Learning English Essay Example for Free

Learning English Essay As an international student, learning English was a big challenge. For one thing, I grew up speaking my native language most of the time, and I only speak English when just necessary, such as talking to American or English strangers. This is why I found it hard to learn English, and there is still room for many improvements. At first I thought that once I studied English, I would learn quickly. But I found out it was hard because my tongue got used to speaking my native language. The hardest part was mastering the subject-verb agreement. Every time I speak, I struggle with evaluating whether the subject and the verb match. Sometimes I use verb with s when I refer to plural subjects. I also had difficulty understanding sentences that have very long subjects. For instance, A mountain range that sits between two larger mountains overlooking the valley is/are very beautiful. When my friend or anyone I talk to use this kind of sentence, I easily get lost from what he means to say. Thus, sometimes I misinterpret what he says. I guess the learning process took longer for me. But I am thankful that my experiences were training ground for the changes that took place. Also, the formalized learning from the classroom helped me a lot to learn another language (Smith). Little by little, I learned the right pronunciations of words. My teacher and my classmates and friends correct me when I wrongly pronounce a word or my sentence is grammatically incorrect. Reading has also helped greatly. I tried to understand what I read, and apply what I learned. I have also read short stories and I studied the way sentences are constructed. Learning from reading is advantageous. Aside from learning grammar, spelling, and understanding meaning from the books I read, reading has also opened my eyes to the many things that remained undiscovered to me. I can say that until the present time, I’m still learning. It has helped me greatly in dealing with day to day issues in the United States. Work Cited Smith, Mark K. 2003. â€Å"Learning Theory. † 26 February 2009 http://www. infed. org/biblio/b-learn. htm.

The article by Joachim Wambsganss Essay Example for Free

The article by Joachim Wambsganss Essay The article by Joachim Wambsganss discusses the nature and functions of gravitational lenses that both help and challenge our understanding of the celestial bodies in the universe. As the author rightly puts it, the sky is filled with many mirages and mysteries to be explored. The gravitational lenses make the universe into a palace of glasses where one images reflects into multiple images creating an illusory effect. It is curious to know the nature and functions of these gravitational lenses that both help and defy our understanding of the universe. . Gravitational lensing is a budding and promising area of study in astronomy. It helps astronomers to study the dark matters in the universe. It is also useful to investigate the structure of quasars, black holes and find earth like planets around other stars. Â  Gravitational light deflection was identified and accepted, though not accurately. Einstein was doubtful about it though he predicted that a foreground star could magnify the image of a background star as a result of gravitational lensing. More optimistic was the Swiss-American astrophysicist Fritz Zwicky with his predictions on lensing effects of galaxies. At last the speculation came to an end in 1979 when astronomers actually saw evidence of lensing. Generally light that comes from a celestial body goes straight. But when there is any object in between it deflects and the deviation causes many distortions to what we see in the space. It is interesting to note that any thing that possesses mass can serve like a lens. It need not emit light on its own. Four consequences of gravitational lensing are identified. They are: 1.Change of Position, 2. Magnification and Demagnification, 3.Deformation, 4. Multiplication. The perceptible location of star or galaxy changes because of the deflection of gravitational light Secondly, it is also possible to see the magnification of brightness of a star or quasar because of the deflection of light. Sometimes the light demagnifies. Thirdly, galaxies can appear long-drawn-out into arcs or bananas because of the deflection of light. Finally, the multiple images are the result of strong gravitational lensing. How Lensing Works The gravitational –lens system has three components embedded in the space. The distance source of light, an intervening mass that acts as a lens and an observer on the earth are the three which form a straight line. The distant source of light could be a star, quasar, or galaxy. The intervening mass that acts as a lens can be anything from a planet to a black hole. Light travels through the shortest distance, and it need not