Barefoot Running free essay sample

Footwear, accepted and denied Running for sport and recreation are perhaps as unique as the enthusiasts who first roused the market. Today, that market (running shoes) is changing. While the 21st century has propelled us into an â€Å"age of hyper-engineered performance gear and space-age wicking fabrics;† barefoot running has reinvented the marketplace, while simultaneously inspiring the new generation (Sprinkle 2004). The idea that running barefoot can be beneficial is a relatively liberal idea in a comparatively conservative culture (today’s running community, particularly with respect to shoes). And, while the majority of research on the evolution of human locomotion has focused primarily on walking, the demand for a new perspective on running has taken hold (Bramble Liebermann 2004). When Ken Bob Saxton first pioneered the â€Å"barefoot running movement† around 1998, the year he started keeping track of races he had completed in the absence of shoes; the U. S. scene for distance running was experiencing a decline in performance consistent at the Olympic level (Kenyans, Ethiopians, and smaller East African nations were leading the pack). We will write a custom essay sample on Barefoot Running or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Moreover, America’s love of running had declined greatly since the 1960’s and 70’s jogging boom when Steve Prefontaine was breaking records and challenging runners internationally. Effectively, the 21st century needed a wave of new pioneers to revive distance running in the U. S. Saxton, albeit not singlehandedly (the philosophy has existed though has only recently become mainstream and marketable), has worked to generate awareness for the new movement through his site: â€Å"therunningbarefoot. om†. â€Å"The Running Barefoot,† self-proclaimed â€Å"the original Running Barefoot website on-line since 1997,† has set itself apart from other perhaps less-educational competition sites— sites that largely provide archives of race results and news for professionals (i. e. â€Å"Letsrun†)—as the â€Å"how-to† of barefoot running. Ken writes, â€Å"Running Barefoot is about LEARNING how to run, not so we can endure pain, but so that we can run, gently, efficiently, naturally, and comfortably over most any terrain. Our bare soles, with thousands of nerve endings, provide the sensory feedback necessary to run sensibly† (Domain, â€Å"Who is this for? †). While there is little scientific research to support many of Saxton’s claims; his logic and experience with the â€Å"subculture† that is barefoot running—has instigated a new style of running (a technique that is still largely based on individual trial and error). The majority of barefoot enthusiasts challenging conventional shoe ideologies (cushioning, stability, motion control) tend to focus predominantly (as one would expect) on scientific reports related to the foot. According to research conducted by Daniel E. Lieberman, Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, â€Å"Habitually shod (runners wearing shoes) runners mostly rear-foot strike, facilitated by the elevated and cushioned heel of the modern running shoe† (Nature 2010). Lieberman’s research further indicates that â€Å"Rear-foot strikers (RFS) must repeatedly cope with the impact transient of the vertical ground reaction force, an abrupt collision force of approximately 1. -3 times body weight, within the first 50ms (milliseconds) of stance. † A â€Å"major factor† contributing to the prevalence of rear-foot strikers in today’s running culture is â€Å"the cushioned sole of most modern running shoes, which is thickest below the heel, orienting the sole of the foot so as to have about 5 degrees less dorsiflexion than does the sole of the shoe,† thus allowing a runner to â€Å"comfortably† strike the heel prior to propul sion (Nature 2010). Albeit a noteworthy analysis, Lieberman’s research has given firepower to barefoot enthusiasts who, by no fault of their own, appear to have made a few hasty generalizations. Ken Saxton writes, â€Å"Running barefoot is safer than running with sneakers. It’s easier on the body† (The Running Barefoot). Even if â€Å"safety† were a concern, it seems unlikely that barefoot running, what with the array of surfaces (concrete, cinder, pebble) we are exposed to, would pass a safety inspection. Still, provided that â€Å"running is generally considered to have played no major role in human evolution†Ã¢â‚¬â€it’s likely that the shoe industry (in combination with barefoot advocates) will, for some time, continue to influence popular opinion more than concrete, reliable research (Nature 2004). In an August 2004 issue of Runner’s World magazine, Amby Burfoot quoted England’s Bruce Tulloh: â€Å"The only reason that more