Technology Article Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Technology Article - Assignment Example Bluetooth wireless technology has revolutionized the personal connectivity market as it provides the freedom to connect without using cables or wires. Bluetooth wireless technology has a number of key features including its low cost, robustness, ease-of-use, built in security, ad hoc networking abilities and low power consumption (Bluetooth.com, 2010). Yet another adorable feature with the technology is that quite a number of its core features are optional which therefore allows room for product differentiation. Originally, the technology was thought of as an alternative to data cables (Bluetooth.com, 2010). Bluetooth can be used to connect many devices and has overcome problems related to synchronization. In other words, the technology enables devices to connect remotely and exchange between themselves a variety of data classes. Several products can be fitted with Bluetooth devices. Some of these include digital cameras, Global Positioning System receivers, personal computers, printers, telephones, laptops, mobile phones, high definition watches, stereo headsets, MP3 players, cars and video game consoles just to mention a few. According to Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group), the consumer demand for the technology has continued to rise. In 2005, the technology achieved a milestone - shipping five million Bluetooth units per week (Bluetooth.com, 2005). This definitely implies that the technology has significant market traction. Since 1998 when Bluetooth Specification was first released, more than 3400 companies have become Bluetooth Special Interest Group members (Bluetooth.com, 2005). Some of these companies include Microsoft, Motorola, Toshiba, Nokia, Intel, IBM, Agere and Erickson. According to the Zelos Group (2002), the use of Bluetooth has impacted mobile carrier revenue significantly ever since the technology first hit the market. The group predicted that Bluetooth, in 2006, would

Racial Discrimination in the Criminal Justice System

Racial Discrimination in the Criminal Justice System Racial conflict is defined as societal controversies related to variances in ethnic, cultural, or national affiliation. Specifically, racial conflict is the result of one dominant cultures control of differing cultures through economics, politics, social policy, and law. In the U.S. juvenile and criminal justice systems, the term racial conflict can be used to refer to discriminatory practices by those who work in the juvenile and criminal justice systems against minority persons (Akers Sellers, 2004). Recent literature expanding the racial conflict concern to include U.S. policy, murder as the result of identity internalizations, and merchant-consumer relationships is not discussed here (Walker et al., 2004). Instead, this paper examines the literature depicting racial conflict as a systemic and controversial topic in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Body Historical accounts of violent racial conflict have existed since before the 1800s and up to the present day. Likewise, the relationship between racial conflict, crime, and minority processing has been examined (Baldus, Woodworth, 1998). In addition to its explaining why some people commit crime, racial conflict has also been linked to disparate decision-making practices at both the arrest and the punishment stages for ethnic minorities. Specifically, African American males represent the most prevalent minority group at each of these stages. Empirical findings show that disproportionate minority confinement exists partly as the result of police discretion to arrest. Accordingly, minorities, particularly African Americans, find themselves at a disadvantage in the criminal justice system. Recent accounts of racial conflict in the criminal justice system came to the fore during the 1992 riots after a verdict of not guilty was returned for the officers involved in the Rodney King incident in Los Angeles, California. More recently, in 2005, racial conflict was linked to the governments response and policies after Hurricane Katrina in New orleans, Louisiana (Spohn, 2002). Specifically, victims of this natural disaster were outraged at the lack of governmental support and the assignment of the label refugee to American survivors in this largely minority populated area. To some, the use of the term refugee was symbolic of the perception that the survivors were outsiders to begin with. This was seized on by the national media, and the survivors were quickly recast as evacuees. Similar to disparities in the adult justice system, minority disparities in the juvenile justice system exist. Specifically, African American youth, similar to their adult counterparts, are disproportionately represented throughout the system. on one hand, criminologists argue that ethnic and racial minorities commit more crimes than their White counterparts and thereby have greater representation in the system. on the other hand, criminologists and sociologists argue that racial conflict in American society acts interchangeably with the law as a method to control minority power. Thus, as a result, disparities are found in arrest, charge, and confinement of African American youth when compared to White youth who commit the same serious and violent criminal acts. The larger implication here is consistent with the belief that racial conflict is supported and maintained by actors in the juvenile and criminal justice systems (Walker et al., 2004). Racial Conflict and Justice Research on the relationship between racial conflict and crime commission has examined interracial killings, economic and power competition, and disparities within the criminal justice system (Zatz, 2000). Racial conflict has been linked to delinquent behavior by juveniles and has been linked to school violence, juvenile homicide, gangs, theft, and other serious and violent crimes. one of the more engrossing questions facing criminologists and indeed our nation is whether the two justice systems are impartial. Criminologists have studied the relationship between judicial processes and discrimination, and some evidence suggests that ethnic minorities are overrepresented at arrest and, when compared to White offenders, are punished more severely. Similar results were found in examinations of pretrial processes where racial injustices in jury selection and judge bias against minorities were present. Whether or not African Americans and other ethnic minorities are overrepresented in the criminal justice system is not a question here, as official data provide a clear depiction of this disparity (Spohn, 2002). The concern here is, however, focused on why racial disparities continue to exist in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. The existence of conflicts between police and racial/ethnic minorities has historically been related to riots that are often the result of racial conflict. Many researchers argue that juvenile and adult processing of ethnic minorities as the result of racial conflict continues and is maintained by the continuous cycle of analyses, recommendations, and inaction that have resulted in ineffective identification and reduction of racial disparities. Contrary to this argument, other researchers point out that racial disparities exist largely as the result of serious and violent offending patterns of ethnic minorities. Conclusion The literature is filled with options for reducing racial conflict in the criminal justice system. The argument is made that to effectively address racial conflict, research should be conducted at each stage of processing so as to increase the level of accountability of officials and agencies within jurisdictions where racial disparities continue to exist. others stipulate that researchers must identify the problem, change and create policies that effectively address the real concerns, and implement and fund programs dependent upon evaluative measures. At the theoretical level, many criminologists recognize that extensive changes within both the juvenile and the criminal justice systems are needed to address prejudices in the system that exist as the result of policies and practices. Hence, the argument of racial conflict and discrimination in the criminal justice system remains unresolved. Conflict theorists believe racial conflict is the reason for minority differences in criminal and even juvenile justice processing. Even so, differing arguments are presented stipulating that the empirical nature of racism is not measurable and thus is questionable. While there are two dominant opinions, it remains evident that many researchers hold the view that racial disparities as the result of racial conflict continue to exist and should be addressed in juvenile and criminal justice processing.

The Character of Claudius in Shakespeares Hamlet :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

The Character of Claudius in Hamlet It is easy to overlook some of Claudius' villainy. He may not rant and rave, nor pluck out eyes on stage or hands, or tongues, nor does he conspire with crafty rationality like Edmund or Iago in Othello, nor bake little children in a pie. But as the murderer, usurper, and incestuous step-father, Claudius is one of Shakespeare's greatest villains. His distinguishing features are hypocrisy and subterfuge. He is clever in a worldly sense, a flattering strategist, good at manipulating his courtiers, at double-speak. His fawning address to Hamlet in I.2 ('Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet ...') shows him to be a master of persuasiveness. He encourages Polonius to practise subterfuge; his favourite weapon is poison. This recourse to poison, initially against his own brother, nauseously poured into the ear of the sleeping king, is repugnant; and in the final act, poison is used both on Laertes' sword and in the cup of wine that is to be offered to Hamlet. But from the start, his very words are like a drug, aimed at deflecting Hamlet away from his grief. In a wider sense, the state itself is 'poisoned' by Claudius. He uses Gertrude, Polonius, Ophelia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as his tools; he employs spies and underhand methods. He tries to make Hamlet 'disappear' by sending him to England (where his madness is less likely to attract attention!) in the company of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern rather than by any process of law or a direct challenge. Polonius is a good example of the usurper's pernicious influence: a 'faithful retainer' of the old sort, much given to spouting words of wisdom ('to thine own self be true ..': I.3.78), yet stooping to all manner of intrigue against his own son (II.1), his daughter and Hamlet. Yet even Claudius is not so wicked as not to be pricked by pangs of conscience. He does at least know what he has done ('O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven': III.3.36). Shakespeare actually shows him kneeling down and praying in this scene, hoping for forgiveness and wondering if he can repent and still retain the effects for which he committed the murder: 'My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen' (III.3.55) - a question many villains have periodically asked themselves. Claudius is wise enough to recognise that this cannot

