Love and Entire Emotional Spectrum Essay

The main subject of â€Å"Editha† is war. Editha blindly and ignorantly believes in the heroic romanticism of war and is totally oblivious to the real consequences of battle, and Howells shows his dislike in his portrayal of Editha though the plots. From the earliest of moments in the story, Editha is shown as one who has embraced the jingoistic claims of nationalism in a time of war. Editha sees war as a romantic pursuit, one in which there is no complexity. For Editha, when the nation has committed to war, there is no question of its authenticity and little room for doubt in terms of individuals paying heed to its call: â€Å"But don’t you see, dearest,† she said, â€Å"that it wouldn’t have come to this, if it hadn’t been in the order of Providence? And I call any war glorious that is for the liberation of people who have been struggling for years against the cruelest oppression. Don’t you think so too?† Editha views war in terms of providential design, â€Å"glorious† in its notion of â€Å"liberation,† and an exercise in which there can be no ambiguity. For Editha, war is an exercise of Romantic valor, something expressed to George in a letter to him in which her love of the â€Å"adventure† in war is almost secondary to the affection of a beloved: â€Å"I shall always love you, and therefore I shall never marry anyone else. But the man I marry must love his country first of all, and be able to say to me, â€Å"‘I could not love thee, dear, so much, Loved I not honor more.’ â€Å"There is no honor above America with me. In this great hour there is no other honor.† â€Å"Honor† is something that Editha defines externally. George defines himself in a very different manner. For George, â€Å"honor† is internal, adhering to a conception from within. In response to Editha’s zeal about war, George responds, â€Å"†But war! Is it glorious to break the peace of the world?† For George, the action of war is not honorable. George sees the world possessing doubt, something that he feels is present when he â€Å"differs† from Editha. In contrast to Editha’s certainty, George sees doubt and confusion. It is because of this that he is swayed to join the war effort, joining something in which he has doubt and uncertainty. It is in this point and counterpoint in which Editha and George operate. They function in relation to one another because they represent the entire emotional spectrum about love, war, and commitment.

Created for Perfection but Destined to Fail

Having a dying child changes a family’s life. A mother will do anything she possibly can to aid this child. Likewise, the rest of the family will have to commit in order for their sibling’s well being. During and after a situation like this, life for the family will not be the same. In the movie, My Sister’s Keeper, directed by Nick Cassavetes, a happily married couple with two children live their life normally and joyfully until the day they learn that their two year old daughter, Kate, had leukemia and would not live past the age of five.In the movie Sofia Vassilieva plays the role of Kate, the dying girl, whose illness would not let her live past the five. Neither Kate’s parents or brother were a match with her and thus could not donate anything to aid her with her terminating disease. The parents decided to produce a one hundred percent in vitro child so he/she could give Kate what she needed: bone marrow, blood donations, and stem cells. Cameron Diaz, Sara Fitzgerald, the mother, together with Jason Patric, Brian Fitzgerald, the husband, agreed to have a baby â€Å"made in a dish to be spare parts for Kate.†(Breslin)And as soon as their baby was born, they would summit her into numerous surgeries so she could donate what ever Kate needed to live. To me this was a great attention grabber for the movie because it gave the plot originality. The in vitro child, Abigail Breslin, Anna Fitzgerald, was twelve and she introduced the movie speaking of how she was only made to aid her dying sister. She was the â€Å"perfect in vitro child who would be Kate’s genetic savior. †(Breslin) Ever since she was a newborn she was summited to numerous operations because of the different needs Kate had.Now that she is twelve, Anna files a lawsuit against her parents wanting to be medically emancipated, to have the rights to her own body. She claims she wants to live her life as a regular twelve year old girl without having restri ctions in her daily activities. Later in the movie however, the audience comes to find that Kate had actually pleaded Anna into filing the lawsuit. Kate does this because she had no desire of living anymore, she wants the suffering to end, and the fighting in her family to end.Kate wanted Anna to be free from the surgeries, she wanted to be at peace and she wanted to free her family from further suffering. Cassavetes directed and created an excellent â€Å"tear breaking† movie yet he failed to properly construct and revise Sara Fitzgerald’s role. Sara was portrayed as a loving mother, but to a point, her character was a selfish. Her main concern since the movie began was her daughter Kate’s well being and was â€Å"not going to let her die. † (Diaz) Sara became a mother primarily interested in making Kate live and thereby forgot her role as a mother not only to Kate but to Anna and her oldest son Jesse.Sara had the entire family dedicated to watching over Kate and her needs. This made Jesse feel ignored and would constantly flee home and Anna grew feeling unloved. When Sara received the papers of the lawsuit, she became infuriated and slapped Anna across the face. This action of hitting her child demonstrated how Sara simply disregards Anna’s opinion because listening to Anna’s desires meant letting Kate die and she was not going to allow that. Sara would rather have Anna feeling miserable with her life than to watch Kate die.She  gave up her entire life to watch over Kate’s health and she was not going to let anyone or anything ruin her twelve year battle. On the other hand, Brian’s role in the movie served mainly to defend his children. Although he struggled the same battle of keeping Kate alive with Sara, his character understood and stood beside what his children needed. He let Sara take over for twelve years but when the lawsuit came he understood Anna’s point and stood beside her. Personall y I loved when he took Kate to the beach because she wanted to see it before dying.He took her even if it meant having an argument with his wife which could lead to getting a divorce. Brian wanted to make sure that his daughter had what she wanted in her last few moments of life. Looking at Roger Ebert’s professional movie criticism and review of the movie My Sister’s Keeper, he stated that the movie is â€Å"an immediate audience-grabber. † He says that the movie is good because of the plot itself. A girl who is twelve was made so she could be spare parts for her dying sister.However, he does mention that the movie is subject to different interpretations to the viewers because some may agree on the lawsuit Anna placed on her parents and others may disagree. The audience’s opinion is controversial depending on their standing point. If a person favors life then he or she would disagree with Anna’s point because if she medically emancipates and decid es not to continue to donate to her sister, Kate would die. Others who favor choice, agree with the lawsuit because Anna has a life of her own and she must pursue and live it.Ebert feels Anna is right to have gone to the lawyer, Alec Baldwin, who proves 90% accuracy on his trials because she is being independent and an achiever of what she believes is correct. He also feels that Anna has been through enough ever since she was born. She has donated her sister blood, bone marrow, and stem cells and has had to undergo several surgeries and stays at the hospital because of these operations. Ebert discusses the issue that Anna should not give away her kidney to her sister because this would limit her physical activities.She will not be able to enjoy her childhood, her teenage years and many other activities she should be experiencing as a teen and even as she grows older. Ebert also discusses how Taylor, Kate’s dying boyfriend, gives My Sister’s Keeper its best element beca use he makes the movie â€Å"tender, tactful and very touching. †(Ebert) His opinion about the appearance of this boy in the movie was to distract the audience from the entire discussion and constant fighting of the Fitzgerald family over the lawsuit. Taylor allows the audience to see that Kate in spite of her terminating disease was able to live a life like any other teenager.With this romance, Cassavetes diverted the movie aside from the tragic family disputes and turned it into a romantic love story between Kate and Taylor, and what they got to live for a while. This romance gave the movie more realism, Ebert stated. Regarding Diaz’s role as the mother, Ebert believed that her character demonstrated her fierceness in wanting to solve and win a case in her private life. Since she was a successful lawyer and won most of her cases while in practice, she now sees Kate’s disease as a case she must win as well.Since Sara won cases most of the time, she now feels sh e must fight to keep Kate alive. This is her most intense case and she has won it for twelve years by having kept Kate alive past her expected death at five. Ebert agrees with the role of Sara Fitzgerald. Both my opinion and Ebert’s agree on many factors of the movie My Sister’s Keeper yet we disagree on one point. We both think that it was a great movie with an excellent plot and attention hook. The idea of having parents â€Å"make and create† a perfect match for their dying daughter was definitely a grabber.We believe that Anna has suffered her entire life and she now has the right to live her own life and enjoy being a kid. We feel she should not be worried of limiting her activities for the sake of helping her dying sister. For these reasons Ebert and I agree on the fact that Anna has the right to her â€Å"medical emancipation†, so she could have the right to her own body. Ebert and I also concord when we say that Anna’s family is near perfec t and that the only disfunction in it is Kate’s disease. The disease was not only killing her, but it was killing her family as well.â€Å"Beneath the exterior there were cracks and resentments† (Patric) that threatened the well being of the Fitzgerald family. The constant fighting between Brian and Sara, Jesse feeling ignored, and most importantly Anna having gone to a lawyer and having sued her parents portrays the family disfunction. The fact the Sara disregarded everyone’s opinion and did what she thought was correct without anyone else’s opinion, led the family to slowly break. We think that Brian’s role as the father, served mainly as a mediator.He was in the middle of every battle at home and he was constantly overruled by his wife. He had no voice in the movie until the end when he confronted Sara and took Kate to the beach with or without Sara’s approval. All through the movie Brian was more of a secondary character yet he proved hi mself after the scene of the beach. Brian defended what he thought was correct and stood by Anna’s side when she filed the lawsuit, he understood her point and could not believe he had let his daughter suffer so much for the past twelve years.Overall Ebert and I believe he had a fairly good role but his character stood out towards the end of the movie. In the role of Sara, Ebert and I disagree as to what we think Cassavetes wanted her to represent. To me Sara’s role and character in the movie, made her be disliked by the audience. She was set as a person who did not care about her husband, as a person who did not notice her son, and in a way she despised Anna for wanting to have the right to her body and stop being Kate’s savior. I felt she was a selfish mother who only cared about Kate’s life and no one else’s.Ebert believed that Diaz’s role was her merely wanting to save her daughter Kate at all possible cost. He felt Sara viewed this batt le as another win in her life, but this win was not in her professional life but in her private one. He thinks that this was a good touch in the movie to have portrayed the mother so involved and dedicated into saving her daughter’s life because it gave the movie a sense of reality and portraying how women would actually act in this situation. The movie My Sister’s Keeper, reflects the life of a model family and how a death sentence slowly split the family members apart.Roger Ebert in his critique for this movie highlighted major aspects which I myself thought of when watching the movie. The idea of having an in vitro child be subject to various operations to aid her dying sister, made the movie so intriguing and different from many others. The plot of this movie was unexpected and completely unpredictable. Overall the movie was great because it excelled in every aspect and most certainly because it was emotionally appealing to its viewers. I give the movie My Sisterâ €™s Keeper directed by Nick Cassavetes, thumbs up.

