Ground Engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ground Engineering - Essay Example Pile foundations are chosen for the situations where structures transmit huge loads and suitable soil layer capable of supporting these loads are available only at greater depths. The piles are long and slender members capable of transmitting the loads of the structure into the hard soil layer or the rocks successfully even if very poor or soft soils that are considered to be inferior to meet this purpose is present in the upper layers. Based on the load carrying function piles are classified as end bearing pile, friction pile or combination pile that undertakes both the functions appropriately. The friction piles are suitable for the locations where granular soil is present and frictional resistance between the pile and the soil could be utilised in the resistance. While the end bearing piles helps to transmit the entire load a hard stratum through the tip resistance. A sketch of the load action on the end bearing pile and friction pile are shown in the figure 1. The basic structura l components of any pile are pile cap and the body of the pile. And (iii) All piles carry only vertical force. ... Figure 1(a) : End bearing pile Figure 1 (b) : Friction pile (Abebe and Smith, 2005) (Abebe and Smith, 2005) Pile load computation Following assumptions are incorporated in the load estimation on piles (i)All piles are considered as rigid (ii) The pile is pinned at the top and bottom And (iii) All piles carry only vertical force. The different loads that the pile need to carry would be direct loads from the columns and any other imposed loads on the structure. The direct loads from the columns to the pile are already given in the problem. The other loads are the load from the glass facades and the imposed loads. The glass faade load is the load along the edges of the floor and it could be computed by multiplying the unit load of the faade by the distance between the columns. The details of computation is as follows Glass faade load between the columns 1 & 8 Distance between the columns 1 and 8 = 20 metre Unit load of facde between the column 1 and 8 = 35 KN/m The load from the faade is assumed to be transferred equally to both the columns . So the loads are computed as 35 20 / 2 = 350 KN So the columns 1 and 8 would carry load of 350 KN each from the glass facades. Glass faade load between the columns 4 & 5 Distance between the columns 4 and 5 = 20 metre Unit load of facde between the column 4 and 5 = 35 KN/m The load from the faade is assumed to be transferred equally to both the columns . So the loads are computed as 35 20 / 2 = 350 KN So the columns 4 and 5 would carry load of 350 KN each from the glass facades placed between the columns 4 and 5. Glass faade load between the columns 1 and 4 The columns in this span are 1,2,3

Place Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Place - Research Paper Example This report will examine the growth of Shenzhen, an industrial town in China with a great potential to rise above the different issues within the local systems. With the modern post-industrial societies, the impact that skills have in the society is high and thus the globalization of an area may occur at a faster rate due to the skills available. In the world today, the impact that skills have in everyday life is quite essential for human survival. The goal of the society is to nurture people and make sure that these skills are used appropriately for the right work. The various geographical regions that define the areas that people live have been redefined by globalization as people make use of the available space for their living quarters (Rosa, 2013). The people create different housing structures to ensure there is a room for anyone wishing to live in that particular area. Most affected by these changes are the laborers who have to look for daily wages for their upkeep. The goal is to enhance the role of the society in improving their attributes as they utilize their skills in meeting their daily goals. This is what people in Shenzhen have to live with in their growing city as people struggle to keep up with the increasing populations (Jacques, 2009). As Parenti notes regarding the area of Juarez, the people will look for various means of survival, even if it means endangering their lives by taping electricity from poles near their houses (2012). Most of the people live dangerously because any flooding will result into increased chances of electrocution, something that they have to look out for as a way of minimizing their chances of death. However, they have to survive because of the high living standards that are in place (Rosa, 2013). People now have to benefit from what they have rather than what the country possesses. The richer nations are taking advantage of the

