RR #1 Essays - Animals, Dog Breeding, Animal Welfare, Dogs

Good Dog, Bad Dog " Bad Dog" by Rachel Maizes is a very interesting essay about a dog named Chance who was actually owned by the writer herself. At the time of the essay, Chance is an old worn down dog who once "stood like a champion" but now he "looks like a ghost" even though he is still alive. The reason he is so worn down?... Chance has a temper, a very big one, It started as early as 2 yrs old when he used to "growl at other dogs, chase children/cyclists and even flatten puppies under his paws". This temper would continue with him throughout his life as it led him into many fights which is why after 14 years, his body is so beaten and brittle. Most would probably label Chance as a so called "bad dog" but Rachel doesn't see it that way as she feels Chance is perfect for her as she describes herself as a "introvert who identifies with his desire to be alone". She mentions how Chance was there for her after her divorce and "took care of her", Funnily enough she even admits she is sometimes ashamed of having a "bad dog" and even fears he may attack someone. However the question I pose to you as a reader is that even though Chance is seen by most as a bad dog, is he truly a bad dog or a by product of a bad situation? My answer to that very question is that Chance while a bad dog to the rest of the world is actually a good dog to Rachel (his owner). Yes I know that him attacking other dogs and even threatening to attack humans and other animals isn't good behavior. I also know the fact that he can't even interact with pretty much anyone besides rachel also isn't a very positive trait to have. However, all of that doesn't affect my answer as I feel he is a good dog to/for Rachel because not only does she truly love him, he will always be there for her and she will do the same. Another reason I believe he is a good dog is the story she describes in the essay about when a yellow Lab lunged at Chance and digged his teeth into him. Uncharacteristically, Chance didn't fight back and just let the Lab tear at his face until the owner finally pulled the Lab off of Chance. Amazed at what she had seen, Rachel wondered to herself why a (young Chance at the time) didn't fight back, why he didn't just go after the Lab like he normally would, as he seemed to hold back. To me this is evidence that deep down Chance while rough around the edges is just like a every other dog and isn't so bad after all but in fact it is Rachel herself who is the problem as I feel she is a bad owner/parent. She even partially admits her faults when she says "I didn't know when i adopted chance, that puppies need to interact with other dogs to learn social cues" this is just an example of the faults she committed as an owner. She also admits to "failing Chance" on multiple occasions. With this being said I think it is clear that while Chance is a bad dog to the world (because of the bad parenting by Rachel) he is a good dog to Rachel and their relationship while a very peculiar one, works for them and in the end that's all that matters (Bad dog + Bad owner = Good relationship) 31

5 Situations When You DONT Need to Use the Services of Expert Writers

5 Situations When You DONT Need to Use the Services of Expert Writers 5 Situations When You DONT Need to Use the Services of Expert Writers Many students turn to the use of expert writers to seek help when they are busy or overwhelmed with writing assignments. And while expert writers are great to have on hand, especially for those more challenging situations, there are still times when hiring expert writers is not necessarily what you should do. Sometimes, you might be overwhelmed with your homework and you are just unable to complete all of your tasks. Often in these cases you might ask a custom writing service to provide you with a model paper so that you can use it as an example. But sometimes it becomes a habit, and it can become a bad one. It is for this reason that it is important to learn how to tell the difference between times when you need to order a model paper and times that you are merely falling victim to your laziness or procrastination. You do not need to services of expert writers when your paper is due within the span of several months. In cases like these you have plenty of time to conduct the necessary research, draft your outline, and write the paper. You need not bother with a model paper in such cases. You also do not need to rely upon the services of expert writers when your assignment is something designed to help you develop a new set of skills which you currently do not have. In cases like these you need to complete the task yourself as a matter of learning. You need to really push yourself in order to gain that knowledge, often because the knowledge or skillset you are gaining is something upon which you will expound for the next lesson. You really do not want to miss out on a key aspect of learning. When your professor sets extraordinary requirements it is important to avoid using a model paper. The reason for this is that a model paper might have different structure from the one required and if you do not follow the rules laid out by your professor it can end badly. Additionally, when an essay deals with the topic important for the whole subject you are writing your paper for, you should avoid working with a model paper because this means you need to plunge into it by yourself. When you know you can write it yourself but you are too lazy to do it, you should avoid hiring an expert. If you were to start writing the paper the moment you began making up excuses for why you don’t want to do it, you would be halfway done before you realized anything. Overall, there are times when the use of expert writers is ideal and a model paper can be used to help you write your paper. However, there are other times when you must avoid succumbing to the habit of using a model paper and instead overcome your laziness or procrastination so as to write a great paper.

