How children learn the sounds of their language Coursework - 1

How children learn the sounds of their language - Coursework Example From the outset children learn to speak as the result of being part of a social and cultural fabric. Halliday (1980) proposes that we ‘learn language, learn through language and learn about language simultaneously as we use language’. Language cannot be learned in isolation from others. As soon as children are born they enter the world they find themselves to be part of adult conversations. For the most part ‘motherese’ (see vialle, Lysaght & Verenkina 2000, p.74), is an extremely small part of the language children hear. The overwhelming majority of the language forms in the children’s immediate culture and environment is framed in adult conventions without any attempt to simplify. As parents and others care for the daily needs of children they chatter to the child, asking questions (‘who’s a pretty baby? Did you have a big sleep?’), they share family stories (‘Grandma’s coming today and we are going shopping’) and they use language that they neither expect the child to understand or respond to at this stage. Families include children in their language acts as they gather around their new offspring. And all this time there is myriad background talk emanating from radios, televisions, computers and often other siblings. While this language may often seem to be a jumble of noise and sounds, there is always one constant in play: meaning is being developed through social interaction. This is the driving force that will operate throughout the initial years in each child’s language development and beyond (vialle, Lysaght & Verenikina 2000, p.66). Language learning is a mutual process -- Children are not passive passengers in the language that surrounds them. Young children can understand a great deal a long time before they can actually vocalize any recognizable words. As active participants in the everyday interactions of life, gradually children realize that

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

Marketing - Essay Example Today’s world has created green image a necessity for businesses to grow, not only from environmental issues but also from competitive advantage’s point of view. Most of the businesses are adopting green image to be environment friendly. Some businesses follow green marketing to sell the benefits of the products while other in this capacity follows green businesses by running their operations in a green environment. Marketing- Growing Green This paper deals with marketing issues dealt in â€Å"Growing Green; The smart paths to developing sustainable products by Gregory Unruh & Richard Ettenson.† Thorough analysis of this article mentions the methods and problems related to growing green businesses. Green competition is increasing in today’s world due to resource allocation with respect to environmental issues. With the advent in knowhow of green products, marketing and businesses; most companies are adopting it as their competitive advantage. Patagonia is also one of them, who shifted their strategies towards environment friendly culture. Patagonia started as a small business to assist the climbers and surfers by making tools for them. Their main focus was to target all silent sport lovers by providing them with cloths and tools for climbing. This business was the main inspiration by the interest of the founder in these sports. Patagonia not only cared for the customer but also have a great love for the nature and its beauty. The notion of saving the environment brought them towards ecofreindly production. Their aim was not only to go green but also to take others â€Å"go green† in the industry. First green strategy of Patagonia was use of ecofriendly raw material in their cloths production. They used recycled polyester rather than cotton which usually contains pesticides. They have developed very high standards for being environment friendly users. They modify their product designs, manufacturing capacities, utilization of r aw material and energy sources to reduce the effect of these entire on environment. (Rarick, Charles A, Feldman, Lori S, 2008) They company started their journey of green image in early summer of 1994. This was the immediate response to the harmful impacts of their company on the environment. Research and development department conducted a thorough research on use of fibers predcted the major cause of dreadful impact on earth. "If we continue to make clothes with conventionally grown cotton, knowing what we know now, we're toast anyway. Let's do it; let's go organic."(Yvon, 1994) He advised the company to go green. There came an issue of dealing with the resources, company had and growing green through manufacturing of green products. For Patagonia it was difficult to sustain their image as a green business due to fewer resources, but it was necessary to do as a right thing for the environment. The sense of environmental responsibility can be use as a source of business differentiat ion and company growth through competitor’s intelligence. (Unrah. G, Ettenson. R, 2010) Green product development brought unique cultural and execution challenges to the company. This was important to address properly for the sustainability of the green business. In the case of growing green by Gregory Unrah and Richard Ettenson, many marketing issues related to green businesses were dealt. They mainly focused on the following issues. Sustainability Strategy formation Advertisement Positioning of the brand Green marketing Execution Same faced the

