Forms and Substance Dualism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Forms and Substance Dualism - Essay Example If, conversely, dualism can be convincingly maintained, then our evidence obtained from studies of the brain would simply not suffice in gaining any form of insight into the human mind. Dualism is a logical necessity: sustained as a question that does not need to be answered as it can be fulfilled a priori, owing to the fact that humans have the ability to seek introspection regularly. (Almog, 129-34) Indeed, we experience the separation between our body and mind, which would support the notion that they are separate entities and empirical evidence is not required to prove such a concept. However, this does not mean that dualistic theory is foolproof: for example, can our experience be enough to prove such a concept Indeed, many philosophers are not in favor of dualistic ontology. The first classical representation of dualism can be recognized in Plato's work; more specifically originating in The Phaedo. Interestingly, in dualism, 'mind' is contrasted with 'body', but in different historical periods, different aspects of the mind have been the center of attention. For example, in the classical period it was the intellect of the mind, which was considered to be the crux of what separated us from the physical. However, from Descartes onwards, the opposition to materialism came from our apparent 'consciousness' and experience of 'sensation'. The emphasis on intellect is certainly echoed in Plato's work: as he believed (as did many other Greeks) that the body was a prison for the intellectual soul. Indeed Plato believed that the true substances are not physical bodies, which are ephemeral, but the eternal Forms of which bodies are imperfect copies. He came up with the idea of a realm of "Forms" and said that intellect was immaterial, for it does not last you, the refore Forms are immaterial, and thus intellect must link to those that it apprehends. He then continued to say that such a link forced the soul to want to leave the body to enter a realm of Forms. In his later writings, The Republic, Plato furthered his ideas on Forms and the soul; he claimed that not only was the soul the true form but belonged to a higher status within reality than the body did, and that the soul was a separate, immortal substance. Plato's study of dualism in The Phaedo was indeed complex, and more a metaphysical study regarding the imprisoned soul. However, it can be seen, especially amongst his writings in The Republic, that Plato was clear on his belief that the body and soul were separate entities, forming the base for philosophical extensions in more recent times. Continuing from Plato, St Thomas Aquinas extended earlier works on dualism in his endeavor to unite philosophy with proof of God. Aquinas agreed with the Aristotelian notion that when the soul entered the body it animated it and gave it life; calling it anima. Moreover according to Aquinas, the soul operates independently of the body and it cannot decay; for only things that can break into parts can decay, Thus, following Aquinas' argument, the soul is able to survive death. He also said that through

Death of a Salesman - Discuss the Importance of Dreams in the Play Essay Example for Free

Death of a Salesman Discuss the Importance of Dreams in the Play Essay The American Dream is strongly linked to a consumer culture and capitalism, and this is the main theme of the play. Dreams are the main structure of the play. Dreams can be many things; they can be divided into two types. They can be your hopes and ambitions, fantasies, hallucinations, and can also the dreams in your subconscious mind whilst you are asleep. The American Dream is what Willy bases his life on. The only way for him is up. Dreams seem to motivate the characters actions, they express and explain their past and present behaviour. The American Dream is the most important part in A Death of a Salesman. Willy strives to achieve for himself and his sons, Biff and Happy, to be rich and successful having money to pay off all the bills and not being in debt is the ideal. The American Dream is literally having the best of everything, owning your own car and land, being popular and having the opportunity and qualifications to be successful. All the way through the play Willy strives for The American Dream. He idolizes two people. His name was Dave Singleman. And he was eighty-four years oldAnd old Dave, hed go up to his room, yunderstand, put on his green velvet slippers-Ill never forget-and pick up his phone and call the buyers, and without leaving his room at eighty-four he, made his living. The other is his elder brother Ben who had found wealth colourfully, romantically, by walking into the jungle and discovering diamonds. To Willy therefore success means two things being rich and being popular. Willy strives to the point of obsession to achieve this end. This obsession of The American Dream pressurises Willy to bring up his sons to think the same and like a tree, the branches representing his sons reach up towards this dream and the subsequent pressure it puts on them. Biff begins to doubt The American Dream when he says its me, Im a bum and Im one dollar an hour. Biff realizes that life is not always happy and sometimes you just have to settle with what you have got. Willy still thinks Biff will actually achieve all the aspects of his dream. Biff tries to tell him Pop! Im a dime a dozen and so are you! Willy responds Im not a dime a dozen I am Willy Loman, and you are Biff Loman! Willy will not accept this and tries to shut and block out what Biff is saying. He cannot work out that there are an exceptional few that achieve the The American Dream. Happy is totally absorbed in his fathers dream, and tries to believe that he will achieve it. Happy tells Biff that he cannot be promoted. All I can do now is wait for the merchandise manager to die. He does not appear to be working for promotion and is stuck in a dead end job. The author uses Bernard, Charleys son as a story contrast to the two Loman brothers. Willy refers to him as an aneamic and says although he gets the best marks at school he is not as popular and does not have the personality of Biff and Happy. But the complete opposite happens when they finish school and get into the big wide world. Bernard becomes part of the Supreme Court. Oh, just a case I got there, Willy. Bernard was a hard working school pupil who seemed to have achieved the dream and also got married and had two children. This proves that popularity and a likeable character is not enough for the American Dream. Both Biff and Happy have many hopes and dreams dominated by their father Willy. Biff tries to fulfill his fathers dreams in the beginning. Well, I spent six or seven years after high-school trying to work myself up. Shopping clerk, salesman, business of one kind or the another. This repeats the theme of the play that one cannot live by anothers dream. What the hell am I doing, playing around with horses, twenty-eight dollars a weekAnd now, I get here, and I dont know what to do with myself. Biff is so confused with life because he was brought up to believe that he should be manager of a big company and will always be rich and successful. He seems to like his job in the open space but thinks that he should be earning more money than he is. Happy is like his brother Biff, lost but in a different way. He is thirty-two and is totally absorbed in his fathers dreams and ambitions. Happy continually boasts about his sex life. About five-hundred women would like to know what was said in this room. he tells Biff. Happys dreams are like his bosses. He should be able to build a large estate and then sell it two months after, because he doesnt like it and then start to build another. The two boys hopes and dreams come from their father. They were brought up to want the very best and are force-fed the wrong hopes and ambitions from childhood. The hopes and dreams that the Loman family have, have affected their lives in many different ways. Biff tries to live up to his fathers expectations but seems to realize that he cannot live other hopes. Happy is the only person with a steady job. Even though he is achieving one part of The American Dream he is lonely and keeps telling Linda and Willy Am gonna get married Pop. He is not content because he still wants everything beyond what his job can provide. He seems to still be absorbed in his father dreams. Willy is all talk and never achieves anything. He blames people for his downfalls in life. The only way he thinks he will resolve all of his problems in life is to commit suicide. Hopes and ambitions are extremely important for the people in the play as they are always striving for success. At the end of the play Biff says at Willys funeral He had the wrong dreams. All, all, wrong. Willy needed to accept that he could not live his dreams and had to settle with what he had and make the best of the situation. Willys memories affect the main structure of the play. There are many types of stagecraft to show the difference between the past and present. Lighting is used in the way that in the present times the stage is very dull and gloomy showing misery and unhappiness. The stage is shown as bright and lively at the points of Willys daydreams and hallucinations of the past. Sounds depend on the mood of the occasion, faint and lifeless sounds seem to be in the background when the play is in the present. The tone of the music changes when Willy goes into the past, it appears chirpy and happy. Clouting plays an important role. The clothing also depended on the mood of the character the colours of the dress indicates what temperament they were in. Willy seems to always be in the past, this is because he feels its a refuge from the life that he is really living in and all the problems in it. The flashbacks Willy gets are all describing what happened in the past and show how the other characters were. I got it, Pop. And remember, pal, when I take of my helmet, that touchdown is for you. Biff tries to impress his father; this shows that Biff was always the centre of his life at this time. These flashbacks show the sides of the characters in the play that we have not seen before. The flashbacks also show the way Willy has brought up his two sons. Willy brings Biff and Happy up in the hope that they will fulfil The American Dream, that popularity and good personalities will get them good jobs. This affects them in later life because they still believe that this doctrine will get those good jobs but it can not. Happy depends on the death of others higher ranked than him for promotion rather than his own skills. The past events are never shown as they actually happened, they are shown the way Willy interprets them. Willy seems to distort the event when Biff finds Willy and The Woman in the bedroom in Brooklyn. He does this to try and block out the bad thoughts, and create a past he can hide in from others. Dreams are so important in the play because they seem to link everything together The American Dream, Hopes and Ambitions and Daydreams, Fantasies and Memories. Throughout this play, Miller is saying to the audience that our society, promotes things to strive for that are way beyond the reaches of that person. Peer pressure is mainly what drives us to want more and the best of everything, getting into debt. Miller says that the characters in the play are affected by the dream, The American Dream. Although the play was written over fifty years ago in 1949, it still has relevance today. In the 1950s, capitalism was taking hold after the Second World War; today commercialism still has a powerful hold in the Western worlds culture. I think Miller is telling us to live our lives according to our own dreams and not others.

