Sunday, January 26, 2020

An Overview of Tourettes Syndrome

An Overview of Tourettes Syndrome Tourettes syndrome When you think of Tourettes what comes to mind?   Tourettes is a common disorder which may start in early childhood. This condition is characterized by physical and verbal tics (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet). Tourettes syndrome, also known as TS, first presented itself when a man named Georges Gilles De La Tourette wrote a paper on nine people who exhibited in voluntary motor and vocal tics (Georges Gilles de la Tourette). Tourettes association in the study of this disorder led to it being named after him. Georges Giles was born in the small town of Saint Gervals Les Trois Clochers, he was a French neuropsychiatrist and an expert on epilepsy. Georges was known for crazy media coverage where there was an attempt on his life (Georges Gilles de la Tourette). He was shot in 1893 by Rose Kamper, a former patient of his who had made acquisitions of him of hypnotizing her against her will. He recovered from the gun shot, and his attacker was diagnosed with what is now called paranoid schi zophrenia. He is more famously known for publishing the first writings of people who had Tourettes, simply stating that these tics were random and uncontrollable (Georges Gilles de la Tourette). Many speculate but cause of Tourette syndrome is unknown but there is current research that points to abnormalities in the brain (Tourettes Syndrome). Evidence from twin and family studies proposes that TS is an inherited disorder (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet). Symptoms are typically noticed in early childhood between the ages of seven and ten. Genetically TS occurs in people from all ethnic groups and age groups, but males have a higher chance of being affected then females. It is estimated that 200,000 Americans have a severe form of TS, and one in 100 display milder and less complex symptoms such as chronic motor or vocal tics (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet). Although the DSM-5 does not directly talk about TS, it does mention disorders that are linked to it. Various people can experience additional problems such as obsessive compulsive behavior, characterized by repetitive behaviors, such as hand washing or checking things repetitively and mental acts like praying, and counting (A merican Psychiatric Association ). Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, described by difficulty concentrating and staying on task; learning disabilities, which include reading, writing and arithmetic difficulties; and even sleeping disorders (Tourettes Syndrome). TS is not a psychological disorder but more of a neuropsychiatric disorder; although they are linked together these disorders can come with Tourettes. But on the other hand not everyone with TS will have disorders other than their tics. What is TS you may ask? TS can be divided into two groups, motor tics, and vocal tics; and in those two groups you can have simple and complex motor or vocal tics. Simple motor tics are sudden, brief, repetitive movements that involve a limited number of muscle groups (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet). Some of the more common simple motor tics include eye blinking, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging, and head or shoulder jerking. Simple vocal tics might include repetitive throat-clearing, sniffing, or grunting sounds (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet). Complex tics are distinct, coordinated patterns of movements involving several muscle groups (Tourettes Syndrome). Complex motor tics might include facial grimacing combined with a head twist and a shoulder shrug, sniffing or touching objects, hopping, jumping, bending, or twisting. Simple vocal tics may include throat-clearing, sniffing/snorting, grunting, or even barking. The most intense  Ã‚   tics includes motor movements that cause   self-harm such as punching themselves in the face or vocal tics including coprolalia and echolalia which are uttering swear words and repeating the words or phrases of others (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet). Some tics are led by an urge or sensation in the affected muscle group, or a need to complete a tic in a certain way or a certain number of times in order to relieve the urge (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet). People with TS can sometimes suppress their tics for a short time, but the effort is similar to that of holding back a sneeze. Eventually tension mounts to the point where the tic escapes. Tics worsen in stressful situations; however, they improve when the person is relaxed or absorbed in an activity. In most cases, tics decrease markedly during sleep (Tourettes Syndrome). How can TS be counteracted? Currently, there is no brain test or laboratory test to convincingly prove someone has TS and when it comes to TS there is no cut in stone medication that will cure this disorder completely. Generally, TS is diagnosed by obtaining a description of the tics and evaluating family history and after verifying, the patient has to have had both motor and vocal tics for at least 1 year. Patients, families and physicians need to determine which set of symptoms is most disabling so that appropriate medications and therapies can be used (Tourettes Syndrome). If symptoms do not impair most patients and development proceeds normally then the majority of people with TS will require no medication. On the other hand, medications are available to help when symptoms interfere with functioning but unfortunately, there is no one medication that helps the same person with TS. Some patients who need medication to reduce the symptoms of their tics may be treated with neurolepti c drugs such as haloperidol and pimozide. These medications are usually given in very small doses that are increased slowly until the best possible balance between symptoms and side effects is achieved (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet). The most common side effects of neuroleptics include sedation, weight gain, and cognitive dulling, tremors, dystonic reactions (twisting movements or postures), and parkinsonian-like symptoms. People with TS often live healthy, active lives however; Tourette syndrome frequently involves behavioral and social challenges that can harm your self-image. The biological perspective focuses on genetics and your biological processes influencing your behavior (Rathus ). As stated before TS can come with other disorders such as ADHD and Attention Deficit Disorder, and even Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet). These disorders can make a person with TS behave differently such as; losing ones temper a lot, anger, difficulty paying attention and controlling impulsive behaviors (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet). Traditional behaviorist believed that the environment and also personal experiences influences a persons behavior (Rathus ). Stress can often make TS worse in the fact that it makes the tic more rapid (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet).   This can also be due to the persons environment.   This is how TS is related to psychology because it can explain the beh avior of someone with TS and how these disorders are linked together. References   American Psychiatric Association . Diagostic And Statastical Manual of Mental Disorders fith edition. DSM-5. Vol. 5. Arlington: American Psychiatric Publishing, 2013. 5 vols. 237. 1 december 2016. Georges Gilles de la Tourette. 2014. Soylent Communications. 18 October 2016. . Rathus , Spencer A. Psychology principles in practice . Austin, 2003. 4. Textbook. Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet. Ed. Office of Communications and Public Liaison. 5 October 2005. 18 November 2016. . Tourettes Syndrome. Ed. Sussex Publishers. 1 july 2016. Sussex Publishers. 1 december 2016. . (Tourettes Syndrome) Georges Gilles de la Tourette. 2014. Soylent Communications. 18 October 2016. . Rathus , Spencer A. Psychology principles in practice . Austin, 2003. 4. Textbook. Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet. Ed. Office of Communications and Public Liaison. 5 October 2005. 18 November 2016. . Tourettes Syndrome. Ed. Sussex Publishers. 1 july 2016. Sussex Publishers. 1 december 2016. . s/tourette-syndrome-fact-sheet/>. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tourette-syndrome/symptoms-causes/dxc-20163624 tourettes and the biological theory

