Tuesday, November 26, 2019

The Wall - Picture Book About A Visit to Vietnam War Memorial

The Wall - Picture Book About A Visit to Vietnam War Memorial Author Eve Bunting has a gift for writing about serious subjects in a way that makes them accessible to young children, and she has done just that in her picture book The Wall. This childrens picture book is about a father and his young sons visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Its a good book to share on Memorial Day, as well as Veterans Day and any other day of the year. The Wall by Eve Bunting: The Story A young boy and his dad have traveled all the way to Washington, DC to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They have come to find the name of the boys grandfather, his dads father. The little boy calls the memorial my grandfathers wall. As the father and son look for the grandfathers name, they meet others who are visiting the memorial, including a veteran in a wheelchair and a couple weeping while hugging one another. They see flowers, letters, flags, and a teddy bear that have been left at the wall. When they find the name, they do a rubbing and leave a school photograph of the boy on the ground below his grandfathers name. When the boy says, Its sad here, his father explains, Its a place of honor. The Books Impact This brief description does not do justice to the book. It is a poignant tale, made more so by the muted watercolor illustrations of Richard Himler. The boys obvious feelings of loss for a man he never knew, and his fathers quiet remark, He was just my age whe he was killed, really bring home the impact of war on the families whose lives have been changed by the loss of a loved one. Yet, while the father and sons visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is bittersweet, it is a comfort to them, and this, in turn, is a comfort to the reader. The Author and the Illustrator Author Eve Bunting was born in Ireland and came to the United States as a young woman. She has written more than 200 childrens books. These range from picture books to young adult books. She has written other childrens books on serious subjects, such as Fly Away Home (homelessness), Smoky Night (the Los Angeles riots) and Terrible Things: An Allegory of the Holocaust. Eve Bunting has also written numerous more lighthearted childrens books, such as Sunflower House and Flower Garden, both of which are on my Top 10 Children’s Picture Books About Gardens and Gardening list. In addition to The Wall, artist Richard Himler has illustrated a number of other books by Eve Bunting. These include Fly Away Home, A Days Work, and Train to Somewhere. Among the childrens books hes illustrated for other authors are Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes and Katies Trunk. Recommendation The Wall is recommended for six- to nine-year-olds. Even if your child is an independent reader, I suggest that you use it as a read-aloud. By reading it aloud to your children, you will have the opportunity to answer any questions they may have, to reassure them, and to discuss the story and the purpose of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. You might also put this book on your list of books to read around Memorial Day and Veterans Day. (Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1990; Reading Rainbow paperback edition, 1992. ISBN: 9780395629772)

