Congestion Pricing in New York City Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Congestion Pricing in New York City - Term Paper Example Next, Congestion pricing was introduced in London in 2003 with a charge of $13 for cars entering central London. Since its introduction, traffic delays have been reduced by 26%, bus service has becomes much faster and more reliable, and many more people have taken to bicycling instead of using their cars to access central London. Further, pollutants in the air have dropped dramatically too and Co2 levels have been reduced by 15% (Transport Alternatives). Stockholm conducted a trial of congestion pricing in 2006 for 6 months and found a 20% reduction in traffic, and a 10% drop in air pollution. Following this, it was made effective in 2007 in Stockholm. Since then, Stockholm has seen a 4.5% increase in public transport ridership, an 18% reduction in traffic, 50% decrease in waiting time to enter the city, and 14-18% drop in carbon emissions (Peach). In Trondheim, Norway, the congestion pricing has helped reduce traffic congestion by nearly 10% (Zupan and Perrotta). There are several g oals that introducing congestion pricing brings to the cities. ... The charges would be applicable from 6 AM to 6PM. The charges varied from $8 for cars to $21 for trucks. The charge was payable only once per day. Certain categories of vehicles were exempt from these charges. These vehicles were transit buses, emergency vehicles, taxis, and vehicles with handicapped license plates. However, for taxis that begin, end or touch the zone a surcharge of $1 would be applicable. For payment, the drivers would have an option of paying either through an â€Å"E-ZPass† which was an electronic transponder, or through an account linked to the E-ZPass recognizable through license plate recognition systems. For people without E-ZPass, the payment could be made within 48 hours at certain specified retail outlets/via internet or phone. In comparison to congestion pricing in other countries, the amount proposed was lower ($8 for NY compared to $13 in London for example). Further, the table below shows the comparison of several other important factors in the p roposed congestion pricing in New York with the implemented congestion pricing in London. Table 1: Comparison of London and New York Congestion pricing    London (Before Implementation) New York Proposal Size of zone 8 sq miles 8,5 sq miles Area of zone as percentage of region 1,3% of greater London 0,1% of tri-state region Number of Vehicles Entry Points 174 19 People Entering Zone Each Morning >1 million 1,7 million People Entering Zone by public transport 85% 78% Vehicles Entering Zone Each Day 7 AM to 6:30 PM 315,000 500,000 Vehicles Per Hour During Four Hour Morning Peak Period 40,000 53,000 Residents in Zone 83,000 500,000 Routing around the zone Ring road available to avoid the zone Options limited for most trips Source: Zupan and Perrotta, 2003 The proposal

Review of a school discipline policy Assignment

Review of a school discipline policy - Assignment Example There is common conformity in literature associated with the management of challenging actions that the basis ought to be the endorsement of constructive behavior. Conventionally, behavior standards in school were frequently characterized by what was not tolerable, and punitive approaches concentrated on the endorsements available to implement regulations and penalize intolerable actions (Dwyer, 2003). This paper attempts to provide teachers with some direction as to how to execute effectual methods of endorsing constructive behavior, however, also how to cope with behavior which critically damages a few children’s capability to gain from education. It as well aims to direct teachers’ reactions to a range of actions in a way which will institute more suitable behavior instead. It might be mainly useful to recently eligible teachers, who time and again find the behavior management to be the most testing element of their occupations. It might also be useful to school employees who desire to support dialogue and collaboration on the subject of behavior. There is no commonly established description of challenging behavior. Behaviour is described as tolerable or intolerable in a societal context, and is as well shaped by the wider milieu wherein people relate with one another. In common terms, tutors acknowledge that challenging actions in the school context includes actions that: meddles with the student’s individual and/or other students’ learning; challenges the everyday operation of the school; dares the right of employees and students to a secure and organized environment; contains a period, regularity, intensity or pushiness that is away from the ordinary array of what schools stand; and is less probable to be receptive to the normal assortment of involvements employed by the school for student misconduct (O’Mahoney, 2003). These consist of: violent behavior, which

