Fiffteen by William Stafford

The poem Fifteen by William Stafford, describes the ideas of a young teenager and imaginations when he sees a motorcycle at the side of the rail, It tells us of how the main character gets familiar with adulthood and starts getting mature, it gives us changes. The author in his poem describes the ideas and temptations that a fifteen year old would have, and it gives us a message of how when you are blinded of your teenage dreams, at the same time to take and decide the correct paths and decisions. In the first stanza William Stafford stops realization. He describes a motorcycle below a bridge.The cycle is abandoned, â€Å"engine running as it lay on its side, ticking over slowly in the high grass. † To begin his poem Stafford gives us a location, â€Å"South of the Bridge on Seventeenth. † If one were to assume that we as people, traveled metaphorically in any direction I would think it to be north for example: â€Å"Up† for all different purposes. Staffordâ€⠄¢s character is south, not necessarily heading south, but he is south in relation to the bridge. Changes are like bridges, connections between one span of life and the next. Points where the road which below is much less stable, where there aren’t miles of solid ground below.Changes are things that you have to get over. And thinking that Stafford’s age which is fifteen years, like us all, we are heading north, then he’s in for a change a bridge in the future. The motorcycle in the other hand was found â€Å"back of the willows one summer day. † Willows are beautiful flowing trees, their branches fall down and hide their trunks veiling whatever may lie at their shape from all on the other side of their barrier. Stafford’s character finds the motorcycle beyond the barriers of the willows and so we can imagine him pulling aside the waterfall of green and revealing the pefrect machine.On the other hand everything about the scene finds of a hidden trut h discovered. The high grass, tall as if to hide the treasures that are within it, and the willows, and even the picture of calm, warm serenity that comes to mind with the idea of trees in the summer. But the boy finds the cycle unexpectedly, he did not know or even awaited it. In the second stanza it connects temptation and imagination. The cycle becomes his forbidden imagination, it has a â€Å"pulsing gleam†¦shiny flanks†¦demure headlights fringed where it lay;† it is arousing him. First with its beauty it’s pulsing and shiny.It’s elegant and bright as described in the second stanza . Then it’s interest, he â€Å"led it gently to the road and stood with that companion, ready and friendly. † It draws him in. And for the first part he’s taken with it. He â€Å"admired† it. He â€Å"stood† with it. He was young and he saw the beauty as something he wanted. He was a teenager after all chasing his dream. These moments a re him being a child this is him before the â€Å"good man† from later in the poem. You can tell he is taken with it from the way he â€Å"gently† leads it to the road, he is taking care of it.You are not gentle with things that you think are not needed or that you dislike. One does not describe these things either as having a â€Å"pulsing gleam. † Possibly freedom and perhaps bliss are shown in stanza three. The character is imagining himself on the open road. He’s picturing taking the motorcycle and riding away on it. It gives to speculation if he, being fifteen can even legally drive one, let alone that would then surely be considered stealing. Assuming that he’s not there appears the forbidden imagination again. It’s not legal, not okay, yet he wants it temptatiously.Though, as for freedom and excitement, he clearly states that there is a â€Å"forward feeling, a tremble. † For example a reader would take this to be excitement gr owing inside the main character. He is confident. He is happy and positive at least because he is â€Å"patting the handle,† and receiving a â€Å"confident opinion. † He is indulging or giving interest, a word used to express freedom to do something enjoyable. In the fourth stanza Stafford’s poem takes a different direction shall we say, a new character is introduced, the owner of the motorcycle.The grass which is mentioned earlier seems to be hiding more than just the cycle, but also its rider. This also shows a change in the nature of the boy, a decision being made. He thinks and â€Å"thinking†¦found the owner. † The boy in a rush pushes aside his temptation towards freedom and excitement. He chooses. He does not choose to ride away, though, rather to be mature and responsible. To think of more than just himself and locate whomever the bike had belonged. The owner, thrown from the bike in the crash.The rider is â€Å"just coming to,† or el se awakening from unconsciousness he must have got from his crash. He had â€Å"flipped over the rail. He had blood on his hand, was pale† This man is not in good shape. He just crashed his motorcycle and had blood on his hands. On the outside he is injured and broken needs help getting to his bike. Physically, he is weak while it seems that the main character being fifteen, is not. He is strong which is connected from the fact that they are young, full of life as fifteen year olds are. But the rider once at his bike, becomes strong once again, he â€Å"roared away. He is not magically healed , he is still bleeding from the crash, but he has the inside strength of a confident adult and he still gets on his bike and rides away. Before leaving the man calls the main character â€Å"a good man†. To sum it up, the main character begins as a fifteen year old with a change a bridge in his future, he is beginning to realize this. Then he becomes, in the fourth stanza,  "a good man. † Most importantly, a man. He started maturing, learning of getting older, most importantly! Stating in my conclusion that the boy, as he finds the cycle and then after moments of indecision, returns it begins his own road to adulthood.He goes from thought of the temptations of the machine to giving it back to its owner and watching him ride away. So I took myself as an example, because I am also a teenager who has his dream and goals and will be facing adulthood myself. It showed us a mature boy who fought of his temptations and teenage dreams, and choosing the correct path of adulthood. It gives a strong message of spirituality which does pushes us forward of following our dreams but at the same time taking the right decision, as shown with the main character.

