PHYSICAL PRIVACY Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

PHYSICAL PRIVACY - Coursework Example Even after they signed an agreement with the league not to do such a thing. When a player is suspended for almost a whole season due to illegal drug use, that athlete becomes a liability for his team. It puts all of the achievements of the team, while he was playing with them, into question. Since baseball is a sport that relies heavily on marketing the team image and highlighting the achievements of their players in order to keep the publicity going during the season, the acts of Cabrerra and Colon only served to tarnish the team's reputation. In the case of Cabrerra, because his team managed to go all the way to winning the World Series without him, (Stark, 2012) his team somehow managed to turn his suspension into a good thing for their marketing strategy. The same cannot be said for Colon however, who many fans, coaches, and sports professionals view as having come past his prime already and can actually be retired already. (Zinser & Kovaleski, 2012). A player who uses performanc e enhancing drugs does so in order to improve his game. He becomes an athletic powerhouse capable of practically anything on that field when he plays. He displays uncanny strength, speed, and stamina. All of which bystanders tend to attribute to his unique athletic ability. His performance on the field dictates how the rest of the team is expected to perform as well. The minute a drug using player becomes the center of the universe for the team, the tendency of the rest of the players is to slack off. Knowing all too well that the star player can reverse any loss in points so that their team can certainly win every game. The drug use puts the team at a certain advantage whether they know it or not. Which is why players who use drugs should be dealt with swiftly and properly. Let the punishment fit the crime. If a team gets lucky, like the San Francisco Giants did after the suspension of Cabrerra, the team will go on to win the World Series without the offending player. Thus restorin g the good name of their ball club and reiterating that one does not need to use drugs in order to win at a game. It is my opinion that the 50 game suspension each for Melky Cabrerra and Bartolo Colon is a just punishment. A lengthy suspension such as that will allow the players the much needed opportunity to seek the proper medical attention that they need in order to detox and get back into the game, clean and at the peak of their natural ability to play the games. The game suspension after all did not make any difference for their teams. In the case of Cabrerra, his suspension seems to have even helped his team to a clean, untainted World Series victory, which is truly the only thing that any team owner asks of his players. (Baggarly, 2013) Since not all athletes can be expected to toe the line when it comes to performance enhancing drugs, Lance Armstrong being the biggest disappointment of them all, the question of athletes as role models for the future generation of sports play ers becomes a question. Knowing that these athletes may discreetly be using drugs is something that can have an adverse effect on a child who is building his own dreams of athletic success upon the work of his sports idol. The influence of a superstar athlete cannot be discounted in terms of influencing a young mind. The young fans of Cabrerra and Colon may have already been misled by their statements about drug use after their suspension as being a good thing. After all, if a big name athlete does

