Larry :: essays research papers

1) Descartes uses a method commonly referred to as Methodical motion ( blood with a uncertainness in hopes of arriving at a given certitude). With this skepticism, Descartes questions the inherit nature of what it is to be. It is his initial learning, upon beginning his piece, again, with methodical discredit, which the world may not exist, but may be a facet of an individuals imagination. However, he quickly contests this blood line with his face phrase, cogito ergo sum which means I think, therefore, I amI. The Arguments for Universal DoubtIn order to show that science rested on firm foundations and that these foundations lay in the mind and not the senses, Descartes began by bringing into doubt solely the beliefs that come to us from the senses. His aim in these arguments is not in reality to prove that nothing exists or that it is impossible for us to know if anything exists (he will prove that we gouge know external objects later), but to show that all our cognition of these things through the senses is open to doubt. If our scientific knowledge came to us through the senses, we could not even be sure that anything outside of us existed. The obvious implication is that, since we do know that external objects exist, this knowledge cannot come to us through the senses, but through the mind. Descartes uses trio actually similar arguments to open all our knowledge to doubt The dream argument, the deceiving God argument, and the evil demon argument. The basis idea in each of these is that we neer perceive external objects directly, but only through the confine of our own mind, the images the external objects produce in us. Since sense experience never puts us in contact with the objects themselves, but only with mental images, sense perception provides no certainty that there is anything in the external world that corresponds to the images we have in our mind. Descartes introduces dreams, a deceiving God, and an evil demon as ways of motivating thi s doubt in the veracity of our sense experience. A. The dream argument1. I often have perceptions very much like the ones I usually have in sensation while I am dreaming.2. There are no definite signs to detect dream experience from waking experience.therefore,3. It is possible that I am dreaming right now and that all of my perceptions are falseLarry essays research papers 1) Descartes uses a method commonly referred to as Methodical Doubt (beginning with a doubt in hopes of arriving at a given certitude). With this skepticism, Descartes questions the inherit nature of what it is to be. It is his initial perception, upon beginning his piece, again, with methodical doubt, which the world may not exist, but may be a facet of an individuals imagination. However, he quickly contests this argument with his face phrase, cogito ergo sum which means I think, therefore, I amI. The Arguments for Universal DoubtIn order to show that science rested on firm foundations and that these founda tions lay in the mind and not the senses, Descartes began by bringing into doubt all the beliefs that come to us from the senses. His aim in these arguments is not really to prove that nothing exists or that it is impossible for us to know if anything exists (he will prove that we can know external objects later), but to show that all our knowledge of these things through the senses is open to doubt. If our scientific knowledge came to us through the senses, we could not even be sure that anything outside of us existed. The obvious implication is that, since we do know that external objects exist, this knowledge cannot come to us through the senses, but through the mind. Descartes uses three very similar arguments to open all our knowledge to doubt The dream argument, the deceiving God argument, and the evil demon argument. The basis idea in each of these is that we never perceive external objects directly, but only through the contents of our own mind, the images the external objec ts produce in us. Since sense experience never puts us in contact with the objects themselves, but only with mental images, sense perception provides no certainty that there is anything in the external world that corresponds to the images we have in our mind. Descartes introduces dreams, a deceiving God, and an evil demon as ways of motivating this doubt in the veracity of our sense experience. A. The dream argument1. I often have perceptions very much like the ones I usually have in sensation while I am dreaming.2. There are no definite signs to distinguish dream experience from waking experience.therefore,3. It is possible that I am dreaming right now and that all of my perceptions are false

Gender and Sport Socialization Essay -- Papers

Gender and Sport SocializationSocialization is a life colossal process whereby the individual learns the appropriate roles and norms of behaviour within a particular society. From birth, children are socialised into sex-linked roles in many instances males are expected to support in a masculine way and are encouraged to be involved in activities, such as sport, that are traditionally regarded as male. Women stock-still are usually expected to behave in a feminine manner a vast contrast to the encouragement of males to be strong, powerful, forceful and aggressive. This is reflected in womens participation in sport, and more importantly, their coverage in the print media, which is minimal in comparison to their male counterparts. Sport holds a significant maneuver in our society. However womens sport coverage suffers due to the positioning in newspapers, with their sporting stories often placed at the bottom of pages or at the inner, most inaccessible pages of the sports section. W omen are often described in ways that stress weakness, passivity and insignificance, and in ways that...

The Element: Chlorine Essay -- essays research papers

The Element centiliterGeneral In mildewationWe researched the chemical element known as chlorine. Chlorine hasan atomic number of 17 and an atomic weight of 35.453. It has avalence number of 3. The element has 3 energy levels. Chlorine existsas a kelvinish-yellow gas at normal temperatures and pressures. Chlorineis indorse in reactivity only to fluorine among the halogen elements.Chlorine is a nonmetal. It is estimated that 0.045% of the earthscrust and 1.9% of sea water are chlorine. Chlorine combines withmetals and nonmetals and organic materials to form hundreds ofchlorine compounds. Chlorine is about 2.5 times as dense as air andmoderately soluble in water, forming a pale yellowish green solution.Chlorine is so reactive that it never occurs free in nature.Chemical PropertiesChlorine is in the halogen family, and like all the otherhalogen elements chlorine has a blotto tendency to gain one electronand become a chloride ion. Chlorine readily reacts with metals to formchloride s, most of which are soluble in water. Chlorine overly reactsdirectly with many nonmetals such as sulfur, phosphorus, and otherhalogens. Chlorine can support combustion if a candle were to be throwninto a watercraft of chlorine, it would continue to burn, releasing dense,black clouds of smoke, The chlorine combines with hydrogen of theparaffin, forming hydrogen chloride, and uncombined carbon is left inthe form of soot. Soot is black residue from fuel. Chlorine replacesiodine and bromine from their salts. alter chlorine is somewhat inert ornot able to move, but moist chlorine unites directly with most of theelements. biographyChlorine was discovered in 1774 by Karl Scheele. Humphry Davyproved that chlorine was an element. Extensive production began 100years later. During the 20th Century. The amount of Chlorine determinationd wasconsidered a measure of industrial growth. In, 1975 chlorineproductions ranked seventh on the list of largest-volume chemicalsproduced in the United Stat es. The importance of chlorine has changedas new uses have been added. In 1925 paper and pulp used over one-half . The chlorine made and chemical products only 10%. By the 1960spaper and pulp use accounted for only 15-17% and the chemical usesincreased to 75-80%. Peoples uses have contributed to the growth oflarge cities, and new textiles, plastics, paints, and miscellaneous useshave raise... ...h chlorine. At the iron cathode or negatively charged electrode,sodium ions are reduced to sodium metal, which reacts immediately withwater to form sodium hydroxide.Another rule of preparing chlorine is by the electrolysis ofmolten salt. This process is used specifically to produce sodium, andthe chlorine is a commercial by product. When large quantities ofwaste hydrochloric and are available. Chlorine may be recovered byoxidation of the acid. This method has the advantage of convertinggreat quantities of waste acid to useful substances.No matter what process is used to prepare chlorine, t he gasmust be well dried. Dry chlorine is much less corrosive than moistchlorine gas. In the laboratory chlorine may be prepared by heatingatomic number 25 oxide with hydrochloric acid.ConclusionIn conclusion chlorine is a very wonderful element. Chlorine hashundreds of compounds. If we did not have these compounds we wouldnot have clean water, we would have an sucking louse problem, we could notmake many important compounds that are used in medicine, and some ofthe battles in World War I might have been mazed if it were not forchlorine. Our world would not be the same if not for chlorine.

Choosing a Career Path Essay -- building management

Never once was there a doubt in my mind that I wasnt going to college. But the question as to what move path do I want to pursue was always the hard part. When declaring my major, I had no idea that Michigan State had so many diametric options. My original major was pre-law, and then it was general care, now Im leaning towards verbal expression management. I watched A Family That Preys by Tyler Perry, and one of the characters was a construction manager. Like a child, watching this movie persuaded my decision to go into this field. I didnt declare this as my first major because I was uneducated on the field, so I went with a major that I knew about. I am only in my second semester of college and I have changed my major twice. My uncle has been very flourishing and he has greatly inspired my choice of continuing my education. He was a successful insurance agent at state farm, and then went on to protesting his own insurance company. Even though he is in the insurance field, he i s going back to school for trucking and looking into construction as well. unmatched night we sat at my grandmothers dinning room table and discussed my future career plans. I told him that I was interested in construction management but I was uneducated in the field so I didnt change my major yet. I need to educate myself about world in the construction field by reading books, interviews, magazines, etc. The name construction management in itself sounds like a hand full, theres no question that pursuing this major will be a lot of hard work and dedication. When I looked up the course requirements, the requirements reinforced my preconceived notations about this field. Calculus, microeconomics, and accounting, sounds scary and they are only 3 of the 120 cr... ...MSU ROAcademic Programs Construction Management. MSU ROAcademic Programs Construction Management. Michigan State University, 23 Aug. 2011. Web. 01 Apr. 2014. Perry, Marjorie A. Marjorie A. Perry - About. Marjorie A. Per ry - About. Marjorie Perry, 02 Nov. 2013. Web. 06 Apr. 2014. .Summary. U.S. Bureau of travail Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8 Jan. 2014. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. .Women-Owned bittie Business Federal Contract Program SBA.gov. Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program SBA.gov. The U.S. Small Business Administration, 1 Feb. 2011. Web. 06 Apr. 2014. .

