The Many Uses of Swipe

The Many Uses of Swipe The Many Uses of â€Å"Swipe† The Many Uses of â€Å"Swipe† By Maeve Maddox Ben writes: I have noticed the changing in usage of words. When I was growing up â€Å"to swipe a card† (credit cards were not around then) meant to steal it and now you see the term â€Å"swipe the customers card.† No one’s quite sure where this word swipe originated. It’s kin to sweep and swoop. All three words suggest a wide sweeping motion. They can be used as nouns or as verbs. A batter takes a swipe at the ball. (noun) A waiter swipes a table with a towel. (verb) A hawk swoops down on a chicken. (verb) Macduff, learning of the murder of his family, cries: All? What, All my pretty Chickens, and their Damme, At one fell swoope?† (noun) A housewife sweeps the steps. (verb) An opera diva sweeps onto the stage in a long gown. (verb) A card player makes a clean sweep of all the stakes. (noun) The compound noun sweepstakes, meaning â€Å"prize won in a race or contest† entered the language in 1773. An earlier form of the word, swepestake existed in Middle English with the meaning â€Å"one who sweeps or wins all the stakes in a game.† King Henry VII of England had a ship with that name. The verb sideswipe, â€Å"to strike with a glancing blow,† dates from 1917. Its most common use is in speaking of vehicles: His mother was sideswiped by a driver in a green pickup truck. Swipe with the meaning of â€Å"to steal† is a latecomer, dating from 1889. This meaning is said to have originated as theatrical slang used of actors stealing jokes or stage routines from one another. Like Ben, I would have thought, growing up, that â€Å"to swipe a card† meant to steal it. That sense of swipe is still current. Swipe meaning â€Å"to run a credit card† came into use in the 1990s. In practice there’s probably not much chance of confusing the two meanings because context will make the difference clear: I swiped my credit card. The clerk swiped my credit card. Somebody swiped my credit card. Another popular use of swipe in the expression â€Å"to take a swipe at† with the meaning â€Å"to criticize† or â€Å"to make a verbal attack on† or even, perhaps, as in the Google quotation below, â€Å"to threaten†: Lindsey Graham Takes Another Swipe At Glenn Beck Google Takes Another Swipe at Newspapers And Magazines With Fast Flip The Vampire Diaries takes a swipe at Stephenie Meyers Twilight The New Yorker takes a swipe at  everyone Clearly swipe is a word we like to use in a variety of contexts. My only suggestion is that I’d avoid using swipe as a synonym for â€Å"to steal† in a serious context. It’s acceptable enough when used in a non-larcenous context among friends: Who swiped the last donut? He was drinking, so I swiped his car keys. Used of real crimes of theft, it becomes a euphemism to soften a vicious act. For example, this headline about the two juveniles who stole weapons from a gun cabinet and went on to murder five people and wound ten others: School shooters swiped guns from unlocked rack and these: Criminals swipe cables to cash in on soaring value of scrap metal the victim left his building, which is near 75th Street, the night before only to return at 10 am to discover his vintage basketball cards, valued at $2,000, had been swiped. I see no reason to avoid the stronger and more precise word steal in such contexts. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Punctuating â€Å"So† at the Beginning of a Sentence"Have" vs "Having" in Certain Expressions50 Synonyms for "Song"

