A Magical Dream Essay Example

A Magical Dream Essay My heart is pounding faster than a drum line during a college football game and I have a feeling inside my stomach as if there is a dancing leprechaun doing back flips. My family and I have arrived! I walk in slow motion with tiny steps through the tall magical gates with my head held high reading the glistering sign that says, â€Å"Welcome to the Magic Kingdom. † I whisper under my breath â€Å"I can’t believe I am here† as if I just stepped into a land of imagination. Before I could blink, I had stumbled upon the most popular character in existence! He waddles over to ruffle my hair, I yell with excitement, Mickey! I hug him as if there was no tomorrow, with a grip that could only be released if my arms were cut off. There are a total of seven themed lands in the Magic Kingdom according to the official map I hold in my sweaty palms when I extend it out towards the blistering sun for better light. I follow the arrows carefully on the signs while my eyes are glued to all the glamour around me of what is a magical dream. I stagger into the first land; Main Street USA. We will write a custom essay sample on A Magical Dream specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on A Magical Dream specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on A Magical Dream specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The more I walk, the more it seems as if I had just taken a time machine back into the early 20th century small-town America, which by the way, is inspired by Walt Disney’s boyhood and the classic movie Lady and the Tramp. As I am strolling down Main Street, I can see an old fashioned movie theatre and the smell of absolutely terrific freshly cooked dough being wrapped into a pretzel; the scrumptious taste of cotton candy disintegrating in my mouth as I feel my teeth beginning to decay. Along these old fashioned brick roads are bizarre little shops, and an antique barber shop that had just reminded me, I need to get my staggering long hair cut. The best part of this long stroll through Main Street USA is what stands at the end, Cinderella’s enchanting castle that marks the center of the park! The day has just begun and I am in the center of the park where six flawless pathways await me that lead to other additional lands. During my traveling experience through these lands, I slowly begin to see how my magical dreams are now becoming reality as I learn how to be a pirate in an encounter with Captain Jack Sparrow, playing games with obnoxious looking monsters and conquering mountains that have me reaching for the sky. My list that I have carefully well thought out and planned, is in detailed order that I must follow it accordingly. Next to visit is Liberty Square where I hear Patriotic music combined with delicious, stomach craving aromas of famous New England dishes. I now work my way through the Hall of Presidents that features every American president from past to present. The presidents are having debates with there strong-willed demanding voices as if they were still alive today. To the next stop, I climb aboard what is called the â€Å"doom buggy† and I ride through pitch blackness of happy haunts. As I am trailing through the Haunted Mansion, I hear sounds of howling and strange creaking noises. The floor beneath me is trembling while loud crackling of thunder is coming from all around me. Suddenly a mysterious Ghost host pops out who looks incredibly realistic with a green glow transparency. This jolly ghost then introduces me to his closest amusing, yet creepy looking friends. The next bridge I cross into is Fantasyland, which is the gateway to a world of make-believe and if you wish upon a star, your dreams come true. Here there are nearly three-hundred brightly costumed dolls singing and dancing making my day filled with gleaming smiles. Next, I gently glide on one of ninety prancing stallions with the wind blowing in my face as I hear magical Disney music filling the air and I whisper beneath my breath, â€Å"I can’t believe I am here. † Over the next bridge awaits Frontierland, where I discover the American pioneer spirit by land, water and rail through the mountains of the Magic Kingdom. I plunge down Splash Mountain and get utterly submerged by water, but I don’t seem to mind because it is nothing but a grinning good time. Another bridge leads to a place that has me thinking futuristic thoughts, Tomorrowland. Yes, it is a glimpse into the future! Spaceships are zooming around the extravagant illuminated galaxy and I am now piloting my own rocket ship into another galaxy that is filled with distinctive friendly aliens while we soar through space trying to save the universe with our high powered beaming lasers. Finally I reach to the last bridge of which leads to enchanted experiences, Adventure land. I journey through the channels of Pirates of the Caribbean. This is where I meet up with gnarling pirates that are trying to bring down our boat with their blaring cannons! The thick cloud of smoke that the gunpowder leaves behind, keeps my eyes narrow searching for what is next to come! It has been one long exhausting day, fulfilled with laughter and enjoyment of what I thought could only be a dream. This magical dream is ending with brilliant fireworks that paint a mesmerizing story with every aspect of color. They blaze the pure night sky of loud crackling shooting stars of wishes and magical dreams which had now come true, and I say to myself once more, â€Å"I can’t believe I am here. † A Magical Dream Essay Example A Magical Dream Essay My heart is pounding faster than a drum line during a college football game and I have a feeling inside my stomach as if there is a dancing leprechaun doing back flips. My family and I have arrived! I walk in slow motion with tiny steps through the tall magical gates with my head held high reading the glistering sign that says, â€Å"Welcome to the Magic Kingdom. † I whisper under my breath â€Å"I can’t believe I am here† as if I just stepped into a land of imagination. Before I could blink, I had stumbled upon the most popular character in existence! He waddles over to ruffle my hair, I yell with excitement, Mickey! I hug him as if there was no tomorrow, with a grip that could only be released if my arms were cut off. There are a total of seven themed lands in the Magic Kingdom according to the official map I hold in my sweaty palms when I extend it out towards the blistering sun for better light. I follow the arrows carefully on the signs while my eyes are glued to all the glamour around me of what is a magical dream. I stagger into the first land; Main Street USA. We will write a custom essay sample on A Magical Dream specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on A Magical Dream specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on A Magical Dream specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The more I walk, the more it seems as if I had just taken a time machine back into the early 20th century small-town America, which by the way, is inspired by Walt Disney’s boyhood and the classic movie Lady and the Tramp. As I am strolling down Main Street, I can see an old fashioned movie theatre and the smell of absolutely terrific freshly cooked dough being wrapped into a pretzel; the scrumptious taste of cotton candy disintegrating in my mouth as I feel my teeth beginning to decay. Along these old fashioned brick roads are bizarre little shops, and an antique barber shop that had just reminded me, I need to get my staggering long hair cut. The best part of this long stroll through Main Street USA is what stands at the end, Cinderella’s enchanting castle that marks the center of the park! The day has just begun and I am in the center of the park where six flawless pathways await me that lead to other additional lands. During my traveling experience through these lands, I slowly begin to see how my magical dreams are now becoming reality as I learn how to be a pirate in an encounter with Captain Jack Sparrow, playing games with obnoxious looking monsters and conquering mountains that have me reaching for the sky. My list that I have carefully well thought out and planned, is in detailed order that I must follow it accordingly. Next to visit is Liberty Square where I hear Patriotic music combined with delicious, stomach craving aromas of famous New England dishes. I now work my way through the Hall of Presidents that features every American president from past to present. The presidents are having debates with there strong-willed demanding voices as if they were still alive today. To the next stop, I climb aboard what is called the â€Å"doom buggy† and I ride through pitch blackness of happy haunts. As I am trailing through the Haunted Mansion, I hear sounds of howling and strange creaking noises. The floor beneath me is trembling while loud crackling of thunder is coming from all around me. Suddenly a mysterious Ghost host pops out who looks incredibly realistic with a green glow transparency. This jolly ghost then introduces me to his closest amusing, yet creepy looking friends. The next bridge I cross into is Fantasyland, which is the gateway to a world of make-believe and if you wish upon a star, your dreams come true. Here there are nearly three-hundred brightly costumed dolls singing and dancing making my day filled with gleaming smiles. Next, I gently glide on one of ninety prancing stallions with the wind blowing in my face as I hear magical Disney music filling the air and I whisper beneath my breath, â€Å"I can’t believe I am here. † Over the next bridge awaits Frontierland, where I discover the American pioneer spirit by land, water and rail through the mountains of the Magic Kingdom. I plunge down Splash Mountain and get utterly submerged by water, but I don’t seem to mind because it is nothing but a grinning good time. Another bridge leads to a place that has me thinking futuristic thoughts, Tomorrowland. Yes, it is a glimpse into the future! Spaceships are zooming around the extravagant illuminated galaxy and I am now piloting my own rocket ship into another galaxy that is filled with distinctive friendly aliens while we soar through space trying to save the universe with our high powered beaming lasers. Finally I reach to the last bridge of which leads to enchanted experiences, Adventure land. I journey through the channels of Pirates of the Caribbean. This is where I meet up with gnarling pirates that are trying to bring down our boat with their blaring cannons! The thick cloud of smoke that the gunpowder leaves behind, keeps my eyes narrow searching for what is next to come! It has been one long exhausting day, fulfilled with laughter and enjoyment of what I thought could only be a dream. This magical dream is ending with brilliant fireworks that paint a mesmerizing story with every aspect of color. They blaze the pure night sky of loud crackling shooting stars of wishes and magical dreams which had now come true, and I say to myself once more, â€Å"I can’t believe I am here. †