Managing Organization Change Essay

Organization change occurs due to various reasons that the management sets up in order to improve its performance. Management change requires thoughtful planning from the management and also sensitive implementation of the changes. The management also has to consult and involve the people who are going to be affected by the implementation of those changes. If people are forced to accept the change then they will be big problems. The change to be implemented should be real, achievable and more so measurable. These issues are particularly relevant in dealing with personal change. For organization change, before starting to implement it you should know what you want to achieve, why you want that change, and how you will measure the change. Organizational change is much related to personal change as it requires the personnel to implement it. Change is an organization is something certain so that the organization can catch up with new technologies and challenges that arise with time. A good example is International Business Machines (IBM) which was faced with hyper competition from its competitors which lead to reduction of its market share and low revenue. Though, change is a risky business for an organization as research shows that over 70% of new changes effected in companies fail, it is vital. So, why did IBM have to under go organizational changes yet is that risky? It changed it organizational operations because of the external pressure and demands. Thus, the company had to review its strategic decisions in order to create new plans and goals that can be implemented to achieve these new goals. To effect these changes IBM choose the director  image of change as their tool of implementing these changes. Why director, because the image allows the managers to lead through the proposed changes by going step by step, through the cycles of recommended changes, together with the personnel that is involved. For example, diagnosis of the changes, unfreezing and implementing the changes. In addition this image of change gives the managers high control in designing the process of changes and also on implementing them, this ensures that the managers are in charge of the activities and are able to ensure that the process are well followed and maintained. This ensures that the proposed changes are effectively implemented. The other advantage of this image of change is that, it views results from the proposed changes as certainly achievable and thus does not leave room for doubts. In order to remain competitive on the market IBM had to implement some business development changes in the organization. By making changes in the business development section, the most important aspect that IBM considered was quality. IBM identified particular new business development goals and then had to formulate a business plan that included the following ways of development; development in sales, development of new products, creation of new markets, structural and also processes development change for example e- business, making new strategic partnerships together with development of distributions channels, and initiating international development. Another thing IBM did looking for acquisitions of small companies. All this internal changes were geared towards recapturing the markets and increasing sales. The business development changes implemented by IBM resulted in increase in revenue as their sales increased and they were able to capture new markets. IBM also was able to improve the quality of its products to international standards, at the same time it injected new products that were in line with new trends on the markets. Other images management change that the organization can use are Navigator and caretaker. In navigator image, the manager has to identify various change options available and take one. Unlike in the director here the managers have limited control in implementing the proposed changes. Although, the management views that they will achieve the goals of the proposed change, they also view that other problems may arise. While in caretaker image, the management makes change by forwarding it to the very end, and has little control on the processes of designing change and implementing it. The management views change as achievable, however, cannot manipulate the way change occurs. I think the best way of implementing change is using the director image as it gives control to the management which is an important aspect in planning and implementing change in organization. Thus, I will recommend IBM to continue using it. Conclusion In this fast moving business environment it has become increasingly necessary for organization to embrace change especially in its technology and marketing strategies, in order to maintain competitive edge. Competition and demand in high quality products has made business environments to be very dynamic in that it requires dynamic organization and systems to offer effective responses to these dynamic business environments by implementing planning and implementing successfully changes. As in the case of IBM, the management must chose the image of management change that will give best result and use it. If well implemented results will be always be good.

El Nino Fidencio the Mythical Curandero

El Nino Fidencio The Mythical Curandero Throughout the book Curanderismo: Mexican American Folk Healing Trorrer and Chavira make mention of el Nino Fidencio in countless areas of the book. It is mentioned that one of the most important spiritualist movement is based on â€Å"the life teaching, and the spirit of a famous young folk healer (now dead) from northern Mexico el Nino Fidencio† (1997:35). Even today el Nino is an important figure in many aspects of the belief system and practice associated with the Curanderismo folk healing.History plays a major role in culture when it comes to establishing religion and medical practices, which in the case of the Mexican Curanderos many times martyrs or perhaps people with supernatural or mythical abilities lay the foundation for the belief system and its practice. Consequently, this allows such people (those with supernatural abilities) to become saints thus becoming an important part of the Catholic faith, which has become syncratic with the traditional folk healing system.What is interesting about el Nino and his legacy, is that he not only serves as an influential figure in the history of Curanderismo but also plays a large role in the spiritual practices and the contemporary culture associated with the Mexican folk healing practices. In a modern society where immigration has promoted syncretism and a separation between those who still live in or near Mexico and those who have moved to other regions causing them to lose many of their traditional beliefs and practices el Nino serves as an icon from the folk saint movement that helps draw a culture and the people back together.One of the things the turned Fidencio into a saint and a man of great power was the vision or hallucination that he had of a bearded man with a halo who came to him under a tree when he was a young man right after he had been run off by the family with which he had been living with this is what he says he was told in his hallucination. F idencio, you are called to a very high destiny. I put in your eyes a marvelous curative power, which will serve to alleviate the suffering of those with pain.I give you this divine power only for the good of humanity, only in order to that you will cure those who are deserving, never for you to enrich yourself with it, not to benefit those who do not deserve such good things (1973:91) What caused Fidencio to become so well received was not only the fact that he had a gift but the way in which he came to understand develop and use his gift for healing. Many saints receive divine intervention, which leads them on a particular path.When taking on such a role as Fidencio did he made the decision to leave the secular world behind to enter into a practice, which is often ill-defined and perceived based upon the fact that it involved dabbling in the supernatural and the lines between good and evil are thin. â€Å"The curandero is considered different from ordinary people, and this differe nce produces respect, distrust, and even fear. Sometimes it produces the accusation that the curandero is a brujo, a witch, doing antisocial magic so not everyone feels drawn to this profession† (1997: 110).However, Fidencio was not perceived in such a way; he was known to give, and share with the people. Thus using his gifts as instructed by what many refer to as â€Å"the heavenly father†, for good striving to benefit those around him as he was told to do. It is said that, â€Å"Fidencio accepted his mission and devoted the remainder of his life to curing. But from time to time intense fatigue would weaken his resolve. On these instances he would weep and say that he has been ordered to cure and had no choice but to do so† (1973:91).In doing so he inspired others and created a legacy that would be remembered and celebrated long after his death. The â€Å"fidencistas† (Fidencios followers) have built a number of temples (called centros) in Mexico as well as in the United States where Mexican immigration are prevalent. Such temples are important when it comes to the practice of spiritual curanderimo. This is because although many of the foundational aspects if folk healing stem from some of the methods used by Fidencio mediums who work in the spiritual realm have special gifts thus they look to the guidance of Fidencio’s spirit.This has created a sort of sub culture or cult in which those who have the ability to become a medium sometimes choose to spend their lives living and working in such temples. The centros are staffed by trance mediums who, often†¦ go into trance, and (in their words) let the spirit of el Nino descend on them, their bodies forming a link between the material and spiritual realms of existence. Through this linkage, the immortal spirit of el Nino performs cure, does consultations, even predicts the outcome of future events for members of his cult (1997: 35).Followers of Fidencio and other spirits tend to have much more religious beliefs due to the fact that they are wholly focused on doing their work through the guidance, protection and possession by that saint. Although it is interesting to note that people consider the curenderos to be a saints because of the connection that they have with the seen unseen realms associated with the gifts that mediums possess. Not all mediums choose to become part of a cult dedicating themselves and their work to the will of a saint who will ultimately work through them.Others might choose to work alone, some for profit and some solely for personal growth knowledge and gratification as is mentioned in chapter six of Curanderismo: Mexican American Folk Healing. Yet these Mediums might still attempt to gain guidance and protection from the saints such as Fidencio conversely; they do so with the help of a master curendero or by making a trip to a temple while making no commitment to the cult. Today although it has been more than 72 years since the death of el Nino Fidencio’s death many people still attribute their successes in both giving and receiving healing to the saint el Nino Fidencio.He serves not only as an important figure to those who practice Curanderismo but also those who receive treatment from the curandos. The saint plays such a large role in the culture in Mexico (even today) that people make pilgrimages to his burial place located outside of the small town of Espinazo on the eve of his birthday. According to the Houston Chronicle, the procession and rituals are as big a deal for many Mexicans as it is for those who have immigrated and become Mexican Americans. Thousands of Hispanics come to this high desert site in northern Mexico on the eve of the birthday of legendary healer el Nino Fidencio.Through song and ceremony, pageantry and ritual, they have come to invoke El Nino's spirit, to prostrate themselves in acts of humility and submission, to crawl up the road of penance that leads to his tomb, and to find rebirth through immersion in a muddy pool of water (1995:8). For many people the pilgrimage represents more than just going to honor the dead saint for the most determined believers, (both those who practice and those who are served) it is a quest for answers and solutions to the myriad of problems common to the human condition.Through the spirit of el Nino, they believe that they can find a way to cope with illness, business, marriage, money, the community and ultimately, with life itself. The ceremonies associated with the pilgrimage are so large that they draw the attention of newspapers, which publicize the special evens that take place in honor of the dead saint. In the National Catholic Reporter is was noted that, â€Å"During the week of Oct. 17 and again in March, to honor El Nino’s patron St.Joseph, throngs of devotees carry flowers and copal incense like ancient Aztec celebrants. They wend their way through narrow Espinazo streets to El Pirulito (which is t he little pepper tree where he had his Hallucination), where El Nino received his healing powers† (Burbank1997: 3). In participating in such ceremonies the people are celebrating and honoring not only the saint but â€Å"God† as well, thus insuring that they will have a prosperous rest of the year. The celebration is a time for people to not only honor el Nino but also the Virgin of Guadalupe.People dance in headdresses and costume near the tomb and vendors have to opportunity to make money off of the crowds by selling items like balloons and medicines. Many of the people who attend the pilgrimage are poor, marginalized, and have little to no access to health care. For many, it is about more than just honoring a saint and being a Catholic; these celebrations allow people to gather and seek healing for ailments that they could not otherwise afford to get treated.The reasons for the celebration go beyond the fact that he was a saint; he also represents the freedom that Cu randeros have to practice their craft. In 1928 Mexican President Plutarco Elias Calles suppressed the Catholic priesthood, which resulted in a revolt the following year he went to Mexico to arrest el Nino for practicing without a license. However, he and his daughter were ill and el Nino healed them both in Espainazo. This attracted much attention and caused him to not only escape a jail sentence but also made him the most famous Mexican curandero according to the National Catholic Reporter.This proved not only that he was a gifted healer but also that he was willing to help those who wished to oppress him and keep him from his craft. Thus proving to be a symbol of hope, strength, and power for the people of Mexico, and Mexican Americans who come to celebrate him. The Curanderismo folk healing of Mexico has a long legacy and although it has changed and become synchronic due to religious influence and Western medicine. Its fundamental roots have survived; the spiritual and physical h ealings that result from the craft are still received by those who live both within as well as outside of Mexico.Saints such as el Nino Fidencio help remind the people of amazing healing powers that curenderos can possess and serves a figure which causes the people of the culture to unite yearly despite the fact that some have immigrated or moved to other geographical locations. The tale of the saint El Nino and his legacy not only serves as an influential figure in the history of Curanderismo but also plays a large role in the spiritual practices and the contemporary culture associated with the Mexican folk healing practices.Works Cited Burbank, J. (1997). Catholics, too, venerate el nino fidencio. National Catholic Reporter, 33(14), 3. Macklin, B. J. , ; Crumrine, N. R. (1973). Three north mexican folk saint movements. Comparative Studies in Society and History, 15(1), 89-105. Spaulding, G. (1995, January 8). JOURNEY OF THE SPIRIT ; pilgrims by the thousands are drawn to the town where curandero el nino performed his legendary healings. The Houston Chronicle, pp. 8. Trotter, R. T. I. , ; Chavira, J. , Antonio. (1997). Curanderismo: Mexican american folk healing (Second ed. ). Athens, Georga: University of Georgia Press.

