The American Dream Essay Example for Free

The American Dream Essay What is the American Dream? The American Dream is an idea people have that they can have happy and successful lives if they work hard enough. Since the Mayflower brought over the first settlers, America has attracted people all over the world to relocate to our country just to start a new and free life. They all had a dream, something we call the â€Å"American Dream†. We may think the American Dream doesn’t mean much but for some it could mean everything. The American Dream can mean different things to each individual. For example, in the novel Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck, George and Lennie mentioned that they wanted to live on the fat of the land. This was their dream because George doesn’t want anybody around telling him what to do and Lennie wants to tend many of his own rabbits. Whereas, in the nonfiction story Of Plymouth Plantation written by Bradford, the pilgrims are brought to America to seek better lives. They wanted to escape religious persecution. Their dream was to be able to worship God and find land to own. America is known as the land of opportunity. People from other countries dream of bringing their families to the United States of America. They just want to own their own home and have stable jobs. We Americans don’t realize how lucky we are to be free. Other countries would give up anything to be given the opportunity to come here. The desire among many parents is for their children to lead happy lives. This is especially for immigrants because many of them left their home countries die to difficult living conditions. Although the concept of the American Dream is well known most people don’t realize how long it’s been around. Back in the 1900’s it was about being free and treated equal. Being free and treated equal meant more to African Americans because they were done with being so discriminated against. They worked so much harder than whites and got little to nothing in return. For example, Langston Hughes’ poem, â€Å"I, Too, Sing, America† is about an African American that gets mistreated. He has to eat dinner away from everyone else when company comes over. He finally plans to stand up for himself by eating at the table no matter what anyone says. His dream was to be free of racism and treated equal. Now days, it’s difficult for people to capture their American Dream. The economy has gotten so bad overtime to where people have to get more than one job to bring in enough income. In reality, your income decides your way of living which is utterly ridiculous. Money shouldn’t have to play such a big role in our lives. I think one job should be enough to buy all the necessities and then some but, unfortunately its not. My mom has 3 jobs with loads of stress piled on her shoulders and it’s still not enough to 100% support us. Her American Dream shouldn’t be about having less stress and more money but should be about her living a happy stable financial life. In other words, the American Dream can mean so many different things but in the end it all related in some way. Everyone wants to be successful with no worries. Not everyone is as lucky as us Americans to have a dream that we at least have an opportunity to achieve. People all over the world dream about coming to America for better lives. If you try hard enough, you may be lucky enough to achieve your dream.

Effects of Indoor Plants on Air Pollution

Effects of Indoor Plants on Air Pollution Are indoor plants adapted to get rid formaldehyde, Sipin, Elly Lorreta one of the noxious wastes commonly found at home 002348-019 nowadays? 1.0 Introduction I did further research and found out that indoor air pollution phenomenon has urged the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) scientists to study the functions of plants to provide clean indoor air. NASA has become the pioneer towards this research and recently has been widened by many other associations like the Wolverton Environmental Services, Inc. endorsed by the Plants for Clean Air Council in Mitchellville, Maryland[1]. Research done by NASA has found out that there are certain plants that have the function to purify the air in a building[2]. They detoxify the existing toxins and pollutants which originate from the things used in daily activities nowadays; fabrics, detergents and also furniture. These pollutants can be classified into three common indoor pollutants according to the list of indoor contaminant that are currently present. There are benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. (TCE)[3] Plants use the concept of transpiration to work onto this problem[4]. As the vaporized chemical enters the stomatal opening on the leaves of the indoor plants, they are either broken down directly or be sent downwards; down to the root system of the plants.[5] The presence of colonies of microbes at the root system breaks down various kinds of unhealthy compounds; in this case the indoor pollutants, and absorbs them as their source of food[6]. As for the mechanism of transpiration to remove the pollutant, water vapour that is liberated by the leaves of the plants will mix with the air in the atmosphere. Convection of air leads to the movement of the atmospheric air that is contaminated with the vaporized chemical downwards to the base of the plants. I chose 6 types of plants to be experimented by one fixed type of pollutant; formaldehyde. It is normally used in the production of grocery bags, facial tissues, waxed paper, waxed paper[7] and produced by tobacco products, gas cookers and open fireplaces.[8] In the experiment, this chemical is predicted to be absorbed by each plant. Plant that absorbs the chemical the most would be the efficient plant to be included in places mentioned before. 2.0 Aim To study the effect of plants transpiration towards the acidity and mass of formaldehyde in a transparent chamber. 3.0 Planning and method development Firstly, a chamber must be set up to place plants chosen. A pot of selected plant is placed into each chamber. 6 types of plants were chosen, therefore 6 chambers must be created. To make sure that air, sunlight and water could be continuously supplied, I decided that the chamber must be transparent, and there are holes to let air enters. The material that I chose is transparent plastic so that holes can be poked, the wall of the chambers can be flipped to water the plants everyday and plants get sufficient sunlight. I selected formaldehyde as the pollutant to the plants. In each of the chamber, I included formalin of the same amount in a beaker and let it evaporate in the chamber. As formalin CH2O, is a reducing agent[9], therefore it has the ability to release its hydrogen.[10] The more hydrogen ions present in it, the greater the strength of the acid. When evaporation of formalin happens continuously, there will be less in quantity of hydrogen atoms in the aqueous solution. Thus, the acidity of formaldehyde could decrease through evaporation; pH of the formalin increases. So, the pH of the formalin is ought to be checked for every interval of two days. Because concept of evaporation is used, it is for sure the volume of the formalin will reduce. The most effective method to measure this is by getting the mass decrease. I took the reading of the mass of formalin for every interval of two days. I decided to take note on the external condition of all the plants so that analysis on that can be don e to find its relativity with formalin. 4.0 Hypothesis My prediction is that indoor plants have the ability to get rid of formaldehyde, one of the noxious wastes commonly found at home nowadays by absorbing the chemicals through their microscopic openings perforated on their leaves; the stomata[11]. As the chemical evaporates, the molecules of the chemical are absorbed by the plants by gaining entrance through the stomata. These plants transport the absorbed chemical to their root system along the xylem of the plants to be broken down by the microbes present at the roots.