Interpretation of Pink Floyds Brain Damage Essay Example

Interpretation of Pink Floyds Brain Damage Essay An Interpretation of Pink Floyd’s â€Å"Brain Damage† In 1965, Cambridge, England natives Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, Rick Wright, and Nick Mason formed a psychedelic band known as Pink Floyd. The band produced one album under the leadership of Barrett. David Gilmour was brought in as a fifth member to enable Pink Floyd to continue performing live after Barrett proved incapable to remain lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and lead songwriter. Three short years after co-founding the group, Syd Barrett left the band, due to mental instability, allegedly resulting from heavy drug use. The band regrouped, kept Barrett’s vision, and became even more successful as an acid-rock band. Pink Floyd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Dark Side of the Moon, a tribute to Barrett, remained on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart longer than any other album in history. The album featured a song, â€Å"Brain Damage,† based on Syd Barrett’s mental idiosyncrasies. The song, â€Å"Brain Damage,† is metaphorically indicative of a person’s journey to insanity. The meaning of the song is reflected in the title. Had the title been â€Å"Dark Side of the Moon,† the reader would interpret the song quite differently. If a person’s brain is damaged, he/she does not meet society’s standard of normal. At the beginning of â€Å"Brain Damage,† a â€Å"lunatic is on the grass† in view of the speaker, who works at a mental hospital (1). Insanity is only a thought at this point. The speaker remembers a happier time when he was a child and the main goal in life was to have fun (3). Now, the speaker must keep the patients of the hospital in line (4). The patients symbolize his thoughts. We will write a custom essay sample on Interpretation of Pink Floyds Brain Damage specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Interpretation of Pink Floyds Brain Damage specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Interpretation of Pink Floyds Brain Damage specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer He cannot let his guard down to have a good time for fear of looking crazy to society. He must focus on his responsibilities and try not to stray from his duties because of his desire to blend in with normal people. If he lets his thoughts run wild he will become overwhelmed and break down mentally. Insanity is drawing nearer when the speaker states â€Å"The lunatics are in my hall† (5-6). He realizes he is different from everyone else and may not be considered sane. He knows that he is on the verge of a mental breakdown. Anything could send him to the point of insanity. The speaker avoids reality at all costs. He lets the daily newspaper pile up where the paper boy tosses them (7-8). The speaker does not read the newspaper for fear of learning something that will disturb him so much that he falls off his rocker. He had rather live in ignorance than gain knowledge and be forced to think about the terrible truth of what is going on in the world. The speaker believes that ignorance is bliss. The line â€Å"And if the dam breaks open many years too soon† (9), leads the reader to believe that the speaker is young or middle aged. This line means that if someone fills their head with â€Å"dark forbodings† before they are old enough to understand the way of the world, they will definitely become insane (9-11). If the speaker strays from the normal path and he does not fit in with society, his life will fall apart. In verse thirteen, the lunatic has invaded the speaker’s head. He has evidently strayed from his routine and filled his head with negative realistic thoughts. He has become one with the lunatics when he states â€Å"the lunatic is in my head† (13-14). The lunatics are no longer outside or in the hall, they are within the speaker. As these two lines are read, laughter can be heard in the background. The speaker is no longer battling the insanity. He surrenders to the voices in his head and instead of hiding that he is different, he embraces it. The speaker’s newfound freedom has been discovered by the normal people in society. Someone has had him committed into a mental hospital (15-16). He tells the doctor performing the lobotomy â€Å"You raise the blade, you make the change/ You re-arrange me ‘til I’m sane† (15-16). The speaker has been put in a padded room after surgery and feels as if the nurses â€Å"lock the door/ And throw away the key† (17-18). He knows he will never be released now that they have seen this side of him. The song reads â€Å"There’s someone in my head but it’s not me/ And if the cloud bursts thunder in your ear† (19-20). The speaker hears real voices in his head. He has tried explaining to everyone that he is not crazy and that the voices in his head are real. Unfortunately, no one will ever believe a certifiably crazy person; even if they shout,† â€Å"no one seems to hear† (21). Brain Damage† is summed up in two lines: â€Å"And if the band you’re in starts playing different tunes/ I’ll see you on the dark side of the moon† (22-23). The first line is referring to incidents when Syd Barrett was playing the wrong song when Pink Floyd was performing. From a lunatic’s point of view, everyone else is di fferent or straying from normal. If someone is so far gone that they cannot see that they are the problem, they succumb to the illness and we’ll see them on the other side (23). The song ends with a voice saying â€Å"I can’t think of anything to say except†¦/ I think it’s marvelous! Hahaha† (24-25). He is so overwhelmed by his revelations that he has nothing to do but laugh. He has gone insane by society’s standards, but I see him as enlightened. Pink Floyd — Brain Damage The lunatic is on the grass The lunatic is on the grass Remembering games and daisy chains and laughs Got to keep the loonies on the path The lunatic is in the hall The lunatics are in my hall The paper holds their folded faces to the floor And every day the paper boy brings more And if the dam breaks open many years too soon And if there is no room upon the hill And if your head explodes with dark forbodings too Ill see you on the dark side of the moon The lunatic is in my head The lunatic is in my head You raise the blade, you make the change You re-arrange me till Im sane You lock the door And throw away the key Theres someone in my head but its not me. And if the cloud bursts, thunder in your ear You shout and no one seems to hear And if the band youre in starts playing different tunes Ill see you on the dark side of the moon I cant think of anything to say except I think its marvellous! HaHaHa!