people don’t run barefoot is that they’re afraid to be unconventional. Burfoot adds, â€Å"Famous runners had gone barefoot before us, of course. In 1960 Ethiopia’s Abebe Bikila, won the first of his consecutive gold medals sans shoes in a world record 2:15:17. † Though Burfoot and Tulloh’s points are relevant, there is a heavy bias that remains, attached to their competitive running accolades. Amby Burfoot was himself a competitive U. S. Marathoner, whose peak years came in the late 60’s a nd early 70’s when he won the Boston Marathon (1957) and competed twice in the Olympic Marathon (1956, 1960). Likewise, when Bruce Tulloh and Abebe Bikila were breaking European records in the 50’s and 60’s; a greater number of runners were gunning for far lesser 5k and Marathon personal bests. Burfoot and other more renowned high-caliber, well-conditioned athletes are themselves exceptions to fundamental rules that govern mere mortals; And while competitive athletes do play a particularly vital role as ambassadors for the sport, their words (at times) are often too callous for the majority of recreational joggers or aspiring age-group winners. In spite of the â€Å"fad† that has emerged in barefoot running; many doctors, coaches, and leaders of competing shoe industries are not entirely impressed. â€Å"Most of my patients aren’t world-class runners,† says foot doctor Stephen M. Pribut, DPM (based out of Georgetown, Washington, D. C. ). â€Å"It wouldn’t make sense for them to risk getting twigs and glass in their feet† (Burfoot 2004). Doctor Pribut, himself a runner who provides injury prevention advice via his website (drpribut. om), isn’t convinced minimalist running is as wholly advantageous as shoe companies, and barefoot advocates claim. â€Å"My goal is to do whatever it takes for my patients to run without pain,† he says. â€Å"If they have a perfect foot and barefoot running has been working for them, then OK, but for the vast majority of runners out there, I wouldn’t recommend it† (Sprinkle 2004). Fortunately, premier shoe companies such as Asics, Bro oks, and Nike (for the most part) have not entirely come around to the idea of mass-producing complete lines of minimalist shoes. Nevertheless, the minimalist approach continues to influence business strategy. When asked whether Brooks Sports (a leader in high performance shoes since 1914) would continue to endorse the minimalist approach to running; â€Å"National Guru Manager† Justin Dempsey-Chiam replied, â€Å"Brooks has been making shoes that accommodate the minimalist approach for years. We (Brooks) will continue to make shoes to provide the â€Å"perfect ride for every stride† and that will include footwear for those that adhere to a minimalist philosophy† (Interview, conducted May 2010). Ostensibly, many companies have begun the process of tackling a diverging market with â€Å"transitional† shoes—shoes that follow a minimalist approach but still protect the foot from coarse asphalt and rocky terrain. â€Å"They’re not wrong in their assertion† (that a traditional running shoe encourages us to depend more on shoes for cushioning, and neglect our own natural mechanics for running), says Justin, â€Å"but the reality is: It would take the average American 2 years of never wearing shoes to strengthen their foot to the level of a kid that grew up in a 3rd world country, without shoes. In spite of his professional bias and with the hope that traditional running shoes do not become a fond memory of the past; Dempsey-Chiam and Brooks recognize the minimalist (not barefoot) â€Å"phenomenon† as â€Å"an opportunity to bring running as an activity/sport into mainstream discussion. † Certainly, â€Å"The more people know, talk; thin k about running, the better for the footwear industry. Whether that requires us (Brooks) to create products that cater to that niche, that is something we will willingly accommodate, given a certain scope of the market. Of course, as Doctor Pribut does contend, â€Å"It’s one of those things that may be good for some, but is not ideal for most† (Sprinkle 2004). Works Cited Burfoot, Amby. â€Å"SHOUL YOU BE RUNNING BAREFOOT? † Runners World. August 2004. Sprinkle, Tim. â€Å"The Truth About Barefoot Running†. May/June 2004. The Washington Running Report. Ken Bob, Barefoot. The Running Barefoot. 2010. http://therunningbarefoot. com/? page_id=1209 Lieberman, Daniel E. Bramble, Dennis M. â€Å"Endurance running and the evolution of Homo†. Nature Publishing Group. Vol. 432. 18 Nov 2004. Liberman, Daniel E. ; Venkadesan, Madhusudhan; Werbel, William A. ; Daoud, Adam I. ; D’ Anrea, Susan; Davis, Irene S. ; Mang’ Eni, Robert Ojiambo; Pitsi ladis, Yannis. â€Å"Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners†. 2010 Macmillan Publishers. Vol 463. Nature 28 January 2010.

