Corporate finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Corporate finance - Essay Example Market efficiency is a crucial factor in deciding the investment strategies of an investor. If the securities market is efficient, the best estimate and returns will be reflected in the price of the shares and there will be no undervalued securities that would offer higher return than expected. However, opposite could be the case in the weak efficient markets. (WOOD, DASGUPTA & POSHAKWALE, 1995) THREE FORMS OF MARKET EFFICIENCY BY FAMA (1970): In this aspect the most contributing work was presented by Fama in 1970. He formulated a market efficiency hypothesis (EMH) which discussed the three types of market efficiency that can prevail in a capital market depending on the available information in the market. These three forms of market efficiency are (1) Weak form efficiency (2) Semi-strong form efficiency (3) Strong from efficiency. 1. Weak Form Efficiency: The weak form of market efficiency hypothesis asserts that the current stock price reflects all the information related to histor ical prices or past price movements only. This information includes trading volume, rate of return and market generated information etc. This form of market efficiency assumes that the current stock prices reflect all the past information and no one can earn huge profits by knowing information which is known to everyone in the market. This implies that the future rate of return can’t be predicted by using past rate of return and can’t provide with huge abnormal returns. In order to predict the movement of prices based on the past information a technique called technical analysis is sued widely. (BHOLE. 1982; CLARKE, JANDIK & MANDELKER, 2001) 2. Semi-Strong Form Efficiency: The semi-strong form of market efficiency hypothesis explains that the current stock price reflects all the publicly available information along with the historical information. The available public information includes: stock earnings and prices, declared dividends information, political, economy an d company related news, dividend yield ratio, price earning ratios, announce merger plans, available information in company’s financial statements, financial situation of competitors and stock splits etc. The assertion behind this form of market efficiency is the same that no one can earn huge profits by knowing information which is known to everyone in the market that is the information is public. In this way the public information is already absorbed into market prices and the investors can’t yield above average profits in such investments and markets. (BHOLE, 1982; CLARKE, JANDIK & MANDELKER, 2001) 3. Strong form Efficiency: The strong form of market efficiency hypothesis explains that the currents stock price reflects all the available information including public and private information both. It encompasses both the weak and semi-strong form of markets. In this hypothesis the emphasis is on insider dealings. It implies that, when both public and private informatio n is reflected in stock price, the directors or the bunch of individuals in the company who have more knowledge of the company will not be able to benefit from the above average profits. The difference between semi-strong and strong efficiency is that in a strong efficiency market nobody will benefit from the information that

Arab Woman and Politics on Present Times Term Paper

Arab Woman and Politics on Present Times - Term Paper Example Through looking at the position of the Arab women at a global scale, of their movements, empowerments and developments in their struggle for gender inequality and at their political participation in their society, this paper found out that Arab women were already making changes of involvement in politics. However, there were still constraints in achieving this entirely. Introduction Women, indeed, were always seen as a status lower than men. Discrimination of different sorts had been experienced by these women in every part of the world for the reason that gender was seen as a factor that would influence women’s position at a disadvantaged position. There were a lot of forms of inequality that had been experienced by these women simply because of the fact that they were born to be women. Meanwhile, the case of the Arab women was not an exception to this gender inequality. In fact, throughout the history and in every part of the world, Arab women had experienced much more varie d forms of discrimination than other women. These women had suffered the restrictions of their freedoms and rights. According to Karam (1999), among the reasons of these women being subjected to restriction of their freedoms and rights, to having a low political representation and other forms of inequality was their religion of being an Islam. However, it was not the case that it was only their religion that had added up to making these women be discriminated but their culture in the Arab world also had influenced the inequality. These were main causes that had served as impediments in achieving equality were reflected in their laws on economy, education, criminal justice, health care, political representation and others. Based on the intersectionality theory (Collins, 2000), the Arab women had been undergoing through multiple forms of discrimination because axes of their identity like gender, culture and religion had been