What Is Elitism And Anti Elitism Politics Essay

What Is Elitism And Anti Elitism Politics Essay Elites derive from a fundamental and universal fact of social life, namely, the absence in any large collectivity of a robust common interest. While it is true that most large collectivities rest on a base of social and cultural understandings, these tend to be ambiguous and rough. The satisfactions some of their members seek are only partly compatible with the satisfactions sought by other members. Members constantly claim statuses and other valued goods for themselves, their kin, friends, and allies that other members do not accept as fully legitimate. Acceding to these claims is often more a matter of judging that it is dangerous or inexpedient to resist them than of recognizing that the persons and groups making the claims have some right to do so. In large collectivities common interest is fairly minimal and must always be supplemented by authoritative decisions that dissenters and opponents dare not or find it inexpedient to resist. Elites may be defined as persons who, by virt ue of their strategic locations in large or otherwise pivotal organizations and movements, are able to affect political outcomes regularly and substantially. Put differently, elites are persons with the organized capacity to make real political trouble without being promptly repressed. They consist not only of prestigious and established leaders top politicians, important businessmen, high-level civil servants, senior military officers but also, in varying degrees in different societies, relatively transitory and less individually known leaders of mass organizations such as trade unions, important voluntary associations, and politically consequential mass movements. Counter-elites are subsumed by this definition because they clearly have the organized capacity, although perhaps mainly through negation, to affect political outcomes regularly and substantially. It is important to stress that this is a limited and specifically political definition of elites. It is restricted to perso ns who are at the top of the pyramid or pyramids of political, economic, and social power (Putnam, 1976). It does not consider all those in a society who enjoy high occupational, educational, or cultural statuses to be elites in a political sense. As defined, national political elites are not large in number. Geraint Parry (1969/2005) has observed that the entire British elite could be seated with ease in a soccer stadium. Using strict organizational and positional criteria, as well as data about sizes of elite networks, some researchers have estimated that the national political elite in the United States numbers perhaps ten thousand persons (Dye, 2002), maybe half this number in medium-sized countries like France (Dogan, 2003), Australia (Higley, Deacon Smart, 1979) or Germany (Hoffmann-Lange, 1992), and about fifteen hundred in small countries like Denmark (Christiansen, Mà ¶ller Togeby, 2001) and Norway (Gulbrandsen and Engelstad, 2002). This last estimate of fewer than two t housand persons is probably the most plausible for all countries during the early modern historical period and all but the most populous developing countries today Elitism: Elitism is the belief or attitude that those individuals who are considered members of the elite a select group of people with outstanding personal abilities, intellect, wealth, specialized training or experience, or other distinctive attributes are those whose views on a matter are to be taken the most seriously or carry the most weight; whose views and/or actions are most likely to be constructive to society as a whole; or whose extraordinary skills, abilities or wisdom render them especially fit to govern [1]. Alternatively, the term elitism may be used to describe a situation in which power is concentrated in the hands of the elite. Opposed to elitism are anti-elitism, populism, and the political theory of pluralism. Elite theory is the sociological or political science analysis of elite influence in society elite theorists regard pluralism as a utopian ideal. Elitism may also refer to situations in which an elite individual assumes special privileges and responsibilities in t he hope that this arrangement will benefit humanity. At times, elitism is closely related to social class and what sociologists call social stratification. Members of the upper classes are sometimes, though inaccurately, known as the social elite. The term elitism is also sometimes misused to denote situations in which a group of people claiming to possess high abilities or simply an in-group or cadre grant themselves extra privileges at the expense of others. This debased form of elitism may be described as discrimination (1) The belief: that government ought in principle, always and everywhere, to be confined to elites. Rarely a worked-out doctrine in its own right, more often a piece of unexamined value judgement, or a view which follows from some more general argument in political philosophy, as for example in Platos Republic. (2) The belief: that government is in practice confined to elites; that, following a maxim of Hume, ought implies can (in other words, that there is no point in saying that government ought to be controlled by the people if in practice it cannot); and that we might just as well accept what we are bound to have anyhow. These views are especially associated with Mosca and with Pareto in the early twentieth century, and with Schumpeter in mid-century. All three writers shade into elitism in sense 1 because they go on to produce normative justifications of rule by elites in a democracy. However, their earlier arguments do not in themselves imply that if democratic control of the government were somehow achievable it would be undesirable. (3) The belief: that government is in practice confined to elites; that this has often been justified by arguments from Plato or Schumpeter; but that this is undesirable because elite rule is in practice rule on behalf of the vested interests of (usually economic) elites. Defining of elite (Elitism): There is no single definition of the concept of elite. What the literature reflects is divergent array of definition of the term. The lack of a unified meaning of elite emanates from the scope an limit of those include in the spectrum of elite rank, given the universality of the accepted meaning of the term itself. Therefore, various definitions arise and different models and constructs develop as frames of analysis. Despite the differences in definitions, all elite theorists seem to agree on one thing: the powerful position of a small group of individuals or groups who either shape or influence decisions that affect national outcomes. Thus, all actors occupying key positions in the political, economic, military, governmental, cultural, and administrative institutions and organizations are considered members of the elite because they affect the national outcomes. According to Mosca (1939), In all societies, from less developed to the most advanced, tow classes of people appear, a class that rules and a class that is ruledà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The class that rules is few, whereas the more numerous class, is directed at and controlled by the first, in a manner that is now more or less legal, now more or less arbitrary and violent. (50) The few elites acquire a stake in preserving the organization and their position in it. This motive gives leaders a perspective different from that of the organizations members. An elite is then inevitable in any social organization Dye an zeigler,1993: 2-3) To Michels (1959), he who says organization, says oligarchy (70), and government is always government by the few, whether in the name of the few, the one, or the many(Lasswell and Lerner, 1952:7) According to Gwen Moore (1979), the term political elite refer to persons who by virtue of their institutional positions have a high potential to influence national policy making therefore, it includes politicians, government officials, and the leaders of various interest groups, which attempt to influence the allocation of values in socity(Moore,1979;see also Parry, 1969:13) more clearly, Higley and Burton (1989) define national elites as persons who are able, by virtue of their authoritative positions in powerful organizations and movements of whatever kind, to affect national political outcomes regularly and substantially(18) In defense of elite theory, and signifying the importance of the organizational context of elites, Higley, Burton, and Field (1973) maintain that they have consistently followed Weber and Movement leaders are elites only to the extent that the movements are bureaucratically structured and thus powerful on a sustained basis. Those leaders then can affect political outcomes regularly and substantially (Higley, Burton, and Field, 1990) Dogan and Higley (1996) define elites as the few hundred or at most few thousand persons who head the major institutions, organizations, and movements in a society and who are therefore able to impel or impede political decisions on a regular basis. Elites consist, therefore, of the top leaders of political parties, governmental bureaucracies, large and /or pivotally located business firms and large unions, the military, the media, professional, religious, educational, and other major organizations, as well as the leaders of powerful interest groups and mass movements. Because these definitions are too broad, inclusive, and confusing, they are subject to interpretations and challenges, such as the one offered by Alan Knight (1996) in his extensive and provocative analysis of elite theory. To Hunter (1959), elites are the top leaders who shape and control the power structure, whereas to Mills (1956), they are the power elite, Composed of men whose positions enable them to transcend the ordinary environments of ordinary men and women: they are in positions to make decisions having major consequences Whether they do or do not make such decisions is less important than the fact that they do occupy such pivotal positions: their failure to act, their failure to make decisions, is itself an act that is often of greater consequence than the decisions they do make, for they are in command of the major hierarchies and organizations of modern society. They run the big corporations. They run the machinery of the state and claim its prerogatives. They direct the military establishment. They occupy the strategic command posts of the social structure, in which are now centered the effective means of the power and the wealth and the celebrity which they enjoy. The power elite are not solitary rulers. Advisors and consultants, spokesmen and opinion makers, are often the captains of their higher thought and decision. Imme diately below the elite are the professional politicians of the middle levels of power, in the Congress and in the pressure groups, as well as among the new and old upper classes of town and city and region Mills definition of the concept of power elite is both clear and comprehensive in that it includes not only the macro elites, but also the micro elites who operate the organizations and institutions controlled by the power elite. This view is shared by the more contemporary elite theorists who focus in their studies on interlocking organizational networks of the elites. Despite the common tenets emphasized in these definitions, the following perspectives on elite theory may be discerned. Types of Elite: Following the ideas of Machiavelli, he distinguished two main types of elite group: a. Lion elites who were able to rule by force (for example, military regimes). b. Fox elites who were able to rule by manipulation (for example, liberal democratic regimes) Characteristics of the elite Attributes that identify elite vary; personal achievement may not be essential. Elite attributes include: Rigorous study of, or great accomplishment within, a particular field of study A long track record of competence in a demanding field An extensive history of dedication and effort in service to a specific discipline (e.g., medicine or martial arts) A high degree of accomplishment, training or wisdom within a given field An elite fighter, for example, is one whose training, resolve, and experience in combat place him at the top of his field. Most nations employ some kind of Special Forces made up of elite soldiers whose training goes far beyond what is typical for the average soldier. The academic elite, on the other hand, comprises only those professors whose studies are likely to shape their respective disciplines for years to come. One synonym for elite might be world class, indicating that the individual in question is capable of participating effectively at the very highest levels of his or her chosen discipline. Anti-elitism Elitism as a pejorative term The term elitism or the title elitist can be used resentfully [2] by a person who is not a member of an elite, or is a member but resents the elite position or uses it in a condescending or cynical manner in order to ridicule or criticize practices which discriminate on the basis of ability or attributes. Often, accusing someone of being an elitist is used as a pejorative remark meant to imply that the person in question does not in fact belong to an elite, but is merely a hanger-on. Sometimes, particularly in political circles, it is used simply as a generic insult, with little to no literal basis for the terms use beyond a general animosity towards the target. Elitism versus egalitarianism Elitism can be interpreted as encouraging the exclusion of large numbers of people from positions of privilege or power. Thus, many populists seek the social equality of Egalitarianism, Populism, Socialism, or Communism. They may also support affirmative action, social security, luxury taxes, and increasingly high progressive taxes for the wealthiest members of society. All of these measures seek to reduce the gap of power between the elite and those who are not elite. Elitism versus pluralism Pluralism is the belief that public policy decisions should be (or, descriptively, are) the result of the struggle of forces exerted by large populations (workers, consumers, retirees, parents, etc.) directly or indirectly in the policy-making process. This is contrasted with elitism which is the belief that decisions should be (or are) being made essentially according to the interests or ideas of elites. There is a difference, however, between the idea of being more able to fulfill a political task and the actual knowing of the specialization and specifications of each corporation or other group among the general population and its particular hopes and needs, which suggests a way of cooperation which has been recently put into practice in some countries between politicians and groups of citizens which have some remote resemblances to Corporatism. Elitism and education Elitism in the context of education is the practice of concentrating attention on or allocating funding to the students who rank highest in a particular field of endeavor, with the other students being deemed less capable of achievement or as holding less promise for the societys future. For example, a politician who promotes specialized biochemistry classes for highly intelligent students in an effort to cure diseases might be accused of elitism. Elitism in education could be based upon learning ability, knowledge, or other abilities. An elite school could merely be a wealthy school or an old school. Power