[12] As formalin acts as a reducing agent, release of hydrogen could occur. Through evaporation of formalin, there will be less hydrogen atoms could remain in the aqueous solution. Thus, it is possible for the decrease in mass and increase in the pH of the formalin to occur when indoor plants are available. 5.0 Methodology 5.1 Variables a) Independent: * Types of plants chosen to be experimented There are variety types of plants chosen in order to know whether the hypothesis could be accepted. They are Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata â€Å"Bostoniensis†), Janet Craig(Dracaena deremensis), Florists mum(Chrysanthemum morifolium), Kimberly queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata), Snake plant or mother-in-laws tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata Laurentii), Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) altogether. Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) acts as the control of the experiment to show its less in efficiency to absorb the toxin. Some plants have no ability to absorb the chosen toxin as good as in some indoor plants. b) Dependent: * The rate of absorption of formaldehyde The rate of absorption of formaldehyde is taken as the decrease in mass of formalin over time. This is documented for every interval of two days. Other than that, the acidity of formaldehyde in each chamber is also noted. This is done by using pH paper and pH meter to indicate the change in pH. The pH of the formalin in the chamber is recorded to see the pattern of change in acidity. c) Fixed: * The type of toxin chosen; formaldehyde Liquid formalin is selected to be one of the fixed variables in this experiment so that the analysis of the change in acidity can be done easily. More than one type of pollutant will promote confusion while conducting the experiment as the characteristic of one pollutant differ from one to another. Formalin is the aqueous state of the chemical formaldehyde and the concentration of the liquid formalin is 100%. I made the volume and the concentration of liquid formalin the same in every small beaker included in every transparent chamber. It is important to do so because the pH of the chemical and its mass are to be checked every 2 days throughout the duration of the experiment. The initial pH of the chemical is 3.510 while the initial volume of the chemical is 10  ± 0.5 ml making its mass to be 10.19  ± 0.01 g * The estimated size of the plants chosen The chosen plants are of the same size. There is no specific measurement for the plants sizes so therefore, the size is depending on the experimenters justification by fixing the number of leaves present in every plant chosen. This is due to the mechanism of the absorption of the chemical formalin happens through the microscopic opening present on the leaves; the stomata. It is therefore can be predicted that more tiny opening present on the leaves, the more effective would the rate of absorption be. I decided that the total number of leaves is approximately 15-20 leaves depending on the how broad the surface of the leaves is. * The size of the pyramidal transparent chamber The size of the pyramidal transparent chamber is to be made constant by using the same size and number of transparent plastic bags. The size of the plastic bags is 23cm x 38cm and they are cut into same shapes to fit it with the skeleton of the chamber. The base of the chamber is triangular in shape and constant with the area of  ½ (50cm x 50cm). 5.2 Materials MATERIALS QUANTITY JUSTIFICATION Formalin 120ml Formalin acts as the toxin in the experiment. Tap Water 5 litres This is used to water the plants everyday for 2 weeks duration. 5.3 Apparatus APPARATUS QUANTITY JUSTIFICATION Boston fern (N. exaltata) 1 pot These are the plants chosen to determine their effectiveness to absorb the formalin. Janet Craig (D. deremensis) 1 pot Florists mum (C. morifolium) 1 pot Kimberly queen fern (N. obliterata) 1 pot Snake plant (S. trifasciata) 1 pot Himalayan Balsam (I. glandulifera) 1 pot pH paper 1 box To check the acidity of formalin every 2 days. pH meter 1 To determine the pH of the formalin every 2 days. Disposable plastic cups 24 To be the base of the pyramidal transparent chamber. Plastic and bamboo chopsticks 54 To be the poles of the pyramidal transparent chamber. Electronic balance 1 To measure the decrease in mass of the liquid formalin for every 2 days. 50ml beaker 6 To place the liquid formalin in each chamber. 50ml measuring cylinder 1 To measure the amount of formalin in each 50ml beaker. Transparent plastics for packaging (23cm x 38cm) 1 pack To become the cover of the chamber. 5.4 Methodology to prepare a chamber for the plant A chamber has to be invented to place the chosen plants, considering the needs of those plants to get sufficient sunlight, air and water. I chose transparent plastics and attach them together to create a pyramidal transparent chamber. Holes were also poked to allow air move into the chamber. I included nine chopsticks to be the poles of chamber. A pole comprised of 3 combined chopsticks. To increase its stability, I poked a hole onto the bases of three disposable plastic cups and inserted the chopsticks into the holes. 5.5 Methodology to determine the change in acidity of formaldehyde After the chamber was set up, I prepared the solution of the toxin chosen; formalin.in a 50ml beaker. 10  ± 0.5 ml of the chemical in each beaker was measured using 50ml measuring cylinder. 6 transparent chambers were set up to place 6 types of plants which were the Boston fern (N. exaltata), Janet Craig (D. deremensis), Florists mum (C. morifolium), Kimberly queen fern (N. obliterata), Snake plant (S. trifasciata), and Himalayan Balsam (I. glandulifera). All the 6 chambers contained different pots of plants and 10ml of formalin in a 50ml beaker. At intervals of 2 days, the mass of the formalin was recorded. The procedure to get the mass of formalin in each chamber was as follows; * Take the reading of the mass of 50ml beaker before filling in the formalin by using electronic balance. Repeat the steps 3 times in order to get the average reading. * Weigh the 50ml beaker containing formalin by using electronic balance. Repeat the procedure 3 times in order to get the average reading. The reading of the mass of the formalin + 50ml beaker at intervals of 2 days was recorded. The mass of the formalin was determined by subtracting the average value of the mass of formalin + 50ml beaker with the average mass of the 50ml beaker. The pH was again checked by using pH paper and also pH meter for 2 weeks. The change in colour of the pH paper and the reading of the pH meter were noted and documented. Each of the plants in the chamber was watered once a day using tap water. The amount of tap water must was 20ml per watering and watering time was at 10.30 a.m and 4.00 p.m. every day. Condition for each of the plants was observed for interval time of 2 days. All of results were recorded in a table. 5.5.1 Precaution 1. Beware while handling formalin because it is a dangerous chemical. Since a high concentration of formaldehyde will be used in the experiment, [13]it may cause burning sensation to the eyes, nose and lungs. Thus it could result in allergic reaction because of formalin. 