Free Essays on Reaching The Heights

In my life, â€Å"reaching the heights† has meant keeping myself motivated, always having my priorities in order, and most importantly remaining strong in my faith. For me, staying motivated is easy as long as I set long term and short term goals for myself. To be able to do this I have to keep thinking about what it is that I want to make out of my life, and I think this has helped me find who I really am. My religion is undoubtedly my greatest influence in being successful. In my opinion success is not limited to how well you are at doing something or how prosperous your life is. Success is being the best person you personally can be. Being a strong catholic has been the basis of me becoming the best I can be. It has kept my morals strong and has reminded me of what is truly most important in life. Although I believe that there is more to a person than their scholastic achievement, I regard scholastics as a vital part in success. This may or may not be true for everyone, but for me it certainly is. It would be impossible for me to become the person I want to be if I did not take my grades seriously. I am not one of those people who are inherently smart. To get the grades I want, I have to put a great amount of effort into learning. This isn’t all together a bad thing for me because I honestly do enjoy learning, although at times it can be frustrating when things don’t naturally come to me as they seem to for others. Fortunately, I don’t allow this to drag me down. Instead it makes me want to try even harder. Another example of me living a life of Christian principle would be service. When I give of myself to others through service I feel myself gaining knowledge of what is important. In some instances it also makes me realize how lucky I am. A few things that I am in involved in are volunteering at the hospital, helping out at Sunday school, doing various works of service through Key Club, and ministering to my sch... Free Essays on Reaching The Heights Free Essays on Reaching The Heights In my life, â€Å"reaching the heights† has meant keeping myself motivated, always having my priorities in order, and most importantly remaining strong in my faith. For me, staying motivated is easy as long as I set long term and short term goals for myself. To be able to do this I have to keep thinking about what it is that I want to make out of my life, and I think this has helped me find who I really am. My religion is undoubtedly my greatest influence in being successful. In my opinion success is not limited to how well you are at doing something or how prosperous your life is. Success is being the best person you personally can be. Being a strong catholic has been the basis of me becoming the best I can be. It has kept my morals strong and has reminded me of what is truly most important in life. Although I believe that there is more to a person than their scholastic achievement, I regard scholastics as a vital part in success. This may or may not be true for everyone, but for me it certainly is. It would be impossible for me to become the person I want to be if I did not take my grades seriously. I am not one of those people who are inherently smart. To get the grades I want, I have to put a great amount of effort into learning. This isn’t all together a bad thing for me because I honestly do enjoy learning, although at times it can be frustrating when things don’t naturally come to me as they seem to for others. Fortunately, I don’t allow this to drag me down. Instead it makes me want to try even harder. Another example of me living a life of Christian principle would be service. When I give of myself to others through service I feel myself gaining knowledge of what is important. In some instances it also makes me realize how lucky I am. A few things that I am in involved in are volunteering at the hospital, helping out at Sunday school, doing various works of service through Key Club, and ministering to my sch...

Business Model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Business Model - Essay Example agers is the business model canvas that evaluates organizations based on their value proposition, customer segments, channels, key activities, key partners, customer relations, revenue streams, cost structure and key resources. Osterwalder (2004) describes a business model as describing the rationale of how an individual firm creates captures and delivers value. This paper provides an evaluation of the business model of General Electric based on the building blocks in the business model canvas. As such, the paper will look at the value proposition in terms of the products that it offers to its customers and how the company creates value to the customers who then are convinced to make repeat purchases. It will also asses the key activities that General Electric engages in to offer value to its customers, the resources it needs to perform these activities; their key partners customer segments and the sources of income. General Electric is widely known for its products that are sold to consumers globally. The company has highly diversified its products to cover several areas including consumer products, energy, infrastructure and products in the industrial segment. The company, has grown over time to be one of the most successful and largest producers of goods in the world and their business model is worth a study. The company’s business model is characterized by the diversification of their line of products to cover a wide range of products in a variety of fields including health and aviation industries. This should reasonably protect the company against the risks associated with a down turn in any of the industries (Gondzwaard, 1976). In what some scholars have noted to be an American culture oriented business environment, General Electric encourages competition both internally and externally and regards individual effort more than collective effort. The company also encourages and rewards continuous learning. In what can be called their value proposition,

The Role of Women as Patrons during the Renaissance Essay

The Role of Women as Patrons during the Renaissance - Essay Example The Renaissance humanists embraced Christianity and, therefore, the church was at the forefront in patronizing many artistic works of Renaissance (Conelli 2004). The Renaissance was largely marked by the return to classical ideas that brought about the age of awakening in Italy and northern Europe between 1400AD and 1600AD (Thomson 1984). During Renaissance, or born anew in French, artist were exploring new ideas and, this lead to a wide discovery of talent and innovation. During and before Renaissance, men ruled over everything from political to social. A woman at these times was supposed to get married, give birth to boys and stay loyal to her husband (Trager 1994). A Renaissance man was expected to be well educated in a way that he understood proficiently art and science and have cultural grace. Women of all classes were expected to perform the duties of a housewife, or work in the fields if they were peasantry women. For middle-class women, they helped run their husbands business es while women of the noble class engaged in sewing, cooking, and entertainment. However, since the explosion of art and architecture presented opportunities individual’s growth, there were wealthy women who broke the mold of subjugation and achieved fame and independence (Chambers 1970). Most of these women learned how to paint in their father’s workshops while women of the high class had the opportunity to learn the art and practice architecture. Against this background, this essay examines the role of women as patrons of art and architecture during the Renaissance. Artistic Patronage Patrons of art had a significant role in the development of art in the Renaissance Europe. Patrons were not only customers of art but were also initiators of the same, and they often dictated on the art form and content (Chambers 1970). In most cases, art patronage was carried out by wealthy families of status, and it acted as a show of power. Art patronage was relevant for religious pu rposes, entertainment and as a source of political propaganda. As a result, the influence of the art was essential to the wellbeing of any artist. Artistic patronage was a formal undertaking with contracts defining the cost materials and dimensions of the project (Chambers 1970). For architectural works, the sketch of the project and the timeline, as well as the content of the piece, was contained in the contact form. A Patron of art or architecture offered a lot of support that placed him or her beyond the position of a mere customer. Art patronage originated from religious practices as noted by Tuscan merchant Francesco di Marco Datini of the 14th century that pictures moved ones spirit to devotion (Ciletti 1984). Therefore, the intention of any patron to any painting or curving was to devote such an art for religious purposes. Most portraits, placed at altering for a chapel, were meant to earn grace for the patron in redeeming her souls from the torments of purgatory (Ciletti 198 4). This was the theme and the form that Medici family in the early Florence artistic and architectural patronage undertook. Moreover, patrons were portrayed in paintings of religious subjects like in the work of Jan Van Eyck’s Madonna of the Canon van der Paele (Chambers 1970).

Introduction to Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Introduction to Political Science - Essay Example Political parties refer to groups of people joining to contest elections through which they hold power hence running the government. These people may not necessarily share ideologies in real life but for political reasons affiliate themselves with ideologies that will drive their agenda. They may agree in policies developed or procedures or programs developed for the society. They work together as a unit to promote the good of the community in a collective approach. The different ideologies may not matter considering members of the political party have one core ideology that drives them. It is under the political party that electorates elect those to run the government. The management of parties is different in different political jurisdictions. Some have more than one party applied as the multiparty system while others operate on one party like Chine. These differ in approach and each has different management styles that may fit its operations in a country. These parties have develo ped as the defining features of the modern day democracies.