Sustainable marketing plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Sustainable marketing plan - Essay Example The Oman Air played a significant contribution in making Muscat as a major traffic hub through initiating wide number of commercial, industrial and tourism activities. The network of airline services of Oman Air operates in Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Indian subcontinent. The growth and development history of Oman Air witnessed the commitment towards offering sustainable, reliable and quality services to the customers (Oman Air 2012). Target market Stakeholder analysis and profitability figures of Oman Air have revealed that company is primarily engaged in delivering luxurious airline services to business travelers. Oman Air seeks to target elite class customers, leisure travelers and tourists aspire to enhance their airline service experience. The services are primarily designed to attract and cater international business, pleasure travelers, and upscale customers. In other words, upper middle and high income groups’ customers serve the major target market of Oman Air. The customers seeking comfort, convenience, and value added services are targeted by the company. The middle and low income class customers are already being taken by the low cost carriers and other airline companies. The battle remain in the upper middle and affluent customers, therefore the company intends to target and formulates marketing strategy in order to gain control over this target audience. Oman Air is strived towards delivering consistent and reliable airline services to the target audience evidenced by the continuous increase in the air passenger traffic report of CAPA-Centre for Aviation & Oman Air. The constant increase in the air traffic passengers of Oman Air also indicates the ever increasing expectations of target audience. The target audience adopts for the Oman Air airline services in the expectation of getting more personalized and innovative airline services (Oman Air 2012). Goals for marketing campaign (20 points) The marketing campaign of the Oman Air strives to provide new dimension to the existing airline services of the company. The goals of the marketing campaign in terms of both the 3B’s (Brand, Buzz, and Behavior) and the 3BL (People, Planet, Profits) are: Goals in terms of Brand, Buzz, and Behavior 1) Improving appearance of Oman Air as remarkable, safety, bold and fresh airlines through adding or improving in-flight services features. 2) Fostering the brand image of Oman Air as responsive, prompt, fast, customer oriented, and having courteous attitude. 3) To keep pace with the technological advancement in order to introduce new business models. 4) Formulating promotional messages showing respect and courtesy towards other cultures and backgrounds. 5) To become a member of global premium airline service platform in the coming ten years. 6) To become airline of choice for pleasure travelers and premium customers across worldwide. 7) Offering differentiated and personalized services from all key touch points to strengthen bra nd personality. 8) Increasing presence in the global cities to emerge as a global player. 9) Positioning the airline services in more personalized manner in order to stimulate existing market share. 10) Investigate and introduce new comfort, convenience, and technology driven factors in airline services of Oman Air. 11) Providing a delightful flying experience in order to gain foothold in new geographical regions. Goals in terms of profit, people, planet 12) To increase the revenue growth from 35% to 40% by the end

Private Equity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Private Equity - Essay Example On average, private equity has produced very high returns with low correlations to public stocks and bonds and real estate. In other words, private equity offers the prospect of both high returns and increased portfolio diversification. In some cases, private equity may also provide collateral benefits, e.g., a vehicle to make economically targeted investments or to create or preserve union jobs. Finally, there is also the undeniable appeal of seeking innovative investments (Gompers, 2003). 1. Until the investments go public or are liquidated, investments are carried either at cost or at prices set by later rounds of financing. Except in this latter case, private equity is even harder to accurately value than real estate (Bray,1997). 2. Ultimate returns have varied (and are likely to continue to vary) widely by "vintage year," i.e., the year of initial investment, because of wide fluctuations in the business cycle. For example, the median 1986 private equity fund returned only 8.4% per year through 1997, whereas the median 1990 private equity fund returned more than 17% per year through 1997. 3. ... (In statistical terms, the mean return is much higher than the median.) For example, for venture funds formed in 1988, an upper quartile manager returned almost 18% more per year than a lower quartile one from 1988 through 1997 (21.6% vs. 3.9%). 