Time Travel Essay Example for Free

Time Travel Essay The urge to hug a departed loved one again or prevent atrocities are among the compelling reasons that keep the notion of time travel alive in the minds of many. While the idea makes for great fiction, some scientists now say traveling to the past is impossible. There are a handful of scenarios that theorists have suggested for how one might travel to the past, said Brian Greene, author of the bestseller, â€Å"The Elegant Universe† and a physicist at Columbia University. â€Å"And almost all of them, if you look at them closely, brush up right at the edge of physics as we understand it. Most of us think that almost all of them can be ruled out. † The fourth dimension In physics, time is described as a dimension much like length, width, and height. When you travel from your house to the grocery store, you’re traveling through a direction in space, making headway in all the spatial dimensions—length, width and height. But you’re also traveling forward in time, the fourth dimension. â€Å"Space and time are tangled together in a sort of a four-dimensional fabric called space-time,† said Charles Liu, an astrophysicist with the City University of New York, College of Staten Island and co-author of the book â€Å"One Universe: At Home In The Cosmos. † Space-time, Liu explains, can be thought of as a piece of spandex with four dimensions. â€Å"When something that has mass—you and I, an object, a planet, or any star—sits in that piece of four-dimensional spandex, it causes it to create a dimple,† he said. â€Å"That dimple is a manifestation of space-time bending to accommodate this mass. † The bending of space-time causes objects to move on a curved path and that curvature of space is what we know as gravity. Mathematically one can go backwards or forwards in the three spatial dimensions. But time doesn’t share this multi-directional freedom. â€Å"In this four-dimensional space-time, you’re only able to move forward in time,† Liu told LiveScience. * Video: Can You Time Travel? Tunneling to the past A handful of proposals exist for time travel. The most developed of these approaches involves a wormhole—a hypothetical tunnel connecting two regions of space-time. The regions bridged could be two completely different universes or two parts of one universe. Matter can travel through either mouth of the wormhole to reach a destination on the other side. â€Å"Wormholes are the future, wormholes are the past,† said Michio Kaku, author of â€Å"Hyperspace† and â€Å"Parallel Worlds† and a physicist at the City University of New York. â€Å"But we have to be very careful. The gasoline necessary to energize a time machine is far beyond anything that we can assemble with today’s technology. † To punch a hole into the fabric of space-time, Kaku explained, would require the energy of a star or negative energy, an exotic entity with an energy of less than nothing. Greene, an expert on string theory—which views matter in a minimum of 10 dimensions and tries to bridge the gap between particle physics and natures fundamental forces, questioned this scenario. â€Å"Many people who study the subject doubt that that approach has any chance of working,† Greene said in an interview . â€Å"But the basic idea if you’re very, very optimistic is that if you fiddle with the wormhole openings, you can make it not only a shortcut from a point in space to another point in space, but a shortcut from one moment in time to another moment in time. † Cosmic strings Another popular theory for potential time travelers involves something called cosmic strings—narrow tubes of energy stretched across the entire length of the ever-expanding universe. These skinny regions, leftover from the early cosmos, are predicted to contain huge amounts of mass and therefore could warp the space-time around them. Cosmic strings are either infinite or they’re in loops, with no ends, said J. Richard Gott, author of â€Å"Time Travel in Einsteins Universe† and an astrophysicist at Princeton University. â€Å"So they are either like spaghetti or SpaghettiO’s. † The approach of two such strings parallel to each other, said Gott, will bend space-time so vigorously and in such a particular configuration that might make time travel possible, in theory. â€Å"This is a project that a super civilization might attempt,† Gott told LiveScience. â€Å"It’s far beyond what we can do. We’re a civilization that’s not even controlling the energy resources of our planet. † Impossible, for now Mathematically, you can certainly say something is traveling to the past, Liu said. â€Å"But it is not possible for you and me to travel backward in time,† he said. | However, some scientists believe that traveling to the past is, in fact, theoretically possible, though impractical. Maybe if there were a theory of everything, one could solve all of Einstein’s equations through a wormhole, and see whether time travel is really possible, Kaku said. â€Å"But that would require a technology far more advanced than anything we can muster, he said. Don’t expect any young inventor to announce tomorrow in a press release that he or she has invented a time machine in their basement. † For now, the only definitive part of travel in the fourth dimension is that we’re stepping further into the future with each passing moment. So for those hoping to see Earth a million years from now, scientists have good news. â€Å"If you want to know what the Earth is like one million years from now, I’ll tell you how to do that,† said Greene, a consultant for â€Å"Deja Vu,† a recent movie that dealt with time travel. â€Å"Build a spaceship. Go near the speed of light for a length of time—that I could calculate. Come back to Earth, and when you step out of your ship you will have aged perhaps one year while the Earth would have aged one million years. You would have traveled to Earth’s future. † Source 2 Time Slips / Time Travel 0digg 1 comment A time slip is an alleged paranormal phenomenon in which a person, or group of people, travel through time through supernatural (rather than technological) means. As with all paranormal phenomena, the objective reality of such experiences is disputed. One of the best-known, and earliest, examples of a time slip was reported by two English women, Charlotte Anne Moberly (16 September 1846 – 7 May 1937) and Eleanor Jourdain (1863–1924), the principal and vice-principal of St Hugh’s College, Oxford, who believed they slipped back in time in the gardens of the Petit Trianon at Versailles from the summer of 1901 to the period of the French Revolution. On August 10, 1901 Moberly and Jourdain were visiting the Palace of Versailles. They decided to go in search of the Petit Trianon. While walking through the grounds they both were impressed by a feeling of oppressive gloom. They claimed to have encountered, and interacted with, a number of people in old fashioned attire whom they later assumed to have been members of the court of Marie Antoinette and to have seen a figure that may have been Marie Antoinette herself on the day in 1792 when she learned that the mob had stormed the Tuileries Palace. Source 3, 4, 5 . http://www. youtube. com/watch? feature=player_embeddedv=FdWXMD4rOGQ#! http://www. youtube. com/watch? feature=player_embeddedv=rqQV_UzVQks http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=X02WMNoHSm8 Source 6 The Big Question: Is time travel possible, and is there any chance that it will ever take place? By Steve Connor, Science Editor Friday 08 February 2008 Why are we asking this now? Two Russian mathematicians have suggested that the giant atom-smasher being built at the European centre for nuclear research, Cern, near Geneva, could create the conditions where it might be possible to travel backwards or forwards in time. In essence, Irina Arefeva and Igor Volovich believe that the Large Hadron Collider at Cern, which is due to be switched on this year for the first time, might create tiny wormholes in space which could allow some form of limited time travel. If true, this would mark the first time in human history that a time machine has been created. If travelling back in time is possible at all, it should in theory be only possible to travel back to the point when the first time machine was created and so this would mean that time travellers from the future would be able to visit us. As an article in this weeks New Scientist suggests, this year – 2008 – could become year zero for time travel. Is this really a serious proposition? The New Scientist article points out that there are many practical problems and theoretical paradoxes to time travel. Nevertheless, the slim possibility remains that we will see visitors from the future in the next year, says the magazine says, rather provocatively. It has to be said that few scientists accept the idea that the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will create the conditions thought to be necessary for time travel. The LHC is designed to probe the mysterious forces that exist at the level of sub-atomic particles, and as such will answer many important questions, such as the true nature of gravity. It is not designed as a time machine. In any case, if the LHC became a time machine by accident, the device would exist only at the sub-atomic level so we are not talking about a machine like Dr Whos Tardis, which is able to carry people forwards and backwards from the future. What do the experts say about the idea of time travel? The theoretical possibility is widely debated, but everyone agrees that the practical problems are so immense that it is, in all likelihood, never going to happen. Brian Cox, a Cern researcher at the University of Manchester, points out that even if the laws of physics do not prohibit time travel, that doesnt mean to say its going to happen, certainly in terms of travelling back in time. Saying that the laws of physics as we know them permit travel into the past is the same as saying that, to paraphrase Bertrand Russell, they permit a teapot to be in orbit around Venus, Dr Cox says. Its possible, but not likely. Time travel into the future is absolutely possible, in fact time passes at a different rate in orbit than it does on the ground, and this has to be taken into consideration in order for satellite navigation systems to work. But time travel into the past, although technically allowed in Einsteins theory, will in the opinion of most physicists be ruled out when, and if, we develop a better understanding of the fundamental laws of physics – and thats what the LHC is all about. Why is the possibility of time travel even considered? It comes down to the general theory of relativity devised by Albert Einstein in 1905. It is the best theory we have so far on the nature of space and time and it was Einstein who first formulated the mathematical equations that related both time and space in the form of an entity called space-time. Those equations and the theory itself do not prohibit the idea of time travel, although there have been many attempts since Einstein to prove that travelling back in time is impossible. Is there anything to support the theory? Lots of science