interacting at various levels that contribute to their exper ience of social inequality. Given this, the focus of my study would delve on the experiences and situations of Arab women in their struggle to be represented in the political arena in the contemporary Arab world. This research was of important concern for the very reason that these women had continued to experience intense forms of discrimination in other regions of the world and most especially, in their own nations. In order to gain much understanding of the topic under study, the research paper was divided into following sections: a) Situating the Picture Globally, b) Movements, Empowerments and Developments of Women for Gender Equality in the Arab World, and c) The Political Participation of Arab Women and Its Challenges. This section would first present an overview of the literatures which had aimed at providing a cursory outlook at how to look at this concern. The last part of this paper was the generalization on Arab women and politics on the present times. a) Situating the P icture Globally Women had received a special attention on their concerns regarding the continuity of discrimination against them and their marginalized roles worldwide. The Arab women were not isolated from the debate on discrimination and inequality. In fact, it was the case that according to the Arab

Becoming an Early Childhood Educator Essay Example for Free

Becoming an Early Childhood Educator Essay U. S. President Barack Obama emphasized on the importance of education in a country for not only one time. He believe that education provide the opportunities to every single citizen to work on their strengths and ability to fulfill their responsibilities to the country by contribution on specific career in order to build up a strong country. I strongly agree with his point of view as education is not an individual responsibility but to all. Education is the basis of a country in order to strengthen the economic status and development. Thus, it’s our responsible toward the society and nation to educate our next generation by provide a positive social and physical environment to instill wholesome character building in young children. Society now day faces variety of problem especially family issue that commonly happens include child abuse, divorce cases, youngster tend to run away from home, abandoned baby and etc. One of the factors that caused these issues is lack of realization on importance of education. There is a quote stated: If we would amend the world, we should mend our selves; and teach our children to be, not what we are, but what they should be. Quote by: WILLIAM PENN, Some Fruits of Solitude) Most of the parent didn’t realize their responsibility to their child as a role model in the growth of their children during childhood period. They might lack of exposure on the importance of early childhood education, or they unconsciously neglected their children’s need due to financial pressure in order to provide and maintaining the living standard of family. Thus, it’s our responsible as an educator to assist the parent on educating our next generation. It is my pleasure to meet a truly dedicated teacher in my life, although she was only teaching me as my class teacher for 1 year but her contribution and the bonding between me and she has brought the greater impact to my life. Compare to the teachers of old time with today, sadly to say, there are not much improvement among the quality of educator. Most of the educator are work for survive, they are lack of the passion and realization on their role and responsibilities, perhaps they do not know how to apply their knowledge on teaching method skillfully. In fact, it is the greater satisfaction as an educator to witness the growth of a child from innocence young age to a mature child. This is a most important period to instill a positive personality in a child as the behavior he practicing now will bring toward to adulthood and became his characteristic. The greater success of an educator is not the quantity of reward, but the recognition of the effort by the parent, student and society. The most precious and valuable achievement is to witness the success of wholesome character building on a child when they turned to an adult and continue influence the people around them with positive attitude. It is hard to achieve the objective of education with single contribution. Therefore it is important to bring together all the educators who having same ideology to work together as a role model to influence people around include the parent, children and colleagues to understand the importance of education. The main responsible of an early childhood educator is to instill the positive character to a child to develop wholesome character include sense of belonging, sense of responsibility, positive moral value, lifelong interest on learning, curiosity to the world and mentally and physically healthy and wealthy. Teacher as the second person after the parent as the role model to a child should practicing good behavior and attitude. Besides, a good teacher knows how to apply the knowledge skillfully to help children adapt to the knowledge on their level of understanding without killing their curiosity to the world. On the other hand, educator also played an important role to the parent because society in Malaysia now day is improving along with the