Gender and Eve Returns Wall-e Essay Example

Gender and Eve Returns Wall Gender and Eve Returns Wall-e Essay Gender and Eve Returns Wall-e Essay The first half of Wall-E completely reverses Hollywood’s idea of the boy/girl romance. Wall-E and Eve each take on roles opposite their portrayed gender. Wall-E though assumed to be a lovable male displays stereotypical female characteristics and behaviours such as his weakness, his cleaning, and the longing he has for companionship. While Eve, though sleek and beautiful like our image of the â€Å"ideal woman† is much more the stereotypical male, arriving and immediately wreaking destruction, she is devoid of emotion, and displays lots of physical power. Wall-E and Eve both take on characteristics typical of the opposite sex making us question our ideas of â€Å"romance. † Wall-E opens our eyes to more possibilities; maybe romance isn’t based around so many gender stereotypes but simply by the way we feel about another person – or robot. Wall-E’s weakness and fear of Eve’s arrival is demonstrated by his shaking and hiding behind nearby garbage cans. Though Eve’s immediate destruction of anything that moves, would strike fear into the heart of any semi-intelligent being. Wall-E, having been built simply for cleaning is small, and seemingly insignificant. While Eve’s sleek form is not only efficient but built for destruction. With her convenient built-in cannons, she’s every boys dream robot, and what girl doesn’t adore Wall-E’s adorableness. Eve’s physical strength is shown time after time, when she pops bubble wrap with a machine gun like quickness. When teaching Eve to dance Wall-E is cute and certainly more elegant than Eve who is more clumsy than elegant. She jumps so hard she shakes Wall-E’s little living space and twirls so fast she breaks Wall-E’s eye. : Another example is when Wall-E tries to hold her hand after she has the plant, and just closing herself back up she slams his hand so hard it appears she may have really hurt him. Despite her outbursts of anger and her clear physical power that she holds over him, Wall-E adores her anyway. Wall-E spends his days tidying and cleaning, occasionally collecting trinkets and toys throughout the day, much like a woman taking advantage of garage sales ad bringing home multiplies of things she already owns. While Wall-E spent all of his time before Eve cleaning and collecting, Eve shows up with only 1 goal – find plant life and bring it back to the humans in space. She is goal oriented and not very interested in anything that side-tracks her, going so far as to destroy things that slow her down – such as the entire ship when she becomes attached to its magnet. Eve is quick to anger and quick to shoot anything that so much as moves without hesitation and with no concern what she leaves behind her. After she deems Wall-E no longer a threat and stops trying to blow him up, she completely ignores him following her in order to work on her mission. But being ignored does not deter Wall-E who adores her not only from a distance but enough to protect her best he can from the sandstorm. While Wall-E is lonely and longing companionship, it seems the only emotion Eve feels –when she feels any at the beginning of the movie is anger. Wall-E’s loneliness is shown when he folds his own hands together and in his silently following Eve everywhere, despite her obvious disinterest. Wall-E even records the love song and gazes at the stars before Eve’s arrival, as if asking a higher source to ease his loneliness. Eve is not even slightly interested in Wall-E’s attempt at friendship – or more in the beginning. She is quick to anger, again with the ship magnet and does not feel remorse or concern for anyone – or anything she may harm. Blowing up several things in Wall-E’s vicinity in attempt to get rid of him, she is not worried about the consequences – as she doesn’t even wait to see if he is ok or not. As if following her around and being ignored weren’t enough, when she does pay attention it is to fire at him, and being nearly blown to pieces every time he moves too quickly doesn’t seem to derail Wall-E’s adoration for Eve as he sticks around to save her from the sandstorm and tries to woo her with the trinkets and old love movies. Eventually Eve returns Wall-E’s feelings, though not as strong so early on, she does let him try to impress her. She even begins to giggle when poor Wall-E gets hurt dropping things on himself – which displays some elements of a Hollywood romance, but they both still display characteristics primarily opposite what is typical for their respective genders. Despite their differences, and their seemingly reversed gender roles, it seems we cannot stereotype romance. Wall-E is quick to fall in love with Eve even though she is much stronger, faster, braver and better equipped than him and Eve takes a little more time, but sees the charm in Wall-E’s gentle but protective nature. Wall-E and Eve are an improbable but adorable romance proving that the â€Å"cool guy† isn’t always the one who ends up with the pretty girl.