4. Reputation is very important: The best deals and the largest investment flows tend to go to firms with the best track records. Consequently (and quite unlike public equity markets), success tends to persist. The result, however, is that it is often difficult, if not impossible, for new investors to get into the best partnerships or deals. Here, the services of an established fund-of-funds manager can be of real value (Gompers, 2003). AIM OF THE PAPER Private equity (PE) buy-out deals have profound influence on domestic economies. Since the beginning of this year, they have accounted for more than one third of all deals that have been done on the New York stock Exchange1, and have raised $240 billion of cash for their acquisition plans2. The purpose of this report is to discuss the consequences of this type of buy-out on public markets, jobs, and tax revenues. Nevertheless, The effects of high leverage, which is used by PE firms to finance this class of acquisition, are beyond the scope of this report. DISCUSSION Private Equity investment used to be defined as "an equity investment in a company which is not quoted on a stock exchange". However, currently this definition has many limitations because it does not include investments that are structured as convertible debt and investments in public companies that are taken private3. For the purposes of this paper, Private Equity Buy-Out deal is a subset of

Prison law and penology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Prison law and penology - Essay Example This may lead them to focus more on controlling the inmate population rather than working on their rehabilitation. As previously stated, inmates tend to gather and form groups according to their race (black, Hispanic, Caucasian, etc.) or a race-related reasons (groups such as the neo-Nazis, K.K.K, etc.) and as a result, riots often break due to racial grounds. The real motives behind gangs formation and activity are actually power and wealth, things which they can achieve in various ways, often related to violence and disorder (Summers, 2006). The gangs are becoming increasingly stronger and more dominant ("Violent Gangs", n.d) and are also wise to draft to their ranks some prison guards and others that assist them in exchange for money, favours and more. 1 Therefore, prison authorities and representatives must always be attentive and prepared to thwart gangs attempts to gain more power and hurt others along the way. This undoubtedly shifts the focus of prison authorities from the desire to rehabilitate prisoners to the need to control and monitor them so that they dont cause more trouble and eruption of violence and havoc. Also, there are inmates which obviously overwhelming and something which they cannot escape or resist. These people have no place, power or control in the outside world and are therefore making extreme efforts to make their permanent home, the prison, their own kingdom and domain. This leads them to try and take control over it by forceful means and using violence and terrorizing others. They even develop ways to carry out their deeds using technological innovations and creative ways. For instance, it is claimed that a group of prisoners used a 400-year-old binary code system in order to smuggle notes, using guards as deliverers and smugglers of them (Summers, 2006). This shows the innovation and adaptability of gangs. They are no longer plain and simple, nor do they work in primitive ways. Now, when a

The Plc Controlled Systems

The Plc Controlled Systems This document has been created to give an overview of what PLC Systems are and why we use them in modern day life. By writing this report I hope to give a good understanding of what I know about PLC Systems. I will start with a short history of PLCs showing how they first started off to what we currently use today including the different design types. History of PLCs A PLC is a Programmable Logic Controller. It is a digital device that is used to control electromechanical systems/processes. They were designed in mind of replacing systems that are controlled by relays. Up until the late 60s automation in factories would use sometimes thousands of relays and cam timers to achieve simple tasks. This was very expensive and took up a lot of space. The expense was seen when the relays had to be changed, in a situation were all the relays had to be updated and changed, an electrician would be required to individually re-wire each relay resulting in very high labour time. Digital computers started to be used in a lot of industries to control processes but were far from perfect. The computer would have to meet very strict requirements that were not yet popular. These requirements would consist of specialist programmers that at this time would be an expensive asset. The computer would have to be protected to withstand the environments in which it was being used. The computer would process bit-form input and output in order to control everything. At this stage an operator would be needed to monitor the system to keep everything in check. PLC systems were first invented on request from an automotive industry; General Motors. They required a system that could replace the existing relay driven system. A proposal was accepted