ERIN BROCKOVICH essays

ERIN BROCKOVICH essays ERIN BROCKOVICH The movie ERIN BROCKOVICH is like a modern day David vs. Goliath. . Directed by Steven Soderbergh and stared Julia Roberts is based on a true story about a large corporation deliberately poisoning an entire town with the chemical Hexavalent Chromium 6. Erin, a single mother of three, does a lot of investigation and finds some very incriminating documents, and almost single-handedly exposes the company. Its disturbing to think a company worth over 30 billion dollars with all the power and technology at their finger tips, could be so negligent. I dont know why they think they could have gotten away with it. . There was green dirt found all around the Pacific Gas water supply. Hexavalent Chromium 6 is a very toxic chemical because it oxidizing potential is high and is easily penetrates biological membranes. Repeated exposure to toxic levels can cause anything from liver, kidney and heart failure, respiratory disease, a ny type of cancer, bone and organ deterioration, and just as harmful to all the farm animals. The majority of electrical power plants use some form of Chromium in the water that cools engines to prevent rust and Order that the gas corrosion. The legal limit for Hexavalent Chromium 6 is .05 parts per millions, this green dirt tested at .58 parts per millions. Documents from a regional water quality control board states in a Cleanup and Abatement and electric company was ordered to cleanup and dispose of waste discharge of Hexavalent Chromium 6 to a safe hydrologic unit. That it has caused groundwater contamination, which extends over one mile from the gas and electric company. Statements from former employees reveals that the holding ponds at th...

Sauroposeidon - Facts and Figures

Sauroposeidon - Facts and Figures Name: Sauroposeidon (Greek for Poseidon lizard); pronounced SORE-oh-po-SIDE-on Habitat: Woodlands of North America Historical Period: Middle Cretaceous (110 million years ago) Size and Weight: About 100 feet long and 60 tons Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Extremely long neck; massive body; small head About Sauroposeidon For years, pretty much all we knew about the fancifully named Sauroposeidon derived from a handful of cervical vertebrae (neck bones) unearthed in Oklahoma in 1999. These arent just your garden-variety vertebrae, thoughjudging by their massive size and weight, its clear that Sauroposeidon was one of the largest herbivorous (plant-eating) dinosaurs that ever lived, outclassed only by the South American Argentinosaurus and its fellow North American cousin Seismosaurus (which may well have been a species of Diplodocus). A few other titanosaurs, like Bruthathkayosaurus and Futalongkosaurus, may also have outclassed Sauroposeidon, but the fossil evidence attesting to their size is even more incomplete. In 2012, Sauroposeidon underwent a resurrection of sorts when two other (equally poorly understood) sauropod specimens were synonymized with it. The scattered fossils of Paluxysaurus and Pleurocoelus individuals, discovered near the Paluxy River in Texas, were assigned to Sauroposeidon, with the result that these two obscure genera may one day be synonymized themselves with the Poseidon Lizard. (Ironically, both Pleurocoelus and Paluxysaurus have served as the official state dinosaur of Texas; not only may these be the same dinosaur as Sauroposeidon, but all three of these sauropods may also have been the same as Astrodon, the official state dinosaur of Maryland. Isnt paleontology fun?) Judging from the still-limited evidence available, what set Sauroposeidon apart from other enormous, elephant-legged, small-brained sauropods and titanosaurs was its extreme height. Thanks to its unusually long neck, this dinosaur may have towered 60 feet into the skyhigh enough to peek into a sixth-floor window in Manhattan, if any office buildings had existed during the middle Cretaceous period! However, its unclear if Sauroposeidon actually held its neck to its full vertical height, as this would have placed enormous demands on its heart; one theory is that it swept its neck and head parallel to the ground, sucking up low-lying vegetation like the hose of a giant vacuum cleaner. By the way, you may have seen an episode of the Discovery Channel show Clash of the Dinosaurs stating that Sauroposeidon juveniles grew to huge sizes by eating insects and small mammals. This is so far from accepted theory that it seems to have been completely made up; to date, theres absolutely no evidence that sauropods were even partly carnivorous. There is, however, some speculation that prosauropods (the distant Triassic ancestors of the sauropods) may have pursued omnivorous diets; perhaps a Discovery Channel intern got his research mixed up! (Or perhaps the same TV network that enjoys making up facts about Megalodon simply doesnt care whats true and whats false!)