elite: A Power Elite, in political and sociological theory, is a small group of people who control a disproportionate amount of wealth, privilege, and access to decision-making of global consequence. The term was coined by Charles Wright Mills in his 1956 book, The Power Elite. The Power Elite (1956) describes the relationship between political, military, and economic elite (people at the pinnacles of these three institutions), noting that these people share a common world view, 1) the military metaphysic- a military definition of reality, possess 2) class identity- recognizing themselves separate and superior to the rest of society, have 3) interchangeability: i.e. the move within and between the three institutional structures and hold interlocking directorates 4) cooptation/socialization: of prospective new members is done based on how well they clone themselves socially after such elite. Further these elite in the big three institutional orders have an uneasy alliance based upon their co mmunity of interests driven by the military metaphysic, which has transformed the economy into a permanent war economy. In critical work, the US Power elite consists of members of the Business/Corporate Community, Academia, politicians, media editors, military service personnel, and high-profile journalists. From here on, a general form of consensus building and homogenesing of elite members views is eventually achieved. Social Structure forming Power Elite the American way and the American Dream can be defined as that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position ([James Truslow Adams, The Epic of America]). However, it has been argued that a relatively fixed group of privileged Americans shape our economy and government solely because of their higher wealth and social status. This idea goes against the original American way, and begins a new one. This new American way involves a fixed group of Americans, called the power elite. The power elite stems from many groups forming into one: Corporate Community: This group includes rich corporations, banks and agribusinesses. These tend to dominate the federal government in Washington. Growth Coalitions: This group includes real estate, construction and land development companies. These tend to dominate the local governments. Both the corporate communities and growth coalitions sometimes will have conflicting ideas and competition between each other over profits and investment opportunities. However, they tend to have the same policies affecting their general welfare. These groups have the ability to organize and defend their interests due to their large wealth and income. The owners and managers of these large income producing properties hold a great share of all of the income and wealth in the US. This is more than any other industrial democracy (they are 1% of the entire US population). By holding this share of income, these groups clearly create the dominating class in the US. This dominating class has name of its own: Corporate Rich: This group becomes more of a common social group. They belong to the same social clubs, they vacation at the same summer and winter resorts and they send their children to the same private schools. They create the [social upper class]. Place Entrepreneurs: This group tends to be filled with members of the growth coalition. They sell locations and buildings. By doing this, they become the local upper class in their respective cities. Because of this, they tend to mingle with the corporate rich in vacation/resort settings or educational settings. Policy Formation Network: This group tends to be filled with members from both the corporate rich and the place entrepreneurs/growth coalition. They develop and direct non-profit organizations, charity foundations and policy discussion groups. As these non-profit groups join at a national level, they are able to create policies for local communities and national level city development organizations. All of these group s take a part in creating the ultimate power elite, the leadership group for the corporate rich as a whole. Power Elite: This group tends to have corporate owners join with top level executives in the corporate community and the policy formation network. This group tends to be the wealthiest in the US and use this group title to create policies for the US to use on a national level. However, it is clear that not all people in the power elite group are involved in governance. Some simply enjoy the lifestyle wealth can bring. Characteristics of the Power Elite: According to C. Wright Mills, among the best known power-elite theorists, the governing elite in the United States draws its members from three areas: (1) the highest political leaders including the president and a handful of key cabinet members and close advisers; (2) major corporate owners and directors; and (3) high-ranking military officers. Even though these individuals constitute a close-knit group, they are not part of a conspiracy that secretly manipulates events in their own selfish interest. For the most part, the elite respects civil liberties, follows established constitutional principles, and operates openly and peacefully. It is not a dictatorship; it does not rely on terror, a secret police, or midnight arrests to get its way. It does not have to, as we will see. Nor is its membership closed, although many members have enjoyed a head start in life by virtue of their being born into prominent families. Nevertheless, those who work hard, enjoy good luck, and demonstrate a willingness to adopt elite values do find it possible to work into higher circles from below. If the elite do not derive its power from repression or inheritance, from where does its strength come? Basically it comes from control of the highest positions in the political and business hierarchy and from shared values and beliefs. Elite approach in politics: Those who disagree with pluralism such as C. Wright Mills argue that a few people in all societies manipulate the levers of government to their benefit. As a review of the pluralist approach, Elite theory suggests that focus should not be on individuals and the freely formed groups based on interests but that society breaks down into two groups the few on top who hold power and rule (the ones Plato referred to as philosopher kings) or the Oligarchy The many below who are governed by them. Elite theory acknowledges that human society is not all the same and that the differences among people in society make elite rule or the rule of the oligarchy inevitable elites straddle both the public and private realms. For example different political elites and corporate elites become bureaucratic elites over time and influence the direction of state policies in their different public and private capacities elites of different groups in society political, corporate, workers, ethnic, regional, an d other groups of common bond tend to find what is called Elite Accommodation elites also tend to reproduce them selves as they come to rely on each other for advice and action. They come to share a common world view and defend their common interests some have suggested that the state elites can become autonomous from society through this process of elite accommodation. What emerges is what is called the Embedded Stat Critics of elite theory have pointed to it over-emphasis of the cohesion of the elites or oligarchy and lack of attention to the competition within the ruling elites. Further, that in modern society political constraints makes it impossible for rulers to ignore the interests of the masses. Elite approach focuses on elites domination of political life with an alienated majority accepting their role in society, while the class analysis approach suggests that social classes arise in society because of the nature of the organization of the economy and exist in antagonism against each other Elite theory: Elite theory is a theory of the state which seeks to describe and explain the power relationships in modern society. It argues that a small minority, comprised of members of the economic elite and policy-planning networks, hold the most power no matter what happens in elections in a country. Through positions in corporations or on corporate boards, and influence over the policy-planning networks through financial support of foundations or positions with think tanks or policy-discussion groups, members of the elite are able to have significant power over policy decisions of corporations and governments. The theory stands in opposition to pluralism in suggesting that democracy is a utopian ideal. It also stands in opposition to state autonomy theory. Classical and New Elite Theory Although the idea probably always has been present in some form, elitism emerged as a recognizable and clearly defined part of Western political thought in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The leading contributors to the theory were Gaetano Mosca, Vilfredo Pareto, and Robert Michels. These writers attacked classical democratic thought and also Aristotle and Karl Marx. Majority rule, they insisted, is impossible. Every society is divided into those who rule and those who are ruled; and the rulers constitute only a small minority of any society. Aristotles classification, which divided political systems into three types (rule by one, rule by a few, and rule by the many), does not fit reality either, for no man is capable of ruling by himself, and the many, too, lack the ability to govern. It is the few, under any political system, who exercise effective control. And Marx, with his emphasis on a class struggle that in the end (following the victory of the working class ) leads to social harmony in a classless society, was also wrong. History features a continuing struggle among elites. That struggle will never end, and a classless society cannot be created. Moreover, to the pioneers in the development of elitist theory, Marx placed too much emphasis on economics and not enough on politics, which could be autonomous. Classical elitist theory did not maintain merely that the active, socially recognizable people in a country made its important decisions-whether from within offices of government, from somewhere behind the scenes, or from completely outside the state apparatus. It emphatically asserted that the common man, however numerous within a society in absolute or relative terms, did not. Analysts of elites, who generally focus on the distribution of power rather than on the allocation of values, or on property and other wealth forms, differ somewhat over the degree of participation in government or, more generally, the political process that is necessary for a member of the elite accurately to be judged a member of what Mosca characterizes as the ruling class. A societys elite is usually thought to be a stable entity, self-sustaining and constant over time. Yet the actual group that is in office can change markedly and very quickly. The concept of an elite therefore may need to be understood as encompassing all those who might govern as well as those who in fact do govern. However elite is precisely understood, elitist theory is clear in the basic point that a minority, rather than the masses, controls things. The general population of a country-the common man-is ineffective. Even in societies with elections and other democratic mechanisms, it is posited, the ruling elite functions in a way that is largely independent of control by a popular majority. However, it made need a justifying doctrine. That the elite ordinarily functions according to a political formula, in Moscas term, is what makes its rule effective and acceptable to the masses Thus, in theory, there can be a democratic elitism, however paradoxical that may seem. A new elite paradigm, building on the work of Mosca and other classical theorists, emerged in the 1980s and 1990s among comparative political sociologists. It drew attention to the occurrence, and the important effects, of divisions that may arise within the elite of a society. Its central proposition, as stated by John Higley and Michael Burton (1989), is as follows: A disunified national elite, which is the most common type, produces a series of unstable regimes that tend to oscillate between authoritarian and democratic forms over varying intervals. A consensually unified national elite, which is historically much rarer, produces a stable regime that may evolve into a modern democracy, as in Sweden, or Britain, or the United States, if economic and other facilitative conditions permit. In the United States, normally, internal and external conditions have favored consensual unity within the nations elite. Of course, the American Revolution and, later, the Civil War, are the major exceptions to this generalization. During those periods, divisions ran so deep as to produce counter-elites. As the political sociologist Barrington Moore, Jr., and the political historian C. Vann Woodward have shown, the reconciliation between North and South that occurred following post-Civil War Reconstruction was in significant part a result of a complex bargain between the elites in formerly opposed geographical sections. After the late nineteenth century, issues of foreign policy have on occasion divided the American elite as well. A by-product of this has been a widening of participation in the national debate over foreign policy. That this amounts to a democratization of American foreign policymaking, however, is highly disputable. Elite theorists: Wright Mills C. Wright Mills published his book The Power Elite in 1956 claiming a new perspective on systems of power in the USA. He identified a triumvirate of power groups political, economic and military who form a distinguishable, although not unified body, wielding power in the American state: He proposed that this group had been generated through a process of rationalisation at work in all advanced industrial societies where by the mechanisms of power became concentrated funnelling overall control into the hands of a limited, somewhat corrupt group (Bottomore 1993). This reflected a decline in politics as an arena for debate and relegation to a merely formal level of discourse (Mills 1956). This macro-scale analysis sought to point out the degradation of democracy in advanced societies and the fact that power generally lies outside the boundaries of elected representatives. Floyd Hunter The elite theory analysis of power was also applied on the micro scale in community power studies such as that by Floyd Hunter (1953). Hunter examined in detail the power relationships evident in his Regional City looking for the real holders of power rather than those in obvious official positions. He posited a structural-functional approach which mapped the hierarchies and webs of interconnection operating within the city mapping relationships of power between businessmen, politicians, clergy etc. The study was promoted to debunk current concepts of any democracy present within urban politics and reaffirm the arguments for a true representative democracy (Hunter 1953). This type of analysis was also used in later, larger scale, studies such as that carried out by M. Schwarz examining the power structures within the sphere of the corporate elite in the USA (Schwarz 1987). James Burnham James Burnhams early work The Managerial Revolution sought to express the movement of all functional power into the hands of managers rather than politicians or businessmen separating ownership and control (Bottomore 193). Many of these id

