Global Warming: The Overlooked Man-Made Disaster Essay

Man-made disasters are the consequence of technological or human hazards. Examples include stampedes, fires, transport accidents, industrial accidents, oil spills and nuclear explosions/radiation. War and deliberate attacks may also be put in this category. As with natural hazards, man-made hazards are events that have not happened, for instance terrorism. Man-made disasters are examples of specific cases where man-made hazards have become reality in an event. Global warming Global warming is one of the most overlooked and ongoing man-made disasters — one that will have the greatest long-term impact on humanity. Excessive amounts of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, introduced into the atmosphere have increased average global temperatures forecasting a number of dire consequences. Impacts from rising sea levels, desertification, and damage from intense super storms like Hurricane Katrina have already created some of the first groups of climate-change refugees and some estimate that number to rise to 150 million by 2050. But even if you’re skeptical of the science, the excessive amount of carbon made has released into the atmosphere has started a dangerous problem with ocean acidification. As the oceans absorb more carbon, it’s turning into carbonic acid and decreasing dissolved oxygen concentration making some oceanic environments uninhabitable. With our own reliance on seafood, this in turn has threatened humanity’s own abi lity to feed itself. Together tackling global warming and ocean acidification are the biggest challenges man has created for itself and most living creatures on the planet. Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans since the late 19th century and its projected continuation. Since the early 20th century, Earth’s mean surface temperature has increased by about 0.8 Â °C (1.4 Â °F), with about two-thirds of the increase occurring since 1980.[2] Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and scientists are more than 90% certain that it is primarily caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases produced by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.[3][4][5][6] These findings are recognized by the national science academies of all major industrializednations. Plant Trees Reduce Fossil Fuel Use Conserve Water Reduce Waste