New SAT vs ACT Comparison Charts

New SAT vs ACT Comparison Charts SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The SAT and the ACT are both recentlyunderwentupdates: the ACT got a new writing test and some minor content tweaks,whilethe SAT was fully redesigned. With all this change, it can be difficult to keep track of everything. I've created some simple charts that outline the basic differences in structure and content forthe new SAT vs the ACT. This post isn't comprehensive, however, so for a more in depth discussion of the differences between the updatedversions of the two tests, you should take a look at our full breakdown here. Image: Zach Stern/Flickr General Test Structure As you'll see in the chart below, the redesigned SAT isradically streamlined- there are now only four sections and the scoring has returned to the original 400-1600 (instead of the 600-2400 scale used from 2005-2015). The wrong answer penalty has also beeneliminated. The ACT format, meanwhile, is essentiallythe same. The essay is slightly longer, however. New SAT ACT Total Time 3 hrs (plus 50 min for essay) 2 hrs 55 min (plus 40 min for essay) Number of sections 4 plus essay 4 plus essay Sections Reading: 65 min Writing and Language: 35 min Math (No calculator): 25 min Math (with calculator): 55 min Optional essay: 50 min English: 45 min Math: 60 min Reading: 35 min Science: 35 min Optional essay: 40 min Scoring Two section scores, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (includes Reading and Writing and Language) and Math, on a 200-800 scale combined for a total score from 400-1600 Four section scores scaled from 1-36 averaged for a composite from 1-36 Wrong answer penalty? No No Reading Since the new SAT includes only long passages and the ACT recently added paired passages, the two tests' reading sections have become much more similar. Nonetheless, there are still some major differences in the types of questions they ask: the evidence questions on the redesigned SAT are especially different from ACT readingquestions. New SAT ACT Time 65 min 35 min Format 4 single passages and 1 pair, 10-11 questions each 4 passages, potentially including 1 paired passage, 10 questions each # of questions 5 passages, 52 questions 4 passages, 40 questions Time per passage/question 13 min/75 sec 8 min, 45 sec/53 sec Passage types 1 U.S. or World Literature, 2 History or Social Studies, 2 Science 1 Prose Fiction or Literary Narrative, 1 Social Sciences, 1 Humanities, 1 Natural Sciences Question types Main Idea, Vocab-in-Context, Inference, Evidence Support, Data Reasoning, Technique, Detail-Oriented Main Idea, Vocab-in-Context, Inference, Detail-Oriented Key skills Reading comprehension, inferring ideas, identifying evidence Reading comprehension, inferring ideas, locating details SAT Writing and Language/ACT English SAT Writing and Language (formerly SAT writing) is the other SAT section that the redesign made markedly more similar to itsACT equivalent. The College Board ditched Identifying Sentence Errors and the rest of its unique question styles for an ACT-style passage structure. However, the new SAT writing section still doesn't include the big-picture organization and main idea questionsthat the ACT English section does. New SAT ACT Time 35 min 45 min Format 4 passages, 11 questions each 5 passages, 15 questions each Total # of questions 44 questions 75 questions Time per passage/question 8 min, 45 sec/48 sec 9 min/36 sec Content Standard English Conventions: 20 questions (45%), covering sentence structure, conventions of usage, and conventions of punctuation Expression of Ideas: 24 questions (55%), covering development, organization and effective language use Usage and Mechanics: sentence structure (20-25%), grammar and usage (15-20%), and punctuation (10-15%) Rhetorical Skills: style (15-20%), strategy (15-20%), and organization (10-15%) Key Skills Understanding grammar rules, expressing ideas clearly, connecting sentences logically Understanding grammar rules, connecting sentences logically, recognizing overall structure and argument Math The redesigned SAT math section focuses on a limited set of topics, primarily algebra. The diminished presence of geometry sets the new SAT math section apart from the one on the ACT, which is still roughly a third geometry and trigonometry questions. Redesigned SAT math also includesa no-calculator section, a significant number of data analysis problems, and simpler wording for questions. New SAT ACT Time 80 min 60 min Format Divided in to two sections No calculator: 20 questions (4 grid-ins), 25 min With calculator: 38 questions (9 grid-ins), 55 min 1 section, all questions multiple choice Total # of questions 58 questions 60 questions Time per question No calculator: 75 sec With calculator: 87 sec 1 min Content Heart of Algebra - 33% Problem Solving and Data Analysis - 28% Passport to Advanced Math - 29% Additional Topics in Math - 10% Pre-algebra - 20-25% Elementary algebra - 15-20% Intermediate algebra - 15-20% Coordinate geometry - 15-20% Plane geometry - 20-25% Trigonometry - 5-10% Key Skills Doing simple calculations without a calculator, translating word problems, analyzing data Memorizing formulas, translating word problems, working quickly without making errors Science The redesigned SAT still doesn't have a separate science section, but it does include science questions in all three of the other sections. Those questions are primarily focused on reading charts and graphs, while ACT science tests a wider range of skills. New SAT ACT Time N/A 35 min Format No specific section, 2 passages in reading (21 questions), 1 passage in Writing (6 questions), and 8 questions in Math ~7 passages, with 5-7 questions each Total # of questions 35 questions 40 questions Time per passage/question Varies by section 5 min/53 sec Content Varies by section Data Representation - 30-40% Research Summaries - 45-55% Conflicting Viewpoints - 15-20% Key Skills Understanding scientific ideas, reading charts and graphs Doing simple calculations without a calculator, reading charts and graphs, analyzing experimental design SAT Essay/ACT Writing The ACT writing section (the essay) is the one part of thetestthat'sundergone major changes. You're still presented with an issue and asked for your opinion on it, but you're also given three perspectiveson the topics and asked to analyze them. The new SAT essay, on the other hand, ismore similar to the type of papers you write in English class: the prompt asks you to read and analyze a persuasive essay. New SAT ACT Time 50 min 40 min Optional? Yes Yes Format Presented with an essay or article and asked to analyze the author's argument Presented with 3 viewpoints on a topic and asked to analyze those ideas as well as argue for your own perspective Grading Critera Writing, Reading, and Analysis Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions Scoring Given a score from 2-8 for each dimension Score from 1-12, based on average of scores from the four domains What's Next? If you still have questions about the redesigned SAT, check out our fullbreakdown of the changes to the test. Still not sure whether to takethe SAT or the ACT?Check out our quiz! And if you are planning to take the new SAT, don't panic! Take a look at these five reasons the changes aren't as big of a deal as you might think and get an early start on preparingwith our preliminary study guide. Want to improve your SAT score by 160points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Defining the Big D - Emphasis

Defining the Big D Defining the Big D Kill the fatted calf: it seems we do now have a definition of the word Depression. (See Whats in a word?, below.) According to the Economist, its: a slide in peak-to-trough of real GDP of 10% or a decline lasting more than three years. Im glad we sorted that out. So were not in one yet, even if the latest estimate is for 4 per cent negative growth in GDP. Now, if we could just start talking ourselves out of whatever it is we are in