Peer Pressure Essay

Introduction Peer pressure is a social influence exerted on an individual by others in order to get that person to act or believe in a similar way. It is used by a social group, often with the implication that â€Å"everybody’s doing it. † This influence can be negative or positive, with a successful result being a change in a person’s behavior. Nearly all children experience some form of peer pressure, whether at school, at church or at home among siblings. As a kind of social pressure, it dominates preteen life. Many teens become absorbed into different cliques and groups, spending less time with their families. Much of the personality of a teen can be shaped by a peer group. Negative peer pressure can be a dangerous tool against children, especially younger or insecure children. They may be persuaded to take actions they might otherwise not have considered, such as smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Peer pressure is a problem for adults, who may be coerced, for example, into buying a house or car they can’t afford in an effort to â€Å"keep up with the Joneses. † Peer pressure is not always negative, however. A student whose friends excel in academics may be compelled to study hard and get good grades. Influence can also be exerted to get a friend off drugs or to help an adult take up a good habit or drop a bad one. Study groups, class projects and athletic groups are examples of positive peer groups. Why I chose the topic – I decided to chose this topic because in the Indian Education System children experience a sudden thrust of freedom and responsibility to shape their future at the same time. In such cases, they can either be well-guided or mis-guided. Peer pressure may also lead to stress and anxiety. Teens have a multitude of issues that can cause them anxiety. The two major settings for this peer pressure teen stress are in their home lives and in the college setting. The stressors are many and diverse. Their feelings can be affected by some of the issues listed below: * The feelings that others and also inside themselves tell them they should do and how they should perform. * Peer pressure teen stress is also caused by the way they feel they are viewed by adults in the college setting. * The peer pressure teen stress to perform in the grades and work they do. * Problems with socializing with other teens. Problems at home with family members. * Having a low self worth. * Always having verbal conflicts with their friends and family. * Low income living conditions for the family. * Peer pressure teen stress is sometimes caused by a major event causing grief or trauma within the family. This could be death, an illness, or parents splitting up. * A split in the relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend. * The neighborhood in which they live is not a good place. * Having to move to a new home is yet a cause of the peer pressure teen stress. Having to adapt to a new school/college environment. Objectives of the project: The main objective of the project is to discuss the issue of peer pressure under â€Å"no pressure†. The students must be made to understand how they can grasp the good and leave the bad. The project tries to distinguish between Good Peer Pressure and Bad Peer Pressure. It analyses various aspects that cause such a pressure and gives a solution to the same. The project also gives a remedy for overcoming bad peer pressure. The project also makes suggestions as to how can peer-pressure-struck children can be helped. The project also tries to examine the reasons that make children give-in to peer pressure. Here are some other reasons why people give in to peer pressure, that are less known but equally as responsible. †¢ The lack of self-confidence to go one’s own way. It is easier to follow the footsteps of another than to make your own. There is also a certain level of safety that comes with following another. Taking the road less traveled by making your own choices takes self-confidence and self-assurance. †¢ The desire to avoid embarrassment. Many people fear embarrassment more than death. Knowing this, it is easy to see how important effective communication can be in responding to peer pressure. For example, if a bunch of peers surround a teenager and asked him if he wants to smoke a cigarette like the rest of them have, and all the teenager can think of is, â€Å"but†¦ my mom said I should just say no. † then he is in trouble. It is best to prepare yourself and your children with witty, yet clear and firm responses to known peer pressures. For example, in the above situation the teenager could say, â€Å"Hmmm, spend my life wasting money, offending people, having bad breath, and killing myself†¦. o thanks. †Ã‚   A good response cannot only save one from embarrassment, but give others the confidence to not give in to the peer pressure as well. Those who lead are often well respected by those who follow. †¢ The lack of using one’s own mind. Again it is reacting, rather than responding that causes one to get in trouble. Think about th e consequences of your actions, both present and future. Don’t give in and sacrifice your long-term goals for short-term gratification. †¢ The lack of unbiased information. When someone feels pressure from peers, they are often presented with biased information. Again it is preparation that can help one to avoid peer pressure by knowing all the facts. Anticipate peer pressure in life and get the facts from a reliable source. Educate yourself and your children – don’t count on the school system to do it. Some of the more common peer pressures experienced in youth that can be prepared for today are smoking, alcohol, drugs, sex, cutting class and committing crimes. The biggest peer pressure in adulthood is being expected to behave, act, and perform like your peers rather than becoming the person you are capable of becoming. Know the reasons for and against these pressures. Resources referred: ? Bullying Prevention Program http://www. clemson. edu/olweus/ ? Take Action Against Bullying www. bullybeware. org ? Steps to Respect: A Bully Prevention Program www. cfchildren. org/str. html ? Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Intervention for Bullying and Victimization (1996) By Richard J. Hazler ? How to Say No and Keep your Friends: Peer Pressure Reversal for ? Teens and Pre-Teens (1997). By Sharon Scott ? CAFS Teacher Talk Volume 1(3) 1996 http://education. indiana. du/cas/tt/v3i3/peerpress. html Preventing Classroom Bullying: What Teachers Can Do (2003). By Jim Wright http://jimwrightsonline. com/pdfdocs/bully/bullyBooklet. pdf ? Resource for parents: http://sitemaker. umich. edu/356. darnell/advice_for_parents Conclusions: Growing up, everyone will experience some form of peer pressure. Peer pressure is the control and influence people of our age may have on us. Peer pressure can occur in many kinds of relat ionships. The way we respond to peer pressure can have a great impact on the decisions we make and, in turn, our total health. There are many different types of peer pressure. There is positive, negative, and manipulation. Positive peer pressure is not limited to following or setting good examples of what to do. It can also provide examples of what not to do. A teen whose friends do not use alcohol or other drugs may be positively influenced to follow their example. Being a good role model is also a great way to demonstrate positive peer pressure. Influencing peers to take part in a positive act or worthwhile cause is a healthful way of influencing others. It can be contagious. We are primarily social beings with a strong need to belong. Throughout our life, we search for the balance between independence and connectedness. How much of ourselves do we give up/compromise in order to belong? The teenage years (and pre-teen) are a time of shifting focus of belonging from family to peers as while also developing a personal identity. Because kids don’t yet have the maturity to grasp or to understand the potential consequences of being influenced by their friends, it is difficult for them to see the pitfalls of poor relationships and negative peer pressure. This project is designed to walk us through the inquiry and clarification of the need to feel connected and belong, as well as to be true to one’s self while assessing the harmful affects of peer pressure. In addition to the inquiry looking at the costs/benefits belonging, it will identify strategies to deal with negative peer pressure and ways to turn it around, creating positive peer pressure, building leadership and personal power.

The economic growth and financial development relating to brazil Essay

The economic growth and financial development relating to brazil - Essay Example The economic potential of Brazil, the strong global demand for its products, steady results from its economic policies and success factors of its major global players have eventually helped the country become one of the brightest starts in the world economy (Brainard, 2009, p. 1- 2) This piece of research paper presents a literature review on the economic growth and financial development in Brazil, based on various economic theory and developmental concepts. This paper analyzes success factors of the economic indicators that helped Brazil become one of the fastest growing economies. Framing the research The macroeconomic concepts regarding Economic growth will be detailed and explained in the paper in order to compare and contrast empirical results and theory in relation to the economic growth in Brazil. Different views regarding economic growth are detailed and these are applied with the case of the economic growth of Brazil. When it comes to Brazil’s economic growth it has very different times of economic growth, one if high rate of economic growth in the early 1960s and 1970s, and relatively less rate of economic growth from 1980s till date. Brazil’s macroeconomic indicators of its economic growth and driving forces are also detailed. The major indicators were productivity, industrialization, investing in people and developing the resources and technological advances. This paper reviews various literatures on these macroeconomic indicators in relation to the economic growth of Brazil. ... potential of Brazil, the strong global demand for its products, steady results from its economic policies and success factors of its major global players have eventually helped the country become one of the brightest starts in the world economy (Brainard, 2009, p. 1- 2) This piece of research paper presents a literature review on the economic growth and financial development in Brazil, based on various economic theory and developmental concepts. This paper analyzes success factors of the economic indicators that helped Brazil become one of the fastest growing economies. Framing the research The macroeconomic concepts regarding Economic growth will be detailed and explained in the paper in order to compare and contrast empirical results and theory in relation to the economic growth in Brazil. Different views regarding economic growth are detailed and these are applied with the case of the economic growth of Brazil. When it comes to Brazil’s economic growth it has very different times of economic growth, one if high rate of economic growth in the early 1960s and 1970s, and relatively less rate of economic growth from 1980s till date. Brazil’s macroeconomic indicators of its economic growth and driving forces are also detailed. The major indicators were productivity, industrialization, investing in people and developing the resources and technological advances. This paper reviews various literatures on these macroeconomic indicators in relation to the economic growth of Brazil. Economic notion of Economic Growth Economists defined economic growth as either: An increase in the real GDP occurring within a certain period of time, or An increase in real GDP per capita occurring within a period of time. Both these definitions indicate that economic growth is calculated as

New Business Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

New Business Development - Essay Example ervice 28 7.3.Personal and personnel position 29 7.4.Financial Controls 29 7.5.Marketing Controls 30 Marketing control is a vital step for any organization. The Sale objective of the firm is estimated in this process and depending on that the Sales Forecast and Quotas are set for next year budget depending on that. Proper evaluation of the marketing plans is very crucial to set the budget. For this evaluation time to time marketing activities are done like data collection and doing market research on the existing plans how they are implemented and how much effective they are in the market. Depending on the survey results the budget for the next year is calculated. The Venetian Macao should do market research for their plans and find the quality of their services provided to the customer and keep track of every possible problem that can create a problem in the business (Kotler, 2008). 30 Reference 31 A. Assignment I 1. (Company / Business / Service) Description 1.1. The Concept Leisur e industry has become one of the attractive industries in the global market. This industry includes the sectors like tourism, hospitality, entertainment and recreation, and with the changing lifestyle of people, the popularity of leisure services are growing significantly. This paper will attempt to present a new business development of ‘Venetian Macao’ in the UK leisure industry. Venetian Macao is popular hotel based in Las Vegas, and it offers a range of services like accommodation, entertainment, casino dinning etc. leisure and casino industry has been playing an instrumental role in UK’s economic development as it attracts a large number of visitors in UK for leisure purposes (PWC-UK, 2011). 1.2. Developmental Perspective 1.2.1. Strategic Perspective Venetian Macao is a premium hotel group that offers leisure services, and hence it primarily focused on very niche market of segment. In the UK leisure industry, the hotel groups will attempt to follow the same s trategy. The following model shows it provisional generic strategy, Figure 1: Generic Strategy (Source: Eldring, 2009, p.7) Therefore, Venetian will focus on focused differentiation strategy by offering high premium leisure and entertainment services to UK people and inbound tourists in UK. By following this core generic strategy, Venetian can be able to develop a competitive advantage. However, in this process it needs to prepare an overall business development strategy. 1.2.2. Marketing Perspective In order to gain competitive advantage in the UK leisure industry, Venetian will focus on the value creation of its customers as well for the UK economies. Venetian is famous for its

Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Operations Management - Essay Example Being low on variability is good for an investment company. Their multi-level investment model has been their strength of their operations. The diversification they offer to their investor is definitely top notch. The highlight of their operational management reflects in their company returns and growth. But the same experience of great return can be coupled with improved client communication. To make sure they offer the best fund management service, they can improve their visibility and information they give to the client. Certain recommendation have been suggested in this paper for improving client-manager relationship. They can certainly improve their customer retention and attract new businesses. They can even improve the information they offer on their website. Contents Introduction and Business Context 3 Operations overview (conceptual analysis) 4 Performance Objectives – order qualifiers and winners 6 A selection of key OM concepts applied 7 Analysis of â€Å"failingâ €  process studied – â€Å"the operations problem† 13 Improvement Plan 15 Implementation plan 17 Conclusion 18 References 20 Introduction and Business Context Architas is an investment corporate, offering best investment pools to clients. Their theme is to make sure client’s investments go in the best fund. Not every investor is that aware of investment and finance world, that is where Architas offers their services. The have a team of professional investment managers, at the top of their game. They handle different fund genres and specialize in their particular niche. So the business model is very simple, investors invest in the funds offered by Architas, and fund managers manage client’s investments. Delivering returns and controlling risks are two primary tools they excel in. Architas is a part of the global AXA group. Architas was founded in 2008 to meet the ever changing needs of today’s investors. The volume of assets advised and managed a t Architas exceeds ?12.1 billion (Architas, 2013). The AXA group is a truly global investment company, employing 160,000 employees worldwide. Operations overview (conceptual analysis) System model Every company has its own custom business model, cut to fit in its special needs. Architas is no exception; they incorporate a strategy they call the ‘multi-manager investing’, from a client’s perspective, a reverse funnel in terms of its operations. What it does is, offers a client access to different investment managers through just one product. ‘Fund of funds’ is a term widely used in investment world, but here it truly delivers what it’s supposed to; offering a mix of investment managers to clients as a single solution while keeping the costs low. Illustration of fund of funds portfolio1 4 V’s Analysis – the operational environment Architas’s operational environment in terms of 4 V’s of operations give a clear picture as to how they handle their operations and how they can improve them. In terms of Volume, they have a huge investment portfolio. They can’t be compared with manufacturing industry, they have soft products, fund management and in terms of fund volume, they are huge. Variety regarding an investment company like Architas is also plentiful. There are huge number of options in terms of funds and other financial tools. Keeping expectations grounded in reality, what Architas offers to its clients is a huge array of bonds, equities, money market tools, and different collage of portfolios. Clients can

Organizational Development Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Organizational Development - Research Paper Example Table of Contents Overview of the Case 2 Diagnosis of the Ben & Jerry’s Organisation 4 Determination of the Business- Under Organised or Over Organised 5 Approaches to Launch for OD Effort 5 Further Logical Steps for the Organisation 6 Bibliography 8 Diagnosis of the Ben & Jerry’s Organisation Diagnosis is a phenomenon that is essential in finding the reason of anything that is happening. In Ben & Jerry’s organisation, the root causes of the problem are inefficient leadership style of the managers in the top level and the breakdown in the ethical work climate. The leadership style has been mentioned ineffective on the grounds that clear and significant goals are missing in the organisation. There is evidence of situations when the goals seemed ambiguous and thus misleading for the team members in the organisation. Managers are inefficient in becoming leaders as they are unable to incorporate the feeling of oneness among the team members in the organisation. As a result of this failure on the part of the style of leadership, there aroused lack in the perception of common goals and missions and this factor initiated the problem. The other cause of the problem that represents the ethical work culture within the organisation has also resulted due to the failure of the management to resolve problems. The unclear set of goals and objectives in front of the team members initiated problem in the ethical perspective of the job. The political concern in the organisational objective even initiated failure in maintaining the cohesive work climate within the organisation. The issues that hampered the ethical working culture are the ambiguous line of responsibility and authority along with the lack of control in the operations. Determination of the Business- Under Organised or Over Organised The diagnosis of the causes of the problems states that the business at Ben & Jerry’s is under-organised. The concerns depict that the organisation was unable to handle the challenges in the dynamic market place and also within the workforce. The workforce in the organisation was of the view that the organisational goals and objectives misled them and they were incapable of setting their individual priorities for fulfilling the ultimate objective of the organisation. The tasks in the organisation were charged to be ‘half-finished’ by the members. With the ongoing process of the task, the organisation took another task and in this course the former task remained unfinished forever. There was even lack of time to be allocated to a particular task to get it completed within stipulated time. From the point of view of the interviewees of the organisation, the general members and the founders are both the strength and weakness of the company. One of the founders would go for betterment of the quality with development of flavour and funkier promotions of the products. On the other hand, one general manager would strive to initiate certain other aspects that in turn increase the organisation’s expenses. The factor of organising the entire structure of the business was the primary requirement in the organisation for certain point of time. Weakness in the internal base of the organisation has been due to the under organised form. Approaches to Launch for OD Effort The approach that was followed to handle situation in Ben & Jerry’s organisation had a valid reason to be incorporated. The

Womens Contribution during World War I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Womens Contribution during World War I - Essay Example As far back as 1880, women had worked in textile and a few other industries but were kept away from heavy industries or those positions which involved real responsibility and power. These were the traditional roles they played from which they broke away just before the war started. Women replaced the men, when these men left their jobs to serve their country in war overseas. They filled many jobs which were brought into existence by wartime needs due to which the number of women employed increased greatly in many industries. In U.S, about eight million women had paid occupations before the war but after the war began, the number of women working increased in common lines of work as a newspaper stated, â€Å"There has been a sudden influx of women into such unusual occupations as bank clerks, ticket sellers, elevator operator, chauffeur, street car conductor, railroad trackwalker, section hand, locomotive wiper and oiler, locomotive dispatcher, block operator, draw bridge attendant, and employment in machine shops, steel mills, powder and ammunition factories, airplane works, boot blacking and farming.†(â€Å"Protecting the working mothers† Seattle Union Record) ... )  were very easy to find in all the newspapers ‘help wanted’ sections, which were a good evidence to prove that women of that time were willing to work at any cost, regardless of age or status, to help the nation win the war.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2. Increase in war emergency jobs There was high increase in jobs due to World War I as more and more men were leaving jobs to move to the front for the war, the industries had to look for female workers who could replace their men’s jobs. During 1917 and 1918, demands of female stenographers, telegraphers and phone operators were increasing rapidly. In the field of telegraphing, a newspaper wrote, â€Å"Women are more apt than men in this line of work.† (â€Å"Find women are apt† Seattle Post-Intelligencer.) The railroad companies also employed about hundred of capable woman operators, because not only were these woman known to be skillful but also dependable. There was an extreme high demand of femal e stenographers at one point of time too that almost two thirds of the total ads in newspaper were looking for stenographers, an example being, â€Å"Thoroughly competent book keeper, cashier, and stenographer, six years with last firm in charge of books and collections, desire position of responsibility.† (â€Å"Situation Wanted Ad† Seattle Post-Intelligencer). The women in that era wanted to take more responsible jobs did not wanted to be just a substitute labor force. 3. Military auxiliary jobs Nursing During World War  1, young women and girls worked as nurses. There was a high demand of nurses in the newspapers with headlines like,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Girl: 16 years, wants a position as a nurse.† (â€Å"Help Wanted Ads† Seattle Post-Intelligencer. June 16, 1917.) In April 1917, when United States entered World War I, the Navy had 160 nurses on

E-commerce Multiple Techniques Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

E-commerce Multiple Techniques - Essay Example The company sells merchandize through catalogs, its website, and close to 300 Lands End Shops at Sears and Inlet Stores. Thus, the retailer provides three convenient ways to shop; by phone, digitally and in person. Lands’ End has developed unique web sites that use local language and currency to service customers in Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, Sweden, France and Austria. For its Canadian clients, the company has specifically set up a website www.landsend.canada. Customers of Lands’ End have every reason to feel comfortable and confident about their purchases because the company adheres to a set of core values and business practices that are in the best interest of all stakeholders including customers and vendors. The company believes in the philosophy that what is best for its customers is also best for the company. This philosophy is ingrained in the minds of each of its employees across departments. It is for this reason that customer’s of Lands’ End get the privilege of unparalleled customer service. The company has set up a toll free, round the clock helpline (800.800.5800) where customers can call and order a product as well as get a resolution to any query that they may have. The helpline is accessible round the year and the competent customer service staff, which receives 70-80 hours of induction training at the time of being hired by the company, resolves every customer complaint. The company also strives to respond with a personal message within 4 hours to every e-mail that it receives. Should any customer need it, Lands’ End supplies swatches of fabrics free of charge. In the event of a customer losing an item, say a glove or a mitten, purchased from the Lands’ End, the company replaces the in-stock styles for half the pair price and ships it free of cost, much to the delight of the customer. Customers have the option to return items purchased from Lands’ End at any time either for a full refund of the purchase price or

Video Game and Primary Online Games Essay Example for Free

Video Game and Primary Online Games Essay I.Computer gaming addiction INTRODUCTION Computer game addiction is a worrying aspect of the modern-day technologically able youth. Many children spend hours a day on computers, so much so that computers have become a primary source of entertainment for them , as well as a convenient baby-sitter for parents. Throughout this guide, the details of computer game addiction will be discussed, such as addiction signs, solutions to the problems and alternatives to computers for entertainment. Here are the Famous or most played online games. * 3 Primary Online Games: * World of Warcraft * Final Fantasy XI Online * EverQuest * These are called MMORPGs – Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games * MMORPGs never end, there isn’t a final goal state which you can achieve. You ultimately strive to be the best of the best within the game. II. Statement of the problem Computer Addiction is an ongoing problem for youths to adults everywhere. It involves the person spending time on the computer for hours more than necessary. The problem with Computer Addiction is that as more youths are logging onto the computer, they are spending more time online than doing another things. They become addicted to the computer, and use their time on the computer instead of doing other things, like spending time with the family or doing homework. This causes strange and irrational behaviour, turning these people into computer addicts 5 Question about Computer Gaming Addiction 1. What is the effect of being Computer Addicted? 2. How do people become addicted to Computer Games ? 3. Doe`s computer addiction affect our health? 4. What symptoms can you find in people who is addicted to online games? 5. How can we say that the people or person is already addicted to computer games ?

