Saint Augustine Essay -- Biography Biographies Augustine Essays

Saint Augustine Saint Augustine (354-430 AD), also known as Augustine of Hippo created an image of himself through his writings and teachings. He was born in Tagaste, a town in North Africa, on November 13, 354 AD. He was born into a middle class family. Patricius, his father, was a pagan, but later converted to Christianity because of his wife, Monica, was a devout Christian. Augustine’s mother, who was devoted to the Roman Catholic church, constantly tried for her son's conversion. Augustine was educated as a lecturer in the former North African cities of Tagaste, Madaura, and Carthage. The philosophical works of Marcus Tullius Cicero, a Roman speaker and politician, inspired Augustine to become a seeker after truth. Augustine engaged restlessly in philosophical studies, and passed from one phase of thought to another, unable to find satisfaction. From 373 until 382, in Carthage, he conformed to Manichaeism, a dualistic philosophy dealing with the conflict between good and evil. This seemed to be the answer to the confusion in his own heart. It solved the mysteries that confused him in his own experience. After realizing that this philosophy wouldn’t make a great ethical system, he abandoned this philosophy. After being educated throughout North Africa, he left Carthage and in 384 found himself in Milan where he would pursue his career of a professor in rhetoric. Also, in Milan he met and was influenced by the bishop, Ambrose. With this, Augustine was at tracted again to Christianity and was baptized by Ambrose in 387. Augustine was also influenced by Platonism. He than returned to North Africa where he became the bishop of Hippo in 391, a title he held until he died. This great â€Å"Father of the Church,† wrote a handbook on the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and love. The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love was written in the year 420. It is a brief handbook on the proper mode of serving God, through faith, hope, and love. It is easy to say what one ought to believe, what to hope for, and what to love. But to defend our doctrines against the slander of those who think differently is a more difficult and detailed task. If one is to have this wisdom, it is not enough just to put an enchiridion in the hand. It is also necessary that a great eagerness be in the heart. Saint Augustine says that God created all things good. In Chapter XI, ... ...t evil is but the absence of good. I feel that God did make everything good, and it is the absence of good that causes evil. People choose the road they feel like taking throughout life. I think of it this way; God started us off on this world all consisting of good and it is we who choose to become evil. This follows through with Augustine’s next idea, which I also agree with, in that there can be no evil where there is no good. This holds true because everybody consists of good, and evil is the absence of good, so that just concludes that in order for evil there must be good. Augustine also says that good and evil can exist at the same time, but evil cannot exist without good, however, good can exist without evil. I feel that one can embody good and evil, there are many humans like that now. It’s true that evil cannot exist without good because we are only evil when we aren’t good, but one can be good without being evil. I hope I have made it clear that there are some points that I agree with and there are some ideas of Augustine that I don’t agree with. As for the way to serve God, I believe that as long as you live your life to the best of your ability, you will succeed.

J.D Salinger’s Franny and Zooey Essay -- J.D Salinger’s Franny and Zoo

The Pessimistic and Bitter Franny Glass of J.D Salinger’s Franny and Zooey Young adulthood is often a time for maturing spiritually. Franny Glass, the protagonist of J.D Salinger’s novel, Franny and Zooey, began to question her religious beliefs, during this time of spiritual growth. Franny’s quest for religion caused her to become pessimistic, bitter, and emotionally unstable.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Franny held many strong beliefs that caused her to view her surroundings pessimistically. After spending three years contently in college, Franny changed her view of the college experience. She decided that college was â€Å"one more dopey inane place in the world.'; (Salinger, 146) She failed to see college as a place that allows one to increase his or her knowledge and independence. Similarly, she thought â€Å"that just because [she] wanted enlightenment or peace instead of prestige or fame-doesn’t mean that [she was] not as egotistical and self seeking as everybody else.';(Salinger, 149) Instead of looking for the positive qualities in others, she made a generalization that all people are egotistical and self-seeking. Additionally, she â€Å"raved and bitched about the stupidity of [her] audiences [and their] unskilled laughter.';(Salinger, 199) Despite the fact that the audiences were supporting Franny by watching her perform, she insists all audien ces are stupid. Franny’s religious quest caused her to view her surroundings pessimistically.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Franny was worried by her questions concerning religion...

