Opportunities in the Hospitality Industry Assignment

Opportunities in the Hospitality Industry - Assignment Example Any part of hospitality industry such as theme parks, hotels regardless of its status and restaurants try to maximize the number of visitors and the turnover of the business. Almost all businesses in this line use various avenues for increasing their business and sales. One of these ways  is  eWOM.   The full form of eWOM is Electronic word of mouth and can be defined as the customer reviews that are posted on Social Media as well as other websites. The marketing experts have studied the importance and relation of eWOM with existing and future paying customers and the relation between content of  eWOMand increase in sales volume.   The main mediums of eWOM include blogs, social media sites such as facebook, pintereste, Twitter and others. This medium also includes various popular travel websites where most of the people do their bookings, chat rooms and other user-generated websites in this field. It is a fact that the hospitality business in UK must pay attention to these online reviews, as most of the potential customers prefer to check the reviews before booking of the room in any UK Hotel (Melià ¡n-Gonzà ¡lez, Santiago, Bulchand- Gidumal,, Jacques and Gonzà ¡lez Là ³pez-Valcà ¡rcel, Beatriz (2013)). Due to this, the hospitality industry should keep the  negative  reviews at minimum and positive reviews at the maximum. One way with which this can be done is to contact the person who  has  posted  negative  reviews and sort out the issue.   These studies also consider some factors such as the role of volume and valence of eWOM  for  an increase  in sales for future. The volume of reviews of any hotel affects the (RevPAR  revenue per room.  The valance refers to the ratio of positive review vs the negative review and has  a lot of effect over business of luxury hotels. The volume refers to the number of reviews posted on relevant websites, blogs and other social media (Melià ¡n-Gonzà ¡lez, Santiago, Bulchand- Gidumal,, Jacques and Gonzà ¡lez Là ³pez-Valcà ¡rcel,

Vulnerable Populations Essay Example for Free

Vulnerable Populations Essay All communities contain a mentally ill population. Their behavior is considered to be inappropriate and abnormal. Every society has cultivated solutions in which to treat the mentally ill in order to prevent disruption of the strong civil function. Normal behavior varies through generations and societies. When deciding if a person is mentally ill, the generation and culture must be taken into consideration. Approximately 26 percent of the U.S. population suffers from mental illness, with six percent of that percentage suffering from such debilitating mental afflictions that their ability to function is limited. The History of Mental Illness In ancient times, mental illness was thought to be madness caused by demonic possession. Skulls of the â€Å"mad† were drilled to allow the demon to escape. During the middle ages, mental illness was believed to be the result of witchcraft and demonic control. The tormented were treated as criminals and subject to torturous acts. They were often tied up and thrown into bitterly cold waters. If the person floated, they were considered to be a witch and were murdered in an inhumane and heinous manner. If the suspected sunk, they were found not guilty of witchcraft. The freezing water was accepted as a cure for â€Å"madness.† By the mid 1700’s, mental illness was considered an issue for the afflicted’s family. As the American colonies grew, the mentally ill began to negatively impact the society. Almshouses were used to board the mentally ill. Specialized hospitals were constructed for the â€Å"insane.† Mistreatment and abuse of the mentally ill were common and continued through the 19th century. â€Å"Moral treatment† of the mentally ill began in the 18th century when Phillipe Pinel discovered 5,000 patients chained to walls and released them. Dorthea Dix was a U.S. social activist who made an appeal to the Massachusetts State Legislature for more humane and benevolent care of the mentally ill in asylums. Dix’s plea accrued  regulated conditions in asylums. Most asylums and almshouses were obsolete by the beginning of the 20th century. State psychiatric institutions became the chief means of serving the mentally ill. However, reports of abuse and neglect in state hospitals were prevalent. In 1900, Clifford Beers, a privileged businessman, suffered a nervous breakdown after a family catastrophe. He was admitted to numerous mental hospitals and each was abusive and defamatory. In 1908, Beers penned his autobiography A Mind that Found Itself. The book discusses his mental deterioration as well as the mental and physical abuse he endured in the hospitals. Beers’ book was the catalyst for the founding of the National Committee for Mental Hygiene (Presently the National Mental Health Association) which created mission goals, such as improved doctoring, advocacy, and minimizing the negative stereotypes of the mentally ill. The Community Mental Health Centers Act was passed in 1963. This act focused on the maintenance and issue prevention through outpatient care. Patients were released from state hospitals and treated by community facilities. This act began the process of deinstitutionalization in the United States. The Nature of the Social Problems or Issues Experienced Deinstitutionalization released thousands of mentally ill patients from psychiatric hospitals into the streets. The majority of these hospitals were shut down, which led to the difficult transition from long-term care to short-term hospital visits. Those with no family or support system were left with nowhere to go and forced to live on the streets. The government approximates that 20 to 30 percent of the United States homeless population suffer from severe mental illness. If this estimate were to include clinical depression and substance abusers, the numbers would climb to a staggering 50 to 80 percent. There are many problems trying to get the mentally ill and homeless of the streets. They have the right to refuse treatment and unfortunately many of them do. Other obstacles that prevent the mentally ill and homeless population from receiving adequate care is the lack of government assistance, such as Medicaid and Medicare, to help pay for treatment. Many severely mentally ill men and women are so disoriented, paranoid, and confused that they are unable to participate in client/psychologist services. Another barrier is the firm participation  requirements administered by mental health facilities. Severely mentally ill clients may find it difficult to abide by the rules. In order to remain in housing assistance programs, participants must remain sober which also poses a problem for many of the mentally ill who are plagued with substance abuse disorders. The criminalization of the mentally ill has become a large issue in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that 8 to 17 percent of the prison population suffers from mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 40 percent of the mentally ill population will commit a crime at some point. Demographics, Common Clinical Issues, and Intervention Strategies Mental illness does not discriminate. It affects all races, social classes and religions. The only difference is that those in a higher social class are able to receive better care. Studies show that minorities receive poor mental health treatment because of the underrepresentation of certain ethnicities in the mental health field and the refusal of mental health care by certain cultures. People suffering from mental illness may seek help by directly going to a specialist or by seeking assistance from a mental health agency. Mental health experts must be able to diagnose the frequent symptoms and evidence of mental illness in a client. The method for diagnosing mental illness in the United States is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). This method is disputed by many professionals because it treats mental illness as a diagnosis of a disease rather than focusing on a person’s strengths to obtain wellness. Axis I of the DSM-IV-TR includes clinical disorders such as bipolar, clinical depression, substance abuse issues. They are treated with psychotropic medications and psychotherapy. Axis II consists of personality disorders and mental retardation. Many professionals feel that people suffering from Axis II illnesses are resistant to treatment. Many mental health professional view those suffering from mental illness as â€Å"broken† and ill. These beliefs can limit the potential of the mentally afflicted. A different strategy some mental health professionals are taking is using the Strength Perspective. This plan of action requires the practitioner to focus on a client’s successes and advantages rather than promoting their shortcomings. Other intervention strategies include insight counseling which allows clients to create coping skills to help them deal with their mental health issues. Group counseling allows clients to gain support and  friendship from those suffering from the same mental afflictions. Psychotropic medication can alleviate mentally crippling symptoms and Psychiatric rehabilitation aides low functioning clients in obtaining the basic living skills. Future Interventions The United States has encountered many modifications throughout the last 50 years. The mental health profession will undoubtedly undergo many more changes in the years to come. Human Service Professionals are the future of mental health. They continuously crusade for augmented funding and strive to develop new intervention and counseling strategies tailored to the intricate and complex needs of the mentally ill population. Experts and scientists continuously work to create advancements in medications that will remove all debilitating effects of severe mental illness. References Martin, M.C. (2011). Introduction to Human Services: Through the Eyes of Practice Settings (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon Publishing. A future vision of mental health. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.newvisionformentalhealth.org.uk/A_future_vision_for_mental_health.pdf Leupo, K. (n.d.). The history of mental illness. Retrieved from http://www.toddlertime.com/advocacy/hospitals/Asylum/history-asylum.htm