Integrity and Supererogation in Ethical Communities Essay -- Sociology

Integrity and Supererogation in Ethical Communities ABSTRACT: This paper explores the connection between supererogation and the integrity of ethical agents. It argues two theses: (1) there is a generally unrecognized but crucial social dimension to the moral integrity of individuals which challenges individual ideals and encourages supererogation; (2) the social dimension of integrity, however, must have limits that preserve the individuals's integrity. The concept of integrity is explored through recent works by Christine Korsgaard, Charles Taylor, and Susan Babbitt. A life of integrity is in part a life whereby one 'lives up to' one's own deeply held values. Yet, as one seeks to transcend the realm of the morally customary or the dutiful, one must check one's progress not only against one's own ideals but against the ideals and behavior of the ethical community. To answer affirmatively to one's own ideals is to hear the call of integrity both from within oneself and from without. However, by being free to hear, the freedom to close one's ears inevitably will arise. Only actions displaying such freedom can be actions of moral integrity. Since supererogatory actions are always left to an agent's discretion-that is, are fully optional-they show in paradigmatic fashion the integrity of moral agents. While an ethic of integrity and supererogation provides challenges to members of an ethical community by encouraging them continually to reevaluate their actions and character in reference to postulated ideals, it also leads us to be quite wary of judging individual's moral motives from the outside. A passage by Jonathan Kozol is cited that suggests our society routinely demands supererogatory action from its poorest members. This i... ...lly published 1958. Murphy, Liam B. 1993. The Demands of Beneficence. Philosophy and Public Affairs 22 (4): 269-292. Nagel, Thomas. 1986. The View from Nowhere. New York: Oxford University Press. Putnam, Robert. 1993a. Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern Italy. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Putnam, Robert D. 1993b. The Prosperous Community: Social Capital and Public Life. American Prospect 13: 35-42. Putnam, Robert D. 1995. Bowling Alone: America's Declining Social Capital. Journal of Democracy 6 (1): 65-78. Singer, Peter. 1986. Famine, Affluence, and Morality. In Introduction to Philosophy: Classical and Contemporary Readings, ed. John Perry and Michael Bratman: 573-580. New York: Oxford University Press. Originally published 1972. Taylor, Charles. 1992. The Ethics of Authenticity. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Customer impersonation Essay

Customer is not the entity that firm can claim to be. This is called as customer impersonation. Due to characteristic of cyberspace, impersonation can be the one risk for the e-tailer. In simple word, Customer and merchant cannot meet by face to face. Therefore, customer can use fake or others ID to purchase product. There are two reasons for fake customer to use other identity. The reasons are theft and malice. The objective behind theft is to buy the goods or service without the need of paying. Also the bill will be forwarded to whom ID is misused or abuse. In other words, the theft will use others details to purchase goods or service. The intention of malice is difference from the theft. Instead of acquiring goods of services without paying, also they have other motives such as intrinsic satisfaction to the hacker, to hurt corporation profits and customer relations of competitor or former employer.   Denial of service attacks Denial service attacks occur in a typical connection. When the user sends a message asking the server to authenticate it, the server returns the authentication approval to the user. The user acknowledges this approval, and is allowed onto the server. In a denial of service attack, the user sends several authentication requests to the server. All requests have false return addresses, so the server cannot find the user when it tries to send the authentication approval. The server waits, sometimes more than a minute, before closing the connection. When it does close the connection, the attacker sends a new batch of forged requests, and the process begins again–tying up the service indefinitely. Furthermore Denial-of-service attacks can essentially disable your computer or your network. Depending on the nature of your enterprise, this can effectively disable your organisation. Also some denial of service attacks can be executed with limited resources against a large, sophisticated site. This type of attack is sometimes called an â€Å"asymmetric attack. † For example, an attacker with an old PC and a slow modem may be able to disable much faster and more sophisticated machines or networks. Risk Associated with Business Transaction   Data interception Data interception is the serious risk related to e-business entity. Data can be intercepted during transmission from one point to another point. The following three risk has arisen in relation with data interception.   Massage Origin authentication This authentication is to make sure that the massage received is really from the party claimed to be the sender. This is important to prevent any customer impersonation take place. In this case this, travel. com. au has to make sure the massage sender is the legitimate user. This important in order to protect consumer from theft, also protect travel. com. au itself from any harmful activity caused by hacker. For example if in the case the goods or services has been purchased by the theft, then one possibility is that merchants need to written off that certain products. In order to support this, non-repudiation is use in electronic commerce as provision of â€Å"proof of origin†. Authentication techniques such as digital signatures, and other tools are available to prevent any impersonation.   Proof of delivery Proof of delivery is to make sure whether the intended massage has been received by recipient form the sender. If the massage were not received, the communication would be useless. For example if purchase request or product information request are intercepted, a company’s customer relations and profitability can be damaged. Moreover misunderstanding between travel. com. au and customer would occur, because customer might think their massage or order is not responded. In fact the massage or order never reach travel. com. au, because the massage or order is intercepted.   Massage Integrity & Unauthorised viewing of massage. It is important to be able to know if the massage sent is exactly same as the massage received. For example, for example if an order was tampered with, incorrect orders could be placed on the message sent to travel. com’s site, the incorrect goods may then be processed to be delivered to the intended recipient. 6. 0 Security System and Mechanism of Travel. com. au The risks, which are discussed in section 5. 0, are the main cause that makes customer to hesitate to shop over Online. To reduce risk level, travel. com. au employ latest security system in order to protect customer data and its business. The system includes:   Business Policy As stated on Travel. com.au site, it has tried its best to protect customer’s sensitive information. Moreover, travel. com. au also guarantee that they would not share the sensitive information with others. Although, from time to time, travel. com. au may provide statistical information about sales, trading patterns and information on navigation techniques to reputable third parties, this will not include any direct personal information, identifying you as our customer. This privacy policy is clearly stated on the its Web site. Its security policy, such as encryption technique it has adopted, is listed as well. As it is mentioned earlier, the operator has to follow the policy as stated. Travel. com. au has followed its policy and it is the one key influence to motivate the customer move into its Web site. See appendix for its entire business policy stated on Website.   SSL (security socket layer) This is the one that can secure data transmission. Information entered into SSL secured forms is encrypted by the customer’s browser. Then sent direct to secure server via SSL. Travel. com. au’s secure server then forwards the encrypted details to a private folder and/or via e-mail. Moreover, all information sent via secured forms is safer from eavesdropping, tampering or message forgery. When customer connect to a travel. com’s secure web server, customer ask that server to authenticate it. This authentication is quite a complex process involving public keys, private keys and a digital certificate. (http://www3. travel. com. au/everest/index. cgi)   Westpac secure payments This additional features is used to assured customer that travel. com. au is processing customer’s credit card details securely over the Internet using Westpac-accredited Internet payment security system. Using this kind of system show us that it considers the security of customer credit card details to be of prime importance. In addition, customer does not use Westpac credit card in order to utilise this secure service. Westpac secure payment provides the secure link between the online store and the bank. When customer enter credit card details online, the information is scrambled (or encrypted) and passed directly to Westpac, so that only the bank can read information. Even the trevel. com. au does not actually see customer credit card details. Customer Login Account These features only can be utilised by the member of travel.om. au. Customer must firstly register and activate a personal account to become a member. However, non-member can conduct any purchases as well. The registration process will provide the customer with an username for login purposes and a password for the account. Moreover, Information you provide is stored on its secure servers and is protected by its security mechanism.   Safe Trade SafeTrade is one of Australian largest Insurance Company. It will protect customer from fraudulent as a result of credit card purchasing on the Internet and also will guarantee the delivery of product. These tools can assure customer that if anything goes wrong, Safe Trade will cover the loss up to AUD $2,000. Although it had employed latest technology, the risk is still existing. As it is mentioned before, there is no e-business entity that is 100% secured. Therefore, constant security management is needed. The security management and some other methods, which it can utilise to enhance security level, will be discussed next section. 7. 0 Recommendation & Conclusion To increase security level of travel. com. au, there are few ways. That includes   Build up risk management system. Utilise latest security mechanism   Use third-party assurance services (Web Site Seal Option) The Risk Management Paradigm The paradigm is a continuous process that recognises that risk management is an ongoing annual or biannual event. Each risk nominally goes through these functions sequentially, but the activity occurs continuously, concurrently and iteratively throughout the project life cycle. (Greenstein, et. al, 2000) Figure 1, Risk Management Paradigm (Source: http://www. sei. cmu. edu) There are six functions related to risk management paradigm. Those are:Identify – search for and locate risks before they become problems.   Analyse – Transform risk data into decision-making information. Evaluate impact, probability, and timeframe, classify risks, and priorities risks Plans – Translate risk information into decisions and mitigating actions (both present and future) and implement those actions.   Monitor – Monitor risk indicators and mitigation actions   Control – Correct for deviations from the risk mitigation plans.   Communicate – Provide information and feedback internal and external to the project on the risk activities, current risks, and emerging risks