The Role of Myanmar Poems in Environmental Conservation Essay Example for Free

The Role of Myanmar Poems in Environmental Conservation Essay I would first like to express my thanks to the organizers of the Irrawaddy Literature Festival for this opportunity to discuss my â€Å"view on the significant role of Myanmar traditional Literature and culture in environmental conservation and sustainable development†. The topic I have chosen is on how Myanmar traditional poems can contribute towards environmental conservation and sustainable development from the aesthetic perspective. Like all organism, human beings rely on the natural environment for survival and well-being. But, unlike other living beings human needs not only physical nutrients, but mental supplement such as aesthetic feeling plays a vital role for his survival. Appreciation of beauty is one of the distinctive element that distinguishes humans from other creatures, that is, we like to live in beautiful places full of blooming flowers, green trees, singing birds as mental nutrients while we need fresh air and clean water with full of minerals as our physical nutrients. The natural environment provide our aesthetic needs through its amazing beauty such as ranges of purple mountain, snowy peak, green forests and prairies, the far-reaching spaces of blue oceans and colourful seashells, flowing yellowish rivers, the twittering sounds of birds and beasts with their mates, colourful flowers in bloom, and so forth. In my view the beauty of nature has always stimulated awareness that we have to preserve our environment to preserve this beauty. Today this beauty is rapidly vanishing; mega cities have replaced many beautiful landscapes and this has left human beings empty-hearted. It may be one of the causes in the rise of crime and violence in the inner cities of megapolices. The phenomena of natural world have historically been the subject and object of aesthetics. When we use the term ‘natural’ it has been conceptualized as the beautiful, pastoral, sublime, and picturesque. These aesthetic categories have historically functioned to frame and construct the natural world for us against a human, technologically determined environment. Environmental Aesthetics leads into questions and forms an analysis of our aesthetic relationship Dr. Le Le Wynn, Professor Head, Department of Philosophy, University of Yangon Irrawaddy Literary Festival (Myanmar) 3-2-2013 2 and judgments of the natural world as a methodology for setting up a better relationship that will promote environmental respect; not just preservation. 1 In his A Sand County Almanac, the founder of ecological science Aldo Leopold stated that â€Å"A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community† and â€Å"It is wrong when it tends otherwise. † 2 It means that integrity, stability, and beauty are necessary for preserving the natural environment. Of these, integrity and beauty are especially human concerns because nonhuman beings that live in the biotic community are not concerned with ethical or aesthetical value. Besides, it seems to suggest that both ethical and aesthetical considerations are crucial for the environmental conservation. Immanuel Kant, in his Critique of Judgment, stated that beautiful items in nature such as flowers, birds, and seashells provide a source of disinterested pleasure because their significant form alone can lead us to pleasurable imagination and understanding. â€Å"Beauty is a symbol of Morality,† and â€Å"The enjoyment of nature is the mark of a good soul† are key sayings of Kant. For him, the shared enjoyment of a sunset or a beach shows there is harmony between us all, and the world. In this respect, judgments of pure beauty, being selfless, initiate one into the moral point of view. 3 For that reason, it is clear that the role of aesthetic appreciation of Nature is crucial for awakening the human’s conscience with regard to ethical responsibility to the natural environment. In this sense, environmental aesthetics stresses its interest in the potentialities of artistic representations which can stimulate aesthetic appreciation which will lead to realization of the ethical obligations of human being towards nature. In fact, it is an undeniable fact that the power of aesthetic stimulation of the perceptual faculties of humans is more effective than the power of ethical guidelines to their conceptual awareness of them. In Myanmar culture, like other Eastern traditions, it is usually considered that human beings and natural environment coexist peacefully side by side in the world. This idea is reflected in the writings of Myanmar Poets and Authors. http://unnatural. ucsc. edu/environmental_aesthetics/index. htm Aldo Leopold (1981). ‘A Sand County Almanac’, The Land Ethic. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 237-265. 3 Barry Hartley Slater. ‘Aesthetics’, The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.  http://www.iep.utm.edu/