Should Marijuana be Legalized? Essay -- The Debate Over Marijuana

Weed, bud, ganja, chronic, dro, herbs, grass, trees, pot, reefer; these are all names of the one drug that causes so much dispute, marijuana. Loved by so many, and hated by the law. It’s a two sided argument which everyone has their own opinion on. Is there any specific reason why weed should be illegal, or is the government just making money from catching people with it? Is there any real medical purpose for marijuana, or is it just a gateway drug for kids? These are the questions everyone should know the answers to. Whose side are you on? First, when trying to decide what you think about the legalization of marijuana, you need to stop to listen, and actually understand where each side of the argument is coming from. Some or even half of the U.S. argues, â€Å"The drug marijuana, is equally or less as dangerous as alcohol and tobacco products. Telling the people they can or can’t smoke or do what they want to their bodies, is an invasion the people’s right to freedom. If marijuana is legal, then it would be sold at a cheaper price, so the users of marijuana would not have to steal as much and it would lower the theft rate. There are all sorts of medical purposes, and it treats cancer patients and other people who need a treatment, but cannot take any other medications. Less people would be getting hurt and murdered in the streets over marijuana related drug disputes. The government could put tax on it and make more money and maybe get us out of the economies horrible recession. The cops could sto p wasting their time on little problems like marijuana, and start focusing on more serious crimes. The courts and jails could make more time for more serious offenses as well. Other drug dealers would lose a lot of ... ...history.html Science Blog. Study says marijuana is no gateway drug (December 4, 2006). Retrieved on August 11th from http://scienceblog.com/12116/study-says-marijuana-no-gateway-drug/ Kimberly Back. EduBook. Why Marijuana should be illegal (6-11-2009) retrieved on August 11th from http://www.edubook.com/why-marijuana-should-be-illegal/7039/ James Vaughn. Why Marijuana should not be legalized (November 3, 2005) retrieved on August 11th from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/13115/why_marijuana_should_not_be_legalized.html High Times. AlterNet. The top ten reasons marijuana should be legal (September 1st, 2007) retrieved on August 11th from http://www.alternet.org/drugs/60959/ Drug War Facts. Retrieved on August 11th from http://drugwarfacts.org/cms/?q=node/53 Drug War Clock. Retrieved on August 11th from http://www.drugsense.org/wodclock.htm

Essay --

The novel A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, is well written and a must read for teenagers across America. This novel mainly focuses on the treatment of women and the friendship of women in Afghanistan, and is relatable to many women, mainly in the Middle East. The book takes the reader through the tough lives of two women, Mariam and Laila. These two women have grown up in different environments and were treated very differently from each other. This book shows the unity and strength of two women who stand against their abusive husband and every obstacle they come face to face with. The book starts off in a poor village where Mariam lives with her mother, Nana. Her father, Jalil, is a very wealthy man from Herat who visits her once a week. Since Mariam was born, her mother has always called her names. Nana constantly told her she was a worthless bastard because her father had an affair with his servant, who was Nana at the time. After Nana found out she was pregnant, Jalil and his three wives kicked her out, as it would hurt their reputation. Since Mariam is a girl, no one saw any value in her. Mariam soon learns the truth after she sneaks off to her father’s house to meet him despite her mother’s wishes. At her father’s house she is told to go home as her father is away on a business trip. Mariam refuses to leave and is forced to sleep outside, poorly treated. In the morning, she goes to the yard and sees Jalil’s face in the window, shocked to understand her mother was right all along. When Mariam returns home to apologize to Nana, she finds her dead body hanging. After her mother’s death, Jalil and his three wives force fifteen year old Mariam to marry forty-five year old shoemaker, Rasheed. Years passed in their ma... ... much as its men. He was a teacher before the war so he taught Laila at home as well. Although Laila was educated and Mariam was not, the respect they both had for each other was equal. This novel has a very powerful message for men and women. One gender should not dominate over the other. Equality is important for stability in every relationship and every country. The importance of women should be recognized and this novel briefly shows the power of unity and strength. Men and woman both have different roles, and both should equally have their share in society. The novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a must read for everyone across the country and share the message. Many women in different countries do not have value and are living life in misery. Women’s rights are worth fighting for and Khaled Hosseini did a marvelous job with displaying this story to the readers.