What you need to know about background checks for your next job

What you need to know about background checks for your next job Let’s get right to the facts about this one. You should expect an employment background check on the path to your next job. Conservative estimates show nearly three quarters of all employers perform some sort of background check on every new hire. While mandated by law in some cases, clearing a background check is a necessary condition for the great majority of new hires. The number one concern for employers is workplace safety.For precisely that reason, employment background checks include multiple dimensions and draw from several sources of information. Employers use background checks to determine the risk a candidate represents regarding occupational safety, criminal behavior (e.g., theft, violence, bribery), and creating hostile working conditions.The specifics of what an employment background check includes differ according to the role, organization, or industry. Almost one half of candidates say they are unsure of what employers are investigating during an employment bac kground check. Between 30 and 50 percent include reviewing a candidate’s credit history.Though estimates vary, at least nine percent (.pdf) of all employment background checks reveal derogatory information about a candidate. Our research shows that one-third of all jobseekers are concerned that information in their background will interfere with getting hired.Yet for many good candidates, an instance of background blight on its own is not enough to disqualify. But it does involve an additional set of conversations between the candidate and employer to determine whether past mistakes are relevant to the current job and future performance.Some basics of employment background checksEmployment background checks are often conducted by third-party vendors. Therefore, jobseekers should become aware of their rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs such transactions.As mentioned earlier, background checks investigate several areas of a candidate’s histo ry. Because workplace safety is paramount, nearly every candidate is investigated for criminal history. For most candidates, a background check will also include confirming identity, employment history, education, and professional credentials.For some roles, ongoing illegal drug use is a focus, and may require a pre-employment drug test. Other roles will look at DMV records and driving history. Less common are medical history and Workers’ Compensation claims.Some candidates can expect more rigorous background checks. Positions of high trust will necessitate additional scrutiny, especially handling valuable assets or offsite work on another’s property. The same applies to positions that involve driving, operating tools or machinery, or handling hazardous materials.Senior managers, especially those with fiduciary responsibilities, can expect scrutiny of their financial history, as can anyone in a position to bribe or be bribed. And candidates being hired for roles that e xpose them to confidential or secure information, including trade secrets and intellectual property assets, will also be investigated thoroughly.The three things to sweatWhat you say about yourself not matching what the employer finds in your background check reportOne rule of thumb for clearing a background check is whether â€Å"candidates are who they say they are.† Employers can make a case for hiring a candidate who has been upfront about a prior lapse of judgment. But employers cannot do so with candidates found having a current lapse of judgment in representing themselves truthfully. The most common areas that candidates falsify are education, professional credentials, and employment history. When discovered, it is an immediate deal breaker, even if you’re the CEO.If in doubt, contact the applicable keeper of records. It is very easy for employers to do, and likewise for job candidates wanting to verify their past accomplishments.False, inaccurate, or misleading information appearing in your background checkAs much as you’ve been truthful about yourself, you can’t necessarily expect the system to vouch for you. Background checks can and do contain wrong information, which can cost jobseekers dearly.Data brokering is a sketchy and unregulated business, operating in a legal grey area and increasingly outside of U.S. jurisdiction. Even post-GDPR, custodians of your background data have neither the resources nor the incentives to maintain its integrity. That includes reporting bureaus with whom employers contract for background checks, and especially the sources from which they scrape your background data.It is a good idea for all jobseekers to do as much detective work on themselves as possible. Start by ordering a free credit report. Always request a copy of an employer background check report if your state allows it. Do what you can to obtain DMV and court records, along with any prior background check reports. Consider using a paid service if any doubts linger.Derogatory background information bringing about the end of the conversationIf your background contains a criminal conviction, it does not necessarily mean an automatic disqualification.Most employers treat discovery of derogatory background information on a case-by-case basis. As a rule, it is handled very conscientiously and discreetly, and only among need-to-know persons, typically the recruiter or an HR representative and the legal department. Together they review the facts and determine how best to proceed to ensure fairness and regulatory compliance, yet maintain workplace safety.When should a candidate with derogatory background information discuss it with an employer?  Experts advise one of two courses. If it relates to something fundamental about performing the job (e.g., a candidate for a driving job having a DUI conviction), then it needs to be discussed early in the process. That allows both the candidate and the recruiter to determi ne whether there is a workaround. If on the other hand, it is not directly relevant to performing the job, then it should be brought up later, at the point when it is clear to the candidate that a job offer is probable.In either case, the candidate needs to demonstrate that as an exit of the criminal justice system, the past has been resolved, present obligations are being satisfied, and the future represents no greater risk to the employer than any other candidate. It also provides the candidate with a unique opportunity to apply the tried and true CAR technique to demonstrate his or her value, in an extraordinarily vivid and impressive way.The bottom lineBackground checks are often complicated. Employers must follow numerous regulations and procedures, which are subject to frequent change. Therefore, employers are typically advised against having a blanket background check policy.For jobseekers, it is worthwhile to find out what employers see. Anything you can do to make things ea sier for the employer is mutually beneficial. Show that you are low risk, and use your experiences to demonstrate your value just like any other top candidate. And always be truthful, no matter what’s in your background.LiveCareer  offers assistance to job seekers at every step of the journey. Access free  resume templates  and  resume examples, plus a  cover letter builder  and advice on how to answer  interview questions  of all stripes.

