The Walt Disney Company Essay - 2102 Words

Running Head: The Walt Disney Company FIN534: Financial Analysis Heather Kain Strayer University Dr. John Karaffa November 30, 2011 Introduction The Walt Disney Company, along with its subsidiaries, is a diversified entertainment company. Its animation studio, parks, resorts, consumer products and media networks has allowed the Walt Disney Company to remain a staple in the entertainment industry along with its impeccable ability to market to children and adults. Through analysis of the company overview, financial threats, financial performance and stock price analysis, one can examine the financial position of the Walt Disney Company. Company Overview The Walt Disney Company was started in 1923 as the Disney Brothers†¦show more content†¦Disneys imprints include Disney Libri, Hyperion Books for Children, Jump at the Sun, Disney Press, and Disney Editions† (2011). Finally, another Walt Disney company affiliate, the Disney Store, has locations throughout North America and Europe or consumers are welcomed to visit www.disneystore.com to purchase various Disney consumer products (Company Overview, 2011). Company Vulnerability to Current Financial Threats The Walt Disney Company has a very strong revenue base. Datamonitor explains, â€Å"A broad and diversified revenue base insulates the company from economic cycles in one industry and diversifies the companys business risks† (2011). However, the Walt Disney Company still faces a series of threats. First, the Walt Disney Company has an overreliance of the North American market. Of its total revenues, 74.3 percent is from the United States and Canada and 8.5 percent from the rest its localities in the world (SWOT Analysis, 2011). North America has been going through an economic downturn. By allowing North America to be the primary focus for promotion, instead of increasing development in other markets, this constrains the overall revenue growth, thereby weakening its rank in the international market, as well as, increasing the threat of global competition. Second, the Walt Disney Company faces intense competition in its si gnificant industries. For example, Disney-ABC GroupShow MoreRelatedWalt Disney And The Disney Company Essay1236 Words   |  5 Pages1923 by animator Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, the Walt Disney Company is an â€Å"American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate†; whose media companies include the Disney Channel, ABC, ESPN, and AE. Furthermore, they receive revenue from their various theme parks and resorts located around the world, the sale of merchandise related to their various media projects, and their mergers and acquisitions. Notably with Pixar, Marvel, and LucasFilm Ltd. Walt Disney is currently ledRead MoreWalt Disney Company954 Words   |  4 PagesWalt Disney Company Angela Pursel University of Phoenix COM 530/ Communications for Accountants Brent Smith March 21, 2011 Walt Disney Company Walt Disney is a well-known name in today’s society. Walt Disney once stated, â€Å"You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world but it requires people to make the dream a reality† (Sparks, 2007). Marty Sklar, Vice Chairman and principal creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering was quoted as saying, â€Å"FromRead MoreDisney Of The Walt Disney Company753 Words   |  4 Pages As has been noted, Disney World is one of the biggest companies in the world. As long as we have this big company, we may have uncountable numbers. It is a huge brand and it has many fans. Even there are many advantages or disadvantages from having it, they still have their main goal, which is making profits. According to Disney’s corporate website, the mission of the Walt Disney Company is to be one of the world’s famous creators and producers of enjoyment and data. Utilizing our container ofRead MoreThe Walt Disney Company1001 Words   |  5 PagesThe Walt Disney Company Jessica Weber Communications for Accountants / COM/530 September 13, 2010 Deborah Elver, MBA, CPA The Walt Disney Company Walt Disney founded the Walt Disney Company in the late 1920s in order to provide families across America and around the world with quality entertainment for every member in the family. Disney created entertainment for families in several different ways. The first being their television programs, which include animated and live moviesRead MoreThe Walt Disney Company1848 Words   |  8 PagesThe Walt Disney Company (Disney). The third section will examine the similarities and differences found within a comparison of The Walt Disney Company’s financial statements and the financial statements discussed and demonstrated within the course textbook. This section will also contain an in-depth discussion of the financial statements’ dissimilarity and posit rationales for these differences. The fourth section will discuss debt load as an area of concern for potential investors in The Walt DisneyRead MoreWalt Disney Company1730 Words   |  7 PagesThe Walt Disney Company is a diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise business. They have five business segments which are media network, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. Disney Media Network consists of broadcast, cable, radio, publishing and digital businesses within the Disney/ABC Television Group and ESPN, Inc. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is comprised of family oriented parks and resorts all around the world. TheyRead MoreWalt Disney Company1069 Words   |  5 PagesThe Walt Disney Company if there was an authoritarian leader it would affect group communication immensely because the employees need to be creative and because authoritarian leaders â€Å"make decisions, give the orders, and generally control all activities† (Beebe Masterson, 2009, P. 290) this does not allow creative communication. When a leader dictates techniques to a group it does not allow constructive communication, and ideal sharing, and this would not be good for The Walt Disney Company. InRead MoreThe Walt Disney Company1633 Words   |  7 Pagesapplied on the analysis of the ethical issue of the Walt Disney Company. The recommendations we believed that can help t o address the ethical problems are also included in this paper. Background of The Walt Disney Company The Walt Disney Company is a international entertainment and media enterprise. It has established for more than nine decades and developed from a cartoon studio in the 1920s to the global corporation today. The Walt Disney Company is consisted of five business segments which areRead MoreThe Walt Disney Company642 Words   |  3 Pagesentertainment and media, Disney has also been able to remain profitable for so long due to the company’s various strategies used to create value through diversification, expansion, and integration. Throughout Disney’s history, the company was always operated by key businesspeople that had a goal of maintaining the brand and remaining profitable as the largest multinational entertainment conglomerate in the world. Additionally, Walt and Roy Disney set the stage for future leaders of the company to achieve successRead MoreWalt Disney Company.857 Words   |  4 PagesWalt Disney Company is famed for its creativity, strong global brand, and u ncanny ability to take service and experience businesses to higher levels. In the early 1990s, then-CEO Michael Eisner looked to the fast-food industry as a way to draw additional attention to the Disney presence outside of its theme parks - its retail chain was highly successful and growing rapidly. A fast-food restaurant made sense from Eisner’s perspective since Disney’s theme parks had already mastered rapid, high-volume

Essay On Taxing Assets - 1456 Words

A government taxing their constituency based upon their estate dates back over two thousand years ago. In 700 B.C. the ancient Egyptians placed taxes on transfers of property at death. Subsequently the Roman Emperor, August Caesar, placed a tax on successions of realities of the deceased. As societies grew along with it grew and modified the idea of an estate tax and taxation in general. In America specifically taxing assets was first realized with the implementation of the Stamp Act of 1797. This act required a federal stamp on wills in probate. However this was repealed in 1802. In the decades to come estate taxes were viewed to be necessary to raise the funds to finance wars. The Revenue Act of 1862 implemented a federal inheritance tax†¦show more content†¦There was also a tax placed on estates and excess business profits. However unlike in pervious times in American history, this tax did not go away following World War One. Throughout the lifetime of the act it has expe rienced numerous changes but could be cited as the core foundation that assisted in the establishment of the current estate tax. Estate taxes are defined as the taxes on privilege of transferring property at death and are typically determined by the size of the decedent’s estate. This consists of counting everything a decedent owns or has interests in at the date of death and determining their fair market value (Jacobson). The gross estate is then taken, while permitting deductions and a taxable estate if made. Since the act of 1916, the ever changing landscape of taxation can be broken down into two distinct time periods. These periods are 1916-1948 and 1976 to present. The first notable change following the Revenue Act of 1916 was a tax placed on inter vivo gifts. This then became a permanent feature in 1932 and was due to the fact that congress recognized the wealthy individual’s ability to find a loophole to avoid such estate taxation by giving things away as a gift. In 1935 alternate valuation was implemented through the Revenue act of that same year. This then allowed for an estate to be valued 1 year following a descents death. This was then later altered to just sixShow MoreRelatedProposal Tax Policy For A New Er Promoting Economic Growth And Fairness1130 Words   |  5 PagesEconomic Growth and Fairness, a dual income tax system has been introduced that would boost economic growth and increase tax fairness. The new system contains a single, low rate on all capital income, coupled with a higher top tax bracket on wages. This essay, however, will focus on analyzing Miligan s arguments in reforming the tax system. In this report, Milli gan mentions two trends that raise concerns for current Canadian tax system. The first one is the increasing income concentration. More and moreRead MoreTax Pensions : A Solution To The Public Pension Crisis1407 Words   |  6 Pagespotential 150-percent increase in property taxes.† (2014, pg. 1) However, a 150-percent property tax rate increase may not be the answer in order to resolve Kentucky’s pension deficit, as it will only increase taxes for property owners instead of taxing all Kentucky residents. Instead, increasing taxes statewide via sales tax or by income tax could produce immediate, and much needed, revenue. Additionally, insuring that current educators maintain their employment benefits as promised to them uponRead MoreFaculty of Business Studies1287 Words   |  6 PagesFaculty of Business Studies BE-210 TMA-1 DUE DATE 26th December Part A: Essay Questions (25) 1. Define accounting. Accounting is the information system that measures business activity, progress the data into reports and communicates the results to decision makers. And accounting is the language of business. The better you understand the language of business the better you can manage your own business. For example, how will you decide whether or not to borrow money? YouRead MoreBusiness and Its Publics: Cycle 1 Essay1697 Words   |  7 Pagesshould be regulated by the government or be shouldered by the corporations that cause them. Edward Freeman, a famous economist, champions efficient markets in his essay Managing for Stakeholders. According to Freeman, companies should integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into all of its assets; he believes every corporate asset creates the same value and has the same responsibility for enacting social change (Friedman, 43). Before assessing the validity of Freeman’s argument, it is importantRead MoreImportance of Financial Statements to Managers, Investors and Creditors1095 Words   |  5 PagesDinh Thi Quyen Class: A4 – LT6B Number: 24 Essay: Importance of financial statements to managers, investors and creditors Financial statements are important reports. They show how a business is doing and are very useful internally for a companys stockholders and to its board of directors, its managers and some employees, including labor unions. Externally, they are important to prospective investors, to government agencies responsible for taxing and regulating, to lenders such as banks andRead MoreThe Shareholder Approach For Managerial Responsibility Essay1403 Words   |  6 Pagesis to Increase Profits†. In essence, that article states that the responsibility of a manager is solely to the shareholders; he or she must follow the shareholders’ interests as long as it stays within legal and certain social parameters. In this essay, I will further explain Friedman’s arguments, address main counterpoints, and ultimately argue that Friedman’s conclusion is a correct and normative view of the moral responsibility from the perspective of management in a non-private company. TheRead More Satire and the Deployment of Irony in A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift2769 Words   |  12 PagesSatire and the Deployment of Irony in A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift Therefore let no man talk to me of other expedients: of taxing our absentees at 5s. a pound: of using neither clothes, nor household furniture, except what is of our own growth and manufacture: of utterly rejecting the materials and instruments that promote foreign luxury: of curing the expensiveness of pride, vanity, idleness, and gaming in our women: of introducing a vein of parsimony, prudence and temperance: ofRead MoreVisual Arts As A Career1395 Words   |  6 Pagescompany market their product in an effective way. It may be challenging to find your niche at first. Do not give up on your dream too soon. If you feel the drive to create, then you can do so successfully somewhere in the creative world. In this essay I am going to explore what it is like to be a working artist. Even though there are many career paths in this field, self supporting artists have many of the same benefits and challenges. As a young student myself, I have many questions about thisRead MoreFreedom Isnt Free1560 Words   |  7 PagesSean Andrew Drop 218 Lee Road 550, Phenix City, AL 36870 (334) 298-3025 SSKareBear@aol.com DOB: August 30, 1994 Senior in High School Pacelli High School (706) 561-8232 Word Count: 1500 â€Å"I have read and understand the guidelines. The essay submitted is original and of my own creation.† Freedom isn’t Free By: Sean Andrew Drop Freedom isn’t Free When our founding fathers were drafting out the Declaration of Independence they knew then that the British were not going to take our stanceRead MoreFlat Tax System Essays1742 Words   |  7 Pages The current tax system is extremely complicated and punishes those who are successful by taxing people more than the average citizens. If flat tax were to be in the United States it would create fairness within the economy and be less complicated. Flat tax would not punish people for having higher income; instead flat tax would create equality to all tax payers. The taxpayers would not be complaining to the neighbors or their close relatives about their tax rates and how different they are from

