Sedition Act of 1798 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sedition Act of 1798 - Assignment Example In the article, the author takes a strong position in condemning what the authorities consider to be libel. In fact, he considers libels against the people (probably government leaders and federalists who were in favor of the Sedition Act) as the true libels. Zenger’s articulates his opinion without fear even though such expressions as he used would put him in danger of being apprehended for breaking the law. At the time the newspaper was written, freedom of expression in the United States of America was under threat even as the federalists felt the need to prevent the people from expressing anti-government sentiments publicly as presented by Early America (par 2). At this time, journalists seemed to focus on the real issues facing society (in this case freedom of speech and information) as opposed to today’s focus on politics. Today, journalists tend to be afraid of expressing strong sentiments that go against the government or

Morning in Nagrebcan by Manuel E. Arguilla Essay Example for Free

Morning in Nagrebcan by Manuel E. Arguilla Essay (1) It was sunrise at Nagrebcan. (2) The fine, bluish mist, low over the tobacco fields, was lifting and thinning moment by moment. A ragged strip of mist, pulled away by the morning breeze, had caught on the c umps of bamboo along the banks of the stream that flowed to one side of the barrio. (3) Before long the sun would top the Katayaghan hills, but as yet no people were around. In the grey shadow of the hills, the barrio was gradually awaking. Roosters crowed and strutted on the ground while hens hesitated on their perches among the branches of the camanchile trees. Stray goats nibbled · the weeds on the sides of the road, and the bull carabaos tugged restively against their stakes. (4) In the early morning the puppies lay curled up together between their mother’s paws under the ladder of the house. Four puppies were all white like the mother. They had pink noses and pink eyelids and pink mouths. The skin between their toes and on the inside of their large, limp ears was pink. They had short sleek hair, for the mother licked them often. The fifth puppy lay across the mothers neck. On the puppys back was a big black spot like a saddle. The tips of its ears were black and so was a patch of hair on its chest. (5) The opening of the sawali door, its uneven bottom dragging noisily against the bamboo flooring, aroused the mother dog and she got up and stretched and shook herself, scattering dust and loose white hair. A rank doggy smell rose in the cool morning air. (6) She took a quick leap forward, clearing the puppies which had begun to whine about her, wanting to suckle. She trotted away and disappeared beyond the house of a neighbor. (7) The puppies sat back on their rumps, whining. After a little while they lay down and went back to sleep, the black-spotted puppy climbing on top of the Four. (8) Baldo stood at the threshold and rubbed his sleep-heavy eyes with his fists. He must have been about ten years old, small for his age, but compactly built, and he stood straight on his bony legs. He wore one of his fathers discarded cotton undershirts. (9) The boy descended the ladder, leaning heavily on the single bamboo railing that served as a banister. He sat on the lowest step of the ladder, yawning and rubbing his eyes one after the other. (10) Bending down, he reached between his legs for the black-spotted puppy. He held it to him, stroking its soft, warm body. (11) He blew on its nose. The puppy stuck out a small red tongue, lapping the air. It whined eagerly. Baldo laughed a low gurgle. (12) He rubbed his face against that of the dog. He said softly, My puppy. My puppy. He said it many times. (13) The puppy licked his ears, his cheeks. When it licked his mouth, Baldo straightened up, raised the puppy on a level with his eyes. (14) You are a foolish puppy, he said, laughing. Foolish, foolish, foolish, he said, rolling the puppy on his lap so that it howled. (15) The four other puppies awoke and came scrambling about Baldos legs. He put down the black-spotted puppy and ran to the narrow foot bridge of woven split-bamboo spanning the roadside ditch. (16) When it rained, water from the roadway flowed under the makeshift bridge, but it had not rained for a long time and the ground was dry and sandy. (17) Baldo sat on the bridge, digging his bare feet into the sand, feeling the cool particles escaping between his toes. He whistled a toneless whistle with a curious trilling to it produced by placing the tongue against the lower teeth and then curving it up and down. (18) The whistle excited the puppies; they ran to the boy as fast as their unsteady legs could carry them, barking choppy little barks. (19) Nana Elang, the mother of Baldo, now appeared in the doorway with handful of rice straw. She called Baldo and told him to get some live c Is from their neighbor. (20) Get two or three burning coals and bring them home on the rice straw, she said. Do not wave the straw in the wind. If you do, it will catch fire b ore you get home. (21) She watched him run toward Ka Ikaos house where already smoke was rising through the nipa roofing into the misty air. (22) One 0 two empty carromatas drawn by sleepy little ponies rattled along the pebbly street, bound for the railroad station. (23) Nana Elang must have been thirty, but she looked at least fifty. She was a thin, wispy woman, with bony hands and arms. She had scanty, with straight, graying hair which she gathered behind her head in a small, tight knot. It made her look thinner than ever. Her cheekbones seemed on the point of bursting through the dry, yellowish-brown skin. (24) Above a gray-checkered skirt, she wore a single wide-sleeved cotton blouse that ended below her flat breasts. Sometimes when she stooped or reached up for anything, a glimpse of the flesh at her waist showed in a dark, purplish band where the skirt had been tied so often. (25) She turned from the doorway into the small, untidy kitchen. (26) She washed the rice and put it in a pot which she placed on the cold stove. She made ready the other pot for the mess of vegetables and dried fish. (27) When Baldo came back with the rice straw and burning coals, she told him to start a fire in the stove, while she cut the ampalaya tendrils and sliced the eggplants. (28) When the fire finally flamed inside the clay stove, Baldos eyes were smarting from the smoke of the rice straw. (29) There is the fire, mother, he said. Is father awake already? (30) Nana Elang shook her head. Baldo went out slowly on tiptoe. (31) There were already many people going out. Several fishermen wearing coffee-colored shirts and trousers and hats made from the shell of white pumpkins passed by. The smoke of their home-made cigars floated behind them like shreds of the morning mist. (32) Women carrying big empty baskets were going to the tobacco fields. They walked fast, talking among themselves. Each woman had gathered the loose folds of her skirt in front and, twisting the end two or three times, passed it between her legs, pulling it up at the back, and slipping it inside her waist. The women seemed to be wearing trousers that reached only to their knees and flared at the thighs. (33) Day was quickly growing older. The east flamed redly and Baldo called to his mother, Look, mother, God also cooks his breakfast. (34) He went to play with the puppies. He sat on the bridge and took them on his lap one by one. He searched for fleas which he crushed between his thumbnails. (35) You, puppy. You, puppy, he murmured softly. (36) When he held the black-spotted puppy, he said, My puppy. My puppy. (37) Ambo, his seven-year old brother, awoke crying. Nana Elang could be heard patiently calling him to the kitchen. Later he came down with a ripe banana in his hand. (38) Ambo was almost as tall as his older brother and he had stout husky legs. Baldo often called him the son of an Igorot. The home-made cotton shirt he wore was variously stained. The pocket was torn, and it flipped down. He ate the banana without peeling it. (39) You foolish boy, remove the skin, Baldo said. I will not, Ambo said. (40) It is not your banana. He took a big bite and swallowed it with exaggerated relish. (41) But the skin is tart. It tastes bad. (42) You are not eating it, Ambo said. The rest of the banana vanished in his mouth. (43) He sat beside Baldo and both played with the puppies. (44) The mother dog had not yet returned and the puppies were becoming hungry and restless. They sniffed the hands of Ambo, licked his fingers. They tried to scramble up his breast to lick his mouth, but he brushed them down. (45) Baldo laughed. He held the black-spotted puppy closely, fondled it lovingly. (46) My puppy, he said. My puppy. (47) Ambo played with the other puppies, but he soon grew tired of them. He wanted the black-spotted one. He sidled close to Baldo and put out a hand to caress the puppy nestling contentedly in the crook of his brothers arm. (48) But Baldo struck the hand away. (49) Dont touch my puppy, he said. My puppy. (50) Ambo begged to be allowed to hold the black-spotted puppy. But Baldo said he would not let him hold the black-spotted puppy because he would not peel the banana. (51) Ambo then said that he would obey his older brother next time, for all time. (52) Baldo would not believe him; he refused to let him touch the puppy. (53) Ambo rose to his feet. He looked longingly at the black-spotted puppy in Baldos arms. (54) Suddenly he bent down and tried to