fiction writers have had fun with time travel, going back to H. G. Wells, whose book The Time Machine was published in 1895 – 10 years before Einsteins general theory of relativity. Interestingly, it was another attempt at science fiction that revived the modern interest in time travel. When Carl Sagan, the American astronomer, was writing his 1986 novel Contact, he wanted a semi-plausible way of getting round the problem of not being able to travel faster than the speed of light – which would break a fundamental rule of physics. He needed his characters to travel through vast distances in space, so he asked his cosmologist friend Kip Thorne to come up with a possible way of doing it without travelling faster than light. Thorne suggested that by manipulating black holes it might be possible to create a wormhole through space-time that would allow someone to travel from one part of the Universe to another in an instant. He later realised that this could also in theory be used to travel back in time. It was just a theory of course, and no one has come close to solving the practical problem of manipulating black holes and creating wormholes, but the idea seemed to be sound. It spawned a lot of subsequent interest in wormholes and time travel, hence the latest idea by the two Russian mathematicians. Apart from the practicalities, whats to stop time travel? The biggest theoretical problem is known as the time-travel paradox. If someone travels back in time and does something to prevent their own existence, then how can time travel be possible? The classic example is the time traveller who kills his grandfather before his own father is conceived. Cosmologists, renowned for their imaginative ingenuity, have come up with a way round this paradox. They have suggested that there is not one universe but many – so many that every possible outcome of any event actually takes place. In this multiple universe, or multiverse model, a woman who goes back in time to murder her own granny can get way with it because in the universe next door the granny lives to have the daughter who becomes the murderers mother. Where does this leave the time machine in Geneva? The science writer and physicist John Gribbin, who explains these things better than most, points to a saying in physics: anything that is not forbidden is compulsory. So they expect time machines to exist. The snag is that the kind of accidental time tunnel that could be produced by the LHC in Geneva would be a tiny wormhole far smaller than an atom, so nothing would be able to go through it. So there wont be any visitors from the future turning up in Geneva just yet. Id take it all with a pinch of salt, but it certainly isnt completely crazy. So, not completely crazy, just a bit crazy. So will we one day be able to travel into the future? Yes * There is nothing in the laws of physics to prohibit it, and events in Geneva are pointing the way and could be a first step * In physics, so the saying goes, if nothing is prohibited, it must happen at some point * All we need to do is to work out how to manipulate black holes and wormholes, and away we go No * The practical problems with time travel are too immense to solve, and even if you could, who would want to? * You might travel back in time and kill one of your grandparents by accident. Then where would you be? * If time travel is possible, why are we still waiting to welcome our first visitors from the future? Source 7 Time Travelers By Stephen Wagner, About. com Guide Where and to what date would you go if you could travel through time? Its a question people have long enjoyed contemplating the possibilities are so fraught with wonder and excitement. Would you watch the pyramids of Egypt being build? Join the spectacle of a gladiatorial battle at the Roman Coliseum? Catch a glimpse of real dinosaurs? Or would you prefer to see what the future holds for humankind? Such fantasies have fueled the success of such stories as H. G. Welles The Time Machine, the Back to the Future movies, favorite episodes of Star Trek and countless science fiction novels. And although some scientists think that it might be at least theoretically possible to travel through time, no one (as far as we know) has devised a sure-fire way to make it happen. But thats not to say that people havent reported traveling through time. There are many fascinating anecdotes from those who say they seem to have quite unexpectedly visited if only briefly another time and, sometimes, another place. These events, often called time slippages, seem to occur randomly and spontaneously. Those who experience these events are often bewildered and confused by what they see and hear, and afterward are at a complete loss to explain them. Here are some interesting cases that will keep you wondering: FLIGHT INTO THE FUTURE In 1935, Air Marshal Sir Victor Goddard of the British Royal Air Force had a harrowing experience in his Hawker Hart biplane. Goddard was a Wing Commander at the time and while on a flight from Edinburgh, Scotland to his home base in Andover, England, he decided to fly over an abandoned airfield at Drem, not far from Edinburgh. The useless airfield was overgrown with foliage, the hangars were falling apart and cows grazed where planes were once parked. Goddard then continued his flight to Andover, but encountered a bizarre storm. In the high winds of the storms strange brown-yellow clouds, he lost control of his plane, which began to spiral toward the ground. Narrowly averting a crash, Goddard found that his plane was heading back toward Drem. As he approached the old airfield, the storm suddenly vanished and Goddards plane was now flying in brilliant sunshine. This time, as he flew over the Drem airfield, it looked completely different. The hangars looked like new. There were four airplanes on the ground: three were familiar biplanes, but painted in an unfamiliar yellow; the fourth was a monoplane, which the RAF had none of in 1935. The mechanics were dressed in blue overalls, which Goddard thought odd since all RAF mechanics dressed in brown overalls. Strange, too, that none of the mechanics seemed to notice him fly over. Leaving the area, he again encountered the storm, but managed to make his way back to Andover. It wasnt until 1939 that that the RAF began to paint their planes yellow, enlisted a monoplane of the type that Goddard saw, and the mechanics uniforms were switched to blue. Had Goddard somehow flown four years into the future, then returned to his own time? CAUGHT IN A TEMPORAL VORTEX Dr. Raul Rios Centeno, a medical doctor and an investigator of the paranormal, recounted to author Scott Corrales a story told to him by one of his patients, a 30-year-old woman, who came to him with a serious case of hemiplegia the total paralysis of one side of her body. I was at a campground in the vicinity of Markahuasi, she told him. Markahuasi is the famous stone forest located about 35 miles east of Lima, Peru. I went out exploring late at night with some friends. Oddly enough, we heard the strains of music and noticed a small torch-lit stone cabin. I was able to see people dancing inside, but upon getting closer I felt a sudden sensation of cold which I paid little attention to, and I stuck my head through an open door. It was then that I saw the occupants were clad in 17th century fashion. I tried to enter the room, but one of my girlfriends pulled me out. It was at that moment that half of the womans body became paralyzed. Was it because the womans friend pulled her out of the stone cabin when she was half entered into it? Was half her body caught in some temporal vortex or dimensional doorway? Dr. Centeno reported that an EEG was able to show that the left hemisphere of the brain did not show signs of normal functioning, as well as an abnormal amount of electric waves. (See Dimensions Beyond Our Own for more details on this story. ) Source 8 How Time Travel Works by Kevin Bonsor and Robert Lamb Stuff You Should Know From millennium-skipping Victorians to phone booth-hopping teenagers, the term time travel often summons our most fantastic visions of what it means to move through the fourth dimension. But of course you dont need a time machine or a fancy wormhole to jaunt through the years. As youve probably noticed, were all constantly engaged in the act of time travel. At its most basic level, time is the rate of change in the universe and like it or not, we are constantly undergoing change. We age, the planets move around the sun, and things fall apart. We measure the passage of time in seconds, minutes, hours and years, but this doesnt mean time flows at a constant rate. Just as the water in a river rushes or slows depending on the size of the channel, time flows at different rates in different places. In other words, time is relative. But what causes this fluctuation along our one-way trek from the cradle to the grave? It all comes down to the relationship between time and space. Human beings frolic about in the three spatial dimensions of length, width and depth. Time joins the party as that most crucial fourth dimension. Time cant exist without space, and space cant exist without time. The two exist as one: the space-time continuum. Any event that occurs in the universe has to involve both space and time. In this article, well look at the real-life, everyday methods of time travel in our universe, as well as some of the more far-fetched methods of dancing through the fourth dimension. Source 9 Is Time Travel Possible? Analysis by Robert Lamb Thu Apr 22, 2010 06:14 PM ET Its not glamorous, but its time travel. (Michael Dunning/Photographers Choice/Getty Images) From summer blockbusters to sensational science headlines, modern culture is constantly inundated with tales of time travel. But when you boil down the physics involved, is it possible to travel through time? To answer this question, I tracked down theoretical physicist and cosmologist Paul Davies, author of How to Build a Time Machine. SLIDE SHOW: What are the favored time travel methods as used in science fiction? We are all time travelers The short answer is that time travel into the future is not only possible, its been done, and weve known about it for over a century, says Davies. The reason that the public doesn’t seem to know about it is because the amount of time travel involved is so pitifully small that it doesnt make for a Doctor Who style adventure. A phenomenon called time dilation is the key here. Time passes more slowly the closer you approach the speed of light an unbreakable cosmic speed limit. As such, the hands of a clock in a speeding train would move more slowly than those in a stationary clock. The difference would not be humanly noticeable, but when the train pulled back into the station, the two clocks would be off by billionths of a second. If such a train could attain 99. 