The Golden Lily Chapter 5

WORD OF MY UPCOMING DATE spread fast. I could only presume Trey had told Kristin and Julia, who had in turn told Jill and Eddie and God only knew who else†¦. So, I shouldn't have been surprised when I got a call from Adrian just after dinner. He started talking before I could even say hello. â€Å"Really, Sage? A date?† I sighed. â€Å"Yes, Adrian. A date.† â€Å"A real date. Not, like, doing homework together,† he added. â€Å"I mean like where you go out to a movie or something. And a movie that's not part of a school assignment. Or about something boring.† â€Å"A real date.† I figured I wouldn't give him the specifics on the Shakespeare play. â€Å"What's the lucky guy's name?† â€Å"Brayden.† There was a pause. â€Å"Brayden? That's his real name?† â€Å"Why are you asking if everything's real? You think I'd make any of this up?† â€Å"No, no,† Adrian assured me. â€Å"That's what's so unbelievable about it. Is he cute?† I glanced at the clock. It was time for me to meet my study group. â€Å"Gee, maybe I should just send you a picture to review?† â€Å"Yes, please. And a full background check and life history.† â€Å"I have to go. Why do you care so much anyway?† I finally asked in exasperation. His answer took a long time, which was uncharacteristic. Adrian was usually ready with a dozen witty quips. Maybe he couldn't decide which one to use. When he finally responded, it was in that usual sarcastic way of his – though the levity sounded a little forced. â€Å"Because it's one of those things I never expected to see in my lifetime,† he told me. â€Å"Like a comet. Or world peace. I'm just used to you being single.† For some reason, that bothered me. â€Å"What, you don't think any guy would ever be interested in me?† â€Å"Actually,† said Adrian, sounding remarkably serious, â€Å"I can imagine lots of guys being interested in you.† I was certain he was teasing me and had no time for his jokes. I said goodbye and headed off to my study group, which, thankfully, was pretty dedicated and got a lot of work done. But when I met up with Trey at the library later, he was less than focused. He couldn't stop going on and on about how brilliant he was in getting Brayden and me together. â€Å"This date hasn't even happened, and I'm already tired of it,† I said. I spread Trey's lab paperwork out on the table before us. The numbers and formulas were comforting, far more concrete and orderly than the mysteries of social interaction. I tapped the lab assignment with my pen. â€Å"Pay attention. We don't have a lot of time.† He shrugged off my concerns. â€Å"Can't you just finish it?† â€Å"No! I left enough time so that you could do it yourself. I'll help, but that's it.† Trey was intelligent enough to figure out most of it on his own. Using me was just another way for him to dodge looking smart. He let the date go and focused on the work. I thought I was free of Brayden interrogation until, just as were wrapping up, Jill and Micah came strolling by, hand in hand. They were with a group of other people, which didn't surprise me. Micah was easygoing and popular, and Jill had inherited a large circle of friends by going out with him. Her eyes sparkled with happiness as someone in the group told a funny story that made them all laugh. I couldn't help a smile myself. This was a far cry from when Jill had first come to Amberwood and been treated as an outcast for unusual looks and odd behaviors. She was thriving with this new social status. Maybe it would help her embrace her royal background. My smile faded when Jill pulled Micah away from the group and hurried over to our table. Her eager expression worried me. â€Å"Is it true?† she asked. â€Å"Do you have a date?† â€Å"For the love of – you know it's true! And you told Adrian, didn't you?† I gave her a pointed look. Their psychic bond wasn't active 100 percent of the time, but something told me she knew about his earlier phone call to me. When the bond was â€Å"on,† she could see into his mind, observing both his feelings and actions. It only worked one way, however. Adrian had no such insight. She turned sheepish. â€Å"Yeah†¦ I couldn't help it when Micah told me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I heard it from Eddie,† Micah added quickly, as though that might get him off the hook. He had red hair and blue eyes that were always cheerful and friendly. He was one of those people you couldn't help but like, which made it harder to undo the tangled web Jill had woven by dating him. â€Å"Hey, I did not tell Eddie,† said Trey defensively. I turned my gaze on him. â€Å"But you told other people. And they told Eddie.† Trey gave a half shrug. â€Å"I might have mentioned it here and there.† â€Å"Unbelievable,† I said. â€Å"What's this guy like?† asked Jill. â€Å"Is he cute?† I thought about it. â€Å"Pretty cute.† She perked up. â€Å"Well, that's promising. Where's he taking you? Somewhere good? Night on the town? Fancy dinner? Micah and I had an awesome time at Salton Sea. It's so pretty. You could go there, have a romantic picnic.† Her cheeks turned pink and she stopped for breath, as if realizing she was talking too much. Rambling was one of Jill's most endearing traits. â€Å"We're going to see Shakespeare in the park,† I said. That got me silence. â€Å"Antony and Cleopatra. It's good.† I suddenly felt the need to defend myself. â€Å"A classic. Brayden and I both appreciate Shakespeare.† â€Å"His name is Brayden?† asked Micah in disbelief. â€Å"What kind of a name is that?† Jill frowned. â€Å"Antony and Cleopatra†¦ is that romantic?† â€Å"Kind of,† I said. â€Å"For a while. Then everyone dies in the end.† Jill's horrified expression told me that I wasn't really improving matters. â€Å"Well,† she said. â€Å"I hope you have, um, fun.† A few moments of awkwardness ensued, then her eyes lit up again. â€Å"Oh! Lia called me tonight. She said you two talked about me modeling for her again?† â€Å"She what?† I exclaimed. â€Å"That's not quite how I'd put it. She asked if you could do some print ads. I said no.† â€Å"Oh.† Jill's face fell a little. â€Å"I understand. From what she said†¦ I just thought. Well. I thought maybe there was a way†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I gave her a meaningful look. â€Å"I'm sorry, Jill. I wish there was a way. But you know why you can't.† She nodded sadly. â€Å"I understand. It's okay.† â€Å"You don't need a modeling campaign to be beautiful to me,† said Micah gallantly. That brought a smile back to her face that faded when she saw a nearby clock. Her transient moods reminded me of Adrian's, and I wondered if some of that was the effect of the bond. â€Å"Ugh. Curfew's coming. We'd better head out. You coming, Sydney?† I glanced at Trey's lab. It was complete and, I knew, absolutely perfect. â€Å"I'll leave in just a couple minutes.† She and Micah left. Glancing over at Trey, I was surprised to find him staring at her retreating figure intently. I nudged him. â€Å"Hey. Don't forget to put your name on this, or it was all for nothing.† It still took him several seconds to drag his gaze away. â€Å"That's your sister, isn't it?† His dismal tone made it sound more like a statement than a question, as though he were revealing some unfortunate fact. â€Å"Um, yeah. You've seen her like a hundred times. She's gone to this school for a month.† He frowned. â€Å"I just never thought much about it†¦ never got a good look at her before. I don't have any classes with her.† â€Å"She was front and center in that fashion show.† â€Å"She had a mask on.† His dark eyes studied me. â€Å"You guys don't look alike at all.† â€Å"We get that a lot.† Trey still looked troubled, and I had no idea why. â€Å"You're smart to keep her out of modeling,† he said at last. â€Å"She's too young.† â€Å"It's a religious thing,† I said, knowing Trey wouldn't quiz me for many details on our â€Å"faith.† â€Å"Whatever it is, keep her out of the public eye.† He scrawled his name on the lab and shut his textbook. â€Å"You don't want her plastered all over magazines or something. Lots of creepy people out there.† Now I was the one left staring. I agreed with him. Too much exposure meant the Moroi dissidents could find Jill. But why would Trey feel that way, too? His claims that she was too young were sound, I supposed, but there was something vaguely unsettling about the exchange. The way he'd watched her walk away was too weird. But then, what other reason aside from concern could he have? The normality of the next couple of days was welcome – normality being relative around here, of course. Adrian kept sending me e-mails, asking me to rescue him (while also offering unsolicited dating advice). Ms. Terwilliger continued her passive aggressive attempts to teach me magic. Eddie continued in his fierce dedication to Jill. And Angeline continued her not-sosubtle advances on Eddie. After watching her â€Å"accidentally† spill her water bottle all over her white T-shirt at practice with him one day, I knew something would have to be done, no matter what Eddie had said about his personal life. Like so many awkward and unpleasant tasks in our cohort, I had a feeling I was the one who would have to do it. I figured this would be some sort of stern, heart-to-heart talk about the proper way to solicit someone's attention, but on the night of my date with Brayden, it was soon made clear to me that I was apparently the last person who should be giving dating advice. â€Å"You're wearing that?† demanded Kristin, pointing an accusing finger at the outfit I'd neatly set out on my bed. She and Julia had taken it upon themselves to inspect me before I went out. Jill and Angeline had tagged along without invitation, and I couldn't help but notice that everyone seemed a lot more excited about this than I was. Mostly I was a tangle of nerves and fear. This was what it must feel like to go into a test without having studied. It was a new experience for me. â€Å"It's not a school uniform,† I said. I'd had enough sense to know wearing that would be unacceptable. â€Å"And it's a color. Kind of.† Julia held up the top I'd selected, a crisp cotton blouse with short sleeves and a high, button-up collar. The whole thing was a soft shade of lemon yellow, which I thought would score me points with this group since everyone accused me of not wearing colors. I'd even combined it with a pair of jeans. She shook her head. â€Å"This is the kind of shirt that says, ‘You're never getting in here.'† â€Å"Well, why would he?† I demanded. Kristin, sitting cross-legged in my desk chair, tilted her head thoughtfully as she studied the shirt. â€Å"I think it's more like a shirt that says, ‘I'm going to have to end this date early so I can go prepare my Power Point presentation.'† That sent them into fits of laughter. I was about to protest when I noticed Jill and Angeline going through my closet. â€Å"Hey! Maybe you should ask before doing that.† â€Å"All your dresses are too heavy,† said Jill. She pulled out one made of soft, gray cashmere. â€Å"I mean, at least this is sleeveless, but it's still too much for this weather.† â€Å"Half my wardrobe is,† I said. â€Å"It's made for four seasons. I didn't really have a lot of time to switch to all summer stuff before coming here.† â€Å"See?† exclaimed Angeline triumphantly. â€Å"Now you know my problem. I can cut a couple inches off of that, if you want.† â€Å"No!† To my relief, Jill put the dress away. A few moments later, she produced a new find. â€Å"What about this?† She held up a hanger carrying a long white tank top made of light, crinkly material with a scoop neckline. Kristin glanced at Angeline. â€Å"Think you could make the neckline lower?† â€Å"The neckline's low enough already. And that's not a shirt you wear on its own,† I protested. â€Å"It's meant to be tucked in under a blazer.† Julia rose from the chair. She tossed her hair; this was serious business. â€Å"No, no†¦ this might work.† She took the shirt from Jill and laid it across the jeans I'd set out. She studied it for a few moments and then returned to my closet – which was apparently free game for everyone. After a quick search, she pulled out a skinny leather belt with a tan snakeskin pattern. â€Å"I thought I remembered you wearing this.† She laid the belt over the white shirt and stepped back. After a bit more scrutiny, she gave it a nod of approval. The others crowded in to look. â€Å"Good eye,† said Kristin. â€Å"Hey, I found the shirt,† Jill reminded her. â€Å"I can't wear the shirt alone,† I said. I hoped my protests covered up my anxiety. Had I really been that off on the yellow shirt? I'd been certain it was date-appropriate. How was I going to survive tonight if I couldn't even dress right? â€Å"If you want to put a blazer on over it in this weather, be my guest,† said Julia. â€Å"But I don't think you have to worry about it showing too much. This wouldn't even be worth Mrs. Weathers's notice.† â€Å"Neither would the yellow blouse,† I pointed out. They decided my clothing was a done deal and moved on to hair and makeup advice. I drew the line there. I wore makeup every day – very nice, very expensive makeup applied to make the most of my features in a way that made it look as though I didn't even have makeup on. I wasn't going to change that natural look, no matter how adamantly Julia swore pink eye shadow would be â€Å"hot.† None of them put up much of a fight on my hair. It was currently in a layered cut that went just past my shoulders. There was exactly one way it could be styled, worn down with the layers carefully arranged with a hair dryer. Any other style looked messy, and of course, I already had it in the perfect configuration today. No point messing with a good thing. Besides, I think they were all too excited that I'd agreed to wear the white tank top – once I'd tried it on to verify that it wasn't transparent. My only nod to jewelry was my little gold cross. I fastened it around my neck and said a silent prayer that I'd get through this. Although Alchemists used crosses a lot, we weren't exactly part of any traditional Christian faith or practice. We had our own religious services and believed in God, that He was a great force of goodness and light that infused every bit of the universe. With all that responsibility, He probably didn't care much about one girl going on a date, but maybe He could spare a second to make sure it wasn't too painful. They all traipsed down the stairs with me when the time came for Brayden to pick me up. (Actually, it was a little earlier than the appointed time, but I hated being late.) The girls had all come up with reasons for needing to meet him, from Jill's â€Å"It's a family thing† to Kristin's â€Å"I can spot an asshole in five seconds.† I wasn't confident in that last one, seeing as she'd once speculated that Keith might be a good catch. All of them were also full of unsolicited advice. â€Å"You can split the cost of dinner or the play,† said Julia. â€Å"Not both. He needs to pick up the whole bill on one of them.† â€Å"Better if he pays for everything, though,† said Kristin. â€Å"Still order something, even if you don't want to eat it,† added Jill. â€Å"If he's buying dinner, you don't want to let him off cheap. He's gotta work for you.† â€Å"Where are you guys getting all of this?† I asked. â€Å"What does it matter if I – oh, come on.† We'd reached the lobby and found Eddie and Micah sitting on a bench together. They at least had the decency to look embarrassed. â€Å"Not you guys too,† I said. â€Å"I was just here to see Jill,† said Micah unconvincingly. â€Å"And I was here to, um†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Eddie faltered, and I held up a hand to stop him. â€Å"Don't bother. Honestly, I'm surprised Trey isn't here with a camera or something. I figured he'd want to immortalize every moment of this debacle of a – oh. Hey, over here.† I put on a smile as Brayden stepped into the lobby. Apparently I wasn't the only one who liked to be early. Brayden seemed a little surprised that I had an entourage. I couldn't blame him since I was kind of surprised I had one too. â€Å"It's nice to meet all of you,† said Brayden, friendly, even if a little bewildered. Eddie, while uncomfortable with Angeline's advances, could be perfectly outgoing in less bizarre social situations. He played up the brotherly role and shook Brayden's hand. â€Å"I hear you guys are seeing a play tonight.† â€Å"Yes,† said Brayden. â€Å"Although, I prefer the term drama. I've actually already seen this production, but I'd like to watch it again with an eye toward alternative forms of dramatic analysis. The standard Freytag method can get a little cliched after a while.† This left everyone speechless. Or maybe they were just trying to figure out what he'd said. Eddie glanced at me then back to Brayden. â€Å"Well. Something tells me you guys are going to have a great time together.† Once we were able to extract ourselves from my well-wishers Brayden said, â€Å"You have very†¦ devoted family and friends.† â€Å"Oh,† I said. â€Å"That. They just, uh, happened to all be going out together at the same time we were. To study.† Brayden glanced at his watch. â€Å"Not too late for that, I suppose. If I can, I always do my homework right after school because – â€Å" â€Å"If you put it off, you never know if something unexpected might happen?† â€Å"Exactly,† he said. He smiled at me. I smiled back. I followed him to visitor parking, over to a shiny, silver Ford Mustang. I nearly swooned. Immediately, I reached out and ran my hand along the car's smooth surface. â€Å"Nice,† I said. â€Å"Brand new, next model year. These new ones will never quite have the character of the classics, but they certainly make up for it in fuel economy and safety.† Brayden looked pleasantly surprised. â€Å"You know your cars.† â€Å"It's a hobby,† I admitted. â€Å"My mom is really into them.† When I'd first met Rose Hathaway, I'd had the incredible experience of driving a 1972 Citroen. Now I owned a Subaru named Latte. I loved it, but it wasn't exactly glamorous. â€Å"They're works of art and engineering.† I noticed then that Brayden had come with me to the passenger side. For half a second, I thought he expected me to drive. Maybe because I liked cars so much? But then, he opened the door and I realized he was waiting for me to get in. I did, trying to remember the last time a guy had opened a car door for me. My conclusion: never. Dinner wasn't fast food, but it wasn't anything fancy either. I wondered what Julia and Kristin's opinion would be on that. We ate at a very California type of cafe, that served all organic sandwiches and salads. Every menu item seemed to feature avocado. â€Å"I would've taken you somewhere nicer,† he told me. â€Å"But I didn't want to risk being late. The park's a few blocks away, so we should be able to get a good spot. I†¦ I hope that's okay?† He suddenly looked nervous. It was such a contrast to the confidence he had shown when talking about Shakespeare. I had to admit, it was kind of reassuring. I found myself relaxing a little bit. â€Å"If it's not, I'll find a better place – â€Å" â€Å"No, this is great,† I told him, glancing around the cafe's brightly lit dining room. It was one of those places where we ordered at a counter and then brought a number to our table. â€Å"I'd rather be early, anyway.† He'd paid for all of our food. I tried to make sense of the dating rules my friends had bombarded me with. â€Å"What do I owe you for my ticket?† I asked tentatively. Brayden looked surprised. â€Å"Nothing. It's on me.† He smiled tentatively back. â€Å"Thank you,† I said. So, he was paying. That would make Kristin happy, although it made me a little uneasy – through no fault of his. With the Alchemists, I was always the one picking up the bills and handling the paperwork. I wasn't used to someone else doing it. I guess I just had trouble shaking that feeling that I had to take care of everything because no one else could do it right. Academics had always been a breeze for me. But at Amberwood, learning how to hang out with people my own age in a normal way had been a much more difficult task. I'd gotten better, but it was still a struggle trying to figure out the proper things to say to my peers. With Brayden, there were no such problems. We had an endless supply of topics, both of us eager to put forth all we knew on anything and everything. Most of the meal was spent discussing the intricacies of the organic certification process. It was pretty awesome. Trouble came when, as we were finishing up, Brayden asked if I wanted to get dessert before we left. I froze, suddenly in a dilemma. Jill had said to make sure I ordered enough to not come across as a cheap date. Without even thinking about it, I'd ordered an inexpensive salad – simply because it sounded good. Was I now on the hook to order more so I'd seem like someone Brayden had to work for? Was this worth breaking all my own rules about sugar and dessert? And honestly, what did Jill know about dating etiquette anyway? Her last boyfriend had been homicidal, and her current one was oblivious to the fact that she was a vampire. â€Å"Uh, no thank you,† I said at last. â€Å"I'd rather make sure we get to the park on time.† He nodded as he rose from the table and gave me another smile. â€Å"I was thinking the same thing. Most people don't seem to think punctuality is that important.† â€Å"Important? It's essential,† I said. â€Å"I'm always at least ten minutes early.† Brayden's grin widened. â€Å"I aim for fifteen. To tell you the truth†¦ I really didn't want dessert anyway.† He held the door open for me as we stepped outside. â€Å"I try to avoid getting too much sugar.† I nearly came to a standstill in astonishment. â€Å"I totally agree – but my friends always give me a hard time about it.† Brayden nodded. â€Å"There are all sorts of reasons. People just don't get it, though.† I walked to the park, stunned. No one had ever understood me so quickly and easily. It was like he had read my mind. Palm Springs was a desert city, filled with long stretches of sandy vistas and stark, rocky mountain faces. But it was also a city that mankind had been shaping for a long time, and many places – Amberwood, for example – had been given lush, green makeovers in defiance of the natural climate. This park was no exception. It was a huge expanse of green lawn, ringed with leafy deciduous trees instead of the usual palms. A stage had been set up at one end, and people were already seeking out the best spots. We chose one in the shade that had a great view of the stage. Brayden took out a blanket to sit on from his backpack, along with a worn copy of Antony and Cleopatra. It was marked up with notes and sticky tabs. â€Å"Did you bring your own?† he asked me. â€Å"No,† I said. I couldn't help but be impressed. â€Å"I didn't bring many books from home when I moved here.† He hesitated, as though unsure he should say what he was thinking. â€Å"Do you want to read along with mine?† I'd honestly figured I would just watch the play, but the scholar in me could certainly see the perks of having the original text along. I was also curious about what kind of notes he'd made. It was only after I'd said yes that I realized why he was nervous. Reading along with him meant we had to sit very, very close together. â€Å"I won't bite,† he said, smiling when I didn't move right away. That broke the tension, and we managed to move into positions that allowed us both to see the book with almost no touching. There was no avoiding our knees brushing one another, but we both had jeans on, and it didn't make me feel like my virtue was at stake. Also, I couldn't help but notice he smelled like coffee – my favorite vice. That wasn't a bad thing. Not bad at all. Still, I was very conscious of being so close to someone. I didn't think I was getting any romantic vibes. My pulse didn't race; my heart didn't flutter. Mostly I was aware that this was the closest I'd sat to anyone, maybe in my life. I wasn't used to sharing my personal space so much. I soon forgot about that as the play started. Brayden might not like Shakespeare performed in modern clothing, but I thought they did an admirable job. Following along with the text, we caught a couple of spots where the actors messed up a line. We shot each other secret, triumphant looks, gleeful that we were in on something others didn't know about. I kept up with Brayden's annotations too, nodding at some and shaking my head at others. I couldn't wait until we discussed this on the ride home. We were all leaning forward intently during Cleopatra's dramatic death scene, intensely focused on her last lines. Off to my side, I heard the crinkling of paper. I ignored it and leaned forward further. The paper crinkled again, this time much louder. Looking over, I saw a group of guys sitting nearby who appeared to be about college-aged. Most of them were watching the performance, but one was holding an item wrapped in a brown paper bag. The bag was too big for the object and had been rolled down several times. He glanced around nervously, trying to be discreet and unroll the paper in small batches. It was obvious that was actually making more noise than if he'd just gone for it and unrolled it all at once. This went on for another minute, and by then, a few others nearby were glancing over at him. He finally managed to open the bag and then, still in slow motion, carefully lowered his hand inside. I heard the pop of a cap and the guy's face lit up in triumph. Still keeping the object concealed, he lifted the bag to his mouth and drank out of what was very obviously a bottle of beer or some other alcohol. It had been pretty apparent right away from the bag shape. I clapped a hand over my mouth, in an attempt to smother my laughter. He reminded me so much of Adrian. I could absolutely see Adrian smuggling in alcohol to an event like this and then going to all sorts of pains to be covert, thinking that if he just did everything slowly enough, no one would catch on to him. Adrian, too, would probably have the misfortune of opening the bottle right in the middle of the play's most tense scene. I could even picture a similarly delighted look on his face, one that said, No one knows what I'm doing! When, of course, we all knew. I didn't know why it made me laugh, but it did. Brayden was too focused on the play to notice. â€Å"Ooh,† he whispered to me. â€Å"This is a good part – where her handmaidens kill themselves.† The two of us had plenty to debate and analyze on the way back to Amberwood. I was almost disappointed when his car pulled up to my dorm. As we sat there, I realized we'd come to another critical dating milestone. What was the correct procedure here? Was he supposed to kiss me? Was I supposed to let him? Had that been the real price of my salad? Brayden seemed nervous too, and I braced myself for the worst. When I looked down at my hands in my lap, I noticed they were shaking. You can do this, I told myself. It's a rite of passage. I started to close my eyes, but when Brayden spoke, I opened them quickly. As it turned out, Brayden's buildup of courage wasn't for a kiss, so much as a question. â€Å"Would you†¦ would you like to go out again?† he asked, giving me a shy smile. I was surprised at the mix of emotions this triggered. Relief was foremost, of course. I'd now have time to research books on kissing too. At the same time, I was kind of disappointed that the swagger and confidence he'd shown in dramatic analysis didn't carry through here. Some part of me thought his line should've been more like, â€Å"Well, after that night of perfection, I guess we have no choice but to go out again.† Immediately, I felt stupid for such a sentiment. I had no business expecting him to be more at ease with this when I was sitting there with my hands shaking. â€Å"Sure,† I blurted out. He breathed a sigh of relief. â€Å"Cool,† he said. â€Å"I'll e-mail you.† â€Å"That'd be great.† I smiled. More awkward silence fell, and suddenly, I wondered if the kiss might be coming after all. â€Å"Do you†¦ do you want me to walk you to the door?† he asked. â€Å"What? Oh, no. Thank you. It's right there. I'll be fine. Thank you.† I realized I was on the verge of sounding like Jill. â€Å"Well, then,† said Brayden. â€Å"I had a really nice night. Looking forward to next time.† â€Å"Me too.† He held out his hand. I shook it. Then I left the car and went inside. I shook his hand? I replayed the moment in my head, feeling dumber and dumber. What is wrong with me? As I walked through the lobby, kind of dazed, I took out my cell phone to see if I had any messages. I'd turned it off tonight, figuring if ever there was a time I'd earned peace, this was it. To my astonishment, no one had needed anything in my absence, though there was one text message from Jill, sent about fifteen minutes ago: How was your date with Brandon? What's he like? I unlocked my dorm door and stepped inside. His name is Brayden, I texted back. I pondered the rest of her question and took a long time in trying to decide how to respond. He's just like me.