Car Maintenance Essay

Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition We’ve compiled our best expert advice, surprising tricks, and car care tips to prolong the life of your automobile! 1. Be patient during the break-in period You’ve bought your dream car and now you want to make it last at long as possible in top condition. Here are some things to remember as you pull it out of the dealer’s lot: * During the break-in period, typically the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), keep your speed under 55 mph (88 kpm) or to the speed recommended by your car’s manufacturer. * Avoid heavy loads on the drive train, such as towing trailers, and loading the roof rack or trunk with heavy construction materials. * Do not allow your new car to idle for long periods — this is good advice for the life of your car, but especially during breakin. The oil pressure generated by doing so may not be sending oil to every part of your engine. * Use only light to medium acceleration, keeping the engine rpms below 3,000 for the first few hours of driving. 2. Drive with care everyday Being car considerate shouldn’t stop after the break-in. Drive with care every day and your car will reward you with longer intervals without repair. * Do not race your car’s engine during start-up.This is a quick way to add years of wear to your engine, especially if it’s cold outside. * Accelerate slowly when you begin your drive.The most wear to the engine and drive train occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes of operation. * Warming the engine by letting it idle in the driveway is not a smart idea.The engine doesn’t operate at its peak temperature, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion, soot deposits on cylinder walls, oil contamination, and ultimately damaged components. * Put less strain on your engine and automatic transmission by shifting to neutral at red lights. Otherwise, the engine is still working to push the car even while it’s stopped. * Avoid driving at high speeds and accelerating quickly, especially when it’s very hot o r very cold outside. Such driving behavior will result in more frequent repairs. * Extend the life of your tires with careful driving. Observe posted speed limits. Avoid fast starts, stops, and turns. Avoid potholes and objects on the road. Don’t run over curbs or hit the tire against the curb when parking. And, of course, don’t burn  rubber. * When turning your steering wheel, don’t hold it in an extreme right or left position for more than a few seconds. Doing so can damage the power-steering pump. * Consolidate your short driving trips. Most of the wear and tear — as well as the pollution your car generates — takes place in the first few minutes of driving. Doing several errands at once, during low traffic hours if possible, will keep your engine happier longer. 3. Buy gas at reputable service stations Ask whether the gas you buy is filtered at the pump and if the station has a policy about changing the pump filters regularly. If you get a song and dance, find another gas station. Some stations don’t have pump filters, making you more vulnerable to dirty gasoline. Other stations may not mix alcohol and fuel properly — or worse, water down their product. Find a station you trust and stick to it. 4. Don’t fill up if you see the tanker If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs. 5. Go easy when you’re stuck When stuck in mud or snow, don’t make the problem worse by damaging an expensive component. Gently rocking in an attempt to free the car is fine. But if it looks as though you’re really stuck, don’t keep at it. Throwing your car from forward to reverse repeatedly, as well as spinning tires at high speeds, can generate lots of heat and spell trouble for transmissions, clutches, and differentials. It may be cheaper in the long run to call the tow truck rather than risk big repair bills down the road. It’s a good idea to carry a traction aid in the trunk, such as sand, gravel, or cat litter. 6. Lighten up your key chain Does your car key share a chain with a dozen or more other keys? That’s a pretty heavy load hanging off the car key when it’s in the ignition.The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers  inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure.To add years of service to your ignition switch, purchase a lightweight key chain that allows you to separate your ignition key from the others. Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition. If your ignition key â€Å"sticks† when you try to turn on the car, it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. Replace it before you get stranded. 7. Choose a good car insurer Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, disaster inevitably strikes — typically in the form of an accident. Make sure that your car will be repaired to the best possible standard by finding an insurer that will pay for parts from the original manufacturer and guarantee the repairs it authorizes. 8. Keep an auto log Keep a pad and pencil in the glove compartment and use them to record your gas fill-ups and mileage. If you notice that your gas mileage worsens, mention it to your service man. It may be an early warning sign that something is wrong with your car. 9. Preserve your car during long-term storage If you are not going to use your car for more than a month, store it properly to prevent unnecessary damage and repairs upon your return. * Fill the gas tank to help prevent condensation from accumulating in the gas tank. Add a fuel stabilizer and drive the car around a bit to distribute the additive to engine parts. * Wash and wax the car thoroughly to protect the finish. * Place a vapor barrier on your garage floor. A 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth will do. * Disengage the parking brake to help avoid brake corrosion. * Put the car on jack stands to take the weight of the vehicle off the wheels and tires. * Disconnect and remove the battery to keep it from draining. Place the battery on a trickletype charger. Or periodically drain the battery, using a small light bulb, and then recharge it with a low-volt charger. * Plug the tailpipe with a rag to prevent moist air from infiltrating into it. Car Interior 10. Park in the shade Of course, a garage is always the ideal place to park your car. But if one isn’t available, minimize interior damage from UV sunlight and heat by always trying to park your car in the shade. If no shade is available or if you find parking under a tree results in bird droppings, use a car shade to minimize the sun’s impact. As a bonus, you’ll have a cooler car to step into on hot sunny days. Car shades come in two basic types: those that you unfold and place on the front windshield and rear window, or pleated types that attach to the windshield posts (with adhesive), window frames (with Velcro), or the windows themselves (with suction cups). 11. Clean the inside, too Vacuum and sponge your interior every time you wash your car. Dirt particles are abrasive, and spilled liquids, such as soda, can be corrosive.Vacuum your interior thoroughly with a powerful vacuum (small cordless models are generally too weak). Use the appropriate wand heads when vacuuming. The bare metal wand can mar and scratch surfaces. Sponge vinyl surfaces clean with a solution of mild detergent and water. 12. Clean dash gauges carefully Use a soft damp cloth to lightly wipe dust from the clear plastic lenses on your dashboard. Too much pressure will scratch them. Too many scratches can make it difficult to read your gauges under certain lighting conditions. 13. Let floor mats take winter’s beating Use floor mats to protect carpeting. The best type for controlling salt, slush, and mud in winter are rubber wafflestyle mats. They stay in place, don’t allow the water to seep through, and are easy to wash clean. Carpet-style mats are helpful, too. Shake, vacuum, or wash as needed; replace them as they wear through. 14. Blast mats with the hose When washing your car, drag out the rubber or carpet floor mats and blast them with the hose.This will dislodge dirt particles that, if allowed to build up, will grind holes in your mats. Let the mats dry thoroughly in the sun before reinstalling them. 15. For stubborn carpet or mat stains After vacuuming floor mats or interior carpeting, apply foam rug cleaner to resistant stains as directed by the maker. Work the foam into a few square feet at a time, using a wet sponge or brush. Vacuum when dry. 16. Preserve door and window seals Wipe a rubber protectant (such as Armor-All) or silicone on door and window weatherstripping to keep it in good condition. Don’t use an oilbased product, such as WD-40, because the oil will damage the rubber. Regular cleaning and treatment of your car’s weatherstripping will also lessen the likelihood of your door sticking to its rubber seal in cold weather, a common cause of damage to the rubber. 17. Fix bad weatherstripping immediately If your weatherstripping is letting rainwater leak into the interior of your car, take a look at it and decide if you can repair it or if it needs to be replaced. Small leaks can be handled with brush-on seam sealers. Resecure loose sections, not otherwise damaged, with trim adhesive. Torn sections may be repaired with special caulking available at auto parts stores. You may also be able to extend the life of worn-but-intact sections by inserting foam rods, available at automotive stores, into the hollow section of the weatherstripping. If you decide to replace entire sections of gasket, don’t simply buy generic stuff such as you’d use around the house. Buy a product that matches your car’s original weatherstripping — it’s available in a wide variety of profiles from dealerships and automotive mail-order catalogues. 18. Keep leather from drying out and cracking Leather cars seats are durable and don’t require a lot of maintenance. After a few years, however, the seats can become soiled. Use a leather cleaner to remove dirt and stains.Then apply a leather protectant formulated for pigmented or top-coated grain leather (the leather used for most leather car upholstery). Protectants will resist stains and make the upholstery easier to clean in the future. Choose a protectant that includes conditioners to keep your leather supple. 19. Use upholstery cleaners on soiled seats The same upholstery cleaners you use at home can be used on your car’s  upholstery. Use them sparingly, however, to avoid saturating the fabric. Use a clean cloth to wipe away the foam. On velour seats, brush the fibers gently to avoid matting them and to preserve the original texture of the fabric. 20. Renew fabric upholstery Spraying fabric car seats and carpets with a fabric protectant, such as Scotchgard, will make them resist dirt and stains, and make them easier to clean. Thoroughly clean the fabrics before using one of these products and then test the product on an inconspicuous place to be sure the treatment will not discolor the fabric. 21. Place a towel under baby seats All manner of food bits and liquids can accumulate under a baby seat, where they can permanently stain the upholstery. Place a sheet of heavy plastic and an absorbent towel under the seat to prevent damage, and re-secure the seat according to the manufacturer’s directions. 22. Protect car paint from the sun Paint does more than make your vehicle look great. It’s also the first line of defense against rusted body panels. Of course, the best way to protect the paint is to park the car in a garage. If that is not possible, park in the shade or purchase a car cover. The sun’s ultraviolet rays break down paint and cause it to fade. Some car covers protect your car from more than sun, moisture, bird droppings, and dust — they also have a thin layer of cushioning that will guard against light impact, such as from a tipped bicycle or small falling tree branch. 23. Touch up nicks sooner rather than later Touch-up paint won’t adhere well to rust. So be sure to keep some matching touch-up paint on hand so you can touch up any minor nicks, often found around door edges, before rust has a chance to form. 24. Tape saves light covers A cracked taillight or turn-signal cover, if left alone, may allow your light compartment to fill with water and cause some real damage. A good short-term fix is to tape over the crack. Use the red or orange tape that’s made for  this purpose.You can purchase it at many automotive parts stores. 25. Avoid light fixture problems When changing a bad bulb, clean dirty or corroded sockets with fine steel wool or a small wire brush.Wipe the socket clean of debris before installing the new light bulb. 26. Fix small windshield chips Got a rock chip, crack, or ding in your windshield? Bring your car to a windshield repair shop. For far less cost than replacing the windshield, they can fix chips and cracks, even quite long ones. The repairs not only keep the chips and cracks from spreading and restore structural integrity, they also improve clarity. 27. Fill with washer fluid only Don’t add water to the windshield washer reservoir. It won’t clean as well as washer fluid, and it may freeze in cold weather and damage the system. Don’t try to run your windshield washer system once you suspect there’s no more fluid in the tank, or you may damage the washer fluid pump. 28. Fix the washer fluid tank Cracked washer-deicer fluid tanks are fairly common once a car is of a certain age. A good remedy — until you can buy a new tank or find one at the junkyard — is to insert a plastic freezer bag into the tank and fill it with the washer fluid. 29. Don’t try to carry too much Never exceed your car’s roof load specifications or weight limits.You can find them in your vehicle owner’s manual. Check the weight limitation of your roof rack as well. Typically the range is from 150 to 200 pounds (68 to 90 kg). That’s the equivalent of eighteen 8-foot 2 x 4s (2.4-meter 38 x 89s) or three sheets of 3/4-inch (17-mm) plywood. If you have to deliver a heavy load from the home or garden center, consider having it delivered. It will save wear and tear on you as well as your car. 30. Keep an old blanket handy Protect your car’s roof from scratches with an old blanket before tying lumber, bicycles, or luggage to your roof rack. 31. Secure loads to avoid dents and scratches The beginning of the end for the finish on many cars and trucks — and for wagon and hatchback interiors for that matter — is an improperly stowed load. Invest in the appropriate racks for bicycles, cargo, and luggage. A good trick to keep tall objects from sliding around in a pick-up truck bed is to use a shower curtain rod (or two) as a brace. Just push the cargo against the front wall of the truck bed and install the rod behind it. Twist to secure. Cargo nets will also help keep objects from banging around and damaging a truck bed. 32. Inspect wheel-well splashguards These guards, however flimsy on many of today’s cars, help keep water and winter’s salty slush from splashing up into the engine compartment, where it can damage sensitive electrical components. Unfortunately, these guards tear off easily — sometimes without the driver knowing it. Check for damage to these guards when you wash your car. Re-secure with the appropriate fasteners or replace as needed. As added protection from splashed-up muck, slush, and debris, install mud flaps (also called splash guards) on your vehicle. 33. Wash in winter, too If you rarely wash your car during messy winter weather, you are not alone.The cars you see on the road make it obvious that lots of folks figure,†Why bother? The car is going to look awful the next time I drive it.† The problem with this thinking is that washing is more important in the winter than other times of the year. All that sand, slush, and ice mixed with road salt is exactly what makes your car rust.The fastest corrosion occurs when the temperature repeatedly rises above and then falls below freezing. Especially during the messy months, be sure to rinse the undercarriage and hard-to-reach areas that are susceptible to rust, such as the bumpers and inside the wheel wells. If the temperature outside is going to stay above freezing long enough for your car and driveway to dry, fill a bucket with warm water and tackle the job at home. If not, pay a visit to your local car wash and be sure they dry the car thoroughly. 34. Wax to protect your car’s paint job No way around it! Waxing your car is work. But it’s satisfying work that will help keep your car looking new. Car wax preserves paint by slowing oxidation  and forming a barrier against bird droppings, sap, and pollution. Plus driving a nice shiny car is just plain fun. Here’s what to do to ensure the maximum in protection: * Liquid and spray waxes are tempting to use — they make the car shiny with less work than rubbing in paste wax. But there’s still no beating paste wax for the hardest, longest-lasting finish. Look for paste with a high carnauba wax content. * Apply a thin, even coat of wax to the car’s surfaces with a damp sponge. Avoid applying too much, or it will be difficult to remove and some residue will inevitably mar your finish. * To avoid fine scratches, use a clean, soft cotton or microfiber cloth to remove wax once it has dried. * Apply an extra coat of wax to the nose and hood. The wax film in these areas wears away quickly. 35. Give your car a new skin New self-adhering urethane films have been developed to protect the most vulnerable painted areas on your car from stone chips and other minor abrasions.You can wash and wax these surfaces, just as you would the rest of the paint job. While it’s best to have these films professionally installed, you can peel them off yourself. One product is made by 3M, and you can learn more by going to 3m.com and searching for Scotchgard Paint Protection Film Solutions. 36. Don’t let tools mar your car’s finish If you plan to service and make repairs to your car, invest in a fender cover. It drapes over your fender, providing a safe place to rest your tools without causing scratches. It will also prevent your belt buckle from marring your paint as you lean into the engine compartment to work. Tires, Wheels, and Brakes 37. Keep the caps on You step out into driveway ready to start your morning commute only to discover a flat tire. How in the heck did that happen overnight? If the tire valve is missing its cap, the culprit might be a leaky valve. Those little caps keep out dirt and moisture that can cause leaks, so be sure to keep caps on all your tire valves. Another tip: When you replace tires, remind  the tire shop that you expect new valves with the tires. 38. Maintain proper inflation Under-inflated tires are a tire salesman’s best friend. They create excessive heat and stress that can lead to tire failure. If you want to get every last mile out of your tires, get yourself a tire pressure gauge and use it at least once a month (more in hot weather) to keep your tires inflated to the recommendation in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Check tires when they are cold (driven for less than one mile) for an accurate reading. 39. Beware the wet thumb If you top off your tires at a service station, check to see if there’s moisture coming from the air pump. Simply depress the pin inside the inflator valve with your thumbnail. If your thumb gets wet, advise the station manager that his tanks need to be drained and go to a different station. Moisture, trapped inside a tire, can cause pressure variations and corrode rims. 40. Check for uneven wear Check tires for uneven wear. If you’ve maintained tire inflation properly, uneven wear may indicate the need for a wheel realignment. It can also mean improperly operating brakes or shocks, a bent wheel, internal tire damage, or worn bushings. 