Saturday, November 23, 2019

2018-19 Common Application Essay Sample for Option #3

2018-19 Common Application Essay Sample for Option #3 Jennifer wrote the essay below in response to the 2018-19  Common Application essay option #3. The prompt reads,  Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? Gym Class Hero I’m not really an athlete. I’m all for a rousing game of badminton or tennis, and I enjoy cross-country skiing and hiking, but I enjoy these activities as recreation. I don’t find enjoyment in testing my physical limits to the point of pain. I’m not competitive by nature; I rarely challenge others, or find myself face-to-face with an opponent. Except, to my surprise, if that competitor, that challenger, is simply myself. â€Å"Ok, I need some folks to run a mile,† Mr. Fox, the PE Teacher, bellowed over the 40-odd preteens loitering around the playing fields behind Lafayette Middle School. We were working through a unit on track and field events. Up to this point, I had managed to avoid participation. â€Å"It’s four times around the track. Any takers?† A couple people raised their hands and began assembling at the make-shift starting line. â€Å"Well, let’s get a few more out there,† he continued. Looking over the rest of us, he made a quick assessment and called out, â€Å"Johnson. Patterson. VanHouten. And, uh, Baxter.† I froze. Were there any other Baxters in my class? No. Only me. And, to my dismay, I heard myself saying â€Å"Ok!† as I made my way to the track, my heart already pounding, my stomach in knots, with zero confidence in myself. I couldn’t do this. Where did my doubt come from? No one ever said to me, â€Å"Oh, you can’t run a mile.† I don’t even remember any askance looks, any raised eyebrows implying I was out of my depth. Middle-schoolers can be a cruel bunch, but not that day. There was just that voice in my head, as clear as a bell: â€Å"You’ll never be able to run a mile. You can’t even climb stairs without getting winded. It’s going to hurt. You’ll probably pass out. You could never run a mile.† A whole mile? That voice was right. It was, in my mind, impossibly long. What was I going to do? I ran a mile. There was nothing else to do; I didn’t have time to question it, or come up with an excuse. Sometimes challenging a belief is as easy as just doing something. It wasn’t a conscious â€Å"I’m going to challenge this doubt and insecurity I have.† I just started running. Four laps around the track- it took me thirteen minutes. Which, as I research it now, is not particularly impressive. But at the time, I was pretty proud. For someone who never ran, I was just happy I finished. I didn’t feel great; my legs were shaky and there was something rattling around in my chest, but I had proven myself wrong. I could run a mile. Of course, I ended up throwing up about five minutes later. Even if I had new-found confidence and a sense of accomplishment, my body wasn’t quite ready for it yet. I’m sure there’s some lesson to be learned there- something about not pushing ourselves too far, too fast. About knowing and assessing our limitations. But that’s not the important moral of the story. I discovered I wasn’t always right. I learned that I was too critical of myself, too cruel, too unforgiving. Yes, I’m not going to the Olympics anytime soon. Yes, I’m not going to set any records for track. But- once I stopped telling myself no, and just got on with the task at hand, I surprised myself. And that’s something I’m carrying with me into my future: the ability to shut off those doubting voices, and sometimes just going for it. I may surprise myself by discovering I can do much more than I thought possible. Critique of "Gym Class Hero" In general, Jennifer has written a strong Common Application essay. Is there room for improvement? Of course- even the best essays can be made stronger with effort. Below youll find a discussion of some of elements of Jennifers essay that make it strong as well as some comments on areas that could use some revision.   Jennifer's Topic As the tips and strategies for option #3  state, the vagueness of the terms belief or idea allow an applicant to steer his or her essay in a wide range of directions. When asked about beliefs or ideas, most of us will immediately think in terms of politics, religion, philosophy, and ethics. Jennifers essay is refreshing in that she explores none of those things. Instead, she zeros in on something both commonplace yet remarkably important- that nagging internal voice of self-doubt that nearly everyone has experienced at one time or another.   Far too many college applicants feel that they must write about something profound, some amazing accomplishment, or some experience that is truly unique. In fact, many applicants get overly stressed because they feel they have had unremarkable lives and have nothing worth narrating in their essays. Jennifers essay is a beautiful example of the fallacy of these concerns. She writes about something millions of teens have experienced- that awkward feeling of inadequacy in gym class. But she succeeds in taking that common experience and turning it into an essay that lets us see her as a unique person.   