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe Essay Example for Free

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe Essay Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German writer and polymath back in the 1800s. Goethe is considered the supreme genius of modern German literature. Although he was alive so long ago, the ideas he put out there are still pertinent to the modern world: such as my personal life, recent movies, and current events. Goethe came up with this viewpoint on life: Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help that would never have otherwise occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision rising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen, incidents and meeting and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, proven and magic in it. Begin it now! Goethe’s quote is a universal truth. His philosophy is even proven in my life. A project was given to me that I grew abhorrence for. Procrastinating until a couple days before the due date, I became upset and overwhelmed. I started convincing myself I could not do it. My mother said, â€Å"you’re making it harder than what it is. Do your research. Let the ideas come to you. It will all come together once you start. Stop putting it off and just do it. â€Å" With that in mind, I centered my concentration to my project and nothing but my project. Ideas kept coming to me as I let my mind and words flow. I became the person I needed to pretend to be for the project. I completed it to my best ability. I even made the appearance of my project outstanding. My teacher was so impressed with my work that she presented it to the class, and it was passed around the room. It all happened because I focused my mind on that specific goal. The movie Forrest Gump is an all-time favorite. The main character was committed to every task he was given. One day he decided to run, and he ran across the United States. It took him 3 years, 2 months, 14 days and 16 hours until he felt he was finished. Furthermore, while he was at camp in the army, all he did was play ping-pong. All he thought about was ping-pong. He even played ping-pong in his sleep. He was so good a whole crowd would come to watch him play. Even when he was in the army and went to save his â€Å"best good friend† Bubba, he didn’t stop until he found him. He saved his whole platoon that day while searching for Bubba. Every time he was on a mission or had a goal, he would direct all his focus to that particular objective. He had the ability to focus on anything and do it to his full potential. In the world today, we are in an economic crisis. Companies lay off workers; therefore, there are loads of unemployed people. Since they have no jobs, they are not receiving money. Companies aren’t selling much because people have no money to buy things that are not necessities. There is no flow of money. Everyone is afraid to put their cash out there because they are frightened by the fact that they might not be successful and wouldn’t have enough to buy necessities anymore. There is ineffectiveness and hesitancy in the world. No one wants to take a risk and be committed to one thing. Once people devote themselves to fixing the economy, it will happen. However, everyone is waiting on someone else to do it. Just like in the great depression, everyone was afraid to do something about the problem, until everyone said enough is enough and were devoted to fixing the problem; and look what happened because of that. We solved the crisis. In my final analysis, many people are not focused and are worried about too much. Focus on one thing and commit yourself to it. Everything a person does should be there center of attention. By doing this, one will achieve their goal and maybe even more than expected. Goethe’s philosophy shows how to reach a goal: Focus, commit, and do it. Just like Nike, a successful shoe company, says, â€Å"Just do it† and whatever you want to happen, will happen.

Respectable pharmacist Essay Example for Free

Respectable pharmacist Essay In some point in time, an individual encounters a crossroad in his life. I have been in a few and those influenced my current decision to pursue the degree of pharmacy. I hopped from one job to another in the last few years. I have experienced working in retail, became a massage therapist, a medical assistant, a medical coder and lastly, being employed at a pharmacy. Among the jobs that I have mentioned, my undertaking in the pharmacy was most fulfilling. From observing a respectable pharmacist, I was inspired by the way he works. I believe that the task of a pharmacist does not end by merely helping the patients understand the prescriptions. A pharmacist is also dedicated in making sure that the medications are effective in curing the patients. It is also very challenging to know that being a pharmacist entails big responsibility in dispensing medications. I came to realize that my mind and my heart belong to the cradle of pharmacy through all these. I am aware that in order to be qualified in a prestigious school like the Touro College, a good set of grades is needed but when I was still studying my undergraduate degree, I failed to handle my priorities. I was working to be able to get through my expenses. Thus, I was not able to set my focus on my studies alone. Still, I decided to continue my schooling despite the result of having a low GPA. The said experience taught me well that I should know how to strike a balance in the aspects of my life. I managed to accomplish my Bachelor’s degree and from then on, I realized that I should not dwindle with the time to learn. A low GPA does not necessarily mean that a person is of weak character. I will not be easily swayed off by incoming events that will cause me difficulty when I am already in the College of Pharmacy. If and when I will be given a chance to pursue the degree of Pharmacy, I will not put to waste the opportunity. I know that the education that I will gain will help improve my personality and outlook in life. I am the kind of person who will definitely go for the goal, fight for it so that I will be able to win.