41. Check tread for safety Most states require tires to be replaced when they have worn down to 1/16-inch (1.5 mm) of remaining tire depth. Tires sold in North America are required to have â€Å"wear bars† molded into them to make it easy to see when tire replacement is legally required. However, if you’ll be driving in the rain, you should change your tires when there is 1/8-inch (3 mm) of tread left. Otherwise, water may not escape from under your tires fast enough and you risk hydroplaning — a dangerous situation in which your car loses traction and literally floats on the water. Stick an American quarter between the treads in several places. If part of Washington’s head is always covered, you have enough tread to drive in the rain. If you drive in snow, you’ll need at least 3/16-inch (5 mm) of tread to get adequate traction. Stick an American penny between the treads. If the top of the Lincoln  Memorial is always covered, you’re ready for winter driving. 42. Rota te your tires Rotating your tires helps to distribute tire wear evenly and ensures that you’ll get the maximum road life out of them. The first rotation is especially important.Your owner’s manual should specify both rotation period and pattern. If not, rotate your tires every 6,000 to 7,500 miles (9,700 to 12,000 km) — your tire dealer should know the correct pattern of tire rotation. 43. When temperatures affect tire inflation When outside temperatures drop or soar, tires tend to lose pressure. A drop of 10 degrees F (6 degrees C), in fact, will decrease a tire’s air pressure by 1 or 2 pounds.Tires can lose even more air in hot weather. Under-inflated tires can result in accelerated wear and poor driving performance. If you live in a place where temperatures vary a lot, check your tire pressure often and add air as needed. 44. Buy used tires If you own a car that you plan to drive only for another year, the last thing you want to do is to buy a new set of tires. If it’s time to replace those tires though, it’s really time. Rather than hesitate, buy a set of used tires. Call local tire dealers to see what’s available. You’ll be surprised by how much wear is left in tires that are turned in by image-conscious car owners. Have your tire size handy. 45. Use wheel cleaner Your car’s wheels are down there on the road, taking the brunt of road dirt. Add in the dust that wears off your brake pads and you’ve got a formula for stains that are tough to remove when you wash your vehicle. Car-washing liquid won’t do the job.You need a wheel cleaner specifically formulated to remove such stains. Be sure to buy the correct formulation. Some cleaners are designed for metal wheels, and others for painted or clear-coated wheels.The metal wheel cleaners come in various formulations as well, depending upon whether your metal wheel has a satin, aluminum, or chrome finish. Protect metal wheels with wheel polish, painted wheels with a coat of wax. 46. Lube your lug nuts Lug nuts, if not lubricated occasionally, can seize or â€Å"freeze† to the studs due to corrosion. Repairing them can be expensive. Having to call a tow truck for a flat you can’t remove is even more expensive.The next time you change or rotate your tires, pick up some anti-seize lubricant at your local auto supply store. Clean the stud threads with a wire brush and wipe them with the lubricant. It’s formulated to prevent the lug nuts (spark plugs, too) from seizing and won’t allow them to loosen as you drive, the way other lubricants might. If a lug nut does freeze to a stud, try spraying the nut and stud with WD-40 or Liquid Wrench. Allow it to penetrate for 10 or 20 minutes. Use a heat gun to apply heat.Then use a ratchet wrench to remove the lug. 47. Hang on to your hubcaps Clang, clang, clang! There goes your hubcap,rolling off to destination unknown. Hubcaps, wheel covers, and center caps can pop off your car’s wheels as you’re driving if they were not reinstalled correctly, have loosened over time, or if they were damaged by being jammed against a curb while parking. Here are some things you can do to keep these expensive parts on the car: * If your older metal hubcap has loosened, remove it and pry the metal clips outward slightly. This should fix the problem. * Newer plastic-type hubcaps and some wheel covers are usually held in place by a retaining wire ring that snaps into tabs on the wheel. When installing such a cap or cover, take care that you do not bend or break the tabs. * One way to make sure your expensive hubcaps aren’t damaged by a repair shop is to remove them yourself before taking your car in for a repair that requires wheel removal, such as a brake job or new tires. When reinstalling hubcaps, rest the hubcap in place and then tap it gently with a rubber mallet. Don’t hit the hubcap hard, or you might break the clips underneath. If you prefer to have your repair person remove the covers, check to make sure they were reinstalled properly.They should look even and flush. 48. Have wheel alignment checked Have your car’s wheel alignment checked every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), or as recommended in your owner’s manual. Also have it checked after buying new tires and when you replace a rack-and-pinion steering unit or other steering parts. Improper tire alignment will shorten the life of your tires as well  as cause poor handling. If your steering is stiffer than normal or the vehicle pulls to one side, you probably have an alignment problem. 49. Top off your brake fluid Check brake fluid monthly.Wipe dirt from the master cylinder lid before you open it. If you need fluid, add the type recommended by your car’s maker. Never substitute other fluids, such as transmission or power-steering fluid. And don’t use brake fluid from a previously opened container. Once exposed to air, brake fluid absorbs moisture and contaminates easily. 50. Care for anti-lock brakes An anti-lock brake system is sensitive to moisture, which can ruin the expensive ABS pump and rot the brake lines from the inside. Since brake fluid attracts moisture, it should be â€Å"bled† or purged at least every three years, or as specified in your owner’s manual. Car Engine and Other Systems 51. Check engine oil at every other fill-up For an accurate reading, follow this procedure: * Run or drive your car for about 15 minutes to warm the oil; then park the car in a level place.Turn off the engine and wait 15 minutes to allow the oil in the engine to drain back to the oil pan. * Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a paper towel or rag. Reinsert the dipstick, being sure to push it in all the way, then pull it out again to check the oil level. It should be somewhere between the hash marks on the dipstick. * Add the type and amount of oil as specified in your owner’s manual, if necessary. 52. Change oil frequently Your dad knew that frequent oil changes were key to keeping his Buick on the road another year. And while owner’s manuals for today’s cars recommend increasing long intervals between oil changes, the fact remains — frequent changes flush abrasive dirt and metal particles out of the engine, prolonging its life. Most owner’s manuals recommend a more frequent interval for â€Å"severe conditions.† To maximize the life of your engine, follow the severe intervals recommendations, especially if drive regularly in  stop-and-go traffic. 53. Avoid overfilling your crankcase with oil Don’t overfill your engine crankcase with oil. If you do, the oil can rise into the crankshaft, where air bubbles will get churned into the oil.Your oil pump can’t do a good job of circulating oil with air bubbles. The result can be overheating and stress on engine components. Overfilling can also foul your sparkplugs. In fact, overfilling is a bad idea with all automotive fluids. 54. Wipe oil pan plug clean If you do your own oil changes, clean the drain plug and washer with rags before reinstalling your oil pan. Some plugs are magnetized to trap metal particles. 55. Don’t forget the filters There are several filters (the main ones are oil, fuel, transmission, and air) important to preserving your car engine, and they should be changed according to the schedule in your owner’s manual or as follows: * Change the oil filter at least at every other oil change — every change is even better because the old filter contains nearly a quart of dirty oil that will remain with the new, clean oil. If you change your oil yourself, wipe the filter threads with an anti-seize lubricant, available at auto supply stores. * Check the air filter every two months and replace it when dirty or as part of a tune-up. Air filters are generally easier to get to than oil filters.You find them under the big metal lid in a carbureted engine or in a rectangular box in a fuelinjected engine — check your owner’s manual for the exact location. Extend the life of air filters by blowing them clean with compressed air. * Despite claims by makers and dealers that some newer fuel filters never need changing, it’s smart to have it done once a year. A clogged fuel filter will cause poor engine performance (hesitation and starting difficulties) and is an early warning that there may be corrosion in your gas tank. * Change your transmission fluid filter after the first 5,000 miles (8,000 km) of driving and every 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or two year thereafter. 56. Don’t forget the PCV valve The PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is an emissions control device on older cars — check your service manual to see if your car has one.The valve recirculates partially burned gases from the engine’s crankcase to the  combustion chamber. Important to a properly functioning engine, the valve should be changed every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as specified in your owner’s manual. In addition to helping you get the most from a tank of gasoline, it helps to prevent the buildup of harmful sludge and corrosion.When replacing your PCV valve, be sure you use the correct one or you may damage your engine. 57. Heavier is not always better Use the oil viscosity grade that’s recommended in your owner’s manual for the temperature range you expect for the coming season. Lighter grades (lower viscosity, such as SAE 5W-30), often specified for today’s smaller car engines, will deliver easier starts and better engine protection in winter and improved gas mileage throughout the year, thanks to less internal engine friction. Do not use a heavy grade of oil in cold winter climes or you will risk damage to your engine. 58. Maintain your transmission Change automatic transmission fluid and filter after the first 5,000 miles (8,000 km) and after every 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or two years thereafter, or as recommended in your owner’s manual. If you use your vehicle for towing, change the fluid and filter every year. For manual transmissions, change the lubricant (motor oil or gear oil, depending on the car) after the first 5,000 miles and after every 50,000 (80,000 km) thereafter. Use synthetic motor oil or gear lube for longer transmission life unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise. 59. Consider adding oil coolers If you plan to do a lot of towing and your vehicle is not already equipped with coolers, consider having them added. Aftermarket engine oil and transmission fluid coolers are simple, low-cost addons that operate on the same principle as your car’s radiator. The fluid flows through them, and many small fins absorb and dissipate heat. Cooler operating temperatures of engine oil and transmission fluid can add significantly to the life of your engine and transmission. 60. Spark plugs do need changing The advent of electronic ignition and on-board computers has eliminated the need for regular tune-ups, but you still need to change your spark plugs. Many manufacturers recommend changing plugs every 30,000 or 40,000 miles  (48,000 or 64,000 km) to ensure good fuel mileage and engine performance. Some new cars come with long-life plugs (sometimes called double platinum plugs) that can last for 100,000 miles (160,000 km). If your car isn’t so equipped, make the switch after 30,000 miles. The extra cost is only a few dollars per spark plug. While you’re at it, change your spark plug wires as well. Their typical life is 50,000 miles (80,000 km). Deteriorated wires can cause those high-tech new spark plugs to foul. 61. Avoid hose hassles Check the hoses under your hood every month or two to avoid the hassle of a broken hose while you’re on the road. With the car cool and off, squeeze the hoses. If they are hard or make a crunching sound, replace them. Ditto if they are extremely soft or sticky.With the car warm but off, examine hoses for bulges and collapsed sections. If you find any, the hose walls are weak, and it’s time to replace the hose. Never drive with a ruptured coolant hose, or you are liable to overheat the engine and damage it. Other hoses are crucial to operation of your power brakes and cruise-control systems. 62. Test drive-belt tension Check the tension and condition of your drive belt (or, with many cars, multiple belts) every month. Belts that are too tight can wear out the bearings in accessory components, such as AC compressor, water pump, and power-steering pump. Belts that are too loose will wear out faster and may fail prematurely. Perform your examination before you start the car to avoid injury due to a hot belt or moving engine part. Check for tension by pressing in the center of the belt’s longest exposed run while holding a ruler next to it. If you can depress the belt 1/ 2 to 1 inch (13 to 25 mm), but not more or less, the tension is good. If not, adjust the belt tension yourself according to your car’s service manual, or have your dealer or auto repair service do it. Also check for belt damage, such as glazing (often due to oil leakage), fraying, and cracks. If you spot damage, have the belt checked by a pro and replaced if necessary. 63. Don’t forget the timing belt On many cars, it’s the belt you can’t see that is the most critical. If your manual says, as many do, that you should replace the timing belt at 50,000 miiles, do it! A failed timing belt can, depending on engine type, cause  thousands of dollars worth of damage to your engine. 64. Clean your engine There are several reasons to wash your engine at least every year or two. A clean engine will run cooler than a dirty one. You’ll be more apt to tackle routine belt and hose checks and the like if you know you won’t get covered with grime every time you do so. A clean engine will also make it much easier to spot leaks and to service components. Remember to protect sensitive engine components — including the air intake, distributor, and electrical parts — with plastic bags before getting started. Use dishwashing liquid or other grease-cutting detergents and a bristle brush to scrub engine and components surfaces. Rinse thoroughly. Heavy-duty engine cleaning products are available at automotive parts stores. Follow the directions carefully. You may also have your engine professionally steam cleaned. AC, Car Battery and More 65. Run your AC in winter To keep your car’s air-conditioning system fit for the next warm season, run it a few times throughout the winter. This will prevent moving parts in the compressor from seizing. Also, circulating the refrigerant will help keep the seals soft and pliant. 66. Maintain your car’s battery Maybe the manufacturer says your battery is maintenancefree, but don’t you believe it! Check your battery regularly to extend its life and avoid the hassle of being stranded with a dead battery. * Begin with the simple: keeping your battery clean. A dirty case can actually cause current to drain. Wipe with a damp rag. Use a mild detergent if necessary. * Next, clean the battery posts or terminals. Loosen and remove the negative cable (black or minus sign) first, then the red positive cable. Use a brass wire battery brush dipped in a paste made from a few tablespoons of baking soda and a little water. * Inspect the battery case for damage, such as cracks or bulges — signs that a battery needs to be replaced. * Reinstall the cables, positive first, and coat the terminals and clamps with a thin coating of grease to prevent new corrosion. 67. Some batteries need water If your battery has vent caps, remove them to check the level of the  electrolyte. It should rise 1/2 inch (13 mm) above the battery’s top plates. If it doesn’t, use distilled water to raise the level to 1/4 or 3/8 inch (6 or 10 mm) below the bottom of the vent cap. Don’t use tap water, as it may contain minerals that can damage your battery. Mechanics should check your battery as a part of your regularly scheduled maintenance, but they often skip the procedure. Be sure to ask to have it done. 68. Be kind to your battery If you inadvertently leave your lights on and drain your battery, take the following precautions to prevent damage to the battery and the starter when jump-starting your car: * Don’t risk causing the battery to explode. With both cars off, connect a positive cable end to the positive battery terminal of the dead battery. * Connect the other positive cable end to the positive terminal of the source battery. * Connect a negative cable end to the negative terminal of the source battery. * Attach the remaining negative cable to unpainted metal on the car engine (as far from the dead battery as possible). * Wait a few minutes and try to start the disabled car. If it doesn’t start, start the source car and then try starting the dead one again. * When the car starts, be careful to disconnect the cables in the reverse order. * If the car still doesn’t start, don’t keep trying to charge it or you are liable to damage the starter. Bring the battery to an automotive shop to see if it can be recharged. * Even if you’re successful, ensure a full recharge by hooking up the battery to a charger overnight or by driving the car for 5 or 10 miles (8 to 16 km). 69. Seal a leaky radiator Save the high expense of a new radiator by trying to seal a leak with a radiator sealer, such as Alumaseal from Gold Eagle Co. Available in powder or liquid form, the product circulates in the radiator until it gets to the hole, where it sets up and fills the hole upon contact with the air. Alumaseal may be used to stop heater core leaks as well. 70. Dilute your coolant Your cooling system needs both coolant-antifreeze and water, so don’t pour undiluted coolant into your cooling system. Dilute it with water to the  commonly recommended 50-50 ratio. Similarly, don’t use straight water in your system either.The coolant protects against corrosion and freezing.The water ensures good heat transfer from the coolant to the radiator. 71. Keep your cool Check the coolant-antifreeze level weekly that shows on the translucent coolant-antifreeze overflow tank. If low, fill to the maximum fill mark on the tank with a 50-50 solution of coolant-antifreeze and water. Some coolant manufacturers now sell premixed coolant and water for the motorist who wants a quick and easy way to top off. 72. Don’t forget to flush Coolant-antifreeze eventually degrades and becomes contaminated. Flush it from your cooling system as recommended in your manual (typically every two years; every five years for newer coolants). Failing to do so can damage your radiator, clog your heater core, and cause the thermostat and water pump to fail. 73. Don’t mix coolants Avoid mixing coolants that are different in color. If your coolant is pink, don’t add a green formulation to it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a thick solution that won’t do its job. Use only the coolant specified in your owner’s manual. 74. Check power-steering fluid Check the power-steering fluid once a month with the car warmed up. If the level is low, have the hoses and pump inspected for leaks. In addition to making your car difficult to steer, low power-steering fluid will damage the power-steering pump. Be sure to use the powersteering fluid recommended for you car.