In the end, her essay really isnt about running a 13-minute mile. Her essay is about looking inward, recognizing her sometimes paralyzing self-doubt, examining what it is that often holds her back, and ultimately growing in confidence and maturity. Those four laps around the track arent the point. What stands out is that Jennifer has learned an important lesson: to succeed, one needs to first step up and try. The lesson she learned- to stop telling herself no and just get on with the task at hand- is one that the admissions committee will admire, for it is a key to college success. Jennifer's Title, "Gym Class Hero" When the admissions staff first read Jennifers title, they are likely to have concerns. If you read the list of 10 bad essay topics, the hero essay is one of the topics applicants would be wise to avoid. As meaningful as that amazing touchdown or game-winning home run may have been to the applicant, the admissions folks are tired of reading essays about these moments of athletic heroism. The essays tend to all sound the same, too many applicants write that essay, and the essays are all too often more about gloating than self-analysis and introspection. Thus, the title Gym Class Hero could immediately have the reader in the admissions office thinking,  This tired essay. Here we go again.  But the reality of the essay turned out to be something quite different. We quickly learn that Jennifer is no athlete, and her essay is not about heroism in any typical sense of the word. On one level, the title is ironic. A 13-minute mile is certainly not athletic heroism. Or is it? The beauty of Jennifers title is that she takes the overused word hero and recasts it so that it is something internal, a sense of personal accomplishment that few people outside of herself would see as heroic. In short, there is a slight danger in Jennifers title. Its quite possible shell evoke an initial reaction from the admissions officers, and it may not be a wise strategy to have a title that is going to shut down her readers before they even begin the essay. On the flip side, the beauty of Jennifers essay is the way that it redefines the concept of the hero. There are plenty of strategies for writing a good title, and Jennifer could certainly take a safer approach. At the same time, the play on that word hero is so central to the essay something important would be lost with a different title. The Length Common Application essays need to be between 250 and 650 words. Youll hear different opinions on length from different counselors, but theres no denying that much more can be accomplished in an engaging 600-word essay than a well written 300-word essay. The ideal college application length depends on the writer and the topic, but going too short is often a lost opportunity to highlight who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Always keep in mind why the college wants an essay in the first place: the school has holistic admissions and wants to get to know you as an individual. The school will know you better if you say more. Jennifers essay comes in at 606 words, and they are 606 good words. Theres little deadwood, repetition, or other problems of style. She tells an engaging story without digression or unnecessary detail. A Final Word Jennifer is not going to win an athletic scholarship, and no college is going to recruit her for her 13-minute mile. Her essay is not without minor flaws (for example, she uses the word enjoy three times in the first three sentences). But anyone who reads her essay will admire both her writing ability and her ability to look inward, analyze, and grow from an awkward moment in gym class. The big test of an admissions essay is whether or not it answers a couple key questions for the admissions folks: Does the essay help us know the applicant better? Does the applicant seem like someone who we want to invite to share our academic community, and is she likely to contribute to our community in meaningful ways? In Jennifers case, the answer to these questions is yes. Jennifers essay isnt typical of responses to option #3, and the reality is that she could have submitted this same essay under some of the other options. Gym Class Hero would work for option #2 on facing a challenge. It could also work for option #5 on an accomplishment that sparked personal growth. Be sure to look carefully at the tips and strategies for all seven of the Common Application essay options to figure out which would be the best match for your own essay. In the end, however, it wouldnt really matter if Jennifer submitted her essay under #2, #3, or #5. Each is appropriate, and the quality of the essay is what most matters.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Marketing case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing - Case Study Example After the presentation of a memo, an executive summary is expected. This refers to the official response that complies with the memo. In our case, we shall consider the response of SM. Keith Nyamekecho who is the example in our case study.  The issue is about expansion of computer services in their company in order to meet the increasing customer demands.  The clients identified a strategy of opening more branches all over the nation as a way of expanding as distributing their services, making them available to all the customers over the United States of America. This expansion required them to purchase more computers. The reason as to why they chose my company is because of the quality products. The price of the company is also customer friendly and delivery done on time, with good customer relations. Us. TELCON.NETWORKS believes in quality service. They probably considered my company because I also offer quality products that will enable them to meet the customer goals and sust ain the customer needs.   Upon the agreement on the price and date of supply, I delivered the ordered type of computers –50 PC computes Intel XP 608 at $1350 each and 50 PC computers Samsung CtL-973 at $1520 each. There was no negotiation of the price since before the drafting of the memo, Us. TELCON.NETWORKS had already made a research on the exact price of which I offer the specific computers.  The types of computers I offer in sell in my company are among the most modern that can be used in all types of business.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