The Relationship between Rhetoric and Social Conflict :: essays research papers

The Relationship between Rhetoric and Social Conflict In society there are daily occurrences that happen as a result of rhetoric, which then question and mold our individuality. How we react to these responses define us as a society and can then cause us to have a conflict socially. These occurrences challenge our perceptions allowing us to think independently about each issue. Without the linkage of rhetoric and conflict, we would have a difficult time justifying our understanding of these issues. A reaction to rhetoric can also characterize us from each other in a way that creates a singular identity. This individuality combined with the identities of others, make up our community and allow rhetoric and conflict to occur almost naturally. To further explain why rhetoric and conflict are so important we must understand the importance of this issue, in trying to relate everyday activities as examples of rhetoric and conflict. Our Society creates certain rhetorical ideologies, which are contained in social institutions, such as churches, communities, or clubs, in which conformity is a must. These ideologies bring people together to stand behind a common interest and fight for their own beliefs, morals, and values. It is when these social institutions collide with each other that social conflict is formed and problems arise. In order to understand the relationship between rhetoric and social conflict one must be able to define these terms adequately. Rhetoric is the ability to use words effectively in order to receive a response that is either positive or negative. To create a positive response, a person might appeal to the emotions of another who is sympathetic to the situation or who is currently involved with the same experience. They may use familiar experiences and memories to help the response take its shape. An example of this would be in the article ' The Cigarette as Representational Ideograph in the Debate over Environmental Tobacco Smoke'; by Mark Moore. Moore describes both sides of this controversy of smoker and antismoker rights, but when reading this article both sides are conformed to their own beliefs and support them quite well. 'Smokers discuss their rights as an American and their right to liberty, while anti-smoking activists talk about the hazards of second hand smoke discovered by scientific knowledge'; (Moore 48). The ideas of both sides make up an ideology, which is expressed over and over again through their justifications. Only a smoker can sympathize with a fellow smoker when explaining the right to be able to smoke in public.

