. In addition, the utilization of the FBI and Reuters news and online transacting is at present the most prescribed manner of becoming aware of the latest news, as the media can act only as a channel of connecting with its users, but of searching fresh ones and of managing interactions with present users also.

Explain how Steinbeck describes the differences in character between Lenny and George Essay Example for Free

Explain how Steinbeck describes the differences in character between Lenny and George Essay Explain how Steinbeck describes the differences in character between Lenny and George The author, John Steinbeck described Lenny as the opposite of George. Lenny and George are good friends but mostly have nothing in common except that they both share the same dream, the American dream. Steinbeck described what the characters are wearing at the beginning of the story. Then he started describing the difference in characters between George and Lenny. George is the smart one and Lenny is the one whos childlike. Lenny always depends on George because George is the only friend hes got and George is like the only family of Lenny. At the beginning of the story, Steinbeck first described what George and Lenny are wearing at the beginning of the story as Both dressed in denim trousers and in denim coats with brass buttons. Then he started describing the difference between George and Lenny. First he defined George as small, strong hands, slender arms, a thin and bony nose. Then he described Lenny with no similarity to George as a huge man, shapeless of face, with large pale eyes, with wide sloping shoulders. Steinbeck uses a simile to describe Lennie. He tells us how he walk by dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws, he described Lennie by comparing him to an animal. Steinbeck wants us to draw an image in our mind of how Lennie moves. In the next paragraph he compares Lennie to an animal again, when he drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse. The author described Lennie like an animal so that well imagine it clearly by picturing Lennie like the way an animal move. The role of George in novel is like a parent to Lennie whos a big guy but has a mind like a child. Since Lennies Aunt died, George is the one taking care of Lennie. When his Aunt Clara died, Lennie just come along with me out workin, George said to Slim. Sometimes he tells Lennie the things to do and thing hes not supposed to do. Lennie, for Gods sakes dont drink so much, George told him off like telling off a child. George acts as a parent to Lennie. Lennie imitates George sometimes. He copies George by the way he acts and the way he tells Lennie something to do, as if hes also looking after George. You drink some, George. You take a good big drink, he told George. Steinbeck told us many things that describe how childish Lennie is. For example, when Lennie found out what Lennie had in his pocket. Its only a mouse George, Lennie said nervously. He is afraid that George might take the mouse from him. Lennie love to pet animals like the way a child pets an animal, but Lennie doesnt realise his strength. He accidentally kills the animals he pets because hes stroking them to hard. George and Lennie argue sometimes. And when they did at the beginning of the story, George told Lennie about all the stuff he would do if Lennie was never with him. if I was alone I could live so easy, George described what it would be like without Lennie because George always gets in trouble because of Lennie. George said to Lennie angrily, You keep me in hot water all the time. George would like to be alone, but he doesnt know how it feels to be a loner, he imagines what it feels like to take care of nobody except himself and he wants to know how it feels without the trouble of Lennie. He also wants to know if he would be happy or he might be lonely without Lennie. This is the feeling of George that Steinbeck wants us to know. Although, George is not the only one who would like to have a feeling of being alone. Lennie is a very confused man that cannot think very well. However, Lennie sometimes feel that George hates him because George doesnt want him by his side. If you dont want me, you only jus got to say so and Ill go off in those hills right there right up in those hills and live by myself, Lennie talks like hes defending himself. Hes acting strong and hes trying to show George that he can live and he can take care by himself alone. But then George realises how mean he was when he talked about the things he would do if Lennie wasnt with him. George changed his mind in the end. Then George replies, I want you to stay with me, Lennie. Jesus Christ, somebodyd shoot you for a coyote if you was by yourself. George replies to his thinking of living alone. George feels bad about what he said to Lennie. He is still worried about Lennie. He only imagines the bad things that might happen to Lennie if he was by himself. Steinbeck wants us to know that George dont want Lennie to go, not only because Lennie cant take care of himself alone, but its because George and Lennie are also best friends and have already known each other since childhood. Steinbeck tells us that George is the only that describes Lennie the way he is. George is the only one who knows him very well. Hell of a nice fella, but he aint bright. Ive knew him for a long time George described Lennie proudly. When he tells someone, like Slim, about Lennie, he doesnt use the word crazy to describe Lennie because he already know what ways to describe Lennie. He even tells Slim that having Lennie isnt so bad at all because they got each other to take care of. I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That aint no good. They dont have no fun. George was sincere when he was talking to Slim about them being friends. I think Steinbeck wants us to know that even though George and Lenny have nothing in common, they always had each other as friends. The author wants us to realise how strong George and Lennies bond. Their friendship cant be broken by anyone, easily. The two characters played a good role to people to show how important friends are. Even though Lennie wasnt bright, George accepted Lennie as he is because he is his friend. Both of them know that they have each other to take care of. Compare to other people who are alone, are the loneliest people. John Steinbeck described each of the character uniquely, unlike any other character in a novel. At the very beginning of the novel, Steinbeck described the surroundings of the Salinas River. He wants us to picture in our mind what the place looks like. He creates an image in our mind that relate to the senses, including sight and touch. The Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green. The water is warm too He also uses a metaphor to describe things clearly. the golden foothill. He wants the reader to imagine what its like and because he knows that well understand what it means because its just a metaphor. The writer did all this at the beginning of the novel to make the target audience want to read this novel. And once they become really interested in reading the beginning of the story, theyll plan to read the whole book.

Character Moral Deficiencies in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

â€Å"All the world's a stage / And all the men and women merely players.† This quote from William Shakespeare compares the world to a stage and life to a play where men and women are just actors playing their role. This message is not so different from F. Scott Fitzgerald's in his novel, The Great Gatsby (1925). The wealthy characters in The Great Gatsby are Shakespeare’s players; and the Valley of Ashes is part of his stage, where the awful consequences of their moral deficiencies are played out. The Valley of Ashes is a desolate area of land which is covered by ashes dumped by industrial companies; it is described as a â€Å"fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat† (Fitzgerald 24). Beneath the ashes, George and Myrtle Wilson make their meager living by running a gas station next to a billboard advertising an oculist business in Queens. This billboard has two eyes looking out over the Valley of Ashes, seemingly watching and judging the characters who pass t hrough. Here in the Valley of Ashes, the stage is set on which the superficial and material-driven characters can display their selfishness. Furthermore, the effects of their immorality are exemplified as well. Fitzgerald develops the symbol of the Valley of Ashes to strengthen the thematic idea of the effects of utter corruption and selfishness in The Great Gatsby; this can be expressed through the scandalous affair of Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson, the tragic murder of Myrtle Wilson, and George Wilson's pronounced rage. Tom Buchanan, Daisy’s immensely wealthy husband, has no moral reservations about his own extramarital affair with Myrtle who lives in the Valley of Ashes. The affair begins from an innocent train ride, but Tom's own lack of moral standards contribute to the ... ...by the mind—they do not possess any inherent meaning; rather, people invest them with meaning. Fitzgerald uses the symbol of the Valley of Ashes to further analyze the thematic idea of corruption and selfishness in The Great Gatsby. Multiple events occur in the Valley of Ashes throughout the novel, three of which exemplify Fitzgerald's theme very well: the amoral affair of Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson, the murder of Myrtle Wilson, and George Wilson's manifested rage. Work Cited Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Scribner, 2013. Print. Character Moral Deficiencies in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald â€Å"All the world's a stage / And all the men and women merely players.† This quote from William Shakespeare compares the world to a stage and life to a play where men and women are just actors playing their role. This message is not so different from F. Scott Fitzgerald's in his novel, The Great Gatsby (1925). The wealthy characters in The Great Gatsby are Shakespeare’s players; and the Valley of Ashes is part of his stage, where the awful consequences of their moral deficiencies are played out. The Valley of Ashes is a desolate area of land which is covered by ashes dumped by industrial companies; it is described as a â€Å"fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat† (Fitzgerald 24). Beneath the ashes, George and Myrtle Wilson make their meager living by running a gas station next to a billboard advertising an oculist business in Queens. This billboard has two eyes looking out over the Valley of Ashes, seemingly watching and judging the characters who pass t hrough. Here in the Valley of Ashes, the stage is set on which the superficial and material-driven characters can display their selfishness. Furthermore, the effects of their immorality are exemplified as well. Fitzgerald develops the symbol of the Valley of Ashes to strengthen the thematic idea of the effects of utter corruption and selfishness in The Great Gatsby; this can be expressed through the scandalous affair of Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson, the tragic murder of Myrtle Wilson, and George Wilson's pronounced rage. Tom Buchanan, Daisy’s immensely wealthy husband, has no moral reservations about his own extramarital affair with Myrtle who lives in the Valley of Ashes. The affair begins from an innocent train ride, but Tom's own lack of moral standards contribute to the ... ...by the mind—they do not possess any inherent meaning; rather, people invest them with meaning. Fitzgerald uses the symbol of the Valley of Ashes to further analyze the thematic idea of corruption and selfishness in The Great Gatsby. Multiple events occur in the Valley of Ashes throughout the novel, three of which exemplify Fitzgerald's theme very well: the amoral affair of Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson, the murder of Myrtle Wilson, and George Wilson's manifested rage. Work Cited Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Scribner, 2013. Print.