An Overview of the Book of Colossians :: Religion, Paul

A letter from a prison for the Christian freedom Paul writes a letter from a prison in Rome to the Christians of Colossae admonishing and encouraging them that Christ and his gospel will free them from the heretical human regulations being imposed on them. (Colossians 2:6-23) He assures them that Christ has freed them from debts of sins by canceling the record of all sins through death on the cross. (Colossians 2:14) The background of the Letter to the Colossians Colossae was a part of the Roman province of Asia Minor, which is now Turkey. When Paul was in a Roman prison, Epaphras, leader of the church in Colossae, came to Paul in Rome with news about the church of Colossae. Epaphras informed Paul that the Colossians were troubled by a new teaching that was contrary to the gospel which he had been preaching to them. Paul was sorry to hear about the new teaching that claimed a profound knowledge apart from Christ (Colossians 2:8), an emphasis on following prescribed rituals (Colossians 2:16) and the worship of angels (Colossians 2:18). Colossians caught in the wind of fine discourses The Christians of Colossae were in a crisis of faith. Their faith was swaying in the wind of gnostic theories that were spreading in the Roman Empire at that time. According to these theories, all come from a cosmic soup that had been boiling for ages with impressive celestial families of angels or eons, male and female, who devour each other, fuse into each other and finally imprison sparks of spirit in material bodies. In this way people are manufactured who put on a series of successive existences. These kinds of theories affected the faith of the Colossians and went away from Christ. Paul’s teachings to the Colossians 1) Supremacy of Christ Through his Letter Paul establishes the absolute supremacy of Christ. He points out how they can be led astray by the false preachers. He shows that angels or invisible powers are nothing compared with Christ. He is neither agent nor intermediary of a creative adventure without a true creator. He states that Christ is the image of God and in him all things were created. (Colossians 1:15-16) 2) Christ is the fullness of knowledge Paul maintains that in Christ one can find the real knowledge, fullness, and completeness. Paul asserts that Christians have no need for human philosophy and wisdom to be complete since they are complete in Christ, in whom they have the divine wisdom of his gospel and the perfect, complete salvation.

film institute research :: essays research papers

From camera to television a film must pass many stages, capital must be raised to finance all areas, this includes actors fees. Which range from over line costs where only a percentage of final takings are handed over. This is popular with actors such as Ewan McGregor who likes to work on low budget films. Whereas other actors may demand underline costs which is a fixed fee, not variable with the success of the film. This can be very expensive, e.g. a world-class star such as Bruce Willis may gain $20 million from a film. These costs may be lowered with using â€Å"lower class† actors. After Actors there are many other negative costs, which a filmmaker must tackle, this includes production expenses, which make up 60% of costs. Other costs also include promotion where â€Å" an average movie goes into 20,25,30 million dollars†- as quoted by Bernard Weinraub from the New York Times. Some films such as Titanic can run up costs of over $200 million depending on the extent o f sets etc. Yet it is not the filmmaker who had to â€Å"cough† up this money, actually it was two separate film companies, Paramount and 20th Century Fox, who paid for all production costs, in the film â€Å"Titanic†. Smaller filmmakers may find help from the lottery, who have set up 3 â€Å"mini-studios†, which part finance films such as â€Å"Four Weddings and a funeral† set up by â€Å"DNA Films Ltd†. Other film financers include, banks, wealthy individuals or investment companies, yet to gain funding ideas must be original and almost secured success, all ideas are presented in the form of a treatment. Once the investor agrees it will then demand a return from profits of sales. Commissioning which is explained above fits into one of three categories when producing a film, this is pre-production, and involves other components such as casting and designing, yet before this can be achieved the film writer has to plan every element. Planning is ver y important in securing a films success, it includes planning where shoots are to take place the finances which will be spent etc. Once an idea is produced in he form of a book, script etc, it then goes on a journey of evolving. When planning a film the writer comes up with locations for shoots and the actors who will play in the shoots, apart from these are the other staff, which will be needed, such as makeup artists.