be a straight line always. Sometimes it can travel through a curve as well. The light bends when it reaches the curved space near a cosmic body. The degree of deflection depends on how close the rays get tot the body and on the mass of the body. The deflect ion angle is directly proportional to the mass and inversely proportional to the closest distance. Gravitational lenses are different from ordinary lenses in many ways. The ordinary lenses have a well-defined focal point whereas the gravitational varieties produce focal lines or surfaces. The typical gravitational lens also causes light rays to experience smaller deflections. The gravitational lensing is achromatic. When the lens system is asymmetric, i.e. when source, lens and observer are not in alignment, the lens has an oblong mass distribution – and the resulting ring breaks up into discrete variegated images. The lens magnifies different parts of the source by different amounts and the highest magnification occurs at caustic. When the alignment is very far off or the lens mass distribution is very spread out, the lensing is very weak. With the discovery of double quasar Q0957+ 561 gravitational lensing became an observable science. So far 64 double, triple and multiple quasars have been found. The CLASS (Cosmic Lens All-Sky Survey) project has mapped more than 10,000 radio sources and 17 multiply imaged systems. To identify whether it is real quasar or an illusion, observes have developed a checklist. They see whether the quasars lie at the same distance, whether their spectra is similar, whether there is any potential lens between the observer and the quasar and whether the brightness of each quasar fluctuates in the same way. When the galaxy lens is spherical it can distribute the light of background quasar or galaxy into a ring or circle called Einstein ring. About a dozen such rings are found. The important application of quasar lensing is to measure Hubble constant, which is a measure of size and expansion rate of universe. Multiple quasars can give insight into cosmological parameter called cosmological constant. It is essential to explain why the expansion of universe appears to be accelerating. The more is the expansion accelerated, the bigger the volume of space. Cosmological constant can not be more than 62 percent of the energy density of the universe. If the density is more, there could be more number of quasars. It supports smaller values of the cosmological constant. Quasars are unsteady by their nature and they tend to brighten and then dim on their own. Â  To distinguish microlensing fluctuations and intrinsic variability astronomers monitor multiple quasar systems. Â  In 1989 astronomers confirmed five multiple quasar systems. They conclude that innermost parts of quasar are hotter and bluer than outer parts. If lens is not single galaxy, but a cluster of galaxies then the image can be a kaleidoscope of strongly distorted arcs and arc lets. Studies on clusters of galaxies reveal that clusters are dominated by unseen dark matter. On an extremely large scale, the vast galaxy clusters of matter tend to be powerful lens. The wide spread shearing of galaxy images support the view that universe is giant cobweb of matter interspersed with voids. The article also focuses on MACHOs and Extra solar planets. MACHOs are collection of rogue planets, dead stars or black holes. However research says that the entire dark matter cannot be made entirely of MACHO. It also notes that stellar mass black holes may cause microlensing events. Stellar microlensing can even detect planets and the extra burst of brightening that might have been caused by planet candidates. Thus, the article ‘Gravity’s Kaleidoscope’ narrates interestingly how the study of illusions can lead us to the discovery of truth relating to celestial bodies in the universe.

Effect of Density on Growth Condition of Climbing Perch

Effect of Density on Growth Condition of Climbing Perch The Effect of Density on Growth Condition of  Anabas Testudineus YUSLINDA BINTI MAT YUNUS CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY Climbing perch or ikan puyu or betuk (Anabas Testudineus) (Bloch, 1792) is a freshwater species that is commonly found in paddy fields, wells, irrigation channels and in drains. Climbing perches are fishes that are able to travel short distances across the land in search of new water sources or food. Although Thai Climbing Perch has been described as omnivorous, it has a tendency toward carnivorousness (Besra, 2000). Climbing perches are kept for consumption and also for companion animals. This study is to study the effect of stocking density on the growth condition of the climbing perch (Anabas Testudineus) and the best stocking density suitable to maximize the growth of the climbing perch (Anabas Testudineus). To get the exact growth rate of climbing perch, several densities are used, such as 2 fishes/tank, 4 fishes/tank, 6 fishes/tank and 8 fishes/tank. The future extension of this study is the researcher hypothesized that a standardized stocking density of Anabas Testudineus can be used to maximize the growth rate of the Anabas Testudineus thus increasing the quality of the currently available Anabas Testudineus in Malaysia. Climbing perch can become a backbone to the increasingly aquaculture industry as one of the main sources of protein to the human consumption as the tilapia and carp are currently ranked top of the most fishes cultured in Malaysia. 