Atticus Finch Character Sketch

Atticus Finch is one of the major characters in Harper Lees To Kill a Mockingbird written in 1960. Atticus is a lawyer in Maycomb, the representative of Alabama in the State Legislator and the father of Scout and Jeremy Finch. The major themes and ideas Lee emphasizes in the novel are social inequality and intolerance, education, legal justice and bravery are represented in one way or another through this character. Atticus Finch is a man of principles who is consistent in his views and deeds throughout the novel.He has an arguable type of personality because many people back then would call him ignorant, but he still fought against his doubters. Although he is criticized and mocked by many characters in the novel for his tolerant attitude towards the â€Å"Negros†, the people of Maycomb still respect him and keep re-electing him to be their representative in the State Legislator. According to Miss Maudie Atkinson words to Scout, he is a man full of empathy, â€Å"Atticus is a man who does for other people the unpleasant things they have to do. He is a defender of justice and he fights for it even if he is sure that he will be beaten at end. † Atticus wise and understanding attitude is because he is quite aware of the fact that each human being has positive and negative sides. He always focuses on the good part of the people around him and in each situation he finds excuses for their aggressive or bad deeds. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. One of the things he does that prove this is he forgives Mrs.Duboses for the bad words she said to his children about him and he almost forces Jem to read for her during her last days. After she dies, he speaks to Jem and Scout about his admiration for her courage in resisting morphine addiction. At the very end of the novel, Scout states that she is grateful to her father for letting her know that you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. This attitude also makes Atticus tolerate Mr. Walter Cunningham and Bob Ewell aggressiveness towards him.Atticus is able to see beyond other peoples deeds and thoughts and thus he is highly respected for the wisdom with which he deals with difficult situations. Atticus is a courageous man. However, he believes that real courage is not manifested in a man with a gun in his hand. Although he once has been the best shooter in the town, his children have never seen him using a gun before the dog incident. Moreover, Atticus is too courageous and righteous to abide by the norms of the pride white people in his town. He defends a black man, Tom Robinson accused of raping a white young girl, against his white opponent.Atticus believes from the very beginning that he is to lose his case. However, he withstands peoples insults to himself and his children for the sake of the color-blind law he aims to achieve. Also, Atticus courage makes him ready to present his own son to be punished when he thought he killed Bob Ewelld whereas Sheriff Tate tries to defend Jem. Atticus frequent courageous defense of his principles has had an impact on his childrens conception of courage. Scout says â€Å"I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived.Atticus does not abide by the norms of the white community pride. Not only does he defend Tom Robinson, but he also chooses to go himself to his wife to tell her about his death. The agony and pity of the late prisoner’s wife and not her color is what mattered to him. Atticus has chosen to defend his morals and his belief of justice regardless to the ethnic associations of Tom Robinson’s case. Unlike other characters in the novel, Atticus perceives the â€Å"Negros† as equal human beings who have the right to enjoy justice and social respect.He always defends his cook Calpurnia against his sister Alexandras reservations and he asserts to her that Calpurnia is a significant member in the Finch family. He does not mind that a black woman takes part in raising up his children. Also, he does not mind that she accompanies them to the church of the Negros even though the objections from his sister and from some members of the black community. Atticus Finch’s consistency makes him an ideal father. Unlike his brother, Atticus is an expert in dealing with little children.His wise and firm opinions and deeds have had great influence on the characters of Jem and Scout as the novel proceeds. Miss Maudie says that â€Å"Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets†. He deals with Scout and Jem as if they are adults. For instance, he does not hesitate to answer Scouts question about the meaning of rape, and he makes deals with his children and is committed to them. At the same time, Atticus understands that Jem and Scout are still children and they are bound to make childish mistakes.He finds excuses for their bad deeds and that makes him more patient with them than his sister Alexandra. For example, he says to her when she criticizes the language Scout uses that bad language is a stage all children go through, and it dies with time when they learn theyre not attracting attention with it. Atticus is eager to teach his children good values and practices through people’s mistakes and poor behaviour and their own mistakes in real life situations rather than by giving them instructions.He does not rebuke or punish Jem and Scout for attending the trial of Robison or for secretly following him to the jail where Robinson was kept. He is always aware of what his children secretly do. For example, he has known that it was Jem at whom Mr. Radely once shot his gun. Yet, he frequently draws their attention not to violate other peoples privacy. He also tries to make them realize facts about life and to correct their misconceptions by themselves. He often uses the question do you really think so? as an indirect hint that drives the children to revisit what they have thought or said. Also, Atticus conversations with Jem and Scout regularly included morally heavy contents such as â€Å"Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit em, but remember its a sin to kill a mockingbird. The way Atticus deals with his children has made them respect him and grow more proud of him as time passes, and they appreciate what he has done for them, although they once have felt sorry that their father is older and less energetic than other children’s fathers. The character of Atticus finch represents a good model of a professional lawyer. Atticus’ defense of the color-blind justice and his belief that law should be free from any prejudices has set him as an ideal lawyer. He is widely regarded as a moral hero for many readers and as a model of integrity for people. He also tries throughout the novel to pass these values onto his children. As a result, the character of Atticus Finch, the lawyer has appeared in many other books that targets lawyers and concern them.Mike Papantonio’s In Search for Atticus Finch: A Motivational Book for Lawyers and Pierre Schlag’s Laying Down the Law: Mysticism, Fetishism and the American Legal Mind are cases in point. Also, the character was so influential that it appeared in books concerned with law and lawyers in cinema productions such as Law and Film by Steve Greenfield, Guy Osborn, Peter Robson, In conclusion, Atticus Finch is an ideal paradigm of a good citizen, a skilful and honest lawyer and an understanding father. The character is enlightening and influential on other fictional characters in the novel and on people in the real world as well. His insightful attitudes and deeds distinguished him as a highly respectable and appreciated individual in the community he lived in. His personality urged people to choose him as their representative even though they sometimes criticize him for doing the unpleasant things that must be done.