2. Be cautious when building the pyramidal transparent chamber especially when dealing with the bamboo sticks. Avoid any sharp splinter of the bamboo stick from piercing into the skin. 6.0 Data collection TABLE 1: THE pH of FORMALIN IN EACH TRANSPARENT CHAMBER WITH DIFFERENT PLANTS IN 14 DAYS Transparent chamber containing plants Value of Ph of formalin in each transparent chamber according to number of days 2 days 4 days 6 days 8 days 10 days 12 days 14 days Boston fern (N. exaltata â€Å"Bostoniensis†) 3.510 3.550 3.570 4.020 4.130 4.260 4.310 Janet Craig (D. deremensis) 3.510 3.570 3.580 4.020 4.070 4.210 4.430 Florists mum (C. morifolium) 3.510 3.570 3.590 4.120 4.200 4.320 4.620 Kimberly queen fern (N. obliterate) 3.510 3.510 3.520 4.010 4.030 4.050 4.110 Snake plant (S. trifasciata Laurentii) 3.510 3.370 3.360 4.030 4.030 4.030 4.030 Himalayan Balsam (I. glandulifera) 3.510 3.370 3.370 3.350 3.350 3.350 3.350 Note: The pH of formalin in each beaker was checked at the same interval to ensure that none of the formalin being absorbed more by their respective plants. The time that they were checked was at a range of 4.00 p.m. until 4.45 p.m. 10 Are indoor plants adapted to get rid formaldehyde, Sipin, Elly Lorreta one of the noxious wastes commonly found at home 002348-019 nowadays? TABLE 2: MASS OF FORMALIN + 50ml BEAKER IN EACH CHAMBER CONTAINING DIFFERENT PLANTS IN 14 DAYS Transparent chamber containing plants Mass of formalin + 50ml beaker in each transparent chamber  ± 0.01g 2 days 4 days 6 days 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd Boston fern (N. exaltata) 46.950 46.960 46.960 46.530 46.540 46.550 46.230 46.220 46.220 Janet Craig (D. deremensis) 46.910 46.910 46.910 46.520 46.520 46.510 46.310 46.310 46.310 Florists mum (C. morifolium) 46.940 46.940 46.950 46.610 46.600 46.610 46.350 46.340 46.350 Kimberly queen fern (N. obliterata) 46.970 46.970 46.970 46.620 46.620 46.640 46.430 46.410 46.410 Snake plant (S. trifasciata) 46.920 46.910 46.910 46.620 46.630 46.610 46.420 46.410 46.430 Himalayan Balsam(I. glandulifera) 46.940 46.940 46.930 46.780 46.790 46.790 46.720 46.710 46.720 Note: The mass of the formalin was measured at intervals of 2 days and it was at a range of time from 4.00 p.m. until 4.45 p.m. 10 Are indoor plants adapted to get rid formaldehyde, Sipin, Elly Lorreta one of the noxious wastes commonly found at home 002348-019 nowadays? Transparent chamber containing plants Mass of formalin + 50ml beaker in each transparent chamber  ± 0.01g 8 days 10 days 12 days 14 days 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd Boston fern (N. exaltata) 46.010 46.030 46.040 45.480 45.480 45.470 45.210 45.220 45.220 44.950 44.960 44.980 Janet Craig (D. deremensis) 45.520 45.530 45.530 45.030 45.030 45.020 44.960 44.960 44.920 44.580 44.590 44.580 Florists mum (C. morifolium) 45.550 45.550 45.560 45.220 45.210 45.220 44.940 44.940 44.950 44.130 44.130 44.140 Kimberly queen fern (N. obliterata) 45.500 45.510 45.510 45.320 45.350 45.350 44.980 44.980 44.990 44.220 44.230 44.230 Snake plant (S. trifasciata) 45.890 45.900 45.890 45.530 45.530 45.530 45.140 45.140 45.120 44.970 44.960 44.970 Himalayan Balsam(I. glandulifera) 46.680 46.680 46.680 46.340 46.340 46.320 46.290 46.290 47.300 46.250 46.240 46.250 10 Are indoor plants adapted to get rid formaldehyde, Sipin, Elly Lorreta one of the noxious wastes commonly found at home 002348-019 nowadays? Transparent chamber containing plants Change in colour of pH paper 2 days 4 days 6 days 8 days 10 days 12 days 14 days Boston fern (N. exaltata) Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Janet Craig (D. deremensis) Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Yellow leaves Brown Leaves Florists mum (C.morifolium) Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Wilted flowers Wilted flowers Yellow leaves Yellow leaves K. queen fern (N. obliterata) Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Yellow leaves Yellow leaves Yellow leaves Snake plant (S. trifasciata) Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves Green leaves H. Balsam (I. glandulifera) Green leaves Green leaves Yellow leaves Yellow leaves Yellow leaves Brown leaves Brown leaves TABLE 3: DAILY CONDITION OF PLANTS IN THE TRANSPARENT CHAMBERS IN 14 DAYS Note: Only Florists mum (C.morifolium) in this experiment has flowers. When the edges of the leaves becoming brown or yellow, it is indicated as having brown leaves or yellow leaves. The font in italic form indicates the adverse change onto the plants. 10 Are indoor plants adapted to get rid formaldehyde, Sipin, Elly Lorreta one of the noxious wastes commonly found at home 002348-019 nowadays? TABLE 4: CHANGE IN COLOUR OF pH PAPER WHEN pH OF FORMALIN FOR A DURATION OF TWO WEEKS Transparent chamber containing plants Change in colour of pH paper 2 days 4 days 6 days 8 days 10 days 12 days 14 days Boston fern (N. exaltata ) Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Janet Craig (D. deremensis) Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Florists mum (C. morifolium) Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange K. queen fern (N. obliterata) Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Snake plant (S. trifasciata) Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange H. Balsam (I. glandulifera) Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Light orange Note: The original colour of the pH paper is light yellow in colour 10 Are indoor plants adapted to get rid formaldehyde, Sipin, Elly Lorreta one of the noxious wastes commonly found at home 002348-019 nowadays? 7.0 Data processing 7.1 pH difference of formalin I discover that there are some changes in pH of the formalin in the transparent chamber. The following table shows the total difference in the final and the initial pH of the formalin in each transparent chamber. TABLE 5: DIFFERENCE IN pH OF FORMALIN IN EACH TRANSPARENT CHAMBER Transparent chamber containing plants Final pH Initial pH Difference in pH Boston fern (N. exaltata) 4.310 3.510 0.800 Janet Craig (D. deremensis) 4.430 3.510 0.920 Florists mum (C. morifolium) 4.620 3.510 1.110 Kimberly queen fern (N. obliterate) 4.110 3.510 0.600 Snake plant (S. trifasciata) 4.030 3.510 0.520 Himalayan Balsam (I. glandulifera) 3.350 3.510 0.160 Note: The method to calculate the pH of formalin in chamber containing Himalayan Balsam is inverted, since the pH value decreased so that negative value can be ignored. 7.2 Data for mean mass of formalin The following table shows the average mass of formalin + 50ml beaker for 14 days TABLE 6: AVERAGE MASS OF FORMALIN + 50ml BEAKER IN EACH CHAMBER CONTAINING DIFFERENT PLANTS IN 14 DAYS Transparent chamber containing plants Average mass of formalin+50ml beaker in each chamber  ± 0.01g Day 2 Day 4 Day 6 Day 8 Day 10 Day 12 Day 14 Boston fern (N. exaltata) 46.960 46.540 46.220 46.030 45.480 45.220 44.960 Janet Craig (D. deremensis) 46.910 46.520 46.310 45.530 45.030 44.950 44.580 Florists mum (C. morifolium) 46.940 46.610 46.350 45.550 45.220 44.540 44.130 K. queen fern (N. obliterate) 46.970 46.630 46.420 45.510 45.340 44.980 44.240 Snake plant (S. trifasciata) 46.910 46.620 46.420 45.890 45.330 45.130 44.970 H. Balsam (I. glandulifera 46.940 46.790 46.720 46.680 46.330 46.290 44.250 Note: The average masses were obtained by totaling up the three mass values in three trials, and divide it into three. 7.3 Graph for the decreasing mass of formalin In order to get a graph of decrease in mass of formalin from day 0 to day 14, the real mass of formalin is required. Therefore, the table of mass of formalin for a duration of 14 days is made as follows. The formulation to calculate the mass of formalin in each beaker would be; Mass of formalin= [(Average mass of formalin+50ml beaker)- Average mass of 50ml beaker] TABLE 7: MASS OF FORMALIN IN EVERY 50ml BEAKER CONTAINED IN TRANSPARENT CHAMBER WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLANTS Transparent chamber containing plants Mass of formalin  ± 0.01g [(Average mass of formalin+50ml beaker) Average mass of 50ml beaker] Day 2 Day 4 Day 6 Day 8 Day 10 Day 12 Day 14 Boston fern (N. exaltata) 10.170 9.750 9.430 9.240 8.690 8.430 8.170 Janet Craig (D. deremensis) 10.120 9.730 9.520 8.740 8.240 8.160 7.790 Florists mum (C. morifolium) 10.150 9.820 9.560 8.760 8.430 8.150 7.340 K. queen fern (N. obliterate) 10.180 9.840 9.630 8.760 8.430 8.150 7.450 Snake plant (S. trifasciata) 10.120 9.830 9.630 9.100 8.540 8.340 8.180 H. Balsam (I. glandulifera 10.150 10.000 9.930 9.890 9.540 9.500 9.460 Note: The average mass of one 50ml beaker is 36.79  ± 0.1g. This value was used to calculate the mass above. The