Causes and Effects of Consumerism

Causes and Effects of Consumerism Sarah Mutaher Introduction Consumerism is the term used to describe the effects of equating personal happiness with purchasing material possessions and consumption. Today we live in a consumer culture obsessed world. Consumption encompasses our everyday lives and structures our everyday agendas. The values, meanings and costs of what we consume have become an increasing important part of our social and personal experiences. The main factor enforcing our actions in this way is the news media. The news media is filled with information about consumption- not only in the form of advertising but also as news about businesses, lifestyles and economic indicators. However none of this tells us how we came about as a culture that associates freedom with the freedom of consuming anything of our choice and as a means of self-fulfillment. Analysis Consumerism is not just an issue that has come about in this new age and modern time it has been around for decades. For the most part, we only become aware of consumption when it is a problem, when there is environmental degradation caused by the production of goods in excess and more than we can consume. To understand this social phenomenon we must first understand the social and historical context of a consumer society. All cultures have found meaning in material goods. Objects resemble a social status or go further than that and have an emotional attachment with ones self. Goods are not only consumed for there material characteristics, but even more for what they symbolize- there meanings, associations and there involvement in our self image. Consumption is not simply the acquiring of products predestined meanings. Instead, it should be seen as a form of social consumer culture. While consumption is an act, consumer culture is a way of life. It is quite likely that never before in history has consumption become one of the central values of a culture. In modern society one learns merely to consume, and tasteful or appropriate consumption is only one of the numerous choices. It is this focus on consumption as a central worth that makes us a consumer culture. Consumption no longer seems to reflect our cultural values; it has itself become a cultural value. It has entered into the warp and turmoil of this fabric we call modern life. Every public space, every occasion for public gathering, every creative expression is seen as an opportunity to encourage more consumption. To understand how we have become this consumer crazy culture it is important to understand the humble beginnings of this crazy fixation. Before the industrial revolution of the eighteenth century, what people consumed was, either goods mad by family members or a person the consumer has a personal relation with. In early Europe the form consumerism took place in the weekly markets and seasonal fairs. The historical pattern in America was somewhat different. Unlike in Europe, where markets and fairs preceded the development of shops, in America shops emerged as the customary way of buying and selling in its early colonial period. It was not until the eighteenth century that markets and fairs became popular in the United States. Fashion is one of the key elements that fuel consumerism. Fashion not only includes clothing, but also any object where there is a concern for what is different, new and improved and which allows us to express our individuality. Fashion is so central to modern day consumption that it is difficult to imagine a culture in which it is not a major force. People throughout time have always been interested in the beautiful or in signs of status and in the pursuit of anything that brings them pleasure or happiness. It was during the last quarter of the sixteenth century in England that consumption first took off amongst the European nobility. This powered to two important developments. First, Queen Elizabeth the first used the dramatic spectacle of fashion as a display of government power. Second, she forced social competition among the nobility by removing them from their locality where they were clearly superior and forcing them to attend the London court where they had to compete with equals. Previously consumption had always been a family matter and what benefited the family the most. But now Elizabethan noblemen began to spend less on their families and more on themselves to further show there class and status. Josiah Wedgewood was one of the pioneers in the consumption phase. He had this new understanding of fashion and the market place.ÂÂ   Wedgewood was a manufacturer and retailer of pottery in the eighteenth century. He was the first to recognize that if the rich and elite could be induced to adopt fashions, the other classes would follow soon. There are only certain societies where it is possible for a fashion to spread to the higher class to the lower class. Fashion has to be affordable for those in the lower class and the classes must be close enough with some fluidity between them that those in the lower class could imagine themselves owing what those in the upper class have. In England during this period the lower class was eager to possess whatever the upper class deemed fashionable. Wedgewood understood the immense financial potential of such a social situation and learnt how he could control it. His fashion tool was pottery. Wedgewood learned to closely observe what the upper class was buying in order to predict what direction the lower class consumption habits would follow through. Another factor adding to the consumer culture is the portrayal of this culture. In the United States consumption spurred as a symbol for rebellion rather than a symbol a homogeneous conformity. Schutte and Ciarlante describe Coca cola, Levis and Marlboro as symbols of individualism and freedom. Three phrases from Stuart and Elizabeth Ewens Channels of Desire (1982) which they see as indicative of the recent tendencies within consumer culture describe it best. Today there is no fashion: there are only fashions. No rules, only choices. Everyone can be anyone. This suggests there is a war against uniformity, a surplus of difference which results in a loss of meaning. The repercussion is that we are moving towards a society without fixed status groups in which the adoption of styles of life which are fixed to specific groups have been surpassed. We have been encouraged to buy in order to establish our individuality in a mass-produced culture. To express our disgust with consumption by more consumption, to purchase the latest improved traditions. Now people are encouraged to buy to convey their rejection of homogenized lifestyles. This anti-consumption attitude only fuels more consumption. Years ago, many people imagined that life would be idyllic in the 21st century. Technology would have cured most human short-comings, and there would be abundance of resources available for all. Population growth and over consumption underlie many of the invasive environmental and social concerns that humans face today. Over consumption of our natural resource base is jeopardizing ecosystems throughout the world. Wealthy nations like the US amount to 20 percent of the worlds population, yet they use more than 70 percent of the earths resources and generate an even higher volume of wastes. Some of these wastes are released into the atmosphere, rivers and oceans, others are land filled or incinerated, a small part is recycled. The standard notion of economic development envisions the rest of the worlds population moving progressively up the ladder of mass consumption. Clearly, the environmental implications of the global spread of mass consumption for resource use and environmental was te is staggering. In present times design culture also has greatly been influenced consumerism. Cities such as Las Vegas have dedicated there entire landscape to advertising to feed the need of consumerism. For the Utopian design at hand I have targeted the hospitality sector of the economy which attracts consumers owed to the hectic and fast-paced life we live today. I have chosen the Singapore Cricket Club for my bar and restaurant. The design is held together by the concept of network. Taking into consideration that the bar is the main attraction of a bar and highest revenue earning point in an FB. Using the concept of network my design directs all consumers towards the bar. The bar acts as the main attraction of my design which can be viewed from all levels and spaces. The unconventional feature of the bar is that it suspends 3000mm from the ground. As people walk through narrow corridors directing them towards the bar they are suddenly engulfed by the large open suspending bar and LED lighting panels from the ceiling going past 3 floors lighting up the entire design and focusing mainly onto the bar. The cuckoo club in London is a great example of how the bar acts as a key attraction in the premises. The entire space communicates glamour, drama and luxury. It represents a grand, dramatic film set with huge doors sweeping stairs, silk and voile drapes. The bar acts as a key feature covered entirely in gold sequins, set beneath a ceiling of diamond pattern panels of LED lighting (acrylic domes set into panels and then colour-washed across the whole ceiling), fringed with diamante beading. The lighting is flexible, varying from simulated daylight to pinks and purple in the night. The second case study chosen is Wine tower bar in UK. A 13 meter high wine tower forms the alluring centre point of the Radisson SAS Hotel lounge and bar at Stansted airport. The temperature controlled structure, constructed out of 6.5 tons of laminated glass, a steel core and a pyramid shaped roof, is fitted with an acrylic rack filled with 4,000 bottles of red and white wine. The enchantingly lit column not only serves as a large open wine rack but also functions as a theatre in which 4 graceful wine angels suspended on cables collect the bottles ordered by the guests. With the help of remote control and computer controlled winches, these women glide effortlessly up and down, whilst also slipping in a few acrobatics in the between. Conclusion In conclusion, Consumer culture has been incredibly successful. Not only has it been successful in satisfying our needs and desires, but it also has been successful in redefining what are needs are and expanding our desires. If we accept these desires as natural or inevitable, then consumer society seems natural and inevitable as well. Consumerism on the other hand does not only feed our desires but has left this earth with beyond reconcilable damages. Today are demand for goods is increasing beyond the capability of what our earth can come up with it. If our greed for consumption keeps increasing we will have to very soon give up our basic needs because our demands cannot be kept up with.

Post-Modern Analysis Of Hr Gigers the birth machine Essay examples --

A Postmodern analysis of H.R. Giger's: "The Birth Machine" Contents 1. Introduction to Essay: Premodern, Modern and Post Modern Art 2. The Artist, Hans Rudi Giger and "The Birth Machine" 3. "The Birth Machine" 4. Picture: "The Birth Machine" 5. The Philosophical Narrative a. My chosen philosophical narrative (Postmodernism) b. Analysis of the piece through postmodernism 6. The Poem: "Der Atom Kinder" 7. Critical Evaluation 8. Conclusion 9. Picture: "Bullet Baby" and "Iron Cast Copy" 10. Bibliography Introduction: Premodern, Modern and Postmodern art forms Various styles of art change and mould to fit the times, as do their artists. It then follows that a number of eras are identifiable in history with the previous style or form of art usually being a catalyst for the next. The art often reflects not only the time in which it was created, but also the influence of the great thinkers of that time. The Premodern The premodern philosophy in relation to art can then be divided into two separate and distinct areas, namely the Hellenistic and the Medieval. The latter saw art as a mimetic actively or a second-hand reflection of the original source of meaning; that which is above man. In the biblical sense, this would refer to Yahweh or God (Kearney, 1994:115). This was followed by the belief that the imagination (and therefore that which came from the imagination) was a mere counterfeit of the original being (Kearney, 1994:117). As art could never be perfect and was always an interpretation of the imagination, the iconography (representational paintings) of Christ and the Saints had to therefore follow strict rules in order to show no emotion. This was no ensure that the icon which was being represented was being worshiped and never the painting itself. In the Hellenistic imagination, although man can be seem as an original creator of physical art pieces, the artists can never escape the feeling that it is an imitation of th... ...beautiful and artistic at the same time. Where the premodern art forms may have been too limiting on the artist and modern art a lot more reserved, postmodern art enables the artist to explore endless possibilities when it comes to expression. Perhaps too many as a lot of postmodern artists can start to claim almost any replicated image as a work of art. The imagination should be able to run freely, but should still, even in today's world on the monotonous, try to avoid too much replication. Nonetheless, Hans Rudi Giger remains a living legend along with his tortured artworks. Bibliography †¢ Kearney, R. The Wake of the Imagination Towards a postmodern Culture. London 1994 †¢ HR Giger. Giger's Necronomicon. Morpheus International. Beverley Hills. 1980 †¢ Stanislav Grof, Review of Necronomicon Mill Valley, California, January 2001. (www.ajlardim.com.br) †¢ http://webpages.charter.net/jspeyrer/necron.htm †¢ http://www.littlegiger.com/limited/ †¢ www.hrgiger.com †¢ www.giger.com