Friday, January 17, 2020

Nationalism and State Hood in Europe After Ww1 Essay

To what extent did WWI change (or not change) European ideas about statehood and nationalism? Sources suggest that Europe’s ideas towards statehood and nationalism changed throughout and after WW1, I personally agree with this statement. Nationalism is defined as loyalty or devotion to ones country followed by the belief that nations will benefit from acting independently rather than collectively, emphasizing national rather than international goals. There was a large impact on Europe post WW1 and this term â€Å"nationalism† had a lot to do with the situation. It was also often, the belief that an ethnic group has a right to statehood, or that citizenship in a state should be limited to one ethnic group, this belief was also greatly impacted by the enlightenment of WW1. After a Period that saw great rise to the idea of nationalism throughout Europe, the time that came after the war brought vast change and meaning to how nations were described. May 7th 1919, German foreign minister Ulrich von Brockdorff-Rantzua arrived at meeting know as the delegation of diplomats. It was held in one of the grand rooms within Versailles palace, which is located just outside of Paris. The aim of this meeting was to negotiate between all of the allied powers ( France, Japan, Italy, Britain and United States). Because the allied powers felt strongly that they had won , they now believed that Germany and Austria hungry were to blame to for the original outbreak of the war. Although the Germans believed that this armistice to stop the war was really only a truce†¦ there concerns were ignored. The explanation of what caused the war is truly more complex than just putting sole blame on Austria hungry and Germany. The foundations that eventually lead to the out break of WW1 which also became know as the Great War, had started 5 years in the past. National competition was fast becoming the key characteristic of the age , because of the development in powerful and industrialized armed states a there grew a strong sense of the need to defend, due to imperial interests. Previously in the 19th Century the states had cooperated together aiming to keep the peace, rulers of the time strongly disagreed with conflict. But as the time came to merge into the 20th century modern political movements were coming forward, many of which were based around a nationalist outlook. People began to move away from the old regimes. Many people were now eager for autonomy, throughout the southern and eastern sides of Europe there existed a mix of nationalities under the rule of imperial Prussian, Aus trian or Russian rule, these political ways then led to a push for national self-determination. The drive for revolution and change is shown in Lenin’s work particularly in quote 5) â€Å"The greater will be the number of people of the woking class and of the other classes of society who will be able to join the movement and perform active work in it.† Another major event that triggered Austria into declaring war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand along with his wife. The assassination was carried out by a young terrorist, Gavrilo Princip. The austrian authorities were infuriated over the attack and demanded that Serbia accept Austrian interference in the murder investigation, as they blamed Serbia as the felt they had encouraged the black hand society. Due to the fact that the Serbs only accepted segments of the ultimatum they triggered Austria’s declaration of war. War was not the original intention for the other European Powers in 1914 but Fear can lead people to do a lot of things, there was also an idea that Armaments caused war but this was not the case, they did contribute to a sense of fast growing instability though and lessened the capacity of states so that they were able to restrain the military if/when crisis signaled. During 1914 Austria was prepared to go to war against Serbia, for the reason described above but before they were able to do this they needed the complete support of Germany, Their Ally and the cease of any possible threat from Russia. Austria achieved support from Berlin although Russia feared that Austria would use this crisis to take control of Slavic Balkans and therefore stall russian imperial ambitions, due to this Russia chose to back Serbia and began to mobilize, this then triggered a domino effect. In Berlin it was felt that Russia’s mobilization was encouraged by the British and French, the German military then prepared to attack France, whom Britain sided with. All the major powers of Europe were at war by the 4th of August 1914. Both sides suffered losses unimaginable before 1914 this was due to the introduction of new Weaponry such as machine guns. The cost of WW1 in terms of human losses were enormous more than 9 million soldiers were killed and millions of other s were permanently injured. The â€Å"war guilt clause† was signed by German Delegation under protest on June the 28 of 1919. The Germans believed that the conditions that were imposed upon them were harsh. The end of the war also transformed the political geography of Europe and the middle east. After the rise and fall of the Russian empire the German Austrian and ottoman turkish empires also ceased to exist. These were all replaced by new smaller states. The former turkish provinces in Iraq, Syria Lebanon and Palestine were handed over as mandates to Britain and France. This is further explained int he treaty of Versailles article 22 â€Å" certain communities formally belonging to the turkish empire have reached a stage of development where their existence as independent nations can be provisionally recognized subject to the rendering of administrative advice and assistance by a mandatory ie: western power† The Former Imperial Territories in Europe which were held by Russia, Austria and Germany all became independent national states. This further pushed the idea that people of Europe should be allowed national â€Å"self determination†. This is also stated in Article 22 of the covenant of the league of nations â€Å" the best method of giving practical effect to this principle is that the tutelage of such peoples should be entrusted to advanced nations who by reason of their resource s their experience or their geographical position can best undertake this responsibility†. Different aspects of the war strengthened nationalism, such as some of the ideas that have been explored above whereas others weakened nationalism. Examples of ideas that weakened nationalism can been seen throughout the novel all quiet on the western front, in the quote â€Å" on the body of the little recruit with the wound that is so much too big for his hip; it falls on kemmerichs grave, it falls in our hearts† the somber tone used in this quotes reflects the emotion and pointlessness felt towards fighting in WW1, for the soldiers it was a time of great despair, all quiet on the western front is a honest and open writing about the emotion and mentality of the soldiers during WW1. Another example of a piece that gives a somewhat derogatory effect towards nationalism is Dulce et decorum Est. â€Å"the old lie, Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori† this further expresses the terrors of war, and how through propaganda nationalism was reinforced as a glorious battle rather than a treacherous war. Overall It can be decided that European ideas about statehood and nationalism were changed after WW1, on a large and extensive scale. By looking at the numerous example and sources shown above we can conclude that events throughout WW1 lead to changes both in the economy and social structure of Europe.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Hegemony and Youth Culture - 1087 Words