bar graph of decrease in mass of the formalin against number of days for each beaker containing formalin in every transparent chamber is as follows; graph 1: decrease in mass of the formalin against number of days for each beaker containing formalin in every transparent chamber Note: The graph shows quite obvious inclination of mass of formalin in all chambers except for the H. Balsam (I. glandulifera) 7.4 Mass and percentage of formalin absorbed The initial average mass of the 10ml formalin in the 50ml beaker is 46.980  ± 0.01g and the average mass of the 50ml beaker alone is 36.790  ± 0.01g making the mass of the 10.000  ± 0.1 ml formalin poured in to be 10.190  ± 0.01g. From the data, there is a decreasing pattern of the mass of the formalin in the 50ml beaker. The percentage of decrease in mass of the 10.000  ± 0.1 ml formalin in 14 days of time in respective transparent chamber of plants can be determined. Before that, the mass of formalin absorbed in all the 6 transparent chambers must be d up. Calculation is as follows; TABLE 8: MASS OF FORMALIN ABSORBED BY PLANTS IN EACH CHAMBER Name of plants in each chamber Mass of formalin absorbed [Initial mass (10.190)- Mass on the14th day]  ± 0.01g Boston fern (N. exaltata) 2.020 Janet Craig (D. deremensis) 2.400 Florists mum (C. morifolium) 2.850 Kimberly queen fern (N. obliterate) 2.740 Snake plant (S. trifasciata) 2.010 H. Balsam (I. glandulifera 0.730 Note: The mass of formalin absorbed by plants in each chamber is referring to the decrease in mass of formalin throughout the 12 days duration. It is possible to calculate the percentage of decrease in mass of formalin absorbed by using the formulation below. The table below shows the percentage in respective 50ml beaker of formalin in all 6 chambers; Percentage of decrease in = Mass of formalin absorbed x 100% mass of formalin Initial mass of formalin TABLE 9: PERCENTAGE DECREASE IN MASS OF FORMALIN IN THE 50ml BEAKER IN RESPECTIVE TRANSPARENT CHAMBER Transparent chamber containing plants Percentage of decrease in mass of formalin absorbed Percentage of decrease in mass of formalin (%) Boston fern (N. exaltata) 2.020/10.190 x 100 19.820 Janet Craig (D. deremensis) 2.400/10.190 x 100 23.550 Florists mum (C. morifolium) 2.850/10.190 x 100 27.970 Kimberly queen fern (N. obliterate) 2.740/10.190 x 100 26.890 Snake plant (S. trifasciata) 2.010/10.190 x 100 19.730 Himalayan Balsam (I. glandulifera) 0.730/10.190 x 100 7.160 Note: The comparison of decrease in mass of formalin in beaker is based on the initial mass of formalin in the beaker. The greater the percentage of decrease in masses of formalin, the better the quality of air in the chamber, the better formalin absorber would the plant be. The following diagram shows the ascending order of the quality of plant as formalin absorber. Himalayan Balsam (I. glandulifera) Snake plant (S. trifasciata) Boston fern (N. exaltata) Janet Craig (D. deremensis) Kimberly queen fern (N. obliterate) Florists mum (C. morifolium) 7.5 Calculation for mean, standard deviation and T-test TABLE 10 : TABLE OF MEAN AND STANDARD DEVIATION FOR EVERY PLANTS CHOSEN Mass  ± 0.01g Plants Boston fern (N. exaltata) Janet Craig (D. deremensis) Florists mum (C. morifolium) Kimberly queen fern (N. obliterata) Snake plant (S. trifasciata) Himalayan Balsam (I. glandulifera) 1st trial 2.000 2.330 2.810 2.000 1.950 0.690 2nd trial 2.000 2.320 2.810 2.740 1.950 0.700 3rd trial 1.980 2.330 2.810 2.740 1.940 0.680 Mean 1.993 2.327 2.810 2.493 1.947 0.690 Std. Dev 0.009 0.005 0.000 0.349 0.005 0.008 Note: The mean was determined by getting the difference of mass of formalin between 14th day with the 0 day; initial mass. The formulation to calculate t-test is as follows; t-value =_____difference in mean___ difference of standard error TABLE 11: TABLE OF T-VALUE FOR THE COMPARISON OF MASS DECREASE MEAN BETWEEN BOSTON FERN (N. exaltata) AND JANET CRAIG (D. deremensis) Mass  ± 0.01g Plants Boston fern (N. exaltata) Janet Craig (D. deremensis) Difference between Boston fern and Janet Craig 1 trial 2.000 2.330 0.330 2 trial 2.000 2.320 0.320 3 trial 1.980 2.330 0.340 Mean 1.993 2.327 0.330 Std. Dev 0.009 0.005 0.008 Std. Error 1.151 1.343 0.191 Degree of freedom 2.000 Critical value at 5% level 4.300 t-value 1.728 Null Hypothesis: There is no significance difference for decrease in mass between Boston fern (N. exaltata) and Janet Craig (D. deremensis) | t | = 1.728 Thus, null hypothesis is rejected. The mean difference is not significant TABLE 12: TABLE OF T-VALUE FOR THE COMPARISON OF MASS DECREASE MEAN BETWEEN BOSTON FERN (N. exaltata) AND FLORISTS MUM (C. morifolium) Null Hypothesis: There is no significance difference for decrease in mass between Boston fern (N. exaltata) and Florists mum (C. morifolium) Mass  ± 0.01g Plants Boston fern (N. exaltata) Florists mum (C. morifolium) Difference between Boston fern and Florists mum

Definition and purpose of computer accounting information system

Definition and purpose of computer accounting information system This literature review will begins with definitions and the purpose of (AIS) and discussion of the studies of general IT adoption and then reviews studies specifically focused on accounting software adoption. Then it will discuss the Uses,development and the step of AIS. The end of this literature review will discuss the effectiveness of accounting information system. Definition of computer accounting information system (AIS): The computer accounting information system (AIS) was invented by professor Karen Osterheld, It was used as a system of records for business keeps to maintain its accounting system. This includes the purchase, sales, and other financial processes of the business. [1]The purpose of AIS is to accumulate data and provide decision makers (investors, creditors, and managers) with information to make decision, while this was previously a paper-based process, most modern businesses now use accounting software such as UBS, MYOB etc. [1] IT Adoption Factors for computerized accounting: [2] Several studies (Thong 1999; Harrison, Mykytyn and Riemenschneider 1997; Cragg and King 1993; Moore and Benbasat 1991; Treadgold 1990) of IT adoption have identified a variety of motivating factors. Thong (1999) attempted to consolidate the myriad of IT adoption research by developing an integrated model of information systems adoption. This model is a useful framework in reviewing the variables that impact on business owners decision to adopt IT. Thong categorized the variables into four elements: 1. characteristics of the organizational decision makers: 2. characteristics of the technological innovation; 3. characteristics of the organization; and 4. characteristics of the environment in which the organization operates. According to the literature all of the above characteristics influence, to varying degrees, the owner- managers decision to implement IT. Characteristics of the Organizational Decision Makers In large businesses teams are typically involved in the IT decision-making process. This is in contrast to small business where the owner-manager is usually the IT decision maker (Thong 1999). In small business, therefore, the characteristics of the owner-manager are critical in determining the organisations attitude to IT (Rizzoni 1991). The particular owner-manager characteristics important to IT adoption are: innovativeness, computer self-efficacy, level of IT knowledge, education, and IT training experience (Thong 1999). Compeau and Higgins (1995) defined computer self-efficacy as a judgement of ones capability to use a computer. Small businesses that have CEOs (typically the owner) that have undertaken computer training and possess computer self-efficacy are more likely to implement IT (Delone 1988, Raymond 1988). Conversely, owner-managers can inhibit any worthwhile IT achievements through hostility or detachment toward IT (Thatcher and Perrewe 2002). Characteristics of the Technological Innovation The characteristics