English the Most Amazing Subject

English Class 8 Task 1 Reading exercise Read the novel, ‘The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas’ by John Boyne; Chapters 1- 4 Focus on: †¢ What themes are explored in the first four chapters? †¢ The relationship between Bruno and Maria. Task 2 Speaking and Listening Prepare a 2 minute talk to your class about something that really irritates you. It does not necessarily require a very formal language. Follow the steps below: 1. Decide on a topic. It’s always best to talk about things you actually know about and to express feelings you really have. . Structure your talk. It may be brief, but it still requires: †¢ An opening in which you quickly grab the audience’s attention and let them know what you’re going to talk about. †¢ A main body in which you give a couple of reasons or ideas to support your point. †¢ A conclusion in which you leave the listeners with a memorable phrase. Task 3 Grammar Practice adverbs and adjectives using the following websites: †¢ http://www. schoolexpress. com/fws/cat. php? id=2287 †¢ http://sites. google. com/site/jostombaugh/adjectivesadverbs Task 4 Spelling Learn the spellings of the following words: 1. Autumn 2. Knowledge 3. Development 4. Embarrass 5. Definite 6. Audible 7. Concentration 8. Assessment 9. Accommodation 10. Diamond 11. Beginning 12. Height 13. Queue 14. Business 15. Beneath 16. Tomorrow 17. Jealous 18. Questionnaire 19. Issue 20. Atmosphere 21. Continuous 22. Marriage 23. Imaginary 24. Improvise 25. Miscellaneous 26. Happened 27. Process 28. February 29. Forty 30. Separate 31. Straight 32. Success 33. Reference 34. Technique 35. Conscience 36. Murmur 37. Diary 38. Design 39. Column 40. Weird 41. Listening 42. Montague 43. Mantua 44. Capulet 45. Shakespeare 46. Idolatry 47. Adversaries 48. Nuptial 49. Forfeit 50. Foreshadowing 51. Shroud 52. Apothecary 53. Tybalt 54. Abram 55. Balthasar 56. Rosaline 57. Cemetery 58. Epitaph 59. Exile 60. Enmity ———————– NOTE: †¢ Students will be assessed on the given tasks when they return to school. †¢ Any queries regarding these tasks should be addressed to: [email  protected] com

The Kidnapping essays

The Kidnapping essays It was 9 am on a Thursday morning. High clouds had drifted across the sun a few minutes ago, and the sky was an ominous gray. The sky grew darker, and the thickening fog made everything seem eerie and menacing, Kirsten thought to herself as she looked through the living room window, which gave her a full view of the weather outside. Kirstens parents were at work, and they wouldnt be back until 6 pm that evening, because of a conference meeting they were both attending. Conference meetings were always long. And there she was, waiting by the window for her best friend Jennifer, who had called her earlier to tell her that she would come over and keep her company, so that she wouldnt get bored on her own. Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud, deafening knock on the front door. She grinned to herself as she made her way towards it. Kirsten then stood on the tip of her toes and looked through the peephole. There was no one in sight. She opened the door without hesitating, and took a step outside the house, expecting Jennifer to jump out of a corner and say Gotcha ya! Like she always did. Kirsten was surprised that Jennifer never gave up on that stupid trick she was always playing on her friend. Suddenly, without warning, a dark figure whose features Kirsten couldnt make out because of the foggy air surrounding her, approached her from behind tugged onto her shirt as she struggled to get away and threw her into the back seat of his car. Kirsten instantly made an attempt to get out of the car, but then he grabbed her by the arm, twisted it and dug his fingernails into her skin, threatening to kill her if she didnt follow his orders step by step. ...

The United States, The Melting Pot Essays - American Culture

The United States, The Melting Pot Essays - American Culture The United States, The Melting Pot The United States has Changed from a Melting Pot to a Vast Culture with Varying Racial Backgrounds. The United States, created by blending or ?melting? many cultures together into one common man, known as an American. ?Modern communication and transportation accelerate mass migrations from one continent . . .? to the United States (Schlesinger 21). Ethnic and racial diversity was bound to happen in the American society. As immigration began to explode, ?. . . a cult of ethnicity erupted both between non Anglo whites and among nonwhite minorities.? (22). Until recently, the only country who has made a multiethnic society work, was the United States. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur said, in America ?. . . individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men.? Is this still true? The creation of the U.S. ?. . . was not to preserve old cultures but to forge a new, American culture." (Schlesinger 22). In the 20th century, the melting pot is not working, and the whole idea is under attack (Evans 76). The United States has changed from a melting pot to a vast culture with varying backgrounds. In years before, America was a collection of Chinese, Germans, Italians, Scots, Croats, etc., all craving freedom. Today, even the simple concept of an English-speaking nation is fading off the continent. ?In the old days, immigrants were taught in English in the public schools.? (76). In America today, children are taught in German, Italian, Polish, and 108 other languages. Most of these schools are funded by 139 million federal dollars. Until recently, emigrants in the United States longed for admittance in society's mainstream. Now these groups demand separation from society, to be able to preserve and conserve their customs and languages. The biggest problem with this demand, is whatever accommodation takes place, must be done and accepted by the receiving society (Chavez 60). The increasing accommodations directed toward immigrant culture worries many Americans. Americans fear the special treatment granted to immigrants will effect the unifying force of the country. ?Today, the trend is toward multiculturalism, diversity and adapting the newcomer, rather than on the newcomer adapting himself or herself to . . .? a diverse society (61). Many Americans believe the nation has lost control of its boundaries. Concerned if immigration continues, the U.S. economy will suffer, and that employment will be scarce. Immigrants ?. . .are flooding the welfare rolls and are heavily involved in crime.?(Morganthau 18). The increase number of U. S. immigrants does effect the number of jobs available. The problem is, immigrants are either highly qualified ( take American jobs) or are less than skilled in any field (increase welfare). The view on immigration today is one of a drag on the economy, instead of a lift (18). In 1995, new immigration laws transfigure the American society. As a result, races group together to defend their customs. The current immigration problem also increases the racial tension facing America today. One result of racism in the United States is hate groups and gangs. Both have only one thing in commonviolence! ?The very use of the term ?of color? - which embraces blacks, . . .? Asians, Native Americans and Hispanics, ?. . . many whom are ethnically white - implies that these disparate groups are bonded simply by not being of Northern European descent.? (Henry III 73). One example of these hate groups is the Ku Klux Klan, known for their hatred toward African Americans, Catholics, and Jews. The growing diversity of the American population makes the popularity of ?multiculturalism? and ?Political Correctness? explode. The main function of this craze is to raise minority self-esteem. Viewed by some, the obstacle this creates is not for the better. Multiculturalism helps unite groups and separates them from the rest of the country. ?. . .Civil liberties and human rights is portrayed as the root of all evil . . . ? (Schlesinger 3). A positive approach would have Americans stop seeing themselves as members of primarily one ethnic group, gaining their total identity from that group. White or black, Hispanic or Asian, they must envision themselves simply as Americans. Brookhiser, Richard. ?The Melting Pot is

Earthly vs. Earthy

Earthly vs. Earthy Earthly vs. Earthy Earthly vs. Earthy By Mark Nichol What’s the difference between earthly and earthy? Once upon a time, they were synonymous, but now, though there isn’t exactly a world of difference between the two terms, they have distinct meanings. Earthly is an adjective that refers to life on Earth, as opposed to extraterrestrial or spiritual existence. Earthy, by contrast, though it is superficially similar to earthly in its senses, denotes practicality, simplicity, or roughness, coarseness, or crudeness. Flavor, odor, or texture suggestive of soil, mundane matters and plain styles, and ribald humor are all described as earthy. Synonyms for earthly include earthbound, mundane (itself derived from the Latin word for world), terrestrial and terrene (both the former, a common word, and the latter, rarely employed, are descended from the Latin term for earth), and worldly; these terms, with the exception of earthbound, all relate to nonspiritual matters rather than extraplanetary ones. The noun from which both earthly and earthy developed is itself rich in meaning and has inspired numerous idiomatic phrases, including several that suggest the sense of earthly: Someone described as down to earth is realistic and sensible; a person described as being the salt of the earth is solid and reliable, and an earth mother is one with nurturing qualities, suggesting that she is an extension of the world, which provides all that humans need to live. And if someone says to a friend named Joe, â€Å"Earth to Joe, Earth to Joe,† the expression suggests that Joe is an astronaut in orbit and the speaker is an earthbound person sending a radio message to Joe to remind him that he figuratively needs to return to Earth’s surface and come to his senses. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:How Many Tenses in English?50 Idioms About Arms, Hands, and FingersTreatment of Words That Include â€Å"Self†

