Adventures On The Rapids Essays - Rafting, Rapids,

Adventures On The Rapids Adventures on the Rapids This could be your last meal, my mother jokingly said before we left that day. The day was bright, and the sun gleaming. The group packed into the muggy van, it was stifling hot, and downright uncomfortable. On a hot summer Missouri day, in the middle of July, your shirt clung to your damp skin. The mission: White Water Rafting. The drive to the river, where we would begin our incredible journey, seemed to last endless miles. The humidity was almost unbearable; the van had absolutely no ventilation. Fifteen people packed like sardines, anticipating beginning the trip over the rapids. Envisioning the cool water splashing on our sunburned faces. Fleeing from the van was like jumping from a burning building. Bathing suits on, sunblock applied, strength in tact, we were set. Waiting for the moment when we were able to jump into the raft, and head down stream. Savoring our feet splashing in the chilly water. What we didn't know, was what the day was about to become, and how it could have changed our lives forever. Less than two hours from now, we would know. I was assigned to a raft with my brother, my friend, and the river guide. The adults went in another. About an hour after we left, we made our first stop; an enormous rock midstream. We sat there for several minutes hopped back into the raft and we were on our way, rushing down the river, nearing towards the end. As we approached the last of the rapids, our guide asked if we wanted to surf up them. Surfing is basically paddling up a rapid. We practiced for several minutes, because you have to get used to paddling against the current, then you can go up against a rapid. We were prepared, and ready for the last of the excitement in our adventure on the rapids. Fighting our way up the rapid, it all played out in slow motion. We paddled hard, and so powerfully. I remember it being like a space ship bursting into the sky, or a bomb exploding, when another raft came charging down the rapid, crashing into my side of the raft. I was thrown off the raft, into the bitterly frigid water. All playing back in my head now, even slower I found myself panicking. I realized that my foot had been lodged in between two rocks. As my life is flashing before my eyes, I saw fearful people above the water. I was unbelievably frightened. I heard screams, and yelling from above water. Then I thought to myself, What if I can't see images of my life seconds from now? What if I can't feel terrified? What if I can't see the people just above me? Abruptly, as if I was released from a funnel cloud. I was pushed into the stream. Now I was gliding downstream. My foot was released, my fear calmed, and the images weren't flashing anymore. I was safe.

Solid reasons to study in Scotland

Solid reasons to study in Scotland Four Reasons to Study in Scotland When viewing all the options of where you want to study abroad, Scotland has to be the least obvious choice, but choosing a course here gives students the opportunity to study both in busy London-like cities, or in some of the most idyllic landscapes in the world. Once you arrive in Scotland, you wouldn’t want to leave it, guaranteed! Let’s pinpoint 4 good reasons to start your academic career here. Eventful History The Scotts have a rich history that is an integral part of the country's modern cultural heritage. The country saw both the Roman invasion back in the first century and withstood battles for the independence of Scotland. These events blended into an essential chapter of Scotland’s history. But you will be surprised at how much Scotland has to offer, way more than its historical battlegrounds and sophisticated castles. If you wish to embrace a culture that’s proud of its history and open to sharing it with students, then try your luck at one of the best Scottish universities to appreciate it first-hand! With over 100 galleries and 250 museums at hand, you’ll discover what it's really like to explore the history from the inside. Top-notch Universities Scotland boasts a handful of first-class universities that are put on the list of top 200 best educational institutions in the world according to The Times. Such institutions as the University of Glasgow, the University of Aberdeen and the University of Edinburgh that were found between the 1400s and 1500s, are the most recognizable public universities. In addition to age-old universities, Scotland also has plenty of globally renown schools and colleges, both private and public. Besides, if you wish to follow a royal path of pursuing a degree, then apply to The University of St. Andrews where Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge got their diplomas. Great Outdoor Playground If you consider enrolling in one of the Scotland’s educational institutions, mind that you won’t escape the beauty of nature the Scotland has to suggest. Lofty mountains, gleaming lakes, thick forests and miles on miles of golden beaches - Scotland's landscapes are truly breathtaking. Take a stroll through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Lowlands and drive through the deep hills, surrounded by mountains of Highlands. Scotland is also an enviable haven for wayfarers of all aspirations, offering from family hikes along the river and to long-distance routes such as the southern elevation path, as well as high-level mountain walks for the more adventurous. Easy to Travel One of the benefits of being an international student in Scotland is a chance to travel around the country that you will be calling home for the next several years and also travel throughout Europe. In Scotland, there is a variety of transportation options, so you can explore the whole country, from Sango Bay, right where your next stop is Arctic, to the Cairngorms National Park, and even the most hidden places you want to see in between are approachable. If you want to travel, you can do so by an airplane, bus or train that will take you anywhere, from London to Europe. Scotland won’t boost your anxiety as much as a hectic London environment; it’s just a perfect place to meditate on your physical and mental balance.

