WaldenTone Essay Research Paper In Walden Henry free essay sample

Walden-Tone Essay, Research Paper In Walden, Henry David Thoreau s tone, his attitude towards the topic, has two facets. His attitude towards nature was a positive one of regard and astonishment. His attitude towards the reader, the general populace, or the mean citizen alterations through the class of the work from feel foring to knocking to reassuring and reding. Thoreau viewed nature as a instructor ; he did, after all, journey to Walden pool to look merely the indispensable facts of life and larn what ( nature ) had to learn. ( 66 ) This attitude that nature is the instructor and we are the pupils continued throughout Thoreau s narrative. Thoreau explained that work forces travel into the universe at first as a huntsman, a fisher until at last # 8230 ; he distinguishes his proper objects, as a poet or naturalist # 8230 ; The mass of work forces are still and ever immature in this regard ( 149 ) . He depicted nature in a positive tone ; he had good things to state about both the stages of the twenty-four hours and the seasons of the twelvemonth. We will write a custom essay sample on WaldenTone Essay Research Paper In Walden Henry or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He describe the forenoon, the most memorable season of the twenty-four hours ( 64 ) and the delightful eventide ( 90 ) . He depicted the soft rain that watered his workss ( 92 ) and some of his most gratifying hours, happening during the long rainstorms in spring or autumn ( 93 ) . In the winter he weathered some merry blizzards and spent some cheerful winter eventides by his hearth while the snow whirled without. ( 172 ) Spring was the phenomenon that is more stimulating than any other season because Walden lives once more. ( 205 ) Thoreau depicted nature with a tone of admiration and astonishment. He felt that cipher could to the full grok nature s function in life. He said that we know merely a few of nature s Torahs ( 194 ) , and that, with respects to the admirations of nature, cipher knows, but many pretend to cognize. ( 124 ) He approached nature as a Godhead presence on Earth, comparing assorted trees to temples and unit of ammunition tabular arraies of the Gods. He compared berries to wild out fruits, excessively just for mortal gustatory sensations. Thoreau said that these were the shrines he visited both in the summer and in the winter ( 137 ) He genuinely believed that the Earth we tread is every bit promising as heaven itself, proclaiming that Eden is under our pess every bit good as over our caputs ( 189 ) . Thoreau stressed that we can neer hold adequate nature. We must be refreshed by the sight of unlimited energy, huge and titanic characteristics, the sea-coast with its wrecks, the wilderness with its life and disintegrating trees, the boom cloud, and the rain which lasts three hebdomads and provides spates. ( 211 ) Thoreau had the attitude that all of nature- whether it appears to be helpful or harmful- tantrums into a mater program, one that is designed for all. Unlike his attitude towards nature, Thoreau s attitude towards other people alterations through the class of Walden. When the narrative begins, Thoreau displayed a feeling of commiseration towards his fellow adult male who lead lives of quiet despair. ( 10 ) He believes that the better portion of a adult males being is plowed in to the dirt for compost ( 8 ) ; the mean individual is necessarily lost in the machinery we call society. He besides said that he felt sorry for those whose bad luck it is to hold inherited†¦for ( ownerships ) are more easy acquired than gotten rid of. ( 10 ) Those who inherit are draw further into the philistinism that characterizes today s society. Thoreau s tone bit by bit shifts towards unfavorable judgment and incredulity. In the 2nd chapter, Thoreau explained that a adult male is rich in proportion to the things he can afford to allow entirely but most of our lives are frittered away by item ( 60 ) . He criticized those who merely accepted society s ends and values inquiring why should we strike hard under and travel with the watercourse? ( 70 ) In the following chapter Thoreau criticized the literary penchants of his fellow towns people and instruction in general, stating that most had no gustatory sensation for the best # 8230 ; in literature ( the classics ) ( 76 ) . He stated with a shade of humourous cynicism that most work forces are still afraid of the dark ( 92 ) for no justifiable ground. Of our society in general, Thoreau stated that society is inexpensive, and that people are polite merely to do their meetings tolerable ( 95 ) . He called us greed and selfish ( 114 ) for claiming to posses a portion of nature. H e besides blamed society s philistinism for common offense, stating that if all work forces lived every bit merely as he did, hooking and robbery would be unknown. ( 119 ) Once Thoreau had exhaustively put down both our society and its members, he began to take on a reassuring and reding tone. He began by explicating how of import it is for people to travel out and really be active, to acquire our custodies dirty. He said that it is a coarse mistake to say that you have tasted huckleberry who neer plucked them ( 119 ) In Housewarming Thoreau once more discussed the importance of really making something as opposed to merely reading about it when he went about constructing his chimney and explained the procedure of chopping wood. In chapter eleven, Thoreau said that all we have to make is listen to our ethical motives because goodness is the lone virtuousness that neer fails ( 148 ) , and that we can break the universe by reforming ourselves, for we are the sculpturers and painters, and our stuff is our flesh and blood and castanetss ( 150 ) . In the decision Thoreau explained that what we do now will consequence the universe for of all time, for the sur face of the Earth is soft and impressionable by the pess of people. ( 214 ) One of Thoreau s purposes when composing this philosophical work was to show his doctrine to others. This would explicate why his attitude towards the reader varied more significantly than his attitude towards nature. Thoreau felt nature was a godly presence on Earth. He believed that people could turn closer to this by simplifying their lives. To acquire this message across Thoreau foremost told the reader what they couldn t control, where they were non the 1s at mistake. He so explained to them the mistakes that they were responsible for. Finally, he explained to them the possibilities, what could be.

