The Color Legacy in Major Leage Baseball - 1125 Words

Before 1947, Major League Baseball had never had a black player, although there were Negro Leagues. Jackie Robinson broke that. It takes courage and dedication to chase after something you love. Jackie had that for the game of baseball. The Civil Rights Movement was occurring during the time Jackie enter the Major Leagues, so the times were tough for him. Jackie did more than just play baseball; he introduced a whole new way to play the game, with blacks and whites. He did this by breaking the color barrier and introducing blacks into the Major Leagues, facing discrimination and showing his true passion for the game, and showing that he was looking to help all African-Americans in the civil rights movement. Breaking the color barrier†¦show more content†¦He liked Robinson’s family life off the field and how he dealt with adversity. Rickey’s main fear was the harsh discrimination Jackie would get, so Branch held a historic meeting with Jackie, and said the harsh est things to him to see if Jackie could withstand it, and on October 23, 1945, Robinson signed his first contract. Rickey thought Jackie would be more comfortable playing in Canada for the Dodgers minor league team, the Montreal Royals. Turns out, Rickey was right. Jackie gained tons of fans in Canada, and at the end of the season, Jackie led the minor leagues in batting and runs scored. The Royals also won the minor league pennant that year. In 1947, Jackie Robinson was a Major League Baseball player. The Dodgers had called him up on assignment and Jackie immediately started working. In spring training of his first season, his Brooklyn teammates made a petition to prevent him from playing, but the manager of the team, Leo Durocher, put an end to the petition. On the field, Robinson was an outstanding player. In his first year, he was named the league’s most outstanding rookie. He led the national league in steals with 29. At the end of the season, America made him the secon d most popular celebrity in the nation. Robinson was named the National league Rookie of the Year, and was honored with a â€Å"Jackie Robinson Day† (York). Jackie returned to Georgia in 1949 to play a three game series against the Atlanta Crackers. Many KKK groups

Serious Case Reviews in Childcare Sector Free Essays

Unit 25Understand how to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People Outcome 1. 4 Explain when and why inquiries and serious case reviews are required and how the sharing of the findings informs practice. Serious Case Reviews (SCR’s) are undertaken when a child dies (including death by suspected suicide), by a local authority (and more often than not by the Local Children’s Safeguarding Board) if abuse or neglect is known or suspected to be a factor in the death. We will write a custom essay sample on Serious Case Reviews in Childcare Sector or any similar topic only for you Order Now SCR’s are not enquiries into how a child died or who was responsible; that is a matter for the Coroner’s and Criminal Courts to determine. Instead the purpose of Serious Case Reviews is to: †¢ Establish whether there are lessons to be learned from the case about the way in which local professionals and organisations work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. †¢ Identify clearly what those lessons are, how they will be acted on and what is expected to change as a result. †¢ Improve inter-agency working and better safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Additionally, LSCB’s may decide to conduct a SCR whenever a child has been seriously harmed in any of the following situations and the case gives rise to concerns about the way in which local professionals and services worked together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children (including inter-agency and inter-disciplinary working). The two most popular deaths in recent years to be highlighted by the media which highlighted public concern about safeguarding concerns within the children are undoubtedly the deaths of Victoria Climbie and Peter Connelly (Baby P). In both of these cases there was public outrage, especially at the magnitude of Peter’s injuries, and partly because Peter had lived in the London Borough of Haringey, North London, under the same child care authorities that had already failed ten years earlier in the case of Victoria Climbie. Her tragic circumstances had led to a public enquiry which resulted in measures being put in place in an effort to prevent similar cases happening. The child protection services of Haringey and other agencies were widely criticised following Baby P’s death. Following the conviction, three inquiries and a nationwide review of social service care were launched, and the Head of Children’s Services at Haringey removed from post. Another nationwide review was conducted by Lord Laming into his own recommendations concerning Victoria Climbie’s killing in 2000. The death was also the subject of debate in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. The public’s viewpoint on the tragedy of Baby P was that it should never have happened as he was already known to social services and was seen as many as sixty times by social services, but still died horrifically at the hands of his carers. All of these incidents have resulted in a distinct lack of confidence in the work that social workers do and the children’s sector overall, and it will take a long time to rebuild that trust. The Baby P case in particular has damaged social work’s public image, led to fewer people entering the profession and made it harder to retain experienced staff. It is certainly the case that social work has a rather poor public image and that it seemingly can do no right whatever it does. At times, the profession is castigated for putting children at risk by failing to intervene early enough into family life, whilst on other occasions it is criticised for undermining parental authority by interfering too readily. Partnership working increased and tightened after the death of Victoria Climbie and included the implementation of the Children Act 2004 and the public enquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death. The inquiry, chaired by Lord Laming, found massive failings on the part of as many as twelve agencies with a role to play in protecting children. The findings led to recommendations for a radical reform of services, particularly in the areas of better joined up working and information sharing. Following this, several programmes and frameworks were later implemented into all establishments that worked with children, and these included â€Å"Every Child Matters† services, planned around children’s and young people’s needs and the improvement of the five key outcomes which contribute to their well-being: be healthy, stay safe, enjoy achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being. There was also the implementation of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) system which enables multi agencies to access and add information about a child’s needs. The CAF is used at the earliest opportunity when it is highlighted that a baby, child or young person may need help in their lives in order to progress. It is used when there is concern about a child, or agencies have recognised a child has additional needs, that require further exploration and a multi-agency response. The assessment provides further information and understanding of the child’s circumstances. Another more recently publicised incident, included the review into â€Å"Little Teds† nursery whereby a member of staff, Vanessa George abused toddlers at the nursery, photographed it and publicised it on the internet, showed a lack of staff supervision and training within the setting, which again caused public outrage. The serious case review for this incident report detailed a number of lessons learned, which included the danger of mobile phones within day care settings. As a result locally the use of mobile phones is now prohibited in any children’s centre within the Wakefield district, however it is recognised that this alone will not prevent abuse or transmission of images on the internet from taking place. Other lessons learned is that staff at Little Ted’s Nursery did not recognise the escalation of George’s sexualised behaviour as a warning sign and there is an urgent need for staff working in early years settings to receive training to help recognise potential signs of abuse and become confident in responding to a fellow staff member’s behaviour. As a result, training on â€Å"whistle blowing† and the need for policies and procedures to be in place has become a more urgent need in the childcare sector. Other recommendations set out by the Little Teds SCR include the need for The Early Years Foundation Stage to set out specific requirements for child protection training which considers sexual abuse and the recognition of abuse within the workplace; also the need for the Government to review and consider changing the status of day care settings operating as unincorporated bodies to ensure that governance and accountability arrangements are fit for purpose and are sufficiently clear to enable parents and professionals to raise concerns and challenge poor practice. How to cite Serious Case Reviews in Childcare Sector, Essay examples

International Economic Environment Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the International Economic Environment. Answer: Introduction: The 21st century is the era of globalization, it has been observed that countries are indulging in international business in order to achieve mutual sustainable growth (Donato and Massey 2016). The last two decades have shown50% growth in international trade as compared to the trade situation of the nineteen eighties (Dunford et al. 2016). In recent challenging times, countries found that international trade is an effective way to deal with the recession and thus they are now involved in a reciprocal partnership which allows foreign firms to operate in their region. However, according to Wild, Wild and Han (2014), enhanced international business has caused severe risks to the international business houses. This brief paper will examine details regarding the various features and risks for the business organizations operating in the international environment. In addition to this, it will provide various implications for practice and conclude with a summary overview of the findings. Features of the international economic environment related to business: The economic environment represents external factors related to a business market. This concept also indicates a broader economy that can influence a business. The microeconomic environment, a part of the total economic environment, can influence the decision-making process of a business. This could be individual actions of firms along with consumers (Camagni 2017). On the other side, macroeconomic environment can influence entire business economy along with its entire participants. Some economic factors perform as external constraints on the business. However, the owner has very negligible access on them. Macroeconomic factors are considered as broad economic factors that have both direct and indirect impact on the entire economy and the business (Hamilton and Webster 2015). These factors are interest rates, inflation, taxes, unemployment rate, income of consumer and consumer confidence levels. Some other factors are recession, depression and savings rates. On other side, microecono mic factors include market size, supply and demand, competitors and suppliers. Based on these factors, a business organization takes business decisions accordingly. This international economy plays the chief role to determine success and failure of a business. In addition to this, type of international trade also plays significant role. This means, a country can trade with others based on absolute advantage or comparative advantage. For instance, Australia exports agricultural foods as it experiences comparative advantage to produce this. Moreover, government policies and trade agreement also have vital implication on a countrys economy. Free trade agreement among some countries can lead companies to exports and imports more goods and services without any legal restrictions. Exchange rate fluctuation between two countries also stimulates business. For instance, decrease in exchange rate can lead the country to exports more. Balance of payment, on the other side, states that how much an economy can purchase products from other countries. If the balance remains in deficit, then the country cannot import more products. Assess the implications for business operating in the international economic environment: Implications of international economic environment for business are vast. However, to provide context it is necessary to mention that international economic environment provides organizations opportunity to grow beyond their domestic boundary. In addition to this, it promotes diversification and aids economic uplift. Picciotto (2017) argues that such an environment provides power to the monetary policies of foreign countries which allows more control of the trade flow by maintaining balance in the output and price objectives. From the business houses perspective, it can be stated that the international economic environment aids firms to generate a higher amount of profit and create scope for increased employment for the economy. It enhances living standards in addition to improving mass consumption as stated by Rostow (Shenkar, Luo, and Chi 2014). Economic environment means the aggregate o all economic system within a country. These include economic policies of the government as well as organization related to capital market, business cycle and other socio-economic infrastructure across the world. Government policies of other countries have significant influence on the activity of an organization, as this can influence its international business. In addition to this, the rate of central bank also plays vital role to determine foreign direct investment that a country could receive from others (Kolk 2016). The per capita income also has huge significance on business sector as it can change consumer behavior accordingly. Higher per capita income of a country implies that the aggregate demand over there is comparatively high. Some other factors are dumping, transport charges, privatization policies and other factors that can control business activities of an organization significantly in international market. International busines s can help less developed countries to improve its economic condition through exporting goods and services. Through using purchasing power parities, the economy can measure its income with other country. International risk assessment companies follow a systematic way to assess bribery risks and control it through implementing anti-bribery laws. There are many companies to deal with this. Assess the risks involved for business organizations in operating in the international economic environment. International trade increases on a daily basis in order to achieve mutually sustainable growth. However, due to the difference in various factors such as culture, economy and politics to name but a few, international business operation has become a complex scenario. Details regarding various risks associated with an organization under international economic environment are as follows: Economic difference: Regardless of the organization, risk is ever present in business. Depending upon the region one is operating in, the risk fluctuates accordingly. Economic deference helps developed countries to enjoy comparative advantage in terms of trade and exchange rate while developing countries do not enjoy such advantage. Therefore, economic differences sometimes lead developing countries to experience risks related to business. Cultural difference: Cultural difference is essential risk factor to be considered. Depending upon geographical region, cultures vary significantly and can present a new set of complexities to an organization. If the product or service is carefully aligned with the cultural values of the locals, then it will be beneficial for the firm otherwise, the effects of misalignment can be detrimental resulting in irreparable reputational damage. Thus, cross cultural environment can negatively influence working environment. Political difference: Political factors represent significant risk for organizations as operating in foreign marketplaces exposing a firm to a plethora of foreign policy and regulation which can be difficult to navigate. Often large firms operating in foreign nations face legal issues whicharise in the form of political turmoil. In addition to this political risk like war, riots, strikes and evolving political decisions can provide substantial amount of risk to the business operation (O'Brien, 2018). Conversely, in some cases, close connection with political groups has considerably aided the international organization to curtail the legal environment on behalf of the international players. Trading law difference: Increased internationalization presents another perspective, developing countries have faced discrimination from the developed nations, thus various countries operate under different rules to control the international trade. On account of this scenario, it has become difficult for the international business houses to deal with the complex trade laws implemented by the multiple regions (Picciotto and Mayne 2016). Marketing infrastructure difference: Representing the ultimate risk for international businesses., marketing infrastructure differences are a key consideration for firms. Having entered the market, and managed to align itself with the local laws and environmental laws, an organization can fail in its aim if there are no customers to whom the firm can sell. Presence of substitute product and monopoly market will possess high risk for the international business(Mathai, 2018). In addition, if the market is monopoly in nature, then it will not allow new firms to enter into the market that has high potential to grow. Recommend, with justifications, actions a business organization can take to minimize the risks of operating in an international economic environment. As previously outlined, there are multiple issues which pose a certain amount of risk to the business organization. However, there are also counter strategies, which can assist organizations to operate effectively under international economic environment. The above mentioned risks can adversely affect any business organization to conduct its international business freely. Thus, to omit economic, cultural, political and other differences, the company needs to proper recommendations. Recommendations for the business organization to gauge the probable risks are as follows: Opportunities for enhanced returns, lower costs and benefits from divarication are some of the main reasons leading to risk for the international business. Those mitigating the diversity while bringing in parity among the different regions can be beneficial. Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) model can be tried in order to have better long-term risk mitigation. Influencing the governments to make central banks independent in order to promote better inflow of capital in the form of international business. Enhancing government expenditure through raising the tax bracket can aid the economy to provide much needed boost as well as allowingforeign firms to operate in the country thus creating mutually beneficial conditions for the firm as well as domestic government. Conclusion: From the above analysis it can be determined thatinternational economic environment is becoming increasingly complex. One main concern arising from the analysis is thatthere is a rising risk quotient for international firms which could lead the economy toward vulnerability. This brief paper has examined various features and risks for business organizationsoperating in the international environment and identified potential counter strategies from an outside viewpoint. Present complex scenarios within the international market are vast and the risks and threats presented to organizational success factors are far-reaching. In summary, the economic environment in which an organization can optimize its opportunity for success, depends upon how cohesively they incorporate the recommendations discussed into the strategy and align itself with the required criteria set out by each country in which they intend to operate. References: Camagni, R., 2017. Regional competitiveness: towards a concept of territorial capital. InSeminal Studies in Regional and Urban Economics(pp. 115-131). Springer, Cham. Donato, K.M. and Massey, D.S., 2016. Twenty-first-century globalization and illegal migration.The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science,666(1), pp.7-26. Dunford, M., Dunford, R., Barbu, M. and Liu, W., 2016. Globalisation, cost competitiveness and international trade: The evolution of the Italian textile and clothing industries and the growth of trade with China.European Urban and Regional Studies,23(2), pp.111-135. Hamilton, L. and Webster, P., 2015.The international business environment. Oxford University Press, USA. Kolk, A., 2016. The social responsibility of international business: From ethics and the environment to CSR and sustainable development.Journal of World Business,51(1), pp.23-34. Mathai, K. (2018).Finance Development. [online] Finance Development | FD. Available at: https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/basics/monpol.htm [Accessed 4 Apr. 2018].. O'Brien (2018).Dan O'Brien (@danobrien20) | Twitter. [online] Twitter.com. Available at: https://twitter.com/@danobrien20 [Accessed 4 Apr. 2018]. Picciotto, S. and Mayne, R. eds., 2016.Regulating international business: beyond liberalization. Springer. Picciotto, S., 2017. Rights, responsibilities and regulation of international business. InGlobalization and International Investment(pp. 177-198). Routledge. Shenkar, O., Luo, Y. and Chi, T., 2014.International business. Routledge. Wild, J.J., Wild, K.L. and Han, J.C., 2014.International business. Pearson Education Limited.