Microprocessor Prosthetic Knee Use for Transfemoral Amputees Essay

Microprocessor Prosthetic Knee Use for Transfemoral Amputees - Essay Example The 19th century saw the use of more advanced lighter-weight prostheses made of wood. It has been found that amputations are largely due to trauma in developing countries while they are from vascular reasons in the developed countries.2 Vascular problems are usually associated with a lot of other illnesses which may limit a person's mobility and hence eliminate the urgent need for an advanced prosthesis. On the contrary, post-trauma amputees are usually younger with more active lifestyles and hence are candidates for advanced prosthetic placements so as to ensure uncompromised quality of life. Conventional mechanically controlled prostheses utilize a pneumatic or hydraulic damper to provide the appropriate gait parameters for the user at his or her conventional normal walking speed.3 The adjustment is usually effected by a prosthetist. When there is a change in walking speed, the pendulum action of the prosthesis for the change in stride or step is compensated by tilting the pelvis or such other physical maneuvers which delay the extension so that the foot is appropriately placed for the next step. These physical negotiations not only mar the flow of the gait but also use up more energy. Mauch Knee4 from Ossur is a nonmicroprocessor-controlle... The basic concept of the microprocessor-controlled lower limb prosthesis is the use of a microprocessor-controlled damper with the help of which step time is measured and knee extension is adjusted to changing walking speeds. The first computer-controlled prosthesis was devised by Blatchford in the early 1990s with a view to improving the amputees' symmetry of gait over a wide a range of walking speeds. The "Intelligent Prosthesis (IP)," as it was called, programs the knee to optimum swing settings for each individual user to achieve the smoothest gait pattern with less energy expense.5 A pneumatic control unit in the knee senses speed changes and adjusts the swinging speed of the prosthesis, making the gait not only look natural but also feel natural for the user. However, the IP works well only on even surfaces. In 1998, Blatchford introduced the more advanced Adaptive Prosthesis. The Adaptive Prosthesis has a microcomputer that adjusts to the change in terrain underfoot and its co mbination of hydraulics and pneumatics assisted weightbearing and responded to changes in the walking speed. The Adaptive Prosthesis provides the required degree of stability for walking, standing and climbing as needed by each individual user. The IP+ of Blatchford offers individually programmed microprocessor cadence control, stance stability to provide a natural gait, and a Stanceflex unit that helps reduce shock during heel strike. The Smart IP of Blatchford, in addition to all of the above features, can be re-programmed at any time by the user for footwear and activity level changes. The Smart IP claims through its studies and trials that with its intelligent pneumatic swing

The Job-Creating Power of Entrepreneurship Essay

The Job-Creating Power of Entrepreneurship - Essay Example The term entrepreneurship has been derived from the French word that signifies between-taker or go-between. (Hisrich et al, 2004:6) In popular parlance, entrepreneurship signifies the commencement of one’s personal business independently, generally at small or medium level, where the professional, technical, clerical and other staff members are hired and assigned different responsibilities to perform as the part of entrepreneurship. Hence, it enjoys an imperative place in the creation of job and indirectly supporting the government to eradicate joblessness and unemployment from the society. An entrepreneurship plays vital part in respect of job creation in the business environment. It is not possible for public sector to fill the gap of unemployment by offering jobs to even a small proportion. It is therefore, the private businesses devise their strategic schemes, allocate their funds and resources, make investment of both time and money and take great risks to provide the customers and consumers with multiple range of products and services in an innovative way according to their growing needs and requirements. Entrepreneurship is the process of initiating a new venture, organizing the resources it requires, and assuming the risks it entails. (Kuehl & Lambing, 1990:26) In the same way, they adopt such policies, during the course of their adventures, which could be beneficial for the generation of various kinds of jobs for the qualified and talented people. Entrepreneurship has brought significant alterations for the betterment of both the economy and the contemporary society. Since the demand for services continues to grow, entrepreneurship continues to innovate in order to meet the unfulfilled needs of the consumers on the one hand, and satisfy their growing requirements on the other. Bovee et al, 1993:370) Schumpeter considers

Analyzing assignment details Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Analyzing assignment details - Essay Example When the business is expanding, it must take into consideration political concern of the surroundings in order to operate efficiently. The surrounding politics determine whether the company will continue operating or not. For example, when the company is expanding, it must consider such things as the environmental conservation and employment of the local people. If the company is expanding, but it is not given the local priority in employment, it might be faced with politics from the company (Nordhaus,2009). In fact, the local politics might force the company to close down if the pressure from the local people is unsustainable. Thus, for the company to be efficient after expanding in its operations, it must take into consideration the politics of the surrounding people. It needs to analyze the needs of those people for it to expand and operate efficiently. The economic status of the surrounding people also determines whether the company is expanding. For the painting company to grow, it needs to take into concern the economic status of its surrounding (Nordhaus,2009). If the surrounding people are poor, then the expansion of the company might be hard. The economic status of the surrounding determines the purchasing power of those people. It is thus important that the company analyze the economic status of the surrounding people before it expands its operations. Nordhaus,  W.  D., Kokkelenberg,  E.  C., & National Research Council (U.S.). (2009).Natures numbers: Expanding the national economic accounts to include the environment. Washington, DC: National Academy

The Theme in Everyday Use Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Theme in Everyday Use - Essay Example But the author of this short story, Walker, appreciates that Africa-Americanism is a component of both African and American and denying the American perspective of one’s heritage amounts to disrespecting one’s ancestors. The theme in this short story is propagated with the return of Dee, the educated member of the family, together with her male companion to their home to meet her mother and Maggie, deeply rooted in the African culture. Walker uses characterization appropriately, upholds the African heritage and supports the argument that heritage is part of everyday human life. She therefore uses Mama, Maggie and Dee as the principal characters in propagating the main theme: in everyday life, there is harmony and conflict in Africa-American culture. In the beginning, Walker, the author and narrator, later to be identified as Mrs. Johnson or Mama narrates in first person how they were waiting in the yard with Maggie, her daughter. Whitsitt (447) symbolically views this a s a wait for their redemption from lack of education due to being enclosed in their rural surrounding for a long time, with the use of first person making the readers feel like they have to be with the narrator. She moves from describing the yard to talk of how Maggie would be nervous with her sister coming home because of her burn scars. She definitely feels inferior to Dee, her sister who had opportunities in life unlike Maggie. The narrator contrasts these sisters by describing Dee as a guest in a TV show, a sign of her glamour. The narrator describes her dream being congratulated in a TV show in which she appears with her daughter for raising a fine girl like her. This moves from a dream to reality where the narrator portrays this Mama with masculine attributes which sharply contrasts the glittering representation on the TV show hosted by Johnny Carson in a dress with a flower. ‘Everyday Use’ contrasts the lifestyle in urban and rural paradigms to propagate its main theme. Mama points out that the daughter does not appreciate her as what she would like to be – â€Å"a hundred pound lighter, skin like an uncooked barley pancake† and have a â€Å"witty tongue† (Walker 89). The plot indicates a switched perspective where Maggie came out asking how she looked in red blouse and pink skirt. It would be appreciated that all main characters change in the story which indicates the use of change by Walker to support her theme in the story. In spite of Maggie trying to make herself presentable, the narrator compares her to a lame animal, â€Å"perhaps a dog run over by some careless person rich enough to own a car† (Walker 89). But she admits that she has a better figure and is lighter than Dee, reminding her of how she got saved from their burning house twelve years ago. Therefore, the plot of this short story gives a clear indication of the tension between the family and Dee because this elder daughter had acquired outside e ducation. This detaches her from the normal usefulness which revolved around the house and land and appreciates education more together with ethereal usefulness. She describes her daughter, Maggie as shy and rather unattractive with scarred soul. Lovingly, she admits that â€Å"like good looks and money, quickness passed her by† (Walker 73). In spite of her stumbling as she reads, Mama still considers her a sweet person whom she can sing with in church. Maggie is content with their traditions and honors her

Base of a book The collapse of globalism by john Ralston Saul and Essay

Base of a book The collapse of globalism by john Ralston Saul and require some Canadian input - Essay Example Therefore, the first thing that Canada would need to do in order to re-shape the economy of the country would be to lessen the American influence that is present here. In order for this to work, however, the population would have to buy into the new system as currently, American goods and services can be sold at a lesser price than Canadian ones because of the various trade agreements that are in place. One way in which Canada has attempted to keep its historical values and identity is through the Canadian content laws. These laws are in place to protect Canadian culture in the media in the face of globalization, despite how it affects the country economically. Despite this, I believe that Canada can become the country that Saul envisions if they utilize their resources properly, while keeping Canadian media and culture alive. By keeping control of the amount of American media that is allowed into Canada, the country is going a long way in protecting its identity and becoming an ethics based society. These laws in Canada show that the government of that country is highly aware of the effect that the globalization of media can have on the culture of the country. Since the government is actively attempting to limit the amount of American media that enters into the country, is it one of the few industrialized nations that have realized how destructive the global trend could be towards culture. There remains a problem, however, as cable television and twenty-four hours news organizations have made it possible for American media to make it into the hands of Canadians and people in the international community, despite any laws and regulations that are passed down. Furthermore, trade agreements like the WTO will make it even easier for this trend to continue, as more and more multinational corporations will rely on the media as they attempt to expand their hold on the global

The impact of teacher collaboration on student academic achivement Research Paper