realization on the importance of education. However, although the parent understands the importance of education, they are still lack of information in term of knowledge and skill to apply on their children. They are keen to seek for professional advancer and services as the agent of education to their children. In fact, this is a big step for the society; educator should always work closely and collaboratively with parent to encourage them involve in their child’s learning process to create love and caring environment for the children. The philosophy of a preschool setting that believed and practiced by the entire organization included administrator and teachers determine the process of achieving the goal of an organization. Same goes to personal philosophy held by a teacher, it is important to work collaboratively on behalf of children’s interest regardless personal identity and background. Teachers should be always ready to lend their hand to each other and strive for improvement together by sharing information and joining workshop, seminar or training together. Whenever there is dilemma, teacher should ask for the comment and suggestion without hesitate from senior colleague who willing to share their experiences and solve the problem together. Beside, teacher also played a role on providing a safe, healthy, loving and caring environment to young learner to develop sense of belonging and bonding among the children by always staying alert on potential danger and awareness on child’s behavior, health, physical and mental needs. Teacher should be always practicing 3R which is responsive, respect and reciprocal. Consistently interaction with the children is needed to understand child’s unique character and develop trust and respect relationship among children. However, teacher should allow necessary independent learning and respect child’s right in order to foster the development of children to prepare the children to be ready for the future challenges in their life. Knowledge on young children development is very important for educator. Therefore educator should be always seeking for improvement to provide highest quality service to the children. A knowledgeable teacher is always stay well informed on the latest update on government decision on education such as changing school syllabus and assessment for the student. Beside, by participate in variety of workshop, seminar and training; teacher will learn different teaching method to adapt children’s development milestone. Same goes to courses that offer in colleges and local university; it will improve the qualification and knowledge of teacher. By joining professional association, teacher will be always staying informed on the latest teaching approach and able to seek for professional comment from others. On the other hand, teaching should be stay adventurous when applying new skill to the children, learn from trial and error by observation and self reflection consistently. Teacher should be sensitive on child’s development to evaluate and improving the teaching method creatively in practical way. By understanding different learning pattern of the children, teacher should apply knowledge and skills in plenty ways for children to adapt to the knowledge. In conclusion, a professional early childhood educator should be having mental and physical readily with positive and optimistic attitude, be ready to takes up responsible and handle every dilemma and always strive for improvement. It is very important for an educator understand his/her role on the position held and to be flexible to adapt every changes and different situation. Lastly, enjoyment for the satisfaction of teaching will lead the educator to longer journey as time goes by because You never know how much it’s worth until its gone.

Conditions for Malo-lactic Fermentation With Flavour Profile

Conditions for Malo-lactic Fermentation With Flavour Profile Describe the conditions necessary for the successful completion of a malo-lactic fermentation with a desirable flavour profile. MUGAMBHIKA.M.N ABSTRACT Malolactic fermentation (MLF) is a biological process that is initiated in the winemaking process to produce premium quality of wines. The conversion of L-Malic acid to L-Lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) will have a direct effect on the wine produced in terms of quality. MLF increases microbial stabilization, sensory attributes of the wine by reducing the acidity level in the wine(Versari et al., 1999). Desirable attributes such as honey, vanilla and smoother taste in wine has been reported by several studies which is linked to the enzymatic activity of Lactic acid bacteria during Malolactic fermentation (Là ³pez et al., 2011). During alcoholic fermentation, the wine becomes hostile for Lactic Acid Bacteria, due to the presence of high ethanol content, SO2 and other chemical residues released by yeasts. But at a controlled level, they could be made optimum for Malolactic fermentation. The species of Lactic acid bacteria assisting spontaneous fermentation belong to the Oenococcus, Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus genera. Although, Oenococcus oeni are the predominantly used LAB. They are considered to be ideal for Malolactic fermentation due to its specific oenological properties like reduced production of acetic acid, presence of enzymes that enhances the aroma and flavour characteristics, decreased