Is democracy necessary to protect universal human rights Essay - 1

Is democracy necessary to protect universal human rights - Essay Example This leads us to the last premise, democracy and human rights are closely interlinked to a point that they strengthen each other and that they are inseparable. Meaning, each is vital to the other. If human rights define democracy, democracy facilitates the realization of human rights. In short, the necessity of democracy for the protection of universal human rights resides on the very principles, process, and nature of democracy. To explain further, each premise is discussed below. Premise 1: Democracy upholds the principles of universal human rights. To explain this premise entails a brief discussion on the concepts of democracy and human rights, because this premise rests its assertion on the very principles that these two concepts uphold. Human rights Donnelly (2003, 10) explains, ‘are literally, the rights that one has simply because one is human’. As such, he characterizes human rights to be equal, inalienable and universal. Meaning human rights are applicable to ev ery human being regardless of color, sex, and creed. It is absolute that it cannot be denied from any one. In fact to him, even those who behave badly are entitled to these rights since no one can stop one from being human. This perhaps is due to the fact that no man is perfect. Every one of us at one time or another in our lives commits mistakes. This however should not be misconstrued as a justification for violating one’s right, because as always said, in every right there is a corresponding responsibility. In other words, one’s exercise and enjoyment of his/her right should not obstruct nor limit another’s exercise of his/her right. A classic example of this is the exercise of one’s right to freedom of speech/expression. As Amnesty International states: your right to freedom of speech is limited by your responsibility not to say untrue things which will degrade another person and abuse their right to dignity and good reputation’ (cited in Sprin g 2000, 70). Meaning, one cannot make use of his/her right to freedom of expression by committing oral defamation or slander. This clearly illustrates that human rights should be exercise with respect for the rights of others. Thus human rights must reside on facts and truths. Therefore, human rights are rights that recognize the dignity which set human beings far above from other forms of animals, that violating any of it is a direct assault to human dignity. However, human rights unless justified and accepted would be useless. In practice today, human rights are justified by a constitution or declaration (Parsons 2004, 32-33). An example of which are the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international treatises such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966; the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966; the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989; the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocid e, 1948; the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of racial Discrimination, 1965; the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or degrading Treatment or Punishment, 1984; and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, 1979 (United Nations 2003). Notably though, these human rights instruments could only be possible under democracy. Why is it so, necessitates our understanding of democracy. Defining democracy is not simply an academic exercise but

Current Issues in Education and Traing- Seminar Paper Related to the Essay

Current Issues in Education and Traing- Seminar Paper Related to the New Diplomas in the UK - Essay Example ke a smooth transition from school to work and may go on to university however many other students lack support for this activity and they dont have the proper guidance to get to this point. Many dont have a clear pathway to go to good jobs or good career opportunities. (Blair, 1999, p. 6). It is important to bring training to these students so that they can make better choices after they leave school. Some of the students in this category have family problems or emotional issues that stop them from doing well in regular school and these students become socially excluded because they cant get the jobs they need. This creates less structure for students than the New Deal for older unemployed young people (Blair, p. 8).There are many obstacles that have been present for these older young people and therefore when life goes wrong for them and they are involved in a pattern that keeps them there, they will be disproportionately involved in social exclusion. These young adults are more likely to be "unemployed, dependent on benefits, to live in unstable family structures, and to be depressed about their lives" (Blair, p. 8). Other challenges for these students are that the regular compulsory education may cause some students to be truant too often and others to be disruptive to their classrooms. This has leaded many to see a weakness in the vocational aspects of training. This also called for a new way of looking at education ("Opportunity and Excellence", p. 3). According to Opportunity and Excellence (2005), the New Diplomas would combine traditional study with tailored programmes that would fit the individual needs and aptitudes of each student. This would enable them to continue to learn English, mathematics and science but in a different atmosphere in school. They would also learn about work and enterprise and learn computer skills as some of the classes (Opportunity and Excellence, p. 4). These classes will be done in modules that make the diploma more

Court , Newcastle Upon Tyne Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Court , Newcastle Upon Tyne - Essay Example The role of the Crown Court is to deal with the most serious criminal matters. which include cases which are sent to the Crown Court from magistrates courts or youth courts due to the seriousness of the offence. Sole entering in Court 3 of Newcastle-upon-Tyne Combined Court Centre shows very specific atmosphere of law, order and formality. Located in imposing building made of red brick and glass, Court center dominates the center of the town. Criminal court layout is typical for crown courts in United Kingdom. Room is dominated by judgeswearing colored gowns which are seated in the far end of the room, while in front of them is seated court clerk that manages all the court files relating the case that is being on process. Also in the area just in front of the judges bench is the sound recordist which records proceedings on a double deck cassette recorder with one tape or the other being changed at intervals. This record may be used if the case later goes to appeal. Throughout the roo m prosecution and defense lawyers are seated while behind them are places for probation officers and press reporters. Along the wall on the opposite side of magistrates are seats for audience and another court clerk while the doc, place where accused is seating is placed by the right wall of the courtroom. From that place he is able to monitor all the acters of the process. The court layout was good because no matter where you was seated you still had a good view of the surroundings David Moore case which I have visited showed all the complexity and way of work of criminal justice courts in United Kingdom. This 16 year old youth is accused together with his brother for damaging of property, and on 21th of February was brought for a first hearing which was conducted to decade if there is enough potential for starting the trial. Several minor issues were tackled during the

Strategic Analysis and Choice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Strategic Analysis and Choice - Essay Example Thus, the need arises to have a blue print that tells how to go about it Companies need to diverse, differentiate, integrate backward or forwards, and manage business portfolio balanced. And hence they need to plan - develop a vision, set the mission, develop long term plans and further break them into objectives to achieve the desired goal. But it is important that the strategy is to be consistent with the organizational goals and policies, it should be flexible enough to respond to the faster changing environment in which it is operating, and it should add value to the organization and become a source of advantage over its competitors, and lastly, it should be feasible and practical enough to get through. Strategic management can be defined as the art and science of formulating, implementing, ad evaluating cross-functional decisions that enable an organization to achieve its objectives (David F.R., Strategic Management). The process of strategic management involves three stages, viz. formulation of a strategy, implementing a strategy and lastly, evaluating the strategy. Since, organizations have limited resources thus they need to choose from amongst the alternatives available. Setting a strategy starts with developing a strategic vision so as to provide long term direction, and provide a purpose to the organization. The strategic vision is then converted into specific performance objectives for the company to achieve. And then forming strategies to achieve the desired outcomes that have been developed in the form of objectives. This all was the planning portion of the process; no strategy is useful until it is implemented and executed effectively and efficiently. In the end, evaluat ion stage begins which requires comparing actual i.e. the reality with the planned. But as companies prosper and grow they need to diversify into new areas. Companies have to balance their portfolios well enough with cash cows, stars, dogs and question marks so that cash needs growth needs all are being fulfilled by the company. Strategy analysis requires companies to understand their markets, their cost structure, and also the capabilities underlying the firm i.e. any of the core competencies or the distinctive competencies that the company possesses. Companies need creativity and new ideas to identify any potential gaps in the strategy, the markets etc. which will lead them to make and implement a solid strategic plan to serve the new and existing markets. Source: http://www.netmba.com/strategy/matrix/bcg/ Huge businesses are normally divided into the strategic business units. These strategic business units are the individual planning units contained within one large and diversified business serving either the external or the internal market. They make independent decisions for themselves and have a control over their own destiny. They have competitors and are profit centers for the company but still independent. Companies already have so many products and services have many other growth initiatives because of the factors such as globalization, services, quality and the emerging e-businesses. Globalization is not only letting companies to enhance their revenue

ETHICS MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

ETHICS MANAGEMENT - Essay Example The individual scenarios illustrate the importance of ethics in management in their day to day activities. The CFA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is used as a guideline in resolving each given problem. The Code and Standards  serves as the ethical yardstick of investment professionals all around the world, setting aside the aspects of job title or position, cultural differences, or local laws. The values of integrity, competence, diligence, respect, and in an ethical manner with the public, clients, prospective clients, employers, employees, colleagues in the investment profession, and other participants in the global capital markets are hereby applied in the sample problems in order to resolve the ethical issues presented in this paper. Keywords: ethics management, ethical dilemma, code of ethics, professional conduct, values, global investment ETHICAL MANAGEMENT This paper presents some of the common problems encountered in the professional environment by applying CFA In stitute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct to as a guide in order to resolve the ethical dilemmas. The CFA Code of Ethics emphasizes the values of integrity, competence, respect and how to maintain professional competence by placing the interests of the clients above individual interest. On the other hand, the CFA Standards of Professional Conduct highlights the values of professionalism, duties to clients, employers, colleagues, the integrity of capital markets, investment analysis and recommendations and conflicts of interest. Both are used as point of reference in resolving ethical dilemmas and ethical conflicts by applying ethical theories. Problems A & B As a sales representative, I am faced with the ethical dilemma of whether I should close the deal with Fortune 500 company even if I know that the other 2,000 computers will be delayed in delivery and I will earn a sizeable profit by receiving a big commission from such sale and will definitely boost the compa ny’s stock option. As a mother of two children, my kids are entitled to receive support from me, the money that I will be earning will help our family to defray our daily expenses. On the other hand, I will be in violation of the Code of Ethics as I should â€Å"act with integrity, competence, diligence and respect to my clients. I am expected to put the interest of client above my own personal interests†(CFA Code of Ethics 2010). One of my duties to my clients is to be fair in all my dealings with them. In this case, if I pursue with the sale with personal knowledge that the other computer units will not be delivered on time, I am guilty of putting my personal interest above the interest of my client. The long term effect of this sale to Fortune 500 would mean that their company will incur losses because of the failure of delivery on the part of our company. Our company will stand to lose a valuable client if I choose to close the deal without informing them that we c annot deliver on time and blame the delay to the manufacturer of computers. The short term effect will be advantageous on my part as I will receive a lucrative commission and the company will also benefit from the sale by receiving a boost in the company’s stock price and help our executives who want to exercise stock options. In the end, my final decision will be to forego with the deal even if our company will stand to lose a reasonable amount of profit and also if I lose the chance to earn personal gain. The Standards of Professional Conduct requires that in cases of â€Å"conflict of interest, I should make full and fair disclosure of all matters that could reasonably be expected to impair my independence and objectivity or interfere with respective duties to my clie