The Dimensions of Interprofessional in Nursing Practice Essay

The Dimensions of Interprofessional in Nursing Practice - Essay Example The collaborative process has also been defined as a dynamic process which requires that professional boundaries be surpassed if each participant is to contribute to developments in patient care while appropriately bearing in mind the qualities and skills of the other professionals (Canadian Physiotherapy Association 2009). However, nurses have long held the view that failure to implement inter-professional has led to the fragmentation of care, patient dissatisfaction and poor outcomes (Leathard, 2004). Therefore, there is a need for inter-professional working in nursing practice to deliver integrated quality healthcare services, improve patient satisfaction, and save more lives. Inter-professional working in nursing practice refers to the collaboration of the healthcare team to ensure the delivery of high quality patient care services. It was acknowledged by the General Medical Council that healthcare is increasingly provided by multidisciplinary team and this collaboration brings m ore improvement to patient care (WHO, 1999). The present reflective commentary is based on a HIV positive patient who was admitted to my ward via A&E. Using this patient; I will analyze and evaluate the contribution of nursing and other members within the inter-professional collaboration process. Gibbs reflective cycle will be used to reflect my experiences of working in an inter-professional team. The cycle will help me identify the decision making and problem solving processes and discuss the effectiveness of the contribution of each member in the inter-professional practice in the light of existing relevant literature. Description I was performing my duties in the ward on a morning/afternoon shift with my mentor when a 32 years old, Vietnamese female immigrant, named Mrs. Yiu Suh was wheeled in from A&E. Mrs. Yiu Suh is a pseudonym for the patient in accordance with the 2008 Professional Code of Conduct on confidentiality promulgated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC 2008 ) which states that all names and identifying trace to the patient must be changed. Therefore, any resemblance to a ward, person, relative or trust is purely coincidental. In order to gain Mrs. Yiu Suh’s complete medical history, an initial admission process was carried out. This was undertaken by reviewing the patient’s medical notes which revealed that the patient had diarrhoea and a mouth thrush that failed to heal despite trying several home remedies. The report also provided information which suggested that the patient had not been eating well due to her mouth condition and had lost a lot of weight within a very short period of time. Three weeks prior to her admission to the ward, the patient visited her General Physician (GP) in the community for the same complaints. Her GP treated her and advised her to visit again in case there was no improvement. Mrs. Yiu Suh refused to visit her GP again as she was given leaflets on HIV and was recommended an HIV test, which she ignored. Later on the patient confessed to me that she feared the worst because she had been a commercial sex worker. It was during the course of her sex trade that she met her husband, Mr. Charles Robbins, who brought her

Envy at Work Article Summary Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Envy at Work Summary - Article Example Because envy is generally considered a negative emotion, individuals repress these feelings. Still, these repressed feelings of envy emerge in harmful ways. Menon and Thompson’s research suggests, however, that it is possible to avoid being consumed by these feelings and to implement them to one’s advantage. In further considering the ways that envy emerges and is impactful, Menon and Thompson examine a hypothetical instance involving Scott and Marty. While these individuals were once strong friends, this gave way. While Marty was the better performer, Scott’s personality and social network helped him advance his career at a more rapid rate. This caused significant envy; this envy subsequently started to detrimentally impact Marty’s work performance. Most notably, Marty demonstrated disparagement and distancing. One of the main recognitions was that individuals pull away from others they envy because they feel the emotion more intensely with those they are close to. This distancing then directly impacts functionality and success within the organization. One notable example was that individuals were more willing to accept a project idea if it emerged outside the organization rather than within. The main recognition in these regards was that individuals within the organization worried that by adopting a project from a colleague they would lose status. In this way the colleague would be deemed the intellectual leader. This then costs the organization more money as it is less efficient to adopt ideas from outside the organization than to implement them internally. This is recognized as occurring in a real world example through the restaurant Fresh Choice. While the restaurant appreciated the menus and dà ©cor of a rival restaurant, after acquiring this rival opinions changed. The recognition then became that this newly acquired entity was not as chic as originally determine; this then resulted in the creative professionals leaving the organization. As a

