The Widow and the Parrot Essay Example

The Widow and the Parrot Essay The Widow and the Parrot Virginia Woolf Author’s Background (1882-1941) British writer. Virginia Woolf became one of the most prominent literary figures of the early 20th century, with novels like Mrs. Dalloway (1925), Jacobs Room (1922), To the Lighthouse (1927), and The Waves (1931). Woolf learned early on that it was her fate to be the daughter of educated men. In a journal entry shortly after her fathers death in 1904, she wrote: His life would have ended mine No writing, no books: inconceivable. Luckily, for the literary world, Woolfs conviction would be overcome by her itch to write. Virginia Woolf was born Adeline Virginia Stephen on January 25, 1882, in London. Woolf was educated at home by her father, Sir Leslie Stephen, the author of the Dictionary of English Biography, and she read extensively. Her mother, Julia Duckworth Stephen, was a nurse, who published a book on nursing. Her mother died in 1895, which was the catalyst for Virginias first mental breakdown. Virg inias sister, Stella, died in 1897; and her father dies in 1904. Virginia Woolf died on March 28, 1941 near Rodmell, Sussex, England. She left a note for her husband, Leonard, and for her sister, Vanessa. Then, Virginia walked to the River Ouse, put a large stone in her pocket, and drowned herself. Children found her body 18 days later. Virginia married Leonard Wolf in 1912. Leonard was a journalist. In 1917 the she and her husband founded Hogarth Press, which became a successful publishing house, printing the early works of authors such as Forster, Katherine Mansfield, and T. S. Eliot, and introducing the works of Sigmund Freud. Except for the first printing of Woolfs first novel, The Voyage Out (1915), Hogarth Press also published all of her works. Virginia Woolfs works are often closely linked to the development of feminist criticism, but she was also an important writer in the modernist movement. She revolutionized the novel with stream of consciousness, which allowed her to depict the inner lives of her characters in all too intimate detail. We will write a custom essay sample on The Widow and the Parrot specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Widow and the Parrot specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Widow and the Parrot specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In A Room of Ones Own Woolf writes, we think back through our mothers if we are women. It is useless to go to the great men writers for help, however much one may go to them for pleasure. Character Web James the Parrot James the Parrot Mrs. Gages Mrs. Gages Joseph Brand Joseph Brand Shag the Dog Shag the Dog Mr. Stacey Mr. Stacey Mrs. Ford Mrs. Ford Rev. Samuel Tattbogs Rev. Samuel Tattbogs Messrs. Stagg and Beetle Messrs. Stagg and Beetle Plot Conflict Author’s Style Symbol Used Theme Moral Implication

Free Essays on Men And Women The Differnce In The Brain

Score one for exasperated women: New research suggests men really do listen with just half their brains. In a study of 20 men and 20 women, brain scans showed that men when listening mostly used the left sides of their brains, the region long associated with understanding language. Women in the study, however, used both sides. Other studies have suggested that women â€Å"can handle listening to two conversations at once,† said Dr. Joseph T. Lurito, an assistant radiology professor at Indiana University School of Medicine. â€Å"One of the reasons may be that they have more brain devoted to it.† Battle of the Sexes? Lurito’s findings, presented today at the Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting, don’t necessarily mean women are better listeners. It could be that â€Å"it’s harder for them,† Lurito suggested, since they apparently need to use more of their brains than men to do the same task. â€Å"I don’t want a battle of the sexes,† he said. â€Å"I just want people to realize that men and women† may process language differently. In the study, functional magnetic resonance imaging - or fMRI - was used to measure brain activity by producing multidimensional images of blood flow to various parts of the brain. Inside an MRI scanner, study participants wore headphones and listened to taped excerpts from John Grisham’s novel The Partner while researchers watched blood-flow images of their brains, displayed on a nearby video screen. Listening resulted in increased blood flow in the left temporal lobes of the men’s brains. In women, both temporal lobes showed activity. Women Might Overcome Stroke The findings tend to support previous suggestions that women’s brains are â€Å"either more bilaterally dominant† or more right-side dominant in doing certain tasks than men’s, said Dr. Edgar Kenton of the American Stroke Association, a neurologist at Thomas Jefferson Univer... Free Essays on Men And Women The Differnce In The Brain Free Essays on Men And Women The Differnce In The Brain Score one for exasperated women: New research suggests men really do listen with just half their brains. In a study of 20 men and 20 women, brain scans showed that men when listening mostly used the left sides of their brains, the region long associated with understanding language. Women in the study, however, used both sides. Other studies have suggested that women â€Å"can handle listening to two conversations at once,† said Dr. Joseph T. Lurito, an assistant radiology professor at Indiana University School of Medicine. â€Å"One of the reasons may be that they have more brain devoted to it.