Spain culture and traditions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Spain culture and traditions - Research Paper Example The bull is usually killed at the end of the occasion. This activity usually takes place between the months of April and October, and the Spaniards usually prepare for this event with excitement. There have been several occasions when this tradition has been banned by governments, but progressive ones allow its reinstitution. This is an indicator that the practice is ingrained in the Spanish culture and it is not easy to get rid of it (Whittaker 2008 p 67). Traditional songs and dance are also core components of Spanish culture. They vary from region to region, and the music is mainly focused on conveying particular messages to the listeners. For example in the 20th century, Spanish traditional music was largely used to spread propaganda regarding the totalitarian rule. These include Jota, Fandango, and Sardana amongst others (Moffitt 1999 p 43). The Spanish folk dance was a significant indicator of unity and identity. Annual festivals are held every year, providing an avenue for the Spaniards to demonstrate their culture. In such occasions, they demonstrate their cultural music and dances, fireworks, paintings amongst other traditional activities. The culture and traditions of the Spaniards is an important factor that gives them a sense of identity of the nation (Nash 2001 p 56). It generates personality and uniqueness amongst the Spain nationals. It also helps in building strong social institutions through establishing the nationâ₠¬â„¢s behavioral

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne Research Paper - 1

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne - Research Paper Example Her lover Reverend Dimmesdale whom she had chosen to protect later confessed at the gallows where Hester was punished earlier and dies. Chillingworth, who was Hesters husband, also dies leaving Hester and pearl alone. After several years, Hester died and buried near Dimmesdales’s grave; they shared the gravestone with writings â€Å""On a field, sable. The letter A, gules" (Hawthorne). In Chapter one, the prison door is symbolic, it is introduced in this chapter, and it is used when a crowd of people was standing outside the prison. It is built with heavy oak and is studded with iron spikes. There is a rose bush that grows near the same prison door; this shows how nature is kind despite being criminal it is said to provide â€Å"sweet moral blossom† (Hawthorne). The character Hester Prynne is introduced in chapter two. Sin, social order, and knowledge are clearly shown. The writer uses the symbol to depict sin, and that sinner must be punished in public according to puritan customs and belief. Hester’s punishment was to be an example to other people who were planning to commit adultery. However, only the woman was punished, and the man left, the women did not seek to pity, Hester instead they condemned her as a sinner, an adulterer. They saw her as a great sinner, they never imagined they being sinners. Hester fights it by accepting the condemnation for the need for love after his husband going along with the possibility of being dead. The perfect embroidery of the â€Å"A† letter on her dress was a sign of acceptance the women saw it as Hester was proud of the sin she had committed. She accepted the reality rather than resisting since her child was the fruit of the act. Resisting it was like opposing her child, Pearl. Hester from the beginning was different from other women she was said to be beautiful, tall and radiates natural dignity, unlike other women. The third Chapter introduces Hester punishment as an act against humanity; the puritan order makes

