Mozart Essay - 663 Words

MOZART nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Mozart is perhaps the greatest musical genius who ever lived. Mozart s full name is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Most people called him Mozart or Wolfgang. Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, January 27, 1756. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Mozart is the greatest musical child prodigy who ever lived. He began composing minuets at the age of 5 and symphonies at age 9. His father took him on a series of concert tours together with his sister, Maria Anna; born four and one-half years before Mozart. She too, was a child prodigy. Both played the keyboard, but Mozart became a violin virtuoso, as well. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In 1762 he and his sister, quot;Nannerl,quot; as she was†¦show more content†¦nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In 1786, Mozarts London friends took part in the first performance of The Marriage of Figaro. This was a triumph for Mozart in Prague, and he wrote his quot;Praguequot; symphony as a tribute to its generous people. In Paris, Mozart published his first works: four sonatas for clavier: with accompanying violin in 1764. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; In 1768 he composed his first opera, LA FINTA SEMPLICE, for Vienna; but intrigues prevented its performance, and it was first presented a year later at Salzburg. Mozart was a successful composer and violinist. He used the form of concerto (like the symphony, in several section) to display the qualities of wind instruments, like the horn. His crowning achievements in concerto form, however, are for piano and orchestra - in all 25 works. Mozarts performances of his own piano concertos had much to do with the development of the instrument. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Mozarts greatest success was THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, written in 1786, composed for the Vienna Opera. One of Mozarts greatest and most well known piece of music is THE MAGIC FLUTE; which was produced by a suburban theatre in Vienna. His greatest operatic success after Figaro was DON GIOVANNI written in 1787, composed for Prague where Mozarts art was especially appreciated. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Mozarts fame began to wane afterShow MoreRelatedThe Mozart Effect Essay1461 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"Mozart effect† is a believe that listening to music could enhance individuals’ intelligence, and therefore lead to better performance in various spheres, such as languages and arithmetics. There are researches pointed out that listening to music while tasks performance would result in significant boost of scores. The effect of listening to Mozart’s music on spatial seasoning was looked over in 1933 by Dr. Rauscher, three common tests about abstract spatial reasoning were given to the participantsRead More Mozart Essay920 Words   |  4 Pages Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the greatest music composers who ever lived. His name and the word genius are often bandied about together by music writers and critics and many would argue rightly so. Mozart had a fantastic ear for writing a catchy tune with perfect orchestral arrangement. His c ompositions have a rich and distinctive sound; it can be said that in his brief lifetime (only 35 years) that he wrote a masterpiece in every genre of classical music without much apparent effort. OriginalRead MoreSummary : Mozart 1016 Words   |  5 PagesJohannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart Lydia Molina Mr. Dresser General Music 27 May, 2015 Mozart Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, known for his string of operas, concertos, symphonies and sonatas, he helped shape classical music as it is today. â€Å"Born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a musician capable of playing many instruments at age six. Over the years, Mozart aligned himself with a variety of EuropeanRead More The Mozart Effect Essay1215 Words   |  5 PagesThe Mozart Effect Ever since human intelligence has been a factor for survival, people have been trying to think of new, innovative ways to increase their mental capabilities. In the past, people have taken pills, prepared home-made concoctions, and have even shaven their heads to clear their minds. Even now, new ideas, such as magnetic mattresses for better blood circulation to the brain, are patented and sold promising mental wellness and stability – and making money for the inventor. WhenRead More Mozart Essay1525 Words   |  7 Pages Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart This paper discusses Mozarts life, his compositions and his importance to the world and the world of music. It explains how Mozarts music is still some of the most popular classical music played today and his life is still studied because his music is so well known and liked. An Austrian composer and performer who showed astonishing precocity as a child and was an adult virtuoso, musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born to Leopold Mozart and Anna Maria PertlRead MoreThe Mozart Effect and Infant Intelligence1408 Words   |  6 PagesIn modern society intelligence is highly competitive and subject to scrutiny; therefore, it is understandable that a child’s intelligence is a primary concern for many parents. The Mozart effect, popularised in the 1990s, resulted in many parents believing that simply exposing their child to music composed by Mozart would improve their intelligence (Campbell, 1997). The claim was founded by research published in the journal Nature, which suggested that spatial reasoning could be temporarily enhancedRead MoreThe Mozart Effect Essay931 Words   |  4 PagesIt has long been believed that music can evoke specific thoughts and