Renewable Energy Essay -- Energy, Fossil Fuel, Oil, Natural Gas

The most of spheric vigor production produces from fossil fuel such as coal, oil and natural gas. The wide fossil fuels generate vitality which use for many purposes for instant residential, transportation and industrial sectors. While the rate consumption of fossil fuel higher than their organisation leads to oil price crisis. Another concern of fossil fuel combustion is the impact on the environment. Global warming is a significant problem which results in increasing concentrations of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. These problems drive researchers and societies to search alternative energy such as switching to renewable energy or carbon-free energy to replace fossil fuels. For example Nakata et al., (2011465) show low-carbon society that is designed to use less fossil fuel. According to Verbruggen et al., (2010852) define renewable energy is obtained from the continuing or repetitive currents of energy occurring in the natural environment such as wind and biomass. Many cou ntries accept carbon-free energy as alternative energy, and are exhausting to develop and apply new technologies that will enable them to use renewable energy sources in the most efficient way. However switching to carbon-free energy argued that is an false way. This essay aims to assess the differences in opinion between supports and argues of renewable energy that switching to carbon-free energy is unrealistic. Firstly consider about employing renewable energy. Secondly prise the sustainable development of biofuel and wind energies. Finally conclude arguments on potential renewable energy to replace fossil fuels.Owing to the increase in the orbiculate population accompanied by an increase in energy demand as a result oil price crisis. Many governments... ...f renewable energy or carbon-free debate and argument. This essay has attempted to evaluate the potential renewable energy both in terms of sustainable development and reducible global warming. Renewable energy such as bio fuel and wind energy can be seen as a safe, reliable and cost effective alternative to victimisation fossil fuels for energy security. However the development of green energy has drawbacks so funds for research and develop for chance from lab-scale products into commercial products should be provided and these fuels will break down increasingly expensive to use. Clearly more could be done to produce carbon-free energy and more efficient and reduced environmental impacts. Also awareness of the advantages of renewable energy has been steadily growing and it is expected that the share of renewable energy in the total generation capacity will increase in future.

Renewable Energy Essay -- Energy, Fossil Fuel, Oil, Natural Gas

The most of global zip production produces from fogey fuel such as coal, cover and natural gas. The vast fossil fuels generate energy which use for many purposes for instant residential, transportation and industrial sectors. While the rate pulmonary tuberculosis of fossil fuel higher than their formation leads to oil price crisis. Another concern of fossil fuel combustion is the impact on the environment. Global melting is a significant problem which results in increasing concentrations of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. These problems drive researchers and societies to search alternative energy such as fault to renewable energy or carbon-free energy to replace fossil fuels. For example Nakata et al., (2011465) show low-carbon society that is designed to use less fossil fuel. According to Verbruggen et al., (2010852) determine renewable energy is obtained from the continuing or repetitive currents of energy occurring in the natural environment such as wind and biomass. Ma ny countries accept carbon-free energy as alternative energy, and are trying to develop and apply new technologies that will enable them to use renewable energy sources in the most effective way. However switching to carbon-free energy argued that is an unrealistic way. This essay aims to assess the differences in opinion between supports and argues of renewable energy that switching to carbon-free energy is unrealistic. Firstly take aim about employing renewable energy. Secondly evaluate the sustainable development of biofuel and wind energies. Finally conclude arguments on potential renewable energy to replace fossil fuels.Owing to the increase in the global population accompanied by an increase in energy demand as a result oil price crisis. Many governments... ...f renewable energy or carbon-free debate and argument. This essay has attempted to evaluate the potential renewable energy both in call of sustainable development and reducible global warming. Renewable energy such as biofuel and wind energy can be seen as a safe, bona fide and cost effective alternative to using fossil fuels for energy security. However the development of green energy has drawbacks so funds for research and develop for pretend from lab-scale products into commercial products should be provided and these fuels will become increasingly expensive to use. Clearly more could be done to produce carbon-free energy and more efficient and trim down environmental impacts. Also awareness of the advantages of renewable energy has been steadily growing and it is expected that the share of renewable energy in the total generation qualification will increase in future.

The Catbird Seat

The Catbird Seat English 3 AP Date 3- 13- 13 Pd. 5th Comprehension 1. Birnbaum feels his tonic place in society after his accident is that hes provides with certain specialties due to his disabilities and that now he has special privileges that ceaseless hatful doesnt contain. 2. He takes advantage of his new status by cutting in front of lines at the DMV, the movies as well as many other places where people tend to have to wait in a line. Hes also not punished as hard as a regular person for the mistakes hes made due to his disability. . He describes them as his even uppers for his physical limitations and for the difficulties creatord by establishments not complying with the Americans disabilities act. 4. He realized he has limitations as well as everyone else after the incident he went through with the blind person and observed how the blind is much more privileged than the ones with the wheelchair. Purpose and audition 1. He expects the reader to now occupy the life of a dis fittingd person in a wheelchair.He gives daily life examples of his life to show who stands in a higher place him and what special benefits have he conquered due to his accident. 2. He specifies his thesis late in the essay since he believes starting off the essay with examples will cause more of an impact on the reader than just stating the thesis so his technique was well thought out. 3. His view point would make an utter throw as he might encourage as well as inform the disabilities to know what benefits they achieve as well as the limitations that come from them. . His design for the essay seems to inform the readers as well as educate them on the life of the disabilities. Now he expects readers to have the same amount of knowledge as him when it comes to people on wheelchairs. Style and Structure 1. Starting off the essay with an example is an effective introductory strategy, since it grabs the readers attentions much more contiguous than any other techniques could have. 2 . His essay is definitely much more convincing due to his experience in the life on a wheelchair.It would be impracticable to try to come up with other ways to make it much more convincing. 3. He arranges his examples through chronological order and through out a whole direction where the reader wont fall off a cliff. 4. It helps the readers see how people treat the ones that be disabled and has requirements as well as showing how people react to the ones that are much more severely disabled. Vocabulary projects 1. Quadriplegia Paralysis of all four limbs tetraplegia. 2. Reprimand A rebuke, esp. n authorised one. 3. Purser An officer on a ship who keeps the accounts, esp. the head steward on a passenger vessel. 4. Condescending Acting in a way that betrays a feeling of patronizing superiority. 5. Patronizing Treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority. 6. Chardonnay A variety of white wine grape use for making champagne and other wines. 7. Trumps anyplayingcardofasuitthatforthetimeoutrankstheothersuits,suchacardbeingableto takeanycardofanothersuit.Journal entry It is reasonable to provide someone with a disability with special privileges since their life long goals are limited. Although it is comprehendible to see why they are provided with these privileges, it is only required for them to use it well and not act condescending where they take too much of an advantage of the privileges they are provided with. The same aspect applies to Birnbaum as to just keep his advantage level to a minimum and not to rise it to a great extent alike(p) he described in his essay. At that point, normal people wouldnt required the need to act patronizing.

Art Gallery Essay

In completion of this assignment the art gallery that I chose to visit was Mark Gallery in Englewood spick-and-span Jersey. When you walk up to the establishment on that point are floor to ceiling glass windows that allow you to picture everything inside. Facing the gallery there were so many colors that enticed you to enter. The arrangements and art work was spaced out nicely not causing clutter. This allowed you to individually halt in each piece on by itself. All of the pieces were very nice but the artist that caught my attention was Mr. Mark Oberndorf.Oberndorf was born in New York but is currently residing in Bergren County New Jersey. He is a contemporary realist painter. Since the age of 10 he has been interested in the visual arts. At an beforehand(predicate) age some of his beginning works were illustrating his school yearbook to painting murals on his elementary school building. From 1995 to present Oberndorf has had art in various assort and solo exhibitions and gal leries. Currently his work is currently represented by Mark Gallery of Englewood New Jersey and Westwood Gallery in Westwood New Jersey.I name several of his pieces interesting because they were so basic. Not meaning they did not have levels or dimensions but they put me in the mind of simpler times and relatable memories. His pieces display lead dimensional effects on a two dimensional surface with natural lighting effects. All painting are created with oil on linen canvass. Such pieces as the Wyckoff Train Station, Dairy Queen and Gas all represent the Bergren County area and parts of New York prior to the gentrification phase. Gas depicts an oldish two pump station as you would see it in the 1970s.The piece of the Dairy Queen shows the classic franchise that was shaped somewhat of a boron prior to the new modernized look you may see today. I can remember as a kid having one of these in our neighborhood. We oft visited it for a Sunday cone after attending church. I could not wait to stand in line for my soft serve on a cone. Lastly the Wyckoff Train Station is truly a classic single standing building not so big on the side of the tracks. much(prenominal) dated compared to the enormous train stations and subway stations you see in the big cities such as New York.Through viewing these pieces I would think this is his way of holding on to a piece of history, before all common landmarks that held tradition and memories were torn down. Prior to gentrification in many of our communities there were several sites or establishments that were a common thread to our community. Be it the mom and pop store on the corner to the old fashioned ice scramble stand. Gentrification has erased these things with more modernized establishments that help to bring economic wealth for some but forces others out of the neighborhoods and communities that they have been a part of for quite some time.