Choose an invention.describe and evaluate the effects it has had on a Essay

Choose an invention.describe and evaluate the effects it has had on a particular area of human life - Essay Example Computers have indeed done much to better the way people happen to do things. In that respect, it is really heartening to acknowledge that healthcare is an aspect of human life that has been totally revolutionized by the advent of computers, and computers have actually totally transformed the modern healthcare.1 It is a fact that in the area of healthcare, health records of patients do play a very important role. In that context, computers have totally redefined the record keeping in the field of healthcare.2 Health records of patients are not only vital for management of maladies of individual patients, but they are also important to predict larger societal healthcare trends. Before the invention of computers the record keeping in healthcare happened to be manual. It was not only very tedious to register and maintain the records of thousands of patients, but it was also utterly difficult to retrieve the health records of individual patients when required. However, with the invention of computers, things have totally changed. Computers have digitalized the recording and filing of patient records, thereby making it much more efficient, practical and faster. Computer generated and stored patient records not only happen to be more lasting and reliable, but it is much easier to retrieve the rec ords of specific patients. In fact with the computer assisted record keeping, it takes only a second to retrieve the health records of any patient. The computer assisted record keeping also assures that in the event of any man made or natural calamity, the health records of patients remain safe and secure at the offsite data storage locations. The other way in which the computers have positively influenced healthcare is by empowering the patients and by extending the reach of healthcare. In the earlier times even the most basic healthcare information was not easily available. However, with the advent of computers in the area of healthcare, computers have become a readily

Psychological Reaction to the movie American Beauty Essay

Psychological Reaction to the movie American Beauty - Essay Example The family is portrayed as normal but as the films tag line suggests look closer then it is possible to fully understand the implications that takes place in this seemingly happy home. My perception is that the film is masterfully directed by the famous theater director Sam Mendes and encompasses a great number of cinematic techniques that appear fresh and exciting. Critics have mentioned many of these techniques. However, they failed to notice the clever use of color used throughout the film, especially the color red. Psychologically speaking, Sam Mendes effectively uses the color red; as a central design to accentuate mood and theme, to contrast families, and to reveal characters personalities and feelings. This paper speaks of whether the movie should be allowed to see on the part of the college students or not and it looks at the reaction to this movie in the psychological sense. Since this paper delves into the psychological tone that I have set in reaction to the movie, I have focused on the color red which has been used widely in this paper and it is thus the point of discussion in the following lines as well. As we know that in American culture red is a color of various meanings and images.

Reflection paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 30

Reflection paper - Essay Example illiant work of American FBI agents and their valuable experience, they still sometimes miss important facts just because the crime is committed by a person who simply could not be suspected of committing any crime. The case of Robert Hanssen was one of such cases which seem hopeless. The most unpleasant moment in the investigation is the desire of agents not to find a spy, but to close the case. They started suspecting an innocent man Brian Kelly and traced him everywhere until he was fired from job. They caused many troubles to him, but the real violator remained free and unsuspected. Finally, looking for the evidences of Brian’s non-existed guilt, they got the file with the proofs of spies work in the Soviet Union from the ex-agent of KGB for $7 million. Inside the file they found an audio record of a conversation. They were sure that they would hear the voice of Brian Kelly and were unpleasantly surprised when heard a voice of a different man, unknown, but a bit familiar. Finally one of the agents recognized the voice: it was the voice of Robert Hanssen. It is also known that they found the fingerprints of Hanssen on one of the document and recognized the voice only after that. But we can hardy state that he would be suspected only due to fingerprints. Criminalists are currently facing a very serious problem connected with the interpretation of fingerprints. They doubt if they should believe this method. If genetic dactyloscopy can be considered an absolutely reliable method of personality identification provided that the selection was made correctly, plain analysis of fingerprints frequently leads to mistakes. Widespread belief in the uniqueness of papillary lines for each person is rather a product of intuition, but not of the scientific investigation. Such belief is not supported by any scientific method, theoretical model or empirical evidence. The wide application of a method can’t guarantee its credibility. During many years the best Eur opean