feelings from the listener. But can music –specifically the music of Wolfgang Amadeu s Mozart- summon hidden intelligences within the human brain? That is the question scientists are trying to answer. In the mid-nineties, scientists, Frances Rauscher, Gordon Shaw and Katherine Ky, claimed that music could boost the listener’s intelligence up to 9 points (Steele 2). To many, this allegation seemed a bit far-fetched and soon otherRead MoreEssay On Mozart Effect1061 Words   |  5 PagesThe Mozart Effect, broadly stated, is the idea that music can help with many other aspects of a student’s education. Its research started decades ago and is still highly debated today, with some condition to the findings. However, in Bob Duke’s article, he explains why it doesn’t matter whether of not it helps tests scores. He believes we should not be using this as an excuse for keeping music programs because there are countless better reasons. Duke’s article highly reinforced why I personally believeRead MoreThe Works Of Haydn And Mozart940 Words   |  4 PagesHaydn and Mozart are often recognised as the two composers who were responsible for bringing Viennese Classicism to its greatest height. In the public eye, these two great composers could not be more different, whether it is in terms of their characters or values. This essay sets out to explore the similarities and differences in the early lives of these two gifted individuals, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and (Franz) Joseph Haydn, through their backgrounds and music education. Mozart, who was bornRead More The Mozart Effect Essay1250 Words   |  5 PagesThe Mozart Effect is a study that shows listening to classical music can have positive effects on learning and attitude. This occurrence is called the Mozart Effect, and it has been proven in experiments by many scientists. This research has caused much controversy between believers and nonbelievers, because The Mozart Effect is said to enhance the brain and reasoning; it is also used to reduce stress, depression, or anxiety; it induces relaxation or sleep; and the Mozart Effect activates the body

The Golden Age Of Piracy - 1380 Words

Hollywood portrays pirates as swashbuckling outlaws with their own set of rules and loose morals, nefarious hideouts, and adventure at every turn of their lives; but that’s Hollywood. During the Golden Age of Piracy, about 1550 to 1730, pirates did traverse the Atlantic almost completely unchallenged; producing some of the most notorious pirates and privateers the world had ever seen. But not all of these pirates were outlaws, most were actually legal. And their hideouts weren’t really hideouts at all; just cities that were afraid of the Spanish and thought the pirates could protect them. And adventure? Well, some of the best and most infamous pirates didn’t want the epic battles that are pictured in many of today’s films. Something else†¦show more content†¦Question two; how did entire cities and islands become pirate hideouts? During the early Colonial era, the Spanish reigned supreme in the Caribbean. They were rapidly colonizing the islands of the Caribbean and gaining wealth with every step. These cities were afraid of being overthrown by the Spanish and wanted protection from these invaders. One of the first to offer up their ports was Port Royal, Jamaica.†. Port Royal became one of the most infamous pirate hideouts of all time and was considered the â€Å"wickedest city on Earth†. It all started in the mid 1600s when Jamaica’s governors decided to allow all pirates and privateers, who were not Spanish, to stay in return for protection from the Spanish. And of course, they accepted. Soon after the city was filled with British and French privateers, including the famous Sir Henry Morgan who used Port Royal as a sort of home base for his raids on Spanish strongholds such as Portobello, Caratenga, and Panama City. By the 1660s, Port Royal was filled with every disreputable establishment known to mankind. But by 1720, Jamaica had to cut relations with the pirates due to raids on every ship that came int o port. Port Royal then became known for pirate hangings. Other cities and islands like New Providence, Bahamas, have similar stories to tell. But one other island has a different story. Around 1630, French hunters, who occupied Hispaniola, modern day Haiti, had to flee the islandShow MoreRelatedGolden Age of Piracy2980 Words   |  12 PagesFinally, Teach places several slow burning fuses under his hat, lighting each one by one[i]. With wisps of smoke billowing around his face, Blackbeard, the most treacherous pirate in history, emerges from his cabin to join the fight. In the golden age of piracy, Captain Edward Teach, more commonly known as Blackbeard, stands out as the fiercest and most important figure. Blackbeard and his crew successfully controlled commerce along the North Carolina and Virginia coast from 1717-1718. BlackbeardRead MorePirates: Piracy and Golden Age1076 Words   |  5 PagesJosh Davis FYE 102 Paper 1 9/28/2012 Golden Age Pirates vs. Modern Day Pirates Piracy has been around before the time of the pyramids. Once merchant ship began to deliver goods to other countries, others realized the financial gain that could be made by stealing those goods and selling them themselves. Pirates have ruled the seas at different times. Once Europeans settled in the American colonies, pirates plundered towns along the coast and attacked almost every ship they came in contactRead MoreThe Golden Age of Piracy Essay example1197 Words   |  5 Pagescenturies, piracy was rampant in the Atlantic, specifically in the West Indies. Piracy has existed since the earliest days of ocean travel, for a range of personal and economic reasons. However, one of the major reasons why piracy was wide spread and rampant in the 16th, 17th and early 18th centuries was Great Britain’s endorsement and usage