Essay --

Being born into a Indian family, where the cuisine is exquisite makes staying healthy and fit almost impossible. Almost everything we eat is fried and full of oil and butter. Instead of eating small meals with snacks in between we eat three big meals. Although most of the food is cooked at home it is still full of fat. Indians are known for their amazing food and the reason it tastes so heavenly is because of all the oil and butter in it. Who can resist the temptation of such delicious food? Did you know that obesity is part of the top 10 factors of death? Being obese can cause serious problems and can be dangerous for normal life. Obesity is a common problem nowadays, which occurred because of various factors such as, development of human civilization, transport, media and communication devices. The increase in technology makes people lazier, rarely moving and spending their free time sitting in front of the computer. People are giving up quality for speed, is it worth it? Obesity i s a major issue I deal with almost everyday, I have several family members who are obese. My family members who are obese don’t care that they are obese and they just continue living the wrong type of lifestyle. They argue that obesity is a disease when many just say it’s a lifestyle. Being obese isn’t easy, yet half the people in America chose nothing to do about it. If people do not do anything to get rid of obesity then the cycle will continue to go on and I need to figure out how to get obese people to live a healthier lifestyle and influence these people to break the cycle. This semester I will be researching on whether obesity is a disease or a lifestyle. I also want to research why the sudden rise in obesity, and what can be done to reduce it. ... ...healthy and not exercise. Eating vegetables and working out is not easy but it is something that needs to be done to maintain a healthy life. Growing up I was surrounded by obese people and tried to eat as healthy as I can so that I would not become obese. While my family would be eating dessert I would eat vegetables. Instead of watching T.V with the rest of my family, I would go outside and play. I guess you can say I was born to be health conscious and want the rest of the world to be healthy also. Researching on obesity is going to be very interesting and seeing the differences in people’s opinions on whether it is a disease or a lifestyle is going to be another interesting aspect. Writing about this topic will help me help those who need some kind of motivation to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. Obesity is a huge issue that needs special attention.

Praise Song for the Day – Interpretation

Praise Song For The Day November 26, 2012 This poem, Praise Song for the Day by Elizabeth Alexander, is one of the most memorable poems that have been recited within the last 20 years. Immediately after President Obama was sworn into office, Elizabeth Alexander recited her poem to the masses that had gathered on that cold winter day in January. The piece is full of symbolism, with the tone being hopeful, inspiring and thankful.The poem begins with a description of daily life which is filled with the daily grind of hard working individuals, often doing the work that drives this great nation of ours†¦small businesses, blue-collar laborers, honorable professions such as teaching. The possibility of coming together as a people in spite of our differences is expressed in terms of our words (â€Å"spiny or smooth†¦words to consider, reconsider†). From will to words to concrete results (e. g. , highways), we interact with each other–past and present.The boundary of a highway may inspire someone today to go further and see what else is possible, keeping hopeful aspirations alive by â€Å"see(ing) what’s on the other side. At the same time that we fear the uncertainties of the future (which also divides us), we can envision it in terms of its possibilities (â€Å"We need to find a place where we are safe; We walk into that which we cannot yet see†). I think she is trying to say that we should also honor the sacrifices of poor, immigrant laborers of the past who made our present reality possible as well as the modern immigrant laborers who continue to build upon the dreams of their ancestors. â€Å"Say it plain, that many have died for this day. Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of†) The resolution of conflicts between people has many routes. Fo r families it may be â€Å"figuring it out at kitchen tables† while other conflicts require political movements, struggle, and protest. This poem is a song of praise for such peaceful resolutions and for this historical inaugural day which would not have been possible without the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.The religious belief systems of different peoples that allow us to get along with other peoples differ in degree. The poem presents an even stronger concept of love that goes beyond â€Å"Love thy neighbor as thy self†, and even beyond â€Å"marital, filial, national. † Some believe the way to unity is to avoid being selfish, not hurting others, and treating others as you would your compatriots, your kin, or yourself. This poem suggests there is a love that extends beyond those whom we are familiar with to include â€Å"a widening pool of light. Finally, in relation to the present day, there is a sense of the immense possibilities (â€Å"anything can be made, any sentence begun†). This is contained in the words that may inspire others to action that may bring such a love closer toward reality. From disunity (â€Å"walking past each other†) to blindly â€Å"walk[ing] into that which we cannot yet see,† this poem now suggests the alternative of â€Å"walking forward in that light† guided by a new vision of a love that may unite us. I focused on the symbolic element of the poem, because I liked the presentation and how it flowed.It made me think about how far we’ve come in this country. I believe that Elizabeth draws the reader into the poem just I was drawn, by suggesting that we as a nation that was literally built off the labor of slave labor and indentured servants, has evolved into a country that elected its first African-American President. Each day we go about our business, walking past each other, catching each other’s eyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All about us is noise. All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on our tongues.Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire, repairing the things in need of repair. Someone is trying to make music somewhere, with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum, with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice. A woman and her son wait for the bus. A farmer considers the changing sky. A teacher says, Take out your pencils. Begin. We encounter each other in words, words spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed, words to consider, reconsider. We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of some one and then others, who saidI need to see what’s on the other side. I know there’s something better down the road. We need to find a place where we are safe. We walk into that which we cannot yet see. Say it plain: that many have died for this day. Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked th e cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of. Praise song for struggle, praise song for the day. Praise song for every hand-lettered sign, the figuring-it-out at kitchen tables.Some live by love thy neighbor as thyself, others by first do no harm or take no more than you need. What if the mightiest word is love? Love beyond marital, filial, national, love that casts a widening pool of light, love with no need to pre-empt grievance. In today’s sharp sparkle, this winter air, any thing can be made, any sentence begun. On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp, praise song for walking forward in that light. Alexander, E. (2009, Feb). Retrieved Nov 26, 2012, from Poetry Foundation. org: http://www. poetryfoundation. org/poem/244896