from Bedford Associates who later went on to producing the first Programmable Logic Controller. The image below shows the PLC 084 (name given to it by Bedford Associates as it was their 84th project. The unit stayed in service for almost 20 years. As shown in the photo, PLCs were very large. Over the years PLCs have greatly reduced in size as well as their performance has greatly increased. There are now also a few different types of PLCs that have been designed and used over the years. The main types of PLCs are Unitary, Modular and Rack Mounted. PLC Design Types Unitary Unitary PLCs are the simplest form of a Programmable Logic Controller. These controllers are single compact units that have all the components including the processor, inputs and outputs built in to one housing. Having all components built in to one sealed unit means there is no room for expansion so you are restricted to the amount of input and outputs the unit has. On the other hand it does mean a small unit is produced allowing it to be used in many everyday applications such as washing machines. The photo below (obtained from google images) shows some examples of unitary PLCs. these small units would be mounted directly to the application it is controlling. The downfall to unitary controllers is that youre limited to the constraints of the controller for example if a controller is built with 8 inputs and 7 outputs, that is all that controller will ever do. Modular Modular PLCs are built up of a number of different modules. These modules are linked together allowing for the controller to be customised to suit the requirements. All the core functions such as the computer processor, inputs and power regulation are usually contained in the base module. Other modules are then added on as expansions of inputs and outputs and analog to digital signal converters. This type of program is perfect for a system that may need to expand in the future, unlike the Unitary type design, this type is thought of as a more future proof design. That being said a Modular design controller doesnt have and infinite amount of expansion, there will only be room for a certain amount of expansion. Rack Mounted Rack Mounting PLCs are the best design for large scale use. They work in a very similar way to the Modular type of PLC where extra modules can be added for expansion only much more expansion is available. Where as the Modular design has all its main functions under one base module and expansion modules are added directly to it; a Rack Mounting PLC keeps all of the modules in organised racks and uses a network to connect them meaning that each module is separate from one another. Using this type or system allows us to expand on a much larger scale without things getting overly complicated. This design still allows for a very neat system that allows you to remove and add modules as required without doing any harm to the system. This is a modern approach that uses networking the same as many departments in a business today e.g. Computer networking. Using this design of PLC pretty much future proofs your setup for expanding as the amount of expansion is pretty much endless by adding more and more racks of modules to the network. The image above is an example of a Rack Mounting PLC (image obtained from google images). Input and Output Devices There are many different input and output devices that can be used with a Programmable Logic Controller. The PLC is responsible for processing all of the input and output devices connected. Inputs are normally some sort of sensor or switch that feeds back to the PLC and allows the PLC to monitor and use the data to signal and operate the relevant output. An output is the process that the PLC is essentially controlling. Some examples of the different types of inputs and outputs are below. Mechanical Switches Mechanical switches are a very popular form of input used with PLCs. The PLC will monitor the switch and wait for a signal to be sent from the switch. Switches normally operate in two ways; normally open or normally closed. With a normally open switch a signal is sent to the switch but doesnt return (reach the PLC) due to an open circuit. When the switch is made (pressed) the circuit is closed and a signal returns (reaches the PLC), from this the PLC can process the data and process the relevant program. A normally closed switch operates in the opposite way where a signal is constantly being received by the PLC and when the switch is made, the circuit is made and the PLC no longer receives the signal, from this is processes the relevant program. A typical example of a mechanical switch would be the type that would be found at the start and end of a pneumatic piston that is pressed by the piston itself when the piston reaches the relevant stroke, these are called limit switches. Non-mechanical Digital Sources Non mechanical digital resources refers to sensor inputs that dont require a direct mechanical operation to operate like the mechanical switch. Non-mechanical switches are far more complicated than mechanical switches and have no moving parts. They are also much faster than mechanical switches which is why they