Domestic Violence on the Rise Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Domestic Violence on the Rise - Research Paper Example Although there are various means of dealing with violent crimes, one of the most effective means of deterring domestic violence is through strong punishment of offenders. Domestic violence, especially gender based violence is a concept that now has drawn much attention in the international humanitarian work. In the wake of the Yugoslavian rape camps, the sexualized genocide of Rwanda as well as the contemporary terrors on sexual violence, the international human rights community has increasingly turned its attention to combating gender based violence, both at home and during war (Burrill 280). Domestic violence against women is one of the critical public health problems that have both devastating physical and emotional effects to women, children and families m in the US. â€Å"Approximately four million American women experience a serious assault by an intimate partner during a 12-month period", Find counseling (2010, par 4). "It is estimated that 2 million to 4 million US women are assaulted by a domestic partner every year. Twelve million women (25% of the female population) will be abused in their lifetime. Up to 35% of women and 22% of men presenting to the emergency department have experienced domestic violence", (Find counseling, 2010, par 5). The rising cases of domestic violence affect children more than any other members of the society. â€Å"It has become apparent that in the cases where domestic violence was identified, the perpetrator of the domestic violence and the abuser of the children were likely to be the same individual, usually the child’s natural father†, (Humphreys and Nicky 101-102). Effects of the violence can be seen on the child’s performance decline in school as domestic violence interferes with homework time, sleep time as well as sleep quality and classroom concentration. Regardless of intelligence, domestic

LDAP Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

LDAP - Essay Example Therefore, the need to use LDAP becomes largely unnecessary. In its goal to remain lightweight, LDAP does not include a security or encryption service, and with the increasing concerns about network security, this option makes it use less prevalent among businesses and individual users (Gracion Software, 2011). An open source protocol allows user contribution to the software development. When LDAP became open source, the developers intended to eliminate dependence on a select group of vendors and increase the usability options for the internet directory service (Arkills, 2003). By making LDAP an open protocol system, it enabled its usage and faster advancement in a still developing computing field of internet directory services. LDAP is a lightweight directory management program, meaning that it makes minimal use of the system resources. In addition, apart from offering the traditional directory management tasks, LDAP allows directory update tasks. For many organizations with online directories offering selective access to information, LDAP is quite useful as it allows authentication for access to directory services alongside update services in accordance to user preferences. Finally, LDAP helps computers within a network to perform such tasks such as self-authentication to other computers in the network, configure the network environment, and manage access privileges (Arkills, 2003). The use of LDAP is more appropriate for organizations that run online directories. LDAP helps manage directories, especially with regard to update and validation of access by the authorized users (Arkills, 2003). The LDAP is more beneficial to programmers with interest in developing internet directories using C and C++ programs. These programmers usually work with corporate clients such as businesses in creating effective and easy to manage directory systems. LDAP is an

