The Blue Bird Essays - Eve, Gwen Stefani, Free Essays, Term Papers

The Blue Bird Essays - Eve, Gwen Stefani, Free Essays, Term Papers The Blue Bird ICED MOCHA Man does it get boring sitting around in your room for hours. Theres just nothing to do at this town thats not a crime. Compton isnt the best place to live but you get used to it after you have lived there your whole life. I miss my dog bubbles, its been only 5 months since bubbles died. Bubbles was a good dog but not the brightest of all dogs. My family and I were just sitting in the living room when all of a sudden Bubbles ran and jumped out of the window and fell 5 stories to his death. I was going through a lot of suffering for that dog. This went on for a long time, then after five minutes I didnt care anymore so I watched some T.V. Well enough of that I wonder what my Mom is doing? Mom, Im bored. Jack you need to find something to do, go out and play with your friends or something. Mom, all the kids my age that live around here are gang members or doing something illegal, I want another pet. Right after I said pet my father Pa Pa Chulo turned around and looked at me. Damn boy you asking for another pet. Heres a thought how about you go out and get some friends. You didnt take good care of your other pet your mother had to do everything for that dumb dog. Pa Pa Chulo Bubbles was not dumb. Then what do you call a dog that jumps out of a window boy. I could see I was not getting anywhere by arguing with my Dad so I thought maybe I Should make a deal with my folks. Mom, Dad let me get a pet and if I not taking good enough care of I have to give it away, Ok? Thats fine with me Jack. Thanks Mom at least someone here is resonible. Pa Pa Chulo turned bright red and just started shacking. This is not good I should probably get out of here before he explodes. I jolted out of the apartment down the five flight of stairs and stopped when I was in the parking lot. I was very tired from this whole ordeal It felt like someone was pushing on my chest. See Im on the chubby side so you cant expect me to run down 5 flights of stairs and be alive. Yes lets go to the Pet Store and see what they have. While I was walking down the street many ideas of animals went through my head. How about a cat, no I had a cat before and they were boring and slept a lot. When we had an earthquake you could tell the cat didnt take it that well, he only slept 22 hours that day. Well how about a dog, I dont think so, I havent had the best of luck with dogs. Here I was at the Compton Pet Store, but when I looked inside there was only cats and dogs. Hey Mister Pet Store guy do you have any animals that are not cats or dogs? Well actually we just got a monkey. Wow a monkey, that sounds like a cool pet but I dont know if that will go by that good with Pa Pa Chulo. It doesnt matter. Sure Ill take him. The man went into the back room and came out with this monkey that didnt even go up to my knees, and was light brown. Hey I think Ill call him Ice Mocha. Mocha come on lets go shopping for you I dont want a naked monkey. Mocha just stared at me and let out a high pitch scream that had my ears ringing. Damn Mocha you crazy, you better stop this screaming stuff now if you want to be able to stay with me. My Dad would make me get rid of you in a second. Ice mocha jumped up on my shoulder and we left the store. Right across the street was a Nike Outlet store for Monkeys. Man Mocha how lucky are we. We bought him some air jordans and a red and black warmup. Man Mocha your looking mad fresh but one thing is missing, hmm, oh yeah

Global marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Global marketing - Essay Example Free trade members lack common external tariff unlike in customs union meaning they have different customs and quotas. Free trade area is aimed at reducing barriers to easy exchange so that there is development of trade as a result of division of labour and specialization. Custom Union are normally characterized by generally imposing a common external-tariff on imports from countries who are not members (Sharan). Another characteristic of custom union is that there is no free movement labor among members as well as capital. Custom Union is mutual agreement among the participating neighboring countries to reduce or eliminate customs duty and remove trade barriers on mutual trade. Participants in Custom Union come up with a common external trade policy. In economic integration, Custom union is the third stage and is normally established through trade pacts. Common Market is a formed by countries in the same geographical area to enhance capital among it members and duty free labor movement. It