Auditors’ Contribution to Subprime Mortgage Crisis

What role did the accounting profession play In the recent supreme mortgage crisis? What could they have done differently? An Independent auditor has a duty is to: Identify, measure. And communicate financial information about an entity for decision making purposes. They are also responsible for generating the financial statements/reports for an organization. (Marshall, Unmans, Vile, 2008) The supreme mortgage crisis is the result of contract laws allowing lenders the characterization of supreme mortgage loans.Other causes of the supreme mortgage crisis were poor decisions made in terms of operating investments and finance. Risks were managed poorly, and fraud occurred in some instances. Due to the construct of supreme loans and its impact on borrowers, I. E. , lenders offering small down payments with cost deferral features, high loan to value ratios, and escalating payments, borrowers underestimated the true cost of the loan and were deceived by the completes In loan transactions I n which lenders Intentionally complicated the lingo In the transactions.Channel Leonard 2012) Borrowers took advantage of the fact that lenders would make an extensive effort to pay their mortgage bills, however, when they couldn't due to medical bills, company downsizes, etc†¦ This led to accountants having to maneuver through transactions in an effort to determine fair value measurements; ultimately making inaccurate estimations based on an illiquid market. This led to oversights in fair value accounting and lost accruals. For an independent auditor, it is most important to provide users with the most accurate financial information.When they cannot, it seems as fraudulent practices have occurred, whether intentional or inadvertent. Consequently, due to investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission on unethical practices discovered at some firms, along with Issues and concerns of other firms, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FAST) along with the Public Comm ittee of Accounting Oversight Board (PEPCO), offered guidance for auditing processes Involving fair values measurements.Issues continued to persist, which led to the PEPCO performing financial audits on the financial statements devised by auditors at varying firms due to delinquencies in the auditing process for fair value measurements, financial estimates, adequacy of disclosures, and the ability of the auditor to continue the audit. According to the Chief Accountant for the Securities and Exchange Commission, auditors were warned of the financial risk areas but many were not providing accurate information or following the committees' guidance.Auditors didn't comply with the SEC's current standards and rules which led to improper auditing, fraudulent, and Inadequate financial reporting. (Kroger 2011) In conclusion, there were some auditing firms that operated using dishonest practices. Having said this, I do not believe all accountants were at fault nor can be blamed for the suprem e mortgage crisis due to the lack of exactness when making fair value measurements, along with accountants' inability to predict the future. They have received all documentation of the entity transactions.In order to prevent the blame in its entirety being placed on accountants, it would have been wise of the accountants to regularly check for revisions in the guidance offered by the SEC as updates of how to manage potential issues occurred. The SEC was aware of many issues and published documents to guide auditors for handling potential problems with fair value estimations. (Kroger 2011) Implementation of those suggestions would have helped curb issues when auditing fair value measurements of entities. Kroger, J. (2011, April 6).

Techniques of Comedy

Alex Moreno Theater 208 Comedy: Techniques behind the Laughter Comedy is the genre of film that makes even the saddest times bearable and gained a lot of popularity in a time when people needed a boost. Comedy is a unique form of film in its wide range of methods, and in all of these methods there is at least some of a select group of approaches. The true magic that comedy has arises from these select few techniques, that, when used properly, will never fail to generate a laugh.Comedy comes in a wide range of forms, all of which bring a laugh in different ways. There are however, a few specific categories of comedy which become classics. The most effective of these include; screwball, running gags, wit, set-up and punch line, and slap stick. While these are separate categories of comedy, they are very often used together or in other types, to successfully generate a laugh. The question is, what makes them work over and over, and the answer lies in common factors of each technique.An important factor in comedy is the script and use of dialogue. While dialogue is not equally important in all types of comedy, it is still a very effective tool in producing a great comedy. The dialogue must tie in fast pacing, wit, and comedy in order to keep an audience entertained, all while following the script in order to draw the audience in to the film, and keep them hooked. Great comedies always have exceptional dialogue that can make even the most ordinary scene, absolutely hilarious.When dialogue is used properly, it can be comedy in itself, or add to another joke. An example of this is when a main character makes a funny comment about the antagonist or another character. The actions of the other character may not be funny alone, but add some commentary and it becomes extremely funny. Overall, dialogue is not the main drive behind all comedic forms, as seen in silent films, but it is still important to modern comedy in its ability to make ordinary things funny. The next imp ortant factor of a successful comedy is the pacing.Fast pacing is the only successful way of making a comedy; the audience must always have something to generate a laugh. Audiences are fickle, and making them wait for something to happen will only cause them to lose interest. The pace must be fast enough to keep people interested, but it must also be at a pace where the audience can keep up with the action. A comedy will not be funny if the next joke starts before the audience even laughs at the last one. A great comedy must find just the right balance that will not lose the audience to boredom, or in a rush.Give the audience enough time to laugh, but don’t let them stop laughing. Another critical factor in generating a successful comedy is in the use of montage. Cutting shots between different angles helps to keep the audience interested by adding fresh perspective, the film must always be moving, and so must the camera. This is used in addition to close-ups and establishmen t shots during important sequences. A very effective method of doing this is switching shots between characters during important comedic sequences.An example of this would be a main character meant to be funny talking to one of the stagnant characters, anti-comic relief, and showing their lack of reaction to something funny done by the main character. Another method is changing the camera angles while a character has difficulty performing a task. A character struggling to carry a box through a door is funny, but gets old unless you constantly montage in order to keep the scene fresh, adding to the pace. Montage is an important factor in successful comedy because a joke needs to stay fresh in order to be funny, as does a comedy.The casting in a film is of the utmost importance, as not all people are funny in the same situations. Actors all have certain comedic roles, which they best fit into. A serious looking actor with a stern voice would not make a good goofball character. If that same actor is placed into the role of a gangster with the attitude of a child, he becomes a great comic figure. Casting is of the utmost importance as actors must fit their roles, while they have more range in comedy, they still must be believable to some degree.This can be seen by the great number of comedies where people walk out saying; it would have been funny or funnier with someone else. Casting must be done carefully in order also insure that the characters play well against each other. While a grown man acting like a child is funny at times, it becomes extremely effective when there is another character provoking them to behave that way. In the end, casting determines how the audience will react to the story, and whether jokes will be funny when coming from the selected cast. In the end all of these things tie in to make a comedic film funny.If the techniques are used properly you will create a high energy comedy that will keep the audience entertained. True classics have e verything that a comedy could need, great dialogue, fast pacing, montage, and great casting. When these techniques are used together properly, a comedy cannot fail. The basic goal of a comedy is to stay fresh, and by utilizing these techniques, even the most played out scenario can become funny all over again. Comedy has made us laugh for nearly a century, and it will continue to so long as it is kept new, fresh, and exciting.

African Americans in Contemporary Media Landscape Article

African Americans in Contemporary Media Landscape - Article Example Over the years, many people who immigrated to America from various countries and continents in pursuit of various goals are also considered to be African Americans. African Americans are often associated with black skin and Africa. For a long time in the history of America, African Americans were considered to be inferior to their white counterparts and, therefore, suffered the consequences of racial segregation. Furthermore, the Black Americans, as they are sometimes referred to, have greatly been associated with poverty, drugs, violence, ghettos, and crime. African Americans have been subject to a lot of stereotypes since the days of slavery. As a minority group in the U.S., they have mostly been associated with negative aspects, behavior or lifestyles even as their white counterparts are often associated with a lot of good. In many television programs, African Americans always take minor roles or play second fiddle to the main actors. Also, in terms of representation, they are always fewer in number in the television programs in which they are featured. Stereotypes may be positive, neutral or negative. In many cases, the African American is always depicted as being servile, simpleminded, slow-witted, primitive, drug addicts, poor, aggressive, criminal, overweight (for females), lazy, athletic, gifted to make music, and religious as noted by the M3 Foundation (n.d.). This list of stereotypes is all negative except for athletic and musical gift stereotypes. In some cases, African Americans are also depicted as having no jobs in spite of their education which leads them to remain poor. These depictions of the African American in television shows and films generally serve to reinforce the negative attitudes that whites have towards the Black Americans. African American Stereotypes as Presented on Contemporary TV Programs In Bravo's Top Chef, one stereotype that is assigned to the African American is aggression. In the second season of the show, one of the characters in the TV program is an African American male called Cliff. All the while, Cliff is depicted as a very talented chef.  