Measuring Macroeconomic Concepts

Measuring Macroeconomic Concepts Inflation rate can be defined as the percentage rate at which prices of goods and services change over a period of time (Sheffrin 7). As a matter of fact, it can also be referred to as the rate at which the purchasing power of individuals’ changes as time goes by. In this case, inflation rates can be used to calculate interest rates and any expected increase in wages (Inflation rate 11). Inflation rate is measured by looking at the current average price level and the price level that had been witnessed a year ago.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Measuring Macroeconomic Concepts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The USA inflation rate has been changing as time goes by in 2010. It should be known that the government calculates its inflation rate to one decimal place. As a matter of fact, it has been ranging from 2.63% to 1.05% (Forecast 8). In December 2010, the inflation rate stood at 1.2%. This rate is expected to stabilize in January 2011 at 1.3% (Inflation rate 17). The country is in a stable period of prices because this inflation rate is manageable and good for the economy. This will keep prices within the reach of various consumers. Unemployment rate can be defined as the percentage of a country’s labor force that doesn’t have jobs but they are looking for jobs and at the same time willing to work (Ruhm 14). The unemployment rate can be arrived at by dividing the number of unemployed persons with the country’s total labor force (Ashley 9). In this case, the labor force is the total number of employed persons and the total number of unemployed persons in a given economy. The USA unemployment rate has been changing as time goes by. This is more so after the global financial crisis. As a matter of fact, the country’s unemployment rate was last recorded at 9.80% in November 2010 (Forecast 17). The country’s inflation rate has been manageable all along a nd it has never reached such highs. Such an unemployment rate was last witnessed in 1982 at 10.80%. This unemployment rate will not cause deflation. This is because deflation only occurs when the average inflation rate falls below 0%. As much as the economy is still recovering, this will not cause a reduction in the supply of money to warrant deflation. A labor market can also be termed as an informal market (Blades 13). In this market, workers compete for various jobs in the economy. On the other hand, employers also compete for existing workers. The current labor market structure is characterized by a lot of labor supply with less demand. Companies are still picking up after the global financial crisis and they don’t have enough capacity to employ people. This labor market structure will not lead to cost push inflation because the cost of doing business in the country has not increased to push up various manufacturing costs (Economy watch 9). In the mean time, this structur e will have a little impact on deflation as time goes by. This is because the market is still readjusting for sustainability.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Growth rate can be defined as the year on year change that a given country will experience as far as its economic performance is concerned. As a matter of fact, it is an increase that a given variable will gain as time goes by (Trading economics 13). GDP is the amount of goods and services that a given country can produce at a given period of time. GDP is calculated by looking at the market value of the country’s goods and services (Wieseman 9). The USA GDP is estimated to have expanded by 2.60% in the third quarter of 2010 (Trading economics 16). As a matter of fact, the country has a market oriented economy. In this case, individuals and private companies are free to make their own decisions. There ar e good future predictions because the GDP growth rate is expected to increase as time goes by. In December 2010, GDP was $14, 834 while it is estimated to reach 14,952 in January 2011 (Trading economics 18). Income distribution can be described as the approach that is used to distribute a nation’s total economy among its citizens (Sudhir 15). Income distribution has mostly been represented or defined by the Lorenz curve. The distribution of income has mostly been unequal for a long period of time. In this case, it is argued that those in the top two quintiles earn more than 60% of the population combined together (Trading economics 13). It should be known that most of the country’s income rests in the hands of the middle class. Ashley, Richard. Fact sheet on the impact of unemployment. 2007. Springer: Heidelberg. Blades, Derek. Understanding National Accounts. 2006. London: Guardian. Economy watch. Cost push inflation. 2011. Web. Forecast. U.S. Inflation Rate Forecast . 2011. Web.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Measuring Macroeconomic Concepts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Inflation rate. Current Inflation. 2011. Web. Ruhm, Christopher. Are Recessions Good for Your Health. 2000. New York: Routledge. Sheffrin, Steven. Economics: Principles in action. 2003. New Jersey: Upper Saddle River. Sudhir, Anand. Inequality and Poverty in Malaysia. 1983. New York: Oxford University Press. Trading economics. United States GDP Growth rate. 2011. Web. Wieseman, Ted. United States review and preview. 2011. Web.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of one or two particular Essay