Night World : Secret Vampire Chapter 11

The next few hours were the worst of Phils life.First and foremost was his mother. As in brief as shewalked in, Phils priori hold fasts changed from wanting herto comfort him to wanting to comfort her. And ofcourse at that place wasnt any comfort. All he could do was hold on to her.Its too cruel, he aspect dimly. There ought to be a way to tell her. be aspects she would neer believe it, andif she did, shed be in danger,too.Eventually the paramedics did come, but only afterDr. Franklin had arrived.I called him, crowd said to Phil during one ofthe interludes when Phils mom was crying on Cliff.Why?To keep things simple. In this state, doctors can issue a death certificate if theyve seen you withinthe last twenty days and they know the cause ofdeath. We dont want any hospitals or coroners.Phil shook his head. Why? Whats your problemwith hospitals?My problem, crowd together said in a clipped, distinctvoice. is that in hospitals they do autopsies.Phil froze. He opened his mouth but no sound came out.And in funeral homes they do embalming. Whichis why I need to be around when they come to pick up the body. I need to influence their minds not toembalm her, or sew her lips shut, or-Phil bolted for the bathroom and was sick. Hehated James again.solely nobody took Poppy to the hospital and Dr.Franklin didnt mention an autopsy. He on the button heldPhils mothers great deal and spoke quietly about how these things could happen suddenly, and how at leastPoppy had been spared any pain. unless she was so much better today, Phils motherwhispered through tears. Oh, my baby, my baby.Shed been getting worse, but today she was better. It happens furnish care that sometimes, Dr. Franklinsaid. Its almost as if they rally for a last burst of life.But I wasntthitherfor her, Phils mom said, andnow there werent any tears, just the terrible gratingsound of guilt. She was alone when she died.Phil said, She was asleep. She just went to sleepand neer woke up. If you look at her, you can seehow peaceful it was.He kept saying things analogous that, and so did Cliff andso did the doctor, and yettually the paramedicswent away(predicate). And sometime after that, small-arm hismother was sitting on Poppys bed and stroking herhair, the people from the mortuary came.Just give me a few minutes, Phils mother said, dry-eyed and pale. I need a few minutes alonewith her.The mortuary men sat awkwardly in the family room, and James stared at them. Phil knew what wasgoing on. James was fixing in their minds the factthat there was to be no embalming.Religious reasons, is that it? one of the men saidto Cliff, breaking a long silence.Cliff stared at him, eyebrows coming together.What are you talking about?The man nodded. I understand. Its no problem.Phil understood, too. Whatever the man was hearing, it wasnt what Cliff was saying.The only thing is, youll want to take over the viewingright away, the other man said to Cliff. Or else a closed casket.Yes, it was unexpected , Cliff said, his facestraightening out. Its been a very short illness.So nowhewasnt hearing what the men were saying. Phil looked at James and saw sweat trickling down his face. Clearly it was a struggle to controlthree minds at once.At last Cliff went in and got Phils mother. He ledher to the master bedroom to keep her from seeing what happened next.What happened was that the two men went into- Poppys room with a body bag and a gurney. Whenthey came out, there was a small, delicate hump in the bag.Phil felt himself losing rationality again. He wantedto knock things down. He wanted to run a marathonto get away.Instead, his knees started to falsify and his visiongrayed out.Hard arms held him up, led him to a chair. Hangon, James said. Just a few more minutes. Its al most all over.Right then Phil could almost liberate him for being a bloodsucking monster.It was very late that night when everyone finallywent to bed. To bed, not to sleep. Phil was one solid ache of misery from his t hroat down to his feet, andhe lay conjure up with the light on until the sun came up.The funeral home was like a Victorian mansion,and the room Poppy was in was filled with flowersand people. Poppy herself was in a white casket with halcyon fittings, and from far away she looked as if shewere sleeping.Phil didnt like to look at her. He looked insteadat the visitors who kept coming in and filling theviewing room and the dozens of wooden pews. Hed never realized how many people pick outd Poppy.She was so full of life, her English teacher said.I cant believe shes gone, a guy from Phils homeball team said.Ill never forget her, one of her friends said,crying.Phil wore a dark suit and stood with his motherand Cliff. It was like a receiving line for a wedding.His mother kept saying, Thank you for coming,and hugging people. The people went over and touched the casket gently and cried.And in the process of greeting so many mourners,something strange happened. Phil got drawn in. Therealit y of Poppys death was so real that all the vampire stuff began to seem like a dream. Bit by bit, hestarted to believe the story he was acting out.After all, everybody else was so sure. Poppy hadgotten cancer, and now she was dead. Vampires were just superstition.James didnt come to the viewing.-Poppy was dreaming.She was walking by the ocean with James. It waswarm and she could smell salt and her feet were wetand sandy. She was wearing a new bathing suit, thekind that changes color when it gets wet. She hoped James would notice the suit, but he didnt say anything about it. and then she realized he was wearing a mask. That was strange, because he was going to get avery weirdtan with most of his face covered up.Shouldnt you take that make? she said, phoneinghe might need help.I wear it for my health, James said-only itwasnt Jamess voice.Poppy was shocked. She reached out and pulledthe mask away.It wasnt James. It was a boy with ash blond hair,even lighter than Phils. Why hadnt she n oticed hishair anterior? His eyes were commons-and then they were blue.Who are you? Poppy demanded. She was afraid.That would be telling. He smiled. His eyes wereviolet. Then he lifted his hand, and she saw that hewas holding a poppy. At least, it was shaped like apoppy, but it was black. He caressed hercheek withthe flower.Just remember, hesaid, still smiling whimsically.Bad magic happens.What?Bad magic happens, he said and turned andwalked away. She entrap herself holding the poppy.He didnt collapse any footprints in the sand.Poppy was alone and the ocean was roaring. Clouds were gathering overhead. She wanted towake up now, but she couldnt, and she was aloneand scare. She dropped the flower as anguish surged through her.JamesPhil sat up in bed, heart pounding.God, what had that been? Something like ashout in Poppys voice.Im hallucinating.Which wasnt surprising. It was Monday, the dayof Poppys funeral. In-Phil glanced at the clockabout four hours he had to be at the church. N owonder he was dreaming about her.But she had sounded so scared.Phil put the thought out of his mind. It wasnteven hard. Hed convinced himself that Poppy wasdead, and dead people didnt shout.At the funeral, though, Phil got a shock. His fatherwas there. He was even wearing something resembling a suit, although the jacket didnt match thetrousers and his tie was askew.I came as soon as I heard. Well, wherewere you? Phils mother said, thefine lines of strain showing around her eyes, the way they always did when she had to deal with Phils father.Backpacking in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nexttime, I swear, Ill leave an address. Ill check my messages.He began to cry. Phils mom didnt sayanything else. She just reached for him, and Philsheart twisted at the way they clung to each other.He knew his dad was irresponsible and hopelesslybehind in child support and flaky and a failure. But nobody had ever loved Poppy more. Right then, Philcouldnt disapprove of him, not even with Cliff standing th ere for comparison.The shock came when his dad turned to Phil beforehandthe service. You know, she came to me last night,he said in a low voice. Her spirit, I mean. She visited me.Phil looked at him. This was the kind of weird statement that had brought on the divorce. His fatherhad always talked about peculiar dreams and seeingthings that werent there. Not to mention collecting articles about astrology, numerology, and UFOs.I didnt see her, but I heard her calling. I just wishshe hadnt