of the technological innovation itself are also an important determinant in the decision to adopt IT. Applying Rogers (1983) theory to the adoption of accounting software as the innovation, the software must be perceived better than the predecessor system (most likely a manual accounting system); must be consistent with the needs of the adopter, such as capable of handling GST; must be easy to learn and use; the results must be apparent; and the accounting software should be available on a trial basis. Over the past decade, the advent of powerful, low cost micro-computers coupled with user-friendly accounting software, have improved and lifted the barriers to IT innovation adoption. This has led to an increase in the adoption of IT by small business (Thong 1999). Characteristics of the Organization The characteristics of the organization are other variables that influences the decision whether to adopt IT. Organizational characteristics such as: business size, employees level of IT knowledge, industry sector, business location, and information-intensity has been analysed in previous research studies (See for examples: Fink 1999; Burgess 1998; Wenzler 1996; Attewell 1992; Yap 1990; and Delone 1988). Generally, the larger the number of employees, the greater the sales turnover, the more information-intensive the industry the more likely a small business will adopt IT innovation. Moreover, businesses tend to suffer resource poverty (Thong 1999) in terms of financial capacity, available time and IT skilled staff to facilitate innovation adoption. Characteristics of the Environment The characteristics of the environment in which the organisation operates relates to variables such as competition and external agents. For example, Link and Bozeman (2001) established that competition leads to innovative technology adoption. Treadgolds (1990) study indicated that small businesses with high IT adoption rates had been influenced by external agents such as: trade associations, wholesalers, voluntary groups and franchisors. Wenzler (1996) found that small business customers were a significant reason for implementing IT, more so than the influence of competitors. This paper extended the external agent influence to the role of accountants in the decision to adopt accounting software. Many small businesses are impeded by resource poverty, consequently the owner-manager does not have the available time or funds to source, analyze, review and implement software applications. Public Practice Accountants are in a unique position to provide systems analysis, design, implementation and support advice to their clients, thereby spreading the cost of acquiring this expertise among multiple customers. The accountant, therefore, could generally provide this service more efficiently and effectively, than if the small business owner performed the function himself or herself. Furthermore, at the time of this study, the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was an external influence on small business owner-managers decisions to adopt a CAS (see for example Lief 2000). Motivating factors for the adoption of Accounting software [2] The advent of powerful, low cost microcomputers, together with user-friendly accounting software, has allowed a greater number of business to implement IT in recent years (Raymond and Bergeron 1992). The need to facilitate financial management is another motivating factor for adopting accounting software (McMahon and Holmes 1991; Gorton 1999). Moreover, some researchers have identified a link between the use of CAS and enhanced business performance (see Gorton 1999; Smith 1999; and Reid and Smith 2002). An alternative view is that a growing SME faces increased financial challenges and consequently there is a greater need for careful attention to financial management and financial reporting (McMahon 2001). The major benefits of implementing a CAS are to increase business efficiency and to facilitate timely information (Burgess 1997). The impediments to implementing a CAS are lack of time (Proudlock et al. 1999), owner-managers view that the CAS is costly (Head 2000), perception that the technology is not suited to the nature of the business (ABS 2000), and lack of IT expertise (ABS 2000; Burgess 1997). Accounting information systems Technology: [3] Input The input devices that needed win Accounting information systems include: standard personal computers or workstations running applications; scanning devices for standardized data entry; electronic communication devices for electronic data interchange (EDI) and e-commerce. Process Basic processing is achieved through computer systems in the personal computers to large-scale enterprise servers. However, processing model is still the double-entry accounting system . Output Output devices used include computer displays, impact and nonimpact printers, electronic communication devices for EDI and e-commerce. The output can be financial reports from budgets and tax reports to multinational financial statements. Uses of AIS [3] AISs cover all business functions from backbone accounting transaction processing systems to sophisticated financial management planning and processing systems. Financial reporting starts by capture important business transactions such as normal production, purchasing, and selling activities then these transactions are classified and summarized for internal decision making and for external financial reporting. Cost accounting systems are used in manufacturing and service company. This accounting system will help these organizations to track (measure) the costs for the production of goods and/or performance of services. In addition,it can provide advanced analyses tracking the cost of product or service. Management accounting systems are used for planning, monitoring, and control for a variety of activities . This allows managerial-level employees to have access to advanced reporting and statistical analysis. The systems can be used to gather information, to develop various scenarios, and to choose an optimal answer among alternative scenarios Development [3] The development of AIS includes five basic phases the time period associated with each of these phases can be as short as a few weeks or as long as several years. This five phases include: Phase 1 planning : In this phase the entails determination of the scope and objectives of the project, the definition of project responsibilities, control requirements, project phases, project budgets, and project deliverables. Phase 2 analysis :This phase is used to both determine and document the accounting and business processes used by the organization. It include three type of analysis which are: Data analysis is a thorough review of the accounting information that is currently being collected by an organization. Current data are then compared to the data that the organization should be using for managerial purposes. Decision analysis is a thorough review of the decisions a manager is responsible for making. Then models are created to support the manager in gathering financial and related information to develop and design alternatives, and to make actionable choices. Process analysis is a thorough review of the organizations business processes. These processes can then be modified or reengineered to improve the organizations operations in terms of lowering cost, improving service, improving quality, or improving management information. Phase 3: design: The design phase takes the conceptual results of the analysis phase then develops and involves the detailed design of all inputs, processing, storage, and outputs of the proposed accounting system. Inputs may be defined using screen layout tools and application generators. Processing can be shown through the use of flowcharts or business process maps that define the system logic, operations, and work flow. Logical data storage designs are identified by modeling the relationships among the organizations