999 percent light speed, only 1 year would pass onboard for every 223 years back at the train station. But speed isnt the only factor that affects time. On a much smaller scale, mass also influences time. Time slows down the closer you are to the center of a massive object. Time runs a little bit faster in space than it does down on Earth, Davies says. It runs a little faster on the roof than it does in the basement, and thats a measurable effect. A clock aboard an orbiting satellite experiences time dilation due to both the speed of its orbit and its greater distance from the center of Earths gravity. Both gravity and speed can give you a means of jumping ahead, Davies says. So in principle, if you had enough money, you could get to the year 3000 in as short a time as you like one year, one month, whatever it takes. It is only a question of money and engineering. Forward, not back? Time travel into the future is an established and fundamental aspect of Albert Einsteins theory of relativity. Scientists have tested and retested this in both experimental and practical settings. But what about time travel in the opposite direction? Going back in to the past is a whole different kettle of fish. Davies says. Theres nothing in Einsteins theory, which is the best theory that we have about the nature of time, which precludes it. Theres nothing in even his general theory of relativity, published in 1915, which precludes travel back into the past, but many scientists are deeply uneasy about it because of all the well-known paradoxes that it unleashes. For instance, imagine going back in time and killing your own mother. Then shed never give birth to you, and just how would you have been able to travel back in time to commit matricide in the first place? Wormholes as spacetime shortcuts Davies surmises that, given our current understanding of the nature of time and physics, time travel into the past simply isnt possible. But the universe is full of mysteries, and one of them the hypothetical wormhole might just permit such a journey. This is a little bit like a tunnel or shortcut between two distant points, Davies says, So for example, if I had a wormhole here in my hotel room and I jumped through it I wouldnt come out on Pennsylvania Avenue, Id maybe come out near the other side of the galaxy. Source 10 Scientists have theorized that such a shortcut through time and space could be turned into a time machine. If a worm hole could exist and could be traversable, then it would provide a means of going back in time, Davies says. So it all hinges on whether stable wormholes are a reality or if theres some aspect of physics not relativity, because theres nothing wrong from that point of view but some other aspect of physics might intercede and prevent the wormhole from forming. Thats an open question. World-famous theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking has proposed that wormholes occurring at a quantum level could theoretically provide a foothold for time travel, but University of California at Santa Barbara physicist Andrew Cleland urges caution on that front. Im an experimentalist, and physics is ultimately an experimental science, Cleland says. Any predictions that are made based on mathematics or on philosophical or intellectual speculation have to pass the test of experiment, and I am certainly not aware of any experiment that demonstrated the possibility of traveling backward in time. Cause and effect Cleland also points out that the fundamental principle of causality stands in the way of travel into the past. The entire universe, as we understand it, is beholden to this rule. Something occurs first and the outcome of that occurrence happens afterward, Cleland says, and there has never to my knowledge been an experiment that came out different from that. I am not aware of any experimental tests of quantum mechanics that have shown any violation of causality, in spite of the fact that many experiments could reveal such a violation. Still, in the same way that time dilation isnt flashy enough to seem like time travel into the future, the public often overlooks a very common means of traveling into the past. In a sense, astronomers are always traveling backward in time, but it is in a way that most people are not so excited about, Cleland says. When we measure the cosmic microwave background, were looking back more than 10 billion years in time. Thats how long it took for the light to reach us. A number of questions about time travel remain unanswered. Will time tourists from the future ever show up to help us out? Well just have to wait and see. But if they come here using a wormhole time machine, well have to build one first. After all, you couldnt cross a bridge if only one side had been completed, right? Theoretically, it would take more than 100 years to create a 100-years time difference between the two ends of a wormhole, Davies says, so theres no way that our descendants could come back and tell us were wrong about this.

The filament bulb obeys ohms law Essay Example for Free

The filament bulb obeys ohms law Essay I think this was caused by air already in the tube being pushed out. To overcome this I could have measured how much O2 started in the tube and then subtracted that from my 1st measurement. My experiment was good because it was repeated enough times, three times, so that any anomalous results could be clearly seen next to a best-fit curve. Also all of my results had a best-fit curve and the values increased throughout, backing up my prediction that as the substrate concentration increased so would the initial rate of reaction. Using a measuring cylinder rather than a gas syringe to collect the O2 is better because gas syringes, although easier to use, do not always move with ease when oxygen moves in. In my experiment the oxygen bubbles could be clearly seen in the water inside the measuring cylinder and had no trouble reaching the cylinder. Limitation How does this affect accuracy and/or reliability? Importance? Why? Modifications O2 escaping due to tubes in bung. If O2 escaped then the volume of O2 collected will be wrong and therefore the result could not be reliable. This is very important as if gas was escaping then it would not have got into the tube, therefore affecting the amount of O2 collected in the experiment. However, as the same equipment was used throughout this is not a very important factor as it would have been the same for all of the experiments. Use Vaseline around tubes to stop O2 escaping and look for any gas escaping through holes in the tube that is in the water. This would stop O2 escaping but wouldnt really alter the reliability too much, just the accuracy of the result. Surface area of yeast not being similar. This is a variable and therefore not keeping it the same means two things are being investigated at the same time, and therefore this would mean that the results gathered do have some inaccuracies and can not be reliable. This is the most important factor because a larger surface area means that there will be more to react with. If there were a very small surface area the reaction would be slow, as there is not much for the substrate to react with. By crushing the yeast up with a pestle and mortar the surface areas will all be the same but this would speed up the reactions dramatically as it would give the maximum surface area. This would have made the results a lot more reliable as they all would have begun with the same surface area. Test tube containing O2 before H2O2 was added. This means that the first measurement could be quite high, when there is little activity, as solution being pushed in it pushes oxygen out through the tube. This is important as it explains the 1st result being much faster than the 2nd throughout the 5 experiments. However, it is the same for all of the experiments so it wouldnt make a big difference in the comparison of my results. Making a vacuum around the experiment would stop O2 getting into the tube. An easier alternative would be to measure O2 in tube before and then subtract that number from my 1st measurement. Although this would increase accuracy it would not alter the reliability, as the amount of O2 in the tube is the same each time. Obstruction in the tube This would slow or stop the movement of O2 through to the measuring cylinder. If there was a block then it would cause the results to be much lower than they should be, with a much slower initial rate of reaction. This is because less O2 is being measured as less would get to the measuring cylinder. By rinsing out the tube before each experiment any obstructions can be removed. If there were an obstruction then doing this would make the results more reliable and much more accurate. The results that I gathered, in my opinion, are not all reliable. This is mainly due to the wide range of results gathered in my 5ml H2O2, the final measurements being 45cm3, 93cm3 and 92cm3. Also, my 2ml H2O2 experiment ended up with a higher initial rate of reaction and more O2 collected than the 3ml H2O2 and the 4ml H2O2 experiments. Repeating the experiment 3 times and then taking an average helps to hide these unreliable results. Another reason why my results are unreliable is that the surface area was not the same each time. If the yeast in one experiment had a much higher surface area then it was going to have a much faster initial rate of reaction than an experiment where yeast had a small surface area. This is likely to be why my 2ml H2O2 experiment came out higher than my 3ml and 4ml H2O2 experiments On my graphs I have circled what I think are anomalous results. My first anomalies occur on my 2ml H2O2 graph. Between 40seconds and 60seconds the O2 collected is 14. 3cm3, 17. 7cm3 and 21. 7cm3. I think that, although the graph on the whole is unreliable, these are anomalous because they do not fit the best-fit curve. On the 3ml H2O2 graphs I have circled two points as these points dip below the best fit curve and then back up again. At 70seconds and 80seconds the O2 collected is 20. 7cm3 and 22. 7cm3. A possible reason for this could have been that the tube might have been blocked, maybe by the way that the measuring cylinder was held. It might have been different if the measuring cylinder was clamped so it couldnt move and therefore couldnt squash the tube. By holding the measuring cylinder it was possible that it may have been pressed down on the tube briefly. This would of held the O2 in the tube and then when it was released the O2 would have all come out at once, resulting in the points moving back to the best-fit line. On the 5ml H2O2 graph I have circled one point. This point is after 30seconds and misses the best-fit curve by about 4cm3; it has 30cm3 whereas the curve crosses 30seconds at 34cm3. The reason for this anomaly could have been the same as above or possible because of a reading inaccuracy. Also, when holding the measuring cylinder, it was not always held perfectly upright, and therefore could have given a false reading but this is likely to have been the same throughout the experiment. Bibliography These are the books from which I gathered my information and used to make my prediction: Indge, Rowland, Baker, (2000): A New Introduction to Biology (Hodder Stroughton) Jones, Forsbery and Taylor (2000): Biology 1 (Cambridge University Press) Toole, Glenn and Susan (1999): Understanding Biology, Fourth Edition: (Stanley Thorne Ltd).