The Amazing Edgar Allan Poe :: Biography Biographies Essays

The Amazing Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allen Poe suffered from depression, which made his writings tragically beautiful, and if you lived his life, you probably would have been depressed too. He was born in 1809 to a couple of actors. He was two when his father abandoned him. His mother, unable to take care of him, left him with John and Frances Allen. His mother died soon after that. The Allens gave him a good upbringing, but never legally adopted him, leaving him as something of an outcast. Much of Poe’s life was spent struggling. He excelled in school, but was ridiculed by his peers because he was the child of actors. He gambled often and lost a lot, often remaining in debt to others. When the Allens came upon some money, Poe was sent to college. When he left he was intent on marrying Sarah Elmira Royster. However; when his debts brought him back home, she had been engaged to another man. He moved away from the Allenses, and joined the Army. It was during his enrollment his first book was published. When Frances Allen died Poe reconciled with John, and agreed to go to West Point Academy. He did not like the academy and soon dropped out. Estranged from John, Poe began his life of hardships. He was constantly in and out of jobs. He eventually settled in with his Aunt Maria Clemm, and married his cousin Virginia Clemm, who was only thirteen years old at the time (he was twenty six). Only six years later Virginia became ill with Tuberculosis and died after a long st ruggle of 5 years. Poe hit a hard depression afterwards, but then cleaned up for the final year of his life. He spent his last year working, and the circumstances around his death remain a mystery. He was found on a Baltimore street, delirious. The debate continues as to whether he was drunk, but some theories even point to Rabies. We will probably never know. Raleigh NC Discussion: Edgar Allen Poe has become known as the master of moody and hair-raising works. His work has been mocked, critiqued, copied, and redone by many (not to mention turned into a spoof by The Simpsons television show. The complete works of Poe number well over 100 stories, biographies, poems, literary analysis, and criticisms. Poe made the most use of his short lifetime if the number of writings can reflect that quality.