risk of wine spoilage(CHRIS POWELL, 2005, Chalfan et al., 1977). INTRODUCTION: Wine fermentation is an important process carried out by microorganisms like yeasts and lactic acid bacteria. Malolactic Fermentation (MLF) is the enzymatic conversion of L-malic acid to L-lactic acid and Carbon dioxide by lactic acid bacteria. The importance of MLF in commercial winemaking process is due to the biological deacidification reaction by the wine lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (CHRIS POWELL, 2005). Malolactic Fermentation occurs after alcoholic transformation predominantly by Oenococcus oeni species. The bacterial activity during fermentation and its quality depends on the wine. Chemical and physical composition of the wine control the survival and growth lactic acid bacteria in wines(Toit, 2011). Malolactic Fermentation has varied effects on wine flavour and aroma. MLF can either occur spontaneously in wine or by addition of starter cultures that are commercially available. With spontaneous MLF, there are different end results which is due to the native microorganisms that may occur immediately or few months after the completion of alcoholic fermentation. The indigenous microorganisms like lactic acid bacteria may start off from the vines and grape skin in the winery equipment. This leads to risks like increase in volatile acidity, delayed malolactic fermentation and development of unfavourable metabolites like biogenic amines. Biogenic amines affects the quality of wines and affect human health. These are primarily formed due to the decarboxylation of amino acids by Lactic acid bacteria(Solieri et al., 2010). This could be tackled by using a defined starter culture. In order to improve the quality of wine through MLF, wine makers prefer to inoculate grape musts or wine with lactic acid bacteria starter cultures. These are commercially available in freeze dried form or fresh liquid forms. Although few winemakers prefer to use their own starter cultures by growing strains of lactic acid bacteria in diluted grape juice or wine(Bisson, 2004). Inoculated MLF: Inoculated starter culture in Malolactic Fermentation provides better control on the timing of fermentation process and the organisms present. Bacterial starter culture is more difficult to maintain than the yeast starter culture, because the medium needs to be completely sterile and there is a high probability of undesirable lactic acid bacteria occurrence. Fermentation occurs faster under high inocula. The percent inoculum that is needed to be used should be 1-50% depending on the vigour of culture(Semon et al., 2001). Spontaneous MLF: There are a number of risks associated with spontaneous malolactic fermentation. The timing of the process is sometimes uncontrolled and there is a higher threat of undesirable strains that could cause an off flavour in the wine. The timing of process is more certain for alcoholic fermentation than the MLF. This is due to the fastidious nature of bacteria occurring spontaneously in the fermentor(Solieri et al., 2010). The use of starter culture instead of native culture has been a widespread winemaking practice. Inoculated Malolactic fermentation increases the quality and safety of wine produced. On the other hand Spontaneous Malolactic fermentation sometimes increases wine spoilage and produces toxic metabolites like biogenic amines(Solieri et al., 2010). EFFECTS OF MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: The main effects of Malolactic fermentation are Acidity reduction The deacidification is due to the reduction of net concentration of carboxyl groups. The reduction in acidity is important for high acid wines and may not be desirable in wines already with lower acidity. There is a decrease in titratable acidity by 0.01 to 0.03 g/L because of hydrogen ion fixation(Kurane and Ghosh, 2012). Bacterial stability Flavour changes Various studies have reposted on the specific sensory changes that occurs in wine production due to the malolactic bacterial enzymatic activity. The sensory attributes are strain dependent. In addition to acidity reduction, flavour characteristics of wine after MLF can be buttery, nutty, earthy and fruity. The desired flavour profile in wine can occur in wine after MLF due to the removal of existing flavour compounds and production of new aromatic compounds with better sensory attribute. THE grape and yeast derived secondary metabolites get modified to end products with better desired flavour compounds from metabolism of sugar and amino acids(Bartowsky, 2005). BASIC CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR SUCCESSFUL MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION pH: MLF strains grow at pH 2.9-3.0. If the wines have a very low pH after the primary fermentation, it is required to consider the reduction of acidity before MLF initiation. It is also important to consider the formation of biogenic amines. MLF cultures grow well even in pH higher than 3.5. Although the risk of off flavour and production of undesirable taste and aroma components increase as the pH increases. Therefore it is needed to adjust the acidity and pH before malolactic fermentation if the pH is more than 3.7. Malate is catabolised at pH 3.2 The enzymatic conversion of L-malic acid to L-lactic acid is faster at a pH 3.5 and the conversion rate is lower at lower pH values. The pH tolerance also relates