Equine Assisted Activities Spina Bifida Health And Social Care Essay

Equine Assisted Activities Spina Bifida Health And Social Care Essay Spina Bifida is a neurological disorder whose main attribute is a failure of the spine to close properly before birth. As the fetus develops in the first month of pregnancy, the brain and spinal cord form from a small piece of tissue called the neural tube.   For one in approximately every one thousand babies, this neural tube does not close properly after the spinal cord has developed, resulting in a portion of the spinal cord being exposed at birth. It is not known what exactly causes this malformation, but it has been hypothesized that there may be a genetic link. Another explanation is that Spina Bifida may be caused by this genetic link in combination with a deficiency of folic acid in the mother during pregnancy. Folic acid is a B vitamin that is important for fetal development in the first three months of pregnancy, thus an insufficient amount could lead the spinal cord not forming properly. The brain and spinal cord are some of the first organs to develop in the fetus, and thus a lack of folic acid could interrupt their development (Watson 4-8). In the most severe cases of Spina Bifida, classified as forms of Spina Bifida Cystica, a sac is exposed on the childs back that contains fluid, nerves, protective nerve coverings, and sometimes a portion of the spinal cord (Resources for Working with Youth with Special Needs). This sac is surgically removed within the first few days after birth, while trying to save and replace in the body as many of the viable nerves as possible. The extent of the damage to the spinal cord depends on how far down the spine the opening occurs. This in turn determines the level of paralysis or disability of the individual. The spinal cord and nerves are not always exposed in a sac outside of the body, but can also be just slightly damaged in a form of the condition known as hidden Spina Bifida. Whether or not there is a sac present outside of the body, the deformity of the spinal cord can occur in varying degrees, resulting in three main types of Spina Bifida (National Institutes of Health; Watson, 6). The most common type of Spina Bifida, which results in the most severe disabilities, is called Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida. The characterizing exposed sac protrudes out of an opening in the babys back, and contains a portion of the spinal cord. Because many of the nerves contained in this sac are damaged, this form of Spina Bifida can cause severe disabilities including weakness, loss of feeling in or paralysis of the feet, legs and sometimes waist (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Meningocele Spina Bifida is less severe than Myelomeningocele, but has similar effects on the individual. The neural sac is still exposed and exists outside of the body, however it does not contain any part of the spinal cord itself, and thus causes less nerve damage. Individuals with this form of Spina Bifida may have some loss of feeling, weakness or paralysis in the feet and lower legs (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). The mildest form is called Spina Bifida Occulta. It is often referred to as hidden Spina Bifida, because it is not apparent at birth and usually does not affect the individual at all. The spinal cord is not damaged in this form of the disease, but there is a small opening between vertebrae in the spine. Because it is so subtle, Spina Bifida Occulta is usually not diagnosed unless the individual has an X-ray or test done for another condition, and it generally is not severe enough to even require treatment (Watson, 6).   Many individuals with Spina Bifida also have a condition known as Hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, which is essentially a build-up of cerebro-spinal fluid around the brain. A widening of the spinal canal called hydromyelia, which creates a cavity where fluid can build up, can cause hydrocephalus. It is a common co-occurrence with Spina Bifida because the deformity of the spinal cord can prevent the fluid from draining as it normally would (Watson, 7). This condition is usually treated with a shunt placed in the individuals skull, which helps to properly drain the excess fluid. In many cases, the hydrocephalus itself is caused by another common co-occurring condition with Spina Bifida, called Chiari II Malformation. This is a malformation of the skull that results in the bottom portion of the skull being smaller than normal. When this happens, part of the cerebellum and brain stem are pushed downward into the neck, blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and causing hydrocephalu s (National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). Since the cerebellum is the portion of the brain that controls balance, this can affect the individuals vestibular sense. Many of the problems associated with the two more severe forms of Spina Bifida can be improved with equine assisted activities. Due to the fact that all forms of Spina Bifida affect the spinal cord and nerves of the individual, the most common problems associated with the disease relate to motor coordination as a result of lack of feeling, weakness or paralysis in the lower limbs. Sometimes, difficulties with bilateral integration can also occur depending on the specific individuals disability. Often, individuals with Spina Bifida have increased muscle tone and some spasticity in their legs. Usually they are able to walk with the use of equipment such as leg braces, body braces, crutches and walkers, but have abnormal gaits and have difficulty standing without movement (Bartonek, et. al). They can also have difficulty with trunk control and holding them selves in a sitting position if the nerve damage affected their ability to feel and control their hips and waist. Due to the lack of feeling in some parts of the body, some individuals with Spina Bifida may have problems with sensory integration to some extent. This would be present mainly in terms of the vestibular and proprioceptive senses. Some additional problems such as tendonitis and skin breakdown can co-occur with Spina Bifida, mainly due to the loss of feeling in the lower extremities. In some cases, mental along with physical function is affected and the individual may have some degree of mental retardation, but this is often not the case. Equine Assisted Activities Individuals with Spina Bifida could participate in and benefit from two main Equine Assisted Activities: Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding. Because Spina Bifida primarily causes physical problems, hippotherapy would probably be the best option, as it is a true therapy that would provide more medical benefits than a therapeutic riding lesson alone could provide. However, hippotherapy could be used in conjunction with therapeutic riding. Hippotherapy and Therapeutic riding would provide very different benefits, however, they both have the potential to improve an individuals physical motor skills along with their mental and social skills if those areas were affected. Hippotherapy would most likely be the best option for an individual with Spina Bifida, as the conditions primary manifestations affect the physical abilities of the individual, requiring more assistance from a physical therapist to improve motor function. Hippotherapy Hippotherapy would most likely be the main equine assisted activity for riders with Spina Bifida. It would provide the required physical therapy to improve muscle tone and motor function, more