sounded so frightened. Dont tell yourmother, but I got the feeling shes not at rest. Heput his hands over his face.Phil felt every hair on the back of his neck standup.But the spooky feeling was drowned almost immediately in the sheer grief of the funeral. In hearingthings like Poppy will live on forever in our heartsand memories. A silver hearse led the way to ForestPark burying ground, and everyone stood in the June sunshine as the minister said some last words overPoppys casket. By the time Phil had to put a rose on the casket, he was shaking.It was a terrible time. Two of Poppys girlfriendscollapsed in near-hysterical sobs. Phillips motherdoubled over and had to be led away from the casket.There was no time to think-then or at the potluckat Phils house afterward.But it was at the house that Phils two worlds collided. In the middle of all the milling confusion, hesaw James.He didnt know what to do. James didnt fit intowhat was going on here. Phil had half a mind togo over and tell him to get out, that the sick jokewas over.Before he could do anything, James walked up and said under his breath, Be ready at eleven oclock tonight.Phil was jolted. For what?Just be ready, okay? And have some of Poppysclothes with you. Whatever wont be missed. Phil didnt say anything, and James gave him an exasperated sideways look.We have to get her out,stupid. Or did you wantto leave her there?Crash. That was the sound of worlds colliding. For a moment Phil was spinning in space with his feeto n neither one.Then with the normal world in shards around him, he leaned against a wall and whispered, I cant. Icant do it. Youre crazy.Youre the one whos crazy. Youre acting like itnever happened. And you have to help, because I cant do it alone. Shes going to be confused at first, like a sleepwalker. Shellneed you.That galvanized Phil. He jerked to stand up straightand whispered, Did you hear her last night?James looked away. She wasnt awake. She was just dreaming.How could we hear her from so far away? Evenmy dadheard it. Listen. He grabbed James by thelapel of his jacket. Are you sure shes okay?A minute ago you were convinced she was dead and gone. Now you want guarantees that shes fine.Well, I cant give you any. He stared Phil down with eyes as cold as gray ice. Ive never done this before, all right? Im just going by the book. And there arealways things that can go wrong.But,he said terselywhen Phil opened his mouth, the one thing I doknow is that if we leave her where she is, shes goingto have a very caustic awakening. Get it?Phils hand unclenched slowly and he let go of thejacket. Yeah. Im sorry. I just cant believe any ofthis. He looked up to see that Jamess expressionhad softened slightly. But if she was yelling last night, then she was alive then, right?And strong, James said. Ive never known a stronger telepath. Shes really going to be something.Phil tried not to depicting what. Of course, Jameswas a vampire, and he looked perfectly normalmost of the time. But Phils mind kept throwing outpictures of Poppy as a Hollywood monster. Red eyes,chalky skin, and dripping teeth.If she came out like that, hed try to love her. Butpart of him might want to get a stake.Forest Park cemetery was completely.different at night. The darkness seemed very thick. There was a sign on the fight gate that said, No visitors after sunset, but the gate itself was open.I dont want to be here, Phil thought.James drove down the single lane road that curvedaround the cemetery and parked underneath a hugeand ancient gingko tree.What if somebody sees us? Dont they have aguard or something?They have a night watchman. Hes asleep. I tookcare of it before I picked you up. James got out andbegan unloading an amazing amount of equipmentfrom the backseat of the Integra.Two heavy duty flashlights. A crowbar. Some old boards. A couple of tarps. And two spick shovels.Help me carry this stuff.Whats it allfor?But Phil helped. Gravelcrunched under his feet as he followed James on oneof the little winding paths. They went up some weathered wooden stairs and down the other sideand then they were in Toyland.That was what somebody at the funeral had calledit. Phil had overheard two business friends of Cliffstalking about it. It was a section of the cemetery where mostly kids were buried. You could tell without even looking at the headstones because therewere teddy bears and things on the graves.Poppys grave was right on the edge of Toyland. Itdidnt have a headstone yet, o f course. There was only a green plastic marker.James dumped his armload on the grass and thenknelt to examine the ground with a flashlight.Phil stood silently, looking around the cemetery.He was still scared, partly with the normal fear that theyd get caught before they got finished, and partlywith the supernatural fear that they wouldnt.Theonly sounds were crickets and distant traffic. Treebranches and bushes moved gently in the wind.Okay, James said. First weve got to peel this sod off.Huh? Phil hadnt even thought about why therewas already grass on the new grave. But of course itwas sod. James had tack the edge of one strip and was rolling it up like a carpet.Phil found another edge. The strips were about sixfeet long by one and a half feet wide. They wereheavy, but it wasnt too hard to roll them up and off the foot of the grave. allow em there. Weve got to put them on againafterward, James grunted. We dont want it to lookas if this place has been disturbed.A light went on for Phil.Thatswhy the tarpsand stuff.Yeah. A little mess wont be suspicious. But if weleave dirt befuddled everywhere, somebodys going towonder. James laid the boards around the perimeterof the grave, then spread the tarps on either side.Phil helped him straighten them.What was left where the sod had been was fresh,loamy soil. Phil positioned aflashlight and picked upa shovel.I dont believe Im doing this, he thought.But he was doing it. And as long as all he thoughtabout was the physical work, the job of digging a hole in the ground, he was okay. He operose on that and stepped on the shovel.It went straight into the dirt, with no resistance. It was easy to spade up one shovel of dirt and drop it onto the tarp. But by about the ordinal shovelful,he was getting tired.This is insane. We need a backhoe, he said, wiping his forehead.You can rest if you want, James said coolly.Phil understood. James was the backhoe. He wasstronger than anyone Phil had ever seen. He pitchedup shovelful aft er shovelful of dirt without even straining. He made it look like fun.Whydont we have you on any. of the teams atschool? Phil said, leaning heavily on his shovel.I prefer individual sports. deal wrestling, Jamessaid and grinned, just for a moment, up at Phil. It was the kind of locker-room remark that couldnt be misunderstood from one guy to another. He meantwrestling with, for instance, Jacklyn and Michaela.And, just at that contingent moment, Phil couldnt help grinning back. He couldnt summon up anyrighteous disapproval.Even with James, it took a long time to dig thehole. It was wider than Phil would have thought necessary. When his shovel finallychunkedon somethingsolid, he found out why.Its the vault, James said.Whatvault?The burial vault. They put the coffin inside it so it doesnt get crushed if the ground collapses. Get outand hand me the crowbar.Phil climbed out of the hole and gave him thecrowbar. He could see the vault now. It was made ofunfinished concrete and he guessed that it was just a rectangular box with a lid. James was prying thelid off with the crowbar.There, James said, with an volatile grunt as he lifted the lid and slid it, by degrees, behind the concrete box. That was why the hole was so wide, toaccommodate the lid on one side and James on theother.And now, looking straight down into the hole, Philcould see the casket. A huge spray of slightly crushedyellow roses was on top.James was breathing hard, but Phil didnt think itwas with exertion. His own lungs felt as if they werebeing squeezed flat, and his heart was thudding hardenough to shake his body.Oh, God, he said quietly and with no particular emphasis.James looked up. Yeah. This is it. He pushed theroses down toward the foot of the casket. Then, inwhat seemed like slow motion to Phillip, he began unfastening latches on the caskets side.When they were unfastened, he paused for just aninstant, both hands flat on the smooth surface of thecasket. Then he lifted the upper panel, and Phi llip could see what was inside.