Introduction To Aircraft Manufacturing Industry Marketing Essay

Introduction To Aircraft Manufacturing Industry Marketing Essay The Aircraft Industry is a duopoly industry comprising of Airbus (EU) and Boeing (US). If there are to be viewed from political consensus they are two-party political system. Anthony Downs proposed a classic model in the political science that suits the situation in the perfect way. His proposal reversed the conservative connection between party ideologies and elections. He said that instead of parties achieving victory in the elections on the basis of the appropriateness of their agenda, his findings give elections pre-eminence, with insinuation that all actions taken by the party are aimed at maximising votes. According to Downes, both parties will try to resemble each other as much as possible. Both parties will keep their policies modestly different from each other. Also majority of voters only want to see minor alterations in government functionality. The Market of large and mid size aircrafts works on the same ideology. There is an immense consensus among market players to what an attractive product comprises, that is, an economically efficient and safe aircraft. But there are also some interest factions that have wagered in product design, just as there are much potential groups within a democratic system(Ibsen n.d.). Â  The Government of the United States and its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are considered to be influential as they look upon the largest air transport market in the world. Regulations laid by the European and United states government will prove to be a major driving force for orders of new aircraft in the coming years. In the similar way, the deregulation of European airlines, which begun in 1990s, promises to expand the markets for smaller regional jets(Ibsen n.d.). Trade of large commercial jetliners has been tariff free under the agreement of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The high degree of political intervention has effect on the purchase of aircraft. The decision of buyers to buy which aircraft depends on the political reasons because the support and interference from the government could effect the future of buyers. For Example, presently Boeings biggest market is China and is estimated to be for next twenty years. As a result Chinas purchase of boeing aircrafts has led to lot of political influence in the United States(Ibsen n.d.). ECONOMIC FACTORS Air traffic in US and UK is likely to increase as they have just recovered from the recession. The commercial aircraft is estimated to rise worth US$ 2 trillion in the coming twenty years, which will result into need of 16,600 new aircrafts (estimated). The largest demand is expected to come from airlines from China, US and India. Huge amount of growth is expected from the Middle East countries. It is expected that China alone will need 2,200 new aircrafts to meet its travel needs. Also, international freight sector is estimated to grow by 253% in the next twenty years (Irwin Pavcnik n.d.). China being the biggest emerging market and considering its population size, the growth in air passengers is likely to shoot up which would result in increasing demand for new aircrafts (The Economist n.d.). High Oil prices: towering oil prices have elevated the operating cost of airlines. In the year 2007, the worldwide airline industry had to pay 136 billion US dollars for fuels, its a 300% increase compared to what they had to pay in 2003. Even in 2008, when crude oil prices fell dramatically, it still accounted for 32% of the operating expenses. Global GDP- the primary factors in determining the demand of aircraft and growth in the industry is the GDP, which is expected to grow by 3.2% by 2030 The global recession: The recession which impelled a theatrical drop in load factors in the middle of 2008. In response, airlines have been putting aircrafts out of service and rethinking plans to order replacement for the existing aircrafts. In the third quarter of 2008 24 airlines went bankrupt. The loses during this period were estimated about 4-8 billion US dollars. The credit crunch: The credit crunch in combination with the above mentioned factors, has made it hard to purchase new aircrafts, airlines are finding difficulties to finance new aircrafts. Despite of the credit crunch, orders for business and commercial jets have seen increase at the beginning of 2008, but the credit crises has resulted in delays and deferrals and failure to take delivery of many aircrafts(Captain n.d.). SOCIAL FACTORS Recent changes in society have led to increase in air travel. Also changes in life style of people and the viewpoint of air journey being a feasible option. Demand of air travel is driven by convenience. However, the trend is changing as the consumers travel decisions is primarily based on price. Rising cost and competition produced by low-cost carriers is affecting majority of Airlines. Business travels, once a stable of income, now is a conduct by corporate travel guidelines. As a consequence, airlines are combining their networks to utilize economies of scale, minimize environmental impact and offer smaller markets with new and improved services. The noise generated and CO2 emission near the airport is also a thing of higher concern as people living near the airport are pressurizing authorities to change their operating style(Ferreri n.d.). TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS In the commercial aviation industry, there are huge amount of costs connected with Research and development for the development of a new aircraft. European Union governments sustain European technology R D sector, just as the united states government does, though FAA, NASA, Department of Defence (DOD) and programs that reliefs export tax (Colantonio n.d.). Though United states has three times more support than the European union. The Aircraft industry is very demanding with very high quantity of time and money dedicated to innovations and RD. Now a days carbon fiber is used for the construction of an Aircraft body. (example: A350 XWB with 50% carbon fiber body) Concentration on development on making more fuel efficient engines for longer ranges (Szodruch et al. n.d.). Use of alternative sources of fuel to counteract raising oil prices The development of supersonic aircraft is also a chance because it will lead to creation of whole new market segment. Commercial carriers will buy these aircrafts to meet customers demand of reaching the destination quickly and on time. The largest and cost efficient advancement for commercial aircraft industry is the faster designing of planes. The augmented manufacturing time will save aircrafts manufacturers time on labor and help them to better utilize resources. For Example: Boeing 777 used computer to design a prototype, this saved them the cost of building a real prototype(Szodruch et al. n.d.). In todays competitive world, robots are also considered an effective tool for the manufacturing of aircraft. LEGAL FACTORS There are many restrictions when it comes to entering the market but due to globalisation circumstances have changed and also due to US open skies agreement. Open skies agreement has led to smooth flow of national and international flights in and out of US, promoting tours and business activities, improving productivity and creation of job opportunities and economic growth (BBC n.d.). United states open skies policy has been proved very effective in airline globalization. It enabled the airline carriers limitless admittance in the partners market and right to go to all middle and beyond points. This agreement has offered the most operational flexibility for airline coalitions. This agreement has been successful in achieving over hundred partners from every part of the world and every level of economic growth (BBC n.d.). Also there is IATA (International Air Transport Association). Its aim is to provide assistance to airlines to decrease complexity of their process and increase passenger convenience, decreasing costs and develop efficiency. The pioneering simplifying the business scheme is vital in this area. Moreover, IATAs primary priority is safety and its aims to continuously improve safety standards via IATAs Operational safety audit (IOSA)(Rothman Rothwell n.d.). The Boeing company and government have long complained that Airbus has ignored the 1992 bilateral agreement, which is one of the key agreement, which says that launch aid will be available to Airbus till its in the level of its competitor Boeing, but that is no longer the case with Airbus having 52% of the market share. The US government says that the aid given to Airbus is illegal under the WTO agreement and had also asked for litigation. The case is solved and US won the battle and Airbus was penalised and WTO promised to restore fair trade in the industry (EU Business n.d.). Major regulatory bodies such as EPA, FAA have a major impact on the industry as they decide on the laws and regulations that various suppliers, producers and operators have to deal with. The impact is substantial as they are capable of creating major obstacles in the final approval of aircrafts (Barriage n.d.)(Clarke n.d.). ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Environment factors generally include ecological aspect of climate and weather change, which in turn can influence industries such as insurance, tourism and farming. Today, there is an awareness of climate change in the minds of people, which is becoming a deciding factor on how companies function and what are their offerings, because it can lead to formation of a new market or destruction of the present market. ACARE is an European group of airports, eurocontrol, airlines, manufacturers, universities and members of EU and EU commission. Its primary challenges are safety, reasonable, quality, environment and security. Some of their objectives are to reduce air accidents to 80%, 15 minute less wait time on airports for little distance destinations and 50% less time needed to market. One of most popular intention of ACARE was to reduce specific CO2 discharge by 50%, the discharge of NOx by 80%, and to decrease the exterior noise of fixed wing aircraft by 10 db per operation. For example- Boeing is a major element of the commercial aviation industry. It is executing some new plans to improve its aircrafts environmental performance. Compared to present It also claims that it will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020(Szodruch et al. n.d.). The purpose of ACARE clearly reflects the demand of society, especially in the area of security and stability of environment. Also, their purpose reflect the requirements of aircraft operators, which are major driver for innovation in technology. The ACARE objectives reflect requirements which are demanded by society, particularly in the areas of environmental compatibility and security. On the other hand, the ACARE objectives also reflect the needs of aircraft operators, which are an important driver for technological improvement. On the other hand, the mounting pressure from society regarding emissions, noise around airports is affecting airline operations(Szodruch et al. n.d.). In addition, with increasing pressure from society as a whole, as well as from local communities around airports, noise and local emissions have an impact on airline operations(Clarke n.d.). CONCLUSION Commercial Aviation Industry is optimistically connected to the world economy. As a result, with the continuous growth of world economy, this industry is also presenting signs of swift growth. Airbus and Boeing forecasted immense growth in the future and adjusting their strategies accordingly. Boeing and Airbus create a duopoly in the market. However they still face competition from small companies located in Russia. Also China is entering the market with its first home made commercial jetliner COMAC C919 coming in 2012. This sector is heavily dependent on outsourcing and external factors. Their operations are carried out around the world so multiple trade policies of different countries affect their strategies. Rising oil prices is a serious problem for the industry; airlines are forced to shut down their old planes because of increased fuel consumption. After the PESTEL analysis, it can clearly be concluded that the biggest challenges are expected to come from economic, legal and e nvironmental factors in the near future. PART B AIRBUS FUTURE FORECAST According to Airbus latest Worldwide market forecast, there will be a delivery of 25,000 new freighter and passenger aircrafts between 2009 to 2028, which are expected to be worth US$ 3.1 Trillion. Rising economies, developing airline networks, extension of low cost airlines and increasing number of big cities as well as growth in traffic and also the also the orders to replace new aircrafts with the new ones which are more efficient are creating more demand for the aircrafts. In 2009, there was a downfall in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs) by 2%, it is expected to rise to 4.6% in 2010. The forecast also estimates that in next twenty years, passenger traffic RPKs will show resiliency to the repeated effects of the sector and raise itself by 4.7% per year or double in the coming fifteen years. This will only happen if demand rises to 24,100 new aircrafts of value US$2.9 trillion. When the old 10,000 aircrafts will be replaced with the new ones, the global aircraft fleet of hundred seating or more will twofold from some 14,000 today. According to the forecast, airfreight tonne kilometres (FTKs) are expected to increase annually by 5.2%. Pooled with fleet renewal, this will lead to requirement of 3,440 new freighters. More than 850 of these are new, which are expected to valued more than 210 billion dollar, with the remainder converted from passenger aircraft. Economics of Oxford predicts that in the next twenty years, this industry will directly employ 8.5 million people and will add US$ 1 trillion to the world GDP. Other indirect advantage and tourism are even bigger. The biggest demand will come from the Asia pacific and the emerging economies. They are China and India (31%), followed by Europe (23%). Also in terms of domestic market China (10%) and India (7.9%) will be the fastest growing in the next twenty years. But the US will retain its title of being the biggest domestic network. Not very surprising, Airbus also predicts requirements for Very Large Aircraft (VLA) which can accommodate more than 400 passengers like the A380, at above 1,700. About 19 percent by value of passenger and freight deliveries, or seven percent aircraft units are valued at over US $570 billion. Out of these, 1,318 will be used to link the mega cities of the world, which are continuously increasing in numbers. This implies greater increase in air traffic. Also more than half of the VLA will be operational in Asia-pacific. In the segment of twin aisle aircraft which can accommodate 250 to 400 passengers, forecast states that there will be a need of 6,250 new aircrafts in the next twenty years, expected to be valued at US$ 1,300 billion, or 25% by units, 42% by value. Out of these 6,250, 4,240 will be