Addictions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Addictions - Essay Example Addiction does not just solely affect the user; it has a cascade effect and touches every other person in their lives, parents, siblings, spouses, and, most disturbingly, their children. Children and the families of addicts suffer greatly; addiction, in fact, is a common cause the crumbling of any family unit, with side effects and consequences that are long lasting. Addiction is defined, in simplest terms, as the need, desire, or physical imperative to attain and ingest a particular substance; this substance becomes the primary concern, focus, and necessity, obsessively, above and beyond all other important elements within their lives (American Society of Addiction Medicine). It is fair to include that in today’s modern society, addiction has been extended not only to substances but also to activities, for example, compulsive shoppers and gamblers. Alcohol and drugs affect many people in many ways; it can lead to child maltreatment, neglect, and abuse. First and foremost, children who are born to parents who are addicted to drugs are more likely to suffer from physical issues, internal malformations, and developmental and learning disabilities that can impact the quality of the life they will live (Office on Child Abuse and Neglect 1). However, even those children whose parents and guardians are not addicts until later in the childâ€⠄¢s life still face a huge number behavioral, psychological, social, and emotional issues that could plague them as child and well into their adult lives. Addiction can take a functional, loving, committed, and stable family into a completely dysfunctional, disorganized, neglectful, abusive, and corrupted family unit. Addiction changes the priorities of the addict. The drug becomes the paramount and primary goal of every endeavor (Office on Child Abuse and Neglect 1). The finding, possessing, and engaging in the substance or act become the beginning, middle, and end of the story. In most

GW F. Hegel, Arthur Schopenhauer, Friedrich Nietzsche Essay

GW F. Hegel, Arthur Schopenhauer, Friedrich Nietzsche - Essay Example rt of a great consciousness we would not be so concerned with our individual freedom therefore, we would agree to act rationally in a way that does not follow our individual caprice that would help us achieve our goals and objectives. Hegel argued that the concept of â€Å"Geist† involves subjective spirit/mind that is the individual potential force, while Objective Spirit/Mind is the force in action and Absolute Spirit/Mind is the goal, aim or target of the force as well as the realization of one’s target. Objective Spirit and Absolute Spirit/Mind have a continuous cycle between them such that: the goals established, understood and represented by the Absolute Spirit govern, lead and motivate the action and dynamic of people in the objective spirit. Absolute Spirit/Mind encourages people to reflect upon their own practice, learn from it and overcome any limitations. Schopenhauer asserted the principle of work by emphasizing that the will is the inner nature of the body as an appearance in time and space, he concluded that the inner reality of all material appearance is dependent on the individual will. Considering the notion of will as the key to existence, Schopenhauer, who is considered to be a pessimistic philosopher, explained that the tragedy of life arises from the nature of the will which constantly urges the individual toward the satisfaction of successive goals, none of the goals can provide permanent satisfaction for the infinite activity of the life force or will. Schopenhauer claimed that some things such as interests and moral life based on sympathy, alleviates the suffering that people’s experience in their lives. The only thing that stands in our power to achieve, is to use the personal qualities we possess in the most advantageous way as possible and follow such pursuits only when will call then to play (Hegel 46). Friedrich Nietzsche argues that, it is our freedom, ability to make and implement our own choices that distinguishes us from

Strategic Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Strategic Management - Assignment Example Few major markets where it operates are the US, the UK, Australia, Asia, Europe and New Guinea. Recently, the company added more than 36 additional channels in Europe, Latin America and Asia. Consequently, the profit was also recorded to be on rise continuously. Notably, in Italy they have gained popularity by the introduction of ‘Sky Italia’. ‘Sky Italia’ offers digital video recorder, which allows customer to store their favourite movies and television programmes in HD quality. For this reason people are ready to pay for ‘Sky Italia’ (News Corporation, 2009). Broadcasting Business of TNC News Corporation’s television business mainly includes ‘My Network TV’, FOX Entertainment and 27 TV stations. Their revenue comes mainly from advertisements of different sponsors of TV shows. Their main competitors are other TV stations and Cable Programme Networks, which compete for various TV shows, revenues from advertising and that of a udiences. Around 15 percent to 18 percent of News Corporation’s total revenue comes from their television business. In the year 2009, their income from television business exceeded 4.6 billion Dollars. There was a decrease by 21% from the revenue generated in the fiscal year 2008 which amounted 1205 million Dollars. One of the reasons for this decline can be stated as the selling of few television stations in the year 2008. The revenues from advertisement also decreased because of weak market conditions (News Corporation, 2009). In the year 2010 News Corporation’s operating income saw an increase by 37% in comparison to 2009. It was recorded at $2.3 billion. All of their significant networks showed notable growth. Their revenues also increased by 8 percent in the year 2010. The revenue in 2010 was $32.8 billion Dollars and the net income was recorded at $2.5 billion Dollars (News Corporation, 2010). The Satellite Broadcasting Television section of News Corporation cons ists of ‘Sky Italia’. It provides television and broadband services via satellite directly to home. The audio & video quality, interactive programming and better service quality are the major factors of gaining a larger market share in the respective segment. Around 11 percent to 12 percent of the company’s revenue comes from this segment. For instance, in the year 2009 the revenues of ‘Sky Italia’ had increased by 11 million USD. Their number of subscribers also increased to 4.8 million in 2009 compared to 4.4 million in 2008. Consequently, their main competitors are the companies which provide high quality graphics and sound, good entertainment, various broadband internets and DTT (Direct to Home) services to the targeted market (News Corporation, 2009). Question 1 Generic Strategy of News Corporation The News Corporation has employed various generic strategies that were introduced by Michael Porter. Michael Porter had proposed three strategies in order to increase competitive advantage of a company. These are ‘cost leadership’, ‘differentiation’ and ‘market segmentation’. Considering the current strategies implied in the organisation, i.e. the News Corporation, it can be observed that the company has followed the differentiation and the segmentation strategies according to the Porter’s Generic Model. As stated by Porter, differentiation strategy is highly advantageous in a broad

Group Cohesion and Productivity (MGT 415) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Group Cohesion and Productivity (MGT 415) - Essay Example I had recently joined the organization and was not fully aware of the all the operations and technologies (Losh). The technology that was used in the organization was very advance. However, instructions and trainings were provided by the management, but many of us still had issues. This problem was resolved when a group project comprising of 6 team members were announced to us. Since, I was new in the organization I had to cope up with different things (Feldman and Arnold), and because of the other 5 members I was able to do so. Working in a team turned out to be helpful and effective as it allowed me and others to share knowledge and overcome shortfalls. The project successfully ended before the given deadline. On the contrary, a similar team project did not work very well a few weeks ago. The team members including me did not have a mutual understanding with each other; thus, the decisions were vague and did not turn out to be as efficient as the last project. The project also failed as the productions was in a deficit and also exceeded the time

On Medical Surgical Type II DM Patients, How does RNs Obtaining Their Research Paper

On Medical Surgical Type II DM Patients, How does RNs Obtaining Their Own Accu Check Findings Compared to Nursing Assistants Obtaining the Accu Check After Timely Insulin Delivery - Research Paper Example The paper will also focus on the organization culture, expected outcomes of the solution, methods used to achieve the outcomes and the impact of these outcomes on quality of care. A good and meaningful solution to the core question of this research paper is to let nurses to take their Accu-Chek findings and adjust their staffing ratios. Currently on the med-surg units, during the day shift the nurse patient ratio is 5:1 while the night shift nurse patient ratio is 6:1. Increasing the number of nurses will enable the nurses to obtain Accu-Chek readings more easily and effectively while at the same time increasing efficiency in the hospital. The newly hired nurses would undergo training on the use of Accu-Chek meters as is the requirement by both the manufacturing company and hospital policy. A closer look at the practice in today’s hospitals would give a general idea of current practice. For example, The State Hospital of Utah has a Nursing Policy and Procedure Manual that states that all it’s newly hired staff are to receive training on the use of Accu-chek (2005). This is a realistic intervention to the setting because it increases the total number of nurses available resulting in the nurses being in a better position to take their own Accu-Chek readings and institute any urgent action that may arise based on the readings obtained. The nurses currently stationed at the hospital can train the newly hired nurses on how to use the Accu-Chek meter. This would reduce the cost of implementing this intervention to the cost of hiring new nurses. But is the intervention consistent with the organizations culture and resources? The members of staff have a basic idea of EBS. The resources required to implement the intervention are minimal as only a few nurses would be hired. The nurses would educate the newly hired nurses on the use of the Accu-Chek meter. This would allow prompt