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of one or two particular research methods (e.g. ethnography narrative enquiry surveys q - Essay Example Social science survey research is significant as it seeks to measure previous and current behavior, as well as future behavior (Marelli, 2004). As can be seen from political survey polls, these polls evaluate public opinion likely determining how people would vote in upcoming elections. The surveys also in public health would assess health behavior including eating trends, exercise trends, smoking behavior, wearing of seatbelts, frequency of routine exams, and other related relevant health behavior (Marelli, 2004). These studies seek predictions and trends in human behavior and how such behavior can be changed. In effect, individuals without health insurance can be surveyed using questions on how willing they are to pay health insurance. The surveys can also be applied in determining if individuals would buy more fresh vegetables if these were cheaper (Hatch, 2009). Survey subjects likely covered for survey research include those who can be accurately evaluated through subject respon se (Hoppe, 1998). Physical measures can sometimes be accurately assessed if the subjects have standard resources. In other words, height, weight, blood sugar, nutrition, and blood pressure can easily be measured where the subjects apply standard measures. Medication use can also be evaluated based on an individual’s prescription information. Clinical results, however, are sometimes not being measured during the survey research especially as they need health care professionals to carry out the process (Mathiyazhagan and Nandan, 2010). Health care application would fit well for surveys since the responses can be taken from the subjects, insurance records, or the written records. Disease incidence and prevalence are often more complicated to measure as they call for accurate means of diagnosing (Hatch, 2009). Mental health diseases are considered exempted because they are often diagnosed using survey scored within or outside the mental health system. Validity The validity of sur vey research is evaluated by measures similar to clinical research studies (Hatch, 2009). The covered population must still be specifically defined and a sample population extracted. The most relevant source of bias in survey research is on sampling. As soon as the target population is established, random or representative samples have to be chosen and those chosen must then be asked to participate in the study (Glasow, 2005). For some populations, the samples are easy to define and extract. Samples in clinical settings can be randomly chosen from the medical records. Inclusion and exclusion criteria, including condition, age, gender, treatment can then be compiled before the sampling process is initiated (Hatch, 2009). Patients with existing relations with the researcher would likely entertain calls or invitations to participate. The larger population however would be more difficult to locate and include in the sample population. Granting that the target is a population of adults i n a city in the eastern coast of the United States, the first task would be to identify all the adults in the area. The sources would also have to be laid out. Telephone listings are considered one of the sources of names, however not all adults have listed numbers, and others use cell phones, and the rest, do not even have phones (Hatch, 2009). In some instances, other

Boomtown Girl Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Boomtown Girl - Assignment Example She was also the youngest in the class. Her viewpoint was often unwavering and even though she tended to have a negative view of things, the narrator describes it as a self-defensive mechanism. When they were away from each other, Ma Li and the narrator exchanged letters, as this is how they kept in touch. The narrator pays close attention to Ma Li and appears to have a special interest in her. While working with a jewelry factory in Shenzhen, she registered a positive trend; her salary grew by over 100 %, she entered a serious relationship and her character grew more apprehensive and bold. She is seen standing up to her boss and eventually quitting the job to become an English teacher at the nursery school level. As the plot unfolds, the narrator goes to visit Ma Li at Shenzhen where they bonded for a while. The narrator is seemingly impressed by the progress Ma Li was making especially the fact that ‘she was doing well’ in the narrator’s closing remarks. As the plot unfolds, her character transforms and she becomes more confident. The narrator notes that much of her shyness had faded away as is evident in the way she stands against her boss after breaking curfew for which she was not apologetic at all. Likewise, she was becoming more responsible. She helped her family make ends meet especially by designating a portion of her salary towards paying school fees for one of her siblings. As the narrator writes, the newfound sense of responsibility, as evidenced from her growing obligation towards family, had given Ma Li a novel air of maturity. She was becoming more mature as she entered into a relationship with her boyfriend Gao Ming and started living together. She also felt responsible for her fellow workers and she often spent time with them when they felt lonely. During her college years, the narrator notes that Ma Li was not entirely social with other students (Hessler 3). She often secluded herself and had