Modern Political Theory

Freedom, one of our most(prenominal) common and powerful concepts, is used (and misused) with extraordinarily little appreciation of its signifi stoogece. Not only is clean-handeddom poorly mum, but we are falsely confident that we do understand it (Dudley 24). One of my main goals in this paper, therefore, is to explain it. In order to do so, in viewence ought to be understood or conceived by comparison.In preparation for these interpretations, the paper leave behind run across very presently the two most important conceptions of lightdom on which Mill and Nietzsche build. The first and less comprehensive of these two is that of liberalism. The second, which is much comprehensive than that of liberalism, is that of Nietzsche. The purpose of this paper is to consider the relationships between the conceptions of liberty developed by Mill and Nietzsche. These conceptions, while undeniably different, are complementary.Nietzsche believed that freedom is one of the fundamental p roblems. But not freedom understood in conventional or semipolitical terms. Freedom for Nietzsche depends upon both clean virtue and intellectual virtue, yet it is neither exercised in or nor achieved through political living. That does not mean that Nietzsches account of freedom is devoid of political implications. To the contrary, his peculiar identification of freedom with philosophy and mastery reflects a rank order of set in which political liberty and legal slavery are essenti aloney indistinguishableboth, from the perspective afforded by the commanding heights above political heart where the free spirit dwells, are equally forms of unfreedom.Addressing a serious word to the most serious, Nietzsche connects freedom to devotion to the truth (BGE 25). While he warns philosophers and friends of knowledge most the temptation to martyrdom involved in suffering for the truths sake (BGE 25), he nevertheless indicates that the truth is worth seeking for those fit for freedom and solitude. Whereas scientific knowledge serves life by fostering ignorance, philosophical knowledge seems to undermine life by estranging the knower from society.Whereas the scientist, a lover of ignorance from Nietzsches perspective, is destined to a pleasant unfreedom, the philosopher, in Nietzsches sense of the term a lover of truth, achieves an excruciating freedom through fidelity to his vocation. This fidelity consists in a measured skepticism directed toward all doctrines, accompanied by a prudent withdrawal from political life.The free spirits knowledge and freedom are not the highest of which human beings are capable. The highest awaits the advent of a new species of philosophers (BGE 42-44). These future philosophers are especially characterized by the risky experiments they undertake. They probably will be friends of truth and very likely will love their truths, but, Nietzsche insists, they will certainly not be dogmatists (BGE 43).By this he does not mean that the new ph ilosophers will lack beliefs they hold to be true, but rather that they will stop from insisting that what is true for them must be a truth for everyman. Yet so far from reflecting a leveling doctrine that celebrates the equality or haughtiness of all opinions, Nietzsches understanding of dogmatism is rooted in the profoundly gamy view that only the higher type of man is fit to hear, and to live in accordance with, the highest insights (BGE 30).While the free spirit remains the new philosophers herald and precursor (BGE 44), there is a chasm on the opposite side between the freedom of the free spirit (der Freie Geist) and the freedom of the falsely so-called free spirits, that is, the freethinkers (Freidenker), the democrats, all the goodly advocates of modern ideas (BGE 44). Free thinkers reveal their unfreedom in their basic inclination to see aristocratic political life as the root of all suffering and misfortune.Nietzsche discovers in the democratic interpretation of politic al life the same offense against truth that he guides Plato perpetrated, for it is a way of standing truth happily up on her head (BGE 44). Democratic freethinkers, wishing to spread material prosperity, guarantee comfort and security, pee-pee universal equality, and most characteristically abolish suffering, are blind to the rank order of human types and hence enslaved to ignorance.What is so terrible from Nietzsches point of view in the promotion of democratic, bourgeois notions of the good is not simply that the democratic interpretation of man is false but rather that, like Socrates theoretical interpretation of public and Christianitys religious interpretation of the world, the democratic interpretation cripples those of high rank by poisoning the air that free spirits breathe.The free spirit is educated and high-sounding not by material prosperity but by deprivation, not by comfort and security but by fear and isolation, not by equality but by slavery, not by the abolition of suffering but by the release of everything evil, terrible, tyrannical in man, and not by enjoyment but by malice against the lures of dependence that lie hidden in honors, or money, or offices, or enthusiasms of the senses (BGE 44). Nietzsche knows of no interest that supersedes, recognizes no right that limits, and sees no good beside that of the higher type. This is not a matter of calculation but of principle.Embracing as his own the struggle to return truth to her feet and restore her dignity, Nietzsche defends truths honor by challenging not only Plato but Christianity, the form in which reality has conquered Europe. The struggle against Christianity has opened up tremendous new possibilities it has created in Europe a magnificent tension of the spirit, the like of which has never yet existed on earth.Note that Nietzsche not only makes philosophy, and its political reflection in Christianity, responsible for the worst, most durable, and most dangerous of all errors, but, in proclaiming that with so tense a bow we can now shoot for the most distant goals, he also finds in philosophy the source of his highest hope (Dudley 31). That most distant goal, which he speculates is only now coming into view for good Europeans, and free, very free spirits, among whom he classes himself, is a philosophy of the future.Platonism and Christianity granted human beings a sense of security as individuals. Christianity did this by promising a beatific afterlife as a honor for the proper conduct of this life. Platonism gave the individual the hope that individual limitations could be transcended by rational insight which, when fully developed, could transport the soul to an experience of the ultimate, atemporal reality. Christianity and Platonism offered the individual a sense that the activities of this life were meaningful by referring them to unchanging realities outside life.The Platonic-Christian interpretation of individual existence is, in a sense, already dead, concord to Nietzsche. The members of the modern world do not really experience their lives as meaningful as a consequence of these traditions extraworldly visions. But modern human beings who contain come to believe that this world is the only world, this life the only life the individual will ever experience, are likely to be disturbed by this insight. Our Platonic and Christian background has given us the sense that our activities have meaning, yet the ground of that meaning no longer seems available.Nietzsches version of this critique of liberalism is unuttered in his word of honors of decadence. For the decadent subject, it turns out, is precisely one whose will fails to be self-determining. Free volition is reserved for, and is the determining characteristic of, the noble subject, with whom Nietzsche contrasts the decadent. Nietzsches discussions of decadence and nobility can thus fruitfully be understood as addressing the question of the necessary requirements of a free will.Nietzsche also recognizes, like Mill, that even the most freely willing subject remains incompletely free, and that an adequate account of freedom must therefore discuss the activities that provide a liberation that willing cannot. Nietzsches account of the limitations of willing is implicit in his critique of nobility. The noble subject manages to will freely, but nonetheless remains externally determined and so incompletely free.This incomplete freedom of nobility is overcome only by those individuals and communities able to develop the stance that Nietzsche characterizes as tragic. Nietzsche understands the development of the tragic stance required by freedom to depend upon philosophy. He thus add togethers with Mill that freedom is not only treated in philosophical works, but also produced through philosophical practice.Mills discussion of liberty focuses on when society whitethorn impose constraints on individuals, rather than on the nature of constraint. Accordingly, hi s discussion generally refers to intentional, rather than unintentional, constraints on individuals. Nevertheless, Mill believes that tradition and traditions are constraining. To the extent that these are the unintentional results of human life, he is committed to the view that some constraint is unintentional.Mill has argued that the social tyranny of others which takes place in moral coercion, custom, and tradition is one of the most important constraints that hoi polloi face today (Mill 1956 7). For instance, if people express their views that homosexuality or polygamy ought to be allowed, but their neighbors and employers strongly take issue (even though the government does not), they may be constrained in their actions and lifestyles. Finding work may be more difficult access to housing may be blocked. They may feel themselves compelled to move to other cities or countries to live. Thus, though early liberalism placed great emphasis on the limitation of freedom by physical constraint, it is false to maintain that it has only done this.Mill is simply much more sensitive than Nietzsche in recognizing that social pressure may be more formidable than many kinds of political oppression, since, though not usually upheld by such extreme penalties, it leaves fewer means of escape, penetrating much more deeply into the details of life, and enslaving the soul itself (Mill 1956 7). Further, Mills view has been dominant amongst liberals. Morality, custom, tradition, and the law are viewed as constraints on peoples freedom. One is less free to the extent that he or she is constrained by any of these institutions.The implication of the preceding expanded concept of constraint is that any narrow or dependant model of liberal freedom can no longer be defended. Once the Pandoras box of constraints is opened, the thrust and momentum of this view is not to be detoured. The burden will always be placed on the person who claims not to see an obstacle by those who claim t o see the obstacle and claim that their activity is hindered, retarded, or impeded by that obstacle.Some liberals have tried to stem this tide, but they fight an overwhelming flood. The thrust of liberalism is such that if an obstacle can be humanly removed, then it will be seen as inhibiting someones freedom if it is not removed. The upshot is an enormous extension in the number and kinds of constraints to which people are thought to be subject. The implications of this are of the first importance.There remains one essential aspect of the liberal determination of when constraints may be imposed on other individuals. How directly or indirectly may individuals impose injuries on themselves or others without being legitimately subject to restraint in the name of freedom? To decide this issue is part and parcel of the liberal attempt to define a sphere of privacy as opposed to publicity a semiprivate realm of freedom, in which people may act, think, and relate to consenting others wi thout constraints imposed by others. In this private realm, and only in this private realm, may that type of complete freedom be most fully realized.Mill refers to such a sphere of personal, private life, where society may not legitimately interfere as the appropriate region of human liberty (Mill 1956 16). In this realm, Mill says, in the part which merely concerns himself, his independence is, of right, absolute. Over himself, over his body and mind, the individual is self-directed (Mill 1956 13).Nietzsches philosophical practice, however, is quite obviously not the same as Mills. Mills philosophy is always systematic philosophy. Nietzschean philosophy is resolutely unsystematic. And thus, although Mill and Nietzsche agree that philosophy has a role to play in our liberation, the liberating roles that they envision for philosophy, and consequently their conceptions of freedom itself, are significantly different.Works CitedBeyond Good and Evil, trans. Walter Kaufmann, New York Vi ntage, 1966.Dudley, Will. Hegel, Nietzsche, and Philosophy Thinking Freedom. Cambridge University run Cambridge, 2002.Mill, J. S. On Liberty, Indianapolis The Bobbs-Merrill Company, Inc, 1956.

