John dillinger Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

John dillinger - Research Paper Example His mother died when he was barely three and his father, an industrious grocer, brought him up in an environment of disciplinary extremes, at times harsh and repressive, but permissive and generous at other times. When Dillinger‘s father married another wife six years later, he became devoted to his step-mother who took care of him as if he were her own son. He went to Public school No. 38 but he became tired of school and quit before finishing grade eight and got a job in a veener mill (Kekionga Press, 6). Dillinger quickly lost interest with the job and he stayed out all night most of the times. Bothered that city temptations would corrupt his son, Dillinger‘s father, moved his family to a farm near Mooresville, Indiana, but this did not change him – he started running wild within no time. He later joined the navy, following trouble with the law (theft) and a break with his father. However, he soon got himself into problems and left his ship after docking in Bost on.

Academic Integrity Essay Example for Free

Academic Integrity Essay Andre Gide once said: â€Å"Be faithful to that which exists within yourself.† That is, even if cheating does not hurt others, it hurts the one who cheats. This is the meaning of integrity. It means acting in a way of which one can be proud. This concept can easily be applied to academics. Specifically, it is important to generate your own ideas and information rather than using the internet to do all of the thinking for you. This is the problem with modern students: rather than actually going to the library to do some traditional research using books (the publication of which requires heavy scrutiny), the average student prefers to â€Å"Google† the information (the publication of which requires nothing more than internet access). Thus, students often find themselves in a position where their academic integrity is called into question; it is far too easy to copy and paste information when one feels a great deal of stress to complete an assignment. When it comes to academics, modern students should strive to have more integrity. See more: Unemployment problems and solutions essay More often than not, the average student seeks an immediate answer by going into Google and asking it a question. This passes for â€Å"research† today. The trouble with this method is that, once an obstacle is encountered, the average student declares, â€Å"I could not find any research on my subject.† Beyond the fact that the research skills are poor, the next issue is the fact that, once the student finds research, he or she does not know what to do with the information. That is, there appears to be no attempt at explaining the significance of the research, or asking substantial questions in response to it. Rather, students will copy the information into their own assignments as if to say, â€Å"There! I’ve written a research paper because I did research and I inserted it into my paper.† This is where academic integrity comes in. Having academic integrity means that one does research properly. It means that one actively seeks out answers to questions, and goes beyond the surface of what one found. One does not simply collect information and ideas like a child collects rocks for display; one makes an honest attempt to â€Å"get to the bottom† of an issue, so to speak. Furthermore, academic integrity means that, when submitting one’s work, one always ensures that proper credit is given for all ideas and information that were not generated by the writer himself or herself. I implore you to consider the academic value of the research you are doing. Are you doing it to better yourself and demonstrate your learning? Are you being â€Å"faithful to that which exists within yourself† as Gide asks? Or are you simply taking a shortcut and shortchanging yourself?

Freudian Division Of Mind Applied To Characters Of Lord Of The Flies :: essays research papers

â€Å"Freud described the Ego as being like a rider on a horse (the Id), trying to hold the horse in check. It mediates between the Id and the outside world, in the sense of being aware both of the Id's energies and of what the outside world will allow. The Super Ego is a sort of conscience, the place where injunctions to behave properly, learned or inherited from people like parents, teachers and priests, reside. Freud says the person is the focal point of a struggle between our desires (Id), what is realistic (Ego), and the views of others (Super Ego).† David B. Stevenson of Brown University is responsible for this quote that gives a simplistic idea of the Freudian Division of the Human Mind. The description is fairly self-explanatory, but a better understanding of the three concepts can be made by thinking of Satan as the Id, Jesus as the Super Ego, and humans as the ego, caught between the two forces. In William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, these Freudian co ncepts can be applied to the characters of Jack, Piggy, Simon, and Ralph. Jack fits into the concept of the Id overpowering the Ego and Super Ego, as is seen in his violent urges and carrying out of killing things and the negative steps he takes in getting there. Piggy and Simon fit into the concept of the Super Ego, in the sense that Piggy is logical and proper in his actions, and Simon cares about other people and is empathetic and good-willed in his ways. Ralph fits into the concept of the Ego, as he is caught between the Super Ego (Piggy and Simon) and the Id (Jack). Ralph knows what is right and what is wrong, but at times he can be mean or not feel sorry for people. An in-depth analysis of how each character exemplifies each Freudian division is well deserved. To begin with, the Id is what provides the most primal urges and instinctual drives that want to fulfill desires, even if those desires are not allowed or are looked down upon by society. Jack well embodies the Id, as his main goal on the island is to â€Å"Kill the pig! Cut her throat! Bash her in† (page 75)! This is obviously very violent and primal, not too useful, and is meant as a source of joy or pleasure.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Essay