Interview quiz Essays

Interview quiz Essays Interview quiz Essay Interview quiz Essay Name: Sazzad Hossain Id: 082 084 0 10 Eng 103. 23 For QUIZ How to Prepare for a Job Interview You have just got your degree. You have applied for a fantastic job and are thrilled to get a letter inviting you to attend an interview. Once the euphoria has subsided you begin to feel a little nervous and delf-doubt begins to creep in. People worry that they may make fools of themselves or fall flat on their faces. The job interview is a hurdle that causes many people to panic. It ranks alongside a visit to the dentist in terms of fear and loathing.It makes people break out into cold sweats, sleep badly, and turns their stomachs into a sailor’s knot. Interviews can indeed be scary, especially if you have not been interviewed for a job before. However, a job interview does not need to be so traumatic as there are simple steps you can take to give yourself the best chance to succeed. To do well at an interview you have to find out as much as possible about the job, get a friend to give you a mock interview, and plan for the day well in advance. The first step is to find out about the company and position.Nearly all companies have a mission statement which outlines their aims, priorities and goals. The body shop, for example, is strongly against animal testing. Dropping hints at the interview that you are committed to animal rights will help convince the interview panel that your values match theirs. Another way to increase your knowledge of the company is to look at its ab=nnual report and organizational structure. Showing that you have taken the time to read lengthy and complex information related to the company is certain to be viewed favorably.The internet is a great source of information in this regard and it is also of value in that you can comment on the company’s website during the interview. You should also find out about any new products or services the company may be offering. If the job you are applying for is in marketing, for instance, the interview panel may want you to comment on rival products or say something about their own product’s strengths and weaknesses. Finally, you also need to find out as much as you can about the position that you are applying for.Look carefully at the job description, which should give a detailed list of both essential and desirable skills necessary for the job. Knowing that the job requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills will allow you to prepare a few words detailing your exception abilities in this area. If word processing is desirable, you will be asked to use. You should also focus on the responsibilities and duties that will expected of you. Make sure you know what these are as they will be important for the interview itself and also in the next stage of your preparation; the mock interview.Now that you have all the information you need about the company and the job, you should brainstorm as many possible interview questions as you can for the practice interview. Most interviews will begin with simple question about yourself to help put you at ease and this is best place to start your brainstorming. Be prepared for open-ended questions’ such as, Tell us a little about yourself. Such requests for information are intended to find out about your ability to speak coherently, and are also used to reveal any negative characteristics you may have.Another common question is, What could you bring to the job? and it is here that your research will prove invaluable. You should also brainstorm situations that might occur in the job that you are applying for. If you are applying for a position as an air steward, for instance, you would need to prepare an answer to the question, What would you do if a passenger were rude to you? If applying for a position as a research assistant, you need to be able to answer, without excessive pausing or hesitation, questions on where to find information quickly. hen the mock interview has finished, get your friend to give you some honest feedback. Ask your friend which questions you did well on and which ones made your seem unconvincing or unsure. Also ask if any of your answers gave a wrong impression of your personality and make any changes that are necessary. Giving yourself a mock interview not only helps to prepare for the real interview, but also increases your chances of success. Once you have practiced you mock interview and are comfortable with your responses, you have to plan for the day itself.Apart from making several space copies of your CV, references, and qualifications to hand out tp the interview panel, you should make copies of any written projects that you completed at university that show your abilities in a good light. The people on an interview panel do not necessarily want to hear about what you can do, they want to see evidence of what you can do. Telling your future employers that you can write well or that you have good ideas on presenting information is never as effective as showing them examples of your work.The next step is to organize your transportation to the interview. Make sure that you know where the interview is going to take place, how to get there and how long it will take. You will also need anticipate any possible problems such as traffic jams and inclement weather. If the interview is taking place during rush hour, give yourself extra time to get to the interview location. The same is true if the weather forecaster has predicted bad weather. Nothing creates a worse impression that arriving late for an interview.Indeed, it is much wiser to arrive early to allow yourself time to freshen up after the journey. This relates to the final and perhaps most important part of your interview preparation which is making sure you look presentable. This requires you to get your clothes ready well before the interview. Finding out at the last minute that your interview attire is noticeably stained, no longer fits, or has button missing somewhere leads to panic and stress. Wearing nice, clear clothes, and even having your hair neatly cut or styled attractively does much to increase your self- confidence.Rightly or wrongly, employers often make up their minds about a candidate within the first fifteen seconds of the interviews, so the way you look when you first walk in courts a great deal. Interview panels often have a difficult time choosing the right candidate for the position as there are so many applicants who have the qualities and skills they are looking. Spending some time doing some basic research, practicing your interview technique and organizing well in advance for the big day will maximize your chances of persuading the interviewers that you are the best person for the job.Being interviewed is stressful and it is only natural to feel nervous about it. However, successful applicants overcome the anxiety involved through meticulous preparation. This may sound like hard work, but the reward is getting the job you want. These steps are not a secret. They are listed in nearly every interview guide that you will find in books, magazines or on the internet. The reason that they are recommended is because they have worked for the countless number of people who have used them. If you follow these steps, I am sure they will also work for you.

Hate speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hate speech - Essay Example Hate speech has far-reaching impacts on the dignity, sense of security and social status for victims which are the main reasons for developing laws. Examples of hate speech include pictures published in newspapers showing the lynching of an African child and intimate gay men. Both incidences had underlying intimidation on the two groups of people. Hate speech is a real issue experienced in the society today and there is the need to control it due to the undesirable consequences on the victims. The modern world comprises of wide interactions of people from different backgrounds due to globalization and development of the internet, news media and other social interaction networks. Moreover, there are increased gadgets used by people to interact with others worldwide such as computers and mobile phones. Through these media, people express their freedom of speech provided for in many countries and share their views on issues in life (Weber, 2014). Some views are interesting, well intended and promote peace as well as people’s happiness. However, other views expressed could be undesirable for a group of people or individuals. As a result, these views may trigger harsh responses and action of law. Undesirable views expressed towards an individual or a group of people that could potentially cause harm would be regarded as hat ed speech. This essay will describe the concept of hate speech and then illustrate it using an example from the news media. According to Weber (2014) there is no a common definition of hate speech acceptable in all societies and different countries have varying description for the content regarded as hate speech. Nevertheless, almost all countries recognize the presence of hate speech among the residents and have formulated laws to curb the practice. One of the used definitions used was developed by the