Cultural studies of Organization communication Essay Example for Free

Cultural studies of Organization communication Essay According to Saran and Kalliny (2009), there are many theories which explain the organizational behavior relative to changes in the structures. Saran and Kalliny (2009, para. 4) continue to explain that there are many variables potentially affecting the implementation process including corporate culture issues, such as formalization, decentralization, functional differentiation, leadership, job satisfaction and job involvement and organizational dynamic issues, such as resources and communication. The review of literature about this topic focuses on these key areas by providing historical and contemporary issues that have been captured within the scope of this research. Communication is one of the most essential things that an organization requires to prosper in any market especially during turbulent business environments. Dubrin (1997) was of the opinion that communication is a very important aspect that unites all systems of the organization. Managers spend most of their time communicating with different stakeholders to create an efficient flow of activities. Knowledge management is very vital to managers since the efficient operation of any organization depends on how information is managed. The long term survival of any organization depends on the ability to manage information and knowledge for the efficient communication. People exchange, process and use information through the system of knowledge management (Bakan et al, n. d. ). Organizational structure defines the various divisions within an organization and establishes a system of coordinating the various resources for the achievement of the goals and objectives. Decision making process follows the structure of the organization to ensure all responsible individuals make the appropriate decisions. The managers create a system of collecting information and ideas from all stakeholders during the process of decision making to ensure all parties are included in the decisions of the organization. All the forces to the organization must be considered during the decision making process, that is, environmental forces, technological forces and the strategies being adopted by the organization. The restructuring process must ensure that the managers create systems which make maximum use of the resources available to the organization. The definition of tasks, allocation of different resources and the arrangement of resources as well as tasks should match the structure, goals and objectives of the organization. Organizational structure provides the systems to be followed during division of labor, when delegating authority and responsibilities, when establishing units of command, and the span of control. The structure of the organization defines the strategies to be adopted when delegating authority and responsibilities (Porter, 1985). The use of technology is encouraged in developing organizational structures which match the needs of an organization. The use of information communication technology has increased as the need for efficiency in both private and public corporations intensifies. Technology helps people learn about the use of better knowledge about improving their systems. Good governance in organization requires the establishment of a clear organizational hierarchy to define the roles of each individual involved in the activities of the organization (Wade, 2002). The use of technology has been encouraged by many organizations to adjust the existing structures to fit new strategies that are required for improved performance. When new technologies are adopted, the management must introduce other structures to ensure their implementation takes place efficiently. The people working in an organization need to be educated and persuaded about the new technologies being adopted by the organization to ensure they utilize them for the benefits of all stakeholders (Evan Black, 1967). The technology must be relevant to the goals and objectives of the organization. The organizational factors must be well studied and analyzed to introduce a better system which is in line with all systems of the organization. Increase in technological innovation has attracted much attention especially due to the existence of scarce resources within the organization. Managers reshuffle the workers in their organization as well as creating other structures to ensure the organization adopts the new technologies being introduced (Rogers, 1995). Saran and Kalliny (2009) are of the opinion that implementing new technologies is complex and involves uncertainty. The uncertainty brings about conflicts between different stakeholders of the organization due to the new structures introduced. The uncertainty may create resistance from the people involved in the activities of the organization. The management must conduct adequate research about the best strategies to implement the technologies to ensure minimum resistance emanates from the individuals working in the organization (Rogers, 1995). However, Gill (2003, pg. 316) identified that many organizations do not conduct adequate research before implementing their new technologies and this has led to â€Å"low success rate, given the importance of the same in a very dynamic and ever changing business environment, where customers not only demand new products and services but also newness in the product offering. † Implementing new technologies requires introducing changes within the structure of the organization and behavior change is essential to ensure all stakeholders readily accept the new ideas. Behavior change is difficult where there is uncertainty about the technologies to be adopted. This may hinder implementation of the innovations. Organizations take a longer period to adapt to new changes compared to individuals. Fariborz (1991) suggested that the revolution in technology being observed today requires organizations to integrate the variables of the organization with implementation strategies. He continued to explain that technologies are the main vehicles of change and that individual, organizational and environmental factors affect the implementation of many technologies and innovations. Accepting change is the basis of introducing new technologies within the organization (Saran Kalliny, 2009). For an organization to adapt to new technologies there is need to link the organization to the appropriate technologies which match the structures within the system. The innovations and technologies adapt to the organizational and industrial structures with time and the management must be patient enough to allow the new systems become incorporated into the processes of the organization (Van De Ven, 1986). There is a learning process involved in the adoption of new strategies. The old systems must be done away with to ensure the people do not revert to them. The culture of the organization should be adjusted to accommodate the new changes. Changing the culture requires changing the attitudes and values of the people involved in the activities of the organization. Changing the culture is not an easy thing and many people will become opposed to these strategies since there are gains and losses to many people when new systems are introduced. The culture of an organization defines the values, norms, and attitudes that people have. The management must create structures which match the culture of the organization. The culture determines the best strategies to be adopted by the people working in an organization. The managers have a responsibility to establish a culture which suits the needs of the workers and other stakeholders of the organization (Bridges, 1991). The implementation of innovations and technologies requires a process to ensure all the stakeholders respond to the new systems successfully. The process starts from acquiring knowledge about the new systems, forming attitude about it, adopting or rejecting the new decisions, implementing and confirmation. Until the decisions are implemented, all activities prior to this involve mental processes. The installation of the ideas into real sustainable process is the final stage which determines the success of the management to implement its strategies (Pierce and Delbecq, 1977). Corporate restructuring allows the managers bring changes within the organization to accommodate new and better structures which improve the performance of an organization. The need to globalize domestic markets has forced many organizations to adopt better structures to create new market opportunities, overcome threats from organizations and diffuse models of business that relate to globalization. To improve the costs and revenue structures of the organization, managers have developed variety of objectives to ensure all aspects of management are captured (Jones, 2002). Formalization within the organizational structure provides the procedures to be observed when conducting the various activities by the individuals working in the organization. Organizational hierarchy describes the jobs and the amount of freedom provided to the stakeholders of the organization (Cohn Turyn, 1980). For the effective adoption and implementation