Fire Emergency Drill Essay Example For Students

Fire Emergency Drill Essay CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Background Fire safety is everybody’s concern. Poor fire safety practices and improper planning for fire emergency can consequently lead to critical situations. This is more threatening particularly for buildings which accommodate laboratories, chemical stores or server rooms. Observance and application of fire prevention principles can help to reduce or eliminate potential fire hazards. Moreover, much emphasis must be put on elaboration of a well designed emergency plan that defines the appropriate procedures to be followed in case of a fire. Implementation and practice of this plan through fire emergency drills is vital. The main focus of this study being importance of fire drills and setting up of an emergency plan, I proceed to present an overview of the importance of performing fire drills and the roles and responsibilities of participants. In a general view, performing fire drills allow all persons to practice their respective roles and also gain experience in these assigned roles; better knowledge and confidence is acquired so as to evacuate the institution in a safely manner. Practice of fire emergency drills can also help in improving the academic institution’s â€Å"system† for managing fire emergencies. Further in this study, we shall have a more detailed view about performing fire drills. 1. 2 Aims and objectives of this study are: * To highlight the importance of performing fire drills. * To have a better knowledge of fire hazards and the classes of fire associated to the respective fire hazard. * To understand the need for fire safety and principles of fire prevention. * To identify different means of fire detection and fire fighting in a building. To have a brief overview of roles and responsibilities of different persons during a fire drill exercise. * To learn more about the means of escape. * To identify and understand the different steps in preparing and writing procedures of a fire emergency plan. * To observe and locate through a walk through audit, any shortcomings in terms of fire fighting and fire prevention. * To make recomm endations for the improvement of the current available means of fire fighting and fire prevention. CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 1 Introduction In the literature review below, we shall discuss about the principles of fire prevention, the types of fires hazards, the different classes of fire, the means for fire detection and fire warning, the existing ways for fighting fires and finally, the means of fire escape. 2. 2 Fire hazards A fire hazard situation is created when there are risks of harm and damage to people and property respectively, due to fire. There are many ways through which fire hazards can cause fires to start. However, the general principle for a fire to start is, when there is a combination of the following three sources: ignition source, fuel and oxygen. Sources of ignition include any source of heat that can get hot enough to ignite materials. Some examples are: * Hot surfaces * Naked flames and hot gases * Mechanically created sparks in grinding or frictional processes for example. * Poor electrical installations; damaged cables * Electromagnetic fields from high frequency installations. * Ionizing radiation * Chemical reactions whereby heat is developed. * Chemical substances * Lighting equipment (Henkel, 2001) Anything that burns easily can be seen as a source of fuel. In an educational institution, some sources of fuel may include the following: * Flammable gases and liquefied petroleum gas * Flammables liquids, solvents and chemicals * Paper and books * Teaching materials * Waste products and litter * Cleaning agents * Carpet tiles. (HM Government, 2006) The major source of oxygen is air. Air is present in an enclosed building and can be introduced or extracted to and from the building through the use of extraction systems. Additional oxygen can be provided by oxidizing chemicals and from gas cylinders used to store oxygen. Below is a list of some other common fire hazards. (HM Government, 2006) * Electrical hazards * Broken sockets and switches * Faulty plugs * Overloaded sockets and circuits * Problems with lighting fixtures * Inadequate insulation of cables * Housekeeping hazards * Trash and scraps * Sawdust * Obstructed emergency exits * Friction hazards * Damaged machine parts * Insufficient lubricant Wrong adjustment for moving parts of machine * Process or operation-related hazards * Work operations involving the use of open flame and which create spark, for example: welding. Ignition of combustibles due to molten metal. * Operations involving the evolution of flammable vapors. * Storage hazards * Insufficient ventilation in chemical store rooms for example. * Failure to store incompatibles separately in different storage cabinets. * storage of flammables near to heat. * Smoking hazards * Not taking into account â€Å"No Smoking† signs. * Smoking in chemical store rooms or near to flammabl es * Throwing cigarettes or matches everywhere (Henkel, 2001) 2. 3 Classes of fire When fighting fires, it is necessary to choose the right type of fire extinguisher. The choice of the fire extinguisher is based on the class of fire which depends upon the material being burnt in the fire. Table 1 gives a summary of the classes of fire and the type of burning material or fuel source. Table 1: Classes of fire Fuel source| CLASSES OF FIRE| | Labels| American| European/ Australian/ Asian| Ordinary combustiblesPaper, wood, trash, textiles, fibrous materials| | A| A| Flammable liquidsSolvents, paints, grease, waxes, petrol, oil, tar, thinnerFlammable gasesButane, methane, propane| | B| B| | | | C| ElectricityLive electrical equipment| | C| E| Combustible metalsMagnesium, potassium, aluminium, sodium, titanium| | D| D| Cooking oilsVegetable oils, animal oils or fats at high temperatures| K| F| Source: Gielle Srl, 2003 2. 4 Means of fire fighting Fire fighting is the act of extinguishing a fire. Fires can be extinguished with the help of various equipments such as fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, fire hose reels, fire blankets and other fire suppression systems. Let us have an overview of all these means and their applications. 2. 4. 1Portable fire-fighting equipment Two types of portable fire-fighting equipment are fire blankets and fire extinguishers. . 4. 1. 1 Portable fire extinguishers Fire extinguishers are a form of active fire protection. Portable fire extinguishers do not weigh much and are easily portable by hand. They are normally fixed to the wall, in a place whereby they can be easily visible and accessed by anyone. When selecting the appropriate fire extinguisher, it is essential to consider the fire ext inguisher agents, since each type or class of fire can be best fought with a specific extinguishing agent. Below, table 2 describes the different types of portable extinguishers and the classes of fire they are used for. Table 2: Different types of fire extinguisher Type of extinguisher| Extinguishing agent| Class of fire used for| 1. | | Dry chemical fire extinguisherMono ammonium phosphatesodium bicarbonatepotassium bicarbonate| A,B,CB,CB,C| 2. | | Foam extinguisherAqueous Film Forming Foam | A,B| 3. | | Water extinguisherAir-water pressurized| A| 4. | | Carbon dioxide extinguisherCarbon dioxide| B,C| 5. | | Halon extinguisherhalotron| A,B,C| Source: University of California, 2010 1. Dry powder extinguisher Dry chemical extinguishers generally stops the chemical reaction and extinguishers the fire by separating the fuel from the oxygen. Mono ammonium phosphate is more corrosive than the other dry chemical agents. It is able to melt at 177 degrees Celsius to suppress a fire. * Sodium bicarbonate is the first dry chemical agent that has been developed. It is used for class B and C fires, but is ineffective for class A fires. * Potassium bicarbonate is the most effective dry chemical agent, since it i s able to decrepitate; the powder cracks and break into small particles. It is used in class B and C fires. * Uses: Schools, laboratories, kitchens, hospitals. 2. Foam extinguisher Foam normally creates a film and floats on flammable liquids (petrol and diesel), preventing oxygen to reach the fuel. Thus, preventing reignition or flashback. Uses: Used in workshops, laboratories. 