ICT Organization Essay

1. Can ICTs be innovatively used in the absence of minimum literacy levels among the poor? Yes they can be used in the absence of minimum literacy levels among the poor. The ICT plays a big role in the rural areas and benefits the people that live there. ICT’s are used in the poor communities to empower and help the illiterate and people with less knowledge. Applications in agricultural and rural development have often been to provide direct access to market and weather information for the poor and also provides knowledge support to research and extension services. The radio for example enables farmers to acquire contemporary agricultural and environmental management techniques to receive daily market information to advertise their farm product and also learn business skills. A simple mobile is also proving to be an important factor facilitating the flow of remittances both international and national as it is the flow of goods and services within nations. 2. How can the same ICTs be used for multiple purposes? The mobile, radios and television are not just used for a single purpose they have so many different advantages and purposes that benefit the poor communities. There are two ways in which ICTs have been used when applied to development programs: †¢ICT driven †¢ICT support Management information systems for government in project implementation help to improve efficiency and effectiveness in delivering basic services. 3. What steps are needed to use, say the Internet for meeting the educational and health needs of poor female farmers in an isolated rural community? Education Education is the primary need for any problem that the poor community face. It is crucial in addressing issues of poverty, gender equality as well as health problems. It is not just i important in rural areas but in every corner of the earth. If people are educated then the world wouldn’t be facing so many problems and poverty as we see in today’s time. ICTs play a major role in Education because it enhances the access and maintains quality standards while ensuring the best use of resources for formal and non-formal  and teacher education. Buildings of schools, expansion of the education system as well as hiring teachers can be the first steps taken in addressing educational need. The internet for example can be used for research. They can learn so much from the internet without having to struggle so much. Being computer literate is very important in today’s time and it is so easy to access any information one might need. Health E-Health is the vital term that includes all aspects of ICT use in health care. This includes telemedicine, where medical advice or consultation I provided over long distances via satellite, broadband, radio, telephone or other communication technologies. This is the most common ICT in the health sector. This ICT application should be used in every community especially in rural areas as much as it can to improve the health conditions that exist there. The first step would be to use Telemedicine because it connects the patients in rural and poor areas to medical specialist in the city it can also be used to transmit clinical data from multiple sources to facilitate diagnosis and treatment. Poor Female farmers ICTs can help poor female farmers in educating them. ICTs offer opportunities for them to the outside world, home-based e-commerce opportunities and networking with other woman and forming support group online. Once woman have access to ICTs it is possible to empower them through innovative means. ICTs can facilitate woman’s participation in government and political affairs by providing a communication platform to exchange opinions to articulate and aggregate interest and engage with political leaders about woman’s issue. There are more barriers to woman’s employment then opportunities. Issues such as Gender domination, Lack of education, Affordability as well as the international English Language. In my opinion these four factors are the most important ones to address for poor female farmers. The first step is to educate them as well as the community about their rights to education as well as free life. The government should provide free education and all its resources so they may not need to face any kind of difficulty in buying something they cannot afford. It’s the responsibility of the government to provide the school, teachers, books and resources needed Secondly be thought the international English language.  Which becomes a barrier to most non English language speakers.