How to write an excellent resignation letter (examples included)

How to write an excellent resignation letter (examples included) I quit. J’arrete. Ich gebe auf. Me rindo. Whatever the language, the sentiment is the same:  I’m outta here. However, as a professional person, you need to express that maturely and firmly- ideally, one that doesn’t alienate anyone at the job you’re leaving. I’m sure we all have that fantasy where we tell off everyone who wronged us on the way out the door, but that person in the fantasy/movie/TV show never seems to have to live with the consequences afterward. Or meet up with said colleagues at an industry event, because the world is awkwardly small. So it’s in your best interest to make sure that your resignation letter is clear, concise, and polite. Here are some best practices you can follow to make your big exit a professional one. Why a Resignation Letter?In these digital times, why should we submit a resignation letter, anyway? A paper trail does seem old-fashioned, but in this case, it’s a best practice. It makes your intenti ons clear, as well as the conditions. You’re removing any ambiguity about the end of your time there.And sure, this could be an email (all of the same principles would apply), but a letter makes things official in every sense. It also gives you a prop to take along to the face-to-face meeting with your boss, when you let him or her know that you’re leaving. A resignation letter can also help your boss and your company start the transition process, get a replacement for you approved, and start planning internally, etc. The paper trail is beneficial all around.So what should go into your letter? Let’s look at some examples of what to do (and perhaps more importantly, what not to do).Necessity #1: A Professional GreetingYour letter should be addressed to your boss. There’s a good chance that this letter will merely end up in a file in HR, but it starts with your boss. Assuming this is someone with whom you work reasonably close with on a daily basis, it does n’t have to be super stiff and formal. Specific and professional is the right tone here.For example:Dear Mary,Mary,Bad examples:Dear Ms. Stone,Hey Mary,To whom it may concern:Dear Human Resources representative,Even if you’re not close with your boss, chances are you have a working, first-name-basis relationship. Maintaining that in your official letter is okay. You don’t need to keep a Victorian level of formality here- just make sure it’s a professional tone.Necessity #2: State Your IntentThe whole theme of your resignation letter is the statement that, well, you resign. You don’t need to play coy- the time has passed for you to fish around for a counteroffer if it’s gotten this far. At this point, you’ve made your decision to leave, and this letter needs to reflect that.For example:I will be leaving my position as Customer Service representative.I resign my position as Customer Service representative.Bad examples:The time has come for me to think about parting ways with this company.All good things must come to an end.I will not be coming in after August 30.You want your intent to be as direct as possible. You are leaving, plain and simple. There’s no need to mention where you’re going. You can discuss that with your boss (though you’re not obligated to do so) and your colleagues if you want, but there’s little purpose for including that in your resignation letter. That’s especially true if you’re moving over to a competitor- you don’t want to create ill will in this letter or cause any drama.Necessity #3: Your End DateThe most crucial detail in a resignation letter is your end date. Legally and according to your company’s policy, you might be required to give a minimum amount of notice (two weeks, or possibly more, depending on the company and the role). If that’s the case, you don’t want there to be any confusion about how much notice you give. If it’s right there in writing in a letter dated two weeks before your last day, you’re saving yourself the hassle. It also starts the clock for your boss and your company, kicking off the transition plan of training, hiring, and otherwise covering your impending departure.For example:My last day in the office will be Tuesday, June 30.I am leaving my position as a Customer Service representative, effective June 30.Bad examples:I will be leaving in a few weeks.I will be leaving the company after a period of time. Here is my required notice in accordance with company policies.The bad examples here are all too vague. With the last one, you’re aligning yourself with company policy, which is good, but it still doesn’t tell the reader how much notice that actually is. Be as specific as possible on the time you have between now and your last day.Necessity #4: A Gracious ToneYour resignation letter is not the time to air grudges, take passive-aggressive sh ots, or otherwise be unpleasant. Regardless of how you feel about your (soon to be former) job or your boss, this letter should be an exercise in professionalism and graciousness. An excellent way to do that is to say a simple â€Å"thank you.† Even if you hated your job, you got something from it at some point. Focus on that positive bit if you need to.On the flip side, if you loved your job, your coworkers, your boss, the cappuccino machine, everything about the place, don’t write page upon page waxing rhapsodic about all that you’re giving up by leaving. A brief, heartfelt compliment to the company, or a thank you, is fine.For example:I’ve appreciated the opportunities I’ve had here.Thank you so much for the opportunity to work and grow as part of the Customer Service team.This company has been a great home for me for the past six years, and I thank you for being a big part of that as my boss and mentor. I’ve learned so much in my time he re, and I know that this company will continue to grow and thrive.Bad examples:I’ve enjoyed SOME of my time here.I think we both know that this has been a terrible place to work, but I appreciate the opportunity.This is a great company, but the management leaves a lot to be desired, so I am leaving.I hope the next person in this position enjoys the challenges of micromanagement and stressful workloads that I have experienced in my time here.You’ll have plenty of time to vent personally about your work grievances as you leave, but really, you stand to gain nothing by putting negativity into your resignation letter. And unless you’re leaving the state and your current industry, you always run the risk of running into the same people later on. So you’re far better off taking the high road and making sure your exit is a classy one.Necessity #5: Your End GameWhen you hand in your resignation letter, it can kick off a bit of chaos- your position will need to be filled, but your duties will also need to be covered until they can replace you. As part of your resignation letter, it’s a good idea to convey what your availability is during that transitional period.For example:Over the next two weeks, I would like to work with you on training or any necessary transition duties as I wrap up my time here at the company. Bad example:I will be available to train a replacement.I plan to be very busy until my last day.These are vague†¦ are you available to train a replacement anytime, even after your last day? Are you saying you’ll be too busy to help prepare someone else or that you’ll be busy helping with the transition? As with everything else in your resignation letter, clear and concise are the way to go.After that, you’re ready to close out your letter and move on. The basic closings are fine here- again, you don’t need to go overly sentimental or formal, but you should also write as if it will be read by anyone at the company.For example:Sincerely,Best wishes,Bad examples:Adios,Bye Felicia,Warmest eternal regards,And with that signing flourish, you’re done! You’ve resigned, and you’re ready for your exciting new job. Let’s recap the good example resignation letter as a whole.Dear Mary,Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation as a Customer Service representative. My last day in the office will be Tuesday, June 30.Working here has been an incredible opportunity, and it was not an easy decision to leave to pursue another opportunity. This company has been a great home for me for the past six years, and I thank you for being a big part of that as my boss and mentor. I’ve learned so much in my time here, and I know that this company will continue to grow and thrive.Ahead of June 30, I would like to work with you on training or any necessary transition duties as I wrap up my time here at the company.Thanks again for the opportunity to be a member of this team!Sincerely,David

Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 14

Summary - Essay Example into mainstream America but, attainment of the said integration entailed the battling and resistance of WASP America’s discrimination and prejudices. The history of Italian immigration to America provides a context for understanding the reason why they initial occupied the lower tier of the European ethnic immigration groups. Quite simply stated, Italian immigration to the United States did not begin in earnest until the late nineteenth century, lasting to the early twentieth, making this one of the last of the European ethnic groups to immigrate to this country. As both late immigrants and, of course, Catholics, they stood out from mainstream, White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, America. Italian immigrants did not only stand out because of their religious affiliation or their late arrival to America but because of their association with organized crime. The linkage, real and not assumed, between leading members of the Italian American community and the Sicilian mafia, and their transplantation of the Sicilian organized crime model to the United States, fuelled mainstream America’s prejudices towards Italian immigrants. Perceived of as either Mafioso or petty criminals, they were relegated to the bottom of the social hierarchy and actively barred from public office, a significant number of educational institutions and even social clubs. By the third generation, however, prejudices had eroded. The Italian American community had gradually inserted itself into mainstream America through the adoption of the core culture. The third generation’s evident Americanism significantly facilitated this group’s integration and their increasing success at upward social mobility solidified their status as Americans who happened to be of Italian descent, as opposed to Italian Americans. At the present time, this ethnic group stands at or above the national average insofar as all of income, education and occupation are concerned. As with the Italians, the Jews are late