The impact of teacher collaboration on student academic achivement compared to the impact of non-collaboration of teachers on s - Research Paper Example The researcher will use the subject checkpoints and the district interim test and observe them as they collaborate. The observation method would be conducted at the Clifton Middle school located in 6001 Golden Forest, Houston, Texas. The aim of the descriptive research is to verify formulated hypothesis (there will be significant impact of teacher collaboration on student academic achievement as compared to the impact of non-collaboration of teachers on student academic achievement) that refer to the present situation in order to evaluate it. Research Procedure The research study is proposed to be conducted in Clifton Middle school located in 6001 Golden Forest, Houston, Texas. A simple observation method would be applied aiming to solicit response from the teachers to validate and support the identified hypothesis. In case there are points of deviation, proposed interviews would be scheduled and conducted to clarify points of contentions. The comparative analysis that would be devel oped after the observation would be conducted in the subject areas of the subject areas in math, science, arts and social studies on how teachers collaborate to determine how their collaboration affects student achievement. As previously noted the researcher will use the subject checkpoints and the district interim test and observe them as they collaborate. The possibility of applying the observation method to the faculty members assigned on the indicated subjects of the school is proposed to solicit comprehensive information on the perception and practice of teacher collaboration on the relevant population. Initial tabulation of results would be made to verify if there are points of deviation that need to be clarified. In this case, the specific teachers providing responses that caused significant deviations would be scheduled for interview to sort out the issues and clarify points of review. Population Selection and Demographics Clifton Middle School enrolls 1,070 middle school st udents from grades 6 to 8. The head school administrator, Ms Beverly Teal, oversees the school's large faculty, including sixty-five full-time "equivalent" teachers serving the student body with an average class size of 16.3. The majority of students enrolled are Hispanic, making up about sixty-four percent of all students. To comply with the objective of the study, the whole population of 65 teachers would be observed as they teach and conduct instructions on the subjects above mentioned. Sample Size The sample size is the size of the population, comprised of all the faculty members of the school, totaling 65 in all. With an average class of 16.3 students, the researcher would observe teachers as they conduct their classes on the subjects of math, science, arts and social studies and determine how teachers’ collaboration affects student achievement by comparing results of district interim tests with subject checkpoints. Instrument Design As indicated the instruments to

The Theme in Everyday Use Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Theme in Everyday Use - Essay Example But the author of this short story, Walker, appreciates that Africa-Americanism is a component of both African and American and denying the American perspective of one’s heritage amounts to disrespecting one’s ancestors. The theme in this short story is propagated with the return of Dee, the educated member of the family, together with her male companion to their home to meet her mother and Maggie, deeply rooted in the African culture. Walker uses characterization appropriately, upholds the African heritage and supports the argument that heritage is part of everyday human life. She therefore uses Mama, Maggie and Dee as the principal characters in propagating the main theme: in everyday life, there is harmony and conflict in Africa-American culture. In the beginning, Walker, the author and narrator, later to be identified as Mrs. Johnson or Mama narrates in first person how they were waiting in the yard with Maggie, her daughter. Whitsitt (447) symbolically views this a s a wait for their redemption from lack of education due to being enclosed in their rural surrounding for a long time, with the use of first person making the readers feel like they have to be with the narrator. She moves from describing the yard to talk of how Maggie would be nervous with her sister coming home because of her burn scars. She definitely feels inferior to Dee, her sister who had opportunities in life unlike Maggie. The narrator contrasts these sisters by describing Dee as a guest in a TV show, a sign of her glamour. The narrator describes her dream being congratulated in a TV show in which she appears with her daughter for raising a fine girl like her. This moves from a dream to reality where the narrator portrays this Mama with masculine attributes which sharply contrasts the glittering representation on the TV show hosted by Johnny Carson in a dress with a flower. ‘Everyday Use’ contrasts the lifestyle in urban and rural paradigms to propagate its main theme. Mama points out that the daughter does not appreciate her as what she would like to be – â€Å"a hundred pound lighter, skin like an uncooked barley pancake† and have a â€Å"witty tongue† (Walker 89). The plot indicates a switched perspective where Maggie came out asking how she looked in red blouse and pink skirt. It would be appreciated that all main characters change in the story which indicates the use of change by Walker to support her theme in the story. In spite of Maggie trying to make herself presentable, the narrator compares her to a lame animal, â€Å"perhaps a dog run over by some careless person rich enough to own a car† (Walker 89). But she admits that she has a better figure and is lighter than Dee, reminding her of how she got saved from their burning house twelve years ago. Therefore, the plot of this short story gives a clear indication of the tension between the family and Dee because this elder daughter had acquired outside e ducation. This detaches her from the normal usefulness which revolved around the house and land and appreciates education more together with ethereal usefulness. She describes her daughter, Maggie as shy and rather unattractive with scarred soul. Lovingly, she admits that â€Å"like good looks and money, quickness passed her by† (Walker 73). In spite of her stumbling as she reads, Mama still considers her a sweet person whom she can sing with in church. Maggie is content with their traditions and honors her

The impact of teacher collaboration on student academic achivement Research Paper

The impact of teacher collaboration on student academic achivement compared to the impact of non-collaboration of teachers on s - Research Paper Example The researcher will use the subject checkpoints and the district interim test and observe them as they collaborate. The observation method would be conducted at the Clifton Middle school located in 6001 Golden Forest, Houston, Texas. The aim of the descriptive research is to verify formulated hypothesis (there will be significant impact of teacher collaboration on student academic achievement as compared to the impact of non-collaboration of teachers on student academic achievement) that refer to the present situation in order to evaluate it. Research Procedure The research study is proposed to be conducted in Clifton Middle school located in 6001 Golden Forest, Houston, Texas. A simple observation method would be applied aiming to solicit response from the teachers to validate and support the identified hypothesis. In case there are points of deviation, proposed interviews would be scheduled and conducted to clarify points of contentions. The comparative analysis that would be devel oped after the observation would be conducted in the subject areas of the subject areas in math, science, arts and social studies on how teachers collaborate to determine how their collaboration affects student achievement. As previously noted the researcher will use the subject checkpoints and the district interim test and observe them as they collaborate. The possibility of applying the observation method to the faculty members assigned on the indicated subjects of the school is proposed to solicit comprehensive information on the perception and practice of teacher collaboration on the relevant population. Initial tabulation of results would be made to verify if there are points of deviation that need to be clarified. In this case, the specific teachers providing responses that caused significant deviations would be scheduled for interview to sort out the issues and clarify points of review. Population Selection and Demographics Clifton Middle School enrolls 1,070 middle school st udents from grades 6 to 8. The head school administrator, Ms Beverly Teal, oversees the school's large faculty, including sixty-five full-time "equivalent" teachers serving the student body with an average class size of 16.3. The majority of students enrolled are Hispanic, making up about sixty-four percent of all students. To comply with the objective of the study, the whole population of 65 teachers would be observed as they teach and conduct instructions on the subjects above mentioned. Sample Size The sample size is the size of the population, comprised of all the faculty members of the school, totaling 65 in all. With an average class of 16.3 students, the researcher would observe teachers as they conduct their classes on the subjects of math, science, arts and social studies and determine how teachers’ collaboration affects student achievement by comparing results of district interim tests with subject checkpoints. Instrument Design As indicated the instruments to

Importance of Research Essay Example for Free

Importance of Research Essay Jean Piaget is a trailblazer whose focus was on children’s cognitive development. He lay the foundation by naming four stages sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Each stage builds upon the other, coinciding with biological development of the brain. Although some of his theories were deemed inaccurate, they paved the way and gave direction for upcoming psychologists who were able to build upon his work by disproving some of his theories simply to develop their own. Just as Jean Piaget, several scientists have theorized on many other parts of psychology, but all with general advantages. They provide us with a better understanding of ourselves, they provide us with a better understanding of others, and they provide us with methods to prevent and/or treat mental illnesses. At times it seems as though we do not know ourselves at all. We question our behaviors and feelings. Psychologically understanding these behaviors helps us to understand that we are probably not alone in our feelings. Also, by having a full understanding of self, psychologically, we can learn how to respond to certain feelings and emotions and how to wean ourselves off of them. In the same way that we can further understand ourselves in the study of this field we can apply reverse psychology to understand others. Being able to do so enhances people’s skills and work skills by enabling you to question possibilities and to address them as needed. This makes for more effective communication skills expanding beyond personal life and into the workforce. Lastly, research/experiments in psychology help to treat and prevent mental illnesses. Scientists have discovered biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial facts that influence mental illnesses. Case studies allow these illnesses to be identified. By knowing what triggers them, scientists can make the general public aware of those that are most influential and can advise of help if at all needed. Factors are considered, tested, and named. Research further helps us to recognize early symptoms or onsets. In conclusion, effective research/experiments play a large role in today’s society. It helps to influence several work fields such as law enforcement in which psychologists profile criminals to help catch them. In major corporations, psychology is used to screen potential candidates or present employees and even as a part of advertising, appealing to consumer’s wants and needs. Even schools use the influence of psychology to enrich student’s learning experiences via group assignments or to enhance athlete’s performances via pep rallies. You see, Psychology is an inevitable part of everyday life. Effective research and experiments help us to better understand our behaviors, thoughts, and emotions enabling us great communication skills and a better well-being.

Crime: Free Will or Poor Choice?