Alliant Energy Case Study Free Essays

1. Who are the main players (name and position)? William D Harvey, Chairman and CEO of Alliant Energy Jamie Toledo, head of supplier diversity program- Alliant Energy 2. In what business or businesses and industry or industries is the company operating? Energy/Utility- Alliance provides electricity and natural gas service 3. We will write a custom essay sample on Alliant Energy Case Study or any similar topic only for you Order Now What are the issues and problems facing the company? That diversity within the workforce and supplier base does not meet corporate core values and goals (to create and retain/maintain a diverse workforce/supplier base, and place women in positions not traditionally held by women, still need more ethnic diversity) in order to maximize their abilities Employees are confused about Alliant’s definition of diversity Employees’ perception of diversity (affirmative action, work attitudes, job satisfaction) 4. What is the primary problem for the company/organization in this case? That diversity within the workforce and supplier base does not meet corporate core values and goals 5. Why have the problem (s) you cite emerged? Identify the causal chain (the events or Circumstances that caused the problem-Some will be Internal Weaknesses, others EXTERNAL Threats). Employees’ perception of diversity (affirmative action, work attitudes, job satisfaction— external threat, people come to the workplace with preconceived notions regarding diversity. Employees confused about definition of diversity- Internal cause by lack of training and lack of understanding regarding management’s expectations 6. What are the characteristics of the industry that the company is in and how is the Industry changing over time? Not typically an industry that includes many women, and is not located in an area of the United States that is particularly diverse. Industry is continuously growing as the need for energy increases, thus more people will need to be hired and more suppliers will be needed. The marketplace is full of many different ages, races, and religions. An organization with employees that reflect these different groups will be more successful in serving consumers because their workforce reflects the diversity of the marketplace 7. What is the firm’s strategy for differentiation, enabling them to compete within the context of their industry? According to Jamie Toledo, having diverse suppliers leads to new perspectives and creativity, it supports local communities, and ensures diverse businesses have fair opportunities. In addition, having a diverse workforce enables the company to understand the marketplace and increases the company’s chances of succeeding . What are possible solutions to the problems you have identified? Continue to communicate senor managements’ commitment to diversity, explain the benefits of diversity, active participation of employees in the training, create an internal diversity council 9. What are the advantages and possible disadvantages of your solution(s)? Advantage: more training and m ore continued reinforcement typically leads to more involvement and awareness, employees now know the definition and of and benefits of diversity at it applies to their jobs and company. Possible disadvantage: the scripted training may reinforce stereotypes. All day, mandated training may lead to some employees not grasping all the elements of the training 10. Are there any possible problems with your suggested recommendations? What contingencies need to be accommodated? Training may be too scripted, not enough employee involvement†¦. Solution= include more informal forums or guest speakers. Could also spread the scripted training over the course of multiple days. How to cite Alliant Energy Case Study, Free Case study samples

Prometheus Bound Immortality Essay Example For Students

Prometheus Bound Immortality Essay A monologue from the play by Aeschylus NOTE: This monologue is reprinted from The Dramas of Aeschylus. Trans. Anna Swanwick. London: George Bell and Sons, 1907. IO: I know not how I can deny your wish,So in clear word all ye desire to knowThat shall ye hear;Yet am I ashamed to tellWherefore on me, forlorn one, burst the stormHeaven-sent and whence this forms disfigurement.For evermore would nightly visions hauntMy virgin chambers, gently urging meWith soothing words;O damsel, highly blest,Why longer live in maidenhood when theeWait loftiest nuptials? For by passions dartInflamed is Zeus for thee and fain would shareThe yoke of Kypris. Spurn not thou, O child,The couch of Zeus, but to the grassy meadOf Lerna hie thee, to thy fathers herdsAnd cattle-stalls, that so the eye of ZeusFrom longing may find respite. By such dreamsFrom night to night still was I visited,Unhappy one; till, taking heart at length,My night-born visions to my sire I told.Then he to Pytho made a herald sentAnd to Dodona; seeking to be taughtHow best, by deed or word, to please the gods.But they returned, announcing oraclesOf riddling import, vague and hard to spell.At len gth to Inachos came clear response,By voice oracular commanding himFrom home and father-land to thrust me forth,At large to range, as consecrate to heaven,Far as earths utmost bounds. Should he refuse,From Zeus would come the fiery thunderbold,And his whole race extirpate utterly.Then yielding to such Loxian Oracles,He drove me forth, and barred me from his home,Against his will and mine; but, forcefully,The curb of Zeus constrained him this to do.Forthwith my shape and mind distorted were,And horned, as ye behold me, goaded onBy gad-fly, keen of fang, with frenzied boundsI to Kerchneias limpid current rushd,And found of Lerna. Then the earth-born herdsman,Hot-tempered Argos, ever dogged my steps,Gazing upon me with his myriad eyes.But him a sudden and unlooked-for fateDid reave of life; but I, brize-tortured, stillBefore the scorge divine am driven onFrom land to land; the past thou hearest; nowIf thou canst tell my future toils, say on,Nor, pity-moved, soothe me with lying tales,F or garbled words, I hold, are basest ills.