Brand Image On Fashion Clothing

Brand Image On Fashion Clothing This investigation is done to find out how brand image affects the consumer buying behaviour on clothing with a comparative study between India and U.K customers. Manufactured goods are something that is prepared in a factory; a brand is what that is purchased by a consumer. Merchandise can be imitated by an opponent; a brand is exceptional. Manufactured goods can be promptly out of date; a flourishing brand is eternal (Stephen King, WPP Group, London). Brand value has turn out to be one of the central parts of advertising area. Therefore, companies who comprehend the significance of brand value are capable to distinguish themselves in the markets. Furthermore, realizing how customers react to brands is supportive for companies to plan as well as build advertising activities. In this research both exploratory and performance monitoring research is applied. To attain general information on brand awareness and the concept of shopping centre and reading literature to increase knowledge about the subject, an exploratory research approach is utilized. A hermeneutic approach is used, since the purpose of the research is to recognize if the brand identity consents with the image that the customers have of the brand. The primary data comes from personal interviews with the students from both UK and India. These personal interviews are a good approach since the communication takes place under relaxed circumstances. The questionnaire comprises of both open ended and closed ended questions. Closed questions are selected so as to be able to measure the respondents attitudes and opened questions were used in order to attain a deeper understanding of the respondents actual perception and what they are based upon. The survey is carried out in two colleges: LSBF in UK and Stella Marys in Chennai, India Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 The importance of brand image on fashion clothing Clothing is a kind of need that aids to keep our bodies tepid. Individuals will not be able to survive with a safeguard from clothes in unfavorable circumstances and this denotes how essential clothing is for us. In this day and age, along with the fundamental tasks, clothes can also serve as style things, which can notify how important a human being is, states the position an individual possess and what their individual image is like (OCass, 2000). Therefore, clothing can help out symbolize our individual personality. A clothes shopping is one of the well-liked activity between people from all ages, diverse genders as well as educational backgrounds. Due to the propagation of clothing brands segment, customers have to capture a grave thought during the purchasing procedures. Like stated by Jaworski and Rayport (2003), the buying procedure is split into three levels, i.e. pre-buying, buying and post-buying. All the levels are of equal significance that can change the consumer buying decision. Once customers make a buying decision, they may want to identify their individual requirements, read manufactured goods facts, make a decision on where and which to buy, choose whether to buy once more from the identical seller, deciding on the purchasing methods, exhibit contentment to the merchandise or amenities excellence and finally be truthful to the brand. These stress the difficulty of purchasing procedures along with the prospective influence a brand could enforce in the middle of them. A number of br ands, under the impact of globalization and concentrated efforts from publicity by the media, have turned out to be well-liked not only in their country of origin, but as well in other markets with soaring prospective. Having a well-built and extraordinary brand image could facilitate to institute an individuality in market (Aaker, 1996), 1.2 circumstantial data of India and the UK clothing markets The apparel as well as textile business is one of the top sectors of the Indian market and the major source of overseas exchange incomes for India. This business reports for 4 % of the gross domestic product, (GDP) 20 % of manufacturing productivity, and fairly more than 30 % of export incomes. The apparel as well as textile business hires about 38 million people, making it the major basis of Indian business employment. The UK is a European country with a population of about 60 million. About its GDP development, because of its established financial arrangement, it is following a steady somewhat than destructive GDP growth rate. In totaling, the finance sector and business amenities are the most significant source of GDP (gross domestic products), putting in to almost 30% of the whole domestic goods (Economist.com, 2007). 1.2.1 Indian clothing markets The population of India is 1 billion people, has a vast domestic marketplace. Indias middle class, presently expected at 200 million, is estimated to enlarge to comprise almost  ½ the countrys total population by 2006. Based on the acquiring power equivalence, India is the fourth-largest market in the earth, has the third-largest GDP in the continent of Asia, and is the second-largest economy among the emerging nations. India is as well one of the quickest developing markets of the world. Even though the disposable income of the greater part of the Indian population is low, as the Indian economy develops, more customers will possess bigger optional income for clothing and other procurements after meeting their basic requirements. Source: http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/PUB3401.pdf 1.2.2 Indians expenditure habits Expenditure habits are dissimilar for people belonging to different sections of society. For instance, people belonging to the middle-class regard basic requirements and education and expenses toward the future of their children as their top main concerns, followed by standard of living commodities. The rich class expends more on luxury merchandise and intercontinental brands. The super rich class expends on ultra luxury merchandise. It is seen that as disposable income increases, people have a preference more for branded goods, shift to processed foods, and the expenses on tobacco, beverages, food and transport and contact also rises. Indians shopping habits of are shifting owing to their growing not reusable income, comparative increase in the younger population, and the change in approaches towards shopping. The stress has altered from cost contemplation to quality, trendiness and design. The yearning to look and feel good is also guiding aspect for consumers while making their buying choices. Rising disposable income is also driving demand for customer durables and dining in restaurants among Indians. Age is also a foremost aspect that influences the spending choices of an individual. For example, people in 20-24 years age group spend more on home appliances/ electronic and movies, whereas people in the 45-48 years age group spend more on holidaying. Source: http://www.icmrindia.org/casestudies/catalogue/Business%20Reports/BREP047.htm 1.2.3 Characteristics of the Indian clothing The textile industry of India is one the biggest and oldest segments in the country and amongst the most significant in the market in terms of productivity, venture and employment. The segment takes up nearly 35 million people and following agriculture, is the second-highest employer in the country. Its significance is emphasized by the fact that it reports for around 4% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), 18% of employment, 14% of industrial production, and 9% of excise collections in the industrial segment, and 16% of the countrys total exports earnings. By means of direct connections to the countryside economy and the agriculture zone, it has been expected that one of each six households in the country relies on this segment, either indirectly or directly, for its source of revenue. A vast pool of skilled and unskilled personnel, cheap labour, low import content, good export potential, and a strong raw material production base are some of the prominent aspects of the textile industry of India. This is a conventional, tough, unshakable industry, enjoying substantial demand in the domestic as well as international markets. (Source: http://www.udel.edu/alex/chapt6.html) 1.2.4 UK clothing market The UK is a European country with population of around 60 million. About its GDP growth, because of its established financial structure, it is following a steady rather than destructive GDP growth rate. In addition, the finance sector and business services are the most significant source of GDP (gross domestic products), contributing to almost 30% of the total domestic products (Economist.com, 2007). The production division, comprising the clothing industry, pales in comparison with the growth of the business segment and even has an indication of recession in the current decades. This can be exposed by the steady decline of hiring rate in the UK clothing business (Jones and Hayes, 2004). 1.2.5 British expenditure habits Expenditure seems more welcome than saving amongst the British people. According to a study performed by Weekes (2004), only around 1/3 rd of female participants and less than half of the male participants convey that they have the saving habits. Amongst the participants, females are more expected to spend on clothes than males, with nearly half of female participants saying that they have no less than one store card and nearly two-thirds of them possess one or two loyalty cards. This might probably clarify why shopping is a gendered action (Dholakia, 1999; South and Spitze, 1994), and rarely, women might even shop for a mans clothing (Dholakia, 1999). Loyalty cards and Store cards are general advertising plans to implore customers faithfulness. Nevertheless, the same study denotes that store cards might not be frequently utilized although exceptional offers are frequently offered to the people who possess cards (Weekes, 2004). This may perhaps be clarified by the information that store cards sometimes have much advanced interest rates than that of the credit cards and personal loans (Mintel, 2002) 1.2.6 Characteristics of the UK clothing market Similar to most of the developed financial system, the UK clothing industry has transferred its production segment to other countries with small labor costs and trained manual labor, leaving only the design centre with tractable designers. Such shift can possibly report for the important fall in employment rate and quantity of production in the clothing segment (Jones, 2003). Nevertheless, this is discovered to obstruct the expansion of British clothing design owing to be short of production amenities (Dagworthy, as cited in Carruthers, 2004). as much as the UK fashion retail sector is apprehensive, there is a tendency for own brand growth, determined markets, tough aggressive activities, a polarized market, short-life-cycle goods, as well as variable customer demand (Marciniak and Bruce, 2004; Siddiqui et al., 2003). As stated by Moore (1995), fashion dealers have a tendency to generate product discrimination in which they can differentiate themselves from their prospective opponents in terms of manufactured goods features like design as well as cost. Even though the UK is besieged with style brands, the market is set apart by goods with small discrimination (Birtwhistle and Freathy, 1998; Moore, 1995). In addition, the selling segment is disjointed, creating of self-governing, Family- possessed businesses also some large scale chain stores, with the later one contributing to the biggest amount of market share (Easey, 2001; Marciniak and Bruce, 2004; Mintel, 2003). In contrast with other retailed segment, the fashion reta iling segment is found to integrate the biggest number of native chains for example next plc (Marciniak and Bruce, 2004). Such fact has motivated the appearance of brand name expansion in the spirited UK clothing market. 