The Stupidest Angel Chapter 11

Chapter 11 A SLUG TRAIL OF GOOD CHEER He might have been made of polished mahogany except that when he moved, he moved like liquid. The stage lights reflected green and red off his bald head as he swayed on the stool and teased the strings of a blond Stratocaster with the severed neck of a beer bottle. His name was Catfish Jefferson, and he was seventy, or eighty, or one hundred years old, and not unlike Roberto the fruit bat, he wore sunglasses indoors. Catfish was a bluesman, and on the night before the night before Christmas, he was singing up a forlorn twelve-bar blues fog in the Head of the Slug saloon. Caught my baby boning Santa, Underneath the mistletoe (Lawd have mercy). Caught my baby boning Santa, Underneath the mistletoe. Used to be my Christmas angel, Now she just a Christmas ho. â€Å"I hear dat!† shouted Gabe Fenton. â€Å"Sho-nufF, sho-nuff. True dat, my brutha.† Theophilus Crowe looked at his friend, just one in a whole line of awkward, heartbroken men at the bar, rocking almost in rhythm to the beat, and shook his head. â€Å"Could you possibly be any whiter?† Theo asked. â€Å"I gots the blues up in me,† Gabe said. â€Å"She sho-nuff did me wrong.† Gabe had been drinking. Theo, while not quite sober, had not. (He had shared a toothpick-thin spliff of Big Sur polio weed with Catfish Jefferson between sets, the two of them standing in the back parking lot of the Slug, trying to coax fire out of a disposable lighter in a forty-knot wind.) â€Å"Didn't think you muthafuckas had weather here,† Catfish croaked, having sucked the joint so far down that the ember looked like the burning eye of a demon staring out of a cave of dark finger and lip. (The calluses on the tips of his fingers were impervious to the heat.) â€Å"El Ni;o,† Theo said, letting loose a blast of smoke. â€Å"Say what?† â€Å"It's a warm ocean current in the Pacific. Comes up the coast every ten years or so. Screws up the fishing, brings torrential rains, storms. They think we might be having an El Nià ±o this year.† â€Å"When will they know?† The bluesman had put on his leather fedora and was holding it fast against the wind. â€Å"Usually after everything floods, the wine crop is ruined, and a lot of cliffside houses slide into the ocean.† â€Å"And dat because the water too warm?† â€Å"Right.† â€Å"No wonder the whole country hate your ass,† said Catfish. â€Å"Let's go inside fo' my narrow ass gets blowed back to Clarksville.† â€Å"It's not that bad,† said Theo. â€Å"I think it'll blow over.† Winter denial – Theo did it, most Californians did it – they assumed that because the weather was nice most of the time, it would be nice all of the time, and so, in the midst of a rainstorm, you'd find people outdoors without an umbrella, or when nights dipped into the thirties, you'd still see someone dip-pumping his gas in surfer shorts and a tank top. So even as the National Weather Service was telling the Central Coast to batten down the hatches, as they were about to get the storm of the decade, and even though winds were gusting to fifty knots a full day before the storm made landfall, the people of Pine Cove carried on with their holiday routine like nothing out of the ordinary could happen to them. Winter denial: therein lay the key to California Schadenfreude – the secret joy that the rest of the country feels at the misfortune of California. The country said: â€Å"Look at them, with their fitness and their tans, their beaches and their movie stars, their Silicon Valley and silicone breasts, their orange bridge and their palm trees. God, I hate those smug, sunshiny bastards!† Because if you're up to your navel in a snowdrift in Ohio, nothing warms your heart like the sight of California on fire. If you're shoveling silt out of your basement in the Fargo flood zone, nothing brightens your day like watching a Malibu mansion tumbling down a cliff into the sea. And if a tornado just peppered the land around your Oklahoma town with random trailer trash and redneck nuggets, then you can find a quantum of solace in the fact that the earth actually opened up in the San Fernando Valley and swallowed a whole caravan of commuting SUVs. Mavis Sand even indulged in a little California Schadenfreude, and she was a Californian born and raised. Secretly, she wished for and enjoyed the forest fires every year. Not so much because she liked watching the state burn down, but because for Mavis's money, there was nothing better than watching a burly man in rubber handling a hefty hose, and during the fires, there were plenty of those on the news. â€Å"Fruitcake?† Mavis said, offering a suspicious slice on a dessert plate to Gabe Fenton, who was drunkenly trying to convince Theo Crowe that he had a genetic predisposition toward the blues, using some impressively large words that no one but he understood, and periodically asking if he could get an ;amen; and â€Å"five up high,† which, as it turned out, he could not. What he could get was fruitcake. â€Å"Mercy, mercy, my momma done made a fruitcake look just like that,† Gabe howled. â€Å"Lawd rest her soul.† Gabe reached for the plate, but Theo intercepted it and held it out of the biologist's reach. â€Å"First,† Theo said, â€Å"your mother was an anthro professor and never baked a thing in her life, and second, she is not dead, and third, you are an atheist.† â€Å"Can I get an amen?!† Gabe countered. Theo raised an eyebrow of accusation toward Mavis. â€Å"I thought we talked about no fruitcake this year.† The prior Christmas, Mavis's fruitcake had put two people into detox. She'd sworn that it would be the last year. Mavis shrugged. â€Å"This cake's nearly a virgin. There's only a quart of rum and barely a handful of Vicodin.† â€Å"Let's not,† Theo said, handing the plate back. â€Å"Fine,† Mavis said. â€Å"But get your buddy off his blues jag. He's embarrassing me. And I once blew a burro in a nightclub and wasn't embarrassed, so that's saying something.† â€Å"Jeez, Mavis,† Theo said, trying to shake the picture from his mind. â€Å"What? I didn't have my glasses on. I thought he was a hirsute insurance salesman with talent.† â€Å"I'd better get him home,† Theo said, nudging Gabe, who had turned his attention to a young woman on his right who was wearing a low-cut red sweater and had been moving from stool to stool all night long, waiting for someone to talk to her. â€Å"Hi,† Gabe said to the woman's cleavage. â€Å"I'm not involved in the human experience and I have no redeeming qualities as a man.† â€Å"Me either,† said Tucker Case, from the stool on the other side of the red-sweater woman. â€Å"Do people keep telling you that you're a psychopath, too? I hate that.† Tucker Case, under several layers of glibness and guile, was actually quite broken up over his breakup with Lena Marquez. It wasn't so much that she had become a part of his life in the two days he had known her, but that she had begun to represent hope. And as the Buddha said: â€Å"Hope is merely another face of desire. And desire is a motherfucker.† He'd gone out seeking human company to help dilute the disappointment. In another time, he'd have picked up the first woman he encountered, but his man-slut days had left him lonelier than ever, and he would not tread that lubricious path again. â€Å"So,† Tuck said to Gabe, â€Å"did you just get dumped?† â€Å"She led me on,† Gabe said. â€Å"She tore my guts out. Evil, thy name is woman!† â€Å"Don't talk to him,† Theo said, taking Gabe by the shoulder and unsuccessfully trying to pull him off his bar stool. â€Å"This guy's no good.† The young woman sitting between Tuck and Gabe looked from one to the other, then to Theo, then at her breasts, then at the men, as if to say, Are you guys blind? I've been sitting here all night, with these, and you're going to ignore me. Tucker Case was ignoring her – well, except for inspecting her sweater cakes as he talked to Gabe and Theo. â€Å"Look, Constable, maybe we got off on the wrong foot –  » â€Å"Wrong foot?† Theo's voice almost broke. As upset as he appeared, he appeared to be talking to the woman in the red sweater's breasts, rather than to Tucker Case, who was only a foot beyond them. â€Å"You threatened me.† â€Å"He did?† said Gabe, angling for a better look down the red sweater. â€Å"That's harsh, buddy. Theo just got thrown out of the house.† â€Å"Can you believe guys our age can still fall so hard?† Tuck said to Theo, looking up from the cleavage to convey his sincerity. He felt bad about blackmailing Theo, but, much like helping Lena hide the body, sometimes certain unpleasantries needed to be done, and being a pilot and a man of action, he did them. â€Å"What are you talking about?† Theo asked. â€Å"Well, Lena and I have parted ways, Constable. Shortly after you and I spoke this morning.† â€Å"Really?† Now Theo looked up from the woolly mounds of intrigue. â€Å"Really,† Tuck said. â€Å"And I'm sorry things happened the way they did.† â€Å"That doesn't really change anything, does it?† â€Å"Would it make a difference if I told you that I absolutely did not harm this alleged Dale Pearson, and neither did Lena?† â€Å"I don't think he was alleged,† said Gabe, slurring at the breasts. â€Å"I'm pretty sure he was confirmed Dale Pearson.† â€Å"Whatever,† said Tuck. â€Å"Would that change anything? Would you believe that?† Theo didn't speak right away but appeared to be waiting for an answer from the decolletage oracle. When he looked up at Tuck again he said, â€Å"Yeah, I believe you.† Tuck nearly aspirated the ginger ale he was drinking. When he stopped sputtering he said, â€Å"Wow, you suck as a lawman, Theo. You can't just believe a strange guy who tells you something in a bar.† Tuck wasn't accustomed to being believed by anyone, so to have someone take him at face value†¦ â€Å"Hey, hey, hey,† said Gabe. â€Å"That's uncalled for –  » â€Å"Well, fuck you guys!† said the woman in the red sweater. She jumped up from her stool and snatched her keys off the bar. â€Å"I am a person, too, you know? And these are not speakerphones,† she said, grabbing her breasts underneath and shaking them at the offenders, her keys jingling cheerfully as she did, completely defusing the effect of her anger. â€Å"Oh – my – God,† said Gabe. â€Å"You can't just ignore a person like that! Besides, you're all too old and you're losers and I'd rather be alone on Christmas than spend five minutes with any of you horn dogs!† And with that she threw some cash on the bar, turned, and stormed out of the bar. Because they were men, Theo, Tuck, and Gabe watched her ass as she walked away. â€Å"Too old?† Tuck said. â€Å"She was what, twenty-seven, twenty-eight?† â€Å"Yeah,† Theo said. â€Å"Late twenties, maybe early thirties. I didn't think we were ignoring her.† Mavis Sand took the money off the bar and shook her head. â€Å"You were all paying her proper attention. Woman's got some issues when she's jealous of her own parts.† â€Å"I was thinking about icebergs,† said Gabe. â€Å"About how only ten percent of them show above the surface, yet below lies the really dangerous part. Oh, no, I got the blues on me again.† His head hit the bar and bounced. Tuck looked to Theo. â€Å"You want some help getting him to the car?† â€Å"He's a very smart guy,† said Theo. â€Å"He has a couple of Ph.D.s.† â€Å"Okay. Do you want some help getting the doctor to the car?† Theo was trying to get a shoulder under Gabe's arm, but given that he was nearly a foot taller than his friend, things weren't working very well. â€Å"Theo,† Mavis barked. â€Å"Don't be such a friggin' wanker. Let the man help you.† After three unsuccessful attempts at hefting the bag of sand that was Gabe Fenton, Theo nodded to Tuck. They each took an arm and walked/dragged the biologist toward the back door. â€Å"If he hurls I'm aiming him at you,† Theo said. â€Å"Lena loved these shoes,† said Tuck. â€Å"But you do what you feel like you need to.† â€Å"I have no sex appeal, a rum-pa-pa-pum,† sang Gabe Fenton, in spirit with the season. â€Å"My social skills are nil, a rum-pa-pa-pum.† â€Å"Did that actually rhyme?† asked Tuck. â€Å"He's a bright guy,† said Theo. Mavis creaked ahead of them and held the door. â€Å"So, I'll see you pathetic losers at the Lonesome Christmas party, right?† They stopped, looked at one another, felt camaraderie in their collective loserdom, and reluctantly nodded. â€Å"My lunch is coming up, a rum-pa-pa-pum,† sang Gabe. Meanwhile, the girls were running around the Santa Rosa Chapel, putting up decorations and preparing the table settings for a Lonesome Christmas. Lena Marquez was making her third circumnavigation of the room with a stepladder, some masking tape, and rolls of green and red crepe paper the size of truck tires. (Price Club in San Junipero only sold one size, evidently so you could decorate your entire ocean liner without making two trips.) The act of serial festooning had taken Lena's mind off her troubles, but now the little chapel was starting to resemble nothing more than the nest of a color-blind Ewok. If someone didn't intervene soon the Lonesome Christmas guests would be in danger of being asphyxiated in a festive dungeon of holiday bondage. Fortunately, as Lena was moving the ladder to make her fourth round, Molly Michon snaked a foot inside and pulled the chapel's double doors open; the wind from the growing storm swept in and tore the paper from the walls. â€Å"Well, fuck!† said Lena. The crepe paper swam in a vortex around the middle of the room, then settled into a great wad under one of the buffet tables Molly had set up to one side. â€Å"I told you a staple gun would work better than masking tape,† Molly said. She was holding three stainless-steel pans of lasagna and still managed to get the oak double doors closed against the wind with her feet. She was agile that way. â€Å"This is a historical landmark, Molly. You can't just go shooting staples into the walls.† â€Å"Right, like that matters after Armageddon. Take these downstairs to the fridge,† Molly said, handing the pans to Lena. â€Å"I'll get you the staple gun out of my car.† â€Å"What does that mean?† Lena asked. â€Å"Do you mean our relationships?† But Molly had bounded back out through the double doors into the wind. She'd been making more and more cryptic comments like that lately. Like she was talking to someone in the room besides Lena. It was strange. Lena shrugged and headed back to the little room behind the altar and the steps that led downstairs. Lena didn't like going into the basement of the chapel. It wasn't really a basement; it was more of a cellar: sandstone walls that smelled of damp earth, a concrete floor that had been poured without a vapor barrier fifty years after the cellar had been dug and so seeped moisture and formed a fine slime on top in the winter. Even when the stove was cranked and an electric heater turned on, it was never warm. Besides, the old, empty pews stored down there cast shadows that made her feel as if people were watching her. â€Å"Mmmm, lasagna,† said Marty in the Morning, your drive-time dead guy in the a.m. â€Å"Dudes and dudettes, the little lady has certainly outdone herself this time. Get a whiff of that?† The graveyard was abuzz with moldy anticipation of the Lonesome Christmas party. â€Å"It's highly inappropriate, that's what it is,† said Esther. â€Å"I suppose it's better than that horrible Mavis Sand woman barbecuing again. And how is it that she's still alive, anyway? She's older than I am.† â€Å"Than dirt, you mean?† said Jimmy Antalvo, whose faceprint was still embedded in a telephone pole on the Pacific Coast Highway, where he'd hit it at age nineteen. â€Å"Please, child, if you must be rude, at least be original,† said Malcolm Cowley. â€Å"Don't compound the tedium with cliche.† â€Å"My wife used to put a layer of hot Italian sausage between every layer of cheese and noodles,† said Arthur Tannbeau. â€Å"Now, that was some good eatin'.† â€Å"Sort of explains the heart attack, too, doesn't it?† said Bess Leander. Being poisoned had left a bitter taste in her mouth that seven years of death could not wash away. â€Å"I thought we agreed not to talk about COD guilt,† said Arthur. â€Å"Didn't we agree on that?† COD was shorthand of the dead for Cause of Death. â€Å"We did agree,† said Marty in the Morning. â€Å"I do hope that they sing ‘Good King Wenceslas, † said Esther. â€Å"Shut the fuck up about ‘Good King Wenceslas, would you? No one knows the words to ‘Good King Wenceslas, no one ever has.† â€Å"My, my, the new guy is cranky,† said Warren Talbot, who had once been a painter of landscapes but after liver failure at seventy was fertilizing one. â€Å"Well, it's gonna be a great party to listen to,† said Marty in the Morning. â€Å"Did you hear the constable's wife talking about Armageddon? She's definitely taking a cruise down the Big Nutty.† â€Å"I am not!† shouted Molly, who had come down to the basement to help Lena clear space in the two refrigerators for the salads and desserts that they had yet to unload. â€Å"Who are you talking to?† said Lena, a little frightened at the outburst. â€Å"I think I've made my point,† said Marty in the Morning.