Death the Leveller Essay Example

Death the Leveller Essay Example Death the Leveller Paper Death the Leveller Paper Essay Topic: Maus The statement Death is a leveller means that no matter how youve lived your life, when you die we are all made equal. The two poems Death the leveller by James Shirley and Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley, are expressed in different ways, yet have the same intensions. They show us that everybody is eventually brought to the same level, death, but Shelley wrote about one person imparticular Ozymandias.Shirley wrote a poem at the time of the civil war, he was also a follower and supporter of King Charles, the King was charged with high treason but refused to recognise court. He thought a King cannot be tried by any superior jurisdiction on earth, so Charles was beheaded at Whitewall and buried in Windsor. He was thought of not as the King he was, but as a tyrant, murderer and pubic enemy, even though he was a King he was not protected, it creates a cold feeling like hes seen death.Shirley began his poem in very optimistic words by using glories in the first line. Shirley extends the military image by saying there is no armour against Fate, hes saying that whats done is done. but in the second line he contradicts himself, by using a more definite statementAre shadows, not substantial things;There is no armour against Fatethese lines are more negative than the first, showing a contrast between the two and is expressed in different ways. Fate has a capital letter so that it shows its importance. On the forth line kings has not been given a capital letter so that means that there is no importance, lays his icy hand on kings Death has been personified, given human qualities, even if youre a king you will eventually die because it is inevitable. Crown and down are rhyming couplets, it means that the Crown is above and other people are at the bottom, saying that royalty is at the top but its not true, we are all equal to each other.With the poor crooked scythe and spadeUsing the words scythe and spade is indicating they are harvesting death, making an image of death c utting people down and digging graves.Some men with swords may reap the fieldIn line nine Shirley is praising men who fought in battle with swords, the image has been extended again but this time it is the harvesting, he describes the men as if they were very heroic and brave.Early or lateThey stoop to fateyour heads must comeTo the cold tombThese 4 lines are both rhyming couplets, and they have both been fit onto smaller lines than the rest of the poem. The first quote means that if you are young or old then it is inevitable that you will die. The second quote is describing a big cold tomb like a mausoleum, and is a definite statement. On the seventeenth line the poet is making it more person by saying your brow instead of someone elses, then on the next line Shirley is personifying death again and given it importance by using a capital letter for the D in death. He also mentions a purple alter, an alter has religious purposes and therefore he is mentioning religion and royalty. vi ctor-victim has been linked together using a hyphen.Only the actions of the justSmell sweet and blossom in their dustIn these lines Shirley uses alliteration and is emphasizing what we become when we die and summing-up everything that he has mentioned in his poem Death the Leveller, but this has also been shown in another poem about an Egyptian Pharaoh named Ramases.

Use a Visual Strategy to Write Better Essays Mind Map

Use a Visual Strategy to Write Better Essays Mind Map Use a Visual Strategy to Write Better Essays: â€Å"Mind Map† A â€Å"mind map† is a visual strategy to help a writer structure information, analyze it, understand it, and come up with new ideas for an essay. Instead of taking notes, information is laid out in a way that is closer to how your brain sees it. It is both artistic and analytical and encourages you to use more of your brain while writing. Having a layout of your topic beforehand can help turn it into a strong first draft. Step #1: Brainstorm The first thing to do when creating a Mind Map is to brainstorm your topic. In this step, you will write down everything you can think of about your essay subject. More specifically, write the name of your subject in the middle of a page (placed horizontally). After you have your subject identified, write subtopics that revolve around your central subject. Use one to four words, if possible, to define a subtopic. Example: If your central subject is â€Å"green tea,† you might use â€Å"brewing time,† â€Å"health benefits,† â€Å"how it is grown,† and â€Å"history† as subtopics. Step #2: Organize Branch out lines from the central subject and connect them to the subtopics that revolve around your central subject. Once you have several subtopics, branch out from each of those, drawing a line from them to other words that are subtopics of those subtopics. Step #3: Finish Use color pencils or crayons to set information apart and make it appealing to the eye. To complete your mind map, further define the subtopics (and their subtopics) by writing more information about them in each area. Use a different color for each initial subtopic, if possible. Once you are finished with this, you can begin writing with your creative juices flowing. If you are having a hard time or stumped writing an essay, consider using our services at . For years, we have helped people overcome essay writing challenges and helped them succeed.

How to Conjugate Mener (to Lead) in French

How to Conjugate Mener (to Lead) in French The French verb  mener  means to lead. Its a simple word, but there is one little trick to learning its conjugations. A quick lesson will show you what that is so you can properly say I led or we will lead. Conjugations of the French Verb  Mener    Mener is a  stem-changing verb. It follows some rules that apply to most verbs that end in -e_er, such as  lever  (to lift). Essentially, the stem change appears in certain verb forms where the first  e  is changed to  Ãƒ ¨.  While it doesnt affect the pronunciation, the spelling does change, so pay attention to this. Other than that one simple change,  mener  is conjugated in a similar manner to regular -er  verbs, which is the most common pattern found in French. This is great news because, with each new one you learn, they become easier. To study these conjugations, begin by identifying the verb stem:   men-. Then, you will match the subject pronoun with the appropriate tense for your subject. For example, I am leading is je mà ¨ne and we will lead is nous mà ©nerons. Subject Present Future Imperfect je mne mnerai menais tu mnes mneras menais il mne mnera menait nous menons mnerons menions vous menez mnerez meniez ils mnent mneront menaient The Present Participle of  Mener   The present participle of mener  is menant. To form this, we simply added  -ant  to the stem. This is a verb, of course, but in some contexts, it can become an adjective, gerund, or noun as well. The Past Participle and Passà © Composà © Another way to express the past tense led is to use the  passà © composà ©. Its a simple construction that uses the  past participle  menà ©. You will also need to conjugate  avoir  (an auxiliary verb) to fit the subject pronoun. For example, I led is jai menà © while we led is nous avons menà ©. More Simple  Mener  Conjugations to Learn After you memorize all of those forms of  mener, think about adding a few more simple conjugations to your vocabulary. They can be quite useful at times. For instance, if you need to imply uncertainty to the action, use the subjunctive. When the action is dependent on something else, turn to the conditional. When reading French, it will improve your comprehension to be able to recognize the passà © simple and the imperfect subjunctive  as forms of  mener. Subject Subjunctive Conditional Pass Simple Imperfect Subjunctive je mne mnerais menai menasse tu mnes mnerais menas menasses il mne mnerait mena ment nous menions mnerions menmes menassions vous meniez mneriez mentes menassiez ils mnent mneraient menrent menassent For short sentences such as exclamations and demands, you can use the imperative verb form and bypass the subject pronoun. Instead of tu mà ¨ne, use mà ¨ne alone. Imperative (tu) mne (nous) menons (vous) menez

Victim Precipitation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Victim Precipitation - Essay Example In his writings, Von Hentig pointed out that victim is also an influencing factor in a crime and the study of the victim's participation on the crime would beneficial as it will result in future crime prevention (van Dijk, 1997). Just like Von Hentig, Mendelsohn also pointed out the role played by the victims in crimes. One example of this is by aggravation. "For Mendelsohn, a defense counsel, victim precipitation was a mitigating circumstance in meting out punishment for the offender" (van Dijk, 1997). In modern times however, the term "victim" has many connotations. "It is not unusual to hear the word "victim" paired with a wide range of human experiences: cancer victims, holocaust victims, accident victims, victims of injustice, hurricane victims, crime victims, and others." These connotations sometimes brought up the "visual images of suffering, devastation and often individual heroism or endurance in the face of powerful destructive forces" (Karmen, 1990; Theoretical Perspectives of Victimology and Critical Research, 2004). "One commonality has come to apply to virtually all usages of the term victim: That an individual has suffered injury and harm by forces beyond his or her control, and not of his or her personal responsibility" (Theoretical Perspectives of Victimology and Critical Research, 2004). The concept of victim precipitation has become so controversial because it lessens the responsibility of the offender of a crime. Many victims don't like the idea that they are partly to be blame for the crime that somebody did to them. One essential criticism of victim precipitation concept in victimology is that blaming the victims as well as the offenders for the crime that occurred. Historically, Mendelsohn also believe in victim's participation in a crime in his early writings. With regards to women victims, this issue is particularly controversial. "This criticism against victimology was voiced most clearly by feminist researchers, for example in reviews of Amir's study of victim precipitation in rapes". "The notion that victims by their provoking behavior triggered their victimization by male victimizers - and in fact deserved to be victimized- is part of the patriarchal mindset which is at the root of many of such crimes. By focusing on the victim's involvement attention is diverted from the structural causes of violence against women" (van Dijk, 1997). Furthermore, the concept of victim precipitation also "emerged in cases of parricide and homicide of batterers by abused spouses" which further blur the clear distinction between the term "victims" and "offenders". Defenders of battered women realize the issue firsthand and help propagate the "battered woman syndrome defense to defend women who killed or seriously injured a spouse or partner after enduring years of physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse" (Theoretical Perspectives of Victimology and Critical Research, 2004). Furthermore, several lawyers, in defending adolescent offenders who murdered their parent, have also use the theories of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder to give a clear evidence of the underlying reasons for the crime. Criminal cases like these are