is aimed at bringing economic integration and a common market to the involved member countries. Custom market is characterized by imposing common external tariff on imports from non-members. In Political Union, there is a consolidated and a larger group of countries that share an internationally acknowledged joint government. Political union can be established in a various ways such as; mixed unions incorporating union, and federative annexation. It is characterized by having a common currency and no trade barriers for the member countries. The key provisions of NAFTA which would challenge inclusion of Brazil and Chile is Prohibition of standards as free trade barrier, this is because some product from brazil and chile may not meet U.S. standards may be denied access to market. Another reason is that including Brazil and Chile may lead to changing standards to accommodate their needs whereas NAFTA does not require the United States to change

Proposal Assignment ( University Safety System ) Essay

Proposal Assignment ( University Safety System ) - Essay Example Even though keeping student and occupants of Texas Wesleyan University require the effort of the whole community in general, the university is an important piece of the undertaking to keep staff and the students safe. Safe institutions are purposeful and orderly places in which staff and students are free to teach and learn without the threat of psychological and physical harm. The safety systems in Texas Wesleyan University are weak thus Weak safety systems in this institution interfere with learning process. Strengthening safety system supports a proper learning environment that enables achievement of learning goals. Moreover, Weak safety systems reduce effective learning hours of every student. This has an impact on the grades and general life development. Improving safety systems will enhance their quality of education and life. It is therefore important to create a safety system for camps and the other utilities in Texas Wesleyan University Analysis of Texas Wesleyan University safety system shows certain safety loopholes that require an action plan. As Blake (2 May 2014) states through an interview, Texas Wesleyan University do not have a perimeter wall to enhance physical safety, no surveillance cameras within the older dormitories and the students do not use access cards at the gates and the classes to gain access. Other problems he stated are drunk driving and the few call boxes which are necessary to enhance emergency action system. Increasing student population increases demand for safety systems. Unsafe learning environments will affect learning process. Old technology cannot beat with faster changing demands and different student needs. People play a vital role in any safety program. This is because they provide guidelines with respect to safety policies, staffing, training and procedures. Texas Wesleyan University must come up with a clear safety policy. University safety policy is the

Evaluation of disciplinary interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Evaluation of disciplinary interview - Essay Example So I had to discard my initial strategy of being passive and straight away adopt assertive manner to explain my reasons. The most important factor that favoured me was that the interviewer was ready to listen to my reasons with open mind. It was for these reasons that I was able to satisfactorily explain my erratic timekeeping. The open disposition of the interviewer greatly helped to ease my tension. The manager’s understanding of human behaviour greatly facilitated my strategy to come to the desired outcome. All through the interview, I never felt threatened. But the mild rebuke from the manager about my not being open with him regarding my personal problems and timely communication of the same was justifiable. Though, he was quite sympathetic about my child’s health problem, he informed me gently that he too is a father but at the same time, being a manager, he is also accountable for his workers performance as well as for their welfare. Had I discussed my problems with him, I would have better managed my office and personal life. Indeed, I was let off with warning that any future late hours would be treated as such and no leverage would be given. The feedback was an important proceeding that comprised of open class discussion of my role play video. The peer observation was the highlight of the interview. I was informed that the first assumption of the manager about my late coming had really taken me by surprise and I had no alternative but to become assertive to maintain my credibility. I had also maintained respect for my manager that had shown through my facial expression and non verbal behaviour. My manager was very open minded and empathetic that had helped me to be frank and discuss my personal problems. The attitude and behaviour of the manager inspired trust which became the major element of facilitating satisfactory outcome of the interview. The manager’s assertion that effective communication helps to solve problem