The Importance Of Effective Communication Information Technology Essay

The Importance Of Effective Communication Information Technology Essay Effective communication is crucial to successful performance of teams and for project completion in the construction industry. Various organisations are involved in contributing the delivery of technically complex and schedule driven projects. Why should be there research in this area This dissertation will derive from knowledge obtained from understanding the theories and practices of communication in construction projects, along with knowledge of developments in communication methods implemented during construction phases. The effectiveness of communication methods used between the principal contractor and the design team will be analysed and key issues in communication identified. This in turn will help to understand the reason behind ineffective communication that causes numerous problems in project processes. How are you going to do it? Key findings Introduction Construction is a project oriented industry, and many of the projects are of great magnitude, involving various organisations and teams working to meet projects objectives. No one in the construction industry today would deny that effective communication is crucial for the successful performance of teams and projects. Emmitt and Gorse (2003). This dissertation will be investigating the relationship between a medium sized contractor and a design team working on traditional contract project. The idea for this dissertation derived from comments received on rising issues in communication that continue to cause inconsistencies during projects activities as a result of ineffective communication. Construction projects are complex and risky endeavours, containing a variety of elements that cause projects to run overtime, over budget and produce poor quality results. During the design and construction stages of the project there are numerous communication channels created between the design team and the main contractor, in order to allow information related to projects activities to be disseminated among the participants. For this information to be sent and received accurately and clearly amid designer and a contractor, it is imperative that the relationship between these key parties include competent communicators and effective communication tools in order to interact successfully. During design and construction stages of the project it is of high importance that the accuracy of information that is being transferred between these parties is effectively communicated, as this, in turn will greatly affect the teamwork and positively influence the progress of the project throughou t its duration. (reference) Effective communications is essential to a successful construction project. If participants are unable to communicate information, ideas and issues simply and clearly to others then the project is unlikely to succeed. (Reference). Dainty et al. (2006, p. 5) argue that communication in construction is multifaceted and inherently complex, encompassing several dimensions on individual, group and organizational levels: not only does it involve the transfer of information, but also it bridges distances, is the basis of interaction between people, and conveys feelings, values and beliefs. The problem occurs when communication is handled inadequately during numerous activities. The information that is disseminated between involved, or project related parties can be inaccurate, unclear or misunderstood. This information is distributed using variety of methods and tools, and its the skill of the sender and the circumstances as well as competence of the receiver that may affect this information to be communicated effectively. Whether the specification designed by the architect is clear, whether the participants of the projects understand the information, and if not how effectively can they inform the issue, or if its been noticed at all. Effective Communication methods during all these phases of the project are key aspects to successful construction. This dissertation will be presenting a relationship between a medium sized contractor and the design teams. Aims and Objectives Structure of Dissertation Literature Review Emmitt and Gorse (2003) state that communication is implicit in everything we do. In other words that anything we do with other people must involve some sort of communication, Harley (1999) backs up this argument. Thomas, Tucker and Kelly (1998), explain in simple terms that communication is the sending and the receiving between the team members. This is similar to Cherry (1978) who states that communication is the process of interaction between individuals in which meaning is created and shared. One must understand that when relating this process to construction, communication is one of the most utilised activities. This is because as Betts (1991) states; construction is a complex and managerial activity, involving many different individuals and organisations interacting within a project environment. It is important to understand why effective communication is crucial in project oriented organisations; this is because there is a direct relationship between communications effectivene ss and projects success. Thomas, Tucker and Kelly (1998), Emmitt and Gorse (2003) emphasise that good communication within an organisation and between organisations contributing to the construction project can improve motivation levels and improve production process. Ballad and Howell (2003) included the importance of successful communication in the lean project management, claiming that if communication is effectively utilised in the project then this greatly improves the chances of projects success in terms of on time delivery and reduction in costs. Consequently, inadequate communication can result in a de-motivated workforce and lead to problems in production. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) follow this up by saying that poor co-ordination and communication of design information leads to design problems that cause design errors. These acknowledgements of significance to effective communication have lead me to believe that if in construction project communication is ineffective then this issue can play a vital element in why a construction project fails to deliver or achieve objectives. This is backed up by Thomas, Tucker and Kelly (1998), who explain that project performance can be enhanced through the implementation of effective project communications and conversely, projects can fail if hindered with poor communications. To achieve effective communication in construction projects, it seems that there are numerous factors that require investigating and understanding, before effective communication can be introduced and implemented. (REFERENCE) The question is then; how does a project oriented organisation achieve effective communication? And what could be the causes of ineffective communication that result in inconsistencies during the construction phases? Emmitt and Gorse (2003) state that; effective communication lies at the heart of a business, inherent in leadership and management. Thomas, Tucker Kelly (1998) also say that projects characteristics such as structure, size and location influence the effectiveness of communication. During my studies I have gathered common views that are related to issues during construction phase and post construction that were caused by ineffective communication between the main contractor and the design team. Through further research I wish to understand how effective communication can be achieved in these cases, and possibly unravel these issues in construction projects. Communication Process Communication is the activity or process of expressing ideas and feelings or of giving people information. (Oxford Dictionary 2009) Betts (1991) states that information in construction projects is diverse in terms of its form, its subject and its source. The information that is available also differs with regard to its currency, accuracy, adequacy and relevance. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) add to this, stating that communication and information management is a prime activity in construction. The entire construction process relies on vast quantities of information being generated, transmitted and interpreted to enable a project to be built, maintained and reused. This is backed up by Winch (2009) who states that information flows are the heart of business process in all organisations. Based on this, communication can be a complex process especially in project oriented organisations. This is why it is essential that before effective communication can be explored, one must understand the process of communication. Thomas, Tucker Kelly (1998), say that there is a common set of elements essential to an understanding of communication. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) state that the process method sees communication as the transmission of messages, through which one person or parties seek to influence the behaviour or state of mind of the other. They also add that for communication to be effective the message must first be received and then understood by the receiver. Thomas, Tucker Kelly (1998) also explain that the communication process consists of a Sender and the Receiver. The sender acts as the originator of the communication and knows best the intended idea; therefore the sender must encode the idea into the message that is to be sent. Comprehension of the message by the receiver depends on a number of factors including how much the individual knows about the topic, the relationship and trust that exists between the sender and the receiver. And the receivers understanding and perception of the information being conveyed. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) have also recognised that there often more than one receiver of the message. Thomas, Tucker Kelly (1998) complete this by adding that the message is the encoded idea being transmitted and can be verbal or non verbal. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) explain effective communication is complete when this process is carried out successfully where the sender and receiver achieve a common understanding. Clampitt (2005) discussed the arrow approach where communication is rather like shooting an arrow at a target and is seen as a one-way activity based primarily on the skills of the sender. Harley (1999) also discusses this understanding of communication process and adds his theory supporting Calmpitt in his 1st addition, with a fundamental belief is that Effective Expression = Effective Communication. Winch (2009) states that all organisations are in essence information processing systems. Communication methods implemented in a project oriented organisations all transfer information from one face to another. Winch (2009) explains that the problems in construction projects arise when ineffective communication causes a poor information flow which results in inconsistencies in the project. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) also state that the people build and these people must communicate with one another effectively in order to achieve their common objective. Communication inconsistencies Emmitt and Gorse (2003) believe that communication barriers are evident whenever people meet. They state that trust and the relationship between two communicating parties is very important in ensuring effective communication. Bowen and Edwards (1996) recognise that one of the major barriers to effective communication is in the way of a gatekeeper. A gatekeeper is used to describe the behaviour of an individual who withholds or alters information as it passes him or her. Emmitt and Gorse (2003). Bowen and Edwards (1996) expand on this idea by stating that message distortion is likely to occur where there is an absence of direct communication. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) explain that new IT technologies are welcome, as they provide a convenient tool through which organisations use to transmit, store and access vast quantities of information very rapidly. However, they explain that industry now focus too much on the power and speed of the systems and not enough on the message being transmitted, or the requirements of the users. Winch (2002) has compared and explained that when the interfaces between systems were paper backed systems, it does not matter that different formats were used to create the message. However, when computers started to communicate directly with one another this has become a problem. As it is often seen that the receiver is unable to read the information because the sender has sent it in a different format. This has now become a new problem. Alternatives in Communications Different methods of communications Verbal and non verbal communication- effectiveness of both, different circumstances.