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

ECOLOGY - Essay Example Alexandria was declared an Eco-City in 2008, which means its inhabitants have promised to use the bare minimum for its consumption of food, water, energy use, and land utilization (a reduced carbon footprint and in pollution) and at the same time preserve its historic heritage. In other words, it has endeavored to achieve planned development and progress but together with environmental sustainability. Alexandria has a fertile soil (ideal for crop cultivation, especially tobacco), an excellent fishing ground from its waterways, and good hunting in its forests, although admittedly, the city is a relatively small geographic area compared to other metropolitan areas of the country. This was its original condition back when it was still a colony, but today, modern developments in it had altered its ecology due to anthropogenic disturbance (human intrusions) such that only small areas or habitats are left in their original pristine conditions unchanged since the first European settlements in the sixteen century. This is why the citizens of Alexandria are very cognizant of its ecology, altered due to its early forest conversions, plantations, logging (Rice, 2009, p. ix) and in fairly recent period (in the last few decades), modern real estate developments. Alexandria is too aware of the fragility of its natural environment, which was why it declared itself an eco-city to raise public awareness of the need to manage its ecology better and preserve its biodiversity. The specific factors that characterize and describe the local ecology of Alexandria is its vast natural resources, rivers, waterways, rolling hills and mountains, broad valleys and large plains with a wide variety of flora and fauna. These various species exist in a number of inter-locking relationships, among which are predation, competition, symbiosis (mutualism, parasitism and neutralism); Virginia has established a Department of Conservation and Recreation under its Natural Heritage Program. Alexandria i s included in this state program, which has on its own initiative declared itself an eco-city, as mentioned earlier. A significant milestone achieved by the city of Alexandria was the closure of its coal-fired power generating plant as of December 31, 2012 which significantly improved the air quality in its immediate environs. The closure and decommissioning of the GenOn Potomac River Generating Station or PRGS was part of its Environmental Action Plan, which had also included the establishment of several hike, walking and bike trails, a high solid-waste recycling rate, operation of hybrid buses, installation of more solar power panels, pursuit of a sustainable Green Building Policy, and the adoption of 20 environmental factors (criteria) that will measure its eco-sustainability progress. All these are designed to reduce carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming, and in turn, cause climate change (City of Alexandria, 2013, p. 1). Alexandria is s erious with its environmental programs, and many areas previously used for human activities had been restored, rehabilitated, or allowed to return to its natural state in a long-run non-interference or non-intervention policy (that is, these areas are allowed to revert back to their natural state, eventually) and to ensure nature conservation, designated as protected areas off-limits to human exploitation; it has won

HRM processes and practices in UAE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

HRM processes and practices in UAE - Essay Example UAE has significantly developed in the recent past and in a very short period of time it has become an example of economic growth. UAE has been attracting investment from all around the globe and it is being considered one of the best avenues for business expansion. The analysis conducted in the paper would try to provide sufficient foundation for the fact that UAE is a suitable avenue for the expansion of business. Socio-Political Background of UAE UAE has been providing routes to international business for centuries and it has been providing access to 1.5 billion consumer markets in West Asia, Africa and East Europe. Thus, it can be said that UAE has been a suitable avenue for international business expansion for a very long time. However, in the recent past, the infrastructural development in UAE has made the country even more feasible for business expansion in the UAE. The economic development in the country makes investment in the country profitable in short term. Over the past 26 years, the economy of the country has swelled by more than six times. In numerous cases, the investment in a business in a country does not turn out any profits for years however the accelerated economic activity in the UAE ensures that investment in the country would turn out profits in a shorter period of time (Oxford Business Group). The political environment in UAE is also feasible for business expansion as the visionary leadership of the UAE is diverting all its efforts towards industrial and economic development in the country. The leadership of the UAE has been really encouraging towards international businesses who intend to invest in UAE. Therefore the political environment of UAE is feasible for the establishment of business in the country. The country is one of the top producers of oil and this fact adds up to the feasibility of the country as a business expansion avenue. Dubai International Airport offers 300 flights on a daily basis to and from around 100 destination s therefore managing a business in UAE would not be a problem since it would be possible to be available in the UAE at any time. Business Environment in UAE Due to the increased economic development in the recent past, UAE has become the center of attention for international investors. A number of international business have started operating in UAE and due to presence of organizations from all around the world, the business environment in UAE is not static. The business environment in UAE is dynamic and it responds towards the increasing international investment in the country. The following factors would shed some light upon the business environment in UAE: Organizational Structure The organizational structures in the UAE are dynamic as business can have complete foreign ownership. Local businesses have an Eastern influence therefore they have hierarchical structures, however it is not necessary for all the organizations to have a hierarchical structure and the line of command can be shortened by adding channels of communication among different levels (Hvidt, 2007). Industrial Relations Industrial relations in UAE are influenced by the political environment of the country. UAE is a federation therefore there are no political parties or elections. Due to lack of any political pressure, the industrial relations are not founded upon unions or any political parties. Due to the increasing economic developm

See the uploaded file Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

See the uploaded file - Essay Example It is necessary to ask the person on his or her plans in the society once the prison life is over. Identifying the factors that led the offender to committing a crime is also required (Miller, 28). Before release, most offenders go through rehabilitation programs, which try to shape moral values in convicted people. Interviewing the rehabilitation officers is very important as they have very important information concerning the attitude of the offender. They recognize offenders who are remorseful about their criminal deed and also those who are ready to change. These people have a special manner in which they survey the offenders, and they can tell the individuals who have earned a chance to be released. It is also necessary to interview law enforcer who operates in the offender’s area of residence. These people have a good background concerning the behavior of the offender before he or she was imprisoned. They also provide important information about the factors contributing to criminal behavior in an offender. They give advice on how to eliminate the problem if it is possible. They also educate on how to deal with them in a situation where one has to live with the cause of the criminal activity. The offender’s previous employer will provide information relation to the person’s relationship with other people. His or her team building capacity can also be stated by the employer. This is if he or she holds such qualities. The employer can also tell how the offender interacts with other people and the help he or she is prepared to give the offender after his release. Close family members might also have important information concerning the offender. These are the people who have known the offender for the longest time and will provide meaningful information on the family background of the offender and his or her behavior when growing up. They also hold information concerning the environment in which the offender lived in before the prison life

Module 2 Case Assignment Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Module 2 Assignment - Case Study Example CPI/Original Year CPI) * 100 = ((234-217)/217)*100 =7.834 Part III: 1. Unemployment Rate = (Number of people Unemployed / Number of people in the civilian labor force) * 100 = (2500/30000) * 100 = 8.33 % 2. Now 500 people have stopped looking for a job so they will not be counted, as unemployed neither they will be counted in the total labor force. So now unemployment rate is: ={(2500-500)/(30000-500)} * 100 =(2000/29500) * 100 =6.78% Part IV: 1. As we can see that the interest rates on the treasury bonds tends to increase over the years. The difference among the rates in the bonds is caused by Maturity Risk Premiums. This is because to invest for a longer period is relatively risky due to the uncertainty in the economic conditions. 2. The statement that ‘the liquidity premium requires that an asset can be sold both quickly and for fair market value’ is false. This is because the liquidity premium is paid to the investors as a security. Since, the bonds ‘cannot be easily converted to cash’. They are paid a premium to compensate for the illiquidity. 3. Inflation over the years = (Change in CPI / Original CPI) * 100 = ((105-102.5)/102.5)*100 = 2.439 % Therefore, annual inflation rate over the 3 years is 1.02439. Divide 1 by the number of years, so we get 1/3. Now, 1.02439 ^ (1/3) is 1.00806. And subtracting 1 from 1.00806 will give us the annual inflation rate, which is 0.008064 or 0.8064 %. Investors should require a 0.8064% inflation premium. 4. The yield curve will not have an upward slope but rather a flatter curve since the investors will not get high rates of interest on purchasing bonds as the risk of investing is zero and the value of their capital will remain the same. Part V: 1. As we compare the GDP levels of the US, Japan, Canada and the UK, we can see the trends of the rate of their GDP growth in the respective years from 2008 till present. During 2008, the GDP of all the countries increased by a similar figure that is aroun d 1 to 1.5 percent. During 2009 the trends changed for all countries as we can see however to varying extents. The GDP of all countries decreased. This is visible from the negative rate of growth as we can see where the GDP of Japan was highly affected and it fell by 9 percent. However, the GDP of UK fell by 6 percent, of US around 5 percent and 4 percent for Canada. After 2010, the economic situation seemed better and the economies started to recover where Japan hit the rate of almost 14 percent, from a negative rate of 9 % to a positive 5. Other countries GDP also increased with UK increasing least. In 2011, the trend seemed somewhat stable for the US and Canada. The rate decreased a little for the UK. However, it was very static in the case of Japan until 2012. 2. The prices were increasing persistently during 2008 in all the countries. However, inflation rate in the US and in the UK was highest of about 4 percent. The inflation rate in Canada was about 3 percent while in Japan i t was 2 percent. During 2009, because of the economic crisis prices actually decreased, as it is visible from the figure, with Japan facing deflation 2 percent and the US of about 1.75 percent. Canada faced deflation of about 1 percent. While the prices in the UK did not decrease, they rose at a lesser rate. Gradually prices started rising during 2010 until 2012, with UK facing highest rate of inflation, following the US and Canada at a similar pace. And Japan was still stuck in