Nature versus Nurture

Introduction The human race has elicited many unrelenting controversies concerning the different aspects of its existence. These controversies often yield debates that sometimes develop from simple arguments aimed at understanding individual behavioral differences to become politically motivated disputes over distributive justice and societal power (McLeod par. 12).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Nature versus Nurture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More A prime example of this nature of debates is the debate on whether nature or nurture has a greater bearing on the development of the diverse individual behavioral differences that exist. This age-old debate neither shows any indication of ending soon nor identifying which of the two factors has more influence on behavioral differences. Researchers and scholars have conducted numerous studies over the same, but the have not settled this debate. This paper seeks to ex plore this debate in the light of a recent article that appeared in The Wall Street Journal, â€Å"Nature vs. Nurture: New Science Stirs Debate How Behavior Is Shaped; Who’s an Orchid, Who’s a Dandelion†, in a bid to establish what it adds to already existing body of literature on this controversy. A Synopsis of the Article The article in question, Nature vs. Nurture: New Science Stirs Debate How Behavior is Shaped; Who’s an Orchid, Who’s a Dandelion, featured in The Wall Street Journal on September 16, 2013 with Jonathan Rockoff as the author. The article opens by noting that researchers are moving closer to explaining how nature rather than nurture has more influence on human behavior as the extent of individuals’ sensitivity to external influences varies based on the biological composition of their nervous system (Rockoff par. 3). As such, some individuals are more susceptible to external influences than others are. Individuals that are m ore susceptible are termed as ‘orchids’ while the less susceptible types are termed as ‘dandelions’ (Rockoff par. 3). A baffling finding is that orchids will perform very poorly in adverse environments, but they will thrive under optimum conditions in contrast to dandelions (Rockoff par. 5). This observation was confirmed by a 2010 study in the Journal of Child Development, which showed children performing poorly under fighting parents, but became best performers under a happier home life. A study by the National Academy of Sciences also supports this position by asserting that under adverse economic conditions, environmentally sensitive mothers (orchids) were very harsh with their children, but under better economic circumstances, they parented their children better than non sensitive mothers (dandelions) (Rockoff par. 7).Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Th ese findings have escalated the nature-nurture debate once again, but even so, a lot remains unknown over environmental susceptibility, and thus it is tentatively arguable that people have both orchid and dandelion traits to varying degrees. Critics have faulted the evidence provided noting that a more rigorous study is necessary. However, despite such calls from critics, an analysis of 15 studies, which incorporated up to 1200 children as conducted in 2011 by Dr. Van IJzendoorn among others, confirmed that dopamine production in an individual had a bearing on environmental susceptibility (Rockoff par. 20). An Analysis of the Article This article, like other literature on the nature-nurture debate, explicitly outlines the dilemma that researchers and other experts in the field of psychology find themselves in over the issue. Proponents of each side conduct their studies and attempt to pitch their side as the most influential on behavioral development. However, every time a researche r does this, critics find gaping holes in the explanations offered just like in this article. Eventually, the debate remains hanging in the balance without a clear concept of the side that has more influence on behavioral development. This article argues in favor of biological determinism by presenting empirical evidence from several studies, which seems to make it reputable, but critics refute it on the grounds of the credibility of the evidence presented. For instance, it is noted that orchids are susceptible to environmental influence, but the type of influence they are susceptible to is not specified. Assuming that they are susceptible to every form of influence that comes their way would be erroneous as noted by one of the critics (Rockoff par. 17). Personally, I do not agree with the research findings in the article because even though the studies were conducted, they do not present adequate ground for researchers to make the conclusions they made. It is true that dopamine mig ht influence environmental susceptibility as concluded in the article. However, the study also needed to specify the kind of susceptibility it influences because without this element, it follows that all orchids in the same surroundings are supposed to manifest identical traits. Concisely, the findings of the studies are incomplete and are thus unacceptable.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Nature versus Nurture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The significance of this article insofar as the field of psychology is concerned stems from the fact it stimulates the minds of researchers towards an idea that might have eluded them for a long time. It points out the significance of dopamine in influencing environmental susceptibility among individuals. Though this point does not comprehensively explain how biological determinism plays a bigger role in dictating behavior, it begins to outline how the genetic code of an i ndividual affects how s/he interacts with the environment. In essence, it begins to indicate that nature does not influence behavior, but it determines how the individual interacts or s/he is affected by the environment. In this sense, both genetic composition and the environment interact to determine behavior. This perspective concurs with studies conducted by Evans (423-51) to determine the influence of the physical environment on behavior. The studies were conducted to find out the influence of noise, crowding, and the quality of housing and neighborhood on the behavior of children. The study of the influence of noise on behavior revealed that children’s reading abilities and cognitive development are adversely affected by noise through delays in the ability to read and interfering with long-term memory respectively. The studies also found out that teachers in noisy environments become more exhausted, irritable, and impatient with learners, thus affecting the cognitive dev elopment of learners. These studies clearly indicate that the physical environment has a significant bearing on the behavioral development of an individual. This assertion stems from the fact that noise had an effect on the students as well as teachers and crowding had an effect on both the child and the parent. The effect of these environmental factors on the child is magnified by the fact that the child is subjected to the direct influence of the factors coupled with the indirect influence that come from the influence of these factors on the teacher or parent. It is noteworthy to point out that though several children may be subjected to the same noise levels and same extent of crowding, their behavior patterns cannot turn out to be exactly similar. This observation implies that even though the environment may influence behavior as established by these studies, it can only do so depending on every individual’s unique personal characteristics. The effect of the environment i s the same on all, but the behavior of every individual will remain different even if there were some similarities. This assertion means that the influence of the environment combines with an individual’s unique trait to yield a certain behavior pattern. This aspect points to the flaws in the study by Evans (423-51) because it fails to consider that the same environmental factors can still yield different behavior patterns within a group.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Conclusion This paper sought to explore the article on Nature vs. Nurture by Rockoff in a bid to find its placement within the body of literature on this debate in the field of psychology. The article endeavors to pitch biological determinism as being superior to environmental influence insofar as behavioral development is concerned. A 2010 study in the Journal Child Development and a study by the National Academy of Sciences both espouse the idea that some individuals are more susceptible to environmental influence than others are as aforementioned. The article, like other literature on this subject, only adds to the confusion that already exists since critics of the studies that were cited in the article rightly refute the findings on the grounds of their credibility and authenticity. A careful consideration of the ideas espoused by the article and opponents of such ideas shows that the environment acts on an individual’s innate abilities to produce a unique pattern of beha vior for every individual. Works Cited Evans, Gary. â€Å"Child Development and the Physical Environment.† Annual Review of Psychology 57(2006): 423-451. Print. McLeod, Saul.  Nature Nurture in Psychology – Simply Psychology,  2007. Web. Rockoff, Jonathan. Nature vs. Nurture: New Science Stirs Debate – How Behavior Is Shaped; Who’s an Orchid, Who’s a Dandelion, 2013. Web. This essay on Nature versus Nurture was written and submitted by user Jorge Winters to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

15 Quotes Exploring the Complex Father-Son Relationship

15 Quotes Exploring the Complex Father-Son Relationship Dads and sons have a complex relationship.  As  Frank Herbert said,  What is the son but an extension of the father? Fathers try to pass on to their sons the knowledge of what it means to be a man and to be successful in life. Most fathers raise their boys based on their own experiences with their fathers, for better or worse. Former President George H.W. Bush It’s much worse to read criticism about your son than yourself. Johann Schiller It is not flesh and blood but the heart, which makes us fathers and sons. Aldous Huxley Sons have always a rebellious wish to be disillusioned by that, which charmed their fathers. George Herbert One father is enough to govern one hundred sons, but not a hundred sons, one father. Marlene Dietrich A king, realizing his incompetence, can either delegate or abdicate his duties. A father can do neither. If only sons could see the paradox, they would understand the dilemma. William Shakespeare When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father, both cry. Walter M. Schirra, Sr. You dont raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, theyll turn out to be heroes, even if its just in your own eyes. James Baldwin If the relationship of father to son could really be reduced to biology, the whole earth would blaze with the glory of fathers and sons. Robert Frost The father is always a Republican toward his son, and his mothers always a Democrat. Relationship Between the Father and His Teenaged Son The need to emulate the father seems to dissipate when kids reach adolescence. The rebellious hormones want nothing of the old mans wisdom. Most young teenagers want to distance themselves from their fathers. Relationships that were built with a bond of love and trust become strained  and withdrawn. Most fathers remain distant when their kids are growing, to avoid a clash of personality. Is this normal or a trend towards growing family discord? On the TV sitcom Home Improvement, starring Tim Allen. In one of the episodes, Wilson makes a wry comment: Parents are the bone on which children sharpen their teeth. What Im saying is that when a boy is young, he worships his father and in order for the boy to become a man, hes got to see his father as a fallible human being and stop seeing him as a god.   The cold war can continue well into the adult phase of the childs life  until he himself becomes a father. Sooner or later, the cycle of life allows the new father to reminisce his childhood days and recount the innumerable ways his  father showered love upon him. American actor James Caan once said, I never saw my dad cry. My son saw me cry. My dad never told me he loved me, and consequently, I told Scott I loved him every other minute. The point is, I’ll make fewer mistakes than my dad, my sons hopefully will make fewer mistakes than me, and their sons will make fewer mistakes than their dads. And one of these days, maybe we’ll raise a perfect Caan. Fathers and Sons Can Share a Bond Through Fun Activities Fathers who nurture their sons through projects and activities have a strong and healthy relationship. Usually, fathers and sons enjoy the same activities, whether fishing or football. Find an activity that suits you and your sons. You could choose to go camping with your son. Or consider teaching the young boy basic techniques of golf. If football is your first love, share anecdotes and funny stories with your boys  while catching up on the action on Super Bowl. These quotes about fathers and sons reflect on the wonderfully complicated relationship between boys and their fathers. On Fathers Day, help every father and son reach out to each other through these loving words. Alan Valentine For thousands of years, father and son have stretched wistful hands across the canyon of time, each eager to help the other to his side, but neither quite able to desert the loyalties of his contemporaries. The relationship is always changing and hence always fragile; nothing endures except the sense of difference. Confucius The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them. Ralph Waldo Emerson, (on the death of his son) My son, a perfect little boy of five years and three months, had ended his earthly life. You can never sympathize with me; you can never know how much of me such a young child can take away. A few weeks ago I accounted myself a very rich man, and now the poorest of all.

Media history research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Media history research paper - Essay Example Five categories of media were used in the interview namely sound recording, radio, television, movies, and print. Each category would be discussed later on in the paper together. (Name of interviewee) owned a magnetic tape and tape recorder which he used for listening to his favorite tracks. It was found in his living room. He also had a phonograph which he got from his grandfather. He said he was fascinated with the phonograph since it was the very first recorder ever invented. On top of that, Benjamin Franklin was the one who started it all so he appreciated so much the presence of the phonograph from his grandparents’ home before he got the phonograph. During the 1940s according to him, the famous songs were Run Rabbit Run and Were Gonna Hang Out The Washing On The Siegfried Line  by Flanagan and Allen, Lili Marlene  by Anne Shelton, Jukebox Saturday Night  by Glenn Miller & his orchestra, The Blackout Stroll  by Joe Loss & His Band, Aint Nobody Here But Us Chickens   by Louis Jordan & His Tympany 5 and Youre Driving Me Crazy by Charlie & his orchestra. Radio was still popular way back in the 1940s according to (name of interviewee). Television was already gaining popularity but many people still preferred to listen to the radio. He was able to remember how radio became a free medium and turned the music industry to the next level because more advertising can be done while people can freely enjoy the music. Some companies even did not allow their start to appear on radio. He also observed how the recordings became not very popular and lost some profits because of the booming business in radio. The interviewee cannot forget how the radio started in 1940 so he even shared some significant events: FM radio was demonstrated for the FFC the very first time, Fireside chat was broadcasted on National Defense and National Security and Charles de Gaulle, a general and

Big Problems in Chinese Popular Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Big Problems in Chinese Popular Culture - Essay Example Moreover, bulk production tactics helped China to provide employment to thousands of Chinese people. Another interesting factor is that the one child policy implemented by China helped them to control the population growth up to certain extent. China’s economy is the largest in Asia it may become the largest in the world in the near future itself. Albert Keidel (2008) has pointed out that â€Å"China’s economy will surpass that of the United States by 2035 and be twice its size by mid- century† (Keidel). Amidst all these positives, it is a fact that unemployment problems in China is growing at a steady rate and the government failed to implement any effective measures to counter it. Unemployment rate in China is around 11% at present which is creating serious problems with access to housing, education, and basic social services. This paper analyses questions such as; How college graduates and peasant workers deal with unemployment in China; What advantages and disadvantages does each group hold and How do crime and corruption, along with social stability and mobility play a role in the PRC today etc. Even though the unemployment rates are coming down, it should be noted that more than 230 million people in China are still jobless. In other words, statistics are not providing the actual depth of the unemployment problems in China. â€Å"What confronts the young generation of today is structural unemployment, mostly resulting from a mismatch between the conditions and nature of jobs and the skills and expectations of the young generation† (Litao & Yanjie, p.i). The expectations of the current youths in China with respect to employment are high. Unlike the old generation, they are not ready to work in hard working labor sectors such as the construction fields or manufacturing sectors. They are looking for white collar jobs and it is difficult for the Chinese