To investigate various aspects of the design and construction of a Assignment

To investigate various aspects of the design and construction of a major civil engineering project that has taken place in the last few years - Assignment Example Skidmore, Merrill and Owings performed the tasks of the engineering and architecture. Other roles in the construction process included the chief structural engineer performed by Bill Baker, Adrian Smith was the chief architect and Samsung C & T being the primary contractor (10, 11,12). The construction division of Al Ghurair Investment carried the tower construction activities (14, 13). The design of the tower was based on the idea that it was to be the centrepiece of a wide scale development. The initial plan stipulated that the development would have several functions. The building is designed to to encompass thirty thousand homes, at least nineteen residential towers, nine holes, the Burj Khalifa man-made lake and the great Dubai Mall. The additional constructions and structure around the building offered alternative solutions to the needs that would not be met by the building. The primary decision to build the structure relied on the government decision towards diversification. It is observed that the government wanted to diversify from dependence on the oil to service and tourism sector. It is evident that the construction of Burj Khalifa has led to a lot of international recognition. The outcome of such recognitions is increased investment from both the local and international community. The building has put Dubai on the map due to the sensations it creates. The design process was carried out by Merrill, Skidmore and Owings. The architects have also designed other leading structure such as the Willis Tower and the New Yorks World Trade Centre. The structure takes the application of the bundled tube design (37, 38). The building is a reminiscence of the Vision for Illinois, the Frank Lloyd Wright design, designed for Chicago. Initially, Burj Kalifa was designed based on the tower place Tree building with its seventy-three floors. Additionally, the initial plan had it that the building should solely be used for residential purposes. Subsequent

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Medical Records and Privacy of the Famous Essay Example for Free

Medical Records and Privacy of the Famous Essay Medical Records and Privacy of the Famous Privacy seems to be something that many people desire, but is becoming less and less available. With all the new technology, it is easier than ever to invade someone’s privacy. With cameras everywhere, from ATM’s to people’s cell phones, it is difficult for anyone to do anything that can be kept to one ’s self. While privacy is a right that the average person doesn’t normally struggle with, it is a problem that celebrities encounter everyday. Paparazzi are constantly following these famous people around as they do their everyday things like shopping, playing with their children, partying, or simply hanging in their homes. It is basically the price to pay to be famous. While these celebrities’ lives are invaded to a large degree, shouldn’t they still enjoy the right to keep some aspects of their lives private? Celebrities should have the right to keep things like medical records private, because not only is it a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), it is unethical to release medical information about someone to the public, even celebrities. In recent years, there have been a number of break-ins of celebrity medical records that have been leaked to the tabloids. In 2006 one of the country’s leading medical institutions discovered that the security of their medical records had been breached when The National Enquirer printed a story about Farrah Faucet’s cancer relapse, before the actress even told any of her family members† (Steinhaurer, 2008). Ms. Faucet is not the only celebrity who has had this happen. In 2007, George Clooney was informed that his medical records were accessed by people who didn’t have the right to look at them, following a motorcycle crash that left the actor with broken ribs and scrapes. Britney Spears was also a victim when the media reported that she was involuntarily hospitalized in 2008 and put in the psych ward under the thought she could be a danger to others or herself. Gossip outlets and other news media reported on her interactions with staff and visitors throughout her hospitalization (Techweb, 2008). These are incidents that have occurred for many years, as tabloids are always interested in the medical issues celebrities deal with, and keeping it under wraps is more difficult with technology making it easier for anyone to gain instant access to health secrets. â€Å"With the advent of networked computers, the problem has increased exponentially, and celebrities are constantly surrounded by people who are willing to trade in medical information for profit or their own 15 minutes† (Blankstein, 2008). While the people who accessed the records of these celebrities and leaked the stories are definitely at fault, I think that much of the blame also lies with the reporters and journalists who actually print and air the stories. The press is violating privacy by releasing these stories in two ways, legally and ethically. â€Å"Medical privacy rules apply to everybody, including celebrities,† Alicia Mitchell, spokesperson for the American Hospital Association said. â€Å"Everybody is entitled to confidentiality of what is often very personal information† (Rhea, 2007). By printing the very private medical information, there was a violation of HIPPA. HIPPA is an act that went into effect in 1996 and it set a national standard for securing and protecting patient health information. Hospitals have strict policies against leaking information, with the exceptions of insurance and law enforcement investigations. Because of this law, many health care providers won’t even admit to treating some patients (Techweb, 2008). While the people who leaked the stories to the press have been reprimanded by either suspension or termination, there wasn’t any type of consequences for the press for reporting this illegal material. That brings me to the ethical violation. â€Å"Depriving people of their privacy is a cruel and immoral act, which could destroy their lives. The sole objective of tabloids is to make money, so they’ll go to any extreme to satisfy their readers and increase circulation figures† (Heng, 2006). It is obvious that celebrity news is an outlet that sells, as seen by the numerous tabloids and entertainment shows. The public has an interest in what is going on in the lives of these rich and glamorous people. This brings on a form of mediated voyeurism, which can be defined as, â€Å"the consumption of revealing images and information about others’ real and unguarded lives, not always for the purpose of entertainment but frequently at the expense of privacy and discourse, through the means of the mass media† (Calvert, 2000). Basically saying that the public has a need to see these famous people and learn about their lives, even at the risk of invading their privacy. The tabloids simply exploit the public’s desire to learn these things, regardless of the ethical issues of invading a human being’s privacy. They know people will buy it and that they will make money. I think that to be an ethical journalist it is important to empathize with the person whose life is about to be splashed on the papers. Of course there is the matter of getting the story and pleasing the readers and the editor, but it should take into account the public’s real right to know. A story about the health of someone like the President of the United States might be something worth printing, because knowing how he is medically is of public interest because this is a man that is running the country. However, that is a different scenario with someone like Britney Spears. She is simply an entertainer and it isn’t important for the public to know her health because it will not affect the daily lives of people. It is simply news that the public likes to learn about. If I were a journalist, I would like to think to myself how I would feel if someone had released my medical records for the public to read. I would feel very violated. As Lance Morrow states, â€Å"Good journalistic standards are not difficult to state, just tough sometimes when applied case by case. Journalists function best when they are mature, experienced, and intelligent; when they keep their work as clear and simple as possible; when they fall back upon decency and common sense if questions arise about whether to run a piece† (Morrow, 2002). If these people were true journalists, they would think ethically about whether or not to release this type of information, and whether or not it is simply the decent thing to do. I would think that it would be an easy answer because, just because someone is famous, doesn’t mean that all of their privacy rights should be violated.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Hysteresis :: essays research papers

