How to Identify the American Beech

How to Identify the American Beech A beech commonly refers to trees of the genus Fagus  that are named for a god of the beech trees recorded in Celtic mythology, especially in Gaul and the Pyrenees. Fagus is a member of the larger family named  Fagaceae which also includes the Castanea chestnuts, the Chrysolepis chinkapins and the numerous and grand Quercus oaks. There are  ten  separate beech species native to temperate Europe and North America. The American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is the only species of beech tree native to North America but one of the most common. Before the glacial period, beech trees flourished over most of North America. The American beech is now confined to the eastern United States. The slow-growing beech tree is a common, deciduous tree that reaches its greatest size the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and may attain ages of 300 to 400 years. North Americas native beech is found in the east within an area from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia and  Maine. The range stretches through southern Quebec, southern Ontario, northern Michigan, and has a western northern limit in eastern Wisconsin. The range then turns south through southern Illinois, southeastern Missouri, northwestern Arkansas, southeastern Oklahoma, and eastern Texas and turns east to northern Florida and northeast to southeastern South Carolina. Interestingly, a variety exists in the mountains of northeastern Mexico. Identification of American Beech American beech is a strikingly handsome tree with tight, smooth and skin-like light gray bark.  You often see Beech trees in parks, on campuses, in cemeteries and larger landscapes, usually as an isolated specimen. Beech tree bark has suffered the carvers knife through the ages –  from Virgil to Daniel Boone, men have marked territory and carved the trees bark with their initials. Ed Reschke / Getty Images The leaves of beech trees are alternate with entire or sparsely toothed leaf margins with straight parallel veins and on short stalks. The flowers are small and single-sexed (monoecious) and the female flowers are borne in pairs. The male flowers are borne on globose heads hanging from a slender stalk, produced in spring shortly after the new leaves appear. Leaves and fruit from American Beech tree. Matthew Ward / Getty Images The beechnut fruit is a small, sharply three-angled nut, borne singly or in pairs in soft-spined husks known as cupules. The nuts are edible, though bitter with a high tannin content, and are called beech mast which is edible and a favorite wildlife food. The slender buds on twigs are long and scaly and a good identification marker. Dormant Identification of American Beech Often confused with birch, hophornbeam and ironwood, American beech  has long narrow scaled buds (vs. short scaled buds on birch). The bark has gray, smooth bark and has no catkins. There are often root suckers that surround old trees and these older trees have Human-like looking roots. American beech is most often found on moist slopes, in ravines, and atop moist hammocks. The tree loves loamy soils but will also thrive in clay. It will grow on elevations up to 3,300 feet and will often be in groves in a mature forest. Best Tips Used to Identify American Beech The bark is uniquely gray and very smoothThe leaves are dark green with ovate to elliptic  with a pointed tipThe side leaf veins off the midrib are always parallel to each otherEach of these side veins will  have a distinctive point Other Common North American Hardwood Trees ash:  Genus  Fraxinus  basswood:  Genus Tilia  birch:  Genus  Betula  black cherry:  Genus  Prunus  black walnut/butternut:  Genus  Juglans  cottonwood:  Genus  Populus  elm: Genus  Ulmus  hackberry:  Genus  Celtis  hickory:  Genus  Carya  holly:  Genus  IIex  locust: Genus  Robinia  and  Gleditsia  magnolia:  Genus  Magnolia  maple:  Genus  Acer  oak:  Genus  Quercus  poplar:  Genus  Populus  red alder:  Genus  Alnus  royal paulownia:  Genus  Paulownia  sassafras:  Genus  Sassafras  sweetgum:  Genus  Liquidambar  sycamore:  Genus  Platanus  tupelo: Genus  Nyssa  willow:Genus  Salix  yellow-poplar:  Genus  Liriodendron