The Fears Of The Victorinan Era English Literature Essay

The Fears Of The Victorinan Era English Literature Essay The social theory of degeneration was developed as a result of Charles Darwins theory of evolution, it was believed if something can evolve, it can also devolve (Byron, 2000: 134). The notion of evolution meant that the human race was changeable and could evolve or even degenerate or devolve. The future of human existence was now unknown and seemed uncertain. Victorians because of this unknown future held an unpromising outlook assuming that the human race was in a state of decay. Theories backing up the idea of human degeneration came from various scientific fields, such as anatomy, physiology and psychology. The prospect of the human race returning to an ape like state concerned the Victorian public and we can see the anxieties of the era present in Victorian gothic literature where the characters often transform into monstrous or primitive ape like beings. A Companion to the Victorian Novel states that the Degeneration theory proposed that the human species was suffering from an i ntellectual, physical and moral decline, and becoming increasingly enfeebled through everything from syphilis, insanity, epilepsy, feminism, radicalism, crime and immigration to the stresses of modern civilization. In charting this steady decline toward racial suicide, degeneration both influenced and was influenced by a number of branches of scientific and psychological theory(2005). Scientists from different areas contributed to this notion of there being men who were genetically determined to be degenerate and deviant ( Botting,1996:137). The gothic novels discussed in this essay demonstrate the anxieties surrounding these theories. The distressing conditions at the end of the nineteenth century in urban environments such as the City of London provided perfect conditions for writing literature of terror. The Strange Case of Dr. Jeykll and Mr Hyde is one such book that profits from the circumstances and conditions at the time of its publishing. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Stevenson plays upon this innate fear of degeneration this is because Stevenson gave fictional form to an emerging crisis of the late-nineteenth century: the perception that the race itself was succumbing to degenerative tendencies that threatened the very fabric of society (Dryden, 2003). Dryden asserts that The fear of the beast within was the late nineteenth centurys fear of itself. Degeneracy could lead to atavism, which must be purged in order that the race evolves beyond its animal instincts (Dryden, 2003) The fear of degeneration is certainly located in the character of Edward Hyde. If we examine Hyde further he seems to fit perfectly into the mould of the criminal type of degenerate categorized and identified by Lombroso and Galton. Laurence Talairach-Vielmas states in his review of Tracing the Criminal: The Rise of Scientific Criminology in Britain, 1860-1918 that : Lombrosos theory, as expounded in Criminal Man, was grounded upon the premises that 70% of criminals were biologically programmed to commit crimes. Lombroso regarded his 219 criminal portraits as evidence of an atavistic criminal type and foregrounded the relevance of anatomical or physiognomical features, such as the prominence of the jaw, the harshness of the look, or the abundance of hair. Lombroso saw atavism as the primary biological cause of criminal behaviour and paid little attention to socio-economic factors; yet he gradually included congenital illnesses and forms of dà ©gà ©nà ©rescence in his criminal type , increasingly merging criminality, insanity and epilepsy, as underlined in his Crime: Its Causes and Remedies (1899). (Talairach-Vielmas,2007) Luomo Deliquente was published in 1875 which contained theories physically characterising the features of the criminal type. Lombrosso strongly suspected that the physical features of a person could indicate whether a person was a criminal. The Character of Edward Hyde has these inherit attributes of criminal degeneracy. These qualities can be seen not only through the horrendous and extraordinarily violent acts of crime but his physiognomy. Hyde seems to be a literal and precise characterisation of what Lombroso determined to be a criminal in his theory. Linda Dryden assets in The Modern gothic and literary doubles: Stevenson, Wilde and Wells For Lombroseo, the criminal was physically abnormal, like Hyde, whose appearance suggests to Enfield a strong feeling of deformity and the resemblance to primitive races is echoed in Hydes troglodytic appearance. (Dryden, 2003). Hyde is constantly described in a detestable nature with such words as ape-like, savage and dwarfish. Stephen Arata observes that Jekyll and Hyde articulates in Gothic fictions exaggerated tones late-Victorian anxieties concerning degeneration, devolution, and criminal man' (Arata, 1995:233). When Dr. Jekyll transforms into Hyde he therefore is degenerating to a lower form, this is highlighted and shown threw frequent comparisons to primitive forms of existence. Stephen Arata goes on to assert that Stevensons first readers could easily discern the lineaments of Cesare Lombrosos atavistic criminal. The describing words seem to flawlessly harmonize with Lombrosos description of what he names the criminal type. The Victorian reader would certainly have been able to see the comparisons between Hyde and the Criminal type and Arata goes on to further state that Stevensons middle-class readers would have had as little trouble deciphering the features of the abnormal and misbegotten Hyde, hi s body an imprint of deformity and decay, as Stevensons middle-class characters do (Arata, 1995:233). The character of Edward Hyde in addition is intensely disliked by all on first acquaintance. People seem to have this intriguing aversion to Hyde, he beholds this repugnant nature. The most intriguing point is that no one can actually pinpoint the exact root of Hydes unpleasantness. Richard Enfield articulates, I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why . . . he gives a strong feeling of deformity, although I couldnt specify the point, while Lanyon elaborates, there was something abnormal and misbegotten in the very essence of the creature that now faced me something seizing, surprising, and revolting (Stevenson:73). Utterson holds the same opinion and reports the same characteristics, he declares that Hyde was pale and dwarfish; he gave an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation(Stevenson:15). Uttersons subsequent connection to this uncanny aura, detestable nature and indescribability in relation to Hydes appearance shows Hyde as an exemplar of Lomb roseo and Galton theories of criminal atavism. Hydes repulsive and vile appearance is instinctively associated with delinquency and criminality. Hyde seems to radiate this evil, repugnant aura, people who come into contact with him seem to adopt this instant loathing to him. Utterson illiterates this aura of repulsiveness in the following extract: the radiance of a foul soul transpires through, and transfigures its clay content (Stevenson: 15). Hyde comes across as deformed yet he lacks the distinct physical features of an inherent deformity. Utterson finds describing Edward Hydes deformity and evil aura meticulously hard, he states that hard all these points were against; but not all these together could explain the hitherto unknown disgust, loathing, and fear with which Mr. Utterson regarded him(Stevenson:15-16). The specific qualities and features that account for his horrid appearance of deformity seem to remain unknown and evade comprehension. The Victorians held this fear of t he unknown and Hyde certainly embodies the uncanny which was a concept and theory developed by Sigmund Freud. The uncanny is where something can be familiar yet foreign at the same time leading to uneasiness. The other indicator of Hydes criminal degeneracy is an obvious one; it is his atavistic modes of conduct. The climax of the novel is the murder of Sir Danvers Carew in such a ferociously violent nature by Hyde. The crime is depicted in a horrific nature, in the following extract it is told that Mr. Hyde broke out of all bounds, and clubbed to the earth. And next moment, with apelike fury, he was trampling his victim under foot, hailing down a storm of blows, under which the bones were audibly shattered and the body jumped upon the roadway (Stevenson, p27). Hydes repulsive appearance and volatile actions show that Stevenson has played on what Pick ascertains as the Victorian fears and anxieties of urban degeneration. The plot of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde can be compared to that of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Both novels share a characteristic gothic plot where there is this degeneration from higher to lower state. The novels expose the degeneration of the respectable middle class to a more primitive and bestial state. The middle class at the time witnessed the traditional values and family structures under great pressure as Britain observed a loosening of moral, aesthetic and sexual codes associated with fin de sià ¨cle decadence. This in turn is echoed and depicted in the literature of the time. The Victorian Gothic depicted members of the middle classes as the new victims of corruption and decay.For instance Dr Jekyll in the strange case transforms into this primitive form after taking a concoction while Dorian Gray similarity degenerates to a lower form of existence. The moral degeneration of Dorian Gray is shown through the portraits gradual decay, it is stated that the face painted on the canvas could grow bestial, sodden, and unclean (Wilde: 238). The further Dorian corrupts the more bestial the picture becomes it is the most magical of mirrors, (Wilde: 227). In Late Victorian Gothic Tales by Robert Luckhurst it is commented that The picture that Dorian Gray hides in his house is not only a metaphor of moral corruption, but is a precise record of physical degenerative decay. (Luckhurst, 2000)The visible changes that show the corruption of Dorians soul draw on Victorian fears of human degeneration and cultural decay: But here was a visible symbol of the degradation of sin. Here was an ever-present sign of the ruin men brought upon their souls. (Wilde: 78). However Dorians own appearance is unaffected and therefore his atavistic nature could not be deciphered threw physiognomy according to Victorian theory which in turn played on Victorian fears. Dorian Grays submersion in the Victorian underworld of sexual liberation, criminality and opium is portrayed in a similar nature to Edward Hydes. Wilde fuses the imagery of the upper class and lower class by having the allegedly respectable Dorian visit the poor and deprived districts of London. He remembered wandering through dimly-lit streets with gaunt black-shadowed archways and evil-looking houses. Women with hoarse voices and harsh laughter had called after him. Drunkards had reeled by cursing, and chattering to themselves like monstrous apes. He had seen grotesque children huddled upon doorsteps, and had heard shrieks and oaths from gloomy courts (Wilde: 114 ). In the previous extract the working classes are depicted as ape like beings and therefore Dorians involvement with this sphere highlights Dorian as primitive. Lord Henry asserts that crime belongs exclusively to the lower orders. I should fancy that crime was to them what art is to us, simply a method of procuring extra ordinary sensations (Wilde: 152). This previous extract not only shows the duality of Dorians nature as both a criminal and a respectable middle-class gentleman but it also illustrates the criminality of not only the lower classes. At this time characteristics of the criminal type were associated in the late-Victorian mind with the lower class, but Jekyll and Hyde and Dorian Gray both challenge that idea. For instance Stephen Arata asserts about Jekyll and Hyde that While his impulsiveness and savagery, his violent temper, and his appearance all mark Hyde as lower class and atavistic, his vices are clearly those of a monied gentleman. (Arata, 1995) Mans dual nature is a prevalent theme in Stevensons and Wildes masterpieces. This idea of people having a divided self was equally used in the Gothic novels and was a product of theorys such as the theory of social repression. This theory believed that the restricting moral codes of the bourgeoisie produced the divided and repressing life styles of the middle-classes, respectable by day and pleasure-seeking by night (Botting,1996: 136). Dorian can be noted as digressing from the higher class to the lower class sphere. Joseph Bristow remarks that Dorian wears a fine aristocratic face but possesses what may be referred to as a working-class (debased, gross, indecent) body, as he moves across and between different echelons of society (Bristow,1992: 60). Dorians character is much like that of Jekyll/Hyde, both are divided between upper and lower classes and good and evil. The strange case and Dorian Gray both demonstrate the vulnerability of the middle class to degeneration. Linda Dryden states in The Modern Gothic and Literary Doubles thatThe susceptibility of the upper class to moral decay was the theme of Degeneration (Dryden 2003). Theories of the time did not just focus on the lower class for instance Nordau took pains to insist that the degenerate population consists chiefly of rich educated people who, with too much time and means at their disposal, succumb to decadence and depravity (Arata 1996). The Victorian G othic novel certainly depicted members of the middle classes as the new victims of corruption and decay (Byron, 2000: 137). Clare Clarke illiterates that Both Edward Hyde, and indeed Dorian Gray, then, are figures that embody a bourgeois readerships worst fears not only about the atavistic and marauding poor but also of the decadent and immoral upper classes. (Clarke, 2005) Both the novels touched upon in this essay draw their power from fears and anxieties in Britain at the end of the 19th century in regards to the degeneration discourse. Problems inbuilt in human nature were believed to result in the regression to primitive forms and split personalities. Dorians corruption and decay must have been particularly alarming and distressing to the Victorian public because of his respectable middle class status, amongst the fact his physiognomy lacked the inherent signs of degeneracy and decay. Mr Hyde on the other hands appearance and uncanny nature give away his atavistic modes of conduct and his degeneracy although still alarming. This Victorian fear of degeneracy can be seen in both novels mainly focusing on the immoral higher classes and there degenerative tendencies. New theories caused this unease and tension in Victorian minds about the stability of human nature. The fact the Victorian era was that of much change, industrialization and scientific dev elopment just helped build uncertainty about the future of the human race. Crime rates were high, overpopulation in cities was rife and poverty was a huge problem just adding to theories surrounding decay and degeneracy. The mark of the era can be seen in the novels discussed toying with the fears and anxieties of the time.