of new technologies, the formal structures must be followed when performing duties within the organization. All systems of the organization should be properly coordinated to ensure the implementation of the new ideas is successful (Kim, 1980). Formal procedures are introduced within the organization to reduce stress which may originate from confusion that occurs when systems are not properly coordinated. Formal structures provide the lower level employees of the organization with equal opportunities to avoid discretion in the allocation of duties and rewards. The planning process requires the management to create a properly coordinated system that will bring about successful implementation of new technologies (Zaltman, Duncan Holbek, 1973). The use of communication is expressed in the organizational hierarchy where formal communication procedures are established. All people must adhere to the communication structures that the management has established for effective operation of activities. The organizational chart provides the flow of authority, information and other resources. The managers restructure the organizational structure as need arises and provide new roles to different individuals. Restructuring the organization requires creating a proper system so that all individuals can adjust accordingly (Bakan et al n. d. ; Porter, 1985). The global recession that affected all global economies in the world forced many organizations to adopt new strategies to improve their performance as well as ensure the corporate survival in the global markets. Many organizations have restructured their systems to adapt to the new changes brought about by the effects of the recession. To reduce the increasing costs of production, managers are adopting a downsizing strategy (Harman, 2009). The reduction in sales volume in the global markets provides managers with the decision to create better systems and structures which improve the image of the organization in the global markets (Dewar and Dutton, 1986). Hitt et al (1994) established that over the last two decades, many organizations have carried out extensive re-structuring process to cope with the changing global markets. The media and communications industry has been characterized by increasing competition in both local and global markets. Organizations need to restructure their activities to accommodate the changes in the global markets. Gregory (1999) provides that â€Å"corporate downsizing has been implemented by a large number of American firms in an effort to become more flexible and responsive to increased competition. † The strategy to down size many organizations have not been responsive to the strategy of reducing the costs of production. The impacts of downsizing upon the employees of these companies have been worse. Cases of stress among the remaining employees have been reported by organizations which have used downsizing as a strategy to restructure their systems. Other negative impacts related to downsizing are reduction in career opportunities and reduction in the loyalty to the company by the employees. The loss of very important employees is another risk associated with downsizing organizations (Hitt et al 1994). Decentralization of authority is an important aspect when implementing better hierarchies which ensure the organization is successful in its efforts to create a better structure. Decentralization allows all members of the organization to participate in the decision making process. Employees are able to translate the decisions made by their managers into specific plans of actions. For effective communication, the management should introduce a decentralized system to ensure all members of the organization contribute towards the activities of the organization. Decentralization ensures that all decisions are implemented successfully by establishing different work centers where different individuals can contribute their ideas. Workers are ready to own decisions when they participate in the decision making as well as implementation process (Jones and Jennifer, 2003). Proper leadership strategies within the organization should be adopted when implementing the new technologies. Leadership refers to the ability of the management to influence the subordinates to contribute willingly to the goals of the organization. The managers should have the skills of influencing others to accept the new structures for the success of the organization. Managing change within the organization requires proper leadership skills so that the managers can influence their followers about developing new behaviors to adapt to the new systems of the organization (Robbins, 1998). To ensure the employees accept the new technologies, the management should ensure the employees are satisfied in the jobs assigned to them. Job satisfaction creates the willingness to perform duties without being forced and motivates the employees to improve their performance (Herzberg, Mausner and Synderman, 1959). Functional differentiation allows the management to introduce better systems within the organization. Kimberly and Evansisko (1981, pg. 693) define functional differentiation as a process which represents the extent to which an organization is divided into different units, normally measured by the different number of units under the top management. The extent to which an organization differentiations its structures determines the success in implementing technologies. The communication process is made efficient by a high differentiation of the processes. The top management has the role of ensuring all employees comply with the established rules for the efficient operation of the differentiated units of the organization (Baldridge and Burnham, 1975). To ensure employees are satisfied by the various duties assigned to them, the management should differentiate the organizations units and allocate jobs according to the skills and experience of the individual employees. The use of technology in different units should ensure that the subordinates are allocated the appropriate units to avoid conflicts (Ahls, 2001). Bibliography Ahls, B. , 2001. Organizational behavior: A model for cultural change. Ind. Manage. , 43: 6-9. Bakan, I. , Tasliyan, M, Buyukbese, T. , Eraslan, I. H Coskun, M (n. d. ). Organizational communications: the role of information technology (it). Retrieved 5 June 2010 from; http://www. iamot. org/conference/index. php/ocs/4/paper/view/624/127. Baldridge, J. and R. Burnham, (1975). Organizational innovation: Individual, organizational and environmental impacts. Admin. Sci. Q. , 20: 165-176. Bridges, W. , 1991. Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change. 1st Edn. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. , Massachusetts. Cohn, S. F. and R. M. Turyn, (1980). The structure of a firm and the adoption of process innovations. IEEE Trans. Eng. Manage. , 27: 98-102. Dewar, R. D. and J. E. Dutton, (1986). The adoption of radical and incremental innovations: An empirical analysis. Manage. Sci. , 32: 1422-1433. Dubrin, A. J. (1997). Essentials of management, South-Western College Publishing, Ohio. Evan, W. M. and G. Black, (1967). Innovation in business organizations: Some factors associated with success or failure of staff proposals. J. Business, 40: 516-530. Fariborz, D. , (1991). Organizational innovation: A meta-analysis of effects of determinants and moderators. Acad. Manage. J. , 34: 555-590. Gill, R. , (2003). Change management-or change leadership? J. Change Manage. , 3: 307-318. Harman, Chris Zombie (2009). Capitalism: Global Crisis and the Relevance of Marx / London: Bookmarks Publications. ISBN 9781905192533 Herzberg, F. , B. Mausner and B. B. Synderman, (1959). The Motivation to Work. 1st Edn Wiley, New York. Hitt, Michael A. , Barbara W. Keats, Herbert F. Harback, and Robert D. Nixon (1994). Rightsizing: Building and Maintaining Strategic Leadership and Long-Term Competitiveness, Organizational Dynamics, 23:2, 18-32 Gregory, Jannifer (1999). â€Å"Encouraging Organizational Learning Through Pay after a Corporate Downsizing†. [emailprotected]@gement, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 163-181. Jones, Marc T. (17 Apr 2002). Globalization and organizational restructuring: A strategic perspective. Thunderbird International Business Review, Volume 44, Issue 3 (p 325-351). Jones, R. G. and M. G. Jennifer, 2003. Contemporary Management. 1st Edn. McGraw-Hill, Irwin, California. Kim, L. , 1980. Organizational innovation and structure. J. Business Res. , 8: 225-245. Kimberly, J. R. and M. J. Evansisko, (1981). Organizational innovation: The influence of individual, organizational and contextual factors on hospital adoption of technological and administrative innovations. Acad. Manage. J. , 24: 689-713. Pierce, J. L. and A. L. Delbecq, (1977). Organization structure individual attitudes and innovation. Acad. Manage. Rev. , 2: 27-37. Porter, M. E. , 1985. Competitive Advantage. 1st Edn. Free Press, New York. Robbins, S. P. , 1998. Organizational Behavior. 1st Edn, Prentice Hall, New Jersey. Rogers, E. M. , 1995. Diffusion of Innovations. 3rd Edn. , Free Press, New York. Saran, A. , L. Serviere M. Kalliny, (2009). Corporate culture, organizational dynamics and