Business Decision Making Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Business Decision Making - Coursework Example Decisions range from smaller and simple ones to complex ones which require great effort to facilitate the arrival to a reliable conclusion. The overall process of decision making needs to be executed in a logical and systematic manner that will allow the evaluation of all relevant elements before adopting one of the available alternative courses of actions. Therefore, decision making has to be carried out with an organized approach that will facilitate the consideration of all factors. This is according to Baker (2010). Williams (2007) agrees that academic experts in the business sector have devised models that can be employed when developing a decision. These models advocates for the adoption of various requisite steps in building the decision. The essential steps applied in making decisions at all contexts starts from then definition of a problem, identification of the alternative, evaluation of the available options, selecting the best alternative, appraising the feasibility of th e decision and presenting the proposed decision for approval by the relevant authorities. All major decisions are carried out systematically using these steps without omitting even one. In the business context, once the underlying problem has been defined rationally, the next step will entail the identification of the available solutions. The first two steps of decision making require the application of information concerning the problem situation. The third step on evaluation of the options also needs the appraisal of the situation’s information. At this juncture, one should be in a position to interpret the collected information appropriately using a suitable interpretation technique. Upon interpreting, the decision maker will pick the best alternative course of action, based on the validity of the findings depicted by the interpretation. This is according to Williams (2007). Baker (2010) asserts that information on a situation needs to be acquired before initiating a decis ion making process. The data collected from the sources will supplement the values needed to develop a body of information concerning a situation. At this juncture, it is logical to state that the practical part of a decision making process begins from the collection data on the concept under consideration. Data collection can be carried out using the suitable methods. The data can be obtained from either the primary or the secondary sources. Primary sources data collection entails the process of obtaining information from first hand respondents especially in the field by exercises like surveys and administration of questioners. In our discussion, the decision making process concerning Exchange Partnership Team (EPT) will start from the development of an outline illustrating the data collection exercise. Question 1 In the context of the West London Exchange company, the Exchange Partnership Team (EPT), data can be obtained with respect to the outline below; 1) Primary Data sources a ) Administering Questionnaires b) Observations c) Case studies d) Portfolios e) Interviews f) Evaluation of critical incidences 2) Secondary Sources a) Internet Databases b) Internal business records c) Government agencies records d) Business directories Question 2 Questionnaire According to Baker (2010), the most appropriate research methodology

