The Sailmaker review Essay Example

The Sailmaker review Essay These were the optimistic and boastful words of a young boy who was proud of his father and his trade but throughout the play Alecs faith in his father was dwindling down to nothing and by the end of the play it was all but diminished when he summed up his feelings and his fathers life perfectly You were always gonnae fix it up for me. Ye just never did. The play centres around the relationship between a widower named Davie and his son Alec. In the opening scene of the play Davie returns home from the hospital with the dreadful news that his wife was dead. The news broke Alec but he would recover and get on with his life but this was the beginning of the end for Davie, for just weeks before he had been laid off from his job as a sailmaker because there was just no work left in the trade. Davies only way of supporting himself and Alec financially was his job as a tick man going round doors and collecting money, but on the side Davie was a very keen betting man and had several lines on each week, often spending the best part of his weeks wages on them. We will write a custom essay sample on The Sailmaker review specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Sailmaker review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Sailmaker review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Davies job alone couldnt suffice his son and his gambling needs, so he soon became buried in debt with both the illegal bookmaker and his brother Billy. With his father being away at work most of the day and then going for his daily wee half at the pub afterwards, Alec was having to become more and more independent just to get through the times. He began to develop a close friendship with his cousin Ian and along with using each other as sparring partners they done pretty much everything together. They seemed joined-at-the-hip as children, always out on the street playing football and reading comics together, but as they grew up, they also grew further apart and began to share less of a common ground with each other. For example Alec decided that he wanted to stay on at school, get good grades, go to university and get a shirt-and-tie job, whereas Ian wanted to drop out of school as soon as he could and follow his father, Billy, into the painting and decorating business. At night when Ian and his friends were out in the streets kicking over bins, smashing bottles, getting chased out of the area with the locals and generally causing havoc Alec was going to Christian Endeavour and the local mission to learn about the god. This showed that Alec was independent and had the will power to do the things that he wanted to do and that were best for him. He also showed that he had a great deal of character, as he didnt succumb to peer pressure from going to different organisations and doing the complete opposite from his friends. By going to all these Christian related activities it appeared that Alec was trying to fill a space in his life with religion. Meanwhile Davies life was going from bad to worse because he got a beating from the illegal bookmakers heavies and subsequently got sacked from his job as a tickman because of it. From this point on I got the impression that Davie just didnt care anymore and that his easy laid back attitude towards life, i. e. First thing themorra morning or Dont worry son. Well work it out, started to affect his relationship with Alec. He constantly put things off until the next day, and then the next day and then they still never got done. A key example of this was the story of Alecs toy yacht, which despite Davies endless promises never gets fixed. Alec had only asked for his father to make a sail for it but the answer was always Ahll fix it up when av got the time or Just wait and see. One day when his Uncle Billy was round at his house, Alec asked him if he could paint the yacht for him. Billy took it away that day and had it back and painted for him within a couple of days. This only highlights the differences in character between Davie and Billy. Billy knew that betting wasnt the way to get through life, it was always his tough optimism and hard work that got him and his family through, whilst it was Davies nonchalant and pessimistic attitude that had turned his life into ruins. To be fair to Davie he had backed a loser right fae the start with the sailmaking trade, with collapsed only months after he received his apprenticeship. Davie was an exceptionally unlucky man, everything he touched turned to waste. During the play his wife died, he had been made redundant from three different jobs, he got tangled up in debt, he was attacked and his relationship with Alec had failed severely. This rejection and overall bad luck must have crushed his confidence and he now thought that he was defeated before he had even begun. In the very last scene of the play, Davie and Alec have to resort to burning half their belongings one night in an attempt to stop themselves from freezing because Davie had gambled with the money to pay for coal and electricity. Whilst Alec was rummaging around the house looking for firewood he stumbled across his old toy yacht buried deep in the glory hole. He sat it to the side and continued burning everything else until they eventually ran out. In a way Alec didnt want to burn the yacht because still liked it but on-the-other-hand he knew he had to burn it to rid himself from his sad memories. So when the last piece of furniture had burned down, Alec wedged the yacht right in the centre of the fire. The fames begun lick around it and in the end he finally got what he had waited his whole life for, his little toy yacht had a sail, only it had a sail of flames.