Portrayal Of Drugs In Television And Movies

Portrayal Of Drugs In Television And Movies Television seems to glorify drinking alcohol and the use of nicotine whether actors are bellying up to Joes Emerald City Bar in Greys Anatomy or swigging a martini at MacLarens on How I Met Your Mother, (McKean, 2006) television seems to say drinking alcohol is sexy, popular and okay. Alcohol gets free exposure on prime-time television. In shows such as CBS Two and a Half Men, Foxs Happy Hour and ABCs Brothers and Sisters, cocktails and cigarettes have replaced the usual cup of coffee after work. These shows portray negative messages that drinking after work or at social gatherings is socially accepted. Reality shows such as Intervention and Celebrity Rehab depict the full range of alcohol and illicit drug use with real life footage of heroin, crack cocaine, meth and other addictions. These shows illustrate the physical and mental destruction of what can happen to a person when they use drugs. Shows such as Intervention and Celebrity Rehab show the downfall and the reality of drug use. While other shows seem to venerate the use of alcohol with humor and sex, these shows depict how strong addiction can be and how families are affected by drug use. Shows such as these send a strong message to viewers about the realities of drug use and the reality of treatment. There is no pretty picture painted about an easy recovery neither does it glamorize a cool picture of heroin, meth, crack, inhalants and alcohol. The reality is clear, it sends the message dont do drugs because this is what will happen to you, your family and your life. A positive aspect of the prime time television and alcohol use is that when an underage person is depicted as using alcohol they portray the consequences and turn into a positive learning experience. The negative aspect of alcohol and drug use in television is that it sends a negative message to teenagers, its says its cool to drink and smoke. According to Kids Health.com kids and teens ages eight to eighteen spend nearly four hours a day watching television ( The Nemours Foundation, 2010). This is about three times the time amount they spend listening to the radio. Children are greatly influenced by what they watch and many of them idolize stars from these shows and want the mimic what they watch, especially if the use of alcohol, nicotine and illicit drugs are glamorized. These shows depict unsafe behavior and often there are no consideration about the consequence of on the use of alcohol, smoking and use of drugs. Alcohol and nicotine seem to be a favorite among prime time shows; illicit drug use is mostly portrayed in movies. Illicit drugs use and alcohol are hyped up in movies more so than in prime time, but some movies also send a message how drugs can lead to destruction and the struggle to overcome addiction. In 1995, The Basketball Diaries staring Leonard DiCaprio portrayed the true story of Jim Carroll a teenagers struggle with heroin addiction whose only desires are the game of basketball and heroin. In The Basketball Diaries Jims the only escape from a best friend that is dying and a coach who is a child predator is heroin. In a downward spiral Jims addiction for heroin leads him into the streets where he steals, robs and prostitutes himself. It is only through a friend and his relentless pursuit of his desire for Jim to be clean that he overcomes his addiction and fulfills his dreams. The message in The Basketball Diaries relays how drug addiction can destroy your dreams lead you int o a path of crime and self destruction. The message in this movie was a detail of how a lifestyle can easily be misled through the use of drugs and the struggle a person will have to take to overcome that addiction. This move portrayed a very effective message; drugs can destroy all your dreams, lead you into a life where basically you would sell your soul to get your next hit. It also showed the struggles to overcome addiction and how positive your life can become once you decide to make positive choices in your life. As much as alcohol and drug use may be glorified in prime time television, there are also antidrug advertisements that try to educate parents and children on peer pressure and the effects of drug use. In 1998 Congress created The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign in collaboration with Partnership for a Drug-Free America the goal of this campaign is preventing and reducing youth drug abuse across the nation. The main goal of this campaign is to create advertisements that deliver antidrug use and the dangers of that behavior to youths. According to The Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) 2009 there is a correlation between increased teen exposure to anti-drug messages on television and a decreased likelihood of trying drugs over the past ten years. Four out of ten teens agreed that anti-drug messages made them more aware of the risks of using drugs and less likely to try the drugs (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2010). In one of the many advertisement the campaign has pr oduce, The Human Puppet the advertisement depicts a girl is passed out on a chair with her friends gathered around her, they are painting her face and have strapped her arms with scarves and are moving her hands as she is a puppet. The girl is in an unconscious state and never reacts to what her friends are doing to her they make reference to the fact that she is passed out and thrashed and that she will have a major headache in the morning. Eventually they walk away from her, leaving her slumped in the chair (The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, 2009).This was an excellent advertisement, and depicted the reality of what can happen when you consume alcohol as a teenager and the embarrassing situations that you place yourself in. The advertisement also pointed out the reality of what your friends can and will do to you when you passed out from alcohol use. The one weakness that was noted in this advertisement was that some kids may think that it was more humorous than educati onal. There should have been more depiction of what can happen when a kid drinks too much alcohol such as loss of body function or alcohol related illnesses. Overall these campaigns have been shown to work The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign began in July 1998 and its primary focus was on reducing marijuana use among adolescents. The data collected from the beginning of PATS in 1998 compared to the data collected in 2008 shows that the use of the media campaign has significantly increased the teen awareness and decreased the use of marijuana in teens (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2010). The policies that are in place to deal with the portrayal of drug addiction are planned through The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the primary function of this office is to establish policies, priorities, and objectives for the Nations drug control program. The goals of the program are to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing, and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences (Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2010). The policies that have been established for drug addiction are the following that were obtained from the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation: Americans For Safe Access (ASA) an aggressive grassroots campaign working to push the Bush administration off its anti-medical marijuana crusade and allow states the right to choose and govern medical marijuana laws. Common Sense for Drug Policy (CSDP) a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding discussion on drug policy and raising questions about existing law and educating the public about alternatives to current policies. Criminal Justice Policy Foundation (CJPF) a non-profit foundation working on innovative solutions to problems facing the criminal justice system. Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) the nations leading organization working to end the war on drugs. Drug Reform Coordination Network (DRCNet) opposes the prison-building frenzy and supports rational policies consistent with the principles of peace, justice, freedom, compassion and truth. Human Rights and the Drug War a multi-media project that combines the stories and photos of Drug War POWs with facts and figures about the US Drug War, to confront the conscience of the American people and encourage individuals to take action for social justice. Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) a progressive think-tank with a project on U.S. drug policy and U.S. involvement in Colombia. Interfaith Drug Policy Initiative (IDPI) organizes people of faith to promote drug policy reform; i.e., moving from prohibition laws toward reasonable and compassionate drug regulation, education and treatment. Judges Against the Drug War provides an extensive online database of judicial opinions critical of the governments War on Drugs. The database represents judicial dissent against drug prohibition in state and federal jurisdictions from 1970 to the present date. Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) current and former members of law enforcement who support drug regulation rather than prohibition. Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) works to minimize the harm associated with marijuana both the consumption of marijuana, and the laws that are intended to prohibit such use. Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) non-profit research and educational organization that assists scientific study of the risks and benefits of MDMA, psychedelic drugs and marijuana. National Drug Strategies Network (NDSN) coalition of organizations that offer information about drug control strategies. National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) a nonprofit public-interest advocacy group that represents the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly. Parents Ending Prohibition Parents Ending Prohibition is a non-profit organization, designed to bring together parents and other concerned citizens to protect our children from the devastating harms created by our nations war on marijuana. Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) working to involve youth in the political process, and promoting an open, honest, and rational discussion of alternative solutions to our nations drug problems. Unitarian Universalists for Drug Policy Reform (UUDPR) a continental coalition of Unitarian Universalists leading the denominations efforts to develop and promote more just and compassionate drug policies (Criminal Justice Policy Foundation, 2010) In addition to these policies The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable (The Federal Communications Commission, 2009). The division of the FCC that administers policies and license is the Media Bureau. This office controls what is viewed on television and although there are some limitations due to the First Amendment Act. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is another office that regulates how drugs are portrayed on television. The FDA monitors how pharmaceutical companies advertised their drugs on television. Pharmaceutical companies are allowed to claim the benefits of their product but they must also provide a website or referenced publications where consumers can find out more details regarding the products (Mosher Akins, 2007, p. 345). In 1994 T he Dietary Supplemental Health and Education Act was passed, this act established policies on the sale and advertisement of dietary aides on television. The influence that television has on our youth today is overwhelming and it is important that use of drugs, whether legal or illegal are monitored and regulated. The government as well as parents and guardians have a responsibility towards our future generation and it is important that we influence our children in the right direction.