3. Water extinguisher Air- pressurized water extinguisher is commonly used in extinguishing class A fires, since it is cheap and harmless. The extinguisher contains water, which is non- conductive and a compressed gas. It can be applied from a considerable distance to extinguish a fire. On use, it cools the surface of the burning material by removing heat. Cleaning up operation after suppressing a fire is easy. Uses: Stockrooms, offices, school. 4. Carbon dioxide extinguisher Carbon dioxide, a non-flammable gas is stored as a compressed liquid. On expansion, it cools the surroundings. In fact, the fire is overcome by displacement of oxygen. No cleaning up is needed, as there is no residue left after use. Uses: Laboratories, computer rooms, food storage areas. 5. Halon extinguisher Halogl I is a vapourizing liquid which has the ability to inhibit a chemical reaction in a fire. It leaves no residue after use, hence no need for cleaning up, and it is non –conductive. Uses: computer rooms, telecommunication areas. United States Department of Labor, 2010) 2. 4. 1. 2 Sand buckets The fire sand bucket is a simple fire fighting means. It is usually filled with sand or another substance, known as flamezorb. The bucket has a lid and it is preferable to use one which is made of steel, instead of plastic, since plastic may crack easily. Fire buckets are cheap and easy to use. They must be locate d in a clearly visible place and also be well labeled. Sand is used in case of spills of flammable liquids or in oil fires, since it is able to suffocate the fire. Fire sand buckets may be present in laboratories or kitchens. In laboratories, two sand buckets may be available for use, complemented by the fire extinguishers. (Fire and safety centre, 2007) 2. 4. 1. 3 Fire blankets A fire blanket can be used to suppress a starting fire. The blanket is made of wool, treated with a flame retardant liquid. In case of fire, it is placed either on the burning material or surrounds the burning object. It acts by preventing oxygen to reach the object. The fire blanket is large and must be present for use in laboratories. It should also be visible and easily accessed. 2. 4. 2 Fixed fire fighting systems Fixed fire fighting systems can be installed in a building, particularly in places whereby fire hazards are present and where fires have a higher potential to occur, for example in laboratories or in server rooms. 2. 4. 2. 1 Fire hose reel Fire hose reel can be used to combat a fire, in addition to fire extinguishers. However hose reels must be located so that it can reasonably be accessed in fire emergencies. They are normally fixed to the wall. They must be used by trained people/ staff in an organization for example. With a fire hose reel, the direction and the flow of water can be controlled by a control nozzle. 2. 4. . 2 Sprinkler system Peter Bressington describes a sprinkler as being a â€Å"water-filled pipe-work fitted with thermal devices which discharge water in response to a fire†. (Bressington, 2010) Sprinklers are considered as a means of active fire protection. They are effective in controlling or suppressing fires, depending on its type. They can be installed i n any kind of premises: * Hotels * Educational institutions * Store rooms * Health care centre. They are useful in protection of lives and property. They can help to slow down the spread of a fire and hence are considered as a means to contribute to fire protection. In brief, other advantages of using a sprinkler system are: * Reduction in use of portable fire fighting equipment * To decrease temperature * To control the fire size and quantity of smoke produced Moreover, some other types of sprinklers are available, not only as fire protection equipment, but also as fire-fighting equipment. These are referred to as fire suppression sprinkler systems. Table 3 gives a quick view of types of fire suppression sprinkler systems, extinguishing agent, mode of action and uses. Table 3: Different types of suppression sprinkler systems Types of fire suppression sprinkler system| Extinguishing agent used| Mode of action| Uses| 1. Wet pipe suppression system| Water| The system is simple and reliable and is commonly used. It consists of a water source, control valves, system drains, alarms, pipes and sprinkler heads. Water is always present in pipes. As soon sprinkler heads open, water flows from them. | Used in warehouses, manufacturing industries, schools, libraries and activity centre. | 2. Dry pipe suppression system| Water| This system is the second most common one used after the wet pipe system. The piping contains pressurized air. As the sprinkler head open, there is a slight delay in the release of water, since the air must come out first, followed then by water. | In warehouses, parking garages, places exposed to freezing; refrigerated coolers. | 3. Deluge suppression system| Water| In this system, sprinklers are open, but water is not present in the piping. Consequently, a â€Å"deluge valve† prevents water from forcing into the pipes. As the system is operated by smoke or heat detectors, water flows into the piping and out of the sprinklers. | Used in building openings to decrease the speed of travel of fire. | 4. Preaction suppression system| Water| This system is a bit similar to dry system. A preaction valve is used instead of a deluge valve, but both valves perform the same function. In preaction system, a leak and loss of air in the piping result in the activation of a trouble alarm, which prevents preaction valve from opening, thus no water entering into the pipings. | To protect places where accidental activation of the system is unwanted; In museums, In computer rooms| 5. Foam water suppression system| Water and a mixture of foam| This system releases a mixture of foam and water, resulting in a foam spray on the flammable liquids. To deal with special types of hazards such as flammable liquids. | 6. Water spray suppression system| Water | This system is identical to the deluge system. However, it is designed to protect only one configured hazard, in contrast with deluge systems, designed to cover a horizontal area for example. | Protection of hazards. Example: (i). To protect electrica l transformers containing oil for cooling or turbo generator bearings. (ii). Provide external protection to tanks containing flammable materials by cooling the tank and its content, so as to avoid fire. | 7. Case Study on South Delaware Coors, Inc EssaySome examples of roles allocated to them are: * One person or a group of persons may be responsible for one floor or one department. * Helping every occupant to evacuate the area safely, giving special considerations to disabled persons and visitors. * Notifying the fire services. * Record the time taken for evacuation. * Making sure that no one has remained inside. * Organize a head count at the assembly point. 4. 6 Training Before carrying out the fire drill exercise, all members of the committee and other occupants of the building must be given training. Training sessions will help occupants of the building to: * know details of the building’s emergency plan * know two escape routes from their work area to go outside the building; primary and secondary exit. * Identify the location of Break Glass Units, fire fighting equipments and exit doors. * Know how to activate the alarm. * Recognize the sound of the alarm. * Understand the importance of reporting to the assembly point. 4. 7 Pre-drill actions * Choose which department(s) will respond to the fire emergency; one department at a time or all the three departments together. Announce the time and date on which the fire drill exercises will be conducted, so as to inform all occupants of their duty to participate * Remind designated persons about their roles. * Set the targeted time taken to evacuate the building/ premises. * Post respective floor plans at specific locations on each floor of the building ;near staircases * Prepare feedback forms for members of the committee, othe r participants and visitors. * Designate persons for collection of feedback forms. 4. 8 Fire drill procedures . 8. 1 Reporting a fire On discovering a fire, the person must: * Alert other persons around him by shouting â€Å"Fire! Fire! Fire! * Raise the alarm by breaking the break glass unit located near each staircase. This will activate the alarm and the horns present in the corridors will make other occupants aware of fire emergency. 4. 8. 