of piracy as an asset; in wars fought in the New World. Great Britain with its expanding power and conflicts with other nations would make piracy a lifes tyleRead MoreBlackbeards Life, The Golden Age of Piracy, and Its Effect on Piracy Today2047 Words   |  9 PagesBlackbeard’s Life Blackbeard was a brave and most outspoken sea rovers who operated during early 1700s in the coastal regions of the English Southern parts of the New world. His piracy activities, together with his co-pirates are key sectors in United States of America’s history. Happening in the time eminently known as the golden age of piracy, their brave advances in sea robbery facilitated the gradual demise of sea hijacking and theft on the deep seas.1 There is no sufficient information to provide a reliableRead MoreAnalysis Of The Documentary Pirates, Galleons, And Treasure Globe Trekker 1311 Words   |  6 Pagesdocumentary. Also in the video, Calico Jack is said to be responsible for designing the skull and cross bone flag (Pirates, Galleons and Treasure, 2007), when the flag had been first been spotted in 1700 by a pirate named Wyn way before Calico Jack (The Golden Age, 2016) and the only pirate to be known to fly a true skull and cross bone flag is Edward England (Konstam, 2011, p.193). 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From buried treasure, sword fighting, stealing loot and drinking rum, the golden age of piracy is one of the most exciting elements of the restoration period. Along with those elements there were many famous pirates that highlighted the restoration. Although there were many famous pirates of the restoration period one name usually comes to mind, Blackbeard. His iconicRead MorePiracy : Asset Not Annoyance1043 Words   |  5 PagesPiracy: Asset Not Annoyance The music industry claims to be suffering losses in large amounts due to pirates. Apparently billions of dollars of money that could have been made is being taken away. Peer-to-peer file sharing, born from the advancement of modern technology, has been a large aspect of the internet for a couple of years, but still the music industry cannot figure out how to use it to their advantage. 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He terrorized the seas for most of his gruesome life during this era. The Golden Age of Piracy marked a time when sea travel was unsafe for everyone, with Blackbeard being one of the lead factors. The history of piracy dates back more than 3000 years. It appears that the word pirate (peirato) was

Logistics & Operations Management of Next Plc †Free Sample

Question: Identify the component activities for an organisation of Next Plc then evaluate the performance objectives used by each and critically examine and suggest ways in which the performance could be improved? Answer: Introduction Logistics and operations management are the crucial functional areas in any organisation because they determine the effectiveness with which the organisation attains its goals and objectives positively. Logistics management is concerned with the flow of materials to warehouses and finished product to retailers and final consumers. Operations management is concerned with managing the operations through applying advanced technological systems so that cost efficiency is attained which will then be transferred to the final consumers. However, in efficiently performing the management of operations and logistics, there are essential component activities used by different organisations (Loader and Biggs, 2002). In achieving better level of performance against these component activities, there are specific performance objectives that have been considered by these organisations and they are focused with a view to achieve improved level of performance against such objectives (Lewis and Slack, 2003). This report is aimed at identifying important component activities in respect to Next Plc and this is followed by an assessment of the important objectives that are set by the organisation in this regard. Once the objectives are identified, the next step is to evaluate the current level of performance of Next Plc against this so that recommendations can be provided in achieving improved level of performance against them. Brief Analysis of Next Plc An analysis of Next Plc indicates that it is a British Multinational clothing footwear and home products retailer that has its headquarter in Enderby, Leicestershire. Next operates more than 700 stores with majority of them are in the UK. It has been the largest clothing retailer in UK, and the core features of Next is that it includes collection for men, women, and children that are styled and designed by its in-house team. The in-house team is responsible for designing great style, quality and value for money with a contemporary fashion edge. The organisation operates not only in UK, but it has its operations internationally in 40 countries overseas. As a result, the operations management including networking has been carried out efficiently with a view to meet out its customers requirements (Next Plc, 2015). Identification of Component Activities in Operations and Networking at NEXT The component activities mainly indicate the key component parts that must be performed to achieve organisations goals. As Next is identified as clothing retailer in UK, the operations management activities of Next involve certain key component activities that fulfils the needs and expectations from such operational departments. As for instance, a major key component activity related to operations management is the product designing and selection. Apart from this, skills and efficiency of its employees is another key component activity of Next Plc that supports the operation management across the organisation. The employees are accountable to supporting the customers of the organisation. Cash handling in Nexts retail format stores, and