The Mail is Arriving Way too Late, Watchdog Reports

The Mail is Arriving Way too Late, Watchdog Reports Even by the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) own recently lowered standards, mail delivery has become unacceptably slow, according to a federal inspector general. In fact, the number of letters being delivered late has increased by 48% in the 6 months since January 1, 2015, USPS Inspector General (IG) Dave Williams noted in a Management Alert sent to the Postal Service on August 13, 2015. In his investigation, IG Williams found that, â€Å"Mail was not being processed timely throughout the country.† Why Is the Mail Slower? On January 1, 2015, the Postal Service, in yet another attempt to save money it doesn’t have, lowered its own mail delivery service standards basically allowing mail to be delivered over a longer period of time than before. For example, where 2-day delivery of First-Class mail had been required before, 3-day delivery is now the acceptable standard. Or, â€Å"slow† is the new â€Å"normal.†Ã‚   [ Postal Services Losses by Year ] The move also paved the way for the Postal Service to go ahead with the closure of some 82 mail sorting and handling facilities across the nation, an action 50 U.S. Senators had recommended against. â€Å"The impacts on customer service and employees have been considerable,† Williams wrote of the lowered delivery standards and facility closures. The IG also noted that the delays had been â€Å"compounded† by two other factors: winter storms and employee scheduling issues. â€Å"Postal Service management stated a large number of winter storms disrupted service from January through March 2015, particularly for mail requiring air transportation,† wrote the IG. â€Å"Additionally, winter storms shut down highways on the East Coast and closed a contractor’s hub in Memphis, TN, delaying mail across the country.† As a result of the reduced delivery standards and facility closures, over 5,000 postal workers were assigned new job duties and were forced to change from working night to day shifts. This required staffing realignments and training of mail processing employees on new jobs, creating an inefficient workplace, according to the IG. How Slow is the Mail Now? IG Williams’ investigation showed that letters classified and paid for as 2-day mail took at least three days to arrive from 6% to 15% of the time from January to June in 2015, a service decline of almost 7% from the same period in 2014.   Five-day mail got even slower, arriving in six days or longer from 18% to 44% of the time for 38% service decline since 2014. Overall, during the first six months of 2015, 494 million pieces of mail failed to meet delivery time standards, a late delivery rate 48% higher than in 2014, investigators concluded. [ Door to Door Postal Services Might Be a Thing of the Past ] Remember when local First-Class letters were usually delivered the next day? Well, the Postal Service eliminated that service in January 2015 in preparation for its mail-handling facility closures. For all classes of mail, the new â€Å"relaxed† delivery standards have allowed the Postal Service one extra day to deliver as much as 50% of all mail traveling outside the Zip Code in which it was mailed, according to the IG’s report. Despite the predicted, but highly unlikely demise of â€Å"snail mail,† Postal Service statistics, show that the USPS handled 63.3 billion pieces of First-Class mail in 2014. Of course, that was 34.5 billion fewer pieces of mail than the 98.1 billion letters handled in 2005. In 2014, a focus group representing a cross-section of postal customer, told Postal Officials they would be willing to accept lowered delivery standards if it meant saving the Postal Service. Be careful what you ask for. What the Inspector General Recommended While noting that mail delivery times had improved recently, IG Williams warned that the level of service is still not where it was during the same period last year. To deal with the issue, IG Williams recommended the Postal Service put its plans for a second round of mail handling facility closures and consolidations on hold until it had corrected its staffing, training and transportation problems related to the lowered delivery standards. [ Back When You Could Mail a Baby ] Postal Service officials disagreed with the IG’s recommendation to put the facility closures on hold until delivery problems are solved. In May 2015, Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan put a temporary hold on further facility closures, but did not indicate when or under what conditions they would resume.