sexual orientation essays

sexual orientation essays Sexual orientation has been and to some degree is still seen as a taboo topic. For many years it has been argued that sexual orientation is based on one's gender and one's sexual preference, should be based on one's sex (i.e. females should be attracted to males and males to females). For generations, these narrow views were considered to be the norm. However, hidden within society was a lifestyle that once aired was seen as deviant. Homosexuality and many sexual orientations were seen as sexual deviancy that needed some type of treatment to cure. Many people use the term sexual preference to describe someone's sexual orientation, such as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, etc. Heterosexuals are individuals attracted to the opposite sex, homosexuals are individuals who are attracted to the same sex, while bisexuals are people who are attracted to both sexes. However this term is outdated because "sexual orientation is no longer considered to be one's conscious individual preference or choice, but is instead thought to be formed by a complicated network of social, cultural biological, economic and political factors (http:// www.siews.org/pubs/fact/fact0006.html)." Sexual orientation is based on one' erotic, romantic and affectional attractions. These attractions could occur with the same gender (sex), to the opposite gender (sex) or both. Society is obsessed with finding what determines one' sexual orientation, if an individual is homosexual or bisexual. Surprising, society is not really fascinated why heterosexuals are 'straight'. "Straight people do not 'come out' because our society assumes that people are straight unless they say that they are not (Planned Parenthood. 2000, p. 3)." This assumption is known as heterosexism, which is quite offensive and disrespectful towards the homosexual community. A large sector of the population fails to realize how difficult 'coming out' might be for homosexuals to their f...

Pricing and Brand Equity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Pricing and Brand Equity - Assignment Example Creative brands are given the permission to utilize non-normative strategies without consumer permission. Moreover, apart from the inferential mechanism underpinning this licensing impact, innovative brands not only escape the penalty associated with using a categorical strategies, but also gain for using such strategies (Barone and Jewell 2013). One popular measure of success for brands of business entities is the customer-based brand equity. It is an asset that can be a background for a competitive edge and the long-term profitability of a business enterprise (Barone and Jewell 2013). Brand equity regards stakeholders’ response to the marketing efforts concerning objects distinct to the particular brand. It focuses on financial and strategic issues to raise the brand over other available alternatives. There is a broad range of strategies in which a firm can get innovation licensing and intellectual property copyrights. When a company innovates, it establishes a form of monopoly coming from the intellectual property rights it gets. A firm can also get property rights by licensing intellectual property from another company in order to expand business margins. Another strategy is entering into a joint venture of innovations and licensing such innovation as a common intellectual property copyrights to the company (Palfrey, J. 2011). Clients can contribute such intellectual property licensing for free. A corporation can exercise its licensed innovation and property rights entirely by excluding others from using it. However, a company can better benefit from such intellectual property rights over their innovations by licensing, selling or giving away part of the property rights. It constitutes a firms innovative licensing marketing strategy(Barone and Jewell 2013). A company might also offer the license to any other company in an open access, with an aim of gaining a

Current Status of Online-Photo Sharing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Current Status of Online-Photo Sharing - Essay Example This has brought a new dimension in online-photo sharing. It has become easier for people to take photos using the high-pixel camera on their smart-phones. Furthermore, users can share photos with friends and family by posting them on Facebook at their convenience. Moreover, some online-photo sharing platforms like Instagram, offer Facebook and Google as an additional application. This is meant to make photo sharing more convenient. This review of the current status of online-photo sharing will include a discussion of the most popular methods of photo sharing nowadays. An online-photo Sharing site facilitates its users