are used for computing. An example of a non-mechanical switch is a transistor. Transistors work by adding an electrical charge to close the switch and allow the flow of current, when the electrical charge is removed, the switch is open and the current can no longer flow. The switch uses silicone mixed with other elements as a semiconductor and when an electrical charge is added, it becomes conductive allowing the flow of current. So the change in state would be the electrical charge that operates the transistor and the flow of current would be the signal to the PLC. Optical sensors are another form of non-mechanical source. They work by sending out an optical signal to a reflector. When the signal is interrupted the PLC will process and preform an action. Optical sources now use Infrared as opposed to the old systems using the normal light spectrum so that natural light sources dont interfere. Transducers Transducers are a common form of sensor typically used as a measuring device. A transducer is a device that converts one form of energy into another (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transducer). They typically convert a mechanical energy in to an electrical energy, an electrical energy that can be used to report to the PLC. Outputs There are a very wide selection of items that can be used as an output for PLC systems such as; relays, lights, sirens, motor starters, solenoids, etc. These are all classed as what the PLC is essentially controlling. The PLC would use the information fed back to it from the inputs, execute a program and activate the output accordingly an example of this could be a thermostat and air conditioning unit, the thermostat being the input to the PLC allowing the PLC to know when a preset temperature has been reached. When the temperature raises above the preset temperature required, the thermostat will send the signal to the PLC (as described in section 6), the PLC will process the signal and send a signal to the output which in this case would likely be a relay that when activated boots up the air conditioning unit. When the required temperature is reached the PLC will process and signal the relay to switch, turning the A/C unit off. Communication Links Automation using PLC systems use networking. Networking is used for devices to communicate with each other and can come in many different forms and can be broken down in to different sections such as; Remote I/O, peer to peer, host computer communications and LAN (local area network). Remote I/O is a system that has the inputs and outputs at a distance away from the PLC. This system allows a PLC to control a variety of both digital and analog points to be controlled eliminating the need for a controller at each point and resulting in a cost effective set up. The I/O configuration can connect the PLC to all sorts of plant equipment to monitor things such as cycle counts and times. Each I/O device is related to as a slave for the ones directly on the machine and the master controller that all the slave I/Os report back to. The master PLC will send a signal to the slave I/Os and which it then receives a response, the PLC then uses this response to trigger the relevant program that it then signals the remote I/O to change its outputs to suit. These signals are sent extremely fast and cycle hundreds of times per second. Peer to peer networks work slightly differently in the way that they are connected, using multiple PLCs. This type of network will connect each PLC in sequence to each other and is sometimes known as a daisy chain. This system is very clever in the way it works keeping all the PLCs in the network, up to date allowing all the PLCs to control their systems with the knowledge of what is happening in all the other systems. This allows for similar programming due to having to only program each controller to operate its designated system. This type of networking allows for a safe working system that when set up and programmed correctly means everything will flow and work in sync far quicker than that a human could process. Unlike remote I/O, this system does not require a master PLC as they all just use each others data, however sometimes they are used as a centre control point. Host computer communications connects the PLCs on a network to a computer. Most PLCs regardless of size can normally be connected to a computer. This allows for programs to be written in ladder logic form. Ladder logic form is the programming type that is quite popular in modern programming. It allows for a sort of pectoral type of programming that personally I find easier to understand. The ladder program can be written, edited and tested (virtually) via a computer and then downloaded on to the PLC. Other forms of intelligent devices can also be used with PLC systems to receive data for monitoring purposes. Internal Architecture The internal architecture is made up of the CPU, storage devices, memory, opto-isolators, input and output units, flags and shift registers. All of these work together to form a very intelligent device. The CPU (central processing unit) is where the main processing and thinking is done, this is often thought