Symbols and Symbolism in Mark Twains The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn :: Adventures Huckleberry Huck Finn Essays

Huckleberry Finn – Symbolism of The River Rivers flow freely, and smoothly, and people usually go to the river to escape from society and civilization. They feel free with the nature surrounding them, which allows them to rest, and relax in peace. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, Twain uses symbolic importance of the Mississippi River. Throughout the story, the Mississippi River plays an important symbolic figure, and significance to the story's plot. For Huck and Jim, the river is a place for freedom and adventure. Mark Twain uses the Mississippi River to symbolize freedom, adventure, and comfort. For Jim he has nothing else to lose. He runs away from Widow Douglas's house because he finds out that she is going to sell him off to a plantation in the South. ."..I hear ole missus tell de widder she gwyne to sell me down to Orleans..." If Jim was sold to Orleans, he would be farther away from the free states, and it would be harder for him to get back with his family. Therefore, Jim escapes to the Mississippi River. He is a runaway slave and there is a $300 reward out for him. His goal is to reach Cairo, and Huck is going to help him get there. "Dah's Cairo!."..When he got enough he would buy his wife, which was owned on a farm close to where Miss Watson lived; and then they would both work to buy the two children..." For Jim, the river represents freedom and poverty. Huck agrees to help Jim by following along on his journey to Cairo. Jim depends on the Mississippi River and believes it will lead him to his finding of his family. Thus, the Mississippi River symbolizes freedom. Huck follows along with Jim down the Mississippi for an adventure. "I reckoned I would slip over the river and find out what was going on...couldn't I put on some of them old things and dress up like a girl?" Huck and Jim has been on the river for couple of days and Huck wants to know what's going around town. He dresses up like a girl and goes to a house near the Illinois shore, but the woman in the house suspects him to be a boy and he gets caught.