Abstract Human behavior can be explained by a variety of biological, psychosocial, and environmental factors interacting on a person over time. The values, beliefs, and goals that determine the behaviors one engages in are developed through cognitive processes unique to each individual as a result of the interplay between previous learning and the aforementioned factors. When considered together, the Model of Human Occupation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy give an explanation for this view of human behavior. These frames of reference are reviewed in regards to their conceptions of behavior, dysfunction, treatment approach, and their relevance to occupational therapy. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and the Model of Human Occupation Man is an open system that can change and develop through interaction with the environment. Behavior is an expression of psychosocial, biological, and environmental factors interacting within the system. Biological factors may predispose someone to a certain disease or dysfunction which may be expressed in the presence of stress. Factors such as family structure, work environment, and culture can contribute to positive or negative experiences from which an individual learns. There is an innate drive within humans for self-efficacy; the ultimate goal is to master one’s environment. A person’s values, beliefs, and goals determine the behaviors one engages in to accomplish the ultimate goal of environmental mastery. These values, beliefs, and goals are developed through cognitive processes unique to each individual and are a result of the interplay between previous learning and psychosocial, biological, and environmental factors throughout life. Because each person’s cognitive processes are unique, experiences are subjectively interpreted in different ways. People react in context with their desire for environmental mastery and their personal beliefs and values learned throughout life. When considered together, the Model of Human Occupation and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy frame of reference give an explanation of behavior that includes psychosocial, biological and environmental factors  while maintaining the importance of cognition. The purpose of this paper is to review how Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and the Model of Human Occupation explain behavior, dysfunction, treatment approach, and their relevance to occupational therapy. Theory Kielhofner and Burke’s Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) (1980) believes that humans have an innate drive for exploration and mastery of their respective environments. Man interacts with the environment though engagement in occupation. Occupations are the means through which an individual pursues their goals. Within this model, occupations are defined as complex, organized groups of goal-oriented behaviors (Bruce & Borg, 1993). One’s chosen actions and occupations are a meaningful reflection of personal beliefs and goals for environmental mastery. Mastery is the extent to which an individual perceives the result of their behavior as effective, efficient, and satisfying (Stein & Cutler, 1998). MOHO postulates an open systems theory in regards to human behavior. â€Å"An open system is an organized complex of subsystems that are in dynamic interaction. The system is, in turn, in dynamic interaction with its environment. All parts are maintained and transformed through this dynamic interaction† (Kielhofner & Burke, 1980, p. 573). The open system interacts with the environment through a process of input, throughput, output, and feedback. Input is information from the environment; throughput is the processing of input by the internal cognitive structures of a human; output is the mental, physical, and social aspects of behavior; and feedback is information from the environment about the consequences of a behavior (1980). The open system can be divided into a hierarchical arrangement of three subsystems that are responsible for behavior. The highest level governing over behavior is volition. This is the underlying, energizing component behind behavior responsible for which one will be chosen and initiated. Volition is determined by one’s innate drive to master his/her environment, as well as his/her beliefs surrounding a behavior (Bruce & Borg, 1993).  Personal causation, values, and interests comprise volition. Personal causation is the motivation and expectations surrounding a behavior. It incorporates past successes and failures to form images of self-efficacy. Values represent the importance of certain behaviors to an individual. Interests are determined by the pleasure one derives from engaging in a specific occupation (Kielhofner & Burke, 1980). Volition is believed to govern over the lower subsystems of the hierarchy (Kielhofner & Burke, 1980). The middle subsystem is defined as habituation. Habituation is responsible for organizing behavior into roles, patterns, and routines. Roles reflect a group of behaviors with which an individual may have certain expectations of performance. The individual’s beliefs and society influence these expectations. Roles contribute to self-identity and influence behavior. This organization allows for certain behaviors to be performed automatically and adapted to various environments. Performance, the lowest subsystem within the hierarchy, consists of the skills necessary for producing behavior. These include perceptual-motor processing skills, cognition, and communication. The function of the performance subsystem is to produce behaviors called upon by volition and habituation, which are located higher in the hierarchy of the human system (Bruce & Borg, 1993). MOHO’s governing subsystem, volition, can be compared to the concept of cognition described by the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy frame of reference. Through this comparison, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides an explanation for the acquisition and structure of volitional system. The major theorists under CBT believe that cognitive structures such as beliefs, thinking styles, problem-solving styles, and coping styles as well as the environment are the determinants of behavior (Johnston, 1987). The above structures are represented by a schema, which is developed through reactions to social, environmental, and genetic influences over time. A schema is defined as the global cognitive processes associated with past experience (Bootzin, 1988). Schema can be influenced by positive and negative experiences, such as culture, family structure, and social roles. Another assumption of CBT is that people are capable of guiding the course of their lives via their thoughts. Ellis, as cited in Barris, Kielhofner, and Watts (1988), believes that â€Å"humans are responsible for their emotions and behavior, as having the potential to create personal meaning, and as behaving in ways influenced by thought processes rather than determined by unconscious forces† (p. 92). The concept of personal responsibility for behavior is also incorporated into MOHO through the volitional system. This subsystem is responsible for choices regarding behavior. According to CBT theorists, the cognitive events responsible for behavior are learned. Albert Bandura’s theory of social learning explains how learning impacts cognition and behavior. Learning is seen as an outcome of the interaction between behavior, person, and environment. People choose behaviors based on expectancy, or what they anticipate will happen if a behavior is performed. Therefore, individuals are more likely to perform a specific behavior if they believe the results will lead to something they want (Bruce & Borg, 1993). Personal causation, a component of volition, is responsible for expectancy and links Bandura’s theory to MOHO. Reinforcement influences whether behaviors are performed. These can be external, vicarious or self-produced. External reinforcement comes from the environment in many forms, including social praise/acceptance, rewards, privileges or penalties. Vicarious reinforcement is the individual’s values and previously learned images of success or failure associated with a particular behavior. Self-produced reinforcement involves the interpretation of a behavior as satisfying or unsatisfying. Personal satisfaction is seen as the best reinforcement for behavior (1993). Thus, behavior is driven by the goal of self-efficacy, an idea shared by MOHO. This feeling of satisfaction after occupational performance develops into a sense of effectiveness. Satisfaction alters CBT’s cognition and MOHO’s volitional subsystem, making it more likely for a behavior to occur again. Bandura explains that personal experience, modeling, and observational learning are ways behaviors are acquired. Cognition plays a major role in the selection of behaviors because people will repeat behaviors they believe will have positive outcomes (Cole, 1998). Cognitive appraisal is the internal processing, which occurs between the stimulus and response. Behaviors are elicited after this cognitive appraisal  occurs. One’s beliefs and values are derived from the cognitive appraisal of events over time (Bootzin, 1988). The process of cognitive appraisal is synonomous with MOHO’s concept of throughput, a process that also elicits behaviors. Some behaviors performed daily over time do not require extensive cognitive appraisal. Aaron Beck describes these behaviors as automatic thoughts (Bruce & Borg, 1993). People do not recognize the problem-solving and internal cognition associated with these automatic thoughts. Automatic thoughts are closely related to the habituation subsystem in MOHO. Behavior Change Within the human system, each subsystem and the environment are interdependent. A disturbance in functioning in one of the subsystems will affect all the subsystems requiring the person to adapt to the resultant changes. The system changes throughout a lifetime to respond to the changing demands and expectations of the environment (Kielhofner & Burke, 1980). Restructuring or restoration of any of the internal subsystems as well as the environment can mediate behavior change. The process of feedback informs the system of the consequences of behavior. During feedback, actual performance is compared to the expected outcome, which helps the system adjust its performance and restructure the internal hierarchy. Feedback also shapes self-images created by the personal causation component (1980). Treatment can target behavior change directly at the volitional level by changing the cognitive structures associated with personal causation, values, and interests thereby affecting the lower level s of the system. Other levels may be impacted through environmental modification or increasing occupational performance by strengthening performance components or improving habits. Improving performance will alter one’s perception of the effectiveness of a behavior, thereby changing volition (Bruce & Borg, 1993). In the healthy, well functioning individual, the volitional level governs behavior. Comparisons could be made between MOHO and CBT over the role volition and cognition play in the acquisition and determination of behavior. CBT’s central tenet states that behavior change occurs only when  the beliefs surrounding the behavior are altered. Similarly, MOHO’s construct of personal causation represents the beliefs surrounding a behavior. Cognition allows man to regulate his behavior. Behaviors are determined by one’s expectations of the outcome and efficacy of a behavior, therefore the thoughts behind expectations must change for behavior to change. According to Bandura, self-produced reinforcement is the most effective way to change expectancy. This requires observational learning or participation in an activity, in which the consequences of behavior are perceived to be successful, thus changing one’s expectations about the effectiveness of that behavior. Oth er CBT theorists, such as Beck and Ellis believe people can be taught to view the world in a more accurate way, which alters behavior. This approach targets changes in behavior through the alteration of irrational thinking patterns. This involves evaluation of the validity of thoughts; formulation of new, more rational thoughts; and practice of the new thinking styles (Bruce & Borg, 1993). Depression According to MOHO, when considering a dysfunction such as depression, the individual must be viewed holistically to determine where in the open system a breakdown has occurred. Because the subsystems are interdependent, the depressed feelings may be caused by a disturbance in any of the subsystems or the environment. This disturbance will subsequently affect engagement in occupation. Disruptions of occupational performance due to biological dysfunction, harsh environmental circumstances, or a negative schema are possible explanations for depression according to this frame of reference. Unrealistic expectations or imbalance of roles within the habituation system may also lead to dysfunction (Kielhofner & Burke, 1980). The factors mentioned above lead to disturbance in occupational behavior causing the feelings of depression and incompetence. For example, a physical disability may alter a client’s performance of important occupations, thereby affecting their expectations, belief s, habits, and roles surrounding the behavior. If the client perceives the performance as negative, motivation regarding the behavior will decrease, interests will change and a negative self-image may occur within the volitional system. An eclectic approach to treatment is required due to the many factors influencing behavior (Miller, et al, 1988). It may be appropriate to concentrate on negative beliefs within the volitional system, or on a lower subsystem that is disrupted, causing the negative feelings to occur. Environmental modification or improvement in the performance or habituation subsystems may help bring forth changes in volition by improving expectancy. It is necessary to consider occupational performance because engagement in occupation is meaningful to the individual and the means through which one pursues his/her goals. Occupational analysis, an evaluation technique, identifies where the disturbance in an occupation occurs. The steps include â€Å"observation of the environment, evaluation of how an occupation can promote a sense of purpose and identify one’s values and interests, anticipation of how occupation contributes to goal fulfillment, consideration for the performance skills required to engage in the occupation, and evaluation of the balance of work, play and daily living tasks† (Bruce & Borg, 1993). The application of CBT to treatment for a depressed individual may help restructure volition. According to CBT theorists, faulty, irrational thinking and inaccurate self-perception cause dysfunction. It is assumed that people can control their cognition; therefore, self-regulation of behavior, thoughts, and feelings through the use of logic and deductive reasoning is possible (Cole, 1998). Consequently, it would be necessary to aim treatment of a depressed individual at cognitive restructuring. Beck hypothesizes that dysfunction is caused by â€Å"automatic thoughts, which reflect habitual errors in thinking† (Cole, 1998, p. 131). Depression is thought to be the result of the â€Å"cognitive triad†: self-devaluation, negative view of life experiences and a pessimistic view of the future (Bootzin, 1988). The rationale of Beck’s cognitive therapy is that behavior change comes from cognitive change. Therapy focuses on alteration of negative schema including identification of negative thoughts, evaluation of their validity, formulation of more realistic, positive responses and modification of the dysfunctional attitudes that underlie the negative thoughts. The Socratic method is utilized to allow the individual to discover the irrational beliefs for themselves (Bruce and Borg, 1993).  Specific techniques include development of assertive beliefs, identification of personal rights, thought-stopping, role reversal, and symbolic modeling. By improving one’s performance and thoughts behind behavior, self-produced reinforcement can occur, thus changing beliefs about that behavior (1993). In a longitudinal study of newly injured persons with spinal cord injury (Craig, Hancock, Dickson, & Chang, 1997), levels of depression were compared between groups receiving CBT services in addition to traditional rehabilitation services to those who received no CBT during hospitalization. A psychologist and occupational therapist provided CBT to small groups over a ten-week period. Topics addressed during CBT included anxiety, depression, self-esteem, assertion, sexuality, and family relations. The therapists utilized cognitive restructuring techniques, relaxation, deep-breathing exercises, and visualization. From the follow-up measures of the patients one year post-treatment, the researchers found that the treatment group had greater levels of improvement in depression scores over time in comparison to the controls. It was also found that those with the highest levels of depression before treatment were significantly less depressed one year after treatment. The authors concluded t hat while not every person with spinal cord injury needs CBT, those with high levels of depression may benefit the most from CBT. Application to Occupational Therapy According to MOHO, a person interacts with the environment through engagement in occupation. MOHO and the professions of occupational therapy believe that engagement in occupation mediates change in capacities, beliefs, and occupational roles (Stein & Cutler, 1998). Assessment should include the subsystems, the feedback loop, organization of occupations in life, and the environment. Thorough assessment will assist the OT in developing a picture of occupational function and dysfunction as well as treatment goals (Miller, et al., 1988). MOHO provides a framework for an occupational therapist to find an explanation for occupational function and dysfunction. The OT should apply whichever theories, modalities, and facilitative activities that best meet the treatment goals of the individual, however goals should reflect the  client’s values. A case study by Pizzi (1990) examined the clinical application of MOHO to treatment of an adult with AIDS. The physical, psychosocial, and environmental dysfunctions encountered by persons with HIV and AIDS affect all aspects of a person’s occupational functioning. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the subsystems within the human system as well as the environment was required. This assessment allowed for the formulation of a treatment plan that met the complex needs of the client with AIDS. This case study shows how MOHO acts as a framework for a therapist to picture a client holistically when determining function and dysfunction, but does not necessarily prescribe a specific treatment technique. CBT fills the gaps left by MOHO in outlining specific treatment approaches in regards to disturbances in cognition. Mahoney, as cited in Barris, Kielhofner, and Watts (1998), states that when following the CBT frame of reference, â€Å"the resultant task of the therapist is that of a diagnostician-educator who assesses maladaptive cognitive processes and subsequently arranges learning experiences that will alter cognitions and the behavior and affect patterns with which they correlate† (p. 90). An occupational therapist coming from CBT frame of reference should evaluate person-environment match; self-image, goals, and self-acceptance; the client’s view of the environment; learning style and appropriate reinforcements; and environmental expectations and demands to help in the development of treatment goals (Cole, 1998). The goals set in treatment can serve as guidelines for clients to monitor their self-regulation and measure progress (1998). CBT relates to the practice of occupational therapy in that  Ã¢â‚¬Å"cognitive behavioral skills may not be the traditional skills associated with occupational therapy, but they involve basic interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and self-management skills. As such, they are often prerequisites to the ability to perform effectively in the roles of player, student or worker† (Johnston, 1987). Johnston outlined how an occupational therapist might use a CBT approach.  Acting as an educator/facilitator, the OT would target skills such as problem solving, communication, and assertiveness. Techniques for treatment include the breakdown of skills into simpler steps, client examination of thoughts and assumptions regarding the skills, teaching of new skills, and practice of the skills (1987). Social learning theory provides a treatment model for occupational therapy. Bandura’s philosophy agrees with the logic of occupational therapy, â€Å"doing facilitates change† (Bruce & Borg, 1993, p. 211). According to Bandura, reinforcement is what motivates learning. OT’s must determine the level of reinforcement and motivation required by each client for effective learning to occur (Cole, 1998). Engagement in activities allows clients to change thoughts of themselves from incapable to capable. By grading these activities, mastery of simple tasks occurs before difficult tasks are attempted. This grading allows the client to develop feelings of competence. These feelings of competence are self-reinforcing, which is in concordance with the highest level of reinforcement identified by Bandura (1998). Yakobina, Yakobina, and Tallant (1997) discussed how an occupational therapist might apply the CBT frame of reference to the treatment process of women with dysthymic disorder. The OT would act as an educator and emphasize the therapeutic use of pleasurable activities during treatment. The therapist would attempt to change negative thought patterns and facilitate the development of problem solving skills necessary to cope with daily activities by engaging in role-playing, group discussions, and homework assignments. In addition to traditional CBT techniques, engagement in occupation would allow the depressed person to test the validity of her negative assumptions. Conclusion As reviewed in this paper, the MOHO and CBT frames of reference both view behavior as the result of the interaction between a person and their  environment. The complex interplay between biological, psychosocial, and environmental factors influences the way people view themselves and the world. Those cognitive processes determine what behaviors a person will engage in, as well as how the consequences are interpreted. Lazarus, as cited in Johnston (1987), explains the interaction between cognition and the environment, â€Å"the way a person moves or behaves can be adversely influenced by emotions, sensations, and the way people behave toward them. Conversely, if a person changes some aspect of his behavior, this change will alter his cognitions, emotions, sensations, and self-image† (p. 73). Together, MOHO and CBT provide a way to understand behavior and how change occurs. MOHO acts as a framework for understanding the interdependent nature of humans and their environment. CBT provides an explanation for the cognitive processes seen by both frames as the commanding structures over behavior, as well as several treatment approaches to induce change in behavior. Applying the two frames of reference when formulating a treatment approach allows the therapist to individualize treatment while considering the multi-faceted nature of humans. Additionally, both frames see the engagement in occupation as an important mediator of change in the treatment process. References Barris, R., Kielhofner, G., & Watts, J. H. (1988). Cognitive approaches to therapy. In G. Kielhofner (Ed.), Bodies of knowledge in psychosocial practice (pp. 89-100). Thorofare, NJ: Slack. Bootzin, R. R., & Acocella, J. R. (1988). Abnormal psychology: Current perspectives (5thed.). New York: Random House. Bruce, M. A. & Borg, B. (1993). Psychosocial occupational therapy: Frames of reference for intervention. Thorofare, NJ: Slack. Craig, A. R., Hancock, K., Dickson, H., & Chang, E. (1997). Long-term psychological outcomes in spinal cord injured person: Results of a controlled trial using cognitive behavior therapy. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 78, 33-38. Cole, M. B. (1998). Group dynamics in occupational therapy: The theoretical basis and practice application of group treatment (2nd ed.). Thorofare, NJ: Slack. Johnston, M. T. (1987). Occupational therapists and the teaching of cognitive-behavioral skills. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 7 (3), 69-81. Miller, R. J., Sieg, K. W., Ludwig, F. M., Shortridge, S. D., & Van Deusen, J. (1988). Gary Kielhofner. In Six perspectives on theory for the practice of occupational therapy (pp. 169-204). Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers. Pizzi, M. (1990). The model of human occupation and adults with HIV infection and AIDS. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 44, 257-263. Stein, F. & Culter, S. K. (1998). Theoretical models underlying the clinical practice of psychosocial occupational therapy. In Psychosocial occupational therapy: A holistic approach. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Group. Yakobina, S., Yakobina, S. & Tallant, B. K. (1997). I came, I thought, I conquered: cognitive behavior approach applied in occupational therapy for the treatment of depressed females. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 13 (4), 59-73.