CASCO Global Operations ManagementÂÂ

CASCO Global Operations Management   This paper aims to provide a brief review of six software packages that PPQ Parts can use for its material, resource, and inventory planning and management. This paper reviews each of the selected software packages for its cost effectiveness, user friendliness and compatibility with the current system of PPQ Parts.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on CASCO: Global Operations Management   specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More CASCO CASCO can be useful for production management and inventory control by PPQ Parts. Its Autodesk Visualization capability would enable the company to modify its production unit, and details of each task can be monitored efficiently. The company’s plant consists of several functional units. With the 3D view that CASCO offers, the company would be able to monitor all units in real time, and also to design additional units (Autodesk, 2013). For inventory control, it is very important to keep a r ecord of demand orders and available resources. The ShopVue application in CASCO offers a paperless collection and monitoring of data generated by operational, design, and testing units (Jazdprocessing, 2013). Since, the CASCO software company has a large number of clients, therefore, it charges a lower price in comparison to other software providers. The company utilizes repetition procedures and also makes use of its previous projects to design a similar new project. This allows the company to offer quicker and cheaper software solutions. For companies, which have sequential work flow procedure in which one task is dependent on one or more different tasks, CASCO provides Development Coordination, and Proto-type Development structures to provide ease at the management level (CASCO, 2013). Epicor It is very important for PPQ Parts, which is operating as a SUV’s supplier, to forecast changes in demand and supply patterns over the years. This directly relates to the budget plan ning and manufacturing scheduling. In this regard, Epicor software would help the company in day-to-day inventory checking, controlling, and measuring changes in the demand. Epicor uses inventory history, sales ratio, and market value of products (EPICOR, 2010). It can be used for scheduling the company’s outsourced resources and updating plant units that are dependent on the outsourced materials. The scheduling program of the software generates an accurate graph for a selected period by calculating production time, machine run time, capacity of the plant, and the priority table (EPICOR, 2010).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, the compatibility issue exists when integrating the company’s functional units and data system with Epicor software and it needs additional features to be installed before the software can read all data channels. The VAR channel technology of the software for reading data channels limits its integration in the existing system. However, it is a fast and cost effective software solution and the company can afford to add features in order to make the software compatible with MRP and ERP units (Nick Mutt, 2013). Oracle For Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) of the company, Oracle software has many features to offer. The Roadmap Architecture of Oracle will help the company in the preparation, compilation, and reporting of financial information. Since, the company is planning to operate internationally; therefore, Oracle can be helpful in providing a direct communication access to its global customers and distributors. Oracle can be used to produce a MoSCoW improvement list, which identifies weak areas in the business operations (ORACLE, 2010). One key feature that could be beneficial for the company is the Cloud supported networking, which is easily compatible with the company’s existing MIS. Thi s will help the company for easy integration of data. The Procurement Management Module in the Oracle package integrates procurement entries and functions with the financial data without any manual intervention. The Fusion Application is an added advantage of Oracle software, which improves usability of the system. This new feature enhances navigation and order placements (ORACLE, 2013). PPQ Parts has to be quick in its innovation process to introduce new products and updates for its customers. For this requirement, Oracle cannot prove highly efficient as its database interfacing technology limits sharing data with a non-Oracle system. Another major problem in using Oracle is that it follows a certain set of legacy rules and standards. The inventory, billing, order delivery, and other units are all based on different units having a distinct legacy system. Therefore, using Oracle to connect all separate units can be a challenge for the company (Nick Mutt, 2013). Cloud software Cloud software like Net Suite and Microsoft Azure can be used for resource planning, accounts, and inventory management of the company. Cloud computing is one of the cheapest software solutions that can be used for ERP and CRP of PPQ parts.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on CASCO: Global Operations Management   specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moreover, it provides greater ease for managing, transferring, and uploading product and user information as compared to other software solutions in the market (NETSUITE, 2013). Microsoft Azure creates a platform, which allows companies to synchronize material and inventory requirements with the available resources (Garg, 2011). Cloud based software can be regarded as cost effective, easy, and compatible software solution for PPQ Parts, which is looking for both quality and ease in computing solutions for its business expansion and management. However, the security issue with this c omputing technology is questionable. Exchange of confidential data and information has high risks of data corruption or stealing. Moreover, many of the features offered by CASCO and Oracle software for atomizing data accounting are also not included in the Cloud software applications (Venkatraman, 203). SAP SAP accounting software is one of the best in the market for creating, managing, and storing financial records and datasheets of a company. PPQ Parts can choose between different modules available with the software. The SAP PP module can best fulfil the company’s needs of transaction records maintenance, creating billing data, and computing the demand graph, and also management of the company. Its features of product planning will help the company in determining the cost and time involved in each process (ERP tips, 2013). Since, the structure of the company consists of separate functional units, the collection of information from each department requires a longer processin g time. The Intercompany Reconciliation will help speeding up this process by empowering individual subunits (SAP Intercompany, 2013). However, implementing and operating the SAP system requires highly skilled personnel and continuous maintenance and update of the system, which is a costly procedure. Moreover, it does not provide much flexibility at the user and managerial levels due to which all parameters of the system require careful understanding before applying the system (SAP Informations, 2007). Tuppas The Tuppas Capacity Planning software can be implemented to perform various tasks, which can be configured manually into the existing system. The advantage of using Tuppas is its high compatibility and easy module configuration that allows a company to buy only the desired functions.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As PPQ Parts highly relies on its outsourced raw materials, Tuppas can offer integrated components of MRP, inventory records, and production planning that will automatically analyze the demand and supply of materials (Tuppas, 2013). The annual requirement plan of the PPQ Parts is of high importance, which allocates tasks and resources. Tuppas computes data of inventories, sales ratio, procurement costs, and product orders, which could help the company to form an accurate requirements plan (Tuppas, 2013). Purchasing and maintenance costs of the system are reasonable. The small procedural cycle of the software divides functional units into multiple short frameworks, which reduce the risk factor and therefore, malfunctioning of any unit is easily detectable (Tuppas, 2013). The limitation of Tuppas is its internet server dependency for transferring and operating data as the date goes through the Tuppas server. Therefore, if PPQ Parts applies Tuppas software for its planning and scheduli ng then it will have to pay an extra amount for buying a separate internet link for internal and external communications (Flexible ERP Software, 2006). Conclusion After reviewing the cost efficiency, functionality, and ease level of above discussed software packages, the company is recommended to make use of CASCO software as it meets all requirements of PPQ Parts’ planning and management structure at a low cost. Moreover, high reputation of the software ensures that the company would not have to worry about any disorder or malfunctioning of the software system. Moreover, since the company is planning to expand its business globally, therefore, it is important to assess the compatibility of the software with its data structures and also with those required for data interfacing and placement of the international orders. Reference List Autodesk. (2013). CASCO. Retrieved from utodesk: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112id=3383729linkID=10274604 CASCO. (2013). Services. Retrieved from Cascocorp.com: cascocorp.com/services.htm EPICOR. (2010). Production Management. California: EPICOR Software Corporation. ERP tips. (2013). SAP Production Planning (SAP PP). Retrieved from ERPtips: erptips.com/Learn-SAP/SAP-Module-Overviews/Production-Planning-PP.html Flexible ERP Software. (2006). Collaborative Project Management Software. Retrieved from Flexible ERP software: flexible-erp-software.com/ Garg, A. (2011). Cloud Computing for the Financial Services Industry. New York: Sapient Corporation. Jazdprocessing. (2013). Production Planning Software. Retrieved from jazdprocessing.com: jazdprocessing.com/processflowdirect/company/Casco-Development-Inc/Production-Planning-Software.htm?supplierId=70001966productId=70008335 NETSUITE. (2013). Cloud Computing: Harnessing the Power of Simplicity. Retrieved from Netsuite.com: netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/cloud-computing.shtml Nick Mutt. (2013). Epicor Software Review. Retrieved from Nickmutt.com: nic kmutt.com/epicor-software-review.htm Nick Mutt. (2013). Oracle ERP Software Review. Retrieved from Nickmutt.com: nickmutt.com/oracle-erp-software-review.htm ORACLE. (2013). Oracle Fusion CRM: The New Standard for Customer Relationship Management. Retrieved from Oracle: oracle.com/us/products/applications/fusion/fusion-crm-170775.html ORACLE. (2010). Oracle Consulting Enteprize: Resource Planning Application Architecture Roadmap Service. California: ORACLE. SAP Informations. (2007, June 7). Advantages and Disadvantages of SAP. Retrieved from SAP Informations.com: http://sapinformations.blogspot.com/2007/06/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-sap.html SAP Intercompany. (2013). Fast track your financial close with our intercompany reconciliation software. Retrieved from 54sap: http://www54.sap.com/lob/financial-management/software/intercompany-reconciliation/index.html Tuppas. (2013). Capacity Planning Software: Tuppas Capacity Planning Overview. Retrieved from Tuppas: tuppas.com/capacity- planning-softwaret/capacity-planning-software.htm Venkatraman, A. (203). Advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing. Retrieved from Computer Weekly: computerweekly.com/feature/Advantages-and-disadvantages-of-cloud-computing

China men essays

China men essays The current China man and women debate was strayed off from the issue of women's condition in. Few articles give a comprehensive picture on the condition. First, Chinese tradition, like others, believes that the right place for women is home. Contacts with the west at the turn of this century did bring changes to the treatment of women, e.g. feet bonding and education. But the destiny of women was still home. The communist revolution brought Soviet ideas and practices to China. The idea is that men and women are equal. (Most communist ideas are good). Everything men can do, women can too. But there is another idea from the Soviet guiding the practice men and women are good at different things. Women are caring and detail oriented as they show at home. The practice is that housewives were encouraged to join the work force in late 50's and have stayed there. Girls are encouraged to be doctors, nurses, biologists, textile workers and are discouraged to take up physics and engineering b y their parents. The shirts, shoes and toys you buy in discount stores are more likely to be made by China women rather by men. You will not be surprised to see women doctors everywhere in China or see women biologists saturating American graduate schools, but you don't see a male nurse or secretary. The result has been a mixed jar for women. Women can get career satisfaction in some professions but are not expected to do well in others. Women brings home part, usually less than half, of the family income and make more family decisions. However, having all housewives in the work force drove down everyone's salary, and every family relies on the second income from the wife. On the other hand, the wife is still expected to cook, to clean and to take care of the child, the elderly and husband. Wives end up having two jobs, one inside and the other outside of home. Further, they are denied the choice to stay home to take care children. Comparing to the west, ...