Book Reviews Essay

1. To what does the title of the book refer? Having a detailed and well-constructed setting in Packingtown, Chicago, Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle can easily be mistaken as a story that has its central on the setting. Therefore, it is but natural to point out that the title is referring to Packingtown itself. Reading thoroughly into the book, though, one is led to realize that the jungle actually refers to something larger than just the city where the story happens. Aside from a vivid description of the setting, which greatly resembles the darkness and gloominess of the jungle, a reader has to note what the characters in the story have to go through. The novel depicts scenes where characters do everything in their power to survive the cut-throat environment in which they live in. These scenes point to what the title actually refers to: the concept of survival of the fittest. Much as the most cunning animals in the jungle are those who survive, The Jungle reflects that those who are devious reign supreme. 2. What is the main point(s) of the book? Why did the author write it? Did the author achieve his objective? Upton Sinclair wanted to reveal the evils of the meat-packing industry during his time. But more than just wanting to abolish the barbarity of the meat industry, Upton Sinclair wanted to take a jab at the evils of capitalism and the meat industry was just a start for him. Being a socialist, the author wanted to show how capitalism is detrimental to the poor as it only makes the rich richer. Though Sinclair was not totally successful in abandoning capitalism, he was, at the very least, successful in urging the government to take a look at the meat-packing industry and take steps in bettering the said industry. To date, The Jungle remains one of the most influential books in American history. 3. When was the book written? Is that relevant in this case? The novel was written in 1906, which holds significance as to why the story was written. The setting depicted in the novel is one that Upton Sinclair has experienced, urging him to write the book. 4. What do you know about the life of the author that would have led him to write The Jungle? Upton Sinclair was born to a family who once enjoyed aristocratic status but was thrown into the binge of poverty towards the end of the 1870’s. Growing up in a poor environment and hearing stories of the rich lifestyle from his once wealthy grandparents had its mark on young Sinclair. This contrast between the rich and the poor greatly affected his writings. Aside from this, though, something that led him to write The Jungle was the introduction to the socialist philosophy during his college years. Not only did the philosophy instill the principles that were apparent in The Jungle, it literally pushed Upton Sinclair into the industry he represented in the novel. Being an avid fan of socialism, the author became a writer for a socialist paper that sent him to investigate the lives of stockyard workers – those working in the meatpacking industry included. 5. How well does The Jungle reflect political, urban, business and immigrant life in America in the early twentieth century? Do you think it is an accurate reflection? Why or why not? Upton Sinclair is often criticized for his tendency to exaggerate; hence, it can be assumed that his portrayal of what was happening in the meat-packing industry is sort of larger-than-life. Assuming that this is true, one can still not deny that The Jungle still is a reflection of the political, urban, business and immigrant life in America during the early twentieth century. Despite whatever embellishments were written in The Jungle, Upton Sinclair still truthfully revealed the atrocities regarding the capitalist society – how the immigrants have to fight for their lives in order to ensure survival in the city and how the authorities turn a blind eye to industries that have the capacity to â€Å"pay†. 6. What were the problems immigrants faced at the turn of the twentieth century? Are those problems still evident? How or how not is that the case? That is, what has changed or not changed in the last hundred years for immigrants? The face of immigration in the United States has changed several times in the past decade. Towards the end of the 19th and during the earlier parts of the 20th centuries, immigrants faced numerous kinds of discrimination. Coming to America under circumstances where the country was riddled with poverty, crime, and disease, the immigrants in this period were feared and ridiculed. They were seen by the majority as the source of everything bad in American society during that period. Also, the growing number of immigrants has led the U. S. government to take some steps to curb the entrance of more people into U. S. shores. Positive changes have occurred for immigrants as well. The quotas were eventually removed, welcoming more immigrants to fulfill their â€Å"American† dream. Also, the concept of white ethnicity shifted from scientific evidence to common knowledge – making race dependent on social boundaries rather than scientific definitions. 8. What did you like most and least about the book? I could have done without the overly vivid depictions of the meat-packing industry, though I also have to admit that it was those depictions that made the novel deliver an effective message. The fact that the book spoke truthfully of the anomalies in the food industry and urged changes that up to now I am benefitting from is what I loved most about it. Rarely do we come across a literary piece that affects lives as much. 9. What was the most important and/or interesting thing(s) you learned from reading the book? The most important thing I learned from the book is the beauty of socialism and an appreciation for the kind of capitalism that America has at the moment. I also found it interesting how a literary fiction greatly affected one aspect of corruption in the country. 10. Are there any other comments you would like to make that were not addressed above? Whether or not socialism would have been a better system for the United States is something that we all have to just imagine. I guess despite the evils that capitalism may present, one cannot deny that capitalism is not such a bad thing, considering how much growth it has brought to this country. We all just have to be wary of possible corruptions and act upon these when spotted. QUESTIONS FOR GRAPES OF WRATH 1. Who was John Steinbeck? Why did he write his book? What was there in the author’s background or the time period of the book’s writing that might have led him to write the book? Living in California most of his life (with just a brief stay in New York), John Steinbeck has been exposed to the events that went down in Californian history. Grapes of Wrath was a direct result of the happenings that transpired in America during the 1930’s. With the Great Depression dawning over the â€Å"Dust Bowl† states of Oklahoma and Texas, many of the farmers migrated to California. Steinbeck was a witness as to how California became crowded, making job and food scarce for the migrant farmers who became known as ‘Okies’. 3. What is the time period of the book’s action? The book’s action occurs mostly in the 1930’s – mostly 1930’s when the migration of the ‘Okies’ to California and when the discrimination occurred. 4. What were the attractions of California? Are there any parallels today? California was seen as the ‘salvation’ of the Okies farmers. It was a land that promised fertile lands which equated to jobs. Though California is no longer the agricultural land that it once was, it still is a refuge for people who want to get good employment. Instead of lands to till, California offers movie studios that equate to jobs for aspiring actors and actresses. 5. What was the opposition to the Okies? Was any of it valid? The ‘local’ Californians were greatly opposed to the Okies because they saw the migrants as threats wanting to take over the land as they once had over the Mexicans. Though total land domination was not what the Okies intended, 6. When was the book written? Why is that relevant? First published in 1939, Grapes of Wrath was penned in 1938. The time period is relevant as it tells a lot as to why Steinbeck chose the subject matter for the novel. 7. To what does the title of the book refer? Grapes of Wrath refers to the fruits of wrath. John Steinbeck wants to communicate the good thing about maintaining a sense of anger towards people who intend to clip your wings or who attempt to trample your dignity. There’s this line in the novel that clearly depicts this: â€Å"as long as fear turn to wrath† – when fear turns to wrath, self-respect is maintained. 9. How well did the book expose what some would call the social ills of the nation? Many have criticized the book to be merely a sentiment rather than a true exposure of the social ills of America during the time of its publication. However, its continuing popularity to date – not just with casual readers but with students as well – reflects just how effective Steinbeck was in exposing the ills of society. Even though the story was something central to the setting, the morals and themes exposed still rings true at present times, making Grapes of Wrath a truly classic story. 10. Do you think the book is an accurate reflection of America at that time? Why or why not? I guess even with the contention from some Americans, Grapes of Wrath is an accurate reflection of 1930’s America. With the Great Depression dawning over America, one cannot blame the people for being selfish and doubtful of other people. And though Steinbeck’s novel is considered fiction, the stories depicted in it are those that have been painted in history books as well. 11. What have been some of the racial criticisms of Steinbeck? Why? In this novel, John Steinbeck focuses on â€Å"white† racism. He mostly deals with a rich white to poor white discrimination. He wanted to paint the discrepancy between the rich and poor at that time. Though he also touched on discrimination of the black Americans in Chapter 19, â€Å"Why, Jesus, they’re as dangerous as niggers in the South! If they ever get together there ain’t nothin’ that’ll stop ’em. † Steinbeck wanted to reiterate the fact that racism exists and that it is still an issue Americans have to address. 12. What does the book say about the state of socialism or communism in America at that time? What are the author’s greatest criticisms of capitalism? Are they valid? Explain. John Steinbeck portrayed America in a state of unrestricted capitalism. His greatest critique of this kind of philosophy is that the â€Å"haves† continually drive the â€Å"have nots† into extreme poverty. Because of inconsideration and a desire to constantly acquire more wealth, the landowners and bank people deprive the small landowners and share-croppers of the basic needs of survival, such as the case with oranges being spilled with kerosene. Basing on accounts of the Great Depression, one can say that Steinbeck did paint a realistic picture. Given that, one can say that his criticisms are valid in that they needed attention from the people and action towards change. 13. If the author’s points are valid regarding problems depicted in the book, then why weren’t there more violent uprisings? Violent uprisings were not possible given the fact that most of the poor people have survival as their primary concern. With families starving, small landowners and share-croppers worry more about where their next meal will come from rather than how they can better their lives through insurgency. 14. Do you think Steinbeck supported or rejected the New Deal? Explain. Explain what the book has to say about the effects of technology, both negative and positive. Though the ending of Grapes of Wrath shadows Steinbeck’s belief that communism may be a better way of living (the breastfeeding scene tells that sharing of resources is a better option as compared to capitalism), I think Steinbeck may have accepted the New Deal in that it aimed to put a control over capitalism. 15. How did the philosophy of Jim Casey, who some critics say embodied the ideas of Steinbeck more than any other character, fit the philosophy of the New Deal? Jim Casey was the voice of reason in Grapes of Wrath. His philosophy meshes well with the New Deal as it speaks of how Steinbeck wanted ‘structure’ in the capitalism ruling over America. New Deal streamlines programs that will attempt at balancing the scale that at that time favors the rich and tip it to favor the oppressed. 16. What did you like most and least about the book? Steinbeck’s novel had too many characters that one needs to keep track of. However, his point of view and manner of narration was effective, making one crave for the pages to come. 17. What was the most important and/or interesting thing(s) you learned from reading the book? Much like Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, The Grapes of Wrath makes one see into commercialism as not entirely the evil that everyone may lead to believe. Proper control of the businesses and willingness in everyone to help each other out is just what we need to make capitalism work and to have it fair for all involved. 18. Why did some Americans not like the book? Some, if not most, Californians and Oklahomans at the time of publication did not appreciate Grapes of Wrath because of the thinking that they were poorly – if not wrongly – represented in the novel. They argue that the books’ depiction of the events were not true to life. 20. Are there any points you would have liked to see developed more in the book? I would have liked to see more of what kind of steps Steinbeck wanted America to partake. It would have been a more effective read had there been more suggestions as to what the citizens or government needed to do to alleviate poverty. 21. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not? I would certainly recommend this book to others because I enjoyed reading it. It gave me a look into American history that I never would want to be repeated in present times. Given this, it made me realize what I need to do to prevent history from repeating itself. 22. Are there any other points you would like to make that were not addressed above? I guess all points have been discussed in the above questions. QUESTIONS FOR IN RETROSPECT, The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam 1. Who was Robert McNamara? Why did he write his book? Robert McNamara was the United States’ 8th Secretary of Defense. The book IN RETROSPECT: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam was born out of his experiences as the Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War. 2. What are topics covered in the book? What is the book’s time period? Why? After a brief autobiography of his life up to the point when he was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara went on to discuss everything he knew about the Vietnam War. In each chapter, he outlined how America came to a point of deep involvement with South Vietnam’s fight against succumbing to communism. He detailed JFK’s decisions and on to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s plans on Vietnam. Since this is mostly about the Vietnam War, the book covers the 1960’s. 3. What were the arguments for staying in Vietnam during the 1950s and ‘60s? JFK’s reason for involvement in Vietnam is containment, suppressing communism and ensuring American influence in Asia. When JFK started to withdraw U. S. troops in Vietnam, he was shortly assassinated. When LBJ took over, U. S. troops were still highly visible in Vietnam. On top of pressure for more military support, LBJ’s reason was that he wanted to retaliate for attacks on the American presence in Vietnam. 4. What does McNamara say are the false assumptions the U. S. had about the Vietnam War in the early and mid 1960s? Being a strong to reckon with, America has falsely assumed that it can – single-handedly – prevent communism and help South Vietnam fight off the force of the North. What America failed to see was that it needed the support of other nations regarding the causes being fought in the Vietnam War. Also, America thought South Vietnam needed Americans to fight their war when in fact all they would have needed was mere aid. 5. Why did the U. S. escalate the war in the mid 1960s? The attacks on the U. S. troops at the Tonkin Gulf led to the escalation of the war in 1965. 6. What does McNamara say were some of the basic questions we failed to ask and answer before committing U. S. forces in Vietnam? McNamara listed the following basic questions that we failed to ask ourselves before involving ourselves deeper into the Vietnam War: (a) Was it true that the fall of South Vietnam would trigger the fall of all Southeast Asia? (b) Would that constitute a grave threat to the West’s security? (c) What kind of war — conventional or guerrilla — might develop? (d) Could we win it with US troops fighting alongside the South Vietnamese? And (d) Should we not know the answers to these questions before deciding whether to commit troops? 7. Why does McNamara feel that a greater U. S. military effort in Vietnam would have been disastrous? McNamara felt that escalating war in Vietnam will have its grave effects mostly because the effort will not be something that the Congress has agreed upon, leading to unrest from the American people. Also, the fact that America has failed to answer the â€Å"five basic questions† prove that America really is yet unready to take things a step further in Vietnam. 8. Are there any lessons from the Vietnam War that might have significance for America’s current policy in Iraq? Though unified agreement on a looming war is impossible, America should have learned from Vietnam the lesson that the nation needs to be unified in the causes of a war. Also, America should wholly ready in facing any impending war instead of making head-on collisions without any preparations. 10. What is the most important thing you learned from the book? The book taught me about a period in my country’s time that I was not able to bear witness to. It made me understand as to why Americans had the sentiments about Vietnam and why the same sentiments are being applied to Iraq. 11. Did you like the book? Why or why not? Though the book was a historical account rather than a fictional stab at past events like the books above, I did enjoy reading it. It also made me look into events that have unfolded as of late. 12. What sources did the author use to make his points? McNamara pointed to his own experiences to drive his point. 13. Does the author achieve what he set out to do? I think Robert McNamara was fairly effective in opening the eyes of the nation to the truths about the Vietnam War. The objective was achieved because for the first time, Americans were able to get a perspective from an insider. It was a relief to actually get an admission of the mistakes of the Vietnam War straight from the â€Å"author of the Vietnam War† himself. 14. Are there any points you would have liked to see developed in the book more? I guess the book pretty much covered all bases, especially since we were getting an â€Å"insider’s perspective†. 15. What have you learned from reading this book? I have learned that by looking deep into the inner workings of the Vietnam War will prevent America from making the same mistakes over again. Also, I learned that a deliberation of the nation’s actions will yield better results than making hurried decisions. 16. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not? To any American who cares to have a glimpse of one of the most eventful periods of America, I will recommend this book because this is a really good insight to the Vietnam War. Also a lot of lessons can be learned from it. 17. Are there any other comments you would like to make that were not addressed above? None, everything has been said above. QUESTIONS FOR THE KITE RUNNER 1. What is the time frame and location of the book? Kite Runner takes us to Afghanistan during the last days of monarchy (1973) into recent times. We also get glimpses of America but the story mostly occurs in Afghanistan. 2. What did you learn about the history of Afghanistan from reading the book? Afghanistan’s history is very much described by socioeconomic class, with the lower classes having little to almost no hope of moving up the ladder. Discrimination was central to the poor and this discrimination led to uprisings and upheaval of monarchy. I have also learned how the history of Afghanistan was riddled with a lot of turmoil such as civil war and the Soviet invasion. I also got a glimpse of how the Talibans started to try and take control. 3. What did you learn about the Cold War? The Cold War left Afghan in a more turbulent state, having been in the center of two superpowers’ desire to take over. Having acquired help from Soviet Union, Afghanistan became sort of a target for the U. S. , who saw an opportunity to bring down the communist country. 4. What did you learn about the immigrant experience from reading the book? Did it support or change your views about immigrants? The book supported my view about immigrants. Immigrants are not entirely a trouble to a country, as one may have been led to believe by previous media works. Immigrants, who have as much difficulty leaving their homelands as settling in a new place, can actually contribute something good to the country. Amir, in one hand, lived in America righteously. 5. What part of the book was the most memorable or meaningful to you? For me, the part where Amir tells Sohrab about his father Hassan is the most memorable part of the book. Not only was it emotionally-laden but any child who has had a good relationship with his/her father can relate to it. It proves that bonds within families are the most important of all. 6. Farid (Amir’s driver) tells Amir that Amir has always been a tourist in Afghanistan – he just didn’t know it (page 323). Do you agree or not? Why? Do you think it’s true for you in your country? I do agree with what Farid told Amir. Amir’s story is not a story that tells what a normal Afghan will go through during the time of the story’s writing. Amir was born of money, something that only a few Afghans have the privilege of having. I don’t think I am like Amir though, because my lifestyle and family stature are what one can describe as being in the middle spectrum of American society. 7. What did you learn about Afghanistan and the Middle East from reading this novel? I learned that the turbulences that we hear in the news of Afghanistan and the Middle East are something that has deep roots in the nations’ histories. 9. Were you surprised to read about the racial tension between the Pashtuns and Hazaras? Why do you think the oppression existed? Does it have parallels in America? I guess I can say that I was surprised to read about the racial tension between Pashtuns and Hazaras. I think the oppression came from the fact that the majority group (Pashtuns) wanted to eliminate the minority (Hazaras). This was mainly because they had different beliefs and they wanted one belief to reign supreme. Though in present-day America, this kind of oppression no longer exists, one can recall the kind of racial tension during the American Civil War. 10. Did the end of the book express hope for the future? Why or why not? The ending, for me, presented a lot of hope as I think Sohrab’s little smile is a step towards achieving better things not only for Sohrab himself but for Afghanistan and the Afghanis. Amir allowing a link of the past and the present and a reversal of roles symbolizes the fact that if one is willing to give way, things will eventually be better. 11. How did the book get its title? Who was the kite runner? The original kite runner was Hassan. The act of flying a kite expresses â€Å"controlled† freedom as flight is controlled by that string that binds it. 12. What did you like most and least about the book? The book was generally a sad one, painting stories that are almost heart-wrenching. But since it was a book that presents hope and is a book that has great potential to move people into action, I loved reading it. 13. Why did Baba like Ronald Reagan? Why do you think the neighbors disliked the president? Known for his acceptance of immigration, it was but natural that Baba liked Ronald Reagan. The neighbors, though, disliked the president because he was known to have passed policies that sank America into greater poverty. Baba’s neighbors blamed the president for the oppressed state they were in. 14. Who are the Taliban and how are they portrayed in the book? Do you think the portrayal is accurate? The Talibans were portrayed as the â€Å"bad people†, being shown to do random killings and unjust executions. If one is to believe the things being aired in the news, one can say that the portrayal was accurate. Given that the story was written by an Afghan, one may also assume that the portrayal can only ring the truth. 15. The book talks a lot about courage. Cite some examples of how courage was displayed. Who do you think was the most courageous character? I think the most courageous character was Hassan. His acts of covering up for Amir and standing up against the Talibans are prime examples of courage. 16. With which character did you feel the greatest attachment? Why? I had the greatest attachment to Hassan. He was a real friend and a real admirable character, making him someone that people easily want to know. Please let me know if you have any further question.