Aim: To investigate the pattern in the amount by which a hanging piece of elastic stretches when a load force is applied and the amount by which the stretch is reduced when the load is removed. Aim (in simpler terms): To determine the relationship between the force on a rubber band and its stretch, both during extension and retraction. Hypothesis: Not required. Method 1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hang a piece of elastic on a clamp stand. Ensure the elastic is new. 2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clamp a ruler using the clamp stand. Ensuring the markings on the ruler is as close to the elastic as possible. -  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Draw a diagram 3) Measure the length of the elastic and record the data. 4) Hang masses on the elastic until it reaches it point of irreversible distortion. Take note of this weight; do not hang more than this weight in the experiment. 5)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Add a weight of 100N (change appropriately). Wait for a few seconds for the system to â€Å"stabilise†. Measure the length of the elastic and record the data. Special care must be taken to ensure that when the mass is added the elastic should not retract. 6)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Add more weights, till the total weight is close to its point of irreversible distortion or till there are no more weights. 7)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Remove the weights one by one. Wait a couple of seconds for the system to â€Å"stabilise†. Measure the length of the elastic and record the data. Ensure that when the mass is removed the elastic should not be allowed to stretch further. 8)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Repeat, till there is no more mass on the elastic. Measure the length of the elastic. Equipment Elastic Clamp stand Ruler Different weights or a weight hanger Variables Independent: Mass hung on elastic Dependant: Length that the elastic extends or retracts. Controlled: Same conditions – thus the behaviour of the elastic is constant   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Same equipment Results Force (N)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Length of elastic (m)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Length that elastic was stretched   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During extension  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During retraction  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For extension  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For retraction 0  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1.2  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.2 100  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1.5  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1.4  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.5  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.4 .. .. .. .. .. .. ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  .. .. .. .. .. .. ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  .. .. .. .. .. .. ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   900  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1000  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ..  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Note: To find the length that the elastic was stretched. Simple subtract the value â€Å"During extension† by the original length of elastic. Then write the result in the column â€Å"For extension† for the appropriate weight. Repeat for retraction. Construct a graph of this data. For ease of data interpretation, graph force on y axis and length that elastic was stretched (that is the column â€Å"For extension† and â€Å"For retraction) on x axis. Also possible to have intervals of 0.98 N on y axis so that value of mass in grams can be plotted accurately (assuming g=9.8 m/s^2) Plot the points and draw a smooth curve.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