Effect of Institutional racism on Essay Example

Effect of Institutional racism on Essay Example Effect of Institutional racism on Essay Effect of Institutional racism on Essay Racism is the favoritism or negative attitude of people against other people strictly because of their race. Institutional racism is a signifier of racism structured into political and societal establishments. The establishments include schools and montages. while political include authorities and other authorities Parastatals or corporation. The effect of this sort of societal segregation is ever negative. It some times leads to wars. hatred and in some cases low ego regard by the topic in this instance. Racial favoritism stated long ago and its consequence has ever been negative. In page 3 of The Guardian that is dated 5th September 2008. The header of the newspaper is: Black Caribbean kids held back by institutional racism in schools. says study written by Editor Polly Curtis. The kernel of the narrative in this instance is to foreground the rampant racial favoritism of Caribbean kids in English schools. This has mostly undermined their academic and societal life. farther research worker had uncovered grounds that instructors routinely under-estimate the abilities of some black students. proposing that premises about behavioral jobs have overshadowed their academic endowments. The findings on a study which tracked 15. 000 students through their instruction besides add weight to the theory that low accomplishment among some black pupils is worsened because instructors don’t anticipate them to win. This relates good to the subject of Institutional racism because in this instance racism is in a school puting where all students are supposed to be treated reasonably irrespective of their race. But in this instance black Caribbean’s are discriminated upon and this has later resulted to their hapless public presentation in school. The significance of this narrative in the Guardian is to set in visible radiation what is go oning among the pupils in this peculiar school refering the racism issue. This is elaborated by the statistics that show how racism has affected the black Caribbean in this peculiar school. Such as a 3rd of capable black Caribbean students are non entered to take the hardest documents in trials at 14. Hence the issue being addressed by this statistics is institutional racism in English schools. This narrative affects me in different ways. its sad to observe that at this age people are still being judged by the colour of their tegument instead than by their character and abilities. It frustrates me to impede other people from accomplishing their full potency because of racism. In my point of position. its critical to observe that none of us decided their race and that all worlds are created equal and their fluctuation in melanin content should neer be a judgment factor but instead an political orientation of the yesteryear. It’s critical for people to cognize that our abilities. endowments are independent of our tegument colour. This narrative non merely affects me but it besides affects the society involved because they loose possible people in from optimising their possible because of their unworthy favoritism of their colour. This narrative encourages me to make something different by recommending against racial favoritism non merely in schools but instead in the full society. I will carry through this by giving illustrations of how people of different races have won the Nobel peace monetary value. White persons. Blacks. Asians have won the monetary value. This vehemently states that the colour of our tegument has nil to make with our ability. Beginnings Polly Curtis. Black Caribbean kids held back by institutional racism in schools. says analyze The guardian newspaper on the web 5th September 2008 lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //www. defender. co. United Kingdom gt ;

Question 28 of 30 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Essay

Question 28 of 30 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of secondary data and give an example of each - Essay Example Accordingly, the cost incurred in data collection is significantly reduced. One disadvantage of secondary data is that the researcher has to rely on others’ researches and findings. In any kind of research, the reliability of information is a prime concern both for the researcher and for the audience. The researcher might want to have a more reliable research than the one conducted by the previous researchers whose data is being used for the current research. â€Å"Agency records, secondary data, and content analysis do not require direct interaction with research subjects† (2011, p. 218). The secondary data does not provide the researcher with the facility to interact one to one with the subjects of research, and the research findings are, for the most part, a conclusion of the past researches. Hence, the â€Å"reliability, credibility, and accuracy [of the research] may not be known† (Summers, Morgan, and Summers, 2005, p.

Multinational Corporations Specialized Topics Analyzed by the World Essay

Multinational Corporations Specialized Topics Analyzed by the World Investment Reports - Essay Example Global economic developments are driven by multinational corporations that seek to invest potential economies such as the transition and developing economies. Global economies’ potential has been expanded by multinational corporations through a variety of investment and production modes, which increase international competitiveness. More so, supporting measures built during the crisis have largely contributed to opening up of new investment opportunities for multinational corporations all over the world. Supporting measures include industrial and corporate restructuring, exit of state control and ownership of corporations, and rising valuations of stock markets. Although uncertainty and risk factors remain a major threat to recovery of FDI, supportive environment across the globe and particularly in developing countries has the potential to oversee tremendous recovery and even growth. China, being a developing country, has the largest foreign direct investments being channeled into its economy. ... However, multinationals hold back this potentials and economic opportunities mainly due to risk factors involved with investing in international economies whose prospects and success are unknown. The risks range from widespread debt crisis and rising inflation to financial and fiscal sector imbalances. Developing and transition economies have established favorable framework for foreign investment, which has attracted massive investment inflows from multinationals. On the other hand, developed countries alongside world’s poorest countries have recorded low foreign direct investment flows. Poor regions such as Africa have continually seen foreign direct investment inflows reducing, while developing regions such as the Latin America have recorded progressive increases. Least developed countries, small islands developing states and landlocked developing countries, being among the poorest countries, have continued to attract less foreign direct investment inflows. However, foreign direct investments have improved in natural resources such as oil industry in the African region. Investments in natural resources by multinational corporations are on the rise in African countries and have the potential to grow, although political uncertainties remain a huge hindrance to these possibilities. More on political uncertainties, industry diversity and volume limitations also remain a major barrier in Africa, which calls for harmonization of trade agreements if foreign direct investment growth is to be achieved. Transition and developing economies have increasingly become of vital importance to foreign direct investment with regards to both outflows and inflows. Multinational corporations are channeling their operations to developing and transitions countries owing to

Question 1&2&3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Question 1 - Essay Example This takes the form of controlling cargo storage and distribution via the most relevant ways. Product quality is fundamental to the undertaking of these activities, and therefore only the best company in terms of its logistics is chosen. c) Internal coherent and competent logistics should be accounted for in considering any given company. Such a company should be pursuing entries into newly opened market opportunities. Resource portfolio of the company is important in determining the strategy to adopt. Where resources are not adequate, internal strategies may be adopted, but this may consequently necessitate outsourcing some well-defined operations to a third party within the same level of logistics as the outsourcing company. d) A recent entrant company in the manufacturing industry makes a good choice. Such a company undertakes vigorous activities in its operations in a bid to improve the output level. The principle focus here is the product design, manufacturing process and the vo lume of product sales. Cargo handling in both storage and distribution of raw materials and final products is handled by an external party through outsourcing arrangements. Question 2 a) Quick response: This is a system in which decision pertaining to amounts of orders and times of replenishment are made by the retailer. On the other hand, POS data analysis is handled by the supply side. The importance of data analysis by suppliers is that it allows for an effective means though which future predictions can be made, consequently making it possible to make plans and schedules of production. A quick response is best suited for newly interacting retailer-supplier, where each is uncertain about the other. Inventories are controlled by the retailer, although POS data availed to suppliers can improve their operational performance. Lack of adequate resources to affirm the relationship between the retailer and the supplier necessitate quick response practices. b) Continuous replenishment: P OS data are made available to the vendors through this system. This provision is tailored towards the realization of shipment activities that are further necessary in the maintenance of a desired inventory characteristic. Shipping frequency is agreed upon at an earlier stage and all the guidelines to the system outlined in order to ensure that the inventory exhibits the required characteristics and amounts. This system strikes a balance between quick response and Vendor-Managed Inventory system. In this case lesser risks are taken relative to VMI, and at the same time, retailer-supplier relationship is well defined in this system as opposed to quick response system. c) VMI (Vendor-Managed Inventory system): Levels of inventory to maintain in the system are solely determined by the suppliers. Policies are formulated and implemented to ensure that the agreed upon inventory levels are observed. Replenishments in this system are taken care of by the vendors. This replenishment managemen t by the vendors does not take place automatically; rather, it is the retailers that charge the vendors with a full responsibility to do that. VMI system is complex, and a strong buyer-seller relationship need to be upheld. An effective VMI system realizes a general system saving, contrary to the other two types of retailer-supplier partnerships. Question 3 The manufacturing company is undergoing pressure from the retailer in regard to delivery and

Sustainable Development of Tourism Snowdonia Park Dissertation

Sustainable Development of Tourism Snowdonia Park - Dissertation Example This essay declares that Snowdonia is a region of north Wales and a National Park spread over 2170 square kilometres. The Park is governed by the 18 member Snowdonia National Park Authority, which is made up of local government and Welsh national representatives. This paper makes a conclusion that literature has been briefly reviewed at this stage to develop an overview for the current thinking and has been extended to cover a few books, Journals and some relevant sites on the Internet. The survey targets identifying and understanding recommended practices from academe, practical project experiences and opinions of policy drivers. Unmanaged tourism can threaten the economy and ecology of a region. Sustainable tourism sees tourism as a triangular relationship between host areas and their habitats and peoples, holidaymakers, and the tourism industry†. Sustainable tourism aims to reconcile the tensions between the three partners in the triangle, and maintain the equilibrium in the long term (ibid). Sustainable tourism aims to minimise environmental and cultural damage, optimise visitor enjoyment, and maximize long- term economic growth for the region. It is way of obtaining a balance between the growth potential of tourism and the conserva tion needs of the environment. The presence of a tourism centre in an area adds to the quality of life of residents and contributes to their economic well being. However, the economic benefits of the presence of a tourist centre or cost of lack of it have not being seriously considered.