Hk and Mainland Chinese Generation Changes

HK and Mainland Chinese Generation Changes Introduction: Since Hong Kong return to China, there always have some comparison between Hong Kong and Mainland China. In this essay, I would like to talk about the generation changes in both Hong Kong and Mainland China and make the comparison. HK: (1976~1990) Historical background: The fourth generation of Hong Kongers is the children of the second generation, they live in plenty and unlikely to worry about their conditions. Growth environment and current situation of the fourth generation: They growth up in affluent circumstances, but this kind of environment is not equal to happiness.They need to face the competition earlier than their parents, grandparents. What is it like to be a good fourth generation of Hongkongais? He/she need do much better than others even form kindergarten, because there is no circumstance for the late developers. The loser will be wash out by the society. The difference between the fourth generation and previous generation is they always under surveillance from their parents. The second generation comes through the spoon-fed education, so they do not want their children come through again.But on the other hand, they still want their children can well prepare for the competition. Therefore, they show too much attention to their children. Lui Tai-lok said, to the fourth generation, personality is a luxury. They really hardly to find their own personalities. For example, we blindly denounce CantoPop for Euro-American pop; and blindly loves the film by a Western director – any Western director; and blindly denounce packaged tour to Japan for a shopping trip organized ourselves; and blindly denounce our ellow shoppers, our fellow schoolmates, our fellow CantoPop fans, and our fellow quantitatively-manufactured fourth generation Hongkongais, by means of using different goods and products, instead of having different mind-set. Besides, we seldom have chances to present our opinions. The ad ult always make the conclusion replace the fourth generations. They think they have more social activities than us; their decision must be more perfect than us. Under that social environment, it is really hard in finding personality. China: (1979~1990) Historical background:This generation called â€Å"little emperors† was born after 1979 when China began to promote the one-child family planning policy. Also, it was a period that â€Å"Culture Revolution† ended and â€Å"reform and opening up policy† started. Chinese economic start taken-off. Growth environment and current situation of the â€Å"little emperors†: Under the â€Å"one-child† policy in Mainland China, which was implemented in the late 1970s, instigated a new phenomenon in families: 4-2-1, which means four grandparents, two parents to bring up the only child in the family, and this is the standard family structure for â€Å"little emperors†.This generation called â€Å"litter e mperors† that is spoiled by eldership and they are the center in the whole family. They can get whatever he likes and avoid whatever he dislikes.? It has been a common practice that the parents have to obey their child’s â€Å"order†.? As a result, the spoiled child becomes the â€Å"little emperor† who rules the whole family. That gives them a sense of self importance and entitlement, which is the origin of the term â€Å"little emperor†. Also they are the crucial market vanguard that they can increase Chinese economic clout and lead to enhanced spending power.The first generation of little emperors are now in their twenties, so the self-indulgent consumerism has expanded from children's products into luxury goods, and this has been a driving force behind the rapid expansion of the luxury goods industry in recent years. From a young age, parents want to let their single children to be the best in their classes. Even toys, games, DVDs, video games a nd TV shows are more likely to be marketable if they have an educational edge. On the other hand, the little emperors have become the conduit to come true all their families hope and dreams.Some of them are the rebel against to the social rule. Since they were young, they are force-fed to study hard and education by rote memorization. The sentence â€Å"good good study, day day up†, which said by Chairman Mao Zedong is be hung on the wall in each of the classroom. Their parents impose their own dream and interests to them. Therefore, make them disgusted with what parents said, they want to be difference with the previous generation, contend for their own fate. Han Han’s phenomenon† is such an educational phenomenon, but also a phenomenon of a diverse value orientation culture and dare to rebel and innovative social. â€Å"Han Han’s phenomenon† is named from Han Han, who is a professional rally driver, blogger, writer and singer and he is also involv ed in music production. He is really an inferior student when he was in school because he cannot get high grades in exam. In his first year of high school, he won the first prize in China's New Concept Writing Competition with his essay on the Chinese national character.But he fell seven subjects at the year-end examination. This incident was reported in the media and ignited a heated debate on China's â€Å"quality education† policy, whether holistic or specialized learning should be implemented in schools, and other educational issues. Han Han quit school in the senior middle school 2nd year, and worked on a series of essays, which always occupy the highest Sales Volume. Besides, he is one of the best rally drivers in China. Han Han is good at almost everything except study.Han Han’s phenomenon became a hot issue and cause controversy between some public characters. The traditional view and standard of an all-around person are queried. Also, the bad impression to thi s generation is changed. They are not merely â€Å"little emperors†, but also can be the strong people in life. They are generally called â€Å"after-eighty generation†, because most of them were born after 1980. But several pundits would like to call them as â€Å"the Beat Generation† as they know only comfort and ease; they cannot responsible to the society.Therefore, they are the most controversial and special generation during the Chinese history. Similarities of the fourth generation in HK and Mainland China: Either fourth generation or â€Å"little emperors†, they are both under the surveillance from their parents, they have high ambitions to come true their own dream rather than their parents’ dream. Dissimilarities of the fourth generation in HK and Mainland China: For â€Å"little emperors†, only part of them wants to contend for their own fate, the person who does not want to establish their own life, they can live with parents coz ily.But for the fourth generation, they have to compete with others, because the main trend is powerful to persuade them walk on the road which adults believed. Therefore, the fourth generation in Hong Kong misses the first and second generations simply because they have the knowledge and ability like the fourth generation, plus they have the dream, the commitment, the passion and the willingness to give their dreams the highest priority, and many great values that were not discarded. Conclusion:Whatever the fourth generation or the â€Å"little emperors†, both of them have the highest profile, they have to face the pressure from the previous generation, so that they should make more effort on increasing their value of life.Reference:http://zh-yue. wikipedia. org/wiki/%E5%9B%9B%E4%BB%A3%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E4%BA%BA Lui Tai-lok , 2007 Deane, Daniela, One world, Many cultures. 7th edition. 2009 Stanat, Michael. China’s GenarationY.

Basking Shark Facts (Cetorhinus maximus)

Basking Shark Facts (Cetorhinus maximus) The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is an enormous plankton-eating shark. After the whale shark, it is the second-largest living shark. The shark takes its common name from its habit of feeding near the sea surface, making it appear to bask in the sun. Although its large size may seem threatening, the basking shark is not aggressive toward humans. Fast Facts: Basking Shark Scientific Name: Cetorhinus maximusOther Names: Bone shark, elephant sharkDistinguishing Features: Large gray-brown shark with highly enlarged mouth and crescent-shaped caudal finAverage Size: 6 to 8 m (20 to 26 ft)Diet: Filter feeder with a diet of zooplankton, tiny fish, and small invertebrates Lifespan: 50 years (estimated)Habitat: Temperate oceans worldwideConservation Status: VulnerableKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ChondrichthyesOrder: LamniformersFamily: CetorhinidaeFun Fact: Despite its enormous size, the basking shark can breach (jump out of the water). Description Thanks to their cavernous mouths and well-developed gill rakers, basking sharks are easily recognized when near the surface. The shark has a conical snout, gill slits extending around its head, and a crescent-shaped caudal fin. Its color is usually a shade of gray or brown. Adult basking sharks typically reach 6 to 8 m (20 to 26 ft) in length, although specimens over 12 meters in length have been reported. Notably, the basking shark has the smallest brain for its size of any shark. Basking shark corpses have been misidentified as belonging to plesiosaurs. Distribution As a migratory species found in temperate water, the basking shark enjoys a large range. It occurs along continental shelves, sometimes venturing into brackish bays and crossing equatorial waters. Migration follows plankton concentrations, which vary according to the season. Basking sharks frequent surface waters, but can be found at depths of 910 m (2990 ft). Basking shark range. maplab Diet and Predators A basking shark feeds on zooplankton, tiny fish, and small invertebrates by swimming forward with an open mouth. The sharks gill rakers collect prey as water rushes past. While the whale shark and megamouth shark can suck water through their gills, the basking shark can only feed by swimming forward. Killer whales and white sharks are the basking sharks only predators. Reproduction and Life Cycle Many of the details of basking shark reproduction are unknown. Researchers believe mating occurs in early summer, when the sharks form sex-segregated schools and swim nose-to-tail in circles (which may be a courtship behavior). Gestation lasts somewhere between one and three years, after which a small number of fully developed young are born. Female basking sharks are ovoviviparous. Only the right ovary of the female basking shark functions, although researchers have not yet discovered why. Basking shark teeth are small and useless in adults sharks. However, they may allow young to feed on the mothers unfertilized ova prior to birth. Basking sharks are thought to reach maturity between the ages of six and thirteen. Their life expectancy is predicted to be about 50 years. Basking Sharks and Humans In the past, the basking shark held commercial importance. It was widely fished for its flesh for food, liver for squalene-rich oil, and hide for leather. Presently, the species is protected in many regions. However, it is still fished in Norway, China, Canada, and Japan for its fins for shark fin soup and its cartilage for an aphrodisiac as well as traditional medicine. Within protected areas, some specimens die as bycatch. Basking sharks are not aggressive and cannot eat people. JohnGollop / Getty Images The basking shark tolerates boats and divers, so it is important for ecotourism. The species is not aggressive, but injuries have been reported when divers brushed against the sharks highly abrasive skin. Conservation Status While the basking shark does not face habitat loss or degradation, it has not recovered from past persecution and over-fishing. Its numbers continue to decline. The basking shark is categorized as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Sources Compagno, L.J.V. (1984). Sharks of the World. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species to date. Part I (Hexanchiformes to Lamniformes). FAO Fisheries Synopsis, FAO, Rome.Fowler, S.L.  (2009).  Cetorhinus maximus.  The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. e.T4292A10763893.  doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2005.RLTS.T4292A10763893.enKuban, Glen (May 1997). Sea-monster or Shark?: An Analysis of a Supposed Plesiosaur Carcass Netted in 1977. Reports of the National Center for Science Education. 17 (3): 16–28.Sims, D.W.; Southall, E.J.; Richardson, A.J.; Reid, P.C.; Metcalfe, J.D. (2003). Seasonal movements and behaviour of basking sharks from archival tagging: no evidence of winter hibernation (PDF). Marine Ecology Progress Series. 248: 187–196. doi:10.3354/meps248187Sims, D.W. (2008). Sieving a living: A review of the biology, ecology and conservation status of the plankton-feeding basking shark Cetorhinus maximus. Advances in Marine Biology. 54: 171–220.