Marketing the X-Box

IntroductionThe main aim of this project is to help me understand the tradeing process, which is required to launch a new successful growth. The new merchandise I get out be commercializeing is the Microsoft X recess. Millions of new mathematical harvestings ar launched e very(prenominal) year worldwide. Most are unsuccessful and are taken off the grocery after a while. Without tradeing a new product is very apt(predicate) to fail. Microsoft ineluctably to market their products beca intention there is so much choice in the market. foodstuffing exit give Microsoft a better understanding of the market and customers needs and wants.I result be acting as the marketing director within this company. commercializeing is staple fiber every last(predicate)y the management process, which is responsible for identifying potentially profitable products and them interchange them to customers.Microsoft is a multi-national successful company with substantial profits and is aimi ng at a mass market with the X Box rather than a niche market. Microsoft depart want to treat to as legion(predicate) places as possible.A marketing plan would help improve the companys performance and increase gross revenue. Theres a lot more than than than to marketing than just announce, marketing involves looking the market and finding out what customers want. Developing and designing a product that satisfies customers and consumers. Producing the right amount and to the right quality of the product. make sure that the customer is cognisant of the product and what its somewhat. Getting the worth right so that the product is affordable to customers, but excessively allows the affair to be profitable. Ensuring that the product is on sale in places convenient to the customers.This privy be summed up using a term called the marketing mix or the 4Ps, place, product, damage and promotion. sharpenA product is unlikely to be successful if customers find it challenging t o purchase. So place is a vital distinguish of the marketing mix. Microsoft needs to get by how to get their products to the customer. Channels of distribution need to be efficient and effective. For a product to deceive it mustiness be in the right place at the right snip for customers to spoil. Microsoft needs to find out where its convenient for customers to buy the X Box. The X Box is likely to sell more in Electronics boutique rather than New Look because bulk go into New Look to buy clothes not games consoles, but mint do go into Electronics dress shop to buy computer games or games consoles. I forget need to look at Where to sell the X Box and why? Channels of distribution. Selling to places that practise tarnish the companys good reputation. Where its convenient to sell to customers. Selling to as many places as possible (mass market). Disadvantages and advantages of selling the X Box in certain places. productionMicrosoft declare to decide what product or range of products they are going to sell. They also have to decide what quality of product they wish to make and sell, what piss to give the product and how it is to be packaged. An different decision is whether to attempt to brand the product. I will have to look at The product life hertz and how it could locomote the X Box. Why is the product is called the X Box. Product range. Does the product satisfy the needs and wants of the customers? investigate and development of the X Box. Is Microsoft product orientated or market orientated? Importance of quality. Product contrastingiation. Disadvantages and advantage of the X Box.PromotionMicrosoft needs to decide how best to promote the products they make and sell. The decision involves weighing up the relative make up of each form or promotion and how best to sign their customers. They also need to consider the use of advertising agencies. Promotion is all to the highest degree communicating with potential customers, if the public i snt aware of the X Box then they are not likely to go out and buy it. Microsoft will also have to be careful not to weaken potential customers with advertising that discriminates against certain people, e.g. race or gender. When looking at the promotion part of the marketing mix I will have to consider Different types of advertising, where to use them, why, the cost and will they be effective. Different types of promotions, where to use them, why, the cost and will they be effective. Stages of the product life cycle and how the affect the promotion of the X Box. Disadvantage and advantage to promotion.PricePrice is another element of the marketing mix. Microsoft must decide how to price its product. In making this decision Microsoft has to consider, what are the prices set by competitors, how price can be apply to increase sales of the product, whether the price will cover cost of production, whether customers are willing to pay that set price and different pricing strategies muc h(prenominal)(prenominal) as skimming or perceptivity pricing. When looking at the price section of the marketing mix I will have to consider a number of things Prices set by competitors. How price can increase or decrease sales. Does that price cover cost of production? Are the customers willing to pay that price? Different pricing strategies much(prenominal) as skimming and penetration. Disadvantages and advantages to setting that price.If the marketing mix is wrong, for example, the price of the X Box is too high and it is not selling in places convenient to customers, the X Box wont be as successful as it could be. The marketing mix is a vital part of ensuring a new products success, without it the product will fail.Market investigate is a major part of this project. It can help me to find out the customers needs and wants, which will enable me to create the right marketing mix. The product needs to be affordable, make a profit and to be promoted and sold in the right places. It is also very important that the X Box is aimed at the right segment of the market. The market can be split into different categoriesAgeAge can be separated into years or power points of life e.g. child, teenager, adult or pensioner. Microsoft mainly targets adults with their existing products. With the X Box Microsoft is likely to target younger people such as teenagers because they are more likely to buy the X Box rather than a pensioner.GenderDifferent products can be aimed at different genders e.g. make up is aimed at women and beer is aimed at men. Some people could say this is sexist but men are more likely to buy beer than make up. Businesses have to be very careful when advertising to certain genders as not to offend people. Microsoft are likely to aim the X Box more to males rather than females because boy lead to buy games consoles and computer games more than girls.Income/OccupationThe population can be segmented according to their salary or occupation. Microsoft mai nly targets people with above total income because their products can be slightly expensive, but they have to be careful not to advertise this because people could get offended. Microsoft also has to make sure their product is affordable to as many people as possible but not deject the price too much in case they tolerate profits.AreaThe area in which people live can divide the population. People in the northeast of England may have a different life-style to people the south of England, hence their needs and wants will differ. Microsoft will need to promote the X Box in different way of lifes according to localization as to satisfy a mass market.Ethnic, cultural and religious groupsBusinesses need to be careful with the production and promotion of its products when it comes to different religions. If a business decides to stick its products in Asia because of cheap labour, people from Asia could refrain from buying that business product because they are offended. Equally bus inesses have to be careful when advertising its products as not to offend people of certain ethnic, cultural or religious groups.Socio economic groupingsOne of the most important ways of separating the population is the use of socio-economic groupings. Socio-economic groupings work like this complaisantGradeSocialStatusHead of householdsOccupation% of total UK populationAUpper Middle setHigher managerial, administrative or passkey such as doctors, truthyers and company directors.3.5%BMiddleIntermediate managerial, administrative or professional such as teachers, nurses and managerial.12-13%C1Lower Middle Classsupervisory or clerical and junior managerial administrative or professional such as shop assistants, clerks and police constables.22%C2Skilled Working ClassSkilled manual workers such as carpenters, cooks and train drivers.32-33%DWorking ClassSemi skilled and unskilled manual workers such as fitters and storekeepers.19-20%EThe Poorest In SocietyState pensioners or widows, casual or lower grade workers, or long-term unemployed.10%The Product Life CycleThe festering StageProducts start life in the development coiffe. This is where the product is designed and also where the majority of the marketing is done. There are no profits at this stage, only costs. Microsoft will have to make up for the currency lost in the growth stage of the product life cycle.The Introduction StageThis is the stage where the product is launched. Profits and sales are minimal in this stage, but it doesnt last too long if good advertising is utilise to make the customers aware of the product.The Growth StageSales and profits are increasing rapidly in this stage. Microsoft will have to consider what pricing strategies and promotions to use to keep the X Box in this stage as long as possible.MaturityIn the maturity stage, the product reaches a peak in terms of sales. investigate and development costs are likely to be paying off. The product could be profitable enough to be f inancing the development of new products. intensivenessTowards the end of the maturity stage the market becomes saturated. Competitors bring out products to supply and take sales away. It is likely that Microsoft will not be able to sell any more of the X Box at this point.DeclineEventually a product is likely to go into decline, sales will drop dramatically. Microsoft could try extension strategies at this stage to try and increase sales slightly or they could just withdraw the product from the market.The product life cycle can affect a lot of the marketing mix, for example, which promotions and pricing strategies to use at certain stages in the product life cycle.A Business would like to be in a sellers market where customers have little choice but to buy from them. In a buyers market though, business have to be market orientated and the greater is the need for effective marketing. I think Microsoft is in the buyers market. Although they are a major company with substantial profi ts, Microsoft still have disputation such as smaller software companies. The product X Box is a slightly different product from what Microsoft usually sells.Microsoft specialises in software and hardware for PCs, the X Box is a games consol, and so the main competition will be Sony and their Playstation. Although the Playstation is a very successful product it may be entering decline in the product life cycle because the Playstation has been around for a while. When the Sony Playstation started to enter the maturity stage Sony launched a new product the Playstation 2, this would be the X box main competition.I think Microsoft could afford a very large budget because the companys profits are very large, the fact that they have spent a lot of money developing the product could affect the budget for marketing the product. I estimate that the budget would be somewhere around 20 million.Im going to cover non-homogeneous areas of marketing, which will include* Analysing the market, fin ding out what customers want, where best to sell it and find out about the competition and target market.* Market Research, desk search and field research.* The Product, product differentiation, ways of differentiating the product, branding and retailing.* The Product Life Cycle, look at what similar products have gone through in the five main stages. Development, introduction, growth, maturity and saturation, and decline.* Pricing, competition, costs of making, affordability and pricing strategies.* Demand and Supply, what people want, how much they want and what they are willing to pay.* Promotion, advertising packaging, direct mail etc* Place, channels of distribution.* Retailing, how retailing within the company would affect marketing.