Reporting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Reporting - Essay Example k Theory (ANT) purification process with its findings based on themes such as, human and non-human actors, events and technological and regulatory initiatives (Law 1-21). The main agenda of implementing this process is to understand mobilization activities, chain of relations, conflicts and resistance, which determined integrating reporting journey of Australia. The research was undertaken with the objective to determine impact of events and manifestations on sustainability reporting and emergence of integrated reporting. The author has collected necessary data through documentation review, semi-structured reflective interviews and participant observation method (Patricia). Another qualitative approach has been included by the author that is the netnographical approach. In this research, qualitative data analysis was undertaken using Nvivo 9 research software by uploading all interview transcription in the software. The report findings present four key factors that influenced evolution of integrated reporting, namely, critical events, actors, technologies and regulatory initiatives (Richards 16). The introductory section briefly discusses factors that influenced emergence of integrated reporting in Australia. It discusses advances in reporting field because of purification processes, before introduction of International Integrated Reporting Committee (IIRC). The factor that motivated the author to commit to this research was to understand the shift from sustainability reporting to integrated reporting. The author demonstrated that sustainability reporting method has been in practice for quite some time and an important fact about it is that is a catalyst of Actor Network theory that has influenced evolution of integrated reporting. The social environment accounting study by Mathews (1997), along with contribution of other sustainability researchers such as, Buhr (2007), Gray (2001) and Milne and Gray (2007), show developments made in sustainability accounting

Sustainable Development of Tourism Snowdonia Park Dissertation

Sustainable Development of Tourism Snowdonia Park - Dissertation Example This essay declares that Snowdonia is a region of north Wales and a National Park spread over 2170 square kilometres. The Park is governed by the 18 member Snowdonia National Park Authority, which is made up of local government and Welsh national representatives. This paper makes a conclusion that literature has been briefly reviewed at this stage to develop an overview for the current thinking and has been extended to cover a few books, Journals and some relevant sites on the Internet. The survey targets identifying and understanding recommended practices from academe, practical project experiences and opinions of policy drivers. Unmanaged tourism can threaten the economy and ecology of a region. Sustainable tourism sees tourism as a triangular relationship between host areas and their habitats and peoples, holidaymakers, and the tourism industry†. Sustainable tourism aims to reconcile the tensions between the three partners in the triangle, and maintain the equilibrium in the long term (ibid). Sustainable tourism aims to minimise environmental and cultural damage, optimise visitor enjoyment, and maximize long- term economic growth for the region. It is way of obtaining a balance between the growth potential of tourism and the conserva tion needs of the environment. The presence of a tourism centre in an area adds to the quality of life of residents and contributes to their economic well being. However, the economic benefits of the presence of a tourist centre or cost of lack of it have not being seriously considered.

Letter for parntes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Letter for parntes - Essay Example This compares to a national average of 5/9 in these categories overall. 3) In the ‘Total Reading’ area your child scored the highest on the subtest of ‘Reading Vocabulary’ with a raw score of 27/30, and in ‘Reading Comprehension’ scored a total of 46/50. The student’s lowest score was ‘Sounds and Prints’ where they had a raw score of 26/30. 4) In the ‘Total Mathematics’ subtest, the student did the best in ‘Concepts & Problem-Solving’ with a raw score of 34/40, and the lowest result was found in ‘Computation’ with a raw score of 24/30. 5) This Management Aptitude Test (MAT) evaluates the performance of the student, the class, and the school in comparison with national averages. This testing is conducted in accord with the Ohio State Department of Education standards. 6) As teacher of the student, my personal assessment of these scores in relation to her performance in class is that †Å"Mary† is one of our best students and consistently ranks in the upper percentile of the class in most subjects. She is very strong in math and reading, but could benefit with more time improving her computer skills. I am available during the Parent-Teacher Conferences and also after school hours to discuss any questions you may have about these test results.

Radio Frequency Identification Essay Example for Free

Radio Frequency Identification Essay The literature review is a very important introductory task in order to gain adequate information and perspectives on the relevant area of the research. This review summarizes updated comprehensive and critical discussions of each and other material related to the topic. This literature review brings clarity, focus and it improves the conceptualization of the research problem making it understandable. The literature review also improves the methodology as it reveals a similar type of research, which recommends the procedures and methods to accommodate the problems. Foreign RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Principles and Applications RFID is a complete system that is composed of important components: the RFID tags, the RFID readers or transceivers, and the database. The tags carry object-identifying data. RFID readers or transceivers can read and write tag data, while the database stores records that is used for tag identification. (Weis, S., 2007) RFID tags can be divided into three classes based on their power source: active, semi-passive and passive. Active tags have their own source of power source, such as a battery, and can initiate communication to a reader or other active tags. Semi-passive tags also have their own internal battery, but they are unable of initiating communication. This ensures that it is only active when readers query it. Passive tags have neither a power source nor a capability of initiating communication but are the cheapest among the three. (Weis, S., 2007) RFID systems can operate at a variety of radio frequencies. Each of these frequencies has its own operating range, power requirements and performance. Low Frequency, or LF, operates at 120-149 KHz and have a read distance of 10-20 cm. High Frequency, or HF, operates at 12.56 MHz and have a read distance of 10-20 cm. Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) operates at 868-928 MHz and has a range of 3 meters. Microwave operates at 2.45 and 5.78 GHz and can read up to 3 meters. Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) operates at 3.1-10.6 GHz and has a read distance of 10 meters.