And This I Am Proud Of Essays - British Films, James Bond Films

And This I Am Proud Of Essays - British Films, James Bond Films And This I Am Proud Of And this I am Especially Proud of - Q Introduction - Throughout the years, the weapons and gadgets that have come from the hands of the Q Branch, has never turned James Bond down, they are the coolest and are the best in spy paraphernalia. I. Bonds choice of equipment A. Walther PPK B. Aston Martin DB5 C. Watches II. Comparison to some spy gadgets of the army A. Bonds popular equipment B. Militarys popular equipment III. As technology continues to grow A. Weapons will get better 1. Equipment from newer movies a. Goldeneye b. Tomorrow Never Dies B. Gadgets of the older movies C. Other items of Qs Lab IV. What do we expect of Bond A. More high tech weapons and gadgets B. A new head for the Q Branch C. A lot more excitement Conclusion - Finally, the weapons and gadgets of James Bond will still continue to astonish the entire world, and it will still do so as many more films are produced in the near future. And this I am Especially Proud of - Q I think weve met. These were the words of James Bond as he stepped into his talking BMW 750IL during the movie Tomorrow Never Dies. Throughout the years, the weapons and gadgets that have come from the hands of the Q Branch, has never turned James Bond down, they are the coolest and are the best in spy paraphernalia. If someone would try to compare Bonds gadgets to gadgets of the military, Bond would win ten to one. Of course, as technology changed and time passed, the Q Branch developed better equipment, but many of the classic gadgets are still obsolete in a technology driven world we live in today. For example, Bonds old Aston Martin DB5 can out run a Ferrari 355 F1 Spider that was demonstrated in the movie Goldeneye. (Ultimate James Bond Page http:jmsbond.tripod.com) As the James Bond story continues, the better and better the gadgets will get. The best thing about the gadgets of the Q Branch is that they will always be unique. 3 Patel Probably the only weapon James Bond will never forget is his trusty handgun. His Walther PPK has stayed by his side since he was injured when his old berretta jammed during a mission. The PPK stands for Polizei Pistole Kriminal and was made by Waffenfabric Walther of Zella Mehlis. (Blair and Tarassuk 379) It used a 7.2-millimeter bullet and the gun has also been called the Walther PP7. It is enclosed in a strong steel casing and packs a punch like a brick being thrown at a window. Another reason why it is a choice for James Bond is that it can be fitted with a silencer that reduces the noise of the gun for those really discreet missions. Next, if you are the worlds most sophisticated secret agent, then you better drive like it. That is why Bond drives an Aston Martin. (The Complete James Bond Interactive Dossier) This England based company that is owned by Jaguar Motor Company has been making very fast and luxurious sports cars for the past century. This beautiful gold DB5 is the first car that he was received in the movie Goldfinger. (The Complete James Bond Interactive Dossier) It had a bullet proof screen in the rear, tire shredders that came out of the wheel, machine guns in the headlights, and a passenger ejection seat that was controlled by a hidden button in the gear shift knob. Bond has also driven other cars such as his Lotus Espirit, that could turn into a 4 Patel submarine, machine guns in the license plate, and a self destruct for all car burglars. The Aston Martin Volante was another famous vehicle Bond used. (Ultimate James Bond Page http://jmsbond.tripod.com) It had a police signal scanner, rocket boosters for those tense moments, cutting lasers in the wheels, and could be converted to a snow mobile which the flick of a button. Now to the cars of the future, starting with the BMW Z3, that was driven in the movie Goldeneye. It had a beautiful Atlantic Blue color that was completely mesmerizing. (Internet BMWUSA) It also had a self-destruct mode and stinger missiles in the headlights, but they were not used. The second edition to Bonds BMW collection was his fully armed