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT Since climbing perch are not being cultured and reared commercially in Malaysia, the optimum stocking density of climbing perch is remain unknown for human consumption. Therefore, the rearing of climbing perch under different stocking density is the most suitable method to investigate the most optimum density that the climbing perch can gain most weight on the shortest duration. One of the concerns and issues related to the climbing perch is the availability of the climbing perch for commercial consumption in Malaysia. The climbing perch are not deemed as one of the favourites for the consumption due to its acquired taste and also small in size. 1.3  OBJECTIVES The objectives of the experiment are as follows: To study the effect of different stocking densities on the growth condition of climbing perch (Anabas Testudineus) from different aspects such as from the live weight, survival rate and appearances. To examine the best stocking densities suitable to maximize the growth of climbing perch (Anabas Testudineus) HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY H0 = There will be a decrease in the growth condition of climbing perch as the stocking density increase. 1.4  SCOPES OF THE STUDY The scope of the research is as follows: Only local species ikan puyu (Anabas Testudineus) will be studied in the laboratory. Only one commercial feed were given to the fishes without any additional supplements will be given The research will be conducted in 2 months’ time. 1.5  LIMITATIONS OF STUDY Since the culturing of the Anabas Testudineus from the hatching is quite consuming, the Anabas Testudineus on juvenile stage and forward will be used in the research. Other limitations of the study are that the difficulty of observing the fishes due to its behaviour and size. To solve the limitations, aquaculture tanks will be used instead of ponds so that the fishes can be observed more carefully and more precise results can be obtained. 1.6  SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY Overall, this research can be used for the determination of the optimum density suitable for rearing the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) that have the maximum growth rate. Other than that, this research can be used as an aspect in determining the standardization of the density required to rear the climbing perch at optimum rate and size. In the future study, this research can be used to rear the climbing perch on larger and commercial scale that can produce and harvest a larger amount of fish that can ultimately support the current consumption of the climbing perch. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1  NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF CLIMBING PERCH According to Wimalasema et.al (1995), climbing perch has edible flesh of approximately of 40.1 ±9.4 grams from its overall weight of 140 grams, moisture content of 70 grams, carbohydrate percentage of 4.4 %, lipid percentage of 8.8 %, protein content of 14.8 %, ash percentage of 0.7 ± 0.4 %, potassium content (mg/g%) of 272.2 mg/g%  ± 57.8 mg/g%, sodium content (mg/g%) of 60.5 mg/g%  ± 8.5 mg/g%, calcium content (mg/g%) of 410 mg/g%, phosphorus content (mg/g%) 390 mg/g% and iron content (mg/g%) of 1.4 mg/g%. The moisture, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and ash contents of marine fish are reported as 66 – 84 %, 0 2.9 %, 15 – 20 %, 0.1 – 20 % and 0.8 – 2 % respectively (Wimalasema et.al, 1995). When the data is compared, climbing perch has quite high percentage of moisture, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and ash contents. This can be used to substitute or replace the demand of marine fish and may provide better nutrient value for money spent. 2.2  TAXONOMY OF CLIMBING PERCH Anabas Testudineus The classification order of the climbing perch genus, Anabas Testudineus are as follows: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Anabantiade Genus: Anabas Species: Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) Figure 1: Taxonomy of climbing perch 2. 