The Selling Process and Selling Tools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Selling Process and Selling Tools - Essay Example Determining and estimating the competition strength is also important in sales and marketing. What qualifies a service or a product to particular market segmentation and what hinders maximum profits should be determined. Knowledge of the segment that will need a company’s product or services will save time and resources, and this can be done by determining dimensions of sales. The demand for a product should be well estimated for accurate production. Demand estimation will reduce wastages of resources or loss of customers because the products were not enough. Trade area analysis is very important in sales, as a company will know which part of the country needs their goods or services. Trade areas differ with geography, political stability, and economic advantage and a company that has all these details will have a competitive advantage. Market potential and sales forecast should also be checked before a company engages are sales in an area. The product that a company is sellin g is the most important aspect is sales and marketing. What the product entails is something that matters to the customers and should be what a company takes it into account before manufacturing it. Why the product, who will it benefit more, where will it be sold, how much will it go for, and what profits margin is expected to bring. A good product should not stay on the shelf for long instead every production should be increased because demand has also increased. Pricing for personal selling has been considered the strongest promotion tool as it personalizes the message to the customer. The sales tend to be higher when personal selling is conducted, ensuring that all the profits go to the company instead of having to divide them among the sales agents. Personal selling also uses various technologies and helps overcome geographic limitations because the companies are able to draw budgets for the sales. This kind of selling also promotes good relationships between the customers, mana gement, and employees. This creates loyalty in the company a very important aspect of a business. Promotion strategy is an element very important in the marketing mix that involves advertising of a product for customers to be familiar with it before purchasing. Advertising to be done before the product is in the market to get people responses and ensure that the customers do not forget its value. Personal selling is the other component of promotion strategy where the producer promotes their product personally. This creates brand loyalty from the customers ensuring that they do not stop using the product.

Pearson Education Company and Its External Factors Essay

Pearson Education Company and Its External Factors - Essay Example Like any other organization, Pearson Education does not exist in a vacuum but operates in an environment that is characterized by stiff competition from other rival competitors like McGraw-Hill, Reed Elserivier, and Thomson among others. In this context, STEEPLE analysis mainly takes into consideration the environmental factors that may impact on the operations of business. According to information obtained online, there are mainly seven factors that affect the operations of business and these are social, technological, economic, environmental, political, legal and ethical. (See appendix 1). It is very important for any business to diagnose the external environment in which it is operating in order to gain a competitive advantage over the other competitors. An organization ought to strategically streamline its operations so as to be able to remain viable and profitable while at the same time ensuring that its operations conform to the expectations of the customers. Whilst there are v arious external factors, technological as well as economic factors form the basis of this study as going to be analyzed in detail. On the other hand, a SWOT analysis defines the relationship between the internal and external environmental factors in the appraisals in strategic analysis of the operations of a business (Robinson 1997). Basically, SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses which represent the internal environment of the firm while opportunities and threats are external environmental factors. It is primarily concerned with analyzing the key factors of the environment and the fundamental internal strengths and weaknesses of the organization which will help dictate the strategies appropriate to the firm. The internal factors include the operations of the employees at Pearson Education while the external factors are mainly concerned with technological developments as well as competition from the other rival players.

A Mothers Legacy In Mary Shelleys Mathilda Essay Example for Free

A Mothers Legacy In Mary Shelleys Mathilda Essay Abstract Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley are two writers whose ideas are likely to be similar. Shelley admits that she is influenced by her mother. Therefore, the purpose of this essay is to find out and to identify the ideas presented in Wollstonecrafts essay on womens rights A Vindication for the Rights of Woman (1792) and see if they are incorporated into Shelleys novella Mathilda (1819). My analysis of A Vindication for the Rights of Woman shows that Wollstonecrafts main ideas are that limited education, the subjugation of women by the family, female dependency on men and romantic thinking are the source for womens inferiority. This essay identifies and examines these ideas in the light of some secondary material and tries to suggest that they are visible as themes in Shelleys Mathilda. In Mathilda, these ideas are visible as themes throughout the novel. The tragedy that befalls the characters illustrates the immoral and self-destructive tendencies which women obtain when being subject to these conditions. On the other hand, Shelley does not emphasize a lack of education and offers an additional point of view where Wollstonecrafts views on motherhood are criticized. The conclusion drawn is that Wollstonecrafts ideas must have had an influence on Shelley as the fate of the characters is an illustration of the society that is criticized in A Vindication for the Rights of Woman and its destruction. However, Shelley does not agree on ideas with the subject of upbringing and goes against a few of her mothers main points, namely the role of mothers and the pre-eminence of education. They mostly have a consensus as most ideas that are present in one work are present in the other but Shelley has rebelled against some of her mothers notions.

State and Federal Aid Essay Example for Free

State and Federal Aid Essay There are many past and rising issues involving public school finance. The public schools system is funded through federal, state and local taxes. Each state has different formulas to distribute funding from state and local taxes. Federal funding does contribute to the rising cost of education for each state. State and local taxes is allocated to cover the majority of educational costs. Student achievement depends upon the available funding allotted to each district. This author will attempt to discuss equalization of federal, state and local funding. Also, this author will attempt to describe fair, equitable and adequate tax systems. Federal, state and local funding are all important to the funding formula for public education in Texas. A large chunk of funding for Texas schools comes from sales tax. Every item that is purchased, with the exception of food, has a sales tax added on. Ultimately, all consumers contribute to the public education system. Every other week in the news, there are stories covering the rising costs of oil and gas. Every time we fill our gas tanks, we are paying taxes that go towards local funding of education. Many districts in Texas are filled with low economic status students, and are Title I campuses. Title I campuses provide free and reduced breakfast and lunch for students. These free and reduced meals are provided each school day. Title I campuses in Texas receive federal funding for the free and reduced lunch program. Each parent, every school year, is encouraged to complete paperwork for each student to qualify for the program. Throughout the history of public education the big question has been, â€Å"How can the funding of public education be equal and equitable?† Each state receives federal funding with the intent of the federal government to provide equal and equitable education to all children. The federal funding received by each state is allocated towards the basic necessities that are needed for education. Additional funding is needed for the many resources and developmental trainings that are also needed to provide adequate education. This is when state and local funding are important and added to the equation. This is also the reason given by many school districts on the importance of increasing state and local taxes. Each year school districts receive reports on accountability from the state. With these reports school boards have decisions to make. These decisions all deal with what is needed  to improve and increase accountability. In turn, discussions of where funding should be allocated and how to generate more funding. To increase local taxes would be a source of increased funding. Then, parents as well as community members would have to vote on the decision to increase taxes. Usually, members of the community are not eager to support a vote of increased taxes. The rising cost of education is not something that general community members are concerned with. There are also parents of students in the public education system that are not aware of the increasing cost of quality education. The task of increasing the funding for public education becomes harder each school year. One alternative to increasing taxes to gain more educational funding would be to enlist the support of local and state corporations. Local corporations could be included when sponsoring extracurricular school events. These extracurricular events should not be designated to only sporting events. Corporate support should be solicited to sponsor fine arts, sporting, community as well as back to school events. Corporations could use these opportunities as advertising and a source of generating revenue. In turn, these corporations would have relative concern for the success of the district’s students. This relationship would also generate funds to support equitable and adequate public education. There have been attempts made to change the way education in Texas is funded. Previous proposals included increasing sales tax instead of including property taxes. This proposal was rejected because citizens desire more local control. While this proposal would hand over more control of public education to the state. As stated by Lavine (2007), by allowing the state to provide more funding, the link between local taxpayers and public schools would be broken. Community members have more stake in school districts when their tax monies fund local schools. A fair, equitable and adequate tax system would share the wealth of local taxes. Is it possible to have a fair distribution of funding for public education? Each year when income taxes are filed and people pay taxes on wages earned and property owned. There is a standard tax bracket that is followed to determine the amount of taxes paid by each citizen. Public education funding and our students would benefit from a similar bracket. The bracket should be utilized by the state. The districts with the higher numbers of economically disadvantaged students should receive more funding from the state. This method would provide equal  funding from the state. Local funding would allow for continued support from community members and businesses. Another alternative method of generating funds for education would be to re-establish district zones. Some may argue that in re-establishing district lines, some districts may lose funding while others would gain. The re-establishment of lines would support the equality of education that is described in No Child Left Behind. As stated by McCown (2006), consolidating smaller districts is not the problem but more financially supported, larger districts should be re-zoned. By re-establishing district lines, the wealth and funding for public education would be shared. If federal, state and local funding was equal for every district; would that be equal and fair funding for education? Conclusion Our public school system in Texas is operated through the use of federal, state and local funding. Local funding is generated from property taxes levied from commercial and public property. Educational funding from the state is generated from taxes such as oil, gas and also sales taxes. Federal funding is specifically allocated towards free and reduced breakfast and lunch programs, bilingual and special education and also technology. The education system of today requires more funding than what was needed fifty years ago. The funding generated from federal, state and local governments is not adequate enough to support the changing system of education. The idea that public education I both equitable and adequate is becoming harder to believe. There is a need to increase local funding but community members are not in support of tax increase. We need to enlist the use of alternative methods to generate funds for public education. Children of Texas depend on the public education system to provide them with opportunities to create better futures and successful citizens. Every child should have access to equitable and adequate education. As described by Thompson (1972), adult success is not the difference, but improving a child’s life for the better. References McCown, F. Scott., 2006. The Texas public education challenge Texas trilogy on public education and taxes, Center for Public Policy Priorities. Thompson, Marjorie., 1972. Paying for our schools: is there a better way, National Center for Educational Communication. Lavine, Dick, 2007. Replacing property taxes with sales taxes would be bad for Texas businesses, families and public education. Center for Public Policy Priorities.