How a School Administrator Becomes an Effective Leader

How a School Administrator Becomes an Effective Leader Great leadership is the key to success in any school. The best schools will have an effective school leader or group of leaders. Leadership not only sets the stage for long-term achievement, but it ensures that there will be sustainability long after theyre gone. In a school setting, a leader must be multifaceted as they deal with other administrators, teachers, support staff, students, and parents on a daily basis. This is not an easy job, but many administrators are experts at leading the various subgroups. They can effectively work with and support every person at the school. How does a school administrator become an effective school leader? There is not a single answer to this question but a blend of qualities and characteristics that yield an effective leader. An administrators actions over the course of time also help them to become a true school leader. Lead by Example A leader understands that others are continuously watching what they are doing and how they respond to certain situations. They arrive early and stay late. A leader remains calm in times where there may be chaos. A leader volunteers to help and assist in areas where they are needed. They carry themselves inside and outside of the school with professionalism and dignity. They do their best to make informed decisions that will benefit their school. They can admit when a mistake is made. Have a Shared Vision A leader has a continuous vision for improvement that guides how they operate. They are never satisfied and always believe they can do more. They are passionate about what they do. They are able to get those around them to buy into their vision and to become as enthusiastic about it as they are. A leader is not afraid to expand or to scale back their vision when appropriate. They actively seek input from those around them. A leader has both a short-term vision to meet immediate needs, and a long-term vision to meet future needs. Be Well Respected A leader understands that respect is something that is earned naturally over time. They do not force others around them to respect them. Instead, they earn others respect by giving respect. Leaders give others around them the opportunities to be their best. Highly respected leaders may not always be agreed with, but people almost always listen to them. Be a Problem Solver School administrators face unique situations every day. This ensures that the job is never boring. A leader is an efficient problem solver. They are able to find effective solutions that benefit all parties involved. They are not afraid to think outside the box. They understand that each situation is unique and that there is not a cookie-cutter approach to how to do things. A leader finds a way to make things happen when no one believes that it can be done. An Effective School Leader Is Selfless A leader puts others first. They make humble decisions that may not necessarily benefit themselves, but instead is the best decision for the majority. These decisions may instead make their job increasingly difficult. A leader sacrifices personal time to help where and when they are needed. They are not worried about how they look as long as it is benefiting their school or school community. Be an Exceptional Listener A leader has an open door policy. They do not dismiss anyone that feels that they need to talk to them. They listen to others fervently and wholeheartedly. They make them feel that they are important. They work with all parties to create a solution and keep them informed throughout the process. A leader understands that others around them have potentially brilliant ideas. They continuously solicit input and feedback from them. When someone else has a valuable idea, a leader gives them credit. Adapt to Change A leader understands that situations change and are not afraid to change with them. They quickly assess any situation and adapt appropriately. They are not afraid to change their approach when something is not working. They will make subtle adjustments or scrap a plan entirely and start from scratch. A leader uses the resources they have available and makes them work in any situation. Understand Individual Strengths and Weaknesses A leader understands that it is the individual parts in a machine that keeps the entire machine running. They know which of those parts are fine-tuned, which are in need of a little repair, and which could potentially need to be replaced. A leader knows each teacher’s individual strengths and weaknesses. They show them how to use their strengths to make an impact on and create personal development plans to improve their weaknesses. A leader also evaluates the entire faculty as a whole and provides professional development and training in areas where improvement is needed. Makes Those Around You Better A leader works hard to make every teacher better. They encourage them to grow continuously and improve. They challenge their teachers, create goals, and provide ongoing support for them. They schedule meaningful professional development and training for their staff. A leader creates an atmosphere where distractions are minimized. They encourage their teachers to be positive, fun, and spontaneous. Admit When You Make a Mistake A leader strives for perfection with the understanding that they are not perfect. They know that they are going to make mistakes. When they do make a mistake, they own up to that mistake. A leader works hard to rectify any issues that arise as a result of a mistake. The most important thing that a leader learns from their mistake is that is it should not be repeated. Hold Others Accountable A leader does not allow others to get away with mediocrity. They hold them accountable for their actions and reprimand them when necessary. Everyone including students have specific jobs to do at school. A leader will ensure that everyone understands what is expected of them while they are at school. They create specific policies that address each situation and enforce them when they are broken. An Effective School Leader Makes Difficult Decisions Leaders are always under the microscope. They are praised for their school’s successes and scrutinized for their failures. A leader will make difficult decisions that can lead to scrutiny. They understand that not every decision is the same and even cases with similarities may need to be handled differently. They evaluate each student discipline case individually and listen to all sides. A leader works hard to help a teacher improve, but when the teacher refuses to cooperate, they terminate them. They make hundreds of decisions each day. A leader evaluates each one thoroughly and makes the decision they believe will be the most beneficial for the entire school.