Globalization Has The Potential For Great Benefits Essay

Globalization is the spreading and expanding of goods, technology, people, knowledge and ideas throughout the world. It promotes world-wide connectedness and encourages nations and corporations to work together to benefit each other. Globalization is a relatively new term, but the practice has been around for centuries. The trading of goods occurred in the Ancient World throughout Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe, but certainly not at the speed seen today. The term has gained popularity in recent years due to innovations and developments in technology and the internet making it much easier to interact and trade across the globe. Globalization today is said to be â€Å"farther, faster, cheaper, and deeper.† On the surface, when implemented appropriately, globalization has the potential for great benefits in making the world a better place, encouraging people to work and learn from each other, while solving problems such as unemployment and enhancing lives by pulling people out of poverty. However, as with many programs or processes, there are risks and downfalls of a theoretically virtuous strategy. Globalization opens up opportunities for a developing country to enter into the industrialized world by allowing a foreign corporation to open up a facility in their country. New jobs are created, bringing local people up and out of poverty. This is an opportunity which would have been nearly impossible to achieve independently. However, with the prospect for success,Show MoreRelatedGlobalization: The Route to Global Destruction Essay675 Words   |  3 Pages Globalization is a confusing concept. For some it conjures up images of electronic communications: an email, global media, and popularization of mobile phones. For others it is about trade: the ability to buy coca-cola in rural villages in Africa. For yet others it is about misappropriation and greed: the suicide of Indian peasant farmers ruined by agri-business and genetically modified seeds. From now on, I will present the negative effects of globalization. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;?gGlobalizationRead MoreGlobalization and Outsourcing Can be Beneficial Essay1167 Words   |  5 Pagesabout how outsourcing has ruined their lives and that it is only going to harm America and its economy. Unfortunately, jobs are going to be lost and the unemployment rate may rise due to globalization. However, the benefits of globalization are infinite. People in other parts of the world will achieve a greater life than they ever thought possible due to the factories built in their countries. Due to the poverty in third world countries, these factories will provide a great source of income for theRead MoreFinancial Globalization And The Financial Crisis1274 Words   |  6 Pages The term financial globalization can be defined as the integration of various financial markets of countries across the world. In other terms, it means the mobility of finance across various countries without encountering any barrier. Therefore, financial liberation is not suffic ient enough parameter for globalization. Financial globalization advocates for development of a single currency worldwide currency that can be regulated and managed by a single global monetary institution. The first eraRead MoreNew Balance Athletic Shoe, Indonesia, and Globalization Essay1219 Words   |  5 Pagesprofits, but also by the new international system of globalization. This system destroys international barriers and allows for enhanced communication, efficiency and cultural understanding. When developing production operations in Indonesia, New Balance must be aware of both the cultural and geographical differences of the country, as explained by authors Thomas Friedman and David Landes, as well as the potential benefits and costs of globalization, explained by authors Amartya Sen and Paul CollierRead MoreGlobal Inequality And Its Impact On The World s Population1429 Words   |  6 Pagesthe radically uneven distribution of income. When this problem extends to globalization, it is heavily ambiguous in terms of its long-term implications, socially and politically as well. When one explores the fascinating limits of globalization, it is possible to consider why many in t he world’s population have various reservations about its real outreach on a worldwide scale. When considering the reach of globalization and its increasingly apparent correlation with income inequality at–large,Read MoreEssay on The Opportunities and Risks of Globalization1560 Words   |  7 PagesGlobalization, both as an ideology and process, has become the dominant political, economical and cultural force in the 21st century. Quote from Globalism: The New Market Ideology by Manfred D.Steger, Page 6 Globalization is one of the most charged issues of the day. It is everywhere in public discourse - in TV sound bites and slogans on placards, in web-sites and learned journals, in parliaments, corporate boardrooms and labor meeting halls. Extreme opponents charge it with impoverishingRead MoreGlobalization Is A Process Of Interaction And Integration Among The People1256 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"Globalization is a process of interaction and integration a mong the people, companies, and governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology. This process has effects on the environment, on culture, on political systems, on economic development and prosperity, and on human physical well-being in societies around the world. Globalization is not new, though. For thousands of years, people—and, later, corporations—have beenRead MoreQuestions On Strategic Human Resource Problems1011 Words   |  5 Pagesdeficits recorded. Further, the human resource manager has several opportunities that allow them to increase the company’s profits by using methods such as strategic outsourcing. The knowledge out there is sufficient for any HR manager looking for ways of expanding the work force within the organization. As technology continues to shift, outsourcing parts of the company’s subsystems continues to expand on a daily basis as the unexploited poten tials continue to present themselves to the HRMs. ProblemsRead MoreBrazil : Embracing Globalization1343 Words   |  6 PagesBrazil : embracing globalization This case is about Brazils development strategy since World War II and about the change of the economic model following the debt crisis of the 1980s. In 2000, Brazilian officials were pondering whether to go for regional integration (Mercosur) or globalization to ensure the countrys economic prosperity and development. Import-substitution strategy After the Great Depression of the 1930s, Brazil followed an import substitution strategy which consistedRead MorePoverty : A Economic Disparity Between The Rich And Poor1361 Words   |  6 PagesAn impoverished nation forms when there is great economic disparity between the rich and the poor. Adam Smith reflects on the income gap in his quote: â€Å"No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable.† Due to Saudi Arabia’s vast oil wealth, there is a large amount of the population who live well and fruitful, but more than 20 percent of the population lives in crippling poverty (Baker, 2013). Poverty is usually defined in either