Intellinex, LLC :: essays research papers fc

Executive Summary Intellinex LLC is an eLearning company that was recently spun off from its parent Ernest & Young LLP. At its inception Intellinex claimed to be one of the largest eLearning providers. They have an aggressive strategy to take advantage of the consolidating eLearning market and become a "one-stop" provider of all eLearning services for their clients. Their focus is on creating customized training for clients and helping them to implement and maintain their on-line courses. Products and services are geared toward large companies that spend approximately $1 million on their eLearning projects; not individuals or small companies. They have asserted a strenuous goal of $100 million revenue in the first year of business. Company Background Intellinex LLC is an eLearning provider of â€Å"one-stop learning solutions that are faster, lower in cost, more flexible, and more convenient than traditional classroom training,† (www.intellinex.com). Ernst & Young LLP launched their wholly owned eLearning venture, Intellinex LLC, on October 5, 2000. Ernst & Young was the first of the â€Å"Big 5† firms to create an operating company that offers eLearning services. With less than a year of experience practicing business on their own, much of the background information for Intellinex stems from their internal work with Ernst & Young prior to the spin off. Their parent had already seen the light of eLearning and began creating training that â€Å"focused on everything a young audit person would need when first starting their career†. Almost all Ernst & Young employees had begun taking eLearning courses through a unit now known at Intellinex. They found that it was less expensive to train them onl ine than to fly them to training centers for multiple courses. Due to Year 2000 concerns, Ernst & Young changed its curriculum-development procedures and what previously took 200 hours to create 1 hour of online training now takes 20 hours. (Walsh 2) Intellinex was able to take advantage of this change. Ernst & Young already had more than 40 clients receiving eLearning services using this unit. Ernst and Young will continue to use Intellinex for internal training through a third party agreement. (Howell 2) Ernst & Young’s decision to separate from its online corporate training department was in hopes of increasing the unit’s profitability by acquisitions. Intellinex started with more than 400 employees and five major locations. Their focus was providing customized training for clients through satellite, desktop web casting, streaming video, and web-based courses. Intellinex, LLC :: essays research papers fc Executive Summary Intellinex LLC is an eLearning company that was recently spun off from its parent Ernest & Young LLP. At its inception Intellinex claimed to be one of the largest eLearning providers. They have an aggressive strategy to take advantage of the consolidating eLearning market and become a "one-stop" provider of all eLearning services for their clients. Their focus is on creating customized training for clients and helping them to implement and maintain their on-line courses. Products and services are geared toward large companies that spend approximately $1 million on their eLearning projects; not individuals or small companies. They have asserted a strenuous goal of $100 million revenue in the first year of business. Company Background Intellinex LLC is an eLearning provider of â€Å"one-stop learning solutions that are faster, lower in cost, more flexible, and more convenient than traditional classroom training,† (www.intellinex.com). Ernst & Young LLP launched their wholly owned eLearning venture, Intellinex LLC, on October 5, 2000. Ernst & Young was the first of the â€Å"Big 5† firms to create an operating company that offers eLearning services. With less than a year of experience practicing business on their own, much of the background information for Intellinex stems from their internal work with Ernst & Young prior to the spin off. Their parent had already seen the light of eLearning and began creating training that â€Å"focused on everything a young audit person would need when first starting their career†. Almost all Ernst & Young employees had begun taking eLearning courses through a unit now known at Intellinex. They found that it was less expensive to train them onl ine than to fly them to training centers for multiple courses. Due to Year 2000 concerns, Ernst & Young changed its curriculum-development procedures and what previously took 200 hours to create 1 hour of online training now takes 20 hours. (Walsh 2) Intellinex was able to take advantage of this change. Ernst & Young already had more than 40 clients receiving eLearning services using this unit. Ernst and Young will continue to use Intellinex for internal training through a third party agreement. (Howell 2) Ernst & Young’s decision to separate from its online corporate training department was in hopes of increasing the unit’s profitability by acquisitions. Intellinex started with more than 400 employees and five major locations. Their focus was providing customized training for clients through satellite, desktop web casting, streaming video, and web-based courses.

Teens And Smoking Essay -- essays research papers

Teens and Smoking Abstract Cigarette smoking is of interest to the National Institute on Drug Abuse both because of the public health problems associated with this form of substance abuse and because this behavior represents a prototypic dependence process. In the past few years the government has made every effort to reach the masses, in an attempt to curb the exploitation of tobbacco use, and its acceptance among Americas Youngsters. However, cigarette smoking among adolescents is on the rise. The premise that the behavior of adolescents is influenced by the behavior of their parents is central to many considerations of health and social behavior (Ausubel, Montemayor, & Svajiian, 1977; Bandura & Walters, 1963). Many young people between 10-18 years of age experiment with smoking, smoking is a personal choice, and usually exploratory in nature. Typically, it takes place in rather young people and is largely dependent on: first, the availability of opportunity to engage in the behavior, second, having a fairly high degree of curiosity about the effects of the behavior; third, in finding it a way of expressing either conformity to the behavior or others (such as parents, older siblings or peers), forth, as in "Miller and Dollar's" explanation of Observational Learning, The Copying behavior effect. This research is to examine the effects of parental smoking (behavior), has, on the decision of teens to smoke cigarettes. Due to prior studies using global measures that may or may not include South Eastern North Carolina. The Fayetteville/Fort Bragg area was chosen for this study to pinpoint the effects in this particular locale. Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base have a very diverse socieo-economic and culturally diverse population, which will have a positive effect on randomness of sample selection. With this association in mind, this researcher is interested in knowing if there is a relationship of Parental influence on Teen Smoking within this Military Community. Introduction The prevalence of cigarette smoking among young teenagers is a growing problem in the United States, many young people between the ages of 10-18 are experimenting with tobacco. During the 1040's and 50's smoking was popular and socially acceptable. Movie stars, sports heroes, and celebrities appeared in cigarette advertisements that ... ...ribution statistics will be used to identify significant differences between sub samples. References Bauman, K. E., Foshee, V. A., Linzer, M. A., Koch, G. G. (1990). Effect of parental smoking classification on the association between parental and adolescent smoking. Addictive-behaviors, 15,(5), 413-422. Horevitz, M. J., (1985). Disasters and psychological responses to stress. Psychiatric Annals, 15, 161-167. Hu, F. B. Flak, B. R., Hedeker, D. (1995). The inlfuence of friends and parental smoking on adolescent smoking behavior. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, v4 (3), 215-225. Jessor, R. (1993). Successful adolescent development among high-risk settings, American Psychologist, 48, 117-126. Johnston, L., O'Malley, P., Bachman, J. (1988). Drug use among American high school students, College students and other young adults. National trends through 1991. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Research Monograph Series, (1979). Cigarette Smoking as a dependence Process. National Institute on Drug Abuse. 23

Ilu, the Talking Drum Essay

For too long, people have neglected to remember where their culture stems from. The culture that lies in our past is connected to our present and ultimately, our future. Despite the possibilities that learning about our past can offer, there is no limit to how much despair can be found during the search. However, it is because of those faults that allow us to move forward in life. This point of view is the main focus in the poem â€Å"Ilu, the Talking Drum,† a tale revolving around the remembrance of the author’s culture. In any case, we may not be able to look back, but we can certainly move forward. The main premise of â€Å"Ilu† is a tale of simplicity for the most part. It speaks about the simple pleasures of a nice day, beautiful areas, a serene silence, and the beauty of love making. However, with every bright side to a story, there is a darkness that accompanies it. Simply put, life is easily interrupted by the sight of chaos and the surrounding environments. Tunji, the designated main character of the poem, straps on his ilu, the eponymous instrument of the story, and begins to play a repetitive beat, â€Å"kah doom/kah doom-doom/kah doom/kah doom-doom-doom,† as a way to ward off whatever seems to be attacking the characters. At the end, the playing of the drum ends the poem, settling the story on a peaceful note. The poem, penned by Etheridge Knight, speaks about how something so simple, such as the beat of a drum, can soothe even the most threatening of situations. It also reveals a few examples of wisdom, such as saying that the simple things in life are often the best. It also plays the reader’s sense of having security and peace, as if they want to be comforted by the thoughts of the poem. It also makes use of racial epithets, but used in a way to convey it as an informal term for an African-American. The story relies on the use of intense imagery, as the poem utilizes a creeping darkness as the principal scene for the story and in a way, the main antagonist. It seems that the overall peaceful tone of the poem is perhaps its greatest strength, as well as its greatest weakness. One of the poem’s lesser faults is that it is short in comparison to other stories of similar content, but it is most ignored by the reader. Another fault of the story is it is unclear of what the story’s meaning is, even if one were to read it. As a result, it requires much consideration and thought in order to find the basis of the author’s reasoning for writing such a poem. As mentioned earlier, the poem’s inherent weakness makes it target for readers who do not have a taste for such poems, which can potentially turn away much of the reading population. As a result, the story may not see much use in the foreseeable future. In closing, the poem helps those interested in it to remember the easier times and can help to embrace a more peaceful existence. The story provides guidance and knowledge, which in turn imparts the necessities to lead this lifestyle. A culture cannot survive if all is forgotten, but by reviving its traditions and practices, it will live for all time.

The Eight Miracle Signs in John

The Eight Miracle Signs in John Jesus performed eight particular miracles in the Gospel of John that revealed His deity. These miracles are unique to study because they all serve towards showing us that Jesus is Divine. They also show different aspects of Jesus’ divinity. Seemingly these miracles were purposeful in their intent towards showing those present with Jesus, and millions that have followed, aspects of Jesus’ power and mission. These miracles serve as a witness to all of us of Jesus’ authority. They also provide comfort when we reflect on the fact that nature, spirit and life all are in His control and hand.Jesus turned the water into wine in John 2:1-11. This was the first visible manifestation of God in Christ. It is interesting that it happened at a wedding. Jesus shows that life with Him happens in our normal day to day activities. It was not performed in a temple or tabernacle, but rather among friends. It was Mary the mother of Jesus who encourage d the miracle to happen. This might show us that God uses our relationships to pull out of us the treasures God puts in us. This miracle shows us that Jesus has power over creation. He takes water and makes it wine. It obeys Him.The water itself is under the control of Christ. One can not help but reflect in the fact that Jesus was present in creation. [1] This miracle is reminiscent of the creation story. In the beginning God moved over the deep. He created out of water. Jesus now initiates His ministry with a miracle with water. The second sign miracle was the healing of the nobleman’s son in John 4:46-54. A man came and called out to Jesus while He was in Cana of Galilee. The man had a son that was sick. This man obviously loved His son. The nobleman asked Jesus to speak a word of healing.The nobleman had enough faith that he felt like a visit was unnecessary. This miracle proved Christ’s authority over space. Space did not limit Jesus. He has all power in heaven an d earth. As it was on that day, it is now. Christ reaches anywhere. The third sign miracle concerns the healing of a lame man in John 5:1-9. The lame man had been unable to pursue healing or help for years. Jesus came by on the Sabbath and asked if the man wanted to made whole. Jesus then told the man to rise and pick his bed up and walk. Under the healing authority of Jesus, the man did.The religious people were furious. The Sabbath had been violated by this lame man picking up his bed! This miracle might represent Jesus divine authority in a few way. Maybe it hints that Jesus is primary over religion and tradition. It definitely shows that Jesus has power over time. Christ knows when and what to do. God knows when to move. The fourth sign in the feeding of the five-thousand in John 6:1-14. A massive group traveled to hear Jesus speak. They walked just to hear Him. The problem is that there was no food for all of these people.The disciple Andrew found a young boy’s lunch and brought it to Jesus. Jesus blessed it and broke it and started to pass it out. Everyone ate. There were even leftovers. This miracle shows that Jesus has power to provide. Even in the food arena. Dr. Towns mentions that it shows that God uses what we give Him and does His work to provide. [2] God has all power and He can provide anything we need. This miracle speaks deeper to the events to come when Christ will be blessed, broken and then passed out to feed the souls of men. The fifth sign comes when Jesus walks on the water in John 6:15-21.There had been a wonderful day of miracles and words from Jesus, but now it is night and Christ has told His disciples to go to the other side of the lake by boat. Huge winds and waves came against the boat in the middle of the night. Jesus, however was walking on the water when the disciples spotted Him. Jesus calmed everything and took them immediately to the other side. This miracle shows God’s power of natural laws. The winds and stor ms obey His voice. The water held Jesus like a sidewalk holds us. All because He has all power. He also caused the entire ship to be transported to the other side.Jesus has all power over natural laws. The sixth miracle sign is the healing of the blind man in John 9:1-12. Jesus and the disciples were walking and passed a blind man. This man, the writer tells us, was blind from birth. In fact, there is some perplexing on behalf of the disciples on wether this is the man’s fault or his parent’s due to sin. Jesus makes clay and tells the man to wash his eyes and the man is healed. This miracle shows God’s power over physical laws. Jesus has all power over physical laws. He heals the blind man’s old eyes much like He made the first man’s eyes.Adam was made from the dust and now Christ makes this man’s eyes â€Å"new† by using dust, spit and authority with power. It shows Christ’s power then and now. The seventh sign miracle was Laz arus being raised from the dead in John 11:1-44. Lazarus was a friend and had been dead for four days. Jesus seemed to purposefully wait until the time of Lazarus’ death and burial. Many of Jesus friends are there. Mary and Martha have partial faith. One believes Jesus could have changed it if He had arrived earlier, and the other believes Jesus can perform it at the Resurrection.Jesus, however, shows that He has power now. All things are under His control. He shows them that He is able, presently, to perform what they wish He could have done in the past and hope He can do in the future. This miracle shows the power of Christ over death. He has power over death itself and the grave. This sign shows that Jesus has the power to give life as a gift. [3] The eighth sign miracle was the amazing catch of fish in John 21:1-11. After Jesus’ resurrection He visited the shore while the disciples were fishing. They had been having trouble all night and had not been able to catch anything.Jesus advised the disciples to try the other side of the boat. The result was a miraculous catch of fish. This miracle showed complete power. It showed that all of the other miracles were fulfilled and found in Jesus. This miracle showed that He was over all things. This is also the miracle that follows the resurrection of Jesus. This miracle was proof, then and now, that Jesus had risen with full power. He shows power over death and nature. He is truly the Son of God. All of these show that Christ has all power. He holds all things and all things are for Him.Jesus deity is proven by the resurrection, but these sign miracles reveal different aspects of His deity. Because of this He can identify with us and provide for us. When we trust in Him it is not our life but His life through us. [4] These precious truths and stories bolster our faith in Christ. Jesus has power over creation. We serve a God that calms storms with His voice. Sicknesses and diseases listen to His will. Time can not change Him or stop Him. Jesus is not limited by space. He can provide anything we need. And the final enemy death was overcome by our Savior. All things are His and we are in His hand.Bibliography John 1:3 Towns, Elmer. The Gospel of John: Believe and Live. (Ed. Mel and Ed Hindson Couch. Chattanooga: AMG Publishers), 2002. Morris, Leon. Jesus is the Christ. (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company: Grand Rapids, 1989). 40 Towns, Elmer. Theology for Today. (Cengage Learning: 2008). 244 ———————– [1] John 1:3 [2] Towns, Elmer. The Gospel of John: Believe and Live. (Ed. Mel and Ed Hindson Couch. Chattanooga: AMG Publishers), 2002. [3] Morris, Leon. Jesus is the Christ. (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company: Grand Rapids, 1989). 40 [4] Towns, Elmer. Theology for Today. (Cengage Learning: 2008). 244