Positive Relationships With Children Essay Example for Free

Positive Relationships With Children Essay Positive relationships with children and young people are important for the following reasons: When a child/young person feels comfortable and settled within their care setting they are more likely to engage and participate more with staff and other children within the group which creates a more relaxed atmosphere, it also makes the separation process easier for the parents/carers as well as the child /young person as it shows that the child/young person is emotionally secure, Building and maintaining positive relationships is also important as it contributes to the developmental needs of each individual child/young person personally, socially and emotionally which then enhances their language skills as they gain confidence talking to each other and staff. Positive relationships also enables us as practitioners to understand and respond to children/young people more effectively as we are able to recognise their emotions and expressions and also enables practitioners to plan more accurately as we know more of the interests and understand the developmental needs of the children/young people in our care. Making sure as a practitioner I keep to my word i.e. if a child/group have done a particular activity today, and I have told another group/child they may have a turn next session I must make sure that is what takes place as theses situations will affect the trust between myself and the children within the setting. Positive relationships are maintained by us practitioners, parents /carers being good role models, by showing courtesy and respect to each other at all times, remembering that we must show respect and courtesy to our younger as well as our elders, Always being fair and consistent, listening to what is being said without making judgement and making sure that any rules and boundaries set out are kept to and understanding when information is to be kept confidential, being able to identify and resolve disagreements /conflicts, help children and young people to understand the difference. Effective communication- the way in which we speak to an individual, according to age and developmental stage of the child/young person, being  aware of body language/hand gestures and facial expressions. Ensuring that children and young people are aware and understand their views and opinions are valued and considered. It is important that people involved in the care of children and young people build and maintain positive relationships with each other, as this can also have an enormous impact the development and wellbeing of the children and young people within their care spectrum, having a positive relationship with the child/young persons parent/carer can have positive effect on the child/young person, as this is the first step in getting to know and understand the initial needs and preferences, likes and dislikes and fears or concerns of each individual, also by including parent/carers in various sessions giving them the opportunity to contribute and get involved in planning and implementing of various activities it encourages people to engage in conversation where different views, ideas, and skills are learned. Also shared whilst showing the children/young people how to live in diverse community where we are all individuals who are able to work together regardless of background or upbringing. positive relationships between the various professionals working with children/young people whether it be colleagues, external agency/organisation or service, is important as it has a direct impact on the child/young person ongoing development, being able to share information between adults involving children/young people in different situations engaging in various activities, means that planning for the children/young people can be done more effectively as each professional involved may see a different way of contributing towards the development /wellbeing of the child/young person, they may also have the opportunity to identify any needs and interests different to those already established, the welfare of children/young people can be properly monitored while being assured that each child/young person is being given consistent care, any concerns or issues can be shared accurately and promptly when required following correct procedures and guidelines.