Problem of the Elderly Driving in the US

Introduction As individuals get progressively older their mental capacities, response times, and physical abilities tend to deteriorate yet despite such limitations people aged 60 and above still continue to drive on America’s roads and highways (Cobb, 411).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Problem of the Elderly Driving in the US specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Based on data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a total of 3,981 individuals age 70 and above died as a direct result of motor vehicle crashes in 2009, this number does not include other drivers and pedestrians affected by the subsequent loss of vehicular control and as such the total number of fatalities as a direct result of such incidences could potentially be double the current number given by the IIHS. Various studies examining the impact of older drivers on America’s roads today state that as America’s ba by boomer generation gets progressively older the amount of individuals aged 70 above on America’s roads has escalated dramatically (Reisman, 356 – 357). Unfortunately, as shown by data from the IIHS, this has resulted in an actual increase in the number of car accidents in which the elderly have been involved. What must be understood is that driving a motor vehicle requires a certain degree of spatial awareness, responsiveness and the ability to accurately and succinctly gauge the speed and distance of the car that is being driven relative to other vehicles on the road (Reisman, 356 – 357) (Fox and Fama, 31). When an individual lacks the ability to express such aspects of regular driving behavior the potential for accidents to occur increases exponentially as the overall lack of spatial awareness, speed and distance results in a driver often misinterpreting the relative distance of their vehicle from either another car, obstacle or exit point which usually resu lts in an accident occurring. Studies examining elderly drivers all unanimously conclude that physical deterioration in the form of vision problems, depleted mental acuity, and a lack of physical responsiveness result in a reduced capacity to drive properly (Ratner, 23).Advertising Looking for research paper on land transport? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More They go on further to state that since physical deterioration becomes progressive over the time the same can be said for their ability to drive (McKinnell, 67). In other words as individuals get older their ability to mentally and physically embody the necessary behaviors needed to drive safely diminish up to a point that not only do they become a danger to the themselves but to other drivers and pedestrians as well (Ratner, 23). It must be noted though that surveys examining drivers aged 55 and above show that when the respondents were questioned as to their ability to dr ive nearly all of them stated that they drove â€Å"rather well† or had â€Å"no problems† on the road when driving (McLeod et al., 613 – 618). When comparing the survey results to accumulated scientific data as well as statistics on the number of vehicular accidents involving the elderly it can be seen that the respondents were unaware of the potential danger they represented both to themselves and other motorists due to an apparent inability to discern that their progressive physical and mental deterioration has had a detrimental effect on their ability to drive (McLeod et al., 613 – 618). Further examination of the research results also showed that when asked whether they planned to stop driving in the immediate future nearly all the respondents answered that they had no plans to and that they would continue driving for several more years (McLeod et al., 613 – 618). Based on these responses as well as data from the IIHS and other studies examini ng elderly drivers and their impact on America’s roads it can be seen that the attitudes as well as the physical and mental deterioration of elderly drivers presents a distinct problem due to their potentially adverse impact on both themselves and other drivers. As such it can be stated that, the government needs to limit the maximum age for driving because elderly drivers have caused many deaths and severe injuries each year. Similarity in Being Drunk and Being Old Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered a punishable offense in many states within the U.S. due to the potential dangers an inebriated driver possess to other drivers on the road. What must be understood though is that the reason why this action is considered illegal is due to the reduced physical and mental capacity of the driver, such a condition has been proven through literally millions of cases within the past several decades that a driver operating a motor vehicle under a diminished capacity due to the presence of alcohol in his system is more liable to cause accidents on the road and as such should be prevented.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Problem of the Elderly Driving in the US specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Taking the concept of â€Å"diminished capacity† into consideration elderly drivers should also be restricted from being allowed to drive since they also possess a diminished capacity similar to people that are drunk. While there are certain differences such as an elderly individual having a deteriorated physical and mental condition as a direct result of natural causes while an inebriated driver has a diminished capacity as a direct result of the consumption of alcoholic beverages the fact remains that both individuals display behaviors which place them at risk of not only harming themselves but other drivers as well. For example, one of the main reasons why drunk driving is considered a punishable offense is due to the diminished mental capacity that a drunk driver is under which results in their inability to effectively drive their vehicle. Studies examining drunk driving show that the diminished mental capacity takes the form of being unable to gauge distance and speed, the inability to formulate fast enough decisions while on the road and finally the propensity to overcompensate resulting in wider turns and faster speeds. While such symptoms are not present in drivers 55 and below studies examining drivers 70 and above show an almost similar degree of deteriorated mental capacity in the elderly comparable to drunk drivers which makes them just as likely to cause the same type of accidents as the average drunk driver (Branaghan and Gray, 580 – 581). Another factor that should be taken into consideration is the concept of perception and how drunk and elderly drivers tend to perceive things almost similarly. Studies examining the effect of al cohol on the average person’s ability to perceive objects reveal that a person’s ability to accurately distinguish numbers, colors, warning signs and other similar forms of road safety measures tends to decrease the more alcohol an individual consumes. This is another reason why driving under the influence of alcohol is considered a punishable offense since the inability to distinguish proper road safety signs makes the driver of the car more liable to cause accidents despite the precautions put into effect in order to prevent them. In the case of the elderly, physical deterioration once more comes into play however in this case the focus of attention is on their vision.Advertising Looking for research paper on land transport? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More What must be understood is the fact that as a person gets older their vision tends to deteriorate over time, while there are measures available to correct this such as glasses or corrective surgery in some cases elderly individuals suffering from eye deficiencies such as cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration are unable to get the necessary corrective surgery (Branaghan and Gray, 580 – 587). This results in elderly drivers having to contend with either blurred or hazy vision, a distinct reduction in their peripheral vision and even loss of their central portion of vision which can not only cause them to misinterpret road signs but could lead them into not realizing they are approaching and obstacle, car or pedestrian (Friedman et al., 1846). Such cases are similar to what happens to drunk drivers and as such is further evidence of the necessity to place elderly drivers in the same category of â€Å"diminished capacity† as drunk drivers. The last piece of evidence showing the similarity between drunk and elderly drivers is once more connected to the concept of diminished physical and mental capacity but in this case it involves the ability to take in information and react immediately. In most situations when driving motorists need to take into account other cars in their lane as well as cars from the front and the rear. By taking into account their relative distance, speed and their proximity to the car a driver is able to make decisions within seconds as to how to properly handle their car given the situation at hand. In the case of drunk drivers their ability to discern information from their general environment and take subsequent action as need be is heavily impaired by the fact that both their physical and mental reaction times are greatly slowed down by the presence of alcohol. This makes them more likely to be slower in taking into account outside information which delays their ability to physically respond to the situation. The same c an be said of elderly drivers wherein their diminished mental capacity combined with their frail physical capabilities makes them less likely to be able to sufficiently take in information from their surroundings when driving and take appropriate actions (Marszalek et al., 1097 – 1103). In both cases this results in delayed actions in stopping, turning or going resulting in accidents occurring as a direct result. Based on this information it can be seen that when comparing both drunk and elderly drivers, both operate under a state of diminished capacity that not only endangers their own safety but that of others as well. As such, elderly drivers should be categorized under the same category as drunk drivers and be prevented from operating motor vehicles due to the potential threat to public safety that they represent. Physical Capability This paper has so far argued that the physical and mental deterioration of elderly drivers places makes them a danger to themselves and othe rs, what hasn’t been mentioned yet is the fact that elderly drivers are more likely to die from car accidents as compared to the average driver. What must be understood is the fact that traffic accidents can occur at any given time due to a plethora of causes, most of them not limited to the elderly. In such cases though when accidents do occur the elderly are just as likely to be involved in an accident as any other driver however their ability to actually survive such accidents is questionable at best. Once a person reaches the age of 60 and above a notable decrease in the amount of calcium in their bones is seen as well as muscle lethargy, decreased physical stamina as well as an overall level of deteriorated health (Brock et al., 1284). While this is a natural process for all individuals what must be understood is the fact that people with deteriorated levels of health are not as likely to survive a car accident as compared to an individual who is in the prime of their li fe (Ehrenfeld, 62). An examination of data relating to the ability to survive car accidents has shown that as an individual increases in age the less likely they are able to survive a major car accident (Brock et al., 1284). Even minor accidents can cause severe damage on most elderly individuals due to their relatively fragile physical states. While it may be true that barring an individual from driving on the basis of their fragility has little legal basis, the fact remains that when taking into consideration the inherent physical fragility of elderly drivers aged 70 and up and combining it with the fact that they are more likely to enter into traffic accidents due to their diminished physical and mental capacities, as established by this paper, then it becomes a question of whether the government needs to act on the basis of protecting the elderly from themselves since clearly they are likely to kill themselves (along with others) if they are allowed to continue driving at advanc ed ages (Brock et al., 1284) (Mitchell and Suen, 17). Opinion of the Elderly While this paper has been quick to point out the negative implications of elderly driving an examination of the responses of the elderly towards the concept of limiting the age limit on driving has brought about several compelling arguments. The first argument presented is the fact that since most elderly individuals live with their spouse or are alone if they are prevented from driving this limits them towards the use of public transportation which is arduous at best which may result in increased stress, a worrisome factor given their advanced ages (USA Today, n.d). It must also be noted that in most cases within the U.S. the elderly do not live with their children and as such have come to rely on their own ability to get things done. Studies examining the responses of various elderly respondents have shown that most are reluctant to take on the use of caregivers and as such continue to try to remain activ e. By preventing the elderly from driving this may in turn place either undue financial stress as a direct result of them needing to hire a caregiver since their children would not be around to drive them as they please (Modern Medicine, 5). Other arguments presented state their inherent legal right as citizens to be able to drive so long as they prove they are capable of doing so. In such cases it has been shown that the elderly can be retrained to drive at advanced ages in order to take into account their physical and mental deficiencies and act accordingly in order to become better drivers. Based on these following arguments it can be seen that there are alternative methods to outright banning the elderly from driving. On the other hand all the arguments presented neglect to take into account the fact that the elderly account for a large percentage of all automobile based accidents within the U.S. with the number gradually rising by 5 percent each year as a direct result of aging sectors in the U.S. population (Tips, 9). Conclusion Despite the counterarguments presented it can clearly be seen that allowing the elderly to drive poses too much of a risk to both themselves and the general public to allow the practice to continue. What must be taken into account is the fact that their continued physical and mental deteriorated coupled with the necessities of being a proficient driver simply do not mesh. As such, the government should take measures in setting up an appropriate age limit that allows elderly people to drive. By doing so, not only does the government prevent the elderly from potentially harming themselves but also other drivers and pedestrians. Works Cited Branaghan, Russell J., and Rob Gray. â€Å"NONCONSCIOUS ACTIVATION OF AN ELDERLY STEREOTYPE AND SPEED OF DRIVING.† Perceptual Motor Skills  110.2 (2010): 580-592. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. Cobb, Roger W. â€Å"Are elderly drivers a road hazard?: Problem definition and politi cal impact.† Journal of Aging Studies 12.4 (1998): 411. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. David S. Friedman, et al. â€Å"Driving Cessation and Driving Limitation in Glaucoma: The Salisbury Eye Evaluation Project.† Ophthalmology 116.10 (2009): 1846-1853.  Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. Dwight B. Brock, et al. â€Å"Driving Life Expectancy of Persons Aged 70 Years and Older in the United States.† American Journal of Public Health 92.8 (2002): 1284.  MasterFILE Premier. EBSCO. Web. Ehrenfeld, Temma. â€Å"Time to Hang Up the Keys.† Newsweek 152.7 (2008): 62.  Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. Fox, Peter D., and Teresa Fama. â€Å"Managed care and the elderly: Performance and potential.† Generations 20.2 (1996): 31. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCO. Web. McKinnell, Julia. â€Å"Should Dad really still be driving?.† Maclean’s 119.48 (2006): 67. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. Mitchell, C.G.B., and S. Ling Suen. â€Å"Urban Travel, Intelligent Transportation Systems, and the Safety of Elderly and Disabled Travelers.† Journal of Urban Technology  5.1 (1998): 17-43. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. Modern Medicine.†Gloom lasts in elders who turn over car keys.† Modern Medicine 65.4 (1997): 5. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. Ralph Marszalek, et al. â€Å"Hearing Impairment Affects Older People’s Ability to Drive in the Presence of Distracters.† Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 58.6 (2010): 1097-1103. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. Ratner, Todd C. â€Å"Elderly Drivers: an Age-old Problem.† Business West 26.20 (2010): 23. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCO. Web. Rebecca McLeod, et al. â€Å"Self-rated driving performance among elderly drivers referred for driving evaluation.† Accident Analysis Prevention 37.4 (2005): 613-618. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. Reisman, Anna. â€Å"Surrendering The Keys: A Doctor Tries To Get An Impaired E lderly Patient To Stop Driving.† Health Affairs 30.2 (2011): 356-359. Academic Search  Premier. EBSCO. Web. Tips.†Getting parents to give up their car keys — tips for adult children.† Enterprise/Salt  Lake City 40.27 (2011): 9. Regional Business News. EBSCO. Web. USA Today. â€Å"Focus driving tests on safety, not age.† USA Today n.d.: MasterFILE  Premier. EBSCO. Web. This research paper on Problem of the Elderly Driving in the US was written and submitted by user Hallie Martinez to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Dragon essays