Peer Presure Essay

â€Å"Peer Pressure is an influence that creates or the desire for change.† Most teenagers agree that they will follow a peer’s decision rather than their parents’ or the authority’s. Peers are more influential in a teen’s life and tend to have more power than parents. Peer pressure has always been present and will also always be present. It is not a disease or a crime, it is merely and influence; either a negative or a positive one. WHAT IS NEGATIVE PEER PRESSURE? Negative peer pressure is an influence exerted on a person to do something wrong. This may be stealing, drugs or other. If someone influences you into doing something like this it is considered negative peer pressure. We can help reduce peer pressure by teaching coping skills at an early age. Many teenagers who give in easily to negative pressures had a difficult child hood; low self-esteem, feeling of not belonging, poor communication and judgmental skills. HOW TO RECOGNIZE NEGATIVE PEER PRESSURE Negative peer pressure gives something significant to teenagers. The group is a place where one feels accepted, where he can feel good about himself, where he feels secure. It increases his self esteem, and it also enhances his self-image. SOME NEGATIVE PEER PRESSURE AREAS Negative peer pressure can often be observed in areas such as:+ Sexuality+ Narcotics+ Alcohol+ Cults+ Groups and gangs+ Tobacco products+ Stealing+ School+ Etc†¦ THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE During adolescence, a teenager is subjected to lots of peer pressure. This pressure can effect the child mentally, physically and socially. Some of the effects on a person when dealing with negative peer pressure are: Low Self-Esteem: This is the main and most common effect. When a person’s peers mock him/her, or make them feel bad, this person becomes insecure. They begin to feel down and rejected. They feel as if they are worthless to the world. And anybody who has experienced this at one time or another knows that this is one of, if not the, worst feeling you can possess. Substance Abuse: Peers often pressure one another to do something they do not want to do. Offering drugs or alcohol is very common during adolescence. And after constant persisting, and insisting that â€Å"everyone is doing it† and that â€Å"it’s cool to do so† one gives into this horrible disease. And more often than not, a person can become addicted and dependent on this substance. Obsessions or Depression: People are often subjected to constant portrayals of what you are SUPPOSED to look like or act. If a person sees people that are always thin and happy, one becomes obsessed with that image, and thinks that if they do not look or act that way, that nobody will love them. So these people turn to such eating diseases as bulimia nervosa (regurgitating after one eats) or anorexia nervosa (eating too little). They also become seriously depressed and feel that life is not worth living, and think about or attempt committing suicide. Other actions: Teenagers also conform to the people around them very easily and quickly. If a friend decides to skip school, sometimes you decide to join him. However you may think it’s your decision, but in fact it is this person pressuring you simply by implanting the thought into your mind. This is also true for lying to teachers and parents etc., not doing homework/schoolwork and cheating on tests. WHY DO TEENS GIVE IN TO PEER PRESSUREPeople give in to Peer pressure for many different reasons. One of these reasons is low self-esteem. People with low self-esteem, will do almost anything to become a cool guy. Others give in to peer pressure, because people they think are cool say to do something. These people are just hurting themselves, because if that person is really cool, he isn’t going to make you cool, because you are his little helper. Peer pressure is present in one’s life as long as they have peers (school, workplace,†¦). Therefore, it is normal for a person to give in to peer pressure. At the beginning of teenage years, teens develop a sense of independence from their parents. Teens want to shape their identity and experiment new things. One may join a group if he is insecure about himself or if he has low self-esteem or self-worth. SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-WORTHSelf-Esteem and Self-Worth affect people very deeply. When peer pressure is exerted on people with low self-esteem the reaction is often the same. A person with low esteem for himself will try to raise his self-esteem but often in the wrong way. When someone changes his personality to conform with what others expect from them will always hurt them in the end.Teens must understand that the choices they make today will absolutely affect their future. Teens must also realise that their future is much more important than simply pleasing their friends today. Some things that you or your parents could do to build someones self-esttem are:+ Have frequent discussions with friends or children + Spend quality time with them+ Keep you eyes and ears open for new ways to offer support+ Respect their feelings and encourage him or her to share them with you+ Share your own beliefs and values+ Explain that you learned from your mistakes+ Encourage achievement but avoid adding undue pressure+ Always offer praise when your friends make good decisions HOW TO RESIST PEER PRESSUREThere are many different ways by which one may resist peer pressure. One very effective way is by simply saying ‘no’. Often we feel that they will persist but often an affirmative ‘no’ is enough. However, we must express clearly our choice, we mustn’t express the least sign of indecision. You may also walk away from the situation, no matter how much you want to fit in. You must realise that you are the one who makes the decisions for yourself, not your peers. If you feel uncomfortable with the people you are with, consider finding new friends, some which have a good reputation, which would eliminate any negative pressure. Another alternative would be to hang around many different types of people. That way you reduce the chances of being pressured. It is good to set yourself goals knowing that everything you do affects your future. WHY DO PEER GROUPS HAVE POWERThe main reason why peer groups have so much power over individuals is that they give something significant to a person such as self-esteem, security or even enhances their self-image. Peer groups are so powerful, they overcome the morals of family and society. Teenagers tend to go toward other teens with similar problems and in the same situation as they are. There is a very strong desire to satisfy the need for unity and acceptance. This causes peers to have more influence than parents. THE IMPORTANCE OF PEER PRESSURE Peer pressure plays a very influential role in our