A Great American Composer Essay Example for Free

A Great American Composer Essay Born in New York, John Williams moved to the city of angels with his family in the year 1948, where he attended the UCLA and the Los Angeles City College. He also privately studied composition with Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco in Los Angeles. After working with the Air Force for a brief period of time, Williams came back to New York to attend the Juilliard University. There he took Madame Rosina Lhevinne as a teacher to learn the piano. Also in New York, Williams began to work as a jazz pianist on recordings and in clubs. He returned to Los Angeles afterwards to begin his career in the film industry. After working with renowned composers such as Alfred Newman, Bernard Herrmann, and Franz Waxman; Williams started to write music for television programs during the 1960s. He won four Emmy Awards for this work (â€Å"About: John Williams†). The highlights of Williams’ career in the entertainment industry may be briefly summarized as follows: Mr. Williams has composed the music and served as a music director for more than one hundred films, including, War of the Worlds, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Terminal, Catch Me If You Can, Harry. Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Minority Report, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, A. I. Artificial Intelligence, The Patriot, Angelas Ashes, Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, Stepmom, Saving Private Ryan, Amistad, Seven Years in Tibet, The Lost World, Rosewood, Sleepers, Nixon, Sabrina, Schindlers List, Jurassic Park, Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Far and Away, JFK, Hook, Presumed Innocent, Born on the Fourth of July, the Indiana Jones trilogy, The Accidental Tourist, Empire of the Sun, The Witches of Eastwick, E. T. (the Extra-Terrestrial), Superman, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Star Wars trilogy, Jaws, and Goodbye, Mr. Chips. He has received forty-five Academy Award nominations, most recently for his scores from Memoirs of a Geisha and Munich, making him the Academys most nominated living person. He has been awarded five Oscars, seven British Academy Awards (BAFTA), twenty Grammys, four Golden Globes, four Emmys and numerous gold and platinum records (â€Å"About: John Williams†). Needless to say, almost everybody who is acquainted with American television programs and Hollywood films has enjoyed the music composed by Williams. His music is based on the classical tradition. The influence of late Romantics, e. g. Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler, may easily be detected in his music. At the same time, however, Williams does not desist from blending the classical with the modern traditions. His music for Close Encounters of the Third Kind clearly illustrates that Williams is a composer of the times even though he is influenced by music of the past. On the whole, however, his music is truly enjoyable because it is filled with good old tunes that are mixed with â€Å"fanfares and fun marches (â€Å"John Williams: Composer Extraordinaire†). † Moreover, the man is highly regarded for his ability to construct tunes and sounds that flawlessly complement the mood of his films (â€Å"John Williams: Composer Extraordinaire†). Williams’ scores have been described as â€Å"invariably magnificent orchestral works, performed with force and gusto (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). † Although the composer is able to produce great music for quieter as well as slower scenes with equal appropriateness, his work is generally considered â€Å"forceful and triumphal (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). † Indeed, this is one of the main reasons why Williams’ music continues to be loved by people across the globe, who are acquainted with the famous Star Wars, if not Harry Potter. According to a BBC report: â€Å"His music always evokes a powerful sense of mood, placing the force of the entire orchestra behind an emotion and running with it. With his emphasis on orchestral energy and power, it is unsurprising that Williams is best known for his action themes (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). † As Williams adapts well-known classical music for his own scores, listeners believe that his work is, at least in part, plagiaristic. Thus, his Oscar-winning composition for Star Wars is believed to carry echoes of a score from The Planet’s Suite; and his score for the Atlanta Olympic Games is said to borrow heavily from Fanfare for the Common Man by Copeland. Williams’s music has been understood to be derivative, which is probably the reason why there are similarities between the classical music he has been influenced by and his own compositions. On the whole, however, the man is highly regarded for his uniqueness (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). Another characteristic of Williams’ music that allows him to be remain special among composers is that his work is iconic. He gives unique themes to the villains and heroes of the films and television programs that he composes for. He also gives unique musical themes to the different plots in addition to macguffins of his films and television shows. In scenes where the different elements of the film, or the villains and heroes interact, however, he intertwines the special musical themes. As an example, Williams used Raiders March for Indiana Jones in the Raiders of the Lost Ark at all times that Jones appeared to be winning. When Jones appeared to be losing, however, Williams replaced the