1.3 Research Questions Manufactured goods are something that is prepared in a factory; a brand is something that is purchased by a consumer. Merchandise can be imitated by an opponent; a brand is exceptional. Manufactured goods can be promptly out of date; a flourishing brand is eternal (Stephen King, WPP Group, London). Brand value has turn out to be one of the central parts of advertising area. Therefore, companies who comprehend the significance of brand value are capable to distinguish themselves in the markets. Furthermore, realising how customers react to brands is supportive for companies to plan as well as build advertising activities. Does brand image affect the consumer buying behaviour in the clothing sector? 1.4 Aim The aim of this dissertation is to investigate the effect of brand image on consumer purchasing behaviour in clothing, with the comparison between the Indian and British consumers. Having found out the relationship between brand image and consumer purchasing behaviour, marketers and practitioners could devise strategies to increase the sales revenues. Objectives To analyze that brand image has an influence on the consumer buying behaviour of clothing To prove that there are differences in buying behaviour of clothing for consumers in India and the UK To prove that Brand image builds a connection and a tough bond that grows over time. To show that Brand image denotes the excellence of the merchandise, thus giving consumers the contentment of purchasing quality things. To prove that Branding helps in developing a customer commitment. 1.5 Methodology In common, there are two types of research methods that is qualitative and quantitative research. Each one of them includes a range of approaches, which are decided on the kinds of data being gathered. Qualitative semi-structured interviews have been selected as a mean to gather data because they are found to be more suitable for seeking replies in relation to approaches, views and feelings. In addition, the sampling method was enclosed. In the course of data compilation, the mixture of expediency and quota sampling was being employed. In addition, the agenda of interview was argued with an outlook to offering some common ideas about the underlying causes for enquiring such questions. The data composed would be studied using the methods of cross-case and within-case analysis. 1.6 Theoretical framework With a recognized brand name, customers would seem to be more liable to buy the goods in much advanced costs. As far as the similar level of manufactured goods quality is apprehensive, customers would have a preference for purchasing brand-name goods (Bello and Holbrook, 1995). This fact brings out the model of brand equity. According to Aaker (1991), brand equity is mostly obtained from four elements, namely brand loyalty, brand awareness, perceived brand equity plus brand associations. The theoretical framework implemented in this dissertation would be based on the theory of brand equity and the particulars of each element are to be discussed and analyzed later. 1.7 Outline of the dissertation The structure of the dissertation is shown as follows: Chapter 1 is the introductory section, containing the background information of India and the UK clothing industry, the research objectives and the dissertation outline. Chapter 2 will incorporate the review of previous studies, mainly concentrating on clothing industry and consumer buying behavior. It is believed that this chapter could provide readers with general information like theories and issues in relation to consumer buying behavior for clothes so as to make them more understandable in the forthcoming sections. Chapter 3 delineates the research methodology, focusing on the description of research design and justification of data. Chapter 4 is the core of the dissertation in which research findings are presented and discussed. Whether brand image would affect the consumer buying behavior in the clothing sector is shown and also the similarities and differences regarding the circumstances in India and the UK are investigated. Chapter 5 would draw conclusions on the findings from the previous chapters. Implications towards the business environment and research limitations are also included. Recommendations would be made with regard to the limitations so as to provide further directions in the future studies 1.8 SUMMARY This chapter summarized the aims, objectives research questions and the summary of the following chapters. Manufactured goods are something that is prepared in a factory; a brand is something that is purchased by a consumer. Merchandise can be imitated by an opponent; a brand is exceptional. Manufactured goods can be promptly out of date; a flourishing brand is eternal (Stephen King, WPP Group, London). Brand value has turn out to be one of the central parts of advertising area. Therefore, companies who comprehend the significance of brand value are capable to distinguish themselves in the markets. Furthermore, realizing how customers react to brands is supportive for companies to plan as well as build advertising activities. Chapter 2: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction Consumer behavior indicates to the behavior in which people obtain, use and organize goods as well as amenities (Blackwell et al., 2001). Due to the explosion of brands in the current years, there are a growing number of studies carried out in the area of consumer buying behavior. Nevertheless, a majority of them focus on a particular nation investigation, despite of the significance of cross-country evaluations which shall motivate inventive thoughts for accepting the fast- shifting customer practice. This research will examine the dissimilarities of British and Indians in purchasing clothes under the effect of brand image. In this chapter, the literatures relating to the functions of brand and brand equity are to be assessed so as to offer a theoretical framework for the abovementioned analysis. Brand presents an essential function for differentiating merchandise and amenities from those of the competitors (Aaker, 1991; Murphy, 1998). The appearance of brand equity inspires the significance of brand in advertising policies and therefore offers helpful approaches for managers and more study (Keller, 2003). (Ref: http://edissertations.nottingham.ac.uk/983/1/07MSClixkkt1.pdf) 2.2 Definitions of brand by different Authors According to the AMA (American Marketing Association) Board of Directors, Marketing is the action, set of organizations, and procedures for creating, interacting, delivering, and exchanging contributions that have worth for consumers, customers, associates, and society at large.(source: www.heidicohen.com) Dr. Philip Kotler defines advertising as the art along with science of producing, delivering as well as exploring importance to satisfy the necessities of a target market at a gain. Marketing identifies unhappy desires and requirements. It explains events along with measures the size of the known marketplace as well as the revenue likely. It spots out which sector the company is capable of serving supreme and it designs and markets the suitable merchandise and amenities. (Source: www.kotlermarketing.com) Marketing is a planned and strategic many-sided process that holds sales as well as consumer service and withholding. Marketing can also become a response loop involving an organization and its consumers and prospects that assists to notify and develop the business going forward. (Rebecca Lieb, 2009). Marketing comprehends your buyers actually well then creating precious goods, services, and facts particularly for them to facilitate resolve their difficulties. (David Meerman Scott 2010) Marketing, when performed properly, is building such an astonishing experience around your brand or manufactured goods that individuals with no other association to it want to inform their friends about how astonishing it is, and the series starts again. (Peter Shankman 2010) A brand is nothing but an appearance of the consumers trustworthiness and faith. (Phil Dusenberry 2006) In the publics eye, a brand is a guarantee. It is a pledge that the service carrying that brand will survive up to its name, and execute. (Harry Beckwith 1997) Brand works in two ways: It works in the manner we characteristically think, as drawing buyers with the brands hidden promise of quality. But the brand also works at the stage of the second key pool of forecast: potential workers. Since you are more than your brand; you are the people who symbolize it, supervise it, and perform its promises and the more forceful your brand, the more effortlessly you can employ that outstanding talent you require to carry on to convey outstanding results. (Harry Beckwith 2000) Simply acknowledged, a brand is an identifiable place, person, or thing. Our job as marketers is to build brands that are separate and different from related products or services presented by competitors. Its all about discrimination. (Steve Cone 2011) If you want to make a flourishing brand, you have to comprehend difference. You have to look for chances to build new groups by difference of existing groups. And after that you have to become the first brand in this rising new group. (Al Laura Ries, 2004) A Killer Brand survives when an individual develops an inconsistent amount of achievement in its group for the reason that of a forceful and distinguished anticipation that comes to be connected with its name. (Frank Lane 2007) Brand refers to the set of aspects that occur in a consumers mind when that individual hears your name or views your logo. (Bill Chiaravalle, 2006) A brand is a term, name, symbol, plan or every additional aspect that recognizes one retailers merchandise or amenities as different from those of new retailers. (Dibb et al (1997) Bennett (1988)) 2.3 The significant roles of brand Brand is a term in each customers intellect (Mooij, 1998) plus it is distinguished by a visible symbol or term which shall make a distinction between the services and products from the opponents (Aaker, 1991; Keller, 1998). In accumulation to a particular brand name, a brand is furthermore composed of goods, wrapping, advertising, endorsement, and also its general appearance (Murphy, 1998). From the customers point of view, brand is a sponsor of dependability as well as quality in customer goods (Roman et al., 2005). Further to this, customers would be fond of to purchase plus make use of brand-name goods with a vision to emphasize their individuality in unusual circumstances backgrounds (Aaker, 1999; Fennis and Pruyn, 2006). These days, customers possess a broad variety of option to select from when they go into a mall. It is established that customers sentiments are one of the most important elements which have an effect on their purchasing behavior (Berry, 2000). According to a study performed by Free ride Media LLC (1998) on shopping practices, nearly 1/4th of the participants are to be expected to impulse -purchase accessories plus clothes. When choosing which goods to buy, customers have their favorites, which are urbanized in harmony with their insights in the direction of the brand. Victorious branding possibly will formulate customers conscious of the existence of the brand plus as a result could amplify the possibility of purchasing the companys goods along with amenities (Doyle, 1999). 