2 Actions on hearing the alarm When hearing and recognizing the alarm sound, * Students, lecturers and other occupants must stop working and switch off any electrical apparatus in use. Those at ground floor must remain calm and proceed along the primary or secondary exit routes to the fire exit doors, guided by fire wardens, who will also record the time taken for evacuation. * Others on the first or secondary floors must also remain calm, go downstairs and follow the escape routes to go out of the building. * Responsible and respective perso ns must ensure that all the floors have been evacuated. * Along escape routes, people with difficulties must be assisted. * Go immediately to the designated assembly area. * Vehicles should be moved to provide free access and space for the Fire services. United States Department of Labor, 2010) 4. 8. 3 Disabled persons * During the fire drill, persons who have been assigned the responsibility of helping disabled persons, should help the latter to evacuate the building safely. 4. 8. 4 Calling the Fire Services * The fire services must be called on 115. * Precise information must be provided about: * The location of the fire; on ground floor, first floor or second floor * Where has the fire started (classroom, laboratory or offices) * Name of the calling person * Address of the premises On arrival, the Fire services must be notified about any special risks, such as flammable materials or dangerous equipments in the building. (Government fire services, 2006) 4. 8. 5 Roll call System * At the assembly point, head count is to be done by the selected persons to make sure that no one has remained in the premises. 4. 8. 6 Fire drill ending As the head count has been completed, the termination of the fire drill will be announced. Occupants will be informed as soon as it is safe to re enter the building. (U. S. Department of Homeland ,2009) 4. 9 Evaluation and analysis of the fire drill At the end of the fire drill, feedback forms are collected and analysed. This will help to: * determine the performance of each department. * Identify areas which need improvement and develop an implementation plan for improvements. * Identify strengths and weaknesses of the emergency plan. Hence modify and improve the plan. * See whether evacuation has been carried within the time limit. 4. 10 After action report This report will provide feedback to participants, and recommendations for improvement. 4. 11 Don’ts: * Re enter the building unless you have been instructed to do so. Leave the assembly point until you are told to do so. * Take heavy things or bags during evacuation. * Use lifts CHAPTER 5. RESULTS AND FINDINGS. The walk through audit allowed me to observe and fill in the prepared checklist found in appendix 7. Below is an overview of my observations. * Exit doors * There are a total of 4 exit doors on the ground floor for all the three departments, only 2 exit doors for the first floor and 2 exit doors for the second floor, found on the ground floor. * All the escape routes and exits are free from obstruction. * All doors open in the direction of escape. The doors can be easily opened. * Emergency lighting * There is no emergency lighting in the phase 2 building. * There exists a back-up power supply for the building. * Signs * There are a total of 2 exit signs on each floor, and they are located near the staircases. * There are no signs for direction along escape routes, downstairs and for the location of fire extinguishers, and break glass units. * Fire alarms and evacuation plan * There are no posted evacuation plans. * There is a manual fire alarm system operating in the building. * There are 2 Break Glass Unit on each floor, and are located near the staircase Horns are located at the top of each break glass unit. * There are no strobe lights present in the building. * Firefighting equipments and first aid * No sprinkler system is installe d in the building or risk areas. * There are no hose reels. * There is no first aid box available. * The building does not make use of any automatic fire detection system such as smoke/ gas or heat detectors. * Fire extinguishers are appropriate for their use, but are not clear visible and are insufficient in number. * Fire blankets are not easily accessible and visible. | | | CHAPTER 6. SHORTCOMINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS From the findings in chapter 5, I have been able to set up a list of shortcomings and make recommendations in this respect. 6. 1 Ground floor * Evacuation plans should be posted; 2 in the Engineering department near the two main exit doors, and one in the CITS department. * More fire extinguishers should be available and appropriate for use, especially in the laboratories. * Water sprinklers can be installed in the thermodynamics laboratory and chemical laboratories * Automatic fire detectors can be installed in laboratories * Exit doors should be clearly indicated by an ext sign. Direction of escape along escape routes must be shown by appropriate signs. * Hose reels should be installed because of risky areas at ground floor level. * Sings can be placed to indicate the fire alarm break glass unit and location of fire extinguishers. * An exit door in the chemical engineering laboratory is obstructed. * Doors which do not serve as exit must be indicated by â€Å"Not an exit sign† * Fire blankets should be placed in a visible place. 6. 2 First floor and second floor * More fire extinguishers are needed in the corridor along the escape routes and in classrooms and laboratories. Smoke detectors can be placed in lecture rooms, and laboratories. * An automatic fire suppression system should be installed in the computer laboratories. * There should be more than two exit staircases. With reference to the fire services guidelines for the service sector, chapter 3. 8, an alternative means of escape (staircase) made of metal or a non- combustible material can be provided for the first floor and the second floor. * Exit signs for doors and emergency signs for direction of escape must be placed. CONCLUSION AND FURTHER RESEARCH This study has helped in setting up procedures for a fire emergency. It is important to focus on the implementation of the plan. It’s only through implementation that weaknesses and strengths can be identified. Based on weaknesses and limitations of the plan, improvements can be made for a better plan which takes more aspects into considerations. Later on, the fire drill exercise based on the emergency guidelines provided in this study can be carried out. Necessary modifications would then be able to be made to perfect the plan. Through the carrying out of the walk through audit, identification of what is needed in terms of fire-fighting equipment, fire warning devices, location and number of exit doors has been made. In the future, provision can be made to fill up all this gaps, for a better and safer building. REFERENCES 1. Artim, N. (2006) Northeast Document Conservation Centre, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: An Introduction to Fire Detection, Alarm, and Automatic Fire Sprinklers. 2. Bressington Peter, 2010. Fire safety engineering: The definitive magazine for the fire safety community. Sprinklers in context: performance based design. . BS 5839: part 1: 1988 Testing and maintenance Available at: http://www. ttsfire. co. uk/guide-bs5839. PDF 4. Detection design, 2009 5. Fire Protection Online Ltd, 2010: fire blankets Available at http://www. fireprotectiononline. co. uk/fire-blankets/ 6. Fire protection for the home and business. Fire extinguisher: 101, fire extinguishing agents Available at: http://www. fire-extin guisher101. com/index. html 7. Fire and Safety Centre, 2010. Fire buckets, Available at http://www. fireandsafetycentre. co. uk/Products/Fire_Buckets/ 8. Gielle Srl, 2003. Inergen fire suppression system 9. Gielle Srl, 2003. Fire safety planning for industrial occupancies 10. Government Fire services, 2006. Guidelines Fire Safety: construction of buildings. 11. Government Fire Services, 2006. Guideline Fire Safety: Service Sector. 12. Henkel KGaA, 2001. VTS: procedure, Solvents, Annex 3: Explosive Atmosphere, Ignition Sources, Related Hazards and General Precautions 13. HM Government, 2006. Fire safety risk assessment: educational premises, Department for Communities and Local Government. 14. Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2005 15. Reed Construction Data, 2010. Smartbuilding Index: fire suppression sprinkler system. Available at: http://www. reedconstructiondata. com/smartbuildingindex/ 16. University of California, Berkeley, 2010. California-Arizona Consortium Labor Occupational Health Program – Hazardous Waste Project: fire and incompatibles 17. United States Department of Labor, 2010. Occupational Safety and Health Administration: evacuation plans and procedures: extinguisher basics. Available at: http://www. dol. gov/ 18. United States Department of Labor,2010. Occupational Safety and Health Administration: evacuation plans and procedures: fire detection system Available at: http://www. dol. gov/ 19. United States Department of Labor,2010. Occupational Safety and Health Administration: evacuation plans and procedures: employee alarm system. Available at: http://www. osha. gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/eap. html 20. U. S. Department of Homeland Security, 2009. Federal Emergency Management Agency: emergency management guide. Available at: http://www. fema. gov/business/guide/section3a. shtm 21. United States Department of Labor, 2005. Occupational Safety and Health Administration: How to Plan for Workplace Emergencies and Evacuations. Available at: http://www. osha. gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/eap. html