achieving safety and security are the other major component activities in operations management of the company (Vidler, 2001). Apart from the component activities in respect to operations management, there are certain major component activities that have been identified in respect to the networking process in the logistics management at Next. As Next is operating at a large level, the role of networking and distribution is important, and there are certain key component activities that are involved within its networking process. The current analysis indicates that Next has more than 500 stores in UK and the delivery and supply of necessary clothing wears to these stores have been the crucial component activity of Nexts current operations. The networking process also includes the component activity of suppliers inclusion so that the entire networking process can be carried out efficiently in meeting out the needs and expectations of its final end consumers (Next Annual Report, 2013). These are the major component activities of Next Plc that have been noted in respect to its operations management and networking processes. Key Performance Objectives for Each Identified Component Activity In order to achieve enhanced operations performance and logistics management at Next Plc, there are important component activities that have been noted. These component activities as identified have specific objectives and they are indicated separately as follows: Product Designing and Selection: This has been the key component activity of operations management at Next Plc, and the objectives are: To design clothing wear as per current trends as prevalent within UK customers. To anticipate and respond to changing customer preferences and expectations. To maintain sufficient quantities of a particular fashion wear so as to prevent excessive production and ultimately outdated problems (Next Annual Report, 2013). Applying Employees Skills and Abilities: This is another important component activity of operations management at Next Plc, and its objectives include: To make use of advanced skills and abilities of its employees in designing fashionable wears. To make optimum utilisation of human resources in achieving organisational tasks and activities in a cost efficient way (Sharma, 2006). Cash Handling and Safety and Security: Next being operating so many stores across UK has specific operations goals to achieve safety and security in its operations, and manage cash handling process efficiently. The objectives are: To achieve the production process with higher safety and no casualties at workplace. To achieve proper management of cash with higher accuracy levels (Kale, 2013). Suppliers Inclusion in Networking System: This has been the key component at Next in its networking operations, and the performance objectives are: To ensure that there is regular supply of materials as needed by Next throughout the entire period. To make sure that adequate compliances are achieved by suppliers with the company code (Next Annual Report, 2013). The analysis above has indicated about different component from operations management and networking process at Next Plc and the main performance objectives that have been expected to achieved by the organisation. The next section analyses the actual performance of Next as against these objectives so that appropriate recommendations would be provided in achieving improved level of performance. Analysis of Next Plcs Performance against Performance Objectives As there are specific performance objectives that have been identified in respect to Next Plcs operations and networking management, an analysis of its current performance level as against these objectives is essential. As for example, in relation to the objective of product designing and selection, the performance objectives of Next has been assessed which suggests that the organisations aims at identifying designing customised products and services that can suit their customer needs and requirements. In achieving this objective, there has been executive directors and senior management that have been continuously involved in the process, and they perform regular check ups of the production processes that have been carried out. This not only enables the production of clothing wear as per the latest trends and requirements of customers, but it also results into the positive accomplishment of product quantities as per requirements. The chances of extra surplus production get reduced be cause of the involvement of senior level managers and directors in such production process at Next Plc. This particular approach has been applied at Next Plc in addressing the issue of product designing and development so that the end customer requirements are efficiently met (Next Annual Report, 2013). Apart from the performance objective in relation to product design and development, the analysis of the case of Next Plc indicated that the operations management involve the objectives related to human resource utilisation. At Next Plc, the senior management and the technical personnel are continuously involved in making important decisions related to hiring and retaining talented personnel. The technical staffs are responsible for attracting, motivating and retaining highly qualified employees. In addition to this, in achieving the specific objectives in relation to employing the best possible knowledge, skills and abilities of employees, there has been the deployment of large number of strategies performed across Next Plc. These strategies include providing sufficient level of training and development opportunities to employees, promoting equal opportunities, facilitating efficient communication opportunities to employees (Next Annual Report, 2012). These specific strategies in managing organisational employees at Next have been crucial from the point of view of achieving