resources, events, and agents through diagrams. Output designs are documented through the use of a variety of reporting tools such as report writers, data extraction tools, query tools, and on-line analytical processing tools. Phase 4 Implementation:The implementation phase consists of two primary parts: construction and delivery. Construction includes the selection of hardware, software and vendors for the implementation;building and testing the network communication systems; building and testing the databases; writing and testing the new program modifications; and installing and testing the total system from a technical standpoint. Delivery is the process of conducting final system and user acceptance testing; preparing the conversion plan; installing the production database; training the users; and converting all operations to the new system. Phase 5 support: This phase has two objectives. The first is to update and maintain the AIS. This includes fixing problems and updating the system for business and environmental changes. For example, changes in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or tax laws might necessitate changes to conversion or reference tables used for financial reporting. The second objective of support is to continue development by continuously improving the business through adjustments to the AIS caused by business and environmental changes. These changes might result in future problems, new opportunities, or management or governmental directives requiring additional system modifications. The Accounting information systems is very useful for companies and businesses in order to make the accounting process easier by spacial computer program or other system . Accounting software, make it easier to accumulate financial data for use in taxes, payroll, and other bookkeeping requirements. The step of the accounting system: [4] Step1: Recording ( recording expenses and profits that are very important to keep on file). Step2: Information processed for use (when processed, it is filed in the areas where it is most important). Sep3: Communication phase (common communications of this data will be used for payroll and tax purposes). In the first step all the data recorded in the accounting system in daily basis or minute by minute as sales, profits, expenses, and many other items will be used for future use in financial reports. Much of this data has to be kept on file for a number of years for example tax purpose. The next step that is taken is processing. In this stage most accounting software or programs, have different files and categories where records can be stored this filing or storage can be done manually by the individual or group of people who work on it and can also be set to do this automatically as information is entered into the system. Certain criteria can be set up in the program to allow the program to place files and data in the places or areas where it is supposed to go. The final step is the process of communicating the data in the area in which it should be communicated. First, and most importantly, tax records that are recorded and processed can be communicated at the time that filing taxes is done. Most corporations communicate there financial information on quarterly basis, other companies especially smaller businesses on an annual basis. In large corporations, like major retailers, there are often several smaller stores or branches of the company that must share information through accounting software or systems This information can help the company forecast sales, profits, loss, and a variety of other things. Many corporations share this information on a daily, weekly, or quarterly basis. The process of communication is probably the most important stage of accounting information systems because this is the point where results are known and records will be put to use. Most of the businesses and corporations now use the accounting system and become big part of them. Using resources available through accounting information systems allows major corporations and small businesses to record transactions and other financial information for use in the future. Moreover that the use of the accounting system by this company can make: the process much smoother, save money for the business, and save a great deal of time. easy to file and send documents to the IRS or other interested individuals. no need to take paperwork or other materials to an accountant for tax and payroll purposes. Taking advantage of this type of system can provide many great benefits to a large or small business. Accounting is a very important part of running and maintaining a business and the success of a company will often heavily rely on the practices and procedures that are used in the bookkeeping efforts of the company. The effectiveness of the computerized accounting [5] (Markus- 1983) shown that successful implementation of accounting systems requires a fit between three factors [17]. A fit must be achieved with dominant view in the organization or perception of the situation. Second, the accounting system must fit when problems are normally solved, i.e. the technology of the organization. Finally, the accounting system must fit with the culture, i.e. Systems will be useful when information provided by them is used effectively in decision-making process by users. (Otley-1980)[20] argues that Accounting Systems are important parts of the fabric of organizational life and need to be evaluated in their wider managerial, organizational and environmental context. Therefore, the effectiveness of accounting information systems not only depends on the purposes of such systems but also depends on contingency factors of each organization. (Ives-1983)Accounting information systems are said to be effective when the information provided by them serves widely the requirements of the system users. Effective systems should systematically provide information which has potential effects on decision-making process [12]. Accounting information usually is categorized under two groups: information that influences decision-making and mainly used for the purpose controlling the organization and information that facilitates decision (Huber-1990) [11] argues that, integration of accounting information systems leads to coordination in organization which, in turn, increases the quality of the decisions. (Cameron-1986 / Delone-1992) show that the effectiveness of accounting information systems depend upon the quality of the output of the information system that can satisfy the users needs [3,8]. Generally, accounting information systems; 1) provide financial reports on a daily and weekly basis and; 2) provide useful information for monitoring decision-making process and performance of the organization. (Simon-1987) [22] in his study used the first part of the above statement as measure of control for management and the second part for evaluating the effectiveness of the accounting information systems via continuous monitoring. Accounting information system is a computer-based system that (Nicoloau-2000) [19] defines as a system that increases the control and enhances the corporation inside the organization. Management is engaged with different types of activities which require good quality and reliable information. They also need non-financial information such as production statistics, quality of production and so on. However,( Essex and Magal -1998 ) said that quality of information generated from AIS is very important for management [10]. (Kim-1989) [13] argues that usage of AIS depends on the perception of the quality of information by the users. Generally the quality of information depends on reliability, form of reporting, timeliness and relevance to the decisions. (Doll and Torkzadeh-1988) [9] for studying the satisfaction of users use some concepts to measure the effectiveness of the accounting information systems. These concepts are information content, accuracy, format, ease of use and timeliness.