Invented Deadlines

Invented Deadlines February was an insane month for me. I presented and sold books at the  Wisconsin State Reading Association Convention.  I launched a  new book  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ a process that included a party, a  public reading event, a plethora of  social media posts, a month of book launch  dedicated blog entries, an interview with the  local newspaper  and lots of thought, heart, and energy. Both my son and husband had birthdays and the  college baseball season  started up again, which impacts my household in a big way. I lead a Gifted and Talented Network Young Author Day. Oh yeah, and I worked two part-time jobs and helped keep two human children dressed appropriately, fed, bathed, and otherwise alive. Don’t get me wrong†¦ it was a fun busy. A bored writer is a broke writer, but needless to say, I was silently looking forward to March, a decidedly slower month for me†¦ at least according to my calendar. Now that I am here, solidly in March, my head is still swiveling. Instead of bouncing from task to task, my gaze is casting about for the next thing to work on. What needs and deserves my attention? This is one thing I don’t think entrepreneurs talk about enough. When you are your own boss, how do you decide what to work on? My usual mode of operation dictates that whatever project has the next deadline gets the number one spot on my radar of attention. In February that radar was full. But now? Not so much. To prevent myself from falling into patterns of inefficiency and nonproductivity, I invent deadlines. Deciding on a must-be-done deadline motivates me to push forward. As a writer I am very used to deadlines and use my experience with that mindset to propel me to success. Here’s an example. I’ve been meaning to re-do my  teaching materials  for the  Orphan Train Ridersseries since I republished the collection in a single volume. During a slow week in January, I decided having these materials ready to go for WSRA (the aforementioned state reading conference) would be a good idea. It was only a ten-hour project†¦ but for some reason, it remained unfinished. Had I not invented the self-imposed deadline it probably still wouldn’t be done, and I’d have one less  product  floating out there in my passive income stream. This month I have decided to submit a piece for the next issue of the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild’s Literary Journal,  Barstow and Grand. Rewriting and polishing a piece, including taking it to my critique group, doing additional drafts and finally turning it in was the perfect bite-sized project to keep me busy until more work came around. If you are wondering what you could add to your open radar, here are a few invented deadlines you could create for yourself.   Ã‚     Find a writing contest, or better yet, subscribe to a weekly newsletter like  Reedsy  or  FundsforWriters, so these opportunities are delivered like clockwork to your inbox each week.   Ã‚     Compose a query letter for a work in progress. Even if the manuscript isn’t close to being done, it is a necessary evil that must be completed at some time. Having a â€Å"shitty first draft† to come back to down the road will be super helpful.   Ã‚     Revise a piece from the past. And then, maybe r(e)submit it!   Ã‚     Write a blog post   Ã‚     Join a class or writing program. I know I’m biased because I created it, but  Story Seedlings  is an awesome way to jump-start a story project.

Stiff Pen Shell (Atrina rigida)

Stiff Pen Shell (Atrina rigida) The stiff pen shell, or rigid pen shell, is one of the several species of pen shells. These mollusks have a long, triangular, or wedge-shaped shell and attach to rocks or shells in sandy, shallow ocean bottoms. Description Stiff pen shells can be up to 12 long and 6.5 wide. They are a brown or purplish-brown color and have 15 or more radiating ribs that fan out across the shell. They may also have erect, tubular spines. Pen shells may produce black pearls. Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: MolluscaClass: BivalviaOrder: PterioidaFamily: PinnidaeGenus: AtrinaSpecies: rigida Habitat and Distribution Stiff pen shells live in warmer water from North Carolina to Florida, and also in the Bahamas and West Indies. They are found on sandy bottoms in shallow water. They attach with their byssal threads, pointed end down. Feeding Pen shells are filter feeders and eat small particles passing through the water. Conservation and Human Uses Pen shells have a scallop-like adductor muscle (the muscle that opens and closes the shells) and are edible. They also produce black pearls which may be used in jewelry. Pen shells in the Mediterranean (Mediterranean pen shells) were harvested for their byssal threads, which were woven into an expensive cloth. Sources Gofas, S. 2011. Pinnidae. World Register of Marine Species (Online) Accessed on May 24, 2011Meinkoth, N.A. 1981. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Seashore Creatures. Alfred A. Knopf, New YorkScott, S. 2011. Pen Shells Provided Ancients Byssal Threads for Fine Sea Silk (Online) Accessed May 24, 2011

Nosocomial Infections. What are they and how do you prevent them Research Paper

Nosocomial Infections. What are they and how do you prevent them - Research Paper Example On an average, it is estimated that the nosocomial infections affect up to 6 people out of every 100 patients who are admitted. In the year 1995, it was recorded that 88000 people succumbed to these infections and died. In the same year it was estimated that these infections served a burden of $4.5 billion of economic burden (Weinstein 1998). Nosocomial infections are preventable and there are many measures which can be implied. The first and foremost recommendation is that cleaning of the hands is very important and hand washing should be stressed upon. It is necessary to carry out invasive procedures like catheterization only in the instance if it is very important and proper methods are supposed to be used to prevent any infection. When urine is obtained for testing, it is necessary that cleanliness and proper hygienic measures are taken. The infected patients should be kept away from other patients to prevent spread of infection. Awareness regarding catheterization and hand washing should be stressed upon regularly. Sterilization of the instruments that are used on patients is important. Proper hygiene and cleanliness of the healthcare providers plus the patients should also be stressed upon. The hospital should be clean. Usage of gloves and masks should be employed where necessary. Aseptic conditions should be devel oped before drawing blood to prevent infections (Soule and Huskins 1997). Soule, B. M., & Huskins, W. C. (January 01, 1997). A global perspective on the past, present, and future of nosocomial infection prevention and control.  American Journal of Infection Control,  25,  4,

Global Nursing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Global Nursing - Research Paper Example   Ã‚   In an attempt to explain global nursing, Sister Roy gives metatheory and philosophical perspectives. Several discussions were held on the nature of the knowledge applied or required of a nurse. Issues such epistemology and the nature of both the person and nursing were debated upon and Roy realized that the major developments undertaken by the nurses were not captured in the journals and thus major issues affecting the nurses were not attended to (Roy & Jones, 2007).   Sister Roy states that knowledge has been reflected as covering a larger part of the human the health relation between humans and environmental from the beginning of the century as it is stated in the concepts explained in theoretical nursing (Roy & Jones, 2007). The need that nursing should be understood in the perspective of the practice of the nature of nursing took root in the 20th century. Since 1970 there have been several approaches that are influencing the development of nursing knowledge. Several au thors and theoreticians have done several other publications regarding the various developments of knowledge in the field of nursing (Meleis, 2011).  Ã‚  A global definition of the position of nursing paradigm is given by sister Roy. This tends to address the knowledge that is supposed to be known in the nursing field. Paradigmatic refers to the nursing literature. Several other theorists were arguing about the risks incurred by emphasizing the same approach. Paradigmatic resulted to distinguishing several sectors of knowledge required by nurses.

Argumentative Synthesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Argumentative Synthesis - Essay Example This is because, the unemployment of women does not only affect the individual women who are unemployed, but the future generations, since women bear the big burden in the upbringing of children and when they cannot be able to bring them up well due to poverty and other social constraints, there is no doubt that such children will turn out to be a disaster for the society in the future. Nevertheless, the unemployment for women has continued to be a major impediment to the advancement of equality in the society. The income inequality between the rich and the poor continues to increase, despite the measures that have been put in place to address poverty and unemployment in the society (Krugman, n.p.). Despite the seemingly advancement in narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor in the 1920s in America, the situation has now changed, and the gap between the rich and the poor is now wider than ever. However, at the center of the social inequality, is the concept of women unemploym ent, which leaves women to take care of domestic chores, a scenario faced by a high population of women, summarized well by Diaz in the statement â€Å"She didn’t have a regular job outside of caring for us five kids† (Diaz, n.p.). In this respect, it is conclusive to argue that women unemployment is in the core of social inequality in the society. Gender discrimination is a social evil that has seen all manner of legislations, campaigns and advocacy targeting to empower women so they can be in the same position as men, when it comes to issues of accessing education, employment, political positions and any other social roles that were traditionally the preserve of men. However, all these attempts have not made the situation any better, since even though women can now access education and employment like men do; there is one major issue that acts as an impediment to the total liberation of women; family responsibilities (Woolf, n.p). Additionally, even