to post and share visual images with their friends and families through an online server. It also acts as their digital photos storage place (Photo Sharing Sites 2009). These sites have customized features which either allows public or private sharing of photos with friends or user groups. These customizations are meant to satisfy user’s diverse demands and preferences. Flickr (www.flickr.com) and Photobucket (www.photobucket.com) are the most famous online-photo sharing sites. These photo sharing sites have also developed advanced features like â€Å"photoblog,† where users upload photos to share their daily life experiences with other users. This is usually done by tagging and adding descriptions to the uploaded photos. Users can add any information on their photographs, such as camera model, location where the picture was taken and share ideas inside the photo. The search engine application installed on these sites enables pictures to be easily accessed by their title, dates, or any other distinguishing characteristic. It also enhances interaction and sharing on the online-photo sharing site. Social networking site provides users with a platform whereby they create profiles and communicate with friends and families via the Internet. People share photos and experiences with other users freely. In

The Freedom of a Christian Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Freedom of a Christian - Essay Example However, justification by faith can only be done through believing in Christ. Believing in Christ is the root of Christianity and thus justification using this mean would result to righteousness without slavery to the law. Section 2 Christian faith is very important in the life of a Christian. It is regarded to be among the virtues that could drive the life of a Christian towards achievement of righteousness and freedom. Christians have different levels of Christian faith. However, nobody should boast that he has sufficient faith. The author agrees in this treatise that he does not have a wealth of faith (Luther, 1970). However, temptations have to occur to test the degree of Christian faith that Christians have. Christian faith is attained through believing in Christ and grows through passing through temptations and overcoming them. The strength associated with it is great and an essential asset that could help Christians to grow in Christianity and become better Christians. Christi ans should not succumb to what other people say about them. They should behave like masters who are willing to please only Christ. It is always clear that a person cannot become what others say about him unless be makes himself a slave to it. In failing to become what others say, the Christian becomes what his faith demands him to become. Faith does not emphasize on the laws but requires a Christian what is right according to what Christ demands. As a result, the aspect of emphasize on Christian laws is eliminated when faith comes into play and emphasize on grace takes its place. As a result, Christians are made justified on by their actions but by their faith in Christ. This makes them free from the judgment and condemnation of others in terms of their actions. Although Christians are free from judgment and condemnation of law, they are required to be righteous and to serve other people. This is because righteousness and service to other people is a requirement of the faith in Chri st. However, they should do this because of a desire to serve others and to please Christ and not because it is a doctrinal requirement. Therefore, righteousness and freedom should come from within a Christian without being caused by external factors. However, even within an individual Christian, there are two opposing forces. This is because an individual is made up of two persons. One person is the inner person and the other person is the outer person (Luther, 1970). What pleases the inner person does not please the outer person and vice versa. Christian faith makes Christians to emphasize mainly on pleasing the inner person. Physical person of a Christian can have various abilities like preaching, praying, and reading of scriptures. However, when these are not accompanied by faith they are of no use. This is because it can also be done by the individuals who are pretending to be Christians. The spiritual person can also undertake various works like contemplation and meditation. H owever, this is also insignificant without faith. This is because it might have little or no effect to the life of a Christian. Christian faith is however very crucial in the Christian life of an individual. This is because it promotes both righteousness and freedom of a Christian. This helps a Christian to grow and be able to overcome the temptations that might come on his way.