London Millennium Footbridge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 3

London Millennium Footbridge - Essay Example The bridge is a natural expression of structural engineering and architecture but a city center footbridge is equally about people and the environment; in short, a piece of public architecture. The bridge gives the pedestrians unique views of London, free from traffic and high above the Thames. In September 1996, a competition was organized by a London-based newspaper the Financial Times and London Borough of Southwark to design a new Footbridge across the River Thames. The idea behind the competition was to get the best design in every aspect, therefore, the teams participating in the design were structured to have an engineer, an architect, and an artist. More than 200 teams participated and the competition was won by Arup (engineer), Foster (architect) and Sir Anthony Caro (Sculptor). The height restrictions and the view of the bridge required an innovative design which was provided in the form of a design which included some unusual practices; the suspension design had supporting cables below the deck level. This innovative design was given the name ‘blade of light’ by its designers. A modular design in which several structural members and components can be repeated in the structure, thus reducing the fabrication costs. This can also simplify the maintenance after the construction and allows easy execution of the construction phase. A major issue was the provision of planning advice for gaining the necessary approvals to construct a new river crossing in the heart of London. Moreover, ways of generating the finances for the bridge were also to be considered while designing the bridge. The bridge design is a shallow suspension bridge in which the view behind the bridge is facilitated by keeping the suspension cables below the bridge deck. The bridge is supported on two river piers through two groups of four 120mm diameter locked coil cables which span from one bank to the other.

Assignment #27 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Assignment #27 - Essay Example On the contrary, the civil population is deliberately kept ignorant of the internal issues of law and its executive and judicial aspects. Even as the police publicize the revolts within the cultural matrix of a close society, the exhibit clear double standards as the misdeeds of many police officers like Fuhrman are covered up at any cost. Simpson raises questions regarding the integrity of system of democratic government as it quite often keeps the general public in the dark regarding the political dynamics of the country and its inherent corrupting forces of power. He concludes that a society which is quick on punishing the minorities for the slightest offence should show the same amount of diligence when it comes to the police officers who abuse the minorities. Otherwise, the increasing cases against the minorities can be the result of such policemen with racist outlooks patrolling the streets of Los Angeles. 3. Simpson’s premises are both subjective and objective. He refers to his individual case where the police leaked false information to sway public opinion against him. But they showed dual standards when they hid the two lawsuits against Fuhrman and allowed his promotions to take place amidst the serious charges against him. On the objective front, Simpson argues that it is not fair to let a police officer like Fuhrman to continue in the department, not to speak of promotions, when charges of misconduct against him remain unproven. He also talks of a recent outrage by women’s groups that forced the department to identify those police officers who were guilty of domestic violence. This reveals the shocking amount to which policemen are susceptible to crimes against the concept of human rights. Under these premises, Simpson argues for a fairer stance by the legal system towards the LAPD. 4. The author’s individual conviction and moral values related to an equal