small twin aisle (250-300 sitting capacity) and about 2,010 will be twin aisles (350-400). Such sections include members of A330/A340 family. It is also expected that from 2013, A350 XWB will replace the whole twin aisle market requirements. According to the forecast, in the single aisle section, aircrafts worth US$ 1,200 billion or 68% by units, 39% by value will be distributed in the next twenty years. There is comparatively an increase in forecast compared to previous ones due to arrival of low-cost transporters and liberalization in route and increasing requirement of single aisle aircraft in Asia pacific(Leahy)(Airbus n.d.). BOEING FUTURE FORECAST Global economic activity revealed that gross domestic product (GDP), is the most powerful driver of development in commercial aircraft and airlines industry and also affects demands of aircraft. The worldwide GDP is anticipated to rise at an average of 3.2% on a yearly basis for the next twenty years. Revealing on the economic growth, global traveller traffic will rise average 5.3% and cargo traffic to 5.9% over the forecasted period. The traveller and cargo traffic growth rates are comparatively higher than prior years due to fall in air traffic. After calculating the twenty year growth rate on the basis of lower base year results into a higher growth rate. If the low starting point is neglected, it is estimated that traveller traffic will increase to a rate of 4.9 percent and the cargo traffic will also increase to 5.4 percent each year. To meet the current demand of business-related aviation services, the number of aircrafts needed worldwide will increase at an annual rate of 3.2% , doubling-up from 19,000 aircrafts present today to a total of 36,000 aircrafts in 2029. Also airplane deliveries for the purpose of substituting old planes and growth of fleet will total 30,900 over the next twenty years of value US$ 3.6 trillion. Diverse demand for air services: Air travel around the world continues to change in response to challenges and opportunities. New airline Business models and energetic growth of air travel in the emerging countries are expanding the demand of airplanes. Despite the downfall in travel in 2009, there were still several business models and markets that experienced growth. In the next twenty years, seventy seven percent of the demand of new aircrafts will arise from outside of north America, with 34% going to Asian region. According to the Boeing forecast the biggest demand form market value point of view will come from United States, followed by china. Amazingly, the United Arab Emirates, with less than five million population, is home to numerous highly competitive airlines, is expected to be the third biggest market by value (Boeing n.d.). AIRBUS COMPANY PROFILE AND STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED Airbus is an aircraft manufacturing company based on France, Toulouse, is presently the worlds largest commercial aircraft manufacturer with 52% of the market share in the European market, and has been involved in an intense competition with Boeing since 1970. Airbus is a supplementary of European Aeronautic defence and space space company (EADS). In 2001, Airbus officially became a solo company, BAE and EADS relocated their assets to newly formed company and became stakeholders of 20% and 80% respectively. A shareholder committee that contains seven members and work as an administrative council, 5 members from EADS and 2 members from BAE administer airbus, they approve the investment and make up three year investment plan. In the May month of 1974, Airbus successfully made its first delivery, it was an A300B2, to an air operator in France Airbus has been restructured into centres of excellence and each centre is managing its own policy of buy and make accordingly, making decision to subcontract trying to find out whether they can lower cost, which is the only way to continue profitability. Airbus has also adapted differentiation strategy for its core activities since it rolled out its first wide bodied twin aircraft which differentiates it from its competitors (UscubaComission n.d.). Airbus follows an expansion strategy by proving itself expert in the industry and put it in use in the military program A400M program. Airbus has started research on the new engine option (NEO) that could result into reductions of operating costs. Boeing plans to offer a new aircraft in 2020 followed by 737NG in 2011. The company make use of only prime and properly tested technology to chose its suppliers to assure quality. The company used synergies between its aircrafts, which leads to shorter training time between engineers and pilots, leading to savings in maintenance processes and reduction in spare parts inventory. This leads to monetary gains and competitive advantage for them(Goold n.d.). Airbus functions on the thinking of foreseeing and listening properly to their customers and employees in building more fuel efficient, less noisy and comfortable aircrafts. Airbus operates on the principles of thinking ahead and listening to their customers, passengers, and employees in building constantly more comfortable and efficient aircrafts. Also Airbus corporate culture and diversity is competitive advantage for the company (Composed n.d.). The increment in oil prices and journey cost may interfere in the low cost offerings by Airbus, which may put pressure on the firm to switch to more fuel efficient engines(Chapman n.d.). BOEING COMPANY PROFILE AND STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED Till now, Boeing has been conventional leader in the global aviation industry, with Airbus lying behind. Nevertheless, in the last few years Airbus has been ahead Boeing repeatedly because of the large number of orders its been receiving and surpassing its deliveries in 2003. Boeing is the key producer of commercial airplanes and the foremost aerospace firm and offer connected support services. Boeing is currently the worlds biggest producer of large commercial aircrafts (LCAs)(Composed n.d.). Boeing has been keeping up with its objective of giving its customer eco friendly products. Boeing has been aggressive in taking over, expanding and putting into practice new technological solutions for reducing aircraft noise, and also maintaining operational effectiveness and customer satisfaction of its products in parallel. The Boeing capital corporation also invests in commercial apparatus and private airplanes. The Boeing is also involved in design, growth, sale, production as well support of industrial jetliners, rocket defence, satellites, space flight of human and launch services and systems. Boeing is one out of the two main producers of 100 plus seat aircrafts for the global commercial airline industry and the second biggest defence constrictor in the United States. Boeings major operations are carried out in the United States of America. They depend heavily on their chain of suppliers, subcontractors and partners which are situated around the globe(Arkell n.d.). Boeing has injected huge amount of capital in the construction of new facilities, equipments to carry out their tests, and to improvise on their noise control and aero-acoustics research. There are also several research project that focus on applying the new technology and implementing it to the production. Most of the important research projects are employed to deal with cost, maintenance, production and cross functional design and problems coming in the adaptation of new technology. NASA Boeing is also a NASA contractor who has worked vigorously in the operations conducted by it and so that it can gain access into new technologies in the field of aerospace. Boeing also has its full database linked with the NASA. Boeing has been involved with NASA for quite a long time regarding noise problem in commercial planes. This also enables the firm to have a very strong RD department. Boeing has made a decision to market in a different way by turning their focus on small and mid-size aircrafts to increase flexibility between airline operations and to cover longer distances. They focus not on increased capacity but to cover longer distances, this differentiates them. This will enable airlines to provide much convenience to travellers, at much less operational costs, leading to combination of lower rates for travellers and profit for airlines. Their potential success which they foresee is based on three of strategies of running core business values in a healthy way, using strength into new products and opening up new limits (Horton McKay n.d.). Their potential success which they foresee is based on three of strategies of running core business values in a healthy way, using strength into new products and opening up new limits. SWOT ANALYSIS OF BOEING This segment analysis the strengths if Boeing, they will use the strength to meet the upcoming future demand to gain competitive edge. Strength Customer Satisfaction: The project named My Boeing fleet has implemented web service and XML technology to improvise operations, reduce general work errors and decrease costs. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Boeing uses the latest IT technology to execute tasks from their work locations. They improve their time spent in meeting to learn new things every time they undergo training. These action lead to rise in productivity. High performing employees: Boeing endeavours to be improve quality continuously and with the help of its workforce benefit programme and maintaining balance between work/life culture. Also, Boeing also recognizes that its competence lies with its employees. Well Developed Organization: Boeing has several dedicated project teams and subsidiaries to give a hand in improving overall companys performance. For example, Aero-info is a subsidiary of Boeing focused on providing aircraft maintenance solutions. New Facility Supply: With the numerous increments in commercial communication satellites, Boeing has decided to build a new construction factory in Alabama and Decatur for the production of newest generation of missiles used to push the satellites into space. Weakness Recent suspension of Boeing from the military contracts and re-assignation of those contracts to Lockheed martin, this occurred to ethical lapses. Columbia Shuttle Tragedy: The name of Boeing suffers drawback every time the tragedy is re-called because Boeing is a very special part of United Space Alliance. Ongoing controversy linking ex-CFO and ex-CEO: This happened due to hiring of a military regulator while negotiating an important contract. Change of Aircraft Supporting: Boeing has decided to fold up the production of Boeing 757, while Boeing 717 and 767 are on lifeline. This could have a bad effect on consumers confidence and interests. Opportunities: Government Support: Boeing is the biggest exporter and second biggest weapons manufacturer in the US and primary contractor in many the countries missile programs, it can gain government support anytime they want. Expected deal from Boeing 7E7 contracts: The program has already started and it has also received orders from All Nippon Airways and also from airlines from New Zealand and Australia. They expect sales of around 500 at the end of the year. Threats Aggressive competition: Boeing is in the middle of a fierce competition, especially from the field of LCAs. It was once leader in LCA but now its on a very close competition with Airbus, which is the leader in producing commercial aircrafts. Foreign Barriers: The growing concern for Boeing is the foreign government involvement in the production of LCA. A term suited to this situation is called Regulatory Nationalism. This can result into refusal of US made aircrafts in some countries(Campbell et al. n.d.). SWOT ANALYSIS OF AIRBUS Strength Diversity in employees: Airbus has been very conscious about its employees, it believes in keeping diversity in their employees. Ingenuity: The ingenuity of Airbus company has enabled it to survive for the last three decades. Since its commencement in the 1970, the has risen to be the leader surpassing its main competitor Boeing in 2005. Freezing of Spare parts: Airbus freezes the price of its spare parts for three years. For example, the prices of spare parts in 2009 were same as in 2006. This practice has gained them lot of customer support. Weakness The A380: The Airbus company invested almost everything in the A380. Even after that it faced delays in the delivery of A380. This lead to a lot of stir with its parent company EADS, so much that its management was changed in 2006. Airbus also made huge amount of cuts by reducing its suppliers from 3000 to 500, resulting into saving of US$ 2 billion and cut administrative costs by US$ 446 million. These steps were taken to accommodate growing needs with the launch of A350. When A380 production was delayed for two years, the parent company EADS reportedly lost US$ 6 billion dollars. After shocks came when FedEx world largest express transportation company, cancelled its ten orders for the double decker and ordered 15 Boeing 777 in place of that. Also one of the major weakness of Airbus is that it has low RD investment compared to its competitor Boeing which can prove harmful in a long run. Opportunities Airbus is continuously going on a green path. This is a very auspicious position for any company who intends to be in forefront of Greening technology. Development of new aircrafts that significantly lower the carbon footprint on the environment is an opportunity no company would pass. Today, people are concerned about the environment and this act by airbus will gain a lot of public support. Airbus plans on being the industry pioneers when it comes to keep the environment clean. All of its manufacturing sites are kept within the environment standard, all ISO14001 certified. Threats Legal actions are inherited in this industry and no one is immune from it. For example, Air France sued the company for the crash occurred in 1992 near Strasbourg. A major finance risk is also there when there are exchange rate clashes. A major part of the revenues of EADS are generated in US dollars and most of its cost incurred are in euro, this can seriously affect profits (Weidner et al. n.d.). Conclusion Airbus strategies are to the point, provide every variety of product available to meet the different requirements of the customers with the latest technology, also maintaining low cost of operations and maintenance expenditure. Airbus implements mixed type of strategies on different types of its products, it follows differentiation strategy on commercial airplane segments for different needs of customers and invent units to operate at lower costs. Boeing has a very strong Research and Development network, the company uses its innovative technology to gain competitive advantage. They know that they are lagging behind airbus but they put high amount of work to improvise the quality of their products. They are going in a different direction by catering to different set of customers. Both Airbus and Boeing cater to different kind of customers. Airbus makes bigger jets and Boeing makes smaller jets. Boeing needs to overcome the situation and regain their position in the market.