Conflicts Are Important Worksheet Essay Example for Free

Conflicts Are Important Worksheet Essay In this assignment, you must write 300 to 450 words on conflict and conflict management. Record your answers in this worksheet. Part 1: The Five Conflict Types Describe each of the five conflict types using paragraph form. 1. Pseudo conflicts: Pseudo conflicts are imaginary conflicts that are a result of faulty assumptions and false dilemmas (Cheesebro, OConner, Rios, 2010). Many times pseudo conflicts involve two parties with the same views on a subject arguing because they misunderstand or misperceive what the other person is trying to say. 2. Fact conflicts: Fact conflicts arise when two parties disagree about information that can be easily verified or the way it is verified (Cheesebro, OConner, Rios, 2010). 3. Ego conflicts: Ego conflicts usually center on status or power and occur when one party feels as though their opinion or way of doing things is far superior than anyone else (Cheesebro, OConner, Rios, 2010). 4. Value conflicts: Value conflicts usually occur in personal relationships, and arise when someone challenges another’s personal beliefs in which they hold near and dear (Cheesebro, OConner, Rios, 2010). These conflicts can be very intense and long lasting. 5. Need conflicts: Need conflicts arise when the needs of one individual are put before the needs of another or when the needs of each individual are not specifically stated and understood by both parties (Cheesebro, OConner, Rios, 2010). Part 2: The Five Conflict Management Styles Describe each of the five conflict management styles and explain the strengths and weaknesses of each. Use paragraph form. 1. Avoiders: Avoiders steer clear of conflict and simply avoid the issues because they view it as trivial, unimportant, or have no chance of winning the argument. Strengths of avoiding style is to prevent an immediate conflict and weakness is that the conflict will fester longer and remains superficial (Thomas Kilmann, 2014). 2. Accommodators: Accommodators believe conflict is destructive and allow others to determine the outcome (Cheesebro, OConner, Rios, 2010). The strength of using this style is when the issue is not as important to you as it is to the other party and the weakness is you can begin to feel taken advantage of (Thomas Kilmann, 2014). 3. Forcers: Forcers believe winning is everything and employ persuasion with emotional appeals (Cheesebro, OConner, Rios, 2010). This style is best used when your core values need to be defended and weakness is you receive less input and ideas from others (Thomas Kilmann, 2014). 4. Compromisers: Compromisers believe that those involved in the conflict must be ready to give in a little to reach a solution (Cheesebro, OConner, Rios, 2010). This style is best used to achieve temporary settlements to complex issues and weakness is no one really gets what they originally wanted (Thomas Kilmann, 2014). 5. Collaborators: Collaborators believe with hard work, both parties can and will get their needs met (Cheesebro, OConner, Rios, 2010). This style is best used to integrate both sets of concerns and weakness is can take longer to resolve the problem (Thomas Kilmann, 2014). Part 3: Collaborative Communication List two methods of collaborative communication and describe how using them can help you avoid conflicts. Two methods of collaborative communication are social media/software and boards. Social software such as blogs, instant messaging and social networks like Facebook and Twitter, are a great way to allow large groups to receive the same message when they are in many different places (Greene, Crystal, 2014). The use of chalkboards have been replaced by digital or electronic whiteboards and have been used for decades as way to visually demonstrate and communicate ideas that lead to brainstorming and other group collaborations. References Cheesebro, T., OConner, L., Rios, F. (2010). Chapter 7: Conflict Resolution. In Communicating in the Workplace. Pearson Education. Greene, Crystal. (2014). Collaborative Communication Tools. Retrieved from eHOW.com: http://www.ehow.com/list_6828701_collaborative-communication-tools.html Thomas, K., Kilmann, R. (2014). Five Conflict Management Styles. Retrieved from http://www.ntc.edu/studentlifeblog/wp-content/uploads/Handout-Conflict-Management-Styles.pdf