Gladiator Historical Accuracy

Gladiator Historical Accuracy The movie gladiator revolves around the life of Maximus Decimus Meridius. Maximus was the greatest Roman General in the Roman Empire. Marcus Aurelius was the emperor of Rome and near his death he told Maximus that he wanted the power to be shifted back to the senate, and not to his son, Commodus. The reason Marcus Aurelius did not want his son to rule is because he believes that Commodus will destroy the Roman Empire. When Commodus finds out that he will not become emperor, he suffocates his father. After Marcus Aurelius death, Commodus tells the Romans that he is the new emperor, but Maximus knows the truth. Commodus tells the soldiers to kill Maximus and his family before the power is given to the Senate. Before the soldiers could kill Maximus, he defeats all of the soldiers trying to murder him, and he escapes. Maximus goes home to see his wife and son murdered and hung in front of his house. He knows he cant stay in his house, so he starts to find somewhere else to live. While in the desert, Maximus collapses and he is captured by slave trainers. While in the slave camp, the captured slaves were tested to see what level they could perform. Maximus was called Spaniard because he refused to tell his name. When he finally showed the slave traders how well he fought, they immediately knew that they had an amazing fighter. In Rome, Commodus reopens the gladiatorial games in honour of his deceased father. A significant scene in the movie was when the gladiators were supposed to re-enact the battle between Rome and Carthage. The gladiators did not want to be defeated so they killed the defenders and the crowd enjoyed the twist. Commodus demanded the identity of the best fighter. Maximus removes his mask and Commodus is shocked to see that he is still alive. Commodus is unable to kill him because the crowd loves him. Commodus decides to force him to fight the Tigris of Gaul, the best fighter in Rome. While Maximus battles the Tigris of Gaul, Commodus releases the t igers on him. Maximus almost defeats the Tigris of Gaul when he saw Commodus vote for death. Maximus decided to spare the Tigris life to oppose Commodus. Commodus is angry to find out that the Romans start calling Maximus, Maximus the Merciful. After the battle, Maximus meets one of his former servants, Cicero and him tells him to tell his former soldiers that he is still alive, and wants them to battle for his freedom. Maximus plans an escape with Gracchus and Lucilla to reunite with his army. Commodus fears that his sister, Lucilla is betraying him so he threatens Lucius. Commodus discovers the plot and he sends his soldiers to kill Maximus and the other slaves. While in battle, Proximo, the trainer of the slaves, and Hagen are murdered, but Juba and the rest of the survivors are imprisoned. Maximus escapes only to find Cicero hung by Commodus soldiers. Maximus becomes captured and imprisoned again and has to face Commodus in battle. Commodus talks to Maximus before the battle and stabs him in the back to weaken him in the battle and he orders the guards to cover the wound with armour. While in battle Commodus tries fighting him but at one point Commodus sword is taken from his hand. Commodus orders Quintus to give him another sword, but Quintus refuses. Maximus kills Commodus while the whole Coliseum stayed silent. As the life of Maximus begins to fade, he tells the Romans to free Proximos slaves and let Rome be controlled by the Senate again. The movie ends with Maximus meeting his family in a field in his afterlife. Juba is at the end of the movie burying two statues of a woman and a boy that belonged to Maximus, and Juba says he will meet him in the afterlife. Historical Analysis- Gladiator Characters: Lucilla: In the movie, Lucilla is the daughter of Marcus Aurelius, and the sister of Commodus. In the beginning of the movie Marcus Aurelius tells her he wished she was a boy because she would rule Rome appropriately. Lucilla is very smart and is very interested in the politics of Rome. Commodus is in love with her and does not want anyone to have her. She understands his love and uses it to her advantage. In the movie, she does anything she can to distract Commodus and keep him happy in order to save Maximus. Lucilla, Maximus and Gracchus plot to kill Commodus The romantic relationship between Lucilla and Maximus is clearly evident, and it truly angers Commodus. Commodus becomes very suspicious and threatens Lucius. Lucilla informs Commodus about her plans in order to save her son, and Commodus captures Maximus. Maximus: In the movie gladiator, Maximus Decimus Meridius is a loving father and husband. He is the greatest Roman General in Roman history, and no one can defeat him. The character of Maximus was created by the writers of the movie, Unfortunately, there are no portraits with which to compare the Hero of Gladiator, the Spanish general Maximus. He never existed at all. (Ward, 2005). All of the scenes in the movie that involved Maximus were written in to make the movie more exciting and the love affair between Lucilla and Maximus never existed. Commodus: Commodus character was supposed to portray a mixture between the Caesars Nero and Caligula. Historians believe that he was worse. In the movie, Commodus is hated by the Senate and the people. In history Commodus is only hated by the Senate, he was quite loved by the people. In Gladiator, Commodus is murdered by Maximus during battle, but that is not true since Maximus never existed. Commodus had many attempts on his life, but only one man succeeded. Role of Different Groups: Caesars: In the movie Gladiator, the Caesar Marcus Aurelius had the most power and he was a noble Caesar. He did not want Commodus to gain power because he feared Commodus would ruin the city of Rome. Some Caesars shared their power with the Senate, some Caesars became dictators. Generals: A general had a very important role. The job a general was to lead their army to victory. During the ancient Roman times a legion would serve his general first and his Caesar second. This is demonstrated in the film when Maximus tells his former servant Cicero to get his army to fight for his freedom. Maximus knows the army will obey him. Gladiators: Gladiators were the lowest form of humans during the ancient Roman times. Gladiators were men who were mostly captured during war and were forced to fight. There is also a high accuracy in the way that the life of a gladiator is portrayed. Gladiators were men who were trained to die for the publics entertainment. They not only fought other gladiators but animals too. (Ilic, 2004). Government Structure/ Politics: The government during the ancient Roman times was based on the Caesar and the Senate. Many of the Roman people loved the Senate, but after seeing how corrupt they could be the Romans started to love Caesars more. For example Commodus was one of the emperors who although despised by the senatorial classes was loved by the military and lower classes. The reason is mainly financial. Commodus taxed the senators and was generous with the others. (The struggle between the Senate and the Caesars continued until the fall of the Roman Empire). (Ward, 2005) Work Cited Gil, NG. (2010, October). Economic reasons for the fall of rome. Retrieved from http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/fallromeeconomic/a/econoffall.html Ilic, KI. (2004, June). Gladiator fact vs. gladiator fiction. Retrieved from http://cssaame.com/jhs/gladiator_fact_vs_gladiator_fi.html Ward, AW. (2001, August). The movie gladiator in historical perspective. http://linkage.rockefeller.edu/wli/reading/gladiator.html