3  EFFECTS OF NUMBERS OF CLIMBING PERCH Anabas Testudineus According to the Khatune et. al (2012), stocking density is related to the volume of water or surface area per fish. Increase in stocking density results in increasing stress, which leads to higher energy requirements, causing a reduction in growth in growth rate and food utilization. It is directly related with the competition for food and space (Rahman et al. 2008d, 2010; Rahman Verdegem 2010). Generally, fish needs to compete less for food and space in lower stocking density than the higher stocking density. The present study provides empirical evidence on the effects of Thai climbing perch stocking density on its growth and survival, where they (growth and survival) were higher in ponds with lower stocking density than the ponds with higher stocking density. There are no previous studies comparing the effects of Thai climbing perch density on its growth and survival in aquaculture ponds. However, Suresh Lin (1992) reported decreasing growth of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Lin naeus 1758) with increasing stocking density. Similar effects of stocking density on survival and growth observed in a wide variety of fish species (Huang Chiu 1997; Imsland et al. 2003; Irwin et al. 1999; Rahman 2006; Rahman Verdegem 2007; Rahman et al. 2008a). According to Khatune et.al (2012), the harvesting weight of climbing perch of 350, 400, and 550 individuals per decimals are 90.03 ±0.04 grams, 87.73 ±0.95 grams and 84.15 ±0.49 grams respectively. The harvesting length of climbing perch of 350, 400, and 550 individuals per decimals are 14.95 ±0.07 cm, 14.30 ±0.28 cm, and 13.55 ±0.0 cm respectively. 2.4  CULTURING CLIMBING PERCH (Anabas Testudineus) WITH OTHER BREED OF FISH Mondal et. al (2010) found that Thai Climbing Perch can be cultured along with other fishes such as tilapia and still showed a high survival rate and growth rate. It is suitable to kept Thai Climbing Perch in cage and other fishes outside the cage compared to the conventional mixed culture system in the same pond without the cage. This is due in the conventional culture system, interspecies and intra-specific competition occurred for food between Tilapia and Thai Climbing Perch that resulted lower growth of Thai Climbing Perch. Culturing Thai Climbing Perch with other species in caged perch system is also more beneficial as it reduces the overall operational cost and increases the net return even though the initial cost for cage is high due its small size, followed by mixed culture and lowest net profit for caged Tilapia. 2.5  CULTURING OF CLIMBING PERCH UNDER DIFFERENT CULTURE SYSTEMS According to Kumar et.al (2013), A. testudineus was found to be highest in pond compared to cage and tank, indicating fastest growth under pond environment, although no significant variation was observed among the different systems. The slopes in all the culture systems were found to be significantly lower than critical isometric value, indicating negative allometric growth; the species becomes leaner as the length increases. Kumar et. al (2013) also noted that environmental factors highly influence the growth performance of an organism. 2.6  IDENTIFICATION OF MALE AND FEMALE OF CLIMBING PERCH (Anabas Testudineus) According to Perera et. al (2013), they noted that the sexual dimorphism in Anabas testiduneus does not distinctly appear, however, it is practically possible during the breeding season. The identification of male and female can be done on the basis of some external features. Male climbing perch are body coloured and darker while females have slightly brighter body colour. Males are slender in appearance while female have swollen abdomen or girth that is distended with the ovary development. When the males are pressed gently on the abdomen, they eject milt while female eject yellowish eggs. Female have greater distance between the base of the pectoral fins than the length of ithmus compare to the male which has lesser length. In the breeding season, the female exhibits a prominent bulge at the vent that resembling genital papilla where the male lack such appearance. 2.7  BREEDING BEHAVIOUR OF CLIMBING PERCH (Anabas Testudineus) Bhuyan et. al (2014) cited that the adults of Anabas testudineus are solitary and aggressive. In nature, the eggs are scattered in open water at the onset of the rains without any nest. The male wraps itself in the female body, fertilizing the eggs as they are laid. Each time 200 colourless eggs are released until about 5000 numbers are laid. The fecundity varies from 5000-35000 numbers. The eggs rise to the surface and float. The eggs hatch in 24 hrs and the fry are about 2-3 mm long. They are free swimming within two days of hatching. In case of artificial breeding with pituitary or synthetic hormone, a single dose of injection for both the male and female spawning actively and courtship behaviour starts after 6 hrs of injection. The water temperature to be maintained is at 280C + 10C. Fertilized eggs float in the surface of water. It takes 18-19 hours for hatching after spawning and newly hatches larvae measures 1.9-2.0 mm in length without any movement. Yolk sac completely absorbs on third day after hatching and settles at the bottom. Egg custard, plankton and Artemia are supplied as artificial feed for those fries up to 20-25 days. The survivability varies from 70-75%. 