The Dragon essays In Raffels translation of Beowulf the dragon protects the men from what can deceive them, but takes away the one thing they have been deceived by. The Dragon plays a very important role in the epic. He is not like other dragons from the medieval time and protects a virgin up in a tower. What was the motive for a dragon supposedly protecting a virgin from getting rescued? The dragon that is depicted in this novel does not protect a virgin, but he protects a whole hoard of gold. In the end of this epic a slave steals a cup, and the dragon takes revenge on the Geat land. Beowulf, although young, still has the obligation to protect his people from the Dragon. Beowulf fights the dragon and is slain, some may view the dragon as destroyer, others as a protector. In reality, which one does the dragon truly seem to be? The dragon is a destroyer but a protector as well. In Beowulfs time gold is a very valuable commodity to have. Gold was used for money, trading, and to just show signs of pure wealth. The dragon protected this gold not only to have use for himself, but also to protect men from their own greedy souls. The dragon does not consciously protect this gold, but in doing so he protects not only the power of the king, but the certain civil unrest of the community in which the gold could have been found. A slave comes to the dragons lair and steals a cup from the dragon to take back to his master to be excepted back to the community for his wrongdoing. Upon, the dragon noticing this he suddenly becomes enraged that someone dares to steal from the lair of the dragon. And evening came and wild with anger; It could fly burning across the land, killing and destroying everything with its breath. The sun was gone, and its heart was glad: glowing with rage; It left the tower, impatient to repay his enemies. From this passage in the book a reader can see that the dragon is no longer a protec ...

Business munication And Peroformance Free Sample

Reflecting on the individual’s growth is very important for learning, understanding, visualizing person identity and also individual research.   In the present group study, prising of five members I have learnt and experienced a number of munication traits and also an in-depth understanding on resolving the conflicts while being in a group of individuals sharing their ideas and beliefs on different articles and the references. While contributing to the group project I had experience of developing my own skills to learning through online tools, materials from textbooks and utilizing the library resources productively. Participating in the team work, contributing and analyzing to innovative ideas and the quantum of knowledge involved in the group enlightened me on how to resolve any issue or disagreement and appear with an appropriate resolution (Danks, 2012). Likewise, such writing assignment also enhanced my writing skills along with others group members ideas as an added ad vantage. Group project has obliged me with a fresh insight to work in a group. The group work has provided me an opportunity to learn various activities as a part of project. It b es easier to work in teams which exhibits involving and derive satisfying participation for the students. I input my maximum involvement while engaging in this project which made me more task oriented and I achieved better satisfaction. Although the group project demand a set of skills and prove to be challenging too (DuPont, 2013). This project helped me to understand how to tackle plex situation and what kind of plexities are involved in such kind of task oriented groups. Earlier, it turned out to be quite a difficult task for me to get acquainted with the teamwork process and utilization of munication skills but eventually this project helped me to develop good judgment with stronger intellect pushing me towards the achievement of the task. Undoubtedly group working enhances one’s skills and brings attention to one’s personality. It gives an idea of opening up to the variety of people, experiencing good as well bad traits, learning new definitions towards achieving goals and ensures an overall growth of the personality (Johnson and Wiggs, 2011).   The best trait I learned with this project is to interact with new kind of people and improve over my munication skills. It helped me develop a skill which I wasn’t sure of. Most importantly it helped me to get organized, meet the deadlines or sometimes even before that, work in union and raise concerned matters if any. Collective working makes the project bigger as pared as working individually (Ellis, 2012). Group activity has developed a sense of helping in me, and I achieved more in less time simultaneously keeping a check on group members and helping them out if anyone is in need. Precisely, the work distribution done fairly and evenly has been of great praise and work done in efficient and on time has proved to be a boon for the group project. The trait which took my attention was passing of ill ments over other members back or over the members being non-participant during the project work. I am a strong believer of putting hundred percent in any project and be sincere towards the group activity. Another thing which hindered was the availability of all the members at one time (Peterson, 2012). It happens that one will be busy when other is free and vice versa. It’s not the same as when an individual can work at its own convenience. Dependency on other group members for their work has also been one of the issues pondered over during the project study. That’s unfair on the part of a person doing its work on time and meets the deadlines and is focused on pleting the task (Atkins and Lowe, 2011). Group projects involve a variety of people which makes it difficult as pared to working individually. It’s like a river-rafting where all members flow in one direction and make efforts in one direction then journey proves to be smooth and easy-going. Similarly in the reverse condition, it b es inconclusive to mence the journey. To ove e such barriers and to have less obstruction in the working of the project, we decided to elect a team leader that would supervise the progress of the project, conclude team meets and resolve the arguments to maintain the consistency among the members. Initially, it seemed to be like a funny decision, but soon its worth was recognized (Iksan, 2012). Being in a group it became evident that all individuals will try to impose their thinking and this would lead to chaos in pleting the activities. I observed that distributing the tasks among the members became a headache and it ultimately lead to over-lapping of the tasks. The difference of opinion resulted in understanding different perspectives. I also acknowledged that at times some members felt left-out and disconnected. Nevertheless, encouragements from the fellow members kept all of us in unison which enabled the coherence in the group. But overall, whenever the conflicts or any such concerned issues arose we collectively made attempts to resolve and also deliver best ou es which we can. During the course of the project we encountered various difficulties, right from finding the appropriate articles to support our task to quote the references for the same. Numerous researches and methods were made applicable to spot the correct articles and the related online sites were also thorough been looked over to get the suitable material. With the help of such available material I concluded my work assigned task and understood the important notes of prising anecdotes. Another major barrier I faced was the time limit. In exploring the various resources of knowledge, and while going through my research, I always felt short of time and this happen to sharpen my speed in meeting the deadlines (Nixon, 2014). Prominently I excelled in pleting the task that summarized and analyzed the context and topic effectively. I managed to deliver better results for the topic and it didn’t majorly exhibit any plexities in pleting the task. Working in a closely related group of individuals benefitted me the most in a fruitful manner. It gave me satisfaction of discovering the new aspects of the relevant articles with the quantum of knowledge shared by every individual. The best thing I learnt from this group activity was to manage the individuals, work with different mindsets, share the ideas and discover innovations through group members and also sincerely dealing with the conflicts that arose during the term (Largo and Johns, 2008). This project enabled the writing, deriving, piling, organizing and publicizing skills in me to critically review on the subject matter. It made me realize that the project explained negative as well positive attributes. Other than organizing and piling of the related information, I also went through scanning, revising and arranging the important points with supportive examples and keynotes. All this pains in understanding the importance of this project developed the writing skills which has left me also in amaze. Concluding part lead to sense of improvisation in the basic skills I required and enhanced my overall personality. Moreover, not only I shoved off my fear of interacting strangers but also made new subordinates to whom I municated broadly, discussed all the matters which tend to be difficult to ove e and conducted all the tasks as a team. I regard this project as a stepping stone towards the understanding of a better knowledge attributes and incorporating some set of skills which I wasn’t aware of. It had been a useful and a learning experience. This assignment delivered various benefits to me which will be helpful to me for the future assignments. This project again refreshed my research skills from which I had been detached recently. Examining the team attributes, experiencing new challenges every day, developing a sense of critical analysis will definitely help me in future projects. Being a part of a group it ignited the skills of leadership, managing people and groomed myself as a part of team. I am sure all the group members also must have experienced the same as I have experienced. With the available resources it has proved to an easy path to contribute maximum in the pletion of the task and also enhance our knowledge with such improvisation. However, there have been areas where certain changes are needed which would help the group to perform better. Availing the related material onsite on time and make sure that the information is passed on to all the group members together. In the future, the group will perform better with such enhanced skills and deliver with more mitment and sincerity. The project has created a new set of understanding and knowledge which has engraved learning in me and confront me with in-depth obligation to deliver more the next time. I would conclude saying that such reflective learning experience not only groomed my writing skills and enhanced my team work experience but it also immersed me in developing a self-discipline behavior as well a spirit of working in a group. Such group projects enabled to accentuate my hidden personality traits and develop those which I could barely think of.    Atkins, S. and Lowe, S. (2011), Agents of change – a call for effective leadership, University of Boston Press, Boston, Mass Danks, W. (2012), ‘The dynamic boardroom municator’, munication Performance Management, vol. 3, no. 3/4, pp. 82-90. DuPont, A. (2013). munication in action – a review, McGraw-Hill, New York. Ellis, S. (2012). ‘Intellectual teamwork: social and technological foundations of cooperation’, Journal of Sociology, vol. 32, no. 6. Iksan, ZH, Zakaria, E, Meerah, TSM, Osman, K, Lian, DKC, Mahmud, SND and Krish, P (2012), munication skills among university students’, Procedia: Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 59, pp. 71–6, Johnson, R. and Wiggs, P. (2011), ‘Change management--or change leadership?’, Journal of Change Management, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 311-17. Largo, E. and Johns, M. (2008). Sensing of change management – rulemaking for the 21st Century, Swan Page, London. Nixon, D. (2014). munication traits, Manchester, UK, viewed 16 November 2014, . Peterson, H. (2012), Teamwork dynamics, Smithfield Press, New York. Wu, Z. and Xiao, L. 2011, ‘Team builder: a CSR tool for identifying expertise and team strengths’, Allied munications, vol. 12, no. 10, pp. 32-47..