How Chemical Hand Warmers Work

If your fingers are cold or your muscles ache, you can use chemical hand warmers to heat them up. There are two types of chemical hand warmer  products, both using exothermic (heat-producing) chemical reactions. Here is how they work. Key Takeaways: Chemical Hand Warmers Chemical hand warmers rely on exothermic chemical reactions to release heat.There are two main types of chemical hand warmers. One type releases heat by air activation. The other type releases heat when a supersaturated solution crystallizes.Air-activated hand warmers are single use products. Chemical solution hand warmers are re-usable. How Air Activated Hand Warmers Work Air-activated hand warmers are long-lasting chemical hand warmers that start working as soon as you unseal the packaging, exposing it to oxygen in​ the  air. The packets of chemicals produce heat from oxidizing iron into iron oxide (Fe2O3) or rust. Each packet contains iron,  cellulose (or sawdust -- to bulk up the product), water, vermiculite (serves as a water reservoir), activated carbon (distributes heat uniformly),  and salt (acts as a catalyst). This type of hand warmer produces heat anywhere from 1 to 10 hours. Its common to shake the packets to improve circulation, which speeds the reaction and increases the heat. Its possible to get a burn from direct contact between the hand warmer and skin, so the packaging warns users to put the product on the  outside a sock or glove and to keep the packets away from children, who could get burned more easily. Air-activated hand warmers cannot be re-used once they have stopped heating. How Chemical Solution Hand Warmers Work The other type of chemical hand warmer relies on crystallization of a supersaturated solution. The crystallization process releases heat. These hand warmers dont last as long (usually 20 minutes to 2 hours), but they are re-usable. The most common chemical inside this product  is a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate in water. The product is activated by flexing a small metal disk or strip, which acts as a nucleation surface for crystal growth. Usually, the metal is stainless steel.  As the sodium acetate crystallizes, heat is released (up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit). The product can be recharged by heating the pad in boiling  water, which dissolves the crystals back into the small amount of water. Once the package cools, it is ready to use again. Sodium acetate is a food-grade, non-toxic chemical, but other chemicals can be used. Some chemical hand warmers use supersaturated calcium nitrate, which is also safe. Other Types of Hand Warmers In addition to chemical hand warmers, you can get battery-operated hand warmers and also products that work by burning lighter fluid or charcoal inside special cases. All of the products are effective. Which you choose depends on the temperature you want, how long you need the heat to last, and whether you need to be able to re-charge the product. How to Make a Chemical Hand Warmer Its easy to make a DIY hand warmer using iron, salt, and water in a plastic bag. Materials Iron filingsSalt (sodium chloride)Warm (not hot) waterSand, sawdust, vermiculite, or sodium polyacrylate gelZip-top plastic bags Procedure In a small zip-top bag, mix 1-1/2 tablespoons iron filings, 1-1/1 tablespoons salt, 1-1/2 tablespoons sand (or other absorbent material), and 1-1/2 tablespoons warm water.Squeeze the air out of the plastic bag and seal it.Its a good idea to place the bag of chemical inside another bag, remove the excess air, and seal it.Shake or squeeze the content of the bag for about 30 seconds to mix the contents and form a slush. The bag will get hot and will remain hot as long as the chemical reaction proceeds. If the bag gets too hot to hold, set it down. Dont get burned! Another option is to wrap the bag in a sock or towel. This is an air-activated hand warmer. Even though most of the air is squeezed out, enough remains in the bag for the oxidation reaction. If you closely examine the contents of the bag after the reaction is complete, youll see the iron has changed into iron oxide or rust. This type of reaction cannot be reversed unless energy is added, so the hand warmer cannot be re-used. If you want to prepare a homemade hand warmer for later use, keep the salt and water separate from the iron and filler until youre ready for the reaction to occur. Sources Clayden, Jonathan; Greeves, Nick; Warren, Stuart; Wothers, Peter (2001). Organic Chemistry (1st ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-850346-0.Dinà §er, Ibrahim; Rosen, Marc (2002). Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Methods. Thermal Energy Storage: Systems and Applications (1st ed.). John Wiley Sons. ISBN 0-471-49573-5.Hakkin Warmers Co. Ltd. History. www.hakukin.co.jp