Cultural Aging

This paper is designed to illustrate a cultural or ethnic group of my choosing and how they feel about the aging process. Also, to give detail of their background, their perspective and how it coordinates with the group, how they feel it effects aging on the older population, the elderly role in this cultural or ethnic group and and historical information in the group perspective if they immigrated in the United States. Within my findings I found out that African American woman (in particular) are concerned with aging but are not as concerned as Caucasian women. Being that African Americans have more melanin in their skin, wrinkles are not as common at the age of 65 as it would be of women who are the same age but of the Caucasian race. For my paper on the perspectives, I chose to research African Americans and take a look in to how they perceive aging, how they feel it effects aging on the older population, their roles and if there are any historical changes in their perspective. Most African Americans are the descendants of captive Africans held in the United States from 1619 to 1865. Blacks from the Caribbean whose ancestors immigrated, or who immigrated to the United States, also traditionally have been considered African American, as they share a common history of predominantly central Africans roots or west African, the middle passage and slavery. In the past, it was these people who were referred to and self-identified collectively as the American Negro, who now generally consider themselves African Americans. The history of African Americans are highlighted and celebrated annually in the United States during February, which is respectfully known as Black History month, and their history is the sole focus that time. Others who some times are Americans who descended from slaves, are referred to as African Americans, and who may self identify as such in United States government censuses, include relatively recent black immigrants from Africa, South America and elsewhere who self-identify as of African descent. A big percentage of African Americans descended from slaves, most of which were sold by African states or kidnapped by African, Arab, European or American slave traders. The existing market for slaves in Africa was exploited and expanded by European powers in search of free free labor for New World plantations. Are African Americans less concerned with the consequences of aging? Let's take the cosmetic world for example to emphasize my points to come. The cosmetic world is filled with all sorts of products designed to keep women (and occasionally men) look (and feeling) young. The products are primarily geared towards skin care and more specified for wrinkles. Let's take a look at cosmetic commercials and ads, you mist find something very interesting: there are few black women. Of course, there are women of different ethnic groups, which by way of sending a message that all women, no matter ethnicity are concerned with aging. For the most part, it seems that Caucasian women (more so than black women) are concerned about the aging process. To aid in my point, I'll use the statistics from the Society of Plastic Surgeons that proves that African Americans are still one of the smaller groups requesting plastic surgery. Whites account for 69% while blacks have only 8%. There is a very popular phrase within the African American community affirming that â€Å"black don't crack†. This phrase is an exact implication that African Americans typically look younger in age versus other ethnic groups, mainly the white ethnic group. A person's physical health, one's lifestyle and health definitely play a role in this. It is usually quite common for people to mistake a black women who may be 65 and be mistaken for 55 and for women in their 40's to be mistaken as being in their 30's (Yeo, 2001). The most common and scientifically proven reason for this is because African Americans typically have more melanin that a person has in their skin, the more complex it is for the skin's harmful rays to penetrate, creating wrinkles, spots, lines and other anomalies. For some reason, it has not been until recently that cosmetic companies begun targeting African-American women for anti-aging products. In a 2006 article in Essence magazine, it purports that the cosmetic industry in general has seen a marked increase in toiletries and cosmetic advertising in general, marketers choosing non-black publications to reach an additional demographic. â€Å"The myth is that women of color don't care about aging,† the president of Essence, Michelle Ebanks has stated. â€Å"We don't wrinkly as early, but we care about it†. That confirms it! That statement is a pure indication that black women are just as concerned about their aging physical appearance as other ethnic groups. However, Ebanks also shed great insight on another important note; women of color are more likely to share information about beauty products by word of mouth, rather than through heavy media commentary. This in and of itself may give the impression that black women are less concerned with aging. The general theory that black women give birth at a younger age than other ethnic groups also might have a little something to do with the perception that they care less about aging (Yeo, 2001). While this may sound stilted and just outrageous, do consider the fact that if a woman gives birth to her first child by the age of 20, by the time that child is able to enter college, the mother is still at her youthful age, barely reaching 40. If this birth cycle (or similar variations of it) continues, then the mother will be able to call herself â€Å"Grandma† before she even reaches the age of 50. Although, black women who become grandmothers rather early very often feel less inclined to be concerned with aging; because they have already completed a life cycle that others take many years to establish. It could be said that as stigma of young motherhood becomes more irrelevant, so do the women's concerns about growing old. The elderly are treated with high regard and respect in the African American community. Those women who enter this â€Å"elder† phase of life early (25 to 38 years old) feel the pressure of role conflict and tension in the social support they receive(Dorthy, 2004). They perceive grand parenthood as a â€Å"tenuous† role. Those who enter grand parenthood â€Å"on time† (42 to 57 years old) have less conflict but can also feel the pressure of integrating family and occupational roles(Ada, 1998). Women in this age usually occupy a traditional family role, that â€Å"lofty† and respected position of a grandmother. She is also the nurturer and disciplinarian of children, the family historian, the hub of the family network in which decisions are made, and the convener of family events.