desired level of performance on their part. The focus of the managers and technical personnel at Next towards utilising the talent of their employees by recruiting and hiring expert professionals, and providing them training and development has been crucial. These initiatives allows for accomplishing desired goals by the company in terms of higher operational efficiency. At Next Plc, its employees are considered as one of their major assets, and they are adequately supported so that their efforts results into the attainment of organisational goals. In these ways, the optimum utilisation of employee abilities is being achieved at Next which has been beneficial to the organisation in meeting out its stakeholders expectations efficiently (Neely, 2007). Apart from the attainment of objectives with respect to operational management, there are specific actions and initiatives that are considered at Next Plc in order to ensure efficiency in its networking abilities. Because of the operations of Next Plc being expanded at a larger level, the networking process especially in the form of logistics management needs to be highly efficient. In this relation, the objective as pursued by Next is to include its suppliers in its working process. The strategy of Next to achieve efficiency in its logistics process implies that the company focuses on making the products available to its customers across all the time. In achieving such efficiency, it makes strategic use of its suppliers whereby company aims at reducing its dependence over a single supplier. There has been a partnership strategy being deployed by the organisation whereby larger number of suppliers is considered as a part of its business strategy. This allows Next Plc in ensuring the supply of products to its customers on regular basis (Next Plc CSR, 2013). Overall, the analysis above indicates that there are various performance initiatives that are considered by Next Plc in order to meet out its operations management and logistics management goals. There has been the consideration of large number of initiatives to make sure that the performance objectives related to the operations management and logistics management are positively accomplished. Conclusion and Recommendations A critical analysis of the component activities of Next Plc has been carried out in this report, and the conduct of analysis revealed significant level of findings. It has been evaluated that there are various important component activities at Next Plc that are aimed at achieving smooth operational and logistics management. The component activities in relation to operations management as identified are mainly in terms of product designing and selection, utilising employee skills and abilities to achieve operational efficiency etc whereas in respect to achieving efficient networking, the component activities as noted are mainly the inclusion of suppliers in meeting out customers need at Next, achieving positive level of support from all its suppliers through partnering them etc. The analysis leads to identification that is significant level of initiatives that are considered at Next Plc in order to achieve its performance objectives in relation to different component activities. Recommendations in Improving Performance Objectives: There are certain major recommendations that are considered in achieving further level of effectiveness at Next in achieving its performance objectives related to operations management and networking. These are indicated as follows: In respect to networking, it is essential that Next Plc should focus more on the activities after the acquisition of raw materials from suppliers is achieved. At present, Next Plc establishes partnerships with its suppliers in the form of including them to its network which has been important. But at the same time, it is essential that centralised operations at Next should be efficiently managed to cover the requirements of its more than 500 stores in UK (Jones and Robinson, 2012). In relation to operations management, it has been evaluated that Next Plc has rigorous policy towards achieving efficiency in its operations through its efficient human resources. However, it is recommended that Next Plc should consider for standard approaches as well in designing its products. At present, it aims at customising its products as per customers requirements, but this has been a costly process. As a result, by focusing on standardised processes, it could be possible to Next Plc in achieving cost efficiency which would significantly enhance its operations (Koontz, 2010). References Jones, P. and Robinson, P. (2012), Operations Management, Oxford University Press. Koontz, H. (2010), Essentials of Management, Tata McGraw-Hill Education. Kale, S. (2013), Production and Operations Management, McGraw-Hill Education. Loader, D. and Biggs, G. (2002), Managing Technology in the Operations Function, Butterworth-Heinemann. Lewis, M. and Slack, N. (2003), Operations Management, Psychology Press. Next Annual Report, (2013) [Online]. Available at: https://www.nextplc.co.uk/~/media/Files/N/Next-PLC/pdfs/latest-news/2013/ar2013.pdf Accessed: 16 March 2015]. Next Plc, (2015) [Online]. Available at: https://www.nextplc.co.uk/about-next/business-overview.aspx [Accessed: 16 March 2015]. Next Plc CSR, (2013) [Online]. Available at: https://www.nextplc.co.uk/~/media/Files/N/Next-PLC/pdfs/corporate-responsibility-report/cr-2013-v2.pdf [Accessed: 16 March 2015]. Next Plc Annual Report, 2012 [Online]. Available at: https://www.nextplc.co.uk/~/media/Files/N/Next-PLC/pdfs/latest-news/2012/ar2012.pdf Accessed: 16 March 2015]. Neely, A. (2007), Business Performance Measurement: Unifying Theory and Integrating Practice, Cambridge University Press. Sharma, S.C. (2006), Introductory Operation Research, Discovery Publishing House. Vidler, C. (2001), Operations Management, Heinemann.