How to Get Your CDL in Kentucky and North Dakota

How to Get Your CDL in Kentucky and North Dakota This article is useful for anyone who wants to apply for a CDL in Kentucky or North Dakota. If you want to learn about getting a CDL in other states, please refer to this comprehensive guide on getting a CDL in all states. KentuckyThe following drivers must obtain a CDL:Class A CDLAny combination of vehicles with a GCWR (the loaded weight of a combination vehicle) of 26,001+ pounds, provided the GVWR(the loaded weight of a single vehicle)  of the vehicle(s) being towed is 10,000+ pounds.Class B CDLAny single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001+ poundsAny vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001+ pounds pulling a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less.A single vehicle designed to transport 16+ passengers (including the driver), if the GVWR is 26,001+ pounds or more.Class C CDLAny vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds transporting hazardous materials for which placarding is requiredAny vehicle transporting 16+ passengers, including the driver, with a GVWR of less than 26,001 poundsA CD L cannot be issued until an applicant provides:A copy of the CDL applicationA legible copy of both front and back of a  DOT medical cardA CDL Self Certification form certifying the desired vehicle  type.The above information must be forwarded to the Division of Driver Licensing and posted to the driver’s CDLIS record prior to applying for issuance of a CDL/CLP at the circuit court clerk’s office.All applicants must then pass a knowledge test (written or oral) and a vision test.Knowledge TestApplicants must take an exam testing basic knowledge of the vehicle or vehicles they will operate. A score of 80% is required to pass.After passing, a CDL instruction permit will then be issued which is valid for six months. The permit must be held for 14 days prior to a skills test being administered.Skills/Road TestDrivers will be required to take this test in the class of vehicle they intend to drive. The test includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills maneuvering, and road skills driving tests. The applicant will be required to provide a vehicle for testing and must be accompanied by   a licensed driver for that vehicle.North DakotaThe following drivers must obtain a CDL:Class A CDLAny combination of vehicles with a GCWR (the loaded weight of a combination vehicle) of 26,001+ pounds, provided the GVWR(the loaded weight of a single vehicle)  of the vehicle(s) being towed is 10,000+ pounds.Class B CDLAny single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001+ poundsAny vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001+ pounds pulling a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less.Class C CDLAny vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds transporting hazardous materials for which placarding is requiredAny vehicle transporting 16+ passengers, including the driver, with a GVWR of less than 26,001 poundsCDL RequirementsYou must:Be 21 years old to cross state linesBe 18-20 years old to apply for an intra-state CDLBe 16 years old to  test for a CDL restricted to custom harvesti ng operations onlyRead, write and speak English.Meet all Federal Medical Requirements in 49 CFR 391Once you meet all requirements, you must pass the required knowledge test(s) for the CDL Class you seek  and purchase a  Commercial Learners Permit (CLP). Before testing, you must  present your:Current North Dakota Driver LicenseProof of legal presenceProof of residence addressProof of passing an eye examinationFinally, you must demonstrate your ability to operate your desired vehicle by passing a road test. A road test cannot be scheduled without a valid CLP.

The Benefits of Cycling in Thailand Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 6

The Benefits of Cycling in Thailand - Assignment Example With the increasing rate of global warming, various governments are coming up with strategies to curb this trend. Different strategies are drafted in order to reduce the rate of carbon emission in the atmosphere. Motor engines are cited as one of the major contributors of carbon gas emission. This has resulted in rising sea level and desertification in different parts of the world. As a result, people have opted to use means of transport that emit few gases or none at all. In Thailand, the government has even gone ahead to intervene in issue in order to reduce the number of bicycle users. This provides an opportunity for the bicycle producers to make high profits as many people will look forward towards purchasing the bicycles. This paper will, therefore, analyze the market prospects, target customers, consumer buying behaviors, how to position the product in the market and segment the market. The main aim of this paper is to have insight details concerning the market, population, an d demographics in the area that may affect the performance of the product in the market. Nevertheless, some of the assumptions are that the market forces will be constant, and no risks will face the market. In addition, some of the limitations that we may encounter are lack of accurate data concerning the population and the number of purchases made in a day. In order to gain data and current information, we will use secondary data. This will reduce any traces of errors which might mislead business trying to invest in the country. In addition, we will have to forecast future trend using the experiences in the market. This will help us in coming up with the appropriate strategy to use in penetrating the market. Power bike organization was founded in 2006 by Ning and Nui in Roi Et. Power bike organization is one of the leading accessories and cycle retail shops in Roi Et. Powerbike is operated as a family (Ho and Madden-Hallet, 2010, p. 51).  