Why Did Eastern Europe Fall Under Communist Rule In The First Place Essay

Why Did Eastern Europe Fall Under Communist Rule In The First Place - Essay Example om potential capitalist oppression, providing assistance to the flourishing communist parties in central Europe and ensuring dictatorship of the proletariat in the conquered nations. In fact, most of the East European nations were willing to be part of the communist regime as they sought better security, protection and peace under the Soviet Union. This paper seeks to explore the various reasons and favourable conditions that contributed to Communist rule in Eastern Europe. Many of the Eastern European nations that suffered under Nazi occupation saw communism â€Å"as the best safeguard against the possibility of a revival of fascism in the future†; besides, â€Å"many of the Eastern European countries were liberated from Nazi Germany by the Russians† and â€Å"countries like Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary were in extreme financial hardship and communist policies would definitely have been attractive to them† (Communism after 1945: Background 2010). Similarly, many of the Eastern European countries expected a stable government under the Soviet governance which would make them powerful economically and politically. In the same way the Soviet forces were successful in developing a popular sentiment for socialism and communism (which was brought out by the demolition of Nazi and Fascist forces) in East Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Poland and they were immensely assisted by socialist movements such as the Soci alist Unity Party of Germany, the Hungarian Working Peoples Party, the Romanian Workers Party and the Polish United Workers Party in these countries. Brown (2010), in this respect, states that the Eastern European nations might have been attracted by the six essential defining characteristics that governed communism: â€Å"its political organisation: the monopoly of power of a Communist party and rigid discipline and strict hierarchy within that party†, â€Å"its centralised, command economy (with prices and output targets fixed