Crime: Free Will or Poor Choice? Crime: Free Will or Poor Choice Abstract This is a social phenomenon, known as crime. Crime is known as a deviant behavior that violates existing norms, in particular, cultural standards showing how we humans should behave regarding shifting social, political, psychological, and economic conditions that have an effect on the rationalization of crime and the structural responses of the legal community, law enforcement, and correctional justifications made by Federal and State officials. The perspective theory for this is called the rational choice and deterrence perspective theory. Research has shown that there are various choices of theories that try to determine this type of deviance behavior known as crime. With all the current research information that is out there to review with their perspective responses, it still comes down to making that choice. This social problem sounds simple? Many individuals really dont know what the word crime is, there are also numerous individual who think they know what crime is and can do. However, it is one word that is hard to characterize in the English language. There were frequent debates to construct a precise classification. Will it be called an unsociable act that refuse to follow the guideline of behavior made in part by the community or have various oversights in which authorized retribution will be inflicted on that individual who has committed this act? The perspective for any of these definitions is that they relate similarly to things which society would agree is crimes. One aspect that tends to cause difficulties is the matter is that nearly every one of us thinks of crime as being the similar to evil. But this is not completely precise. There are many actions that many of us would look upon as appalling or maybe even corrupt and those would not be prohibited by law, and therefore are not called crimes. While some maybe be technically crimes, they are broken every day by good citizens, because the law does not fit the acknowledged principle of behavior. The result is that the average individual breaks the law sooner or later without evening knowing it, much less being aware of it. This is for the most part true in the older states, where ancient laws remain on the statute books for whatever reason. Crime in numerous countries is seen as an action committed in defiance of law for which that country justice system will implement a variety of punishments which will include incarceration, death, a penalty, or removal from office. These criminal activities tend to drift often in and out of the justice system and legal community, their effective shaped by public belief, tradition, or spiritual ideology. If possible, the crime should fit the punishment. However, Get help with your essay from our expert essay writers there are criminal offenses that could be described as harmful, but will not create a severe punishment as others.Crimes are put into two groups. They are called felonies and the other is called misdemeanors and some called violations. Here we must be careful of identifiable difficulties. The reason is that crimes in many states are worded differently. What may be felonies in one state may be a misdemeanors and visa versa. Many times the same offense carries both felony and misdemeanor charges. All of a sudden this seemingly simple question becomes difficult and that caution should be use in using any statements to the fact that crime is increasing or decreasing and that there is no really accurate guide to predict criminal behavior. Crime is often described as an act or commission of a criminal act that is unlawful or forbidden by public law written in statutes and held that those offenders are liable for their actions by punishment prescribed by law. These laws were put into policy to defend and make certain that we will be safe in our society and public lives. However, we still hear of crime happening within our city and state. The safety of the public becomes a concern when crime is committed since particular individuals or groups will be targeted. Although such confrontation should be avoided, many times it cannot. Consequently, public attitude and the criminals socioeconomic status will manipulate the severity of any punishment, just as society varying social attitudes influence the type of criminal activities. Durkheim (1895/1962) argued that crime is an essential characteristic of our social culture and a normal social occurrence that had been in all societies all through our history and that crimes function in the social order as a conduit of defining the confines of tolerable actions, serving as a means for social change by extending and testing those restrictions. Crime: Free Will or Poor Choice When crime is committed again by a criminal, crime rates become affected by socioeconomic and demographic changes such as age, ethnicity, and migration. Economic conditions reflected by joblessness rates, prison and jail capacities, and present law enforcement policies. For the past two decades our society has focus on the norms of the societal order of committing individuals with no understanding what so ever, the realism of life behind bars and the consequences when correctional facilities are not successful in helping those who are incarcerated in prison and for the affected communities that live every day with the consequences. Individuals change and behavior becomes complex when the offender leaves prison and when specific circumstances, like community rejection will reinforce criminogenic needs and behavior leading to criminal activities and eventually crime. More specific, there were some issues regarding the effect of imprisonment on criminals who commit crime again when release (Song Lieb, 1993). This type of social misbehaving is referred to as recidivism. These offenders, who have the likelihood to reoffend and commit crime again when released to the community, generate an important focus to those concerned with public safety in dealing with the cost effectiveness of putting convicted offenders in prison. Recidivism, in a criminal justice perspective, can be defined as the reversion of an individual back to criminal behavior after he or she has been convicted of a prior offense, sentenced, and presumably corrected. Contrary to deterrence theory, offenders who were incarcerated were significantly more likely than those who were put on probation to be arrested and charged with a new offense. The many predictors include cognitive functioning, socioeconomic status and distress factors with any known history of antisocial behavior, social achievement and cultural involvement. Its a combination of factors concerning the consequence of failures, failure of the individual to meet societys expectations and of society to provide for the individual, to a failure of the individual to stay out of trouble, a failure of the individual to be arrest free and disappointment of that individual as an inmate of a correctional institution to take advantage of correctional programs or failure of the institution to provide programs that rehabilitate and perhaps the biggest disappointment continuing in a criminal career after release. One belief is that criminal behavior is a product of cognitive, emotional, and mental deficiency has generated frequent models of offender treatment in the past few decades. In addition, the consequence of imprisonment did not influence the offenders situation concerning conformity. Regardless of the fact if they had weak or strong bonds to our society, drug and those offenders involved with drugs who were incarcerated recidivated more frequently and more rapidly than other types of offenders. Instead of aiding as an effective deterrent for offenders with stronger bonds to society, incarceration may have altered high profile offenders into low profile offenders with little to lose regarding any new arrest. Crime has become a major area of public and political debate, and is often seen as a sign of underlying problems in society related to inequality, social deprivation and social class, age, gender and race. As commonly understood, crime includes many different kinds of activities such as theft, robbery, corruption, assault, fraud, rape and murder. So the simplest way of defining it is to see it as an act or omission prohibited and punished by law. To explain crime, sociologists looked at the strains in the social structure, at the development of deviant or abnormal subcultures and at the process of social change and urban growth. For the past two decades our society has focus on the norms of the societal order of committing individuals with no understanding what so ever, the realism of life behind bars and the consequences when correctional facilities are not successful in helping those who are incarcerated in prison and for the affected communities that live every day with the consequences. This dependence continue to strain the correctional systems of the valuable limited resources of which some could be used to try and focus on rehabilitate, while working together to use treatment first, than use punish and incarceration if not successful (Travis, Solomon Waul, 2001). Another important issue legislators must remember is that correctional facilities administrators need increased resources and funding to sustain the safe operations of prisons and when offenders become eligibility for parole, treatment service to prepare them for release and to stop recidivism or that individual return to crime. Although improving overall financial support will not promise improved treatment programs and service operations, any fundamental reforms must be attempted, other wise it will never be implemented or even tried. For a number of offenders, incarceration and longer detention increase the likelihood of recidivism, while for other offenders recidivism statistics will not make a difference by more incarceration. It is probable that for some offenders, maximizing the length of sentence could minimize recidivism. However, other characteristics such as age, offense type, prior offense, and prior prison term involvement can influence the likelihood to re offend (Wheel er, 1961). Obviously, one has to ask the question what works to reduce recidivism; again, it all depends on where and how one reviews data that is available. Some answers could be found looking at the general and specific data provided regarding correctional treatment. Although major advances have been made in our understanding of offender treatment and evidence for its effectiveness exists, many critics still remain apprehensive regarding efforts to intervene in the lives of offenders. Furthermore, some doubts have developed in the offering of offender treatment, notably cognitive skill training and raise research questions about the client group, the mode of delivery, and the accuracy of the measure. Rational Choice The capability to implement individual self-control is an appropriate aspect in crime causation in situations where an individual considers and deliberates whether or not to participate in committing crime. The majority of citizens in nearly all circumstances, whether or not they participate in acts of crime is not a question of their capability to implement self-control but rather an issue of their moral principles. One individual trait, known as low self-control may be the primary individual characteristic influencing criminal behavior (Gottfredson Hirschi 1990). Low self-control is seen as a summary foundation of individual traits including impulsivity; insensitivity, risk-taking and shortsightedness have an inclination to appear together in the people that are persisting through life. Any individual difference in crime involvement varies in the extent to which individuals are vulnerable to the temptations during that moment. With the rational choice theory the focus of interest starts with the individual, either his or her interest becomes an initial point to look at. Research has shown that various supporters of the rational choice theory may possibly make to some extent, different assumptions concerning the individual and progress into different ways. It starts from the individual then on to larger social groupings and systems, but each begins with the individual as the basic component of this theory. However, it is the individuals who eventually make decision and be concerned completely with his or her own welfare. This direction possibly will be conflicting to those who accept the particular views of Durkheim (1895/1962), concerning social facts as being at the societal level, and in some ways determining individual action through norms and general consciousness. These individuals with are considered to be more susceptible to temptations because they do not consider the negative consequences of their acts (Gottfredson Hirschi, 1990: 95) and consequently are more probable to engage criminal activities. Statutes, codes and s aws are a set of laws, and crimes which violate the law are acts of rule infringement. WikstrA m (2006a) argued that a theory of crime causation may be viewed as a special case of a more general theory of moral rule breaking. Does it matter on whether the action is rational or not. We cannot assume that actions taken by others are irrational while we disagree with them. It may be that this individual taking that course of action believes it is rational. With these intention, rational choice models becomes important since they center on deliberate option between alternatives, in this example, go on with the required treatment program or deviate and risk oneself to commit recidivism then become incarcerated for that deed. Research have constantly revealed that the threat of arrest, rather than harshness of punishment is the most important deterrent and that statistics continue to illustrate a steady increase in documented crime, and many programs that focus on rehabilitation have been unsuccessful