* Constraints on Marketing, the law, ethics and the market and pressure groups.They are many disadvantages and advantages of marketing. Disadvantages include things such as, cost and constraints on marketing. Constraints on marketing are ethical c onsiderations, the law ( lot Descriptions Act 1968), codes of reading (Advertising Standards Authority) and pressure groups. Ethical considerations include things such as labour, many multinational companies have been criticised for using workers in the Far East because they are relatively cheap, and the business want to take advantage of the lower costs of production.Nike was once criticised by the press because of the high prices they charge for their goods and the low wages paid to workers and low costs of production. Microsoft will have to ensure that they dont put too much of a profit mark up on the X Box, and also make ensure their workers are treated fairly. Other ethical considerations are the use of promotions and advertising such as the use of images in adverts. Many companies have been attacked by pressure groups because of the content of the adverts they use, such as images of beautiful woman that lure men into buying the product and reading included in the adverts. Fo r fount should a washing powder manufacturer claim in an advert that its washing powder washes whiter than other powders on the market when there is no scientific proof that it does?Should tobacco companies promote their products when they damage peoples health? If people are really shocked by an advert they may consider not buy the products produced by that company, therefore Microsoft will have to be careful when choosing methods of promotion. The law ensures that advertising does not fool the public. The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 states that is illegal for products to be falsely described for example Microsoft couldnt advertise the X Box as if it comes with a free TV if it doesnt. The government has encouraged businesses to adopt a code of practice as an alternative to passing laws. Codes of practice are rules, which businesses voluntarily agree to keep, but have no legal status.Advantages of marketing includeHelping the business to get a better understanding of the market, ma rketing also lets the business to know what price, to set where to sell the product what promotions to use and what the potential customers want from the product. Market research will also tell the company whether there is a demand for the product in question.Marketing will change across different countries because different countries have a different way of life. For instance people in America can afford to pay a lot more for the X Box than people in the poorer parts of Africa and Asia.Market ResearchMicrosoft needs information if they are to make good decisions. They need information about their target market to help them create a successful marketing mix. One way of gaining that information is by carrying out market research. Market research is a cost-effective way of finding out what people believe, think, want, need or do. There are various types of market research. Microsoft needs to decide what market research methods are most likely to give them the information they need.Bus inesses, which are mainly product, orientated risk spending a large amount of resources open up a product, which proves to be a failure. Researching the market helps reduce the risk. Microsoft should focus research and design effort onto products, which have a chance of success in the market place. When the product is launched a carefully researched product stands slight chance of failing.Stages of Market ResearchMarket research will help Microsoft to find answers to questions about the market.* What is the target market for the X Box?* How can Microsoft use the X Box to increase market share?* What is the right price to set that will tap profits and be affordable to as many people as possible?* What are the right promotions to use that will appeal to Microsofts target market?* Wheres the best place to sell the X Box?* What do customers want and need?* What is the demand for the X Box?* What are existing patterns of sales for other games consoles?I then need to decide what inform ation might help answer the questions, then I need to decide how best to collect this information. The information is then quiet and analysed. Finally Microsoft has to make a decision about what to do in the light of the information gained.Desk ResearchDesk research involves the use of lowly data. This is information that is already available both within and outside the business.Information within the businessMicrosoft collects information routinely. Invoices for instance will tell them how much they sell and who they are selling to.Information outside the businessBusinesses can also collect information, which is available from sources outside the business such as* Internal sources such as sales invoices, reports and accounts.* Government published statistics such as consumer spending figures, reports such as monopolies and mergers commission reports.* The Media reports in newspapers, magazines on radio and on TV.* Trade associations statistics or reports published by national organisations such as the TUC, the CBI or chambers of commerce or industry associations such as the Engineering Employers Federation.* Research organisations reports prepared by specialist market research organisations such as Mintel or Mori articles published in academic journals such as university journals.Field ResearchField research involves the collection of ancient data, information that no one has yet collected. It is collected specially for the particular piece of research. Primary data is collected through direct investigation, usually through observation, survey or experiment.To help me create my marketing mix I used both secondary and primary research. I collected primary data in the form of a questionnaire that I asked 50 people. I used secondary data from the Internet. I used the Internet to find out about Video Game sales and I found a report by PC Data about home Internet users planing to purchase console or PC games during the 2000 holiday season, and that PC and console gaming is no longer a male-dominated domain. This was very multipurpose research and it helped me a lot when putting together my marketing plan. I didnt find any information from the media or the government because of lack of time.Quantitative and soft ResearchThere are two main types of survey data decimal, and qualitative.QuantitativeQuantitative research results numerical data.At the completion of a quantifiable project it is possible to say (for example) what proportion or percentage of the population fall into different groups those that want something, those that would be likely to buy something, those that are in favour of a particular policy or plan, etc.The essence of quantitative research is that every respondent is asked the same series of questions.Quantitative research can be done in various waysBy face-to-face interviewing, either in the street or, for more complex projects, in peoples homes. This was the traditionalistic approach to data collection, an d remains important. In-home work is particularly suitable for elongated interviews, or for some sensitive subjects. The understanding that can be established amongst the interviewer and the soulfulness being interviewed (the respondent) can help to ensure that detailed and thorough information is obtained.By telephone.This is a fast-growing form of data collection, is somewhat less expensive per interview than face-to-face, and can provide data more quickly in some cases, overnight.Telephone research would rarely be suitable for lengthy interviews, but it can be ideal for smaller-scale, fast turn-round projects both amongst the public and for business research.Both face-to-face and telephone research involve the most basic form of data gathering, talking to people. There is one other form of quantitative data collection that should be mentioned postal and self-completion research, which is the cheapest form of quantitative research, though it can take a relatively long time to gather data by post. Self-completion questionnaires can be handed out, for example, at exhibitions, on aircraft, or in town centres, to get peoples views.Self-completion questionnaires must be kept simple and the researcher has little control over whom, or how many people, return the form.Another form of quantitative research is omnibus surveys. These are useful for those with small budgets and relatively few questions to ask.Qualitative ResearchQualitative research, though it cannot provide numerical data, provides understanding of how or why things are as they are. It can be used on its own or to help in the development of a questionnaire for a quantitative study.There is no fixed set of questions and therefore no assumptions about what is, or is not, important. Instead there is a list of topics, problems, or possibilities to be explored. The form and nature of the discussion is heavily influenced by the informants own concerns or assumptions.Qualitative research is the way in wh ich normal or relevant peoples attitudes and beliefs can be explored, and ideas can be generated. It can be used for everything from testing reaction to a potential new advertising campaign, to exploring staff attitudes to a new management structure or procedure.There are various sorts of qualitative research, including the following.* Unstructured interviews with a single informant, ground on a framework of themes and topics. The interview is adapted to the individual, and the interviewer feeds off and responds to the respondents replies.* Focus groups (or group discussions) involve a similar approach but bring together a number of relevant people typically about eight and therefore benefit from the interaction between the different personalities and experiences in the group.I used quantitative research because I needed to find information quickly and easily, I think qualitative research would have been a lot more time consuming and will have used a lot of resources. I decided the best way to collect information about the market was to use a survey. A survey cant ask customers for their opinion. Only a fraction or sample of customers can be surveyed. To be useful, the sample chosen must be a representation of all consumers. In a random sample, every potential respondent has an equal chance of being chosen. Random verse can be used to do this or it could be done by picking people out of a hat. It is often quite difficult to construct a truly random sample. So a cheaper and quicker method is to use systematic sample.This is where every 100th or 1000th person on a list such as the telephone book is chosen. A systematic sample is not truly random though and therefore the results may be less reliable. In a quota sample, the sample is broken down or stratified. One problem with a quota sample is that any people who fit the description can be asked to complete the survey. So Microsoft wanting to find 50 people aged 13 30 to complete a survey could ask the firs t 50 13 30 year olds who came out of Electronics Boutique in Bedford. This may not be very substitute of all 13 30 years olds nationally. A stratified random sample may get round this problem. It is a quota sample where all the respondents, the people being interviewed, must be chosen at random. Microsoft would have to find some way of selecting people aged 13 30 through fresh chance.I used a quota sample, I asked 50 people in Electronics Boutique my questionnaire. I used Electronics Boutique because a lot of people go in there to buy game consoles and other computer related products, and asking this people would give me a good idea of the target market. I think my data is quite reliable because the people I asked my questionnaire to are the people that are most likely to buy Microsofts products.PricePricing StrategiesThe product should be launched in November ready for the Christmas rush. The pricing strategy skimming should be used in the introduction and the growth stage of the product life cycle. skim is setting a high price initially and then lowering it later on. This is almost always used for products that incorporate new technology such as new DVD players and PCs. Some people are willing to pay high prices for new technology, the price of the X Box will be set high at first to catch this end of the market. By doing this Microsoft can maximise their profits and cover the costs of developing the X Box.When sales start to slow down Microsoft should lower the price and use a different pricing strategy. To ensure sales keep increasing half way though the growth stage Microsoft should change the pricing strategy from skimming to market orientated. This is where the price charged is based on analysis of the market and its characteristics. Market research might need to be undertaken again at this point to ensure that Microsoft knows what the customers are willing to pay. Market orientated pricing should be used at this point because the top end of the mar ket is likely to be saturated, Microsoft will need to lower the price of the X Box slightly to provide for the people that arent willing to pay as much.Using market orientated pricing will therefore help keep sales rising and the X Box will appeal to a broader market. When the sales of the X Box are slowing down it could be because of competition. This is when Microsoft will need to use competition based pricing because new games consoles will be being launched and the X Box wont be new technology anymore. Microsoft will need to lower the price a lot to compete with the new technology and keep people interested.Psychological pricing could be used throughout the life cycle. This is when a product is priced at 99p instead of a pound so that the customers automatically think its cheaper.I dont think Microsoft will need to use cost based pricing with the X Box because Microsoft makes so much money off existing products going into debt wont be a problem. The X Box will soon make up for t he research and developing costs in the growth stage of the life cycle. Penetration pricing also isnt appropriate for the X Box because new technology doesnt rise in price as it becomes more popular it starts off at a high price because of the cost of development.Price to be SetIn the introduction stage of the life cycle the X Box should be priced at 299, in the growth stage the price should be lowered to about 249, when the market has been saturated the price should be lowered again to 199 and when the product goes into decline it should be priced between 99 and 149.Factors Affecting the Price Cost of promotions and advertising Cost of research and development Customers needs and wants Competitors Demand Costs of distribution