Violent Video Games And Aggression Defined Media Essay

Violent Video Games And Aggression Defined Media Essay Video games are a form of entertainment enjoyed by many adults and children on a daily basis. There are sports, dance, and mystery games that often provide hours of entertainment. However, there are also controversial violent video games that have made headlines and have been the subject of many protests. Numerous studies on whether these violent video games are associated with aggressive and hostile attitudes in children have been conducted, and the results are often mixed. One of the first violent video games was released in 1976 and was known as Death Race (Ferguson, Rueda, Cruz, Ferguson, Fritz Smith, 2008). The object of Death Race was to run over tiny gremlins, which looked similar to humans, with a car. The release of this video game caused an outrage and many protests against the game occurred. It was soon discovered that the games original working title was Pedestrian, and this only served to anger those who were against the game even more (Ferguson et al, 2008). Since the release of Death Race numerous other violent video games have been released such as Mortal Kombat and Grand Theft Auto. With the release of each new violent video game, the court cases that aim to prevent children from getting their hands on these games follow. In one such case, for example, an argument for opposing the sale of such games to children was held under the belief that the games are associated with aggression (Brown. v. Entertainment Merchant Association, 2010). In this particular case, Brown (2010) cited the research of Dr. Craig Anderson whose research claims to show a connection between violent video games and aggression in children. However, since it is highly difficult to prove that video games are actually the cause of aggression in children, the court threw them out (Brown v. Entertainment Merchant Association, 2010). The case was eventually decided stating that banning the sale of violent video games to minors was a violation of the first amendment. Since it is often difficult to provide evidence that video games are actually the cause aggressive attitudes in children, numerous research experiments have been conducted to showcase the correlation between violent video games and aggression. For example, a study conducted by Cooper and Mackie (1986) found that the girls who played an aggressive video game engaged in more aggressive free play. This study had children play either a high-violent game or a low-violent game for around 8 minutes (Tang, 2008,). Upon playing either of the games, one group of children were then asked questions about hypothetical situations, the behavior of other children, as well as punishments and rewards for said behavior. Another group was lead to a room with toys to play with for a few minutes. The girls who had played the violent video game often chose to play with the aggressive toy, in this case it was a Shogun samurai that spits, fists, and darts (Tang, 2008, para. 13). Results also found that both genders who were exposed to either video game had a longer punishment and reward system when asked questions about the good or bad behavior of other children (Cooper and Mackie, 1986). Again, this is only an example of correlation between the two variables of video games and aggression; it in no way proves that the video game was the cause of the aggression. Often there are no significant links to be found in the correlation between violent video games and aggression. A study conducted by Scott (1995) found no significant increases in aggression after participants played nonaggressive, moderately, and severely aggressive games. However, results found that there was a big change among the men who had played the nonaggressive game. These men showed a considerable amount of aggressive behavior overall after playing the nonaggressive game. This suggests that perhaps the degree of aggression one feels after playing a violent video game depends on the personality of the player. The men who had played the nonaggressive game were less aggressive both before and after playing than the men in the other two groups (Scott, 1995). Although the men who played the nonaggressive games did experience heightened aggression afterwards, it was generally less significant than the moderate and severe groups. The amount of aggression the men who had played the nonaggressive game did not compare to the amount aggressiveness the men who had played the moderately and severely aggressive games. Not to say that the latter group consisted of very aggressive men, there just wasnt a significant change. The men who had played the nonaggressive game were not very aggressive to begin with, and experienced a higher degree of aggression upon playing the game. Not that the men were extremely aggressive, the change was more significant in this group as compared to the other two groups. Another study conducted by Wiegman and Schie (1998) was interested in not only finding the effect of violent video games on aggression, but on pro-social behavior as well. This study focused on the amount of time spent playing video games each day. The study was based on Banduras (1961) social cognitive theory. The results for Wiegman and Schies (1998) first hypothesis were positive, it was found that those who played video games frequently displayed higher levels of aggression as compared to those who did not play as much. However, since the difference between moderate players and nonplayers was insignificant, the first hypothesis was no supported (Wiegman and Schie, 1998). Therefore, the results concluded that those who do play video games for a longer time do in fact display heightened aggression but the same could not be said for those who play those nonviolent games and no video games at all. A more recent study in 2005 was interested moving past the hypothesis that video games are associated with aggression in general, but took a closer look into whether specific characters trigger aggressive attitudes. Lachlan, Smith, and Tamborini (2005) wanted to decipher whether players who were similar to either good or bad characters would imitate the aggressive or nonaggressive attitudes of such characters. This specific study cited the social cognitive theory in which people are attracted to characters who remind them of themselves, therefore they are more likely to imitate the behavior of these characters (Lachlan et al, 2005). Later studies conducted by Levermore and Salisbury (2009) and Ferguson (2011) also cited Banduras (1961) social learning theory in attempting to understand the association between violent video games and aggression. Brand new violent video games are released every year, and adolescents continue to play them. Numerous studies have been conducted and will be conducted searching for a link between violent games and aggression. With new, sophisticated technology video games are becoming much more realistic. As of yet, there is no strong evidence that aggressive attitudes in youths are directly caused by violent video games. However, there is a continued effort to identify this direct link if it exists at all. Furthermore, various studies have only been able to prove an association between violent video games and aggression (see Lachlan et al, 2005, Scott 1995). The debate on how much of an impact violent video games have on aggressive attitudes in adolescents will continue for years to come. Statement of the Problem Violent video games are popular among children today, yet relatively little is known about how much of an association these games have with youth aggression. On one hand fierce opponents of violent video games argue that video games are definitely associated with aggression, even going so far to argue that violent video games are the cause of aggression in most children (see Carnagey Anderson, 2004). On the other hand, violent video game proponents argue that there is no such relationship between violent video games and aggression at all. With two extreme sides in the violent video game debate and the rising sales of violent video games, its important to know how much of an association, if any, these games have with aggression. Violent video games have been the subject of numerous lawsuits. These lawsuits range from banning the sale of violent video games to minors to developing a requirement for video game companies to include specific labels stating 18+ on violent games. In the case of Schwarzenegger versus Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA), the EMA sought to overturn a law which banned the sale of violent video games to children. The reasoning behind the law was the belief that violent video games increase the chance of violent and aggressive behavior in children, thus directly causing harm to minors (DeWeese Rumpf, 2010). Conversely, the EMA argued that banning the sale of violent video games to children violated the First Amendment by restricting free speech. The court ended up ruling in favor the EMA, stating that although there a correlation between violent video games and aggression, there was not enough evidence to prove that violent video games ultimately caused aggression (DeWeese Rumpf , 2010). Thus, banning the sale of violent video games was found to be a violation to childrens first amendment rights. Much of the evidence brought forward on the anti-video game side was very weak and could simply not prove causation between violent video games and aggression. On the side of the State of California Schwarzenegger, the research of Craig Anderson was brought forth citing a direct causal link between violent video games and real life (See Iowa State University, n.d.) . However, the rebuttal to the above statement was that in order to show that violent video games were the direct cause of aggression; a study would need to be conducted in which a minor would be isolated from all other forms of violence (see brief for Schwarzenegger Vs. EMA, 2010). A minor would need to be exposed only to violent video games in order to prove the direct causation between violent video games and aggression. Since no such study has ever been conducted, it is difficult to prove that video games are the direct cause of aggression. The first amendment rights of children could not be taken away when it could n ot be proven that video games were the cause of aggression. Therefore, a problem lies in determining just how strong of an association exists between violent video games and aggression in youths. In some cases, research points to a strong correlation between games and aggression while others find a weak association. For example, take the research of Anderson and Bushman (2001) who argue that violent video games, without a doubt, pose a threat to children. Note that the above research of Anderson and Bushman (2001) was used as evidence in attempting to prove that video games cause aggression in children in Schwarzenegger vs. EMA. However, a meta-analysis conducted by Ferguson (2007), which was not used as evidence in Schwarzenegger vs. EMA, found that violent video games have no relationship to aggressive behavior at all. As such Ferguson (2007) even argued that violent video games have been associated with positive reactions and prosocial behavior. As noted with two differing studies, its very important to determine whether or not violent vid eo games are associated with aggressive behavior. The work of two different researchers has led to differing results and thus, it is important to get a clear understanding on this relationship in order to avoid further confusion. With all the opposing views, debates, and court cases, researchers ought to be focusing simply on the relationship between violent video games and aggression. Researchers on both sides of the debates are eagerly trying to prove or disprove that the association exists or does not exist, with much of the information ending up as very ambiguous. Perhaps researchers ought to apply concepts such as Banduras (1961) Social Learning Theory and modeling in order to understand the relationship between the two Definition of Terms Aggression Hostile or destructive tendency or behavior (Oxford English Dictionary, 2012). Behavior The way in which one acts either alone or around others. Debate A discussion between two sides on an issue where both sides disagree. Entertainment Something affording pleasure, diversion, or amusement, especially a performance of some kind (Dictionary.com, 2012) E.M.A. (Entertainment Merchants Association) Protects right the right to sell and promote entertainment products (entermerch.org, 2012). E.S.R.B. (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) Assigns age and content ratings to video games and mobile applications (esrb.org, 2012). First Amendment An amendment to the U.S. constitution, ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, prohibiting congress from interfering with freedom of religion, speech, assembly, or petition (Dictionary.com, 2012). Free Speech Being able to openly say anything one wishes without the fear of punishment either by authority or the government. Hostile Acting or behaving a negative or intimidating way toward an individual, animal, or property. Lawsuit A prosecution of a claim in a court of law (Oxford English Dictionary, 2012). Media Outlets such as television, newspapers, or magazines that provide information about current events and trends. Observational Learning The ability to acquire a new response as a result of observing a behavior model (Bandura, 1968, as cited in Carey, 2011). Parent The genetic or non-genetic Mother or Father of a child, a protector or a guardian (Dictionary.com, 2012). Politics The art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy (Merrium-Webster.com, 2012). Prosocial Behavior which is positive, helpful, and intended to promote social acceptance and friendship (Oxford English Dictionary, 2012). Social Cognitive Theory How a person views and respondss the ones social environment, the idea that individuals are more likely to imitate those who they identify and are familiar with (Chegg.com, 2012). Video Game An electronic game usually played on a gaming console or home computer. Video Game Addiction Excessive or compulsive use of computer and video games that interferes with daily life, to the point of isolation, neglecting of relationships, and extreme anger when unable to play video or computer games. (inspirationyouth.com, n.d.). Violence Physically causing harm or abuse to another individual, animal, or property. Youth a person who is young. Limitations of the Study Video games are a relatively new form of entertainment and today they are more popular than ever. Violent content has been found in video games since the late 70s. Violence is a recurring theme in some of the most popular video games today. These violent video games are often associated with aggression and hostility, while opponents of violent video games going so far to declare that these video games cause aggression. It is often a very political issue, with both sides arguing that either violent video games do have a relationship to aggression or that no such relationship exists. In some cases, researchers have even argued that violent video games are associated with positive behavior (Gentile et al., 2009). Most of the research available contains differing research from one another, with often confusing results. A limitation of this study is that much of the information concerning violent video games and aggression is often ambiguous, even vague in some cases. One article may argue that violent video games cause aggression while another argues that video games have no association with aggression at all. A lot of the research appears eager to prove or disprove that violent video games and aggression have an association, without emphasizing other factors