Assignment to Critique an Academic Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Assignment to Critique an Academic Paper - Essay Example The article’s argument that entrepreneurs should have, â€Å"the will to conquer: the impulse to fight, to prove oneself superior to others, to succeed for the sake, not of the fruits of success, but of success itself† exaggerates the true nature of a successful entrepreneur (33). This is because the environment and the goals that an entrepreneur has set determine the level of the will applied and the willingness to fight. Wedgwood plays his role as an entrepreneur through application of the skills of hard work, focus, obsessive, demanding and intellectually curious (7). He had a vision of pioneering innovations that would enhance the status of entrepreneurship. Commencing the entrepreneurship skills at 11 shows Wedgwood’s potential of becoming a great entrepreneur in future. He overcame many challenges that threatened his quest to enhance his entrepreneurship prowess. This implies that the urge to become a successful entrepreneur should not be limited by any for m of challenges including disabilities. This is because entrepreneurial innovations can never be successful unless they overcome life challenges. Possession of a weakened knee due to small pox he suffered during his early childhood implied that Wedgwood could not turn a Potter’s wheel (8). In fact, he had to watch as his knee was amputated without the help of anaesthetics after it hampered his ability to apply and harness his entrepreneurial skills. The courage to have even his own body organ eliminated due to its negative impact on his life passion implies that he has the ability to overcome any challenges in the enhancement of his entrepreneurial skills. However, this could be unsustainable if the challenges being eliminated are ethical and beneficial to other people. Entrepreneurship is a passion that is not limited by time constraints. Entrepreneurs should apply their skills and expertise at a tender age. Although the article represents the rhetoric of a successful entrep reneur, it is crucial to point out that successful entrepreneurs do not always wait to attain a certain age period for them to venture into business i.e. 24 years in Wedgwood’s case (7). The fact that he started being a potter at the age of 11 implies that Wedgwood should have commenced his quest for attainment of his life dream at a younger age. Being a successful entrepreneur does not require sufficient flow of financial resources for commencement. The article stipulates that Wedgewood’s father allocated meagre financial resources in his will but he managed to beat all odds and became a successful entrepreneur. However, this does not imply that resources are not necessary for laying the perfect foundation for the establishment of a successful career and entrepreneurial skills. Availability of resources enables an entrepreneur to acquire the necessary equipment required in enhancing new ideas. It is also imperative for entrepreneurs to collude with other like-minded i nnovators to enhance their entrepreneurship skills. For instance, the article points out that Wedgwood formed a partnership with Thomas Whieldon, an eminent Potter. This enabled him to gain access to experienced potters that provided him with the competent skills in their respective fields. However, one should be careful of the type of people that they partner with because some

A Look at Iraqi Women Essay Example for Free

A Look at Iraqi Women Essay The country of Iraq has been the venue of much turmoil and unrest. A war that began in 1980 between Iran and Iraq, which was supposed to be quick and speedy, lasted longer than expected and as a result, more males were needed for the army. More draftees meant higher mortality rates, greater costs for the military arm of the government, higher need for recruits. (Efrati, 28) All the same, the prolonged duration of the war brought about a crisis in Iraq’s economy. Factories and various companies found themselves suddenly lacking in workers as the majority of Iraq’s men were drafted to fight in the army. Women, however, being left in the country, were many and were a clear source for human resources. This led to the encouragement, by the government, of having women in Iraq take on new roles and parts to play both economically and politically. (Efrati, 28) The government came up with numerous ways to include Iraqi women in the production process of society. Economy, which was once a man’s field in Iraq, broadened to include the now strong force of women all over the country. However, this was a period of stress and turmoil. War was raging and everywhere individuals were taking on roles they never used to have. Would this change remain upon the conclusion of the war? What would these newly inducted Iraqi women have to look forward to when war between Iraq and Iran would finally come to an end? In truth, in post-war situations, women are often at the receiving end of a social backlash. When the troops come back home, roles are reestablished. The women, who were taken out of their well-carved places in society to replace the men during the war, are made to go back to the traditional gender roles they once had prior to the war. It is almost as if war has ended for the country, between Iraq and Iran, but not for its citizens as the men and women struggle to reestablish former roles. (Al-ali, 742) In present day Iraq, there is evidence of the violence and anarchy that occurs during post-war situations. Women are at the receiving end of a constant chain of abuse and aggression to a degree that is greater than even that which existed during the period of war or during the period of intervention by the military. The women are subjected to lawlessness, lack of security, abductions, sexual abuse and harassment, chaos, and even the extreme events of rape. (Al-ali, 742; Ziad, 16) These occurences may be due to the fact that the males of the society, who were once an integral part of the household of these women, are intimidated by the fact that their roles were so easily replaced and taken over. The intimidation felt by the males may have led to a lashing out at the females who, in fact, did nothing more than that which was needed and asked of them by the country during the time of war. Also, the violence and physical nature of the work they conducted for the military has carried over to bring violence even into their own homes after the war. (Al-ali, 742) This paper tries to understand and enumerate the different roles that Iraqi women play both during and after a period of war. These will be categorized into three types of roles: social, economic and political. The political role will involve any roles they have had in relation to the government and its dealings. The economic role will involve any roles Iraqi women have had to play in relation to business and finance. And the social roles will involve all other uncovered role that these women have had to play in a society that has been predominantly ruled through male hegemony. Political Role of Iraqi Women Before the rule of the infamous Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Iraqi women were known to have participated politically and some were even noted to have been activists. However, autonomous political participation of these women was cut short at the onset of the 1970s. At this time, they were encouraged to join the Baath party and to try to earn positions in the government by running for the rubber-stamp parliament. The results of these elections showed how greatly marginalized women were in the Iraqi society. In the first Baathist parliamentary elections held in 1980, only 16 women won a seat in a 250-seat Council. The results of the 1985 Baathist parliamentary elections were not all that different when 33 women candidates won seats in the Council. (Al-ali, 754) In 2003, only a scrawny 8% of the parliamentary Council were females, showing the continued decline of women participation in the political arena of Iraq. This was despite the fact that an organization called the General Federation of Iraqi Women served as the political vehicle of women in Iraq. Over 1 million Iraqi women were members of this federation and yet the political representation of women in the government of Iraq remains negligible and even questionable. (Al-ali, 754) However, Iraqi Kurdistan which gained semi-autonomy was able to become a venue wherein Iraqi women could establish civil society organizations and associations. These women soon became steeped in party politics. Although of the 20 ministers of the Kurdistan Regional government, only two were female ministers, females in Kurdistan began to be able to avail of employment in the civil service. Although political activity of women in Iraqi Kurdistan was growing and they were gaining important political roles as members of the government, their political pariticaption was often opposed and blocked off by the other male politicians. Harassment of female activists denouncing killings were often reported. Also, projects of certain women-led organizations aiming to foster a more positive social situation, especially for the female citizens, were most often met by opposition from male politicians and in most cases were shut down and discontinued due to the strength of the opposition. (Al-ali, 754) Although females were beginning to voice out and claim new positions as active movers in the political arena, their actions were unappreciated and even reviled by their male counterparts. The political roles that females played were roles that they had to fight for. These were not freely given by the society they lived in. Although during the war women were held in high esteem for the important contributions they could make to the war-torn Iraq, their roles were once again brought down to those they traditionally had once war was concluded. (Al-ali, 756-757) After the war, women were seen to be pushed further back into the background of Iraqi society. Their political roles were greater and more influential prior to the war and continued to decrease significantly as war ravaged the country and even after the war was finished. Iraqi women, although aspiring and fighting for equal political representation, are greatly marginalized in the society they so bitterly fought hard to keep alive during the period of war. (Al-ali, 756) Political research has shown, however, that greater progress can be achieved by the war-torn Iraq if women are allowed to take a more active political role. Studies of post-war countries such as Northern Ireland, Bosniz Herzegovina, Cyprus and Israel have shown that including female perspective will hasten the reconstruction progress. Women are an essential aspect of the political arena of a country and the Iraqi government has to realize this if they wish to speed up the rebuilding of their society after the war. (Al-ali, 756-757) Economic Role of Iraqi Women The onset of the Iran-Iraq war proved to be damaging to the economy of both countries. As the male citizens of both countries continued to be drafted for the drawn out war, females were the main source of labor and skill for the ongoing economic processes. During the war, females were taken out of their traditional role of reproduction to more challenging economic roles of production.