Pride and Prejudice Analysis Essay Example for Free

Pride and Prejudice Analysis Essay Elizabeth Bennet receives two proposals; one from Mr Collins and one from Mr Darcy. Mr Collins was a tall and heavy looking man of twenty-five years. Although he was polite and well mannered he was also pompous and had a self-inflated ego. He always made never ending speeches about nothing and bored everyone to death. Mr Collins flattered everyone constantly but sometimes inappropriately. He begged to know which of his fair cousins the excellence of its cooking was owed. -By this, Mrs Bennet was offended and assured him they were in fact able to keep a good cook. This showed his lack of judgement in when to compliment. He was also quite absurd and Mr Bennets sarcasm often went completely unnoticed. For example, on page 54, Mr Bennet asked if his flatteries were prepared and Mr Collins admitted that sometimes he would think of them for his amusement! Lady Catherine de Bourgh who was his patroness employed him. He grovelled to her constantly as she paid his way; because of her, he was middle/upper class. He was a clergyman at Hunsford near Rosings, Lady Catherine de Bourghs home. When Mr Bennet dies, Mr Collins will inherit Longburn, as Mr Bennet cannot leave the house to his wife; women couldnt inherit. In Mr Collins letter, he proposes to make peace with the family. Mr Darcy on the other hand was very good looking. He soon drew the attention of the room by his fine tall person, handsome features, noble mien He is also described as a fine figure of a man. But he was soon to be discovered to be proud above his company. He was clever, but at the same time he was haughty, reserved and fastidious. He owned Pemberly Estate and got one thousand a year. -He was upper class and he knew it; He had seen a collection of people in whom there was little beauty and no fashion for none of whom he had felt the smallest interest. Darcy and Bingley had a good friendship despite many differences. Bingley was sure of being liked wherever he appeared; Darcy was continually giving offence. Darcy had no sense of humour and admitted it. He couldnt see the funny side of life whereas Bingley was light hearted and liked to enjoy everything he did. In the past Wickam and Darcy had a disagreement. Mr Darcys father had promised Wickam a place in the church but when he died Darcy refused to help him. Mr Collins first hints on his future plans in his letter to the Bennets when he writes; I cannot be otherwise than concerned at the means of injuring your amiable daughters, and beg leave to apologise for it, as well as to assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends. On the first day of staying at Longburn, he, in a conversation to Mrs Bennet said; I can assure the young ladies that I come prepared to admire them. -Here he gave Mrs Bennet a small glimpse of his intentions. Jane Austin then gave it away saying that now having a good house and income; Mr Collins was in want of a wife. He was also pleasing Catherine de Bourgh who thought he should marry. So for the first evening Jane was the settled choice being not only the eldest, but the prettiest -this was, until he was informed by Mrs Bennet that she was soon to be engaged to Bingley (exaggeration). Then at the Netherfield Ball he asked Lizzy to dance several times and she realised she was the chosen one out of the five sisters. Mr Darcy on the other hand was far from admiring Lizzy at first and when Mr Bingley suggested he dance with her at the Meryton Ball he replied that he had not the least intention of dancing. -Bingley was dancing with the only good looking girl in the room. Here he was referring to Jane. He said Lizzy was tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me. Then at Sir William Lucass party, William tried to pair up the two of them and Darcy did not resist, but Lizzy brushed him off with; I have not the least intention of dancing. -this was pay back. It was at this party that Darcy realised his true feelings for her. At Netherfield when Jane went to stay, she fell ill and Lizzy being worried came to visit. Here, she noticed that Darcy was constantly watching her. Miss Bingley who secretly liked Darcy, in seeing that he was drawn to Lizzy tried to turn him against her. But all in vain, for whatever she said, he just stuck up for Elizabeth. Miss Bingley, in Mr Darcys defending her said; I am afraid Mr Darcy that this adventure has rather affected your admiration for her fine eyes. I think when she says this shes half-teasing and half jealous of him liking her. Before proposing, Mr Collins said to Mrs Bennet, May I hope madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Elizabeth, when I solicit for the honour of a private audience with her in the course of this morning? -Here, he was basically asking Mrs Bennets permission to propose. He then launched straight into his speech. Mr Darcy came to visit Lizzy and at first made light conversation, asking about her health. Then there was an awkward silence where he must have been trying to think of how to start before proceeding. -Differences are already showing through. Mr Collins first said hed chosen Lizzy almost as soon as hed met her (which was a lie) and went on to specify his reasons for marrying her. He, as a clergyman wanted to set an example to the rest of the parish, he thought it would make his happy and he was following Lady Catherine de Bourghs advice. Hed obviously planed out his speech carefully but in his reasons, he had not mentioned that he was in love with her! Darcy on the other hand offered his hand in marriage because he did love her and his opening sentence expressed this clearly; In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how I admire and love you. Mr Collins also made several insults to Lizzy when proposing to her without even realising it! For instance, he said that if she refuses, she my never get another offer. He also reminds her that if she stays single, all she may ever be entitled to is twenty-five pounds when her mother dies. Darcy put his foot in it too. After saying how much he loved her, he went on to say that it was not his wish to do so with her connections and status; His sense of inferiority -of the family obstacles which judgement had always opposed to inclination. When he was turned down he thought she was just offended; Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections? -To congratulate myself on the hope of relations, your connections? He also admitted to trying to split up Jane and Darcy and even rejoiced in his success of doing so. In response to rejection, Mr Collins thinks Lizzy is playing hard to get and says this is to be expected of a lady. He goes on to say all the good materialistic reasons to marry him forgetting to mention things like love. He acts as if marrying would be a good investment for Lizzy or something. He then assured her that both of her parents approved of the marriage. Mr Darcy in response to rejection is shocked and angry but manages to control himself. He asked why he had been refused and thought she must be offended by what he had said earlier; Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections? But after saying these words he accepted her answer. Both proposals were made for very different reasons; Mr Collins obviously proposed for convenience, whereas Mr Darcy was in love. Both men also reacted in different ways when turned down; although Mr Collins couldnt take the rejection, he was not actually bothered about anything other than having his male pride hurt. -Darcy must have been extremely upset, to him Lizzy was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with but he tried not to show his emotions. They both involved a lot of snobbery in their proposal speeches. They thought that Lizzy would not reject someone of the higher class and she should be grateful that she was chosen out of all the other girls; both reminded her constantly about her status. Mr Collins was more personal mentioning both what would happen when her mother and father died but Lizzy got more angry at Darcy because of things he has said and done in the past. Mr Collins and Mr Darcy both said in much detail all the pros and cons of the marriage. In conclusion, both proposals have some similarities but they differ in the essential requirement of love.

Understand health and safety in social care settings Essay Example for Free

Understand health and safety in social care settings Essay There are many accidents and sudden illnesses that may occur within a social care setting. Some of the most common ones are: †¢Slips, trips and falls †¢Burns and scalds †¢Sprains and strains †¢Choking and breathing difficulties †¢Diarrhoea and sickness †¢Cardiac arrest †¢Loss of consciousness These accidents and sudden illnesses happen to either the carers, service users or visitors. Sprain and strains usually happen to a carer when they are moving and handling. This could be due to poor training. Slips, trips and falls are common within care settings mainly due to poor mobility of the individual or poor eyesight may contribute. Burns and scalds can happen to the service user and the carers either when preparing food and drink or serving and consuming them. Choking and breathing difficulties often occur when the individual has trouble chewing and swallowing food. Loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest can be attributed to old age and illness. Diarrhoea and sickness can spread quite easily in a social care setting as there is a lot of close contact between carers and the individuals they care for. You should always follow your company’s policies and procedures when an accident or sudden illness occurs. Tis may be providing first aid, only if trained. If the accident or illness is of a more serious nature then it may be necessary to seek the advice of a medical professional either by calling an ambulance or requesting to see a GP. In the event of an accident it is important that an accident report form is completed and details are also recorded on the individual’s personal file. It is of the utmost importance that he individual involved in the accident or illness and others around them are protected from future incidents. In the case of an accident it may be necessary to assess the hazards and risks and preventative measures to be put in place to minimise the chances of the accident re-occurring. It is very important that first aid tasks are carried out by qualified first aiders. This is to prevent further damage occurring to the injured individual. Even if they feel it is in the best interests of the injured individual someone without proper first aid training can make an injury worse by providing incorrect treatment. This may be by giving chest compressions wrong, the chance of survival will probably be minimal if chest compressions are not given correctly and medical assistance does not arrive quickly but serious injuries can occur by giving the compressions in the wrong place and too hard. Removing foreign bodies can cause a lot of extra damage to the individual as it may have gone in cleanly whereas moving it may cause extra bleeding and more damage to the tissue. If you fail to follow emergency first aid procedures they can be several consequences. As a first aider one of the first things that needs to be assessed is, is the area safe for others to approach. By not carrying out this first important step can mean that others may get injured. It can make a difference to an individual whether they receive first aid treatment or not. If the individual does not receive essential first aid then they may experience further complications or their injuries or illness may worsen. The result of not receiving first aid may even be death. Within the workplace if a designated first aider refuses to provide first aid, unless it is unsafe to do so, they may come under disciplinary or even legal action for negligence.