Debut novel by Benjamin Franklin Essay Example for Free

Debut novel by Benjamin Franklin Essay Hawk, a debut novel by William Wallis (a poet) was published by `The Publisher` last 2006 with a 158 pages. Its genre is Fiction or Autobiographical. Hawk is the first novel written by the author that has won the 2006 Benjamin Franklin Award in Fiction that is given annually by Publisher’s Marketing Association (an organization composed of around 4,000 independent publishers. It appeared last August 14, 2006 issue of â€Å"Publishers Weekly†, in the Benjamin Franklin Award segment of PMA`s advertisement. He has a plan to publish three more stories that has a relation with his first novel. BODY The novel narrates about a story of family and survival while combining Southern traditional literary and contemporary expression. Maintaining the image of a poet and at the same time as a novelist, Wallis was able to recount a perception of life on earth by a seven-year-olds’ eyeWill Falke, the leading character of his novel. Perplexing introductory events made the story more appealing to the readers. Chronicles of conventional childhood experiences of Will Falke is one of the focuses of the novel. His pains and disappointments on the stage of his growth through which is spent mostly in Monticello, Arkansas, during the early 1950`s molded him to become a Adika, pg 2 tough person. Having suffered and survived tough problems has not necessarily pushed Will to prefer to be in a place other than his hometown. The state where the central character lives is enclosed by a half-dozen other neighboring southern states, in which we can relate on how the characters in this story are interlinked. William Wallis, as a Southern writer keenly described one of the major preoccupancy of Southern America which is survival, both enduring and prevailing. Will Falke, born in the year of the fifties have experienced the both negative and positive side of his existence in this world. He lost his eye; he has endured the vicious pain of punishments from his cruel and brutal father; he has to stay sturdy in spite of the mocking and humiliations of his schoolmates, and a mother who is so weak to continuously strive to live in order to protect him and his family. These are the examples of him being cursed. On the contrary, there are also things aside from troubles that can still be a reason for Will to hold on and can be considered as a blessing. Significant characters like Alma, a nurse with a good heart that taught him to read; Ruth, Will’s frail mother where he got his passion for classical music and singing and he also learned the lyrics of classical music from a Jew pal; Tyree, his gentle neighbor that skilled him to play chess and gave him the gift of friendship; and even simple things like a family farm that taught him to learn the ways of nature just like how his indignant father trained him to be resilient; he is cared and very much loved by women, and lastly, he has eventually learned liberty and freedom like a â€Å"Hawk. † Adika, pg 3 On my point of view, this novel is so heartily written by the author that has the capacity to move the hearts of the reader through the varying well-hanging events and experiences as well as emotions that we could easily relate with. Every experience of Will, every struggle regarding his parents, sisters, and the other people that were dear to him has rendered complex scenario of bravery and the true value of a family. He has not only portrayed the classic or typical outlook of love of a family member but exhibited with honesty and mixture of artistry the true meaning of selfless and ‘Christ-like’ love—full of bravery and hope.

Free College Essays - Sea Wolf :: Sea Wolf Essays

Sea Wolf      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wolf Larsen was a character in the book who never made it all the way through the book, but he tried very hard.   He was a very strong, brutal man with almost no respect for human life.   With all the people in the world, one dead person meant nothing to him.   He was a patient man and usually kept himself under control.   He was surprisingly smart and thoughtful for a pirate who lives on the sea.   He loved the sea and knew many things about it, such as how to outwit his brother when he came near Wolf's boat.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Humphrey Van Weydon, or Hump as he was called on the boat, was a landlubber.   He had a very comfortable job, and very soft skin showing how soft his life had been.   He had barely any muscles and lived a very pampered living.   He was a gentleman and very proper.   Being proper, he was very intelligent and had a very extensive vocabulary. He seemed very surprised when he realized Wolf and he both shared some vocabulary words and meanings.   Hump wasn't used to living on a boat, but he soon learned to live on one.   He became accepted on the boat with the crew.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wolf and Hump were very different people with few similarities. Wolf was very strong and bullied everyone around.   He believed everyone was insignificant, while Hump was nice, proper and believed everyone was unique and we all should live and that one person can make a big difference and change in the world.   Wolf also tried to turn Hump into a strong man, since Hump was a wimp in everyone's eye on the boat.   Wolf had one disadvantage though, during his voyages, he read many books, but was never able to say what he read or really talk about anything he read.   When Hump came along, they shared and exchanged knowledge and each learned new things about the books they read.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One scene that stands out the most from the book was when Wolf Larsen was engaged in a battle with his brother.   Wolf played Hide-N- Seek with his brother behind fog on the seas for a long time.