Sacrifice and Cadaver Donation :: Religion Death Dying Essays

Sacrifice and Cadaver Donation Though the practice of sacrifice is most commonly associated with devotional practices for specific religions, religious ceremony is not the sole arena for sacrificial rituals. In fact, sacrifice can be used loosely to describe any number of profane activities. Parents make sacrifices for their children; students often sacrifice fun for academic success, and athletes sacrifice social freedom and body comfort for their sport. Yet these examples of profane sacrifice are only related to religious sacrifice distantly, the definition of sacrifice must be stretched quite a bit in order for these secular compromises to be equated with the ritual offerings and practices of religious sacrifice. However, there is one secular institution that incorporates a practice of sacrifice that is very similar to devotional religious sacrifice. In their book on the nature and function of sacrifice, Henri Hubert and Marcel Mauss define sacrifice as â€Å"religious act which, through consecration of the victim, modifies the condition of the moral person who accomplishes it or that of certain objects with which he is concerned.† [i] Though this definition presupposes that sacrifice is specifically a religious act, the use of cadavers for education can be applied to Hubert and Mauss’s definition and explication of sacrifice. The practice of donation and dissection of human cadavers for education shares characteristics such as the presence of a sacrifier, sacrifice, and sacrificer, all of whom participate in a ritual that allows each participant to experience a modified condition as a result of participating in this ritual. In this way, bodily donation and dissection for educat ion is sacrifice. Ritual Donation, Preparation, and Dissection There are essentially two different methods by which an individual can come to be donated as a cadaver for research or for educational dissection. [ii] Either an individual can volunteer their own body for donation, or the family of the deceased can donate a body post hmortem. In either case, there is a strict procedure that is followed in the United States of America, which includes the legal procedure of relinquishing a body, and continues through the embalming, dissecting, and cremating of the cadaver. The two methods of donation, either by the individual or by their family, are accompanied by the same legal protocol to ensure the cadaver will be used for its intended purpose and its remains will be returned to the family. This protocol goes as follows: Who Can Donate Any competent person 18 years of age or over may donate their body for medical education and research. Sacrifice and Cadaver Donation :: Religion Death Dying Essays Sacrifice and Cadaver Donation Though the practice of sacrifice is most commonly associated with devotional practices for specific religions, religious ceremony is not the sole arena for sacrificial rituals. In fact, sacrifice can be used loosely to describe any number of profane activities. Parents make sacrifices for their children; students often sacrifice fun for academic success, and athletes sacrifice social freedom and body comfort for their sport. Yet these examples of profane sacrifice are only related to religious sacrifice distantly, the definition of sacrifice must be stretched quite a bit in order for these secular compromises to be equated with the ritual offerings and practices of religious sacrifice. However, there is one secular institution that incorporates a practice of sacrifice that is very similar to devotional religious sacrifice. In their book on the nature and function of sacrifice, Henri Hubert and Marcel Mauss define sacrifice as â€Å"religious act which, through consecration of the victim, modifies the condition of the moral person who accomplishes it or that of certain objects with which he is concerned.† [i] Though this definition presupposes that sacrifice is specifically a religious act, the use of cadavers for education can be applied to Hubert and Mauss’s definition and explication of sacrifice. The practice of donation and dissection of human cadavers for education shares characteristics such as the presence of a sacrifier, sacrifice, and sacrificer, all of whom participate in a ritual that allows each participant to experience a modified condition as a result of participating in this ritual. In this way, bodily donation and dissection for educat ion is sacrifice. Ritual Donation, Preparation, and Dissection There are essentially two different methods by which an individual can come to be donated as a cadaver for research or for educational dissection. [ii] Either an individual can volunteer their own body for donation, or the family of the deceased can donate a body post hmortem. In either case, there is a strict procedure that is followed in the United States of America, which includes the legal procedure of relinquishing a body, and continues through the embalming, dissecting, and cremating of the cadaver. The two methods of donation, either by the individual or by their family, are accompanied by the same legal protocol to ensure the cadaver will be used for its intended purpose and its remains will be returned to the family. This protocol goes as follows: Who Can Donate Any competent person 18 years of age or over may donate their body for medical education and research.

To Kill A Mockingbird: Childhood Experience Essay

A kid or a teenager who has experienced maybe a family death or witnessed a terrible event might become more mature because their experience made them more mature. In To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Jem and Scout grow and mature through experiences. In To Kill A Mockingbird by Lee Harper, Scout and Jem grow and mature through experiences with Boo Radley. When she passed the Radley house for school, Scout felt sorry for Boo. â€Å"I sometimes felt a twinge of remorse when passing by the old place, at ever having taken part in what must have been a sheer torment to Arthur Radley† (Lee 324.) Scout had matured enough to know what they had done to try and communicate with Boo, had quite possibly been torment. She felt almost ashamed of their antics. After Bob Ewell had attacked Scout walked Boo back to the Radley house. â€Å"Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a person until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough† (374.) Scout had always wondered what kept Boo in the house, and now that she had walked around in his shoes a little bit she started to understand more. Jem took the verdict of the trail hard, and Scout struggled to understand. â€Å"Naw, Jem, I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ â€Å"If there’s just one kind of folks, why can’t they get along with each other? If they’re all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other? Scout, I think I’m beginning to understand something. I think I’m started to understand why Boo Radley stayed shut up in the house all this time. It’s because he wants to† (304.) A part of growing up is realizing that the world’s not a pretty place and not everyone’s a nice person. Jem realized this with the outcome of the trial, he knew the verdict was unjust and Tom was convicted guilty simply because of people’s racial prejudice. Jem wonders why and how they could have done it. He thinks about it and instead of using a silly child’s story as to why Boo stays in the house, he starts to think that maybe this injustice in the world is the reason why Boo stays in the house. He thinks that maybe Boo wants to stay in the house because he also thinks the prejudice and unjust views of society are unfair and discriminatory. In To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Jem and Scout grow and mature through experiences with Tom Robinson’s trial. After the verdict of the trial, Jem is angry at the injustice. †It was Jem’s turn to cry. His face was streaked with angry tears as we made our way through the cheerful crowd. â€Å"It ain’t right† he muttered† (284.) Jem knew that Tom was innocent, he also knew that everyone else knew he was innocent, yet because of their racial prejudice, Tom was convicted guilty. Jem see’s this injustice and is greatly upset by it. Jem had matured enough to know it’s not right when the majority of the adults there didn’t and Scout just brushed it off. The trial led to Jem maturing and knowing people aren’t always good people. Scout, Miss Maudie, and Aunt Alexandra were given the news about Tom’s death while Aunt Alexandra was hosting a tea party. â€Å"After all if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I† (370.) Instead of throwing a temper tantrum or pouting and crying, like a kid her age might, Scout decides to act with maturity and dignity, just like Aunt Alexandra and Miss Maudie and return to the tea party. After the Bob Ewell attack, Atticus talks to Scout about what happened. â€Å"Scout,† He said. â€Å"Mr. Ewell fell on his knife. Can you possibly understand?† . . . â€Å"Yes sir, I understand,† I reassured him. â€Å"Mr. Tate was right.† Atticus disengaged himself and looked at me. â€Å"What do you mean?† â€Å"Well, It’d be sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird wouldn’t it?† (370.) Scout, still a young child, was mature enough to understand the situation and reassure Atticus, who was probably under a lot of strain and stress that night. Also by using the analogy â€Å"it’s sort of like shootin’ a Mockingbird† Scout shows she paid attention to Atticus and Maudie when they to ld her that shooting mockingbirds is a sin. In To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Jem grows and matures through life experiences. Scout tried to fight Walter because he made her start off on the wrong foot at school. â€Å"Come on home to dinner with us Walter† he [Jem] said â€Å"We’d be glad to have you† (30.) Scout angry at getting in trouble, childishly tried to fight Walter. When Jem got her off of him, Jem invited Walter to eat lunch at their house with them. Jem understood why Walter couldn’t afford lunch and wanted to help him. After the trial Dill, Jem, and Scout visit Miss. Maudie. â€Å"There should have three little ones. It was not like Miss. Maudie to forget Dill, and we must have shown it. But we understood when she cut from the big cake and gave a slice to Jem. (288.) The trial is when Jem lost his innocence of childhood, his â€Å"coming of age† in a sense. In a way, he â€Å"killed a Mockingbird† because mockingbirds are innocent, and the trial â€Å"killed† Jem’s childhood innocence. Miss. Maudie knows this, hence why Jem gets a slice from the big cake, the â€Å"adult cake.† He had matured past, his own little cake, unlike Scout and Dill. Scout finds Dill under her bed after he ran away from his parents in Meridian. â€Å"Jem was standing in a corner of the room looking like the traitor he was. â€Å"Dill I had to tell him,† he said. â€Å"You can’t run three hundred miles off without your mother knowin’.†(188.) While Scout would have kept it quiet, and kept her friends secret, Jem was mature enough to know that nobody knowing where Dill was was dangerous and scary. He knew it was irresponsible of Dill and that he should tell Atticus and did. Jem didn’t do it to tattle he did it for Dill’s safety, like a mature adult. Scout and Jem grew and became more mature through the things they experienced, they used possibly bad experienced and learned how to act maturely from it. A part of growing up and â€Å"coming of age.†