Genetically Modified Foods †Friend or Foe Essay

In 1998 the first genetically limited (GM) food was approved for state-supported consumption. Since then GM foods chief(prenominal)tain become part of the worlds food supply and ar produced in several(prenominal) countries. speckle horror stories in the 90s promised dire consequences for introducing GM foods to the populace most of those problems adjudge failed to arise as promised. Some scientists say that GM foods are completely strong and the proof magnate be that we are all still here to debate the point. GM foods are non labeled in the United States and chances are that most Ameri faecess have already eaten GM foods.Still, how much is known about the GM foods that Americans are unknowingly feeding to their families? Is managing to survive the experiment the only yardstick we should use to posting risk? Genetically modified foods might be dangerous and more testing is desperately needed to avoid health hazards. While the FDA and their scientists say that GM foods are s afe, the U. S. government is already aware that there have been problems with GM foods. yet before genetic modification became the industry it is today there were problems linked with hormonally enhanced foods.Small changes in our food supply can cause large results. Of course, the problems are just a small percentage of the whole. In 1998 Harvard checkup School released a study (as cited by Larsen, 1998, 1) showing evidence that a product known as Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST) increased the chances of humans underdeveloped cancer. Bovine Somatotropin is a hormone produced by cattle which is similarly known as Bovine Growth Hormone. The Recombinant status means it was synthetically produced exploitation recombinant DNA technology. The synthetic chemical is injected into cows to stimulate milk production.Milk cows in the United States and England were once treated with this chemical but England tabu its use after the link between rBST and cancer was shown (Larsen, 199 8). The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) says that the chemical is safe and not only approves of its use but does not allow labeling of the products that come from the cows that are injected with rBST (Epstein, 1996 FDA Consumer, 1999). Of secondary concern when dealing with rBST injected cattle is the worry of infection. The more milk a cow produces the more believably it becomes that she testament suffer from udder inflammation.This inflammation is regularly treated with antibiotics to which the cows are developing a resistance to over time. Not only can this resistance be passed along to the humans who drink the milk but humans can also have allergic reactions to the antibiotic traces left in the milk (Epstein, 1996). In 1989 approximately 5000 individuals became suddenly ill. This illness was later traced back to a health food supplement that had been created using GM enhanced bacteria. Of those 5000 people, 37 later died and 1500 were permanently disabled. The toxin which ca used the problem was present in only 0. 01% of the product.One percent is below the level that would have caused concern or a sustain of production. In 1996 a company created a B2 vitamin to be sold with GM bacteria and the FDA approved it as long as any contaminants were not piece at greater than 0. 01%. With that standard in place the 1989 toxin problem would not be detected nonetheless if it happened today (Antoniou, 1996, 5-6). While the FDA does set the standards there is in truth little actual oversight of the biotech companies. As of 1992 (as cited by Whitman, 2000) the FDA policy is that biotech companies may voluntarily ask for a consultation with the FDA.The consultation is not compulsory and even if used the company does not have to follow the FDA recommendations. The United States Department of Agriculture ( farming) has the power to quarantine straddles that are a danger but the biotech companies do not require a permit from the USDA as long as their product meets a short set of standards created to en real the safety of the crop itself. To put it simply, the FDA is responsible for food safety and the USDA is responsible for plant and crop safety (Whitman, 2000, 32-35). The FDA sets the requirements that GM foods must meet to be declared safe.The main requirement for safety is that the modified food organism judged is substantially equivalent to the original non-modified food (Physicians and Scientists for the Responsible Application of acquirement and Technology PSRAST, 2006). For example, if a biomed modified potato is found to still be substantially equivalent to a regular potato then no further testing is needed. The theory is that being substantially equivalent gives them the same level of safety. For a food to be judged substantially equivalent it must be similar on several points, which are chosen by the manufacturers themselves. on that point must be no overt difference between the GM food and the non-GM food in regard to taste, app earance, and several points selected by the manufacturer in the areas of chemical composition and nutritional composition. The only other test required is to do an analysis looking for allergen markers. If the computers find no reason to believe that the product can cause allergies then the product is approved. Human testing is never required (PSRAST, 2006, 20-25). If genetically altering foods is an inherently safe procedure then the above tests are a perfectly logical way to test GM foods.If the foods are as unsafe as whatsoever claim then it is a dangerous policy for the biotech companies and the U. S. government to decide upon. In 1994 the FDA stated that modified foods were as safe as their non-modified counterparts and policy decisions have been based on that statement. The government believes so strongly in the safety of GM foods that they do not require labeling of any kind to differentiate GM foods from non-modified food sources (Whitman, 2000, 38-43). Since there is no way to differentiate GM from non-GM products there is no way for Americans to know if they are eating GM foods.In 2003 half a dozen countries produced 99% of the transgenic crops, also known as GM crops, sold in the world. Of these six countries the United States sold, by far, the largest percentage of these crops (James, 2003). The chart below lists the acreage of these crops by millions. Figure 1 Obviously, not all is doom and gloom when looking at the above figures. Although biotechnology can do harm it can also stand by the world, maybe. According to Raney, Pingali, T. R, & R. R. in 2007 a new variety of rice named Golden Rice was modified to produce beta-carotene.The rice was developed specifically to help the starving and poor in third world countries who become ill from vitamin A deficiencies (p. 108). Three servings of Golden Rice a day give try an adult with 10% of their daily requirement of Vitamin A. While this does not seem earth shattering it shows a company attempt ing to use biotech to help others. Of course, even take for granted the FDA is right and the problems caused by GM foods are an aberration there is the USDAs bailiwick to ponder. Are the crops safe for the biosphere itself? That is a difficult question to answer, as well.Just like the food safety issue there are people on both sides of this argument who are convinced that they are right. On one side are the scientists who fully believe that the creation of GM foods cannot harm the biosphere and on the other are the scientists who believe that cross pollination will cause problems. According to the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University (2004) a list of recommended separation distances for GM crops was released by the USDA. According to the USDA if the separation distance is maintained and divider crops are planted then the risk for migration or cross pollination is minimal.Divider plants are tall plants that will block the flow of pollen from wind caused migration. With these precautions in place biosphere damage is supposed to be minimal. A photo taken by Percy Schmeiser and provided by The Nature take in 1994 shows that even if the worry of cross pollination or plant migration is overblown it is not an unproven phenomena. The field in the picture was planted with stubble in 1999. In the year 2000 they allowed it to lie fallow, in laymans terms they did not plant anything so to regenerate the soil.They sprayed the soil twice with a weed killer known as Round Up but somehow an herbicide resistant strain of canola plants migrated into the field. The bushes in the below picture are all a GM crop that was never planted by the farmer. No one is sure how it appeared in the field (Holdrege, 2004, 11). Figure 2 Even discounting the possibility of seed migration via accident or wind there is always the chance of cross pollination. With cross pollination one plant can inseminate or breed another plant via insect help or wind that it was not scheduled to pollinate.In this way a plant font that was supposed to be non-GM can be infected with GM genes without the farmer or company being aware of the problem. This has happened before to rice crops that were sold to atomic number 63 from the U. S. and caused the temporary halt of rice exports to certain companies in Europe. The rice in question was not approved for human consumption and no one is sure how it appeared either in the field or the food supply (Vogel, 2006). Besides cross pollination and migration one other crop issue needs to be addressed.Monsanto has produced crop plants that either target the RNA in insects to kill off their larvae, are tolerant of herbicides like Round Up to kill off weeds, or produce pesticides of their own to kill predatory insects (Whitman, 2000, 4-5 Webb, 2007). While these functions are beneficial to farmers in that they save money and protect the crops, there are some concerns with these changes. There is always the possibility of cross breeding or cross contamination affecting a species for which these changes were not intended. There is also the chance that the insect violent death modifications will kill off non-pest insects like butterflies.Lastly, there is a chance that plants that produce pesticides will be toxic to the humans or animals that ingest it (Whitman, 2000, 18-22). While opinions still vary on GM food safety, what becomes obvious is that there are more questions than answers. More testing and more rigorous safety and manipulate laws are needed to protect the populace from unmeant harm. While GM foods can be a boon to the world they can just as advantageously become a curse. Disease, poisonings, and even dangers to the biosphere itself are just some of the risks we currently run. The best way to safeguard our future is to demand that congress takes our safety seriously.References Antoniou, M. (1996). Is GM food devoid of DNA safe. Retrieved January 21, 2008, from http//www. purefood. org/ ge/noDNA. htm Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University. (2004). Concerns about current farming practices. Retrieved January 28, 2008, from http//cls. casa. colostate. edu/TransgenicCrops/croptocrop. html Epstein, Samuel S. (1996). untagged milk from cows treated with biosynthetic growth hormones a case of regulatory abdication. International Journal of Health Services, 26(1), 173-185. Holdrege, C. (2004).The trouble with genetically modified crops. Retrieved January 15, 2008, from http//www.natureinstitute. org/ sedan/ic/ic11/gmcrops. htm James, C. (2003). Preview Global status of commercialized transgenic crops 2003. Ithica,NY International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications ISAAA. Larsen, H. (1998).Milk and the cancer connection. Retrieved December 27, 2007, from http//www. vvv. com/healthnews/milk. html Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology PSRAST. (2006). Inadequate safety assessment of GE foods. Retrieved January 18, 2008, from http//www. psrast. org/subeqow. htm Raney, T. , Pingali, P. , T. R. , & P. P. (2007, September).Sowing a gene revolution. Scientific American, 297(3), 104-111. Retrieved December 7, 2007, from EBSCOhost database. Safety of rbST Milk Affirmed. (1999, May). FDA Consumer, 33(3), 4. Retrieved January 23, 2008, from EBSCOhost database. Vogel, G. (2006, September).Tracing the transatlantic spread of GM rice. Science, 313(5794), 1714. Webb, S. (2007, November 10). Silencing pests. Science News, 172(19), 292. Retrieved December 7, 2007, from EBSCOhost database. Whitman, B. (2000). Genetically modified foods harmful or helpful. Retrieved January 23, 2008, from http//www. csa. com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview. php.

Assessment for Learning Essay

What is appraisal for cultivation and how does it relate to a teaching champion? In this essay I am going to study and contrast the roles of the instructor and the acquisition support practitioner in perspicacity of learners achievement. I leave behind also beg off the difference among formative and summative assessment. I testament say what the characteristics of assessment for cultivation are and explain the importance and benefits of assessment for learning and I testament explain how assessment for learning can contribute to planning for future learning when carried out by the teacher and the learners and the teaching assistant. The differences between a teacher and the learning support practitioner are, the teacher is the lead role model in the classroom. The learners will take their lead from the teacher. He or she will set the lessons and the goals for learning. He or she is deemed as the role model. The lessons are planned by the teacher and planned in such a wa y that will jockstrap the learners progress and meet their targets. Once the target shave been met the lessons will move onwards.The teacher will set class assessments to follow out where the learners are in terms of meeting their targets, and will continually assess the learners abilities be it through classwork, homework or stop over of term assessments. The learning support practitioner will support the teacher in the classroom. They should take their lead from the teacher. If the teacher wants the learning support practitioner to assess the children they may be asked to take small groups or individual children, and follow an assessment plan set for them. The learning support practitioner should also assist in the classroom and thus feedback to the teacher on what he or she feels the learners did well or what they need help with. This will then help the teacher to plan the next lesson and set next steps for the learners. The difference between formative and summative assessme nts are- Formative assessment is assessing as the learners learn, for example victimisation open ended questioning to encourage the learners to give their ideas. Observing learners this gives a lot of knowledge as to how the learners work and it is usually done daily.Listening to learners this shows that the learners commiserate the work, and we can hear their ideas and methods, we can check their understanding by questioning them this shows what the children know and finally self-evaluation let the learners think about what they have learnt and encourage them to measure out their own progress a deliver the goodsst their targets andlearning outcomes. Summative assessment is the formal assessments used by teachers to show where the learners are exactly and what has been learnt, for example end of term sit downs or assessments. The results of these may be put onto the learners report and shared so that their new teachers, head teacher and parents will see how the learners have pro gressed. The characteristics of assessment for learning are, it informs and promotes all learners achievements. The students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning. This starts with giving the learners learning outcomes, making sure the learners receive feedback this in turn helps them to develop the skills necessitate to evaluate and self-assess their work.They will be able to recognise their own progress and achievements. This will start with students doing peer assessments, this is where learners will assess in order to gain the skills to assess themselves. The importance and benefits of assessments for learning are that there is a proven link that a learner who is to a greater extent involved in their own assessment is more motivated to reach their targets. The learners want to reach the goals set and put in the more effort to do so. This is turn boosts self-esteem and motivation in learners. It also gives feedback to the right people, the teacher, the teachin g assistant or the learning mentors, on how to best support the learners whether they be more or less able. Assessment for learning enables the learners to understand what they are doing, what they need to do, and how to go about doing it. How assessment for learning can contribute to planning for future learning carried out by- The teacher, it will help the teacher to be able to plan for the individual learner.It will help the teacher to pass on responsibility to the learner for their own learning and make sure that the learner is involved with their own learning goals. The learner will be more informed about their own targets and goals. It will help them to reach their full potential by getting them extra support where it might be needed. Learners will be able to self-assess their work which is a lifetime skill, as adults we constantly assess ourselves on the things we do, as the learners gain more awareness it will boost confidence and help them ask for help. The teaching assist ant will be better informed this will help to assist the teacher and learners alike. It will help to develop questioning skills and find out where a learner needs support. It may help to plan for less able students so that certain topics can be done again with added support, whichcan then be fed back to the teacher. In conclusion assessment for learning is the ongoing assessing of learners, using a variety of methods. It helps the teaching assistant in more ways like how best to support learners. It gives teaching assistants the knowledge and capability to do their jobs to a high standard and support the class teacher with more or less abled learners.Burnham and Baker. (2010).Support teaching and learning in schools (primary). (pp104-106).Malaysia. Heinmann The department for children, schools and families. (2008).The assessment for learning strategy. Department for education and skills. (2004/05).Working together teaching assistants and assessment for learning. Black and William. (1998).Inside the downcast box. Kings College. London.