Government Roles in Supporting Parents

Government Roles in Supporting Parents Introduction The unborn child influences the family and the environment which he or she will be born. In the later stage of pregnancy, the mother may have to decrease works hours or give up in order to take rest more and even changing her diet and habits. After birth, the child unbelievably influences his or her parents behavior , change of sleeping and eating pattern with changed pattern of social interaction are common, specially for new parents. Reciprocally, the babys eating and sleeping pattern are influenced by his or her family and both affect and affected by the immediate environment in which he or she lives. Any developmental delay or ignore in early stage of childhood, may influences into behavior or mental development irretrievably, therefore problems should be recognized in early stage of life. Where children have a disability or special needs, it is important that these are identified at an early age stage and that identification leads to effective intervention and support for families and their children. Young children – special needs Infant and toddler have been adopted because it emphasizes the importance of relationship and interaction in the development of very young children. Governments and parents should facilitate the perception of infant and toddlers as active agents, shaping their environment as they interact with others. There is two way relationship and interaction between young childrens behavior and personality and their home and environment. It is important that governments have intensive consideration to children under four years of age that have disability or special needs. If she or he is experiencing significant developmental delays, in one or more of the areas of cognitive development, physical development, social or emotional development and adaptive development, he or she has a condition which has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay. Sure Start Sure Start is a government programme which aims to achieve better out comes for children, parents communities by: Increasing availability of child care for all children Improving health and emotional development for young children Supporting parents and community Sure start covers children before birth up to fourteen years old and if they need special education or have disabilities will be extended up to age sixteen. Their services bring free , early education and better child care with great support where there is a greater need by children tax credit, children centers, and local programme. These role should be move toward transforming the life chances of young children, particularly those with special needs and disability who lives in area of disadvantages. Effort must be made to ensure the services are designed to give child care for all children in all sectors but with special attention to the particular needs or individual families and children so they feel should support more than others. It doesnt mean that all of effort should be served for special group and forget the other population. The aims should be based on reducing family poverty and improve life style, family education and prevention of antisocial behaviors. Principles Working with parents and children They have to provide up to date information to parents when they need it , and is based on discussion held with parents about their information needs. All of families should get access to proper services that will deliver better outcome for both children and parents. Services for everyone( but not the same service for every one) The needs of families is different based on location, condition of families, religion, their ability and education, ethnic and economical condition. For instance; condition of children have Mental or Emotional problem is different from other children who have physical disability. Flexible at point of delivery The services should be provide an interest to access by arrangement of appropriate opening hours, suitable location and easy access to public transportation. The role of the carer must be extend beyond the day to day care of the child to providing support to other family members or significant other in child life. Where possible the government must provide health and family support services through a single point of contact. Starting very early (at the first antenatal visit) The child care and parents support should be begin from the first antenatal visit but I believe that have to support parents before pregnancy and give useful information and consultation about future pregnancy and complete evaluation about genetic problems, because this process will be more effective and economical than treatment and support after birth. The majority of serious childhood diseases is preventive by maternity support and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment procedures, Vaccination, proper diet and life style. This means not only advice on health in pregnancy but also support of parent for returning to work or starting to work. Respectful and transparent The services should be free in order to access everybody to proper services without any limitation. The most of families who need help and advice cant afford to pay child care, education, health and treatment in private services. Community driven and professionally coordinated We should invite all professionals with an interest in care and family support or medical care to take part in this programme and search any problem and evaluate families and children needs through consultation and speak face to face with parents and children. Outcome driven Sometimes a lot of bureaucracy makes delay in services and health care, because of that parent and children may be not given appropriate services on suitable time and location when they need. Inappropriate effort and delay lead to irreversible damage in families and children. Parental support Human relation ship and interactions are the critical factors in young childrens development. Storing attachments that are characterized by reciprocal activity enhance the young childrens responsiveness to his or her environment and influence the childrens motivation to explore, elaborate and manipulate. Increasingly it is recognized that the maintenance of primary attachment relationship depends on the availability and involvement of another adult or third person who active supports and encourage these relationships. How much time are the parents able to spend with their children during childhood? What stop parents from spending more time with their children? Certainly, childhood would have been different if the parents had stayed home and looked after their children. It is obvious that the most influential setting for almost all of children is the family environment and school. Parents who are under constant pressure from their employer to do overtime, may not have the time and emotional energy to encourage their childrens school work successfully or have a effective emotional support. They should be achieve more flexible work hours, which enable them to spend more time with their children. The parents must be prepared to enjoy and to show children how to enjoy -relationships. The role that parents play in to life of a child has a tremendous impact on their experience. Parents have a key role in the education, emotional development and behaviors. Parents support is the single most important factor in childrens success at her or his life especially in education because; the majority of childs week is spent in home. The childs ability to learn is influenced not only by the competence of the teacher but also by the quality of the relationship between the school and the home. Children have a right to continuing loving relationship with both parents and need to be protected from the harm of losing contact with one parent who has a unique contribution to make their children development. Parents can become involve in their childrens learning at home by helping them and encouraging them to attend in learning programme. Parents can take part in school trips and help the children gain as much information from the trip as possible. They should provide for their children a quiet place in which to work free distractions such as television, satellite, games. They have to provide all the equipment and resources necessary for doing homework effectively. Parents must give responsibility to child for doing something according her or his ability that help to improve childrens confidence. They should encourage their children to work independently but it would be helpful if they are available to help them with any difficulties. Support Parent The supporting parents was designed to raise awareness and provide information about their childrens needs such as educational problems, Mental or physical disabilities, emotional and etc. The parents are the fort line of learning programme , therefore, they should be supported in order to support their children by providing information and advice for those whose children have mental or physical problems. The parents should improve their awareness about mental and physical disabilities, medical and social problem from fort line health services such as GPs, teachers and others professionals. Every body can help to empower and support parents by listening to them and sharing information sensitively and honestly, using understandable language and giving explanation to build parents confidence, respecting and acknowledging cultural difference and providing the facility in order to access to services. The main supporting bodies are: Government support parents Family support parents Parents support parents The final aim of all effort and support is; providing safe and effective care for the education of childhood, protection from harm, gaining life chance benefits and arising out of disability or health condition in order to leaving care when the children enter adulthood. 1. Government support The Government support is a wide spectrum of support that subdivided in many fields that I will argue about economical, education, treatment and support team. Economical and Work support Poverty- is associated with lone parenthood because of low benefits, lack of child care, education and low pay amongst woman. Similarly, problems of drug abuse and rising crime are generated by complex factors, including poverty and lack of opportunity in community and support. These problems can impose a great pressure on families and their children. In one hand generally, the relationship between growth of income of the poor and overall economic growth is one to one. That finding suggests that policies which are good for growth will be good for the poor. On the other hand, it is possible that growth from different sources has differential impact on the poor and distance between poor and rich would be greater than before which can effect on families inspect and relationship. Maternity leave and paternity leave- Maternity leave is the time a mother takes off from work at the birth or adoption of a child. Mothers are entitled to take time off for antenatal care. This may be medical appointments or relaxation and parent craft classes made on the advice of registered medical practitioner or midwife. Father who qualified for paternity leave can take time off to be with their new child and offer support to the mother when the child arrives. They can choose whether to take one or two consecutive weeks paternity leave. Proposed new regulations relating to maternity and paternity leave are sure to cause problems for some smaller businesses. Whereas larger organisations can usually provide cover internally when a mother or father is on leave, it is often much more difficult for the smaller firm, which often has no such cover internally. Flexible working and return to work- flexible working means a negotiation between the employer and the individual about their needs to determine the pattern that helps them both. Flexible working arrangement can help parents combine work and bringing up their children. Some parents want to work part time, some one interest in working from home or perhaps on particular days of the week. Flexible working can also help employers meet the increasing demand from their customers for out of hours services. Many business offer flexible working, but this is depending on individual manager and company policy. Government should provide priority for people that enable to work flexibility and return to work or start new compatible work after maternity leave. Education and child care Any number of activities will help young children learn, from singing nursing and playing number games, to reading or talking with them and everything to encourage their curiosity and love of learning. They have to develop evidence of the best practice to help early education and child care. Indeed, providers and their stuff work well with parents and professionals to whom they entrust their children. They have to provide safe and effective care for the education of children whom should be protected from emotional, physical, sexual abuse and other significant harm. Special needs and disabilities in childhood can put extra strain on families and may create additional needs such as additional cost of supporting a child with special needs or disability, provide suitable and affordable child care and education meanwhile we should not miss providing suitable housing, housing adaptation and accessing local community facilities such as transport child care and leisure services. Education and Child care option include: Day nurseries-that provide care for children from birth to four or five and beyond, often integrated with early education and other services. Pre-schools and play groups, provide play time and often early education to under five years old and can prevent from emotional and significant harm. Toddler groups- group of parents that meet locally with their children on regular basis, usually included children who are under five years old. Children clubs is define as out of school, offer children aged four to twelve a safe and stimulating environment which children can play and learn effectively outside school time (learn and fun). Treatment and care procedure- The fort line of health and social care is treatment intervention with specialized professionals and medical stuff (Doctors, nurses, psychologist, etc). First intervention in support programme is treatment of physical disabilities of parents and children with specialized team. Further more, intensive care and attention in pre-maternity and maternity period is essential. Increasingly, the professionals find themselves working not only with individual children but also with parents and sibling. Parents who have physical or sensory impairments, long term illness, learning difficulties, mental health problem or combination of them can not afford to spend effective time with their children and take part in teaching programme. Emotional disturbance and educational difficulties often can be fully understood and effectively addressed within a family. Family support parents Family support is a term covering enormous number and diversity of needs. Families caring for children with special needs or disability have the same range of feeling and hope for their children as all other families whose children are well. Some parents are very private who do not feel comfortable sharing their deepest feeling with strangers. It is important to be able to talk to some one that is the best one of family members. Traditional family support systems are sufficient and very helpful and comfortable. These families are fortunate because they help effectively and make a warm relation ship with together. Traditional families have a good relationship with parents , siblings and grandparents or other near relative family that they truly understand other member. Family support not only can reduce family poverty, crime and antisocial behavior and prevent deterioration but also can improve educational attainment, civic responsibility and quality and accessibility of suitable services. Parents support parents The parents are the best source of supporting for parents. They access a wealth of information from past and present experiences and have an understanding of the difficulties and problems than can occur when raising a child with special needs. They have a good sympathy with each others and they truly rely to the information and experiences of other parents. Through all that has happened to all of them, they have become educated and have learned things that never imagined learning. Conclusion Effective early intervention and support can produce improvement in childrens health, social and cognitive development. It strengthens the ability of family to provided effective support for their children and improves out comes for the whole family. All programme should base on providing safe and effective care for the education, protecting from physical emotional and sexual abuse. The government has to improve economical condition and provide trained, qualified and appropriate medical stuff and social workers. The support plan has to lead to leaving care by young people when they enter adulthood and wouldnt isolate and participate socially and live independent. The children with specific medical or social needs should arise out of disability or health condition and be able to live in family or other appropriate setting in the community. The children in need should gain life chance benefits from educational opportunity, entertainment programme, health and social care. The parents community should be improved in order to support effectively and share their information and experiences. The family structure must empower to provide warm and comfortable environment for support members of family. An important part of support is the establishment of effective channels for communication, a willingness to find a compromise and the development of trust between family members and Government or child care stuff.