micheal Jackson :: essays research papers

The Bio History of Michael Joseph Jackson began when he was born on the 29th of August 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was the 7th of nine children. (brothers: Sigmund "Jackie", Toriano "Tito", Jermaine, Marlon, Steven "Randy", and sisters Rebbie, Janet and La-Toya Jackson Michael began his musical career at the age of 5 as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 who formed in 1964. In these early years the Jackson 5, Jackie, Jermaine,Tito,Marlon and lead singer Michael played local clubs and bars in Gary Indiana and moving further afield as there talents grew and they could compete in bigger competitions. From these early days Michael would be at the same clubs as big talented stars of there days, such as Jackie Wilson and would be learning from them even back then. In 1968 the Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers discovered the Jackson five and from there they got an audition for Berry Gordy of Motown Records. The Jackson 5 signed for Motown and moved to California. Their first 4 singles, "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There" all made US No1 hits. The Jackson 5 recorded 14 albums and Michael recorded 4 solo albums with Motown. The Jackson 5 stayed with Motown until 1976, wanting more artistic freedom they felt they had to move on and signed up with Epic. The group name Jackson 5 had to be changed as it was owned by Motown, so they reverted to The Jacksons as they had be known in the early days. Brother Jermaine married Berry Gordy's daughter and stayed with Motown. Youngest brother Randy joined in his place. The Jacksons had a number of hit recordsand in total made 6 albums between the years of 1976 and 1984. In 1977 Michael made his first film debut when he starred in the musical 'The Wiz' playing Scarecrow with Diana Ross in the lead role of Dorothy. It was at this time Michael met Quincy Jones who was doing the score for the film. Michael teamed up with Quincey Jones as his producer for his first solo album with Epic Records. The album titled "Off The Wall" was a big success around the world and the first ever album to release a record breaking 4 No1 singles in the US. In 1982 Michael Jackson released the world's largest selling album of all time, 'Thriller'. This album produced 7 hit singles, breaking yet again more records, and went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide.

Communication and Ethical Issues Summary Essay

The first example of the SWAT Team raiding a suspected meth house showed no ethics at all. The officers probably assumed no one was home since they pulled over their suspect away from his home, When they see a man coming down the stairs they should have noticed a golf club un his hand not a gun. The use of their power in this case was not justified even if he resisted non of the officers would have been hurt by the helmet and body armor they wear. Their use of power was unjustified (Balko, 2013). The second example where a homeless man is carrying a knife and would not drop it was shot. It was legal for him to have and carry the knife and if a bystander has to ask a police officer why he shot him tells me that he was not doing anything threatening with the knife. He was shot because he did not drop it. This is the shortcomings of the officer culture of leadership in his department because the officer was cleared of any wrong doing. His use of power was unjustified (Balko, 2013). The third example is where the police raid a recording studio thinking there are a large quantity of drugs located there. They only find personal consumption quantity and they try to decide what equipment in the recording studio they will take on asset forfeiture grounds. The police conversations were recorded because the equipment was left on when they raided the home. This is clearly an ethical problem within their agency with the leadership and the culture they have developed. Their use of power was unjustified (Balko, 2013). When you see your own leadership in your own agency does things that are not quite by the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), it can give you the understanding that if you copy what they do or their wrong you would be justified. The author of this paper watched a correctional sergeant spray a can of pepper spray into a cell just to mess with the inmate that was inside, no other reason. An investigation  was held and the sergeant was given a verbal reprimand. The officers who worked directly for this sergeant also felt that if they broke the SOP, this sergeant would have their back and help in justifying their actions like not pulling inmates out of their cells for showers during their shower time, purposely dropping their food trays on the floor or spitting in their food. This action happens and in the report that is turned in it gets justified by that sergeant signing off on the action. Reference Balko, R. (2013, September 10). Radley Balko on the 3 Worst Cases of Police Abuse in 2011 [Video file]. Retrieved from University of Phoenix Media Library website: https://portal.phoenix.edu/medialibrary/videodetails.05V110608001512139.html