Hegemony is a concept that involves uses of power. It was created by Antonio Gramsci in order to understand the difference between dominant groups in society that have power and that use â€Å"intellectual and moral leadership† in an attempt to win over the less powerful submissive groups (Storey 8). In this way, hegemony will be demonstrated in youth culture. Willard states that the cultural authority of the dominant society must be questioned as to its legitimacy in the dominant role as the authority plays an important role in its production (739). Talcott Parson (qtd. in Osgerby) says that youth in his view, established behaviours and values, often perceived by older generations as unique and different from the dominant society which†¦show more content†¦Others that called themselves the authentic gothic community didn’t particularly like this and thought they sought resistance they had been portrayed the wrong way. They then used the internet to counte ract this by posting on sites that the shooters of columbine weren’t true Goths and had merely adopted gothic fashion (Griffiths 240). This indicates that the influence of the media has misrepresented Goths as something they are not. In this case Goths had achieved the resistance from the powerful dominating society they sought if not in the way they planned to. Though Goths have been outcast by the media, Paul Hodkinson (qtd. in Osgerby) illustrates a different portrayal of Goths in society, they pride themselves on having â€Å"individuality, creativity, open-mindedness and commitment† (132) and this is shown in society by applying themselves in creative works, sometimes involving their usual job. Popular entertainment also applies to hegemony in its use of power as there is a dominant view that through the use of popular media, video games, particular theatres and other popular forms of entertainment youth has been badly affected and influenced by these. The transgression of juvenile crime in Britain in Victorian times in youth is thought to be derived from â€Å"penny gaff theatres† (Springhall qtd. in Osgerby 66). Over the years popular entertainment hasShow MoreRelatedOutline and Explain the View That Youth Subcultures Are a Form of Resistance to Capitalism676 Words   |  3 PagesOutline And Explain the view that youth subcultures are a form of resistance to capitalism (33 Marks) A  youth subculture  is a  youth-based  subculture  with distinct styles, behaviours, and interests. Youth subcultures offer participants an identity outside of that ascribed by  social institutions  such as  family,  work,  home  and  school. Capitalism is an economic and political system in which a countries trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit. I will use evidence from the CCCSRead MorePersonal Views On Anthropology And Ethnography1445 Words   |  6 Pageslittle experience with other groups or peoples until I got older and began to travel. I love travelling, and, as I have visited numerous states, Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Europe, my understanding has grown immensely. My love for history and culture has only expanded and it grew easier to see things without the moral outline I had when I was younger to compare against. Post-modernism, a cultural phenomenon occurring before my birth, set in motion a series of adjustments in cultural anthropologyRead MoreThe Solid Power Of Discrimination1386 Words   |  6 Pagesduring the Spanish colonization in the 1500’s. One of the most powerful weapons concealed by the European during the Conquest was hegemony. Hegemony is â€Å"a basic principle of social control, in which a ruling class dominates others ideologically, with a minimum of physical force, by making its dominance seem natural and inevitable† (Chasteen, 2001). Thus, by using hegemony, the Spaniard convinced the native peoples of America to accept their place below the Spaniards and forced them to see the conquerorsRead More Culture Industry Theory2015 Words   |  9 PagesIt is increasingly clear that media and culture today are of central importance to the maintenance and reproduction of contemporary societies. Cultures expose society to different personalities, provide models, whic h display various forms of societal life and cultivate various ways to introduce people into dominant forms of thought and action. These are the types of activities integrate people into society and create our public sphere. Media and technology surround our society; engrained into theRead MoreStereotypical Hegemonic Views Of Children And Young Adults1058 Words   |  5 Pagesgender norms. However, a closer look reveals the gaping, horrendous wound of modern hegemony. In the episode of â€Å"Terrorized† alone, hegemonic views of the working mother, the overly protective male, the female victim, and the man’s iron fist when it comes to law and order are all showcased. Law and Order: SVU not only showcases modern hegemonic views, but highlights and glorifies modern male and female hegemonies. Throughout the episode, â€Å"Terrorized,† Olivia Benson, the lieutenant of the SpecialRead More Representation in TV Essay683 Words   |  3 PagesRepresentation in TV Youth in Television have been portrayed in many different lights, anywhere from the criminal to the young at heart. 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Functionalists believe that society or a social structure is like a biological structure and that all social institutions function for the survivalRead MoreThe Role Of Alienation And The Khalistan Movement1277 Words   |  6 PagesThe communal tension in Punjab during the 1970s and 1980s stems from the alienation of Sikh youth that occurred during the ethos of the 20th century; moreover, the heightening estrangement the youth had experienced from society impelled them to disavow any shred of patriotism from their psyches and contriving an atmosphere conducive to radical behavior and opposition to the self-perceived notion of tyranny by the Indian Government; moreover, the Sikhs who had felt betrayed by the Indian governmentRead MoreGraffiti And Other Artistic Writings1362 Words   |  6 Pagespaintings that inspired later Mexican muralists to continue resisting political racism. Josà © Antonio Aponte, who led a major rebellion in 1812, inspired an Afro-Cuban tradition of wall painting that superimposed black insurgency over white Cuban à ©lite hegemony. Aponte’s sketchbook contained â€Å"incriminating† imagery that included a black soldier holding the severed head of a white soldier; his works inspired â€Å"primitive painters† to convey anti-slavery messages in wall paintings. Clearly, Cuban authoritiesRead MoreExamining Sub-Cultures: The Goth Culture1665 Words   |  7 Pages Individuals in society are inherently subject to collaborative norms and values that have been instilled in humanity, with the consideration that this varies across cultures. The paradigm between collective action and individual desire results in the formation of what is deemed socially acceptable, such as gender roles, sexual orientation, gender performance etc. â€Å"It is social norms that provide the constraints by which the interaction between the basic dyad of self and other is governed†¦social