City Life Essay

City life has got to be one of the most exciting places to live. Many people seem to think city life is too fast paced or too fake for them to enjoy a city life. Living in the city for me seems to be one of the most exciting places to be. Hearing all of the hustle and bustle going on outside of my house, seems to give me a since, that I am not alone in this world. There are many reasons I love the city life, but there are three main reasons and they are entertainment, transporation and cost, and being able to experiences ethnic diversity. To begin with, there are many reasons I like the city life. Entertainment is the most exciting part about city life. For instance, being able to go out and have a good time at any bar within walking distance from my house is one of the greatest pluses to living in the city. There are also a lot of theaters to go and see shows. Besides this, cities also provide many fine opportunities for amusement and recreation. In every city there are a number of cinema houses and theatres, where we can enjoy the best pictures and dramatic performance. There are also a number of restaurants and hotels where we can get food, tea, etc, of the finest quality. There are also many parks and gardens where we can enjoy natural beauty at is best. The markets of the city, specially when brilliantly lighted at night, are better than many exhibitions and fairs. Futhermore, transportation is very accessible in the city. Transportation and costs is a factor that many people think about when moving; cities tend to have public transportation because of traffic congestion. The city life offers many means of public transportation; which includes taxis, buses, subways, and airports. When you live the city, there is always public transportation for people to get around. You can easily catch or call a taxi, ride the local bus, the subway, and others. So, if a person in the city doesn’t have the money to buy a car, they can still find a way to make it to work or get around to do daily errands. The public transportation system also gives teenagers a way to hangout with friends, and find things to do in or around town. Without available public transportation, people must always have a reliable car to get around. Finally, Experiencing cultural diversity is the quality of diverse or variety cultures. The concept of ethic cultural diversity has a very wide scope and is being practiced by people and organizations all over the world. Experiencing a new ethic or creed can open you up to many new things, which includes language, different foods, etc. Discussing different cultures with people of another country can help give you an idea of how different America is from other places. Sometimes Americans only think about America and not how other countries do things. Talking to someone of another country gives more respect for them and there countries. You learn how different they live and it makes you appreciate their way of living. In Conclusion, there are many advantages and disadvantages of living in the city compared to living in the country. Living in the city can be a very exciting place to live and work. Entertainment, Transportation and costs, and experiences ethnic diversity are a few reasons why living in the city is beneficial than the country.

agriculture Essays

Food/agriculture Essays Food/agriculture Essay Food/agriculture Essay Name: Tutor: Course: Date: Food and Agriculture Agriculture is an economic activity that was practiced in the past in order to get food. The growth of plants relied purely on natural conditions to provide for a meal. This was a common culture among most traditional societies. Over the years, technology has developed, and improvements on the field of agriculture have been made. These changes are more efficient as compared to shifting agriculture, which was practiced before. Shifting agriculture is a traditional method of growing plants. The method involves cutting and burning down trees to expose soil nutrients. After burning the trees, crops are grown to utilize the exposed nutrients before they wear out from the soil. This takes roughly three years. Various changes have been made to the shifting method of agriculture. One of the changes is by using a polyculture system, which involves the growth of different species of plants in a small area. The use of polyculture instead of the shifting method has some advantages. Planting of different crops in one area provides ample shade for shorter crops and prevents them from dying due to excess exposure from the sun. It is also useful in providing nitrogen to plants that lack enough nutrients. Planting crops close to each other facilitates easy transfer of nitrogen through nitrogen-adding legumes. Polyculture also reduces the risks of pests attacking crops. Some crops have insect repellent properties and planting them close to others without this characteristic protects them from being damaged. Other changes made include the use of machinery that helps in planting and harvesting crops. Traditionally, people employed the use of manual labor to conduct these activities. The method was efficient in small pieces of land that did not require heavy equipment for planting and harvesting. However, manual labor had the disadvantage of consuming time. As a result, only a small area was covered meaning production levels were low. Labor-intensive mining was also inefficient because it depended purely on human effort. Human labor was not fully reliable because people get exhausted. However, it was a cheap and simple method of farming that exposed people to minimal risks as compared to the use of machinery. The method to use depended largely on the type of crop to be planted. The changes made were good because they relieved humans from exhausting their energy, through the introduction of fuel-powered machines. The machines have also improved the efficiency quality and quantity of output due to their computerized nature. Although they advantageous, they have some demerits. The method is expensive to purchase, maintain and repair. The equipment also comes with added expenses such as fuel costs and possibly, human labor to operate the machine. These expenses do not facilitate the growth of a variety of crops. Growth of a single species of crops over time reduces soil nutrients and makes farmers rely heavily on fertilizers. The continued use of fertilizers leads to poor soil profile. This week, food has been obtained mostly from the supermarket and included processed meat and grains. Most foods from supermarkets are processed by companies by using technology and small portions of organic products. Most of the synthetic foods are made to alter the nutrients of the product while maintaining the taste. Before acquiring the knowledge on synthetic foods, their origin was unknown. After doing extensive research on them, knowledge was gained on their origin. It is evident that synthetic foods like sausages come from original meat, from animals. The original meat passes through a series of stages that alters the nutrients and shape of the product. This is done to increase the protein content in most cases. Chemicals are also added to the meat in to change the nutrient orientation and contents of the product. In most cases, the chemicals make food tastier and allow easy digestion. Genetically modified foods are created to enhance the resistance of products to pests, insects and adverse weather conditions. Further research on synthetic foods showed that they are genetically modified organic products (GMO). All animals and plants have genetic properties like humans. Altering the genetics nature of any plant or animal generates a GMO product. Conventional agricultural methods have brought about negative implications on the environment. The use of monoculture, pesticides and fertilizers increases environmental pollution. This is because of the exhaust gases emitted from machinery used in planting and harvesting crops. Air pollution poses a major hazard to the environment in that, it interferes with the people’s health, causing lung and heart problems. It also leads to acid rain, caused by excessive oxides of sulfur released in the air. The acid rain is known to damage crops. GMO products also contribute to environmental pollution. Processing of these GMO products is done in companies that dump waste material directly in the environment. These wastes pollute the soil through construction of pits and hinder plantations. The use of GMO products and conventional agricultural methods has an impact on the environment in modern day society. The continued use of pesticides has led to the development of various industries that produce plant treatment medicine. This has led to an increase in the economy because of huge amounts of harvest. The use of GMO products has also had an impact on humans. It affects the diets of people due to the chemical composition of products. Some of the chemicals in GMO products also cause cancer, and this has damaged people’s health. Many choices could be made to improve the environment. They should educate each other on the importance of keeping the environment clean. This will make them exercise personal cleanliness and conserve the environment. Conducting small cleaning programs is also crucial because it creates awareness of the pollution problem in the environment. There should also be significant areas designated for dumping and controlling air pollution. This prevents the whole environment from pollution, for example, the creation of litter bins. These actions are similar to what is being practiced in the current society. Litter bins have been put in specific places to reduce pollution. The government has also developed strict policies on environmental pollution by companies. It is also crucial to educate people on the use of GMO products and their effects. This creates awareness and protects people from cancer.