of as the brain of any intelligent device using a CPU. A PLC has to be able to store information such as programs. The programs are stored to a storage device such as a hard disk drive or solid state chip. The programs are written on an external source such as a computer and then transferred to the PLC storage device where the PLCs CPU can then run the programs. The memory in an intelligent device is often confused with the storage device but is not actually used to store information long term like the storage device is. A form of memory most commonly used is Random Access Memory (RAM), this is used in PLCs and computers as well as the vast majority of intelligent devices such as smart phones. The RAM is used as a temporary memory for programs being run, it allows the CPU to access random bits of memory as it needs it from where ever it is stored, it does this at a very fast rate. Regular storage devices such as hard disk drives cannot operate at this speed because of restrictions only allowing them to access memory in a uniform order and depending on where the information is stored will depend on how long the CPU will take to find it. An Opto-isolator is a protection device that transfers electrical signals between the input and output while protecting the internal circuity of the PLC. It protects against hight voltages and rapidly changing voltages that can occur in the system. Input and output ports are the ports that the input and output devices are connected to. Flags is a term given for a data type used in PLC systems, more specifically it is the term that relates to simple on/off or I/O fields. Shift registers are information from previous program cycles stored by the PLC and later used/reflected on for running other programs. Operational Characteristics Scanning is the process that the PLC goes through starting with the input and ending with the output. One scan cycle would go as follows: READ INPUT > EXECUTE PROGRAM > PROCESS MESSAGES > EXECUTE SELF DIAGNOSTICS > WRITE OUTPUTS Read Input = PLC keeps checking for input signal Execute Program = PLC prepares program but doesnt send it Process Program = PLC reads the program and passes it on Execute Self Diagnostics = PLC will check the program works (theory test) Write Output = PLC then signals relevant outputs This is just one full scan cycle that happens every 5 millionths of a second, this shows just how fast PLCs operate. Continuous updating is the CPU scanning the inputs in the specified order with a build in delay. The CPU scans each individual input before the program is determined. This allows the CPU to only process valid input readings but does have a negative effect on the time it takes to process when there are a lot of inputs each with the delay. Information and Communication Techniques There are three forms of signal used with PLCs; analog, Digital and Discrete. Analog signals are typically 0-10v DC or 4-20mA. These inputs are converted in to numerical values when they enter the PLC so they can be processed in the program. The PLC can also convert to an analog signal on the output if required (if needed by the output device). Digital signals are different from the analog signal as they are not dynamic, instead they are normally a simple on or off signal. This signal can be processed quicker than the analog. PLCs work with digital signals internally. This type of signal comes from more non mechanical input devices (see section 7 non mechanical digital sources). A discrete signal is sort of a mixture of the two above. It is a signal that can have a variable value or range that is normally voltage of current. It provides a on of signal like the digital signal but will work within set ranges. For example a PLC using 12 V DC I/O might be set that a value about 10 V DV means on and Values below 6 V DC means off. PLCs are capable of working on various numbering systems. These numbering systems can be; decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal or BCD. The most common being decimal or binary. The decimal numbering system is the linear array of digits and the placing of each digit. Depending on the order or placement of the digit will depend on their actual value, this means that you could have the same number but have a different value for each. An example would be the number 3563, the first digit = 31000, the second digit = 5100, the third digit = 610 and the fourth digit = 31. This allows a wide range of numbers to be used as each digit can go to 0-9. It also allows for the next number to increase when the number before exceeds 9. The binary numbering system uses a different way of translating a value. Where as with decimal number each digit can range between 0 and 9, binary systems only have 0-1. There are set numerical values that are chosen by using the 1 or 0. 