Analysing Fire Regulation In Malaysia Engineering Essay

Analysing Fire Regulation In Malaysia Engineering Essay In Malaysia, Fire Rescue Department or popularly known as Bomba is the fire and rescue services agency. The fire safety standards must be implemented by following the regulations in the Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) 1984, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards and Fire Services Act 1988. 2.1.1 Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) 1984 Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) 1984 is a published document, which is used as a required safety standard and also is emphasized by the government. The Standing Committee recommended that life safety of the building occupants must be considered first and it is to be achieved by giving the minimum requirement regarding to the various aspects. The various aspects refer to egress for the occupants, spread of fire within the building or from one building to another one building and means of detection and extinguishing of fires. In UBBL 1984, 80 percent emphasized on life safety requirement and 20 percent are remaining on the property protection of a building (Goh, 2009). Besides, the basic requirements of the UBBL are adequate fire protection materials and construction system to make sure the safety of the life and property in the building during the fire. Furthermore, UBBL 1984 also stated some fire requirements regarding the construction design in order to minimize and decrease the risk of fire. Automatic fire sprinkler system is mentioned in Uniform Building By-Law 1984 at Part VIII (Fire Alarm, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access). 2.1.2 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) National Fire Protection Association is an international non-profit organization which is authorized on fire, electrical and building safety. The NFPA was established in 1896 and it serves as the worlds leading advocate in fire prevention and is an authoritative source for information on fire safety (Tharmarajan, 2007). Besides that, NFPA develops, publishes, and disseminates about 300 consensus codes and standards which intended to minimize the effects of fire and other risk. Actually for every building, process, service, design, and installation in society today is already affected by NFPA documents (National Fire Protection Association, 2009). Automatic fire sprinkler is mentioned in NFPA 13 (Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems), NFPA 25 (Standard for the Inspection, Testing, Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection System) 2.1.3 Fire Services Act 1988 The Fire Services Act 1988 is implemented to make necessary provision for the effective and efficient functioning of the fire Services Department. In addition, this act is also for the protection of person and property from fire risks and other purposes connected therewith. This Act most likely explains the duties of the Fire service Department, which consists of implementing fire prevention, fire safety inspection and fire hazard abatement, investigation and prosecution (Tharmarajan, 2007). 2.2 Types of fire sprinkler systems Fire sprinkler systems are the most important and successful of the fire fighting systems. There are five main types of fire sprinkler system which are wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, re-cycling and alternate wet and dry pipe. The three additional types of fire sprinkler system which are tail-end alternate, tail-end dry pipe and deluge. These three systems may be combined with wet pipe and/or alternate wet and dry pipe sprinkler system to form extensions. The type of sprinkler systems to be selected for the building will be depended on type of building and type of materials to be protected (Hassan, 1996). For example, a storage facility that stores highly flammable liquids will need a different sprinkler system from a shopping centre. 2.2.1 Wet pipe system Wet pipe systems are the most common fire sprinkler system that have been using in the building. This sprinkler system is suitable used in heated buildings where temperatures remain above 0 and there is no risk of the water in the sprinkler system freezing (Hassan, 1996). Water is constantly maintained within the distribution piping. When a fire produced the heat, it will cause the nearest sprinkler heads to open at their operating temperature. Water will immediately discharged onto the fire, at the same time the flow of water activates a hydraulically operated alarm bell outside the building and arrangements can also be made to alert the local Fire Brigade (Hassan, 1996). Figure 2.1 shows a typical wet sprinkler system where the water supply is taken directly from the water main. Figure 2.2 shows how the pipe connected the alarm valve to an alarm gong and turbine. The total number of sprinklers that connected to an installation will be different for light hazard, ordinary hazard and high hazard and, depending on the circumstances. Besides that, the number of sprinklers system fitted to each installation will vary over the range of 500 to 1000 (Hassan, 1996). When fire sprinkler systems installed in a high rise building, the difference in height between the lowest and the highest sprinkler in an installation must not be greater than 45 meters (Hassan, 1996). Distribution pipes are to be connected independently to the main rise pipe at the floor being served and no section shall extend to more than one floor, mean that each section being served by a separate main rise pipe. Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 2.2.1.1 Advantages of wet pipe sprinkler system Simplicity and reliability system Wet pipe sprinkler systems have the fewest number of components and require less installation time compare to other systems. Due to the systems simplicity, the system maintenance may not be performed as the desired frequency. The reliability of wet pipe sprinkler system is important since sprinklers may be used to standby for many years before they are needed (API Group, 2003). Financial saving The installation and maintenance expense for wet pipe sprinkler system are relative low (API Group, 2003). It is because wet pipe sprinkler systems require least amount of installation time and also less service time is required. Ease of modification The works to modify the wet pipe sprinkler system include shutting down the water supply, draining pipes and making alterations. After then, the following work is to pressure test the system and restore it. Additional work for detection and special control equipment is avoidable which may saves the time and cost (API Group, 2003). Shorter time to repair after fire Wet pipe sprinkler systems require the least amount of effort and time to restore after a fire (API Group, 2003). In most instances, fire sprinkler is reinstated by replacing the fused sprinklers and turning the water supply back on. For other types of sprinkler systems, it may require additional effort to reset control equipment. 2.2.1.2 Disadvantages of wet pipe sprinkler system The disadvantages of wet pipe sprinkler system are that it cannot be installed in an area where distribution pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures. It is because the water inside the distribution pipe will become solid if exposed to freezing temperatures. 2.2.2 Dry pipe system This system may only be used in the conditions that it is impossible to use a wet pipe system, or alternate wet and dry type system. Dry pipe sprinkler systems are installed in areas where distribution pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures. For example, dry pipe sprinkler systems will be installed at unheated buildings and parking garages. The system between dry pipe system and wet pipe system are different. The difference is that, wet pipe sprinkler systems contain water but dry pipe sprinkler systems contain compressed air. The compressed air is supplied by an electric air compressor, nitrogen bottles, or other source. In addition, the air pressure inside the pipes that is about one-third to one-half times greater than the maximum water pressure. Dry pipe sprinkler systems have a valve clapper and alarm port. The function of dry pipe valve clapper is to separate between air pressure and water pressure at the valve interface. When a fire starts, fire release the heat causes a sprinkler head to open and the compressed air would be released. Once this happened, water will enter the pipe and flowing through open sprinkler onto the fire. Due to this system is liable to suffer frost damage, it is important that the pipe work should be self-draining and sprinkler heads must be fitted above the range pipes. The number of sprinkler fitted to each installation shall be within the range 125 to 500, and depends on whether or not an accelerator has been fitted to the system (Hassan, 1996). Figure 2.3 shows how sprinkler heads fitted above the range pipe. Figure 2.3(Sources from Hassan, 1996) 2.2.2.1 Advantages of dry pipe sprinkler system Suitable for freezing temperatures Dry pipe sprinkler systems are suitable to be installed in areas where distribution pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures. For example, dry pipe installations include unheated buildings and parking garages. Suitable for water sensitive areas The advantage of dry pipe sprinkler systems is that it is suitable to be used to protect collections and other water sensitive areas while the wet pipe system does not. While a physical damage on the wet pipe sprinkler systems will cause the pipes leaking, dry pipe sprinkler system will not. It will take 1 minute to release the air inside the pipes before water flowing. 2.2.2.2 Disadvantages of dry pipe sprinkler system Increased complexity According to API Group, dry pipe sprinkler systems require additional control equipment and air pressure supply components which will increase complexity of the systems. If proper maintenance is not followed for this sprinkler system, the system would be less reliable. Higher installation and maintenance cost The installation cost for dry pipe sprinkler system will be higher since the complexity level is higher and installation time is longer compare to wet pipe system. Besides that, the maintenance cost will also be higher due to labour skill is required to maintain this complex sprinkler systems. Lower design flexibility There are strict requirements regarding the maximum permitted size of individual dry pipe systems (API Group, 2003). These limitations may impact the ability of an owner to make system additions. Increased fire response time The total time taken from sprinkler head opens until water is discharged onto the fire is up to 60 seconds (API Group, 2003). The fire extinguishing actions will be delay for 60 seconds and caused the fire damage to the building increase. Increased corrosion potential Dry pipe sprinkler systems must be completely drained and dried. If there is water remaining inside the pipe, it will cause corrosion and premature failure. This kind of problem will not happen on wet pipe system because the water is constantly maintained in piping. 2.2.3 Pre-action system Pre-action sprinkler systems are installed in water sensitive environments such as computer rooms, library and paper records office. When in an actual fire condition, these systems will operate to save the building and its components from fire damage. It will give earliest warning if detected of combustion in the protected areas and which will arise from the action of a smoke detector. This will gives enough time for the outbreak to be dealt with satisfactorily by using portable extinguishers. The pre-action system is similar to a dry pipe system and deluge system. The difference between pre-action system and dry pipe system is that the air pressure may or may not be used for pre-action system. The difference between pre-action system and deluge system is that the valve is electronically held closed and standard closed are used for pre-action system. Two separate events must be presented to initiate sprinkler discharge onto the fire. Firstly, the detection system identifies a developing fire and then automatically sprinkler system would open the pre-action valve. When the pre-action valve is opened, it allows water to flow into system piping. Secondly, each of the sprinkler heads will verify whether there is fire then only permit water flow onto the fire. This system must be self-draining. For pre-action sprinkler system installation, the maximum numbers of sprinklers that may be fitted to an installation for light hazard is about 500, ordinary hazard and high hazard is about 1000 (Hassan, 1996). 2.2.3.1 Advantages of pre-action sprinkler system The dual action required water release The dual action here means that the pre-action valve must operate and sprinkler head must fuse then only water release (API Group, 2003). This feature provides double level of protection against inadvertent discharge. With this reason, pre-action sprinkler systems are frequently installed in water sensitive areas such as book libraries, computer centers and etc. 2.2.3.2 Disadvantages of pre-action sprinkler system Higher installation and maintenance cost Pre-action sprinkler systems are more complex with several additional components, such as fire detection system. Thus the installation and maintenance cost will become higher due to the additions system required. Modification difficulties Pre-action sprinkler systems have specific size limitations which may affect future system modifications (API Group, 2003). Besides that, system modifications must incorporate changes to the fire detection and control system to ensure proper operation. Potential decreased reliability The higher level of complexity with pre-action sprinkler systems the higher possibility that something may not work when needed. Regular maintenance is needed to ensure reliability. 2.2.4 Alternate wet and dry pipe system This system is used for those developments in which the water in the pipes may freeze when change in the climate and where the surrounding temperature does not exceed 70. For example, the system is operated dry in winter and wet in the summer. The system inside the pipes will be changes by following the climate, when it is dry pipe system then the pipes contain compressed air, and when it is changes to wet pipe system then the pipes are filled with water. In some cases, this system may require a duplication of the automatic alarm valves, which may be connected in parallel. The benefit of the automatic alarm valves is to facilities an easy changeover at the turn of the season. Besides that, the system must be self-draining and the number of sprinkler fitted to each installation shall be within the range 125 to 500 (Hassan, 1996). 2.2.5 Recycling system The use of this system is generally restricted to situation where it is necessary: To limit water damage after a conflagration; To prevent inadvertent water damage caused by any accident mechanical interference with the pipe work or sprinklers; and To be able to carry out work on the installation while ensuring that the system remains in a state of readiness at all times. When pre-action valve turn to open mean than the operation of any heat detector activates the alarm driven gong and primes the pipe work ready for the imminent opening of one or more sprinklers. If the fire was put out by portable extinguishers immediately, the heat detectors automatically reset to the normal monitoring position. This has the effect of initiating a hydraulic pressure equalization process which may typically take 5 minutes to complete. After this has occurred, the pre-action valve will be from opened and turn to closed. If the fire begins to rekindle, the heat detectors will be reactivated and cause the pre-action valve again be opened. After then water will be directed discharge to the source of the fire. Others installations use electrical timing units and the use of electrically interlocking circuitry is installed to ensure that the system will not operate solely because of falling air pressure in the pipe work. With this system, any accidental damage to either the pipe work, or the sprinkler heads will not cause the main valve to open. The disadvantage is when operatives working on such an installation must take care that they isolate that part of the system on which they are working from the potentially active main system. The system must be self-draining and the number of sprinklers fitted to such an installation must not exceed 1000 (Hassan, 1996). 2.2.6 Deluge system Deluge sprinkler systems are installed in high hazard operations, such as power generating station, chemical storage, munitions plants, and the areas which store items such as flammable liquids. These sprinkler systems will work together with independent fire detection systems and discharge water immediately to the protected area during a fire. The deluge sprinkler system is similar to a pre-action system. The difference between deluge sprinkler system and pre-action system is that the deluge sprinkler heads are open and the pipe is not pressurized with air. Deluge systems are connected to a water supply through a deluge valve that is opened when smoke or heat detection system is activated. The detection system is installed in the same area as the sprinklers. When the detection system is activated, water will discharges through all of the sprinkler heads onto the fire. Water is not adequate to control or extinguishment fire in areas where flammable liquids are manufactured or stored. Water is require to mixed with the foam concentrate and cause the concentrate to expand when released through the sprinkler head, it may depriving the fire source of oxygen required to support combustion of flammable materials (Hassan, 1996). 2.2.7 Tail-end alternate pipe and tail-end dry pipe systems These systems may be regarded as an add-on system to a standard sprinkler installation and they are intended to deal with comparatively small areas. In a heated buildings will served by a conventional wet pipe system, it is possible that a small part of the building is either unheated or is overheated temperatures. In order to deal with this, it is permissible to join a tail-end alternate system onto the main wet pipe system. The number of sprinklers on any tail-end extension must not exceed 100. If it is more than two tail-end extensions are services by one valve set, the total number of sprinklers in the tail-end extension must not exceed 250 (Hassan, 1996). 2.3 Benefit of fire sprinkler system Automatic fire sprinkler systems have been used to protect industrial and commercial properties for more than 100 years. Nowadays, fire sprinklers are not only installed in commercial and industrial buildings but also installed in residential buildings, office buildings, schools and hotels. Fire sprinkler systems are become common and popular that is because it is provide many benefits to us. 2.3.1 Reduce fatalities It is difficult to estimate how much safer fire sprinklers could provide in the event of fire. Based on evidence from laboratory studies and limited field experience in the United States, the studies prove that fire sprinklers could save an additional 7.7 lives per million houses per year. In addition, the evidence also proves that fire sprinklers could reduce the risk of firefighter death and injury during put out a fire. It is estimated if all the buildings were installed with fire sprinklers, about 0.1 firefighter lives could be saved per million houses per year. Thus, the study concludes that fire sprinkler could save an additional 7.8 lives per million houses per year (Rousseau, 1989). 2.3.2 Reduce injuries Based on the United Stated research, the study proves that if installation of fire sprinkler in buildings could prevent about 87 people injuries per million houses each year. The amount of firefighting injuries could also be reduced through increased installation of sprinklers by as many as 30 firefighting injuries per million houses per year. Based on American Studies, the cost to remedial per injury to a civilian or firefighter is $30,000 (Rousseau, 1989). These costs are included to pay medical bills and allowance for pain and suffering. 2.3.3 Reduce Insurance Premiums Residential fire sprinkler systems are becoming more prevalent with each passing year. If the building installed with fire sprinkler systems, it will cause the additional 1 to 2 % increase in the final cost of the house (Snyder, 2008). Besides that, municipalities must account for the increase in residential system and ensure that they are being maintained in accordance with current National Fire Protection Association standards. After installed fire sprinkler systems, they will actually save money because they can reduce home insurance rates by 5 to 15 percent (Snyder, 2008). These values are expected to be increase in the future. In the event that there is a fire, they will also save money in potential damages. 2.3.4 Increase value of the building A building constructed with fire sprinkler system has more value than a building without a fire sprinkler system. It is because a building with a fire sprinkler system provides additional fire safety for the building and thus, the building worth more and the owner could gain more profit when selling the building. 2.3.5 Reduce property damage cost According to records for decades on property damage, the owner save about 90% on property damage costs with fire sprinkler systems than those without fire sprinkler systems when a fire is happened. This is clear that a fire sprinkler system will pay for itself many times over. According to Daniel Snyder article, the average cost of damages in homes with fire sprinkler systems was about $2,000 and the average cost of damages in homes without sprinkler systems was about $45,000. 2.3.6 More time to escape Fire sprinkler systems provide an additional degree of protection for both life and property above smoke and other fire detection systems. Sprinkler systems obviously help people by giving more time for them to escape when a fire is happening, so they help to save lives. A correctly designed and installed sprinkler system can detect and control a fire at an early stage of fire development and activate an alarm. So with the correct operation of the sprinkler system will rapidly reduce the production rate of heat and smoke, thus allowing more time for the occupants to escape safety or be rescued. 2.3.7 Increase exit access travel distance capacity An increase in exit access travel distances is a major distinct advantage for buildings with sprinkler system over buildings without sprinkler system. The exit access travel distance mean the distance from any occupied portion of a building to an exit. For example, the exit is such as enclosed stairway. Depending on the occupancy of the building, anywhere from an additional 50 to 100 feet of exit access travel distance can be gained when the building is installed with fire sprinkler system (International Building Codes, 2006). Table 2.1 show the maximum travel distance between building with sprinkler and without sprinkler for different types of buildings. SEVENTH SCHEDULE MAXIMUM TRAVEL DISTANCES (By-law 165 (4), 166 (2), 167 (1), 170 (b)) Purpose Group Limit when alternative exits are available (2) (3) Dead-End limit (metre) Un- sprinklered Sprinklered Small Residential Institutional Hospitals, Nursing Homes etc, School Open Plan Flexible Plan Other Residential Hotels Flats Dormitories Office Shops Factory General and Special Purpose High Hazard Open structure Places of Assembly Storage and General Low an Ordinary hazard High Hazard Parking Garages Aircraft Hangars (Ground Floor) Aircraft hangars (Mezzanine Floor) NR 9 6 NR NR 10 10 0 15 15 15 0 NR NR NR NR 15 NR NR NR 30 45 30 45 30 30 30 45 30 30 22 NR 45 NR 22.5 30 30 22.5 NR 45 60 45 60 45 45 45 60 45 45 22.5 NR 61 NR 30 45 45 22.5 Table 2.1 (Sources from Uniform Building By-Law 1984) 2.3.8 Increase Egress capacity For the occupancies buildings which are installed with fire sprinkler systems, except high-hazard and hospital, the means of egress components can be increased 50% for the staircase width and 33% for all other egress components such as corridors, doors, ramps (International Building Codes, 2006). For example, a 44 inch of exit staircase construct in a building which is without fire sprinkler systems only can serve 146 persons, but a same 44 inch of exit staircase construct in a building which is installed with fire sprinkler system can serve 220 persons. Besides that, 44 inch corridor construct with fire sprinkler system can serve 293 persons, without fire sprinkler system can serve 220 persons. 2.3.9 Reduce construction cost As previously mention, if the new building installed with fire sprinkler systems, it will cause the additional 1 to 2 % increase in the final cost of the house. They are not only can cut low the insurance premiums but also reduce in construction cost. This is because most building codes provide large construction leeway for sprinkler buildings. For example, fewer egresses are required and larger floor areas are allowed for the building with sprinkler systems installed. This feasible design will help owners and occupants to cut down the construction cost and material cost. Further more information about the advantages of fire sprinkler system relate to benefits of construction cost saving will be explain as below: 2.3.9.1 Reduction in shaft enclosures For building are not greater than 420 feet in height, the fire rating of vertical shaft such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, trash/linen chutes, except exit enclosures and elevator hoist way enclosures, is permitted to be reduced to one hour where automatic sprinklers are installed within the shaft at the top and at alternate floor levels (International Building Codes, 2006). This can be a big cost saving in high-rise building construction. 2.3.9.2 Elimination of the access vestibule for smokeproof exit staircase enclosures For high-rise building, the exit staircases off the floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access are required to be smokeproof exit enclosures (IBC 1020.1.7). The access are to the staircase in a smokeproof exit enclosure is required to be form an open exterior balcony (IBC section 909.20.3) or a ventilated vestibule (IBC Section 909.20.4), with a width of not less than 72 inches (IBC Section 909.20.1). If the high rise building is installed with fire sprinkler systems, under IBC section 909.20.5 is allow to eliminate the open exterior balcony and /or the ventilated vestibule requirements. This alternative saves valuable space on each floor of the building and it can be converted into rental or sellable space for the building owner. This can be a big cost saving in high-rise building construction and also gain extra profit for building owner. 2.4 Problem of fire sprinkler system Fire sprinkler systems can be used to save lives, property and others benefit, whether they used in industrial buildings, offices, or home. But automatic fire sprinkler systems also present some unique technical problems. Fortunately, such problems can be avoided by knowing the most common reasons for fire sprinkler failure. From the National Fire Sprinkler Association report, the most common reasons for fire sprinkler failure that are error sprinkler activate, overheating, freezing, mechanical damage, corrosion, or leaking. 2.4.1 Problem regarding elements of fire sprinkler 2.4.1.1 Corrosion Corrosion or rust can weaken pipes and sprinkler heads. The severe corrosion problems have been commonly attributed to microbiologically influenced corrosion and known as MIC. This can result a sudden and unwelcome activation when a sprinkler pipe or head fails. The National Fire Protection Association states that building owners are responsible for replacing sprinkler components that are corroded or rusted. Corrosion of fire sprinkler piping can lead to potentially hazardous system malfunction, as well as costly water damage and repair costs. Unfortunately, inspections for MIC and corrosion are often overlooked until the problems become serious, such as damaging leaks occur or the corrosion extend to a large areas of the entire fire sprinkler system have to be replaced. This corrective maintenance approach is a retro-active strategy. The task of the maintenance team in this scenario is usually to effect repairs as soon as possible. Cost associated with corrective maintenance include repair, lost production and lost sales. Repair costs are included replacement components, labour, and consumables. Solution to corrosion of fire sprinkler A new proactive approach to fire sprinkler maintenance is available using completely non-invasive, ultrasonic technologies that from the basic of a predictive maintenance approach (Jeffrey, 2005). This approach provides a cost-effective means of detecting the presence and monitoring progression of corrosion and creating a digital record of the system state that can be used to schedule replacement of localized sections of the system before leaks or operation failure occur. 2.4.1.2 Mechanical damage Fire sprinkler systems depend on the integrity of all their parts. If a sprinkler head is hit or a pipe damaged, the parts can separate and the system cannot be activate when fire is present. A common problem with sprinkler heads is damage from nearby construction of forklifts that are raised too high, accidentally knocking off sprinkler heads. Besides that, installing automatic sprinklers can also result in damage to the system if improper tools or techniques are used (Russell and Fleming, 2000). Solution to mechanical damage Fire sprinkler system must always be inspected after the works have been completed by contractor or sprinkler supplier. Homeowner must ensure all elements of the sprinklers in proper manner and without damage. 2.4.2 Problem regarding installation of fire sprinkler 2.4.2.1 Freezing There are two major kinds of fire sprinkler systems which are wet pipe and dry pipe sprinkler systems. Normally wet pipe sprinkler systems are most common used to install in the build