Cross-cultural Marriages Contribute to Racial Tolerance

Cross-cultural Marriages Contribute to Racial Tolerance CROSS-CULTURAL MARRIAGES CONTRIBUTE TO RACIAL TOLERANCE According to the Pew Research Center, 15 percent of U.S. newlyweds in 2010 were in marriages to people of another race or ethnic group and eight percent of all married people were in these cross-cultural marriages. This is up significantly from four percent in 1986. The growth in the number of these marriages contributes to racial tolerance. Intermarriage strengthens tolerance for reasons related to family, age, and mass media and social platforms. Familial Ties Influence Tolerance of Interracial Marriage One reason cross-cultural marriages contribute to tolerance is because of family bonds. Thirty-five percent of Americans report that someone in their family married outside their race, according to a 2010 Pew Research Center study. Sixty-three percent of the respondents said they would be comfortable if someone in their family married someone from another race or ethnic group.Some people who have a hard-hearted attitude about cross-cultural marriage softened their views when they realize acceptance is the only way to maintain a good relationship with their child, sibling, relative or friend who has entered into one of these marriages. And even though people over 65 are less accepting of these marriages than younger people, not too many are willing to cut off a good relationship with their child because he or she entered into such a marriage. Certainly, most grandparents will want to stay connected with grandchildren who are th e offspring of these relationships. Young People Are More Likely To Accept Cross-Cultural Marriages Age is a factor in who is more tolerant and accepting of intermarriage. While a Pew Research Center study about Millennials- defined by Pew as people ages 18 to 29- found that people over 65 were less accepting of cross-cultural marriages, it reported that large numbers of African-American, white and Hispanic Millennials would accept someone in their family marrying a person of another race or ethnic group. The study, Almost All Millennials Accept Interracial Dating and Marriage, also reported that 93 percent of the respondents said they would be okay with a family member marrying an Asian-American, 92 percent with a white American, 91 percent with a Hispanic-American and 88 percent with an African-American. Eighty-five percent said they would be okay with a marriage to any other group. Millennials are now the largest population by age in the U.S. At 75.4 million, they outnumber Baby Boomers (people ages 51 to 59) whose number is 74.9 million. For these reasons, more cross-cultural relationships can be expected. Talk in Communication Outlets Influences Tolerance The medias focus on celebrity couples is another reason tolerance moves forward. In bombarding people with images of famous people and their marriages, some of which are cross-cultural, mass media and chatter on social platforms foster acceptance. This coverage of celebrity couples is akin to advertising these marriages. The more people see celebrities in cross-cultural relationships, the more likely they are to accept them. In additional to some professional athletes, other famous people who have intermarried include Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower, George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, Audra McDonald and Will Swenson and Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan. In conclusion, tolerance is fostered by intermarriage. Since the 1980s, the percentage of cross-cultural marriages has risen. Many younger people and people who have family and friends in these marriages accept them. Discussion about intermarriage in all forms of communication also contributes to the acceptance of these relationships. Within 30 years, nonwhites will outnumber whites, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. To avoid debilitating conflict within this country and to get along better with other nations, it is good for U.S. residents to look to successful cross-cultural marriages for inspiration about harmony and facing and overcoming the challenges of peoples differences.

Valkyrie the July Bomb Plot to Kill Hitler

Valkyrie the July Bomb Plot to Kill Hitler By 1944 there was a long list of Germans who had reason to want to assassinate  Adolf Hitler, and there had been attempts on the lives of several senior German officers. There had also been threats to Hitler from the German military itself, and with World War Two not going well for Germany (especially not on the Eastern Front) some leading figures began to realize that the war was doomed to end in failure  and that Hitler intended to lead Germany into total destruction. These commanders also believed that if Hitler was murdered, then the allies, both the Soviet Union and the western democracies, would be willing to negotiate peace with a new German government. No one knows what would have happened if Hitler had been killed at this point, and it looks unlikely Stalin would have backed off from marching into Berlin to stake his claim to a satellite empire. The Problem With Killing Hitler Hitler knew he was increasingly unpopular and took steps to safeguard himself from assassination. He disguised his movements, not letting his travel plans be known ahead of time, and tended to prefer residing in safe, heavily fortified buildings. He also strictly controlled the number of weapons which surrounded him. What was needed was someone who could get close to Hitler, and kill him with an unconventional weapon. Plans of attack were developed, but Hitler managed to avoid all of them. He was incredibly lucky and survived multiple attempts, some of which descended into farce. Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg The disaffected clique of military figures who were looking to kill Hitler found the man for the job: Claus von Stauffenberg. He had served in several key campaigns of World War Two, but while in North Africa had lost much of his right arm, his right eye, and digits on the other hand and been returned to Germany. The hand would be a rather important problem later in the bomb plot, and something which should have been better planned for.There had been other plans involving bombs and Hitler. Two army officers had been lined up to commit a suicide bombing of Hitler by Baron Henning von Tresckow, but the plans had fallen through because of Hitler changing plans to stop this danger. Now Stauffenberg was transferred from his hospital to the War Office, where Tresckow worked, and if the pair had not formed a working relationship before they did now. However Tresckow had to go fight on the Eastern Front, so Friedrich Olbricht worked with Stauffenberg. However, in June 1944, Stauffenberg was promoted to full Colonel, made a Chief of Staff, and had to regularly meet with Hitler to discuss the war. He could easily arrive carrying a bomb and not make anyone suspicious. Operation Valkyrie After a new front was opened with the successful D-Day landings, the situation looked even more desperate for Germany, and the plan was put into effect; a series of arrests also pushed the conspirators- a group involving leading regular army commanders- on before they were caught. Hitler would be killed, a military coup would take place, loyal army units would arrest SS leaders and hopefully, a new military command would avoid a civil war and negotiate an immediate end to the war in the west, a forlorn hope. After several false attempts, when Stauffenberg had carried explosives but not had the chance to use them against Hitler, Operation Valkyrie went into effect on July 20th. Stauffenberg arrived for a meeting, sneaked out to use acid to begin dissolving a detonator, entered the map room Hitler was using, put a briefcase containing the bomb against a table leg, excused himself to take a telephone call, and left the room.Instead of the phone, Stauffenberg went to his car, and at 12:4 2 the bomb went off. Stauffenberg then managed to talk his way out of the Wolf’s lair compound and headed for Berlin. However, Hitler had not died; in fact, he’d hardly been injured, with just burnt clothes, a cut hand and ear drum problems. A number of people did die, then and after, from the blast, but Hitler had been shielded. However, Stauffenberg had actually carried two bombs, but he’d had massive difficulty priming both given he only had two fingers and a thumb, and he and his assistant had been interrupted as they tried to prime, meaning only one bomb was in the briefcase Stauffenberg carried into Hitler with him. The other bomb was spirited away by the assistant. Things would have been different if he’d been able to leave both bombs together: Hitler would most certainly have died. The Reich would probably then have fallen into civil war because the plotters were not prepared. The Rebellion Is Crushed Hitler’s death was to be the start of a seizure of power which, in the end, turned into a farce. Operation Valkyrie was the official name for a set of emergency procedures, allowed by Hitler, which would transfer power to the Home Army to react if Hitler was indisposed and unable to govern. The plotters planned to use the laws because the head of the Home Army, General Fromm, was sympathetic to the plotters. However, whereas the Home Army was supposed to seize key points in Berlin and then move outwards across Germany with the news of Hitler’s death, few were willing to act without explicit news. Of course, it couldn’t come.The news Hitler survived was soon out, and the first batch of conspirators – including Stauffenberg – were arrested and shot. They were the relatively lucky ones because Hitler had anyone else tangentially connected arrested, tortured, brutally executed and filmed. He may even have watched the video. A thousand were executed, and relatives of key figures were sent to camps. Tresckow left his unit and walked towards Russian lines, whereupon he set off a grenade to kill himself. Hitler would survive for another year until he killed himself as the Soviets approached his bunker.