CHURCHILLS LEADERSHIP STYLE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

CHURCHILLS LEADERSHIP STYLE - Essay Example He said that â€Å"if we fail then the world sink into an abyss† (Churchill, 1940). Technical and analytic skills: Winston Churchill was born on November 30, 1874 in Blenheim Palace. He was born into a wealthy family who treated Winston to a rich lifestyle. In 1893, Churchill entered the Royal Military College as a Cadet, where he rose to the top ranking commander. He began to make political speeches at the age of 23; he talked to the primrose League. When he was 24, he wrote his first book ‘The Story of the Malak and Field Force’. Churchill was elected to the House of Commons at the age of 26, being one of the youngest members. Winston was appointed Prime Minister of England on May 10, 1940. The two books published made him a respectable author and made people believe his speeches. Influence and social skills: His speech at the House of Commons was intended to not only try to persuade elected officials, but also to speak to all people fighting against the Nazi Party. â€Å"We must fight in this war, and we must win, for if England shall lose the rest of the world would lose.† In the last part of his speech, he said, â€Å"But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science† (Churchill, 1940).   Communication skills: The speech was written in chronological order. It started with British efforts in France and the battles that were fought around the area then ends with him stating that the war now laid on the British navy and army. Winston’s speech also gives a problem and a solution to the war; he says, â€Å"Fight and never give in, for losing is not the end of the war but the end of the world† (Churchill, 1940). Throughout the speech, he claims that since Hitler was winning the war and conquering countries, Great Britain must

Africa Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Africa - Essay Example This resulted in the continent losing its strategic significance (Kapstein 385). The economy fell so low that the continent depended on donor aid. Despite this, back home Africans were investing a lot in their economy. This also attracted direct foreign investment, which played part in development of the economy. There are various reasons that made Africa’s economy grow. The fact that people started moving from rural areas to urban areas was a significant factor that led to the economic growth of Africa. This is because, urban centers bring a lot of minds together thus resulting in innovation. Another way that urbanization led to the growth of Africa’s economy is the fact that urban centers provide good markets for goods and services. Both local and foreign investment also resulted in the continent’s economy growth. The global crisis affected all economies in the world. Companies went bankrupt, and many people lost their jobs. However, it is said that Africa was one of the less affected continents by the global financial crisis of 2008 (Kapstein 384). It is the effects that the crisis had on Europe and North America that will affect Africa’s economy. This is because the financial crisis made countries in Europe and North America to take up measures and policies that would help their falling economy rise again. These measures included stimulus policies that emphasized on protectionism. This is where countries block the importation of commodities that are also produced within the country. As we know, Europe and North America are the key markets for African products hence this will affect the economy of Africa negatively (Kapstein p387). Despite all this, Africa’s economy is faced with various problems. One serious problem is poor governance. Governments in Africa are filled with corrupt leaders who steal a lot of money from the countries funds. These leaders make poor decisions on

For Cullen and Gilbert 'rehabilitation should be the major goal of any Essay

For Cullen and Gilbert 'rehabilitation should be the major goal of any correctional system'. Critically discuss this proposition - Essay Example In addition, the strengths and weaknesses are also imparted to be able to portray the potential gain of the whole system and even the limitations. The main view of Cullen and Gilbert can be considered as positive theories to answer the problems of criminology. Rehabilitation is the main objective that can be projected in relation to the effect of application in the behaviour of the detainees. The positive view of the theory can be considered as a priority in contrary to that of the old theories of justice that involve deterrence and retribution. Through the course of modern justice system, it can be considered that the role of rehabilitation on the reform of the offenders had taken the main road and had produced influence. The said influence had developed on the turn of the 1900s wherein the development and changing of the characteristics and the attitudes of the criminals and offenders had been projected as the main solution for the decrease of the number of crimes (Cullen and Gendreau, 2000). Through the 70’s toward the end of the century, the effectiveness and the feasibility of the rehabilitation approach in the correctional systems had been criticized and questioned. Basically as the rehabilitation theory affirms that the crimes had been committed by the offenders on the basis of the problems in behaviour and inadequate decision making, critics believe that the process cannot help the society lessen criminals but there are dangers that rehabilitation cannot fully discipline the offenders. This can then pose danger to the welfare of the people (Wilson, 2005). In the presentation of the view of Cullen and Gilbert on the proper approach for correctional system, it is important to be able to present the different pros and cons. For that matter the criticisms of the rehabilitation theory is needed to be studied and scrutinized. The main scenario in the study undertaken by Cullen and Gilbert relates to the world in the