Substitute Ideas Essays - Dream, Psychotherapy, Symbols, Ferenci

Substitute Ideas What separates adults from children? Dont think of the obvious, age or height. Be creative. What do most adults lose the ability to do? We stop imagining and exploring unusual possibilities. All too often adults are tied down by rules; rules of probability, of logic or fact. Remember when you were a kid? Anything was possible, rules of logic didnt apply, didnt confine you and if you found an adult who was able to dream with you or even shock you with their perspectives of fact, then you had found a hero. In Charles Baxters short story Gryphon Mr. Hiblers fourth grade class finds such an adult; the substitute, Miss Ferenczi. Not every student chooses to see Miss Ferenczi as a hero, but Tommy does. As a substitute teacher Miss Ferenczi intrigues, encourages and dares Tommy to stretch his mind and think for himself. Before we can understand Tommys fascination with Miss Ferenczi, we must know who Tommy is. Where does he come from? What forces shape his world? Tommy is nine years old. He has been raised in a small town where everyone knows each other. Tommy knows this town inside and out. When riding on the bus Tommy sees no surprises; he knows every barn, every broken windmill, every fence, every ammonia tank, by heart (103). Life is very predictable. In fact, life is so predictable that when Mr. Hibler becomes ill, the class knows that the substitute teacher would come from a pool of about four mothers. (6). Every aspect of life in Five Oaks, Michigan (6) was conventional, expected and truly boring. Therefore Tommy is intrigued when a stranger enters the classroom and introduces herself as the substitute (13). Tommy observes Miss Ferenczi as she whimsically draws a tree on the black board (8), he listens to his fellow classmates as she is declared to be an alien of some sort (10) and he is slowly pulled into Miss Ferenczis world as he listens to her talk about her family (14). Miss Ferenczi wins Tommys loyalties during the spelling quiz. Tommy is unable to spell the word Balcony(41) correctly and is frustrated with the situation (41). Miss Ferenczi whispers to him that she [doesnt] like that word either (42). Then she goes on to enlighten Tommy with the insightful wisdom that if you dont like a word, you dont have to use it (42). With one simple remark, Miss Ferenczi empowers Tommy and teaches him a life lesson, to keep trying or to find a different way to achieve your goal. This life lesson is learned simply because Miss Ferenczi does not correct Tommy; instead she quietly stee rs him in a different direction. Miss Ferenczi teaches reading from the book Broad Horizons (14), and uses every opportunity to broaden Tommys horizons. She not only teaches the basics, math, reading, and spelling, but Miss Ferenczi includes lessons of magic and love (90) and lessons about life, death and God (94). Miss Ferenczi tells the class that she [knows the] children like to hear these things,and that is why I am telling you (93). By sharing her insight on subjects beyond the normal classroom topics, Miss Ferenczi encourages Tommy to seek out information thereby broadening his horizons. When discussing Egypt, Miss Ferenczi shares her personal story of a trip to Cairo where she saw a creature that was half lion and half bird (65). Miss Ferenczi tells the class that this monster was called a gryphon (65). Tommy wants to believe Miss Ferenczi, but he has doubts. So, once he arrives home, he goes to the dictionary and looks up Gryphon(88). He is thrilled to read the definition: its true, there really is such a cr eature (88). The fact that Tommy went home and did research on his own is of great importance. Tommy is faced with the ritual memorization of facts that all students endure. From multiplication tables (18) to facts about insects (139) Tommy is required to memorize the correct answer; learning is not a choice. With Miss Ferenczi Tommy chooses to learn. He decides to go home and expand his mind. Once Tommy begins to seek out or verify information he is able to think for