Saudi Arabia and Iran Relationship

Saudi Arabia and Iran Relationship Syria and Lebanon: the main scene for Saudi-Iranian rivalry Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran are characterized by religious-ideological antagonism and competition for regional influence. The current turmoil in the Middle East is often reflected in the hostility between the two states as their struggle over the character of the region has escalated and intensified.[1] The potential negative implications of the Arab spring, along with the initial Iranian attempt to consolidate regional achievements, have largely roused Saudi Arabia out of its relative passivity in foreign policy and led it to attempt to promote a new inter-Arab alignment as a potential counterweight to Iran. Saudi Arabia perceives Iran as a main threat for several reasons. The first relates to Iran’s desire to promote a security system in the Gulf free of foreign involvement—particularly that of America—in which Iran will assume a greater leadership role. The second refers to Iran’s view of itself as the more genuine representative of the Muslim world and as the state that is challenging Saudi Arabia’s role of dominance (alongside its Wahabi religious establishment) within the Muslim world, as a depiction of the Sunni–Shia rift. Iran’s pursuit of military nuclear capability and the potential impact this capability would have on shaping the regional agenda also threatens Saudi Arabia. Iran’s ambition and its military capabilities might be used, in a Saudi perspective, to further Iranian influence over OPEC and over the Shiites minority population in the Saudi kingdom.[2] The Sunni-Shiite conflict plays a critical role in relations between the two opposing sides of the Gulf in general and between Saudi Arabia and Iran in particular. Saudi Arabia has committed intense efforts to draw pro-Iranian Middle East players into the Saudi-Sunni camp and to establish a multi-national front, based upon sectarian divisions, against Iran’s regional ambitions. Saudi Arabia’s relations with Syria, Iran’s main ally have deteriorated due to the violent suppression of the protests in Syria, which began in March 2011. Even prior to this, Saudi Arabia failed in its attempt to rescue Syria from the clutches of Iranian influence and create a united anti-Iranian bloc composed of Sunni states. The protests in Syria gave the kingdom a new opportunity to promote its agenda. By weakening the Assad regime, the Saudis hope they will help reduce the power of the â€Å"Shiite axis†.[3] In this vein, the Saudi media has regularly criticized Iran’s less-than covert attempts at supporting the Syrian regime. Saudi Arabia’s current policy constitutes a change in its attitude toward the Assad regime. After the rift between the two states in the wake of the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafik Al-Hariri in 2005, King Abdullah led a policy of relative openness toward Syria in an attempt to drive a wedge between it and Iran. As unrest in Syria grew, however, he recalled his ambassador back to Riyadh in August 2011. This, along with its support to quell Shiite insurgency in Bahrain, is evidence that Saudi Arabia intends to stand up to the radical front headed by Iran.[4] Saudi Arabia, together with Qatar, has also taken action in order to further weaken the Iranian-Syrian axis. The two nations, for example, worked together to suspend Syria’s membership in the Arab League and continue to provide financial and military support to different elements within the Syrian opposition.[5] These measures fit with the approach Saudi Arabia has adopted since the beginning of the Ar ab spring, which is both more assertive than in the past, and expresses its attempt to reshape the map of alliances in the region in accordance with its interests. Over the years, Saudi Arabia have preferred to avoid confrontation, focusing on attempts at mediation in the Arab world for the purpose of eliminating dangers while attempting to avoid being aligned with any side.[6] In the case of Syria, the kingdom has preferred American leadership. When this did not materialize, however, Saudi Arabia, with its large coffers and affluent Sunni Islamic influence, entered the resulting vacuum. As noted its previous attempts at distancing Assad from the Iranian axis were unsuccessful, but the rebellion against Assad gave the Saudis an unusual opportunity to weaken Iranian influence in the area. The Arab world began to adopt a tougher stance vis-à  -vis Assad in the summer of 2011, when the Gulf Cooperation Council called on Syria to stop its â€Å"deadly suppression of citizens, followed by an unusually sharp statement by Saudi King Abdullah, who demanded that Syria â€Å"stop the killing machine†.[7] This new tone resulted from the King’s frustration with the Alawite minority regime (which he considers heretical) regarding Saudi attempts at mediation, combined with the realization that Syrian opposition achievements are likely to tip the balance against Iran. The King’s anger increased following the killing of members of cross-border tribes that were the tribal lineage of his mother and two of his sisters, and the widespread killing of Sunnis during the holy month of Ramadan. Since then, Saudi Arabia, with some coordination with Qatar (which has since cut back on its involvement) and the United Arab Emirates, has been aiding rebel forces that it regards as suitable for the Anti-Iranian cause in Lebanon and the Syrian opposition sometimes without taking into account American restrictions on armaments.[8] The strategic goal of overthrowing Assad (and weakening Iran and Hizbollah) currently spearheads Saudi Arabias foreign policy. Its aim is to strengthen elements among the rebels, so that if and when Assad falls, those elements will gain control over what remains of the Syrian state. The Arab Gulf countries tried to persuade the United States that the Assad regime had crossed the red line announced by President Obama in August 2012 and again in March 2013 concerning the use of chemical weapons. According to the Wall Street Journal, Saudi Arabian intelligence found proof that this weapon was used already in February 2013, and presented this evidence to the United States.[9] However, American disinclination to get involved in Syria has caused the Gulf States to doubt the credibility of the US, their main â€Å"defense provider, to deliver. A manifestation, in their eyes, of Americas diminishing regional influence. It was reported that the Saudi king, frustrated with American policy in the region, sent Obama a message saying â€Å"Americas credibility was on the line if it let Assad prevail†.[10] Elements within the Gulf States, notably in Kuwait and the UAE, started privately financing different Sunni rebel groups – causing further radicalization and fragmentation within the rebel ranks in a rampant competition for funds and influence. The Saudis are reportedly providing 3 billion dollars as an aid package to the Lebanese armed forces, as a part of their effort to support Pro–Sunni factions in Lebanon.[11] These efforts are backed, according to Hizbollah members, by an unprecedented intelligence campaign, led by the Saudi prince Bandar bin Sultan to cripple the Shia organization’s infrastructure, target its assets and weaken Hizbollah’s political position within the Lebanese political arena.[12] This may very well be a Saudi attempt to force Hizbollah to allocate more forces back to Lebanon and away from Syria, while delegitimizing it on the home front as a destabilizing and a sectarian force. There are no Saudi illusions about a sweeping victory in Syria and Lebanon. They too are aware of advantage in weaponry, organization, and external support enjoyed by Assad and his allies. They hope, however, that the support they provide will tip the scales in their favor, bleeding their adversaries financially and militarily,[13] as an historical payback for supporting Shiite subversion over the years in Iraq, the gulf and in the Saudi kingdom. Their enemies – the Assad regime, Iran, and Hizbollah – have been weakened on a daily basis, and are suffering economically, with thus far at little to no significant cost to the kingdom. Concern based on past experience, however, indicates that ramifications of radical elements operating in Syria and Lebanon are liable to boomerang back to the Gulf and upset stability between Shia and Sunni communities in Iraq, Kuwait and the Saudi Kingdom itself.[14]Tensions between Shiites and Sunnis are joined by tensions between parties favoring stability and anti–Iranian hardliners within different regimes in the gulf. Along, with many in the Arab countries, the hardliners believe that the overthrow of the Assad regime could restrain Iran and restore Iran to its natural size, hopefully without leading to a frontal confrontation between Iran and the Saudis. This confrontation has been avoided until now. Those in the Sunni side vying for stability in contrast are alarmed at the possibility that by funding fighters abroad, they might be fueling extremists and Sunni radicals, such as Al Qaeda.[15] With these seasoned veterans bound to return to their Sunni homelands eventually, those concerns might be realized in the form of subsequent radicalization and implementation of terrorist tactics from abroad in the Saudi kingdom and across the gulf. The Saudis have at times acted as a revolutionary force and at times as a counter-revolutionary force, depending on their interests. They engineered the deal on the removal of Yemens President Saleh from office, were involved in consolidating the new regime in Tunisia, and helped to overthrow the Qaddafi regime. On the other hand, they used force to maintain the al-Khalifa regime in Bahrain and sought to keep Mubarak’s regime in power in Egypt. When this effort was unsuccessful, they gave billions in aid to the military regime in Egypt, which recently regained power. Saudi efforts in Lebanon and Syria to assist Anti–Iranian parties[16] are consistent with these trends. With the Saudis testing Iranian resolve to the limit, despite the kingdom’s inferior demographic and geopolitical position and Iran and its allies, cornered by a vast Sunni majority yet more than eager to fight,[17] it is unclear how and when this bloody deadlock will be resolved. 1 [1] Paul Aarts, and Joris Van Duijne, Saudi Arabia after US-Iranian dà ©tente: left in the lurch.Middle East Policy16.3 (2009), p. 70. [2]Vali Nasr When the Shiites rise.Foreign Affairs85 no. 4(2006): p. 59. [3]AdamEntousandSioban Gorman, Behind Assads Comeback, a Mismatch in Commitments.Wall Street Journal, 31Dec.2013 [4]MehranKamrava, â€Å"The Arab Spring and the Saudi-led counterrevolution†.Orbis, 56, no.1,(2012):101 – 103 [5] Assad: Our Battle With Saudi Is Open-Ended. Al Akhbar, 30 Nov. 2013 [6]HermanF. Elits.Saudi Arabias foreign policy.Diplomacy in: L C Brown (ed.)the Middle East: The International Relations of Regional and Outside Powers (London: I.B. Tauris,2004), pp. 238 – 240. [7]AdrianBlomfield, Syria unrest: Saudi Arabia calls on killing machine to stop.,The Telegraph, 8 August, 2011 [8]Kim Ghattas, Saudi Arabia to give Lebanon army $3bn grant,BBC,29Dec.2013. [9]Adam Entous, NourMallas, and Margaret Coker. A Veteran Saudi Power Player Works To Build Support to Topple Assad, Wall Street Journal, 25 Aug. 2013. [10] Ibid. [11]Anna Barnard, â€Å"Saudis’ Grant to Lebanon Is Seen as Message to U.S†, The New York Times, 6 Jan 2014. [12]Nasser Chararah, Hezbollah escalates rhetoric against Riyadh.,Al Monitor 10 Dec. 2013. [13]JobyWarrick. Syrian conflict said to fuel sectarian tensions in Persian Gulf,Washington Post, 19Dec.2013. [14]Elizabeth Dickenson,.Playing with Fire: Why Private Gulf Financing for Syria’s Extremist Rebels Risks Igniting Sectarian Conflict at Home. The Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings (6 Dec. 2013), p. 6. [15]Ibid: 18 20 [16]Nasser Chararah, Hezbollah escalates rhetoric against Riyadh., Al Monitor 10 Dec. 2013. [17]Doyle McManus, â€Å"Syria and the perils of proxy war†, LA Times, 12 Jan 2014.