2.4 The distinctiveness of victorious brands A brand can be a never-ending and beneficial quality on condition that it is preserved in a good mode that can carry on fulfilling customers requirements (Batchelor, 1998; Murphy, 1998). Even though doing well brands can be completely dissimilar in environment, they share a bit in general, for example well-priced goods plus constant quality (Murphy, 1998). As citied by Levitt (1983), there are four fundamentals for creating a victorious brand, namely augmented brand, tangible product, potential brand, and basic brand. Tangible product refers to the goods which meet up the essential requirements of the consumers. Basic brand, on the other hand, considers the wrapping of the tangible product in order to draw the notice from the prospective clientele. The brand can be extra increased with the provision of trustworthiness, effectual after-sales services and the same. Lastly plus most significantly, a prospective brand is recognized through stimulating consumer favorite and reliability. By doing so, the picture of the brand could be well inspired in the consumers brain. (Ref: http://edissertations.nottingham.ac.uk/983/1/07MSClixkkt1.pdf) The following are the several features adding to the victory of brands which are recognized; A characteristic merchandise / amenity Experience Acceptable skill is the most important element of brand values. If the feature of knowledge worsens, or if the brand is exceeded by better discounts from opponents, then its place shall be damaged. initial -Mover benefit Being foremost into the marketplace does not essentially fetch victory, but it creates the job effortless. It is very easy to confine a division of the customers mind and manufacture a customer base, when the brand has no opponents to equal its place. exclusive spotting model If the brand is not the leader, it should have an exclusive spotting model a section plan, importance scheme or amplified brand, which will append the importance as well as differentiate it from opposition. Tough interactions Programme A victorious brand needs a successful retailing, promotional or advertising operation, which will commune the brands survival, its purpose along with emotional significance, activate test and strengthen promise to it. Exclusive of creating consciousness, understanding and intent to purchase the brand is insignificant. instance and constancy Customarily, brands were not manufactured swiftly. It frequently obtains years to increase the augmented values, and create a faithful association. (Ref: http://www.scribd.com/doc/2631025/36/characteristics-of-successful-brands) 2.5 The value of brands to customers According to Jean-Noel Kapferer (1992), brands carry out quite a lot of roles that put in value as well as consumer advantages: expediency: To accumulate moment as well as energy via indistinguishable re-buying and faithfulness moral: contentment related to the dependable action of the brand in its association with society assurance: To be certain of discovering the similar quality no issue where or when you purchase the manufactured goods or amenities permanence: contentment brought about through acquaintance as well as closeness with the brand that you have been using for many decades self-indulgent: contentment related to the charisma of the brand, to its symbol, to its interaction Optimization: To be sure of buying the best product in the category, the best performer for a particular purpose recognition: To be evidently seen, to formulate sense of the propose, to rapidly recognize required goods Characterization: To have confirmation of your personality or the image that you show to others 2.6 The significance Of Brands To Companies Brands build worth for companies, in the subsequent methods: Brand influence: The brand manager gains From two major influence results: Higher volume leads to economies of scale in development, production and marketing; Premium pricing increases revenue. Brands, market share and profits: characteristically a brand manager acquires twice the market share of the brand which is in second position, and the brand which is in second position twice the share of the third position. The brand leader is the most profitable and all beyond number two are unprofitable The importance of Niche Brands: controlling a niche market is generally extra advantageous than being fifth in a huge marketplace. The Brand obstacle: Brand mangers generally have the economic power to fend off rivals. Prospective opponents are generally unwilling to penetrate the market if present brands please consumers. In accumulation, brand managers can expand their authority in the market. Possibilities for development: The manufactured goods life cycle relates to goods, not brands. Companies can preserve a brand while altering the fundamental manufactured goods to report for new knowledge, trend or existing market circumstances. The brand can also be utilized to enter new marketplace. Brand reliability and values: well-built brands are more eye-catching to sponsors. Brand reliability also diminishes advertising costs and makes sure companies to overrule irregular issues (e.g. Johnson Johnson with Tylenol). Encouraging shareholders: businesses with well-built brands magnetize good recruits. They also are inclined to bring out society as well as government support. (Ref: http://www.scribd.com/doc/2631025/36/characteristics-of-successful-brands) 2.7 Brand equity The name brand equity denotes to organized qualities as well as accountabilities linked with a brand, consisting of its name as well as logo, which possibly will force advantageous or disadvantageous results on the values taking place from the goods or amenities (Aaker, 1991; Yasin et al., 2007). And Keller (1998) spots out that brand equity denotes the elite advertising results forced on the brand. Relating to the affirmative part of brand equity, it occurs when customers are eager to give more for the similar stage of excellence just for the reason that of the magnetism of the name connected to the manufactured goods (Bello and Holbrook, 1995). Nonetheless, brand equity may possibly be damaged if it is not correctly handled. For example, underprivileged merchandise quality and consumer amenities can unfavorably influence the brand image, providing ascend to a decrease in retailing quantity. One of the typical instances concerning brand as a type of equity is the obligation of rules to shelter logical possessions (Murphy, 1998). In countries with entrenched officially permitted scheme, the importance of brands has been acknowledged to both the customers and manufacturers. In order to combat plagiarism, many countries have established rules to guard rights, trademarks, and plans in addition to copyright. In accumulation, brand is also deal able merchandise by means of quantifiable fiscal worth (Murphy, 1998). It is not rare to discover some recognizable brands scheduled on the stock markets in which they could be purchased or traded. Brands like Vodafone, Marks and Spencer, HSBC, Sainsbury and Tesco are all listed on the FTSE 100 index (London Stock Exchange, 2007). It is discovered that the instability of stock market could have an effect on customers buying mood, not to talk about the growth or turns down of retail sales (Blackwell, 2002). This is supported by the truth that brand equity relies on the number of people with usual acquisition (Aaker, 1996). The aforementioned instances stress the standards of brand equity for both customers and the company. For the customers, brand equity can offer them with data about the brand which powers their self-assurance throughout the buying procedures. There is a soaring tendency for customers with high-quality insights to purchase from the similar shop again than those with poor insights. Past

Graduation Speech: Dont Let Them Crush Your Dreams :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Twelve years ago we started a journey. Today marks the end of that journey, and the beginning of another. For some, the road getting here was smooth. For others, the road was rough. But today, we leave all of those rough times behind us. We all set a goal, and now we have all achieved it. We have succeeded. Those of us who have made it here tonight have passed an immensely crucial milestone in our lives. From this point on our lives are entirely up to us. We have the power to become whatever we want, and to do anything we want to. Remember that every day, every hour, and every second which passes is what you make of it. From our last four years at Stanwood High, we have learned some sensible lessons. The first of which is that for every action we take, there will be consequences, good and bad. The discipline we encountered from the hands of the administrators was often swift and resolute. Secondly, we have all had friendships which weren't cemented in stone. In the future, don't be fooled by "pretend friends" as they tend to take advantage of you. In the famous words of our high school principal, Mr. Smith, "Don't bring drugs or alcohol to Stanwood High School." Drugs and alcohol will only get you in trouble. In the days ahead, we will encounter obstacles which must be hurdled. Do not succumb to these roadblocks and do not be fooled by detours. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always remember that if you make a decision by yourself, you are solely responsible for the outcome. And one last word of wisdom, people will always try to stand in the way of your dreams. Whether it's your cruel boss, or a jealous person, you must learn to get past them, or else they will always try to bring you down.

Beware of Lifes Illusions Essay -- Personal Essays

"I've looked at life from both sides now From up and down and still somehow It's life's illusions I recall I really don't know life at all" -- From the song, Both Sides, Now, by Joni Mitchell "Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless1...I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind2." The words struck me like a slap to the face. Their truth, cold as ice, was suddenly clear to me. All the things I had been striving for, success, fame, fortune, even the very human desire to be popular with my peers, they are all but chasing after the wind. They can never be caught. The moment you think you have them they go twirling off in some new direction. We had been invited to a fall get together at a friend's house. As we drove to the party, there was a deer, newly dead lying alongside the road. It's once graceful form, now lay in a crumpled heap, seemingly cast aside, like an unwanted rag doll. The flies were already striving to commit it's body t...

Foreign Aid - Our Obligation to Help the Less Fortunate Essay example -

     Ã‚  Ã‚     What is absolute poverty?   According to Robert McNamara it is "life at the very margin of existence" (Singer 219).   It is a life that, if not ended by early death, causes a kind of misery unseen to those living in the United States.   Compared to the estimated 1.2 billion people, worldwide living in poverty, those of us in developed countries experience a life of luxury.   The things that we take for granted, such as cars, computers, microwaves, and televisions, are extravagant items that most people living in extreme economic poverty will never see. The gap between the affluent and the poverty-stricken is wide, and is getting even wider in many areas of the world. Are we morally obligated to help those less fortunate than ourselves?   Should we merely go about our daily lives, forgetting about those on the other side of the world who are dying of malnutrition?   These are just a few of the questions that I am about to explore.    The fact that there is absolute poverty in the world cannot be argued. The way we deal with this is the issue at hand. When observing the raw data, including the high infant mortality rates and low life expectancy statistics afflicting impoverished countries, one cannot help but pity these people.   Unfortunately, when it comes down to actually taking action and deciding what to give up, we seem to feel just as much, if not more, pity for ourselves. Many reasons have been given for why we may not be obligated to give up portions of our wealth to help those in need.   Fortunately, in my opinion, many of these arguments can be refuted.    One such argument is that we do not have an obligation to assist the poor because of our own individual property rights.   Robert ... ...oals are attainable if we work together, and as individuals, to make things happen.   If one person feels that it is possible to give more without sacrificing something of equal moral significance, I believe they should make an internal commitment to do so.    Works Cited Brown, Mark Mallock.   "Halving the World's Population is a Realistic Goal."   21 September 2000.   Online: http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/develop/mbrown2.htm. Singer, Peter.   Practical Ethics: Second Edition.   New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993. UNICEF.   "Approaches That Work." The State of the World's Children 1998: Focus on Nutrition.   13 March 2001.   Online: http://www.unicef.org/sowc98/approach.htm. The World Bank Group. "Understanding and Responding to Poverty."   PovertyNet.   16 March 2001.   Online: http://www.worldbank.org/poverty/mission/up3.htm.