3.8  SALINITY TOLERANCE OF CLIMBING PERCH (Anabas Testudineus) According to Chotipuntu et.al (2010), they found that eggs successfully hatched in salinities up to 4.5 ppt. In higher salinities hatching dropped and met the lethal median concentration at 5.1 ppt. No hatch was observed in salinities beyond 7.5 ppt. This suggests that a salinity of 4.5 ppt is a threshold concentration for hatching viability of climbing perch eggs. The unsuccessful hatching of freshwater eggs in saline water may result from various factors such as a reduction in activity and viability of sperm due to the inhibition of sperm-activating substances. Salt contained in media may also cause chemical changes in the eggs that triggers releasing of a developmental block or generates irreversible changes that prevent fertilization. Fry of climbing perch were found to tolerate higher salinity than larvae and eggs. Chotipuntu et.al (2010) also found growing the climbing perch in salinity of 6 7 ppt to obtain the best growth. Brackish water ponds of salinities up to proximately 11 ppt are utilizable for climbing perch culture. Brackish water ponds of salinities levels up to proximately 4 ppt are practical for spawning and nursing of climbing perch. CHAPTER 3 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY 3.1 TYPE OF MATERIALS USED IN THE RESEARCH 90 climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) 15 aquaculture tanks (3 ft. x 3 ft. x 3ft.) 1 weighing scale Commercial feed pallet River water Mesh net Multi-parameter kit 3.2 ORIGIN OF THE CLIMBING PERCH (Anabas testudineus) All the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) will be obtained and supplied from the cultured climbing perch from the villagers from Cherang Ruku, Pasir Putih, Kelantan. All the fishes will be selected according on their length of the body and stage of production. All the fishes will have the initial range of weight from 16 to 50 grams for both male and female with accepted difference in weight of 10 grams to 20 grams. 3.3  EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The research will have four different treatments with three replications for each treatment. The treatments will be 2 fishes/tank, 4 fishes/tank, 6 fishes/tank, and 8 fishes/ tank. This will enable the researcher to determine the best density of the climbing perch to gain the most live weight and the largest size on a small scale. The experiment will take two months or eight weeks. The temperature, and light period will be specific during the research period where the designated temperature is at room temperature and light period is 12 hours. The water of the tanks will be changed every week. Kiambang will be placed in the tanks. The tanks also will be closed with lid with a hole made that enable the exchange of gas occurs and also to prevent the climbing perch from escaping. The ammonia level is also regulated. 3.4  EXPERIMENTAL METHOD The climbing perch will be placed in smaller aquaculture tanks according to the predetermined numbers. Juvenile climbing perch will be feed twice a day using formulated feed where the feed had been weighted by the weighing scale where the feed given is 3% of body weight. The climbing perch’s live weight will be measured using weighing scale for two months with interval of one week of each weighing. The live weight and survival rate of the climbing perch will be recorded into the datasheet. The data will be analysed and evaluated. CHAPTER 4 EXPECTED RESULT For the climbing perch, the smallest stocking density will have the largest weight gain. There will be an increase of mortality weight as the stocking density increases. There will be an increase of ammonia level and turbidity level as the stocking density increases. The smallest stocking density will have the longest length in the body measurement while the largest stocking density will have the shortest length in the body measurement. Analysis of the data will be calculated using the SPSS software and the ANOVA will be calculated using the same software. GANTT CHART REFERENCES Pal, M. Chaudhry, S. 2010.Anabas testudineus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on24 March 2015. Chotipuntu, P., Avakul, P. (2010). Aquaculture potential of Climbing Perch, Anabas testudineus, in Brackish Water. Walailak J.Sci. Tech., 7(1), 15–21. Kumar, K., Lalrinsanga, P. L., Sahoo, M., Mohanty, U. L., Kumar, R., Sahu, a K. (2013). Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Anabas testudineus and Channa Species under Different Culture Systems, 5(1), 74–78. doi:10.5829/idosi.wjfms.2013.05.01.64201 Mondal, M., Shahin, J., Wahab, M., Asaduzzaman, M., Yang, Y. (2011). Comparison between cage and pond production of Thai Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus) and Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under three management systems. Journal of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, 8(2), 313–322. doi:10.3329/jbau.v8i2.7943 Zalina, I., Saad, C. R., Rahim, a. a., Christianus, a., Harmin, S. a. (2011). Breeding Performance and the Effect of Stocking Density on the Growth and Survival of Climbing Perch, Anabas testudineus. Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. doi:10.3923/jfas.2011.834.839 Perch, C., Bloch, A. (2004). Effect of Different Feed on Larval / Fry Rearing of, 36(1), 13–19. P. A. C. T. Perera, K.A.H. T. Kodithuwakku, T. V. Sundarabarathy U. Edirisinghe (2011), Captive Breeding of Anabas testudineus (Climbing Perch) under Semi-artificial Conditions for the Mass Production of Fish Seed for Conservation and Aquaculture, Insight Ecology Journal, DOI: 10.5567/Ecology-IK.2013.8.14 Sonmoina Bhuyan, Dipanjan Kashyap B. Kalita, Seed production of Climbing perch (Anabas testudineus)through Natural and Induced breeding, Retrieved from http://aquafind.com/articles/Production-of-Anabas-testudineus.php

Investigating the Effect of Temperature on the Movement of Pigment thro

Investigating the Effect of Temperature on the Movement of Pigment through Cell Membranes INTRODUCTION: The aim of experiment is to prove that temperature effects on a proteins in cell membranes so that pigment can pass through them HYPOTHESIS: On higher temperatures proteins in membranes denature so there is no barrier to prevent the passage of large molecules THEORETICAL BACKGROUND: Certain chemicals and treatments, such as ethanol or high temperatures, can destroy the partial permeability of cell membrane. The membranes are still present but behave as if holes have been punched through them and they no longer provide barrier to the passage of large molecules such as sucrose. High temperatures and alcohols denature membrane proteins and increase fluidity of membrane lipids; alcohols at high concentrations can also dissolve lipids. In beetroot cells the red anthocyanin pigment occurs in the vacuoles. Each vacuole is surrounded by a tonoplast membrane and outside of it, the cytoplasm is surrounded by the plasma membrane. On higher temperatures proteins loose their ability of control the transport through cell so any large molecule can pass trough. APPARATUS AND MATERIALS:  ¨ Test tube rack with 10 test tubes  ¨ Graduated syringe  ¨ Scalpel  ¨ Cork borer  ¨ Stop watch  ¨ Forceps  ¨ Colorimeter  ¨ Tap root of beetroot  ¨ Distilled water SAFETY:  ¨ Carefully use cork borer and scalpel to prevent injuries by cutting  ¨ Use Bunsen burner with great precaution to prevent burns or lighting materials  ¨ Water in beaker is very hot so watch out that you don't spill it on you to prevent burns  ¨ Watch out that you don't break any glass apparatus to prevent cutting METHOD:  ¨ Using a cork borer and scalpel make 10 cylinders of beetroot of 5 cm length.  ¨ Heat 200 cm3 of water up to 85  ºC in 250 cm3 beaker (make sure that thermometer is in the water).  ¨ While heating, with a syringe, put 10 ml of distilled water in 10 test tubes and label them: 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 63, 60, 55, 50 and 45.  ¨ When 85 ºC temperature is reached remove the Bunsen burner and put one beetroot cylinder in the water and leave it there for exactly one minute.  ¨ After one minute use forceps to take it out and put it in a test tube marked 85.  ¨ Put some cold water in the beaker until 80  ºC is reached and t... ...tly changing. In some moments changing would stop but that isn't reliable sign that that is the right colour density because after couple of moments changing would start again. Solution is to use more sensitive equipment or to get colorimeter checked because it could be broken.  ¨ Fifth problem is in humane nature. During the test we had a good time so occasionally we forgot to take the beetroot out for few seconds longer than it should be. We didn't pay all attention to professor so we forgot to shake test tubes before we took the beetroot out. Also, I didn't take a paper with me during the colour test so when I got result, occasionally I would forget what it was while I was going back to my seat. Also there was some noise in the classroom so I could misunderstand my partners in the experiment when they came with result.  ¨ To be sure in experiment results the best thing is to repeat it at least once to increase the reliability of them. Now when I know the whole procedure of experiment, results in repetitive experiment should be more accurate. Also this is good background to compare how different concentrations of ethanol effect on the membrane permeability.