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Essay on Caribbean isle of Curaçao in The Cay by Theodore...

The Cay is a novel by Theodore Taylor. The book’s plot revolves around a twelve-year-old boy, Phillip, who, although American-born, is living on the Caribbean isle of Curaà §ao due to his father’s job with an oil company. However, World War II is raging, and Phillip leaves the island aboard a steamer with his mother. The steamer is torpedoed by a Nazi German submarine, and Phillip is rescued by an elderly West Indian named Timothy, who pulls him aboard a life raft. The two float to a deserted cay, which they struggle to survive on, all the more so after Phillip goes blind because of a head injury sustained during the ship’s sinking. A major, vital element in any adventure novel is the inclusion of a hero or heroine. In The Cay,†¦show more content†¦Phillip and Timothy experienced a conflict during the story, an example of character versus character conflict. They did not always get along with each other, largely due to Phillip’s initial bia s, but they reconciled by the end, before Timothy died in a hurricane. Phillip also conflicted with society when he began to realize, despite the attitude of his non-present family, that African-descended people are just as â€Å"good† as he is – and he comes to accept that Timothy is the cause of his survival on the island. Phillip also comes into conflict with nature, particularly during the hurricane that takes Timothy’s life. At the conclusion of The Cay, Phillip, along with his animal companion Stew Cat, is rescued by sailors serving in the United States Navy. The book’s epilogue explains that Phillip successfully underwent surgery that restored his vision, albeit in a somewhat limited form. By this time, Phillip has become a mature young adult, rather than a typical twelve-year-old unable to survive on the cay. He has learned how to adapt to living in inhospitable places, and, more importantly, he has slowly begun to accept people of other rac ial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds. At the end of the book, it is stated that Phillip often conversed with West Indians near his home who were acquainted with Timothy. The Cay is considered an adventure because it follows the life of a hero as he attempts to survive in an inhospitable

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Monkey Is A Classic 18th Century Chinese Folk Tale