The New Jim Crow free essay sample

In Michelle Alexander’s book â€Å" The New Jim Crow†, she shows how America’s â€Å" War on Drugs â€Å" has become a tool of racial segregation and how the discretionary enforcement of drug laws has resulted in an overwhelmingly negative affect on its black population. In the early days of colonial America, slavery was not as common as we would think. The primary method of securing the cheap labor needed to work the land was through the indentured servitude of both blacks and whites. As plantations grew bigger and needed larger amounts of labor, slavery became the preferred means of obtaining cost-efficient labor and also helped drive a wedge between poor whites and their black counterparts. After the Civil War and the outlawing of slavery, Jim Crow laws were established to maintain the system of racial hierarchy. These laws helped to perpetuate the disenfranchisement of blacks in the South and was regarded by many as a fair and equitable settlement to the question of racial integration in America. They have also allowed helicopters to surveillance homes without a warrant, and the forfeiture of cash and homes based on unproven allegations of illegal drug activity. The Supreme Court have crafted legal rules that allow law enforcement to arrest virtually anyone. In 1968, the Supreme Court modified the understanding, that if an officer believes that someone is dangerous or engaging in criminal activity, that he should conduct a limited search to find weapons that might be used against him. Police now have basically the right to stop and search just about anybody that is walking down the street for drugs, and because common sense indicates that hardly anyone nowadays will say no when police asks to search. Police officers also use pretext stops as an excuse to search for drugs. It allowed police to use minor traffic violations as a pretext for baseless drug investigations and single anyone for investigation without any evidence of illegal drug activity. The truth, however, is that most people who are stopped and searched in the War on Drugs are perfectly innocent of any crime.Law Enforcements are trained to use pretextual traffic stops and consent searches for drug interdiction. This federally- run general searched program, that trained over 25,000 officers in 48 states, targeted people without any cause for suspicion, especially people of low standards. The interesting thing is that, 95 percent of these traffic stops yield no illegal drugs. Because drug-law enforcement wasnt a priority, and with way more serious crimes happening, the law enforcement agencies were given huge cash grants to make drug-law enforcement a priority.The Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistant Program offered millions of dollars in federal aid to every agency who was willing to wage the war. Eventually SWAT teams were formed and are now used for narcotics warrants with forced, and unannounced entry into a persons house. In most drug raids conducted, instead of police arresting these people, the SWAT teams blast into peoples houses in the middle of the night, throwing grenades and pointing guns at children. A lot of innocent people are killed in the middle of these raids.Even with all the cash grants, military equipment and training, the Reagan administration granted state and local law enforcement agencies to keep for their own use, the majority of the cash and assets they seize when waging the drug war. In 1984, Congress allow ed state and local police agencies to retain up to 80 percent of the assets value. This increased the budget of police departments dramatically, who simply just took the cash, cars, and homes of people who were suspected of drug use or sales.Thousands of innocent people every year go to jail without ever talking to a lawyer. Thousands of people are swept into the criminal justice system every year pursuant to the drug war without much regard for their guilt or innocent. Many innocent drug defendants convict themselves every year by accepting a plea bargain out of fear of mandatory sentences. Chapter 3 African-Americans and Latinos all over the United States, are subjected to tactics and practices by law enforcements, especially those that live in poor neighborhoods.The drug war is racially defined, and that is why there is a huge number of African-Americans and Latinos in prisons and jails all across the country. The rate of incarceration for African American drug offenders dwarfs the rate of whites. Even though whites make up the majority of illegal drug users, three-fourths of the people who are imprisoned for drug offenses are black or Latino. Black men have been admitted to state prison on drug charges at a rate that is more than thirteen times higher than white men.Arrests and convictions for drug offenses, not violent crimes, have propelled mass incarceration among African-Americans and Latinos. They are convicted of drug offenses at rates out of all proportion to their drug crimes. The system of mass incarceration has operated in a way to effectively sweep people of color off the streets, lock them in jails, and then release them into an inferior second-class status. When it comes to racial bias in the drug war, research indicates that it was inevitable, and a public consensus was constructed by political and media elites that drug crime is black and brown.Once this black drug crime became conflated in the public consciousness, the black men would be the primary targets o f law enforcements. An 18 year old black kid who was arrested for possession of more than fifty grams of crack, and a first time offender, was sentenced to minimum of ten years in federal prison. His lawyers argued that the law discriminated African Americans, because the majority of those charged with crimes involving crack offenders were black, whereas powder cocaine offenders were predominantly white.An African American, Clyde Cahill, believed that race was the major factor in the crack sentencing laws and policies. He also mentioned that nowadays people have internalized fear of young black men, which has been created by media imagery and has helped to create a national image of the young black male as a criminal. In Georgia, life imprisonment was imposed for second drug offense. Georgias district attorneys who were seeking this penalty, only invoked it against only 1 percent of white defendants facing a second drug conviction but against 16 percent of black defendants.The problem with all this h arsh discrimination and racial bias by the criminal justice system, is that thousands of people have years of their lives wasted in prison, years in which they would be free if they were white. The Supreme Court has ensured the prosecutors the freedom to exercise their discretion in any manner they choose, and this opens the door to claims of racial bias. Another good example of how Blacks and Latinos are overrepresented Christopher Lee Armstrong and his four companions were arrested on conspiracy of cocaine distribution.Armstrong and his companions were black just like every other crack defendant that that office had represented during that year. Of the fifty-three cases the office had handled over the prior three years, forty-eight defendants were black, five were Hispanic, and not a single offender was white, which was shocking because most crack offenders were white. The federal public defendants wanted to prove that federal crack laws were selectively enforced in a racially discriminatory manner and that whites were being diverted by federal prosecutors to the state system, were penalties