Whats Eating Gilbert Grape1 essays

Whats Eating Gilbert Grape1 essays Whats Eating Gilbert Grape portrays a family that is dealing with the trials, tribulations, and also great times of having a member with a disability. The Grape family consists of Gilbert, Ellen, Amy, Mama, and of course, Arnie. The Grape family lives in an isolated town of Endora in a house that seems to be in shambles since their father died. In the beginning, Gilberts voiceover states that living in Endora is like dancing to no music, which one can definitely relate to after viewing this touching film. Gilbert Grape is a young man that has been impeded by more burdens than any man ought to have in an entire lifetime. He stocks shelves and delivers groceries for a local store, Lamsons Grocery, whose business has been deserted by the new supermarket in town. The movie begins with the yearly ritual of Gilbert and Arnie watching the caravans that pass along the road. Gilberts adversity seems to have started when his father hung himself seventeen years ago in their basement, which in turn drove his mother to obesity and a life confined to only their home. His mother has become a burden on him and he feels ashamed and humiliated by her. Gilbert even regards to his mother as a beached whale, and at one point lifts a young boy to the window to experience the sight of her. Gilberts mother is not his only complication; he is having an aimless affair with a frustrated housewife, Betty Carver, whose rash sexual demands have placed much apprehension on him. Gilberts brother Arnie, who is mentally challenged, needs constant supervision, which places many ongoing responsibilities on Gilbert, as well. His oldest sister, Amy, is a very caring woman that tries to take on many responsibilities herself and the youngest sister Ellen, who is only fifteen, has many issues with her family that she is trying to ...

Teenage Magazines Lie essays

Teenage Magazines Lie essays In the Magazine (Cosmo Girl (UK) aimed at 14-17 year olds there are many summer images as its June issue and it is summer in the UK. The girls featured seem to look quite young in most of the photos. But there are some older girls advertising swimwear and are said to be models. These models with their flawless skin and tight bodies all from what I can see are about the same shape and size. They are no bigger than a size 10, look carefree and happy, tanned at the beach and swimwear advertisements, pretty and have a look that says Im popular and have lots of friends. Most of the models have either blonde or brown hair with highlights and there flawless faces have shinny bronze glaze upon them. I think that these images appeal to the eye but arent realistic. The models look even prettier because the photographer who posed them has the models looking as though they are having fun with friends, laughing and popular. You may think the lip gloss looks beach touched and summer kissed on the model so you buy it, but the reason its so perfect in the picture is only because it gets touched up but because the models look like they are having a good time and stereotyped as popular (as they are pictured with friends, fun-loving (as they are smiling), fashionable (in the lattest brands), and girls think to get more friends and even a boyfriend they have to be like this. lives so they look gorgeous, dreamy and desirable. The models skin isnt how it seems in the photo either. At school we do photography we touch up our images of trees for instance and why dont we realize that the photographers and multi media specialists are doing exactly by the same to the so called dream girls we see wearing the latest billabong swimmers in magazines. I think hair can make or break an outfit. Many underestimate the dangers teen magazines hold and harmful effects they can have on todays teens. Cosmo girl portrays slim, beautif...