Academic Honesty Essay Example for Free

Academic Honesty Essay Academic misconduct and dishonesty is prevalent in institutions of higher learning, especially with online students (Staats, Happ Hagley, 2008). The lack of academic honesty affects the integrity of the institutions, of degree programs, and the character of current and future students (Staats, Happ Hagley, 2008). Studies have shown that a student who strives to be academically honest completes work that is morally and ethically sound. They ensure that all of their work is their own or that they have given credit to the original source (Academic Ethics, 2014). Academically honest students exhibit characteristics such as empathy, courage, and honesty more often than do less honest students. The high prevalence of these characteristics is a good predictor of a lower occurrence of academic dishonesty (Staats, Happ Hagley, 2008). â€Å"Honesty and Heroes: A Positive Psychology View of Heroism and Academic Honest,† a study published in the Journal of Psychology in 2008, was performed to show how heroism is related to academic honesty in online students. The study showed that fifty percent of students involved in the study admitted to lacking academic honesty in their schoolwork (Staats, Happ Hagley, 2008). The first experiment involved 200 students from the Mid-west with an average age of 22. 3 years. Three measures were used to test potential academic honesty, including courage, honesty, and empathy. Results showed that these measures were inter-correlated and lead to the potential for cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty (Staats, Happ Hagley, 2008). The second experiment involved 69 undergraduates from the same Mid-western institution with an average age of 20. 03 years. Results showed that most students reported cheating on exams or lying in their own interest (Staats, Happ Hagley, 2008). The authors found that those students who decided not to cheat had a high degree of academic virtue which they defined as heroism (Staats, Happ Hagley, 2008). ACADEMIC HONESTY AND THE ONLINE STUDENT DOUET 3 Prior to reading this article, I hadn’t put together that empathy, courage, and honesty are some of the characteristics found in an academically honest student. I was surprised about the amount of people who admit to academic dishonesty. Scriptures tell us in Proverbs 12:22 that â€Å"lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. † In order to please the Lord a student needs to work with integrity throughout their degree program and ensure that all of their work is theirs or is supported by those to whom the work is originally credited. I will apply the characteristics of heroism such as courage, empathy, and honesty in all of my coursework. I will ensure that all of the work that I submit will be my own and if I borrow any ideas from others, I will credit them for the work. The amount of academic dishonesty involved with college students is astounding, and needs to be corrected using the Christian worldview which states that we should live and work with integrity. In Proverbs 10:9, Jesus tells us that â€Å"whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. † The more concern students have for others, and the more noble-minded students and more morally sound they are, the less likely they are to cheat. By encouraging those virtues in the student body, the university will garner a higher degree of respect for the institution and degree programs that they offer. In conclusion, as we hear in Hebrews 13:18, â€Å"Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. † ACADEMIC HONESTY AND THE ONLINE STUDENT DOUET 4. References Academic Ethics. (2014, January 1). . Retrieved June 12, 2014, from https://www. liberty. edu/index. cfm? PID=24212this_session_key=86vE59559nh834YHx1u4OX993N94898H2t72B1ZmG8 3kfullnameErrorCode=ns=falsewebsite=year=2014term=30returnCASTicket =TGT-132907-BkExOI1gz9ZiSKCCxCaTCAaNIMyYs9JQJWGlo9lm3fmviRTkgX-cas2 prod. liberty. eduCFID=249618158CFTOKEN=24951222 Moscetelli, R. G. (2005). The Quote Manuel: Wisdom and Wit of the Ages. : Author House. Staats, S. , Happ, J. M. , Hagley, A. M. (2008). Honesty and Heroes: A Positive Psychology View of Heroism and Academic Honesty. The Journal of Psychology, 142, 357-72.