E-Commerce and Protecting Intellectual Property Essay Example for Free

E-Commerce and Protecting Intellectual Property Essay Introduction E-commerce has become a prosperous industry which generated more than $262 billion in sales last year. It is estimated by 2017 that E-commerce will grow to â€Å"to $440 billion in sales for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8%† (Forbes, 2013). With this much growth, it beckons entrepreneurs to grab a piece of the pie. As legal activity in Ecommerce increases, the activity of counterfeiting is bound to rise as well. The issue of intellectual piracy is becoming an increasing problem, an issue that must be addressed federally in line with Article 1 Section 8 of the United States Constitution. Intellectual Property (IP) Intellectual property is any creation of the mind, be it tangible or intangible. It is to be protected by federal statutory laws, such as patents, copyright, and trademarks, as set forth in the Constitution. Article 1 Section 8 describes the power granted to Congress in order to protect the wellbeing of the United States and its citizens. In this article it states Congress has the right â€Å"to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries† (Cornell University Law School, 2014). Protection The legal protection offered to intellectual property can either be a patent, copyright or trademark enforced by federal law for a given period. A copyright protects literature and artistic works. A patent is granted to the originator of an invention and gives them the right to decide how the creation shall be used. A trademark is a sign, emblem, signature, or mark used to distinguish a company’s goods or services from one company to the  next. Though businesses are granted legal protection in these manners, they will always have the issue of piracy to contend with, and the need for the federal government to intervene against these activities. Congressional Duty Congress has a liability and a duty to protect the intellectual property of companies and individuals who have taken the legal steps to safeguard their works and findings. They cannot be dissuaded by the pressures of those â€Å"who do not believe that someone else’s’ intellectual property rights should be a barrier to their ability to make money† (Hanna, 2013). During the 2012-2013 National Football League (NFL) season, the NFL in cooperation with the U.S. government â€Å"seized a record $13.6 million worth of counterfeit NFL merchandise† (Hanna, 2013). The counterfeiting of merchandise is not limited to the NFL, major brands like Nike, Oakley, Tommy Hilfiger, to name a few, have all fallen victim to this malicious crime. Policymakers, in conjunction with internet service providers (ISP), and manufacturers must work together in an effort to develop reasonable cost effective solutions to combat intellectual piracy. Conclusion Piracy of intellectual property is far from a victimless crime. It affects not only the manufacturers and consumer, but also the number of jobs created by the legal selling of merchandise. Congress has a duty, which has been set forth in the Constitution, to protect the intellectual property of companies and individuals alike, even after trademarks, patents, and copyrights have been issued. It will take combine effort from our government, ISPs, and manufactures to combat the stealing of intellectual property while continuing to promote online freedom. References Cornell University Law School. (2014). U.S. Constitution. Retrieved from http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/articlei Forbes. (2013, October 02). Ecommerce Is Growing Nicely While Mcommerce Is On A Tear. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckjones/2013/10/02/ecommerce-is-growing-nicely-while-mcommerce-is-on-a-tear Hanna, C. (2013, March 07). Washington must get serious about protecting intellectual property. Retrieved from

