Brisbane River Essays - Environmental Science, Water Pollution

Brisbane River 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Brisbane River has flowed for over 400 million years. The catchment of the Brisbane River has overcome phases of flood and drought while its origins altered as the surrounding land changed overtime. In 1823, John Oxley entered the river for the first time. At the time the river appeared clean and unpolluted. Oxley immediately recognised the rivers potential as a site for new settlement, through his recommendation the city of Brisbane was established in 1825. The Brisbane River extends inland for 300km reaching its source at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. The rivers catchment occupies an area of approximately 30,000km2 and releases it waters into Moreton Bay. The once pristine waters were used as a source of drinking water and recreational purposes. Industries saw the river as a cheap and efficient source for waste discharge. Before road links were established with Sydney the river held the only form of transport including trade. The Brisbane River was and still is the cities most valuable asset for both recreational, relaxational and transportational purposes. Throughout the past century the Brisbane River has been over used and polluted. The river basin has provided fertile agricultural and grazing lands, and suitable catchment sites for damming purposes. The advantages the river presented were carelessly exploited, to an extent self reparation seemed impossible. Today, the Brisbane River has experience substancial modification to satisfy the requirements of the increasing population. Through extensive public awarness promotions the river gained political support in the form of anti-polution acts. The responsibility of water quality control in the Brisbane now rests in the hands of the Queensland Parliament which passed two acts designed to protect the river from pollutants. These include: the Pollution of Waters by Oil Act of 1973 and the Clean Waters Act of 1971. Through increasing public awarness and involvement the water quality the river is steadily improving, however, its pollution levels still exceed safe levels. One must remember that the river supports approximately 2 million people with industry and transport heavily relient on its waters, therefore, certain levels of pollution are understandable. The ultimate purpose of this report is to analyse the condition of Brisbane River water in 2001. Through testing of river water in different collection locations I statement can be made concerning the overall health of the river. From the results collected recommendations can be made to reduce pollution and erosion levels along the river. Throughout the collection period for different locations were visited where water samples were collected from each. The sites included: 1. Pinkenba 2. Story Bridge 3. Fig Tree Pocket 4. Mt Crosby Weir The water from the locations stated was tested for temperature, dissolved oxygen content, pH, turbidity, suspended and dissolved solids, sulphates, chlorides, nitrates, phosphates, aluminium ions, zinc ions, lead ions, manganese ions, detergents, colour, odour, conductivity, surrounding animal of plant life and land use. 2.0 CURRENT STATE OF THE BRISBANE RIVER The Brisbane River has seen substantial modification during the past 150 years of European occupation. The river has supported waves of exploration, grazing, land clearing, agriculture, settlement and current urbanisation which requires water storage for drinking purposes and flood mitigation; dredging construction materials, shipping channels and flood prevention. Sand extraction through dredging has dominated history along the river, proving extremely important to local construction industries. Between the years 1900 and 1970 an estimated 12 million cubic metres were removed. Extraction of sand reached its peak in the mid 1970s at around 1.45 million cubic metres of sand per year. Annual production was decreased to 1 million cubic metre and later ceased in 1996-7. Extraction primarily took place between Mt Crosby Weir and Milton with small operations between Milton and East Brisbane. The Port of Brisbane is now responsible for maintanance dredging of the lower reaches to maintain a deep channel for cargo vessels. The extensive dredging operations over the years has significantly deepened the river causing river bank instability. The banks of the river have serviced a foundation for city growth. The reaches of the river between Wivenhoe and Mt Crosby Weir are most aethetically pleasing with a rural atmosphere and green vegetation. Between Mt Crosby and Jindalee the river widens flowing through rural and rural residential areas, human interference is evident. From