5 Examples of Faulty Parallel Structure

5 Examples of Faulty Parallel Structure 5 Examples of Faulty Parallel Structure 5 Examples of Faulty Parallel Structure By Mark Nichol One type of grammatical errors seen frequently is that of faulty parallel structure, in which corresponding words or phrases do not match to create a logical syntax. Here are five examples of sentences in which parallel structure is flawed, with a discussion of each error. 1. She played at San Francisco venues such as the Avalon, the Fillmore, and Carousel Ballroom. In isolation, the names of each of these venues should be preceded by the: â€Å"the Avalon,† â€Å"the Fillmore,† and â€Å"the Carousel Ballroom.† When listed together in one sentence, the same is true: â€Å"She played at San Francisco venues such as the Avalon, the Fillmore, and the Carousel Ballroom.† 2. I’m not just upset that Mary told Jane, but also that she was so rude. The writer is upset about not only A but also B, so the verb should precede the counterpoint phrases â€Å"not just that† (the three words of which should not be interrupted by another) and â€Å"also that†: â€Å"I’m upset not just that Mary told Jane but also that she was so rude.† Note also that the comma before â€Å"but also† is unnecessary. 3. The site does not look at opinions or predictions, but statements that the general public would be interested in knowing the truth about. Just as in the previous example, the opposing phrases (in this case, â€Å"not at† and â€Å"but at†) should both follow the verb they share (in this case, look, which should not intervene in the first of the two phrases): â€Å"The site looks not at opinions or predictions but at statements that the general public would be interested in knowing the truth about.† 4. The website evaluates only statements that are clear, precise, and are not obviously true. Three adjectives listed in this sentence- clear, precise, and true- can share a verb, or each can be preceded by its own verb, but this sentence does not apply either option; the first and third adjectives have their own verbs but precise doesn’t. The correct alternatives are â€Å"The website evaluates only statements that are clear, precise, and not obviously true† and â€Å"The website evaluates only statements that are clear, are precise, and are not obviously true.† 5. The virus is usually picked up through contact with an infected person, consuming food or drinks contaminated with the virus, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth. Similar to the previous example, in this sentence, the three items in this list can share a preposition, or each can have its own (not necessarily the same one used three times). The choices are â€Å"The virus is usually picked up through contact with an infected person, consuming food or drinks contaminated with the virus, or touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth† and â€Å"The virus is usually picked up through contact with an infected person, by consuming food or drinks contaminated with the virus, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Exquisite AdjectivesHow to Play HQ Words: Cheats, Tips and TricksGrammatical Case in English

How to Write a Philosophy of Education Essay

How to Write a Philosophy of Education Essay Philosophy of Education Purpose of an educational philosophy essay How to start How to create an outline How to write a thesis for an educational philosophy essay How to write an introduction Tips on introduction and thesis statement writing How to write body paragraphs Tips on body writing How to finish an educational philosophy essay Tips on conclusion writing Tips on revision A philosophy of education essay sample A philosophy of education is used to explore the course, purpose, principles, as well as the nature of learning. Educational philosophy describes what teaching means to an educator and also defines how and why one teaches. Many educationalists refer to educational philosophy as module derived from worlds practical applications to be used. Purpose of an educational philosophy essay A student is supposed to write an educational philosophy paper to explain why and how instructors teach. Such an essay also explores the goals and motivations of a teacher as well as how one approaches education in order to teach others. Moreover, the purpose of the perfect essay on the philosophy of education is to explain strategies used to enlighten learners about how instructors are. How to start Before starting an educational philosophy essay, the writer should first outline the ideas that one wants to include in the essay. One can figure out his or her views on education and draft some of the significant points. Also, the writer can read different sources to see how education philosophy has been. How to create an outline Educational philosophy statements are often transcribed using the first person because they focus on your specific profession. However, one should write about one or two pages although this varies if one has an extensive career. An efficient educational philosophy essay should have a brief introduction followed by body paragraphs; also, one must include a conclusion. For instance: Introduction: you can describe your views regarding teaching. Body paragraphs: by using three to five paragraphs, the writer can explore the main topic and ideas of how one facilitates learning. Conclusion: you can summarize your points here and also explain how to utilize them in future. How to write a thesis for an educational philosophy essay In an educational philosophy paper, a thesis that you develop holds the most significant part of the essay. Your thesis statement has the ability to state, regulate, and structure the whole argument in the essay. A thesis explains to your reader about your stand on a certain topic. While developing a thesis, one should not write a broad statement nor too shallow. Your thesis should also be supported in your essay. Furthermore, a strong thesis can be challenged and also be opposed. How to write an introduction The introduction paragraph contains information