Revenge in the Contemporary Society Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Revenge in the Contemporary Society - Assignment Example Shakespeare presents two pieces of artwork of Titus and Titus Andronicus who appears as a sordid tale of bloodthirsty revenge in political turmoil. The pieces of work present a turbulent scenario characterized by massive blood flows and unthinkable brutality. In the process of affecting the revenge, countless murders are reported, rape and terrible actions of fierce mutilation. Generally, the characters in both pieces of work of Titus Andronicus are the Romans and the vital captives that found their way to the Roman Empire after the ten-year war with the Goths. This integrated the Goth’s queen, Tamara, and her family members who were the painful bearers of the cold brutal murders, hence, creating the theme of revenge (Shakespeare 232). Shakespeare presents this theme as a plot in one of his earlier works which do not appear to be popular as the pieces of work are viewed as excessively violent which, in my opinion, appear to be the best setting for the theme. The story is quite powerful and juicy as moving though is not that dynamic as one may wish a player to be. Titus Andronicus is a Roman general, who is in charge of a leadership position in the army that fights the Goths and defeats them in cruel and bloody war. Before the war is finished Titus wants to execute the son of the queen of Goths, Tamara, who pleads for the mercy for her son as it is normally said that the pain of childbirth should be enquired from the mother. Titus though defies the pleas of the mother and goes ahead to kill Tamara’s son anyway (Shakespeare 157). After the bloody killing of Tamara’s sons by Titus, the queen swears to revenge on Titus’ kingdom and initiates a total bloodbath.  

Effects of imagination on a child from the perspective of Peter Pan by Essay

Effects of imagination on a child from the perspective of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie - Essay Example As his life is a life of dreams, his real life only being in his imagination, the writer will show how he goes between the need of nurturing and the need of nature or his concept of reality. A conclusion will be made associating the need of Peter Pan in an adults' society. We all wish to live in a wonderful perfect family with a strong mother figure. In chapter 7 Peter had saved the life of the Redskins who referred to him as "The great white father"." Secretly Wendy sympathised with them a little but she was far too loyal a housewife to listen to any complaints against father. "Father knows best", she always said..." Peter Pan served as a father figure to two groups, the set of Indians and the lost boys. He would never admit is as "it was only in Peter's absence that the lost boys could speak of mothers" (chapter 2) In chapter 6, the Little House, the lost boys "went on their knees, and holding out their arms cried, "Oh Wendy lady, be our Mother." "There was a step above, and Wendy, you may be sure was the first to recognize it. "Children, I hear your father's step. He likes you to meet him at the door." At end of the chapter, "Dear Peter, with such a large family, of course, I have now passed by best, but you don't want to change me do you?" "No Wendy... I was just think, it is only make-believe, isn't it, that I am their father. It would make me so old to be their real father." Wendy then asks."Peter what are your feelings for me? " "Those of a devoted son". The purpose was to illustrate the use of the imagination to nurture children who don't have the love of a mother and father figure. Peter Pan and Wendy formed a surrogate family for a short while. A wonderful transition from the imagination of nurture to the imagination of nature is the use of the clock. Hook was not angry to have lost his arm, he said "I want Peter Pan, who first gave the brut(the crocodile) its taste for me...by lucky chance it swallow a clock which goes tick tick inside. "When you wan t the time on the island was to find the crocodile, and hen stay near him till the clock struck" (chapter 10)He is afraid of the crocodile when he no longer can hear the tick tock of the clock, he will lose his life. This is a child's imagination of death (Chapter 5 ) . He can prevent himself from dieing. Another more playful side of childhood is to use the imagination to pretend that he can change the nature of time, events, school, people etc...."I shall pour my medicine into Nana's bowl, and she will drink it, think it is milk!" (chapter 3) Mr Darling is completely in the role of a child, the dog is in the role of a nanny, and the children are acting as though they were adults. The imagination of nature is the concept of what goes on in the present. Children think about the here and now. There is no concept of time for any of the children. "The boys on the island vary...when they seem to be growing up, which is against the rules, Peter thins them out". (chapter 5) ""He did this b ecause there is a saying in the Neverland that, every time you breathe, a grown-up dies; and Peter was killing them off vindictively as fast as possible". (chapter 11) A child's imagination dreams of a world of being able to live without the constraints of adults. What fun to have control over all the grown-up world, not to have to take medicine, and not to have to do school work. To live in a place where one could play to his heart's content. These two concepts interchange in a child's head. Wendy dreams of