Manufacturing process Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Manufacturing process - Lab Report Example Stroke is the length of travel of rod or piston. Combustion chamber volume is the total of each combustion chamber expressed in cubic centimeters. Deck height volume is obtained from getting the area between the top of the piston and the top of the block when the piston is at the top of the stroke. Head gasket volume is part of the overall cylinder volume. Sweep volume is the displacement of one cylinder. Constant volume is considered the volume into which the swept volume is compressed on each compression stroke. The existing layout consists of a water pump, an alternator and a vibration of damper or there is sometimes the use of crank shaft pulleys. This is done along with the belt tensioner and idler pulley. The design which was used in the manufacture is that which was from the benchmark helping in communication of the components that are in the structure. In proposal that was made on the structure, there exist five numbers of pulleys and a 4PK belt. Auto tensioner that is used in the system is removed and the tensioning that occurs is provided by the alternator and its mounting bracket which functions as the manual tensioning device. The alternator that is used is that which is reduced capacity alternator suiting the requirement of the application motorcycle. The system contains a slot in the upper part and can be supported in its bottom to the alternator mounting bracket. The motion in the support provides the tensioning of the belt. There is an alternative process that can be used in the manufacturing of the system. In the alternative manufacture, there is reduction in the number of pulleys to three with only the water pump, the vibration damper and alternator. In the alternative process, there is use of the same arrangements for tension of the belt. The difference that occurs in the two models is the direction of rotation of the water pumps to clockwise from anticlockwise. Analysis that was carried out in camshaft was mainly on the

The Role of Information Systems to Support an Organization Essay

The Role of Information Systems to Support an Organization - Essay Example These management systems are also termed as collaboration systems. In the days of the past, collaboration among peers or colleagues was not as easy as it has been made by the aid of collaboration systems. The well-known quote â€Å"Two heads are better than one† can be used to define the concept of collaboration systems. It is a common practice in organizations for people to work together and this collaboration usually achieves better results than working in isolation. Pinnadyne (2009) stated that collaboration might involve the activity of generation of an idea, creation of a new concept or implementation of a common goal. Therefore it can be defined as the joint venture to achieve a common goal with a shared direction. Collaboration Systems have the following tools: Content management involves the process of storing information for retrieval by users whenever the need arises. Hartland (2009) explained that it facilitates the workflow of a group of peers or colleagues that would be involved in accessing or adding content in the repository. It can be considered as a collection of processes that provide management of the workflows involved in the system. There might be many users involved in the process of adding data to the repositories therefore there needs to be a mechanism to handle such activities. The data in the content management systems might be of different types for example, documents, video clips, images, personal information etc. Content management system in an enterprise is considered to be their vital asset nowadays as it gives a structured look to their unstructured data, while catering to all the diversity of formats that might exist in the data. Another critical aspect of content management is the ability to keep versions of data as it evolves. The version number is a well-known mechanism to keep track of old and new data. Some organizations do not value older versions of data but it also has a

Climate change Essay Example for Free

Climate change Essay In this era of industrialization there is no doubt that countries are developing in terms of resources and technology but there are repercussions as well. Scientists are of the view that human activities are contributing to not only a rise in world temperatures but also to the extreme climatic occurrences. Such climatic induced natural disasters have displaced many people from the shelter of their homes, have turned fertile lands into barren parts and have caused a depletion of fresh water resources (China tells rich nations to pay up on climate change, 2008). â€Å"It is predicted that the average global temperature will rise from between 1. 5 and 5 degrees Celsius over the next 100 years leading to a rise in sea level by one meter or more along with other disastrous climatic changes† (Climate Change: Economic Sense and Non-sense of Carbon Mitigation Policies, 2002). But the world today is so engrossed in reaching the top most position amongst industrialized countries that there is absolute ignorance about the causes of climatic disasters. Although there are people who believe that the drastic temperature increase over the last 100 years is a natural phenomenon, but the wide majority of the scientists argue that human activities are the root cause. â€Å"When it was realized that the radical climatic changes are an important issue and need to be tackled, the first milestone was launched in 2005, termed as the Kyoto protocol which aimed at reducing the gas emissions from industrialized countries† (Pettifor, 2008). But the main problem regarding this protocol is that some of the world’s biggest current and future polluters are not a signatory to this agreement as a result of which this protocol is unlikely to have any impact on the climatic changes (Climate Change, 2008). Population growth in such countries is allowing for the set up of more industries which will eventually accelerate the problem on hand. If technologies which cause less pollution and are comparatively cheaper are created and adopted then even countries which are not committed to the climatic change improvement will adopt them for their own economic self interest. Such technologies can be implemented in electricity production and transportation because these are the two factors which contribute to environmental pollution in all developing countries. In many countries carbon free alternatives have already been implemented for energy production and transport purposes and the added costs have been considered to be meager when compared to the benefits. Emission trading is a phenomenon that allows for the achievement of pollution reduction at reduced costs whereby a country which is able to meet its target of reducing emissions sells its pollution permit to another country which is unable to meet the target set (Howden, 2007). Policies are required both in developing and the developed countries to finance the regime of saving the planet. These policies include certain incentives and subsidies for the innovator who adopts the carbon free technologies in his production plant , taxes and charges enforced on those who fail to follow the reduced emission target and also government regulations that allow remove the barrier to entry for new entrants willing to adopt the lower carbon alternatives. In January 2007 the EU set out proposals for a global agreement on saving the planet from further climatic deterioration (Climate Change: Economic Sense and Non-sense of Carbon Mitigation Policies, 2002). Two key targets to be met by 2020 were set which included a 20% reduction in energy consumption and use of renewable energy resources to be increased by 20%. The EU countries also committed to cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions by 30% given that other developed countries also commit to reductions in gas emissions under a global agreement (Climate Change, 2008). It is the rich countries that need to be pressurized to take steps in the mitigation of climatic changes and provide finance for the poorer countries that may be reluctant to cut down on emissions since it would have adverse affects on their economy (Climate Change, 2008). In spite of the current economic turmoil which the entire world is facing, the U. S has promised to provide subsidies to the car industry to help them develop green cars which will help in creating a cleaner and less polluted environment. This step taken by the U. S motivated the EU member states to do the same. Similarly the German government is thinking of offering tax incentives to the general public to install energy efficient heating systems in their homes and to purchase the carbon free, environmentally friendly green cars. And the list goes not stop here, governments of different countries are thinking of providing subsidies to industries to produce green appliances, green airplanes, efficient lighting equipment, and better insulation and so on (Howden, 2007). To implement all this money is required which is expected to come from private investors. In the future years it is predicted that a vast portion of government spending will be directed towards saving the environment from climatic changes (Pettifor, 2008). China, one of the most enthusiastic country in dealing with the climatic change crisis has emphasized on the need for rich nations to contribute 1% of their GDP to help poorer nations counter the effects of the drastic climatic changes, to enable them to adopt the ‘green technologies’ and to simply assist them in tackling disasters like earthquakes, floods, heat waves and droughts (China tells rich nations to pay up on climate change, 2008). A main human activity which is adding to global warming is deforestation which has been occurring worldwide at a large scale. Carbon emissions caused by deforestation cause far more damage then either factories or cars do. Countries are implementing strict regulations regarding deforestation and have imposed penalties on those indulging in this act on lands where it is prohibited. No new technology is required it is just the enforcement policies, political will and incentives that need to be provided to government and individuals alike to make them realize the importance of forests to the environment. But poorer nations are unwilling to cut down on deforestation since it means compromising on their source of income and ultimately compromising on their economy. Forestry experts and policy makers have held meetings in Germany to try and put deforestation on top of the agenda of UN for dealing with climatic changes but Papua New Guinea, one of the world’s poorest nations refused to co-operate when it declared that it can’t cut down on deforestation unless it was offered financial incentives to do so. Natural forestation acts as a thermostat for the earth generating much needed rainfall and stabilizing the amount of harmful gases in the environment yet governments are ignorant or rather choose to stay unaware of this fact and are focusing more on implementing economic policies , encouraging bio-fuel subsidies and carbon capture schemes to tackle the problem of climatic changes (Summary for Policy Makers, 2007). For domestic users of energy, education and training programs need to be implemented to break down the reluctance of adopting environmentally friendly products and to help in creating a carbon free environment. For industries as well staff training, rewards system, awareness programs can reduce energy consumption considerably and reduce the green house gases emissions (Pettifor, 2008). There are certain economic policies which can be implemented to achieve the desired effects like taxes and charges on industries emitting carbon toxicants above a certain given level can be imposed which will induce them to eventually cut down on polluting the environment. Voluntary agreements between the governments and industries as well as between developing countries like the Kyoto protocol can accelerate the adoption of technological advances and cause considerable emission reductions (Climate Change: Economic Sense and Non-sense of Carbon Mitigation Policies, 2002). But on the other hand it needs to be kept in mind that although harsh regulations and standards and tax impositions may have the desired effect in the industrial sector but when it comes to domestic households, who are also a major contributor to environment emissions due to car usage and domestic heating, we need to think out of the box and come up with more feasible and practical solutions Individuals need to be convinced of the need to adopt technology and embrace ‘green appliances’ and for that the main motivation is the monetary incentive. Majority of the global population is not an early adopter of technology and for their sake it needs to be kept in mind that they will look for reduced costs rather than being termed the most techno-savvy person of the year (Pettifor, 2008). People need to be educated rather than forced into adopting renewable energy resources. Same goes for the industrial sector of the rich nations though harsher methods to cut down on their emissions can be applied as well by the government. It is the poorer nations that show the maximum reluctance and are unwilling to co-operate in the regime to save the earth from further climatic destruction. These nations are more concerned about their economy since already they are far behind the rich nations and on top of that the international bodies impose restrictions on them to cut down on emissions which eventually mean a restraint on their business operations (Summary for Policy Makers, 2007). The short term efforts that are being done to save the world from global warming and ozone depletion are basically a waste of resources and money since they tend to have little effect. It would be wiser to spend more yet come up with long term viable solutions which promise an improvement in the climatic conditions. Those who are worried that the cost of saving the world from climatic changes need to realize that the atmosphere cannot determine if the reduced carbon emission has come from an expensive decision or a cheap choice because it can only feel if the emissions have reduced or not. Works Cited 1. China tells rich nations to pay up on climate change. (2008, November). Retrieved November 9, 2008, from NewScientist. com: http://environment. newscientist. com/article/dn15148-china-tells-rich-nations-to-pay-up-on-climate-change. html? DCMP=ILC-hmtsnsref=news1_head_dn15148 2. Climate Change. (2008). Retrieved November 6, 2008, from EUROPA Commission: http://ec. europa. eu/environment/climat/home_en. htm 3. Climate Change: Economic Sense and Non-sense of Carbon Mitigation Policies. (2002). Centre for Economic Performance , 2. 4. Howden, D. (2007, May 14). Deforestation: The hidden cause of global warming. Retrieved November 8, 2008, from The Independent: http://www. independent. co. uk/environment/climate-change/deforestation-the-hidden-cause-of-global-warming-448734. html 5. Pettifor, A. (2008, October 28). Beyond the triple crisis: a green new deal. Retrieved November 7, 2008, from http://www. opendemocracy. net/article/beyond-the-triple-crisis-a-green-new-deal 6. Summary for Policy Makers. (2007, May 5). Retrieved November 5, 2008, from http://www. globalpolicy. org/socecon/envronmt/climate/2007/0504ipccthree. pdf