in preventing recidivism. On the justification of perceptions, an individual will plan to make a choice, either out of habit or after some deliberation, make a judgment on what to do. When an individual acts out of habit, he/she sees only one effective alternative for action and automatically without deliberation chooses this alternative. When an individual deliberates, he/she considers the moral implications of competing action alternatives and on this basis, makes a rational choice about which action if any to pursue. Familiar settings and circumstances tend to favor automatic choices based upon habit whereas unfamiliar settings or circumstances will tend to favor deliberate choices based on decisions. Because habits have only automated intent with one effective alternative, free will, rational choice, self-control and deterrence will be part of the process of choice, only if an individual deliberates over his/her action alternatives and specifically on the role of deterrence (WikstrA m, 2006 b). Crucially, when making judgment decision, individuals will vary in their ability to exercise self-control as a result of their capabilities. Consequently, the use of Rational Choice Theory must be clearly defined as a prevention and deterrent toward crime rather than punishment. The inquiry now becomes what causes in this sort of behavior. The criminal justice policies tracked throughout the past three decades depended principally on the doctrine of known deterrence theory. Gottfredson Hirschi (1990) hypothesize that each of these perspectives: irresponsible and criminal behavior may be linked by a simple common characteristic: the lack of self control. They disclose that the lack of self-control does not necessitate crime to exist and that self-control can be modified by opportunities and other restrictions (Gottfredson and Hirschi 1990). Various tests of Gottfredson and Hirschis theory sustain their calculation relating to self-control and crime, although some conclude that the theory does not illustrate sufficient variation in the affect criminal behavior. Although the absence of self-control do not call for the presence of crime, what is propose instead is the trait of self-control can be changed through a number variables. Deterrence Theory Deterrence theory suggests that crime results from a rational calculation of the costs and benefits of criminal activity. Individuals commit crimes, in other words, when the benefits outweigh the costs. Because an important cost of crime is apprehension and punishment, deterrence theorists suggest that persons will refrain from committing offenses if they perceive that they are certain to be punished, with a severe penalty and soon after the offense has been committed (Spohn, 2007). There are relatively few studies that compare recidivism rates for offenders sentenced to jail or prison with those of offenders given some alternative to incarceration typically probation. Smith and Akers (1993) compared recidivism rates for offenders in a prison diversion program to those for a matched sample of prisoners. They found that the recidivism rates of the two groups were essentially the same, regardless of whether recidivism was defined as a new arrest, a new conviction, a new sentence to jail or prison, or the length of time waiting for rearrest. Durkheim (1895/1962) explains that a weakening in the social structure will change behavior and attitudes, which might cause a person to venture into crime by making bad choices. As a result offenders become younger and involved with different crimes with many involved in major crime. If the problem is with the individual, then the treatment process should begin to modify that persons behavior.   If, however, the cause is with the social structure environment, then that structure should be required to change. If it is a social cause, then perhaps the media has influence on how an individual response by putting emphasis on unrealistic goals (Barkan, 2001). Researchers will always theorize that individuals will use rational judgment and consequently hope that their actions will in turn become a positive process. The central points of this theory is that the human being is a rational actor, rationality involves an end to means calculation, and people freely choose all behavior, both conforming and deviant, based on their rational calculations. The central element of calculation involves a cost benefit analysis: Pleasure versus Pain. Choice, with all other conditions equal, will be directed towards the maximization of individual pleasure. Alternatives restricted in the course of any awareness and understanding of probable retribution will follow an action determined to be in infringement of the social good. The state is responsible for maintaining order and preserving the common good through a system of laws that is the embodiment of the social contract and the quickness and assurance of punishment are the key elements in understanding the ability to control human behavior. There are some researches on deterrence that seems to signify that some crimes are designed to generate economic gains and that certain predatory street crime, correlate strategies for any reduction of criminal or deviant behaviors and activities. Nonetheless, when relating known criminal and deviant actions, crimes of hostility and subculture connect with durable forms of deviance and then the evidence becomes less persuasive. The deterrence theory has several components to try and convince criminals to alter their behavior. In the case of General Deterrence, individuals will participate in criminal actions despite the consequences, whether or not they fear apprehension or not. Our norms, statutes and laws, along with the appropriate enforcement try to enforce the perspective that anti-social and negative behavior will receive punishment. As a result this theory focuses on reducing the prospect of deviance in the general public. With Specific Deterrence, it focus on known individuals who deviate, then tries to keep them from repeating that specific norms or law that have been broken. The problem is what the rationales of this behavior were. However, the use of punishment as a sanction raises the hope that this behavior can be modified. In the majority of modern societies, punishment includes incarceration of that individual. There is information showing that committing crime again among convicted offenders when release from prison can climb as high as 63% (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1989). Even when using prison as a deterrence and punishment, it may not alter any future behavior. At the most, it reduces the chances for that individual to engage in other crime. Routine Activity Theory In the field of criminology, Routine activity theory is characterized as a sub theory that was developed Marcus Felson. This perspective states that crime is considered normal and depends on the opportunities that present at the time. If the target of opportunity is present and not protected, crime can take place, if the incentive has value. The basic principle of this theory is that it does not take a criminal to commit it; all it needs is an opportunity. Many crimes are petty theft and may also be called victimless crimes and are unreported to proper authorized personnel. Routine Activity Theory can also be called environmental criminology that was developed by two criminologists, Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson who worked on a crime prevention theory. Their research states that for a crime to happen there must be certain elements present before any crime is committed. Their model used the problem analysis triangle which focuses on three things that should be present and happens at the same time and place. There must a suitable target of opportunity available, there is no protection to prevent crime from taking place and the offender is motivated to commit deviant behavior. This model looks at crime in the offenders outlook. That individual will commit the crime if that target is appropriate and a capable protector is not present. It is the evaluation of circumstances that dictates whether a crime will happen. Another hypothesis is called the Crime Prevention Theory, was introduced by Clarke (1995, 1997), focuses on reducing available favorable crime opportunities and instead, focus on certain characteristics of criminals. Like the Rational choice theory it proposes to increase the related risks and difficulties, and reduce the rewards. It states that crime is often committed through an attractive opportunity. If thats individuals everyday routines expose that person to a stimulus for any specified time frame, the more of that consequence will be linked to that individual. Patterns in criminal activity are reflected through a concentration of opportunities for crime areas. Clarke (1995, 1997) combines the Crime Prevention Theory to Rational Choice Theory through his recommended assortment of opportunity reduction procedures. Its objective and goal was to increase the physical effort needed to execute a crime, increase the expected consequences of capture and diminish any anticipated profits of a crime and displace the excuses for conformity with the authorities (Clarke, 1997). When reviewing research data regarding the routine activity theory, the risk embraces three fundamental variables: the degree of exposure from the intended victim to the offending criminal, any environmental obstacle that will diminish the prospect for crime, and deterrent traits of the intended victim. Research has shown that Routine activity theory is frequently in studies of regarding victimization, where demographic variables vary. Brunet (2002) discuss more current research to merge and use an theoretical integration with other theories like rational choice (Clarke Felson 1993), situational crime prevention (Clark 1997) and social disorganization (Miethe Meier 1994) in developing a better explanation. Crime is not pretty. It is routine and takes place all the time. Another peerspective is that crime is somewhat unaltered by social problems. Cohen Felson (1979) endorsed and supported the assumption that because the wealth of modern society offers vast and favorable circumstances of opportunities to commit crime, the temptation is often irresistible to control. Summary The consequence of crime may possibly be traced to social and economic tribulations. Many individuals are jobless, still more are unable to fine work, and many are homeless, ill and indigent. For many of these individuals, crime becomes a tempting and quick way to acquire money. When left with these choices, many will turn to criminal activities and behavior. If these behaviors are left unpunished, the misconception is that crime pays, reinforcing criminal behavior and discouraging good behavior. How do we eradicate crime, there are numerous proposal put forward. But with greed, inadequate oversight of laws, poverty and homelessness, with poverty, drugs and racial disarray the task in can be overwhelming. Consequently, numerous of the uneducated currently find themselves without a job, existing in sub-standard accommodation in impoverished surroundings. The result is that now money becomes insufficient to support them, influencing these individuals to engage in criminal activities and end up committing crimes. Conclusion The boundary of crime in any community develops into various structures, which often influence offenders. Research has shown that crime rates are affected by socioeconomic and demographic changes such as age, ethnicity, and migration. Economic conditions reflected by various policies. Various definition of deviant behavior sees crime that violates established norms, in particular, cultural standards of principles dictating how humans should behave. This approach considers the multifaceted realities surrounding the totality and concept of crime to understand how changing social, political, psychological, and economic conditions affect the definitions of crime and the response of legal, law enforcement, and correctional actions taken by the State. As culture changes and the political environment shifts, behaviors may be criminalized or decriminalized influence by the general public. Reference: Brunet, J (2002).Discouragement of crime: An application of a reformulated routine activities theory. Western Criminology Review. Clarke, R (Ed.). (1979). Situational Crime Prevention: Successful Case Studies. Second Edition. New York: Harrow and Heston. Clarke, R. V. M.Felson (Eds)(1993). Routine Activity Theory and Rational Choice Theory. Advances in Criminological Theory, Vol 5. Cohen, L, Felson, M (1979). Social change and crime rate trends: A Routine Activity path. American Sociological Review. 44, 588-608. Barkan, S. E. (2001). Criminology: A sociological understanding. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0130896438. Durkheim, Emile. (1895/1962). The Rules of Sociological Method. New York: Free Press. Gottfredson, Michael and Travis Hirschi. 1990. A General Theory of Crime. Stanford University Press. Hepburn, John R. (2005). Recidivism amid drug offenders after contact to treatment. Criminal Justice Review. 16, 237-259. Spohn, Casssia. (2007). The Deterrent Effect. Criminal Justice Policy Review. 18, 31-50. Song, L. Lieb, R. (1993). Recidivism: The effects of incarceration. Retrieved August 10, 2007 from http://www.wsipp,wa.agov/rptfiles.IncarcRecid.pdf Miethe, T, Meier, R (1994). Toward an integrated theory of offenders, victims, and situations. State University of New York Press. Travis, J., Solomon, A.J., and Waul, M. 2001. From Prison to Home: The Measurements and Results for Prisoner Return and Reentry. Washington, DC: The Urban Institute. NCJ 190429. Retrieved September 7, 2007 from http://www.reentry.gov/publications/reentry.html Wheeler, S. (1961). Socialization in Correctional Communities. American Sociological Review. 26: pp. 697-712.