Difference between Gantt Chart and Network Diagram Assignment

Difference between Gantt Chart and Network Diagram - Assignment Example The planning (2.0) phase is where a project management plan is prepared. This plan helps the project manager to control the project in order to ensure that all budget over-runs are identified early. In this phase, a scope statement (2.1), a work breakdown structure (2.2), and a schedule of time and cost information are prepared. The execution (3.0) phase is where the actual project work starts. A survey (3.1) is done and user information is recorded (3.2 User Input). The survey information relates to the four projects combined. The information from the survey is then used to determine the contents of each sub-project (3.3 and 3.4) as shown in Figure 1.1. Details of the activities of other sub-projects (part of 3.4 and 3.5 and 3.6) are shown in Figure 1.2. Figure 1.2 shows part of the execution phase planning, the controlling (4.0) phase, and part of the closing (5.0) phase. An outline of a portion of the tasks to be completed in sub-projects 2 (3.4.3 and 3.4.4), the tasks for sub-projects 3 (3.5) and 4 (3.6) are provided. It shows parts of section 3.4 and sections 3.5 and 3.6. The screenshot shows that the contents have to be determined (3.5.1 and 3.5.2), items have to be procured (3.5.2 and 3.6.3) before or after the system is designed (3.5.3 and 3.6.2) before the application is developed. After the system is developed it has to be tested and debugged. Figure 1.2 also shows the controlling (4.0) phase where the work is monitored in order to control quality and cost and time over-run. In controlling the work adequate monitoring has to be done. Each of the sub-projects is reviewed (4.1.1) and feedback is provided (4.1.2). The technical personnel is then required to make changes (4.1.3). After the changes are made a status report is prepared. When all matters are addressed and the project is accepted, the final phase – closing (5.0) is attained.  Ã‚  

American Illustrator Gil Elvgren Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

American Illustrator Gil Elvgren - Coursework Example His career spanning four decades from the 1930s to the 1970s encompassed different types of art work including commercial advertisements for Coca Cola and other products, and creating illustrations for magazines like the Saturday Evening Post and Good Housekeeping. Elvgren as an artist continues to be remembered till today, mostly for his pin-up paintings for calendars commissioned and produced by the promotional firm Brown and Bigelow. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the work of American illustrator Gil Elvgren, particularly with reference to his pinup art. Gil Elvgren’s Distinctive Pinup Art Style â€Å"Although most of Gil Elvgren’s work was created for commercial use, it has been increasingly recognized as fine art by many private collectors, dealers, galleries and museums† (Meisel & Martignette:12). As the most important pinup and glamor artist of the twentieth century, Elvgren’s expertise in portraying the feminine form was extended beyond the calendar pinup industry. He was greatly influenced by the early â€Å"pretty girl† illustrators such as Charles Dana, Gibson, Andrew Loomis, and Howard Chandler Christy. The Brandywine School founded by Howard Pyle also influenced his work. Besides being a successful commercial artist in various fields, Gil Elvgren was also a professional photographer of repute. He had amazing energy and talent, and was considered as a respected and even revered teacher of students, some of whom went on to become famour artists in their own right. Elvgren’s personally rendered instruction and support was responsible to a great extent, for his students’ success (Meisel & Martignette: 13). Although Elvgren was best known for his pinups, his advertising work â€Å"depicted typical Americans, ordinary people doing everyday things† (ElvgrenPinup.com, 2010). Further, the women that the artist painted were not the femme fatale, the female adventuress, or somebody’s mistress. They reflect the girl next door whose feminine charms are innocently revealed in an unexpected instant, in what might be an embarassing situation. The artist’s supporters agree that Gil Elvgren portraying that fleeting moment when a girl is caught off guard is not only unusual, but has a sexy quality about it. Several of his paintings from the 1940s to the 1960s feature a woman doing an ordinary task such as barbecuing, watering the lawn, or shopping, when she is unprepared for a sudden gust of smoke (Fig.1), jet of water from a hose (Fig.2) or other effect which raises her skirt to reveal her stockings and garters. The woman’s expression is one of shock but never horror, with a hint of a smile â€Å"in the O of her perfectly painted lips† (Taormino: 125). Fig.1. Smoke Screen by Gil Elvgren, 1958 (The Pinup Files 1, 2011) Fig.2. A Near Miss by Gil Elvgren, 1960 (The Pinup Files 2, 2011) It is evident that the context for the scene is created by Elvgren as a pretense for the viewer to get a glimpse under the girl’s skirt. It is both voyeuristic and innocent, because it tells the viewer that he just saw something that he was not supposed to. Though occasionally, the artist has uncovered the upper part of the body, there is very little nudity in his paintings which portrayed an old fashioned naughtiness (Taormino: 125). The Contribution of PInups to World War II Wartime imagery was an anomaly, deviating from the usual norms, and more decorous due to military control over the images. Gil

Quantitative Research Analysis Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Quantitative Analysis - Research Paper Example The course indicated is on teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) where 29 participants from the online course and 31 students from the classroom setting were included in the research. The findings revealed that â€Å"students in the Web-based section of the course learned slightly but not significantly more than students in the classroom-based section of the course† (Thirunarayanan & Perez-Prado, 2002, 136). The authors aimed to determine the academic performance or achievement of students between the online course and the classroom setting course. The dependent variable therefore is the measure of achievement of students which is determined through tests (pretests and posttests) and the scores recorded were used to calculate statistical patterns (means, averages, t-test, among others). The independent variables are the kinds of courses offering the ESOL: offline and online groups with different sample sizes. Of course other factors that were taken into consideration were the age of the students (ranging from 21 to 47 years) and the gender (classroom setting: 30 female and 1 male student; online setting: 25 female and 4 male students). The impetus for the development of the study was the need to determine the effectiveness of teaching ESOL as â€Å"one of the final courses required of preservice teachers in their Elementary Education Program with ESOL endorsement† (Thirunarayanan & Perez-Prado, 2002, 132). Both course settings had been applied in both classroom setting and online formats. With the proliferation of distance-learning courses offered through the World Wide Web, there is a need to validate previous research studies which indicate that â€Å"there is no significant difference in the achievement of students enrolled in distance education courses when compared with the achievement of students enrolled in traditional or classroom based courses† (Thirunarayanan & Perez-Prado, 2002, 131). However, the current study did not indicate a

Application Case 3-1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Application Case 3-1 - Assignment Example sexual harassment cases have been formally indicated, investigated and confirmed, an employee should be terminated; then, the same action should be applied to the president, as well. The handling of sexual harassment cases is considered complicated due to the following reasons: (1) due to its sensitive nature, there are almost always no witnesses; (2) the cases should be handled on a case-to-case basis; (3) reporting the incident was considered fact-specific, subjective, and takes into account the credibility of both the accuser and the accused; and (4) evolving behavioral changes with regards to accepting some patterns of behavior differ through time (Pfeiffer & Henneman, p. 90). Consistency in handling sexual harassment claims is important because there could be legal sanctions and cases filed for discrimination if employers would treat their employees differently in situations where sexual harassment complaints are made. As such, based on company policies or codes of discipline and ethical behavior, organizations should clearly and explicitly stipulate instances that render the behavior as veering towards sexual harassment (irrespective of race, gender, age, length of service, position in the company, and other factors noted in the Equal Employment Opportunities

Business strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 4

Business strategy - Essay Example In order to formulate and evaluate new prospective business strategies of the company, one needs to analyze the internal and external audit results of the organization (McEachern, 2012). Cath Kidston has a high brand value in the global market. The company has a long learning curve in business and owns a considerable share of industry demand. The products offered by the company are rare, unique and non imitable in nature. The aggregate revenue and economic surplus of the organization is steadily increasing over time. In 2013, the gross sale of the organization was worth  £100 million (Cathkidston, 2014). The organization is experiencing increasing profit and revenue in both domestic and foreign markets. After growth of internet penetration rate in all the countries around the world, Cath Kidston Ltd has successfully enhanced the volume of its e-commerce sales (Cathkidston, 2014). The online retailing stores of the company are able to offer cost effective services to a larger strength of prospective buyers. Cath Kidston owns a strong supply chain management system. However, the products offered by the company are primarily targeted towards the young and middle aged women. Cath Kidston’s products are popular for its unique floral designs. The case study claims that the company manufactures women accessories such as hand bags and home ware products (Cathkidston, 2014). The company faces certain delivery and product quality related problems in its online trade. The foreign business of Cath Kidston is more prosperous than its native business status. The company has relinquished majority of its stake to a private equity firm, TA Associates. Cath Kidston is the owner of only 23% stake of the Kidston Limited (Cathkidston, 2014). The company sold majority stakes because of financial crisis in the business. The company will not be

Sport Economic Analysis Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Sport Economic Analysis Paper - Essay Example The Phoenix Suns is a team that has recently not been doing well. They have shown a turnaround this summer in the Summer League, but that is not a sure prediction of a turnaround during the regular season. With a new head coach and general manager both in their first year in those positions, the future of this year for the organization is predicted to be a team building year. The spending on salaries for team members is one of the ways in which a team can be predicted for success. The following analysis will look at the nature of team salaries and how they are predictive of success in relationship to the current position of the Phoenix Suns. Background: A New Head Coach and General Manager The Phoenix Suns have found a new coach in order to support their success, but they did not look too far from their own history. Jeff Hornacek was a second round draft pick for the Phoenix Suns in 1986, but now at the age of 50 has been hired as a first time head coach. The Suns are currently in tr ouble as they have not been showing much in the way of talent on the playing floor. The Suns have not been in this much trouble since well before most of the players were born, having really bad seasons in 1994 and even further back, making this during the time when Hornacek was playing. When Hornacek was in his third season as a combo guard, the team averaged about 36 wins in five seasons previous. However, Cotton Fitzsimmons, a veteran coach at the time, took over and flipped the franchise overnight so that he managed to gain 55 wins in his first season as coach. As a part of that history, Hornacek is one of the more popular players in the history of the organization. There is an expectation that Hornacek will pull a similar miracle to the one performed by Fitzsimmons in his freshman year as coach. Caplan (2013) writes that â€Å"The Suns haven't finished above .500 since 2010, when they went to the Western Conference finals. They bottomed out last season -- the first of the post -Steve Nash era -- at 25-57†. Ryan McDonough, age 33, is the first year general manager of the team. The team of Hornacek and McDonough form an unseasoned pair to lead the team towards better outcomes, but there have been some signs that there is already improvement. The Suns came close to winning the Summer League Championship. McDonough was instrumental in bringing in Eric Bledsoe and Carin Butler who both provide the potential for upping the quality of the play for the team. McDonough spoke out about how he views his position for this first year. He told Caplan (2013) that â€Å""The expectations are, for me, just to establish a culture of work, to get better every day†¦I'm not going to measure our success this year in terms of wins and losses, just in terms of: Are we making progress? Are the guys buying in? Are they playing hard and playing the right way? That's what I'm looking for." In rebuilding this team the idea is to be steady and strong, building what they ne ed and looking for the advantages and weaknesses so that they can work with them to build real teamwork. An example of an obstacle for Hornacek is Kendall Marshall who is described by Caplan (2013) as â€Å"the slow-footed point guard who was routinely outplayed in Vegas by the lanky and athletic Goodwin†. Wu (2013) writes that Marshall is consistently attached to any trades that the team considers as they want to move