An Examination Of Bioplastics Technology Environmental Sciences Essay

An Examination Of Bioplastics Technology Environmental Sciences Essay Bioplastics also called organic plastics are a form of plastics produced from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable oil, corn starch, pea starch or microbiota rather than fossil-fuel plastics which are derived from petroleum. They are polymers which are also obtained from plants genetically engineered to produce them. [1] Some, but not all, bioplastics are designed to biodegrade. Bioplastics are made in order to solve the problems caused by plastics which are non-biodegardable. Bioplastics are not new, it is been there from around 1850.There are different types of bioplastics like the starch based bioplastic, the polylactic acid, PHB, bio-derived polyethylene and the genetically modified bioplastics. Bioplastics are biodegradable that is they can be broken down into simpler compounds by the microbes and thus do not remain for years in the environment. Bioplastics are used in making many items like the disposable cutlery, and for biomedical uses,etc. Its market value is a littl e less as of now but will increase in the near future. Global plastics problem Plastics are carbon-based polymers which are made mostly from petroleum.The word plastic means flexible.Plastics are used to make mostly disposable, low-value items such as food-wrap and product packaging, but theres nothing particularly disposable about most plastics. On an average, we use plastic bags for 12 minutes before getting rid of them-yet they can take fully 500 years to break down in the environment. [2] Compounds like polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene are largely used in the manufacture of plastics. [1] Excessive molecular size is the reason for the resistance of these compounds to biodegradation. Plastics are xenobiotic compounds which are recalcitrant (completely resistant) to biodegradation. [3] Getting rid of plastics is extremely difficult. Burning them can give off toxic chemicals such as dioxins, while collecting and recycling them responsibly is also difficult.With societys ever-increasing focus on protecting the environment, theres a new emphasis on des igning plastics that will disappear much more quickly. Broadly speaking, so-called environmentally friendly plastics fall into three types: bioplastics made from natural materials such as corn starch or generally plants; biodegradable plastics made from traditional petrochemicals, which are engineered to break down more quickly; and eco/recycled plastics, which are simply plastics made from recycled plastic materials rather than raw petrochemicals. History Bioplastics are not new. In the 1850s, a British chemist made plastics from cellulose, a derivative of wood pulp. Later, in the early 20th century, Henry Ford experimented soy based plastics in his automobiles, even going to the extent of unveiling a complete prototype plastic car in 1941.But by then petroleum had emerged as a source of synthetic polymers, which possesed more favourable properties than that of plant based plastics. World War II cemented the dominance of synthetic plastics. Only in the last ten years, in response to the rising cost and less supply of oil, have bioplastics re-emerged in consumer applications. In 2003, Nature Works- a joint venture of Cargill, the largest agricultural business in the United States, and Dow Chemical, the countrys biggest chemical company began producing Ingeo bioplastics, which can be extruded into containers for food packaging and into fibers for apparel, furnishings, and disposable products such as baby wipes. Ingeo is a PLA, or polyla ctic acid, derived from corn. Alternatives are also being made from castor beans, sugarcane, algae and even chicken feathers. Bioplastics are yet to meet the performance requirements of more durable goods. At the moment they are in their infancy. They are actually being used as molded products. Cell phone casings are one such example. The Japanese company NEC unveiled a phone with a corn- based plastic body. applications. Types of bioplastics: Starch linked plastics: Starch is a linear polymer (polysaccaride) made up of repeating glucose units linked by glucosidic linkages in the 1-4 carbon positions. Starch-based biodegradable plastics contain starch contents ranging from 10% to greater than 90%. Starch based polymers can be based on crops such as corn (maize), wheat or potatoes.As the starch content is increased, the polymer become more biodegradable and leave less recalcitrant residues. Often, starch-based polymers are blended with high-performance polymers (e.g. aliphatic polyesters and polyvinyl alcohols) to achieve the necessary performance properties for different applications. Biodegradation of starch based polymers is a result of enzymatic attack at the glucosidic linkages between the sugar groups leading to a reduction in chain length and the splitting off of sugar units (monosaccharides, disaccharides and oligosaccharides) that are readily utilised in biochemical pathways. At lower starch contents (less than 60%) the starch particles act as weak links in the plastic matrix and are sites for biological attack. This allows the polymer matrix to disintegrate into small fragments, but not for the entire polymer structure to actually bio-degrade. The bulk of soil bacteria are heterotrophic and utilize readily available source of organic energy from sugars, starch, cellulose and protein.