that let your reader know what is in the essay. While writing the introduction, one should include a thesis statement that sums up your essays main point. Therefore, the writer is supposed to develop an introductory that illustrates some philosophical experiences that leads the reader gently to the thesis statement. Moreover, one should write an introduction that gives the reader a reason to continue with the rest of the paper. Tips on introduction and thesis statement writing While developing your introduction and thesis statement, you need to present engaging information. Therefore, the introduction should catch your readers attention for instance by using interesting statistics. Next, your introduction should be precise and should not start arguing the main ideas. Then, set up your essay by presenting the background of your topic and thesis statement. One should also not write a thesis that is evident or a fact. How to write body paragraphs While writing the body paragraphs, you should utilize the notes that were drafted while outlining the essay. However, the purpose of the body is to argue and prove your thesis statement. In this part, one should deeply discuss the main points by giving examples of how to put your ideas into practice. Tips on body writing The first step of writing the body is to develop topic sentences at the beginning of each new paragraph. Then, each of your paragraphs should present a single idea and should have 4-5 sentences. Each of your body paragraphs should have a logical argument which follows a logical pattern. Moreover, one should confirm whether the paragraphs flow easily to make your points readable. Lastly, the writer should avoid technical language. How to finish an educational philosophy essay A philosophy of education essay should be concluded in a conclusion paragraph. In this paragraph, one should simply go beyond reaffirming the educational philosophy. The writer should, therefore, talk about the instructors objectives and how to succumb future challenges in educational institutions. Tips on conclusion writing The writer should conclude the paper with strong points for the readers to remember the work. Also, one can return to the introductory points as a proof that the essay is helpful. The writer can include a brief summary of the main points without repeating information in your essay. Lastly, one can propose a solution to a certain issue stated in the paper. Tips on revision The main purpose of the writer to develop an educational essay is to lastly present an efficient piece of work. However, after completing your essay, the first thing you should do is to proofread your work. Then, ensure all your examples are transitional and support your thesis. Then correct all grammatical errors and format your essay correctly. A philosophy of education essay sample I believe the key to a successful and a happy life is to have the freedom to do what you want and this can be achieved through education. Education is a unique experience for the students and in order for all students to benefit from it, teachers and educators have to be fully knowledgeable about the importance of their teaching. Therefore, the philosophy of education is very important especially by giving young people the power and courage to pursue their life goals. The more enlightened you are, the more control you have over your future. By offering quality education to all students, one equips learners with essential tools for success in life. Academic teaching begins with inspiration and motivation. I believe that students deserve the teachers passion for learning because this makes both the students and the teacher more ready to engage in active learning. However, in order to attain active learning, as a teacher I have to demonstrate enthusiasm as well as confidence in my students learning. Displaying readiness in the classroom makes the students feel that one supports their learning and also the subject is relevant to their life. My personal objective is to challenge my future students and also watch them develop to full potential people. I also, want to take them through different levels of education which will help them grow together as they better everyones life. I want to take them through a straightforward instruction that will help them expand and grow on their own. However, group work and class discussions are the significant aspects of a successful class. When one offers the student a chance to participate in group projects, this changes each students atmosphere in the classroom because students help each other develop academically. Also, group work and class discussions give one a chance to develop freedom of creativity and expression and also help one realize his or her weakness and strengths. Engaging constructivist methods in ones teaching drives the students to create an active role in education. For example, physical experiments make sure all students attain their best and also discover their st rengths. As a teacher, to accomplish my goals, it is important to develop mutual respect and honest relationship with my students. Ones relationship with the student is a high priority that is created through communication and through this, a democratic and fair learning environment can be established. A creating a good relationship with my students can possibly make a safe and confident interaction within the academic setting. Therefore, ones this foundation is created, as a teacher, I have already attained a major goal that is; my students will morally conduct themselves in the classroom as they prepare themselves for future survival and adult interaction. How as a teacher I carry out the teaching is more important as what I teach. The method of teaching establishes a connection between the students and the teacher. However, the teacher is supposed to exercise a mentoring role over the students and demonstrate consistency so that students can emulate the same traits as they grow. Moreover, having a personal connection with all students can facilitate equal chances for all students success.