everyday lives. It affects, not only adolescents, but children, teens, adults, even senior citizens. Although some people think they aren’t affected by peer pressure, almost everyone is. Resisting even the smallest things is very hard. Peer pressure, affects the way we speak, walk, dress, act, our attitudes, who we hang out with, our friends, and what we do. Although peer pressure is often negative, but along with that negative, is also the positive. Peers, can make you do the smallest things, yet still be a large influence. Although most of the effects heard about are negative, the world would be a much different place without peer pressure, and not necessarily for the better. How would a world of individuals get together? If one group of individuals and another, can’t get together, and therefore proclaim war. How could a couple billion individuals survive together? Nevertheless, some things would get better. If many teenagers start smoking because of peer pressure, without it, fewer teens would probably be smoking. Could we survive without peer pressure? If there were no peer pressure, many things would be changed, the way we speak to friends, would be changed dramatically. We wouldn’t be able to say such common things as, â€Å"Those shoes are really cool,† because they could interpret this be a friend, to mean that wearing those shoes is cool, therefore being pressured. As you can see, peer pressure plays a very important role in our everyday lives. Without it, no one would be the same, a world of total individuals, who didn’t listen to what anyone had to say about everything. Yet with it, a world where teens start smoking at the age of 12, having babies at the age of 14, and stealing to get money to buy drugs at 18. IS PEER PRESSURE REALLY THAT BAD? We’ve established the fact that peer pressure affects everyone, but is it really that bad? There are many, many examples of disastrous consequences to peer pressure. Following is the example of David Duren. David Duren is awaiting execution on Alabama death row. For the last couple years he been asking himself: â€Å"What am i doing here?† By piecing together the events in his life. He says that his real problem was growing up with peer pressure. â€Å"I was a skinny little weekling, a straight kid.† So, for company and fun he hung out with the kids in his apartment complex. He wasn’t accepted at first because he didn’t smoke, drink or curse. But he discovered that if he wanted to fit in he had to do all those things. So, at age 12, he inhaled his first cigarette, drank his first beer, smoked his first joint of pot, and cursed regularly. He then discovered that by succumbing to peer pressure, he surrounded himself with so-called friends who smoked, drank, did drugs and cursed. Bye exposing yourself to the drug world you discover many, many different drugs. Then suddenly, he wasn’t just smoking pot, he was crushing Quaaludes and mixing it with his pot. He then discovered his favorite drug, LSD. He was doing it even when in the army on the average of four or five times a week. One night, he killed a 16 year old girl while he was doing LSD. â€Å"Why All because I gave in to peer pressure! That’s where it all started.† He explains. † Your friends can make you or break you.† David Duren now wishes he had taken the advice of 1Corinthians 15:33, â€Å"Do not be deceived: bad companions corrupt good morals.† Peer pressure is one of the major reasons that teens abuse illegal drugs. Peer pressure is when another person in this age group persuades someone else to do something they don’t want to do. (Williams, Rob) This happens often among friends. In Alcohol, Stepney discuses children mimicking or idealizing friends, family, or T.V. Most people use peer pressure every day. A typical phrase is when someone says, â€Å"It will be fun, trust me.† This could be harmless pressure to try something like a new movie, or a new brand of cookies. It could also be pressure to abuse illegal drugs. Peer pressure is often used in harmful ways. (Doe, John) Teens at a party want to fit in. Many find it is very hard to say no when their peers are doing drugs. It may seem easy to say no, but when a teen feels pressured and wants to fit in, most teens try the drugs in the end. Another form of peer pressure is reverse psychology. This is making it look good for you although it’s bad. If someone changes sides all of a sudden, a teen may change to the other side as well thinking it was their own idea. Greed, according to an electronic source, is another reason for drug abuse among teens, as they get others hooked and sell to them to pay for their own habit. (Guillermo D. Jalil) Peer pressure is probably the main reason most teens abuse illegal drugs. During puberty, many teens suffer with depression. Depression is when a teen is not happy with themselves for real or imagined reasons. They may be suffering from low self-esteem or torment by others, leading to not being happy with their appearance or other physical features. Many teens go through periods of moodiness, inner turmoil, and rebellion (Gilbert, Sara). Depression may also occur in a teen due to family problems. A teen may think a divorce is coming due to parental behavior but the parents may not be thinking that. In How to Live With a Single Parent, Sara Gilbert says, â€Å"It could be worse (29).† This refers to a parent talking about a teen’s father’s death. Family problems are stressful and this stress can lead to depression, thoughts of suicide, and the abuse of illegal drugs. Stress is a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension (Williams, Rob). When adolescents go through a lot of stress they just want the problems to go away. Some abuse mind-expanding drugs, which make them forget for the time being. According to â€Å"Getting High in Junior High†, youth today are rapidly changing (Doe, John). Many teens do not seem to be able to handle the changes. When they become sober again, they may become depressed. They still have the worries and emotional problems they used to. Loneliness is a feeling many teens go through. Adolescents go through this because during their teen years they become more independent. This causes them to change their lifestyle. Changing lifestyles means they may stay in or out of the house more. They may not hang out with friends as often (Gilbert, Sara). Teens sometimes abuse drugs to pass their time because they are lonely. They do this because it makes them feel good for a short time. Nody Labi writes in â€Å"Amiss Among the Amish† for Time magazine, of an Amish college student saying, â€Å"The ‘thrills’ are not really satisfying. The stability in the Amish community looks more worthwhile† (Labi, Nodi). This Amish college student realized the stability of her community was more satisfying than the thrills of abusing illegal drugs.