snatch the puppy away. (55) But Baldo sent him sprawling in the dust with a deft push. (56) Ambo did not cry. He came up with a fistful of sand which he flung in his brothers face. But as he started to run away, Baldo thrust out his leg and tripped him. (57) In complete silence, Ambo slowly got up from the dust, getting to his feet with both hands full of sand which again he cast at his older brother. (58) Baldo put down the puppy and leaped upon Ambo. Seeing the black-spotted puppy waddling away, Ambo turned around and made a dive for  it. Baldo saw his intention in time and both fell on the puppy which began to howl loudly, struggling to get away. Baldo cursed Ambo and screamed at him as they grappled and rolled in the sand. (59) Ambo kicked and bit and scratched without a sound. He got hold of Baldo’s hair and tugged with all his might. (60) They rolled over and over and then Baldo was sitting on Ambos back, pummeling him with his fists. He accompanied every blow with a curse. (61) I hope you die, you little demon, he said between sobs, for he was crying and he could hardly see. (62) Ambo wriggled and struggled and tried to bite Baldos legs. Failing, he buried his face in the sand and howled lustily. (63) Nana Elang called out in her tired, patient voice that if they didn’t stop their noise, they’d wake up their father and he’d whip them (64) Baldo now left him and ran to the black-spotted puppy which he caught up in his arms, holding it against his throat. (65) Ambo followed, crying out threats and curses. He grabbed the tail of the puppy and jerked hard. (66) The puppy howled shrilly and Baldo let it go, but Ambo kept hold of the tail as the dog fell to the ground. (67) It turned around and snapped at the hand holding its tail. Its sharp little teeth sank into the fleshy edge of Ambos palm. (68) With a cry, Ambo snatched away his hand from the mouth of the enraged puppy. (69) At that moment the window of the house facing the street was pushed  violently open and the boys father, Tang Ciaco, looked out. (70) He saw the blood from the tooth marks on Ambos hand. He called out inarticulately and the two brothers looked up in surprise and fear. (71) Ambo hid his bitten hand behind him. (72) Baldo stopped to pick up the black-spotted puppy, but Tang Ciaco shouted hoarsely to him not to touch the dog. (73) At Tang Ciacos angry voice, the puppy had crouched back snarling, its pink lips drawn back, the hair on its back rising. (74) The dog has gone mad, the man cried, coming down hurriedly. (75) By the stove in the kitchen, he stopped to get a sizeable piece of firewood, throwing an angry look and a curse at Nana Elang for letting her sons play with the dogs. He removed a splinter or two, then hurried down the ladder, cursing in a loud angry voice. (76) Nana Elang ran to the doorway and stood there silently fingering her skirt. (77) Baldo and Ambo awaited the coming of their father with fear written on their faces. (78) Baldo hated his father as much as he feared him. He watched him now with half a mind to flee as Tang Ciaco approached with the piece of firewood held firmly in one hand. (79) He a big, gaunt man with thick bony wrists and stoop shoulders. A short-sleeved cotton shirt revealed his sinewy arms on which the blood-vessels stood out like roots. His short pants showed his bony-kneed, hard-muscled legs covered with black hair. (80) He was a carpenter. He had come home drunk the night before. He was not an habitual drunkard, but now and then he drank great quantities of basi and came home and beat his wife and children. (81) He would blame them for their hard life and poverty. You are a prostitute, he would roar at his wife, and as he beat his children, he would shout, I will kill you both, you bastards. (82) If Nana Elang ventured to remonstrate, he would beat them harder and curse her for being an interfering whore. (83) I am king in my house, he would say. (84) Now as he approached the two, Ambo cowered behind his elder brother. He held onto Baldos undershirt, keeping his wounded hand at his back, unable to remove his gaze from his fathers close-set, red-specked eyes. (85) The puppy with a yelp slunk between Baldos legs. Baldo looked at the dog, avoiding his fathers eyes. (86) Tang Ciaco roared at them to get away from the dog: Fools! Dont you see it is mad? (87) Baldo laid a hand on Ambo as they moved back hastily. (88) He wanted to tell his father it was not true, the dog was not mad, it was all Ambos fault, but his tongue refused to move. The puppy attempted to follow them, but Tang Ciaco caught it with a sweeping blow of the piece of firewood. The puppy was flung into the air. It rolled over once before it fell, howling weakly. (89) Again the chunk of firewood descended, Tang Ciaco grunting with the effort he put into the blow, and the puppy ceased to howl. It lay on its side, feebly moving its jaws from which dark blood oozed. (90) Once more Tang Ciaco raised his arm, but Baldo suddenly clung to it with both hands and begged him to stop. (91) Enough, father, enough. Dont beat it anymore, he entreated. Tears flowed down his upraised face. (92) Tang Ciaco shook him off with an oath. Baldo fell on his face in the dust. He did not rise, but cried and sobbed and tore his hair. The rays of the rising sun fell brightly upon him, turned to gold the dust that he raised with his kicking feet. (93) Tang Ciaco dealt the battered puppy another blow and at last it lay limpy still. He kicked it over and watched for a sign of life. The puppy did not move where it lay twisted on its side. (94) He turned his attention to Baldo. (95) Get up, he said, hoarsely, pushing the boy with his foot. (96) Baldo was deaf. He went on crying and kicking in the dust. (97) Tang Ciaco struck him with the piece of wood in his hand and again told him to get up. (98) Baldo writhed and cried harder, clasping his hands over the back of his head. (99) Tang Ciaco took hold of one of the boys arms and jerked him to his feet. Then he began to beat him, regardless of where the blows fell. (100) Baldo encircled his head with his loose arm and strove to free himself, running around his father, plunging backward, ducking and twisting. (101) Shameless son of a whore, Tang Ciaco roared. Stand still, Ill teach you to obey me. (102) He shortened his grip on the arm of Baldo and laid on his blows. (103) Baldo fell to his knees, screaming for mercy. He called on his mother to help him. (104) Nana Elang came down, but she hesitated at the foot of the ladder. (105) Ambo ran to her. (106) You too, Tang Ciaco cried, and struck at the fleeing Ambo. (107) The piece of firewood caught him behind the knees and he fell on his face. (108) Nana Elang ran to the fallen boy and picked him up, brushing his clothes with her hands to shake off the dust. (109) Tang Ciaco pushed Baldo toward her. (110) The boy tottered forward weakly, dazed and trembling. He had ceased to cry aloud, but he shook with hard, spasmodic sobs which he tried vainly to stop. (111) Here take your child, Tang Ciaco said, thickly. (112) He faced the curious students and neighbors who had gathered by the side of the road. He yelled at them to go away. He said it was none of their business if he killed his children. (113) They are mine, he shouted. I feed them and I can do anything I like with them. (114) The students ran hastily to school.The neighbors returned to their work. (115) Tang Ciaco went to the house, cursing in a loud voice. Passing the dead puppy, he picked it up by its hind legs and flung it away. (116) The black and white body soared through the sunlit air; fell among the tall corn behind the house. (117) Tang Ciaco, still cursing and grumbling, strode upstairs. He threw the chunk of firewood beside the stove. He squatted by the low table and began eating the breakfast his wife had prepared for him. (118) Nana Elang knelt by her children and dusted their clothes. (119) She passed her hand over the red welts on Baldo, but Baldo shook himself away. He was still trying to stop sobbing, wiping his tears away with his forearm. (120) Nana Elang put one arm around Ambo. She sucked the wound in his hand. She was crying silently. (121) When the mother of the puppies returned, she licked the remaining four by the small bridge of woven split bamboo. She lay down in the dust and suckled her young. She did not seem to miss the black-spotted puppy. (122) Afterward Baldo and Ambo searched among the tall corn for the body the dead puppy. (123) Tang Ciaco had gone to work and would not be back till nightfall. (124) In the house, Nana Elang was busy washing the breakfast dishes. Later she came down and fed the mother dog. (125) The two brothers were entirely hidden by the tall corn plants. As they moved about among the slender stalks, the corn-flowers shook agitatedly. Pollen scattered like gold dust in the sun, falling on the  fuzzy · green leaves. (126) When they found the dead dog, they buried it in one corner of the field. Baldo dug the grove with a sharp-pointed stake. Ambo stood silently by, holding the dead puppy. When Baldo finished his work, he and his brother gently placed the puppy in the hole. (127) Then they covered the dog with soft earth and stamped on the grave until the disturbed ground was flat and hard again. (128) With difficulty they rolled a big stone on top of the grave. (129) Then Baldo wound an arm around the shoulders of Ambo and without a word they hurried up to the house. (130) The sun had risen high above the Katayaghan hills, and warm, golden sunlight filled Nagrebcan. The mist on the tobacco fields had completely dissolved.