David Moore s On Nature Vs. Nurture - 1230 Words

Ryan Babakhani Anthropology 423 Christina Campbell October 9, 2017 David Moore’s Take on Nature vs. Nurture Traditionally, studies of various organisms have highlighted the importance of genetics as the main determinant of the traits and behaviors that characterize them. This goes back to the Darwinian Theory, which categorized beauty and glamour as results of â€Å"good† genes and the existence of evil and depression as consequences of â€Å"bad† genes. The idea that genes are the critical determining factor of traits and behaviors, and that environmental conditions have little to no effect on the development of these traits, prevailed for several decades within the scientific community. This misconception falls under the umbrella of the nature†¦show more content†¦Moore discusses several examples that weaken genetic determinism: the number of fingers and toes an individual is born with, for example, is has always been assumed to be strictly the result of one’s genetics. However, an alternative viewpoint is that without a healthy genome, or mutation-free genetic environment, an organism’s finger and toe count may vary. Although Moore’s argument does not take away from the significance of studying genetics, it makes a strong cas e for the idea that genes and environment must be considered in conjunction during the analysis of traits and behaviors. Moore offers a great analogy for this pairing, stating that both the wheels and the chain of a bicycle are necessary in order for it to function properly. Nature and nurture are the wheels and the chain of trait-development. Furthermore, diseases that were previously categorized as genetic, and even some that were believed to be caused by a single gene, have been assessed for potential environmental causes that go beyond genetics. In fact, as Moore quoted in his book, the Centers for Disease Control’s panel stated that â€Å"As we acquire more knowledge about the molecular basis of genetic disease, it becomes increasingly clear that variable expressivity (i.e. modification of a genetic trait by other genes or the environment) is the rule rather than the exception† (pp. 23). Combinations of genetic and environmental conditions may contribute to these â€Å"genetic†Show MoreRelatedNature Vs Nurture : Nature Or Nurture874 Words   |  4 Pages Nature or Nurture. Nature may be all of the genes and hereditary factors with which influence them to become who they are such as physical appearances and personality characteristics. Nurturing impacts people’s lives as well as how they are raised and all the environmental factors. In combination, these qualities can be the true identity of oneself. Many people may argue that nurture appears to a play huge factor in the two, but others may think otherwise. Not having both as a characteristic canRead MoreThe Other Wes Moore And Its Consequences889 Words   |  4 PagesPoverty is one of the main subject matters that is present in the book of The Other Wes Moore, and its consequences are revealed through various outcomes that are being portrayed by both characters. Poverty is being characterized through the social environment that both characters live in. Both Wes Moore’s were living in an environment that had an impact not only on the way they behave, but also their psyc hological behaviour. â€Å"Living in the Bronx and Baltimore had given me the foolish impressionRead MoreHomosexuality - Nature or Nurture Essay2535 Words   |  11 PagesHomosexuality Nature or Nurture Have you ever wondered what creates a persons sexual preference? Is it possible that their social influences and environment can lead them to certain sexual practices and same sex relationships or could it be that some people have a genetic makeup that makes it completely natural to be attracted to members of the same sex? These questions lead us to the long-lived debate of nature or nurture. Some scientists believe that people