Radial Ball Bearing Material

Radial Ball Bearing Material You are tasked with selecting a material that is suitable for the balls in a radial ball bearing such as the one shown in Fig. 1. Radial ball bearings although intended primarily for radial loads, will also carry a certain amount of thrust.    Ball Figure 1 Ball bearing The following details are known in relation to radial ball bearing design: Youngs modulus should have a minimum of 200 GPa. The compressive strength should have a value à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³ 300 MPa. The balls must not fail under load. It can be assumed that the contact stress can be modelled for a sphere on a flat (see Fig. 1). An assumption should be made that the material for the ball and the raceway are the same and therefore they have the same moduli and Poissons ratio has a value of 1/3. The balls should be light. Material selection process. This refers to selecting a material that meets all the constraints and objective below. Design requirements: Table 1 Table of design requirements Function   Suitable for balls in a radial ball bearing Constraints Youngs modulus must be greater than 200 Gpa. Compressive strength should not have a value of less than 300Mpa. (Assumption)Moduli and Poissons ratio being the same (ratio of ). Objectives The balls must not fail under load, contact should be modelled for a sphere on a flat. The balls should be light. Free variables Cross sectional area Material choice Mass of ball Below is a figure of all materials with a mechanical property (Youngs modulus greater than 200Gpa and Compressive strength greater than 300Mps) against density: Seen below is a table of the materials and their corresponding Youngs modulus. Table 2 Table of materials Name Youngs modulus (GPa) Tungsten carbides 625 700 Boron carbide 440 472 Silicon carbide 400 460 Alumina 343 390 Tungsten alloys 310 380 Aluminium nitride 302 348 Silicon nitride 290 318 Zirconia 200 250 Nickel-based super alloys 150 245 Nickel-chromium alloys 200 220 Nickel 190 220 Low alloy steel 205 217 Medium carbon steel 200 216 Low carbon steel 200 215 High carbon steel 200 215 Stainless steel 210 Although seen above, 16 values have passed the requirements so far, further analysis will be conducted, and this can be seen below; The below table illustrates the materials that meet the design requirements, the table is ranked based on Youngs modulus, from highest modulus to lowest. The Compressive strength of the material must also be considered, a minimum compressive strength of 300MPa must apply. The table below illustrates each materials Youngs modulus and corresponding compressive strength. Table 3 Materials with Youngs modulus and compressive strengths that meet design requirements (density also noted) Name Youngs modulus (GPa) Compressive strength (MPa) Tungsten carbides 625 700 3.35e3 6.83e3 Boron carbide 440 472 2.58e3 5.69e3 Silicon carbide 400 460 690 5.5e3 Alumina 343 390 690 5.5e3 Tungsten alloys 310 380 555 800 Aluminium nitride 302 348 1.97e3 2.5e3 Silicon nitride 290 318 524 5.5e3 Zirconia 200 250 3.6e3 5.2e3 Nickel-based super alloys 150 245 300 1.9e3 Nickel-chromium alloys 200 220 365 460 Nickel 190 220 70 1e3 Low alloy steel 205 217 400 1.5e3 Medium carbon steel 200 216 305 1.76e3 Low carbon steel 200 215 250 395 High carbon steel 200 215 335 1.16e3 Stainless steel 189 210 170 1e3 Below is a bubble chart of Youngs modulus versus compressive strength: Figure 2 Bubble chart of Youngs modulus of Compressive strength The above figure is on a logarithmic scale. Only materials that have passed the requirements were plotted. When surfaces are placed in contact they touch at one or a few discrete points. If the surfaces are loaded, the contacts flatten elastically and the contact areas grow until failure of some sort occurs. (Duffy, 2010) Compressive stress causes this. As the requirements state; should be modelled as a sphere on a flat, this allows the student to use following formulae (contact stresses); Figure 3 Sphere on a flat (Duffy, 2010) (Yield Stress)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The following is subbed in to produce the below: x x x x = = The mass of the sphere must be derived, this is done below; Where is density and is volume Volume of a sphere is denoted as: m= The student knows the objective is to minimise the mass of the ball, the derivation above is done on that basis and results in the equation being flipped above. From the material selection index above, the equation can be related in the logarithmic scale: = This results in: This now means the slope can be known to be = 0.222 The above value is known as an index line; Index lines can be used to compare the performance of different materials, and to find replacement materials. Materials that are on the line will all perform equally well in each design. Materials above the line have a higher performance index and will therefore perform better; those below the line have a lower index value. (Edupack, 2006) The below bubble chart illustrates the material selection process using the slope; Figure 4 Material selection with material index As seen from above, with a material index of 0.222 the following two materials passed (whole record is within the selection was used); Name Index slope =0.2222 Silicon nitride 6.55e101 Zirconia 1.66e100 As seen from above the materials are both ceramic. An additional chart plotting the materials costs can also be seen below; Figure 5 Price of selected material Figure 6 Price of selected material Pass only A table of the materials cost can also be seen below; Table 4 Table of costs Name Price(EUR/kg) Zirconia 17.1-24.7 Silicon nitride 32.3-49.4 (i) It has been identified that both Youngs modulus and compressive strength are important material properties when selectin ball bearings, below is a detailed summary of why each property is important; Youngs modulus refers to a materials elastic modulus. This determines the stiffness of a solid material. This is a proportional (constant) between stress as long as stress is less than the yield point. This results in a smaller strain with the same stress in a stiffer material. In relation to a ball bearing Youngs modulus of Silicon nitride is about 1.5 times that of steel, meaning a smaller contact surface is present when there is a high contact pressure. Hertz theory means the maximum load for combination steel- Silicon nitride reduced with 30%. In relation to the contact of the bearing we know it will be a sphere on a flat. The balls within a bearing are going to experience both an axial and radial force. If the force is too great for the material this may result in deformation (changing of shape). This affects the ball bearings ability to perform, this can be compared to as a wheel on a car, if it is flat may result in a pulling motion. If severe deformation occurred this may result in the bearing not allowing for rotation. This means that Youngs modulus is important when selecting materials for ball bearings. Youngs modulus mathematical representation; It is noted from CES EduPack that silicon nitride is used mostly for ball bearings the Youngs modulus is known to be; 290-318 GPa (Edupack, 2006) Compressive strength refers to a materials resistance to compressive stress. This is when a force is applied in an inwards direction in the material. It is opposite to tensile stress. As a ball bearing is going to have one point of contact, (below) compressive strength is an important element in choosing