Economic Injustice Essay -- essays research papers fc

Economic Justice Between Classes We live in a country today misrepresented by its own peoples' perception. The consensus that we live in the greatest nation in the world is not so much a feeling of nationalism as it is a forgone conclusion in the minds of millions of Americans. What a great many of these millions do not realize is that they are the victims of a government set up by our founding fathers to uphold a class system based on a very unproportional distribution of wealth. As the old saying goes, you need money to make money, and this is never more true than it is in the United States, the land where the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor. Howard Zinn asks, "What is economic justice?" There is no clear answer, except to say economic justice simply does not exist. Founding Fathers Promise Equality One might ask when all this came about. The nation started under the greatest of pretexts. A nation of democracy, equality, and freedom. But freedom from what? Taxation without representation? Or maybe just taxation. The argument has been made that our country was started by land and slave owning men who did not want to pay their taxes. But the truth is the nation was started by a group of very wealthy men, who did not intend for "all men are created equal" to apply to the distribution of wealth. True, times were very different then. But many ideas and laws from the late 18th century that have no place in the 21st century still apply in situations today. Look no further than the recent election. An old system of choosing the nations leader by electors, created in fairness to southern slave-owners who counted each of their "possesions" as two-fifths of a person, is preventing the nation from electing the majority's choice as president. The debacle that is now being called "Indecision 2000" should be a wake up call to Americans living under laws past in another age for a much different nation. No one denies that poverty is a problem in the United States, and even more so globally. Lack of sufficent food, decent education, proper housing, and sufficent medical coverage are all very apparent. The constitution guarantees life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, while these basic necessities of life are being denied to millions of families in the United States. The Laissez - Faire Approach Some are actually a... ...nly distributed, and no traces of economic justice even exist. People living in poverty need some kind of hope, some sign that their government has not forgotten them. The truth is, there are plenty of people who do care, and there are many efforts to help. The discrepancies are simply too big to go unnoticed, and a change is inevitable. As for right now, the trend continues. The rich get super-richer, the poor get poorer Works Cited Zinn, Howard. Declarations of Independence. New York: HaperCollins, 1990. Raymond W. Baker: A 150-to-1 Ratio Is Far Too Lopsided for Comfort, 1999/02/05, Intl. Herald Tribune, pg.6. Mohammed Dore: Poverty, Global Inequality and the Foundations of Redistribution Policy, 1996 <http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~dore/poverty/> "Forbes 400 Richest in America." Forbes.com. 2000 <http://www.forbes.com/400richest/> U.S. Department of Labor. "U.S. Employment Standards Admin.". <www.dol.gov/esa/public/minwage.> U.S. Bureau of the Census "Poverty". 26 September 2000 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty.html> Henwood, Doug. "Boom for Whom?." Left Business Observer #93 Feb. 2000: 2 Economic Injustice Essay -- essays research papers fc Economic Justice Between Classes We live in a country today misrepresented by its own peoples' perception. The consensus that we live in the greatest nation in the world is not so much a feeling of nationalism as it is a forgone conclusion in the minds of millions of Americans. What a great many of these millions do not realize is that they are the victims of a government set up by our founding fathers to uphold a class system based on a very unproportional distribution of wealth. As the old saying goes, you need money to make money, and this is never more true than it is in the United States, the land where the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor. Howard Zinn asks, "What is economic justice?" There is no clear answer, except to say economic justice simply does not exist. Founding Fathers Promise Equality One might ask when all this came about. The nation started under the greatest of pretexts. A nation of democracy, equality, and freedom. But freedom from what? Taxation without representation? Or maybe just taxation. The argument has been made that our country was started by land and slave owning men who did not want to pay their taxes. But the truth is the nation was started by a group of very wealthy men, who did not intend for "all men are created equal" to apply to the distribution of wealth. True, times were very different then. But many ideas and laws from the late 18th century that have no place in the 21st century still apply in situations today. Look no further than the recent election. An old system of choosing the nations leader by electors, created in fairness to southern slave-owners who counted each of their "possesions" as two-fifths of a person, is preventing the nation from electing the majority's choice as president. The debacle that is now being called "Indecision 2000" should be a wake up call to Americans living under laws past in another age for a much different nation. No one denies that poverty is a problem in the United States, and even more so globally. Lack of sufficent food, decent education, proper housing, and sufficent medical coverage are all very apparent. The constitution guarantees life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, while these basic necessities of life are being denied to millions of families in the United States. The Laissez - Faire Approach Some are actually a... ...nly distributed, and no traces of economic justice even exist. People living in poverty need some kind of hope, some sign that their government has not forgotten them. The truth is, there are plenty of people who do care, and there are many efforts to help. The discrepancies are simply too big to go unnoticed, and a change is inevitable. As for right now, the trend continues. The rich get super-richer, the poor get poorer Works Cited Zinn, Howard. Declarations of Independence. New York: HaperCollins, 1990. Raymond W. Baker: A 150-to-1 Ratio Is Far Too Lopsided for Comfort, 1999/02/05, Intl. Herald Tribune, pg.6. Mohammed Dore: Poverty, Global Inequality and the Foundations of Redistribution Policy, 1996 <http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~dore/poverty/> "Forbes 400 Richest in America." Forbes.com. 2000 <http://www.forbes.com/400richest/> U.S. Department of Labor. "U.S. Employment Standards Admin.". <www.dol.gov/esa/public/minwage.> U.S. Bureau of the Census "Poverty". 26 September 2000 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty.html> Henwood, Doug. "Boom for Whom?." Left Business Observer #93 Feb. 2000: 2

Gender Roles in Society

Gender roles have a very dominant place in our society. Different families and cultures emphasize different roles for men and women. However, masculinity seems to dominate throughout the world. Women’s role in society is always changing but femininity never seems to rise above its masculine counterpart. Gender asymmetry has been a struggle for a long time because of the uncertainty of how we learn such roles. How to act like a boy or a girl is not something biological we are just born with. These roles are learned through our interactions with family and peers, starting as early as birth.The first and one of the strongest influences on a person's gender role is their parents. Parents are our first teachers and role models . They don’t just teach us such basic skills like talking and walking, but also of attitudes and behavior. Most parents still hold traditional definitions of masculine and feminine and what kind of activities are appropriate for each. Parents tend to b e more concerned with the safety of little girls. Where as, boys are expected to be rough and tough at an early age. Most of the time parents are not even aware that they are teaching their kids some of these roles.As discussed in the beginning of the text book, we are taught that our gender differences are due to our biology. We â€Å"tend to equate aggression with biological maleness and vulnerability with femaleness†. This tendency to assume that biology is the cause for gender differences is know as â€Å"the pink and blue syndrome† (Spade and Valentine p. 4). Starting at birth we are put into certain colors and given specific gendered toys to play with. Sometimes these norms don’t fit with every little boy or girl. Some girls prefer to play rough and with more masculine toys, and some boys prefer pink and princesses.However, when boys engage in activities that are normally deemed girly they are called a sissys. On the other hand when girls do things that wo uld normally be boy activities they are considered a â€Å"tomboy† and praised for this. We looked at this more closely when we read Kane’s chapter, â€Å"No Way My Boys are Going to be Like That! † Parents often encourage there daughters to aspire to take on male roles feeling as if it makes them a stronger person later in life. Fathers seems to be more concerned and often discourage boys in engaging in female roles, fearing they may be homosexual.Mothers, on the other hand, more often feel that their sons knowing how to cook and clean makes them more well rounded. Even mothers seem to be kind of cautious and lake enthusiasm when speaking to there sons about these â€Å"iconic feminine items, attributes, or activities†(Kane p. 179). Overall, parents seem to be aware of gender as something that they must shape and construct, especially with their sons. Some parents even feel as if masculinity is something they must work on with there sons starting at a ve ry young age.In order to make a change we must â€Å"broaden normative conceptions of masculinity and challenge the devaluation of femininity, an effort that will require participation by heterosexual fathers to succeed† (Kane p. 183). Another very important group to consider that can have a strong influence on gender roles are peers. Peer pressure is another means of reinforcing a culture's traditional gender roles. It can come in the form of taunting or teasing a child who does not fit the traditional gender roles that other children in the peer group have come to expect. Peers react more positively to children who fit traditional gender roles.We explored this teasing a bit more when we read the article â€Å"‘Dude, You’re a Fag’: Adolescent Masculinity and the Fag Discourse†. Pascoe discusses how masculinity can function as a regulatory mechanism of gender in American adolescent boys. It has been found that the word ‘fag’ is not nece ssarily directed at a homosexual boy, but has taken on a new meaning in school age boys. It is being used as a disciplinary mechanism to police certain behaviors â€Å"out of fear of having the fag identity permanently† (Pascoe p. 330). This kind of teasing and harassment can temporarily be place on any boy who shows signs of weakness or femininity.The high schoolers in the study told Pascoe that calling someone a fag was like telling them they were nothing or stupid (Pascoe p. 335). Boys could be called a fag for anything that he did that was opposite of masculine, even when it had nothing to do with his sexual preference. The fag discourse seemed to be just another way for the contest of masculinity to take place. With such strong enforcement of gender roles in children it is not surprising that these masculine dominated attitudes carry over into adulthood. Over the past few decades, great strides have been made by women in the workplace.This increased number in women in th e workplace does not mean equality however. Even with equal qualifications and achievements, women are still not given all the opportunities that men have. The chapter in the textbook, â€Å"Gender at Work†, shows us more of these inequalities in the workplace. Such inequalities cause gender segregation of jobs and can be linked with the pay inequality in the labor force. Even in jobs that are predominantly filled by women, men earn more than women. Women are often stereotyped as being family focused and not as able to travel, therefore they tend to get passed up for promotions (Garson p. 353).This invisible barrier that keeps women from moving up the executive ladder is referred to as the â€Å"glass ceiling† (Baxter and Wright p. 346). Women also tend to do more domestic work, or unpaid labor and caregiving. This extra unpaid work is referred to as â€Å"the third shift† and is largely rested on the shoulders of women (Gersel p. 352). Consequently, this seems to be one of the biggest things holding women back from taking on jobs that are normally considered male dominated. These shifts in gender roles over the years have been huge. With the drastic changes, men and women are still trying to sort out what these new roles mean to them.Although women are no longer expected to be the soul keepers of the house, in reality, they still are in most families. Although men generally seem to be open to the successes enjoyed by the women they share their lives with, some still find it hard to celebrate a woman's achievements because they feel it diminishes their own masculinity. These patterns will continue as long as our society keeps pushing the importance of gendered roles and the dominance of masculinity. However, today's parents have the opportunity to show their children that they don't have to be violent to be strong, and being sensitive is not necessarily a bad thing.