Internet Censorship Essay - Censoring the Internet -- Argumentative Pe

Censoring the Internet      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From music to television, censorship has played a major role in how the public is exposed to certain material. Now that our world is entering into a new technology era, the Internet is now in the middle of the censorship issue. Internet access is now one of the fastest ways to communicate with others, obtain information on virtually anything, and purchase items without having to leave your home. As more and more people get connected to this cyber superhighway, concern for the content of material has become a big issue. Since so many children are exposed to the Internet, some material should not be accessible with a simple click of a mouse. In order to protect our younger people from being exposed to mature and explicit material over the Internet, these sites should have a warning posted before one can go into the site.    Since putting such material on the Internet is protected by the first amendment, the federal government cannot stop graphic data from being distributed in such a way. Although the government cannot stop the distribution, members of Congress and the House of Representatives are working on bills that will filter out such si... ...not for children.          Works Cited Grace, Kevin Michael. " Sex-Floggers". Newsmagazine. 12 Dec. 2000. 43. Academic Search  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elite Online. EBSCOHost. 2 Feb. 2001. Rogers, Michael and Norman Oder. "PA House Passes PL Filtering Bill." Library Journal. Dec. 2000. 18. Academic Search Elite. EBSCOHost. 19 Feb. 2001. Santorum, Rick. " Bill to Protect Children from Pornography on the Internet Signed into Law Today Communities Will Have Flexibility to Develop Their   Own Internet Use Policy." FDCH Press Release. 12 Dec. 2000. Academic Search Elite. EBSCOHost. 19 Feb. 2001.