Adaptive Physical Education by Steven Symes

Adaptive Physical Education Games By Steven Symes, eHow Contributor Children with disabilities may not be able to participate to the fullest extent in a regular physical education class. Modified activities for children with disabilities can be employed either in a class with children who have no limitations or in a class composed entirely or students with disabilities. 1. Soccer * Soccer fields cover large areas, so decrease the size of the field to reduce the amount of movement required to play the game. If necessary, restrict running so players can participate by walking. Children who use a wheelchair can hold the ball on their laps while they move around the soccer field. Instead of using the traditional soccer ball, use a Nerf ball or other soft material ball to reduce the risk of injury. For children that have visual impairments, use goals that have an element that makes noise when the ball hits it, such as a bell. Basketball * Instead of using the traditional basketball, use different-size balls to make gripping the ball easier. Allow for two-handed dribble so students can maintain control of the ball. An adjustable basketball stand is helpful so the basket can be lowered when the students are first learning how to play the game. Also use larger basketball hoops to make scoring easier. A motion-activated beeper attached to the underside of the basketball hoop will help students with visual impairments know when to shoot the ball. Tennis * Use larger balls that do not fly as quickly through the air to slow down the game play. Remove the center net so students are able to play without constant interruption. Consider using a tee for students to serve the ball from. Allow disabled students to play in pairs with other students who assist in playing the game. For visually impaired students, brightly colored balls help them see the ball. Softball * Instead of traditional softballs and mitts, use balls and mitts with Velcro attached to them. Also use a bat that is larger than the traditional-size bat, making it easier for students to hit the ball. Shrink the size of the diamond so students do not need to run as far to the bases. For students in wheelchairs, use a tee instead of pitching the ball. Consider using balls that have built-in beepers to assist students with visual impairments. * ALEX Resume/CV Parsingwww. hireability. com/ALEX/ale HireAbility is the most accurate & fastest! Fully hosted. Simple setup * The Perfect Golf Swing? PerfectConnectionGolfSwing. com Rebel PGA Instructor Claims He Can Add 20-30 Yards to Anyone's Swing! * Resources for PE Teachingwww. peoffice. co. uk PE Schemes, Lesson Plans, PE Level Descriptors,Assessment,Free lessons * Calm Autism for Freewww. calmautism. com Improve behaviors and sensory issues with proven program Adaptive PE Activities * Adaptive physical education is designed to modify typical activities, addressing the individual needs and abilities of students with development delays or disabilities. The federal government mandates adaptive PE activities through the special education law USCA 1402 (25). Modifying typical activities for the atypical child is fairly easy and provides fun and exercise for all children. Basketball * To modify playing the game of basketball depends upon the particular disability. For students with motor skill delays such as hand-eye coordination, larger balls for easier manipulation can be used. Use a larger net size and consider lowering the height of the goal. Change the rules, such as to allow traveling or two-handed dribbling. Slow the pace and timing down. Students who use wheelchairs can either dribble from the chair with peers pushing the wheelchair—or allow them to carrying the ball in their lap as they hand-wheel down the court. Visually impaired students would benefit from an audio prompt such as a beeper ball or audio sound at the basket. Softball * Developmental delays will require you to modify the equipment used for students. Use Velcro balls and mitts to allow better success at catching a ball. Increase or decrease the size of the bats for better accuracy at hitting. Batting tees will increase the chance of making contact with the ball, especially in the early stages of learning the game. Scale back the size of the playing field and the distance between bases. Peer partner students, which increases success but is also beneficial for student awareness and understanding of disabilities. Changes rules such as tag-outs and increase the number of hitting attempts. Everyone-runs Kickball * Running, no matter your skill or speed, is a great cardio-workout. This version of kickball is fun for all students. The kicking team selects one person to kick and everyone on the team runs to the bases. The game can be scored one of two ways, either when the entire team crosses the home base or the traditional way of scoring each run before receiving three outs. The fielding team must get the ball and pass it to each and every team member and finally to the pitcher. Play stops when pitcher has the ball. Students can be peer partnered for running, fielding and pitching. References * PE Central: Adapted Physical Education * PE Central: Adapted Activities/Basketball * PE Central: Adapted Activities/Softball Resources * Heartland Area Education Agency: Adapted PE