Henry David Thoreau Essay

â€Å"Simplify! was Thoreau’s motto† in his life (Stanley 20). He showed people how to live simple life by living a simple life in Walden. Due to Thoreau’s efforts and works on nature people considers a nature an important part in their lives, as a result nature became one of the top topics in 21st century. Henry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817, in Concord, Massachusetts (Meltzer 11). His parents were John Thoreau and Cynthia Dunbar Thoreau (12). Henry had three siblings named Helen, John Jr. and Sophia (12). The Thoreau family continuously moved to different places in search for better living conditions (11). Henry’s father John had difficulties finding a job (13). He eventually started a very famous pencil making business (13). Henry’s parents named him David Henry Thoreau, â€Å"after his uncle David Thoreau† (Stanley 16). Thoreau changed his name to Henry David Thoreau (Olson 14). He changed his name because â€Å"people called him Henry† (Stanley 16). Henry and his siblings went to same school (Stanley 16). First, they went to school called â€Å"Concord’s Public Grammar School† (16). At his school all students for all grades, â€Å"sat together on hard benches† (16). Although Henry’s family could not really afford a private school, Henry still went to private school named â€Å"Concord academy† (16). He went to Concord academy from age eleven until sixteen (16). He was very quite child at school, as he often did not play games with children (Olson 30). Henry had many nicknames like â€Å"Judge† and â€Å"the fine scholar with big nose† (30-32). These nicknames came from children at his school because he did not join in their play (30-32). Since he was born, he was very interested in nature and natural phenomena (Olson 33). At age eleven, he wrote famous piece of writing about seasons (Meltzer 15). The writing about the seasons stated like this: The Seasons Why do the seasons change? And Why Does Winter’s stormy brow appear? Is it the word of him on high? Who rules the changing varied year? (15) Henry went to Harvard University for college education (Olson 34). He was not interested in going to college as he barely passes his entrance exams for Harvard; he thought he might work as a carpenter (34). In college, his interest in writing and poetry grew especially with poems of English poets such John Milton, William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer (35). In Harvard university, William Ellery Channing became Henry’s one of the best friend (35). Later Henry realized that William Ellery Channing was the one who helped him towards his writing (35). In college, Henry started to read many books from college library (Stanley 17). On August 30, 1837, Henry graduated from Harvard University (Olson 37). After graduating from Harvard University Henry did not knew what to do for living (Stanley 18). He was usually was call upon to do land surveying but he thought it was not a great profession although he had a skill to do land surveying (17). Ralph Waldo Emerson was Henry’s great friend and mentor as Henry got many ideas from Emerson towards his writing (Olson 9). Emerson also allowed Henry to live in his house until Henry has some job to do (Stanley 18). While living with Emerson, Henry was introduced to,† Concord’s elite circle of writers and philosophers† (18). While living with Emerson, Henry thought, he needed to do something in order for living so he did, â€Å"odd jobs like gardening and fence mending† (8). Emerson held informal meeting at his house in which the group of writers and philosophers were welcomed to attend (Olson 27). Henry was also present during these meetings (27). Transcendentalists were the people who used to attend these meeting (Stanley 18). They talked about topics such as political, cultural and regional etc (Olson 27). These Transcendentalists were concerned about, â€Å"society’s materialism† (Stanley 18). â€Å"They believed each person is born with an inner voice, or conscience, and those who live simple lives, close to nature, can hear the inner voice more clearly† (18). These Transcendentalists people keep their journals with them for writing their ideas and works (19). The Transcendentalists influenced Henry so much that he came up with this famous quote, â€Å"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears however measured or far away† (19). After college, Thoreau gave many lectures in Concord Lyceum (Stanley 87). On April 11, 1838, Thoreau made his first lecture in Concord Lyceum (Olson 43). His topic of first lecture was â€Å"Society† (43). On 1838, Lyceum elected Henry as secretary and curator but due to various reasons, he only held these positions until December 1840 (43). Thoreau wrote and read many lectures about Nature while working in Concord Lyceum (Stanley 8). Thoreau disliked slavery as in Concord Lyceum he lectured against it in his lecture, â€Å"Slavery in Massachusetts† (Woodlief). Thoreau also supported John Brown efforts in ending slavery as he told in front of Concord Lyceum in his lecture, â€Å"A Plea for Captain John Brown† (Woodlief). Henry David Thoreau gave nineteen lectures in Concord Lyceum (Stanley 87-88). Henry was not paid anything for lecturing in Concord Lyceum (88). When Emerson said town and people of Concord Lyceum about fees people started giving fees (88). Due to Emerson help, fifty dollars was paid to Thoreau because of his lectures that he spoke (88). Thoreau’s fees in Concord Lyceum were always low (88). Thoreau did not care about fees in Concord Lyceum, as he only wanted to help people and show them right path (88). In 1847, Thoreau worked as land surveyor (Meltzer 86). Thoreau was appointed surveyor-in-chief by Concord (86). As a surveyor-in-chief, Thoreau has to do many jobs such as, â€Å"to lay out roads, walk the bounds with town officials, and supply the technical documents for lawsuits involving his craft† (86). Thoreau left his land surveying paper after his death. (86). His land paper were so complete that it included every farm in town (87). Most of Thoreau’s surveys were made between 1849 and 1861 (87). According to Meltzer the survey made between 1849 and 1861 were about two hundred. These surveys are still found in Concord Free Public Library (87). Thoreau was able to make more than one hundred and fifty land surveys (87). Most of the Thoreau’s surveys were made in Concord but some were in different cities (87). Even modern land surveyors who use modern technologies and tools appreciate Thoreau’s work (87). They said his work as a land surveyor was phenomenal (87). Modern surveyors made surveys of Walden Pond could not disproves, â€Å"Thoreau conclusion† about Walden Pond, â€Å"made only from a string and a stone† (87). Thoreau as a talent land surveyor he made the map of Walden (Olson 80). Thoreau was very conservative when it came to land and because of him, government made the, â€Å"National Park Service (NPS) in 1916† (81). The National Park Service was more than fifty million acres (81). It, â€Å"became important part of America’s conservative effort† (81). The National Park Service â€Å"preserves natural resources and save the nation’s forest for future generations† (81). After studying in college, Henry David Thoreau tried to teach schools in Concord (Stanley 18). After two weeks of teaching schools, Henry David Thoreau was fired because, â€Å"he was expected to flog children if they were bad† (18). So as a teacher Henry David Thoreau was not successful†(18).   After college, Thoreau also worked in his father’s pencil making business (Woodlief). Although Thoreau worked in his father’s pencil, making business he really did not wanted to join him in his pencil making business due to various reasons (Stanley 18). In 1838 Henry’s brother John and he himself, â€Å"took over Concord Academy† (18). In Concord academy they started to teach students as they,† introduced many new ideas in education† (18). In Concord academy, â€Å"John and Henry took students for weekly nature walks to observe animals and plants so that they would learn through discoveries and firsthand experience† (18). Henry and his brother were very profitable in running Concord Academy (18). The academy closed in 1840 due to John’s sickness (18). The Concord Academy was very successful when John and Henry ran it (18). In 1843, when Henry David Thoreau was twenty-six years old, â€Å"he believed he was ready to make literature his profession† (Meltzer 53). Henry’s first writing work came in the periodical named Dial published by Hedge Club (Olson 48). In his first work, he wrote a poem named â€Å"Sympathy† (48). The poem was about Thoreau’s friend Edmund Sewall, â€Å"a young friend whose free and pure spirit Thoreau admired† (48). Margaret Fuller was the first editor of Dial (48). She remained editor of Dial from 1840 to 1842 (50). Tension between Thoreau and the editor Margaret Fuller began as later Margaret Fuller rejected many essays and articles written by Thoreau (48). Margaret Fuller also rejected Thoreau’s essay, which was about, â€Å"four-day walk Thoreau took with Fuller brother, Richard† (48). Thoreau was rumored to like Margaret Fuller and wanted to marry her (48-50). In 1842, Emerson became editor of Dial as a result Thoreau’s essay was more published in Dial (50). Henry David Thoreau wrote an essay on nature in an edition of Dial called â€Å"Natural History of Massachusetts† (50). In 1844, Thoreau wrote his last essay in the edition of Dial (97). In 1839, Henry and his brother went for a trip together (Olson 53). Their trip was to sail from Concord River to Merrimack River (53). For going on this trip, they needed transportation system, so they made a boat called Musketaquid (53). Musketaquid is a Native American name for Concord River (53). The boat they made was fifteen ft in length and three feet in width. This trip provides