Cause and Effect of Closing Schools Essay

Abstract The consequences of closing schools effects families, teachers, and communities. Misty will explain the effects of schools closing. The effects can be hard on some families and communities. What is affected by closing schools? Closing schools affect families in many ways in one case a charter school closed with only 10 weeks of school left. This school was the George Town, Del charter school. This left the families of this school with a decision on what to do and where to send their children. The transition to others schools or learning environments can be even tougher on the children (Sack,Joetta L,Education week 02774232, 2002,vol 21 issue 38). Families have to make decisions on whether to send their children to a public school or to a private school. The consequences of closing schools do not just affect parents and children it also affects the teachers. A teacher will have to find a new job teaching at a new school. He or she may also have to move in order to have that new job. When a school closes it also affects the communities. The community day care centers, recreational group, and busing route around will be affected. and boundaries will have to be redrawn around surviving school(Shepperd, Robert, Maclean’s, 00249262, 11/09/98 vol. 111, issue 45).closing schools can hurt communities because it can force people to move out of smaller communities into larger ones and the smaller communities can lose money. References Sack,Joetta L.,Education Week 02774232, 2002,Vol 21 Issue 38.Retrieved from academic source database. Sheppard, Robert, Maclean’s, 00249262, 11/09/98, Vol 111, Issue 45.Retrieved from academic source database.

Management Information Systems Essay

This paper will discuss the local business of Fascinations Beauty Salon, and the internet strategic model to help develop this company. This business will have to have a new strategy that set up for the viable benefits. Fascinations Beauty Salon will need to be equipped in order to benefit from creating a website. This paper will also discuss the functions of the business through the internet website. Management Information Systems Fascinations Beauty Salon has been in business for quite a long time, like fifty years. It is located in the residential area down the street from an Elementary school and a Baptist Church. The owner Mrs. B. has been doing hair for the majority of her life in the same place and she still has plenty of clients. These clients have been her business for quite some time, and she shares her salon with another beautician that only works certain days. Just recently, Mrs. B. had been trying to research into expanding her business services and was asking about having her business on the internet. Mrs. B. had just realized that she wanted to be in the race with her competitors in the Galveston County area. I spoke to Mrs. B. he other day informing her that Fascinations Beauty Salon could expand the products that she sells on a regularly basis and as well as her services. Between the women that work at this place and the students that have been in the business to get a feel, or trained with internships that she should have a website. So that when people want or need some sort of hairstyle or needs a clip or maybe even a product that only she carries that, they could send a quick electronic email out to the business or they could go to her place of business to receive such services and products. I explained to her that E-commerce is a way that patrons and businesses are getting fast admission to the internet global market. E-commerce is spreading like a wildfire, in the areas of exporting and advertising of manufactured goods and benefits by the usage of central processing units and systems. I advised her that she could triple her business and that I would set up her business with an electronic commerce with a certain type of internet industry example like (B2C) industry-to-customer: which means that ustomers can buy immediately with her company instead of trading with any liaisons. Mrs. B. inquired about the ways that a web site could assist her in benefitting, and I informed her that a web site could assist her company receive a viable gain with a planned effect on her business. With the planned effect on her business implemented as having the lowest assembly or in service expenses, offering distinctive commodities, aiming a definite section of the marketplace, increasing new ways of liability dealing, increasing commodities, or benefits, and starting collections that labor jointly. With electronic storefronts, consumers can shop on the virtual web site via electronic files and shopping pushcart replicas. Also by moving your stock franchise business on the internet, it can improve productivity and increase the buyer overhaul. Here the business can develop an electronic exchange with a combination to contenders and dealers with the benefit of supercomputers and Web sites to purchase and vend merchandise, exchange market statistics, and manage the rear organization procedures, such as monitoring the supplies. The Fascinations Beauty Salon serviceable qualifications for the use of the internet and the web could subsidy it with the physical address of business, telephone number, e-mail, hours of functions, beauty salon overhaul proposed, such as (extensive overhaul shop, loveliness merchandise, waxing, alterations, facials / make-up / skin-care, perms, spirals, haircuts). Also shows advertisements, present documentations, brands suggestions, (Rusk, Nexus, CHI, Matrix, Logics, Red- kens), with exclusive overhaul proposals ( appointments, walk-ins welcome, free parking, group bookings, and clientele performances (all ages, children, men, women, wedding parties). The technological specifications for the chosen business consist of the listed hardware as the following: the case to holds the computer, and a CPU or central processing unit, (also known as a tower) along with drives like CD and DVD drives that can transfer information onto the CD’s and the DVD’s. A monitor the shows the information on the screen along with a keyboard that is used to type information into the computer and a mouse device as a pointing cursor that shows on the monitor. A printer used to print the information as displayed on the monitor. The server domain that I suggest for Fascinations Beauty Salon is Go Daddy. Com, it can be very useful with an SSL Certificate, offers many templates for the business, and is user friendly for everything that pertains to this business. As far as the software, I would recommend that this business would try Hair-Max Salon Software that offers many different optional tabs to assist the business and make it more profitable.