Goblins, Imps, Brownies, Trolls, Pixies, and Bogies †Yesterday and Today :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers

Goblins, Imps, Brownies, Trolls, Pixies, and Bogies – Yesterday and Today In modern day, one is not likely to encounter a goblin in one’s travels, except perhaps those found scurrying after candy on Halloween night. However, goblins, as well as imps, brownies, trolls, pixies, and bogies were once considered as much a part of daily life as cows and chickens.(Briggs, These were the fairies, the half-natural, half supernatural beings that helped and haunted mankind throughout most of the world. The Scottish divided these fairies worldS into two groups, the Seelie Court, those helpful to humans, and the Unseelie Court, those who were mischievous, misleading, or downright evil. At the lowest rungs of the Unseelie court, one would find the goblins. (Briggs, 357) The goblins have changed, however, since these dark times, and it is the purpose of this paper to show the evolution of these monsters from medieval fairy, to subterranean miner, to Sauron’s horde of minions, and into other various modern-day incarnations. Additionally, the cul tural driving forces of feminist theology, Freudian psychology, political agendas, and technological fears will be used to explain several of the more notable goblin literary works. Finally, it will be shown how the medieval concept of the goblin, the fairy trickster, will resurface after a hundred years of exile in the form of the gremlin. The goblin as a fairy has its roots mainly in Britain, although they had counterparts in most of Europe. The French had goeblins, the Germans kobolds, the Welsh pwca (pooka), and even the Japanese had the tengu. However, the name ‘goblin’ is attributed to an Italian origin. The story goes that in Florence there were two infamous houses, the Guelfs and the Gibelins. So malicious were the members of these families that mothers would warn unruly children that the Guelfs and the Gibelins would come to get them if they did not behave. Thus the modern words ‘elves’ and ‘goblins’ were born. (Latham, p. 48) The fairy goblin ranged in disposition from the truly sinister to the near-harmless trickster. An example of the nastier medieval goblins is the legend of Redcap, a vicious goblin who inhabited a deserted castle. He was described by William Henderson in Folklore of the Northern Countries as a â€Å".

Amusing Ourselves to Death: Its Time to Stop Laughing Essay -- Postma

Amusing Ourselves to Death: It's Time to Stop Laughing      Ã‚  Ã‚   The form of communication created by the television is not only a part of how our modern society communicates, but is has changed public discourse to the point that it has completely redefined it, argued Neil Postman in his convincing book Amusing Ourselves to Death. He viewed this as very harmful, and additionally so because our society is ignorant of it as they quickly becomes engulfed in its epistemology. When faced with the question about whether the television shapes or reflects culture, Postman pointed out that it is no longer applicable because "television has gradually become our culture" (79). What kind of culture is this? Postman warned that it is one in which we are instructed and informed through the form of entertainment, and that through such a medium, we are becoming dulled, ignorant of real issues, and amused right into a very possible culture death. Today, sixteen years after the book's publication, he would probably have a similar message (though possib ly more passionate) to say about our present culture, especially in the areas of education and the nightly news, which have grown progressively worse.    Taking two authors, George Orwell and Aldous Huxley, he compared their views about the future of information. Orwell's view was that we would be overcome by a controlling force and books would be banned, leaving us without proper information or instruction. Huxley, on the other hand, suggested that the squelching of information would not be the problem. Instead, it would be the voluminous mass flooding our culture that would make us ignorant. We would have so much to choose from, both useful and worthless, that we would become indifferent t... ...information invades the living room, they wonder why they are being tricked and mislead. Or worse, they do not even realize it. We are not a culture known for its thinking. Perhaps we are best known for our entertainment. Only when we divide these two realms will we become more accurate informed. Neil Postman, comparing Orwell and Huxley's theories, said, "[Our threat of being deprived of proper information] does not watch us, by his choice. We watch him, by ours" (155). His point was that by our own choosing, we are being misinformed. In our "information age" we have intelligent books, newspapers, magazines, and other information sources that have not been greatly affected by the television culture. We just need to stop laughing and seek to be properly informed.    Works Cited: Postman, Neil. Amusing Ourselves to Death. New York: Penguin Books, 1985. Amusing Ourselves to Death: It's Time to Stop Laughing Essay -- Postma Amusing Ourselves to Death: It's Time to Stop Laughing      Ã‚  Ã‚   The form of communication created by the television is not only a part of how our modern society communicates, but is has changed public discourse to the point that it has completely redefined it, argued Neil Postman in his convincing book Amusing Ourselves to Death. He viewed this as very harmful, and additionally so because our society is ignorant of it as they quickly becomes engulfed in its epistemology. When faced with the question about whether the television shapes or reflects culture, Postman pointed out that it is no longer applicable because "television has gradually become our culture" (79). What kind of culture is this? Postman warned that it is one in which we are instructed and informed through the form of entertainment, and that through such a medium, we are becoming dulled, ignorant of real issues, and amused right into a very possible culture death. Today, sixteen years after the book's publication, he would probably have a similar message (though possib ly more passionate) to say about our present culture, especially in the areas of education and the nightly news, which have grown progressively worse.    Taking two authors, George Orwell and Aldous Huxley, he compared their views about the future of information. Orwell's view was that we would be overcome by a controlling force and books would be banned, leaving us without proper information or instruction. Huxley, on the other hand, suggested that the squelching of information would not be the problem. Instead, it would be the voluminous mass flooding our culture that would make us ignorant. We would have so much to choose from, both useful and worthless, that we would become indifferent t... ...information invades the living room, they wonder why they are being tricked and mislead. Or worse, they do not even realize it. We are not a culture known for its thinking. Perhaps we are best known for our entertainment. Only when we divide these two realms will we become more accurate informed. Neil Postman, comparing Orwell and Huxley's theories, said, "[Our threat of being deprived of proper information] does not watch us, by his choice. We watch him, by ours" (155). His point was that by our own choosing, we are being misinformed. In our "information age" we have intelligent books, newspapers, magazines, and other information sources that have not been greatly affected by the television culture. We just need to stop laughing and seek to be properly informed.    Works Cited: Postman, Neil. Amusing Ourselves to Death. New York: Penguin Books, 1985.