Data Governance Exercise Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Data Governance Exercise - Coursework Example It was primitively due to the failure of a disc arrival to an east London healthcare centre controlled by the NHS (BBC News, 2007). In relation to the scenario, NHS has faced a major challenge regarding the maintenance of patient information, which has grounded numbers of threats to the organisation along with its stakeholders including patients. In this regard, it is essential for NHS to adopt an effective set of cryptography system in its healthcare units to protect internal data. In response to avert the potential risk of losing data, NHS has been proposed to deploy an effective cryptographic algorithm cipher, ‘Red Pike’. Red Pike is one of the most effective ciphers developed by GCHQ, designed for protecting confidential information of the various kinds of organisations (Anderson & Roe, n.d.). Keeping with the notion of strengthening data security system, the report explores an in-depth understanding about the strengths and weaknesses of Red Pike to protect the internal and operational information of NHS. Moreover, the report also details and evaluates the safety of Red Pike to protect NHS operational information through different theoretical explanations. By the end, the report summarises the competencies of the Red Pike and recommends effective cipher for the organisation to protect internal information from external threats. The encryption of information and structuring them in accordance with the optimisation variety of the users can be considered as a major strength of Red Pike. The cryptographic characteristics of the cipher is designed with an exceptional form of coding that significantly protects unwanted guests and allows its users to gain the advantage of the cipher. The cryptographic algorithm of characteristics of the classified Red Pike provides major advantage to the users and organisations to analyse faults associated with the data security system. In this context, the

Strategic Management Basics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic Management Basics - Essay Example This is the prime reason why strategic management today is being adopted into all the large organisations and at all levels. Strategic management is not just a concept, but it is a "process that can be utilized throughout all organisational levels and can be integrated into nearly every job" (Buhler, March 1994). Buhler (March 1994) notes that seeing the "big picture" is at the "heart of strategic management". She indicated that when "an organisation is viewed as an integrated and inter-related whole" managers can easily identify what needs to be done. Moreover, the external environment should always be considered in analysing the organisation. Combining the external focus with an internal analysis of the organisation would be beneficial identifying what went wrong and what are the factors that need to be considered in order not to repeat the past mistakes of the organisation. Realizing the essence of this concept, Kinicki and Williams (2003) deemed that "strategic management is a process that involves managers from all parts of the organisation in the formulation and the implementation of strategies and strategic goals". They added that their definition does not connote that managers at the top can easily dictate ideas to be followed by subordinates under their volition. Indeed, precisely because middle managers are the ones who will be asked to understand and implement the strategies, they able should also help to formulate them. Also, with that definition, we can draw the three key elements of strategic management. These are formulation, implementation and evaluation. Formulation The formulation part is considered to be the planning stage of management. Although most entrepreneurs do some form of planning for their ventures, it often tends to be informal and unsystematic (Naffziger & Kuratko, October 1991). The actual need for systematic planning will vary with the nature, size, and structure of the business. In other words, a small two-person operation may successfully use informal planning because little complexity is involved. But an emerging venture that is rapidly expanding with constantly increasing personnel size and market operations will need to formalise its planning because a great deal of complexity exists. It is also possible that an entrepreneur's planning will need to shift from an informal to a formal systematic style for other reasons. First is the degree of uncertainty with which the venture is attempting to become established and to grow. With greater levels of uncertainty, entrepreneurs have a stronger need to deal with the challenges facing their venture, and a more formal planning effort can help them to do this. Second, the strength of the competition (in both numbers and quality of competitors) will add to the importance of more systematic planning in order for a new venture to monitor its operations and objectives more closely (Chaganti et al., Spring 1989). Finally, the amount and type of experience the entrepreneur has may be a factor in deciding the extent of formal planning. A lack of adequate experience, either technological or business, may constrain the entrepreneur's understanding and thus necessitate formal planning to help determine future paths for the organisati on. To integrate strategic management, managers should take into account the concept of "strategic planning". As defined, strategic planning is the

Promotion & Information Systems Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Promotion & Information Systems - Research Paper Example Companies are increasingly going online for their marketing efforts. Kellogg Company is an example of a company who saw their sales increase 17% for the first 9 months of 2008 by moving to use of more online promotions (Laric & Lynagh, 2009). Kellogg stated that online marketing gives better opportunities for targeting, engagement, and dialogue (Laric & Lynagh, 2009). The trend that Kellogg refers to does not seem to be passing anytime soon. Hassens (2002) mentions that the rise of information technology has made the business environment ever more customer oriented. In addition, the combination of global markets with the wide variety of choices consumers now have will mean businesses need to be more customer focused than ever before (Hanseens, 2002). The author goes on to mention that the customer should be considered a strategic asset of the company. Information technology should play a large role for most organizations by tracking and analyzing the behavior and habits of buyers in order to make strategic plans (Haseens, 2002). A closely related idea is that of data mining. Data mining is defined as: â€Å"methods used by companies to sort and analyze information to better understand their customers, products, markets, or any other phase of their businesses for which data has been captured† (Jessup & Valacich, 2008). One company’s marketing switch involving data mining occurred when Merck made a $6 billion acquisition of the pharmacy mail order firm Medco. Since Medco was only generating around $80 million in revenue at the time of the purchase, there were other untapped factors involved. It turned out that there was a vast wealth of relevant information regarding both doctors and patients that could be utilized. The marketing and sales areas were able to custom tailor sales presentations based on a doctor’s past record of writing prescriptions and can even show where upcoming trends are located and then be

Strategic Management Basics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic Management Basics - Essay Example This is the prime reason why strategic management today is being adopted into all the large organisations and at all levels. Strategic management is not just a concept, but it is a "process that can be utilized throughout all organisational levels and can be integrated into nearly every job" (Buhler, March 1994). Buhler (March 1994) notes that seeing the "big picture" is at the "heart of strategic management". She indicated that when "an organisation is viewed as an integrated and inter-related whole" managers can easily identify what needs to be done. Moreover, the external environment should always be considered in analysing the organisation. Combining the external focus with an internal analysis of the organisation would be beneficial identifying what went wrong and what are the factors that need to be considered in order not to repeat the past mistakes of the organisation. Realizing the essence of this concept, Kinicki and Williams (2003) deemed that "strategic management is a process that involves managers from all parts of the organisation in the formulation and the implementation of strategies and strategic goals". They added that their definition does not connote that managers at the top can easily dictate ideas to be followed by subordinates under their volition. Indeed, precisely because middle managers are the ones who will be asked to understand and implement the strategies, they able should also help to formulate them. Also, with that definition, we can draw the three key elements of strategic management. These are formulation, implementation and evaluation. Formulation The formulation part is considered to be the planning stage of management. Although most entrepreneurs do some form of planning for their ventures, it often tends to be informal and unsystematic (Naffziger & Kuratko, October 1991). The actual need for systematic planning will vary with the nature, size, and structure of the business. In other words, a small two-person operation may successfully use informal planning because little complexity is involved. But an emerging venture that is rapidly expanding with constantly increasing personnel size and market operations will need to formalise its planning because a great deal of complexity exists. It is also possible that an entrepreneur's planning will need to shift from an informal to a formal systematic style for other reasons. First is the degree of uncertainty with which the venture is attempting to become established and to grow. With greater levels of uncertainty, entrepreneurs have a stronger need to deal with the challenges facing their venture, and a more formal planning effort can help them to do this. Second, the strength of the competition (in both numbers and quality of competitors) will add to the importance of more systematic planning in order for a new venture to monitor its operations and objectives more closely (Chaganti et al., Spring 1989). Finally, the amount and type of experience the entrepreneur has may be a factor in deciding the extent of formal planning. A lack of adequate experience, either technological or business, may constrain the entrepreneur's understanding and thus necessitate formal planning to help determine future paths for the organisati on. To integrate strategic management, managers should take into account the concept of "strategic planning". As defined, strategic planning is the

Paper reaction of the book Money has no smell by Paul Stoller Essay - 1

Paper reaction of the book Money has no smell by Paul Stoller - Essay Example Furthermore, the process of Africanization pertains to the marginal spaces that society provides to minority immigrants. I agree with Stoller’s argument that globalization presents ironies in the production and representation of ethnic identity. Furthermore, this book makes me feel resentful at the materialist culture of Western capitalism and how it dilutes, rather than strengthen, African identities and cultures through emphasizing the overwhelmingly dominant role of economics in shaping everyday lives and aspirations. Globalization presents economic-political ironies. An interesting irony about globalization and business is that Stoller learns more about the bureaucratic political system of his nation from his interactions with Africans. African traders ask help from Stoller in filling out official business and resident forms and other documents needed to stay and work in New York. Stoller learns that he knows so little of his own political and economic infrastructures, and this is where the Africans, or the â€Å"others,† teach him about the complexity of New York and American economics. Moreover, the complexity of these structures defies logic at times. On the one hand, the African traders have simple economic thinking. They buy something and they sell it for a profit, and then they have to pay taxes. On the other hand, the political bureaucracy is not as simple and logical. Stoller helped Boubà © Mounkaila finish his numerous forms and applications for Manhattan. They already brought t hese documents to the INS office, but they were required to follow a much more impractical protocol that would result to delays in processing it: â€Å"Even though we were in the INS offices, they insisted that the forms be mailed to them† (Stoller 112). This anecdote shows that market economics is not as efficient as its proponents assert it is. In reality, the authorities create rules and regulations that hamper the efficiency

The pros and cons of the mobile phone Essay Example for Free

The pros and cons of the mobile phone Essay In the last couple of decades, there has been a tremendous step forward in the world of technology. So many of the new inventions have become more familiar to us and much easier to get at any time. And with these new devices that make lots of thing easier, the world around us suddenly changed. For example the mobile phone is used by almost everyone today, so when you meet a new person, their cell phone number is among the basic information you get about them. However cell phones have disadvantages as much as advantages. Pros Always connected You are always connected and anyone who knows your mobile phone can contact you. You can speak to them, text them, send pictures and use lots of other features. Internet access Now most of the mobile phone service providers have GPRS, EDGE or 3G enabled network. You can receive and send emails, always have the newest information, get the exact location of markets, hotels or any other places you need while travelling towards them, download music and movies. Entertainment You can use your phone to listen to music while walking to school or work, play games or watch movies. Cons Always connected? Some times mobile phones can fail you just when you need them the most. You may be at a location where there is no network, your battery can be empty, the providers’ network might be overloaded and your call can suddenly stop, or your phone can simply malfunction. Health hazard Using mobile phone for a long time without break is definitely bad for your health. There have been some studies about the possible radiation from cell phones. The radiation isn’t really that dangerous, unless you’re talking on your phone non stop. But even if you’re not using it that often it can still damage your hearing, especially if talking on the phone is combined with loud music on your headphones. Using mobile phones is very important in today’s world, but we need to make sure that we get enough time for face to face communication to our family and friends, and make sure we don’t overuse mobile phones to the extent for it to become bad for our health.