Education vs Social Class Essay -- Higher Level Skills, Capitalistic E

Social class vs. Education America is considered the land of possibility to many, the land of the free. There is a plethora of businesses that function only through the collaboration of members that reside in every level of social class. As Anyon puts it, â€Å"†¦ social class describes relationships which we as adults have developed, may attempt to maintain, and in which we participate in every working day†(anyon 398). One’s social class contains and is built by many different interactions. Your social class begins to be constructed at birth and is developed through interactions in the community, work place, and before all else places of education. Indeed the skills and level of thinking learned through education is a deciding factor in how strongly you can participate in the economy there for determining a major factor in social class (Anyon 398 p. 10). This topic is discussed in articles written by (Kozol, Matzios, and Jean Anyon) who pose similar arguments to reinforce this observation b ut also have contrasting ideas on the subject. In all functioning capitalistic economies in the world there are distinct separations between the types of work done, or rather the skills used, to complete the job at hand. The lower level jobs like factory work generally function through having employees follow strict guidelines with attention to detail. While this is still a skill to be learned it requires little development of outside knowledge or the ability to analyze critically. Higher paying jobs come with the responsibility to be able to act for oneself and in the interest of what is beneficial by dealing with each situation in a calculated and often creative manner. These different skill sets are acquired through different methods of learnin... ...ion and for that reason it leaves few opportunities open to learners other than professions that The labels of cause and effect can be applied to both sides of the education vs. social class relationship; each effect on the other is seen in full circle. To conclude, what can be learned from each level school is most likely what caused the child to be in that level education in the first place. The environments of each teaching environment are re-created in the working environment seen at the corresponding level of job. Better education leads to more opportunities in the work force and allows for more money to be reinvested into that symbolic capitol for the next generation. Sadly until the flaws of the lower class education system are fixed it will continue to reiterate the fact that â€Å"The rich only get richer while the poor only get poorer† (Mantsios I think)