OpenChannel Flow Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

OpenChannel Flow - Lab Report Example A minimum specific energy indicates a steady flow with parallel streamlines especially in channels characterized with very small slopes. Hydraulic jump, a phenomenon that depends on initial fluid velocity, occurs when the transition velocity increases abruptly. As a result, the transition front breaks and curls back upon itself in conjunction with violent turbulence and eddy currents. The introduction of a weir along the channel of fluid flow results to an increase in the fluid level. An increased fluid head or level is determined by measuring the upstream of the hydraulic structure. According to ToolBox (2014), the rate of fluid flow over the weir relates with the level of the weir. To determine the discharge constant for the weir, individuals should conduct some fluid analysis and calibration tests. In most cases, the discharge coefficient remains constant for a given set of head ranges. A specific energy diagram determines the possible heights and depths of weirs. A low level that supports critical flow results to a decrease in the fluid level without affecting the upstream (Kay, 2015). After achieving the critical flow, an increase in the weir level leads directly affects the upstream fluid level. Typically, a subcritical flow produces a low vitality state while a supercritical state creates a faster and shallow flow. During a supercritical condition, waves produced by downstream eddies cannot travel upstream. On the other hand, subcritical conditions initiate upstream travel of waves produced at the downstream due to the slower flow of fluids. The diagram below demonstrates the water profile along the flow channel with various regions where subcritical and supercritical flows