Does Congress Have Too Much Power Over Commerce? Essay example -- Cong

Does Congress Have Too Much Power Over Commerce? Works Cited Missing Narrow construction is not found in the Constitution, but the powers granted to Congress to regulate commerce are found. Exactly stated, â€Å"Congress shall have power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian tribes.† This clause has no definite interpretation, but has included many aspects of regulating. The word â€Å"commerce† is defined as the exchange or buying and selling of commodities on a large scale involving transportation from place to place (Webster 264). Congress has exercised this delegated power in many cases. The nature and basic guidelines of Congress’ power over commerce is first laid out in the case of Gibbons v. Ogden. In addition, the case United States v. Lopez is a prime example of Congress’ ability to carry out the Commerce Clause to the furthest extent. Lastly, the case National Labor Relations Board v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation brings to light the Wagner Act of 1935. T hrough a review of these three cases, it can be concluded that there are no real limitations on Congress when regulating commerce. The Constitution of the United States explicates the enumerated powers that the people have granted to their public administration. A narrow interpretation of the Constitution would mean denying the government the powers granted to them to keep order, equality, and fairness. An expanded interpretation would â€Å"extend words beyond their natural and obvious import, and we might question the application of the term†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (244). It is the government’s responsibility to exercise powers that cannot be exercised by its governed people. There are no guidelines in the Constitution’s composition that discloses how to interpret the language; therefore, it is in the hands of three federal branches of government to decipher the Constitutions meaning. A historical case that first outlined Congress’ commerce power was Gibbons v. Ogden. The courts acted here, in view of commerce, to stretch the interpretation of what was considered to be within its limits. In 1807, steam navigation became productive way of doing things. Robert Fulton was the first to make the voyage from New York to Albany by steamboat. Fulton and his partner, Robert R. Livingston, were granted special operating rights and a â€Å"five-year extension to his monopoly, wh... ...s on the Government’s power. It is the supreme law and any act that is inconsistent with it is null. The respondent’s argument that the Act â€Å"exceeds the authority of Congress† is a weak argument, which can be disproved by the Constitution, itself. Congress must be able to exercise stretching its powers in order to insure the safety of the economy. According to law, Congress must â€Å"regulate commerce.† Some individuals might feel that the Government possesses too much power, but it is necessary for them to have it. Without it, our Government would be weak and subject to failure. State legislature acts should be unconstitutional if they interfere with interstate commerce. If not, we are giving more power to our states than our Government. Congress’ power to legislate control over public schools is constitutional because it is a power delegated to them. Regulation of activities in and affecting commerce does include carrying a handgun to school. The action of bringing it does directly violate the Gun Free School Zone Act, which the Federal Government made a federal offense. Congress analyzes activities in a broad sense so that in the end, they do what is best for every individual.

Guns and Violence Essay -- Social Issues, Crimes

Guns and violence have some long lasting effects on not only the crime rate, but the rights that people have to own guns themselves. Even though the violence is a factor in why many believe that guns should be banned, guns should be allowed and not banned because they should be allowed because of the laws and the rights of citizens allow them there rights. The ethics and laws that occur with the current and enduring debates are another meaningful point. As Supreme Court Cases rage on about how a cities ban on handguns could break amendments, this is how the topic has gained from it (Hoxie 474). As crime statistics begin to rise there are many reasons that they need to work on the juvenile justice system (Collier 478). The other topic of the age could become a factor is another point that many think needs to be changed, as a 13 year old child could commit murder, they would not be sentenced as severely as an adult (Cohen 481). The ethic and laws play a huge effect on guns and violence because of the effects it has on crime, and the citizens themselves play a huge role on the society that they live in. Violence has been connected with guns in today’s society. For this reason a lot of cases have ended up in courts to try to decide what the truth about the second amendment is. As the U.S. Constitution guarantees people the right to bear arms. Not only is this but there debates about this amendment, that look to strike down the law in effect. There have been laws banning the ownership of handguns, which has been an attempt to stop the violence in districts. Many are searching for the correct way to regulate dangerous or potentially dangerous weapons, by doing this they would make the ownership of them illegal (Hoxie 474). But is the... ... that have guns. Even when violence is the factor it is why many believe that guns should be banned, guns should be allowed and not banned because of the rights that citizens have. The ethics and laws can occur with the current debates that get to meaningful points. The Supreme Court Cases continue to bring up how city bans on handguns break amendments, and this is how the topic has picked up from it (Hoxie 474). Crime statistics have risen for many reasons and they will need to work on the idea of a juvenile justice system (Collier 478). The idea of age can become another thing that might need changes, because a 13 year old child could commit murder and they would not be sentenced as severely as an adult (Cohen 481). The laws and ethics play huge effects on how guns and violence affect crime and the citizens themselves, in which hold a key role in the society.

Crime Fiction Notes Essay

Study: – read over your essay and familiarise yourself with your wording – have discussions – Figure out the arguments in your head – practise exams – don’t just Know the material REALLY UNDERSTAND it The Big Sleep Observation: – conventions that are constant throughout generations of crime fiction genre (passion, detachment, love, hope, justice) are a reflection on the timeless and universal human needs – conventions that are subverted are a reflection of changing values and context Context: – 1950’s post WW2 – Economic depression – Desire for hope, justice, escapism Theorists: Schwartz: â€Å"crime fiction serves to explicate the dangers and pleasures of life.† – There is human emotion with which the audience can empathise – Gives the illusion that they have entered the world of crime Miller: â€Å"A rhetorically sound definition of genre must be centred not on the substance or form of discourse, but on the action it is used to accomplish,† – manipulate audiences empathy to engage them in the text – typical of TRADITIONAL crime fiction GENRE Techniques: (Remember these techniques interchangeably and only use the appropriate ones) Context specific 1. Subvert Context: Desire for hope Convention: film noir subgenre traditionally seek to realistically portray the inescapable broken nature of society – subverted – Happy Ending Observation & Theorist: – Imperative of genre to allow for subversion to become relevant to socio-economic or political context – Chandler, â€Å"the cycles and transformations of genre can be seen as a response to the changing political, social and economic conditions† 2. Context: – socio-economic context of 1940’s World War 2 America – midst of an economic depression – employment was low and consequently crime was on the rise – yearning for justice and heroism to correct the broken nature of society Convention: – Characterisation of Marlowe as determined and relentless – Ironic and self-depreciating dialogue â€Å"I’m just a guy whose paid to do other peoples laundry† embodies disposition of lone ranger – Heroic connotations, â€Å"why did you have to keep going?†, â€Å"too many people told me to stop.† Observation and Theorist: – Crime fiction gives the audience what it NEEDS 3. Context: 1950’s audience can critique broken society and judge morality of characters Convention: – Conforms to traditional structure of c/f: red herrings, witnesses, investigation, unveiling of mystery – Lack of narration; no point of view; audience critique characters – E.G. Marlowe, womanizer, heavy drinker, blatant disrespect for authority and the law, â€Å"I don’t know what I am going to tell them- but it will be pretty close to the truth† retain a degree of morality, reproach toward reprehensible behaviour, â€Å"my, my, my, so many guns for so few brains.† Reflects ambivalent noir concept that everything good is tainted with evil Observation and theorist: – Convoluted plotline makes the audience â€Å"objective viewer† – Critique the broken society and the morality of characters – Livingston, â€Å"different genres are concerned with different world views†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Universal 1. Conform Context: common timeless human desires transcend context and audience and hence are constant throughout generations of crime fiction Convention: – human fascination with romantic love interest – foregrounded interaction between ‘hardboiled detective’ Marlowe and ‘femme fatal’ Vivien Rutledge – Verbal sparring soaked in double-entendres indicative of sexual tension; â€Å"do you always think you can handle people like trained seals?† â€Å"uh-huh and I usually get away with it too† Theorist: – Colette, â€Å"romance pervades oral and written story-telling as far back as can be traced† Anil’s Ghost Observations 1. Post-colonial text; exposure to different culture; challenges Western perspective of crime fiction genre – Barthes, â€Å"it is in relation to other texts within a genre rather then in relation to lived experiences that we make sense of certain events within a text.† – Cohen, â€Å"Genres are open categories. Each member alters the genre by adding, contradicting or changing constituents, especially those members most closely related to it.† 2. Challenges not only our understanding of the genre, but also our perception of the world around us – Berger: â€Å"Never again will a single story be told as though it were only the one†. 3. Crime fiction can be a means of contextual political and philosophical discussion – The subjectivity of truth – Nihilism and post-modernism Techniques 1. Context: – socio-political context 1980’s Sri Lanka – multifaceted civil war – unimaginable for a western audience – but can relate to universal themes Convention: – Mystery as a medium for Anil’s quest for her identity – Ambiguous characterisation forces reader to share in her frustration and confusion – Refuses to be defined or typecast, religious allusion, â€Å"The return of the prodigal†, â€Å"I am not a prodigal† – Symbolised through an aggressive campaign to chose her own name Observation and theorist: – international audience relate to a common quest – multifaceted nature of identity – Ambiguity and struggle within an individual, reflective of wider post modern society 2. Observation, context and theorist: – Fister; â€Å"crime fiction deliberately exploits anxiety within the reader through reflecting and magnifying societies fear du jour.† – Terror of those living within civil war Convention: – explored through specific victims, personalise pain; agonising imagery Gunesena’s crucifixion, â€Å"prized the nails from the tarmac, freeing his hands† – fear impregnates every facet of society; personification of Sri Lankan national fear through simile used to warn against the dangers of truth, â€Å"truth is like a flame against a lake of petrol† 3. Observation: – aware of the horrendous acts of violence but absent from the actual event – never presume to understand the degree of suffering – novel seeks to extrapolate sympathy NOT empathy Convention: – Subversion: post-modern style, not one single perspective, intrusive narration to explore a variety of characters perspectives. (Berger: â€Å"Never again will a single story be told as though it were only the one†.) – Foregrounds the differences; â€Å"the darkest Greek tragedies were innocent compared to what was happening here† compares European mythology with Eastern reality, highlights vast discrepancies between crime fiction Theorist: – Texts challenge audience’s worldly perceptions; Cole: â€Å"This can function as a form of social protest and reform†¦ giving crime writers the status symbol of social activists.† More on VALUES