Lifespan Development Essay

Lifespan development, also known as human development, is a field of study that is devoted to understanding constancy and change throughout a person’s lifespan (Berk, 2010). Lifespan development begins with infancy and looks at several points in a person’s life in which significant change takes place. The study of children did not begin until the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries (Berk, 2010). Throughout the years, there was much speculation about how people grow and change and when combined with research, theories of development surfaced. These theories were vital and provided organized frameworks for observations of people and they are verified by research and provide a basis for practical action (Berk, 2010). Many theories developed to study the development of infants and children through out life and these theories continue to have an impact on society and research today. There are many notable development researchers and schools of thought such as Locke, Rousseau, Arnold Gesell, Ivan Pavlov, Lawrence Kohlberg, Social Learning Theory, Stages of Moral Development, and Ethiological Theories just to name a few (Crain, 2005). There are some researchers and schools of thought who still have an impact today such as Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution, Jean Piaget and his Cognitive-Developmental theory, and the Psychoanalytic theory first developed by Sigmund Freud. Charles Darwin is significant to developmental studies today because it was he who paved the way, or opened the door for the many schools of thought that followed. Darwin is known as the forefather of scientific child study (Berk, 2010). Darwin was a naturalist who observed the variation among plant and animal species but along with that, he also noticed that within a specific species, no two individuals were alike (Berk, 2010). Darwin developed his theory which emphasized the principles of natural selection and survival of the fittest. Darwin’s theory stated that certain species survive in particular environments because they have characteristics that fit with or are adapted to their surroundings (Berk, 2010). Those within the species that best meet the survival requirements live long enough to reproduce and keep the species going (Berk, 2010). Darwin, in his travels and research, noticed some similarities in prenatal growth among species. Darwin noted that the embryos of most species are highly similar in their early forms revealing their descent from a common ancestor (Crain, 2005). Today, in the broad scheme of things, Darwin’s theory is correct in that there is variation within species and only some survive long enough to reproduce and pass along traits. What Darwin did not understand was the mechanisms underlying the transmission of traits (Crain, 2005). Because of this, Darwin is considered the starting point for the vast amount of research done on lifespan development. Another important aspect of the study of lifespan development is the Cognitive-Developmental theory of Jean Piaget. Piaget’s theory stated that children actively construct knowledge as they manipulate and explore their world (Berk, 2010). Piaget did not believe that a child’s learning depended on reinforcers as the behaviorists believed. Piaget developed stages and he realized that children pass through his stages at different rates and did not pay specific attention to the ages at the various stages but noted that they all pass through the stages in the same order (Crain, 2005). Piaget’s theory consisted of four periods: Sensorimotor Intelligence (birth to 2 years), Preoperational Thought (2 to 7), Concrete Operations (7 to 11), and Formal Operations (11 to adulthood) (Berk, 2010; Crain, 2005). Piaget was able to convince people that children are active learners whose minds consist of rich structures of knowledge (Berk, 2010). Piaget’s research influenced much of the research today that focuses on children’s concept of self, other people, and human relationships. Many educational philosophies and programs that place emphasis on discovery learning and direct contact were encouraged by Piaget’s theory (Berk, 2010; Crain, 2005). Piaget’s theory did not come without criticism and challenges. Some researchers believe that Piaget actually underestimated the competencies of children. This called for much research to be conducted to challenge and refute Piaget’s theory and also to find ways to expound upon and improve his theory. The most influential school of thought is that of the Psychoanalytic perspective developed by Sigmund Freud. This perspective states that people move through a series of stages in which they confront conflicts between biological drives and social expectations. (Berk, 2010). The school of thought basically focused on the fact that psychological change is governed by inner forces such as feelings, impulses, and fantasies (Crain, 2005). Freud had all of his patients use free association in their sessions allowing them to talk freely about the painful events of their childhood (Berk, 2010). Freud developed the psychosexual theory based on theiry unconscious thoughts. This theory states that how parents manage their child’s sexual and aggressive drives in the first few years is crucial for healthy personality development (Berk, 2010). Freud’s theory was considered the first to place importance on the influence of the early parent-child relationship and its involvement in development (Berk, 2010). Freud’s theory received much criticism because he did not study children directly and was heavy on the sexual influences in development (Crain, 2005). The controversy surrounding this particular school of thought, prompted much research making it one of, if not the influential theories in development. Research on the many aspects of emotional and social development which includes infant-caregiver attachment, aggression, sibling relationships, child-rearing practices, morality, gender roles, and adolescent identity grew from the theory of Freud (Berk, 2010). There are many different ways in which development is researched. One way is systematic observation. There are different ways in which observations of children and adults can be conducted. Some researchers choose to go into the field or the natural environment and record the behavior which is known as naturalistic observation (Berk, 2010). Through naturalistic observation, researchers are able to get a first hand look at the subjects. On the other side though, some people may not display the same behavior in their everyday life. Structured observations happen when the researcher sets up a laboratory situation that evokes behavior of interest so that every participant has equal opportunity to display the response (Berk, 2010). The ways that the research is gathered varies depending on what is being researched. Systematic observations tell how people actually behave but fail to provide the reasons behind the behavior. Self-reports allow participants to provide information on their perceptions, thoughts, abilities, feelings, and other things of that nature. They are normally structured interviews, unstructured interviews, questionnaires, and tests. Clinical interviews allow for researchers to use a flexible, conversational style to probe for the participant’s point of view (Berk, 2010). Structured interviews, which includes tests and questionnaires, asks all participants the same set of questions (Berk, 2010). They are easier to score and the researchers are able to identify a behavior of interest because the participants is given alternatives in answer choices. The case study methods brings together a wide range of information on one person, including interviews, observations, and test scores (Berk, 2010). This method is generally used when one wants to study a particular group that may be small in size but varies in characteristics. This method can be viewed as bias because the information that is collected is sometimes done unsystematically and is subjective and geared toward the researchers theoretical perspective. There are other ways of studying development such as ethnography which is aimed at studying a culture as a whole or a distinct social group through participant observation. Ethics plays a major role in the study of development as well. It is important to consider things such as the rights of the participants. This includes, protection from harm, informed consent, privacy, knowledge of the result, and beneficial treatments (Berk, 2010). Informed consent is especially important because it provides safeguards for children and elderly people who are cognitively impaired or have to be cared for in settings for the chronically ill (Berk, 2010). Research generally creates ethical issues because of the search for scientific knowledge and at the same time has the opportunity to exploit people. References Berk, L.E. (2010). Development through the lifespan. (5th Ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon Crain, W. (2005). Theories of development: Concepts and applications. (5th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall

The Killer Angels: an Inside Look at the Battle of Gettysburg

The Killer Angels: An Inside Look at the Battle of Gettysburg The Killer Angels written by Michael Shaara, is a historical fiction novel that describes in great detail the events that took place during the battle of Gettysburg. In the forward we are given an in depth view of each of the main characters and key figures of the battle. For instance, we are told that that General Robert Edward Lee is an honest man with no vices who does not believe in slavery, he is also suffering from heart trouble. He leads the confederate army. And then we have Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain who has a brother, Thomas, who serves in the Twentieth Maine as an aide to his brother. The story begins on June 29th, 1863 with the introduction of a spy for the Confederate army. He comes to General Longstreet with information about the whereabouts of the Union army, who to Longstreet’s surprise, are nearby. This causes the Confederate army to reposition at Gettysburg. The battle begins on July 1st when the Confederates attack some of the Union army in the hills nearby Gettysburg. General Lee believes that the Confederates should be able to win this battle and engages the union armies utilizing varying tactics, he attacks the Union army’s left and right flanks and then attempts to divide they’re central strength to win the battle that way. But this method fails, the Union Army gained the upper hand when during the first day of battle they retreated and secured most of the higher ground giving them a fatal advantage. The story mainly follows the Confederates and General Lee as the protagonist, and it tells us what went wrong for them during this battle. We are given a detailed depiction of war tactics used during this time, and how the Union Army was able to win the battle by taking a defensive position on the higher hills of Gettysburg. The fact that the Union Army had higher ground coincides with the weapons that were utilized by both armies. Because the key losses that occurred took place when Chamberlain’s men ran out of ammunition and were successful only by charging their enemy with bayonets and when Pickett’s men attempted to charge the center strength of the Union army, I would say that momentum and visibility were key factors in a battle with the weapons that were available to them. It is also apparent that Lee’s heart problems seem to be affecting his decision- making throughout the story. Perhaps he has become more foolhardy with his own mortality so tangible. The amount of death and losses that the Confederates suffer seem to echo the thoughts he has of himself. It becomes quite apparent that the Confederate army will fail after General Longstreet’s continual insistence that they should swing southeast towards Washington, D. C. and take a defensive position. If General Lee had heeded Longstreet’s advice, perhaps the Confederate Army could have won the Civil War. In conclusion, The Killer Angels is a book that uses great detail and epic dialogue to describe the events that took place at the battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It gives us a closer look at the tactics and strategies utilized by our forefathers during that time period and not only allows us a glimpse of the personalities of some of the key leaders of the Civil War but shows us how these personalities influenced this battle.