President Obamas Higher Education Agenda

President Obamas Higher Education Agenda Higher education in the United States of America has been dwindling for the last few years. This may be the major reason as to why President Barack Obama has turned his focus on improving education sector. He has been reinstating that economy of the United States of America relies heavily on education.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on President Obama’s Higher Education Agenda specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More His education goal of producing 8 million more graduates by 2020 is because America is currently experiencing shortage of skilled labor in the manufacturing sector which forms the basis for economic growth. Speaking at the University of Texas at Austin, he stated: â€Å"Education is an economic issue when nearly 8 of 10 new jobs will require workforce training or a higher education by the end of this decade† (Lee, 2010). He openly admitted that education standards in the United States of America have been declining over the past years. This has been proven by a drastic fall from position one to the current 12th position world wide over a short period of time. He remarked: â€Å"I want you to know we have been slipping. In a single generation, we’ve fallen from first place to 12th place in college graduation rates for young adults† (Lee, 2010). He, therefore, expressed his fears that countries with well streamlined education systems may become more prosperous than the United States of America. He claimed: â€Å"Education is an economic issue when we know beyond a shadow of doubt that countries that out-educate us today, they will out-compete us tomorrow† (Lee, 2010). However, President Obama’s goal of producing 8 million more college graduates by 2020 may not be achieved due to economic constrains. For instance, the current impact of inflation has led to negative effects on the U.S economy. This situation has been worsened by fluctuations of oil price s which have also affected global economic status. Unemployment of young adults in the United States of America has also added its impact on the economy of the United States of America. As a result, the U.S Government has reduced its educational funding. Consequently, inadequate educational funding has led to a very great shortage of learning resources in educational centers. Almost all the States of America are experiencing challenges in the education sector (Cramer Elliot III, 2012). Therefore, educational standards in the U.S have been compromised. Some States have made remarkable efforts to generate extra revenue for supplementing National educational funding through increase of taxes.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, very few improvements have been achieved. The K-12 education has been adversely affected by the shortage of funds because it receives the least s hare of funds from the States’ budget allocations (Cramer Elliot III, 2012). It is, therefore, true to assert that the President’s brilliant educational objective will not be achieved unless educational funding is increased. Increase in educational funding remains a great challenge in virtually all States, thus this challenge has to be dealt with first. Though the President talked of designing effective strategies so as to ensure that students receive educational grants and loans, lack of enough learning resources in educational centers may impede developments in the education sector (Cramer Elliot III). President Obama’s Higher Education agenda may be made more difficult to be achieved by the current shortage of renewable energy resources. Nevertheless, President Obama believes that renewable energy sustainability holds the key to a stable economy (Lee, 2010). References Cramer, R. Elliot III, W. (2012). To Limit Debt, Promote Savings. Retrieved from insideh ighered.com/views/2012/02/10/essay-role-encouraging-savings-efforts-reduce-debt Lee, J. (2010, August 9) Re: President Obama on Higher Education in Austin: We Are Not Playing for Second Place [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2010/08/09/president-obama-higher-education-austin-we-are-not-playing-second-place