Pert Chart

PERT Chart PERT (Project Evaluation and Review Technique) Chart, how it is used to monitor a project activity and its advantages & disadvantages The Project (or Project) Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) chart is a chart which is widely used to portray statistics in project management. It is essentially designed to analyze and represent the tasks that are assigned to a project team in completing a designated project. The PERT technique of analyzing representing data is first done by the United States Navy for managing the Polaris submarine missile program.This chart is a graphical representation of a project’s schedule and is widely used to schedule, organize and coordinate tasks within a project by the project management team in order to plan and finish the project accordingly. A PERT Chart Just like in the figure above, a PERT Chart is an illustration of a project which is portrayed graphically as a network diagram consisting of the rectangles (known as nodes) which are marked in the form of numbers that represents the events within a project. The lines in the above diagram that are marked as programming, test code, test system, installation, and activity are the tasks of the project.Sequences of these tasks are indicated by the direction of lines. The nodes which are in the form of a series (2, 4, 8, 10 and 7, 9, 11) and the tasks connecting these nodes must be completed in an order and these are known as serial tasks. Likewise, since the tasks between 5 & 6 and 5 & 7 are not in a sequential order, these tasks can be finished simultaneously and these are known as parallel tasks. However the tasks that are represented by dotted lines must be completed in a sequence but they do not require resource or specific time period and these are called dummy activities.These tasks are considered to have event dependency. PERT uses a network representation to capture the precedence or parallel relationships among the tasks in the project. One of the major adv antages of the PERT chart is that the tasks can be performed simultaneously within a project management as this method saves a lot of time and ensures that the project will be finished before its scheduled deadline. This technique can be constructed with a variety of attributes, such as earliest and latest start dates for each task, earliest nd latest finish dates for each task, and slack time between tasks. A PERT chart can document an entire project or a key phase of a project. (2010, PERT Chart) On the flipside, the main setback for a PERT chart is that it is more difficult to interpret for big and complex projects as there is a great chance for the team members to get confused. In most cases and especially for large scale projects, The PERT chart is preferred over the Gantt chart because it clearly illustrates task dependencies, a feature which cannot be used for Gantt chart.On the flip side, the PERT chart can be much more difficult to interpret as it is not exactly a user frie ndly chart. Depending upon the requirements, project management team will use either the PERT chart or Gantt chart. References: (May, 2007) Margaret Rouse; Program Evaluation Review Technique; Retrieved from http://searchsoftwarequality. techtarget. com/definition/PERT-chart (2009) John Chinneck; Practical Optimization; A Gentle Introduction; Retrieved from http://www. sce. carleton. ca/faculty/chinneck/po/Chapter11. pdf (2010) PERT Chart; Retrieved from http://web2. concordia. ca/Quality/tools/20pertchart. pdf