to the strain variation and viability(Comfort, 2011). Temperature: Temperature is an important factor for initiation or inhibition of Malolactic fermentation. The ambient temperature for the growth of malolactic bacteria is between 20 to 37 °C. At a temperature below 15 °C, the Malolactic bacteria are generally non-viable. Therefore warming down the wines to 18 °C will allow the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Red wines at a higher temperature are suitable for MLF with general recommendations between 18 22 °C. In traditional winemaking regions, MLF is initiated in spring where the wines are monitored for the formation of L-Lactic acid bacteria and thus warming down the fermentor to ensure timely completion of MLF (LOUBSER, 2005). Free SO2 : It is important to maintain Sulfur dioxide levels in malolactic fermentation. Sulfur dioxide is added to prevent formation of undesirable lactic acid bacteria. Most species of Lactic acid bacteria are more sensitive to Sulfur dioxide than Saccharomyces species. The free form of SO2 is responsible for inhibited the undesirable lactic acid bacteria. The free SO2 is dependent on pH. The typical range of sulfite that is required needs to be added for white wines are 20-30 ppm and 30-50 ppm for red wines(LOUBSER, 2005). Nutrient Composition: Lactic acid bacteria are more specific than yeasts and require additional micronutrients and growth factors. Availability of nutrients is essential for the malolactic conversion. Compared to yeast lactic acid bacteria also requires presence of additional amino acids. At the end of alcoholic fermentation, yeasts release amino acids and thus there is no limitation of amino acids during MLF. Autolysis of yeasts also increases micronutrient concentration. It has been reported that malolactic fermentation occurs better during pre-yeast fermentation or after the release of amino acids. However it limits the MLF when the lactic acid bacteria is added during the alcoholic fermentation. There are mixtures of lactic acid nutrients available commercially and it is required to time the addition of nutrients during the fermentation process(Torriani et al., 2011). Oxygen: Oxygen stimulates MLF. It is one of the growth factor for lactic acid bacteria. However, the effect of oxygen varies with different species as few LAB get inhibited by oxygen. Oxygen level needs to be at a controlled level as higher oxygen level may sometimes lead to the production of acetic acid and undesirable end products. There have been occurrence of acetic acid accumulation in the wine when the Malolactic enzymatic activity occurs before the alcoholic fermentation. This is reported to occur alongside the aeration of juice or grape must(Comfort, 2011). CO2 : Carbon dioxide stimulates MLF and helps with better vortex and mixing inside the fermentor. It also affects the buffering capacity of wine(Comfort, 2011). ADDRESSING ISSUES OF HIGHER OR LOWER ACID CONTENT: High level of acidity often occur in grape musts that are derived from grapes grown in cooler regions like France, Germany, cold regions of Australia. The wines made from these cold region vines, have improved flavour, microbial stability due to malolactic fermentation. Although sometimes the MLF may lead to excessive or lower acid content and sensory attributes(Massera et al., 2009). These issues can be addressed by two ways: The initial Malic acid level in the must needs to be estimated which will help choose specific maloalcoholic strains. with higher malic acid levels, maloalcoholic yeast strains works better in controlling the acidity level(Massera et al., 2009). There is another concern of development of excess diacetyl. The level of diacetyl increases by two metabolic pathways. One way they are formed is by metabolism of citric acid. Most wines have citric acid in them and some are produced even during primary fermentation. Hence by the end of Malolactic fermentation, the malic acid depletes and levels of diacetyl increase due to citric acid metabolism(Versari et al., 1999). During the citric acid metabolism, acetic acid is also produced that contributes to volatile acidity. One of the way to tackle excess diacetyl is by using malolactic cultures that have lower citrate metabolism like Lalvin MT01. Another way of which excess diacetyl gets produced is when the malolactic bacteria metabolizes malic acid. For example, in dry wines sugars like pentoses can be metabolized by lactic acid bacteria but cannot be yeast fermentable. Diacetyl is produced when these sugars are metabolized. This can again be prevented with regular monitoring of malic a cid levels and stabilize the process when they are reduced(Massera et al., 2009). During low acid conditions and high pH wines produced from warm climate vine, it is better to acidify the grape musts to favourable levels before primary fermentation. Malolactic fermentation of such low acid wines increases microbial stability and wine quality(LOUBSER, 2005). MLF MONITORING: Acidification of low acid musts is required for grapes and musts that are derived from vines of warm region. Adjusting pH and acidity before alcoholic fermentation is required. When Stronger acids like tartaric acid or DL- malic acid is used when the titratable acidity needs to be adjusted(Miller et al., 2011). Deacidification of musts with higher acid content Using engineered yeasts(Miller et al., 2011) CONCLUSION: To