Essay --

BBPB2103 PENGURUSAN SUMBER MANUSIA Name : Vivi Sabrina binti mohamad Matric Number : 880605135214001 NRIC : 880605135214 Telephone : 014 8994208 E-mail address : Ketimau_jawak@yahoo.com.my Tutor’s name : Encik Dennis Ujoh Learning Centre : Sibu Learning Centre ISI KANDUNGAN KANDUNGAN MUKA SURAT 1.0 PENGENALAN 3 - 6 ï  ¶ JABATAN KEMAS DAERAH MATU DARO 2.0 PENGENALAN MODEL HACKMAN DAN OLDHAM 7 – 10 3.0 PENGENALAN TERHADAP TERAS KERJA DIMENSI 11 - 12 DAN TAHAP PEMIKIRAN YANG WUJUD DALAM SETIAP PERINGKAT PEKERJAAN ï  ¶ JABATAN KEMAS DAERAH MATU DARO 3.1 PERINGKAT PENGURUSAN ATASAN 3.2 PERINGKAT PENGURUSAN PERTENGAHAN 3.3 PERINGKAT PENGURUSAN BAWAHAN 4.0 CADANGAN BAGAIMANA KERJA DIMENSI TERAS (CJD) 13 - 15 BOLEH DIPERBAIKI UNTUK MENINGKATKAN TAHAP PSIKOLOGI KRITIKAL PEKERJA 4.1 MENGUBAH GAYA KEPIMPINAN 4.2 MENCORAK ATAU MENGUBAH CARA BEKERJA 4.3 AMALKAN BEKERJA DALAM KUMPULAN ATAU BERPASUKAN 4.4 KEPIMPINAN TRANSFORMASI 5.0 PENUTUP 16 - 17 RUJUKAN 1.0 PENGENALAN Rajah 1 : logo KEMAS Jabatan Kemajuan Masyarakat (KEMAS) tentunya tidak asing lagi bagi rakyat di Malaysia ini. Apabila terdengar perkataan KEMAS, tentunya terlintas di minda kita tentang prasekolah, tabika, kelas bimbingan orang-orang tua, kelas bimbingan kesejahteraan keluarga dan wanita, kelas bimbingan bina insan dan sebagainya. Melalui kelas prasekolah dan tabika, jabatan ini memainkan peranan yang sangat penting iaitu mendidik serta membimbing kanak-kanak supaya menjadi modal insan yang berguna serta permata negara yang harus digilap untuk kesejahteraan negara pada masa hadapan.Untuk mendidik serta membimbing masyarakat lain, pentadbiran di peringkat akar umbinya haruslah... ...a kepimpinan yang positif seharusnya dapat memberikan ciri kerja yang positif. (2590 patah perkataan.) RUJUKAN http://digilib.itb.ac.id/files/disk1/631/jbptitbpp-gdl-estiwuland-31515-2-2008ts-1.pdf http://zaini802856.blogspot.com/2011/11/reka-bentuk-kerja.html http://www.tsm.ac.id/JBA/JBA13.1April2011/1_artikel_jba13.1April2011.pdf http://eprints.utm.my/1436/1/JT37E%5B5%5D.pdf http://anggriana246.blogspot.com/2012/03/desain-pekerjaan.html http://www.psychologymania.com/2013/07/pengertian-karakteristik-pekerjaan.html http://www.jpa.gov.my/docs/spp/2011/spp142011.pdf http://forum.kompas.com/teras/47848-7-cara-mengembangkan-kreativitas-diri.html http://www.infinita-consulting.com/component/content/article/37-psikologi-industri/88-3-cara-meningkatkan-kepuasan-kerja-dan-team-work http://dedylondong.blogspot.com/2011/11/kepuasan-kerja-job-satisfaction.html

Macbeth Blood Essays -- Essays Papers

Macbeth Blood Blood is essential to every human beings survival. It is a fluid circulating throughout the body that carries nutrients and oxygen to the tissues in exchange for life and if this was somehow lost then the life would also be lost. It represents life, death, and injury. It is an essential part of life. Without it, we would not live. As a symbol and major theme in Macbeth, Blood is used most often to represent injury and death, but also life. In Macbeth, he uses blood to represents impurity. Shakespeare often accompanies the image of water with the image of blood. The water represents cleansing and purity. Imagery is any piece of language that provokes the readers mind to form a mental picture or image. Shakespeare’s plays are well known for the richness of their imagery. Macbeth in particular has numerous vivid examples. Macbeth is also particularly rich in repeated images, such as the image of blood. In the beginning of the story, blood is symbolic of bravery, how he fought bravely, and how he won. Bloodshed for a noble cause is good blood. However, Macbeth's character changes throughout the play. The changes are characterized by the symbolism in the blood he sheds. As these images of blood occur frequently, they often portray the horror of the central action, Duncan’s murder. The brilliant images of blood and water also symbolize the unrelenting guilt of the two protagonists, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The blood and water represents their inability to erase the memory of Duncan’s murder. The blood of King Duncan clings to their hands and makes them unable to fo rget the repulsive crimes they committed. In the beginning, blood is used to show bravery. â€Å"For brave Macbeth--well he deserves that name-- Disdaining fortune, with his brandish'd steel, Which smoked with bloody execution,† (I, ii, 18-20) This passage is revering to Macbeth's braveness in which his sword is covered in the blood of the enemy. After these few references to honor, the symbol of blood now changes to show a theme of treachery and treason. Before Duncan's murder, Macbeth imagines seeing a dagger floating in the air before him. He describes it, "And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, Which was not so before. There's no such thing: It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes." (II, i, 57-60) ... ...ain Than terms can give thee out!" (V, viii, 8-10) Macbeth and Macduff then engage in a fight to the death with Macduff eventually emerging victorious. After Macbeth is slain, the symbolic theme of blood swings back to what it was at the beginning of the play. Macduff presents Macbeth’s bloody head to the crowd and to the new King of Scotland, Malcolm, and the people rejoice. The death of Macbeth is honored and the symbolism of blood has returned to its original meaning; the bloodiest are the ones most honored. Macduff is congratulated as he proudly walks in covered with blood and with Macbeth’s head. Ironically, it was blood that brought Macbeth to power and blood that brought him to death. The play successfully illustrates the complete transformation of Macbeth. He begins as a noble, a just and brave person, to becoming evil, ambitious, and treacherous, to his final feelings of remorse for his crime. Throughout the play, Shakespeare effectively conveys theme of death, murder and treason through the symbol of blood. The reader understands the meaning Shakespeare is trying to convey. The symbol of blood in Macbeth is an effective symbol that is used well.

Follow The Commandments - Or Else Essay -- essays research papers

There are public institutions that want the Ten Commandments displayed. If that is done the penalty for breaking a commandment should also be displayed. The New Testament teaches that the Old Testament should be obeyed. This includes both the Commandments and the results of not following the Commandments.Jesus said in John 10:35"Scripture cannot be broken."This statement was made after he had said in John 5:46-47"For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"First Commandment, Exodus 20:3"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."The punishment - Deuteronomy 17:3-5"And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded; And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought i n Israel: Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die."More punishment - Exodus 22:20"He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed."New Testament punishment - Mark 16:16"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."Second Commandment, Exodus 20:4-5"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God."Third Commandment, Exodus 20:7"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."The punishment - Leviticus 24:16&quo t;And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death."New Testament punishment - Matthew 12:32"And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh... ...wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."*********And finallyDeuteronomy 13: 6-9"If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people."

Assess the Argument That Modern Childhood Is a ‘March of Progress‘

The march of progress, traditionally depicting a compressed presentation of 25 million years of human evolution, can be applied to sociologists view on childhood- is it ‘evolving’ for the better? The ‘March of progress’ view argues that, over the past few centuries, childhood in western societies has been improving steadily, and is even better than ever today. We can then go onto say that the ‘march of progress’ evidently paints a bad picture of the past; as Lloyd De Mause puts it- â€Å"The history of childhood is a nightmare from which we have only begun to awaken. The further back in history one goes, the lower the level of childcare, and the more likely children are to be killed, abandoned, beaten, terrorised and sexually abused. † Writers like Aries and Shorter look on from this dark past, and hold to the belief that children are more valued, better cared for, protected & educated, enjoy better health and have a lot more rights than previous generations. On the other hand, certain sociologists would disagree with this; for example, Sue Palmers. Her view uplifts the concept of â€Å"The Five Finger Exercise†; the belief that ‘language, love, education, play & discipline’ are what children crucially need for healthy development. In her opinion, children in the UK today are going through, what she calls, ‘toxic childhood’- in the past 25 years, children’s physical, emotional and academic development have been effected and damaged by rapid technological and cultural changes. These ‘changes’ include emphasis on testing in education, computer games, junk food, intensive marketing on children, even the long hours parents work. All of these factors (which weren’t as dominant in society, in the past) have negative effects i. e. an increase in child obesity. Neil Postman has a similar negative opinion on childhood- he stated that childhood is ‘disappearing at a dazzling speed’. In contrast to Palmers opinion that children are being affected by rapid technological and cultural changes, Postman believes the disappearance of childhood is down to young people being given the same rights as adults. Similarities in the way children and adults dress, the decrease of traditional unsupervised games, ven rare cases of children committing ‘adults crimes’, such as murder. Also, as education intensifies, young people will be able to enter the adult world at an earlier age, rapidly increasing the disappearance of childhood. Though Iona Opie argues that this is not true that childhood is not disappearing; she believes there is still evidence that childhood culture exists, based on a lifetime of research into children’s games, rhymes and songs (led by herself and her husband, Peter Opie). Contradictory to Postman’s findings, Opie came to the conclusion that children can, and do, create their own independent culture which is separate from that of adults. Child liberations argue against both Palmers and Postman- they argue that western ideas of childhood are being globalised (far from disappearing). International humanitarian and welfare agencies have imposed western norms on the world, of what childhood should be- a separate life stage, based in the nuclear family and school, where children are innocent, dependant & vulnerable and have no economic role. Therefore, childhood is far from disappearing, but western notions are simply being globalised. For example, anti child labour campaigns, or concerns about ‘street children’ in less economically developed countries, reflect western ideas of what childhood is ‘ought’ to be like. Though this kind of activity could be the norm for children in that specific culture; possibly important preparation for adult life in their society. So in this view, childhood isn’t ‘disappearing’, but it is spreading across the world.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and How it can Help Jane