† Battle of the Sexes? Lurito’s findings, presented today at the Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting, don’t necessarily mean women are better listeners. It could be that â€Å"it’s harder for them,† Lurito suggested, since they apparently need to use more of their brains than men to do the same task. â€Å"I don’t want a battle of the sexes,† he said. â€Å"I just want people to realize that men and women† may process language differently. In the study, functional magnetic resonance imaging - or fMRI - was used to measure brain activity by producing multidimensional images of blood flow to various parts of the brain. Inside an MRI scanner, study participants wore headphones and listened to taped excerpts from John Grisham’s novel The Partner while researchers watched blood-flow images of their brains, displayed on a nearby video screen. Listening resulted in increased blood flow in the left temporal lobes of the men’s brains. In women, both temporal lobes showed activity. Women Might Overcome Stroke The findings tend to support previous suggestions that women’s brains are â€Å"either more bilaterally dominant† or more right-side dominant in doing certain tasks than men’s, said Dr. Edgar Kenton of the American Stroke Association, a neurologist at Thomas Jefferson Univer...

Tesco International Business Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Tesco International Business Strategy - Essay Example From this discussion it is clear that  the company operates in thirteen countries, however its main operations are located in the UK, where there are large format of hypermarkets. Being the leader in retail business is not a simple task, because the company should always think over improvement of its strategy over such strong rivals as Sainsbury PLC, the UK chain of  supermarkets, Asda Stores Ltd, a British-based supermarket  chain which  retails  food, clothing and  financial services and the chain of supermarkets Morrisons’.This paper outlines that  Tesco has a  vast structure for corporate governance, which complies with the UK corporate governance code. The effective board is considered the basis for good governance in any corporation. In Tesco, there are four committees that assist the work for  the board of directors and provide them with the support that is directed towards Tesco’s stakeholders. The sub-committees are chaired by the CEO  with the main target to monitor each aspect of  the business and arrange discussions of issues with the executives. The corporate governance section of Tesco’s annual report and financial statements contains a brief outline of the planning and control structure used across the company. It has a five year rolling plan with the categories of planned revenue and capital expenditure. Such data is used for forming the basis for the creation of similar plans for each of the separate group businesses.

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon - Essay Example It is said that the best martial art movies are those that do not have fighting but personal excellence. The heroes used in these films are those that transcend gravity, space and the limitations of the body and mind fears. For example, in a fighting movie, the characters are portraying hatred for one another by fighting, but in a martial arts movie, these characters tend to be celebrating their powers together with one another. This film is also one of those that have been known for its display of heroism and power and the victory of an individual over collectivism. The film increased the popularity of the strong heroes and was one of the first American films in a foreign language that gained so much popularity and praise. The movie has been a presentation of complete levels of Tao, love, life, and tradition. It is basically a life story of Yu Chiao-lung (Jen) depicted showing an account of the way in which the real self can be seen and comprehended intuitively to the Tao. Jen’s journey can be described as the path from the dragon to the Phoenix, transformation of emotion to compassion or natural virtue to spiritual virtue. The film was based partially on the chivalric novel in China which gives a certain traditional representation in the characters. It not only emphasizes on the characters but also has a philosophical aspect included. The main characters in the film are each significant in their own position and hold the certain touch of symbolism in their role. Li Mu-bai had entered a Taoist monastery and was becoming the expert of sword fighting in Wudan School and was a very well known person throughout China especially for his gungfu. He had a weapon, Green Destiny, and it was 400 years old and it had special powers. This shows that the sword holds symbolism in the film and throughout it is used as a special power rather than a weapon to harm others.  