Water Supply And Pollution In Singapore

Water Supply And Pollution In Singapore Water is the most essential needs for living things, some countries like Mexico and Egypt are able to obtain clean water easily, however it is a life or death issue in many countries in the world. One of the counties that used to have a water problem is Singapore. Singapore is an island and urban city state which had problems with water in its early days. It is because Singapore does not have natural lakes and there is only little land to collect rainwater. However, in the last 4 decades Singapore has proven itself to be a country that successfully deals with water. This essay will discuss about the water related problems in Singapore, how the PUB (Public Utilities Board) as the Singapores national water agency overcome those problems, and some leadership factors that contribute to the success of PUB in solving the problems. Problems and solutions Water pollution has never been a new phenomenon and it has always been part of the ecological system. It can be caused by erosion, siltation of the streams, flood, dead animal, also the increase of human activities, etc. This phenomenon happened in many parts of the world, it happens especially in the developing country and industrial countries. Singapore had also dealt with this problem, water pollution in Singapore was caused by four major factors. First, commercial and industrial location, back in 1960s majority of manufacture was located on south and south west part of the country. These manufactures did not dump their industrial waste into the place that were provided therefore, after a few years Government made a new policies and regulation then asked the manufactures to comply with the requirement. (Hung, C. 1976) Second, hawker and market, a survey in 1969 proved that there were 18000 hawkers island wide. Most of them were using water for their business and contributing a substantial pollution to the rivers. It was estimated that about four million gallons of water waste were discharge to the streams each day. Hence, to overcome this problem those hawkers were resided to the hawker centers where the waste could be drained in the septic tank. (Hung, C. 1976) Next, farm waste, it was also big issues due to water pollution in 1960s since there were large number of farmers rearing pigs and poultry. Primary Production Department estimated that there were 600,000 pigs in Singapore these pigs produced 3 million gallons of excrement per day. Many farmers at that period discharged their farm waste to the river thus, it caused the river to be polluted. In order to control this problem, the small scale of farm would have to be encouraged and farmers were pushed to reuse the water in the farm since water in such farm is for the cleansing of the pig excrements. (Hung, C. 1976) Last but not least, the kitchen waste had also been a problem to the society in 1970s because the water waste was discharge to the open drain also the garbage was dumped into the rivers. Even though those are households waste, these wastes also contributing pollution to the river. To reduce this problem, the government tightened up the regulation such as, disallow the resident for washing their clothes on the concrete apron behind the house, discharges from wash hand basins which usually go into the open drains are prohibited. (Hung, C. 1976) Furthermore, the water engineers in Singapore always monitor the level of the river pollution. They will detect and trace the cause if there is an increase in the level of pollution. In 1979, Singapore was able to monitor 42% of the whole country. (Liu, O. 1979). Water supply has also been a big issue for Singapore, since it is a small country that only has limited water resource Singapore has to carefully plan and encourage the citizen to use the water wisely otherwise, this country could experience a water shortage. Back in 1990, Singapore was experienced an unusual period of dry weather which was caused the reservoir stocks to dropped to 68 percent from 95 percent (Public Utilities Board Annual Report 1990, 31 December 1990, pp 12). In order to prevent history to repeat itself, in recent days Singapore has four major water sources which are called National Taps. National Taps consist of water from Johor, water catchment from reservoir, desalinated water and recycled water called NEWater. Almost half of Singapores water demand was fulfilled by the imported water (water from Johor) the water agreement between these two countries was begun in 1927. These countries made another agreement in 1961, 1962 and 1990, the 1961 agreement will expire o n 2011 while the other two will expire on 2061. Singapore has some water catchment areas those are located in Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, and so on. Water catchment is about collecting water especially rain water and processing the water so that it can be consumed by the society, when this water from water catchment are being used the used water is collected then treated again to produce NEWater. NEWater is the Singapores brand for their recycled water and it also another Singapores water resources. In the present, NEWater is mostly used by industry due to its cheap price and cleanliness moreover, it able to cover 30 percents of the industrys water needs. Another water supply comes from desalination process whereby sea water is collected and treated so that the salt is extracted and the water becomes drinkable water. However, this type of water is not famous among the people compared to the other three sources it is because this type of water is more expensive due to its technology to transform sea water become into drinking water. The challenges that PUB has to deal with are not only how to cope the demand of the society but also how to reduce the demand. As there is an increase in the number of population in Singapore, the demand for water has also increased. In 1950s when the population of Singapore was about 1 million, the daily consumption of water was only 142,000 daily per capita the consumption of water increase by more than 100 percent in 1960 when the population had increased to 1.6 million by 1970s when the population reached 2.4 million, the demand for water had gone up to 262 liters per person per day. However, this is not the only factors that make the demand for water increase. Industrial development and better standard of living are the other factors which make the demand for water raise. In 1950 there were only about 580 industrial organizations with 10 or more workers. In 1970s, the number of industrial company went up to more than 2,900 companies. This made the water consumption increased fro m 50,000 cubic meters to 170,000. Water is still relatively cheap compared the other commodities and with the increase in living standard, people tend to be more liberal with the use of water. (Liu, O. 1979). Today, the population has increased to about 4.6million while water demand has grown 1.3 million cubic meters per capita. To anticipate this problem, PUB tries to seize the use of water through pricing, campaign, promoting and encouraging ownership. Pricing of water is an efficient and effective mechanism in encouraging customers to use water wisely. The water is priced to recover the full cost of its production and to make people realize that the natural supply of this precious resource is decreasing. . The water tariffs and water conservation tax were restructured over a 4-year period, starting in 1997 and it is valid for domestic and non-domestic consumers (except for domestic consumers using more than 40 cubic meters per month. Before 1 July 1997, the first 20 cubic meters of domestic consumption for each household was charged at S$0.56 per cubic meters. The next 20-40 cubic meters were charged at S$0.80 per cubic meters. Non domestic consumption of more than 40 cubic meters per month was charged S$1.17 per cubic meters. From year 2000 onward, domestic consumption of up to 40 cubic meters per month and nondomestic uses were charged at a consistent rate of S$1.17 per cubic meters. For domestic consumption of more than 40 cubic meters per month, the tariff became S$1.40 per cubic meters, which is higher than non-domestic consumption. The earlier cheaper block rate for the first 20 cubic meters of domestic consumption was eliminated. Furthermore, PUB also tries to lower the water usage by conducting a campaign for example, in 24 June 1995 PUB launched a campaign called Save Water Campaign at Bedok waterworks. This campaign was held to make the Singaporean realize that water conservation is vital to their future and also to encourage the community to use the water more prudently and effectively. During the campaign month, seminars on water conservation were given to students and workers, PUB had also invited the students, workers, and community groups to visit the water plants. Moreover, water rationing was also exercised during this campaign. The purpose of this training was to let the Singaporean experienced the difficulties and inconvenience of water shortage. Additionally, PUB also made many advertisements through mass media to make people aware about the campaign. Advertising materials such as, posters stickers, leaflets were distributed island wide. The campaign slogan and logo was also printed in the PUB bill envelopes on that month 155 litres of  water  daily per Singaporean Hung, C. (1976). Water pollution and its control in Singapore. P.100-112