The Jewish Community in Italy Essay -- Jews Europe History Papers

The Jewish Community in Italy Problems with format For centuries, there has been a Jewish community in parts of present-day Italy, dating back to the Roman Empire. In addition to religious differences, Jews were faced with political challenges as well. The Emperor was included in the pantheon of Roman tradition, which added a political obligation to religious, and thus Roman citizens were required to ?conciliate the gods.? For Jews, this requirement created many consequences.[1] According to estimates, there were five to seven million Jews in the Roman Empire during this time. The relations between the Jews and the Romans have always been complicated. For in 186 B.C. measures were taken against the Bacchanalia, but in 161 B.C., a friendly treaty was made with the Maccabees. In 139 B.C., the Jews were banished from Rome, yet Julius Caeasar gave Jews privileges, allowing them to meet on the Sabbath and settle their religious disputes privately. Despite the ambiguous treatment of the Jews, the Romans usually blamed the Jews for any disorder in the Empire. Ancient writers, Josephus and Tacitus, discussed the Jews banishment from Rome in 19 C.E.? The Roman senate also sent 4,000 Jewish men to Sardinia to put down an uprising there. Though the harsh climate could potentially kill the men, it was but a small loss to the Roman government.[2] Modern historians assume that the Tiberius? reason for the banishment was a ?deep-seated animosity against the Jews fostered by their reputation for exclusiveness and their assumption of superior righteousness.?[3] Yet, Josephus attributed the cause to a ?worthless? Jew from Judea and three other men who persuaded Fulvia, a Roman woman, to give goods for the Jerusalem temple, but use... ...?Narrating over the ghetto of Rome. (Jews in Italy.)? Jewish Social Studies. (Winter-Spring (2002) 1. [16] Elizabeth Mahler Schachter. ?Perspectives of nignteenth-century Italian Jewry.? Journal of European Studies. (March 2001) 29. [17] Gene Bernardini. ?The Origins and Development of Racial Anti-Semitism in Fascist Italy.? The Journal of Modern History. (Sept, 1977): 431-453. [18] Shira Schoenberg. ?Pope Pius XII and the Holocaust.? Jewish Virtual Library. 26 November 2003. [19] Barry Lank. ?Decency in Italy played role in helping nation?s Jews.? Bulletin. April 19, 1996. [20] Gerald Schwartz. ?Assisi 2002: an encounter with history.? Canadian Jewish News. Sept. 5, 2002. [21] Frank Bruni. ?Nearly 40 Jewish Graves are Desecrated in a Rome Cemetery.? The New York Times. July 19, 2002: A.

Chivalry in Arthurian Legend Essay -- Medieval Times Knighthood Essays

Chivalry in Arthurian Legend Merriam-Webster's on-line dictionary defines chivalry as "the system, spirit, or customs of medieval knighthood." As Leon Gautier, author of Chivalry, defines this "system" and "spirit" of knighthood by identifying rules of chivalry, two of which are well illustrated in Lanval, "TheWife of Bath's Tale," and "The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnel:" "Thou shalt never lie, and shall remain faithful to thy pledged word," and "Thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone"(qtd. in Chivalry). All three stories seem to suggest the predominant theme of a knight living up to his word. This is shown by the fact that, in each story, the knight's oath is taken very seriously, is treated as a contract, and is trusted implicitly. The generosity of the knight is also portrayed in these works. It is not difficult to see, given the moral overtone of these rules, that the Church had a great deal to do with defining the values of knighthood. "The Wife of Bath's Tale" and "The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnell" both follow the story of a knight who makes a "rash promise" on which his life depends. Even under the most difficult of circumstances, these promises are kept. In the story of Dame Ragnell and Sir Gawain, King Arthur is described by the author as a knight who "bare away the honour, Where-so-evere he went"(9). Surely he must be held to any code of honor imposed on a knight! While on a hunting expedition, King Arthur is confronted by a fully armed knight, named Gromer Somer Joure. Arthur is alone, scarcely armed and unable to defend himself against Gromer, who is ready to take Arthur's life. In order to avoid instant death, Arthur is forced to swear to return, alone and "in this same arraye"(87... ...h, defend the king, his land and his people, and be courteous to the ladies. They were honest, distinguished gentlemen. When they gave their word, it was trusted without doubt. They were the epitome of chivalry. Works Cited: "Lanval." The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Seventh Edition. Volume 1. New York: 2000. (127-140). "Merriam-Webster Online: The Language Center." Online. Internet. 2000. Merriam-Webster Incorporated. Available: http://www.m-w.com/ Price, Brian R. "On Knighthood." Online. Internet. 11/22/2000. Available: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/7374/knights-2.html "Rules of Chivalry." Online. Internet. 11/11/2000. Available: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/5266/chivalry.htm "The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale." The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Seventh Edition. Volume 1. New York: 2000. (253-280).

Digital Smell Technology Essay

We all are aware about todays technology evidence, how far it resembles with our day to day life. Everything around us is changing so rampantly. Basics needs in this era of technology are not just limited to three i.e. food, shelter and clothes, people are expecting a lot than this three basic one. If you observe carefully technology mainly focused on our sense of sight and sound, you will find it more interesting and incredible. Now it’s time to add one more sense into the list and that is nose and tough. We all are very quantize with the online shopping through internet, while buying some product on the internet we can see the image of the product. This online shopping is just limited for some products like clothes, mobiles etc. But now you can buy those products which have smell like perfumes, cakes etc. Anything which you will decide to buy from its smell. Means you will be able to smell the object just sitting in front of your computer by using this digital smell technology. Now you might be thinking that how it will be possible ?. California based Dig scents Inc. has developed this technology. A small device connects through your computer or laptop via serial port and has its own driver which produces the smell related to your product in your room. The idea of this technology came from one perfume making company for the advertisement of his perfumes products. This digital smell technology can be used for the security purpose in public places like theaters or some auditorium etc for detecting the odd flavor of some explosive materials. There is USB device which need to connect to your computer via. USB device is called ismell. Which contain some chemicals to produce the all types fragrance using different combinations. For each smell there is some code for respective smell. When user click on that product link client request  the ismell device and the device recognized the coding according to that the respective smell will be escaped from the device and spread into the room.