Reflective Practice in Teaching

Reflective Practice in the context of teaching ESOL Reflective practice engages practitioners in a continuous cycle of self-observation and self-evaluation in order to understand their own actions and the reactions they prompt in themselves and in learners (Brookfield, 1995; Thiel, 1999). Reflective practice is considered as an evolving concept which views learning as â€Å"an active process of reviewing an experience of practice in order to describe, analyse, evaluate and so inform learning about practice. (Reid, B 1993 cited in Garfat, T. 2005). In my opinion, implementing reflective practice approach to professional development in order to expand our knowledge is a challenge. This challenge involves teacher’s ability to â€Å"reflect on his or her practice† in order to â€Å"bring about change and improvement†, especially in the ESOL context that is represented by variety of learner groups, curricula, available resources, and amount and type of teacher prepar ation (Schellekens, 2007, p. 199). To me, nowadays, teaching students to meet their requirements does not only involve the effective and professional use of methodology, training and concept alone. I think that it is all about the ability of integrating both theory and practice with highly exploratory process of reflective practice. I consider reflective practice as a reflective professional development tool, which I treat merely as a personal low-tech way of incorporating reflective practice in day-to-day classroom teaching in order to make my class more effective. Developing own reflective or critical thinking skills should engage various aspects of teaching, such as preparation process, receiving feedback form the learners, self-evaluation process, feedback or criticism from the colleagues, statistical data, teacher’s diary, training/development and own teaching experience. According to The Institute for Learning’s policy statement on professional formation, reflective practice is a professional requirement to show reflection on the impact of professional development (Lifelong Learning UK, 2007). The Institute’s online personalised learning space, REfLECT, requires teachers to submit variety of individual reflective practice evidence that includes: * self evaluation – an individual analysis of the applicant’s learning needs and goals for the next 12 months, * professional development planning – n individualised learning plan detailing the actions the applicant will take to address the needs and goals identified through self assessment, * reflective practice – reflection on the impact of professional development on the applicant’s teaching practice, the benefit to learners and wider communities of practice: could include, or be a mix of, a personal reflection on the impact of CPD, peer review, learner obse rvations, observation of teaching and learning, collaborative working, etc. (IfL, 2008) The models of reflection, which I have chosen to mention in this paper, promote looking at what has been learned and planning how those lessons can be applied if similar experiences re-occur. The two models of reflective practice in the context of teaching are: Brokfield’s model of four reflective â€Å"lenses† and The Reflective Cycle by Gibbs (1988). 1. Brookfield’s model of four critically reflective lenses In his â€Å"model of four critically reflective lenses†, Brookfield (1995) suggests that we should make use of the four â€Å"critical lenses† through which to view and reflect upon our teaching practice, and he suggests the following: 1. ur own view (which he refers to as autobiography); 2. that of our students; 3. that of our fellow professionals; 4. and the various theoretical perspectives propounded in educational literature. Brookfield treats teacher’s personal experience as the most important insight into teaching to which teache rs have access, and this personal experience should combine both: considerations of classroom and lesson management as well as whether or not the learning experience was a profitable one for the students. By talking to colleagues about what happened in the classroom, not only may we find solutions to problems but also share and broaden our teaching experience. (Brookfield, 1995; p. 31-36). 2. The Reflective Cycle by Gibbs (1988) Gibbs Reflective Cycle (1988) encourages a clear description of the situation, analysis of feelings, evaluation of the experience, and analysis to make sense of the experience to examine what you would do if the situation arose again. This straightforward and therefore useful cycle appeals to me in several aspects. An incident is identified and thought about to provide a description of what happened. The abstract aspects of the situation – the emotional dimension – are taken into account and reflected upon. This has to be done because if I can stand back from what happened and identify how I felt then those feelings can be evaluated. In the light of reflection I could see how perhaps extremes of emotion affected my outlook and thus actions. Was there anything positive that could be carried forward into the future or negative that needs to be addressed? Is it possible to find the cause of these positive and negative aspects that I might examine later? This analysis allows me to break down the incident into smaller parts that made up the situation. The question I ask myself is: What were the issues, key factors and influences and how did they combine to bring about the incident? Once I have this deeper understanding drawn from all the information I have about the situation I can try to work out what else could have been done at the time. Having concluded what, upon reflection, would have been the way to address the situation I can produce an action plan for the next time the same situation arises. By applying this reflective practice cycle to similar situations the outcome should be steady, gradual improvement, associated with stimulating personal and professional growth, and closing the gap between theory and practice. DESCRIPTION My reflection below describes a critical incident involving my 17 year old, Entry 1 ESOL student from Somalia with undifferentiated Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). In undifferentiated ADD, the primary and most significant characteristic is inattentiveness but hyperactivity is not present. The student manifests problems with organization and distractibility, even though he may seem quite and passive. The symptoms I noticed in the classroom environment included: * a short attention span, * occasionally impulsive behaviour, * difficulty sitting still, * a tendency to express the wrong answer, * inconsistent levels of task-attentiveness, * a tendency to appear forgetful as the consequence of inadequate access to actually well-stored information, * inconsistent levels of task-completeness, often losing things necessary for tasks * an appearance of being forgetful, when in fact the information was never really received or processed, * compromised summarization/paraphrasing competencies. FEELINGS I have found myself wondering whether this student might have a learning disability about three months ago as I noticed that his learning issue, ADD, is impeding his progress in English. At times I was also slightly frustrated with the students’ classroom behaviour and lack of his academic progress. I was advised to take a â€Å"wait and see† approach to this case. I decided that there must be a better way of handling these exceptional students. In order to help me understand the complexity of the issue I decided to do extensive research on students with ADD and ADHD and how to tackle the issues in class, as well as how to help my student achieve in ESOL. EVALUATION After careful evaluation why my student may advance through his ESOL studies at a slower rate than their peers and having done a detailed â€Å"tick-off† evaluation sheet of all of the symptoms I noticed during lessons, I decided to explore future solutions to this problem. Extensive research about students with ADD and ADHD helped me understand the complexity of the issue and how to tackle the issues in class. It really motivated me to find out how to help my student achieve in ESOL. ANALYSIS During my reflections after each lesson and reflective analysis of the student’s action during lessons, I thought it was essential to uncover his special needs before he could get into disciplinary trouble, lose all self-esteem, or drop out of school. I realised that a â€Å"wait and see† approach is this case was not a way to go. Instead, I should act fast and refer this student to be professionally assessed by the Educational Psychologist and organise a Study Support Assistant. In conclusion, I became conscious of the fact that having a special education aide in the ESOL classroom, cross-training of special education and ESOL teachers, and making resources on this topic (literature and trained staff) more available, would be of great help in recognising such learning difficulties and dealing with them on regular day-to-day basis of ESOL teaching. CONCLUSION On the positive side, this reflective practice raised my awareness of the numerous reasons some ESOL students may reveal through inappropriate behaviour and/or limited language learning progress. I have learnt and I will continue to observe such students, incorporating teaching strategies for teaching students with learning disabilities in the classroom, analyse teaching and learning process to help them, make adjustments in delivery of the language when dealing with students with ADD/ADHD, and promptly refer students that present truly special education needs. On a slightly negative side, the previous teacher did not identify the student’s problems early enough or did not have enough evidence to justify my student’s ADD/ADHD as a potential threat to his achievement in ESOL class. I started teaching this student about three months ago but it was only a month and a half ago when I started applying various strategies to meet his individual learning needs to help him success in ESOL despite his ADHD, such as: student monitoring, self management, discipline, and encouragement. In more detail, I provided supervision and discipline through enforcing classroom rules consistently, encouraging him to positive self-talk, trying to be very patient with him, avoiding all distracting stimuli and transitions, physical relocation, changes in schedule, and disruptions, developing an extensive individual learning program, simplifying instructions, giving extra time for certain tasks. I strongly believe that his learning difficulties should ave been identified much earlier and appropriate strategies put in place at the beginning of the course. ACTION PLAN Next year, I am planning to apply the background information obtained by this reflective practice in the new group of ESOL young learners and to relay it to my colleagues. I will also connect with a special education professional who will be happy to observe my ESOL students next year and to provide assistance with strategies to use in my classroom, if the students with learning difficulties are going to be identified. I will also research some literature resources to educate myself more about placement procedures for students with special education needs, practical reading strategies for ESOL students with learning disabilities, and teaching teens with ADD and ADHD. As the most immediate action plan, I shall incorporate special reading and writing strategies for the student with ADD/ADHD. These may include the following strategies. However, the student will be required to give me feedbacks which of them works best for him, and these include: * Using â€Å"previewing† strategies by being aware of the following reading problems: 1. Reversals when reading (i. e. , â€Å"was† for â€Å"saw†, â€Å"on† for â€Å"no†, etc. ) 2. Reversals when writing (b for d, p for q, etc. ) 3. Transposition of letters and numbers (12 for 21, etc. ) 4. Loss of place when reading, line to line and word to word * Shortening or lengthening the amount of required reading * For all assignments, clearly identifying expectations in writing * Making required book lists available prior to the first day of class to allow students to begin their reading early or to have texts put on tape * Encouraging the use of books-on-tape to support students reading assignments * Providing students with chapter outlines, or handouts, that highlight key points in their readings * Having students make a chart similar to the one below of their strengths and challenges so that they, as well as I, can learn from their perceptions of how well they read, write, remember, listen, speak, attend and get ideas out. Skills| Strengths| Challenges| Comments| Reading| | | | Writing| | | | Memory| | | | Listening| | | | Speaking| | | | Attention| | | | Getting Ideas Out| | | | To sum up, reflective practice is perhaps best understood as an approach which promotes autonom ous learning that aims to develop students’ understanding and critical thinking skills. It also helps students to understand that learning is individual. It is an act of being able to reflect on our strengths, weaknesses and areas for development. It is also an emotional response that complements our knowledge and what we understand about a subject, and which enables us to act in a situation. Personally, I strongly agree that the importance of reflecting on what we are doing, as part of the learning process, is one of the defining characteristics of teaching professional practice. References * Brookfield, S. (1995) Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher. San Francisco: Jossey Bass * The Excellence Gateway http://excellencegateway. org. k/tlp/cpd/assets skills_life_basic_key. rtf (accessed 13/05/2011) * Gibbs, G. (1988) Learning by Doing: A guide to Teaching and Learning Methods. Oxford: Further Education Unit, Oxford Polytechnic. * The Institute for Learning http://www. IfL. ac. uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/4640/ProfessionalFormationStatement. pdf (Accessed 13/5/11) * Lifelong Learning UK, 2007, New Professional Standards for Teachers, Tutors and Trainers in the Lifelong Learning Sector. http://www. lluk. org/documents/professional_standards_for_itts_020107. pdf (Accessed 05/5/2011) * Reflection Models http://www. brainboxx. co. uk/a3_aspects/pages/ReflectionModels. tm (Accessed 16/05/2011) * Root, C. – A Guide to Learning Disabilities for the ESL Classroom Practitioner http://www. cc. kyoto-su. ac. jp/information/tesl-ej/ej01/a. 4. html (Accessed 16/05/2011) * Schellekens, P. 2007. The Oxford ESOL Handbook. Oxford: Oxford University Press. * Strategies For Teaching Students with Attention Deficit Disorder (AD/HD) http://www. as. wvu. edu/~scidis/add. html#sect0 (Accessed 16/05/2011) Professional Values and Ethics Values are enduring beliefs, both hard-wired (meaning acquired genetically) and shaped by cultural context, about preferred â€Å"end states† (Urbany, Reynolds, & Phillips, 2008, p. 75). According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2009), ethics is discipline dealing with good and evil and with moral duty or moral principles and practice. Professional ethics and values guide the decision-making process of all companies and organizations. Most businesses and organizations state their values and ethics in their mission statement and in their code of ethics. The professional ethics and values of a business or organization will set the tone of how they conduct their operations, how they interact with customers and how employees interact with each other. Sources of Professional Values and Ethics The three groups include the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA), Ethics Resource Center and the Institute for Ethics. The CEJA develops ethics policy for the American Medical Association by preparing reports that analyze and addresses ethical issues (AMA, 2009). The Ethics Resource Center develops practical solutions for physicians who are confronted with ethical challenges and provides continuing education and outreach programs for medical students, practicing physicians, and residents. The Institute for Ethics is an academic research and training center on ethics in health care. The Institute covers issues such as, professionalism, health information policy and health preparedness (AMA, 2009). Association of American Educators (AAE) The ethical conduct toward students outlines how teachers should interact and communicate with their students. This principle states that teachers hould take responsibility to ensure that students learn qualities that will help them evaluate the consequences of and accept the responsibility for their actions and choices. The second principle, ethical conduct toward pra ctice and performance instructs teachers on assuming responsibility and accountability for their performance and maintaining the dignity of their profession. Ethical conduct toward practice and performance also covers official policies and laws. The third principle, ethical conduct toward professional colleagues discusses issues such as confidentiality among colleagues, and making false accusations about colleagues or the school system. The final principle, ethical conduct toward parents and community includes issues such as, effectively communicating with parents, respecting the values and traditions of the diverse cultures, and manifesting a positive and active role in school/communities. Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) How Ethics and Values Affect Success Professional ethics and values can have both positive and negative affects on a business’ or organizations’ success, â€Å"Values, whether neutral, virtuous or not so virtuous, drive our decision making† (Urbany, Reynolds, & Phillips, 2008, p. 76). Many companies have made millions using unethical strategies, while others have been destroyed by them. For example, several banks were lending money to individuals who they knew could never pay back the entire amount owed as a result most of the banks went bankrupt. However, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the biggest offender in this situation was bailed out by the government with a slap on the wrist. On the other hand, there are several companies that pride themselves in choosing to make the tough ethical decisions. For example, companies that recall millions of dollars worth of products to ensure their customers safety, or companies that choose to operate in the United States although they could operate at a lower cost outside of the United States. Conclusion {text:bookmark-start} {text:bookmark-end} References American Medical Association (AMA). (2009). American Medical Association. Retrieved from www. ama-assn. org Association of American Educators (AAE). (2009). Association of American Educators. Retrieved from