for crack offenses were far less severe.What no one knows is that the Supreme Co urt has granted the police to discriminate. The legal rules adopted by the Supreme Court guarantee that those who find themselves locked up and permanently locked out due to the drug war are overwhelming black and latino. Chapter 4 Back in 1853, every black person, by law, was considered a slave and could not testify to introduce evidence in court. Even though slavery seems like it has died, the badge of slavery still lives on for thousands of blacks.The impact of the war on drugs has undermined the opportunities for Blacks and Latinos. Once they are labeled felons they are relegated to a permanent second-class status. There is also the harsh punishment for first-time offenders, who even if able to avoid jail time, will find out that, because of their conviction, will be ineligible for federally-funded health and welfare benefits, food stamps, public housing and federal education assistant.The convicted will also have his license suspended and may no longer qualify for employment. In most cases what ends up happening is the ex-offenders end up back in jail because they are no longer accepted by mainstream society, or because they fail to play by rules that seem hopelessly stacked against them. Public Housing agencies were given the right and authority by Congress to use leases in order to evict any public housing tenants who are engaged in criminal activity.Bill Clinton proposed the One Strike and Youre Out legislation, which allowed agencies to automatically evict offenders and it also allowed them to bar applicants believed to be using drugs. This had a huge effect on families, specially African-American and Latino, because with no housing they can lose their children. Because African-Americans and Latinos are targeted by police in the War on Drugs, it is far more likely that they will be arrested for minor, nonviolent crimes. Thousands of people become homeless because they are denied housing assistance or are evicted from their homes.Particularly racial minorities are excluded from public housing because of their criminal record, and most have a hard time finding a place to live after being releases from prison. Landing a job after prison is also difficult. Almost every state allows private employers to discriminate on the basis of past criminal records, by letting the employers deny jobs to people who were arrested but were never convicted of a crime. Most employers just do not want to consider hiring a self-identified criminal.

How to Write a Sample Extracurricular Activity Essay

How to Write a Sample Extracurricular Activity EssayIf you are going to work on an extracurricular activity, you must do so in order to be able to write a good sample essay. One of the best ways to write a great essay is to take an example and put it in your own words. This way, you can get some ideas for writing that essay and you will be able to develop your own style.Some other things to consider when writing a sample essay is how long the sample will be, what type of questions will be asked, what is the subject of the topic, and how will you address the topic. To help you with these, you can use the sample as a guide. The more information you have to work with the better you will be able to do.If you are using the sample to help you with writing your own essay, you need to ask yourself questions. How long is the sample essay? Will you be using this material on your own? What is the subject of the topic?Another thing you can do is research online. There are many examples to be fou nd. You may find that there are many examples you can use as examples of their own writing and ideas.You can also find out if any specific facts are addressed in the writing. Are the facts accurate? What are the main points and does it talk about the main facts?Once you find out what type of sample you will be using, you can begin the process of developing your own style and theme. You can then take the sample and write your own version of it.By following the tips in this article, you will be able to develop your own writing style. This will allow you to get your paper done as quickly as possible, without spending hours rewriting.

Research Paper on Same-Sex Marriage Essay Example

Research Paper on Same-Sex Marriage Essay Same-Sex Marriage Research Paper Homosexual relationships have been known for centuries, and even in the ancient world, such relationships have been commonly accepted. Still, the question whether it is natural or not, and whether the society should accept such relationships as normal, is a question with no certain answer. Another burning issue, which is especially heatedly discussed due to the recent changes in the legislation of different countries, is whether same-sex marriage should be legalized. The question of the essence of marriage is so heatedly protected by various groups due to its initial sacred meaning and the common understanding of a family as a union of two people of the opposite sex. Thus, the legitimacy and the general value of a homosexual family are controversial to the very essence of nature and religious preaches. Moreover, there is a growing concern whether homosexuality is a result of nature or nurture and thus does it threaten the human society as a limit to the normal family formation and child-bearing. We will write a custom essay sample on Research Paper on Same-Sex Marriage specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Research Paper on Same-Sex Marriage specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Research Paper on Same-Sex Marriage specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Because human nature is still generally unknown and is a secret even to the scientists, the questions emerging from such obscure areas are treated with hostility. The question is how long will it take for the humanity to solve the questions of private and public concern, and will there ever be any consent among the people around the world on such delicate matters. Same-sex marriage history The history of same marriage battles of the XXth century is a succession of the heated debates pro and con the issue, with both minor and serious victories from either side. According to Glenn Timeline, the first case of same-sex couples seeking marriage licenses and other rights was on May 18, 1970, when Jack Baker, a student at University of Minnesota, unsuccessfully applies for a marriage license with his lover Jim McConnell. They do, however, manage to file joint tax returns in 1972 and 1973.† The same source states that on October 10th, 1987 the first large public same-sex wedding took place. Approximately two thousand same-sex couples are `married’ in a mass wedding on the steps of the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, DC on October 10. The ceremony is part of the 1987 March on Washington activities dramatizing the tax benefits for married people that lesbian and gay couples are denied.† The impact of other countries on the recognition of the same-sex marriage was also quite impressive, with several countries accepting such relationships as normal. For example, Holland was the first country to expand its definition of marriage to include both opposite-sex and same-sex couples in April 2001. Belgium followed it in January 2003. Next was Ontario, a province in Canada in June 2003. By November 2004, same-sex marriage had become available in most Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Ontario, Quebec Saskatchewan) and one territory (Yukon). According to the statistics, over 82% of Canadian same-sex couples were able to marry in their province afterward. When federal law C-38 was signed into law on the 20th of July 2005, same-sex marriage theoretically became available across all of Canada. However, Prince Edward Island ignored the civil rights of same-sex couples and refused to issue marriage licenses to them for almost a month. Spain passed a law allowing same-sex couples to marry on the 29th of June 2005. Factors influencing public opinion Most people realize same-sex marriage is a reality, but it is quite difficult to recognize whether it is natural. Amy Hess, in her statement â€Å"Three Reasons To Pass A Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage,† claims that: â€Å"There are plenty of people who believe that gay and lesbian sexual relationships are just as legitimate, natural and healthy as heterosexual relationships. This belief, however, has been widely promoted by homosexual activists and does not have the scientific backing that supporters argue.