Fire Rescue Department In Malaysia Engineering Essay

In Malaysia, Fire Rescue Department or popularly known as Bomba is the fire and deliverance services bureau. The fire safety criterions must be implemented by following the ordinances in the Uniform Building By-Law ( UBBL ) 1984, National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA ) Codes and Standards and Fire Services Act 1988.2.1.1 Uniform Building By-Law ( UBBL ) 1984Uniform Building By-Law ( UBBL ) 1984 is a published papers, which is used as a needed safety criterion and besides is emphasized by the authorities. The Standing Committee recommended that life safety of the edifice residents must be considered first and it is to be achieved by giving the minimal demand sing to the assorted facets. The assorted facets refer to issue for the residents, spread of fire within the edifice or from one edifice to another one edifice and agencies of sensing and extinction of fires. In UBBL 1984, 80 per centum emphasized on life safety demand and 20 per centum are staying on the belongings protection of a edifice ( Goh, 2009 ) . Besides, the basic demands of the UBBL are equal fire protection stuffs and building system to do certain the safety of the life and belongings in the edifice during the fire. Furthermore, UBBL 1984 besides stated some fire demands sing the building design in order to minimise and diminish the hazard of fire. Automatic fire sprinkler system is mentioned in Uniform Building By-Law 1984 at Part VIII ( Fire Alarm, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting Access ) .2.1.2 National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA )National Fire Protection Association is an international non-profit organisation which is authorized on fire, electrical and edifice safety. The NFPA was established in 1896 and it serves as the universe ‘s prima advocator in fire bar and is an important beginning for information on fire safety ( Tharmarajan, 2007 ) . Besides that, NFPA develops, publishes, and disseminates about 300 consensus codifications and criterions which intended to minimise the effects of fire and other hazard. Actually for every edifice, procedure, service, design, and installing in society today is already affected by NFPA paperss ( National Fire Protection Association, 2009 ) . Automatic fire sprinkler is mentioned in NFPA 13 ( Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems ) , NFPA 25 ( Standard for the Inspection, Testing, Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection System )2.1.3 Fire Services Act 1988The Fire Services Act 1988 is implemented to do necessary proviso for the effectual and efficient operation of the fire Services Department. In add-on, this act is besides for the protection of individual and belongings from fire hazards and other intents connected therewith. This Act most likely explains the responsibilities of the Fire service Department, which consists of implementing fire bar, fire safety review and fire jeopardy suspension, probe and prosecution ( Tharmarajan, 2007 ) .2.2 Types of fire sprinkler systemsFire sprinkler systems are the most of import and successful of the fire contending systems. There are five chief types of fire sprinkler system which are wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, re-cycling and surrogate moistures and dry pipe. The three extra types of fire sprinkler system which are tail-end surrogate, tail-end dry pipe and flood. These three systems may be combined with wet pipe and/or surrogate moisture and dry pipe sprinkler system to organize extensions. The type of sprinkler systems to be selected for the edifice will be depended on type of edifice and type of stuffs to be protected ( Hassan, 1996 ) . For illustration, a storage installation that shops extremely flammable liquids will necessitate a different sprinkler system from a shopping Centre.2.2.1 Wet pipe systemWet pipe systems are the most common fire sprinkler system that have been utilizing in the edifice. This sprinkler system is suited used in het edifices where temperatures remain above 0 and there is no hazard of the H2O in the sprinkler system stop deading ( Hassan, 1996 ) . Water is invariably maintained within the distribution piping. When a fire produced the heat, it will do the nearest sprinkler caputs to open at their operating t emperature. Water will instantly dispatch onto the fire, at the same clip the flow of H2O activates a hydraulicly operated dismay bell outside the edifice and agreements can besides be made to alarm the local Fire Brigade ( Hassan, 1996 ) . Figure 2.1 shows a typical moisture sprinkler system where the H2O supply is taken straight from the H2O chief. Figure 2.2 shows how the pipe connected the dismay valve to an dismay tam-tam and turbine. The entire figure of sprinklers that connected to an installing will be different for light jeopardy, ordinary jeopardy and high jeopardy and, depending on the fortunes. Besides that, the figure of sprinklers system fitted to each installing will change over the scope of 500 to 1000 ( Hassan, 1996 ) . When fire sprinkler systems installed in a high rise edifice, the difference in tallness between the lowest and the highest sprinkler in an installing must non be greater than 45 metres ( Hassan, 1996 ) . Distribution pipes are to be connected independently to the chief rise pipe at the floor being served and no subdivision shall widen to more than one floor, mean that each subdivision being served by a separate chief rise pipe. Figure 2.1 Figure 2.22.2.1.1 Advantages of moisture pipe sprinkler systemSimplicity and dependability systemWet pipe sprinkler systems have the fewest figure of constituents and necessitate less installing clip comparison to other systems. Due to the system ‘s simpleness, the system care may non be performed as the coveted frequence. The dependability of moisture pipe sprinkler system is of import since sprinklers may be used to standby for many old ages before they are needed ( API Group, 2003 ) .Fiscal salvagingThe installing and care disbursal for wet pipe sprinkler system are comparative low ( API Group, 2003 ) . It is because moisture pipe sprinkler systems require least sum of installing clip and besides less service clip is required.Ease of alterationThe plants to modify the moisture pipe sprinkler system include closing down the H2O supply, run outing pipes and doing changes. After so, the undermentioned work is to coerce prove the system and reconstruct it. Additional work for sensing and particular control equipment is evitable which may salvage the clip and cost ( API Group, 2003 ) .Shorter clip to mend after fireWet pipe sprinkler systems require the least sum of attempt and clip to reconstruct after a fire ( API Group, 2003 ) . In most cases, fire sprinkler is reinstated by replacing the amalgamate sprinklers and turning the H2O supply back on. For other types of sprinkler systems, it may necessitate extra attempt to reset control equipment.2.2.1.2 Disadvantages of moisture pipe sprinkler systemThe disadvantages of moisture pipe sprinkler system are that it can non be installed in an country where distribution pipes are exposed to stop deading temperatures. It is because the H2O inside the distribution pipe will go solid if exposed to stop deading temperatures.2.2.2 Dry pipe systemThis system may merely be used in the conditions that it is impossible to utilize a moisture pipe system, or jump moistures and dry type system. Dry pipe sprinkler systems are installed in countries where distribution pipes are exposed to stop deading temperatures. For illustration, dry pipe sprinkler systems will be installed at unwarmed edifices and parking garages. The system between dry pipe system and wet pipe system are different. The difference is that, wet pipe sprinkler systems contain H2O but dry pipe sprinkler systems contain tight air. The tight air is supplied by an electric air compressor, N bottles, or other beginning. In add-on, the air force per unit area inside the pipes that is about one-third to one-half times greater than the maximal H2O force per unit area. Dry pipe sprinkler systems have a valve applauder and dismay port. The map of dry pipe valve applauder is to divide between air force per unit area and H2O force per unit area at the valve interface. When a fire starts, fire release the heat causes a sprinkler caput to open and the tight air would be released. Once this happened, H2O will come in the pipe and fluxing through unfastened sprinkler onto the fire. Due to this system is apt to endure frost harm, it is of import that the pipe work should be self-draining and sprinkler caputs must be fitted above the scope pipes. The figure of sprinkler fitted to each installing shall be within the scope 125 to 500, and depends on whether or non an gas pedal has been fitted to the system ( Hassan, 1996 ) . Figure 2.3 shows how sprinkler caputs fitted above the scope pipe. Figure 2.3 ( Beginnings from Hassan, 1996 )2.2.2.1 Advantages of dry pipe sprinkler systemSuitable for stop deading temperaturesDry pipe sprinkler systems are suited to be installed in countries where distribution pipes are exposed to stop deading temperatures. For illustration, dry pipe installings include unwarmed edifices and parking garages.Suitable for H2O sensitive countriesThe advantage of dry pipe sprinkler systems is that it is suited to be used to protect aggregations and other H2O sensitive countries while the moisture pipe system does non. While a physical harm on the moisture pipe sprinkler systems will do the pipes leaking, dry pipe sprinkler system will non. It will take 1 minute to let go of the air inside the pipes before H2O flowing.2.2.2.2 Disadvantages of dry pipe sprinkler systemIncreased complexnessHarmonizing to API Group, dry pipe sprinkler systems require extra control equipment and air force per unit area supply constituents which will increase complexness o f the systems. If proper care is non followed for this sprinkler system, the system would be less dependable.Higher installing and care costThe installing cost for dry pipe sprinkler system will be higher since the complexness degree is higher and installing clip is longer comparison to wet pipe system. Besides that, the care cost will besides be higher due to labor accomplishment is required to keep this complex sprinkler systems.Lower design flexiblenessThere are rigorous demands sing the upper limit permitted size of single dry pipe systems ( API Group, 2003 ) . These restrictions may impact the ability of an proprietor to do system add-ons.Increased fire response clipThe entire clip taken from sprinkler caput opens until H2O is discharged onto the fire is up to 60 seconds ( API Group, 2003 ) . The fire snuff outing actions will be delay for 60 seconds and caused the fire harm to the edifice addition.Increased corrosion potencyDry pipe sprinkler systems must be wholly drained and dried. If there is H2O staying inside the pipe, it will do corrosion and premature failure. This sort of job will non go on on moisture pipe system because the H2O is invariably maintained in piping.2.2.3 Pre-action systemPre-action sprinkler systems are installed in H2O sensitive environments such as computing machine suites, library and paper records office. When in an existent fire status, these systems will run to salvage the edifice and its constituents from fire harm. It will give earliest warning if detected of burning in the protected countries and which will originate from the action of a fume sensor. This will gives adequate clip for the eruption to be dealt with satisfactorily by utilizing portable asphyxiators. The pre-action system is similar to a dry pipe system and flood system. The difference between pre-action system and dry pipe system is that the air force per unit area may or may non be used for pre-action system. The difference between pre-action system and flood system is that the valve is electronically held closed and standard â€Å" closed † are used for pre-action system. Two separate events must be presented to originate sprinkler discharge onto the fire. First, the sensing system identifies a underdeveloped fire and so automatically sprinkler system would open the pre-action valve. When the pre-action valve is opened, it allows H2O to flux into system shrieking. Second, each of the sprinkler caputs will verify whether there is fire so merely permit H2O flow onto the fire. This system must be self-draining. For pre-action sprinkler system installing, the maximal Numberss of sprinklers that may be fitted to an installing for light jeopardy is about 500, ordinary jeopardy and high jeopardy is about 1000 ( Hassan, 1996 ) .2.2.3.1 Advantages of pre-action sprinkler systemThe double action required H2O releaseThe double action here means that the pre-action valve must run and sprinkler caput must blend so merely H2O release ( API Group, 2003 ) . This characteristic provides dual degree of protection against accidental discharge. With this ground, pre-action sprinkler systems are often installed in H2O sensitive countries such as book libraries, computing machine centres and etc.2.2.3.2 Disadvantages of pre-action sprinkler systemHigher installing and care costPre-action sprinkler systems are more complex with several extra constituents, such as fire sensing system. Thus the installing and care cost will go higher due to the add-ons system required.Alteratio n troublesPre-action sprinkler systems have specific size restrictions which may impact hereafter system alterations ( API Group, 2003 ) . Besides that, system alterations must integrate alterations to the fire sensing and control system to guarantee proper operation.Potential decreased dependabilityThe higher degree of complexness with pre-action sprinkler systems the higher possibility that something may non work when needed. Regular care is needed to guarantee dependability.2.2.4 Alternate moisture and dry pipe systemThis system is used for those developments in which the H2O in the pipes may stop dead when alteration in the clime and where the encompassing temperature does non transcend 70. For illustration, the system is operated ‘dry ‘ in winter and ‘wet ‘ in the summer. The system inside the pipes will be alterations by following the clime, when it is dry pipe system so the pipes contain tight air, and when it is alterations to wet pipe system so the pipes are filled with H2O. In some instances, this system may necessitate a duplicate of the automatic dismay valves, which may be connected in analogue. The benefit of the automatic dismay valves is to installations an easy conversion at the bend of the season. Besides that, the system must be self-draining and the figure of sprinkler fitted to each installing shall be within the scope 125 to 500 ( Hassan, 1996 ) .2.2.5 Recycling systemThe usage of this system is by and large restricted to state of affairs where it is necessary: To restrict H2O harm after a inferno ; To forestall accidental H2O harm caused by any accident mechanical intervention with the pipe work or sprinklers ; and To be able to transport out work on the installing while guaranting that the system remains in a province of preparedness at all times. When pre-action valve bend to open mean than the operation of any heat sensor activates the dismay driven tam-tam and primes the pipe work ready for the at hand gap of one or more sprinklers. If the fire was put out by portable asphyxiators instantly, the heat sensors automatically reset to the normal monitoring place. This has the consequence of originating a hydraulic force per unit area equalisation procedure which may typically take 5 proceedingss to finish. After this has occurred, the pre-action valve will be from opened and turn to closed. If the fire begins to rekindle, the heat sensors will be reactivated and do the pre-action valve once more be opened. After so H2O will be directed discharge to the beginning of the fire. Others installings use electrical clocking units and the usage of electrically meshing circuitry is installed to guarantee that the system will non run entirely because of falling air force per unit area in the pipe work. With this system, any inadvertent harm to either the pipe work, or the sprinkler caputs will non do the chief valve to open. The disadvantage is when secret agents working on such an installing must take attention that they isolate that portion of the system on which they are working from the potentially active chief system. The system must be self-draining and the figure of sprinklers fitted to such an installing must non transcend 1000 ( Hassan, 1996 ) .2.2.6 Deluge systemDeluge sprinkler systems are installed in high jeopardy operations, such as power bring forthing station, chemical storage, weaponries workss, and the countries which store points such as flammable liquids. These sprinkler systems will work together with independent fire sensing systems and disch arge H2O instantly to the protected country during a fire. The flood sprinkler system is similar to a pre-action system. The difference between flood sprinkler system and pre-action system is that the flood sprinkler caputs are unfastened and the pipe is non pressurized with air. Deluge systems are connected to a H2O supply through a flood valve that is opened when fume or heat sensing system is activated. The sensing system is installed in the same country as the sprinklers. When the sensing system is activated, H2O will dispatch through all of the sprinkler caputs onto the fire. Water is non equal to command or extinguishment fire in countries where flammable liquids are manufactured or stored. Water is require to blend with the froth dressed ore and do the dressed ore to spread