Kindergarten Chats – Architecture

This reading has introduced me to various factors in architecture regarding what it represents and should be in society through Louis Sullivan words. A Terminal Station: The Masculine Implies forceful, direct, clear and straightforward, The Feminine Implies intuitive sympathy, suavity, grace, and qualities of soothe, elevate, and refined. Should be easy to get in and out (efficiency) Outward aspect of the style takes on the ambulance of architecture. I agree, a terminal station should be able to tell us what it is and from the outside, where are the entrances, exists, etc†¦This is a public figure and needs to be clear. The Key: Each buildings external aspect represents character and it's up to us to unlock the architecture behind the building. The Architect represents or misrepresents society at large; what his plain duty is, if any what society has demanded and expect. There is a particular trust between the society and the Architects. Whichever way our architecture goes, so wi ll our country go However the architecture is rotten to the core, according to Sullivan, the illusion of American architecture.I agree how the public in large is not heavily involved in how their architecture is designed, thus we are putting trust on architect's hands. Nature: Is visible, objective forms, contains aspects of beauty of form and color. The elements of earth and air shaped by delicate hand of time A creative impulse of origin In conclusion, buildings are made of materials, but the elements of the earth are removed from the matrix of nature, and reorganized and reshaped by force; mechanical, muscular, mental, emotional, moral, and spiritual.Character: Not confined to the individual, it is also defined by the municipality, the nation, rent trends, and qualities that we the people are demanding in the marketplace. Values: We recognize values in medals, diplomas, or monuments. Brings a sense of community Curtain values in which money cannot measure. Take for example a buil ding, any builder can tell you the estimated value of the property in money terms. However, the value of the building is based on subjective value and Dollar value.Sullivan recommends that both come into play. Human nature determines the subjective value, which is more permanent, but money value is inseparable from the a Roman temple: affairs of life. Sullivan talked about how roman temples are place in great modern cities, at the same time having a strenuous sight, sound, that remind the people of their god. Such a holy precinct shall be doubly sacred to us in our reverence for this union of old and new. An example of how a building can be highly subjective, take for example a bank.Just as we discussed in class, a Bank wants their building to seem powerful with strong values. Sullivan disagrees that banks in America should not resemble a Roman Temple. He believes that it should belong to ancient Romans and that banks an make as much money in any kind of bank. Thus no need for imita tions . It was a part of Roman life and their culture, and that goes along with the Roman glory, thus building temples all over resemble a roman death. Taste: It expresses a familiarity with current persons of the culture, or trends. Ђ When an architect loses trust from the people at large, this is called weak taste. I always consider taste as what the market demands, for example having garages in suburban houses because of the demand for car and storage area. A Department Store: Sullivan describes a department stores as a structure that is logical, though, and states directly its purpose, and unmistakable though not wholly gratifying index of the business conducted within its walls. It's directness of statement is its chief virtue.Expanse of glass and light and displays In other words, it stands to reason that a thing looks like what it is and outward appearances resemble inner purposes. This is a great example of Function and Form. Function and Form: Every form we see there is a vital something or other which we do not see, which makes itself visible to us in that very form. A state of nature the form exists because of the function and behind the form is neither more nor less than a manifestation of what you call the infinite creative spirit, called God. Ђ A building is properly designed when you are able to read through and know the reason for that building. The details are not the same as the parts and the mass. Logical vs.. Organic growth Logical is scholarship, or taste, or all of them combined, cannot make organic architecture Logical is common sense, a thoroughly disciplined mind, a perfect quinine, and a gracious gift of expression. Logical can not deal with creativity process, for the creating function is vital, as its name is pure-reason. Ђ Organic correlates to organism, structure, growth, development, and form. Organic implies the pressure of a living force and a resultant structure or mechanism. The pressure is Function and the result ant is Form. Ornaments in Architecture: Sullivan explains ornaments as a decorative application of enhanced beauty of our structures. It's what gives charm to a building. I agree with Sullivan that it's a luxury, to a necessary, because of the great value of the masses.Take for example a garage; to me it does not need ornaments, because Just the building itself provides the required beauty. However I agree that a certain type of ornaments mixes well with certain buildings, examples: retail, industrial, residential, office, etc. Beautiful building may be designed that shall bear no ornaments A decorated structure, harmoniously conceived, well considered, cannot be stripped of its system of ornament without destroying its individuality. The luxury of this inquiry becomes necessary; our architecture shall have neared its final development. Ђ Ornament design will be more beautiful if it seems a part of the surface or substance that receives it than if it looks â€Å"struck on. â₠¬  Both the structure and ornament obviously benefit by this sympathy; each enhancing the value of the other. Also a curtain kind of ornament should appear on a certain kind of structure. Buildings should posses an individuality as marked as that which exists among men, making them distinctly separable from each other, however a strong the racial or family semblance may be.If I stare at my house, I will see all types of Ornaments that have been chosen because of my Hispanic culture, Ecuadorian family, sports, hobbies, and each room has a certain type of style. Thoughts about this Reading I personally did not like this reading as a narrative, because there were many parts filled with a lot of fluff. I prefer to read a reading that is more straightforward and provides real examples and has pictures. Overall, my favorite parts talking about we the people have trust and give total control to developers and architects of designing our lives.

Commonly Asked Questions About Continents

Commonly Asked Questions About Continents Many people wonder which continent houses certain countries or locales. The seven continents  are  Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. Those places that  are not part of a continent can be included as part of a region of the world.  Here are some of the most frequent questions.   Some Commonly  Asked Continent Questions Is Greenland Part of Europe? Greenland is part of North America even though it is a territory of Denmark (which is in Europe). Which Continent Does the  North Pole Belong to? None. The North Pole is in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. Which Continents Does the Prime  Meridian Cross? The prime meridian runs through Europe, Africa, and Antarctica. Does the International Date Line Hit Any Continents? The international date line runs only through Antarctica. How Many Continents Does The Equator Pass Through? The equator passes through South America, Africa,  and Asia. Where is the Deepest Point on Land? The deepest point on land is the Dead Sea, located on the border of Israel and Jordan in Asia. On Which Continent is Egypt? Egypt is mostly part of Africa, although the Sinai Peninsula in northeastern Egypt is part of Asia. Are Islands Such as New Zealand, Hawaii, and the Islands of the Caribbean Part of Continents? New Zealand is an oceanic island far from a continent, and thus, it is not on a continent but is often considered to be part of the Australia and Oceania region. Hawaii is not on a continent, as it is an island chain far from a land mass. The Caribbean islands likewise- they are considered part of the geographic region known as North America or Latin America. Is Central America a Part of North or South America? The border between Panama and Colombia is the border between North America and South America, so Panama and countries to the north are in North America, and Colombia and countries south are in South America. Is Turkey Considered in Europe or Asia? Although most of Turkey lies geographically in Asia (the Anatolian Peninsula is Asian), far western Turkey lies in Europe. Continent Facts Africa Africa covers about 20 percent of the total land mass on planet Earth. Antarctica The ice sheet covering Antarctica amounts to about 90 percent of the Earths total ice. Asia The huge continent of Asia has both the highest points on Earth and the lowest. Australia Australia is home to more species than any developed country, and most of them are endemic, meaning that they arent found anywhere else. Thus, it also has the worst species extinction rate. Europe Britain separated from continental Europe only about 10,000 years ago.   North America North America extends from the Arctic Circle at the north all the way to the equator at the south. South America South Americas Amazon River, the second longest river in the world, is the greatest in volume of water moved. The Amazon Rainforest, sometimes called the lungs of the Earth, produces about 20 percent of the worlds oxygen.