The public-private partnerships in healthcare services in middle Dissertation

The public-private partnerships in healthcare services in middle income countries - Dissertation Example The cost of spending for drugs and treatment for diseases indicate that higher costs for drugs and treatment would mean a greater burden for both low and middle income countries. The persistent and polarizing debate on health issues experienced by most countries of the world include the significant roles and the balance needed to protect the public and the private sector in securing health services for low and middle income nations (Berendes, et.al., 2011). Recently, the debates between the groups supporting either the public or private systems have become very passionate and heated, made worse by the 2007-2009 global economic downturn which strained government funds and private finances. The impact of such downturn on health has been particularly significant as many governments decreased allocations on health spending for their territories (Stuckler, et.al., 2011). At one point, the International Monetary Fund also pointed out that governments needed to expand the scope of private s ectors’ coverage in health care in relation to loan conditions, as a means of decreasing government debts (Stuckler and Basu, 2009). This remedy was severely criticized, especially by Oxfam, a non-profit organization. Oxfam pointed out that in order to ensure a wider and equitable healthcare coverage, the government must serve as its main health provider (Oxfam, 2009). In response, the World Bank (2009) has expressed the importance of specific and practical remedies which would support available resources, engaging the private enterprises in countries which have poor public health and human services. The Center for Global Development also pointed out that Oxfam did not consider the informal units, especially the fact that the poor may want to seek private health services even if they are unable to afford it (Harding, 2009). The above discussion presents two sides. On one side are those who want universal and public health services access as well as those wanting the private s ector to make available care in areas where there has been failure in public services. The private sector advocates point out that the private sector is the primary provider, especially as poor patients prefer health management by private clinics (Berendes, et.al., 2011). These advocates also indicate how the private sector may respond favourably to efficient services with the demands of market competition which must also overcome corruption and inefficiencies (Rosenthal and Newbrander, 1996). On the other side of this debate, the public sector advocates emphasize issues in accessing healthcare services caused by limits in the resources of the poor in paying for health services provided by the private sector. They have acknowledged how private markets often do not provide public health services including primary health care (Basu, et.al., 2012). The private sector is also not coordinated in terms of public health services, elements which are important in noting trends in diseases an d in managing epidemics. Both groups point out that their critics unfairly judge them due to their ideologies (Montague, et.al., 2009). They cite case reports in order to support such belief (Oxfam, 2009; World Bank, 2009). However, major issues may be seen for both groups especially as large private firms and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may thrive better

Determinants of Transport Problems

Determinants of Transport Problems DETERMINANTS OF TRANSPORT PROBLEMS IN AUCHI AND ENVIRONS, NIGERIA ATUBI, AUGUSTUS .O. (PH.D) INTRODUCTION Road transportation is a form of land transport which involves the movement of people and goods by motor cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and bicycles. it is the most popular means of transport (Areola, 1999; Atubi and Onokala, 2003; Atubi, 20005a). As a popular form of land transport, road transportation can contribute greatly to national development when made efficient. However, road transportation in Nigeria is far from being efficient. According to the Web (2006) poor maintenance and years of heavy freight traffic have made much of the road system in Nigeria barely usable. In the same vein, Filani (1982; 2005) rightly observes that the socio-economic development of any society depends to a large extent on the nature and structure of the transportation networks of the society since it provides the arteries through which the economic life stream of society flows (the people, information, raw materials and finished products) which help to build and maintain the society. Transport has been likened to the human blood circulatory system whose healthy functioning is a necessary condition for the sustenance of human life (Adeniji, 2000). Transport systems provide a key to the understanding and operation of many other systems at my different scales. At