[4] Microbes such as Bacillus, Clostridium, Micrococcus, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizopus; etc are involved in starch hydrolysis. There are several categories of biodegradable starch-based polymers including: Thermoplastic starch products; Starch synthetic aliphatic polyester blends; Starch PBS/PBSA polyester blends; and Starch PVOH Blends. Starch based plastic constitutes about 50 percent of the bioplastics market, thermoplastic starch such as Plastarch material, currently is the most important and widely used bioplastic. Pure starch absorbs humidity and is therefore used for the production of drug capsules in the pharmaceutical industries. Biolac: Biolac is polylactic acid. Polylactic acid is an aliphatic polyester. The monomers which make up this polyester are lactic acid units. PLA is a transparent plastic produced from cane sugar, glucose or starch waste. It resembles conventional petrochemical mass plastics in its characteristics, and it can also be processed easily. Polylactic acid can be produced by chemical methods and by fermentation method using microbes.The Lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus amylophilus, L. Bavaricus,L. Casei) produce lactic acid using starch, which is then polymerised by bacteria such as A.eutrophus into polylactic acid.[5]Polylactic acid is biodegradable because it is the product formed by bacterial digestion of starch waste. The biodegradation of polylactic acid is brought about by the hydrolysis of the ester bonds by esterolytic enzymes produced by bacteria like Amycolatopsis species. PLA has become a significant commercial bioplastic. Its used in making bottles, yogurt cups, and candy wrappers. It is also used for making food service ware, lawn and food waste bags, coatings for paper and cardboard and fibers for clothing, carpets, sheets and towels and wall coverings. In biomedical applications it is used for sutures, prosthetic materials and materials for drug delivery. It also has many potential uses, for example as upholstery, disposable garments, awnings, feminine hygeine products and nappies. Microbially synthesized plastics ( Biopol) Poly -3 hydroxy butyrate ( PHB) is a polyester produced by certain bacteria like Rhodovibrio sodomensis in the presence of excess carbon like glucose or starch. It is also called as Biopol.Poly-ÃŽÂ ² hydroxy butyrate accumulates as energy reserve in many micro-organisms like Alcaligenes, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Nocardia, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium etc.It is a poly hydroxy-alkanoate ( PHA). It is a common storage material of prokaryotic cells consisting of a polymer of ÃŽÂ ²- hydroxybutyrate or another ÃŽÂ ²- alkanoic acid. Reserve polymers store excess nutrients present under favourable growth conditions for use during periods of nutrient deprivation.[6] A wide variety of Bacteria and Archaea produce PHAs. Biopol is made in industrial fermentor by bacteria that converts sugars ( refined from corn or beet) into a polymer. Genetically engineered Arabidopsis thaliana a type of cress is also used to make Biopol.[1] Its characteristics are similar to those of petroplastic polypropyle ne.It produces transparent film at a melting point higher than 130 degrees Celsius, and is biodegradable without residue. PHB is suitable for specialized areas like biomedical use and speciality coatings. A copolymer of PHB ( Poly ÃŽÂ ²- hydroxy butyrate) and PHV ( Poly ÃŽÂ ²- hydroxy valerate) are used in making shampoo bottles in Europe. PHB is easily degraded as it is an energy source of microbes. A copolymer containing approximately equal amounts of PHB and PHV has had the greatest market success thus far.[7] Bio-derived polyethylene The basic building block of polyethylene is ethylene. This is just one small chemical step from ethanol, which can be produced by fermentation of agricultural feedstocks such as sugar cane or corn. Bio-derived polyethylene is chemically and physically identical to traditional polyethylene, it does not biodegrade but can be recycled. It can also considerably reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Brazilian chemicals group Braskem claims that using its route from sugar cane ethanol to produce one tonne of polyethylene captures (removes from the environment) 2.