Kant vs Descartes

Thing in ItselfRene Descartes’ method of doubt provides the argument for the existence of the mind, which is, perhaps, the cornerstone of his philosophy. Immanuel Kant, on the other hand, treats ‘reason’ or rationality as a crucial factor in his philosophical accounts. With regard to Descartes, the concept of the ‘thing in itself’ can be analyzed in terms of his method of hyperbolic doubt, such that he cannot doubt that he exists. As for Kant, the concept of the ‘thing in itself’ can best be understood in terms of his treatment on the distinction between the noumenal or rational world and the spatiotemporal world.Descartes method of doubt tells us that the only thing that an individual can be sure of is his existence, such that the fact that one can begin to doubt one’s existence is proof that there must be that something which ‘doubts’. Given that there is a looming ‘doubt’, it cannot be questioned that t here is indeed something that doubts, and that ‘doubting’ thing is a thinking thing. At the least, the attribute of being able to doubt makes Descartes to believe that he exists for if he did not then he would not have doubted his existence in the first place (Garber, p. 226).As a result, Descartes gives primary emphasis to the mind such that our sensory perceptions cannot wholly provide us with real knowledge. For instance, Descartes provides his classic example of the wax. A wax has a certain size, shape, texture and odor among many others. After the wax is melted, Descartes tells us that many of the physical properties of the wax as observed by our sensory perceptions have changed. Thus, our senses cannot give us the assurance of the essence of the wax, or of things in general. It is at that point that Descartes believes that the deductive mind should be the basis for our inquiries on the essence of objects.Hence, it can be said that the concept of the ‘thing i n itself’ in terms of Descartes’ philosophy stands as something which claims that there is a material, external world outside of the mind. Things by themselves, then, would be as they are whether or not the mind is able to grasp these external entities. Descartes is also known for his belief in the mind and body dualism, such that the mind is a separate entity from the corporeal or physical body. In its entirety, it can be said that Descartes is espousing the idea that the thing in itself is one which is in the external world, although it can also be the thinking thing, or the mind. As for the objects external from the mind, these objects are things in themselves for the reason that the mind is able to acquire knowledge through them, specifically through a deductive inquiry into their nature and essence.Immanuel Kant, on the other hand, espouses the idea of noumenon as synonymous with the ‘thing in itself’, which is that the noumenal realm is the realm whi ch is not accessible precisely because of the limits of the rationality. From here, it can be said that Kant acknowledges that there are indeed ‘things in themselves’ only that human reason is unable to completely grasp these ‘things in themselves’ in the noumenal realm. Kant’s noumenon is to be distinguished with his concept of the phenomenon. On one hand, the phenomenon is that which is grasped by our sensory perceptions or that which is perceived. On the other hand, the noumenon is the actual object which gives the perceived phenomenon (Clarke, p. 55).In order to make the distinction clearer, one can resort to the example of, say, the object ‘pencil’. In terms of Kant’s philosophy, the actual ‘pencil’ is the actual object and the essence of the actual ‘pencil’ cannot be grasped even through our reason and sensory perceptions. On the contrary, what we can only be able to grasp is the phenomenon that ema nates from the actual pencil. That is, our senses are only able to acquire the various attributes of the actual pencil such as size, color, shape and texture among many others. We are never able to grasp the essence of the actual pencil, only the ‘properties’ or the phenomenon that come from it.The contrast between Kant and Descartes’ treatment of the thing in itself resides on their basis for which upon the ‘thing in itself’ can be accessed. Apparently, both Kant and Descartes give a substantial consideration for the mind or reason in trying to understand the material world and the rest of the objects as ‘things in themselves’. Thus, once the mind or reason is deprived of its role in discerning the objects around it, or if the mind or reason is removed from the task of contemplating the ‘thing in itself’, there is strong reason to believe, as far as Kant and Descartes are concerned, that any effort to philosophize about the se things would be futile.More importantly, the distinction between Kant and Descartes resides on the fact that Kant is inclined to believe that we cannot entirely comprehend the essence of any ‘thing in itself’ and that only the phenomenon can be accessed by reason and our sensory perceptions. On the other hand, Descartes does not explicitly make a claim denying the reason of the ability to comprehend the essence of objects. On the contrary, Descartes tells us that we should rely on the deductive process through the minds in our quest for understanding the world of objects and less on the sensory perceptions for they may simply give us a limited account of the world.In conclusion, it can be said that the distinction between Kant and Descartes in terms of their take on the concept of the ‘thing in itself’ differs solely on whether or not the noumenon or the actual objects are accessible. Both Kant and Descartes agree on the substantial function and purpose of reason in discerning the world or at least the ‘thinking thing’ in the words of Descartes. Without the mind, one can hardly arrive at a substantial thought on the world, or that there can be no ‘hyperbolic doubting’ to begin with. The use of the mind is significant in both the philosophies of Kant and Descartes, especially in their analysis of the concept of the ‘thing in itself’.Works CitedGarber, Daniel. â€Å"Descartes and Method in 1637.† PSA: Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association 2 (1988): 226.Clarke, Michael. â€Å"Kant's Rhetoric of Enlightenmentkant's Rhetoric of Enlightenment.† The Review of Politics 59.1 (1997): 55.

Media’s Negative Effect on Women Body Image

I. Images in the media are having a negative impact on female body image and has given society a blurred meaning as to â€Å"beautiful† A. Models 1. Models give an unrealistic view of the ideal woman; they give the idea that you cannot be beautiful unless you are thin. 2. â€Å"The average model is taller and weighs 23 per cent, or almost a quarter, less than the average woman who is 5'4†³ and weighs 148 lbs. † (Canadian Women’s Health) 3. Model’s bodies have been getting thinner by the years, and as the bodys keep slimming down women and girls in society are becoming more unhappy with their selves. B. Economic goals . â€Å"There are no official statistics for spending on diet products, but estimates vary from $40bn to $100bn in the US alone – more than the combined value of the government's budget for health, education and welfare. † (Cummings) 2. By the media presenting an almost impossible ideal to get and maintain, the cosmetic and diet industry becomes profitable. 3. Ads are directed mostly to younger girls purposely. C. Health issues 1. Exposure to images of thin, young, air-brushed female bodies is linked to depression, loss of self-esteem and the development of unhealthy eating habits in women and girls. . The American research group Anorexia Nervosa & Related Eating Disorders, Inc. says that one out of every four college-aged women uses unhealthy methods of weight control (bulimia, anorexia, excess exercising, laxatives, skipping meals. ) 3. This has even affected younger girls, as low as 5-6 years old. 4. Nearly half of all preadolescent girls wish to be thinner, and as a result have engaged in a diet or are aware of the concept of dieting. (Tiggeman) 5. Researchers generating a computer model of a woman with Barbie-doll proportions, for example, found that her back would be too weak to support the weight of her upper body, and her body would be too narrow to contain more than half a liver and a few centimeters of bowel. A  real woman built that way would suffer from chronic diarrhea and eventually die from malnutrition. II. Although the damage has been well done, by eliminating the fake women pictures and providing the society with a healthier view of themselves, women’s views about themselves would be a lot healthier and they would feel uch happier. A. Although these campaigns have just started with their healthy ideas, many companies have tried to help with this problem and have received much positive feedback. 1. In 2004, Dove launched the very successful Campaign for Real Beauty which features real women, not models, advertising Dove's firming cream. (Dove) 2. Dove has also recently launched a new campaign, 3. In Septem ber 2006, a news and media furor erupted when Spain banned overly thin models from its fashion runways. 4. Dove produced this video in response to the negative comments of the changes of the company’s models called Evolution which shows the transformation from a regular women to a model and how unrealistic perceptions of beauty are. 5. In 2010, Dove ® set out a bold new vision for the brand with the Dove ® Movement for Self-Esteem. ( Dove) III. Not everyone agrees, however, that this is something wrong. A. The people that prosper from these ideas say 1. Women need to have more self control. a. It’s not like women can just avoid these ads, they are everywhere and have come to dominate our society. Depression and low self-esteem is not something that women want to have. Not everyone is born the same. 2. Obesity is a problem, thinner is healthier. a. Thinner can be healthier because obesity has become a growing issue but the media has taken it to their advantage. b. The thinness shown in magazines and models is not healthy, the models are always underweight which leads to fainting and serious health conditions including malnutrition. Works Cited â€Å"Beauty and Body Image in Media. † Media Awareness Network. N. p. , n. d. Web. 20 Nov 2011. . Cummings, Laura. â€Å"The diet business: Banking on Failure. † BBC news. N. p. , 05/02/2003. Web. 20 Nov 2011. . â€Å"Body Image and the Media. † Canadian's Women's Health Network. N. p. , 2005. Web. 20 Nov 2011. . â€Å"The Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. † Dove. Dove, n. d. Web. 20 Nov 2011. .

social trends in art essays

social trends in art essays Art is something which can be analyzed to give deeper insight as to the common values and beliefs shared by the members of a certain society. Regardless of the place of origin or the time period of a form of art, it will always be a reflection of the social structure in which it's creator/s lived. However, the way the artist perceives the culture common to his time period is very relative. People pertaining to a higher social class had different values and ideologies than members of a lower class. This different view of life can be seen very clearly in individual forms of art such as painting and music. These specific forms of artistic expression required very little money, thus could be exercised by anyone including members of a lower class. Other forms of art such as architecture and sculpture required more money and in most cases wealthy patrons such as kings or queens. Architecture also required large numbers of workers which often made it hard to see any individual influe nce in the design, however showed the collective ideology of all of the people involved. The cost of labor and materials was also so great that very affluent members of society were needed to financially support the whole process. Sculpture was also an artistry that required great amounts of material and labor. This resulted in a more normative form of art which portrayed societal aspects in a way that was of interest to the financial backers. By studying both popular and normative art together it is possible to obtain a greater perspective on a specific culture. Outside influences from other countries can also affect the art and the artists of a certain society. As a country sees more and more immigrants from a certain area, the art will begin to reflect the ideologies these outsiders bring in with them. This same change can be seen more drastically in the case of an invasion. The architecture would change drastically, since it is normative art a...