The Biological and Psychological Drives Behind Consumerism Essay

Most of us like to think that we are reasonable, rational, and independent thinkers and actors. Thus, we believe that we have a good enough reason for our choices. However, we often erroneously buy products succumbing to strange compulsion. It is a power of consumerism. The term consumerism is defined as the tendency of people to identify strongly with products they consume, particularly of name brands and status-enhancing appeal. Then, how does the power of consumerism win over our rationality? In this situation, we pretend to regard the primary cause of the impulse consumerism is the commercial seductions. The truth, however, is that the shopping indulgences does not originate from a manipulation of the commercial advertisements, but rather a biological and psychological drive planted in every one of us. The biological and psychological drives for our consumerism are evidenced by: in order to show off, to get rid of stress, and to follow the fashion. Virginia Postrel explains about a reaction of Afghans when they get liberated after the Taliban fell. Although they are not been exposed of any â€Å"ubiquitous advertising or elaborate marketing campaigns† at all, consumerist impulses expressed as if they were â€Å"celebrating the end of tyranny by buying consumer electronics† (301). This reaction well shows the human desire aesthetic value and also the power of consumerism. In my case, the power of consumerism comes to the surface when I get to choose a product of between famous brand and no-name. I often make a decision to afford the cheaper one; and then with the profit –actually not a real profit– that I earn from buying the cheaper one, I tend to make a reasonable excuse to spend the remained money for the rest of the shopping. It i... ...ver us than we realize. I think this quotation strongly describes beyond what I have said about the internal drives of people: "I can imagine it, therefore I want it. I want it, therefore I should have it. Because I should have it, I need it. Because I need it, I deserve it. Because I deserve it, I will do anything necessary to get it." Before your consciousness being attacked directly by "imagin[g] it," first try to recognize what your internal needs are and set your limits rationally. Wanting things is perfectly human desire. However, buying material things doesn’t lead us to have a happier and more fulfilling life. The more you rely on superficial things to satisfy your needs for belonging and identity, the more dissatisfied you’re likely to be over the long run. If we cannot control ourselves, we can easily surrender to worship of consumerism and materialism.

Search for the American Dream in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman :: Death of a Salesman

Search for the American Dream in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman What is the American Dream? Some believe in the nineteen fifties ideal created through television. Successful children, perfect families, and a happy stay-at-home mother are all associated with this version. Yet, everyone knows that the children are not always successful, there are family fights, and not every mother can be at home and happy. Many families have lifelong searches for the ideal American Dreams and never find one. These types of families are seen as failures. One family in this type of search is represented in Death of a Salesman through Willy, Linda, and their sons. Willy Loman is the first character to represent the search of the American Dream. First, Willy has a strong belief of the American Dream because of his brother Ben. "Why boys, when I was seventeen I walked into the jungle, and when I was twenty-one I walked out. And by God I was rich." This quote by Ben is the bases of Willy’s beliefs for his family and himself. By this understanding, Willy thinks he will never need to search for anything; it would come to him. Next, Willy instills this same belief within his sons. "Listen to this. This is your Uncle Ben, a great man! Tell my boys, Ben!" When Willy states this to Ben he wants his boys to have the same thought on life as himself. Though, like their father, the two sons are led to the idea that greatness will come to them. Finally, Willy does not ever understand his search until the end of the play. "What-what’s the secret?" Willy asks Bernard this question which shows he is still searching for the key to the American Dre am. At the end of the play, Willy believes that the only answer to the success of his family is through his death. Linda Loman is the next character to represent her search for the American Dream. At first, Linda’s search is for good family relationships. After the big plans are made for the sporting goods shop, Linda’s spirits seem very high. Everyone in her family is getting along, therefore she is happy. These little perks of happiness are enough to keep her dream alive. Then, Linda has a more true view on her family’s search. Comments like, "Your such a boy," and, "One a philandering bum," are insights on what Linda sees within her sons.