Analyzing Suspense And Tension In The Monkey S Paw English Literature Essay

Analyzing Suspense And Tension In The Monkey S Paw English Literature Essay As ‘The Monkey’s Paw’ was published in September, 1902, by the author, WW Jacobs. Jacobs creates a sense of horror, suspense and tension very effectively in ‘The Monkey’s Paw’ by using variety of literary techniques. It firmly abides by the Gothic Horror genre which can be defined as a theme which combines elements of both Horror and Romance. A ghost story is a story determined to scare the reader it usually builds up gradually with tension and suspense, in ‘The Monkey’s Paw’ Jacobs has used a lot of intense, exaggerated words to build tension and suspense in many elements of the story. Jacobs creates the story scary in ways that are very different to modern Horror films and books. It shows the reader that the story was written in the early twentieth century as it contains many details that would have been common in Victorian literature. There are numerous features which are obvious from ‘The Monkeys Paw’ which strikes to show the reader that the story was written over a century ago, as a result of this the old fashioned language which Jacobs uses. The old fashioned language used throughout the whole story contains words such as ‘visage’ and ‘rubicund’, these are not words that are commonly being used today. The story contains many details that would have been common in Victorian literature this tells that the story was written in the early twentieth century. Moreover the fact that  £200 was considered to be a lot of money this clearly reflects that the story was from a long time ago as  £200 is not seen as a large amount of money in the modern world. In ‘The Monkey’s Paw’ W.W.Jacobs uses variety of different ways to portray different feelings and emotions, by describing the characters, the setting and the actions of the story, which add to the accumulation of suspense. Jacobs begins the story by setting the scene and creates an atmosphere of suspense by describing the area in which the White’s live. In the story â€Å"The Monkey’s Paw† W.W. Jacobs has used words like ‘Darkness’ and ‘Trembling’ numerous times, all these descriptive words used to manifest fear and terror, which builds expectation. â€Å"Night†¦Cold wet†¦Paths a bog and roads a torrent†¦Only two houses in the area†. The setting of the story â€Å"The Monkey’s Paw† is a typical for a horror story, with the setting and the atmosphere being so stereotypical it establishes the expectation that something could go wrong which helps to build suspense. In the story â€Å"The Monkey’s Paw† the atmosphere and the setting builds on the expectation that something could go wrong, this leaves the reader anxious to know what exactly will go wrong. In ‘The Monkey’s Paw’ the author W.W.Jacobs begins the story by setting the scene and the atmosphere by de scribing the area in which the White’s live. Jacobs describes the night as cold and wet, while inside the house the blinds are drawn and the fire is burning brightly. This is a good contrast, as the house seems to have a warm and safe atmosphere inside, even though the cottage is situated in a remote area of the country, with extremely unpleasant and harsh weather. Before the Sergeant-Major arrives, the atmosphere of the house seems quite tense and dull. Jacobs shows how tense Mr. White is when he writes â€Å"Bawled Mr. White, with sudden and unlooked-for violence†. You can easily see that Mr. White doesn’t seem to be concentrating on his game of chess.

Statistics on Aging Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Statistics on Aging - Essay Example The other statistics indicate that the population of the older generation continues and will continue to increase for both male and female even though the females are at a higher percentage than the males (Administration on Aging, 1900-2050). The increase in the number of older generation in the years to come mean that there should also be an increase in the number of nurses involved in population-based nursing. This is important because the old people will need attention and the work will be more hence requiring more nursing assistance. More nurses need to be recruited in this program before it is too late. The other health statistic implies that the population-based nursing is already yielding fruits on the older generation aged over 60 years as they are paying more attention to their health and they care about primary rather than tertiary prevention and treatment. Whatever advice the population-based nurses are giving this older generation should continue because it is working (Curley and Vitale,