so than therapeutic riding alone. The activities and exercises in hippotherapy target neuromuscular function, movement disorders and sensory integration disorders, which are all areas that can be affected in a person with Spina Bifida. Overall, as with other equine assisted activities, the horse would provide perfect three-dimensional motion and warmth, allowing the rider to relax their muscles and let the horse move their legs and hips. This movement would be key, as many individuals with Spina Bifida focus on learning how to walk so they are not confined to a wheelchair. Though many will not be able to walk without crutches or braces, the movement of the horse can teach them both mentally and physically what the patterns of walking look and feel like so that someday they may be able to implem ent the motions off the horse. Since the purposes of hippotherapy revolve around goals related to physical and sensory abilities, the rider would be focused on improving in some of the following areas. Most importantly, the stretches and balancing exercises in hippotherapy could help improve muscle tone and movement, allowing the rider to work on further developing their balance, posture and mobility. Some examples of these exercises could include the rider standing in the stirrups, with assistance if needed, trying to maintain balance, or the rider laying on their back on the horse, using their leg muscles to hold themselves up on the horses neck.   Ultimately, all of the skills and improvements gained from hippotherapy sessions could lead to a final goal of improved gross motor skills such as walking, sitting and standing which are the simple daily tasks that most Spina Bifida patients struggle with throughout their lives. Therapeutic Riding Therapeutic Riding could benefit riders with Spina Bifida, but would most likely be in addition to hippotherapy. Therapeutic riding could provide the added benefit of social interaction and learning riding skills on top of the more intense physical therapy gained from hippotherapy. Therapeutic riding could provide a setting in which the rider could refine the stretches and activities learned in hippotherapy and apply them on a more simplistic level while riding in a therapeutic lesson. Whether in Hippotherapy or Therapeutic Riding, the same fundamental benefits of simply being on the horse would exist. The three-dimensional motion and patterns of the horses gait would encourage walking, and in this setting would be more relaxed than in an intense physical therapy-type lesson. Though hippotherapy would provide most of the necessary therapy components to a rider with Spina Bifida, therapeutic riding does have several aspects that are not present in hippotherapy that could greatly benefit the riders. They would be required to use their bodies a little bit differently in a riding lesson-that is, rather than the horse simply being a prop that moves underneath them while the lay down or stretch, they would have to integrate their movements with those of the horse. The riders would need to use their legs to signal the horse to walk on, and they would need to maintain balance and posture throughout the lesson, requiring them to use their leg, hip, and trunk muscles. In certain activities, such as trotting and two-pointing, they would be required to use their leg muscles even more to keep balanced and remain steady on the horse. This may be very challenging for some individuals, depending on their level of weakness or paralysis in the legs. On top of these benefits, therapeutic riding would provide a setting in which individuals could interact with other riders and their volunteers in a fun and relaxed setting. Hippotherapy, as it is a true therapy, would most likely be very challenging and tiring, and therapeutic riding could provide a setting in which riders could enjoy the company of other people and horses in a less intense session. Contraindications for Spina Bifida and Equine Assisted Activities Though a rider with Spina Bifida can benefit greatly from equine assisted activities, there are several contraindications that should be considered before beginning with either hippotherapy or therapeutic riding. Many of the common contraindications of riding horses are present in individuals with Spina Bifida. However, some can be present but mild enough so as not to limit the rider. Either way, it is important to consider all of the possible contraindications and risks before he rider begins either a hippotherapy or therapeutic riding session. One of the most important things to consider when looking into contraindication for a rider with Spina Bifida is the ability to maintain a sitting position on the horse. If a rider is unable to maintain this position without causing kyphosis or lordosis (inward curving or bowing of the spine), then the Spina Bifida itself could be considered a contraindication (Medline Plus). In most cases, it is only a precaution if a correctly fitted, deep-seated saddle (most likely a western saddle) is available. Another prevalent contraindications for riders with Spina Bifida is hydrocephalus, a common co-occurrence of Spina Bifida. Generally it is a contraindication due to the fact that it is treated with the placement of a shunt. If a properly fitting helmet cannot be placed on the rider without putting pressure on the shunt, it may only be a precaution (North Okanagan Therapeutic Riding Association). Another common contraindication associated with Spina Bifida is the possibility of developing a condition known as Tethered Cord Syndrome-when the base of the spinal cord is held down and unable to move freely in the spinal column. This condition normally occurs as a result of scar tissue forming from the original surgery to remove the myelomeningocele or meningocele. This scar tissue is what ties the spinal cord down. In some cases, the motion of the horse can increase the chances of this condition forming, or aggravate it if the condition has already begin to develop, making it an important contraindication to consider. Tethered cord syndrome can worsen the already existent problems associated with Spina Bifida. It can cause worsening of gait associated with increased pain and spasticity in the legs, and rapid development of scoliosis (Spina Bifida Association). Conclusions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Spina Bifida is a common neurological disorder that can cause lack of feeling, weakness and paralysis of the lower extremities. In some cases, other conditions such as hydrocephalus, Chiari II malformation, Tethered Cord Syndrome, tendonitis and mental retardation can co-occur with Spina Bifida, ultimately resulting in struggles with physical and sometimes mental function. The problems associated with Spina Bifida and its co-occurrences primarily affect motor function and the tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular senses. For this reason, equine assisted activities such as Hippotherapy and Therapeutic riding can have a very positive impact on riders with Spina Bifida. One or both of these activities can be implemented in the individuals routine to improve their motor function, specifically in terms of their abilities to use the muscles in their feet, legs, hips and trunk. Gross motor skills such as standing and walking are the main challen ges that individuals with Spina Bifida face, and the natural movements of the horse, along with therapy exercises and activities can be very effective in improving these skills in order for individuals to achieve more independence and in turn, better quality of life.