Clinical Decision Support Systems Essay Example

Clinical Decision Support Systems Essay Example Clinical Decision Support Systems Paper Clinical Decision Support Systems Paper Abstract   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This paper explores the world of clinical decision support systems(CDSS) and the effects they have in the work place. Also how many different types of CDSS such as Bayesian Network (BN), Neural Network(NN), Genetic Algorithms(GA),and MYCIN. This paper will describe key reasons why a decision support system might fail to meet a users expectations and suggest measures that could be taken to avoid such an outcome. Finally this paper will explain what decision tree induction(DTI) means and how it used for classification problems.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While alarms and alerts are the most common visible CDSS interventions, there are many more. I will describe many different types of CDSS and their uses in relation to their health care usage. CDSS have been being developed for years for use in the health care society. for the purpose of assistance of diagnosing and treating various illnesses. There is no defined outline for   CDSS as they adapt to the needs of physician and patient. Throughout this paper I will introduce various CDSS and their uses.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Most CDSS consist of   the knowledge base, inference engine, and a communication mechanism. The knowledge base contains the rules and guidelines of gathered data .   With this physicians can program a CDSS to think in an IF-THEN sense. It also allows to user to input additional or new information regarding the diagnoses or treatment of diseases. For example the if the machine is reading a diabetics blood sugar level and it is low then it alerts the physicians. However, some CDSS use a form of artificial intelligence to compile data, read the data, compare it to that of the patient and produce results. In other words it is basically a learning computer in which it takes information from previous account and uses them in the present.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) is an adaptive CDSS that uses a form of artificial intelligence, that allows the systems to learn from past patients traits and symptoms and apply an educated guess on the symptoms of a current patient. It consists of nodes called neurodes and send signals between the neurodes in a sort of straight line approach. An ANN consists of 3 main components: Input (receiving data ), Output (informing of possible diseases) and Hidden (data processing). The system becomes more and more effective as it collects data from many patients.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ANN has many advantages such as the virtual elimination of needing to program the systems and providing input various information. The ANN CDSS can process incomplete data by making educated guesses about all other data collected from past experiences. Additionally, ANN systems do not require large data banks to store all of its information in. However ANN does have disadvantages as well such as the training process to new users may be very time consuming leading users to not make full use of the systems. Another down side being disease harboring similar symptoms may be mistaken for one another. Thus the ANN is a double-edged sword.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another less commonly used CDSS is a Genetic Algorithm (GA) a   method developed in the 1940s at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology based on Darwin’s evolutionary theories. These algorithms   form different combinations that are better than the previous solutions. Much like neural networks, the genetic algorithms receive their information from patient data.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Advantages of genetic algorithms are the fact that these systems go through an iterative which means to solve a problem through many assumptions of an initial guess. This process is used to produce an the best solution. The wellness/fitness function determines calculations from the ones that can be discarded. A disadvantage is the lack of leniency   in the reasoning involved   making it a less than first choice for physicians and clinicians. The obvious challenge in using genetic algorithms is in defining the wellness/fitness criteria. For genetic algorithms to work correctly there must be many factors such as multiple drug use, or multiple therapies. The Bayesian network(BN) is a   graphical representation that shows a set of variables and their probable relationships between illnesses and symptoms. They are based on conditional probabilities, the probability of an event in relation to the probability of another event. Bayes’ rule helps physicians compute the probability of an event with the help of   readily information and it   processes options as new information is presented.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Some of the advantages of BN include the knowledge and conclusions of experts in the form of hypothesis, assistance in decision making as new evidence is available and are applicable to many models   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   MYCIN(MY) is a CDSS designed to diagnose and recommend treatment for certain blood infections such as meningitis. It has been extended to handle other infectious diseases. MY operated off what physician call if-then statements which means, if certain factors are present then a certain illness is present. It was a goal-directed system, using a sort of reverse thinking.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the ordering phase of a clinic or hospital it is important to take all factors into account. The clinicians and physicians must look at what it is they specialize in what CDSS is best for that particular area. Also have CDSS can accommodate for other fields as well. As stated in Ten Commandments for Effective CDSS [Bates et  al.2003],   speed is everything. This means how quickly the CDSS gathers information and formulates a course of treatment. Also stated is the CDSS must fit into the users work flow, no time can be wasted trying to get a machine to de exactly what you want it to.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Reasons a CDSS may not live up to   clinicians or physicians expectations are abundant. First, a machine is just that a machine it can only do what it is programmed to do. Second, It takes time to learn to use and machine and even after learning operation mistakes do happen. Finally, the thing most machines need and most clinicians and physicians dont have is time, the time to program and operate the machine exactly how they want to it to work. This can conflict with work schedules as well as treatment schedules.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are ways to prevent using a seemingly useless CDSS. The most important thing is results, make sure the CDSS is capable to producing quick accurate results. Other things that should be kept in mind is that staff must be trained to use the machine make sure you have time to do so.   Have the knowledge and ability to use the CDSS to its fullest potential while at the same time produce speedy results. It is stated in   Ten Commandments for Effective CDSS that â€Å"All health professionals in the United States face increasing time pressure and can ill afford to spend even more time seeking bits of information† again meaning peed and time are everything.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In CDSS decision analysis, a decision tree   is a   support tool that uses a graph of decisions and their possible outcomes, including chance possibilities, various treatments, and diseases. A decision tree is used to identify the strategy   to reach a course of action suitable for the patient. Another use of trees is to calculate rare cases of a certain disease.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   a decision tree is a predictive model mapping from observations about an item to conclusions about its optimal outcome. Here is an example of a decision tree: In conclusion CDSS can be seen as a very useful tool. They are considered one of the best course of actions in the medical field. Though they may have some setbacks these are easily avoidable with the right information. Thus making CDSS a suitable tool of the health care industry. As long as the clinicians or physicians knows what they need the machine for and its capabilities based of their priorities they are a must have advancement in medical technology. [Bates et  al.2003]Bates, D.  W., Kuperman, G.  J., Wang, S., Gandhi, T., Kittler, A., Volk, L., Spurr, C., Khorasani, R., Tanasijevic, M., and Middleton, B. (2003). Ten commandments for effective clinical decision support: making the practice of evidence-based medicine a reality. J Am Med Inform Assoc, 10(6):523–530. Clinical Decision Support Systems; Wikipedia: The free encyclopedia. (2004, July 22). FL: Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. Retrieved 02/20/09 from wikipedia.org

Typical Course of Study for 9th-Grade

Typical Course of Study for 9th-Grade Ninth grade is an exciting time for most teens. The beginning of the high school years marks the culmination of their primary education, and the  course requirements for high school students  begin their preparation  to enter college or the workforce after graduation. Curriculum for 9th-grade students shifts to address higher level thinking skills and autonomous study skills. In 9th grade, language arts prepares teens for effective oral and written communication. Typical courses in science include physical science and biology, while algebra is the standard for math. Social studies usually focuses on geography, world history, or U.S. history, and electives such as art become a vital part of a students  education. Language Arts A typical course of study for ninth grade language arts includes  grammar, vocabulary, literature, and composition. Students will also cover topics such as public speaking, literary analysis, citing sources, and writing reports. In 9th grade, students may also study  myths, drama, novels, short stories, and poetry. Math Algebra  I is the math course that is typically covered in 9th grade. Some students may complete  pre-algebra  or  geometry. Ninth grade students will cover topics such as real numbers,  rational and irrational numbers, integers, variables,  exponents  and powers,  scientific notation, lines, slopes, the  Pythagorean Theorem, graphing, and using equations to solve problems. They will also gain experience in reasoning skills by working through reading, writing, and solving equations, simplifying and rewriting equations to solve problems, and using graphs to solve problems. Science There is a wide range of topics that 9th-grade students can study for science. Standard high school courses include biology, physical science, life science,  earth science, and physics. Students may also take interest-led courses such as astronomy, botany, geology, marine biology, zoology, or equine science. In addition to covering standard science topics, it’s essential that students gain experience with science practices such as asking questions and forming hypotheses, designing and carrying out experiments,  organizing and interpreting data,  and evaluating and communicating results. This experience usually results from taking science courses with labs and learning to complete lab reports after each. Most colleges and universities expect high school students  to complete two or three lab sciences.  Ã‚   Two of the most common science courses for ninth grade students are biology and physical science. Physical science is the study of the natural world and includes topics such as the earth’s structure, ecology, weather,  climate, erosion, Newton’s laws of motion,  nature,  space, and astronomy. Physical science may also cover  general science principals such as  the scientific method and  simple and complex machines. Biology is the study of living organisms. Most biology courses begin with a study of the cell, the most basic component of all living things. Students will learn about cell structure, anatomy, taxonomy, genetics, human anatomy, sexual and asexual reproduction, plants, animals, and more. Social Studies As with science, there is a wide range of topics that students can study for ninth-grade social studies. Social studies encompass history, culture, people, places, and environments. Students need to gain experience with  social studies skills such as reading maps, using timelines,  critical thinking, evaluating data, problem-solving, and understanding how cultures are affected by geographic location, events, and economics. Standard high school courses for 9th-grade students include American history, world history,  ancient history, and geography. Students studying U.S. history will cover topics such as the exploration and settlement of America, Native Americans, the foundations of American democracy, the Declaration of Independence, the U. S. Constitution, taxation, citizenship, and types of government. They will also study wars such as the American Revolution and the Civil War. Ninth graders studying world history will learn about major world regions. They will learn about the patterns of migration and settlement in each, how the human population is distributed, how people adapt to their environment, and the effects of physical geography on cultures. They will also study wars such as World War I and World War II.   Geography can easily be incorporated into all history topics. Students should learn map and globe skills using a variety of map types (physical, political, topographical, etc.). Art Most high school coursework now requires art credit. Colleges and universities vary on how many elective credits they expect, but 6-8 is average. Art is  a broad topic with ample room for interest-led, elective  studies. Art studies  for ninth grade students can include visual arts such as drawing, photography, graphic design, or architecture. It can also consist of performance art such as drama, dance, or music. Art studies should allow students to develop skills such as watching or listening and responding to art, learning the vocabulary associated with the art topic being studied, and fostering creativity. It should also allow them to encounter topics such as  art history, famous artists and works of art, and  the contributions of various types of art to society and its impact on culture.

Preserving land for wildlife Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Preserving land for wildlife - Essay Example Although wildlife is the greatest beneficiary of land preservation, it is imperative for everyone to involve him or herself in land preservation measures. Certainly, wildlife is a great heritage of every society due to the socio-economic benefits that it brings forth. It essentially means that both wildlife and humans ought to coexist peacefully without one interfering with the habitat of the other (Libresco, Balantic, & Kipling, 2011). Unfortunately, human activities have led to the degradation of land, which is the natural habitat of wild animals (Brewer, 2003). For example, such activities as human settlement, deforestation, and industrialization have greatly interfered with land thus posing a huge threat to the survival of most animal species. In this respect, there have been robust campaigns and sensitizations to preserve land and subsequently wildlife (Gustanski, & Squires, 2000). The campaign has been especially intense in the United States where deforestation has taken place on a massive scale. Indiana is one of the states that suffer the biggest damage because of deforestation. Various Land trusts and other environmental agen cies have spearheaded a campaign to rehabilitate derelict land (Benson et al., 2005). In as much as the government bear the greatest responsibility of preserving land that is found within its jurisdiction, it is important to note that individual citizens are also taxed with equal responsibility (Environmental Law Institute, 2003). It means that no one is immune when it comes to matters pertaining with environmental conservation. Perhaps it is instructive to highlight that any adverse impact on land rages equally on wildlife and man. Therefore, citizens ought to take up an active role in land conservation in order to preserve the endangered species and in the process, make the world a better place to

Economics GCCs Dollar Peg Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Economics GCCs Dollar Peg - Essay Example This trend is considered a major contributor to the rising levels of inflation in the gulf region. The current levels of inflation are stated to be the highest in the last 30 years (Seville, 2008). At the same time the GDP growth started declining during the same period. Zawya (2008) wrote about some of the research studies carried out in 2008 which predicted that the gulf nations would be able to register a lower nominal GDP rise of about 16.4 percent till 2010, provided the crude prices average around $120 per barrel in 2008, $131 in 2009 and $133 in 2010. But, with crude oil prices tumbling down to $50 per barrel in the international market, the situation is starkly different today. Such developments resulted into a serious debate on how the gulf nations should take appropriate measures to handle the situation. In the run up to the discussion towards taking mutually agreed steps for handling the monetary crisis in the gulf region, the GCC started discussing measures like adopting a common currency within the region. 2010 was being talked about as the deadline for coming out for a currency union (Ghafour, 2005). But these plans received a jolt when Kuwait unilaterally decided that it needs to move away from dollar peg. This step was taken by Kuwait central bank in order to contain the rising inflation.