SUNY Application Tips How to Apply, Deadlines, and More

SUNY Application Tips How to Apply, Deadlines, and More SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The State University of New York system of colleges- commonly known as SUNY- encompasses some 64 different campuses throughout New York. These campuses include research universities, community colleges, and even specific programs at other universities like Cornell. Though this means that students who want to attend SUNY schools have plenty of choices, it also means that the SUNY application can feel something like a maze of options. Which school do you need? Which application should you fill out? Are you applying to one school or many? If you’re thinking of attending one of these 64 schools and need assistance filling out the SUNY application, this guide is here to help. We’ll be covering admissions requirements, which schools require supplemental essays, and some helpful information for filling out your application. SUNY has so many campuses that there's probably a few in this picture. Despite having 64 different campuses, the SUNY system’s application is fairly straightforward. Most students who apply to schools in the system use applySUNY, a proprietary application developed specifically for SUNY. You can use applySUNY to apply to almost any college within the SUNY system. However, there are a few schools that require their own applications: Cornell University, College of Agriculture Life Sciences (Universal or Common Application) Cornell University, College of Human Ecology(Universal or Common Application) Cornell University, College of School of Industrial Labor Relations(Universal or Common Application) Cornell University, College of College of Veterinary Medicine(Universal or Common Application) Downstate Medical University (Apply Yourself Application) Empire State College (SUNY ESC Application) Health Sciences Center at Stony Brook University (Multiple Applications) Nassau Community College (Nassau Community College Application) College of Optometry (OptomCAS) Rockland County Community College (RCC Application) Suffolk County Community College (Suffolk County Community College Application) Westchester County Community College (Westchester Community College Application) If you’re applying to any of those, be sure that you look up application deadlines, expectations, and other information in advance. Their requirements may differ substantially from the applySUNY requirements, so get started early. Other schools accept the Common Application in addition to applySUNY, giving you a second option if you’re also applying to schools that aren’t in the SUNY system: Purchase College, SUNY SUNY Albany SUNY Alfred State College of Technology SUNY Binghamton University SUNY Buffalo State SUNY Cobleskill SUNY College at Brockport SUNY College at Geneseo SUNY College at Old Westbury SUNY College at Oneonta SUNY College of Environmental Science Forestry SUNY College of Technology at Canton SUNY Cortland SUNY Delhi SUNY Farmingdale State College SUNY Fredonia SUNY Maritime College SUNY Morrisville State College SUNY New Paltz SUNY Oswego SUNY Plattsburgh SUNY Polytechnic Institute SUNY Potsdam SUNY Stony Brook University SUNY University at Buffalo Keep an eye on deadlines to make sure you're always on target! When Is the SUNY Application Due? Now that you know which application you’ll be filling out, it’s time to get into logistics. The applySUNY application is available online and in a paper version. Electronic applications are generally faster and easier for both students and colleges, but if you have limited internet access or other concerns, it’s totally fine to submit a paper application instead. Regardless of which one you choose, be sure that you include all required material! The SUNY system is somewhat atypical in that there is no official deadline for general applications; they’re accepted on a rolling basis as long as a program has openings. However, applications will close as soon as a program is full, so the sooner you can apply, the better. It’s always wise to double-check the website of the campus you’re applying to. And though there is no official deadline, SUNY still recommends that you get your application in by December 1. For students applying Early Decision, application dates vary. Early Decision students applying to the NYS College of Ceramics at Alfred University or Maritime have a deadline of November 1, while students applying to Geneseo have a deadline of November 15, and ESF students have a deadline of December 1. For Early Action, a non-binding early application, students hoping to attend Albany or Binghamton should apply by November 1. Oswego hopefuls should apply by December 1. All other Early Action applications must be received by November 15. For all Early Action students, the deadline to finalize their enrollment decision is May 1. Good grades will make your application a slam dunk. What Test Scores and GPA Do You Need for SUNY Schools? The variety of schools within the SUNY system means that there’s no hard and fast GPA and test scores guidelines for the entire system. Aim high and work hard to get the best score possible, but if you’re looking to flesh out your college list with some SUNY schools, these are the admissions requirements: School GPA ACT SAT Acceptance Rate SUNY Adirondack n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY University at Albany 3.4 24 1095 54 percent New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University 3.03 23 1110 62.7% Alfred State College 3.04 22 1045 67.7% Binghamton University 3.7 29 1361 40.4% The College at Brockport 2.98 23 1095 53.2% SUNY Broome n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY University at Buffalo 3.6 26 1225 57.4% SUNY Buffalo State 3.15 20 970 60% SUNY Canton n/a 17 - 22 880 - 1100 82.6% Cayuga Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy Clinton Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Cobleskills 3.09 20 960 94.3% Columbia Greene Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy New York State College of Agriculture Life Sciences at Cornell University 4.05 33 1470 12.7% New York State College of Human Ecology at Cornell University 4.05 33 1470 12.7% New York State School of Industrial Labor Relations at Cornell University 4.05 33 1470 12.7% New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University 4.05 33 1470 12.7% Corning Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Cortland 3.4 24 1125 47.9% SUNY Delhi n/a n/a n/a 51.3% SUNY Downstate Medical Center n/a n/a n/a 14% Dutchess Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Empire State College n/a n/a n/a 84% SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 3.85 26 1237 52.2% SUNY Erie Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Farmingdale State College 3.24 21 1062 59% Fashion Institute of Technology 3.6 n/a n/a 47% Finger Lakes Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Fredonia 3.3 24 1150 64.9% Fulton-Montgomery Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Genesee Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Geneseo 3.66 27 1290 72.4% Herkimer County Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy Hudson Valley Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Jamestown Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Jefferson Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Maritime College 3.26 25 1178 69.4% Mowhawk Valley Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Monroe Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Morrisville State College n/a 17 - 22 850 - 1060 77.4% Nassau Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY New Paltz 3.6 25 1171 44.3% SUNY Niagara County Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy North Country Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY College at Old Westbury 3.1 21 1070 68.6% SUNY Oneonta 3.6 23 1115 59.5% Onondaga Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY College of Optometry n/a n/a n/a Unknown SUNY Orange County Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Oswego 3.5 24 1150 54.4% SUNY Plattsburgh 3.2 23 1121 52.9% SUNY Potsdam 3.31 21 1080 66.6% SUNY Purchase College 3.1 24 1150 43.5% SUNY Rockland Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Schenectady County Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy Stony Brook University 3.79 28 1304 42.2% Suffolk County Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Sullivan County Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy SUNY Polytechnic Institute n/a n/a n/a 62% Tompkins Cortland Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy Ulster County Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy Upstate Medical University n/a n/a n/a 34% SUNY Westchester Community College n/a n/a n/a Open Admissions Policy Sharpen your pencils for SUNY's essay requirements. What Should You Know About SUNY Essays? Both the applySUNY application and the Common Application use the same prompts. You have seven choices, with just one required essay of 250 to 650 words. However, some colleges require or accept a supplemental essay for freshmen and transfer students.Unless otherwise stated, the colleges listed below may require or recommend the following supplemental prompt as part of the applySUNY supplement: Please provide additional information (up to 250 words) that will help us better understand your academic performance. You may also use this space to explain any chronological gaps in your academic history (e.g. a period of time after high school graduation before applying to college). Always double-check with each individual school to be sure of their requirements. Additional information may be required after submitting your essay, so check in regularly to be sure you don't miss it. Schools That Require or Recommend Supplemental Essays for Freshmen Alfred State College Required SUNY Binghamton Required SUNY at Brockport Required Buffalo State College Required SUNY at Buffalo Required, if using applySUNY College of Agriculture Technology at Cobleskill Recommended SUNY Cortland Required College of Technology at Delhi Required for Adult Learners College of Environmental Science and Forestry Required: The ESF Admissions Committee would like to understand your interest in the college and our programs of study. Please explain why you have chosen the SUNY-ESF majors you selected in the Academic section of this screen and how each would fulfill your educational and career goals. If you selected ‘Undeclared’ as one of your choices, please tell us which majors you are considering and how they will fulfill your educational and career goals. Farmingdale State College Required Fashion Institute of Technology Required: What makes you a perfect candidate for FIT? Why are you interested in the major you are applying to? The essay is also your chance to tell us more about your experiences, activities and accomplishments. (No more than 750 words, please.) If you are a transfer student, you will be prompted to submit information about your in-progress courses, including course name and numbering and the name of the school you are currently attending. SUNY Fredonia Required SUNY Geneseo Required - Geneseo Supplement Maritime College Required Morrisville State College Required SUNY New Paltz Required SUNY Old Westbury Required (Choose One): 1. Please describe the challenges you expect to face at the SUNY Old Westbury and how you are prepared to meet those challenges. 2. Please describe an experience that has impacted your educational goals, and explain how the SUNY Old Westbury can help you accomplish them. 3. Personal Statement of your choice. SUNY Oneonta Required SUNY Oswego Required SUNY Plattsburgh Recommended SUNY Potsdam Required SUNYPurchase Required: Purchase College’s motto is â€Å"Think Wide Open.† It’s our way of learning, teaching and being and so much more. By choosing Purchase, students make a conscious decision to join an intense community with a deep respect for individuality and diversity and an unparalleled environment of creativity and innovation. As an applicant, we want to know what Think Wide Open means to you. All students submit either an essay, video or other creative work (poem, song, visual artwork, etc.). It should be original and should connect to Think Wide Open broadly or specifically. Videos and creative works should include a brief introduction or statement that helps contextualize your submission for the viewer/reader. Stony Brook University Required SUNY Polytechnic Required Schools That Require or Recommend Additional Essays for Transfer Students School Requirement College of Technology at SUNY Delhi Required: Supplemental Application SUNY Purchase Required: Transfer Supplemental SUNY Polytechnic Recommended: Supplemental Application Spend some time planning to avoid chewing your pencil this much. How to Answer the SUNY Essay Prompts Since most of SUNY’s required essays are the same as the Common Application, you can follow all the best practices for writing impressive Common App essays.However, there are some additional things to keep in mind when you’re answering the prompts specifically for SUNY. Don’t answer the same prompt twice, unless you have a radically different answer the second time. Really put the effort in to ensure that your essays stand out from one another, even if they use the same prompt. Second, tie your SUNY essay into SUNY itself. Your Common Application essays can be more general because they’ll be sent to every school that you apply to, but your college-specific essays should be tied to individual colleges. To do this, consider making a visit to campus or browsing their course catalog and club lists. You want SUNY to know that you’re not applying just because of proximity or reputation- you want to go to a SUNY school because it matters to you, not because you’ve heard its good. Third, be sure that your essay is always personal and unique. You may share some features with other students, including your good grades and extracurriculars, but no student is exactly the same as you. Your essay should reflect that- a good SUNY essay will be so unique that nobody else could possibly have written the same thing. Dig deep into what makes you you as you write your essay. Don’t just present yourself as a collection of grades and time invested in extracurriculars. What does your time spent in cooking club say about you? Is it that you love creating delicious foods that feed your hungry friends? Is it that you understand the reward of simmering something all day to bring out its innate flavors? Is it the thrill of perfecting a recipe you invented yourself? The more specific and personal your essays are, the better off you’ll be. Fill them with context and personality and you’ll be on the way to a successful SUNY application. Be the red gummy bear in a sea of clear ones. What Does SUNY Look for in Students? Your essay is just one part of your SUNY application. SUNY is looking for a comprehensive picture of your strengths as a student, so keep all these things in mind as you’re working on your application: Strong Academics Grades are extremely important to a successful college application. Use the table above to find out the average admitted GPA for the schools you’re applying to in order to figure out if your grades are on target. If not, start working now to improve your grades. A guide like this one can help you start making an academic plan to get your application into shape, no matter where you’re at in your education Passion You could have the best grades in the world, but if you don’t demonstrate any interest or passion for the things you do, you’re not likely to be a successful college student. That doesn’t mean you have to be in love with every subject, but rather that your application shows that you have interests and pursuits that you’re passionate about. Let your application, and especially your essays, show that you’re a person with varied passions and interests. You can even use a â€Å"spike† approach to your application, which showcases that you’re not only a good student, but that you have a particular passion that you’re dedicated to honing at your chosen school. Say you’re very into journalism- if you weight your application with English courses, journalism courses, time spent working on your school newspaper, and maybe even a few published works outside of school, you’re showing SUNY that you’re serious about what you do and that you’re ready to put in the work to pursue it. Leadership Investment in activities is great, but leadership is even better. Colleges like SUNY want to see that you’re serious about your commitments, and a leadership position shows that you’re confident and capable of inspiring others. If you’ve acted as a team captain, an editor, a group leader, or any other position of authority related to your field, it’s worth including in your application and essay. Leadership positions not only demonstrate your passion, but also your trustworthiness and ability to inspire. These are important features on a college campus, where you’ll be participating in campus culture, not just being an individual in a sea of unfamiliar faces. Show that you can lead others and you’ll show SUNY that you’re a good person to have on campus. Diversity Students can easily get hung up on diversity, which is often used to mean difference in race, gender, sexuality, or socioeconomic status. But even if those things don’t apply to you- or if they don’t feel like they’re relevant to your experience- that doesn’t mean that you’re not a good fit. The word â€Å"diversity† can also be applied to diversity of experience and thought. Think about your upbringing and how it’s set you apart from others. Things like the size of your hometown, the number of siblings you have, or where you live can impact your thinking and experiences, too. Don’t be afraid to include how your environment has shaped the person you are, including how you relate to others. Understanding of Mission and Goals One of the strongest ways to connect with the school you’re applying to is to understand what they want to accomplish as a college. Consult their mission statement and academic goals, and even read a little deeper into the essay prompts to understand exactly what they’re looking for. Though individual SUNY schools may have their own mission statements, you can learn a lot about the system by consulting the general SUNY mission. For example, SUNY uses words like â€Å"diversity,† â€Å"access,† and â€Å"traditional and non-traditional students,† throughout. From that, we can deduce that SUNY is interested in providing opportunities and education to all kinds of students, not just those who are wealthy or privileged or even local. Keep this in mind as you’re working on your application. How can you align yourself with these values, or the other values expressed in SUNY’s mission statement? Do these ideas apply to you? If not, how can you demonstrate that you’re committed to helping maintain and grow that mission? Make a list, check it twice. SUNY Application Checklist Applying to SUNY- let alone applying to multiple schools at once- requires a lot of forms, essays, and documents coming together. If you’re struggling to stay on top of everything you need to do to apply, this checklist will help get you started. #1: DecideWhich Schools You’re Applying To Make a list of schools you’ll be applying to and the deadlines for each to help keep you on track. #2: Pay the Application Fee or Request a Waiver SUNY has a $50 application fee. If you qualify, get the fee waiver ahead of time and get it filled out so you’re ready to submit it with your application #3: Collect Letters of Recommendation If you’re submitting letters of recommendation, they should be ready to go along with your application. Ask your teachers, counselors, coaches, and so on early to be sure that you get a letter that’s of good quality and that's ready on time. #4: Complete the SUNY Application Depending on which SUNY school you’re applying to and whether or not you’ll be applying Early Decision or Early Action, you may or may not have a deadline. Research your school early so you can keep track of when you need to apply! #5: Submit Supplemental Portfolio and Essays Some SUNY schools require or allow supplemental portfolios or other materials. If you’ll be submitting them, they should already be ready to go by the time you submit your application. SUNY will give you the due dates for any supplemental materials when you complete your application. #6: Retrieve School Counselor Forms SUNY requires a special form from your school counselor. Your counselor is responsible for submitting this form, but be sure to give them plenty of time to do so. #7: Submit International Student Forms If you’re an international student, determine which forms you need in advance so you have plenty of time to fill them out and turn them in. #8: Submit Academic Record SUNY requests transcripts from freshmen and transfer applicants. You can request that your school send them electronically or by mail, but be sure you ask for them to be sent as soon as possible to ensure they arrive on time. #9: Submit FAFSA Submit your FAFSA application by June 30, 2019- but keep in mind that the earlier you submit, the better! Stay on top of your application and you'll be feeling as calm and balanced as these rocks. SUNY Application Tips This is a lot of information, but don’t panic. There are some simple things to keep in mind as you’re working on your SUNY application. Following these steps will help you be stress-free as you’re applying. Plan Early You’re guaranteed to get stressed if you’re trying to cram the entire college application process into just one month. Start early. The best time to start thinking about college applications is freshman year. The second best time is right now. No matter where you’re at, take a moment to draft a concrete plan to follow, including deadlines, and stick to it. The earlier you get started, the better. Don’t wait until deadlines are already looming- give yourself lots of time and avoid stressing. Focus on Either the SAT or ACT Is the ACT or SAT more important? That depends on a few different factors. But as you’re getting ready to apply for colleges, don’t worry too much about excelling on both. Pick one or the other to be your focus, and hone your score on that test. Don’t try to divide your attention. As long as your chosen school accepts the test you choose, it doesn’t matter which test you take. Do your best on one of them and you’ll be good to go. Strive for Depth Over Breadth in Extracurriculars You don’t need a thousand extracurriculars to impress SUNY. You don’t even need ten extracurriculars. What you need is depth, meaning that you’ve spent time cultivating an interest in something rather than doing a whole bunch of activities for the sole purpose of fleshing out your application. Having a variety is good, but not if you’ve only spent a minimum amount of time on them. Chase your passions and dive deep into them rather than dipping your toes into a whole bunch of fields. It’s better to have a couple of strong interests than tons of shallow ones. If you have time, try out lots of things, but don’t waste time you could spend on your passions doing soccer, baseball, piano lessons, volunteer work, tutoring, acrobatics, beekeeping, woodworking, photography, journalism, and Mathletes if only one or two of them are at all interesting to you. Seek Strong Letters of Recommendation Many SUNY schools allow or require letters of recommendation, but not all letters are created equal. You should be asking people in positions of authority who know you and your academic strengths to write your letters. Ask early, and don’t be offended if you get a â€Å"no† in response- it could be that the person you ask already has quite a few letters to write. Give the person you ask as much information as possible about where you’re applying and what programs you’re applying to; that will help them write an even better letter. Also, don’t forget to say thank you- though teachers expect to write letters of recommendation, you should always express gratitude for them going above and beyond their job duties. Keep Your Momentum Up Senior Year Once your application is in and your transcripts are submitted, it might be tempting to take a little break from your hard work and start slacking off in school. Don’t do it! Some schools require a mid-year report, which could hurt your chances. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, so keep up that positive momentum to carry you forward into college and beyond! What’s Next? Knowing what a college admissions committee is and what it does can help you write an even better application. There's lots of advice out there about how to write an impressive college application. But whatreally looks good on your app? Understanding the college application process can ease some of the stress of applying to colleges. This guide covers everything you need to know about applying! Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.