2^7=128 2^6=64 2^5=32 2^4=16 2^3=8 2^2=4 2^1=2 2^0=1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 The table above is an example of an 8 bit code. 8 bits of information (1s and 0s). When a 1 is displayed, the value above is active so the number 10011100 would actually be 12^7 + 0x2^6 + 0x2^5 + 12^4 + 12^3 + 12^2 + 0x2^1 + 0x2^0 = 156. Or displayed as 128 + 0 + 0 + 16 + 8 + 4 + 0 + 0 = 156. Methods of Programming PLCs can be programmed in various different ways; Ladder/logic diagrams, statement lists, functions Ladder and logic diagrams are a very popular simple way or PLC programming. They are a sort of pictorial type of programming that allows the programmer to see exactly whats happening. From the ladder diagram you are able to use use simulation software to trail run your program to check that it is working correctly before uploading it to the PLC. Within the software preset parts such as switches and relays are easily added to the program. An example of the ladder diagram is shown on the next page followed by a screenshot of the simulation. This shows the how a ladder diagram would be made and linked to a working simulation on the computer software, it is slightly different to how the actual PLC program will be written but works as a simulation before writing the real program. The diagram is drawn up with what will be required in the circuit such as sensors, switches, air supply etc. The ladder diagram is then drawn and all the parts that have been used in the circuit are linked to the ladder. Coils are also added to achieve the required cycle. Ladder Diagram Simulation of Ladder Diagram When the designer is happy with the PLC simulation program, he/she will then use it to write the actual PLC program for transferring to the PLC. This software is slightly different but still produces a ladder style diagram where operations run left to right. The PLC programming software will have preset parts that are entered to the program. Once the program reflects the tested simulation program, it is transferred straight to the PLC itself. Word count : 2504 words

Procrastination Essay -- essays research papers

1. What am I talking about? I am the thief of productiveness and time. I sound simple, but in fact I’m quite complex. I am a strange phenomenon. My purpose seems to make my life more pleasant, but instead it almost always adds stress, disorganization, and frequent failure. I want to achieve some outcome, usually something myself and others can value and respect; â€Å"I’ve got to start.† I delay briefly thinking of real and imagined advantages of starting to change later; â€Å"I will do it tomorrow.† 2. Good evening gentlemen. My name is Bobby Hurley. I’ve been in the military now for just over nine years. All this time I’ve always said that I’m going to finish my degree but until this past year I have never been able to stay committed to doing so because I am a procrastinator. I’ve gotten some help with my procrastination from various web sites. That’s why this evening I would like to talk to you about three important aspects of procrastination. These include the reasons for procrastinating, some symptoms of procrastination, and how to cure procrastination, but first, let me explain what procrastination is. Procrastination, though not officially classified as such, is a complex psychological behavior that affects everyone to some degree or another and can have roots in several officially recognized "illnesses", such as phobia, depression, and even low self-esteem. For some people it can be a minor problem but with others it is a source of considerable stress and anxiety. 3. This brings me to my first point, reasons for procrastinating. One reason for this is poor time management. What this is, is not being able to manage your day or yourself effectively. You may be uncertain of your priorities, goals and objectives or may be overwhelmed with the task. As a result, you may put off your academic assignments for a later date. You may also spend a great deal of time with your friends and social activities. Lastly, but most importantly, you worry about your upcoming examinations, class projects or papers rather than completing or studding for them. 4. Another cause of procrastination is having difficulty concentrating. What this is, is your inability to stay focused on one subject or object for any length of time. When you sit at your desk y... ...er projects, use a timer or alarm clock to help you stick with your plan. If you know you will not be able to concentrate on a project for 3 hours, break up your work into 1-hour blocks for 3 days. It's much easier to face an unpleasant task if the time you are giving it is brief. 9. Another method to cure procrastination is to avoid perfectionism. If you accept nothing less than a perfect performance, you may never get to work on a task because you're worried that it won't be perfect. Remember that doing your best is fine, and that giving yourself enough time to do your best will reduce stress. 10. In conclusion, I have covered three important aspects of procrastination to include the reasons for procrastinating, the symptoms of procrastination, and how to cure procrastination. I’d like to thank you for your time and attention and urge you the next time you’re thinking about putting off an assignment or task to think carefully about the long-term side effects. Sure, you might get some good grades or praise from your boss or teacher but eventually it will catch up with you and by that time it will be too late. Thank you.