the material. This is due to the radial forces applied when the ball is in the raceway. Once again, if the radial force is greater than the materials compressive strength abilities this will result in deformation. This will affect the bearings performance. Compressive strength can be up to 10 times greater than tensile stress. Ceramic material has a good compressive strength due to crack propagation, since there are more internal cracks in ceramics (than most materials) if placed under tension cracks will propagate and produce failure where if it is placed under compression it works in the opposite manner. Compressive strength mathematical representation; It is noted from CES EduPack that silicon nitride is used mostly for ball bearings the compressive strength is known to be; 524-5.5e3 MPa   (Edupack, 2006) (ii) The other material properties of Silicon Nitride which lead to superior operating performance can be seen below; General properties Density3.1e3-3.4e3kg/m^3 Price*32.3-49.4EUR/kg Date first used1958 Mechanical properties Youngs modulus290-318GPa Shear modulus*100-128GPa Bulk modulus*210-232GPa Poissons ratio0.26-0.28 Yield strength (elastic limit)*600-720MPa Tensile strength600-720MPa Compressive strength524-5.5e3MPa Elongation0% strain Hardness Vickers1.4e3-1.6e3HV Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles*300-500MPa Fracture toughness4-6. 7MPa.m^0.5 Mechanical loss coefficient (tan delta)*2e-5-5e-5 Thermal properties Melting point2.39e3-2.5e3 °C Maximum service temperature1e3-1.2e3 °C Minimum service temperature-272271 °C Thermal conductor or insulator?Good conductor Thermal conductivity22-30W/m. °C Specific heat capacity670-800J/kg. °C Thermal expansion coefficient3.2-3.6 µstrain/ °C Electrical properties Electrical conductor or insulator?Good insulator Electrical resistivity1e20-1e21 µohm.cm Dielectric constant (relative permittivity)7.9-8.1 Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent)*5e-4-7e-4 Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown)*11-131000000 V/m Optical properties TransparencyTranslucent Refractive index1.95-2 Processability Moldability2-3 Weldability1-2 Eco properties Embodied energy, primary production116-128MJ/kg CO2 footprint, primary production4.63-5.12kg/kg RecycleRecycle (Edupack, 2006) The above characteristics result ceramic materials being the optimum material for ball bearings; High speed, faster acceleration this is because ceramics are only 40% as dense as steel. However, the material can deliver 30-50% higher running speeds with reduced skidding and less lubrication needed. Lighter in weight ceramic ball bearings are more rigid to that of steel ball bearings and lighter in weight.   This allows for lower coefficients and a higher overall RPM (rotation per minute) Greater accuracy since ceramics has 50% higher modulus of elasticity than steel. This means less of a deformation which leads to vibration and spindle deflection, this increases components productivity and quality. Reduced friction: benefits of this include: longer life, energy efficiency reduced noise levels, less heat and less lubrication needed. Non-conductive materials like Silicon nitride eliminate the pitting and fluting of raceways which ic common in electrical motor applications. If steel is used in bearings the electricity could cause magnetic field (EMF) and this could act as a conducted damaging the bearings over time. Ceramic materials are immune to EMF, which mean they perform well even when electricity is present. Corrosion resistance Silicon nitride; more effective than steel balls in the presence of liquids such as water or corrosive materials. Corrosion resistance can be enhanced when ceramic balls are used with dry fil, lubricant on the ring and retainer components. Longer operating life Up to 5 to 10 times longer than standard metal bearings. Higher temperature operation ceramic ball bearings can operate in high temperatures (up to 1,800  °F) Less noise and vibration due to a lower coefficient of friction (Ibsco, 2011) The two materials chose were Silicon Nitride and Zirconia. A brief description can be seen below outlining why the individual ceramic is the optimum choice; Silicon Nitride: This material contains high temperature capabilities, meaning it has a low thermal expansion coefficient which gives good thermal shock resistance compared to other ceramic materials. The material is up to 58% lighter than steel silicon (Carter, 2009). As the material is lighter it means a smaller force is needed to roll the element. The main advantage to this is that silicon nitride can carry similar loads to that of silicon steel with less force needed. Zirconia: Zirconia was made for high performance duties such as (atmospheric journeys). This means the material has the highest temperature ability. However, this material has a high thermal expansion (almost like steel) but weighs less so it does not have the same weight saving and thermal shock resistance found in other ceramic materials. (Carter, 2009) Zirconia is used when low loads are applied or when high temperature capabilities are needed (corrosive too). (iii) Porosity refers to a measure of void (empty spaces in a material) and is a fraction of the volume of voids over the total volume between 0% and 100% (Quora, 2003) Technical ceramics do not have open porosity. To achieve porosity manufacturing process must be done (use of additives). This then allows closed and open pores to be created, ranging from nm to  µm. Porosity can have various effects on the mechanical properties of ceramics (as chosen). The following properties are effected: Compressive strength Density Fatigue Youngs modulus Fracture toughness Shear modulus Tensile strength Any residual porosity will influence elastic properties and strength. For some materials, the magnitude of the modulus of elasticity E decreases with volume fraction per; It is known that porosity affects flexural strength as it reduces cross-sectional area. It also results in pores acting as stress concentrates. (Duffy, 2010) (iv) Below is a completed table for ceramic materials having 20vol% porosity. This is done by using the following; The below calculation for silicon nitride is done for clarity; ) = 199.424 GPa Where is the modulus of elasticity and is the porosity volume. Table 5 Ceramic materials with 20vol% Material Modulus of Elasticity GPa Porosity at 20vol% E(20%) Porosity GPa Silicon nitirde 304 0.2 199.424 Zirconia 205 0.2 134.48 Silicon carbide 345 0.2 226.32 Aluminum oxide 393 0.2 257.808 Glass-ceramic 120 0.2 78.72 Mullite 145 0.2 95.12 Spinel 260 0.2 170.56 Magnesium oxide 225 0.2 147.6 Fused silica 73 0.2 47.888 Soda-lime glass 69 0.2 45.264 As seen from the above, silicon nitride is the ceramic material resulting in a modulus of elasticity when having a porosity volume of 20%. References Carter, 2009. Carter. [Online] Available at: http://www.carterbearings.co.uk/unasis/hybrid-and-ceramic-bearings/ceramic-matericals-and-their-properties-part-2/[Accessed Saturday Feburary 2017]. Duffy, J., 2010. Moodle. [Online] Available at: http://moodle.itb.ie/pluginfile.php/115304/mod_resource/content/0/CES%20EduPack%20-%20USEFUL%20SOLUTIONS%20to%20COMMON%20PROBLEMS%202008%20-%2001Jan13.pdf[Accessed Wednesday Feburary 2017]. Edupack, C., 2006. s.l.: s.n. Ibsco, 2011. Ibsco. [Online] Available at: http://www.ibsco.com/ceramic-ball-bearings.php[Accessed Saturday Feburary 2017]. Quora, 2003. Quora. [Online] Available at: 2017[Accessed Wednesday Feburary 2017].