Discipline Problem Among Teenagers in College Essay

Every education center has their own rules as well as our college. The rules made to ensure our college system run smoothly. As a student, we must follow the rules but not violate it. We should be a role model to the next batch. Unfortunately, there are many discipline problem occurred in the first semester only such as skip class, sneak out, smoking, coupling and others. As we know, college students are the chosen one to continue their study in higher level of education after exam. But, our college still have various discipline problems that need to be minimizes. The meaning of discipline is a training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behaviour especially training that produces moral or mental improvement. Based on the definition, we know that students in college has high standard education environment and have strict rules too. But, why does discipline problem still happen in our college? Why does this excellent student still make a discipline problem? Don’t they think that discipline problem that they make will affect their future? That’s why we want to investigate whether excellent students have fewer discipline problems or not. In our research, we have three main objectives that we will tag along until end of this project. The first main objective is to know whether excellent student has high discipline problem or not. Secondly, what is the most popular discipline problem in our college. Lastly, which gender has the higher discipline problem. Based on our research, we want to find out why does the students still make discipline problem instead obey the rules and what encourage them to make discipline problem. As we all, students of college, living in a hostel without no one guides us like at home, we tend to make mistake without knowing it as a discipline problem and we easier to be influence by our friends. That’s why we need to think other suitable method to solve the problem or at least minimize the number of discipline problem in our college that is after we done doing this research. After the exam result announced, we knew that excellent students would definitely stayed in this college. That’s why we will give our questionnaires to random students. Hence, we assume that excellent students have less record of discipline problem.

Preventing AIDS

AIDS Essay Today many people around the world are infected with a serious disease called AIDS. Unfortunately, the disease has led to many deaths worldwide and yet it still remains untreatable. Many Public Health Departments are now taking the lead in publicizing education about AIDS. Public awareness and prevention programs are possible solutions to the spread of AIDS. The issue of this paper is on AIDS Prevention Programs that target women. One outlook is that prevention programs that target women will reduce the number of infections around the world.People opposed to this believe that prevention programs should aim more towards males. The disease is obviously an important social issue which impacts people worldwide. Certain associations and studies believe that women are more at danger then men for contracting HIV/AIDS. They believe prevention programs should be focused merely on women. AIDS cases for women are increasing each year and women are one of the fastest growing populatio ns being infected. At the end of 2002, UNAIDS, a Joint United Nations Progamme on HIV/AIDS, reported that 38. 6 million adults are infected with HIV or AIDS worldwide.Roughly 50% or 19. 2 million are women. Globally speaking, most women infected with HIV or AIDS are from developing countries. The fastest spread of AIDS among women is in sub-Saharan Africa. In 1999, for the first time more women than men were infected with HIV. Out of 22. 3 million people infected in sub Saharan Africa 12. 2 million, or 55%, are female. Of the 1. 1 million youth infected in south Asia, 62% are female. According to research by the CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the amount of AIDS cases in women have more than tripled in the United States.Since 1985, 7% of women were affected to 25% in 1999. With the number of AIDS cases in women increasing, organizations are relying on prevention programs aimed towards women to be the effective solution to prevent the spread of the virus amongst men a nd women. In contrary to the opposing viewpoint, reports by UNAIDS felt that men should be the main focus in the prevention programs. In 2000, UNAIDS commenced a World AIDS Campaign which pushed for men to become more involved in preventing the spread of the AIDS outbreak. â€Å"We must stop seeing men as ome kind of problem and begin seeing them as part of the solution,† according to Dr Peter Piot, the head director of UNAIDS. â€Å"Working with men to change their behavior and attitudes has tremendous potential to slow down the epidemic. It will also improve the lives of men themselves, not to mention those of their families. † There are several reasons why men should remain the main target to the prevention of the epidemic. The focus is mainly on changing sexual behaviors amongst men. Men grow up with certain beliefs and attitudes on how they should behave when dealing with intercourse. Dr.Elvira Belingon, Department of Health STD/AIDS Coordinator in Cordillera expl ained that worldwide studies prove that men are at a greater risk of spreading the disease because they are likely to have more unprotected intercourse and sexual partners than women do. â€Å"Too often, it is seen as ‘unmanly' to worry about avoiding drug-related risks, or to bother with condoms,† said Dr Piot. UNAIDS feel these cultural beliefs and expectations allow men to become vulunerable to AIDS which endangers their own health or the health of their partners and family. This vulnerability has already affected gay and bisexual men in the United States.Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis have rose for the second year in a row. The government feels that gays and bisexuals are more susceptible to these sexually transmitted diseases and with the help of these prevention programs they can decrease that number. In order to help control the AIDS epidemic, organization’s feel prevention programs should focus more on men’s behavior. I believe that prevention programs should be aimed towards women because of the steady increase of infections year to year. Women are more susceptible to HIV infection for several reasons.Biologically, females are estimated to be eight times more likely of receiving and HIV transmission from a male compared to female-to-male transmission. In 1997, the CDC reported that 38% of women received HIV through heterosexual intercourse opposed to 7% of men. Women are more at risk because the surface area in a female’s genital tract is greater exposed than in males. During intercourse larger amounts of semen fluids are released than in vaginal fluids. This puts women at risk because semen contains a higher amount of HIV. Also, women often have sexually transmitted infections that are left untreated, which increases exposure to HIV.Women who have STDs, sexually transmitted diseases, especially those that cause ulcerations make it easier for HIV to enter the body. Genital sores and immune reactions re lated with STDs face a greater risk of HIV infection. Treatment of STDs can be an efficient HIV prevention tactic if prevention programs educate women on this exposure. Other biological factors deal with young women among the ages of 13 to 19. Girls in Charge coordinator, Judah-Abijah Dorrington, explained that 49% of all the AIDS cases reported in the United States since 1997 were among these young women.This age group is infected because they have not fully completed their biological development. Many of the women obtained HIV in their teens because of â€Å"having an underdeveloped cervix and low vaginal mucus production. † In the report by AIDS Weekly, young women are found to have three to five times higher HIV infections than among boys. â€Å"Young women really are being viewed as the population with the largest number of new infections,† said Dr. Cynthia Gomez, professor for the AIDS Prevention Center at the University of California at San Francisco. They don't realize they're at risk, partly because we've only emphasized certain groups, rather than behaviors. † Women are vulnerable to infection for their lack of power within sexual relationships and sexual violence. Women’s lack of power makes it difficult for them to negotiate safer sex with partners. Women tend not to discuss condom use within relationships in fear of rejection or loss of economic support. When women are in committed relationships, they mainly focus on the intimacy in their relationship. They assume they are in a monogamous relationship with their partner.Unsafe sex becomes more important than protection against HIV. This dependence of men increases the risk of AIDS for women. A report from Secretary General of the United Nation, Kofi Annan concluded, â€Å"The gender dynamics of the epidemic are far-reaching due to women's weaker ability to negotiate safe sex, and their generally lower social and economic status. † Studies in Africa have uncovered that many married women have been infected by their husband. The powerlessness of women to reject sex with their husband has been a major cause of transmission to women.Women's dependence on men makes women less able to protect themselves against AIDS. Typically, men make most decisions about when, where, and how to have sex. In developing countries, women usually maintain little control over their bodies and hold little decision-making power. Violence against women increases their helplessness to HIV and decreases their ability to defend themselves against infection. According to a study, â€Å"physical and sexual abuse were ‘disturbingly common’ throughout life among women at high risk for HIV infection†¦women who have been abused are more likely to use crack cocaine and have multiple sex partners. This puts women are at greater risk for rape or sexual force. Also, some women are forced to enter into sex work or short-term partnerships to exchange sex for econom ic gain or survival including food, refuge, and security. In many cases, women are in danger merely because they are reliant on their husbands for survival and support. This hinders and restricts their decision making and negotiating control. Sex workers are at a high risk for infection, mainly when they do not have the ability to negotiate with customers who refuse to wear a condom.In order to prevent the spread of AIDS I feel public health agencies need to raise public awareness by promoting prevention programs for women. If women are educated on the biological and social factors of AIDS, women may have more of a chance to change their behaviors before the possibility of becoming infected with HIV. Programs that specifically target women will have a positive impact on women in the long-run. As new AIDS cases are increasing quickly through heterosexual contact focus on the prevention programs will take on even greater importance.People that agree with the statement that AIDS preven tion programs should target women believe that women are vulnerable to HIV infection biologically and socially. To decrease infections of the AIDS virus women change their standard of living especially for women in developing countries through these prevention programs. Those that disagree focus HIV prevention efforts on heterosexual male sexual behavior. By changing male cultural and socialization patterns interventions can be effective. A widespread HIV prevention policy uses many essentials to protect as many people at risk for HIV as possible.