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide while the traditional petrochemical route results in emissions of close to 3.5 tonnes. It can be used in packaging such as bottles and tubs Genetically modified bioplastics Genetically modified bioplastics are bioplastics which are produced from genetically modified plants and microbes. Normally the plants and microbes produce very small quantities of bioplastics, therefore their production on a large scale is expensive. Genetically modified plants and microbes can be used for the industrial production of bioplastics. Employing genetic-modification methods Monsanto has also developed plants (oilseed rape) that produce relatively small amounts of Biopol (5% of the total weight) in their cells. The ultimate aim is to develop plants that consist of up to 20% by weight of Biopol, thereby enabling various bioplastics to be produced for a wide variety of applications. Biodegradation of bioplastics All bio- and petroleum-based plastics are technically biodegradable, meaning they can be degraded by microbes under suitable conditions. However many degrade at such slow rates as to be considered non-biodegradable. The degree of biodegradation varies with temperature, polymer stability, and available oxygen content. Consequently, most bioplastics will only degrade in the tightly controlled conditions of commercial composting units. An internationally agreed standard, EN13432, defines how quickly and to what extent a plastic must be degraded under commercial composting conditions for it to be called biodegradable. This is published by the International Organisation for Standardization ISO and is recognised in many countries, including all of Europe, Japan and the US. However, it is designed only for the aggressive conditions of commercial composting units. There is no standard applicable to home composting conditions. Biodegradable plastics are made from traditional petrochemicals, w hich are engineered to break down more quickly. Traditional plastics such as polyethylene are degraded by ultra-violet (UV) light and oxygen. To prevent this process manufacturers add stabilising chemicals. However with the addition of a degradation initiator to the plastic, it is possible to achieve a controlled UV/oxidation disintegration process. This type of plastic may be referred to as degradable plastic or oxy-degradable plastic or photodegradable plastic because the process is not initiated by microbial action. The degraded plastic residue will be attacked by microbes. Applications Bioplastics are mainly used in making disposable items such as packaging and catering items such as crockery, cutlery, pots, bowls, straws, etc. The use of bioplastics in making shopping bags is already very common, after this initial use these bags are used for organic wastes and then they can be composted. Bioplastics are also used for making trays and containers for fruits, vegetables, eggs and meat, bottles for soft drinks and dairy products and blister foils for for fruit and vegetables. Bioplastics are used in making non-disposable items also for example mobile phone casings made by the NEC, carpet fibres by Dupont Sorona and car interiors done by the Mazda company. The French company Arkema, produces a grade of bioplastic called Rilsan, which is used in fuel line and plastic pipe. In these uses the goal is not biodegradability but to create items from sustainable resources. Drawbacks Though bioplastics are eco-friendly and are of great use, they have their own drawbacks. When some biodegradable plastics decompose in landfills, methane gas is produced, which is a very powerful greenhouse gas that adds to the problem of global warming. Biodegradable plastics and bioplastics dont always readily decompose. Some need high temperatures and in some conditions can still take many years to break down. Even then leave behind toxic residues. Bioplastics are made from plants such as corn and maize, so plants which are a food to be eaten are used to make bioplastics which is also an ethical issue. Some bioplastics are made from genetically modified plants which are harmful to the environment. Bioplastics and biodegradable plastics cannot be recycled easily. There are accelerated rates of deforestation due to the use of plants in making bioplastics. Manufacture of bioplastic materials is reliant on petroleum as a source of energy which is required to power farm machinery, irrigate growing crops, to produce fertilizers and pesticides, to transport crops and crop products to processing plants, to process raw materials and ultimately to produce bioplastics. Many bioplastics lack the performance and ease of processing of traditional