Business strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 4

Business strategy - Essay Example In order to formulate and evaluate new prospective business strategies of the company, one needs to analyze the internal and external audit results of the organization (McEachern, 2012). Cath Kidston has a high brand value in the global market. The company has a long learning curve in business and owns a considerable share of industry demand. The products offered by the company are rare, unique and non imitable in nature. The aggregate revenue and economic surplus of the organization is steadily increasing over time. In 2013, the gross sale of the organization was worth  £100 million (Cathkidston, 2014). The organization is experiencing increasing profit and revenue in both domestic and foreign markets. After growth of internet penetration rate in all the countries around the world, Cath Kidston Ltd has successfully enhanced the volume of its e-commerce sales (Cathkidston, 2014). The online retailing stores of the company are able to offer cost effective services to a larger strength of prospective buyers. Cath Kidston owns a strong supply chain management system. However, the products offered by the company are primarily targeted towards the young and middle aged women. Cath Kidston’s products are popular for its unique floral designs. The case study claims that the company manufactures women accessories such as hand bags and home ware products (Cathkidston, 2014). The company faces certain delivery and product quality related problems in its online trade. The foreign business of Cath Kidston is more prosperous than its native business status. The company has relinquished majority of its stake to a private equity firm, TA Associates. Cath Kidston is the owner of only 23% stake of the Kidston Limited (Cathkidston, 2014). The company sold majority stakes because of financial crisis in the business. The company will not be

Marketing Case Analysis Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing Case Analysis - Article Example In order to be able to accomplish something within the worldwide marketplace today, the organizations sales force depends more upon on attaining the precise consumer and product information, it does not really matter if it is inside the organization or outside .the organizations sales force requires a cohesive, prearranged technique to follow the consumer leads, the contact information, in addition to their descriptions. Along with this the management within these organizations is on the look out of a technique where they would be able to investigate in detail the past sales data for the future prospects. If an organization is able to consolidate the data storage along with regulating the sales tools also practices, the organizations contending within this atmosphere would help the organization respond swiftly to the changing consumer inclinations and alterations within the market place, routinely guiding the way to the sales staff plus push them follow up. Also to be able to recogni ze a lot more prospects to cross sell and up sell, a lot more efficiently estimate sales figures, focus upon refining the sales relationships .It is suggested that organizations can in fact now automate their sales force in order to guarantee that their sales are closed quickly. (Microsoft .com) Also it seems that what Sprint is going through now, is a situation where, they are striking their numbers. Thinking how many more follow up calls have been made until now. These issues are persistently being obsessed into the heads of the sales team.( Keith Rosen , 2008) What is notable is the fact it is true for a lot of sales professionals, that the pressure to arrive at quota or else achieve a definite level of performance. At the same time as retaining a monthly sales objective helps only to settle the mind upon the reward which is why the actual focus upon the result can actually mean more harm. By the end of every selling month, the disturbance along with the pressure can actually overpower as the salespeople move quickly to perform at the optimum to close the sales in order to accomplish their targets. ( Keith Rosen , 2008) Because while the act of selling is considered by most as the transmission of the sentiment behind the product or service. One can visualize the mind-set that these over pressurized sales people are conveying to their prospects. The constant worry in addition to the apprehension of having to close additional sales unintentionally puts unjustified strain on the prospects as well as cultivates a detrimental association from the beginning. ( Keith Rosen , 2008 ) To produce improved results, it is recommended that they modify the way they are closing these sales at Sprint or modify how they perceive the whole situation. Also in order to recurrently go beyond the organizations sales goals as well as better supervise the team's outlook, amending the way they think, so in order to grow to be procedure driven relatively than just being outcome driven. The probability is that the, salespeople who are exclusively alert on the end product lack the procedure within they would believe. Moreover, they put more efforts in trying to be in charge of the result; approaching for what they yearn for

Grief, Loss, and Finding Meaning and Purpose Essay Example for Free

Grief, Loss, and Finding Meaning and Purpose Essay Death is something that is out of human’s control, and it can produce all kind of feelings, and attitudes. The following paper discusses critical issues associated with understanding and facing death. There are various feelings and emotions that a person can experience after they loss someone special in their lives. Through out this paper we will try to identify, express, and find what had been discovered through out grief, and loss. There are several major issues associated with death, but we will focus only on two of them. For instance when a person is facing death, that person would experience denial, isolation, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance; but the two major factors that will be discussed on this paper are depression and anger. According to the Merriam-Western Dictionary Death is the act of dying, the end of life, and there are several ways of coping with the emotional reaction when facing death. We all experience many losses through our lives, and when the loss is the death of someone really close to us, someone who we love and care about—perhaps a family member, a coworker, neighbor etc. That loss can cause a grieving process that can surely affect the way se see things and continue our lives. One of the issues associates with understanding coping and facing death is anger. Lets say for instance that if the cause of death of a family member was something unexpected, anger feelings can take control over that person. Anger is a wide range of emotions, is a strong feeling of displeasure, and belligerence aroused by a wrong, wrath, ire. (Dictionary.com). On the other hand, when facing an early death of a love one, the dominant feeling present on the rest of the family is anger, leading them to a bitter indignation at having been experience the unfairly death of one of their family members. The anger of a person who is experiencing a loss, can be targeted many things, or persons—perhaps anger at God for allowing that situation, anger over what seems unfairly and unjust. Another issue associated with understanding, coping, and facing death is depression. Individuals who are depressed use to isolate or withdraw them selves, they feel hope less and they are not ready to go back to their usual activities; they feel hopeless. A person’s attitude, beliefs, and values about death are according to  his/her cultural influence, and this will contribute with the way they respond when facing death and grief. An individual’s culture would influence the way that individual will respond when phasing death. Culture can influence a person on the way they perform the ceremonies or rituals when grieving. For instance in some countries, when a child died the parents are allow to bath and dress the child with their own cloths, when in different countries it is not permitted even to cry. These two different ceremonies show the different ritual people have according with their culture, values and beliefs. Finding meaning and purpose can be part of the grief process for those who faced a loss. Even though is not an easy process, that crisis can be turn into an opportunity to find true meaning. Many people can grow through grief, and learn to appreciate the value of life, and become better persons. In many cases the grieving process can be an opportunity to unify the family who is suffering. There is always family issues that could separate a family, but the death of a member can be an opportunity to reunite that family, and that is when meaning and purpose take place in the grief process. Grief and loss are universal, and it cannot be controlled by any human kind. The stage of grief and loss occurs in respond to the death of a value person—emotions and attitudes take control of those who are facing it. Loss is an unavoidable part of life, and grief is the healing process of those wounds that a loss could leave an in an individual’s life. References Kubler-Ross, E. Death: The Final Stage of Growth. New York: Prentice-Hall, 1975. http://cogprints.org/9155/ Developmental theory. (2006). In Elseviers dictionary of psychological theories. Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?qurl=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.credoreference.com.library.gcu.edu%3A2048%2Fcontent%2Fentry%2Festpsyctheory%2Fdevelopmental_theory%2F0

Comparison of Dracula and Bram Stokers Dracula Essay -- Comparison Co

Compare/Contrast Dracula and Bram Stoker's Dracula A noticeable difference in the way movies have changed over the years is evident when comparing and contrasting two films of different eras which belong to the same genre and contain the same subject matter. Two vampire movies, Dracula and Bram Stoker's Dracula, present an interesting example of this type of study. Comparing the 1931 version of Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi, with Frances Ford Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula 1993 version yields some similarities. Both films are of the same genre: Horror. Both films are set around the same time period. Also, both deal with a vampire coming to England and causing disruptions in people's lives. Beyond these few similarities are numerous contrasts. An obvious difference in these films is that the 1931 version played to a Depression audience and that the Coppola version played to a modern audience. (I am being extremely careful because, obviously, the 1931 audience was modern in 1931; however, we like to think of ourselves as being more modern than past generations. There are differences in the audiences which viewed the respective versions in their time, and I hope to prove this point as the paper unfolds.) When we compare the portrayal of characters in the areas of gender, race, and age, we find striking contrasts. In the 1931 version, men's roles are well-defined: they are the protectors. For example, Jonathan hovers over Mina in many scenes, giving us the impression that Mina is a helpless creature. In Coppola's version, Jonathan is by no means a protector. He barely escapes Dracula's castle; Mina has to go to him--to protect him. Also interesting, are the differences in the portrayal of the women in these film... ... audience handle this, or is it because they demand realism? Possibly, this demand for realistic interpretation of subject matter is a major cause of the differences between these films; however, as was shown in this paper, there are also other reasons for the variations. 1931 was a time of poverty for many Americans who needed escape into a film where traditional values were upheld: where God wins; where men and women's roles are well-defined; and where order reigns. Coppola's version has been released in a time where the patriarchal system has begun to break down; where prejudice is no longer acceptable (still practiced, but not acceptable); and where we require everything to be extreme. Bibliography Bram Stoker's Dracula. Dir. Frances Ford Coppola. Columbia TriStar Home Video, 1993. Dracula. Dir. Tod Browning. Universal Pictures Corporation, 1931.