one extreme, inter-continental transport provides essential communication between the advanced and developing worlds, while local transport to rural markets in many parts of the third world is a vital component in changing dynamic socio-economic structures (Barke and O’Hare, 1984). There is hardly any human society or human settlement system that can function efficiently and effectively without adequate reliable, safe and affordable transport systems. The most fundamental reason for this being the catalytic effect of transport development on socio-economic growth and development (NISER, 2001). Transport can also play a significant role in territorial administration, political development, the defence of territories as well as in promoting the import-export corridors of neighbouring countries). Precisely, transport development is central in the developmental process for the economy and society to grow healthily. This is because transport influences and it is influenced by other sectors that make up, not only the total urban system (Stopher and Meyburg, 1975), but the entire human settlements’ system. The importance of transport to spatial, social and economic growth and development has not been seriously questioned, although its exact role and influence h ave been subjected to periodic reappraisal (Button, 1982). Despite all huge investments in the transport sector, it is disheartening to note that transport systems in most countries of the developing world is performing far below average thereby retarding their socio-economic growth and development. John et al (2005) opines that the use of the word â€Å"crisis† to describe transport problems in European and American cities seems a misnomer compared to what is experienced in the cities of the developing countries. The various associated problems of inefficient traffic flow such as environmental pollution, noise, traffic fatalities and injuries, etc are more severe in the developing world making the problem quite modest in the developed world by comparison (Gakenheimer, 1999). According to John et al (2005), developing countries have several factors in common that contribute to the severity of their transport problems. Overall population growth and increasing urbanisation have led, especially, to the rapid growth of large cities, which have been overwhelmed by the sudden jump in travel demand. The supply of transport infrastructure lagged far behind demand. Public sector finances in general are so limited that funding for transport improvements is woefully inadequate. Commenting on urban transport problems in Lagos state, Nigerians, Atubi (2007a) opines that some of the most serious problems facing development planners and policy makers in the country reside in the transport sector. John et al (2005) concludes that the nature and extent of transport problems obviously vary from one country to another, virtually all developing countries suffer from the following: Unplanned, haphazard development at the sub-urban fringe without adequate infrastructure, transport and other public services Limited network of roads, often narrow, poorly maintained and unpaved. Rapidly increasing ownership and use of private cars and motorcycles. Inadequate roadway accommodation for buses and non-motorized transport. Overcrowded, uncomfortable, undependable slow, uncoordinated, inefficient and dangerous public transport. As documented above, Auchi and its environs shares nearly all these problems of developing countries and therefore the need to examine in details the most prominent determinants of transport crisis in the town. It is therefore, the objectives of this study to examine road network characteristics, transport and terminal facilities, land use characteristics and vehicular traffic flow and the existing traffic control measures, as they contribute to transport problems in the town. Geographically, Auchi is located roughly between latitude 7o4’ of the equator and longitude 6o16’ east of the Greenwich meridian. It is situated in the northern part of Edo state, Nigeria. It serves as the headquarters to the Etsako West Local Government Area. However, as a town Auchi is specifically bounded in the east by Jattu community, on the North West by Ikpeshi and Ihieve Igben towns, on the north by Ayua, Iyaku and Imeke, while on the south by Ivbiaro and Warakpe respectively. Auchi has road as its basic mode of transportation. There is a network of roads that connects Auchi to the surrounding settlements for instance the dual – carriage expressway leading to Jattu, the Auchi-Igarra road, the Jattu – Uzaire road and the Auchi – Okene Abuja expressway. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data for this work were collected from the primary and secondary source. Personal observation method was used to collect data on road network characteristics in Auchi. During the exercise, emphasis was placed on the width of the major roads at intervals. Actual measurements were taken at intervals, areas riddled by pot-holes were examined and noted, drainage system among these roads were all examined and noted, materials used for construction of roads as well as the nature of the roads in terms of configuration and sharp bends were also examined, the proportion of road allocated for right – of – way (motorway), side walk – way or pedestrian walk-way were also measured and noted. On existing traffic control measures along the roads that constitute the study area, personal observation and planning studies were used to collect data. The existing traffic control measures such as traffic wardens, channelization, zebra crossing, roundabout, traffic light etc were looked for along the major roads. Physical survey method was also used to collect data on transport and terminal facilities. Terminal facilities such as bus-stops, off-streeting parking lots and motor parks were examined and their locations and state noted. DISCUSSION Most of the roads in Auchi lacked pedestrian walk way or where they exist, are in dilapidated condition that always prevent people to put them into proper use thereby resulting to pedestrians struggling with motorists on the right of way that is too narrow for vehicular movement alone. As a result of lack of maintenance culture, nearly all the roads are in deplorable conditions. Things are made worse during the rainy season. Along the Jattu-Uzaire junction, the road has so much been riddled with pot holes that vehicles reduce their speed to approximately 0.5km/hour. Apart from the pot-holes, these roads are also characterised by sharp bends and poor configuration. The drainage along these roads is nearly non-existent. During rainy season, flooding is a common phenomenon along these areas. The dumping of rubbish and the gully erosion menace have greatly hinders the functionality of these drainage system in Auchi. At times, water enters into the engine or vehicles which further delays movement of motorists. All the above mentioned characteristics of these roads contribute in no small measure to the vehicular traffic flow problems experienced in the town. These findings corroborate what Adefolalu (1977) and Atubi and Oriero (2004) in their study of urban traffic problems in the city of Lagos and importance of drainage systems to development in Lagos respectively. Transport facilities refer to the vehicles that apply the major roads in the town. It is a fact concerning the characteristics of traffic flow and safety. The length, width and height are often limited by law so that vehicles can fit geometric standards of the roads. While passenger cars are well below this limit, commercial vehicles such as trailers and tankers often constitute problems. These commercial vehicles often find it difficult to negotiate curves because of their large turning radii and in the process cause undue traffic delay. The weight of vehicles must also be limited to suit structural designed standards of pavements. Mostly, pavements fail structurally because of over stressing due to these heavy vehicles. All the identified vehicle characteristics and situation apply to Auchi. Tankers, trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles struggle for the limited space along the major roads in the town thereby compounding traffic flow problems. Furthermore, on several occasions, traffic problem is caused by motor vehicles having mechanical break downs. These breakdowns are in part caused by lack of inspection for adequate equipment such as break lights, tyres, fuel, etc. Terminal facilities are facilities put in place to aid efficient and smooth flow of vehicular traffic on the roads. These facilities include: motor parks, bus stops, off street parking lots, on-street parking lots, etc. Where all these are adequately provided and properly put into use vehicular traffic flow is not always a problem. Fieldwork exercise revealed that the major parks for the on-loading and off-loading of passengers by commercial vehicles in the town are in most cases put into use. However, sometimes commercial bus/car operators in a bid to make quick and more trips per day abandon these parks and had turned themselves to nuisance in the city. Landuses are the various ways by which land had been put into use. In Auchi, various land use types such as educational, residential, institutional, agricultural can be identified. From all indications, these dominant landuses are traffic generators and attractors as they are either places of residence, learning, working, shopping or transacting business which attract both vehicular and pedestrian traffic resulting sometimes in traffic flow problems. It was also observed that on a daily basis, especially between Monday and Friday, the Auchi Polytechnic being an educational landuse attract and generate vehicular traffic both in the early morning peak when students and workers, majority of who live off-campus move to the Polytechnic premises and afternoon peak periods when they move from campus to town after