Call Center Interview Guide Essay Example for Free

Call Center Interview Guide Essay * Support and provide superior service via phones, e-mails and faxes as a receiver and caller * Use questioning and listening skills that support effective telephone communication. * Use an effective approach to handle special telephone tasks like call transfers, taking messages, call backs, holds, interruptions, and unintentional disconnects. * Understand the impact of attitude in handling calls professionally * Effectively deal with job stress, angry callers, and upset customers * Use the most appropriate way to communicate with different behavior types on the telephone. * Apply the elements of building positive rapport with different types of customers over the phone. * Apply the proper telephone etiquette to satisfy various customer situations. * Apply appropriate actions to effectively control a telephone call. * Identify voice skills and how to enhance a good telephone presentation. * Meets commitments to customers * Other duties as assigned. * Display Time flexibility towards shifts as per work floor requirements Responsibilities of an inbound call center agent A call center agent is a person responsible for answering the quires of the customers in case of customer support call center. they are responsible to satisfy customer and maintain good image for the company What is Your Greatest Strength? * When Im working on a project, I dont want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule. * My time management skills are excellent and Im organized, efficient, and take pride in excelling at my work. * Being an accounting major student has shaped me to be an analytic person. I use to analyze things first before putting actions on them Job Interview Question: What type of work environment do you prefer? * I can be flexible when it comes to my work environment. How do you measure success? I measure professional success by the standards of the company for which I work, the feedback I receive from my peers, supervisors and subordinates. Personally, it is to know Im regarded as a diligent student and a good child to my parents Describe your dream job. I concentrated on my skills in accounting because I realized it is an area where I not only can make significant contributions, but I enjoy using my talent in a corporate environment. How many hours a day/week do you need to work to get the job done? I use my time efficiently at work and, for the most part, its not the number of hours I work; but how effective my time has been to accomplish the job. I’m more than willing to put in the time to be sure the job was completed as quickly and as professionally as possible. Weakness: I had difficulty with calculus this college, but I persevered with tutoring assistance and asking my friends for help. I used extra effort to understand the hard equations until I got it. Salary: I’m open based upon the position and the overall compensation package. Or Id like to know more about the responsibilities and the challenges of the job prior to discussing salary. How Do You Handle Stress / Pressure? * I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and doesnt become stressful. * I tend to prioritize my responsibilities so I have a clear idea of what needs to be done. This has helped me effectively manage pressure on everything that I do especially in school works What Are Your Goals for the Future? * My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as I can. Why do you want this job? * The honest answer for this question is that I heard that being a call center agent pays big on starters. I need a job where I’ll be able to help my brother in paying for my tuition. Also I find this job a fine opportunity and a place where I’ll be able to contribute my good communication skills and interpersonal skills Why Should We Hire You? * I know I dont have enough experience with this position, but I am willing to learn about it. You should hire me because I can assure you that I am a fast learner and hard working. I want a new challenge in my life to strengthen and improve my skills. * I know that I lack experience but I am eager to learn new things and I am interested in new technology. I am a self motivated person, and I do not lack self confidence. I have good communication skills and I am able to perform well with a team. * Because first of all I believe that this job is suitable for me, second is because I know that this job can help me to ensure myself a better future and lastly is because I need this job to help not only myself but all of the people who trusts my ability, including my family. Tell me something about yourself * I appreciate this opportunity to introduce myelf. My name is Eliza Nartatez. I am a 4th year accounting student aspiring to be a CPA someday. I like reading books and I love to spend my time with my computer, listening to music. I am simple, flexible, self-motivated and a person always willing to do and learn a lot of good things. I can easily adapt to any environment and I am easy to get along with. Contribute: I can contribute my organizational skills and my ability to work well in a group.

Sulfur Dioxide and Oxides of Nitrogen