Nebosh IGC

It may be seen as an unproductive cost which conflicts with the requirement to keep costs low. An undesired event resulting in personal injury, damage or loss. A situation with the potential to cause harm or damage. (iii) The likelihood that harm from a particular hazard may be realized. (3) Unsafe conditions and unsafe acts. The number of people likely to be affected by the harm from a hazard, and the severity of the harm that may be suffered.Revision Question 2 Workers should: a) take reasonable care for their own safety and that of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work; (b) comply with instructions given for their own safety and health and those of others and with safety and health procedures; use safety devices and protective equipment correctly and do not render them inoperative; (d) report forthwith to their immediate supervisor any situation which they have reason to believe could present a hazard and which they cannot themselves correct; (e) rep ort any accident or injury to health which arises in the course of or in connection with work.Criminal – fines; Civil – compensation. External data sources include: National legislation (e. G. Regulations); Safety data sheets from manufacturers and suppliers; Government Enforcing Authority publications such as Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes; Manufacturers'/ suppliers' maintenance manuals; National/alienation standards; Information from local safety groups; Information from trade associations; Information from Journals and magazines. Internal data sources include: Information from accident records; Information from medical records and the medical department (if you have one);Information from company doctors; Risk assessments; Maintenance reports; Information from Joint inspections with safety reps; Information from audits, surveys, sampling and tours; Information from safety committee minutes. NOBLES International General Certificate 1-27 Revision Question 3 There should be a framework of roles and responsibilities for health and safety allocated to individuals throughout the organization, including the appointment of specialist staff and ensuring that general management roles and arrangements address health and safety issues.To ensure that the organizational arrangements, health and safety standards and operational systems and measures are working effectively and, where they are not, to provide the information upon which they may be revised. 1-28 NOBLES International General Certificate Setting Policy for Health and Safety I Element 2 Element 2 Why might the health and safety policy of two organizations, both undertaking similar work, be different? What are the three key elements of a health and safety policy? By whom should the policy be signed?What does a safety organization chart show? What responsibilities do all workers have relating to health and safety? 2-12 NOBLES International General Certificate Element 2 | Setting Policy for Heal th and Safety What forms the base for the plans for the systems, procedures and other measures required to put the health and safety policy into effect? State the three main forms of communicating health and safety information to staff. What are active monitoring systems? In what specific circumstances should a policy review be held?NOBLES International General Certificate 2-19 Because the policy is a reflection of the particular circumstances of each organization. Thus, any variations in size, nature and organization of operations, etc. , will mean that the health and safety policy will also vary. The general statement of intent, organization and arrangements. A senior Director or the Chief Executive Officer, indicating the organization's commitment at the highest level. The hierarchy of roles and responsibilities for health and safety, and the lines of accountability between them.To act responsibly and safely at all times, and to do everything they can to prevent injury to themsel ves and to fellow workers. Risk assessments. The three main methods of communicating health and safety information are the use of written procedures, provision of instructions and provision of appropriate training. Active monitoring systems are those which seek to identify deficiencies in current arrangements before any resulting accident. They include testing, inspections and consultation procedures, as well as management controls to ensure compliance.The circumstances which should give rise to reviews, either of general policy or specific aspects of it, are: Changes in the structure of the organization, and/or changes in key personnel. A change in buildings, workplace or worksheet. When work arrangements change, or new processes are introduced. When indicated by a safety audit or a risk assessment. Following government enforcement action or as the result of the findings from accident investigations. Following a change in legislation.If consultation with workers or their representa tives highlights deficiencies. If requested by a third party. NOBLES International General Certificate 2-21 Element 3 | Organizing for Health and Safety Element 3 Outline typical duties of employers to workers. Outline common duties of workers. What are the responsibilities of employers to people who are not their workers? Where business premises are rented, is the employer responsible for health and feet matters relating to points of entry to and exit from the workplace?NOBLES International General Certificate 3_11 Outline the areas of responsibility placed on people in the supply chain for the articles and substances which they supply to workplaces. Outline the responsibilities of the client and the contractor where a contractor is working in the client's own workplace. 3_17 Organizing for Health and Safety I Element 3 How may employers consult workers? What are safety circles? 3-20 NOBLES International General Certificate The general duties of employers are:Provision of adequate instruction, training, supervision and information necessary to ensure the health and safety at work of workers. Provision/maintenance of safe plant/equipment and a safe system of working. Provision and maintenance of a safe workplace (including a safe way of getting to and from that place of work). The two general duties of workers are: To take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. To co-operate with the employer so far as is necessary to enable the employer to fulfill his legal obligations.Employers must make adequate provision to protect third parties from harm as a result of their work activities by: Conducting their undertakings in such a way as to ensure that people not in their employment who may be affected by their activities are not exposed to risks to their health and safety. Giving people who are not their workers sufficient information regarding the undertaking as might affect th eir health and safety; for example, details of potential hazards. It would depend on the terms of the tenancy agreement. Responsibility lies with the person who may be said to control the particular aspect of the premises.