† There is neither support pro nor con the fact that gays are born, and the sexual orientation is not a result of some psychological or pathological influence. The background of this distinction is too obscure, and that is what scares most people of heterosexual orientation. People are scared their children may fall victims of such psychological influence and, as a result, the whole society would suffer the non-traditional relationships that, in fact, are unable to produce descendants. Procreation is, actually, one of the most significant reasons while most people consider same-sex relationships to be unnatural. The question, too, is mixed and influenced by two ideas: first, that the homosexual relationships are non-standard and unnatural, and secondly, whether the recognition of such relationships as a marital union would not contradict the standard notion of marriage. It is commonly known that the key argument in support of same-sex marriage is that laws banning same-sex marriage are highly analogous to laws prohibiting interracial marriage; a ban on same-sex marriage can, therefore, be seen as a form of discrimination infringing upon the civil rights of same-sex couples. In response, opponents of same-sex marriage argue that men and women are fundamentally different from one another, whereas interracial couples still fit within the â€Å"one man and one woman† definition of marriage. Political Debates Politics is probably not the most persuasive and valuable example, but all the point should still be presented. The president of the US, although he is not very popular, called for a ban of the same sex marriages in 2004. He said the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act and laws banning same-sex marriage in 38 states â€Å"express an overwhelming consensus in our country for protecting the institution of marriage.† The Defense of Marriage Act, signed by President Clinton, prevents federal recognition of same-sex marriage and allows states to ignore same-sex licenses from outside their borders. The debate over marriage has continued. There was another issue of the heated discussion that took place recently: the Marriage Protection Amendment of June 2006. Previously, on July 14, 2004, the Senate voted on a procedural motion to debate the Marriage Protection Amendment (S.J. Res 40) which would have led to an eventual vote on the amendment. The effort failed, however, because 60 votes were needed to bring the bill to a vote. Forty-eight Senators voted in favor and 50 opposed. On Thursday, September 30, 2004, the House of Representatives voted on the Marriage Protection Amendment, H.J. Res. 106. A two-thirds majority is required to pass an amendment. The MPA received a simple majority with a vote of 227 to 186.It did not pass in 2006 either. The society is not ready to take any serious step for or against this controversial issue. And although uncertainty is not the best option, we hardly have any by now. Most common claims and refutations Scott Bidstrup in his essay â€Å"Gay Marriage: The Arguments and the Motives† summarizes the most common claims against marriage, such as: Marriage is an institution between one man and one woman. Same-sex couples aren’t the optimum environment in which to raise children. Gay relationships are immoral. Marriages are for procreation and ensuring the continuation of the species. Same-sex marriage would threaten the institution of marriage. Marriage is traditionally a heterosexual institution. Same-sex marriage is an untried social experiment. Same-sex marriage would start us down a â€Å"slippery slope† towards legalized incest, bestial marriage, polygamy and all kinds of other horrible consequences. Granting gays the right to marry is a â€Å"special† right. Sodomy should be illegal and was until very recently. Gay marriage would mean forcing businesses to provide benefits to same-sex couples on the same basis as opposite-sex couples. Gay marriage would force churches to marry gay couples when they have a moral objection to doing so. He also claims there are real reasons people oppose gay marriage, namely: Just not comfortable with the idea. It offends everything religion stands for. Marriage is a sacred institution. Gay sex is unnatural. Making love to another man betrays everything that is masculine. The thought of gay sex is repulsive. They might recruit. Of course, all these claims are disproved and derided in the essay of this free-lance writer and political activist who has been active in human rights issues and the gay rights movement, specializing in youth and marriage rights issues, since coming out as a gay man in 1994. Recent evidence supports most and legislation, especially on the example on the Denmark, which has accepted gay marriage long ago (although this statement is refuted in Stanley Kurtz’s articles â€Å"The End of Marriage in Scandinavia† and â€Å"Dutch Debate: Marriage is in decline in the Netherlands†). But even if Mr. Bidstrup was right and there would be no evidence opposing his statements, all this disproof of common statements sounds wonderfully convincing for those who seek to hear it. For the homophobes, religious people and conservatives, though, there are still numerous points to argue over. I believe that all humans have the right to freedom of choice, and if homosexuals seek justice, why shouldn’t homophobes? Do people have to be forced to accept the amendment (if it is accepted), even if they do not wish to? Let us now not discuss the reasons why people support or oppose the idea of same-sex marriage or same-sex relationships in general. By the way, in his essay, Scott Bidstrup states that â€Å"more than half of all people in the United States oppose gay marriage, even though three-fourths are otherwise supportive of gay rights. It means that many of the same people who are even passionately in favor of gay rights oppose gays on this one issue†. Why does it happen? Because the society is too conservative on the issue of marriage, Bidstrup would hint. But is it too bad actually? It is natural for humans to try to protect what they have known to be true (marriage is a union of a man and a woman). And opposing something that causes a cognitive dissonance i s quite comprehensive, if not normal. The fact that homosexual relationships are accepted in society might be explained by the fact that as long as such relationships do not interfere with somebody’s freedoms, they are understandable and acceptable. The change of the idea of marriage and the status of the same-same relationships would, in fact, influence the whole society, and even those to disapprove of it would be forced to accept it. And this is the violation of freedom rights for those who traditionally see marriage and do not want this notion to change the meaning for any sake possible. If those who pursue same-sex relationships do have the rights to freedom, why should the rest be deprived of it? I am sure one of the most active proponents of the traditional marriage is the religion. The teachings of the three most prominent religions in America – Christianity, Judaism, and Islam – all declare gay and lesbian sexual behavior to be immoral. Christians state that same-sex marriage goes against biblical teaching, for example, Genesis 19:5 (Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed). Other passages are Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, and in the New Testament of the Bible, First Corinthians 6:8-10 and Romans 1:24-27 which, by a literal interpretation, prescribes the death penalty for homosexual contact. Pope John Paul II, referring to same-sex marriage, said: â€Å"It is legitimate and necessary to ask oneself if this is not perhaps part of a new ideology of evil, perhaps more insidious and hidden, which attempts to pit human rights against the family and man.† By the way, it is Pope John Paul II has been well known for his liberal views on many aspects of life. Still, he disproved the idea of same-sex marriage, for marriage in its traditional sense is one of the most sacred values of the church. Of course, one could claim many other religions are not as strict and do not ban the idea, but what shall we do with the three most common? Should we ignore the majority? Why should we deprive them of their rights to have an opinion? I would rather refrain from supporting either part because there would always be persuasive and valuable arguments from both sides. But I believe that everyone has a right to a freedom of choice and neither side should be deprived of it.