It Is Better to Be Ruled by a Philosopher King Essay

If one wishes to perfect one’s soul and reach enlightenment, then it is definitely better for that one to be ruled by a philosopher-king; however, if one’s main goal in life is to live happily and securely without worries, then it is arguably better for that one to be ruled by a prince. One should, however, seek to perfect one’s soul rather than seek for happiness and security alone, hence, it is better to be ruled by a philosopher-king. This paper will first lay out the reasons why one should be governed by either a Machiavellian prince or a philosopher-king, and point out that the different benefits between the two rulers depends on the different sets of priorities in a citizen’s life. Then, the paper will argue why one should pursue the values under the rule of a philosopher-king rather than that under the rule of a prince. Finally, it will look at some counter argument, analyze and assert why the thesis is still superior. If one’s main wish is to live happily and securely, then it might be better for that one to be ruled by a Machiavellian prince, since a Machiavellian prince’s main goal as a ruler is to secure his state. The perfect prince would appear to be â€Å"merciful, faithful, humane, honest, and religious†, but â€Å"know how to enter into evil, when forced by necessity† to â€Å"maintain his state. † Consequently, the people living under this prince would benefit in the peace that comes with his reign. Moreover, the people are free to pursue whatever materialistic goals they want, so long as they do not violate the laws of the prince. The prince is also neither â€Å"rapacious and a usurper of the property and the women of his subjects† nor is he trying to â€Å"maintain a name for liberality† so much that he â€Å"burden the people extraordinarily, to be rigorous with taxes. † Hence, the people living under a prince’s reign will enjoy a sufficient life with stability, security and freedom to pursue their materialistic wants. If ones seek to perfect their souls, to come out of the cave and â€Å"into the sunlight†, then life under the rule of a philosopher-king is ideal. Under the rule of a philosopher-king, the king will try to â€Å"[turn] the whole soul until it is able to study that which is and the brightest things that is, namely, the one we call the good. † To do this, one must first â€Å"rid of [feasting, greed, and other such pleasures]† that one â€Å"had been hammered at from childhood†, and then â€Å"[turn] to look at true things. The philosopher-king, whose visions and knowledge is true and wise, will help educate the people by changing theirs desires, â€Å"[try] to redirect it appropriately. † A life under a philosopher-king will benefit one’s soul rather than one’s materialistic life. It is obvious as explained previously that the key to the desirability of the two different systems, one under the Machiavellian prince and one under the ph ilosopher-king, lies in how the people prioritize what they look for in life; hence, different sets of values will be satisfied by different political systems. Thus, at first look, it seems impossible to determine which system is better because they are based on completely different sets of values. However, as one set is arguably better to pursue than the other, consequently, one political system will be more desirable than the other. The set of criteria in question is that under the rule of the philosopher-king. It is better for a person to pursue a knowledgeable, true, and rational life that a philosopher-king promises to provide than a materialistic and secure life alone that the Machiavellian prince promises. First, it needs to be pointed out that Machiavelli also seems to see there is of little value for a prince to pursue materialistic desires, unless it serves a bigger purpose, such as the acquirement of â€Å"abundance of either men or money† serves to â€Å"put together an adequate army and fight a battle against whoever comes to attack them. † Machiavelli seems to imply that a prince seeks not just power, but also seeks to be more glorious, excellent, and virtuous than ordinary men. He states that as a commander, a prince should have â€Å"no other object, nor any other thought, nor take anything else as his art but that of war and its order and discipline†; and when a prince â€Å"have thought more of amenities than of arms, [he has] lost [his state]. † This seems to imply that a prince should not seek trivial contentment, but only that of commanders; and as a leader, a prince should desire to be esteemed, feared, and loved, and avoid to be viewed as â€Å"variable, light, effeminate, pusillanimous, irresolute. Hence, Machiavelli seems to say that even though not everyone has virtues, thus, those who do will rise and become princes while the rest will be ruled over, it is desirable that one should aspire to become a prince, seek virtues, prove one’s excellence with his prudence. Socrates, hence, also seems to agree with Machiavelli that one should seek more in life than the satisfaction of one’s instinctive desires. However, Socrate s disagrees with Machiavelli on two points. First, Socrates disagrees that only a few has virtues but everyone is capable of achieving more in life but rather everyone is capable of pursuing virtues. Second, he believes that there is only the â€Å"virtue of reason† that, unlike others that â€Å"aren’t there beforehand but are added later by habit and practice,† has always been there intrinsically inside of everyone. He states that this virtue â€Å"never loses its power but is either useful and beneficial or useless and harmful, depending on the way it is turned. † Socrates, thus, might argue with Machiavelli that the virtues that he assigns for the perfect prince are derivatives of this single virtue of reason, which is â€Å"forced to serve evil ends. † Hence, the perfect prince is capable of horrid things, but still very clever to maintain his image. Socrates perhaps can conclude that the prince described by Machiavelli is a case where the virtue of reason is turned to the wrong way. Thus, Socrates reasons that everyone is capable of pursuing this virtue of reason, and hence, capable of greatness, but they need guidance and education to â€Å"[turn] around from darkness to light. † Machiavelli then might agree that everyone might be capable of greatness, but he still disagrees as to why any person with the virtue of reason should not become a prince to dominate others, but agree to be governed by the philosopher-king. Now, assume that Socrates’ model of the human soul is correct and sufficient; it might give an answer to this problem. Socrates reasons that a human’s soul consists of three parts, a human who represents our virtue of reasons, a lion which represents our beastly power and aggression, also courage and nobility, and a multicolored beast with â€Å"a ring of many heads that it can grow and change at will† which represents our various desires, â€Å"some from gentle, some from savage animals. With the previously established argument that Machiavelli and Socrates may agree that the satisfaction of materialistic desires holds little value, hence, the scenario that the multicolored beast is in control can be eliminated, and so, the argument may be narrowed down to Machiavelli wanting the noble and courageous lion to dominate, while Socrates remains that the rational human should be in control. The initial description of the lion seems to match the dominant characteristics of that of the Machiavellian prince; however, as Machiavelli says himself, a prince needs both natures of man and beast, since â€Å"one without the other is not lasting. † The prince, hence, is still governed by both the man with virtue of reasons and the lion with courage and nobility. He uses the virtues of reason to acquire other virtues to become a prince, but he is still driven by the instinct of the noble lion to achieve glory and conquer others. As the human is the â€Å"best part of [a human soul]† it is still best to have the human part be in control over the bestial parts, because then, the â€Å"entire soul settles into its best nature, acquires moderation, justice, and reason. † Thus, people should seek to achieve this state of the soul where the human part is in control, it then takes care of the multicolored beast â€Å"as farmer does his animals†, and tends to the lion so that â€Å"the lion’s nature [becomes] his ally. This form of goodness of the soul is â€Å"the last thing to be seen, and it is reached only with difficulty. † Hence, the people will want and need the help of a philosopher-king. Since â€Å"a democratic man like a city ruled by a democracy, and similarly with the others†, the life under the rule of a philosopher-king will be similarly to the life which the philosopher-king rules himself. He will ensure by laws or otherwise, that his subject citizens will b e â€Å"the slave of [the philosopher-king] who has a divine ruler within himself. A philosopher-king does not wish to enslave the people to exploit from them, but only to help nurture and bring out the best of the people. When the people are ready, are equipped with â€Å"guardians and ruler similar to [the philosopher-king],† then the people will be set free. It will be ideal for everyone to be ruled by his own divine reason within himself. In conclusion, it is better to be ruled by a philosopher-king because one should goes after the values that the philosopher-king promotes. That is, one should find the virtue of reasons, and by the power of this virtue and the help of the philosopher-king, pursue the ideal balance of the soul, where the human part governs his consciousness and reins in the beasts. The Machiavellian prince is still governed by both the lion and the human, and he lets the people indulge themselves in their desires, hence, the prince is not the best choice of ruler, for himself and for his people alike.

Family Life Can Create Considerable Stress

How do know? Well let's just say experience has the best of me on this one. For example, the relationship with my parents I think broke my heart more than it did theirs. Although they weren't married, so I didn't experience the process of a divorced family they still separated. I was about four and lots of people don't remember that much when you're that young, but I did. I remember the bond me and my father shared, we were inseparable. Remember the bond me and my dad's mom had, she was my nana felt her love no matter where was. Subsequently my mother took me and left.That was family and she left without a problem. Was devastated, growing up that never left my mind, and how easy it was for her to just, leave. I let the stress build thinking of growing up without a father just got to me. Now I didn't go through divorce papers, courts and custody battles I could imagine that's a whole lot worse than what my situation was. But do know the feeling of separated parents, I do know how it f eels to think about having that family where everything was normal and you had them tot by your side, in one place you can really call home.Now being with divorced or separated parents is stressful just think you don't want to choose sides you love them both. They both love you as well, that why they've set up this arrangement so you can switch every weekend, summer and/or holiday. There's a plus you can have two rooms, two birthdays and so forth. On the contrary you have to deal with step parents, step siblings arguments with who gets you on Christmas day or who can keep you an extra day longer. The stress is just overwhelming don't you think?You love them both, so you don't want to say no to them, you don't want them thinking you are choosing sides, one over the other so what do you do. Then you have friends to deal with at both places and depending on how far apart your parents live from each other. Your friends at your dads are going bowling one weekend and your friends at your moms are going to the movies that same weekend and now you have to choose who you want to hang out with. Its just stressful. All they want is you, and all you want is stability.One home, one family, one life. Now there are those situations where you don't have two rooms, you don't have to deal with both parents and all the arguments and what not. You just have to deal with one parent. That sounds whole lot less stressful right? It can be, but then there are those people who aren't as fortunate as others. People who let their stress override them and their parent wasn't there to help. The type of residence you grow up in is critical to the process of a child who has divorced parents or only one parent.If no one is there for them and they onto know where to turn to the world we live in today can provide them with lots of things to turn to. All it takes is hanging with the wrong crowd. For instance I only had my mother and due to the fact that she was never home had no one to turn to, so started hanging out in the streets. One thing led to another and there was every day, every night in the street up to no good with the wrong people not going to school, fighting, doing drugs, drinking stealing and so much more that I know I will regret for the rest of my life.All of the drugs, drinking and fighting made me think it took the stress away it eloped me forget until was sober again, but that just gave me more of reason to do it more. This went on for about four years. While I thought it was taking the stress away it was really putting on more stress, if I didn't have what I needed to take the stress away I stressed about it, looking for whatever would take it all away. Now I'm not saying this is exactly what will happen everyone has their different ways of coping with things and it all just depends on what's in front of you at the moment. Its also about who you turn to.Whether they are there for you or for themselves. Not everyone can relate, but you would be surprise d on how many people do relate. Its tough when you don't have the proper people to turn to, or you have all of the bad choices sitting right in front of you. So much pressure, so much stress, it will never stop no matter how many times you tell yourself you got this, you can do it, it just won't stop. The stress just overwhelms you. But you can fight it, you know the bad choices the stress, you can override it, and all you need to do is talk to someone or have someone give you that push you need.