Gypsy cin America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Gypsy cin America - Essay Example A: I don't the exact year, but he came over when he was twenties. As for America, I don't know exactly, but if I had to guess I would assume he was just doing what everybody around him did. As far I know he didn't leave because of harassment or anything like that. America just represented a better place, probably, but again I don't know for sure. He came with quite a bit of my extended family. A Gypsy family is quite huge. Even as recently as the 1970s or even the 1980s, I knew third and fourth cousins like they were brothers or sisters. Well, maybe not that close. But certainly I had spent as much time with a third or fourth cousin as most people do with first cousins. And, well, there was intermarriage as a fact of life. My sister was married to a man-I can't remember the exact relationships now, sorry, but my niece and nephew became their own second or third cousins as a result. Gypsies up until recently engaged in exclusive intermarriage with their kind fairly much up until the 1 960s. I had another sister who died a few years ago who was the first in my family's line to marry outside the family. And I became the second. Well, my father and my mother fairly much knew each other since they were very young. My father was born in Indiana, not in any particular town to the best that I know of, and my mother in Chicago. Well, Joliet, not really Chicago. My father was born in 1907 and my mother in 1913. ... He was dead by the time I was born. Q: What about your parents Well, my father and my mother fairly much knew each other since they were very young. My father was born in Indiana, not in any particular town to the best that I know of, and my mother in Chicago. Well, Joliet, not really Chicago. My father was born in 1907 and my mother in 1913. It's funny, but I really don't know much about my parents' life as children. I do know my mother was what they would call a little hell raiser. If she had lived outside the traveler's atmosphere, I suppose she would have been a flapper. She began smoking when she was thirteen, and almost waited until she died to give it up. She used to sneak away from the camps and the occasional houses the family lived in to meet up town boys at the picture show. My father, well, like I said, I never really knew that much about his childhood. Q: What do you mean by camps and occasional houses A: I think there might be a misconception that travelers, which is what I remember being called when I was young, not Gypsies, never stayed in the same place for very long. I have pictures I can show you of my mother and father and aunts and uncles and the whole big extended family actually in wagons that they used to travel. My mother and father were kids in those pictures, by the way. Even so those photographs date back to between 1910 and 1920. They traveled all over the country with the men going into town to do any kind of work necessary, while the women stayed in the camp working or doing Gypsy things. I told you my mother was a palmist, and there were always at least one palmist in a traveler's camp. Q: What were these camps like A: You ever seen an old western movie where people going out west set up camp and

Module 2 Case Assignment Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Module 2 Assignment - Case Study Example CPI/Original Year CPI) * 100 = ((234-217)/217)*100 =7.834 Part III: 1. Unemployment Rate = (Number of people Unemployed / Number of people in the civilian labor force) * 100 = (2500/30000) * 100 = 8.33 % 2. Now 500 people have stopped looking for a job so they will not be counted, as unemployed neither they will be counted in the total labor force. So now unemployment rate is: ={(2500-500)/(30000-500)} * 100 =(2000/29500) * 100 =6.78% Part IV: 1. As we can see that the interest rates on the treasury bonds tends to increase over the years. The difference among the rates in the bonds is caused by Maturity Risk Premiums. This is because to invest for a longer period is relatively risky due to the uncertainty in the economic conditions. 2. The statement that ‘the liquidity premium requires that an asset can be sold both quickly and for fair market value’ is false. This is because the liquidity premium is paid to the investors as a security. Since, the bonds ‘cannot be easily converted to cash’. They are paid a premium to compensate for the illiquidity. 3. Inflation over the years = (Change in CPI / Original CPI) * 100 = ((105-102.5)/102.5)*100 = 2.439 % Therefore, annual inflation rate over the 3 years is 1.02439. Divide 1 by the number of years, so we get 1/3. Now, 1.02439 ^ (1/3) is 1.00806. And subtracting 1 from 1.00806 will give us the annual inflation rate, which is 0.008064 or 0.8064 %. Investors should require a 0.8064% inflation premium. 4. The yield curve will not have an upward slope but rather a flatter curve since the investors will not get high rates of interest on purchasing bonds as the risk of investing is zero and the value of their capital will remain the same. Part V: 1. As we compare the GDP levels of the US, Japan, Canada and the UK, we can see the trends of the rate of their GDP growth in the respective years from 2008 till present. During 2008, the GDP of all the countries increased by a similar figure that is aroun d 1 to 1.5 percent. During 2009 the trends changed for all countries as we can see however to varying extents. The GDP of all countries decreased. This is visible from the negative rate of growth as we can see where the GDP of Japan was highly affected and it fell by 9 percent. However, the GDP of UK fell by 6 percent, of US around 5 percent and 4 percent for Canada. After 2010, the economic situation seemed better and the economies started to recover where Japan hit the rate of almost 14 percent, from a negative rate of 9 % to a positive 5. Other countries GDP also increased with UK increasing least. In 2011, the trend seemed somewhat stable for the US and Canada. The rate decreased a little for the UK. However, it was very static in the case of Japan until 2012. 2. The prices were increasing persistently during 2008 in all the countries. However, inflation rate in the US and in the UK was highest of about 4 percent. The inflation rate in Canada was about 3 percent while in Japan i t was 2 percent. During 2009, because of the economic crisis prices actually decreased, as it is visible from the figure, with Japan facing deflation 2 percent and the US of about 1.75 percent. Canada faced deflation of about 1 percent. While the prices in the UK did not decrease, they rose at a lesser rate. Gradually prices started rising during 2010 until 2012, with UK facing highest rate of inflation, following the US and Canada at a similar pace. And Japan was still stuck in

Controversies In Archaeology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Controversies In Archaeology - Essay Example At the end of Pleistocene period, these animals had completely disappeared or extinct. In Asia and Europe, a similar pattern of extinction of Pleistocene mammal took place where lions, bear, and woolly rhino disappeared (Fagan 47). The central question that archeologist and paleontologists ask is what caused the extinction of these large mammals in such a short time span? Some archaeologists, scientists, and paleontologists have proposed that the demise of these mammals can be attributed to the climatic changes while others such as Paul Martin have attributed it to the human cause or hunting overkill. Martin’s explanation of the disappearance of the largest mammals towards the end of Pleistocene period has not received endorsement from North American Pleistocene archaeological and paleontological records. It has been a controversial topic in archaeology since the 1860s with some archaeologists arguing that human hunters were the ones responsible for the extinction of the Pleis tocene mammals. Currently, the issue of human hunters being blamed for the disappearance of the world’s biggest creatures has been disputed with scholars from North America, Western Europe, and Australia arguing that mammal extinction during the Pleistocene period cannot be blamed on the overkill (Meltzer and Grayson 586). The theory of overkill has been disputed because of lack of sufficient evidence. Paleontologists and archaeologists argue that the overkill theory was entirely based on beliefs or faith rather than on science and concrete evidence from animal’s remains. Archaeologists such as Paul Martin has attributed the extinction of the world’s largest mammals to human causes as he asserts that their extinctions were because of impact of human hunting in North America. Further, Martin argues that the climatic changes during the interglacial periods did not lead to the demise of the large mammals such as Mammoth at the end of the Pleistocene period because these animals were well adapted to different environments and therefore, they could not succumb to the changes in climate. The appearance of the Clovis hunters in North America 11,000 years ago corresponds to the disappearance of some of the extinct species such as woolly rhinos. The fluted points have been discovered in relation with the bones of the extinct species of these animals such as the bison, horse, mammoth, and camel. These discoveries suggest that the Paleo-Indian and Clovis hunters with quick and effortless access to animals ignorant of the dangerous predators such as lions and bears rapidly eradicated the entire species of large animals they faced (Price and Feinan 152). Martin’s argues that the Clovis group of hunters hunted these Animals, which led to their extinction. Archaeological evidence from these sites and other North American plains contained the remains of mammoth, which made Martin assert that the Clovis hunters hunted these animals. This reasonable observation was then translated into generalization that the Clovis people were big game hunters even there was no (and still there is no) evidence for such specialization. Due to this rationale, some North America archaeologists have attributed the North American Pleistocene extinction in part to human causes. In order to justify his arguments, Martin used Island extinction to prove that human colonization led to the disappeara