The Grave by The Handpost by Thomas Hardy and Drunkard Of The River by Michael Anthony Essays

The Grave by The Handpost by Thomas Hardy and Drunkard Of The River by Michael Anthony Essays The Grave by The Handpost by Thomas Hardy and Drunkard Of The River by Michael Anthony Paper The Grave by The Handpost by Thomas Hardy and Drunkard Of The River by Michael Anthony Paper Essay Topic: Literature I am going to be comparing two short stories. The first story The Grave by The Handpost by Thomas Hardy, which was written in the ninth century; the other story was Drunkard Of The River which was written by Michael Anthony in the twentieth century. The Grave By The Handpost is set in a rural area called Wessex in England. The river Ortoire on the Caribbean island of Trinidad sets Michael Anthonys story Drunkard Of The River. The Grave By The Handpost and Drunkard Of The River have some differences, both the stories are written approximately one hundred years apart; but they also have similarities. The father son relationships, both stories are about regretting something, which has happened. Also they both have parts of the story that is in dialect. The Grave By The Handpost is about a man called Sargent Holway, who committed suicide. Sargent Holway committed suicide because he had a son who wanted to become a mechanic in spite of his fathers wish for him to follow in his footsteps and join the army. He persuaded his son Luke to go and join the army overseas but as a result of this he had a terrible time. He dreaded being in the army and sent a letter to his father telling his father that he hates him for making him join the army and he has made his life miserable we know this because Luke says that his life was a burden and a slavery, and bitterly criticized his father for advising him to embark on a career for which he felt unsuited. As a result of Luke sending his father the letter his father felt so upset that he shot himself in his head with his own shotgun. Because he committed suicide his body had to be buried at a crossroad because some Christians at that time believed that if you committed suicide you were not allowed to be buried in a graveyard so sergeant Holway had to be buried at a crossroad so the devil cannot take his soul. His son Luke Holway came back from the army a couple of days after his fathers death, he was told that his father had committed suicide due to his letter. Luke felt really upset that he was the reason why his father had committed suicide. Luke decided to try and restore his fathers honour, he tried to do this by removing his fathers corpse from the crossroads and move it to a churchyard down the road. However just when he was about to move his fathers corpse he was recalled back to the army; Luke Holway chose to go back to the army because he thought it would make his father proud. We know this because Luke said Ill try to show myself to be what my father wished me so Luke left the reburying of his father to the men of the choir. However when the choir dug up sergeant Holways corpse they found a large wooden stake through his heart, which in conclusion made it impossible to move the corpse, so they left the corpse at the crossroad. As the years passed by the priest of the church and all the men of the choir died. Luke Holway came back once again and could not find neither the choir men nor the priest so he went to the graveyard to see if he could find his fathers tombstone but could not find any trace of his fathers body in the graveyard. He then discovered that his fathers body still lay at the crossroad. Luke was very upset and lived in a cottage for years until he too committed suicide by shooting himself, before Luke killed himself he wrote a note requesting to be buried at the crossroad beside his father but by the time the note had been retrieved Luke Holways body had been buried in the local graveyard! The story Drunkard Of The River is about a boy called Sona, he is sent from his home up the river Ortoire by his mother to collect his father Mano from Assings shop in the village where he has been drinking heavily and is drunk. Sona is at home when his mother tells him to go and collect his father from Assings shop. When Sona was told this he got angry because he hated his father but his mother still loved Sonas father Mano as she said In her eyes he was still young. He did not grow old it was she who had aged. Sona left his home got out a boat and paddled up the river to the village; he got to Assings shop and Mano was drunk and making a fool of himself. Sona told his father Mano to come home but this enraged Mano and he said So, you is me father now, eh? in his drunken rage Mano staggered towards his son. Mano kicked Sona in his stomach and it took three people to hold back Mano he is me father now him modder send him for me struggling even more than ever Ill kill him, so help me God, Ill kill him! Mano then got on the boat with his son Sona. When they were on the boat; there was an indication in the story that Sona did something bad but it does not say what had happened in the context. Sona got home wi thout his father; his mother became suspicious and wanted to know where Sonas father Mano was. Sonas reply was He out there, sleeping he drunk. But when Sonas mother called for Mano, Sona was panic stricken and fled! A narrator looking back on the past tells The Grave By The Handpost is in the form of a flash back. Drunkard Of The River describes events as they happen and the writer leaves readers to work out things for themselves such as in the end of the story you do not know exactly what happened to Mano (in fact Sona pushed his father Mano into the river Ortoire). Micheal Anthony does not say what Sona had done to raise more sympathy for Sona and try to make the audience understand why Sona did it. The style which I prefer is the one which Micheal Anthony used because it makes you wonder what could of happened, it makes you understand why Sona did what he did and what frame of mind he was in when he did it. The main characters in The Grave By The Handpost are sergeant Holway and Luke Holway. Sargent Holway is an army veteran; he would like his son Luke to follow in his footsteps and become like him. Luke Holway is the son of sergeant Holway he wants to become a car mechanic but his father forced him to join the army. Luke hated it when he went to join the army overseas; Luke was not really built for the army. The main characters in Drunkard Of The River are Sona and Mano; Sona is a young boy who really hates his father also he dont understand why anyone could like his father especially his mother moreover Sona could not see why she bothered about his father at all for Mano was stupid and worthless and made their lives miserable. Sona is really distressed and feels he has no other alternative but to sort out his father himself Sona Often in silence he had shaken his fist and said, one day Ill.. Ill.. Mano is the father of Sona he is a very ignorant man who does not listen to his son and is not concerned about how he treats him. Mano always drinks heavily; he is an alcoholic. The relationship between characters; in particular the father son relations such as sergeant Holway and L uke Holway, and Sona and Mano, these relationships is one similarity between the two stories. These characters do not get on with each other; sergeant Holway committed suicide because of what Luke Holway had said about him; Sona could not stand his father Mano; Sona was getting fustrated by his father Mano until Sona had been pushed so far he murdered his father Mano. The characters in Drunkard Of The River are Mano, his wife, their son Sona and Assing the owner of the shop where Mano drinks. There are also some villagers. Mano is the father of Sona; Mano is a drunk, an alcoholic and a very unreliable father. Sona hates his father they have a very dysfunctional relationship. Sona is the son of Mano he is angry that Mano is a drunk and not a proper father. Sonas mother is a very distressed woman, she loves Mano and thinks she has changed not Mano in her eyes he was still young. He did not grow old it was she who had aged. He had only turned out badly. In the Grave By The Handpost the action takes place in three main places; Long Ash Lane Crossroads, Chalk Newton and Chalk Newton Church Yard. Drunkard Of The River is set in a small village on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. We know this because Sona and his family live by the river Ortoire; we can tell it is set on a Caribbean island because