obtain a desirable flavour profile through malolactic bacteria, various factors are needed to be considered and observed. Wine should be present at a temperature of more than 15 °C and nutrients can be supplemented during the fermentation process. Because sometimes high solid content may halt the fermentation of wine. It is better to rely on a Malolactic inoculum rather than spontaneous initiation of Malolactic fermentation(Toit, 2011). The ethanol content should be regulated such that it does not inhibit the malolactic fermentation. It has been found that the lactic acid bacteria that grows in higher ethanol content will produce off flavours and unwanted end products in the wine. To summarise it is known that MLF can be stimulated by low or no use of free sulfur dioxide, warm temperatures, supplementing nutrients to the culture, lowering the ethanol content, adjusting the level of acid and pH range. REFERENCES: BARTOWSKY, E. J. 2005. Oenococcus oeni and malolactic fermentation – moving into the molecular arena. Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, 11, 174-187. BISSON, L. F. 2004. The Biotechnology of Wine Yeast. Food Biotechnology, 18, 63-96. CHALFAN, Y., GOLDBERG, I. MATELES, R. I. 1977. ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MALO-LACTIC BACTERIA FROM ISRAELI RED WINES. Journal of Food Science, 42, 939-943. CHRIS POWELL, S. V. Z. A. R. D. 2005. THE MICROBIOLOGY OF MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION. International Journal of Food Microbiology. COMFORT, S. A. J. 2011. Malolactic Fermentation. KURANE, A. B. GHOSH, J. S. 2012. Malolactic fermentation of grape wine by Lactococcus lactis var cremoris NCIM 2402. International Food Research Journal, 19, 1767-1770. LÓPEZ, R., LÓPEZ-ALFARO, I., GUTIÉRREZ, A. R., TENORIO, C., GARIJO, P., GONZà LEZ-ARENZANA, L. SANTAMARà A, P. 2011. Malolactic fermentation of Tempranillo wine: contribution of the lactic acid bacteria inoculation to sensory quality and chemical composition. International Journal of Food Science Technology, 46, 2373-2381. LOUBSER, P. 2005. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION. MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION IN WINE UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE AND THE PRACTICE. MASSERA, A., SORIA, A., CATANIA, C., KRIEGER, S. COMBINA, M. 2009. Simultaneous Inoculation of Malbec (Vitis vinifera) Musts with Yeast and Bacteria: Effects on Fermentation Performance, Sensory and Sanitary Attributes of Wines. Food Technology Biotechnology, 47, 192-201. MILLER, B. J., FRANZ, C. M. A. P., GYO-SUNG, C. DU TOIT, M. 2011. Expression of the Malolactic Enzyme Gene ( mle) from Lactobacillus plantarum Under Winemaking Conditions. Current Microbiology, 62, 1682-1688. SEMON, M. J., EDWARDS, C. G., FORSYTH, D. DINN, C. O. 2001. Inducing malolactic fermentation in Chardonnay musts and wines using different strains of Oenococcus oeni. Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, 7, 52-59. SOLIERI, L., GENOVA, F., DE PAOLA, M. GIUDICI, P. 2010. Characterization and technological properties of Oenococcus oeni strains from wine spontaneous malolactic fermentations: a framework for selection of new starter cultures. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 108, 285-298. TOIT, M. 2011. Lactobacillus: the Next Generation of Malolactic Fermentation Starter Cultures-an Overview. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 4, 876. TORRIANI, S., FELIS, G. E. FRACCHETTI, F. 2011. Selection criteria and tools for malolactic starters development: an update. Annals of Microbiology, 61, 33-39. VERSARI, A., PARPINELLO, G. P. CATTANEO, M. 1999. Leuconostoc oenos and malolactic fermentation in wine: a review. Journal of Industrial Microbiology Biotechnology, 23, 447.

Their Eyes Were Wathiching God Essay -- essays research papers

Their Eyes Were Watching God   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Their Eyes Were Watching God is a story about the life of Janie Crawford and the hardships and triumphs in her three marriages, though there were many more hardships. In this essay I will share with you the setting, some characters, incidents from the plot, the theme, and point of view.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This story begins in the 1930's when Janie returns to her home in Eatonville, Florida. She then begins to recount her life story to her closest friend, Phoeby. The story then shifts on to various cities in South Florida, primarily Eatonville and the Florida Everglades.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Janie Crawford, the main character, was a fair-skinned, black woman who was admired by many. She was married three times; her first marriage was at the age of sixteen which was arranged by her grandmother. Janie displayed a streak of her independence and identity when she left her first husband, and lived alone for months after her second died. Throughout her life Janie demonstrated a courageous personality as she traveled from marriage to marriage without thinking twice.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tea Cake Woods, Janie's third husband, was a younger man in his thirties. He was a free-spirited, nomadic person, who's main source of income was derived from gambling. Tea Cake met his death when in a rabid rage, he was shot in self-defense by Janie.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ...