Screenplays are meant to inspire the imagination and display a prevalent theme in an interactive and approachable manner. Monkey is a classic 16th century Chinese folk tale novel that mixes allegory, history, and satire into a chaotic but however meaningful adventure. As a combination of being a picaresque novel and a fold tale epic, magical realism is evident and plays a big role in the story. The allegorical nature of the characters and the anti-bureaucratic satire makes the novel more alluring and thus has made the story more enduring and popular. The vivid imagery and descriptions makes the story come alive as Hsuan Tsang, Tripitaka, ventures in his arduous travels to find the Buddhist scrolls and scriptures leading to eventual success†¦show more content†¦A pine-tree? Did you think I taught you in order that you might show off in front of other people† (Wu 27)? The novel serves as a dazzling combination of slapstick comedy, spiritual wisdom, and nonsense with prof undity. Particularly interesting is the metamorphosis of the Monkey or the symbolism of the Stone Monkey. This character change is noteworthy and would be a focal aspect of the screenplay. In the end, accomplishing the mission of reaching the scrolls back to China, Tripitaka and his three disciples get escorted to heaven by the eight Vajraparis. They all get promoted by Buddha himself as Tripitaka is now â€Å"Buddha of Precocious Merit,† Monkey is made to â€Å"Buddha Victorious in Strife,† and Pigsy is the â€Å"Cleanser of Altars.† In the beginning the Monkey is carved out of stone symbolizing his lack of being apprehensive and belittling fear. Because of how he was brought to existence his careless and reckless nature was brought about by how he was born with no family, especially parents. Due to his recklessness and misbehavior in Heaven, Monkey had to be trapped under the Mountain of five elements. This is particularly interesting as this entrapment serves as symbo lism of how Buddha is superior to man, and the need for the quest to enlightenment. However, a distinct change was evident as mentioned, â€Å"But fortunately, when the time of your retribution was ended, you turned your heart to the Great faith and your endeavor to theShow MoreRelatedPhili Literature3111 Words   |  13 Pagesby Pio Duran e. Fables. These are also fictitious and they deal with animals and inanimate things that speak and act like people and their purpose is to enlighten the minds of children to events that can mold their ways and attitudes. Example: THE MONKEY AND THE TURTLE f. Anecdotes. These are merely products of the writer’s imagination and the main aim is to bring out lessons to the reader. Example: THE MOTH AND THE LAMP g. Essay. This expresses the viewpoint or opinion of the writer about a particularRead MoreProject Mgmt296381 Words   |  1186 Pageswave This page intentionally left blank Project Management The Managerial Process The McGraw-Hill/Irwin Series Operations and Decision Sciences OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT Beckman and Rosenfield, Operations, Strategy: Competing in the 21st Century, First Edition Benton, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, Second Edition Bowersox, Closs, and Cooper, Supply Chain Logistics Management, Third Edition Brown and Hyer, Managing Projects: A Team-Based Approach, First Edition Burt, Petcavage, and