Research on any CEO Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

On any CEO - Research Paper Example He attended Cupertino Junior High School and  Homestead High School. At Homestead, he became friends with Bill Fernandez as they same same interests in electronics. Through Bill he came to know Steve Wozniak, with whom he would later co-found Apple. After his high school, Jobs opted to go for Reed College, a private liberal arts institution located in Oregon. The cost of the college was extremely expensive but his parents consented to send him. He had to struggle a lot at the college. He did not have enough money to buy himself a room in the dorm so he used to sleep on the floor in his friends’ room. It was also at Reeds that he was attracted towards the Eastern mysticism and other different philosophical beliefs. Unable to bear the expenses, he eventually decided to drop out. In his own words, "If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple  typefaces  or proportionally spaced fonts." He got a Job in Atari in 1974 which relieved some of the financial burden on him. For Jobs, Atari Company was an inspiration as it was the first video game Jobs had become friendly with Wozniak despite a big age difference. Wozniak had an idea of building a personal computer because he was unable to afford an Altair 8800, a personal computer kit famous at that time. ... Meanwhile Wozniak worked on the better design and came up with Apple II. The Apple II was a computing device unlike the world had ever seen before. It had a color display and was compatible with a variety of different programs. Jobs knew that this product would be a revolution in the personal computers industry and he set out to find investors. A retired Intel executive, Mike Markkula decided to invest a huge amount of $250000 in their product and predicted that they would be a part of the Fortune 500 list within the next two years which did happen. Apple II was a huge hit and the company went public in December 1980, just four years after its creation. He was only 25 at that time but his total worth was more than $200 million. Apple’s existence however was soon threatened. IBM, a very renowned name in the industry was planning to venture in the personal computer market which could move Apple out of business if it did not come up with something new. Steve jobs started a projec t named Lisa, which was the name of the daughter of his former girlfriend; even though he refused to agree that he had fathered her. Steve Jobs however started to have conflict with the managers of the Company due to his volatile behavior and he was kicked out of the team that administered the Lisa project. As retaliation, he started to work on the development of Macintosh by hiring extremely bright and talented engineers in his development team. Although initially it was meant to jeopardize the Lisa project and the sales of Apple II, the Company soon started to depend on it after Lisa failed to make its mark in the market. Macintosh was a success for a little time but its demand continually declined. The Company was in a state of chaos because