Hooked :: essays papers

Hooked Stanley Crouch's essay "Hooked" is about the music of today. He talks throughout the essay mainly about Michael Jackson, and his music and image. He talks about Jackson throughout the years, from the beginning of his career as a member of the Jackson Five, up until the release of his latest record HIStory. Crouch goes on to say in his essay that today's music is mainly about going against authority, and can be compared to Hitler's Fascism. He also talks about how many people today listen to music, without taking note of the lyrics. Stanley Crouch's essay "Hooked" is an attack on popular music of today. He argues that today's music is bad, and that most people don't even listen to the lyrics. He also compares listeners of today's music to fascists. Stanley Crouch does not back up any of his arguments with factual information. His essay is based on opinion, and observation, and in my paper I will discuss how he is obviously wrong in his arguments of these topics. First of all Stanley Crouch is wrong in arguing that all music of today is bad, because he uses only Michael Jackson as a representation of today's music. Michael Jackson is not a representative of all popular music of today. For one to write an argumentative essay rating popular music of today, one must use more then one-example of a music artist. There are many artists of the late 90's who are as mainstream as Michael Jackson is, but who also write very good music. In Crouch's essay he states that today's music " exploits the insecurities of young people by telling them, over and over, that never growing up is the best defense against an oppressive world where fun isn't given its proper due." In this statement he is saying that the music of today is mostly written to send messages to the youth of today that growing up is bad, go against the authorities do what you want while your still a child. This is very much so an opinion. There are numerous artists of today who write very mea ningful songs on a variety of topics that young people of today can relate to and take comfort in. For example Mariah Carey is a mainstream artist who writes many songs that people of all ages can listen to and relate to.