Monday, December 16, 2019

A year had departed since that fatal day Free Essays

Everyday I pathologically relived those agonizing memories every detail had been scrutinized while sat in this chair being handed chipped mugs of luke warm instant coffee in return for reassurance that I was still present in this empty and hollow world. I never responded; there was no point, but they gained their reassurance from my deep laboured breathing and went away content. I’d never enlightened anyone as to my thoughts, my inner most feelings; I had no one to trust. We will write a custom essay sample on A year had departed since that fatal day or any similar topic only for you Order Now How could I trust them they held out their hand and pulled me back from that cliff top, the only place I felt comfortable. They said they would help me. Instead they gave me a room full of memories; an environment where my goal was unattainable, and concluded for themselves a reason â€Å"why† based on half truths and other peoples opinions. â€Å"He can’t cope, poor chap† was a common phrase for gods sake I wasn’t coping, I was planning. They had people come to sit with me on a Tuesday. All kinds of people: young, old, professional, dole fraudsters, priests. Sometimes a familiar person would come and sit beside me who’d talk at me and I wouldn’t force myself to listen. Sometimes my ears would pick up as they talked about people who I’d known and things I’d done. I couldn’t remember them but they made sense. I never acknowledged them and they left soon after, shaking their heads and having a conference in the corridor at my expense. I only trusted one person, and she was unreachable. This day had felt different from the outset; something had unbalanced my routine and my usual blueprint of thought. I awoke a little earlier and glared around my room, my cage. This was not my home; it was a prison for my thoughts. I ambled my way to the lounge; it was an unsettling place, not pleasant like my lounge at home. Our lounge at home. Our home that was. Instead it was a mild form of hell. I regained my territorial seat near the window and blocked out all the bawls and whimpers from my surroundings and stared aimlessly out onto the main road. It was morning rush hour and as my eyes filled and discharged, the lights of this dreary winter morning mingled from one colour to another. I saw the box of tissues resting on the sideboard, their miserable attempt at making this unfamiliar room more homely, but I didn’t reach for them. I could have looked round to see what was going on, but I knew. I heard the cries, the crashes, the screams of restraint and the eerie silence that followed. I knew that it was soon to be accompanied by the sound of glass being swept, the tinkling like a wind chime blowing softly in the humid Barbados breeze of my honeymoon. Our honeymoon. Sat on the beach sipping cocktails and each night making passionate love in the most luxurious apartment in town. It was a happy thought I know but instead it drew a tear. I stepped back into my world. Each day was identical. But not this day, today was a year since that horrendous day. The day I repeat in my head over and over, that I couldn’t escape from if I wanted to. But I didn’t want to, I didn’t want to escape from it, for escaping would be forgetting and I couldn’t lose the pressures memories we had. Memories were all I have now. Nobody knew why I sat here looking at this road. Just as well because if they did they wouldn’t allow it. It was a constant reminder. Most days I would see the same white Astra with the same dinted bonnet and cracked bumper, pass over the same spot it did a year ago today. Some days it would be late but it would nearly always be there. Sometimes I would see it on an evening, the new haphazardly applied â€Å"Kill Your Speed† sticker strategically on the rear bumper. It would always slow for the crossing. The driver always slowed for the crossing, but he hadn’t one day. Maybe one was enough for him. Maybe he knew next time he wouldn’t get off so lightly. They let me out, but I didn’t want to go. â€Å"The door is open,† they said, sure it was open but I wasn’t going to pass through it. I could see the world from