Sulfur Dioxide and Oxides of Nitrogen Alan Chan Since the Industrial revolution, there were great increases in emissions of sulfur dioxide and particulates, deteriorating air qualities more dominantly in industrial cities but also suburban areas and environments close by. Two of the very evident and dominant gases which cause much damage to our Earth include both sulfur dioxides and oxides of nitrogen which when reacted with water turn acidic through acid rain such that SO2(g) + H2O(l) > H2SO3(aq) and 2NO2(g) + H2O(l) > HNO2(aq) + HNO3(aq). As shown, the reaction between the sulfur dioxides and oxides of nitrogen form acidic solutions when reacted with water as they release hydronium ions which indicate their acidic natures. There are much of both (sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen) produced naturally and also industrially. Natural sources of sulfur dioxide contribute to of the total sulfur dioxide released to the atmosphere where it reacts with water and causes acid raid comes from activities of geothermal hot springs and volcanoes and the combustion of organic matter, eg bushfires and decomposition of organic matter. Natural sources of the oxides of nitrogen, such as nitric oxide is lightning. These oxides of N2 are generated by lightning such that atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen gases combine to form nitric oxide: O2(g) + N2(g) > 2NO(g) Then the nitric oxide slowly reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide: 2NO(g) + O2(g) > 2NO2(g) The above is the major natural source of nitrogen dioxide. And finally, nitrous oxide is formed naturally by the action of certain bacteria on nitrogenous material in soils. Main industrial origins of sulfur dioxide come from the combustion of fossil fuels (especially in power plants and motor vehicles). Smelting of sulphide ores during conversions of minerals to metals (such as lead, copper and zinc); incineration of garbage; petroleum refineries and industries using sulfur dioxide for production of sulfuric acid, production of paper, food processing and sewage treatment all contribute to the oxide of sulfur in the air. The main industrial origins of oxides of nitrogen include the large amounts of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide is combustion, both in stationary sources (power stations) and moving ones (motor vehicles). At high temperatures in combustion chambers, oxygen and nitrogen from air combine to form nitric oxide, and then nitric oxide is slowly converted to nitrogen dioxide. Releases of nitrous oxides to the atmosphere include the increased uses of nitrogenous fertiliser which provides more raw material for the bacteria. In terms of concern for their release into the environment, there are many: Effects of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides on human health ie; sulfur dioxide irritates the respiratory system and causes breathing difficulties at concentrations as low as 1ppm. Effects of sulfur dioxide are magnified if particulates are present also. Nitrogen dioxide irritates the respiratory tract and causes breathing discomfort at concentration levels of about 3-5ppm and greater that causes tissue damage. Effects of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides on the environment -> formation of acid rain H2O(l) + SO2 > H2SO3(g) and 2NO2(g) + H2O(l) > HNO2(aq) + HNO3(aq) which contributes to the increasing acidity of lakes (aquatic animals hence), damage to forests (such as pine forests in parts of Europe and North America), erosion of the marble and limestone of building surfaces and decorations and severe damage to vegetation especially around mine and smelter sites. Even though this has happened very slowly over a long period of time, it is greatly concerning as these releases of gases will only increase as industries and mining in particular grows for the future. In the long term, these effects will become even more evident and greater and may be very difficult to restore or even slow down. As mentioned before, the main contributor to high sulfur dioxide levels comes from the combustion of fossil fuels in power plants and motor vehicles. Coal and petroleum products contain sulfur, which combines with oxygen in air to form sulfur dioxide. S(s) + O2(g) > SO2(g) Smelting of metal sulfides, eg copper sulphide, also produces sulfur dioxide. CuS(s) + O2(g) > SO2(g) + Cu(s) Nitrogen undergoes combustion to form nitrogen monoxide and dinitrogen monoxide. Fossil fuels and biomass contain nitrogen (in proteins), so they also burn to produce these oxides. N2(g) + O2(g) > 2NO(g) 2N2(g) + O2(g) > 2N2O(g) N2(g) + 2O2(g) > 2NO2(g) Nitrogen monoxide burns to produce nitrogen dioxide. 2NO(g) + O2(g) > 2NO2(g) Although we may hear a lot about the effects of sulfur dioxides and oxides of nitrogen when reacted with water (acid rain), it is difficult to quantitatively state that oxides of sulfur and nitrogen have been increasing in the atmosphere because these oxides occur in relatively low concentrations, such as 0.01ppm, and the instruments used to measure these very low concentrations such as for SO2 have only been commercially available since the 1970s, so there is no reliable date for these gases before this time. However, analysis of gases found in Antarctic ice core samples by the CSIRO and the Australian Antarctic Division showed that levels of N2O in the atmosphere has increased by about 10%. Also, the increased burning of fossil fuels after the Industrial Revolution lead to a rise in oxides of sulfur, and evidence for this is the air quality of major industrial cities that deteriorated greatly. Increase in acid rain, which is mainly caused by acidic oxides of nitrogen and sulfur dissolved in water, eg SO2(g) + H2O(l) > H2SO3(aq) which is acidic and 2NO2(g) + H2O(l) > HNO2(aq) + HNO3(aq), of which both are acidic. This lead to the increasing damage to buildings, forests and aquatic organisms. Also, it was found that higher atmospheric concentrations of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in industrial areas than in non-industrial areas. Although we do not have accurate measures of atmospheric oxides of sulfur and nitrogen taken over a long period of time, there is enough indirect evidence to conclude that significant increases in atmospheric concentrations of oxides of sulfur and nitrogen have indeed taken place, especially since industrial revolution With the aforementioned much dangerous particulates, sulfur dioxides and oxides of nitrogen especially when reacted with water forming acid rain, it is very important to use indicators to