Race Stage Play by David Mamet

Race Stage Play by David Mamet David Mamet is an expert perturber. Within ninety minutes he unnerves his audience, giving couples something to argue about on the way home. Ive listened to supposed soul mates debate to the verge of relationship meltdown, all because of the sexual harassment issues presented in Mamets play, Oleanna. Likewise, in other plays such as Speed the Plow, the audience is never quite sure which character is right and which character is wrong. Or perhaps we are meant to be perturbed by all of the characters, as we are with the unethical batch of salesmen in Glengarry Glen Ross. By the end of David Mamets 2009 drama Race, we meet several caustic characters, all of whom will leave the audience with something to think about as well as something to argue about. The Basic Plot Jack Lawson (white, mid 40s) and Henry Brown (black, mid 40s) are attorneys at a burgeoning law firm. Charles Strickland (white, mid 40s) a prominent business man, has been charged with rape. The woman accusing him is black; the lawyers realize that the case will be all the more difficult because race will be the dominant factor throughout the trial. The men expect Susan, a new attorney with the firm (black, early 20s) to help determine whether or not they should accept Strickland as their client, but Susan has other plans in mind. Charles Strickland He was born into wealth and, according to the other characters, never had to listen to the word No. Now, he has been accused of rape. The victim is a young, African American woman. According to Strickland at the beginning of the play, they were in a consensual relationship. However, as the drama continues, Strickland begins to unravel as shameful moments from his past come to light. For example, a college roommate (a black male) drudges up an old postcard written by Strickland, in which he uses racial slurs and profanity to describe the weather in Bermuda. Strickland is stunned when the lawyers explain that the humorous message is racist. Throughout the play, Strickland wants to make a public apology to the press, not to confess to a rape, but to admit that there may have been a misunderstanding. Henry Brown One of this characters most fascinating monologues is delivered at the top of the show. Here, the African American attorney suggests that most white people maintain the following views about black people: HENRY: You want to tell me about black folks? Ill help you: O.J. Was guilty. Rodney King was in the wrong place, but the police have the right to use force. Malcolm X. Was noble when he renounced violence. Prior to that he was misguided. Dr. King was, of course, a saint. He was killed by a jealous husband, and you had a maid when you were young who was better to you than your own mother. Brown is an insightful, no-nonsense lawyer who is the first to detect just how toxic the Charles Strickland case will be to their law firm. He thoroughly understands the justice system and human nature, so he foresees how both white and black jurors will react to Stricklands case. He is a good match for his law partner, Jack Lawson, because Brown, despite Lawsons keen understanding of prejudice, is not so easily fooled by the crafty young attorney, Susan. Like other wake up call characters featured in Mamet plays, Browns role is to shed light on his partners poor judgment of character. Jack Lawson Lawson has been working with Henry Brown for twenty years, during which time he has embraced Browns wisdom regarding race relations. When Susan confronts Lawson, correctly believing that he ordered an extensive background check on her (due to her skin color), he explains: Jack: I. Know. There is nothing. A white person. Can say to a black person. About Race. Which is not both incorrect and offensive. Yet, as Brown points out, Lawson might believe he is above the social pitfalls of race issues simply because he understands the problem. In reality, Lawson says and does several offensive things, each of which can be interpreted as racist and/or sexist. As mentioned above, he decides that it would be a wise business decision to conduct a thorough investigation of black applicants at the law firm, explaining that the extra-level of precaution is because African Americans have certain advantages when it comes to law suits. Also, one of his strategies to save his client involves re-wording Stricklands racial hate speech into racially charged erotic banter. Finally, Lawson crosses the line when he provocatively suggests that Susan wear a sequined dress (the same style worn by the alleged victim) in court so they can demonstrate that the sequins would have fallen off if a rape actually took place. By suggesting that she wear the dress (and be thrown onto a mattress in the middle of the co urtroom) Lawson reveals his desire for her, though he masks it with a detached attitude of professionalism. Susan For the sake of not giving away any more spoilers than I already have, I will not divulge much about Susans character. However, it is worth noting that Susan is the only person in the play whose last name is never revealed. Also, though this play is titled Race, David Mamets drama is very much about sexual politics. This truth becomes perfectly clear as the audience learns the true intentions behind Susans character.