Observation #3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Observation #3 - Essay Example After observing them for a few minutes, I figured out that they were neighbors living in a close neighborhood. One of them had a little baby in a pram, and the other one was telling her about her children who had gone to school. She was giving the other one tip upon handling a cranky baby. So, I figured out that the main topic of discussion was child care. They had not yet started doing grocery. After that, the same night, I again went out on a venture to observe a male-female interaction. I entered an ice cream parlor. I witnessed a couple. I took the table next to theirs so that I could hear their conversation. I could sense some romanticism, and it took me no time in concluding that they were dating. They were in their mid-twenties. They were looking very happy and excited over something. When I heard closely, the man was talking about how he had got the job, and what his plans about marriage were. The woman looked

Monogamous Sexual Inercourse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Monogamous Sexual Inercourse - Essay Example She also asked if they ever thought about marrying a virgin and they all said no. This writer thinks we have a new era where commitments are temporary, which is a bit of an oxymoron. If you marry and a relationship does not work you change to a new commitment. Some do it in through marriages some do not bother to marry. This is creating multiple problems in our society. Nine out of ten people polled by UNICEF believe the social fabric of our culture is under threat because of family breakdown. This article says much of the break down is to be blamed on the high numbers of single parent homes and step families. Since monogamy is not longer expected children do not have the same support base in the family that they had in the past. We see a rise in crime at younger and younger ages. We see more and more children treated for depression an anxiety. Our children no longer know where they belong. It appears that when there is an abandonment of long term commitment sexually there is also no long term commitment to parenting and we see a change in the behavior of children (Daily Mail, 2007). This is of course not good for the children it is also very expensive for our society. The second problem that comes with having multiple sexual partners is the number of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) reported today. The more partners an individual has the more likely they are to contract and STD. The cost of STD treatment including HIV rises every year. In 2006, if all STD numbers were combined it reaches epidemic levels in the United States (Update to CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines). It appears to this writer that multiple sexual partner is not wise from a wellness perspective. We stop smoking because it can cause illness why would we not advocate remaining monogamous to prevent illness? This writer sees the switch to multiple sexual partners and its generally

BABSMD Medicine Program Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

BABSMD Medicine Program - Personal Statement Example And I will be cheating myself, if I prefer to choose some simpler programs, thus depriving myself from taking up the challenge. Finally, another good reason for me to opt for this program is my belief in my capabilities. It won't be an exaggeration if I say that I am talented enough to succeed in this profession. For example, my SAT's will help in proving my assertions. I received a 2210 on my SAT. On my SAT-II I received a 750 in Chemistry, 750 in Biology, 760 in Physics, 800 in Math II and 800 in foreign language. I have taken 5 AP exams and 3 other APs this school year. My GPA was 4.0, with a top 10% ranking in the most competitive school in New York City. I have been named a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship as well. I had a dream to be a doctor since I was very young. When I was about four years old, I often insisted on accompanying my mother to her ward-round during the weekends or holidays, who was an attending oncologist in one of the best cancer centers in China. I was curious about why there were so many cancer patients over there. I was told that many types of cancers could be prevented if we quit smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and stop eating unhealthy food, etc.

How effective are the strategies to end poverty Research Paper

How effective are the strategies to end poverty - Research Paper Example Extreme poverty is characterized by having less than $1 a day income; these are those who are unceasingly hungry and do not have access to acceptable living conditions. This is often described as the type of â€Å"poverty that kills.† While moderate poverty is described as those living in $1 or $2 a day, fundamental needs are met but scarcely and through tremendous effort. And relative poverty is a family with an income that is below the average nationally but is not within the same level as those in the middle income range (Sachs, 2005). Poverty estimates published in 2008 showed that approximately 1.4 billion of the entire population which equates to 1 in 4 in developing worlds is living on an income that is not even $1.25 in a day for the year 2005. This is an improvement in comparison to 1981 wherein 1.9 billion or 1 in 2 families are living under the same circumstances. This set boundaries for poverty line is based on 2005’s mean for the about 10-20 poorest countries. And the adjusted estimate which is higher than those previously conceived for the almost one billion getting by for $1 a day based on prices in 1993. This is seen to be an improvement towards the goal of cutting the poverty in half on the base point of year 1990 by the year 2015. Yet, poverty is seen as more persistent than estimated particularly in parts of Africa and other major factor’s lack of data that greatly affects the issue (â€Å"Understanding Poverty†). There is no single thing that is attributed as the general cause of poverty. There are a number of reasons that contribute to the generalization of the reasons for poverty. One is the absence of education which eventually hinders children from being able to acquire jobs that would provide suitable living. Children are needed to help their families and therefore take any possible job to be able to provide food on their tables in a daily basis. Next is health, body decline limits the amount of work that can be

SWOT analysis for Vodafone PLC

SWOT analysis for Vodafone PLC Vodafone has created a very good Brand Image in the Customers Perception, Vodafone has its services around the world and It is listed in the worlds top 500 Brands and ranked 183 in the year 2006 and is published in Barron and also ranked 86th place in the worlds 100 largest companies and the ranking of Vodafone came down to number 10 in the year 2010 for the top 100 brands listed and that is published by Millward Brown. According to Brand Finances A Global Brand Survey done in the year 2010 Vodafone is ranked the 7th Most Valuable Brand. Best in Class Technology:- Vodafone is equipped with the most advance Infrastructural Network round the globe which helps Vodafone deliver the most unsurpassed quality of communication. There are over 200.000 base stations for the wireless signal Transmission and the network traffic is around 700 billion minutes and over 90 pet bytes of data per year, and the peak download speed is around 28.8 Mbps. This is ultimately serving the Vodafones customers to best services in the market. Vodafone came up with a new Service in the year 2010 named as Vodafone 360 which is an excellent service for the customers who are wanting to be connected everywhere and this particular service is perfect for customers who want to access the latest information available on the internet by keeping their contacts in that. Vodafone 360 is connected to the latest updates from the popular social networking sites, such as Face book, Msn and skype, so Vodafone 360 users can stay update from their Friends and latest news. Vodafone was the First operator to Provide DRM- Free Bundles and has the largest Digital music Subscriptions In Europe where are over 500,000 Customers. Global presence and diversification revenue Vodafone has expanded its business in different parts of the world like Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the United States through the companys subsidiary undertakings and the investments as of FY2010, and Vodafone is the one best Worlds Leading International Mobile Telecommunications company. Vodafone has partners in more than 40 Countries and has the equity interests over 30 countries; Vodafone has a very good prominent market share in most countries around the world including Europe, The Middle East, Africa, Asia pacific and the United States and Vodafone also has a diversified revenue base for instance in FY2010. Vodafone has its largest geographical market and Germany Contributed 18% of the Total Geographic Revenue. And Italy is the second best revenue generator for Vodafone ie: 13.5% and Spain with 12.7% and United Kingdom with 11.2% of share and Vodacom with 10% followed by India 7% in FY2010, The groups other Africa and Central Europe, and other Asia pacific and middle east operations accounted for 12, 8 and 7.5 percentage respectively. This in turn led Vodafone to be the largest mobile telecommunications operators. Prominent market position At the end of 2009, Vodafone has a sizeable market share in the European region with Italy, Romania Germany Spain and UK at 33.5, 33.1, 32, 31.2 and 23.4 percentages. Whereas, the market share in the eastern European country of Turkey is at 24.5%. It is has a truly international customer base of 347 million registered customers as of 30th June 2009. A sizeable portion of it comes from India where it has the largest and growing clientele. It is estimated that by 2010 Vodafones Indian customer base has the capability to grow up to 111million by the end of 2010 from the present 32 million subscribers. Vodafone subscribers and 85,000 employees have given it a market capitalization of  £80.2 billion as of August 2010 and global mobile market share of 7%. Weakness Mobile phone radiation It is said that the exposure of RF fields from the cell phone towers has dangerous health hazards. Some research studies suggest that excessive cell phone usage could lead to cancer. This belief, however, remains a debatable issue. The local health authorities and the World Health Organization agree there is no evidence on the same. The damage though has already been done. It is a problem faced by all telecom operators. Government authorities in some countries have already taken precautionary measure by limiting cell phone usage in school and colleges, since pupils are more sensitive to RF fields. To a certain degree, the cell phone radiation concern reduces the quantity of demand since a segment of the market will have minimum usage. Legal Proceedings Concerned over allegations of cell phone radiation that will dent telecom industries revenues, operators like Vodafone and Verizon wireless have filed lawsuits against groups alleging various health consequences as a result of mobile usage. Health risks have not been substantiated however, there is no guarantee that the actual or perceived risks of RF exposure will not impair Vodafones ability to retain or attract new subscribers, or reduce mobile usage or result in future litigation. The litigation may further affect Vodafones operations adversely than that of other telecom operators since Vodafones strategic focus is on mobile telecommunications. Opportunities Increasing customers and emerging markets There has been a 20% growth in the telecom industry in the last three years with a 4.7 billion subscribers. Emerging markets like India, China, Turkey and South Africa have been improving performance with increasing revenue which contributes to the market share. In emerging markets mobile penetration is around 50% as compared to European market. Developing countries are expected to deliver faster GDP with little alternative fixed line infrastructure. Turkey in the fourth year had revenue growing 31.3%. Vodafone Indias revenue increased by 14.7%. Other Asia pacific regions and middle east service revenue increased by 9.8%. Mobile Transfer Service Mobile money transfer service is a value added service that provided through existing infrastructure with the help of other financial enterprises. It is a growing business with enormous opportunities especially when mobile customers are growing exponentially with an expected penetration of 5.4 billion by 2015. In the coming years mobile money transfer system will become Vodafones important source of income. 4G Introduction 4G is all about improved high speed data transmission. The superior ultra-broad band will improved internet connectivity and therefore better live streaming experience. Vodafone again will be using its own infrastructure to launch 4G. Growth of mobile advertising The increasing trend of mobile phone users, has led the industry to believe that the global mobile advertising market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of about 40% until 2014. This has been primarily because of the new handsets that are compatible and improved internet connectivity. In 2008 Vodafone ran several hundred campaigns for global brands. A year later, mobile advertising was devoted to 18 operating markets. This potential market will be a major growth area for telecom players. Threats Legal Risks Vodafones groups revenue comes from emerging or developing countries since they have majority of its customers in such markets. In emerging markets however, political, regulatory, economic and legal systems are less predictable. This environment makes Vodafones investments vulnerable and any legal developments are beyond the control of the group. There is also the likelihood of not having achieved any returns in these markets. Increasing Competition The exponential growth of new customers has been due to increased competition. The fierce competition has also led to declines in tariffs for mobile services and is expected to decrease further thereby causing drop in revenue. Competition has also led increase in subsidies for handsets. Licensing is also another concern that the telecom industry faces which may also lead to competition. Delayed Technology One of the hallmarks of Vodafones success has been the innovative technologies which are provided by vendors. The group makes significant expenditure towards setting up new infrastructure for improved communications. These technologies however, do not guarantee that the common standards of specification will be achieved. The technologies are developed according to anticipated schedules that will perform to the expectations of the vendor or their commercial importance. The poor performance from any vendor could result in additional expenditure or reduced profitability. Adverse Macroeconomic conditions Poor economic conditions may lead to reduced spending by customers. They may purchase lower priced products and services from a competitor. Externalities like recession or global economic deterioration will only delay the purchasing necessity of the customer. Adverse macroeconomic conditions will only affect Vodafones sales income. References http://www.vodafone.com/static/annual_report10/business/customers.html http://zprcnet.wwwwang.com/content/20103/1080835.shtml http://www.vodafone.com/start/investor_relations/vodafone_at_a_glance0.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vodafone http://lawyers-law.com/indian-court-upholds-big-tax-bill-against-vodafone/ Jobber, D. (2007) 5th edn. Principles and Practice of Marketing. Berkshire: McGraw-Hill Education

dogs are cool Essay -- essays research papers

dogs are cool. they smell good. they fart, and they eat alot of food. dogs are also very hairy. sometimes their hair is brown, sometimes it is white, and still other times is is black... have you ever seen a dog with no jkcool i sae a ah shf fkfnfa jdf d i sae dj that t you a re so coll fjfja red whit e jbakc are yu happyy eococ rocco is cool collin so conff djfn kljfdkl jgioawueajkljfnkajpoijwlkfv jdfjdsiajfk j fjfj j dfjlkfj ALCOHOLISM   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many social issues facing the United States today that affect the world in different ways. One of the most popular as well as severe issues confronting our nation today is alcoholism. The question seems to be: is alcoholism simply and individualistic problem, or is it a disease capable of wiping out friendships, families, and possibly much of the United States? In order to fully understand the severity of alcoholism and its effects, one must study the problem from an interdisciplinary level. Specifically, a historical, and psycho-sociological perspectives will help to understand alcoholism the best.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First one must understand what exactly alcoholism is, and whom it effects. By definition, alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease, with genetic, psychological, and environmental factors, characterized by continuous impaired control over drinking. The disease can and does effect all people of all ages, sexes, races, and economic status. This is clearly a horrific issue, and ...