behave as they do accordingRead MoreCoffee and Crisis Management Team21317 Words   |  86 Pagesassessment. General Response Priorities 4 Overview of Starbucks Coffee Named after a character in the classic story of Moby Dick, Starbucks Coffee has emerged as the world s leader in retail, roasting, and branding of specialty coffees for millions of customers worldwide since its 1971 founding in Seattle s Pike Place Market in the state of Washington. Still headquartered in Seattle, Starbucks Coffee Company has expanded to stores in all 50 states and in 43 countries outside of the UnitedRead MoreA Case Study of International Brand Management: Comparison of Lexus Brand Management in Brazil, United States and Japan.39374 Words   |  158 Pagesensuring shelf space because stores know that customers will want to buy those brands. Additionally, brand loyalty can also give the firm time to respond to competitive moves from the competence. 12 13 14 David A. Aaker, Building strong brands. (The Free Press, New York, 1996). p. 7-8. David A. Aaker, Managing Brand Equity. (The Free Press, New York, 1991). p. 39. Aaker (1991), op. cit. p. 42. 4 Treating the customer right, staying close to it, measuring/managing customer satisfaction, creatingRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pagesand permission should be obtained from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or likewise. To obtain permission(s) to use material from this work, please submit a written request to Pearson Education, Inc., Permissions Department, One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458, or you may fax your request to 201-236-3290. Many of the designations by manufacturersRead MoreInnovators Dna84615 Words   |  339 Pages 6:52 PM Page ii 100092 00 i-vi r1 rr.qxp 5/13/11 6:52 PM Page iii THE INNOVATOR’S DNA MASTERING THE FIVE SKILLS OF DISRUPTIVE INNOVATORS Jeff Dyer Hal Gregersen Clayton M. Christensen H A R VA R D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W P R E S S BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 100092 00 i-vi r1 rr.qxp 5/13/11 6:52 PM Page iv Copyright 2011 Jeff Dyer, Hal Gregersen, and Clayton M. Christensen All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4Read MoreOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 Pagesmanaging, organizing and reflecting on both formal and informal structures, and in this respect you will find this book timely, interesting and valuable. Peter Holdt Christensen, Associate Professor, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark McAuley et al.’s book is thought-provoking, witty and highly relevant for understanding contemporary organizational dilemmas. The book engages in an imaginative way with a wealth of organizational concepts and theories as well as provides insightful examples from theRead MoreManagement Course: Mba−10 General Management215330 Words   |  862 Pagesline of authority and vertical chain of command as being most essential to effective management. Follett’s behavioral approach to management was very radical for its time. The Hawthorne Studies and Human Relations Probably because of its radical nature, Follett’s work was unappreciated by managers and researchers until quite recently. Most continued to follow in the footsteps of Taylor and the Gilbreths. To increase efï ¬ ciency, they studied ways to improve various characteristics of the work settingRead MoreMarketing Management130471 Words   |  522 Pages Marketing management – an introduction Unit structure: 1. Introduction 2. Learning Objectives 3. Marketing Management 3.1. Evolution of marketing management 3.2. The Role of Marketing 3.3. Marketing concepts 3.4. The Marketing Mix (The 4 P s Of Marketing) 3.5. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Ethics in Marketing 4. Have you understood type questions 5. Summary 6. Exercises 7. References 1. INTRODUCTION: The apex body in United States of America for the Marketing functions, American