Personal Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Personal Reflection Paper - Essay Example I was able to change my thinking from having goals of childish nature to a more mature outlook on life. The activity gave me an opportunity to compare my life goals with those of my classmates. This is critical in terms of comparing me with other like-minded and equally intellectual formidable classmates. This comparison showed me that despite my ambitious nature in terms of my life goals, there are others who are more ambitious and aggressive. It was a revelation and a challenge for me to work harder and be more ambitious in order to compete on the same level with my intellectual equals. As the exercise proceeded, I was able to reevaluate my life goals and coalesce them with a more realistic and tangible future. The defining moment for the entire exercise was the peer review section where classmates were tasked with evaluating each other’s life goals. The result of this activity was that my teammates gave me the second highest score in the entire class. It was a defining moment for me in terms of not just my self-esteem but also my general outlook on life. This event truly gave me an opportunity to evaluate and reevaluate my life goals. This activity also helped me to distinguish between the tangible life goals and what is pure fantasy. The score given to me by my classmates was evidence of the progress I am making in terms of fulfillment of my life goals. I honestly feel that I am making huge strides in the right direction, and I have a more confident approach to life and achievement. A bulk of this is fully attributed to the activity presented to us by the professor. My book club facilitation focused on chapter 6 of the book titled, "Becoming a leader" by Benis. The title of the chapter was effectively dubbed leaders perspective and desire. This activity was rather significant because I had never thought of myself as a leader. The activity was a revelation into my potential as a

Materials Engineering - Career Outlook and Responsibilities Research Paper

Materials Engineering - Career Outlook and Responsibilities - Research Paper Example The research was conducted by going through written sources of information found within the Penn state university library system, the study of this engineering material leads to an occupation known as material engineering. Material engineers deal with the development, processing and testing of materials used to create a wide range of products. They employ the use of metals, ceramics, semiconductors, composites and plastics to create new materials that exhibit certain mechanical, electrical, chemical properties superior to the individual constituent materials, and they also come up with new ways of utilizing new materials. The general roles covered by material engineers in all the occupations include: Monitoring performance of materials and evaluation of their deterioration, determining causes of product failure and developing necessary solutions, supervision of the work of other cadres of employees like technicians, designing and directing the processing and testing procedures , plan ning and evaluating new projects in consultation with other necessary personnel. In order to do this they study materials at an atomic level with the aid of computers to help in replicating the characteristics of the materials and their constituents, through this they are able to solve problems cutting across all engineering fields like: chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear and aerospace. Material engineer may specialize in understanding specific types of materials like ceramics, composites, metallurgical materials, plastics or semiconductor materials. INTRODUCTION This research is based on the occupation of the various material engineers. The term material engineering stems from the word engineering materials, the in-depth understanding of materials used in engineering qualifies one to be called materials engineer. The information used in this research was gathered through written sources of information through the Penn state university library system, occupational handbook of the federal government of the United States of America and non commercial websites as indicated herein in the citations. The content of the research majorly covers the study of engineering materials. Engineering materials refer to the materials that constitute part of structures, products, devices and mechanisms that are used daily to maintain or improve life and uplift the living standards of the people. Materials engineering refers to the process of the study of engineering materials, developing, processing and testing materials used to create a wide range of products. It also entails the creation of new materials and new ways of their application (Kenneth and Michael). This research covers the career outlook of material engineers and their responsibilities in their respective fields, material engineering as a profession entails numerous carriers depending on the continuous and unending needs of the society. In every occupation discussed below in the major section covers the following ; Description of the job and responsibilities, Education

Why should we study rhetoric Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why should we study rhetoric - Essay Example There are three kinds of rhetoric - deliberative oratory, forensic oratory, and epideictic oratory - each type, or the combination of two or all types, provide individuals with a means to effectively persuade based on the type of situation a speech must deal with. Deliberative oratory, for example, proves to be an effective tool when persuading an audience to take action in the future. This category is used today in avenues of legislation such as the U.S. Senate, where lobbyists convince legislators to take action in either abolishing or creating a law. Forensic oratory, on the other hand, dealing with events that happened in the past, is an effective tool to prove or disprove events or acts that supposedly took place. Lawyers in court proceedings use this today. Lastly, Epideictic oratory, which aims to convince an audience about the pros and cons of a belief or ideology is an effective tool commonly used in most public speeches today. Rhetoric is also an efficient means to communicate. By looking into the parts of a rhetorical speech, one can observe the efficient manner that the speech is organized. A rhetorical speech has three major subdivisions - the introduction, them idle, and the conclusion.