Hilton Customer Service Case Study

Customer Service in Travel and Tourism Hilton Hotels Case Study [pic] The ‘Understanding Travel and Tourism’ case study provides useful background information about Hilton Hotels. The first three sections of this case study are based on two presentations on the theme of ‘Reach Beyond’ given to employees of Hilton Hotels UK and Ireland as part of a major staff training programme. Benefits of Good Customer Service Guests tend to leave or defect from Hilton because: †¢ they become dissatisfied or †¢ a competitor is thought to be better or because a guest simply doesn’t care (in every market there are people who just don’t care about brand choice) or †¢ the guest has no choice e. g. the location is not right for the traveller or, for business travellers, because company policy is to use another hotel chain. What satisfies guests? Every guest is different, however research by Hilton Hotels has identified some ‘drivers’ th at influence whether a guest is satisfied with the stay or not. Drivers of Guest Satisfaction – UK Relative Impact on Overall Satisfaction [pic] The Importance of LoyaltyGuest survey research by Hilton suggests that in a typical year only 5% of existing customers remain loyal, however loyal customers tend to spend more and they account for 10% of revenue. Loyalty is important because satisfied and loyal guests: †¢ will make an effort to do business with Hilton †¢ give 80% or more of their business to Hilton †¢ ignore competitive offers, advertising and discounts †¢ tend to be willing to accept higher pricing structures †¢ remain with Hilton 8-10 times longer than unloyal guests †¢ are worth 100 times more than unloyal guests, in the long termIt is worth noting that the importance of loyal guests is recognised by most travel and tourism organisations, and many often carry out promotions aimed directly at repeat customers. One way Hilton Hotels rew ards loyalty and encourages repeat bookings is through the Hilton HHonors membership scheme, through which customers can receive points and other benefits. The more a customer uses Hilton Hotels, the bigger the rewards. Handling Complaints If no action is taken following a complaint, 52% of guests making a complaint are likely NOT to return.Once a complaint has been handled satisfactorily, 94% of customers making a complaint will return. This is almost the same percentage of customers likely to return when there is no problem and no complaint. This slide gives more detail about Hilton Hotels’ findings from research into the handling of problems and complaints. How may I help you? [pic]Source: VisualMedia Online ICT and Customer Service Hilton Hotels uses ICT in many ways. Just a few examples are: Hilton Hotels’ e-learning training programme that can be accessed by all staff members †¢ the use of powerful software programmes for analysing the results of research in to customer satisfaction levels †¢ providing excellent ICT amenities for business travellers †¢ making it easier to book the Hilton brand by improvements to websites and computerised reservations systems, and ‘fair deal’ agreements with external booking agencies. In 2002/3 Hilton developed a local language website for Hilton International in the UK – www. hilton. co. uk.The re-designed site featured lots more information. It was localised to make sure the offers were relevant and attractive for UK customers. The details on each hotel are updated at the hotel, rather than centrally, as is common practice. This ensures that the customer is getting all the most up-to-date and relevant details about the hotel and its offers as soon as possible. As part of the successful launch, the website www. hiltongroup. com promoted the new-look website www. hilton. co. uk. This included some examples of different types of potential customer and how they would use the n ew website.Below is the example of a customer travelling for leisure. Quality Here is a summary of the message to staff taking part in the Hilton ‘Reach Beyond’ training scheme: ———————– Importance of complaint handling No complaintComplaint (64%) (36%) Not reported Reported (8%) (28%) No actionAction Taken (8%) Not satisfied Satisfied (9%) (11%) Why is satisfaction important? Guest stays at HiltonNot satisfiedDefects to the competition Guest stays at HiltonSatisfiedVisits againBecomes loyal For further information about Hilton Hotels see: www. iltongroup. com or www. hilton. co. uk The Leisure Traveller â€Å"Whenever I go away I always stay in a Hilton,† says Rachel Martin â€Å"I love the fact that I always get the same high service standards no matter where I go in the world. † Rachel, a public relations consultant and a keen traveller, has been visiting Hilton hotels for over 10 years, and has be en to hotels all over the world, from the Middle East to Japan. â€Å"I've always wanted to book on the web, but I never felt comfortable with the old hilton. com site – it always felt too American, and a little impersonal. The new www. hilton. co. uk site, however, suits Rachel down to the ground. â€Å"All the special offers on the front page are priced in UK pounds, so I can directly see that I'm getting the best value I can from Hilton. I've also become aware of holiday packages I didn't know about before. † Rachel has just booked her 2003 summer holiday using the website â€Å"I'm looking forward to my next holiday – in the Hilton in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – where I'm going to learn to dive, something I've always wanted to try, but didn't even know Hilton offered until I used www. ilton. co. uk. † 95%77%52%62% 94% Likelihood to return How can YOU influence satisfaction? Top 5 factors that influence guest satisfaction: 1. Have a positive †˜can do’ attitude 2. Overall quality of room 3. Staff efficiency 4. Staff friendliness 5. Comfort of room Hilton Reach Beyond Consistent, Quality Customer Service delivers the Brand Promise and recruits and keeps LOYAL Guests