Defiance of Gender-Based Work Ethics in Bartleby and The Yellow Wallpap

Defiance of Gender-Based Work Ethics in Bartleby and The Yellow Wallpaper  Ã‚     Ã‚   The issue of gender was an influential factor for writers in the 19th century, as Herman Melville and Charlotte Perkins Gilman explore in their pieces. In "Bartleby," for instance, Herman Melville presents Bartleby as an employed scrivener-his service to the narrator is in the form of copying documents. This form of labor is appropriate for Bartleby according to 19th century society, which supported and approved of the male professional writer. However, he refuses this duty, and through his "I-would-prefer-not-to" statements, he challenges the standards held to him by society, reinforcing his individualism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  On the other hand, in "The Yellow Wallpaper," the female narrator is expected and ordered not to work-not to write-by her family and, in turn, by her society. But just as Bartleby refuses the expectations set upon him, so does "Wallpaper's" narrator. This reverses "Bartleby's" situation-culture does not want her to write, but she does so anyway. According to this presentation by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the 19th century female writer is suppressed and discouraged by the males of the era-an idea further supported by Richard Polwhele's poem "The Unsex'd Females." In his piece, Polwhele denounces the female writer and criticizes her advancement in the literary world. Therefore, although both Bartleby and "Wallpaper's" narrator have labor standards to live with, through their defiance of these 19th century ethics, they present themselves as individuals through the work of writing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  In the case of "Bartleby," many examples imply the acceptance of writing as a male profession. Firstly, all of the people in the office are men. "At the... ...accepted and encouraged work. On the other hand, the female writer in "The Yellow Wallpaper" individualizes herself by working when she is not supposed to be, and by being the alleged unnatural woman that Polwhele describes. She defies what is socially acceptable and chooses to express herself through writing. The end result is the same-both characters grow as individuals through their social dissent.    Works Cited Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. "The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories." New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1997. Melville, Herman. "Bartleby and Benito Cereno." New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1990. Polwhele, Richard. â€Å"The Unsex’d Females.† Women of the Romantic Period. 27 April 2001 <http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~worp/worp.html>. "Hysteric." Webster's New World Dictionary. 3rd College ed. New York: Prentice Hall, 1994   

Jane Eyre and Education in Nineteenth-century England Essay -- Jane Ey

Jane Eyre and Education in Nineteenth-century England Jane Eyre provides an accurate view of education in nineteenth-century England, as seen by an 1840s educator. The course of Jane's life in regard to her own education and her work in education are largely autobiographical, mirroring Charlotte Bronte's own life. Jane's time at Lowood corresponds to Charlotte's education at a school for daughters of the clergy, which she and her sisters Maria, Elizabeth and Emily left for in 1824. Jane went on to attend Miss Wooler's school at Roehead from 1831 to 1832, and returned to teach there for three years in 1935, just as Jane became a teacher at Lowood. Both Charlotte and Jane became governesses. The Lowood School is an accurate representation of a Charity School in the 1820s . The bad health conditions follow the conditions of the school the Brontes went to. The monitorial system of teaching it operates on coincides with the systems created by Joseph Lancaster and Andrew Bell. Lowood's system of a master teacher, under teachers, and monitors is consistent with Bell's complicated system. In addition, the brand of discipline implemented by Mr. Brocklehurst is much like that of Lancaster. Jane's horror at the harsh punishments at Lowood are meant to prompt similar reactions in the reader. Jane at first thinks she could not bear such punishment and is mortified when she must stand on a stool and is accused of being a liar. The disciplining of Jane was completely unfounded, the result of an accident. Most of the punishments at Lowood seem to be for minor and unavoidable infractions such as having dirty nails when the wash water was frozen. Jane sees these punishments as generally just being mean, and thinks that such mean people do ... ...ould receive work appropriate for his own age and ability. The passages which do show Jane at the school usually include praises of how well her students are doing and how the children of England are so much better than the children of the rest of the Europe. This belief also suggests that their education system is the best, including the newest form of schooling, the class school. While at first Lowood was an awful experience, Jane ended up getting a very good education, and went on to offer even better education to other children. Jane Eyre illustrates the evils one could face in the charity schools of the early nineteenth century and the development of that education system into a much better, more efficient system. Works Cited: Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. London, Penguin Books Ltd.: 1996. (Edited with an Introduction and Notes by Michael Mason).

Reproductive Health Bill Essay

Couple of years passed since Albay 1st district Representative Edcel Lagman and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago introduced two senate bills, respectively House Bill No. 4244 or an Act providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Reproductive Health, and Population and Development, and for Other Purposes, and Senate Bill No. 2378 or An Act Providing For a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development. Also, couple of years passed since divisive arguments started mocking our ears. The pros and cons continually play tug of war in debate of whether passing the bill or not. The Reproduction Health bills, or RH bills, as they are commonly called, aim to guarantee universal access to methods and information on birth control and maternal care. In a medical sense, life begins when fertilization takes place. One of its prime components is the use of artificial methods in order to prevent fertilization to occur. In a biblical sense, we know it is a mortal sin to end one’s life. Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that sex is sacred, even to the natural laws itself and is bestowed only to two persons who share mutual values as well as commitment to God and themselves. With the use of artificial contraceptives, spouses do not put their total trust and gift of personal fertility to their own partners. Rather than putting out hopes on contraceptive methods, let us opt to uphold responsible parenthood. Rather than relying on abortifacient pills, let us choose to push proper discipline and self-control. On the other hand, I remember a commercial advertisement which showed children who don’t frequently eat meals with their parents, children who don’t often have chance to talk with their parents are the one who often get in caught in problems like early pregnancy. Parents, you have the greatest responsibility in the wellbeing of the youth. Open your hands, lend your ears and nurture them with pieces of advice. Water them with love; pull off the hindrances of their development. Be the farmers the cream of the crop of our society. Moreover, the use of contraceptive agents such as pills poses rick to the health and safety of the women. Failure of the pills may lead to post-fertilization effects that may be operative prevent clinically recognized pregnancy. Thus, it contradicts the goal of the RH bills to protect the life of the mother as well as the life of the unborn from conception. Imprisonment or about half a year and fine of fifty thousand pesos – such actions may be implied if health care service providers fail to give reproductive health care services like ligation or vasectomy. For me, it is sad to think that we Filipinos may be deprived to practice our right of freedom, our own right of liberal choice and self-conscience. On the other hand, the RH bills also intends to lessen the alarming proportion of rapidly rising population in the country, which is deemed one of the main causes of poverty and economic breakdown. However, according to scholars, most economic analysis of statistical correlation between economic growth and population show that there is little, if not none, significant connection at all. It is just that the bigger the population density, the less resources that we can use for production; and may lead to scarcity of the basic necessities of life. Why don’t we venture to delve into utilizing indigenous resource materials? If the nationwide resources aren’t sufficient enough to sustain the needs of the Filipino people, then let us think and make programs that will answer the problem into reality. Why don’t we put more efforts in promoting and establishing quality education in order to bring up economically active and productive citizens? It is a big investment to produce globally competitive Filipinos that will contribute to the economic growth. Successful graduates may establish their own business enterprise and generate job opportunities to us countrymen. The people of Juan dela Cruz opt to work abroad and leave his family and friends. These modern day heroes suffer the trials of being countries away from their loved ones. It may be because of the deficiency of employment opportunities here in the Philippines. Moreover, the salary in the foreign countries is believed to be considerably at a better cost. Why don’t we place our endeavor onto creating many jobs possible to prevent Filipinos from choosing to overseas to work, and stop nation’s brain drain as well? We can invest on our national budget into more significant outcomes. There are lot more solutions to the challenges we are facing today I believe most of us prefer to satisfy our vital needs in life and meet our real preferences.. We should buy food rather than pills. We should buy clothes rather than condoms. We intend to buy what really need. To a certain extent, I think this forgoing issue will somehow be an excuse to the nation’s lacking capability to accomplish its goal of serving its constituents by mainly lifting their social condition. The foremost reason is not the vast number of the poor. Otherwise, the poor are the victims of the cancerous cell of our society- poverty. Poverty caused by the abuse of power by those with authority. My fellowmen, I suppose it is quite selfish to sacrifice other’s lives for our own sake. We may tend to break the promise of reaching and fulfilling other’s dreams; we somehow deprive the unborn to even use pens and draw their dreams. â€Å"Ang kabataan ay ang pag-asa ng bayan†. I believe in our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The young generation is the very prodigy of the promise we have for the better tomorrow. As a Christian country, I believe that we, Filipinos, have firm devotion and faith on the Almighty God. It is said, that life is the greatest gift God ever given to man. His Holiness also gifted us with intellectual power and will to decide and determine right from wrong. Our decision has vital part in the real progress of our country, in the lives of many Filipinos and the future of the youth and the future of this country. Ladies and gentlemen, I may not be a national hero. I may not be a national leader or someone with great social standing. I am just an average Filipino citizen. I am here, my fellow Filipinos, in front of you, as rhetoric medium, as a catalyst of change, as a citizen who cares for his country, as someone that cares for the well-being of my fellow countrymen. I beg you to understand the true value of life. I beg you to open your eyes to the true crisis we face. I beg you to lend your ears to the true cries the nation want us to diminish. My dearest friends, I ask you again to listen to the voice of the youth.