A Dysfunctional Family Essay

Families are supposed to be there for each other and what have you. The families of today are more or less normal, but in the book The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams the Wingfield family is very dysfunctional. What makes this family dysfunctional are the members of it, such as Amanda, Tom, and Laura. Amanda was a very talkative mother. Amanda Wingfield was how the book called her, â€Å"A little woman of great but confused vitality clinging frantically to another time and place.† (p. 5). This is very true on top of that Amanda was loquacious and always bragging about how many gentleman callers she had. By doing this Amanda made her daughter Laura feel bad. An example of such is â€Å"One Sunday afternoon in Blue Mountain- your mother received – seventeen – gentleman callers! Why, sometimes there weren’t chairs enough to accommodate them all.† ( i, p. 26). Tom on the other hand took care of his family. Tom Wingfield was the man of the house be cause his father had â€Å"fallen in love with long distance† and he was caring for the girls. When Amanda gets in the way or tries to make things even more difficult for Tom he decides to go out to the movies or rather drinking. Tom finally flipped at Amanda one day and told her how he felt about her and the warehouse. He said, â€Å"You think I’m in love with the Continental Shoemakers? You think I want to spend fifty-five years down there in that – celotex interior! With – fluorescent – tubes! Look! I’d rather somebody picked up a crowbar and battered out my brains – than go back mornings! I go! Every time you come in yelling that Goddamn â€Å"Rise and Shine!† â€Å"Rise and Shine!† I say to myself â€Å"How lucky dead people are!† But I get up. I go!† ( iii, p. 41). Laura can’t really handle all that much. Laura Wingfield is Amanda’s daughter. She is a very shy girl who does not take a well to meeting new people. Laura’s problem is she has â€Å"A childhood illness that has left her crippled, one leg slightly shorter than the other, and held in a brace.† (p. 5). Laura was attending Rubicam’s Business College. Her mother had went to the business college to see how Laura was doing and to her surprise the teacher had told Amanda, Laura was not attending anymore. She told her mother she had gotten sick in front of all her classmates and couldn’t go back so she’s been â€Å"All sorts of places – mostly in the park.† ( ii, p. 32). The Wingfield family just doesn’t seem  normal. In conclusion, the Wingfield family is very dysfunctional in many ways. Each person in that family makes it that way too. Amanda still living in the past, Tom always going to the movies, and Laura being crippled and shy. Some things can be dealt with and some things can’t. Everyone has their problems and the Wingfields are just more open about it. The core of The Glass Menagerie rests on the dysfunctional relationship of the Wingfield family and the distinctive quirks that plague them. The matriarch, Amanda, is unable to move past the days of old with her memories of southern hospitality and idyllic youth. Laura, the â€Å"peculiar† daughter, has such an extreme case of social anxiety that she rarely ventures from the house, mostly retreating into another realm with her glass collection. Tom is the more social son who also serves as narrator of the play. He prefers to use cruelty and indifference to separate himself from the needy women in his life while using nighttime outings as a physical escape from the doldrums of life. Tom and Amanda, the two more domineering personalities, each have a unique way of reacting to their view of reality, and the subsequent effect of entrapment, and each attitude takes its owner in a different direction. Tom is the seemingly normal member of the highly dysfunctional Wingfield clan. He holds down a decent though boring job to care for his mother and sister since their father has been long gone. But Tom longs for a much more adventurous life than the one he presently occupies. His reality is one of obligation and frustration. When Tom tells his mother â€Å"I give up all that I dream of doing and being ever!† it is coming from the remorse he feels over the course his life has taken (Williams 13). He views the reality of his father leaving as his own coming into the head of the household position and that road is not easily taken. Tom’s father’s absence traps Tom with a family who need him even though he longs to be anywhere but home. Once he has spoken these words, however, he promises to devalue the statement by accomplishing new goals that will hopefully release him from his mother’s grip. Tom’s opinion â€Å"I’ve got no thing; no single thing in my life here that I can call my own!† shows that he feels out of co ntrol of his own life (Williams 25). The feeling that nothing is his leads him to use escapes like the movies, dance hall, and alcohol to lift his spirits by temporarily making choices by himself for  himself. The movies represent a major escape Tom uses before going it alone in the world. Viewing his life as an uncontrollable force causes him to attend a movie almost nightly and not return home until the early hours of the morning. He believes he is getting a glimpse into the exciting â€Å"real† world that he wishes to be a part of but eventually gets sick of all â€Å"those glamorous people-having adventures-hogging it all, gobbling the whole thing up† and makes the decision to move on from his demanding family into a life of journeys and exploration of the world (Williams 60). Another means of escape for Tom that pushes him to leave the Wingfield apartment is the fact that he feels not one person understands him. He tells his family â€Å"There’s so much in my heart that I can’t descri be to you!† (Williams 55). The pain Tom feels in not being able to verbally articulate his thoughts flows onto paper through poetry and other writing. In doing so he is able to alleviate some pressure but still comes to the decision to move on from his family. Tom reacts to the reality of a severe mother, dull surroundings, and frustrating situations with escapes that take him out of the present and into a world filled with illusions. Amanda physically lives in the year 1937 but prefers to immerse herself in the memories from a seemingly pre-Civil War era. The abandonment of her husband years before continues to manifest itself into self-misery for Amanda and harsh actions onto her children. Even though she uses her nostalgia as a defense mechanism it seems to only bring about bitterness about a life unlived especially when she exclaims, â€Å"I could have been Mrs. Duncan J. Fitzhugh, mind you! But I-I-picked your father!† (Williams 6). She prefers to relive her past as an escape from the present reali ty because it is so unbecoming to her. Amanda usually uses her runaway husband as an excuse to be a recluse into the past with remarks comparing her former suitors to her current spouse but instead of these statements jolting her into a realization about the pathetic state of her life they simply continue to trap her in a cycle of unhappiness. This unhappiness causes her to then become impatient with her children, Tom and Laura; a perfect example being a time when Amanda tells Laura she has so embarrassed the family that she â€Å"wanted to find a hole in the ground and hide [herself]† (Williams 45). These are harsh words for a daughter with little self-esteem and a son with even less motivation for life. It seems the only feelings she knows how to feel are ones of resentment and animosity which clearly rub off  on both her children, although it different ways with Laura becoming emotionally weaker and Tom mentally distant. Amanda’s past life is not only visible in her mental state but also appears physica lly as well. When Laura sees her coming to the door from a women’s meeting, â€Å"She has on one of those cheap or imitation velvety-looking cloth coats with imitation for collar. Her hat is five or six years old†¦ and she is clutching an enormous black patent-leather pocketbook with nickel clasps and initials† (Williams 46). Although it’s unclear what is the fashionable style for the time period, the tone in which the passage is set clearly suggests Amanda being quite behind the times. Amanda’s obvious wish is for a less stressful life than the one she previously occupies but her way of escaping her entrapment through daydreams and past experiences holds her back from ever achieving anything worthwhile or moving forward with her golden years. Every action taken by an individual incites a reaction from either themselves or another. Tennessee Williams’ play The Glass Menagerie is, therefore, realistic in the way it displays the struggles of its characters, Tom and Amanda. Although each person suffers from entrapment in their daily lives, they both handle themselves in drastically different ways. Reacting to the reality they believe exists causes each character’s life to take a different turn. Tom prefers to drive himself to leave his family so as to escape his frustration while Amanda favors reliving the past to avoid the present