American Dream Lost in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby :: The Great Gatsby

American Dream Lost - Gatsby as a Social Commentary on American Life The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, has been celebrated as one of the greatest, if not the greatest American novel.   Yet this is ironic for the society which has so hailed the book is precisely that which is criticized throughout it.   Politically, the American dream was a foundation of ideals and hopes for any and every American individual.   Specifically, one of the ideals was an American dream free of class distinction; that every person has the opportunity to be whomever they hope to be.   In a sort of Cinderella-like fashion, it is in essence an ideal of social mobility and freedom.   The social reality, however, is far more cruel.   Because of the harsh truth of social America, by way of its pretentiousness and decadence, the American dream is lost.   Through Nick’s honest and poignant observation, the parallel lives of Myrtle Wilson and Jay Gatsby reflect The Great Gatsby as a social commentary about the polluted American Dream.   Myrtle is that infamous model of how the political and social ideals of America conflict so that the American dream becomes a nightmare.   Contrary to the naivete the American dream, there are indeed fine class distinctions.   With them comes certain social boundaries.   In a sense, it is almost as if there are unspoken sumptuary laws understood by low and high classed individuals alike.   Myrtle Wilson is no exception. Instead of abiding by them, Myrtle, who represents the low and ignorant class of America, tried to break the social barriers and thus pursues wealth by any means necessary.   Using her sexuality and vulgar mien, she becomes false for abandoning and dismissing her own social foundation, and like Nick, we as readers are repulsed by her grotesque approach to entering the rich class.   At one point, and quite humorously to the knowing onlooker, Myrtle complains about a service done for her that was so expensive that "when she gave [Myrtle] the bill you’d of thought she had [her] appendicitus out" (35).   Obviously misusing her wording, it is comical only because she is trying so hard to fit into the snobbish upper class persona, and failing miserably.   Her rudeness becomes more apparent when she "rejected the compliment [about her dress] by raising her eyebrow in disdain" (35).   She is so false in her manner that Nick observes that she "had changed her costume†¦and was now attired in an elaborate afternoon dress" (35).

Elements of a State and Philippine Constitution Essay

State A community of persons more or less numerous, permanently occupying a definite portion of territory, independent of external control, and possessing an organized government to which the great body of its inhabitants render habitual obedience (De Leon, 2000). The Philippines is a state. Elements of a State The first element of a state is the people, which is known to be the most essential and indispensable element of a state. This is the mass of the population, or the number of people living within the state. There is no specific number of people required living within a state so that it could be called a state. The second element is the territory, which is the established area that rightly belongs to the people of the state. This is the aerial (air), terrestrial (land), fluvial (stream/river), and maritime (water) domains of the state. The third element is the government, which is the agency to which the will of the state is expressed, created and administered. This is a group of people or institutions which run and rule the society. The fourth element is the sovereignty, which is known as the supreme power of the state to command and enforce obedience its will from the people. Territory According to Article One, National Territory, of The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines: â€Å"The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.† This means that all the area that is encompassed by 185 kilometers (100 nautical miles) from the Philippine shore, under the seabed even, is a territory of the Philippines. This is sometimes also known as the â€Å"Philippine Area of Responsibility†, a term used by PAG-ASA and other weather agencies to determine for example, if a typhoon or a Low Pressure Area has entered our territory. Constitution of the Philippines The constitution of the Philippines is the most important part of a state. The national territory and all the fundamental laws- the set of rules and principles- can be found here.  The Constitution also enunciates state principles and policies. Among the principles and policies embodied in the Constitution are: (1) Sovereignty of the people; (2) Renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy; (3) Supremacy of civilian authority over the military; (4) Service and protection of the people as the prime duty of the Government; (5) Separation of Church and State; (6) Guarantee of human rights; (7) Separation of power among the various branches of governments; and (8) Autonomy for local government units. One of the central components of the Constitution is the Bill of Rights, which declares and enumerates the basic rights and liberties of the people which the government (or any person) is forbidden to violate or encroach upon. Among the rights granted by the Constitution are: (1) Due process of law and equal protection; (2) Right against unreasonable search and seizure; (3) Right of privacy; (4) Freedom of speech, of expression, and of the press; (5) Freedom of religion; (6) Liberty of abode and travel; (7) Right to information on matters of public concern; (8) Right to form associations for purposes not contrary to law; (9) Right to a just compensation when private property is taken for public use; (10)  Right against impairment of contract; (11) Freedom of access to the courts; (12) Rights pertaining to persons under investigation; (13) Right against excessive bail; (14) Rights of the accused in criminal cases; and (15) Right to speedy disposition of cases. It has been revised seven times, starting from The 1899 Malolos Constitution, which was approved by then President Emilio Aguinaldo on December 23, 1898 and promulgated on January 21, 1899, and then the Philippine Organic Act of 1912 enacted into law by the United States Congress on July 1, 1902. Next was The Jones Law of 1916, enacted into law by the United States Congress on August29, 1916, followed by The 1935 Constitution, which was approved by the 1934 Constitutional Convention on February 8, 1935, certified by the President of the United States on March 25, 1935, and ratified by plebiscite on May 14, 1935. This was amended two times, on June 18 1940 and March 11, 1947. The 1943 Constitution, was approved by the Preparatory Committee on Philippine Independence on September 4, 1943 and ratified by the KALIBAPI convention on September 7, 1943. Following this is The 1973 Constitution, which was proclaimed in force by Proclamation by then President Ferdinand Marcos on January 17, 1973. This was amended three times, on October 16-17, 1976, January 30, 1980 and April 7, 1981. The present constitution, which is The 1987 Constitution, was first presented to then President Cory C. Aquino as The 1986 Freedom Constitution on October 15, 1986. This was approved by the Constitutional Commission on October 12, 1986. It was ratified by a plebiscite on February 2, 1987 and proclaimed in force by February 11, 1987. References: Pacaway, J. (2014, July 4). Philippine government with 1987 constitution. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/anjanet2/philippine-government-with-1987-constitution Philippine Constitutions | Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gov.ph/constitutions/ Salinas, S. (2013, December 16). Concepts of state and government. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/sarahsalinascatwoman/concepts-of-state-and-government-29249128 THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES – ARTICLE I | Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gov.ph/constitutions/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-article-i/ The History and Evolution of the Philippine Constitution | Law | Jcmiras_03. (2014, August). Retrieved from http://www.pinoysites.org/jcm/item/12/ The Constitution of the Philippines: An Overview | Herald Digital Law Philippines. (2011, February 1). Retrieved from http://philippineslaw.wordpress.com/2011/02/01/the-constitution-of-the-philippines-an-overview/

Scholary vs Popular Media Focus on Sexuality Paper

It’s a Quick Way to Get What You Want†: A Formative Exportation of HIV Risk Among Urban Massachusetts Men Who Have Sex with Men(MSM) Who Attend Sex Parties was an article retrieved from the AIDS Patient Care and STD Journal it was published in October of 2010. The authors of this article are Matthew J. Mimiaga, Sari L. Reisner, Sean Bland, Kevin Cranston, Deborah Isenberg, Maura A. Driscoll, Rodney VanDerwarker, and Kenneth Mayer. The main focus of the research was to investigate the HIV sexual risk behaviors of MSM who reported attending and/or hosting sex parties in Massachusetts in the past 12 months. Men who have sex with men at these sex parties are at greater risk of receiving HIV or an STI due to the fact there are other factors involved like alcohol, drugs, higher mean of anonymous partners, and unprotected sex(Migiaga, 2010). This study took place at the Fenway Health a health care and research facility. There were 40 preselected participants who completed an in depth, semi structured qualitative interview and an interviewer-administered comprehensive quantitative assessment series for a hour and a half. The study/interviews were conducted by one of two trained interviewers. That asked questions like†¦ How would you define a sex party? When did you begin hosting/attending sex parties? Describe the sex parties you attended/hosted? Are condoms and lube available at these parties? What kind of sexual behaviors do men engage in and what HIV and STI risk behavior do you see happening? Do you participate or organize these parties? Any rules involved in your parties? While asking these questions they also assessed psychosocial factors like depression, anxiety, problematic alcohol used and history of drug or alcohol abuse, and the trauma history (like childhood sexual abuse). Results/conclusion of the study suggested that the men who attended these parties are at great risk of acquiring or transmitting the HIV due to the reasons explained throughout the article(Migiaga, 2010). â€Å"Party, Play—And Pay† was an article recovered from the Newsweek Journal that was published in February of 2005. This article gives a very detailed brief account of what a sex party full of men on crystal meth is like other wise known as â€Å"Party and Play†, or PnP for short. The authors describe the sex party scene as a room full of about 30 to 40 men paying 20 dollars a piece to the host of this party, they put all their belongs in hefty bags for safe keeping while they walk around in the nude having sex with multiple partners unprotected and using illegal drugs. The authors mention several factors that were putting these men at risk such as drug usage, multiple partners, and unprotected sex. They talk about how one person on meth and having hundreds of unsafe sexual encounters could have been the result in a powerful drug-resistant strain of HIV. Leaving health officials and the community leaders to take a long look on how crystal methamphetamine is playing an enormous role in the spread of the AIDS Virus and HIV(Jefferson, Breslau, Darmen, Childress, & Juarez, 2005). The authors depict how crystal meth leaves its users with a euphoric and hypersexual feeling, leading in binges with multiple partners for several days. In the article, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men that are high on crystal meth are four times more likely to engage in unprotected sex than those who are not high. The article also reveals that many men pop Viagra to counter temporary impotence. This mix of drugs makes users more open to unsafe sex, thus leading to a greater risk of contracting HIV. They concluded the article with an interview on someone who has lived the life of the â€Å"Party, Play—And Pay† and how they lost everything!  Both of these articles are referring to the great epidemic that is infecting the gay community-HIV. They talk about how behaviors like attendance of private sex parties, drug usage, sex with multiple partners, and use of unprotected sex are assisting in the growth of HIV amongst the gay community. Even though these articles are providing a lot of the same information, they are very different. The scholarly article compared to the public media article is a lot more in depth and have factual numbers that were taken from the direct study. The authors of a scholarly article seem to leave â€Å"no stone unturned† and no question unasked. The scholarly article encompasses an abstract-giving a description on the whole study which then leads to the introduction, methods used for example the design and the setting where the study took place and they how data was collected, how the candidates were chosen to participate. It also discussed how the qualitative interview was preformed and they questions that were asked, the article gave a quantitative assessment and the approach that was taken to retrieve the information, thus ending in results, conclusion and the discussion. The scholarly article provided information, numbers, percentages, and averages about the demographics, sexual behavior, and psychosocial characteristics of the men who were interviewed and surveyed in this study. It is written in a very formal tone, in great detail, displayed the authors’ findings to be displayed for other experts and students in a specific field to study and review. All of the authors who wrote on the scholarly were experts with degrees. Most of the scholarly articles found consisted of more then just one or two pages and they have specific guidelines. The authors cite their sources though out the article and they also include a list of references at the very end. Graphs and data were included. Once the study is completed and the article is written it goes through a â€Å"rigorous† peer review process (Unknown, 2009). The public media article gave an informal tone (Unknown, 2009) to the whole â€Å"HIV, drugs, gay men, and sex parties. They used information, facts, numbers, and percentages from different sources like the â€Å"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention† and other various resources instead of conducting their own control study, survey, or interviews researched amongst a trained research team. Scholarly and popular media both provide a great amount of information, just presented differently. Scholarly articles seem to provide you with a more intellectual approach(Unknown , 2009) to the topic or what you are trying to learn and can be used perfectly in an academic environment, but unlike the popular media article its just numbers, demographics, facts taken from a research and its subjects. It lacks the real stories and visual pictures of human beings and how they are being affected by this epidemic. Talking about how some people lost their jobs, homes, family, and life to the life-style that lead them to AIDS or HIV, as a result hitting a little closer to home and how it’s affecting today’s gay community and what they are doing to counter act these behaviors. Professors like to advertise scholarly and peer reviewed articles simply because it is an array of factual information written by the subject matter experts in a very formative way. Sex is something that is not formally studied often and that’s why people have many different perceptions of what sex is really like. Sometimes these perceptions can lead to a lot of misleading information. Sex can be common to some but not so common to others due to the fact there are many aspects to sex like bisexuality, homosexuality, and heterosexuality. No one knows it all when it comes to sex and this is why you should leave it to the experts. This is perhaps why scholarly articles are preferred and â€Å"hyped up† by professors. Scholarly and public media articles can be very reliable depending on the source and their credentials. Conducting this review of the differences of a scholarly/peer reviewed article and the public media had shown me the pros and cons to both types of articles. If you are looking for an article that is reliable academically and that has been reviewed by many of subject experts-scholarly articles are what you’re looking for. If you are looking for informal information with very little statistics but reliable information on the subject matter you can read a public media article. In conclusion, if you really want to know more about the subject, look up both the scholarly and in public media articles just to gather a wide assortment of information from different variable resources.