The Chinese Zombie Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Chinese Zombie - Essay Example . Zombies are portrayed as â€Å"beings† operating in the universe that hardy understand or care to understand. In this speech, I focus on Chinese Zombie, also known as jiangshi, and how they influence Chinese cultural identity. The account is based on chapter eight, Gothic monster and Chinese cultural identity: analysis of the note of ghoul, from the book "Thinking Dead: What the Zombie Apocalypse Means." In the Chinese culture, the Chinese zombies are categorized as either male or female for particular reasons. In the Note of Ghouls, resurrected zombies have their gender as male. The female zombie that existed was later on adjusted to a ghost. A reason for this could be that it was only those bodies that had least deterioration that could be resurrected back as zombies. In most cases, it was only the bodies of tomb owners that were well preserved. Historical accounts of Chinese society indicate that it was of patriarchal nature, thus implying that tomb owners were male. Women ended up being buried alongside the owner just as mortuary bodies. It is thus presumed that the feeling of resentment for being sacrificed in favour of the tomb owner drove them to convert into lingering ghosts upon their deaths. Also, there exist accounts that assert that women bodies were used to cultivate the male zombies. Generally, female gender was not given much credit as to the male gender.

David Sedaris' The Learning Curve Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

David Sedaris' The Learning Curve - Essay Example The author has rightly presented that the essay â€Å"The Learning Curve† is witty and artful. Here, Sedaris does not conform to the aspect of seriousness, which most artists employ in literary fiction or in the category of serious nonfiction. Sedaris in this essay, therefore, does not aspire to the formality that is adopted in most literary works. For this reason, this essay, including other essays by Sedaris, make him unique. Sedaris works are, therefore, different, compared to the works of other authors today, who has taught in universities or higher learning institutions, and whose works are examined in seminar rooms. Sedaris does not, therefore, share similar objectives with the other such authors, whose ambition is to set standards in the literary world. â€Å"The Learning Curve† is light and full of humor, and lacks seriousness and profoundness. This essay is also simple, thus easy for the reader to understand. The straightforwardness employed by Sedaris in the e ssay does not require a reader to interpret or look for the literary meaning of the essay. In addition, the prose employed in the essay is simple. On the contrast, a serious essay would require a reader to consider the implications of the art form and to read the essay with considerable emotional depth. However, in Sedaris’ essay, a reader is not required to make such efforts. Instead, the essay is easy to read, artful, and entertaining. There are various humorous situations in the essay â€Å"The Learning Curve.† A part of the humor in the essay centers on the teaching methods of Sedaris at the beginning. For instance, Sedaris asks his students for food recipes for his slow cooker (Sedaris 86). He then tries to convince his students that this would help them to develop their writing outlines. Additionally, Sedaris plays his favorable his favorite soap operas after which he asks his students to write papers on what would happen next (Sedaris 86). In another instance, Sedaris asks his students that writing becomes fiction when they write it down and fail to say it loud (Sedaris 92-3). Another humorous situation in this essay is when Sedaris opens his briefcase during his first class, and lets out leaf-shaped papers, which he wants his students to use as nametags, â€Å"I arrived bearing name tags fashioned in the shape of maple leaves. I’d cut them myself out of orange construction paper and handed them out along with a box of straight pins. .† (Sedaris 84). Although Sedaris made these tags by himself, when the students ask him whether the tags were handmade, Sedaris argues that they were store bought. Nonetheless, these among other humorous are effective in this essay, as they help to remove seriousness in the essay, even though the author passes on important themes. Although â€Å"The Learning Curve† is humorous, this addresses the intelligence of the reader. The author presents his themes in a clever manner and in an easy way for the reader. Nonetheless, this essay is engaging and intellectually vigorous. For instance, Se

Software engineering Module assessment 2 Assignment

Software engineering Module assessment 2 - Assignment Example SCRUM views the systems development process as a collection of actions that integrate known workable mechanisms and procedures with the best development team to develop systems. Since these actions are loose, controls to handle the process and underlying risks are used. SCRUM is a typical upgrade of the commonly utilised incremental object-oriented development cycle. Although waterfall methodology makes it compulsory the use of undefined processes, it has a huge drawback. Its linear nature gives it this large drawback. The process does not provide way of responding to unanticipated output from any of the transitional stages. This method is analogous to the peeling of onion layers that corresponds to users deciding whether to send prototype back to preceding phases or termination of the development process. Spiral methodology stages and stage processes are linear. Requirement analysis and design activities are conducted in requirements phase and design phase respectively with each of the stages comprising of linear, precisely and clearly communicated defined processes This is an improvement on the Spiral method. Each of the iteration comprises of all phases in standard Waterfall model. Each of these iterations covers a single set of parsed functionality. The overall project deliverable expected is subdivided into designated subsystems, each with clean interfaces. This method allows one to test the feasibility of a subsystem and its technology in the inceptive iterations. Later iterations improve the the project while increasing the speed of delivery. This method increases flexibility, has a better cost control and checks delivery of systems. Nevertheless, the Iterative method is also linear as underlying development processes are still defined and linear. Each of the development technologies improve on another with no significant change. Both the Spiral and Iterative methods implement a risk control techniques

Patient protection and affordable care act(H.R. 3590) Research Paper

Patient protection and affordable care act(H.R. 3590) - Research Paper Example In this paper, facts about the components of the new law will be discussed, with its corresponding advantages and disadvantages. H.R. 3590, also known as â€Å"The Patient Protection and Affordable Healthcare Act,† has been in the public spotlight for months before and after the president ordered its issuance. According to the Democratic Public Policy (n.d.), the current health care reform will â€Å"ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care,† and allows modification within the health care service to fit whatever individual medical needs. The role of the health insurance holders is also emphasized, making them more in-control of their insurance companies, rather than insurance companies controlling them. The Kaiser Family Foundation (2010) argued that the change in the health care system â€Å"focuses on the provision of to expand coverage, control health care costs, and improve health care delivery system.† Its implementation would rely to the overall population with health insurance coverage; therefore, there is a need to make health insurance mandatory for every citizen. If a citizen fails to have such insurance a penalty of $695 tax should be paid, but varies in accordance to his or her marital status. In line with the widened coverage for health insurance, the new policy provides a longer coverage for young adults under their parent’s premiums. The Los Alamos National Laboratory (n.d.) contends that the employees or unemployed young adults who lost their insurance coverage on their 23rd birthday will be allowed to re-enroll under their parent’s insurance, regardless if they are married or not. Furthermore, the previous policy of insurance companies of disqu alifying children who have pre existing medical condition is already illegal. A 1% budget for the Abortion policy will be provided, as long as the pregnancy is due to rape or incest, or the pregnancy itself causes danger