Disabilities: Autism and Students Kimberly

There are many disabilities that students have that may impact their lives and education. These disabilities include intellectual disabilities, autism, severe disabilities and multiple disabilities. Although the exact causes of some of these disabilities are unknown, others have been identified. This paper will discuss what these disabilities are, their causes, their impact on student’s education, and curriculum areas necessary for these students. Definitions and Causes Intellectual disability (ID) used to be known as mental retardation.The terminology changed in 2010 when President Obama signed into law, Rosa’s Law (intellectual, 2011). Intellectual disability is defined according to IDEA as significantly sub average general intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period (before age 18), that affects a child’s educational performance (intellectual, 2011). The most common causes of intellectual disabilities are; problems during development (chromosomal abnormalities, maternal illness and infections such as rubella and syphilis or drug and alcohol abuse).Genetic conditions can also cause intellectual disabilities because of abnormal genes that are inherited by parents, errors when genes combine or other reasons (intellectual, 2011). Some examples of genetic conditions are Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome and phenylketonuria (PKU) (intellectual, 2011). Problems at birth for instance a lack of oxygen during development, labor or birth can cause intellectual disabilities, just as diseases like whopping cough, measles or meningitis can (intellectual, 2011).There are also health issues like malnutrition, inadequate medical care or exposure to lead and mercury that can cause this disability (Intellectual, 2011). Autism used to be subtyped by one of four different disorders: autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not ot herwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger (What is, n. d. ). In May of 2013 the new DSM-5, merged all autism disorders into one umbrella diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (What is, n.d. ).Autism is defined as developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident by age three that adversely affects a child’s educational performance (What is, n. d. ). Other characteristics often associated with autism spectrum disorder are: engaging in repetitive activities, stereotyped movements, and resistance to environmental changes or changes in routine and unusual responses to sensory experiences (What is n. d. ).Autism has no one known cause and since it is a complex disorder with varying severity and symptoms, both genetics and environmental factors may play a part (Causes, n. d. ). Gene changes or mutations by themselves may be responsible for a small number of cases, but most cases seem to be caused by a combination of both gene problems and environmental factors (Causes, n. d. ). These factors include advanced parental age (both mother and father), maternal illness during pregnancy, environmental toxins and difficulties during birth (Causes, n.d. ).No reliable study has shown a link between autism spectrum disorder and the MMR vaccine (Causes, n. d. ). Severe disability is any disability that very significantly interferes physically, mentally, or emotionally with a student’s educational performance (McCabe, 2013). Multiple disabilities as defined by IDEA are simultaneous impairments which causes such severe educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in a special education program solely for one of the impairments (IDEAs, 2013).Examples are but not limited to: ID and blindness or ID and a physical impairment. The causes of severe and multiple disabilities are basically the same as the causes listed for the other disabilities covered in this paper: infection or disease s during pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse during pregnancy, genetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, poor brain development, problems during birth, environmental toxins, and diseases such as whopping cough or meningitis (Multiple, 2013).The impact of having an intellectual disability on education varies among these students as do their abilities vary. They may take longer to reach typical milestones like: walking, talking (some may not become verbal), and taking care of personal needs like dressing or eating independently, and it may also take longer learn in school (Multiple, 2013). In the past it was thought that students with severe disabilities could not learn and were put in programs that only provided basic care and safety (Downing & MacFarland, 2010).Research has shown that individuals with severe disabilities can learn given the opportunity to learn, through direct instruction and watching students without disabilities (Downing & MacFarland, 2010). There is a need for highly trained teachers to instruct students with severe disabilities. Studies suggest that these students learn best in general education classrooms and placement should be based on chronological age when appropriate (Downing & MacFarland, 2010).Students with severe disabilities not only need to learn to eat independently, dress themselves, take care of their bathroom needs (as much as possible) and other self-help tasks, they also need to increase communication, social and safety skills, they need to have access to the core curriculum to acquire academic skills in reading, writing and math (Downing & Mac- Farland, 2010). Later like in high school, students with disabilities need transition services to teach them life skills and skills that can be used for employment (Downing & MacFarland, 2010).The local school district states that they follow the policies and regulations of the Virginia Dept. Of Education (VDOE) which states that they follow the policies and regulations of the fe deral mandates like IDEA and NCLB. Local school districts are required to educate and supply services to severely disabled students in the least restrictive setting with non-disabled students where appropriate to the maximum extent possible (VA code 34. CFR 300. 119) (Special, n. d. ).The VDOE mandates that all local school districts develop an IEP for all students with disabilities who need special education services (IEP, n. d. ). Some of what the IEP should contain to ensure that necessary curriculum areas are addressed are: measureable annual goals, benchmarks or short term objectives both in academic areas and functional performance, special education related services, supplementary aids and services including transition services (IEP, n. d. ).Although the VDOE website does not lay out a specific curriculum plan just for students with severe disabilities, it does state that students with disabilities are to have access to the core curriculum just like non-disabled students (IEP , n. d. ). The face of the typical classroom is changing. Since the signing of NCLB, students with severe disabilities are to be educated with non-disabled where appropriate. Educators need to inform themselves as to what severe disabilities are and their causes. Knowing this information will help teachers better serve their students with disabilities.