The main differences between poems are described by Metaphysical and Classical. :: English Literature

The main differences between poems are described by Metaphysical and Classical. The main differences between poems are described by Metaphysical and Classical. The most famous metaphysical poets would be John Dunn and Marvell, and then the most famous classical poets would be Marlowe and Johnson. Metaphysical being the more interesting makes use of arguments to persuade this can also be described as dialectic. Then Classical is more "Carpe Diem" (Seize the Day) being simpler and with all the verses being the same and in a Starvea (irregular) and an example of this is the poem To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time. The poem, To his coy mistress is very much Carpe Diem but the poet Andrew Marvell who wrote it was influenced by both Metaphysical and Classical types of poetry, the way in the beginning of the poem he seems to talk about things in a very slow way, walking, time slowing down to try to woe the women in a much quicker, the poem also shows a lot of Petrachan influences as when Andrew Marvell says 'Thine eyes, and on thy forehead gaze' and 'Thy beauty shall no more be found'. The poem is very much more in use of words that show the women in which the poem is talking about as being a goddess as I said earlier; this seems to play a large part in the poem. Another poem which is also very Carpe Diem is, to the virgins, to make much of time, this poem uses irregular (starvea) stress' and unstressed' words, but does have a regular amount of feet throughout the poem. The poem seems to be stating to a woman that she should not wait at all and get married in her youth when she still can, it is speaking as though the women has no other option than to get married in her youthful times. The writer, Robert Herrick, is using the sun also as a use of time saying to hurry before the sun sets and it will be too late for the sun and the women marrying times are gone. The poem The Flea is very different to the other two before, it is a metaphysical poem which is much more interesting, it uses a much more dialectic view of wooing a women. It uses the fact that as a flea has bitten both the poet and the women of whom he is in love with, that it means that there are three lives all together in one and that him and his love almost 'more than maryed are'.