Legalized Marijuana and Law Enforcement Essay

Marijuana is the most common illicit drug all over the world including the United States. It is derived from the leaves, flowers, seeds and stem of cannabis sativa. THC, tetrahyrocannabinol is the main active component of marijuana. The drug can either be smoked or mixed with foods and beverages. In the streets, marijuana is commonly known as the herb, pot, ganja among other names. There are many side effects, both short term and long term effects associated with abuse of marijuana. However, marijuana has also been used medically in hospitals. Legalization of marijuana in the United States has always attracted a heated debate. It is important to note that marijuana was not discovered yesterday. For the centuries in which the herb has been used, it has been completely legal. It is estimated that marijuana has been illegal for less than one percent the period man has used it. The drug is known to have been in use as early as 7000 BC but it was made illegal in the United States in the 20th century. A: History of marijuana The history of marijuana laws in the United States is very interesting. The first law relating to marijuana or cannabis sativa to be enacted in the modern day America was in 1619 in Jamestown in Virginia. For many years, the plant had been in use for various functions such as food, incense, rope among others. It is also interesting to note that the first law related to the herb was a ‘must grow’ law that required all farmers in the colony to grow the crop. A farmer could be taken to jail or punished for failing to grow the crop due to it shortage in the region in the 18th century. The must grow laws were therefore in place for more than two centuries. The government encouraged the farmers to plant the crop due to its importance among the military requirements. However, it is important to note that although the plant was critical in the 17th and 18th century, to an extent of it being used as a legal tender, the public was not aware of its uses as a recreational drug until the early 20th century (Inciardi, 1990). In the mid 19th century, over two thousand acres of land in the United States was under cannabis sativa plantations. The herb was mainly grown for use in the textile industry. However, the situation changed in the early 20th century due to the large influx of immigrants from Central America especially Mexico. This influx was triggered by the Mexican revolution in the early 20th century. Tension was generated between the small scale farmers and the plantation owners due to the availability of cheap labor from Mexican Americans. The situation was made worse by the fast changing world in the after math of the First World War and the event of the great depression. The increased tension as well as the high number of immigrants from South and Central America made resources scarce and the quality of life in American cities deteriorated significantly. It is important to note that when the immigrants from Mexico arrived in the United States, smoking of marijuana for recreation was common in Mexico but it was unheard among the American population. Consequently, the Mexicans brought with them the herb as well as the smoking habit. These Mexican immigrants introduced smoking of marijuana in the United States which resulted into the first law prohibiting marijuana in California (Inciardi, 1990). Other than the Mexican immigrants use of marijuana prompting the first law prohibiting preparation of hemp, there were other factors that influenced the enactment of the new law. Most important was the use of the drug by Mormons who had been sent to the Central American country in the early 20th century. The Mormons came back with marijuana and they were already using it. The churches reaction to this may have had a big influence in the enactment of the first anti marijuana laws in California. Consequently, various states including Texas, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon among other states had laws limiting the use of marijuana in the early 1920s. Most importantly, the laws were designed to specifically target the Mexican immigrants who were well known to use the drug (Inciardi, 1990). Compared to other states, the eastern states did not have a large number of Mexican immigrants but the problem of marijuana was evident in the states too. Analysts have argued that the drug was introduced by Latin Americans and African Americans jazz musicians. Marijuana is believed to have traveled across the eastern states such as Chicago, Harlem and New Orleans. Abuse of marijuana was part of the jazz music performance scenes. Racism was also an important factor in the enactment of the anti marijuana laws where the white extremists argued that the herb gave the Negroes and the Latin Americans the courage to face the whites. During the same period, there were rumors in the public that the immigrants as well as the African Americans were influencing young whites including children into taking the drug. This was the origin of the ‘assassin’ stories of professional killers under the influence of marijuana. In the 1930s, the use of marijuana in the United States was associated with violent behaviors as a result of these stories (Inciardi, 1990). As early as mid 1920s, the United States supported international conventions that regulated marijuana in the form of the Indian hemp. These conventions included the international opium convention which prohibited exports of Indian hemp to countries and states in which marijuana use was illegal. The convention also required proper documentations that approved the importation of marijuana to such countries if it was meant for medical use. However, the convention did not affect other cabanas products such as fiber which were widely produced in Europe and the United States. It was believed that the Indian hemp contained higher levels of THC compared to the European hemp which was mainly grown for use in the textile industry (Inciardi, 1990). The first anti marijuana federal law in the United States was the uniform states narcotic acts whose first draft was introduced in 1925 and the final draft was ready seven years later. This new law sought to introduce uniform anti narcotic laws throughout the United States. Following the enactment of this law, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics was created which encouraged the adopting on uniform regulations. By mid 1930s all the states had adopted some laws that regulated the production, distribution and use of cannabis products. The establishment of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics in 1930 increased the concern over the increased use of cannabis in the American population. The bureau was headed by Anslinger, one of the most celebrated anti narcotic crusaders in the American history, who argued that marijuana was responsible for the increased violent crimes in the society and irrational acts. The bureau used both the print media as well as the first developing film industry to spread propaganda against the use of cannabis (Inciardi, 1990). The Geneva trafficking convention of 1936 is also an important convention in the legal history of marijuana. Led by head of Federal Bureau of Narcotic, Anslinger, the United States government tried to influence the world society to criminalize all activities involved in the production, processing, distribution and use of cannabis and opium in the world unless it is for scientific or medical reasons. However, the proposal was rejected and only trafficking of the drug remains illegal internationally. The signatory governments were expected to establish systems within their criminal justice systems to punish individuals involved in trafficking of prohibited drugs in their countries. Due to the failed attempts by the American government to influence the international community, the officials did not sign the treaty terming it too weak to deal with the problem at hand (Inciardi, 1990). The marijuana tax acts of 1937 are considered to be the most significant law towards the legalization of marijuana in the United States. The act was penned by Anslinger and sponsored by Robert Doughton. The principle purpose of the bill was to completely destroy the production, distribution and use of cannabis products in the United States terminating it illegal drug businesses. The act also specified penalties to which individuals found in possession of the drug were to be subjected to. Those found guilty of cannabis related offences were subjected to a five years sentence or could be fined up to two thousand dollars. This was all aimed at increasing the risks involved in the illegal business. The act was however opposed by a large number of Americans including the American Medical Association who argued that the act imposed tax on medical personnel using cannabis as a prescribed drug. The act also limited and taxed the production and sale of cannabis meant for medical use. Other than the new acts being enacted, the association proposed that the Harrison Narcotics Tax Acts could have been strengthened to deal with the emerging problem of marijuana abuse (Bertram, 1996). Since then, the federal government has continuously increased its vigilance in dealing with marijuana among other drugs in the country. Marijuana in the United States is today controlled by the controlled substance act which is contained in the comprehensive drug abuse prevention and control act that was enacted in 1970 as an appeal to the marijuana tax act of 1937. However, the act does not distinguish between marijuana meant for medical use or recreation purpose and prohibits possession, production and distribution of large quantities of the drug. Consequently, the federal laws treat marijuana like any other illegal drug with no medical value. Marijuana is therefore treated in the same way as cocaine and heroine. All the controlled substances under the federal are placed in a schedule according to their properties which includes risk of abuse and potential uses in medicine. In the controlled substance act, marijuana is not considered to have any medical value and is rated as a highly addictive substance and therefore placed under schedule 1 drug. Although doctors can use the first amendment to recommend its use in treatments, under the current federal regulations, prescribing marijuana is illegal (Gray, 2001). The Drug Enforcement Administration was also established to enforce federal anti narcotic laws in the country. The DEA has over the years taken a lot of interests in the production and use of medical marijuana. Moreover, the agency has targeted specific individuals involved in illegal drugs production and distribution. This mainly includes the minority races, African Americans and Latino Americans, who have been found to fall victims of illegal drugs abuse. Consequently, the war on drugs has resulted into accusation of institutional racism and racial profiling where the anti narcotic laws were designed to target the minority races. This issue continues to attract debate in the country while the American correctional facilities and the criminal justice systems in general is overwhelmed by the large number of drug related criminal cases (Musto & Korsmeyer, 1996). Although in many cases the drug enforcement administration leave alone cases involving medical use of marijuana, the federal laws have punitive penalties against individuals found in possession of marijuana for whatever reason. The drug is considered dangerous, illegal and with no medical use. For this reason, the courts maintain that an individual cannot defend himself on the basis of medical use when convicted of marijuana related cases. However, in many cases, defense attorneys have always raised the issues during trials. Sentencing is also an important legal aspect of marijuana in the United States. An accused can either be subjected to the federal sentencing guidelines created in 1987 or the mandatory minimum sentence created in the late 1980s. In the federal sentencing guidelines, an individual accused of marijuana related crimes is sentenced based on his criminal record. Under these guidelines, not all marijuana related crimes offenders are subjected to a jail term. However, they are all eligible for imprisonment. The guidelines require that the convicted individual should serve at least 85 percent of the jail term. The length of the jail term is determined by the amount of marijuana the individual is accused of being in possession. Low level crimes can result into a sentence of between one month and one year probation even in cases where multiple convictions are reported. For example, under the guidelines possession of one kilogram of marijuana attracts an alternative sentence of 6-12 months probation while two and half kilograms and no past record attracts not less than six months imprisonment and up to two three years incase of prior record of drug crimes with no alternative sentence. Although the judges continue to be influenced by these federal guidelines in imposing sentences, they are no longer mandatory. However, they are supposed to be advisory to ensure uniformity in sentencing (Bonnie & Whitebread, 1999). Cases involving marijuana are also subject to the minimum mandatory sentencing laws. The sentences mainly target individuals accused of possession of huge amounts of drugs. For example, the minimum mandatory sentence for an individual found guilty of possessing one hundred kilograms of marijuana or cultivating one hundred plants of cannabis is five years if he has no drug related crime record and ten years if otherwise. One thousand kilograms of plants attract ten years imprisonment with no prior record, twenty years with prior record and life imprisonment in case of multiple drug offences. Therefore, drug users and traffickers always avoid possessing one hundred or more kilograms of marijuana at any time to avoid the minimum mandatory sentence of five years (Gray, 2001). Medical Effects of Marijuana The effects of marijuana on the user have attracted a lot of attention in the past few years. There are a good number of studies that are still on going on the negative as well as positive effects of marijuana use on human body. It is important to note that the use of marijuana for recreation purposes has not been widely pronounced in the past as compared to other drugs. While narcotic use dates back to over a century, the use of marijuana has not been very prevalent in the general society until the last three or so decades. Consequently, the long term effects of marijuana abuse have not been very well documented although there are substantial and reasonable hypothesis that have been proposed. It is also important to note that arguably, marijuana has been considered to be among the safest illegal drugs such as heroine and cocaine. It has also been argued to be safer than some legal drugs such as tobacco and alcohol. Moreover, it has been confirmed to have pharmacological characteristic and consequently been used as a therapeutic drug for many years. It has been used in treatment of people suffering from chronic pain, Aids, cancer and other terminal diseases. Research is also being carried out to validate the alleged applicability in treatment of mental conditions such as anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder (Gruber et al, 2003). While looking at the negative impacts of marijuana on the user, it is also important to note that when used in moderation, marijuana does not have as many harmful effects as alcohol and tobacco. The social and economic impacts on marijuana could also reduce significantly if the use of marijuana is controlled. However, this is not possible when its use is illegal. No cases of accidents on the roads have been reported as a result of influence of marijuana despite it being the most abused drug in the United States. Moreover, although the health complication associated with alcohol and tobacco has been confirmed, very few have been confirmed in relation to marijuana. Reports on harmfulness of marijuana on the user have been inconclusive and mare hypothesis some of which are contradictory. Short term effects The active component in marijuana, THC, is responsible for the short term effects of marijuana