How poverty effected mozrts music and life… Essay

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had been one of the most prolific musicians of all times. Mozart was the son of Leopold and Anna Maria Mozart and he was born in Salzburg Austria. At the young age of four Mozart already showed his prowess in music and it is in this regard that his father, Leopold (also a renowned musician) had been so proud of him and did everything in his power to expose Mozart into the musical field. (Moss, 2007). Mozart had been a great success in the field of music and tons of people admired his prowess in composing music as well as on his ability to master many musical instruments. It is in this regard that at the age of fifteen Mozart earned a post in the orchestra that works for the Archbishop of Salzburg. However things did not work well between the Archbishop and Mozart and thus Mozart was kicked from his position and left the archbishop’s premises even though it is against his father’s wishes. Mozart had also been a success in Vienna even after he had grown up. However, life did not bode well with Mozart in spite of all his successes in his musical career. Poverty had been one of Mozart’s constant companions during most of his life especially since he do not know how to manage his money well and also according to his mother he would give almost all of his money to his friends if one would only let him be. (Chew, 2007) In spite of Mozart’s brilliance in the field of music he was snubbed in the court of England. Thus, he went to Manheim wherein he met and fell in love with Aloysia Weber. However, life had not been kind to him as his mother died in Paris and he was also rejected by Aloysia. (Microsoft Encarta, 2001). However, even though he lost his job in the Archbishop’s place he still continued living in Vienna. And from there in the year of 1782, he composed the Abduction from the Seraglio which had been a great success. Following that, he married the sister of Aloysia, Constanze. However, poverty did not make their lives any easier and it made it even harder by Mozart’s constant illnesses. Poverty greatly affected Mozart’s life as well as musical career. It is due to poverty and through lack of patronage that his music for the years to follow had not been very popular and consistent. It is in this regard that Mozart was forced to rely on the kindness of his friends in order to continue to survive. Mozart returned to his teaching careers since income from his performance had not been very steady. Poverty even forced him to stop performing and thus he spent most of his time writing compositions. However, in spite of his many compositions money still did not trudge their way. It is hard to believe that after living a life of extravagance and luxury Mozart died in illness and poverty. One of the primary reasons why Mozart’s music ceased to be a success in Vienna is the fact that people found his music too complex and thus in his latter life of poverty Mozart adapted simplicity on to his music making Vienna love his music once more. However, Mozart still died at the early age of 35 and he died full of debts and still living a life of poverty. It was said that Mozart was buried in an unmarked grave. Mozart’s influenced reached musicians such as Haydn, Schubert, and Strauss. (Encyclopedia Brittanica). Basically, poverty greatly affected Mozart’s life. Used to living an extravagant life he was reduced to a life almost similar to that of a pauper. Due to poverty Mozart was forced to stop doing the thing he most wants to do (performing in public). However, Mozart did not let poverty rob him of the right to compose music and thus in spite of his poor life he still managed to compose a lot of musical items. Although poverty made Mozart and his family’s life hard, it still did not lessened Mozart’s genius in terms of music and thus he still went on writing music that is nice on the ears and he even remedied the one flaw Vienna public found on his music (his music being too complex for the people of Vienna). Thus, to conclude even though poverty has greatly affected Mozart’s life and musical career he still went on doing what he knows best (even though he was struck with poverty and certain illnesses), composing. References: Chew, R. (2007). Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Austrian Composer [Electronic Version] from http://www. lucidcafe. com/library/96jan/mozart. html. Encyclopedia Brittanica. WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART [Electronic Version] from http://www. britannica. com/eb/article-9108745/Wolfgang-Amadeus-Mozart. Microsoft Encarta. (2001). Wolfgang Amadeaus Mozart [Electronic Version] from http://home. comcast. net/~cjwin1/ilike/mozart/mozart. html. Moss, C. K. (2007). Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart [Electronic Version] from http://www. carolinaclassical. com/articles/mozart. html.