Consumerism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Consumerism - Essay Example The continuously expanding capitalism commercial culture spoils everything, marginalizing religious life, civic life and family life, and turning citizens to mere consumers whose personal market choice avails to them what they want but fails to avail of them what they want to vent. This paper aims at discussing and analyzing the argument contained in Consumed: How Markets Corrupt Children, Infantilize Adults, and Swallow Citizens Whole by Benjamin R. Barber. The author of this book is a well known political theorist who has over the years been writing many materials about how the civil society is deteriorating. He also gives recommendations on how the initial state of the civil society can be reclaimed. He believes that there was a time in history when capitalism had virtues that had positive contributions to citizenship, responsibility, and democracy. Currently capitalism is tainted with the vices that encourage consumerism, while on the other hand undermining citizenship, responsib ility, and democracy. He states that in the current world capitalism and democracy do not come together. Previously, capitalism worked under the protestant work ethic. Under this ethic, capitalism was dependable, restrained, responsible, hardworking, and forward thinking. This enabled distribution of resources and meeting of human needs. During later days, capitalism had all human needs met thus capitalism ended up consuming itself (Barber 67). Because capitalism had to keep growing, consumer market had to keep selling. Despite the fact that many citizens did not have their basic needs met, capitalism still chose to ignore them. Instead, they made consumers want the products that were already over supplied. There are two possible results of this. First consumers of the oversupplied products are targeted. Second non-consumers of the available products are manipulated into wanting the oversupplied products. For instance, game producers target children while at the same time preventing adults from growing up, so that they would continue consuming their products. This can be done by making adults believe that games were made for them too. This way, adults are manipulated into wanting to use these products. Barber’s argument holds some truth in it. Consumers always get themselves wanting to buy some products. This happens regardless of whether they need it, or if they can afford. When a producer introduces a new product, they make consumers believe that they need it, and that the price is affordable (Barber 112). For example, Apple announces the introduction of a new iPod. Consumers of the same find themselves wanting to purchase this particular product even if they might be having a product that serves the same purpose. Despite the possibility of the iPod not making any difference in the lives of the citizens, they still buy it believing that they need it just as the producers claim. The book also tends to depict the constant creation of supposed human need s that have led to the creation of an infantilists’ ethos that interferes with people’s ability to be good citizens. When people identify themselves as consumers or individuals instead of a constituent of a political organization, people tend to forget that they should be thinking of the collective benefit of the whole community. A common observation in America is that there is pressure mounting on children to mature at a fast rate in order to be consumers. On the other hand, producers are trying hard to

Report Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Report - Research Paper Example They employ, train and support local workforce and its families. They have initiatives that allow employees to be active citizens in the community by showing their care for the communities. Moreover, the company advocates for civic engagement, tax contributions and volunteerism among its staffs. According to their website, the Company encourages good deeds via its Disney  VoluntEARS  program. It was initiated on Earth Day in 1995 to supports efforts of global and local non-profits that protect ecosystems, wildlife, and make a helpful impact on the community. Since its inauguration, the kitty has supported over $20 million projects in over 112 nations. Through the film, Disneynature, the company has shared important information and compelling stories that submerge audiences in the natural world. The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund supports efforts of global and local non-profits organizations that protect ecosystems, wildlife, and make a helpful impact on the community, Disney created a Green Standard agenda in 2008 to reduce their adverse impact on the environment. The program is directed at meetings/events, workplaces, dining and travels. Many more recycling bins have been introduced and hanging ads placed on in the hotel rooms reminding occupants to shut off the lights and water when not in use. These efforts are geared towards being more eco-friendly. The green standard has spread wide showing just how Disney has lobbied for environmental conservation. Volunteerism is a major center of attention for Disney. The company offers free tickets to a million individuals for them to offer a day of volunteer service to a community organization of their choice. ‘’This has encouraged a large number of people in America to commit volunteering in their communities’’2. As it has been indicated, the Disney Company has made massive investment in social responsibility. The three areas, volunteerism, environment and the community

Physician Assisted Suicides Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Physician Assisted Suicides - Essay Example wal of the life-sustaining treatments or administering pain medication that will hasten death through impairing critical body organ functions such as respiration (Jeffrey 73). The recent efforts of legalizing physician-assisted suicide have triggered intense medical, legal and social debates on whether physicians must be granted the authority to assist patients to intentionally end their lives. Physicians have a professional responsibility of respecting the patient’s choice and thus assisted suicide will enable the patient’s escape the pain and suffering in case of terminal illnesses (Jeffrey 68). Furthermore, a well-regulated assisted suicide practice will eliminate the slippery slope and ensure proper decision-making in assisting the patients commit suicide. The paper is addressed to health care policy makers that are tasked with offering guidelines on physician-assisted suicides in different parts of the country on how standardized physician-assisted suicide will be beneficial to the health care sector. The paper will discuss the arguments that have been put forward for and against physician-assisted suicide. The paper will make a conclusion on why the federal government should consider legalizing and regulating the practice since it is beneficial for patients suffering from extreme suffering due to life-threatening illnesses. Thesis statement: the federal government should legalize physician-assisted suicide I believe the federal government should legalize physician-assisted suicide in order to eliminate the terminal pain and suffering experienced by patients suffering from acute diseases. Although many physicians claim that they have the professional responsibility of preserving life and enhancing health care even for the terminally ill patients, the physicians have the knowledge and skills to assess the hopelessness situations of some patients and thus should assist them in committing suicide rather than leaving the patient undergo unbearable suffering

Report Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Report - Research Paper Example They employ, train and support local workforce and its families. They have initiatives that allow employees to be active citizens in the community by showing their care for the communities. Moreover, the company advocates for civic engagement, tax contributions and volunteerism among its staffs. According to their website, the Company encourages good deeds via its Disney  VoluntEARS  program. It was initiated on Earth Day in 1995 to supports efforts of global and local non-profits that protect ecosystems, wildlife, and make a helpful impact on the community. Since its inauguration, the kitty has supported over $20 million projects in over 112 nations. Through the film, Disneynature, the company has shared important information and compelling stories that submerge audiences in the natural world. The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund supports efforts of global and local non-profits organizations that protect ecosystems, wildlife, and make a helpful impact on the community, Disney created a Green Standard agenda in 2008 to reduce their adverse impact on the environment. The program is directed at meetings/events, workplaces, dining and travels. Many more recycling bins have been introduced and hanging ads placed on in the hotel rooms reminding occupants to shut off the lights and water when not in use. These efforts are geared towards being more eco-friendly. The green standard has spread wide showing just how Disney has lobbied for environmental conservation. Volunteerism is a major center of attention for Disney. The company offers free tickets to a million individuals for them to offer a day of volunteer service to a community organization of their choice. ‘’This has encouraged a large number of people in America to commit volunteering in their communities’’2. As it has been indicated, the Disney Company has made massive investment in social responsibility. The three areas, volunteerism, environment and the community

Importance of having a scholarship in Canada Essay

Importance of having a scholarship in Canada - Essay Example In addition to financial and educational benefits, the scholarship provided me with career benefit. Earning a prestigious scholarship makes me a more attractive job candidate. Most employers understand the competitive nature of the scholarship and as such, they recognize scholarship as an accomplishment. It demonstrates to potential employers that I have exceptional abilities in the academic realm. Listing scholarship on my resume helps me to stand out when searching for a job and possibly help me to achieve the career that I want. The scholarship also came with personal benefit; it made a significant difference regarding how much resources and time that I had during college to spend to enhance my knowledge and experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, and service-learning. The security and money afforded by a scholarship allowed me to be more selective regarding how much I spend and how I spend my free time. I am delighted to have studied in Canada as the country prov ided me with an unforgettable experience. As I had mentioned earlier, I am originally from Saudi Arabia and I have lived for a while in the United States. Studying in Canada meant a lot to me; I was able to learn from the leading lecturers and in excellent modern facilities that inspired forward-thinking progress, and innovation. Regardless of the level of education one is pursuing, the cost of education in Canada is affordable and enables one to acquire globally recognized qualifications that will set them on the path to success.... It demonstrates to potential employers that I have exceptional abilities in the academic realm. Listing scholarship in my resume helps me to stand out when searching for a job and possibly help me to achieve the career that I want. The scholarship also came with personal benefit; it made a significant difference regarding how much resources and time that I had during college to spend to enhance my knowledge and experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, and service-learning. The security and money afforded by a scholarship allowed me to be more selective regarding how much I spend and how I spend my free time. I am delighted to have studied in Canada as the country provided me with unforgettable experience. As I had mentioned earlier, I am originally from Saudi Arabia and I have lived for a while in the United States. Therefore, studying in Canada provided me with a completely new form of experience. Studying in Canada meant a lot to me; I was able to learn from the lea ding lecturers and in excellent modern facilities that inspired forward thinking, progress, and innovation. Regardless of the level of education one is pursuing, the cost of education in Canada is affordable and enables one to acquire globally recognized qualifications that will set them on the path to success. I am no different. All my classes in Canada reflected multicultural and diverse society. Canada has high academic standards, as well as rigorous quality controls, which meant that I earned high-quality educational qualifications that will open doors for my future and be of great benefit to my long-term career goals. A Canadian certificate, diploma, or degree is recognized globally as being equivalent to