The History of Oppressed Puerto Rico :: Historical Spanish Essays

The History of Oppressed Puerto Rico Jesus Colon, in â€Å"How to Know the Puerto Ricans,† makes a statement that I believe explains and articulates the effect centuries of exploitation has had on Puerto Rico, and on the identity of Puerto Ricans. He writes, â€Å"So when you come to knock at the door of a Puerto Rican home you will be encountered by this feeling in the Puerto Rican-sometimes unconscious in himself-of having been taken for a ride for centuries.†(Santiago, 71) This assertion is appropriate and logical in the sense that Puerto Rico was invaded, ruled, and exploited by the Spaniards from 1508 until July 1898 when the Spanish flag was lowered and the United States began its invasion. With the exclusion of the aristocrats, who were either directly from Spain or criollos , there was complete oppression in Puerto Rico during the time it was a Spanish colony. The history of Puerto Rico under Spanish rule is useful in understanding the formation of Puerto Rican identity and in understanding some of the literature written by Puerto Ricans regarding issues of identity. The numerous historical, economical, social, and political circumstances of Puerto Rico as a colony has affected identity formation of its people. In 1508, Ponce de Leon led the arrival of Spanish into Puerto Rico. Between the years of 1511-1513, Taà ­nos fought against the Spaniards because they were taking away the Taà ­no culture. An outright rebellion with guerrilla warfare occurred in 1511 and then 1513-1514 experienced a lessening of this overt manner of rebellion and a conversion to more evasive and passive forms of resistance (Figueroa, Sept. 22). Among Puerto Ricans, especially the jibaros , there was a great amount of anti-state, anti-Spanish sentiment. However, the plebian peasantry (jibaros) erected a faà §ade that they were following Spanish authorities' orders, although in reality the peasants discounted and discredited the orders of the Spaniards (Figueroa, Sept. 22). By presenting this faà §ade, the authorities falsely believed that the peasantry was not going to cause problems and would be loyal to Spain and its delegates. From 1650 until 100 years later, â€Å"relative isolation from the international economy fostered the growth of an independent, racially mixed peasantry whose contact with the outside world was limited to occasional contraband trade with foreigners.†(Scarano, 4) Despite evidence that it would be unsuccessful, the Spanish government tried to create a plantation labor force from the peasantry. This would

Creative Writing Workshop for Public High Schools

Creativeness is a natural gift that one possesses even from his or her birth and which requires constant use or exercise and continued development for it to remain spirited and change for the better. Organizing and implementing an effective workshop on creative writing will be beneficial to a particular group of people targeted to be well-informed on how to write short and long stories as well as narratives. This Creative Writing Workshop was specifically designed and programmed for public high school students across the country because of the small involvement and appreciation of creative writing. This activity also aims to make writing and reading a beneficial act, if not a force habit, for the said students and eventually make creating writing and reading a requirement in public high schools' curriculum. This Creative Writing Workshop and Activities in United Kingdom is for public high school students with various interests such as intellectual institutions, commercial enterprise, the arts, natural and social sciences and other services which will suit one's preference. Whether the high school student is just beginning or already a seasoned writer and just like to extend his or her creative writing in new perspective, this practical workshop is programmed to offer a sense and appreciation of different genres. We are in charge of a broad scope of creative writing and literature. Our yearly programme and production of publications that includes a website, a range of modern creative writing references, and internet sites showcase creative writing versions, details on modern creative writers and an online reading associations. Our latest preference and the focus of areas of activities are the promotion and development of creative writing for young people such as high school students in public high schools. This is because these soon-to-be creative writing students, when properly groomed and guided, will definitely represent an advance level in the evolution of their group. This new breed of creative writers may replace coffee and computer houses with conference venues and will expect regular and above average paychecks in the future. Furthermore, this workshop intends that participants from public secondary institutions will eventually turn to be more advantageous in their writing development compared with their counterparts in the private high schools. Patterned from the Brighton, England's THE SOUTH, a writer's network and literary arts agency whose service includes creative writing, this Creative Writing Workshop was proposed for the use of public high school students. This particular program will be spearheaded by professional creative and literary writer who are seasoned in dealing with young people. Types of Workshop The literary genre of Poetry, creative writing and reading or skill workshops and activities that will help a public high school student is the composition of this type of workshop. The workshop will concentrate on particular writers, or specific literary genres, or about genres, or on various topics or demands which include the natural science, the aspect of safe reproduction practice, family aspect, teachers (or the manner of teaching), substance abuse, neighborhood crime and racialism. In particular, the workshop will deal with specific or single workshops or a scope of actions as part of the Creative Writing Week as well as a combination of a media and transverse art form workshops to arouse one's creativeness utilizing one's literary or expressed statements celebration. One's writing techniques and skill will be developed and improved by employing a curriculum which will focus on creative reading and writing workshops and where every public high school student’s needs can be addressed. Additionally, the workshop will touch on creative writing classes for faculty members, study-support