Macbeth :: essays research papers

The Blood Theme in Macbeth One of the themes in the tragedy of Macbeth is that of blood. Macbeth is known for his skills as a warrior and his mercilessness that is shown in his killing of MacDonwald. This warrior mentality quickly spreads into his life, and he begins to make killing a habit. When he is told in a prophecy that he shall be king, Macbeth takes it upon himself to murder Duncan, king of Scotland. After this murder he begins to see visions of blood on his hands, blood nothing could remove. As Macbeth becomes more ambitious, he also begins to kill more people to get the power that he wants. The theme of blood is shown throughout the play, and is a problem that Macbeth finds harder and harder to rid himself of after each killing. At the beginning of the play Macbeth is an esteemed member of the army, probably the greatest fighter in all of Scotland. He gets word that a rebellious tribe led by MacDonwald is defeating the Scots. He â€Å"single-handedly† defeats the rebels and â€Å"unseamed him (MacDonwald) from the nave to th’ chops.† With this Macbeth earns great respect among his peers, and even the king. On his way home from war three witches tell him his future. â€Å"All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! All Hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!† Macbeth was already thane of Glamis, and wondered why they would say that he would be Thane of Cawdor or even king, so he blew it off as tomfoolery, and impossible. However, he was later told by the king that because of his valiant fighting against MacDonwald that he was to be given the title of the Thane of Cawdor. All this makes him think again of the witches prophecies, and he wonders if indeed he could be king. The desire for power began to consume Macbeth and his wife, and this ambition caused all of the bloody events that were to follow. Macbeth began to want the kingship that Duncan had more and more. Together Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth plotted to hurry Macbeth’s reign, by killing Duncan themselves. At night Macbeth gains access to Duncan’s sleeping quarters, kills the guards, and stabs King Duncan to death. After the murder, Macbeth is clearly shaken, and can hardly believe what he has done.