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Essay -- essays research papers

1) Summary of Character Traits a) School smart (Maya is smart. When she moves to San Francisco from Stamps, Arkansas, she is skipped a grade.) b) Caring sister (she always talks of her devotion to Baily) c) Determined (she wants to get a job with the streetcar company and she keeps bugging them until they finally give her a job) d) Proud (she lives with the junkyard kids instead of going back to her father’s; she slaps Dolores for calling her mother a whore) 2) Appearance a) African American, tall, skinny, small and squinty eyes, big feet, large gap between her front teeth, black hair 3) What The Character Wants a) Maya wants, ultimately, for her family to be happy. She wants the segregation of blacks to end (she is disgusted when young white girls call her grandmother by her first name). 4) How the Character Changes a) After being raped, Maya stops talking as much b) After spending time living in the junkyard, Maya learns tolerance, which will help her through out her life. She matures from a young girl to a mother, as well. c) Becomes more mature once she gets her job with the street cars 5) Key Statements About the Character a) â€Å"Ritie, don’t worry ‘cause you ain’t pretty. Plenty of pretty women I seen digging ditches or worse. You smart. I swear to God, I rather you have a good mind than a cute behind.† (p.56) b) â€Å"In those moments I decided that although Baily loved me he couldn’t help. †¦ I knew that because I loved him so much I could never hurt him† (p. 73) 6) Key Actions a) Father comes to Stamps and takes them to their mother b) Moves back to Stamps, then to SF c) Drives home from Mexico d) Slaps Dolores e) Stays with the junkyard people f) Gets pregnant 7) What Others Think Of the Character a) When they are younger, Baily really looks out for Maya. As they grow up, and after she spends time with her father, they drift apart. b) Her grandmother loves Maya very much, and knows that she is a very smart girl with a lot of potential. c) Her mother seems to care much more about her than her father did. Thesis Statement: Maya Angelou faces many hardships, yet manages to overcome them all, in her autobiography, â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.† Maya Angelo... ...a car accident, and her father is woken up. After the horrendous trip to Mexico, Maya and her father return home to find his girlfriend enraged. In an outburst, the girlfriend calls Maya’s mother a whore. Maya slaps her, which provokes Dolores, the girlfriend, to attack her. After that situation, Maya goes and lives with children in a junkyard. After living in the junkyard, she returns home to her mother. Later on after that, she gets pregnant. Although Maya is younger than he is, Baily admires his sister for her academic abilities, among other things. Maya’s grandmother loves her very much. She instills in her strong beliefs and good morals. She knows Maya is a very smart girl and does the best she can to work Maya to her full potential. Maya’s mother spends more time with her than her father does. Although both parents love her, the love of her mother is more apparent. It is her hope that the segregation will end, and the black people will be equal to the white race. The way in which Angelou portrays her life makes the reader feel pity at times, for the way Maya and her family is treated, rage at other when Maya acts badly, and joy when good things happen for their family.