Mental Health and Care in the Community

Mental Health and Care in the Community The issue of the mental health of the patient is complex and value-laden. Paternalism and autonomy interests confront difficulties of definition, diagnosis and the impact of labelling. Paternalism dictates intervention, and that the human right of autonomy be minimalist. (Davies, M., Medical Law, Blackstone Press Limited, 1996, p.182). Discuss critically. Within mental health issues there has always been a large degree of paternalism. Healthcare professionals and governments appear to view those with mental health problems as incapable of being able to make decisions for themselves and are often viewed as a potential danger[1] to themselves and others. Over the years various pieces of legislation have been enacted to deal with people with mental health issues starting with the Lunatics Act 1845, the Lunacy Act 1890, Mental Treatment Act 1930, Mental Health Act 1959 and the Mental Health Act 1983. In 1995 the Mental Health (Patients in the Community) Act was introduced. This gave the relevant authorities the power of supervised[2] discharge of mental health patients back into the community. Recent events where mental health patients were placed back into society has caused concern as there have been quite a few highlighted incidents where such patients have proven to be a danger to themselves and others[3]. The governments response to the public outrage when these patients have attacked or killed members of the public is to step back to a more paternalistic approach towards the treatment of mental health patients by introducing the Mental Capacity Act 2005[4]. The new Act allows the professionals to make value judgments over the patients and requires those dealing with such patients to make an assessment of the individual’s capacity[5] to make decisions for themselves. Section 2 (1) of the 2005 Act states (1) For the purposes of this Act, a person lacks capacity in relation to a matter if at the material time he is unable to make a decision for himself in relation to the matter because of an impairment of, or a disturbance in the functioning of, the mind or brain. Subsection 2 goes on to say that (2) It does not matter whether the impairment or disturbance is permanent or temporary. The very wording of the Act is open to abuse as the scope of what might be deemed as mental incapacity is too broad. In essence anyone who is suffering from a temporary mental breakdown either through circumstances within their own life or as the result of any prescribed medication they might be taken could be viewed as lacking the capacity to make decisions about their selves and could be institutionalised and forced to have treatment. A further problem with the new Act is that the decision on the individual’s capacity is based on the balance of probabilities. (4) In proceedings under this Act or any other enactment, any question whether a person lacks capacity within the meaning of this Act must be decided on the balance of probabilities. In criminal proceedings the court has to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the person charged with the offence has committed the offence. With this new piece of legislation the level of proof required is equivalent to that required within the civil courts and therefore is open to greater abuse and it is likely that a higher proportion of people may find themselves being detained in a mental health institute and subjected to compulsory treatment[6]. Section 3 of the Act goes further to describe how it can be decided that a person is unable to make a decision for himself. It lists 4 areas that should be considered in deciding whether the person lacks the capability to make their own decisions. (1) For the purposes of section 2, a person is unable to make a decision for himself if he is unable- (a) to understand the information relevant to the decision, (b) to retain that information, (c) to use or weigh that information as part of the process of making the decision, or (d) to communicate his decision (whether by talking, using sign language or any other means). Subsection 2 does go on to say (2) A person is not to be regarded as unable to understand the information relevant to a decision if he is able to understand an explanation of it given to him in a way that is appropriate to his circumstances (using simple language, visual aids or any other means). In essence the above is an attempt to limit those who can be regarded as incapable of making decisions due to any physical disability such as deafness or blindness, however, some individuals may be so severely handicapped through conditions such as autism or mongolism that even things explained in simple language may not be understood by them. These people may not be a danger to themselves or others and are usually being cared for by members of their own families[7]. Some families find the strain of a severely handicapped person in the household hard to cope with and for those people this new Act may help them to get the handicapped person institutionalised. Using the above Act they could argue that the person lacks the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves and is a potential danger[8] to themselves so for their own protection they should be removed from society. If the person assessing the individual is satisfied that that individual does not have the capacity to make their own decisions then any treatment they consider to be in the best interests[9] of the individual can be ordered. The person ordering the treatment must take into account whether the patient may at some future time be able to make their own decisions again and if they decide that this is likely they must take all appropriate steps to ensure the patient receives all the assistance they need to recover to a position where they can make their own decisions. Effectively though the legislation allows the person treating the patient with the mental health problem to remove all autonomy from the patient and force treatment on them that they might ordinarily object to if they had the capacity to do so. The legislation does state that the person making the decision on behalf of the patient should take into account the patients past and present wishes and feelings and make judgments based on what they perceive the patient would want if they were able to decide for themselves. The new Act is designed to operate alongside the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Health (Patients in the Community) Act 1995, as was introduced with the aim of simplifying the way in which a person can be adjudged to be in need of treatment in respect of a mental health issue[10]. Under the 1983 Act compulsory admission to mental institutions is determined with reference to section 1 of the Act and refers to mental disorder but also covers any other disorder or disability of the mind. The Act attempts to specify the persons who they deem in need of admission for treatment and covers four broad areas namely mental illness, severe mental impairment, psychopathic disorder or mental impairment. The first 2 conditions trigger automatic admission regardless of whether the treatment is likely to be effective or not. With the last 2 conditions psychopathic disorder and mental impairment, admission can only be ordered if the patients are likely to benefit from the treatment. Under the new Act the definition has been extended to cover a far wider audience and it is likely under the provisions of the 2005 Act that those with a psychopathic disorder can be detained regardless of whether treatment will assist their condition. The 1983 Act does not specifically define mental illness and can be problematic as it does not cover conditions where a person may undertake activities that are potentially life threatening due to a compulsion for risk taking. It is possible that the 2005 At might encompass this area as section 3 (4) states that when deciding whether someone is capable of making their own decisions account should be taken as to whether the person has the capability of being able to reasonably foresee the consequences of the decisions they are making. Whilst it could be argued that this is a positive move[11] there is room for abuse of this inclusion in the legislation and could theoretically be used to cover sado masochistic activities between consenting adults or the participation of dangerous sports. To be effective the 2005 Act should incorporate examples where there is a clear demonstration that the patient lacks the capacity for being able to foresee the consequences of their actions. This would assist the person making the decision about the patients mental capacity as they could compare the actions of their patient with actions previously seen to be harmful. There are a few dangers surrounding the 2005 Act in that mental capacity is judged according to the individual’s capacity to make their own decisions. The 1983 Act defines psychopathic behaviour as a persistent disorder or disability of mind (whether or not including impairment of intelligence) which results in abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible conduct on the part of the person concerned. Research into psycopathy has shown that whilst the psychopath may not always conform to rules they do have the ability to do so. Following the guidance in the 2005 Act regarding mental capacity this could mean that dangerous psychopaths could slip through the net as they may well be able to show that they do not lack the necessary capacity to make decisions on their own. By establishing this they will be able to refuse treatment as autonomy is only forfeited where the patient lacks the capacity to make their own decisions. The new Act is inherently flawed in that temporary mental incapacity can lead to compulsory admission to an institute[12]. This could have a dramatic effect on people such as women suffering post natal depression after childbirth. In the past doctors have prescribed tranquilisers and anti depressants to attempt to cure the patient. Under the 2005 Act the partner of the patient suffering post natal depression could request that their partner be assessed for mental capacity. If the person doing the assessment is of the opinion that the mother is incapable of making their own decisions the mother might find herself placed in a mental institute and forced to receive treatment she might otherwise object to. The 2005 Act also contains a section authorising power of attorney[13] to family and other persons connected to the person who has been assessed as lacking in mental capacity. This is open to widespread abuse as greedy relatives may use a temporary mental impairment of their family member to gain power of attorney over their monetary assets and squander any of their savings away. It has also been proven by past examples that once a person has been admitted to a mental institution it is difficult for the patient to convince the doctors and medical staff that they have now recovered from their mental illness and no longer need to be institutionalised[14]. In the UK paternalistic intervention[15] has been used even when the patient having the treatment poses no threat to others or himself. In the case of W v Egdell [1990] ch 359 a psychiatrist was asked to examine a patient at the request of the patient’s solicitor to assess the suitability of transferring the patient from a secure hospital back into the community. The psychiatrist submitted his report to the Home Office in order to prevent what he perceived could be a danger if the patient was prematurely released. As a result of this report the patient was forced to remain within the secure hospital despite the fact that at no time had the patient committed any acts of violence. This kind of paternalistic intervention offends against the principle of autonomy[16] and should only really be justified when the person for whom the decision has been made is unable to make an informed choice for himself. The approach to deciding whether paternalism should be allowed when assessing a person with a mental illness should be to ask whether the patient would consent[17] to the proposed treatment if they were able to make a rational choice. In America they used what is known as the substituted judgment test which is autonomy based in the sense that the intervention is directed towards the goal of restoring the patients autonomy. Another way in which the mental health professionals have sought to circumvent claims of enforced treatment is by the use of implied consent[18]. The notion behind this is that although the person by reason of incapacity cannot give their consent at that point in time they may be able to endorse the treatment at a later date, which would then amount to a form of retrospective consent[19]. Obviously there are difficulties with this approach as there is no way of predicting that subsequent consent will be given when the person is in a position to give that consent. Frequently those who resent involuntary treatment will continue to do so after recovery. Due to the obvious problems associated with interference with the autonomy of the patient most mental health professionals adopt the paternalistic best interests[20] test as outlined in the Mental Health Act and uses the Act to order compulsory treatment of the patient. The 1983 Act provides 3 ways in which a patient can be compulsorily admitted to hospital for treatment[21]. Section 2 of the Act gives the patient’s nearest relative or any person authorised to act on their behalf the right to apply for the admission of the patient into hospital. In order to qualify for the right to make such an application the applicant must have seen the patient within the 14 days prior to the application. The application must be supported by 2 registered practitioners one of whom must be qualified in psychiatry. Grounds[22] for admission under section 2 are that a patient is suffering from a mental disorder of a degree which warrants detention in a hospital at least for a limited period of time and should be to prevent harm to himself or others. Under this kind of admission the maximum time the patient can be detained is 28 days and admissions cannot be renewed thereafter. The second way in which patients can be admitted is under section 4 of the Act which covers emergency admissions and can be applied for on the recommendation of one doctor only but is only valid for 72 hours. The doctor does not need to be a specialist in the treatment of mental health but if possible must have known the patient beforehand. The applicant must have seen the patient within the last 24 hours. Such emergency admissions can be converted to treatment for 28 days by seeking a second opinion from a mental health specialist. The third way in which compulsory admission can occur is under s3 of the Act and application is similar as those under section 2 of the Act. Under this section of the Act the patient can be detained for up to 6 months and can be renewed thereafter, initially for an extra 6 months and then yearly for periods of a year at a time. Detention under this section can last indefinitely. Those who do recover from their mental disorder may be released from the secure units[23] but held under supervision[24] orders using section 117 of the Mental Health Act, and although they can no longer be forced to receive treatment they will be expected to attend at a treatment centre. Unfortunately there is no system in place to ensure that such patients do attend the treatment centres and no sanctions available to the authorities to enforce their attendance. It has been suggested that those patients who have been discharged and do not comply with the supervision orders should be readmitted to hospital under a compulsory admission so as treatment can be enforced without the patient’s consent. In order to prevent claims being made by those who have been compulsorily admitted to hospital and forced to undergo treatment section 139 of the Mental Health Act was added which states that ‘no person shall be liable†¦to any civil or criminal proceedings†¦in respect of any act purporting to be done in pursuance of this Act†¦unless the act was done in bad faith or without reasonable care.’ This effectively gives the hospitals total paternalism[25] over the treatment of compulsorily admitted patient and negates any patient autonomy or rights to personal autonomy until such a time as the persons treating them are satisfied that the patient is recovered sufficiently to render them capable of making their own decisions. The overall view that is apparent from looking at the 1983 Act and the recent 2005 Act is that paternalism has always been present within the treatment of mental health patients. The 2005 Act broadens the classes of people who may now be classified as in need of compulsory admission and treatment and therefore strengthens the position of paternalism whilst reducing personal autonomy practically into non-existence. The danger in allowing the government to increase the power for compulsory treatment could in the future spread to other areas of medical treatment and could lead to persons with terminal illness who have expressed a wish not to be treated being forced to undergo treatment by being held to be mentally incapable of making rational decisions. There could also be problems where patients refuse treatment on the grounds of religious belief. It might be argued by the person giving the treatment that the patient has been indoctrinated by the religious group they are part of and are therefore incapable of making decisions independent of the doctrines instilled in them by their religious teachings. Allowing paternalism to become acceptable for one classification of person could ultimately lead to problems in all areas of legislation and could result in criminals being locked away indefinitely as it could be viewed as in the best interests of society to keep them locked away. Governments have used the fear that the general public have of people with mental illnesses posing a threat to ordinary members of the public by highlighting those incidents were patients have been released from institutions and then have harmed or killed others[26]. By using this fear they have persuaded the general public that compulsory admission of the mentally ill is the only way to prevent others from being harmed and that it is in the best interests of the patient and society for them to be forced to undergo treatment and remain institutionalised[27]. Bibliography Mason McCall Smith, Law and Medical Ethics, 5th Ed 1999, Butterworths. Darjee R, Crichton J. The MacLean committee: Scotlands answer to the dangerous people with severe personality disorder proposals? Psychiatric Bill 2002;26: 6- Watts J, Priebe S. A phenomenological account of users experiences of assertive community treatment. Bioethics 2002; 16: 439-454 Department of Health and Home Office. Managing dangerous people with severe personality disorder. London: Stationery Office, 1999. Scmukler, G, Homicide Enquiries. What sense do they make?, Psychiatric Bulletin , 24, pages 6-10, 2000 Scottish Executive. Report of the committee on serious violent and sexual offenders. Edinburgh: Scottish Executive, 2000 Steadman, H, Mulvey, E, Monahan, J, Robbins, p, Applebaum, P, Grisso, T, Roth,L, and Silver, E, Violence by people discharged from acute psychiatric inpatient facilities and others in the same neighbourhoods, Archives of General Psychiatry, 55, pages 393-401, 1998. Who Decides; Making Decisions on Behalf of Mentally Handicapped Adults (LCD, 1997) http://www.ethox.org.uk http://www.dh.gov.uk http://www.guardian.co.uk http://bjp.rcpsych.org http://akmhcweb.org Table of Cases R v Bournewood Community and Mental Health NHS Trust ex p L [1998] 3 WLR 107 Re F [1990] 2 AC 1 Re T (adult: refusal of medical treatment) [1992] 4 All ER 649, CA.). Re Y [1996] 35 BMLR 111 S v McC; W v W [1972] AC 24 St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust v S; R v Collins and others, ex parte S [1998] 3 All ER 673, [1998] Fam Law 526, CA W v Egdell [1990] ch 359 Table of Statutes Lunacy Act 1890 Lunatics Act 1845 Mental Capacity Act 2005 Mental Health (Patients in the Community) Act 1995 Mental Health Act 1959 Mental Health Act 1983 Mental Treatment Act 1930 1 Footnotes [1] Scottish Executive. Report of the committee on serious violent and sexual offenders. Edinburgh: Scottish Executive, 2000 [2]http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/MentalHealth/MentalHealthArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4131958chk=/1k+X3 [3] Steadman, H, Mulvey, E, Monahan, J, Robbins, p, Applebaum, P, Grisso, T, Roth,L, and Silver, E, Violence by people discharged from acute psychiatric inpatient facilities and others in the same neighbourhoods, Archives of General Psychiatry, 55, pages 393-401, 1998. [4]http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4448443,00.html;http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/MentalHealth/MentalHealthArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4089588chk=we/GKL [5] St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust v S; R v Collins and others, ex parte S [1998] 3 All ER 673, [1998] Fam Law 526, CA [6] Mason McCall Smith, Law and Medical Ethics, 5th Ed 1999, Butterworths. P510 -512 [7] R v Bournewood Community and Mental Health NHS Trust ex p L [1998] 3 WLR 107 [8] Darjee R, Crichton J. The MacLean committee: Scotlands answer to the dangerous people with severe personality disorder proposals? Psychiatric Bill 2002;26: 6-8 [9] Re F [1990] 2 AC 1 [10] Department of Health. Reforming the Mental Health Act. London: Stationery Office; 2000. [11]http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/MentalHealth/MentalHealthArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4089589chk=1fWV90 [12] Mental Capacity Act 2005 s2 (2) [13] Mental Capacity Act 2005 s9 [14] http://akmhcweb.org/News/HungerStrike/LATimesMag10-26-2003.htm [15] Mason McCall Smith, Law and Medical Ethics, 5th Ed 1999, Butterworths p506 [16] http://www.ethox.org.uk/Ethics/econsent.htm#introduction [17] (S v McC; W v W [1972] AC 24; Re T (adult: refusal of medical treatment) [1992] 4 All ER 649, CA.). [18] Mason McCall Smith, Law and Medical Ethics, 5th Ed 1999, Butterworths p507 [19] Watts J, Priebe S. A phenomenological account of users experiences of assertive community treatment. Bioethics 2002; 16: 439-454 [20] Re Y [1996] 35 BMLR 111; http://www.ethox.org.uk/Ethics/econsent.htm#introduction [21] Who Decides; Making Decisions on Behalf of Mentally Handicapped Adults (LCD, 1997). [22] Mason McCall Smith, Law and Medical Ethics, 5th Ed 1999, Butterworths p503 [23] Mental Health (Patients in the Community) Act 1995 [24] Mental Health (Patients in the Community) Act 1995 (c.52) s1 [25]http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/177/3/196?ijkey=b0b6443d7c871c32507c07da36faadf7633b7b9bkeytype2=tf_ipsecsha [26] Scmukler, G, Homicide Enquiries. What sense do they make?, Psychiatric Bulletin , 24, pages 6-10, 2000 [27] Department of Health and Home Office. Managing dangerous people with severe personality disorder. London: Stationery Office, 1999.