that may play a part in this argument. For instance, Vessey and Lee (2000) have argued that exposure to violent video games not only leads to aggressive feelings in the short-term, but also contributes to juvenile delinquency in the longer term. In order to be certain that the sources are accurate and unbiased, extra research in to the author of the article and journal needs to be done. Also, extra attention should also be paid into the funding sources of where this research is coming from. Researchers ought to focus on the association and whe ther it is exists at all. Instead of being solely focused on proving or disproving, attention should be paid to observations, effects, and other factors that increase or decrease aggression upon playing violent video games. There are no longitudinal studies that measure children playing violent video games and aggression over time. Its difficult to determine if aggression in teenagers and adults can be associated with having played a large amount of violent video games while growing up, or other factors. Often studies associated with this topic may last only a few years, for example while a child is in high school. No such study has examined the relationship between violent video games and aggression in children from childhood to the teenager years. Longitudinal studies would provide an excellent amount of information on how much of an impact violent video game play has on aggression over time. Another limitation of this study is the fact that this topic is often a political issue. Politicians have their own opinions on this topic and often push for legislation outright banning the sale of violent video games to children. This is where the information starts to become ambiguous since most of the research is used as evidence in pushing this legislation and in the lawsuits that result. Most of the research that is used is heavily focused on proving whether or not violent video games ultimately cause aggression. Its very difficult to determine causation in this case, and researchers ought to focus on simply the association. Rather than trying prove whether something absolutely does or does not exist, focus on the association between the two and observe the effects. Theoretical Foundation The relationship between violent video games and aggression is one that researchers are still trying to understand. For this project, the relationship will be looked at through the use of the social cognitive theory and behavior modeling. In social cognitive theory, it is argued that behavior is the outcome of outside influences and choices made by oneself (Bandura, 1991). As such violent video games have been considered an outside influence, with children imitating the actions of an aggressive character. Bandura (1986) suggested that in social cognitive theory individuals will identify with and imitate characters that are liked and similar to themselves (cited in Lachlan, Smith, Tamborini, 2005). Children can recognize characters that are likeable, remind them of themselves, and in turn imitate the behavior of that character. In some cases a child will imitate the positive behavior of a character, while other times a child may imitate the aggressive behavior of a character. Determi ning whether or not a child will imitate the behavior a specific character depends on the gender, ethnicity, and social acceptance of a character (Lachlan et al, 2005). For example, a Caucasian boy will more likely imitate the behavior of a Caucasian male character over that of a Caucasian female character. Behavior modeling, also known as observational learning, is also another theory applied to this relationship. Albert Bandura (1961) conducted a bobo doll experiment in which children viewed a video of an individual violently hitting and yelling at a bobo doll with the children later being led in to a room with an identical bobo doll (Isom, 1998). After viewing the video, the children were immediately led to a first room filled with toys, the children were told not to touch any of the toy(Isom, 1998). Later the children were sent to a second room that was filled with attractive toys, however what had caught the majority of the childrens attention was the identical bobo doll that had been featured in the film. Around 88% of the children had violently hit the doll just as they had seen the model do in the video. (Isom, 1998). The theory of behavior modeling can be applied to understanding the effect of violent video games on aggression in children. Although it is difficult to prove caus ation between violent video games and aggression, a concept such as behavior modeling can provide insight in to aggressive actions upon playing violent games. Behavior modeling is a useful tool in understanding why children sometimes imitate the behavior of individuals who they view in movies, television, and video games. Albert Banduras (1961) social cognitive theory and the use of behavior modeling can help to greatly understand violent video games relation to aggression. Although much of the information regarding the two theories is based of work regarding television and movies, the same concepts have been applied to video games (i.e. Lachlan et al, 2005). It will be interesting to determine if the outcome changes when the theory is applied to violent video games. Literature Review Violent Video Games and Aggression Defined In 2011 violent video games sales have soared over the sales of nonviolent video games (Vgchartz.com, 2011). In 2011, violent titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Battlefield 3, and Gears of War 3 all made the top 10 best selling games (Vgchartz.com). Violent video games are very popular on video game consoles as well as on computers. With access to online multiplayer, individuals can face off against other people from all over the world. No doubt, access to multiplayer contributes to violent video games popularity. It may seem as though the ability to partake in a video game with individuals from all over the world is a good idea, however that is not always the case. A search on the internet for video game raging can lead one to find dozens of videos of both teenagers and adults alike angrily yelling at their televisions. One is lead to wonder about the implications of these games and what long term consequences they may have. In some instances, video game addiction can occur, leading players to neglect all other responsibilities in order to dedicate as much time as possible to the game (Van Rooij et al, 2010). However, violent video games have not been associated with video game addiction alone. Often, violent video games are associated with increased aggression and hostility in adolescents. Its very difficult to prove that violent video games cause aggression. One would need to prove that aggression is directly caused by video games alone; as such no research has done this hefty task. Anderson Bushman (1998) argue that there are at least four active types of human aggression including physical, verbal, direct, and indirect. This paper will consider physical and verbal aggression in the context of violent video game play. Many research attempts to measure aggression have been conducted. Attempts include the use of electric shock to study the effects aggression and learning (Anderson Bushman, 1998) as well as the use of observational learning, more specifically Banduras (1961) Bobo doll experiment and the social learning theory. To continue, the release of one of the first violent video games Death Race did not go unnoticed; it sparked on outrage among consumers (Ferguson et al, 2008). Some consumers were so outraged that the video game was protested, some went so far as to pull Death Race machines out of arcades and subsequently burn them (Ferguson et al, 2008). Before the release of Death Race video game titles were rather tame, including hits such as Pac-man and Pong. Death Race was the first of its kind, but it wouldnt be the last. A long line of violent titles would follow which would include Mortal Kombat, Counter-Strike, Grand Theft Auto, and the popular Call of Duty series. Violent video game titles will continue to be released year after year, with much of the research about these video game titles resulting in mostly ambiguous information. Its important to gain a clear understanding of the effects of these video games on aggressive and hostile behavior. This paper will take a look in to the appearances violent video games have made in the news, including the link to the Columbine Shootings as well as the Virginia Tech shootings. This paper will also take a look in to the various court cases violent video games have been a part of, including Schwarzenegger vs. EMA as well as Brown vs. EMA. Various legislation from banning the sales of violent video games to minors to requiring an 18+ title will also be considered, as will the Entertainment Software Ratings Board and their reasoning behind rating various titles M for Mature. Last but not least, this paper will also focus upon various research efforts that have been put forth in order to understand the a ssociation between violent video games and aggression. Violent video games in the news Local News Stories Violent video games have made headlines numerous times. Whether news surrounds the release of the violent video game title or the consumers who play them, controversy isnt too hard to find. For instance, take the story of Daniel Petric who had planned to murder both of his parents because they would not allow him to play the shooting game Halo 3 (Ohio teenager, 2009). Petric proceeded to shoot both his parents in the head, his Father survived. Judge James Burge (2009) who had presided over this case stated that Petric had become so obsessed with this particular video game, he had come to believe that like many of the characters in the game, death was not real (as cited in Martinez, 2009). In the end, Petric was sentenced to 23 years in prison but could have faced life without parole. According the Judge Burges statements, Petric had falsely believed that his Mother would not have died when he shot her. Having become so addicted to the game, Petric believed that his Mother would continue to be alive. As in many video games when the character an individual is play dies, the character will simply come back to life a few seconds later as if nothing had happened. Halo 3 is such a game, it is a shooting based game and when the players character dies, the character will come back to life a few seconds later. Petric had become obsessed with this game, to the point where he was addicted. When his parents forbid him from playing the game, he reacted violently. One cannot argue that Petrics violent reaction was caused solely by the video game; however there is definitely an association between the two. For instance Judge Burge (2009) continued I firmly believe that Daniel Petric had no idea at the time he hatched this plot that if he killed his parents, they would be dead f orever (as quoted in Ohio teenager, 2009). Petric may have been confusing fantasy with reality, thinking that his parents would not be dead forever but instead reappear as a live a few days later, just like in the video game. Similarly to Daniel Petric, take the case of Crystian Rivera who killed his baby sister after becoming frustrated with a video game. 13 year old Crystian Rivera was apparently playing a video game while his baby sister had fallen and began to cry, Rivera had gotten so frustrated with the video game that he picked up his 9-month old baby sister and shook her (Police: Frustrated, 2011). Rivera had reportedly said that he had become frustrated with the video game when the character whom he was play as was killed (Police: Frustrated, 2011). No doubt Rivera had experienced an extensive amount of frustration while playing this video game and acted aggressively towards his baby sister. It cant be said that the video game was the cause of the aggression, as other factors might have played a part. Consider the fact that Rivera was only 13 years old while watching a 9-month old. Some adults get frustrated watching a 9-month old and a distracted 13-year old may have experienced an unnecessary a mount of frustration when dealing with a crying child. Rivera would go on to be tried as a youthful offender because of his age (OKC Boy, 2012). Columbine Massacre These are just 2 of many local news stories that have a link to video games. However, video games have made appearances in national news stories as well. The Columbine Massacre took place on April 20th, 1999 in Littleon, Colorado. Students Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris entered proceeded to shoot at other students and staff. The two students had originally planned to murder hundreds of students with a variety of guns, knives, and bombs (Rosenberg, n.d.). Twelve students, one teacher, and the two shooters were dead by the time the massacre was finally over (Rosenberg, n.d.). There are many theories, ranging from depression and bullying, that have been used to decipher what may have prompted the two shooters to carry out this massacre (Mears, 2007). One popular theory is that the video games the two shooters played may have in some way contributed to the actual massacre. The two shooters were reportedly avid players of the first-person shooter video game Doom (Saldana, 2012). The two even made custom levels and characters to share with other Doom players over the internet (Mears, 2007). In the Doom video game players assume the part of a single soldier who roams corridors and shoots at different space creatures with a number of different weapons (Ward, 2001). Doom is very similar to many violent video games of today coinciding with a military theme. Jerald Block (2007) has argued that a sudden restriction from access to the computer and subsequently the video games may have triggered the Columbine shooting (as cited in Mears, 2007). For instance, parents of Harris and Klebold may have suddenly taken away access to the computer, which may have sparked extreme anger in both and eventually resulted in the school shooting. While researching this area Block (2007) had found evidence that computer use was restricted at home and at school for Harris and Klebold, while threats and violent grew more with each restriction (as cited in Mears, 2007). Both Harris and Klebold were obsessed with the Doom video game and reacted violently when it was restricted. It is important to note that Block (2007) feels that the content in the video games is not what prompted the shooting (as cited in Mears, 2007). Both the computer and video game Doom were outlets for Harris and Klebold, without these outlets they proceeded to unleash their aggression on the real world (Mears, 2007). The video game Doom was subject to much controversy as a result of the Columbine shooting. The video game was highly scrutinized and it was noted that the shooters in the school shootings of Paducah, KY and Springfield, OR were also avid players (Sternheimer, 2007). Since the Columbine shooting, a plethora of newspaper articles were released around the nation alleging that video games were the cause of the shootings (Sternheimer, 2007). Sternheimer (2007) argues that aggressive people have a high chance of buying violently content, but it is difficult to prove that violent content actually causes real life violence. It is difficult to prove causation in video games and real world violence, only that the two exist together (Sternheimer, 2007). Sternheimer (2007) states that many news articles concerning video games and violence ignore other factors that might have played a part in the shootings: News reports of the shootings that focus on video games ignore other research on the meanings that the audiences make from media culture. This may be because its qualitative findings are difficult to turn into simple quotatio