materials. Polylactic acid plastic is being used by a handful of small companies for making water bottles. But the shelf life of these bottles is limited because the plastic is permeable to water the bottles lose their contents and slowly deform. Market value of bioplastics Bioplastics are rapidly catching up. Bioplastics are already unbeatable as medical implants, which dissolve in the body, as compostable mulch films for agriculture. Packaging materials constitute the most important application area for bioplastics, for example filler materials that are utilized in very large amounts. Supermarkets are increasingly using compostable shoppng bags. However the largest growth rates of the use of bioplastics are seen in electronic industries in consoles or cell phone cases. During the past eight years consumption of biodegradable plastics based on starch, sugar and cellulose has increased by around 600 percent. Starch based bioplastics are dominant in Europe. Bioplastics have the potential to reduce the petroleum consumption for plastics by 15 to 20 percent in 2025.Bioplastics have 10 to 20 percent share of the total plastics market and it will increase to 25 to 30 percent by 2020.There are over 500 bioplastics processing companies already available, more than 5000 is expected by 2020.Europe is one of the leading country in the market of bioplastics. Already bioplastics are used for variety of items, there would be more and more applications for bioplastics in the near future, especially in the automobile and electronics industries where plastics are indispensable. Toyota is one of the leading companies in research and usage of bioplastics. Bioplastic companies are relatively small plants and are in there initial stages of development. The scenario in India is a little different. The market of bioplastics is a little challenging here due to unawareness about the eco friendly nature of bioplastics and its uses. This therefore can be overcome by creating an wareness on the uses and benefits of bioplastics. The market for bioplastics in India grew at 30 percent in 2008 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 44.8 percent between 2009 and 2015.Apart from all this there is an availability of abundant feedstock in due to which it can become a hot destination for bioplastics companies.

Michelangelo :: Art, Paintings

Michelangelo Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti was born on March 6, 1475 in Caprese, Tuscany. His dad was Lodovico di Buonarrotto and his mother was Fracessca Neri. Michelangelo was also the second of five brothers. His mother was not capable of raising Michelangelo so his dad let a stonecutter’s wife raise him. Sadly, Michelangelo’s mom died when he was six (Bonner Par. 1-13). Michelangelo’s family moved to Florence, Italy a month after his birth. Although his family was not wealthy, Michelangelo went to school in 1482. When Michelangelo started to excel in the arts his dad was not happy. He wanted Michelangelo to become a government or military figure. He beat Michelangelo to steer him away from the arts. Finally, at age 13 Michelangelo’s dad gave up and let Michelangelo start an apprenticeship under Domenico Ghirlando to learn (McNeese 11-21). Michelangelo’s first sculptures were made when he was around age 16. These sculptures were the Battle of the Centaurs and Madonna of the Stairs. The Battle of the Centaurs consisted of nude Greek men fighting centaurs. Centaurs are creatures that have the top half of a man and a bottom half of horse. These sculptures are what told Giovanni de Bertoldo, Michelagelo’s second teacher, that he had a unique calling for sculpting (Bonner Par. 1). Shortly after arriving in Rome, Michelangelo was hired to make a Roman god sculpture. Michelangelo chose to sculpt the Roman god of wine, Bacchus. Michelangelo spent a year on the project. The original customer was not happy with but Jacopo Galli, a Roman banker, purchased the piece. This sculpture is what lead Michelangelo to become more famous (McNeese 34). The next sculpture that Michelangelo made was for a French cardinal, Jean Villiers de Fezencac. The cardinal wanted a sculpture of Virgin Mary and Jesus. Michelangelo signed a contract to be paid 450 ducats if he completed the sculpture in one year. Gladly, he finished the sculpture successfully. The sculpture was called the Pieta and consisted of the siting Virgin Mary with the dead body of her son Jesus across her lap (McNeese 35). In April 1508 Pope Julius II hired Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (McNeese 87). The Sistine Chapel was where major papal ceremonies took place (Summers 11). Although Julius II just wanted Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the chapel Michelangelo had bigger ideas. By 1513, Michelangelo had around 340 figures on the ceiling of the chapel.