normal activities. Apart from educational landuse in the town, residential landuse also attracts and generate traffic. The Uyisin, Ukphe and Constance Momoh quarters in Auchi town being places that are highly populated generates traffic and attract traffic on a daily basis. People from this axis move to different parts of the town for their normal daily business. Another notable landuse type in the town is the commercial landuse, and this abounds all over the town but more prominent where markets are located in the town. The Etsako central market at Aviele is an attractor and generator of vehicular traffic anytime of the day. A lso markets such as Iyekhe market and Utukwe market also attracts and generates vehicular traffic commercial vehicles, motorcycle operators and private car owners comb these areas regularly for commercial activities. Shop owners and potential buyers move in and out of this town in either private cars or motorcycles thereby resulting in vehicular traffic volume in the town. Apart from the commercial activities going on in this part of the town residential landuse also play a significant role. This area houses the palace of the Otaru of Auchi which is a place of attraction to the natives on a regular basis. Meetings and other traditional engagements around the town also account for traffic problem in the area. FACTORS MILITATING AGAINST EFFICIENT ROAD TRANSPORTATION The following factors have over the years militated against an efficient road transportation Years of heavy freight traffic: Over the years the road system has been subjected to heavy freight which were beyond the carrying capacity of the roads. This made the condition of the roads to deteriorate and the result is that much of the road system is barely usable. The heavy freight traffic is part as a result of the failure of the railway system. From the 1970 successive administrations have failed to redesign and modify the obsolete nm-row network to serve the new economy dependent on oil (Nwakamma, 2006). Hence roads were built to carry freight that could conveniently be carried by railways. Today, road transportation accounts for over 95 percent of passengers and freight transport (Ojabo, 2007). Traffic congestion: Traffic congestion have become a permanent feature of urban roads and some highways in Nigeria. This is in spite of many attempts to reverse the situation. During rush hours when people are going to work valuable productive time is wasted in traffic hold-ups. Hours that could have been utilized efficiently in work places such as companies, private organisations, and government offices are spent on the urban roads and highways. There is also environmental pollution caused by traffic congestion which affects the health of individuals and consequently their productivity. Though traffic congestion is a feature of urban centres throughout the world, the Nigerian situation is permanent due to the absence of an alternative means of transport such as railways. Highway armed robbery: Armed robbery is a major problem affecting road transport in Nigeria especially the highways. the robbers kill, injure and frighten their victims, terror generally unleashing on commuters/travellers. Highway crimes like armed robbery thwart efforts towards national development. Furthermore, the highway armed robbery give the country a bad image abroad. Foreigners proposing to come to Nigeria for vacations are usually advised by their embassies that â€Å"public transportation throughout Nigeria is dangerous and should be avoided† (The Web, 2007). Thus such people fear coming into the country as a result of the insecurity caused by the highway armed robbery. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION For effective traffic flow and perfect road transportation system in Auchi the following recommendations are indispensable. There is need for repairs and rehabilitation of all existing urban roads which are as at now riddled with pot holes and other problems. Investigation revealed that most of the mort parks in Auchi lack essential facilities that could confine traders, hawkers and passengers to the parks. Facilities such as shopping complex, eating places etc should be provided. This would make these parks attractive to users. Introduction of bus-stops in the town and the orientation of road users on their importance. Mass-transit is recommended for effective and smooth movement between residential landuses and employment centres in the town. The federal government should improve the security situation on the highways in a bid to eliminate the activities of armed robbery gangs on the road. Aerial and ground surveillance should be mounted around the operational areas of the gangs in order to put an end to their nefarious activities. REFERENCES Adefolalu, A.A. (1977) Traffic Congestion in the city of Lagos. Nigerian Geographical Journal Vol. 20, No. 2. Adeniji, K. (2000) Transport Challenges in Nigeria in the Next two Decades. Keynote address delivered at the 5th National council on transport meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Held at the ECOWAS Secretariat, Asokoro, Abuja between 29th and 31st August, 2000. Areola, O; Mamman, M; Onweluzo, F.A. and Omotoso, O. (1999) Exam Focus Geography for WASSCE and JAME. Ibadan University Press Plc. Atubi, A.O. and Onokala, P.C. (2003) Road Transportation and the Socio-economic Development of the Niger-Delta: A Case study of Warri Metropolis. Journal of the Social and Management Science Review, Vol. 1, No. 1, Pp. 102-113. Atubi, A.O. (2005a) The Effects of Osubi Airport and the Socio-Economic Development in Osubi community and its Environs in Delta State, Nigeria. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Dynamics, Vol. 3, Pp. 1-8. Atubi, A.O. (2007a) Network Accessibility and Occurrence of Public Facilities in Lagos Island, Nigeria. Journal of Geography and Planning Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 1, Pp. 1-17. Atubi, A.O. and Oriero, S.B. (2004) Importance of Drainage systems to development in South – Western Nigeria. The case of Ebuffmetta in Lagos Mainland. International Journal of Environmental Issues. Vol. 2, No. 1 and 2, Pp. 209-216. Barke, M. and O’ hare, G. (1984) The Third World, Edinburg, Oliver and Boyd. Button, K.J. (1982) Transport Economics, Aldershot: Gower Publishing. Filani, M.O. (1982) Transportation in Filani, M.O. (ed) Ibadan Region, Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, 137-153 pp. Filani, M.O. (2005) Rail Transportation as a mechanism for sustainable development of a Nation. Ago-Iwoye Journal of Social and behavioural Sciences Vol. 1, No. 1: 4-10. Gakenheimer, R. (1999). Urban Mobility in the Developing World. Transportation Research,33A, 671-690Pp. John, P; Nisha, K; Neha, M. and neenu, I. (2005) Urban Transport Crisis in India. Transport Policy, Vol. 12, No. 3:185-198. NISER Review of Nigerian Development (2001) The State in Nigerian Development (NISER), Ibadan. Nwakamma, N. (2006) Modernizing Nigerian Railways. New Nigerian Newspaper, Thursday, August 10, 2006. Ojabo, L. (2007) FG and Road Construction since 1999. New Nigerian Weekly. Stopher, P.R. and Arnim, H. Meyburg (1975) Urban Transportation Modelling and Planning, Lexington, (Mass); Lexington Books, D.C. Health and Company. 1

Graduation Speech -- Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

To the County High School Class of 2012: As you sit in front of me, I know what most of you are thinking at the moment. There are those who are already pondering about what life without high school will be like; those who are debating whether or not to tell your crush tonight about your whispers of adoration you’ve secretly held for four years; some simply want to get out of that ungodly chair, get that thing that isn’t really a diploma but only tells you when to pick up the thing, and then be the first one on the green bus to the grad party — you know who you are. And the rest, well, the rest aren’t even paying attention, you’re thinking, â€Å"Great, here comes one of the valedictorian speakers. Next up: a boring speech straight out of the pits of scholarly hell.† And it’s OK, I don’t mind — that sort of thing comes with the territory. But tonight, I ask that you give me a chance to break that stereotype so that I may a ddress you in the full splendor that you deserve after 13 grueling years of work. I do not want to be known as your â€Å"valedictorian† as I stand here, c’mon guys, there is no time left to place labels on people anymore, instead I ask that you accept me as one of your peers — and as a man who will enjoy becoming a graduate alongside you. Over the last three days I’ve been through two drafts of this speech, one dealing with the future and the other dealing with the past. I had the usual â€Å"we are entering a new chapter in our lives† spiel, and then, because everyone pressured me to â€Å"make it funny,† I followed this with some witticisms on flatulence and going to jail; and then going to jail for flatulence; and then flatulence inside a jail with a guy named Red. Needless to say, I ditched those speeches. Twenty-four ho... ...e that comes from the reflective mood of the evening. Enjoy the silence while you can for it is anticlimax you weren’t expecting after you finished LHS. Capture the silence as an aspect of taste. Remember it. Finally, take a deep breath, and smile at that wonderful smell: the aroma of relief. After years of following the path of public schooling, I invite you to welcome the liberation that comes from graduation. This sugary aroma only comes once in a lifetime. Capture it with your sense of smell. Remember it in the years to come. As our time together draws to a close, I leave LHS with no further anecdotes of wisdom or quotes dealing with success; only the sincere hope that you immersed yourself in the essence of commencement. Everybody, we’ll all be graduates by the time we leave tonight. Let’s enjoy it. Congratulations to the Lee High School Class of 2006.