Women in the Cival War Essay -- essays research papers fc

Women in the Civil War The Civil War, which lasted for four long years, was a â€Å"total war† involving every aspect of society. During this time in one of the bloodiest of wars, northern and southern women were as equally involved as their male counterparts, if not more. Because of this war, women were forced to abandon their traditional roles of the 19th century, and participate in the war effort. Some fearless women disguised themselves as young men, and took on the role of soldiers, in order to show their patriotism. Some of the more cunning women freelanced as spies outside the government sphere, so that they could participate in the war. Others supported the war effort by taking on the roles of nurses who risked their lives on the battlefield; however, most of them worked in hospitals located in the rear. No matter how big or small the role they played during the civil war, the significance of their effort and support broadened beliefs about the abilities of women and what they could achieve outside of the home. One of the more significant roles that women played during the civil war was that of a soldier. Both Union and Confederate armies forbade the enlistment of women, so those that wanted to enlist, crossed gender boundaries and disguised themselves as young men and assumed masculine names. This war was not only a man’s fight, but it was also a woman’s fight. Female civil war soldiers, like the male soldiers, lived in camps, suffered in prisons and died for their respective causes. They were wounded prisoners of war, and killed in action. Going to war was strictly by choice and they were all aware of the risks involved. Many had never fired a rifle before much less contained the understanding of the army way of life, but nevertheless, they still managed and some were very successful. It was estimated that 400 women rolled up their pants, bound their breasts, and cut their hair, in order to enlist with the fighting forces. Among those that joined the Confederate Army ranks was Mrs. Amy Clarke, â€Å"who enlisted with her husband and continued service after he was killed at Shiloh. It was not until she was wounded a second time and captured by the Federal that Mrs. Amy Clarke’s gender was detected†. Female soldiers had plenty of guts; they did not faint at the sight of blood, nor did they swoon in unbearably hot weather. They endured the same physical and... ...ty, NY: Hanover House, 1954. The author of this book provided a plethora of biographies, techniques and accomplishments of women, who spied for the Union Army listing the most influential to the least. Markle, Donald C. Spies and Spymasters. New York : Hippocrene Books, 1994. This book gave examples of female spies from both the Union and the Confederate Armies. These examples included the most significant women and the methods they used that are still practiced in espionage today. United States National Park Service. â€Å"Clara Barton – Angel of the Battlefield.† Home page on-line. Available from http://www.nps.gov/anti/clara.htm; Internet; accessed 30 July 03. This article provided a brief biography of Clara Barton, to include, her experiences on the battlefield as a nurse during the Civil War and a brief outline of her accomplishments after the war. Zeinert, Karen. Elizabeth Van Lew: Southern Belle, Union Spy. New Jersey. Dillon Press,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1995. The author gave an intimate view of one of the most significant spies during the Civil War with a thorough background of Elizabeth Van Lew, not leaving out her adventures and hilarious techniques used.

Every Child is Special Essay

As a teacher and as a mother, I was really moved by the film especially on its latter part when the parents came to realize their inadequacies in understanding and finding the cause of their child’s â€Å"failure†. I could feel the agony of Sean when he was left in a boarding school far away from the comfort of his own home and from the love and care his family especially of his mother. I found him in a situation where he was so helpless to defend himself amidst the judgements, the accusations, the name-calling, the bullying †¦ Young as he was, his experiences were really so damaging to his self-esteem, to his self-confidence, to his self-concept. see more:every child is special reaction paper I just do not know how many Seans are there†¦ out there – Seans who think differently that’s why treated indifferently by this society; Seans who are full of talents but are so afraid and weak to show them because of a negative view of themselves; and Seans who are just waiting for a saving soul to help them understand themselves and regain and build that positive outlook of their own persons. It was only a film, but we know very well that the situations depicted in it are true, EVERYWHERE, IN ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD! It is the reason why we should start examining ourselves – both as parents and as teachers – in our own homes and in our own schools. We might be like the father of Sean who could easily pass his judgement on him without even asking him for an explanation (like when he got in trouble with a much older and bigger fellow and was given a blow by his father. On his face without asking for his side of the story) or we might be one of those teachers who could easily mark his works as wrong without even bothering to ask and find for the reason behind those ‘wrongs’ or we might be Mr. Niko whose being a teacher was not confined in the four walls of the classroom and ended once he stepped out of it, but rather extended beyond the school’s gate to look for the reasons behind the student’s situation and fought for and acted on and for the solution. The film reminded me once again about the ‘sensitivity’ of the roles teachers play in the life of each of the students. We can really make or break them, uplift or dampen their spirits! Teachers’ hearts should be BIG enough to accommodate the longings and needs – open or hidden – of each of them. Being judgemental should not have a place in us. We should have that enough sensitivity to notice all the ‘Seans’ in our classes and even in our own homes; and be brave enough to look for and fight for the solution just like what Mr. Niko did which brought the unfolding of the ‘real Sean’ through the inspiration and the trust granted to him.