Aztecs Essay Example For Students

Aztecs Essay The Aztec people ruled from the Gulf of Mexico to present day Guatemala. There capital city was Tenochititlan. The greatest controlling force was religion. It was shown in their architecture and sculpture. They also had writing, numbers and a calendar. They had recorded dates for religious holidays. The children were taught respect, courtesy, truthfulness and self control. Aztec boys learned practical tasks from their fathers at home. Then when they reached 15 they went to a youth house. There elders taught the boys religion, citizenship, history, traditions and art. They also learned war. Girls could also learn to be priestesses in temple schools. The Aztecs were divided into tribes that were dived into clans. Each clan had its own officials that represented them at tribal meetings. The land was dived up by the tribes. They controlled the land but the peasants farmed it having to give some of it to the chiefs and priests. The Aztecs worshipped a host of gods that represented nature. To win the gods aid they performed rituals and offered penance. Human sacrifice played an important role. Since life was a mans most valued possession it was the best thing to offer up to the gods. As the Aztec empire grew so did the human sacrifice. Sometimes the Aztecs performed cannibalism, believing they absorb the virtues of the slain. The sacrificed people were thought to be given a high place in heaven. The average Aztec was a farmer. He lived outside the city and grew crops for his tribe. Farming was the most important means of survival due to the warm, humid climate. They lived in small huts. The male was the head of the family. He would often arrange marriages for their children. The language they spoke was the Nahuan language that originated from the west coast of the united states. They wore elaborate colorful clothing made from animal skins that were traded from northern tribes. I personally like the cities they built. The did not have the wheel yet they built some of the most beautiful cities in the world. They were at their prime when the Spanish arrived. They saw their practices and considered them barbaric. They destroyed all but a few records of them and tried to convert them. even though they were almost destroyed the Aztec people live on in present day Mexicans today.Category: History

The Island By Gary Paulsen Essays - WIL, , Term Papers

The Island by Gary Paulsen The book I read was The Island by Gary Paulsen. It is about a 15 year old boy named Wil Neuton who moves with his family to northern Wisconsin. There he finds an island on Sucker Lake where he stays to learn about himself. Wil likes riding his bike early in the morning. He also likes watching nature. He is very tall for his age-6 feet 2-but well-built and strong. He is honest,cares about others and prefers to talk things through than resort to violence. The title is good because the book is very much about the island and about Wil finding himself on this island. The island also becomes a very prominent point in Wil's life. By comparison and observation, he learns that all things are connected. An interesting minor character is Emil Aucht. On the morning of his first day in Pinewood Wil wakes up to find Emil staring at him through the window. Emil is an old man with one tooth, no hair and ears that stick out. He chews tobacco and spits brown gunk all over the place. He first appears in the story to request that Wil help him get his car out of the mud. Then Emil reappears to fix the plumbing,wrecking Wil's parents' nerves in the process. The atmosphere in the story is that of a small hick town in northern Wisconsin:open,friendly,relaxed and very laid-back. It strikes me as being very much like "cottage country" in northern Ontario:lakes,forest,fishing,small town life. The time is the late 1980's. The novel ends with Wil seeing that his father is watching him from shore. Wil rows over and finds that his father is tired and sad,his eyes rimmed with red from crying. Wil invites his father over to the island and realizes that this saga will only end when Wil finds an island big enough for his whole family so they can learn what he has learned. I feel that the most interesting part of the book is the beginning of each chapter where there is a paragraph by Wil himself about life and other important pieces of trivia. It offers insight into Wil's personality and gives his views on many subjects. In conclusion,I think this is a good book for people my age. It stresses the importance of knowing who you are and of saving the environment. I enjoyed it and it really made me think.