She is co-habiting with her fiance of here months whom she plans to splice afterward In the year, although no accompaniment has yet been finalized. This invitee ego referred to appoint out In Crisis as she had heard to the highest degree the organization through a take take away booster and entangle she needed to whistle. During the initial opinion she dis tightly fittingd that her m early(a) had passed a port as a result of fagcer in March of this year, hence her reason in lifting for rede is to help deal with the bereavement issues surrounding this. Since loosing her m a nonher(prenominal) she has matte real let out and misses her terribly as they were very close.Further more than(prenominal), Jane too aspects that t is starting signal to take its toll on other relationships in her life as she finds her egotism snapping at flock. She also stated that she has low-dget self esteem and has b bely any pledge In herself. Her coatings in coming for focal poi nt ar to be open to comply her suffers death as hale as building her self esteem and trust. prototypic of all I feel that well-nigh cognitive Behavioral Therapy orgasmes whitethorn action headspring in overcoming Canes needs. Psychoacoustics and normalizing Interventions argon frequently utilise In ACT and CB. Bach & hay (2002) I base see that they are relational interventions because they involve teaching people new relations. I believe it would be beneficial to psycho educate her on the s eventide stages of melancholy. My alma In doing so would be to help Jane birth sense of the emotions she is exhalation through and to help her catch that they are perfectly normal, in other haggle normalizing. As well as utilize approximately(a) CB onward motiones I would choose to prevail faithful to the Integrative model which at the heart lies the person centered approach. atomic number 53 of the key archetypes within this approach is self recognition.This is the be lief that as humans we go forth pursue what Is better for us as Introduced by Mason In 1943 and his k straightawayn hierarchy of needs. He himself refers to self developedization as The desire for self fulfillment, viz. the t land upency for him the individual to become actualities in what he Is potentially. This tendency might be phrased as the desire to become more and more what one is, to become ever soything that one is clear of becoming. Mason (1943) Research does resist the purpose of self actualities tendency (Sheldon & Elliot 1999) and I net also recognize it in myself.In actual fact, recognition of my self actualities tendency has helped me on a lower floorstand some of my self destructive behaviors, which ere introduced in my younger self. Im hoping that this volition also be the case with Jane. I consider this lymph node to be very self conscious which leave alone aid her in self actualities myself as the therapist needs to mark off that I am offering Ro gers nub conditions of empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard, in doing so I leave alone be assisting her on her Journey. I will draw to be real and genuine and by doing so I desire my customer will follow up something of my real self. furthermore I will try my approximately best to see things from their frame of fibre without universe influenced by my own feelings and experiences. In the eldest counseling academic session I contracted with Jane and explained the limitations with confidentiality such as disclosing anything which breaks the police force or barbarian protection issues. I also stated that I was a member of the BACK. By doing the above I feel that I was demonstrating guard attain and tradingal practice. I used expeditious sense of earreach skills as well as non verbal communication in the pretend of small nods to show that I was tentatively engaging with my invitees humbug.The head nod is the intimately common gesture in listening Small ones to show continued attention, bigger and repeated ones to indicate agreement. Argyle (1992) I felt it free weighty to show to my node that I was intermeshed with her ordinateing her story as she mentioned in the initial session that she has never been able to open up to anyone before since her mum has passed. The majority of the first session was spent just staying with my guest and giving her the space she needed to talk out loud close to what secernate of a person her mother had been and the will up to her death.As a advocator I used skills such as participating listening, restating and paraphrasing to demonstrate this, as I felt these were the appropriate skills needed in prepare to accept he lymph nodes needs. It is full to allege that in this session I was safely pursuit Canes lead without prescribing any particular(prenominal) interventions. In session two my thickening account a little swap since our last session dictateing she had felt hear d and that it was a release as she had been nurtureing everything to herself.By following my empathic hunch it opened up a lot of unfinished subscriber line regarding my lymph gland wanting to share and tell her mother things but had non had the retrieve to. Therefore this prompted my decision to suggest the CB approach of writing a garner to her deceased mother n her own era and if she wished she had the opportunity of sharing it in the session. This is something Jane was very keen on doing and would whitethornbe even consider doing it that week if she got the pass off. I back see that the letter writing physical process is so collaborative and would enable her to usage at her own pace small-arm also facilitating guest empowerment.This would be important in helping to build her egoism and assurance which are areas she is lacking in. In session three my client reported that she had written the letter to her mother and was enthusiastic to read it out. In the letter my client ack straightledge many of her repressed feelings and by writing the letter she was maybe able to process them in a way she could non gull in the therapy session. Zimmerman & sheepman beget stated We use remediation letters to help the patient to describe difficult feelings, processing them in another(prenominal) way than in a therapy session, with the chance of the patients to be finally free from these feelings.The letter writing can allow a physical way for the problem to be externalities, styled and then confronted. Zimmerman & Shepherd (1993) In the letter she also slured on the feelings she was experiencing this instant months after ere mothers passing. At this point I normalized them for her by telling her there is feelings we may experience after loosing a love one. I felt it in Canes best interest, which is in keeping with the ethical dogma of beneficence to psycho-educate her on the Seven stages of grief by giving her a plane which had been siren to me by my executive program.This would help her make sense of how she is feeling and it would also appropriate hope for her as one of the later stages is acceptance. In the forth session Jane talked more or less her goals, twain short and long term. She acknowledged that whilst t was her mother at first who pushed her towards loosing weight for various wellness reasons, she now valued to pursue her own goal of trying to loose some weight for her wedding day so that she could tick off into her dream dress up. I got a impregnable sense that the configurations of self were being tender back and the real self was coming through, which Rogers theorized.By doing so she was closer to self actualization. In session five we explored Canes lack of confidence and self esteem. It was evident that she had a low self concept of her physical air and dress sense. Although she ad received a compliment earlier in the week from a wiz about how well she olfactory sensationed she perceived th at the comment was do that out of sympathy. As the therapist I got my client to explore this and by doing so we were able to get to the core of this view. It glowering out that as a infant she overheard her aunt telling her uncle that she had only(prenominal) told Jane her dress was lovely out of pity.It is said that Experiences are accurately perceived as confluence the needs of the core self or being consistent with the self concept and reinforcing it. Acreage (2010) It is therefore fair to say that Jane could not accept the compliment from her friend s being genuine as she was being true to her self concept. I offered the concept of looking for evidence borrowed from cognitive theory in order to quarrel her self concept. It appeared that there was no other evidence to nurse her views that compliments were only given to her out of pity, apart from the incident with her aunt.When we looked into this further her aunt said this slightly the date her parents were not gettin g on which prompted the possibility that her aunt may stick been saying it to allay her in a difficult time. The client came up with this outcome resell and I remained faithful to my combinatorial model which at the foundation has a profound respect for the client and their mightiness to construct their own views. Adapted from The surmisal and Practice of Counseling the ability to start and process experiences can result in being either low execution or high procedure.I considered Jane to meet the criteria for low functioning which means Low functioning people are out of touch with their valuing processes. In these areas their self concept is establish on conditions of worth which cause them to switch off/deny or distort the experience. Nelson Jones (1992) through with(predicate) challenging and looking for evidence I was aiming for Jane to become higher functioning. At the end of this session I talked to my client about the possibility of audio recording our contiguous session if she agree to it.I felt it was in her best interest to give some notice sort of than asking her on the day of recording so that it did not come as a dismay or disorientate her. Fortunately Jane agreed for our next session to be taped. It was the sixth session with this client that was recorded. I do sure to training purposes so that she did not think it was some sort of stress on her. At this point I was demonstrating safe work as I wanted to provide a non enceinte environment for her. At present I attend a supervisory program who is base a few miles outside of the town I undertake my placement with.Firstly, her geographic location is convenient because when I am at placement I can call and see my supervisor when I am finished. This is beneficial as I find things tend to be more fresher in my mind if I see her on the day I permit had clients. In additional her name was on the O.K. list issued by the college, this meant she was BACK approved to supervise therefor e I to satisfaction from this knowing she worked ethically and had experience of charge with students. Moreover because she was approved by the college meant she was familiar with the manikin requirements and as a result could effectively support my nailing.Prior to choosing a supervisor I had some requirements including at least ten eld experience of counseling and I wanted somebody who worked from an integrative perspective, my supervisor met both of these. On first meeting my supervisor I feel that there was a connection so I presently felt comfortable. Before commencing supervision I had the view that they would be like a joss, however now that I lease been several times this view has been faded and I consider my supervisor as someone to consult with.I get a strong sense of being facilitated and back up by my supervisor. For example while operative with this client I had limited experience of functional with bereavement so my supervisor gave me a book which would suppo rt my counseling, in addition I was facilitated by being given a sheet on the seven stages of grief which I could give to my client. At first with Jane I was working from a person centered approach because I felt unfamiliar depreciator bereavement and felt this was a safe angle for me to work from.With the support and advocate I received at supervision I was able to change my approach with this client by being more integrative. I was able to bring in some Cognitive interventions which I do not feel I could have done confidentially on my own without the aid of my supervision sessions. My supervisor is sooner directive in the sense that if I do something effective in the sessions she will acknowledge my style of practice and ungodliness versa if I do something that may not have worked so well she will then encourage me to challenge this and look at alternatives.As a result of this my confidence has grown and I feel a little more competent in my role as a counselor to the point that I would trust my distrust with regards making appropriate decisions with my client work. By continuous supervision I hope to learn and grow as a counselor as well as developing new techniques and interventions and as a result improve the value I provide to my clients. Since working with Jane I feel that I have grown in person as I have increase awareness around death and bereavement.It is necessary that I will loose a loved one at some point throughout my life. By hearing all about Canes grief of loosing her mother I feel I will be more prepared if I am faced with the death of someone close to me. My own mother has battled with health problems for the nearly part of her life and has been under close supervision of the medical profession especially in recent months. Having worked with this client has brought me in sync with reality and now I can see that there is a chance I may loose my own mother soon.My work with Jane has prepared me a little if this does snuff it come with it. Furthermore working with Jane has taught me to treasure the people I m close to in my life and I have learnt to cherish every moment with them as they could very easily be interpreted away. As a mother myself to a three year old boy, I feel I have make more time for him knowing how curious he is to me. Professionally I have also developed at a result of working with Jane.In order to meet her needs I took part in a one day naturally held at my placement organization which was found on bereavement. From this I learnt the various techniques and skills requisite when working with this client. Not only did this course help me when working with Jane but t will also help me when counseling clients with similar situation. Also a match peer in my placement divided a poem about tone ending with me. I was very appreciative of this and felt it may be of benefit to my client as she is artistic and creative.I shared it with Jane in one of the sessions and she informed me that she got gre at comfort from it. The following week she told me that had put it on her fridge so that every time she opens the door she can read it. I can safely say that support from my peers has helped with my client work and as a result helped me to develop professionally. In he first counseling session with Jane we engaged in contracting. A contract can be defined as A mutual agreement negotiated between the client and the counselor prior to commencing counseling. Provence (2008) I do sure it articulated my responsibilities towards the client and also the clients responsibilities in the counseling relationship. I made sure to inform Jane about the grim confidentiality policy that counselors abide by and told her about the exceptions to this such as breaking child protection or the law as it would not be ethical for me to deduce this information. In addition to this if the client let out that she was of risk to herself I could not keep this to myself as this would not be in keeping with t he Backs ethical linguistic rule of non-maleficent.By making known her of this I was hoping to provide a safe environment for her to share her story but at the same time let her know the boundaries. I was also permit her know that I was obeying the ethical doctrine of fidelity. The importance of the contract became apparent in session four, in which my client break that her mother had been one of the only women she had ever really gotten along with and that in popular she did not get on heart women. This prompted my decision of using the skill of immediacy to establish what our relationship was like for the client with me being a woman.It was reassuring to learn that I was not like most other women she had encountered as I was not Judgmental or bitchy. This proved to me that I was working in an ethical mood and respecting my clients autonomy. When I first began keeping notes they were rather long and detailed, however now I have learnt to keep concise and actual notes. I re cognize the importance of not noting opinions or Judgments in the notes n the off chance they may be called for in a court hearing.Each clients notes are unbroken in their own personal cusp which is kept in a locked register cabinet in a locked room and each client is identified with a seven digit code. This ensures maximum confidentiality which is in keeping with the ethical framework principle of fidelity. In an emergency for example if I died and clients notes needed to be accessed the receptionist could identify the client by searching the code on the computer system. Respect that the client has the well(p) to be self governing which is in keeping with the ethical principle of autonomy.