Raiders March with the Nazi Theme (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). Thus, the composer is special because he does not only produce great music but also possesses the intelligence to place different scores in appropriate scenes of the films or television programs he works for. One of the most memorable compositions of Williams is the theme from the film, Jaws. The score uses a â€Å"deep, two-note bassline,† which has managed to almost turn into a â€Å"universal code for impending shark attack (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). † As a matter of fact, many documentaries on the subject of sharks have used music similar to the theme created by Williams. According to the BBC report, the power of the theme is its simplicity. The bassline is played very slowly and it is played at pretty long intervals, after which the remaining orchestra chimes in with the bassline staying dominant and â€Å"joined by a deep brass harmony (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). † After this, the bass almost disappears while the lighter strings continue to play a panicky, almost desperate theme before the bass finally returns with full force in a mood of vengeance. At this point, the brass and the string play â€Å"an urgent refrain (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). † Silence follows soon after (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). Another truly memorable piece created by Williams is his score for Memoirs of a Geisha. Waldron describes this composition as a â€Å"marvelously textured score that defines and propels the story. † For this score, Williams made use of the traditional musical instruments of Japan. The cellist Yo-yo Ma and the violinist Itzhak Perlman gave life to the theme. Indeed, Williams’ theme for this film is expected to surprise many of his fans, as this theme had been created for the Japanese film setting rather than the usual Hollywood setting that the composer has been acquainted with for a long time (Waldron). What is more, this theme is truly unusual as it does not remind the listener to music of the past that the composer is known to derive his compositions from much of the time. Williams’ music for A. I. is an additional surprise for his fans. Mecha World, which is the opening track of the film, reminds the listener that, indeed, he or she is listening to Williams’ music. This expansive piece introduces a mechanical character that one could easily associate with machinery or robotics. The piece is set against a broad musical theme that allows the viewer of the film to infer that the mechanical character must be placed in an â€Å"imposing urban† or â€Å"industrial landscape (Lace). † Williams makes â€Å"savvy use of metrically fractured rhythmic writing† in addition to percussion instruments in A. I. (Tommasini). These features of his music allow the viewer of the film to easily enter the world of androids along with the androids themselves. Tommasini describes how the composer – after having been mocked by critics for the sameness of his compositions – reveals his uniqueness in the theme for A. I. : â€Å"The music during the films ‘Hide and Seek’ sequence, when the robot boy David plays games with his adoptive mother, who at this early stage of the story is still smitten with him, is especially ingenious. Built from gentle melodic riffs, including childrens piano-practice tunes, quizzical harmonies and asymmetrical phrases, the music is at once beguiling and unsettling. † Indeed, Williams seems to have come a long way. His music for Catch me if you can is especially jazzy. Identified as â€Å"elusive chamber music,† the score proves to the listeners that the composer is skillful at â€Å"the less-is-more approach (Tommasini). † Furthermore, although his fans can still recognize his distinctive brand of compositions, Williams continues to change his approach to try out new techniques to film scoring. He has not managed to bore his listeners, despite the fact that he has created music for a large number of popular films. Most importantly, perhaps, it is essential for him to remind the listeners with his expansive themes that it is his music that they are listening to. Experimenting with new approaches while keeping his unique style that his fans have adored for many years suits Williams best. In point of fact, this is the very reason why Williams is known as one of the greatest composers in American history. After all, America is all about newness that is blended with old traditions. The old traditions cannot be given up because they keep the people grounded. At the same time, however, newness is considered a necessity as Americans strive to achieve the American Dream – a dream of success that cannot be realized without modernity. Fortunately for Williams, he has realized the dream with a thorough comprehension of its nuances. Works Cited â€Å"About: John Williams. † John Williams Official Site (2007). 3 Dec 2007. http://www. johnwilliamscomposer. com/. â€Å"John Williams: Composer Extraordinaire. † My Files (2007). 3 Dec 2007. http://www. mfiles. co. uk/composers/John-Williams. htm. â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer. † BBC (22 May 2001). 3 Dec 2007. http://www. bbc. co. uk/dna/h2g2/A563942. Lace, Ian. â€Å"A. I. Artificial Intelligence. † April 2002 Film Music CD Reviews (Apr 2002). 3 Dec 2007. http://www. musicweb-international. com/film/2002/Apr02/AI. html. Tommasini, Anthony. â€Å"John Williams’ Surprising Score for ‘Sith. ’† International Herald Tribune (25 May 2005). 3 Dec 2007. http://www. iht. com/articles/2005/05/24/features/starwars. php