Funeral Customs

Funeral custom world wide Death: the act of dying; the end of life; the total and permanent cessation of all the vital functions of an organism. Death is a very painful and emotional time, yet one that may be filled with hope and mercy and is base off of the world's religious traditions and of philosophical enquiry. Belief in some kind of afterlife or rebirth has been a central aspect of most, if not all, religious traditions and as a result of that over time there has been different type of funeral customs developed in the world. The trace of funeral service is a history of mankind. Funeral customs are as old as evolution itself. Funeral customs are rituals surrounding the death of a human being and the subsequent disposition of the corpse. Such rites may serve to mark the passage of a person from life into death, to secure the welfare of the dead, to comfort the living, and to protect the living from the dead. Disposal of the body may be by burial , by conservation or by cremation , by exposure or by other methods. Funeral ceremonies have certain common features: for example, the laying out of the corpse; the watching of the dead, of which the wake is a standard example; and the period of mourning with the accompanying ceremonies. www. encyclopedia. com/doc/1E1-funeralc) â€Å"Every culture and civilization attends to the proper care of their dead. Every culture and civilization ever studied has three things in common relating to death and the disposition of the dead. Some type of funeral rites, rituals, and ceremonies or a sacred place for the dead and memorialization of the dead Researchers have found bur ial grounds of Neanderthal man dating to 60,000 BC with animal antlers on the body and flower fragments next to the corpse indicating some type of ritual and gifts of remembrance†. www. wyfda. org/basics) Funeral customs were diverse in many cultures. Some culture treated the male funerals different from the female funerals. The Cochieans buried their women, but suspended their men from trees. The Gonds buried their women but cremated their men. The Bongas buried their men with their faces to the North and their women with their faces to the South. (www. wyfda. org/basics) Body burial or direct burial simply means placing a body in the ground after death, although it also applies to storing the whole body aboveground in a ausoleum, vault, or other type of crypt. (www. caring. com/articles/body-burial-arrangements)they also found that in the medieval time the king would be buried without a heart. (Puckle 120) The Gonds are among the largest tribal groups in South Asia and perha ps the world. The term Gond refers to tribal peoples who live all over India's Deccan Peninsula. Most describe themselves as Gonds (hill people) or as Koi or Koitur. (www. everyculture. com/wc/Germany-to-Jamaica/Gonds. ) Funeral custom hasn’t really changed over time there are still similar or same customs still used today. They often had Memorials which allow friends, relatives and acquaintances to express their feelings and to share their memories. Many bereaved people find them helpful and are pleased to have provided a ceremony their loved ones would have wanted. (www. humanism. org. uk/ceremonies/humanist-funerals-memorials) Native American burial customs have varied widely, not only geographically, but also through time, having been shaped by differing environments, social structure, and spiritual beliefs. Prehistoric civilizations evolved methods of caring for the dead that reflected either the seasonal movements of nomadic societies or the life ways of settled communities organized around fixed locations. As they evolved, burial practices included various forms of encasement, sub-surface interment, cremation, and exposure. Custom usually dictated some type of purification ritual at the time of burial. Certain ceremonies called for secondary interments following incineration or exposure of the body, and in such cases, the rites might extend over some time period. Where the distinctions in social status were marked, the rites were more elaborate. The Plains Indians and certain Indians of the Pacific Northwest commonly practiced above-ground burials using trees, scaffolds, canoes, and boxes on stilts, which decayed over time. (www. nps. gov/history/nr/publications/bulletins/nrb41/nrb41_5) Many of our funeral customs have their historical basis in pagan rituals. Modern mourning clothing came from the custom of wearing special clothing as a disguise to hide identity from returning spirits. Pagans believed that returning spirits would fail to recognize them in their new attire and would be confused and overlook them. Covering the face of the deceased with a sheet stems from pagan tribes who believed that the spirit of the deceased escaped through the mouth. They would often hold the mouth and nose of a sick person shut, hoping to retain the spirits and delay death. Feasting and gatherings associated with the funeral began as an essential part of the primitive funeral where food offerings were made. Wakes held today come from ancient customs of keeping watch over the deceased hoping that life would return. The lighting of candles comes from the use of fire mentioned earlier in attempts to protect the living from the spirits. The practice of ringing bells comes from the common medieval belief that the spirits would be kept at bay by the ringing of a consecrated bell. The firing of a rifle volley over the deceased mirrors the tribal practice of throwing spears into the air to ward off spirits hovering over the deceased. Originally, holy water was sprinkled on the body to protect it from the demons. Floral offerings were originally intended to gain favor with the spirit of the deceased. Funeral music had its origins in the ancient chants designed to placate the spirits. (www. wyfda. org/basics) Funerals rank among the most expensive purchases many consumers will ever make. A traditional funeral, including a casket and vault, costs about $6,000, although â€Å"extras† like flowers, obituary notices, acknowledgment cards or limousines can add thousands of dollars to the bottom line. Many funerals run well over $10,000. (www. pueblo. gsa. gov/cic_text/misc/funeral/funeral. ) More and more people are choosing to be cremated, and there are even more choices for cremation urns than for caskets (www. uneralplan. com) The time after the death or passing away of a people in India are given a lot of importance. As per the Hindu Holy Scripture like the Bhagwat Git, it is believed that the soul of the person who has just passed away is on its way to the next level of existence at such a time. As such, it is with an intention to help the departed soul in a peaceful crosso ver to that next level of his /her existence, that Indians observe so many death rites and rituals. Basic idea behind the Indians' following all these funeral traditions is to show reverence to the deceased person. Normally during this time, all the family members share each other’s sorrows and pray, so that the soul of the deceased person rests peacefully. At the end of one year, all elderly members of the deceased person gather once again for the Shraad ceremony. The 3rd, 5th, 7th or 9th day after the death of the person are also important, as all relatives gather to have a meal of the deceased's favorite foods. A small amount of the food is offered before his /her photo and later, it is ceremonially left at an abandoned place, along with a lit diya. However, there may be slight variations in the way people of different religious sect observe this death rite. (www. iloveindia. com/indian-traditions/funeral-traditions) Chinese funeral rites and burial customs are determined by the age of the deceased, cause of death, status and position in society, and marital status Preparation for a funeral often begins before a death has occurred. When a person is on his/her deathbed, a coffin will often have already been ordered by the family. A traditional Chinese coffin is rectangular with three ‘humps', although it more common in modern times for a western style coffin to be used. The coffin is provided by an undertaker who oversees all funeral rites. When a death occurs in a family all statues of deities in the house are covered up with red paper not to be exposed to the body or coffin and all mirrors are removed it is believed that one who sees the reflection of a coffin in a mirror will shortly have a death in his/her family. A white cloth is hung over the doorway to the house and a gong is placed to the left of the entrance if the deceased is a male, and to the right if female. At the wake, the family members of the deceased gather around the coffin positioned according to their rank in the family and special clothing is worn: Children and daughters-in-law wear black signifying that they grieve the most; grandchildren, blue; and great grandchildren, light blue. Sons-in-law wear brighter colors, such as white, since they are considered outsiders. The children and daughters-in-law also wear a hood of sackcloth over their heads. The eldest son sits at the left shoulder of his parent and the deceased's spouse on the right. Relatives arriving later must crawl on their knees towards the coffin. The funeral ceremony traditionally lasts over 49 days — the first seven being the most important. Prayers are said every seven days for 49 days if the family can afford it. Otherwise, the period can be shortened by three to seven days. Usually, it is the responsibility of the daughters to bear the funeral expenses. The head of the family should be present for at least the first and possibly the second prayer ceremony. The number of ceremonies conducted depends on the financial situation of the family. The head of the family should also be present for the burial or cremation. In the second tradition, the prayer ceremony is held every 10 days: The initial ceremony and three succeeding periods of 10 days until the final burial or cremation. (www. chinaculture. org) The funeral and religious custom of burying the dead in Africa has some of the most complex customs. The ceremony is purely animist, and apparently without any set ritual. The main exception is that the females of the family of the deceased and their friends may undergo mournful lamentations. In some instances they work their feelings up to an ostentatious, frenzy-like degree of sorrow. The revelry may be heightened by the use of alcohol, of which drummers, flute-players, bards, and singing men may partake. The funeral may last for as long as a week. Another funeral custom, a kind of memorial, frequently takes place seven years after the person's death. These funerals and especially the memorials may be extremely expensive for the family in question. Cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry, may be offered in remembrance and then consumed in festivities. Some funerals in Ghana are held with the deceased put in elaborate â€Å"fantasy coffins† colored and shaped after a certain object, such as a fish, crab, boat, and even an airplane. www. a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette. com/funeral-and-religious-customs. ) Japanese funeral customs vary widely from region to region, so a generic description is not possible. The religion of the deceased person's family also has a bearing on the final arrangements, as do other factors such as the age at which the person died social st atus and the family's economic circumstances. The body is put on dry ice(3) in a room at the mortuary or in front of the family altar (most Japanese are Buddhists) and the next of kin stay with it or close-by until it is time to put it in the casket. By this time all of the close relatives will have changed into black suits and black kimono or black dresses. The Buddhist priest arrives at the scheduled time and is offered green tea. He speaks briefly with the family, during which time people who have not entered the room yet come in and sit on the floor (or on chairs if it is a funeral hall). After everyone has entered, the priest turns to the altar, bows, lights incense and begins to read a sutra. During the sutra reading, the priest gives a signal and the members of the family, who are seated in hierarchical order, rise and go to the incense urn, bow, offer incense, bow again and return to their seats. After the family members have finished, the visitors repeat the ritual until everyone has finished. The priest finishes the sutra, after which everyone bows to the altar and the wake service ends. Depending on the Buddhist sect, everyone may chant the â€Å"mantra† of the Buddhist sect in unison at points during the service. The funeral is usually held on the day after the wake service. The body is transferred to a temple (in the case where the wake was held at home) and placed before the altar that the mortuary has constructed in front of the temple altar. A wooden tablet inscribed with the posthumous name (4) of the deceased is placed on the altar or in front of it. The posthumous name is assigned and inscribed by the priest. (www. tanutech. com/japan/jfunerals) A Jewish funeral service is conducted in a funeral home or the family home as soon as possible after death – typically within 24 hours. Funeral attire consists of dark-colored clothing, a dress or skirt and blouse for women, and a jacket and tie for men. Men also wear a head covering known as a yarmulke, which will be provided by the funeral director for non-Jewish male guests. Guests should refrain from wearing symbols of other religions, such as a cross. Only family members attend the burial. Condolence visits by friends and extended family are welcomed during the seven-day mourning period known as shivah. Friends and neighbors may prepare the family's first meal following the funeral and may also bring gifts of food during shivah. If you bring food, make sure it is kosher, unless you know for certain that the family doesn't keep kosher. www. thelightbeyond. com/funeral_etiquette_customs_across_cultures) Just as there is a way to live as a Jew, there is also a â€Å"way to die and be buried as a Jew,† writes Blu Greenberg in her book, How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household (Fireside, 1983). This classic guide to Jewish living outlines traditional death rituals and practical issues, although many of these practices have be en adapted somewhat by Reform Jews. The first thing to do after a death in the family, if you belong to a synagogue and the family member lives near you, is to contact your rabbi or another synagogue leader. Usually, the synagogue will take over many of the arrangements. However, when your family member lives far away and is not a member of a congregation, or when you are not a member, funeral homes can often suggest rabbis who will conduct a funeral. Jewish burials take place as quickly as possible, following a principle of honoring the dead (k'vod hamet). Only if immediate relatives cannot arrive in time from abroad, or there is not enough time for burial before Shabbat or a holiday, are burials postponed for a day. Anything less is considered a â€Å"humiliation of the dead,† Greenberg explains. www. jewishfederations. org/page. aspx? id=937) .When a Muslim is near death, those around him or her are called upon to give comfort, and reminders of God's mercy and forgiveness. They may recite verses from the Qur'an, give physical comfort, and encourage the dying one to recite words of remembrance and prayer. It is recommended, if at all possible, for a Muslim's last words to be the declaration of faith: â€Å"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. † Upon death, those with the deceased are encouraged to remain calm, pray for the departed, and begin preparations for burial. Muslims strive to bury the deceased as soon as possible after death, avoiding the need for embalming or otherwise disturbing the body of the deceased. An autopsy may be performed, if necessary, but should be done with the utmost respect for the dead. (islam. about. com/cs/elderly/a/funerals) The male in Muslim culture body get completely washes before they die. (Triton 1) The different funeral customs has provided evidence that there are so many different way to perform a ceremonies burial rituals etc†¦ Funeral customs has provided different tradition around the world to be spread through different culture and countries worldwide. Work Cited 1. http://www. chinaculture. org/gb/en_chinaway/2004-03/03/content_46092. htm 2. http://www. iloveindia. com/indian-traditions/funeral-traditions. html 3. http://www. wyfda. org/basics_2. html 4. http://www. caring. com/articles/body-burial-arrangements 5. http://www. humanism. org. uk/ceremonies/humanist-funerals-memorials 6. http://www. a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette. com/funeral-and-religious-customs. html 7. http://www. encyclopedia. com/doc/1E1-funeralc. html 8. http://www. tanutech. com/japan/jfunerals. html 9. http://www. jewishfederations. org/page. aspx? id=937

Everything You Need to Know About the Word Century

Everything You Need to Know About the Word Century Everything You Need to Know about the Word â€Å"Century† Back in Ancient Rome, the Latin word centuria meant â€Å"group of one hundred.† It was applied to everything from agricultural land division to soldiery (hence â€Å"centurions†). But nowadays, â€Å"century† has a more specific meaning: a period of one hundred years. Here, we will focus on this last meaning, as this term is common in many academic disciplines. As such, when discussing past events, it’s important to know how to use it correctly. Century in Words and Numbers Centuries can be written out either with words (â€Å"nineteenth century†) or numerals (â€Å"19th century†). In academic writing, however, it’s usually better to use the full version: Communication changed hugely in the twentieth century. – Correct Communication changed hugely in the 20th century. – Incorrect It’s always worth checking your style guide, though, as some conventions differ. Associated Press, for example, recommends using figures when referring to any century after the tenth. Fin de Sià ¨cle A common mistake when writing about the past is to conflate the numerical version of a year with the century in which it falls. In actuality, the number applies to all years up to the end of a century, not the first two digits of the year in figures. The seventeenth century, for instance, began on January 1, 1601 and ended on December 31, 1700. As such, when referring to the year 1618, it’s important to remember that it was part of the seventeenth century, rather than the sixteenth: Beginning in 1618, the Thirty Years’ War left a scar on the seventeenth century. – Correct Beginning in 1618, the Thirty Years’ War left a scar on the sixteenth century. – Incorrect To avoid this mistake, keep in mind that the number refers to the end of the century (e.g. 1800 or 1900) and covers the preceding hundred years. To Capitalize or Not? It’s not uncommon for people to capitalize centuries: e.g., â€Å"Fourteenth Century† rather than â€Å"fourteenth century.† However, this is incorrect, since â€Å"century† is a measure of time, like â€Å"week† or â€Å"month,† not a proper noun. When to Hyphenate The final thing to remember with centuries is when to hyphenate. The rule here is the same as when using hyphens elsewhere, so it depends on whether you’re using the term adjectivally. For example, if you’re describing a digital wrist watch, you might describe it as â€Å"twentieth-century technology.† Here, the century is hyphenated because it is being used as a compound adjective modifying the word â€Å"technology.†