US, Ohio Police Recruitment Steps

US, Ohio Police Recruitment Steps Career Exploration into Policing Criminal Justice Steps in the departments recruitment process The department of the Ohio state police has immense and significant aspects that are usually put into consideration during the recruitment process of potential police officers. Great consideration is taken into serious account where everyone in the recruitment process is considered the same as the other no matter from which particular group one comes from (John   Mike 1996). These recruitment criteria in Ohio and all the parts in the country ensure that there are no minorities or dominant groups in the police department. Before the recruiting process, the recruits have to have the knowledge in mind of what is expected and required of them. Steps in the selection process The police selection process is extensive, complex, and competitive. It basically entails a series of assessment, interviews, and analytical steps intended to choose the overall best candidate to employ to a police division from all that are in great need of the job. A written ability test is usually given to the candidates to ascertain their deductive reasoning written comprehension and expression as pertaining the aptitude tests .in accordance to this the personal interviews. The recruit during the selection process has to ensure that he or she is able to submit a well completed application form to ensure that they are dually assured of the selection process (Robert Kim, 2002). This is followed by a written examination entailing the normal examination usually given. This written examination is set to establish whether the recruit is versed with the writing skills. New advanced test have been developed and great interest has been focused on the use of computer technology in Ohio state police departments. This test is aimed at reducing bias which will tend to favor some recruits and live out the most potential prospects. Conduction of an oral interview is the next step in the selection process where the applicant will be examined on character significant to the police officer place, as well as command existence, truthfulness, program communication skills, open-mindedness for stress, sentence, and certainty. The next step entails psychological testing where the assessment of the ability to make rational decision is considered. this test focuses on the background of the applicant and tries to eliminate cases with past psychological disorders (Robert Kim, 2002).The recruits are then subject to a polygraph examination to ascertain whether the information being given is valid or not. The physical wellness and the medication test then follow in the selection process this are to determine whether the health of the applicant is at risk or not .the medical tests usually focuses more on the wellness and whether the applicant had drugs intake. When all this cases have been tackled, the superintendent reviews the files for clarification. The training process The initial state of training involves the recruit training which is involved in making sure that the officers are able to understand the state laws a fact that provide them with the idea of what their job entails. The officers have to attend a formal training in an academy. The recruits who have recently graduated are usually subjected to the field training to supplement the theory they had passed through at the academies from (John   Mike 1996). They are also subjected to the use of fire arms where the effective use of fire arms are vividly focused and correct identification of the use is proposed. The training also focuses on the in service training where the skills and knowledge of veteran officers is updated. References John D;  Mike N (1996 ) Investigation into the training and non-stop specialized development of members of the P F of. Bristol University of the West of England  -82p Robert L Kim S (2002) Trainers Development Programme: evaluation. Harrogate state Police Training, 146

Teaching Philosophy Statement Essay -- Teaching Teachers Education Ess

Teaching Philosophy Statement The world revolves around education. Without it, we would be lost. Teachers are among the most important people in the world. They are what shape our society. This takes on a very important job, but this is something that I want to do more than anything. A teacher is one that is looked up to by others, and is respected in the community. I want to become a teacher because I want to help children learn and make a difference in a child’s life. I believe that I mainly follow the idealist philosophy. Becoming a teacher is something that I have always wanted to do, so I know that I would put my all into it. I would make sure that I knew my content area very well. I also want to make sure the students know that they can come to me with any of their problems. I not only want to be a teacher, but a role model to my students. Knowing that a student trusts me would bring so much self-fulfillment. I also follow the pragmatist philosophy. I believe that they classroom is a community of learners. Pragmatists also establish classroom rules at the beginning of the year. This is important because the children are just entering the school system, and they need to know that what they may do at home isn’t permitted at school. I would rather have a non-authoritarian classroom over an authoritarian classroom. I believe I could control the students. I think there would be more respect in the classroom if I made sure the students knew at the beginning of the year what was and wasn’t allowed. Also, many kindergarten teachers have assistants to help them. Not that I’ relying on that, but that would help keep control of the classroom as well. ... ...dergartener won’t learn very much if you stand in front of the room and lecture. You ned to work with the students personally, that way they grasp what you are teaching. You need to become a leader when you’re working with a room full of young students. I feel that I can fulfill this role. I’ve worked with young children before, and if you set out rules beforehand, you have better results. I will definitely take what I’ve learned and use it in my classroom. Education reform is necessary in our ever changing world. I know that as a teacher I would be willing to change with the times. As teachers we must have a positive attitude and take on whatever is needed. Education is one of the most important aspects of the world. Teaching is something that I look forward to, and I can’t wait until I have a classroom of my own.