House of Refugee vs. Life

House of Refugee vs. Life People rarely create something for no reason. Houses are built for a purpose, and a life-saving station and a house of refuge in Crane’s novel are no exception. Despite the fact that both a life-saving station and a house of refuge in Crane’s novel seemingly share common features, their distinction comes in full blue when viewed through the lens of different social strata.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on House of Refugee vs. Life-Saving Station: In Search for a Shelter specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Even though both of the houses are referred to as the symbol of both physical and spiritual salvation, the shelter where one can survive a storm and at the same time reconcile with the foes: â€Å"At these times they were uncanny and sinister in their unblinking scrutiny, and the men hooted angrily at them, telling them to be gone† (Crane), the two houses bear a clear distinction from each other in terms of what exact ideas they embody. It is quite remarkable that the difference between the two houses comes into the limelight as the correspondent, who clearly incorporates the elements of media as the author perceived it, cunning, two-faced and at the same time all-embracing, knowledgeable and resourceful, the cook, who plays the role of a comic relief in the story, strike a conversation: â€Å"In disjointed sentences the cook and the correspondent argued as to the difference between a life-saving station and a house of refuge† (Crane). Seeing how the two opponents represent different social roles, with the correspondent obviously being one of the members of the à ©lite, and the cook belonging to a less glorified third class, the opponents offer a very interesting method of differentiating between the two buildings, which is practically based on the structure of a society. Indeed, while for a white-collar that the correspondent is, the difference between the ho uses lies in the purpose of the houses, i.e., the reason that they were built for: â€Å"As I understand them, they are only places where clothes and grub are stored for the benefit of shipwrecked people† (Crane); in his turn, the cook is only able to recognize the difference according to which they are run and organized, as well as the services that they provide: â€Å"Houses of refuge dont have crews† [†¦] â€Å"’Oh, yes, they do,’ said the cook† (Crane). Famous Cost Guard Photos n. d. Web.Advertising Looking for research paper on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, the two characters provide two different ways to compare the houses in question. From the point of view of the cook, the houses have solely one difference, which, in fact, may be questionable, seeing how the cook is not quite sure whether the food is provided in both houses or only in the house of the refugees. The given means to compare the houses can be described as a consumerist one, since these are only the services that are under consideration. The correspondent, on the other hand, offers a sociological method to compare the two houses; according to the given method, the key difference concerns the purpose of the two buildings, the Life-saving station being built to provide for people’s needs by offering them a kind of a â€Å"bed and board,† while the house of refugees clearly services only one purpose, i.e., offering people a place to spend a night in. House of the Refugee. n. d. Web. While a life-saving station and a house of refuge might seem similar at first, Crane’s novel puts everything into place. Sociologically, these buildings are nothing alike. Though there might be less difference between the two, with similar services offered to its visitors in each house, people’s weird classification does not allow for unintentiona l charity. Crane, Stephen. The Open Boat. n. d. Web. Famous Cost Guard Photos n. d. Web.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on House of Refugee vs. Life-Saving Station: In Search for a Shelter specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More House of the Refugee n. d. Web.

Targets Marketing Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Targets Marketing Strategy - Essay Example This paper declares that Kotler defined marketing information system (MIS) as â€Å"a continuing and interacting structure of people, equipment and procedures to gather, sort, analyze, evaluate, and distribute pertinent, timely and accurate information for use by marketing decision makers to improve their marketing planning, implementation and control†. It means that MIS is all about gathering useful customer data that can be useful on the part of the managers when making important marketing decisions, planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling significant marketing activities. According to the paper in the case of Target, the use of MIS has a significant impact over the development of its marketing research and market segmentation strategy. Since Target’s prospective customers are the pregnant women, the customer information gathered by the company’s MIS enabled the manager learn more about its target consumers’ product preferences, specific wants, and purchasing habits and behavior. By tracking down the buyers’ history of purchasing habit, the company was able to forecast specific products that are suitable for the specific needs of its valued customers. In general, keeping the company’s target consumers satisfied with the products they purchase from a retailing company is one of the main factors behind the success of Target. To ensure that the company’s prospective buyers will remain loyal with the brand, Target decided to market its consumers’ products using market segmentation and the marketing mix.

Summry for the outcasts united witten by Warren St. John Essay

Summry for the outcasts united witten by Warren St. John - Essay Example That same small Southern town also becomes the home to Luma Mufleh --- a Jordanian woman who establishes soccer teams to unite the children of refugee families. This woman, who was educated in the U.S., along with her players, names the team Fugees, short for refugees (St. John 31-2). The tone of the story is based on the non-consent of this small American town to be a social experiment, with the story revolving around the lives of the refugee children, their families, and their coach Luma. The author accounts the lives of these young people as they unite to form a team against the backdrop of a fading American town that is having a hard time welcoming the new arrivals. In the middle of all the struggles and hardships encountered by the members of the team and their families, Coach Luma passionately pushes her players towards success on the field. In general, the book is an inspiring narrative of the happenings that turn a small town into a global community, and the many different wa ys people convert an alien world into what they could call home. The story narrates how Luma, while driving through Clarkston, sees this group of refugee boys playing soccer. She had been a soccer coach before with very little compensation, and she eventually becomes the coach for these young refugee boys. Besides her story, the book also depicts the horrors that the refugee families went through in their escape from their war-trodden nations, the difficult adjustments they have to swallow as they try to settle in Clarkston, the issues regarding poverty, clashes with the new culture, and the high-crime rates. To make things worse, older inhabitants of the suburb town look at the situation with disinterest and contempt. The drastic changes that everyone goes through --- both the refugees and the older inhabitants --- make it difficult for them to compromise what they had been all used to. One of the exceedingly touching and wonderful moments in the story is when Coach Luma calls toge ther her teams of young soccer players, with everyone showing up looking raggedy --- one wearing ankle-high boots, one in socks, some in jeans, and almost all without proper footwear. These players compose three teams of mixed age ranges who, along with their families, endured unthinkable horrors to still be able to stand on that field that day. Yet despite the kids’ unimaginable backgrounds, coach Luma maintains her disciplinarian approach towards them --- laying down the rules that she expects everyone to follow seriously if one is keen on staying with the team. The kids are expected to come to practice twice a week despite the fact that only a few of these kids’ families have cars. The boys will miss a game for every practice missed and will be kicked off the team if the rules are not followed. Luma even makes the boys sign a contract regarding the rules that run from being usual to obscure. None of these rules is negotiable. With all the talk about bringing about s ocial change through sports, the Fugees are still able to offer an extraordinary and touching example. In one scene narrated in the book, without anyone else telling them so, the boys offer one Muslim and one Christian prayer just prior to a game event. This shows how the boys are opening up to the accommodation of their differences in order to enjoy a common goal, while at the same time learning