The National Development Plan

What is South Africa going to look like come 2030! One must understand that our country is not run on instant decisions and spur of the moment choices, but by planning and dedication to making the lives of South African people a much more pleasant journey. Some believe that planning and dedication do not exist in the government today one cannot justify or overrule this statement by simply watching on the surface! Good day to one and all my aim for today is to educate and inform you about the NDP (National Development Plan).Recently meetings regarding such plans were held in Cape Town and the plans for our beloved Country from 2013 to 2030 have already been finalised. I assure you the information I share with you today is not only legit but accurate and important! The NDP is an outline of the plans the government has for our country in these plans we see the direction that our country will take, whether South Africa will see brighter or questionable future in the days ahead. The visio n statement set out by our government is long and promising but as the question arises in all our minds will our government deliver on their promises and plans.In the vision statement many issues are touched on, issues like how we arrived at our first democratic election, how far we have come from the time of that election, how communities should communicate and how the people of South Africa should hold up their flags proudly because they believe in their country! They speak about economic freedom and how we will all live better lives, lives that are enriched by the fruits of our labour and how we will benefit from our effort put into our beautiful country.You may say our government has been promising and not delivering for a very long time but I say to you look at how far we have come at how much we have grown, if not for changes and disputes our country would not have matured we would have not had the opportunity to say as a country and a nation as a family that we have made it t his far and we are going even further. â€Å"It’s our future Make it Work, South Africa belongs to its entire people. We, the people, belong to one another. We live as a rainbow. Our homes, neighbourhoods, villages, towns, and cities are safe and filled with laughter. Through our institutions, we order our lives.The faces of our children tell of the future we have crafted† – that is the extract from the overview of the NDP. In short the government promises us a blissful life, one without interruptions and problems. The national Development Plan aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people. President Jacob Zuma appointed the National Planning Commission in May 2010 to draft a vision and NDP. The commission is an advisory body consisting of 26 people drawn largely from outside areas due to their experience in their fields.The report from June 2011 had found major short coming s and failure to implement policies as well as an absence of broad partnership as the main reasons for slow progress, and set out nine primary challenges: 1. Too few people work 2. The quality of school education for black people is poor 3. Infrastructure is poorly located, in adequate and under-maintained 4. Space divided by the difficulties experienced in infrastructure and development 5. The economy is unsustainably resource intensive 6. The public health system cannot meet demand or sustain quality 7. public services are uneven and often of poor quality . corruption levels are high 9. South Africa remains a divided society Some estimated facts the government expect in future: †¢ Increase employment from 13 million in 2010 to 24 million in 2030. †¢ Raise per capita income from R50 000 in 2010 to R120 000 by 2030. †¢ Increase the share of national income of the bottom 40 percent from 6 percent to 10 percent. †¢ Establish a competitive base of infrastructure, hu man resources and regulatory frameworks. †¢ Ensure that skilled, technical, professional and managerial posts better reflect the country's racial, gender and disability makeup. Broaden ownership of assets to historically disadvantaged groups. †¢ Increase the quality of education so that all children have at least two years of preschool education and all children in grade 3 can read and write. †¢ Provide affordable access to quality health care while promoting health and wellbeing. †¢ Establish effective, safe and affordable public transport. †¢ Produce sufficient energy to support industry at competitive prices, ensuring access for poor households, while reducing carbon emissions per unit of power by about one-third. Ensure that all South Africans have access to clean running water in their homes. †¢ Make high-speed broadband internet universally available at competitive prices. †¢ Realise a food trade surplus, with one-third produced by small-scal e farmers or households. †¢ Ensure household food and nutrition security. †¢ Entrench a social security system covering all working people, with social protection for the poor and other groups in need, such as children and people with disabilities. †¢ Realise a developmental, capable and ethical state that treats citizens with dignity. Ensure that all people live safely, with an independent and fair criminal justice system. †¢ Broaden social cohesion and unity while redressing the inequities of the past. †¢ Play a leading role in continental development, economic integration and human rights. As we now know, our Leaders have made promises that we can only hope and pray they keep to. Latching onto the leadership so that South Africa will become a nation without fault but a stronger unit an unbreakable family and it all starts with you!!!