Famous Medieval and Renaissance Couples

Famous Medieval and Renaissance Couples Throughout history, men and women have joined together in partnerships both romantic and practical. Kings and their queens, writers and their muses, warriors and their lady-loves have at times had an impact on their world and on future events. The same could be said for some fictional couples, whose often-tragic romances have served to inspire both literature and true-life romantic adventures. These passionate, political, and poetic couples from the Medieval and Renaissance ages will go down in history. Abelard and Heloise Real life scholars of 12th-century Paris, Peter Abelard and his student, Heloise, had a torrid affair. Their story can be read in A Medieval Love Story. Arthur and Guinevere The legendary King Arthur and his queen are at the center of a huge corpus of medieval and post-medieval literature. In most stories, Guinevere had a real affection for her older husband, but her heart belonged to Lancelot. Boccaccio and Fiammetta Giovanni Boccaccio was an important 14th-century author. His muse was the lovely Fiammetta, whose true identity is undetermined but who appeared in some of his early works. Charles Brandon and Mary Tudor Henry VIII arranged for his sister Mary to wed King Louis XII of France, but she already loved Charles, the 1st Duke of Suffolk. She agreed to wed the much older Louis on condition that she be allowed to choose her next husband herself. When Louis died shortly after the marriage, Mary secretly wed Suffolk before Henry could embroil her in another political marriage. Henry was furious, but he forgave them after Suffolk paid a hefty fine. El Cid and Ximena Rodrigo Dà ­az de Vivar was a notable military leader and the national hero of Spain. He acquired the title el Cid (sir or lord) during his lifetime. He really did marry Ximena (or Jimena), the kings niece, but the exact nature of their relationship is obscured in the mists of time and epic. Clovis and Clotilda Clovis was the founder of the Merovingian dynasty of Frankish kings. His pious wife Clotilda convinced him to convert to Catholicism, which would prove significant in the future development of France. Dante and Beatrice Dante Alighieri is often considered the finest poet of the Middle Ages. His devotion in his poetry to Beatrice made her one of the most celebrated figures in western literature. Still, he never acted on his love, and may never even have told her personally how he felt. Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville Handsome  Edward was attractive and popular with the ladies, and he surprised quite a few people when he married the widowed mother of two boys. Edwards bestowal of court favors on Elizabeths relatives disrupted his court. Erec and Enide The poem Erec et Enide  is the earliest extant Arthurian romance by 12th-century poet Chrà ©tien de Troyes. In it, Erec wins a tournament to defend the assertion that his lady is the most beautiful. Later, the two go on a quest to prove to each other their noble qualities. Etienne de Castel and Christine de Pizan The time Christine had with her husband was a mere ten years. His death left her in financial straits, and she turned to writing to support herself. Her works included love ballads dedicated to the late Etienne. Ferdinand and Isabella The Catholic Monarchs of Spain united Castile and Aragon when they married. Together, they overcame civil war, completed the Reconquista by defeating the last Moorish holdout of Granada, and sponsored the voyages of Columbus. They also expelled the Jews and began the Spanish Inquisition. Gareth and Lynette In the Arthurian tale of Gareth and Lynette, first told by Malory, Gareth proves himself to be chivalrous, even though Lynette heaps scorn upon him. Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnell The story of the loathly lady is told in many versions. The most famous involves Gawain, one of Arthurs greatest knights, whom the ugly Dame Ragnell chooses for her husband, and is told in The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnelle. Geoffrey and Philippa Chaucer He is considered the quintessential medieval English poet. She was his devoted wife for more than twenty years. While they were wed  Geoffrey Chaucer  led a busy, successful life in service to the king. After her death, he endured a solitary existence and wrote his most notable works, including  Troilus and Criseyde  and  The  Canterbury Tales. Henry  Plantagenet  and Eleanor of Aquitaine At the age of 30, the bold, beautiful  Eleanor of Aquitaine  was divorced from her husband, the meek and mild King Louis VII of France, and married the brash young 18-year-old  Henry  Plantagenet,  future  king of England. The two would have a tempestuous marriage, but Eleanor bore Henry eight children- two of whom became kings. Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York After his defeat of Richard III,  Henry Tudor  became king, and he sealed the deal by marrying the daughter of an undisputed king of England (Edward IV). But was Elizabeth really happy married to the Lancastrian enemy of her Yorkist family? Well, she gave him seven children, including the future king Henry VIII. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn After decades of marriage to Catherine of Aragon, which produced a daughter but no sons,  Henry VIII  threw tradition to the wind in pursuit of the captivating Anne Boleyn. His actions would ultimately result in a split with the Catholic Church. Sadly, Anne also failed to give Henry an heir, and when he tired of her, she lost her head. John of England and Isabella When  John  married  Isabella of Angoulà ªme, it caused some problems, not least because she was engaged to someone else. John of Gaunt and Katherine Swynford The third son of  Edward III,  John  married and outlived two women who brought him titles and land, but his heart belonged to Katherine Swynford. Though their relationship was at times rocky, Katherine bore John four children out of wedlock. When  John, at last, married Katherine, the children were legitimized, but they and their descendants were officially barred from the throne. This would not stop  Henry VII, a descendant of John and Katherine, from becoming king a century later. Justinian and Theodora Considered by some scholars to be the greatest emperor of medieval Byzantium,  Justinian  was a great man with an even greater woman behind him. With  Theodoras support, he reclaimed significant portions of the western empire, reformed Roman law and rebuilt Constantinople. After her death, he achieved little. Lancelot and Guinevere When political necessity joins a young woman to a king, should she ignore the dictates of her heart?  Guinevere  didnt, and her passionate affair with  Arthurs greatest knight  would lead to the downfall of Camelot. Louis IX and Margaret Louis  was a saint. But he was also a mamas boy. He was only 12 when his father died, and his mother Blanche served as regent for him. She also chose his wife. Yet Louis was devoted to his bride Margaret, and together they had 11 children, while Blanche grew jealous of her daughter-in-law and died with her nose out of joint. Merlin and Nimue Arthurs most trusted advisor may have been a wizard, but  Merlin  was also a man, susceptible to the charms of women. Nimue (or sometimes Vivien,  Nineve,  or Niniane) was so charming she was able to  ensorcell  Merlin and trap him in a cave (or sometimes tree), where he was unable to help Arthur in his time of darkest trouble. Petrarch and Laura Like Dante and Boccaccio,  Francesco Petrarca, the  founder of  Renaissance Humanism,  had his muse: the lovely Laura. The poems he dedicated to her inspired poets of succeeding generations, most notably Shakespeare and Edmund Spenser. Philip of Spain and Bloody Mary Poor Mary, the Catholic queen of England, loved her husband madly. But  Philip  couldnt stand the sight of her. To make matters worse, the largely Protestant population of her country simply would not convert back to Catholicism, and they resented the presence of a Catholic foreigner in Marys household. Heartsick and stressed, Mary had several hysterical pregnancies and died at the age of 42. Raphael Sanzio and Margherita Luti The charming, suave, amiable  Raphael  was so popular he became known as the prince of painters. He was very publicly engaged to Maria Bibbiena, the niece of a powerful cardinal, but scholars believe he may have  secretly married  Margherita Luti, the daughter of a Sienese baker. If word of this marriage got out, it would have severely damaged his reputation; but Raphael was just the type of man to throw caution to the wind and follow his heart. Richard I and Berengaria Was  Richard the Lionheart  gay? Some scholars believe it to be the reason he and  Berengaria  never had children. But then, their relationship was so strained Richard was ordered by the pope to patch things up. Robert Guiscard and Sichelgaita Sichelgaita (or Sikelgaita) was a Lombard princess who married  Guiscard, a Norman warlord, and proceeded to accompany him on many campaigns.  Anna Comnena  wrote of Sichelgaita: When dressed in full armor, the woman was a fearsome sight. When Robert died during the siege of Cephalonia, Sichelgaita was right by his side. Robin Hood and Maid Marian The legends of  Robin Hood  may have been based on the activities of real-life outlaws of the 12th century, though if so, scholars have no definitive proof of who precisely served as their inspiration. Marian stories were a later addition to the corpus. Tristan and Isolde The story of  Tristan and Isolde  was incorporated into Arthurian tales, but its origins are a Celtic legend that may be based on an actual Pictish king. Troilus and Criseyde The character of Troilus is a Trojan prince who falls in love with a Greek captive. In Geoffrey Chaucers poem she is Criseyde (in William Shakespeares play she is Cressida), and though she declares her love for Troilus, when she is ransomed by her people she goes to live with a big Greek hero. Uther and Igraine Arthurs father  Uther  was king, and he coveted the wife of the Duke of Cornwall, Igraine. So Merlin cast a spell on Uther to make him look like Cornwall, and while the real duke was out fighting, he slipped in to have his way with the virtuous lady. The result? Cornwall died in battle, and Arthur was born nine months later. William of Normandy and Matilda Before he seriously took aim at the crown of England,  William the Conqueror  set his sights on Matilda, daughter of Baldwin V of Flanders. Though he was distantly related to her and the pope condemned the marriage as incestuous, the pair went through with the wedding. Was it all for love of the lady? Perhaps, but his alliance with Baldwin was critical in cementing his position as Duke of Normandy. Still, he and Matilda had ten children, and to patch things up with the pope, they built two monasteries at Caen.