Slavery and Chains in the Middle Ages

Slavery and Chains in the Middle Ages When the Western Roman Empire fell in the 15th century, slavery, which had been such an integral part of the empires economy, began to be replaced by serfdom (an integral part of a feudal economy). Much attention is focused on the serf. His plight was not much better than the slaves had been, as he was bound to the land instead of to an individual owner, and could not be sold to another estate. However, slavery didnt go away. How Slaves Were Captured and Sold In the earliest part of the Middle Ages, slaves could be found in many societies, among them the Cymry in Wales and the Anglo-Saxons in England. The Slavs of central Europe were often captured and sold into slavery, usually by rival Slavonic tribes. Moors were known to keep slaves and believed that setting a slave free was an act of great piety. Christians also owned, bought, and sold slaves, as evidenced by the following: When the Bishop of Le Mans transferred a large estate to the Abbey of St. Vincent in 572, 10 slaves went with it.In the seventh century, the wealthy Saint Eloi bought British and Saxon slaves in batches of 50 and 100 so that he could set them free.A transaction between Ermedruda of Milan, and a gentleman by the name of Totone, recorded the price of 12 new gold solidi for a slave boy (referred to as it in the record). Twelve solidi were much less than the cost of a horse.In the early 9th century, the Abbey of St. Germain des Prà ©s listed 25 of their 278 householders as slaves.In the turmoil at the end of the Avignon Papacy, the Florentines engaged in insurrection against the pope. Gregory XI excommunicated the Florentines and ordered them enslaved wherever taken.In 1488, King Ferdinand sent 100 Moorish slaves to Pope Innocent VIII, who presented them as gifts to his cardinals and other court notables.Women slaves taken after the fall of Capua in 1501 were put up for sale in Rome. Motivations Behind Slavery in the Middle Ages The ethics of the Catholic Church concerning slavery throughout the Middle Ages seem difficult to comprehend today. While the Church succeeded in protecting the rights and well-being of slaves, no attempt was made to outlaw the institution. One reason is economic. Slavery had been the basis of a sound economy for centuries in Rome, and it declined as serfdom slowly rose. However, it rose again when the Black Death swept Europe, dramatically reducing the population of serfs and creating a need for more forced labor. Another reason is that slavery had been a fact of life for centuries, as well. Abolishing something so deeply entrenched in all of the society would be about as likely as abolishing the use of horses for transportation. Christianity and the Ethics of Slavery Christianity had spread like wildfire partly because it offered life after death in paradise with a heavenly Father. The philosophy was that life was terrible, injustice was everywhere, disease killed indiscriminately, and the good died young while the evil thrived. Life on earth simply wasnt fair, but life after death was ultimately fair: the good were rewarded in Heaven and the evil were punished in Hell. This philosophy could sometimes lead to a laissez-faire attitude toward social injustice, although, as in the case of good Saint Eloi, certainly not always. Christianity had an ameliorating effect on slavery. Western Civilization and Being Born Into a Class Perhaps the world-view of the medieval mind can explain a great deal. Freedom and liberty are fundamental rights in 21st-century Western civilization. Upward mobility is a possibility for everyone in America today. These rights were only won after years of struggle, bloodshed, and outright war. They were foreign concepts to medieval Europeans, who were accustomed to their highly-structured society. Each individual was born into a particular class and that class, whether powerful nobility or largely impotent peasantry, offered limited options and strongly-ingrained duties. Men could become knights, farmers, or craftsmen like their fathers or join the Church as monks or priests. Women could marry and become the property of their husbands, instead of the property of their fathers, or they could become nuns. There was a certain amount of flexibility in each class and some personal choice. Occasionally, an accident of birth or an extraordinary will would help someone deviate from the course medieval society had set. Most medieval people would not see this situation as restrictive as we do today. Source Slavery and Serfdom in the Middle Ages by Marc Bloch; translated by W.R. BeerSlavery in Germanic Society During the Middle Ages by Agnes Mathilde WergelandLife in Medieval Times by Marjorie RowlingThe Encyclopedia AmericanaThe History Medren, Melissa Snell, 1998-2017