Improving Organizational Performance Essay Example for Free

Improving Organizational Performance Essay Celsey Evans, of Airdevils, has hired Peter Mallow, of Dream Teamworks, to address the problems currently existing in and affecting the Airdevils Company. These problems consist of dissatisfaction among customers, less wins at award ceremonies, a high turnover rate, and low job satisfaction among employees. Surveys, amongst other factors, determined that job dissatisfaction is particularly high among the stunt performers. With the stunt performers as the target group of the study, Celsey and Peter will identify the reasons for psychological underpinnings of low job satisfaction in the company. Using motivational and behavioral approaches and making adjustments to the core reasons for employee dissatisfaction will help Airdevils attain the status that they seem to have lost. Determining the underlying causes, implementing interventions, creating a team for preparing innovating stunts, and reducing stress among employees are the keys to catapulting Airdevils back to the status it deserves. According to the JDI and JIG (survey) scores for Airdevils’ employees the stunt performers are the least satisfied in general, but all of the employees are dissatisfied below acceptable levels in Promotion (infrequencies) and Pay (too low). Supervision and Work are also low with stunt performers but higher than â€Å"good† among other employees. If one were to rely on this information alone, one would determine that pay and promotion needs to be examined and adjusted. Further information provided, blogs and profiles, show that there are issues with ‘holier than thou’ attitudes among E8’s, less time at home with family members, low salaries, and drudge routines. After examining these factors one can determine generally that the main cause of low job satisfaction among stunt performers at Airdevils is that the stunts lack exciting challenges. Because the members of Airdevils performing teams were put into hierarchal positions, they were placed into spe cialized stunt routines. This created a more rigid organizational structure. * Though the budget does not allow a perfect overhaul to Celsey’s organization, many interventions can be chosen to be simply delayed. Recommended for the Airdevils immediately are allow participation in open competitions, entering in a new line of stunts, rotation in industry meets, and offering performance-based incentives in salaries. Allowing performers to perform outside work and cross-training are factors that should be considered quickly. After implementation of these interventions there proves to be a marked increase in the company’s performance and there is an improvement in job satisfaction. * In the next phase of the reorganization, Celsey wants to create a group of three people to begin preparing innovative stunts for the regular customers of the Airdevils. Should this idea work well, the customers will like the plans and will want to spend extra money for stunts consultation. In this case, the Airdevils will form a stunts consultancy division. Given seven excellent candidates for this three person team the three chosen by Dream Teamwork’s for Celsey’s team are Cari, Charlie, and Alverta because of their combined work experience, enthusiasm for the job, personalities, and high probability of achievement. Applying this decision is successful. The mixture of experience, high skill levels, and high emotional stability prove to be an excellent combination to make a powerful team for the Airdevils. * In the next phase, Dream Teamworks helps Celsey choose what measures should be taken by the Airdevils to reduce stress among the support crewmembers. After considerations of the measures available to the Airdevils those that would most benefit the company and its staff are relaxation training, stress-inoculation training, software training, modifying team structure, offering transportation services, establishing a code of conduct, and allowing a flexi ble work schedule. These are the best measure possible to reduce stress levels among crewmembers. The results are lower absenteeism, less stress, more teamwork, more personal time with family, and a better ability to cope with stressors from work (Britt Jex, 2008). Absenteeism, turnover, job performance, and counter-productive behavior can be addressed through motivation. Based on the situation illustrated in the simulation the theories of employee motivation that could be used by Celsey and the management team of the Airdevils team to tackle issues are need-based theories, cognitive process theories, self-determination theory, and job-based theories. A need-based theory such as need for achievement would be an effective place to start. Need-based theories propose that achievement and power are needs evoked by different stimuli in the environment (Britt Jex, 2008). Maslow’s need hierarchy does explain that the higher one gets on their hierarchy pyramid, from physiological to self-actualization, the more content a person becomes. This could explain why Airdevils has a need to reorganize their corporation. Making employees content in more factions of their lives makes more productive employees. ERG is another needs-based theory that could be considered. ERG allows for the possibility that the stunt performers in the Airdevils may be regressing because their needs at the most basic level of their work are not satisfied. They are too concerned with the issues that the they may have with the redundancy of the routines and personality issues. Also, they are not allowed to experiment and show their own individuality and true colors and feel as thpugh they are failing to live up to their potential. Need for achievement theory is another that could be considered for this situation. Those who have consistent distinguishing characteristics of perso ns who have a high need for achievement can describe many of the stunt performers at Airdevils. These characteristics include the tendency to set moderately difficult performance goals, seek feedback, and work long hours because they absorb themselves in work (Britt Jex, 2008). Goal-setting, Control, and Equity theories and behavioral approaches are just some examples of further applications that can be studied for this case. Many theories could be applied to the Airdevils’ situation. Should Celsey and Peter go through each of the theories that could be applied to their situation, they may find that each theory will touch on a subject currently adversely affecting the company and its profits. Through examining them all, they could reach conclusions on correcting behaviors throughout the company. Knowledge of human behavior, cognition, and affect can be used to enhance relationships in the workplace. Understanding how people interact with each other and why can help management can place people together in teams accordingly. It can also prepare the company for behavioral changes among the employees. This knowledge can help solve problems, create stress free workplace environments, and create productive and powerful teams. Employee workplace stressors can be reduced by organizations. By paying attention to the results of surveys, blogs written by employees, and general complaints throughout the company any organization can come to understand what particular stressors affect their particular employees. Clear definitions of job titles and descriptions of jobs would assist an organization from having role stressors. Workloads should be studied and divided amongst employees according to ability and pay to alleviate workload stressors. Independent control over their own workloads could be considered. For example, in regard to Airdevils, allowing more team members freedom to decide on adjustments to routines could reduce stress levels there. Alleviating interpersonal conflict by teaming like members together is one way that companies like the Airdevils can control stressors. Reducing organizational constraints is another example. In the case of the Airdevils’ organizational constraints, they do not allow their employees to participate in open competitions or rotate in industry meets. Releasing these constraints could strengthen the organizations relationships with their employees as well as relieve some of the stressors they face. Perceived control and work-family conflict are further stressors that should be examined. Making adjustments to schedules, pay, and employees behaviors will relieve many organizational conflicts and stressors and benefit the company greatly. Job security, layoffs, mergers and acquisitions are not currently affecting Airdevils but do affect other organizations. Stress management training, adjusting work schedules, providing telecommuting options, offering family-friendly benefits, and offering health and fitness programs are further ways that an organization can combat stress among its employees (Britt Jex, 2008). Careful consideration of each aspect by the organization will ensure that they can make informed decisions regarding each stressor. After analysis of survey, employee blogs, and paying attention to the behaviors of its employees, Celsey and Peter can make the changes that Airdevils desperately needs to survive and grow. The company has a superb foundation and understands that changes must be made to achieve success. By applying studying and understanding employees’ behaviors, cognition, and applying relevant theories Dream Teamworks and Airdevils can create a prospering work environment for Airdevils’ employees and will find more satisfied employees, be subject to less turnover, win more awards, and satisfy customers better than they ever have. Reference Britt, T. W., Jex, S. M. (2008). Organizational psychology: A scientist-practitioner approach. (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons

History of Fireworks :: Design and Technology

History of Fireworks The birthplace of fireworks is generally recognized as China. It is said that a Chinese cook accidently mixed three common kitchen ingredients (black powder): Potassium nitrate or salt petre, sulphur and charcoal and lighted it. The result was colourful flames. The cook also noticed that if the mixture was burned when enclosed in the hollow of a bamboo shoot, there was a tremendous explosion. The first application of this technology was for entertainment. Slowly the theory took roots that this loud sound was perfect to chase away evil spirits and to celebrate weddings, victories in battles, eclipses of moon and religious ceremonies. Once the recipe for black powder was perfected, they found that it was easily used as rocket fuel, and they made hand carved wooden rockets in the shape of a dgoran, in the sixth century. These rockets shot rocket powered arrows from their mouth, and were used against the Mongol invaders of 1279. The principle behind these rockets is still used in rocket powered fireworks today. From China the fireworks moved on to the West, through adventurous explorers. Legend has it that Marco Polo brought this new accidental invention to the West from one of his many trips to China and other eastern countries. Thus the knowledge of making fireworks spread west, through Arabia in the seventh century. The Arabs called the rockets Chinese arrows. The earliest recorded use of gunpowder in England, and probably the western world, is by the Franciscan monk Roger Bacon. He was born in Ilminster in Somerset in 1214 and lived, as a master of languages, maths, optics and alchemy to 1294. He recorded his experiments with a mixture which was very inadequate by todays standards but was recognisable as gunpowder. His formula was very low in saltpetre because there was no natural source available, but it contained the other two essential ingredients: charcoal and sulphur. In 1242 he wrote: "...if you light it you will get thunder and lightening if you know the trick", Fireworks as such probably arrived in the 14th century, brought back from the East by Crusaders, and they rapidly became a form of international entertainment. The first recorded fireworks in England were at the wedding of Henry VII in 1486. They became very popular during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Shakespeare mentions them and they were so much enjoyed by the Queen herself that she created a "Fire Master of England". James II was so pleased with his coronation display that he knighted his firemaster. King Charles V as well had a great liking for fireworks. He had many 'fireworkers' in his staff. History of Fireworks :: Design and Technology History of Fireworks The birthplace of fireworks is generally recognized as China. It is said that a Chinese cook accidently mixed three common kitchen ingredients (black powder): Potassium nitrate or salt petre, sulphur and charcoal and lighted it. The result was colourful flames. The cook also noticed that if the mixture was burned when enclosed in the hollow of a bamboo shoot, there was a tremendous explosion. The first application of this technology was for entertainment. Slowly the theory took roots that this loud sound was perfect to chase away evil spirits and to celebrate weddings, victories in battles, eclipses of moon and religious ceremonies. Once the recipe for black powder was perfected, they found that it was easily used as rocket fuel, and they made hand carved wooden rockets in the shape of a dgoran, in the sixth century. These rockets shot rocket powered arrows from their mouth, and were used against the Mongol invaders of 1279. The principle behind these rockets is still used in rocket powered fireworks today. From China the fireworks moved on to the West, through adventurous explorers. Legend has it that Marco Polo brought this new accidental invention to the West from one of his many trips to China and other eastern countries. Thus the knowledge of making fireworks spread west, through Arabia in the seventh century. The Arabs called the rockets Chinese arrows. The earliest recorded use of gunpowder in England, and probably the western world, is by the Franciscan monk Roger Bacon. He was born in Ilminster in Somerset in 1214 and lived, as a master of languages, maths, optics and alchemy to 1294. He recorded his experiments with a mixture which was very inadequate by todays standards but was recognisable as gunpowder. His formula was very low in saltpetre because there was no natural source available, but it contained the other two essential ingredients: charcoal and sulphur. In 1242 he wrote: "...if you light it you will get thunder and lightening if you know the trick", Fireworks as such probably arrived in the 14th century, brought back from the East by Crusaders, and they rapidly became a form of international entertainment. The first recorded fireworks in England were at the wedding of Henry VII in 1486. They became very popular during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Shakespeare mentions them and they were so much enjoyed by the Queen herself that she created a "Fire Master of England". James II was so pleased with his coronation display that he knighted his firemaster. King Charles V as well had a great liking for fireworks. He had many 'fireworkers' in his staff.