Trying To Avoid Gay Stereotypes :: Top 10 Gay Stereotypes

My name is Rob Geis, and I’m a male college student who happens to be gay. Now, I’m not an â€Å"oh-my-God!† gay, nor am I an â€Å"honey, that blouse is all wrong† gay, but for some reason that image gets stuck in people’s minds when I tell them that I am gay. In many ways, coming out was one of the most liberating experiences of my life. I‘m free to do whatever I want under the banner of homosexuality: I can wear skimpy, too-tight clothing that doesn’t suit me, put on makeup, act effeminate and cutesy, or cry at the drop of a hat, without society so much as batting an eye. It’s a real pain. The gay stereotype is that we’re all promiscuous, shallow individuals who act extremely feminine and obsess over fashion. The problem is that there are more young gays who don’t fit the stereotype than those who do. In his 2005 Time cover story titled â€Å"The Battle Over Gay Teens,† John Cloud quotes one-time Young Gay America Magazine editor-in-chief Michael Glatze as saying, â€Å"Today so many kids who are gay, they don't like Cher. They aren't part of the whole subculture. †¦I don't think the gay movement understands the extent to which the next generation just wants to be normal kids.† There seems to be a constant pressure to â€Å"act gay† from others in the gay and straight communities. Look at the news media, which constantly focuses on extreme examples like gays marching down the street with pink lip gloss and Prada bags, shouting gay pride. Look at shows like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy which similarly depict the fluff and flutter of the brightly colored, empty-headed peacock that is the gay male. These portrayals make people expect that sort of behavior from gay men, almost demand it. From other gays, my speech is now open to unwarranted sexual innuendo. I can’t notice a cool pair of sunglasses a guy wears without â€Å"Ooh? So you think he’s cute?† popping up. I wasn’t looking; I just thought the sunglasses were cool†¦ that’s not so unusual, right? It’s the automatic assumption that everything I do is based on my sexuality that’s frustrating. The smallest flick of the wrist speaks volumes about how much of a homosexual I really am. But why cling to the stereotype if you’re gay? Is it so that members of the gay community, who went through their own ordeals and have experienced the same feelings, will recognize you and say, â€Å"You’re like us† and â€Å"Welcome†? Trying To Avoid Gay Stereotypes :: Top 10 Gay Stereotypes My name is Rob Geis, and I’m a male college student who happens to be gay. Now, I’m not an â€Å"oh-my-God!† gay, nor am I an â€Å"honey, that blouse is all wrong† gay, but for some reason that image gets stuck in people’s minds when I tell them that I am gay. In many ways, coming out was one of the most liberating experiences of my life. I‘m free to do whatever I want under the banner of homosexuality: I can wear skimpy, too-tight clothing that doesn’t suit me, put on makeup, act effeminate and cutesy, or cry at the drop of a hat, without society so much as batting an eye. It’s a real pain. The gay stereotype is that we’re all promiscuous, shallow individuals who act extremely feminine and obsess over fashion. The problem is that there are more young gays who don’t fit the stereotype than those who do. In his 2005 Time cover story titled â€Å"The Battle Over Gay Teens,† John Cloud quotes one-time Young Gay America Magazine editor-in-chief Michael Glatze as saying, â€Å"Today so many kids who are gay, they don't like Cher. They aren't part of the whole subculture. †¦I don't think the gay movement understands the extent to which the next generation just wants to be normal kids.† There seems to be a constant pressure to â€Å"act gay† from others in the gay and straight communities. Look at the news media, which constantly focuses on extreme examples like gays marching down the street with pink lip gloss and Prada bags, shouting gay pride. Look at shows like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy which similarly depict the fluff and flutter of the brightly colored, empty-headed peacock that is the gay male. These portrayals make people expect that sort of behavior from gay men, almost demand it. From other gays, my speech is now open to unwarranted sexual innuendo. I can’t notice a cool pair of sunglasses a guy wears without â€Å"Ooh? So you think he’s cute?† popping up. I wasn’t looking; I just thought the sunglasses were cool†¦ that’s not so unusual, right? It’s the automatic assumption that everything I do is based on my sexuality that’s frustrating. The smallest flick of the wrist speaks volumes about how much of a homosexual I really am. But why cling to the stereotype if you’re gay? Is it so that members of the gay community, who went through their own ordeals and have experienced the same feelings, will recognize you and say, â€Å"You’re like us† and â€Å"Welcome†?