material was Thoreau’s book A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers (53). On the trip Henry went with his journal to write down ideas and notes about the trip (Stanley 15). Henry David Thoreau published his notes for the book A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers ten years after the trip (16). During the trip, the friendship between Henry and John grew, as they became more and more close (Olson 55). For the past few years, Henry and John used to hate each other, as they wanted to marry same woman named Ellen Sewall (55). Although Henry wanted to marry Ellen Sewall, he never got married to anyone (6). In 1849 Henry’s, book A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers was published. The book was not that popular when it was published as only two hundred twenty copies of that book was sold when it was published but in the modern times the book got more and more popular (53). Shortly after the trip, Henry’s brother John died on January 11, 1842, from lockjaw, which was caused by cut while John was shaving (Woodlief). After John’s death Henry was, â€Å"freed to become what he really wanted to be: a writer who embraced the transcendentalist notion of the self-reliant man† (Olson 57). On July 4, 1845, when Thoreau was 27 years old he started living near Walden Pond (Stanley 20). The Walden Pond became the sight of his famous book Walden or Life in the Woods (Olson 58). Henry David Thoreau admired Walden Pond and it beauty when he was very young (Burleigh 6). Thoreau book Walden or Life in the Woods was based on the beauty of nature as many of Thoreau’s work came from nature (6). Near Walden Pond, â€Å"he often walk and sees the animals, river and trees, all beauties of nature and writes it’s down in his journal† (6). Walden or Life in the Woods was a book that described lifestyle of Henry after returning from Concord to Walden Pond and how he spent his life near Walden Pond (Olson 60). Near Walden Pond Thoreau built up his own cabin (Woodlief). Thoreau’s cabin was built on the land owned by Emerson (Woodlief). While living in Walden Thoreau did extensive amount of reading and writing (Woodlief). While living in Walden Thoreau looked up the nature very closely (Woodlief). While living in Walden Thoreau just saw the nature all day long (Burleigh 10). While living near Walden Thoreau, â€Å"wanted to get so close to nature that he became one with it† (10). Henry went to Walden because he wanted to prove himself (14). â€Å"He wanted to show that someone could live very, very simply† (14). Thoreau went to Walden, as he wanted to enjoy his life (16). Thoreau didn’t like any luxuries in his life, as he wanted to be as simple as he could (16). At Walden, he lived very simple life as he with only forty-seven dollars he provided himself with food, clothing and shelter (Olson 60). In Walden, Thoreau made a desk for himself in which he wrote Walden or Life in the Woods and his famous essay â€Å"Civil Disobedience† (Meltzer 85). Thoreau got his intelligence from, â€Å"natural world and the experiences of his life† (13). Walden or Life in the Woods was the last book that he published and it was the last book published before his death (61). Walden or Life in the Woods was not that popular on its publication and did not make a lot of money but it was one of the famous works of American literature (12). After returning from Walden Thoreau had very tough time in Concord (Olson 65). Henry David Thoreau got imprisonment for not paying his poll tax for last several years (66). He refused to pay his poll taxes because he was against Mexican War as he thought it was another way to extend slavery in U.S (Meltzer 77).Sam Staples was the constable who arrested Thoreau (66). Sam offered to give money for Thoreau but he rejected (Olson 66). Thoreau got so angry that he asked Staples to quit from his job as a constable (66). Thoreau was surprised to find out the conditions of jail in which he was (68). He said, â€Å"it was the neatest apartment in town† (68). While Thoreau was in the jail, that night a woman came and paid poll taxes for Thoreau (Meltzer 76). The woman who came neither told who she was nor shared her identity (76). Some people thought that woman who came was the Thoreau’s aunt Marla (76). When Thoreau was free to go, he refused it and was â€Å"mad as the devil!† (77). In the jail, Thoreau started to write his essay called â€Å"Resistance to Government† later called â€Å"Civil Disobedience† (77). Many of Thoreau ideas in his essay were shares by many abolitionists (Olson 71). As always Thoreau essay got little popularity in the beginning (Meltzer 79). In 1866, four years after Thoreau’s death his essay was renamed as â€Å"Civil Disobedience (79). In his essay he said, â€Å"that a law should be respected not because it is a law, but only if it is just and right. If unjust laws exist, civil disobedience, such as refusing to pay taxes, is an effective way to oppose and change them† (80). Thoreau thought there were two types of laws, conscience laws and government laws and â€Å"when these two laws conflict, it’s citizen duty to obey the voice of conscience rather than that of government† (81). Many people were influenced by Thoreau because his essay â€Å"Civil Disobedience† and not paying his poll taxes (â€Å"Part Way with Thoreau†). Among these people were two great leaders known as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. (Meltzer 81). As people were influenced by Thoreau, during Vietnam War four hundred and forty eight writers didn’t pay their poll taxes and protested against them (â€Å"Part Way with Thoreau†). During their protest, they had two major points (â€Å"Part Way with Thoreau†). The first point was, â€Å"None of us voluntarily will pay the proposed ten percent surcharged or any war designated tax increase† (â€Å"Part Way with Thoreau†). Their second point was, â€Å"Many of us will not pay that twenty three percent of our current income tax which is being used to finance the war† (â€Å"Part Way with Thoreau†). In Thoreau’s last twenty years, he began his observation about vegetation in Concord (Gray). Thoreau’s goal was, â€Å"to find God in nature† (Gray). Henry got his goal about nature from his mind and from Emerson (Gray). After leaving Walden, Thoreau tried to find scientific things in nature (Gray). In 1999, Thoreau book Wild Fruit was published (Gray). The book was imprint because of Thoreau’s friend Bradley Dean (Gray). The manuscript of this book was â€Å"neatly stacked and wrapped at time of his death† (Gray). The manuscript of the book was lost many times because of change of owners of Thoreau’s house and due to it bad handwriting (Gray). This book was written as Thoreau took notes on each plant in order, which they grew (Gray). In that book, the sentences were mainly poetic (Gray). In the book, he asks people to pay close attention to fruit grown by nature (Gray). In the book he take stand against destruction of environment especially wilderness (Gray). The advised Thoreau made during the book was to, â€Å"let us try to keep the New World new† (Gray). His advised is being taken a century later (Gray). After writing this book Thoreau traveled to Main Woods and Cape Cod very often as traveling there he was interested in Native American and their frontiers (Woodlief). In 1860, Thoreau got a cold as the symptoms of tuberculosis such as cold created problems for him (Olson 84). Tuberculosis also created problems for his family as Henry’s elder sister who was a schoolteacher died of tuberculosis (Meltzer 12). Even with cold, he lectured in lyceum in Waterbury, Connecticut (Olson 84). Thoreau’ cold felt worse after the lecture â€Å"as he found that his deepened into bronchitis† (84). Later his cold and health got much worse (84). On May 1861, he planned to go to trip to Minnesota in order to study plants (84). The trip was not fully completed due to Thoreau’s bad health (86). Thoreau thought his end of his live was very near (86). In September 1861, he made his last visit to Walden (86). On November 3, 1861, Thoreau made his one last final entry in his journal (86). Thoreau last words before his death was, â€Å"Moose and Indian† (Woodlief). Henry David Thoreau died on May 6, 1862 at the age of forty-four years (Meltzer 145). Henry left his essays and his two books after his death (Woodlief). Henry also left his huge journal after his death, which was later published in twenty volumes (Woodlief). After Thoreau’s death, his friend Emerson and Luisa May Alcott wrote memorials for him (Woodlief). Emerson memorial was, â€Å"Emerson eulogy† and May’s memorial was, â€Å"Thoreau’s Flute† (Woodlief). â€Å"Thoreau is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts. The cemetery also contains the graves of authors such as Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Thoreau long time friend and mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson is also buried in the cemetery† (Olson 87). Although Henry David Thoreau was very simple, he gave many things to people in this world that people can benefit from. His works on nature forced people to realize that our nature was something as people benefited from Thoreau’s work almost a century later (Olson 88). Works Cited Burleigh, Robert. A Man Named Thoreau. New York: Atheneum, 1985. Gray, Paul. â€Å"Unregarded Berries.† Time 29 November 1999. 18 May 2009 Meltzer, Milton. A Biography Henry David Thoreau. Minneapolis: Twenty-First Century Books, 2007. Olson, Steven P. Henry David Thoreau American Naturalist, Writer, And Transcendentalists. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc, 2006. â€Å"Part Way with Thoreau.† Time 9 February 1968. 5 May 2009 Stanley, Phyllis M. American Environmental Heroes. New Jersey: Enslow Publishers, Inc, 1996. Woodlief, Ann. â€Å"Henry David Thoreau.† American Transcendentalism Web. 26 June 2007. 19 May 2009