Broadcast Journalists and The Inverted Pyramid Style of Presenting the

In 1965, American broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow stated, â€Å"We cannot make good news out of bad practice.† Although this quotation was originally in response to critics who wanted him to ignore racial problems to promote a better public image abroad, it can also be applied to the importance of presenting a quality newscast. In America, news media is considered the forth branch of the United States government. This concept stems from a belief that it is the news media's responsibility to deliver clear and accurate information to the populace in a compelling manner. Considering the effect the news has on society, as journalism scholars we need to ask why clarity and attention are important in a newscast and what can be done to ensure clarity and attention is used in a news video or news broadcast? Using the 2010 textbook Broadcast News Handbook and personal experiences from Digital News class, we will analyze the following questions. To do so, we will examine the importance of clarity and attention in a newscast, and then finally take a look at three aspects to ensure clarity and attention is in a news video or news broadcast. First, there is the importance of clarity and attention in a newscast. The history of delivering news has evolved throughout the years. From exchange information via radio to have a having a television channel’s primary objective be producing news, the news media have grown in the methods notifying the public. However, a couple of things that hasn’t change are the media’s goal of delivering clear and engaging products. As Assistant Professor Dave Cupp of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill explained in a 2010 article, â€Å"Today the world remains as confusing as ever, and new technolog... ... a report remember to record scenes that involve some sort of action, the viewer will be persuade to pay attention because the are interested in what the people are doing. CONCLUSION By understanding why clarity and attention are important in a newscast and observing three ways to ensure these functions are used in a news video or news broadcast, we can see the responsibility the forth branch has to society. Edward R. Murrow attempted to accomplish these traits in all of his broadcasts. Canadian educator Marshall McLuhan’s contention is that â€Å"the medium is the message.† However, the authors of the textbook believe that the message is the message and the medium is simply a means to get that message to an audience. Regardless which statement you agree with, the main point is that the message is important and we, as reporters, have an obligation to present it.

Visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Viewing the Asian Art Colle

Visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Viewing the Asian Art Collections The Metropolitan Museum of Art has one of the finest Asian art collections that has enlightened and strengthened my understanding in my personal art experience. The Museum itself is an artistic architectural structure that graces the entire block on 82nd Street in Manhattan. Entering inside, I sensed myself going back into an era, into a past where people traded ideas and learned from each other. It is a past, where I still find their works of yesteryears vividly within my grasp, to be remembered and shared as if their reflections of works were cast for the modern devoted learner. Walking into the Hall of the Buddhas, there was a sense of peace and guidance lingering inside me. The seated Bodhisattva, of the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534), CA.480, from the Yungang, Cave xv, Shani Province, made of sandstone, guarded the entrance. At first, I thought it was a time to be disciplined, but the transcending smile from the statue was a delicate fixed gesture that offered a feeling of welcome. It was not a place to confess your wrongdoings; neither was it a place for me to say, â€Å"Buddha I have sinned.† It was a room to purify the mind, the mind that we take for granted without giving it harmony. There was a large mural decorating the main wall called â€Å"The Paradise of Bhaishajyaguru†(916-1125). I sat down wandering if the artist of the portrait knew that his work would one day be shared on this side of the world, in my time. Much like Jesus Christ and his followers, the mural is a painting of healers and saviors. It was a large figure of the Bud dha of medicine, (Bhaishajyaquru) surrounded by followers of Bodhisattvas, Avalokiteshvara, and Mahosthamaprapta with twelve guardian generals who have pledged to disseminate the Buddha’s teaching (Tradition of Liao 916-1125, Metropolitan Museum wall plaque). On the other side, I noticed a standing statue called â€Å"Quan Yin† that I have often encountered. It was an Avalokiteshvara from the Sui dynasty (581-618) made of limestone (Metropolitan Museum Plaque). Unlike the Quan Yin statue at home or any of the ones I have seen, it was difficult to pinpoint the gender of this Saint. I often hear people ask if â€Å"Quan Yin† was really a female, but throughout my learning experience it was mainly worshipped by women and given the status as female. Perh... ...tues being so near. From the Sui dynasty (581-618), the â€Å"Quan Yin† statue reminded me of the readings in class about Red Azalea. I have always thought that this was a female saint; however, after seeing and observing it, maybe I’m wrong. Another place in the museum that evoked my feelings was the Japanese collection. The Japanese Buddhas were mentally more lifelike, because of the details of the color in the eyes. One could mistake some of them for demons and evil beings. However, they are all doers of good for mankind. The Japanese exhibit felt like a place of court where people came in to be cleansed, forgiven and punished after their evil deeds. Overall, my learning experience has taken me to a higher level of understanding that diversity within the same beliefs in Buddhism are mainly different by the way they migrated and the way Buddha is represented in the features and looks in another culture. However, whatever the culture might be, the teachings of Budd ha are all shared and learned the same way: â€Å"To do no evil.† â€Å"To cultivate all good.† â€Å"To purify the mind.† â€Å"And this is the teaching of the Buddha.† (Shakyamuni Buddha, Grace Gratitude Buddhist temple, wallet card

Flautists Battle To Help Tiny Silent Losses

Have you ever lost someone close to you? You probably remember their laughs, and all the memories you had with them, but what if you had never shared these moments? What if they had slipped away before you even had a chance? Flautists used their talents at London's Royal Albert Hall yesterday to raise money to help raise miscarriage awareness. Twenty eight year old Tiana Webb from Croydon decided to set up the concert after suffering her fourth miscarriage in two years, she expressed her feelings â€Å"I felt so alone, and wondered why this kept happening to me, I realised I had to help do something so other women would not have to feel so alone whilst going through such a tough situation. Music helped me through the tough times, and as a flautist myself, I thought I could use my talents to help†. Leaflets were sent out asking all flautists to unite from all over the county, no matter what their ability or style in music. Over a hundred and fifty musicians came forward ranging from beginners to professionals, young to old. Tiana said she was surprised at the amount of support that had been gained, as she was not sure if she would be successful. The Miscarriage Association is a charity set up to help raise miscarriage awareness. The charity supports grieving woman, be it soon after their miscarriage or a while after by providing information, support groups and helplines. It also offers a service in which mothers can be put in touch with other women who have experienced a loss. Miscarriage facts are quite unknown, more than one in five pregnancies end in miscarriage, a shocking quarter of a million each year in the UK. Recent research amongst a sample of over three hundred women who had experienced loss in pregnancy showed that 45% of women did not feel well informed about what was happening to them. Only 29% of them felt well cared for emotionally and nearly four out of five received no aftercare. Claire Walker, a spokesperson from TMA said â€Å"we are so thankful to Tiana and everyone who took part in the concert. Miscarriage affects so many women in society and feel it goes un-noticed, but this event shows that there is hope for them†. Tickets sold out within a week of going on sale, filling the magnificent hall. Tiana held an auction of old music, CDs, flutes and other musical equipment, all donated by the musicians themselves, of local organisations. One of the flautists, Fourteen year old Levi King from East London said † I'm proud to be part of something which is for a good cause, the response is incredible†. The concert was set off with all 158 flautists playing Karen Taylor-Good's song, ‘Precious Child' together, which was written especially. Karen herself sang the feeling filled words, â€Å"There wasn't a dry eye in the building† she explained, â€Å"everyone was obviously very touched†. Rachel Kindler The sound rang, creating a close atmosphere inside. Many members of the audience described it as a heart-warming experience to be amongst others with the same feelings, as many of them had suffered a miscarriage either themselves or in their families. This was followed by each of the flautists playing solos, duets or trios in a variety of music styles. There were reports that many of them felt privileged to be able to perform in the Royal Albert Hall as it was a ‘once in a lifetime experience'. Tiana played 4 individual solo's, including two that she had written herself. Amongst the musical pieces, poems were read many people spoke of their experiences, 23 year old Sara West told us of her story † I was 20 when I fell pregnant, it was a mixture of excitement and worry as I was young but I knew I wanted to keep my baby, I had a supportive partner and finished my degree at university. When I miscarried at 10 weeks, I was heartbroken. Words cannot describe how hard it is to lose something so precious. Many people do not understand it and are insensitive towards the subject, but coming here tonight made me realise I am not the only one that felt this way, and there is support out there for me. I am pleased to have helped The Miscarriage Association, and thankful to Tiana for putting so much work into this event.† The audience was surprised by the appearance of James Gallway, a famous flautist. He played several pieces, including some with the youngsters which many felt was touching. James said that he would not have missed the concert for the world, as it was not on an opportunity to share his talents and skills with others, but also to help make money for a very good cause. The evening was ended with an outstanding firework display, and people releasing balloons with messages for their losses within. It was spectacular to see so many people come together to remember silent losses that most people will not know of. The occasion was clearly very successful, it raised an amazing à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½10,000 for The Miscarriage Association. Tiana added, † I am overwhelmed at the amount of support for the charity and the event. It is comforting to know that I have helped other grieving mothers, I hope to organise something similar in the near future. I would like to thank all the flautists for participating and everyone who donated money to the charity†.

3 Important People in My Life.

3 important people in my life. There are several people in my life that have served as a source of influence. However, there are three people who have not only impacted a decision or two, but have drastically altered my way of life. These people have completely transformed my life in a positive way. Without these people, my life would not have the same meaning and purpose. These three important individuals are my mom, my dad, and my wife. First and foremost, there is my mother. She has served her role as my mother dutifully and out of love. That would explain any mother in this world.However, she has gone beyond that and has provided a very nurturing childhood while growing up. Growing up in India, there was a large emphasis on academic success. For some of my friends, that meant doing well and succeeding called for praise while failure was simply looked at with disgust. My mother never judged me for my successes or failures. She acknowledged my successes, but also taught me how to l earn with my failures. This applied not only to school, but also to sports. Perhaps, this is why I excelled in both. I received the encouragement and proper guidance I needed.Furthermore, my mom always had a calm attitude. She never worked with a hot temper. I learned how to be patient and how to deal with problems that came my way. Thus, my mom did not only provide me with an exemplary childhood, she role modeled and taught me positive life skills. I always refer back to a problem in terms of what my own mother would do. The second most significant person in my life is my father. Growing up, he was very present in my life even in a patriarchal society. He encouraged me to succeed and excel in everything I do.Not only that, but he also taught me some of the tougher life lessons. I remember that as a child, whenever I wanted something new, I had to wait it out until it was practical to replace whatever I wanted to replace. If I whined or cried, it would be completely out of the quest ion. Thus, my dad in a way taught me how to appreciate the things in life as the way they are instead of always hoping for a change. He also taught me to be strong and patient with goals because crying and whining only leads to time wasted. It is a weakness that only sets you back instead of moving you forward.Another aspect my dad has influenced me greatly is to look at every individual with equality. Growing up, I was raised to not judge a person based on who they were or how much money they made. My dad instilled these values into me and hoped that I carried them forward. He wanted me to understand that people may differ from the surface, but they should all be taken equally. Without my father, my social interactions and way of setting goals and achieving them would not have been the same. Finally, the final person of significance in my life is my wife of 4 years.Right after I moved to Houston, I did not know many people and my life was very simple and bland. I would go to school , focus on my studies, interact with my family, and repeat the same routine every single day. My life was missing an important social sector. I had no one else to talk to. However, I met a girl from Houston and she was very friendly and kind. She did not judge me like others did. She did not concern herself with my style or who I was. She took me like any other person. Perhaps this mindset was what I was looking for in another person.She not only was there when I needed her the most, but she became another reason and another motivation to keep my life moving strong. Thus, she has inspired me that there is always hope even in difficult times. However, the key is to maintain hope and a positive attitude. One of the most important things she has taught me is to always smile and life. Life is too short to carry a frown on your face and to not enjoy every single moment of it. As a result, these three people have served as great source of positive influence. Without them, my life would be incomplete.