Population Growth and the Arising Environmental Issues Essay Example for Free

Population Growth and the Arising Environmental Issues Essay Population is determined by the relationship of two factors. One being birth rate and the other is death rate. If the number of deaths is less than the number of births then the population is growing larger. In John Laffins novel The Hunger to Come data is present showing that the population will continue to grow and not stop; About 2050 the population will be 15. 000 million, a century later 82. 000 million and by 2350 a frightening 440. 000 million will be reached(Engelman, 47). Like all living organisms, humans grow and reproduce; however, compared to the rate of which food is grown and supplied, the birth rate rises at a much faster rate. This compared rate of growth is known as the Malthusian relationship. The Malthusian relationship concludes that human population will eventually grow to be too big, to the point where there will not be enough food supply and other vital resources. When this happens, famine and/or death will occur, unless a plan is put into place regarding how to limit population growth. One main problem which results in the Malthusian relationship would be uncontrolled fertility. Since the death rate is decreasing due to medical advancements it allows more births to happen. Humans without doubt will create a baby faster than the supplies needed to support them. This results in birthrate being dropped down to zero population growth. This can happen in many ways, providing women with contraception (birth control), abortion centers and by creating laws to prevent couples from having more then two children. Education on family planning and birth control is a primary factor in restraining population growth. A common problem that people think is associated with overpopulation is having nowhere to put everyone, but there are also many other environmental issues that it causes. More humans will be using more cars, burning more fuel, eating more food and drinking more water. This causes more air pollution, more lands are ruined and more water and food to disappear. Therefore, population control is necessary on a global level in order to protect our environment. Population growth is ruining the earth’s oceans and water sources. This causes a decrease in earth’s water supply for the future. Due to the fact that water is vital to survive, the water sources being polluted will not do humans well. Besides water pollution, population growth also pollutes the air, which causes the greenhouse effect and reduction of the ozone layer. The greenhouse effect is when gases build up around the earths outer atmosphere which literally turns the earth into a greenhouse. What this means is that the heat allowed into the earth’s atmosphere is trapped inside and not aloud back out of the earth’s atmosphere. This results in an increase of the earths temperature, therefore it causes natural disasters such as hurricanes and due to the increased heat, crops do not grow properly. With the greenhouse effect comes the disappearing ozone layer. The main purpose of the ozone layer is to regulate the amount of UV light coming down to the earth’s surface from the sun. The chemical chlorofluorocarbon which is found in air conditioning systems, when in the air breaks down the ozone layer. This relates to population growth because of how many families are being produced everyday which results in more communities being built which means more houses. Therefore, this means more air-conditioning units will be in use, which results in the chemical chlorofluorocarbon being let out into the air and breaking down the ozone layer. With the ozone layer being broken down, more UV light enters the earth’s atmosphere and causes humans to gain skin diseases such as skin cancer. Therefore, if population growth is controlled and there is less people, less air conditioning will be used, global warming and the breaking ozone layer could be prevented. Main causes of air pollution are the use of cars and industrial plants, both which let loose harmful fumes into the air. Acid rain is a result of air pollution, it occurs when too many toxins are released into the air. It is made by fossil fuels being burnt then released into the air as a gas which then reacts with sunlight, oxygen and moisture. Acid rain when precipitated pollutes water and damages many materials and resources. Another downfall to cars with population growth is the fact of cars having air conditioning. This is because more chlorofluorocarbon will be let into the air from the car’s air conditioning. With the population increasing, it is creating air pollution which is harmful to all living organism because they need clean air, one of the most important necessities of life, to breathe. Population growth also threatens the earths farming resources. For example the desertification of land, this occurs when fertile land is turned into infertile land. This can happen from overgrazing of cattle, or the topsoil being carried away (erosion). If too much water is used, it can cause desertification which is mostly caused by a growing population. The more people need food, the more land is being used in the wrong way to try and make food. Another way population growth affects our outdoors is deforestation. Forests are cut down for the demand of fire wood, agricultural space, paper products and more space to live. However, forests are needed for more than human needs such as to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide let out into the atmosphere. Let it be known that population control will not end all the problems, but it would allow more time for them to be fixed and alienate environment problems. The earths environment is not infinite and can come to an end if population control was not started. Actions must be taken now to correct the current situations with the world involving population growth, these actions are the increase of deforestation and desertification, the decrease of farmland, more water pollution, the deteriorating ozone layer and the greenhouse effect. It is evident that there is no way our population can keep growing at the rate it does now without negatively impacting our environment.