the 4th story lounge the windows were sealed shut. Shame, it would have been quick and painless, but not part of the plan. It was 9am; she would have been on her way to work now. I would normally give her a lift, but not that day. That day she wanted to walk. A final goodbye kiss accompanied by a waving hand as she disappeared round the corner, the distinctive clicking of her heals disappearing. My house was just around the corner from here. Our house. Not anymore. My things had been put into storage and my landscaped garden has been bulldozed for a square of low maintenance turf. It was nearly time to meet her. I got up from my seat and wandered to my room. I rummaged round my bedside draw until I found my key. It glinted in the light like a precious jewel. Some would say it looked sinister, but it was the only way I could join her, and I had made a promise so I had to keep it. I walked out of the room; out of the door and down the four flights of steps to the ground. There was no need to rush, by the time they had noticed, I’d have crossed over. I walked out of the suburbs until the houses thinned and the city life died away behind me. I passed under the neatly trimmed fern archway and into the grassy pastures where I knew I would find her. I’d only been here once before but I knew my way. When I reached where she lived now, I sat down. The ground was cold. I put my hand in my pocket and reached for my key. I watched with intent as I ran the cold metal down the un-weathered skin of my inner left arm. It tingled slightly. I placed the key back in my pocket and lay down, my left arm on the concrete. I closed my eyes and remembered how it had happened; as I waited for the ice to thaw on the car windows I heard the screech of the brakes and the heart wrenching scream. I remembered how I had dropped the ice scraper and run along the snow dusted path to the crossing. I remembered how I had looked for her as I ran calling her name louder with each step. I remembered seeing the windscreen of a white Astra smeared with red blood, and now in front if it she had lay there helplessly. No one had tried to help. I remembered how I had flopped to my knees and gazed into her eyes as she breathed slower and slower. How the sirens wailed in the background. How I had scooped her head in my arms, her long hair that had been so smartly and expertly tied into a tight bun bound with a red ribbon – ruffled. Her designer jacket that I had bought her for Christmas – ripped. I remember how she gazed back and pulled my head closer to hers and whispered â€Å"I’m not going to make it, am I?† I remembered how I had croaked back the tears and told her â€Å"Wherever you go, I go. I can’t live without you† She smiled back at me, a tear rolled down her face and she whispered, â€Å"I don’t want to leave you. God please don’t let me†¦.† She gasped for breath but breath didn’t come. She held me tight, looked at me as another tear rolled down her cheek and was accompanied by two of mine. â€Å"I love you. Iâ€⠄¢ll be with you soon† I had said. She nodded and closed her eyes. Her arms relaxed and fell from around me. I had ran back to the house, fumbled at the lock with my frozen blood stained hands and grabbed the knife from the drawer. I had ran back to where she was. I can’t have been longer then thirty seconds but by the time I got there all that was left was a pool of blood. An ambulance wailed down the street, taking her away from me. The knife had already cut into my wrist and that’s when they pulled me back, that kind faced policeman had robbed me of fulfilling my pact and my promise. I opened my eyes I was here now. I felt weak as the blood poured from my left arm onto the cold gravestone. I looked at her name and the faded flowers that her parents had painted onto the headstone. My eyes felt heavy but as my life flowed out onto her final resting place, the closest I could be to her, I could see her walking towards me. Her hair expertly tied in a tight bun bound with a red ribbon. The designer jacket I had bought her for Christmas. She reached out a hand and pulled me up. I took one last look back at myself, and followed her. How to cite A year had departed since that fatal day, Papers