Nectar In a Sieve essays

Nectar In a Sieve essays Nectar in a Sieve is a wonderful novel; the author of this book is Kamala Markandaya. Rukmani is very sociable, she has wonderful physical features and shes psychological. You see this whole new world through the eyes of one lady named Rukmani. She is a very hard-working wife and mother. She does everything for her children. As a literate woman she adjusts to the role of a poor mans wife. Ruku grew up through this book because of her role of a poor mans wife. I see her as a medium height for her time and not heavy at all. All of the malnutrition caused her to be under-weight. She has a nice amount of clothes she wears each day, but not too much. She is a very sociable person and trys to wear her best outfits when she goes out. In the beginning she felt a little uneasy but eventually got use to everything. She lives under class but adapted to this kind of living. Ruku enjoys working in her garden to give her family extra food. She also works in the rice paddy outside of their hut. For her time being educated is a great advantage. She could read and write. Her home life was good but they were poor. She always puts her family first and does what she can for them so they can get by. She is a very easygoing woman and always works for her family. She never complains about being a poor mans wife. She doesnt have mood swings or becomes tempered. She looks positive towards life and doesnt have any mental problems. Extroverts are very out going. Ruku can be considered an extrovert. When she doesnt agree on something she immediately speaks her mind and voices her opinion but in a very sweet and gentle way. Ruku is a very sweet lady even when she voices her opinion on everything. She narrates this entire trip of her life to us in a very fashionable way. Ruku is a lovely character in this novel and works hard to get the best out of life. She shows her kids the wor ...