Organizational Behaviour And Employee Development Business Essay

Organizational Behaviour And Employee Development Business Essay Can managers create employee motivation? Discuss with reference to the theoretical material outlined in the module. Motivation is the driving force in which human being achieve their goals. Motivation is the power that strengthens behavior, gives the route to the behavior and it triggers the tendency to continue. Motivation is a course that is concerned with a kind of strength that boosts the performance and directs one towards accomplishing some definite target. Motivation is a force that helps individual to achieve their desires. It is a strength that helps individual to stay focus and determined. Over the years many authors have defined motivation but up till date there is no single definition for motivation. According to Goddard et al (2006) it is an accumulation of diverse routes which put across and manipulates our activities to attaining some particular ambitions. However, despite different definition of motivation there are some common concerns expressed such as the individua lity phenomenon. Individual can be motivated differently due to their behavior, attitudes, goals and values. Employee behaviors can be change toward achieving success in an organization by applying a sort of motivation. Employee motivation is one of the policies that managers use to increase the effectual job management among the employees in the organization. An employee who is motivated is responsive of the goals and objectives that she or he must achieve and she therefore directs her efforts towards that direction. Motivation usually formulates an organization more successfully because the provoked employees are constantly looking for the improved practices to do the work. It is therefore important for organization to persuade employees motivation. One key factor in employee motivation is the opportunity that the employees want to continue to develop and grow the job and career enhancing skills. According to Goddard et al (2006) training is the planned intervention which is designed to enhance the determinants of an individuals job performance. Managers are individuals that are responsible for heading organizations. Managers are also accountable for overseeing of the various departments within an organization. In any organization, the management of employees should be the first priority of all managers. How employees functions within the organization is highly dependent on the relationship that they have with the management. Managers thus play a vital role in motivating employees. A motivated employee will be more productive and effective in his work station than an employee with strained relations with the manager. Managers should strive to maintain a positive relationship as such productive relationships enable managers to accomplish the organizational goals and objectives. Effective management allows managers to capitalize on the strengths of individuals employees. A manager can motivate his employees to use their strengths to see a business venture succeed. The success of a manager in encouraging his employees to be pro ductive translates to success in the organizational operations as the company is able to attain its set goals and objectives. Managers who have a vision for their organization can create employee motivation that will see an organization soar and become successful. According to McGregory (1960), the management should strive to organize the element of productive enterprise which includes the finances, raw materials, resources and the people within the organization. It is only through the proper management of these elements of productive enterprise that a manager can effectively lead an organization towards reaching its economic ends. The people within an organization refer to employees. The management is responsible for the direction, motivation and control of the actions of its employees  [i]  . The behavior of employees within an organization is reflective of the kind of leadership and management that persists within the organization. The active intervention of the management in the functioning of employees within an organization reduces the risks of resistance among employees. According to McGregory (1960) employees need to be persuaded, rewarded, directed, punished and controlled by the management. Managers need to establish the ideal approach to use so as to motivate employees to work harder and efficiently within the organization. The hard approach of management involves the use of coercion, threats and extreme control to get functions of the organization operational. The hard approach to management of employees may bear result, but it breeds negativity such as demoralization of employee, high employee turn out and sabotage of organization objectives. Alternatively, employees can choose to select the soft approach of managing employees. The soft approach of management involves satisfying employee demands, and emphasizing on harmony. The soft approach may be the ideal strategy, though it can also lead to abdication of management and indifferent performance. Managers should thus strive to establish a firm but fair approach that adopts bits of the hard and the soft approach of management of employees. Managers can also motivate its employees by considering the diverse needs of employees as presented in Maslows theory of human motivation. Managers should ensure that employees are able to meet their physiological needs by working in the organization. The job description that an individual undertake should be satisfactory enough in terms of financial benefits. An employee would be motivated to perform if his job enables him to meet his basic needs. Other needs such as safety needs, love needs and esteem needs. The management can motivate employees by reviewing the esteem needs of employees. This can be done by giving recognition to employees for their efforts. Managers should also hold each of employees with equal importance so as to motivate each to work in their respective work stations. Employees must be able to work in organizations that allow self actualization. Employees need to have a sense of growth and development as they work in their organizations. Managers can achieve thi s by engaging employees in strategies such as training and development programs. Employees will be motivated to work for institutions that give them a chance to grow. Managers must strive to see their employees receive training and educational opportunities as they work in the organization. The ability of an employee to shift from one job description to another motivates them to remain productive and efficient. Managers should motivate employees to perform by creating career growth opportunities. Training program within the organization are indicators that a manager desires to retain its employees. It is also an indicator that the management desires to take its employees to greater levels of achievement. Managers should ensure that the organization embraces an elaborate training system from the time an employee is hired. How the organization orientate a new employee is critical on the success of the organization. An orientation activity can drive or destroy employee relationships, which in turn affect their motivation and performance within the organization. Alderfer (1972) presents an alternative look of the human needs rather than the one provided by Maslow in his hierarchy of needs. Alderfers theory is known as the Existence, Relatedness and Growth (ERG) theory. The existence category as provided by Alderfer refers to the basic needs that human begins desire for so as to survive. These are basic needs such as food and shelter as provided in Maslows physiological and safety needs. Just like in Maslows an individual will be motivated to work for an organization that enable him to satisfy these needs. With this in mind manager should ensure that they adopt a pay system that guarantees reasonable payment to employees. The second category refers to needs associated, with relatedness and ability to form personal relationships. Managers should be able to create an environment that fosters unity and a sense of belonging among employees. A sense of belonging leads to productivity and performance as employees considers themselves a unit. The em ployees, as a unit, strive to achieve the organizations goals as well as set targets. An employee will be motivated to operate in an environment with warmth rather than hostility and conflict. Vroom (1964) the expectancy theory looked at how individual perceived the attractiveness of reward and how to achieve it. Individuals work in an organization with the intention of benefiting in one way. The reward system covers the drive to acquire among employees within an organization. Managers should strive to establish an elaborate reward scheme that note high performers and low performance. Rewards in the form of commissions and compensation packages to high performing employees motivate the winners to keep up the exemplary work. Similarly, those identified as average or low performers will strive to work harder. Subsequently, the organization ends up with a highly motivated team that strives to achieve the overall goals of the organization. Rewards for performance motivate employees to achieve the target that managers set for the organization. It is the incentives that the managers offer to the employees that determines their levels of motivation to see the company achieve its targets. Some individual may also think that the target is unattainable therefore affecting their expectations of meeting the set target It is the responsibility of managers to ensure that they create a healthy relationship with the employees. Employees must be able to function where they can demonstrate their potential without barriers. Creating an environment where employees work at their level best means that there is minimal conflict. Conflict interferes with the work environment; managers should thus strive to ensure that all employees understand the need to avoid all forms of conflict and focus on working in unison. Employees must function in a scenario where they trust each other; where employees are comfortable working with each other. It is the presence of such environments that employees feel motivated to work and become fully committed to the responsibilities assigned to them. The manager plays a vital role in ensuring that employees have healthy relations at the workplace. The manger must take the role of the team leaders. As a team leader, he should strive to understand and know his employees well. It through understanding their employees well that the manager will understand the interests and specialization of each employees. He will then assign task and responsibilities based on the employees specialization. A motivated employee is one who is given an opportunity to demonstrate his potential, managers can encourage this by allowing employees to select task and responsibilities they believe they can perform best. Managers should also motivate their employees by being good role models. Manager should encourage team work and working towards one goal. He should also avoid negative subjectivism as well as partialities that strain relationships in the workplace. Acts of favoritism of some employees over others should be avoided. Managers should also strive to compliment employees when they perform exceptionally. Similarly, he should correct them when they fail to perform as expected. The model job characteristics which consist of five core dimension help to describes motivation in the context of job satisfaction. ( Hackman and Oldhams 1975). The five core dimensions that can be associated with job satisfaction levels of employees within an organization. The skill variety the extent to which an employee is required to used multiple or different level of skills. The core dimension is task identity this is where an individual is identifiable in completing a piece of work from start to finish. The third core dimension is task significance whether an individual job affect other people work which relate to the importance of the work. The fourth core dimension is autonomy the freedom or discretion for people to perform and organized work. The fifth core dimension the task feedback this is the feedback that employee receive after completion of task. It could also be feedback receive on job performance. The element of bonding within an organization determines the ability of employees to work together and achieve set goals. The sense of belonging that employees achieve within an organization determines their level of motivation. Managers can strive to enhance the motivation levels of employees by formulating an organization culture that promotes positive aspects of work such as team work, collaboration and friendship. Managers should strive to foster mutual reliance and friendship among employees. Employees must be able to recognize each other as not only co-workers, but also friends who they can entrust with their personal stories. The ability of implementing a strong culture that emphasizes on oneness encourages best practices within the organization. The third drive is the drive to comprehend events and situations that occur around human beings. It is by understanding different aspects of events that individuals are able to establish reasonable actions and responses. In the workplace, the drive to comprehend means that employees must be capable of making viable contributions. Manager should be able to create job descriptions that pose a challenge to the employees. Challenging job descriptions give employees an opportunity to learn and grow. It also eliminates the risk of monotony which discourages employees as they feel trapped and without any prospects of growth  [ii]  . Managers should also strive to give employees job designs that are distinct and give important roles for employees within the organization. The job designs must be meaningful so that employees get a sense of purpose within the organization. Employees must be able to see that there are integral parts of the organization due to the specific role they are under taking within the organization. Creating a feeling of security and confidence Manager should ensure that they participate in transparent performance management and resource allocation process. Employees who are certain of their job security regardless of business actions such as mergers and acquisitions are motivated to perform rather than employees that are unsure of their future within the organization. Managers should ensure that they engage in fair organizational process. If the management intends to engage in a retrenchment exercise for instance, they should strive to ensure all employees comprehend the need of the restricting exercise and the effects of the process  [iii]  . Manager should also be just and transparent in processes such as rewarding and recognizing employees for their efforts within the organization. According to Gitman, McDaniel, (2008) managers who desire to motivate their employees to perform exemplary must be able to detect talent among employees. A manager can detect positive traits among a few employees. Instead of picking out the exemplary employees from the rest, an ideal manager will formulate a strategy to capitalize on these unique traits. The manager must determine an effective strategy to capture a talent and turn it into performance. In any organization, it is impossible to find employees that function the same way. Employees exhibit different skills and talents that a manager must be able to tap and use to realize the company success. A manager that focuses on employee strength is able to lead the employee to success. The manager is also able to encourage employees to embrace the spirit of team work that they can rely on so as to achieve organizational objectives. Conclusion Employees are valuable assets of any institution; it is the responsibility of management, to ensure that he employees have the morale to work and see the organization soar to success. Managers should take a hand-on approach in their management efforts. Employees need to see their managers putting as much effort in seeing the company succeeds. Manager should be the role models of their employees by guiding them through hardships of employment. Managers can also select the ideal approach to handle the employees. The hard approach may appear too dictatorial, whereas the soft approach may lead to lack of seriousness on the part of the employees. A middle stand enables the managers to be strict, but helpful to employees to achieve their greatest potential. Managers should also consider having a training and development strategy to assist its employees grow. Employees will be motivated to work for an employer who takes the time to see their employees grow and develop in their career paths. Managers must also adopt reasonable pay and compensation packages that will motivate employees to perform. The pay and compensation package must be one that enables employees to meet their basic needs and also secure their future. Reference Alderfer, C. (1972). Existence, relatedness and growth: human needs in organizational settings. London: New York: free press. Bratton (2007) extract from motivation at work, in work and organizational behavior, pp257-269, 272-273 and 487-519. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Gitman, L. McDaniel, C. (2008). The future of business. ASTD Publishers Herzberg, F. (1962) work and the nature of man. London: staple press. Cengage learning Maslow, A. (1943) a theory of human motivation, psychology review 50:370-396. McGregor, D. (1960) the human side of enterprise. New York: London: Mcgraw-hill Lauby, S. (2005). Motivating employees. Cengage Learning Vroom, V. (1964) work and motivation, New York: Wiley

Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich :: Selling in Minnesota

The chapter, Selling in Minnesota, had some disturbing information about the low wage life. As I read, I learned that every place the author went to apply, such as a Wal-Mart and a Home Depot type place called Menards, required the applicant to pass a drug test. The author went out and had to buy detox for $30, but can be up to $60. Also, I learn that 81% of employers do drug test their future employees. I don’t like this statistic, in part because I tried getting a job at Marshall Field’s restaurant and they required me to pass a drug test. Luckily, another employer called me before my scheduled drug screening (which I had planned on passing by being really sneaky and using the urine of a friend of mine), so I took that job offer and everything worked out well. The reason I don’t agree with the drug testing required to access most entry-level jobs, is because the only drugs they actually test for is Marijuana. Cocaine and heroine leave the body within three days, and other drugs aren’t even tested for. So that leaves the most commonly used illicit drug, and one that has the least affect on the user, to be tested for.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When the author first moved to Minnesota, she lived in a friend of a friend’s apartment until she could find another apartment. The friend is out of town and required that the author takes care of her canary in order for her to stay there. The bird, which the author comes to call Budgie, is really annoying and has to be let out of its cage a few times or otherwise it will go crazy in the cage. The author looks extremely had to find an apartment to stay at. Apparently, there is only a less than 1% apartment vacancy in Minnesota. Also, the only apartments that are available are defiantly not accessible to entry-level employees, offering hot tubs and over $1000 a month payments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the places that the author tried to get a job at required that the employee had lived in Minnesota for at least one year.