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Jose’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant free essay sample

Waiting?Case Study Jose’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant Section1: Introduction Jose’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant is identified by its authentic style in terms of food and environment. It is proud to offer considerate services, and high quality food which makes with qualified fresh materials. So the overall quality of this restaurant is creditable. However, it is not yet perfect. I would say Jose’s has a great potential to be successful after it fixed all its problems, since it has a large number of loyal customers, which can be observed from its prosperity on Friday and Saturday. The problems that Jose’s always have include imperfect location, material supply, and waiting period. Since no recent changes have been mentioned in the article, the problems have always been there. Section2: Problem Statement The problem Jose’s facing is a decrease in tips, from where managers can notice that customers are losing satisfaction and patience. We will write a custom essay sample on Jose’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In other words, patrons are no longer as satisfied as they did before. Section3: Key Factors/Issues First, the location of the restaurant, which is a mature business district, seems to be its advantage. However, limited off-street parking will restrain customers who are just passing by. Second, poor ingredients will affect not only the taste of dishes, it seems they will also irritate and frustrate the cook, and most importantly, extend the preparation time in this case. Third, waiting period, concerning both waiting time and waiting experience, are now the prior concerns for Jose’s performance. Section4: Decision Criteria/Measure of Effectiveness The decision criteria in this case would be the number of customers, average waiting time, and the amount of average tips. From these three measures, Jose’s managers can evaluate how good the restaurant does, and how customers react. Alternatives and Analysis Although there is actually nothing the manager can do about the restaurant’s location, he can still find valuable information in analyzing it. Since we already know that the restaurant is not a convenient spot for new customers to stop by, the manager should pay more attention to retain patrons by maintaining and improving dining experience. Currently, Jose’s superficial problem is that tips are decreasing. It is a dangerous signal, because the next stage will be a decreasing in patrons, which will hurt Jose’s business fundamentally. To retain loyal customers, the restaurant needs to further improve its overall quality. Jose’s needs to ensure that its material suppliers can always provide qualified ingredients on time wilted lettuce and tough meats are not acceptable. I would deem it as a micro supply chain management. Delicious food guarantees Jose’s profitability. Therefore, the failure of this process will make it suffer in terms of overall performance. The solution is obvious: press current supplier for qualified ingredients by applying a punishing plan, or shift to other suppliers who have decent reputation in the industry. When it comes to waiting period, first of all, the restaurant has no separate waiting area. This will definitely worsen waiting experience, especially during busy hours such as Friday and Saturday nights when waiting time could be 45 minutes. In addition, it is intolerable to let customers waiting outside the store for that long. On one hand, it is glad to know that customers are willing to stand there so long to get the foods in Jose’s; On the other hand, customers will remember the anxiety and even anger generated while they are waiting, and may never come back. Then, the article also mentions it does not take reservations. This action is wise when the restaurant is full, but not in usual days. Jose’s should take proper amount of reservations to increase its business. At last, the overly long waiting time may also due to the lack of waiters and cooks, since the owner of the restaurant is also busy helping food preparation sometimes. Mentioned in the article, it could take 20 minutes to prepare a meal during specific time period. To sum up, it takes various efforts to shorten waiting time and improve waiting experience. First, put several benches in and out of the store for those who are waiting, and offer waters for them. Second, make reservations available during common business days to lure more businesses. Third, hire several part-time waiters during busy hours, and another cook if necessary. Section6: Recommendation Visual observation is not a scientific way to find out existing problem. A well-organized customer survey is necessary to determine a business’s weakness. Jose’s survey proves that the problems displayed in previous section are true, so the solutions should work very well. Section7: Plan of Action Referring to the details of the solutions, Jose’s should put 4 benches in and out of the store, foldaway ones preferred. To serve its customers better, it needs 2 more waiters, probably part-time, to deliver water to waiting customers and work more efficient inside the restaurant. Another cook is in need to shorten 20 minutes cooking time during busy hours. Exhibits Pareto Chart of Survey Cause-and-Effect (Fishbone) Diagram