Universal Design - How to Build for Accessibility

Universal Design - How to Build for Accessibility In architecture, universal design means creating spaces that meet the needs of all people, young and old, able and disabled. From the arrangement of the rooms to the choice of colors, many details go into the creation of accessible spaces. Architecture tends to focus on accessibility for people with disabilities, but Universal Design is the philosophy behind accessibility. No matter how beautiful, your home will not be comfortable or appealing if you cannot move freely through its rooms and independently perform the basic tasks of life. Even if everyone in the family is able-bodied, a sudden accident or the long-term affects of illness can create mobility problems, visual and auditory impairments, or cognitive decline. Designing for the blind is one example of universal design. Your dream home may have spiral staircases and balconies with sweeping views, but will it be usable by and accessible for everyone in your family? Definition of Universal Design The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.- Center for Universal Design Principles of Universal Design The Center for Universal Design at the College of Design, North Carolina State University, has established seven overarching principles for all universal design: Equitable UseFlexibility in UseSimple and Intuitive UsePerceptible Information (e.g., color contrast)Tolerance for ErrorLow Physical EffortSize and Space for Approach and Use If product designers apply universal design principles, with a special focus on accessibility for people with disabilities, and if usability experts routinely include people with a variety of disabilities in usability tests, more products will be accessible to and usable by everyone.- Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology (DO-IT), University of Washington Your local housing agencies can give you more detailed specifications for construction and interior design in your area. Listed here are some very general guidelines. Designing Accessible Spaces President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law on July 26, 1990, but did that start the ideas of accessibility, usability, and universal design? The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) is not the same as Universal Design. But anyone who practices Universal Design will likely not have to worry about the minimum regulations of the ADA. Allow enough floor space to accommodate a stationary wheelchair and also enough room for a smooth U-turn: at least 1965 mm (78 inches) by 1525 mm (60 inches).Include tables or counters that are a variety of heights to accommodate standing, seating, and a range of different tasks.Provide shelves and a medicine cabinet that can be reached by persons seated in a wheel chair.Make sure entry doors to rooms are at least 815 mm (32 inches) wide.Mount bathroom sinks no higher than 865 mm (34 inches) from the floor.Install grab bars in the shower and beside the toilet.Provide a full-length mirror that can be viewed by all people, including children.Avoid shag carpets, uneven brick floors, and other floor surfaces that could pose slipping and tripping hazards.Design a room so deaf people can accomplish tasks while facing the rooms center. Mirrors are a poor solution to universal design. Learn More The Universal Design Living Laboratory (UDLL), a modern Prairie Style house completed in November 2012, is a National Demonstration Home in Columbus, Ohio. DO-IT Center (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) is an educational center at the University of Washington in Seattle. Promoting universal design in physical spaces and technologies is part of their local and international initiatives. The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University College of Design has been at the forefront of innovation, promotion, and struggles for funding. Sources Portions of this article are adapted from The Stress-Free Home, a home design book by Jackie Craven, Rockport PublishersThe Principles of Universal Design, Version 2.0, College of Design, North Carolina State University, April 1, 1997What is the difference between accessible, usable, and universal design, DO-IT, University of Washington, January 24, 2013 [accessed May 10, 2014]

Critical literary essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Critical literary - Essay Example the Magi† O’ Henry primarily deals with the passion of two opposite sexes for each other, at the inner level of it, he leaves a message that is more serious than it sounds on the surface level. It is the message that appeals to the readers to review their own relationship with their female counterpart of the society. For those readers who are not acquainted with some of his other stories like â€Å"Hearts and Hands†, â€Å"the Romance of a Busy Broker† and â€Å"Girl† may easily mistake his handling of â€Å"love† between Jim and Della for an anecdote that is devoid of any complex theme. In this regard Rena Korb says, â€Å"The majority of critics then dubbed O. Henry’s stories facile, anecdotal, superficial, and flippant† (1). But these stories fairly play the role of a foil to â€Å"the Gift of the Magi†. While reading â€Å"the Gift of the Magi† a reader may perceive the amorous bond between Jim and Della as it is. But when one reads â€Å"the Romance of the Busy Broker†, he is confronted with the question what love should be and immediately the answer lies in the reflection of â€Å"the Gift of the Magi† that love is as unconditional and spontaneous as Jim-Della’s is. Therefore the themes in these stories are comple mentary to each other that integrate into a more holistic view of Henry about the amorous relationship between opposite sexes. When critics comment that â€Å"the Gift of the Magi† is nothing more than a mere anecdote, it is the problem of their approach that fails to delve deep into the message of the author. As the formalist critics are exclusively engaged with the author’s intention and style, they cannot interpret the message that the author leaves it in his story for his readers. Hence the reader-response approach to Henry’s stories is more holistic than the formalist approach. In general, critics on the story, â€Å"the Gift of the Magi† are of the opinion that his approach to human passion like â€Å"love† is more of the fantasy than of