out when released through the sprinkler caput, it may striping the fire beginning of O required to back up burning of flammable stuffs ( Hassan, 1996 ) .2.2.7 Tail-end surrogate pipe and tail-end dry pipe systemsThese systems may be regarded as an ‘add-on ‘ system to a standard sprinkler installing and they are intended to cover with relatively little countries. In a het edifices will served by a conventional moisture pipe system, it is possible that a little portion of the edifice is either unwarmed or is overheated temperatures. In order to cover with this, it is allowable to fall in a tail-end surrogate system onto the chief moisture pipe system. The figure of sprinklers on any tail-end extension must non transcend 100. If it is more than two tail-end extensions are services by one valve set, the entire figure of sprinklers in the tail-end extension must non transcend 250 ( Hassan, 1996 ) .2.3 Benefit of fire sprinkler systemAutomatic fire sprinkler systems have been used to protect industrial and commercial belongingss for more than 100 old ages. Nowadays, fire sprinklers are non merely installed in commercial and industrial edifices but besides installed in residential edifices, office edifices, schools and hotels. Fire sprinkler systems are become common and popular that is because it is provide many benefits to us.2.3.1 Reduce human deathsIt is hard to gauge how much safer fire sprinklers could supply in the event of fire. Based on grounds from research lab surveies and limited field experience in the United States, the surveies prove that fire sprinklers could salvage an extra 7.7 lives per million houses per twelvemonth . In add-on, the grounds besides proves that fire sprinklers could cut down the hazard of firefighter decease and hurt during put out a fire. It is estimated if all the edifices were installed with fire sprinklers, approximately 0.1 fireman lives could be saved per million houses per twelvemonth. Thus, the survey concludes that fire sprinkler could salvage an extra 7.8 lives per million houses per twelvemonth ( Rousseau, 1989 ) .2.3.2 Reduce hurtsBased on the United Stated research, the survey proves that if installing of fire sprinkler in edifices could forestall about 87 people hurts per million houses each twelvemonth. The sum of firefighting hurts could besides be reduced through increased installing of sprinklers by every bit many as 30 firefighting hurts per million houses per twelvemonth. Based on American Studies, the cost to remedial per hurt to a civilian or fireman is $ 30,000 ( Rousseau, 1989 ) . These costs are included to pay medical measures and allowance for hurting and agony.2.3.3 Reduce Insurance PremiumsResidential fire sprinkler systems are going more prevailing with each go throughing twelvemonth. If the edifice installed with fire sprinkler systems, it will do the extra 1 to 2 % addition in the concluding cost of the house ( Snyder, 2008 ) . Besides that, municipalities must account for the addition in residential system and guarantee that they are being maintained in conformity with current National Fire Protection Association criterions. After installed fire sprinkler systems, they will really salvage money because they can cut down place insurance rates by 5 to 15 per centum ( Snyder, 2008 ) . These values are expected to be increase in the hereafter. In the event that there is a fire, they will besides salvage money in possible amendss.2.3.4 Increase value of the edificeA edifice constructed with fire sprinkler system has more value than a edifice without a fire sprinkler system. It is because a edifice with a fire sprinkler system provides extra fire safety for the edifice and therefore, the edifice worth more and the proprietor could derive more net income when selling the edifice.2.3.5 Reduce belongings harm costHarmonizing to records for decennaries on belongings harm, the proprietor save about 90 % on belongings harm costs with fire sprinkler systems than those without fire sprinkler systems when a fire is happened. This is clear that a fire sprinkler system will pay for itself many times over. Harmonizing to Daniel Snyder article, the mean cost of amendss in places with fire sprinkler systems was about $ 2,000 and the mean cost of amendss in places without sprinkler systems was about $ 45,000.2.3.6 More clip to get awayFire sprinkler systems provide an extra grade of protection for both life and belongings above fume and other fire sensing systems. Sprinkler systems evidently help people by giving more clip for them to get away when a fire is go oning, so they help to salvage lives. A right designed and installed sprinkler system can observe and command a fire at an early phase of fire development and activate an dismay. So with the right operation of the sprinkler system will quickly cut down the production rate of heat and fume, therefore leting more clip for the residents to get away safety or be rescued.2.3.7 Increase issue entree travel distance capacityAn addition in exit entree travel distances is a major distinguishable advantage for edifices with sprinkler system over edifices without sprinkler system. The issue entree travel distance mean the distance from any occupied part of a edifice to an issue. For illustration, the issue is such as enclosed staircase. Depending on the tenancy of the edifice, anyplace from an extra 50 to 100 pess of issue entree travel distance can be gained when the edifice is installed with fire sprinkler system ( International Building Codes, 2006 ) . Table 2.1 show the maximal travel distance between constructing with sprinkler and without sprinkler for different types of edifices. SEVENTH SCHEDULE MAXIMUM TRAVEL DISTANCES ( By-law 165 ( 4 ) , 166 ( 2 ) , 167 ( 1 ) , 170 ( B ) ) Purpose Group Limit when alternate issues are available ( 2 ) ( 3 ) Dead-end bound ( meter ) Un- sprinklered SprinkleredSmall ResidentialInstitutionalHospitals, Nursing Homes etc, School Open Plan Flexible PlanOther ResidentialHotels Flatss DormitoriesOfficeShopsFactoryGeneral and Special Purpose High Hazard Open constructionTopographic points of AssemblyStorage and GeneralLow an Ordinary jeopardy High Hazard Parking Garages Aircraft Hangars ( Ground Floor ) Aircraft airdocks ( Mezzanine Floor ) NR 9 6 NR NR 10 10 0 15 15 15 0 NR NR NR NR 15 NR NR NR 30 45 30 45 30 30 30 45 30 30 22 NR 45 NR 22.5 30 30 22.5 NR 45 60 45 60 45 45 45 60 45 45 22.5 NR 61 NR 30 45 45 22.5 Table 2.1 ( Beginnings from Uniform Building By-Law 1984 )2.3.8 Increase Egress capacityFor the tenancies edifices which are installed with fire sprinkler systems, except high-hazard and infirmary, the agencies of egress constituents can be increased 50 % for the stairway breadth and 33 % for all other egress constituents such as corridors, doors, inclines ( International Building Codes, 2006 ) . For illustration, a 44 inch of issue stairway concept in a edifice which is without fire sprinkler systems merely can function 146 individuals, but a same 44 inch of issue stairway concept in a edifice which is installed with fire sprinkler system can function 220 individuals. Besides that, 44 inch corridor concept with fire sprinkler system can function 293 individuals, without fire sprinkler system can function 220 individuals.2.3.9 Reduce building costAs antecedently reference, if the new edifice installed with fire sprinkler systems, it will do the extra 1 to 2 % addition in the concluding cost of the house. They are non merely can cut low the insurance premiums but besides cut down in building cost. This is because most edifice codifications provide big building leeway for sprinkler edifices. For illustration, fewer emersions are required and larger floor countries are allowed for the edifice with sprinkler systems installed. This executable design will assist proprietors and re sidents to cut down the building cost and stuff cost. Further more information about the advantages of fire sprinkler system relate to benefits of building cost economy will be explain as below:2.3.9.1 Decrease in shaft enclosuresFor edifice are non greater than 420 pess in tallness, the fire evaluation of perpendicular shaft such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, trash/linen chutes, except issue enclosures and lift hoist manner enclosures, is permitted to be reduced to one hr where automatic sprinklers are installed within the shaft at the top and at alternate floor degrees ( International Building Codes, 2006 ) . This can be a large cost economy in high-rise edifice building.2.3.9.2 Elimination of the entree anteroom for smokeproof issue stairway enclosuresFor tower block edifice, the issue staircases off the floors located more than 75 pess above the lowest degree of fire section vehicle entree are required to be smokeproof issue enclosures ( IBC 1020.1.7 ) . The entree are to the s tairway in a smokeproof issue enclosure is required to be form an unfastened outside balcony ( IBC subdivision 909.20.3 ) or a ventilated anteroom ( IBC Section 909.20.4 ) , with a breadth of non less than 72 inches ( IBC Section 909.20.1 ) . If the high rise edifice is installed with fire sprinkler systems, under IBC subdivision 909.20.5 is allow to extinguish the unfastened outside balcony and /or the ventilated anteroom demands. This alternate saves valuable infinite on each floor of the edifice and it can be converted into rental or marketable infinite for the edifice proprietor. This can be a large cost economy in high-rise edifice building and besides derive excess net income for edifice proprietor.2.4 Problem of fire sprinkler systemFire sprinkler systems can be used to salvage lives, belongings and others benefit, whether they used in industrial edifices, offices, or place. But automatic fire sprinkler systems besides present some alone proficient jobs. Fortunately, such jobs can be avoided by cognizing the most common grounds for fire sprinkler failure. From the National Fire Sprinkler Association study, the most common grounds for fire sprinkler failure that are error sprinkler activate, overheating, stop deadin g, mechanical harm, corrosion, or leaking.2.4.1 Problem sing elements of fire sprinkler2.4.1.1 CorrosionCorrosion or rust can weaken pipes and sprinkler caputs. The terrible corrosion jobs have been normally attributed to microbiologically influenced corrosion and known as MIC. This can ensue a sudden and unwelcome activation when a sprinkler pipe or caput fails. The National Fire Protection Association states that edifice proprietors are responsible for replacing sprinkler constituents that are corroded or rusted. Corrosion of fire sprinkler piping can take to potentially risky system malfunction, every bit good as dearly-won H2O harm and fix costs. Unfortunately, reviews for MIC and corrosion are frequently overlooked until the jobs become serious, such as damaging leaks occur or the corrosion extend to a big countries of the full fire sprinkler system have to be replaced. This disciplinary care attack is a retro-active scheme. The undertaking of the care squad in this scenario is normally to consequence fixs every bit shortly as possible. Cost associated with disciplinary care include fix, lost production and lost gross revenues. Repair costs are included replacing constituents, labor, and consumables.Solution to corrosion of fire sprinklerA new proactive attack to fire sprinkler care is available utilizing wholly non-invasive, supersonic engineerings that from the BASIC of a prognostic care attack ( Jeffrey, 2005 ) . This attack provides a cost-efficient agencies of observing the presence and supervising patterned advance of corrosion and making a digital record of the system province that can be used to schedule replacing of localised subdivisions of the system before leaks or operation failure occur.2.4.1.2 Mechanical harmFire sprinkler systems depend on the unity of all their parts. If a sprinkler caput is hit or a pipe damaged, the parts can divi de and the system can non be activate when fire is present. A common job with sprinkler caputs is harm from nearby building of forklifts that are raised excessively high, by chance strike harding off sprinkler caputs. Besides that, put ining automatic sprinklers can besides ensue in harm to the system if improper tools or techniques are used ( Russell and Fleming, 2000 ) .Solution to mechanical harmFire sprinkler system must ever be inspected after the plants have been completed by contractor or sprinkler provider. Homeowner must guarantee all elements of the sprinklers in proper mode and without harm.2.4.2 Problem sing installing of fire sprinkler2.4.2.1 FreezingThere are two major sorts of fire sprinkler systems which are wet pipe and dry pipe sprinkler systems. Normally wet pipe sprinkler systems are most common used to put in in the edifices. For this sprinkler system, H2O is invariably maintained within the distribution piping. The advantage to this system is that it responds r apidly to a fire and less expensive than other sprinkler systems. The disadvantage to this system is than the H2O in the system could stop dead if installed to stop deading temperatures. The job that is some rawness builder installs this type of sprinkler system exposed to stop deading temperatures and causes the pipes freezing, the H2O inside can turn to frost and spread out. The enlargement can interrupt pipes and adjustments, doing leaks and loss of H2O force per unit area. The enlargement besides can coerce unfastened sprinkler caputs, doing inadvertent activation when the pipes thaw out ( Russell and Fleming, 2000 ) .Solution to shriek freezingThere are three solutions to work out this sort of job. The first solution to this job is to run all sprinkler shrieking inside interior walls and utilize wall mounted sprinkler caputs ( Schunk, 2008 ) . The ground of replace ceiling mounted sprinkler caputs to palisade mounted sprinkler caputs is that the infinite above the ceiling is capable to stop deading temperatures. Another solution to this job is to blend antifreeze into the H2O ( Schunk, 2008 ) . It will forestall H2O inside the distribution pipe freezing when H2O mix with antifreeze. A job with this solution is that the care requires periodic draining of the system and replenishing with the proper mixture. This care is non merely expensive but besides really mussy and hard to execute in a finished house. The last solution to forestall freeze is to put in the fire sprinkler shrieking beneath the ceiling insularity ( Schunk, 2008 ) . This ceiling insularity must do certain use to whole country, uncomplete ceiling insularity even to a little country will do the pipe freezing. In extra, insularity is merely slows down heat transportation and the pipes will finally stop dead if temperatures alterations to really cold. The best manner to forestall this job happen is that the rawness builder or householder must speak to his contractor or sprinkler gross revenues representative about method to maintain fire sprinkler systems from stop deading temperatures. From illustration, the right method to this job that is chooses the dry pipe sprinkler system in the freeze temperatures.2.4.2.2 OverheatingHeat is used to trip fire sprinklers. Fire sprinklers will automatic activate when the heat is detected and no affair the heat will or will non do the harm to people and belongings. Where fire sprinkler are located excessively close to warmer, fanlights, and other beginnings of heat, the fire sprinkler can by chance travel off and dispatch the H2O out.Solution to overheatingHarmonizing to the regulations of National Fire Protection Associated criterion 13, installings of sprinkler systems require that higher temperature rated sprinkler be used. This means that the solder elements or glass bulbs used as the oper ating mechanisms will be designed and replaced with sprinkler caputs that are rated for higher heat. For illustration, normal glass bulbs will trip at temperatures of 68-74 but for higher rate of glass bulbs will trip at temperatures of 93-149 ( Russell and Fleming, 2000 ) . If the heat is above this scope, a qualified contractor should be hired to do the necessary alterations.2.4.3 Problem sing H2O supply2.4.3.1 Water supplyA typical domestic H2O supply for one and two household homes includes a 5/8 † H2O service and metre and may include a H2O force per unit area regulator and/or a backflow preventer. All of these devices are designed for a typical residential H2O flow rate of 5 to 7 gallons per minute. Unfortunately, they can non present the 26 gpm which required by a residential fire sprinkler system. All of these devices need to be increased in size to 1A? † in order the H2O flow rate go 26 gpm ( Schunk, 2008 ) . The job is, a residential H2O force per unit area regulator and H2O metre that are increased in size to manage the higher fire flows will non decently cut down the H2O force per unit area when operating at the low flow rates that are typical in one and two household homes ( Schunk, 2008 ) .Solution to H2O supplySolution to these jobs is to put in a seconded larger H2O service dedicated to the fire sprinkler system. This solution is non merely expensive ab initio, but will hold ongoing cost because many H2O purveyors ‘ have a minimal monthly rate per metre. The minimal monthly rate mean even there is no ingestion but besides back up to pay certain minimal sum. Besides, the rates typically increase with the size of the H2O metre, so the fire sprinkler metre rates will be more so the rates for the domestic H2O metre. Again, adding a seconded larger H2O service and metre is a concealed cost that is because it is portion of the pipe fitter ‘s occupation, and hence non included in the fire sprinkler contractor ‘s command ( Schunk, 2008 ) .