of the dialect they use when they speak. In the story The Grave By The Handpost there are parts of the story where the characters do not speak Standard English; they speak Wessex dialect such as when Lot Swanhills said who mid ye be a burying there? which means who will be buried there. Also when Erza Cattstock says Jown it- weve never played to a dead man afore which in standard English is Damn it-we have never played for a dead man before. Moreover there is a part in the story when a man says to Luke Holway no, no dont ye take on so, young man which translates into Dont you get so angry young man. The writer Thomas Hardy does this to show that it is set in the countryside and to add to the effect of the story being set in a rural part of England. In the story Drunkard Of The River there are phrases which are not spoken in standard English but spoken in island d ialect such as when Sona said Ma say to come home which means Mother said come home; also when Mano says to Sona So you is me father now, eh which in standard English is so you are my father now. Micheal Anthony chose to do this to add to the effect of being on the island of Trinidad. An important event that happened in The Grave By The Handpost is when sergeant Holway receives a letter from from his son Luke Holway telling him how much he hates him and it is his fathers fault why he despises his life, this was a key thing because this was the cause of sergeant Holway committing suicide. Another key event that happened in the story is when Luke went off to join the army after his father had committed suicide Luke left the reburying of his father to the men of the choir to do. But they were frightened that when they dug up the grave at the crossroad they would find that a stake (which would have been put through his heart to prevent the devil taking his soul) had been put through sergeant Holway heart which would make it impossible for the men of the choir to move sergeant Holways corpse. So they left the body at the crossroads. A few years later Luke had come back and discovered that his fathers body had not been moved; this was a key event because Luke Holway thought he had restored his fathers honour but he hadnt. Also a key moment in the story is when Luke Holway lived in a little cottage by himself because he was depressed about his father. Luke committed suicide because he wanted to join his father. Luke left a note when he died saying he wanted to be buried at the crossroads beside his father but by the time the note was read his body was buried in the graveyard. This was an important factor because it shows the readers to what depth Luke Holway had sunk to during his depression and it also reveals how he never forgave himself for his fathers death. I think the most important events, which happened throughout Drunkard Of The River, are when Sona goes to Assings shop to collect his father but his father Mano gets angry and kicks him in the stomach. This is an important event because it changes the mood of the story and makes Sonas hatred for Mano build up even more inside. Another important event is when Sona and Mano are on the boat going home, but Sona arrives home by himself. When Sonas mother asks where Mano is; Sona starts to panic and runs away. This is also a key event because it shows us that Sona had done something bad and that Sona could have possibly killed his father Mano.

Managing Financial Principles and Techniques Coursework

Managing Financial Principles and Techniques - Coursework Example Management of the institution is also recommended to reduce the amount of cash and cash equivalent assets outstanding to avoid investing in projects with negative net present value, and avoid pushing management into empire building. In all, Autonomy Plc has a good performance in its liquidity, profitability, efficiency and Long term financial stability as on average it out performed the industry performance. These interpret a favourable signal to the company horizontal trend. To suppliers, the quick payment system operated by the company is unique to the industry as such; suppliers should strife at strengthening their relationship. For applicants, the company is a going concern; applicant should not hesitate to seek a career with the company Globalisation, the new information technology, and deregulation of financial markets have eased the provision and search of finance. Millions of shares are traded every day on the world's stock markets. (Penman, 2003). Investors who trade on these stocks are often forced to ask themselves whether they are buying or selling at the right price. (Artril & Elliot , 2003). Artrill & Elliot (2003) argue that, they often attempt to provide answers to these questions by turning to various media including internet chat rooms, printed press, "talking heads" on television and financial networks, who often voice opinions on what they feel the stock prices should be. In addition, investors consult investment analysts who provide an almost endless stream of information and recommendations to sort out. There are often claims that some shares are undervalued and vice versa. (Penman, 2003). This information at times becomes confusing leaving the investor with no clear indication of what the true prices of stocks should be. (Penman, 2003). In the prevailing circumstances, Brealey & Myers (2005) state that the investor is forced to make the investment decision following his/her instinct or based on the information provided by the market. (Penman, 2003). Investors who make the decision based on instinct are referred to as intuitive investors while those who make investment decisions based on capital market efficiency are referred to as passive investors. (Penman, 2003). Passive investors carry out their investment decisions based on the assumption that the market price is a fair price for the risk taken, that is, that market forces have driven the price to the appropriate point. (Brealey & Myers 2005). These investment mechanisms appear to be very simple, as they do not require much effort. (Penman, 2003: pp 3). However, Berlin & Lexa (2003) caution that, both investors run risks that are even more than the risks of the firms they are investing in since they can either pay too much or sell for less and as a result suffer a decrease in returns on their investments. (Penman, 2003). Penman (2003) argument was supported by Brealey and Myers (2005) when they stated that, the intuitive investor has the problem of the intuitive bridge builder: "one may be pleased

DENISON DAM (TX-OK) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

DENISON DAM (TX-OK) - Essay Example Ever since the dam was built, the lake has reached its spillway three times; which is 200m or 640 feet above the sea level: in 1957, 1990 and the most recent happened in 2007 (Mathews p44). The dam is renowned for its large size and power production magnitude. Though there are more dams that have been constructed ever since, it makes a good deal of contribution to the general output of the Unites States dams. It has 14 million cubic meters or 18,800,000 cubic yards of rolled –earth fill; it also produces about 250,000 megawatt of hydropower electricity annually. Lake Texoma itself provides about 154,000,000 cubic meters or 125,000-acre feet of water storage to the local communities in five permanent contracts. Additionally, the dam has offered some other benefits such as the federally owned and managed wildlife refuge areas. Through this, it has provided about 47 areas for recreational activities. These recreational areas are owned and run by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Ojeda p85)). There are two state parks – one situated in Texas while the other is situated in Oklahoma. In addition, there is an extra 32,000 hectors or 80,000 acres of land opened for public use as hunting grounds. Lake Texoma has two main sources, which are the Washita river from, the north and Red river from the West. The minor sources of the dam that can be noted are the Little Mineral Creek, Big Mineral Creek, Rock Creek, Buncombe Creek and the Glasses Creek. Lake Texoma then drains to the main outlet, the Red River into the Denison dam. Normal elevation of the pool fluctuates from 615-619 feet which is about 187-189 meters NGVP (National Geodetic Vertical Datum. These limits depend on the time of the year. The flood control section extends the height to about 197 meters (645feet) NGVD (National Geodetic Vertical Datum). Texoma Lake has crested the Denison dam’s spillway at the level of