experienced by the user. The main short term effects of the drug are as a result of its effects on the central nervous system. THC is known to bind to the protein receptor nerve cells in the brain. After binding, the chemical propagate a chemical reaction in the nervous system and produces the short term effects of the drug. One of the most immediate effects of these chemical reactions is restraining the user’s memory as well as learning abilities. After using the drug, the individual feels relaxed and may be very talkative. Other pleasant effects of marijuana use include lifting the moods, feeling relaxed and a change in the state of consciousness. This is why marijuana users claim to feel more enlightened and philosophical when they are high. These short term effects on the user plateau after thirty minutes to one hour and subsidies there after. However, there are evidences of some of the effects lasting for several days or weeks (Moore, et al, 2007). Other short term effects of marijuana include increase in appetite, dryness in the mouth, impaired logical thinking and slow reaction time. Intoxication with marijuana is also associated with nausea, occasional confusion, increased anxiety and agitation, increased heartbeat, loss of memory and paranoia or hallucinations. Marijuana users have also been found to have bloodspots in their eyes, inconsistent time perception and increased inability to carry out tasks that require concentration such as operating a machine or driving. The individual may also suffer from loss of motivation and decreased cognitive abilities making it difficult to learn or acquire new information. In general, the individual’s ability to learn, remember, make informed judgments, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively and form concepts is impaired when he is high. Studies indicate that the risk of heart attack increase by more than four fold immediately after an individual has smoked marijuana. This is because the heart rate can increase with up to a hundred percent after using the drug which can be maintained for up to three hours. The increased risk of heart attack is also as a result of the changes in the heart rhythms. This risk increases with age and vulnerability to heart diseases (Gruber et al, 2003). Long term effects While the long term effects of marijuana are under investigation and therefore not well known, there is no doubt that long term use of marijuana have detrimental effects on the user’s health as well as social life. The insufficient information on long term use of marijuana is due to the fact that the drug has not been very common to many societies in the world until recently. There is no doubt that when marijuana smokers are compared to cigarette smokers, marijuana smokers consume much less cannabis compared to the tobacco consumed by cigarette smokers. However, this does not mean that marijuana smoking has insignificant long term effects compared to cigarette smoking and therefore should not be ignored. Recent studies have found out that there are more hydrocarbons that have potential carcinogenic effects in marijuana compared to tobacco. Moreover, marijuana smokers may be more exposed to these compounds than tobacco smokers because marijuana is deeply inhaled and the smoke is held for a longer time in the lungs compared to tobacco. This exposes the delicate tissues in the lungs to more carcinogenic compounds increasing the risk of cancer (Mittleman et al, 2001). Studies have indicated that marijuana use increase the risk of cancers such a cancer of the head and neck by up to three times. It has also been confirmed to have a significant contribution in the development of cancers that have traditionally been associated with tobacco smoking. Marijuana smoke is believed to have up to three times as much tar as in tobacco smoke. Moreover, it has over twice the number of potential carcinogenic compounds when compared to tobacco smoke. Logically, this suggests that marijuana smoking has a significant increase in the risk of development of cancerous cells leading to lung cancer. However, scientific research is underway to confirm these hypotheses. Other than marijuana being a recent drug among the wider population compared to other drugs, scientific research on its long term effects has been hindered by the small sample that is available due to punitive anti marijuana laws in many parts of the world. For examples, most of marijuana perennial users are still too young to have developed cancer. However, although there is no prove, long term marijuana users need to reconsider the risks associated with the drug (Hashibe, et al, 2006). The effects of long term use of marijuana in animals’ immune systems are well known. The immune system plays a vital role in protecting the body against harmful microorganisms. Research in animals indicates that the marijuana has a significant effect on the T cells, especially in the lungs. Although this has not been confirmed in human beings, there is no doubt that it affects the user’s immune systems because the animals’ immune system is similar to that of human beings. While it is expected that marijuana smokers too have similar respiratory system problems as tobacco smokers, it has been observed that majority of these problems are more frequent among marijuana smokers. They are more frequently attacked by chest colds, coughs, production of phlegm, and obstruction of airways and higher risk of lungs infections. This is possible due to the effect of the drug on the T cells and thus immune systems in the lungs (Tashkin, 2005). The long term effects of marijuana on the users reproductive system is not in doubt. This is more serious considering the fact that marijuana is one of the most abused drugs among young people in the United States. The active compound in marijuana has been known to have adverse effects on various parts of the central nervous system including areas that are responsible for controlling sexual hormones and growth. Consequently, long term use of marijuana has been found to reduce the level of testosterone and other sex hormones in male. In some cases, it has been associated with increased femininity due to distortion of the hormone system. It can also lead to infertility, reduced sperm count and increased abnormality in sperm cells. Significant cases of infertility in males has for this reason been linked to long term use of marijuana. The drug has been seen to have similar effects in females by altering the hormonal systems leading to irregular menstrual cycles. However, the alteration can be reversed but it may take time. It has also been found to negatively affect unborn babies who are born with an impaired nervous system. This results into children with poor learning abilities, hormonal irregularities, lack of attention and abnormal reactions to different stimulus such as sound and light (Moore, et al, 2007). Long term use of marijuana is also associated with mental disorders. One of the greatest negative effects of marijuana use in an individual is its addictive effects. The ability of the drug user to develop dependency on the drug has always been the main argument used to support prohibition of marijuana use. However, other mental disorders have been associated with long term use of marijuana. They include toxic psychosis which may reach acute levels, panic attacks, increased aggressiveness which the user is unable to control, flashbacks and delusions, paranoia and hallucinations as well as some cases of acute depression. Marijuana has also been suggested to trigger other serious mental conditions such as schizophrenia. These effects of the drug on the mental health of an individual have been the point of contention between pros and cons of therapeutic use of marijuana in terminally ill patients (Moore, et al, 2007). What are the legal guidelines and state statutes of some of the states that have legalized marijuana? The federal and states’ laws in the United States varies in relation to medical marijuana. According to the controlled substance act, the federal systems do not recognize the medical properties of marijuana. However, prosecuting patients or medical practitioner for using marijuana for therapeutic procedures is not a priority in the federal legal systems. The federal legal systems recognizes the fact that caregivers may be compelled to use medical marijuana in certain medical cases which is allowed in some states. Fourteen states have so far legalized medical marijuana use within their jurisdiction while others gives police or judge discretion to allow significant reduction in the punishment given to marijuana users for medical reasons. One of the most published states in relation to medical marijuana is California where the drug is distributed through dispensaries. It is estimated that medical marijuana industry in California was worth two billion dollars in 2008 which attracted over one hundred million dollars in tax (DPA, 2010). Despite majority of Americans and civil society organizations in America supporting legislation of medical marijuana, the federal government has always rejected the proposals. In 2005, the Supreme Court made a ruling confirming that a patient can be prosecuted in the federal court for using marijuana and medical reasons cannot be used as a defense. This law applies even in states that have legalized medical marijuana. Consequently, on several occasions, dispensaries distributing medical marijuana such as in California have been raided by federal officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The ruling by the Supreme Court provided an excellent opportunity for the amendment of the law to protect patients and medical marijuana legislatures in different states but the bill was once more rejected by congress (DPA, 2010). . Despite the congress rejecting the proposal to amend the law and legalize medical marijuana, the high court ruling had insignificant effects on the states’ medical marijuana laws. The court did not have the power to overturn or exercise authority over the states legislations. It is important to note that about 99 percent of marijuana related arrests are done at the states level which makes it possible for legislation in the states to protect patients and caregivers. The state laws can afford to effectively remove all penalties against individuals accused of growing, processing, distributing or possessing marijuana for medical reasons. Other states have not legalized medical marijuana but have symbolic legislatures that legally protect the patient in the state legal systems (DPA, 2010). From a wide range of contentious issues relating to drug policies in the United States, medical marijuana has received the greatest public support. The American population is skewed towards legalization of medical marijuana despite the federal government rejecting such proposals. Scientific studies have confirmed the medical value of marijuana in patients with serious terminal diseases such as cancer, Aids, epilepsy and chronic pain among others. There is also documented evidence of marijuana use in treating variety of illnesses in the ancient world. The most comprehensive study relating to medical marijuana was carried out in 1999 by the institute of medicine which concluded that marijuana has potent in the management of conditions such as loss of appetite, anxiety and chronic pain. Various professional bodies and organizations such as the American Public Health Association, the Aids Action Council and the National Association of Attorney Generals have deliberated on legal access to medical marijuana for patients with certain medical conditions. The American population has favored the abolishment of laws prohibiting production, distribution and use of medical marijuana at the state and federal level. Voters from various states have over the years passed ballot initiatives to push for legalization of medical marijuana. Over seventy percent of voters throughout the United States support the proposal to have legal marijuana available to medical practitioners for prescriptions (Cassidy, 2002). The point of contention on the legality of medical marijuana has been whether the benefit accrued is less than the risk involved. There have been many arguments on possible shortcoming upon legislation of medical marijuana. For example, questions have been raised on whether patients under marijuana prescription would be allowed to drive while under the influence of the drug, how to control the quantity the patient uses, the issue of addiction and medical marijuana getting into the wrong hands. However, it seems that this is not the main concern of the federal government. The main reason why the federal government has been opposed to legalization of marijuana for any reason is based on the Drug Enforcement Administration description of marijuana. DEA maintains that marijuana has no medical value and is a highly addictive substance with adverse effects on the body such as compromising the immune systems and triggering the development of cancer. The government has ignored some research that has confirmed the medical benefits on marijuana (Cassidy, 2002). Consequences on Law Enforcement What difficulties would Law Enforcement Officers encounter if marijuana was legalized? Legalization of marijuana is likely to bring about many challenges to the law enforcement structures. This is due to the interdependence of illegal drug markets where almost all narcotics go hand in hand. Although some people have argued that marijuana is safer compared to other illegal as well as some legal drugs, its legalization will in no doubt be a stepping stone drug. It will open up production, distribution and use of other harder drugs which will be problematic to law enforcement. Research indicates that progressive use of marijuana eventually leads the user to harder drugs. Because marijuana is considered a harmless drug, it is used for experimentation by potential hard drugs abusers. After a while, the user turns to other drugs. This will be worse if marijuana is made legal. More people will be introduced to it because of its legality and in the long run, the law enforcement will have a difficulty in dealing with a much bigger problem of harder drugs (Husak & Marneffe, 2005). The law enforcement agencies in the United States have enough drug related problems to deal with. The system ought to have learnt a good lesson from the legality of drugs such as alcohol. Road carnage as a result of driving under influence of alcohol is among the top killers in the United States. The law enforcement has always had a problem dealing with underage drinking and aggressive behaviors associated with alcoholism. Legalizing another drug means added problems. The dangers associated with stone driving will increase significantly. It is therefore wrong to legalize marijuana because it amounts to a victimless crime. There are many crimes that are associated with marijuana use such as violence and aggressiveness. Punitive penalties to deter irresponsible drinking have proved unworkable which suggests that it will be difficult to control marijuana use if legalized. A device can be used to detect drivers under the influence of alcohol, but this may not be possible when the driver is driving high. There is no doubt that legislation of marijuana will increase crime and burden in law enforcement (Husak & Marneffe, 2005). Arresting individuals found in possession of marijuana and other drugs reduces the likelihood of such individuals committing crimes. Drug addicts have been associated with minor and serious crimes such as shoplifting, theft and other property crimes to pay for their habits. Legalization of marijuana means that there will be more of these drug users in the streets and neighborhoods. These individuals are more likely to commit more serious crimes since the law enforcers are not obliged to get them out of the streets. Moreover, majority of murderers, rapists and robbers have been found to be drug addicts. By incarcerating these individuals for possession of drugs, they are incapacitated from committing such serious crimes. Common sense dictates prevention is better than dealing with the resultant problem. If there is reason to incarcerate potential murderers,