Global Warming Solutions essays

Global Warming Solutions essays Since the mid nineteen sixties, environmentalism has exploded as a movement. Many environmentalists view modern industrial society as unsustainable and the way that western society functions as damaging the earth's natural biosphere and cycles. There is a growing body of evidence to support the belief that our consumer culture and industrial processes are in fact destroying the delicate balance and complex interrelationships that nature has forged and upon which we still rely. The biggest worry of most 'green' groups at present is the well documented 'global warming' effect in which it is believed the earth's average temperature is rising, causing sea levels to rise (more to do with thermal expansion of water than ice cap melting), destruction of natural habitats and most worryingly to humans; climate change. However it would be ignorant to believe that the earth has always been as it is now, indeed rapid climate change is a natural phenomenon which has occurred countless times in the earths history; ice ages and warm periods mark definite periods in earths living history, a period of extreme warmth for example marked the Cretaceous Tertiary era boundary where over 90% of the land species of the earth became extinct allowi ng mammals to become the dominant class of species. Ice age and periods of warmth are common and a feuture of a dynamic planet. Despite this, geology and anthropology have discovered fresh evidence that suggests this latest climate change event may be different. Only in times of extreme volcanic activity or celestial change has a climate change period been so quick in taking effect, and this present one is accompanied by neither. Evidence to suggest that it is indeed human activity which is causing environmental disaster is growing. Statistical and historical evidence suggests there is a direct link between the actions of humans and environmental destruction. Although conclusive proof can easily be found for aci...

The eNotes Blog 10 Must-Read Graphic Novels (for the Graphic NovelN00b)

10 Must-Read Graphic Novels (for the Graphic NovelN00b) If youre a graphic novel newbie, chances are that when you hear the term graphic novel, you immediately think, Oh, a comic book! or something else to that effect. And who could blame you? With the ever-growing popularity of the Marvel Universe and the continuous makes and remakes of the  Batman franchise, it seems that comic books are everywhere- and they certainly are graphic novels. But as it turns out, theres  more to this variety of storytelling than colorfully-dressed, muscly people with inhuman powers! In fact, while superhero comics have their place (and its a big place, mind you), there are a whole host of graphic novels about real-world issues that delve into intriguing, funny, mysterious, and even downright scary stories.To help you get started on this exciting, visual reading adventure, we put our heads together,  had some discussions about our favorite graphic novels, and finally compiled  the top ten  initial must-reads  into this list. The following are pres ented in no particular order aside from that in which I wrote them down. Maus: The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman To start this list off with something a little heavy, we begin with Art Spiegelmans autobiographical work about his fathers experience  living as a Polish Jew during Hitlers reign of terror in Europe. The tale weaves between two primary storylines, one taking place in modern New York City and the other in Hitlers Europe. Spiegelmans use of anthropomorphic animals to tell the tale adds to the characterization of the various peoples and how they were depicted and seen during that time period. The cartoonish quality makes it equal parts accessible and haunting due to the historical subject matter. Batman: Arkham Asylum (15th Anniversary Edition) by Grant Morrison and Dave McKean Okay, number two on the list and were already talking about Batman. These stories are famous for a reason, and there are hundreds upon hundreds of  Batman comics- the first one was published 77 years ago in 1939. We selected  Arkham Asylum in particular due to its unique storyline and absolutely amazing artwork. The story takes place on April Fools Day, and the inmates of Gothams Arkham Asylum have overpowered their guards and taken them hostage, demanding Batman in exchange for freeing the innocent. Of course, Batman being Batman, he answers the demands of his foes and has to face both his sworn enemies and his inner demons. (The Joker features prominently in this story, and he is the biggest baddie of the baddies, if you dont mind me saying so.) Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons This is the comic that put superhero comics on the map- and elevated them to a more adult audience. Set in the 1980s,  Watchmen follows the journey of retired heroes forced back into action  with the onset of nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union. The half-psychotic and gone-to-seed vigilante Rorschach uncovers a dastardly plot to murder the remaining superheroes and millions of civilians, and is forced to drag his fellow out-of-shape superfriends out of retirement to put an end to the madness. Fun Fact:  Watchmen is the only graphic novel to have ever made  Time magazines Top 100 Best Novels List. V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd A lot of people are familiar with the story of  V for Vendetta because of the 2005 hit movie starring Natalie Portman (and her shaved head that she totally rocked), but it may come as a surprise that this tale began as a graphic novel! Set in a totalitarian England, in the aftermath of a globe-changing war, we follow the lives of a mysterious man in a white, porcelain mask and his young protà ©gà © as they fight political oppression through seemingly meaningless acts of terrorism. In a world where personal freedom is entirely nonexistent, the lines between ideologically-based notions of good and evil are inherently blurred, leaving it up to the reader to determine who is right and who is wrong. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Volume 1 2  by Alan Moore and Kevin ONeill If youve ever wanted to see some of your favorite literary characters united and fighting crime, then look no further than  The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen! Mina Harker (who had a bit of a nasty run-in with Count Dracula back in Transylvania), Captain Nemo (who captained the Nautilus in  20,000 Leagues Under the Sea), Allan Quatermain (assistant to King Solomon), and many more are brought into the same timeline and must set out to conquer famous the villain Fu Manchu (of his own series and fame). The real question is: will they be able to stop fighting amongst themselves in time to stop Fu Manchu? Sandman:  Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman Taking a turn into the horror/fantasy realm of the graphic novel,  Sandman  follows the story of Dream (also known as the titular Sandman) as he is finally freed  from decades of imprisonment and sets out to return his kingdom to its former state of prosperity. Sandman is a series that delves deep into a realm of anthropomorphic embodiments of metaphysical realities. Undoubtedly intended for more mature audiences,  Sandman delves into adult themes of revenge, death, darkness, and a fantasy realm that could be considered a place of nightmares as well as one of dreams. Fables: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham To lighten the mood, we can look to  Fables, a reinterpretation of classic fables and fairytales set  in modern-day New York City. More specifically, the fairytale characters who can  fit in are taken to New York City, while the others are sent to The Farm in upstate New York- youd better believe this comes a point of contention between the anthropomorphic characters and those who appear more human, i.e. the Big Bad Wolf vs. Cinderella. It seems that an unnamed evil force (known as The Adversary) has  overtaken the Fairytale kingdom and forced its former inhabitants into exile. The exiled people have formed their own peaceful, secret society in which they live and plot to eventually overthrow The Adversary and regain their lands. Saga of the Swamp Thing by Alan Moore If youve gained only one thing from this list, let it be that Alan Moore is a comic-creating genius. Swamp Thing is another comic character who, like Batman, has been around forever. Unlike  Batman,  Swamp Thing was in real danger of cancellation back in the 80s, that is, before Moore got around to saving the day (and the franchise). Taking over after the Swamp Thing was allegedly murdered by a foe, Moore changed  the game by  deciding  that the Swamp Thing was never actually human at all- he only believed that he had once been an acclaimed scientist. This plot twist put the saga  back on the map, intriguing readers all over again with questions like: Where did Swamp Thing come from? And what happened to the scientist Alec Holland? Y: The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra What would you do, female readers, if one day, every male mammal on planet Earth suddenly and inexplicably died? Well, except for one, anyway. Y: The Last Man delves into that very question, following the life of protagonist Yorick Brown and his monkey sidekick (another somehow-surviving male) as they struggle for answers to the questions of their survival  and the looming, apparently inevitable mass extinction of the human race. Marvel 1602  by Neil Gaiman A relatively short series,  Marvel 1602 consists of only eight installments. Taking place in, you guessed it, 1602, our favorite Marvel superheroes (and villains) have been transported to the Elizabethan Era,  where they face the usual suspects of good and evil, but also some more complicated  adversaries, like their own government embarking on a witch hunt, and the presence of a hero who isnt quite sure which century hes in. Published in 2002, the writing of  Marvel 1602 began almost immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks; author Neil Gaiman was loathe to create a typical comic set in the  modern era that involved any modern weapons or that contained the ideology  of  might equals right. As a result, a comic set in an earlier time was born. Sure, between the magic-fearing King James VI and the fight between wrong and right, theres still plenty of conflict, but youre not going to see any bombings or bazooka-esque weaponry. It was super hard keeping this list to ten titles knowing there are many, many more! Which graphic novels  would you add to a MUST read  list for the graphic novel newbie?