Alcohol : Alcohol And Nicotine Abuse

topic- I’ve decided to write about alcohol abuse because it has effected people in my family in many ways Definition - Alcohol abuse: Use of alcoholic beverages to excess, either on individual occasions (binge drinking) or as a regular practice. For some individuals, children or pregnant women, for example, almost any amount of alcohol use may be legally considered 'alcohol abuse. ' Heavy alcohol abuse can cause physical damage and death. Definition of Alcohol abuse (2016 MedicineNet). Retrieved september†¦ Alcohol Abuse Amber Wienberg Brown Mackie College- Lenexa, KS July 11, 2015 Alcohol Abuse Alcohol is the most abuse and widely used substance (Fortinash & Worret, 2012, pg. 333). According to Fortinash and Worret, 9.6% of American males and 3.2% of American females are alcohol dependent (2012, pg. 33). As stated by Psychology Today, alcohol abuse is defined by: failure to fulfill major school, work or home responsibilities, drink and driving, reoccurring legal issues related to alcohol†¦ Drug and Alcohol Abuse Drugs are not something that plagues the local area, it is all around the world. Drugs have been around for a very long time. Drugs have been hurting people mentally, physically, and emotionally for centuries whether illegal or legal. Some say that drugs are okay, it causes no harm, but the person taking drug. Taking a certain amount or the wrong drugs can get people in trouble or even kill them. Drugs can ruin peoples life’s. The average age of people who first†¦ Advocating for Prevention of Alcohol Abuse Advocating for individuals to reduce alcohol abuse and dependence is crucial to society’s well being. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between the years of 2006-2010 â€Å"excessive alcohol is responsible for 88,000 death annually and cost the United States an estimated $223.5 billion†(cdc.gov, 2016). The short and long-term health risks of alcohol abuse are significant and are estimated to shorten the life span of individuals by†¦ Alcohol dependence is a substance related disorder in which an individual is physically or psychologically dependent upon drinking alcohol. There are many reasons for why people develop alcohol abuse disorder and they can be explained through biological, psychological and social approaches to explain this complex disorder. Biological evidence shows us that certain people are more genetically vulnerable to drug abuse according to researchers conducting twin, family, and adoption studies. It is also†¦ also verified college binge drinkers are more likely to develop one or more alcohol related diagnostic criteria such as alcohol abuse and dependence in post college years compared to non-alcohol drinkers. In line with Jennison’s study, the research (National Center on Addiction and Substance abuse, 2002, cited in Doran et al, 2006, P.1920) depicted that the early starting drinking in adolescent is related to developing alcohol issues as well as trying other illicit drugs ( Barnow et al., 2004, Zeigler†¦ using alcohol is an abusing way (Ammerman, Ott, and Tarter). â€Å"It is a chronic and progressive illness that involves the excessive inappropriate ingestion of ethyl alcohol† (â€Å"Alcoholism†). Equally, it can be characterized as an emotional and many times, physical dependence on alcohol. It is thought to come from a combination of a wide range of physiological, social, and genetic factors (â€Å"Alcoholism†). Even though both are very similar, there is a difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence†¦ independence. â€Å"Alcohol consumption in humans is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States (McGinnis & Foege, 1993). A common abuse pattern called binge drinking contributes to a substantial portion of alcohol-related deaths (Chikritzhs, Jonas, Stockwell, Heale, & Dietze, 2001)†.Though with freedom comes responsibility. If not handled properly freedom can lead to bad decisions and the biggest mistake university students make are usually related to alcohol. According to the†¦ Definitions: alcohol abuse: it is the act of consuming alcohol containing products frequently or inappropriately (e.g. Binge drinking); which might result in short term or long term complications. It is often associated with addictive behaviors and it most likely interferes with person’s normal life balance, including the ability to work and interpersonal relationships. Alcoholism: it is the addiction to consuming alcoholic drinks or alcohol dependency. this condition is also classified as alcohol-use disorder†¦ The affect that alcohol has on an individual is dependent on the relationship they have with the substance. Alcohol use can be defined as having one drink or less per day for women and two or fewer drinks per day for men (Shari, 2011). An individual who is using alcohol safely maximizes the positive effects of drinking (Shari, 2011). Alternatively, alcohol abuse occurs when an individual who is consciously aware of the negative consequences of the substance, continues to consume excessive amounts†¦

Importance of community health nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Importance of community health nursing - Essay Example Hospitals are mostly the place of being exposed at the bedside nursing but now community health nursing is a field that is as important to the society. Being in a baccalaureate program had given me intrigue and more opportunities to explore my career in community health nursing. The primary mission of community health nursing is improving the overall health of the population through health promotion, illness prevention, and protection of the public from a variety of biological, behavioral, social, and environmental threats (Clark, 2008). Community health nursing has contributed so much to the social and healthcare reform. Moreover, the importance of this nursing field has created great changes in how nursing is being provided to an individual. There are significant events that the community health nursing established, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Communicable Disease Center (CDC), and American Red Cross. Public health nursing has led to many of the policy revolutions that helped bring family planning, workplace safety, and maternal child health services to people in need(â€Å"Nursing,† 2008). The global impact of community health nursing is not only around the nursing aspect but also around the cultural side of the society. Access of healthcare for the population is very diverse and with the government assistance to fund such different outreach programs, the choices of which a community needs health services are easily available for them. The importance of which is that the person is being treated at the convenience of there home, there community or people around them. The increasing availability of health care services such as community health nursing contributes to a better society especially in the nonurban areas, and elderly population. With the rising increase in the elderly population, illegal immigrants, and uninsured individual in the United States, community health services has provided care in a way that health

A problem in civil engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

A problem in civil engineering - Essay Example The effects of civil engineering to the environment start from its construction to its use i.e. the use of vehicles on the already built roads. All these have contributed to the environmental pollution. The most areas that civil engineering affects in the environment include the air, water and it defragments the habitats. All these effects are the main contributors of climate change (Moavenzadeh, 1994, p. 29). The main origin of this pollution is the construction sites. This is where all the activities take place. The main products in the construction site are the waste products. Construction is one of the economic activities that use natural resources but it produces wastes to the environment. These wastes are produced in very high quantities that cannot be disposed easily. There accumulation increasing in very short time. These wastes can be in form of gas, sand, stones, ceramic or glass. Other dangerous products include wood treated with metal oxides and the paints. All these wast es are produced in large quantities yet they cannot be recycled. This has given engineers hard times in trying to either to disposes or recycle them. Other products can be recycled but the problem is that they are already contaminated. Civil engineers have been forced to buy some landfills in order to dispose the wastes there. Deposition can be very hard more especially where some people refuse to sell their landfills for deposition (Moavenzadeh, 1994, p. 34). The construction wastes caused a lot of contamination on both land and the water. During construction, the fluids used are the main pollutants to the environment. At times, these fluids are pumped into the sewage but they also damage the sewage plants. For these plants to be repaired, they require high cost and this cause too much inconveniences to the authorities involved. To avoid all these problems, all waste paint used should be collected and recycled. Furthermore, water used for washing contains a lot of suspensions that may also cause some inconveniences in the sewage treatment. Construction also causes emission of dust and other gases into the air leading to air pollution. With increase in this air pollution, it leads to climate change. Dust can also cause visual impact. This leads to invisibility. Construction sites are also full of noise. Noise is air pollution. Noise is generated by the heavy machineries used for construction. However it is very important to research on the effects of civil engineering on the environment. The main objective of the research is to find the various ways in which the civil engineering activities affect the environment and the possible ways of reducing these effects (Moavenzadeh, 1994, p. 37). Task 2 Despite the positive impacts that civil engineering entails, there are also negative effects that the activity brings to the environment. These negative effects are increase as the civil engineering intensifies in most parts of the world. The need of more civil construc tions has made it difficult to reduce these civil engineering effects on the environment. However, there is a need to look at the way this civil construction affects the climate and to deduce the possible ways to reduce it. Research should be done to identify then factors that accelerate these effects and the ways of controlling the menace should be put in place. The hypothesis of this research is to identify how civil engineering affects the environment a

Macroeconomic Coursework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Macroeconomic Coursework - Essay Example In other words what macroeconomic theoretical models seek to accomplish by way of controlling or stimulating variables such as inflation or/and growth are sought to be accomplished in a more articulate manner by these representative agent models. Representative agent models are in fact some efforts of economists to model and represent the macro economy as if it were a single unit. These representative agent models are based on the basic tenets of the original models. On the other hand stimulative fiscal policy measures are adopted by governments in response to recessions or economic downturns. A recession, defined as two consecutive quarters of negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in a year, can be partially or wholly reversed by using a combination of macroeconomic measures or solutions such as fiscal or/and monetary policy measures. At least this is the belief among economists though there can be a lot of arguments to prove that it cannot be done as easily as it’s proposed. Representative agent models would necessarily require that some very stringent assumptions are satisfied before the model is adopted so that outcomes could be predicted with a degree of certainty. Thus all representative agent models based on classical/neoclassical, Keneysian/neo-Keneysian and monetary theories assume that fiscal stimulus programs could effectively boost economic growth during a recession or an economic downturn. However, those assumptions that they require as essential pre-conditions might be very difficult to fulfill though. Fiscal policy involves budgetary measures in which the government carries through a deficit budget in order to stimulate the economy by charging lower corporate taxes. In other words fiscal revenue in the given fiscal year will be less than government expenditure on projects. These projects are naturalluy intended to stimulate spending and subsequent economic growth (Ertl, 2008). When the government spends more than what it