personnel and specific public school rooms associates. Meanwhile, the plan study includes the Writers-in-Residence Project which will give the participants effective creative writing skills and techniques, the pleasure of discovering oneself, and a memorable and fruitful experience with the writing procedures. The said project is a five-month program immersing public high school students in the reasoning, imagining, and creation of thoughts that composes a powerful creative writing work. The project is open to concerned and interested secondary students who have presented a unique ability and skill and interested in advancing them to create a full-length and published works. This Writer-in-Residence programme eases the work of a creative writer both in practical and financial aspects. The position can be practiced from 6 months up to a year. During this time the writer is inspired to create another creative writing that may be presented when the residency ends. The residency in a way helps or returns something to the society where he or she stayed such as workshop activities, writers associations, and conception of creative work invigorated by the community. The residency invites all creative writers, published or not, regardless of race, religion, nationality, age, professional experience, sexual preference, are of residence, or economic status. All residents are chosen primarily on the aspect of the anonymous details and writing samples provided in their applications. For more information on the selection process, please see ____. Workshop schedule (day and venue) The group is glad to work in a manner that best fits one's preference and according to the day, time, and venue that work for the high school participant. The various activities within the workshop can be done in one's school venue, secondary institution or centre. It can also be conducted at a different place such as a depository area, art gallery, historic dwelling, or place for travelers. The workshop's theme can be developed according to the preference of the venue. This can be scheduled during the period when high school students are on their term paper or project processing, during holidays, and in time of normal or off school and office hours. The workshop can also gather functions for little group (maximum of 10 high school students) in a designated Workshop Room at any public high school. Participants including the faculty members can engage in our regular programme of open workshops and may join our socialization plan. Rationale of the workshop Generally, people are conscious of the fact that communication, particularly that is intended for print, is personally owned by a specific person. However, others regard books and print materials as unrealistic to ignite one's creativity or they fail to capture one's vision. This is because they find that they do not have the time to attest to their own precept of creative writing. Purpose of the workshop Through this workshop, we aim that any public high school student, regardless of his or her age and heritage, could have the opportunity to be endowed and enriched by creative writing. For them to be able to show their real personalities, either verbally or in print, and deal with their ideas and emotion. We intend that the participants will have the expertise to claim language and own their own works and to build and search their respective attributes. We make a harmless area where high school students' expressions get a boost for them to enjoy the written and verbal creative writings and for the said participants to get out of their comfort zones and emerge as expert creative writers. Effect of the workshop Dealing and being into a work place with professional and seasoned creative writers will definitely have a compelling effect on the participants, both the high school students and their teachers. Getting away from the traditional method of learning, the participants will have the chance to experience and search for examples of good and effective creative writing. The workshop will open an opportunity and lead the participants to the force of creative writing as well as reading and make himself or herself as someone with authority who can excite others about the beauty of creative writing without antagonizing the audience. Aside from the high school students, their teachers can also benefit as they will emerge renewed with fresh thoughts on the process of creative writing. Procedure For this workshop, we propose a procedure that will assure that students will get maximum benefits from the activities in terms of creative arousal, self-manifestation, mentoring, learning details, self-esteem and publication productions. We will invite practitioners in the field of creative writing as the resource speakers or facilitators of the workshop. The speakers will conduct theoretical discussions to be followed by open forum where the participants and the speakers can discuss the merits of the activities. The participants will also be given time to apply the workshop's principles and theories. Requirement and result The workshop will necessitate careful study of particular requirement and result and will request participants to accomplish a survey/report paper. Then, we will eventually give an acceptable and flexible workshop proposal with appropriate recommendations. Since seeing a creative work put into print means accomplishment and boost to one's ability, the workshop proposes the provision of all required assistance for actual performance in the activities and eventual publication of the works. These may include the plan and publication of participants’ collection of creative writing papers and their video presentation. Similar successful workshops Successful workshops with similar programs involving creative writing, literary/poetry recital, video productions of dance and street arts workshops as well as in museums and galleries at different public high schools and communities are found in Hove, Sussex and the south of England and those creative writing and drawing workshops at Brighton. Price of the workshop The workshop charges a minimum of ?500. However, for the specific requirement of a particular group of high school students, we will request them to contact us for a detailed costing so that the financial proposal will fit into your project. For inquiries, you can reach us at (proposed name, contact numbers and online information about the organization facilitating the creative writing workshop).