Presentation: Barack Obama “Dreams from My Father”

Barack Obama – â€Å"Dreams From My Father-A Story of Race and Heritance† Today I want to introduce you United States President Barack Obama’s first memoir, dreams from my father. It was first published in July 1995 as he was preparing to launch his political career and republished in August 2004. Author: Since my book is an autobiography I won’t tell you everything about the author, I just will give some personal facts about him. Barack Obama was born in 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Barack Obama Senior and Ann Dunham. In 1991, Obama graduated from Harvard Law School.While in law school he worked as a co-worker at the law firms of Sidley & Austin where he met his wife, Michelle, whom he married in 1992. Barack and Michelle Obama have two daughters: Malia Ann and Natasha, known as Sasha. On November 4 2008, Obama won the presidency of the United States. The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President took place on January 20, 2009. On October 8 of las t year, Obama was named the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Characters: Paternal Family The Obamas are members of the Luo, Kenya's third-largest ethnic group. Hussein Onyango Obama Barack Obama's paternal grandfather †¢Habiba Akumu Obama Barack Obama's paternal grandmother and the second wife of Hussein Onyango Obama †¢Barack Hussein Obama Senior He is the father of Barack Obama. Visited his son only for one single time. In his memoir, Barack calls him the Old Man. †¢ Kezia †¢Jane Her sister, Jane, is the ‘Auntie Jane' mentioned at the very start of Dreams from My Father when she telephoned President Obama to inform him that his father had been killed in a car accident. †¢Ruth NdesandjoBorn Ruth Nidesand, in US, Barack Obama Sr. ‘s third wife Maternal Family †¢Ann Dunham Mother of Barack Obama. His mother is open minded, idealistic, naive in one sense, world-wise in another. †¢Stanley Dunham is the grandfather of Barack Obama. Stanley and his wife Madelyn raised Obama in Honolulu, Hawaii. His grandparents love him unconditionally. He learns his grandfather's strengths and weaknesses, but never really comes to see him as the father figure he's seeking. †¢Madelyn Lee Payne Dunham Barack Obama's maternal grandmother. †¢Lolo SoetoroStepfather of Barack Obama, born in Indonesia, Obama speaks fondly of his step-father, and learns several life lessons from him, but unfortunately his mother's relationship with his step-father doesn't last. Plot: 1. Origins 2. Chicago 3. Kenya Epilogue Barack Obama, the current narrates a heart-rending story about his personal implications; tribulations in the American society, and his father’s roots. Ad 1. The story opens up in New York, where he hears that his father—a figure he knows more as a myth than as a man—has died in a car accident.Two years later after Baby Obama was born, his father won a scholarship to continue with studies at Harvard University . And so, Obama Senior left Hawaii, went to Harvard, separated from his small family and, was divorced by Ann. He completed his studies and returned to Kenya to take up a senior job at the department of national planning. Baby Obama never saw him until much later. As a young boy, his mother marries a man from Indonesia and they go to live there. His mother sends him back to Hawaii to live with his grandparents so he can attend a prestigious Hawaiian school, as one of only three black students there.Obama has one encounter with his father when he's ten in Hawaii. Obama is a little adored, a little overwhelmed by his father’s visit. Nevertheless his father doesn’t stay very long and leaves Obama with more questions than answers. Ad 2. Propelled by a desire to understand both the forces that shaped him and his father’s legacy, the book then moves on to moves to Chicago where he works as a community organizer. It's challenging work that is rarely rewarding, but Obam a gives it his all. Then a relative from Kenya, his aunt Jane, calls to tell him his father has died, but Obama's not quite sure how to feel about that or how to react.Several weeks later, his Kenyan half-sister, Auma, makes contact with him. Auma gives him a sneak peek into his father's life in Kenya. Obama is fascinated by the life Auma leads and wants to learn more about their father. Before he leaves community organizing to go to Harvard Law School, he makes arrangements to visit Auma in Kenya and TO TRACE THE ROOTS OF HIS FATHER. Ad 3. In Kenya, Obama discovers a family he didn't even know. His father had at least four wives, and Obama has a slew of brothers and sisters who are living in their father's shadow.Obama and Auma visit with one their grandfather's wives, â€Å"Granny. † She tells Obama's father story to him. The story: Because Onyango wanted his son to be provided as best as possible as for opening up a good future, his father received a scholarship in economi cs through a special program which offered Western educational opportunities to outstanding Kenyan students. Following Obama Sr. enrolled at the University of Hawaii where Obama Sr. married Ann Dunham, though she would not find out that her new husband was already married to a pregnant wife until much later.Ann quit her studies to care for the baby, while Obama Sr. completed his degree, leaving shortly thereafter to study at Harvard University. While studying at Harvard, Obama Sr. met an American-born teacher named Ruth who he married after divorcing from Barack’s mother. After a while Obama Sr. published a paper entitled â€Å"Problems Facing Our Socialism† harshly criticizing the concept for national planning. This conflict with President Kenyatta destroyed his career. Following he was fired from his job, was blacklisted in Kenya, and began to drink.He had a serious car accident, spent almost a year in the hospital, and by the time he visited his son in Hawaii, when Barack was ten years old. Obama Sr. ‘s life fell into drinking and poverty, from which he never recovered. Obama Sr. later lost both legs in another automobile collision, and subsequently lost his job. He died at the age of 46, in a third car crash in Nairobi. From then on, Obama realized that the man he thought to be a failure was in fact a hero in his village. His father was the first person to have gone to the US University from his village.Then, Obama forgave his father and decided to change his life basing on his father’s dreams. Themes: †¢Racism Throughout the whole book the main character is faced with Racism. From early childhood he had to struggle with students that teased him when he was playing with one of the three black kids. Even in Kenya, when he and some of his family members are at a restaurant, the waitress who is black, ignores their orders and doesn’t serve them after she has seen European tourists who are white. †¢Search for communi ty As a young adult, Obama set off in search of community and purpose, with the reat role models of the civil rights movement. The glory days of the civil rights movement were long gone when Obama gets an organizing job in a poor neighborhood on Chicago's South Side plagued by crumbling public housing, disappearing manufacturing jobs, and rising crime. The group's founder is a Jewish man who is not fully trusted by the community. At the same time Obama makes personal connections. He becomes close with the three middle-aged African-American women who are core to the organization, and develops a friendship with an eccentric, pot-smoking Catholic organizer.He looks out for Kyle, the teenage son of a volunteer who is in danger of getting into trouble. One of the most moving bits in the book where Obama tells the group he is headed off to Harvard Law School, and promises his friends in the neighborhood that he'll be back. †¢Search for family and identity Feeling out of place in high school, Obama gravitates toward the black kids and works to embrace an African-American culture that matches others' expectations of his appearance, but is different from his upbringing and background. A trip to Kenya before law school is an opportunity for discovery.Obama grew up with an idealized vision of his father, which both intimidated and inspired him. As he gets to know his African family, he finds out that his father's life was more complex and less perfect than the idealized image. In Kenya, Barack Junior finds a family that is loving, close, and welcoming but surrounded by problems — feuds, alcoholism, and poverty. The stories that Obama hears on his trip make things more complicated, not simpler. The stories provide context for the personality flaws, passions, that which are more meaningful, more admirable, and more forgivable, than a shallow but false idealized image. The Limits of â€Å"Organizing† After a series of infamous defeats, the persistence, sk ill and empathy of Obama's group begins to pay off. They organize cleanup for the housing project, job training for the neighborhood, mentoring for school kids. But in the end, during a public forum where the neighborhood people demand basic maintenance for public housing projects, the bureaucrats explain that the Housing Authority budget allows a asbestos removal, or basic repairs, but not both. So as you can see, one small person can’t change everything without reaching some limits.