determine if levels of pH in the environment are at damaging levels for organisms and growth of nature. A few of many every day uses of indicators include testing the pH (acidity/basicity) of water in aquariums and swimming pools, chemical wastes and soils. The testing of pH in the water of aquariums is extremely important as marine life are sensitive to changes in their water. If the water becomes too acidic or alkaline/basic, organisms including fish and plants may not be able to survive. A few drops of indicator can be placed in a sample of the water, or a pH paper already soaked in indicator can be used to measure the pH of the water. As swimming pools are widely used by the public, the pH of the water also needs to be monitored regularly as it needs to be kept at almost neutral to avoid skin and eye irritations. Adding chlorine (hypochlorite ion) is one way to control acidity and stop algae from growing. The testing of pH will be similar to that of the testing of pH of water in aquarium. Other than the public interactive environments, there are also chemical wastes which are produced industrially. The waste solutions from industries are tested before they are pumped into rivers or seas as they tend to be highly acidic. The pH of the wastes must be neutralised or they can be very harmful to the environment. The pH of chemical wastes is also measured by indicators, and substances are added to neutralise it. Many plants only tolerate a narrow pH range, so the soil has to be tested regularly to ensure its survival. A way of testing the pH is to place a neutral white powder (such as barium sulfate or calcium sulfate) on top of moist soil, and then place a few drops of universal indicator on it. The powder then absorbs the moisture from the soil allowing the colour of the indicator to be clearly seen. Other than sulfur dioxides and oxides of nitrogen when reacted with water which produces acid rain eg SO2(g) + H2O(l) > H2SO3(aq) and 2NO2(g) + H2O(l) > HNO2(aq) + HNO3(aq) and hence affecting society and environment, there are many other naturally occurring acids and bases. Some commonly known naturally occurring acids include hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, citric acid and ascorbic acid. Hydrochloric acid HCl is produced by the glands in the lining of our stomachs to form an acidic environment for the breaking of complex food molecules by the enzymes. Acetic acid CH3-COOH such that vinegar is about 4% solution of acetic acid and helps to preserve food. It is produced naturally by the bacterial action on alcohol in air. Citric acid C6H8O7 is widespread in plant and animal tissue, especially in citrus fruit. It is also formed in our bodies during cellular respiration. Ascorbic acid C6H8O6 also known as vitamin C is present in fresh fruits and vegetables. It is involved in many metabolic pathways and has an important role in healing, blood cell formation and tissue growth. There are also many naturally occurring bases which may include ammonia, metallic oxides and carbonates. Ammonia NH3 is present in the stale urine of humans and other animals. It is also formed through the anaerobic decay of organic matter. Metallic Oxides such as iron(III) oxide, copper oxide and titanium (IV) oxides are insoluble and are solid bases found in minerals. Carbonates such as calcium carbonate CaCO3 is found naturally as limestones. As shown, there are many naturally occurring acids and this has been used to our advantage in homes such as using them as food additives. Acids are used as food additives to improve the taste and/or to preserve them. This is because many bacteria cannot survive in acidic conditions and if the acid used is weak enough and not harmful for human consumption, this will allow food to last over a period of time. Common acids for this use include acetic acid, citric acid and phosphoric acid. Acetic acid(vinegar), phosphoric acid and citric acid is used to improve taste. Propanoic acid is used as a preservative in bread. Another advantage of having many acids is the use of them to make esters, which are â€Å"compounds formed when alkanoic acids react with alkanols, or more generally, when carboxylic acids combine with alcohols.† â€Å"Esters have pleasant, fruity odours and occur widely in nature as perfumes and flavouring agents†, hence its use as food additives, artificial fruit essences and in the manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics. As flavours, it is a combination of crude taste (sweet, salt, bitter) and odour, and it is these odours which contribute to flavours. It is easier to mass-produce these synthetic esters for use as flavours and perfumes in processed foods and cosmetics than to use naturally occurring ones and they represent little health hazards as â€Å"they contain only substances that occur in natural flavours†. Overall, our environment is acidic as shown through the need to test the pH in our waters and soils, which was caused by sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and particulates released into the atmosphere where it reacts with water releasing hydronium ions through acid rain. These acids are very damaging to our society and environment in the long term as discussed through their lowering pH levels in waters, soils and corrosion of buildings. However, advantages of having acids were also discussed; being used to preserve foods, improve their tastes and using them as esters. The negative effects of acids may seem to outweigh the positive effects on a much wider scale but there are nonetheless both many advantages alongside the disadvantages which benefit our society and are essential to our everyday lives. Bibliography Excel HSC Chemistry – Jim Stamell – Reprinted 2012; P69-70 Conquering Chemistry HSC Course Fourth Edition – Roland Smith; P121-126,131-133. Module 3: The Acidic Environment Theory Notes HSC Chemistry – Johnson for Irwin’s Atoms 2003