Online Community Experience :: Personal Experience Blogs Message Boards Essays

Online Community Experience In order to gain a better perspective of online communities I had no other choice but to join one. I looked at several different sites such as MSN.com and YAHOO.com that had discussion boards available to join but I just couldn’t find one that fit my interests. I then logged onto MTV.com where I found a discussion board all about my favorite TV show: The Real World. The board was a community of people who shared a common interest in the show and could come together to discuss its characters and storyline. I am a faithful watcher of The Real World. The show is about seven very different people who are chosen to live together in a house for six months. Each season is set up in a different city. The cast members must get a job which is usually set up by the show and everything that they do is taped. The current season of The Real World is being aired in Las Vegas, Nevada. The cast has been given a job at a local night club where their main objective is to entertain the guests. The cast is taped while they are eating, sleeping, working, and playing. The tapes are then edited to a certain degree and aired every Tuesday night at ten o’clock p.m. It is a very controversial television show aired on MTV that brings up topics such as race, sex, and homosexuality. This discussion board is in outlet for those who feel the need to voice their opinion to others who watch the show. People are drawn to the message board through their common interest in The Real World. In order to post on the discussion board the user must create a username but it is not necessary if you would just like to read the postings. The creation of a username is a way for people to show their self-expression or give the other members an idea of who they are. While reading posts you are able to see who is online at that exact moment. Another feature of this discussion board is that when you post a thread or respond to a posting, you can choose an icon or animation that describes your mood at that time. The icon appears next to your name in the posting display. Online Community Experience :: Personal Experience Blogs Message Boards Essays Online Community Experience In order to gain a better perspective of online communities I had no other choice but to join one. I looked at several different sites such as MSN.com and YAHOO.com that had discussion boards available to join but I just couldn’t find one that fit my interests. I then logged onto MTV.com where I found a discussion board all about my favorite TV show: The Real World. The board was a community of people who shared a common interest in the show and could come together to discuss its characters and storyline. I am a faithful watcher of The Real World. The show is about seven very different people who are chosen to live together in a house for six months. Each season is set up in a different city. The cast members must get a job which is usually set up by the show and everything that they do is taped. The current season of The Real World is being aired in Las Vegas, Nevada. The cast has been given a job at a local night club where their main objective is to entertain the guests. The cast is taped while they are eating, sleeping, working, and playing. The tapes are then edited to a certain degree and aired every Tuesday night at ten o’clock p.m. It is a very controversial television show aired on MTV that brings up topics such as race, sex, and homosexuality. This discussion board is in outlet for those who feel the need to voice their opinion to others who watch the show. People are drawn to the message board through their common interest in The Real World. In order to post on the discussion board the user must create a username but it is not necessary if you would just like to read the postings. The creation of a username is a way for people to show their self-expression or give the other members an idea of who they are. While reading posts you are able to see who is online at that exact moment. Another feature of this discussion board is that when you post a thread or respond to a posting, you can choose an icon or animation that describes your mood at that time. The icon appears next to your name in the posting display.