Gender and Student’s Grades Essay

I decided to choose to do my project on if the gender of the teacher reflects what the student gets in the class. I am interested in this because I feel that a male teacher, for me, does a better job teaching. They have a stronger personality and are louder which keeps you listening. I chose to do this project because I am interested in seeing how the average student feels compared to how I feel. In order to collect my data, I will test a total of 10 classes, 2 classes from the following subjects; Algebra 2 regular, Chemistry Honors, IB History, Media Arts, and English 10 Honors. One class will be from a male teacher and the other from a female teacher. I will the split the classes into two groups male and female. In the two groups I will categorize the 5 classes into what the student got in the class. There will be 5 categories A, B, C, D, and F. Since I only want 5 columns I will round the A-‘s, B-‘s, C-‘s, and D-‘s to a regular letter grade. As well as the A+’s, B+’s, C+’s and D+’s to a regular letter grade. After obtaining all the data, I will begin to compare and analyze the data. First, I will do a simple process by finding the mean, median, and mode of the two groups. Since my data is in letter grades I will have to change the letters to a GPA. For example an A would be a 4, also since I am rounding the A-‘s to A’s an A- would also be a 4. Finding the mean, median and mode will show what the average grades are in the male and female classes. That data can be compared easily to show what grades are getting in which gender class. Another simple mathematical process is making a histogram. Each category (A, B, C, D, and F) will have two bars coming from it, one male and one female. This can show how many of the each letter grade is coming from each gender. It will visually show what gender is getting what grades in the classes. The last mathematical procedure I will be doing is a Chi-squared table which will be my sophisticated process. This will be my most accurate calculation to show if gender of the teacher is dependent on the grade the student gets in class. I am going to make  ·this table by splitting the date into two columns, male and female, and then by the grade the student got in the class. When making the histogram for one of my simple processes I added all the A’s together from the male classes then all the B’s and so forth. I did this for the female classes as well. For the graph my x-axis is the grade, y-axis is the number of students in the column. There are two bars coming up from each grade group to show the comparison between male and female. Calculating the Chi-squared of this data will be my last process. To find the Chi-squared I had to make a table with all the grades in it and which gender it was for. I then had to find the expected value, an example of this was multiplying the total number from the male column and the A column then dividing that by the total of grades overall. After getting the observed and expected tables I subtracted the observed from the expected then square rooted this then divided it by the expected. I did this for each column. Then the numbers were added together to get a chi-squared of 4.88. I used the rejection inequality given a significance level of 5%. To find the p-value I put my calculations into my graphing calculator to get a p-value of 0.363. I then found the degrees of freedom by subtracting the rows by the columns. This was able let me know which significance level to use which is 9.488. Since the chi-squared was false, you accept the null. Some of the errors I saw in my project were the classes I chose, Mrs. Mel and Mr. Nichols were an IB History class. An IB History class is a higher knowledge class, all of the students in these two classes got either an A or a B. Since everyone had higher grades this made an error in my project because two of my classes did not have three of the letter grades. This skewed my grades toward higher GPA’s. I should have chosen a class that had more variety in grades. Another thing that made an error in my project was when I did the mean, median, and mode I rounded the grades. For instance a B- would be a B and a B+ would be a B. Rounding these grades made the variety not as big. Since students work well with different teachers another way to do this project which would give me more accurate data would be to compare a student who switched teachers between the two semesters from a male to a female. This would have showed more how a certain student acts with different genders rather than how a group of students acts. In conclusion, it shows that the gender of the teacher and the grade the students gets in that class are independent. The x ² calc was less than the critical value. The results I saw were similar to what I thought would happen. All though the calculations were not as accurate as I would have liked them to be and the conclusion is very vague to what I thought would have happened. This does change how I feel about gender affecting the student because I felt like the male was more of an effective teacher than a female but the calculations show the female is more effective.

The Impact of the Internet on Fashion Journalism Essay

The Impact of the Internet on Fashion Journalism - Essay Example The paper "The Impact of the Internet on Fashion Journalism" discovers the influence of the internet on the fashion journalism. The writings that can be found through the internet have turned the fashion world into a more accessible and more clearly interpreted field of personal expression. The history of fashion journalism began in the middle of the 19th century when the income of the middle class became distinctly higher and disposable income allowed for more attention to fashion trend issues beyond the practicality of garments. Since that time, however, controversy has been a constant companion to the fashion industry. The growth of the internet has now created a new phase in the creation of fashion commentary. The identity of the fashion industry has shifted with the instantaneous creation of communications about the events in fashion that happen around the world. Adding a new dimension to this level of communication is that of the fashion bloggers who report from a non-financial ly founded principle who can comment without bias on the trends that come out of the fashion industry. McRobbie quotes Bourdieu in saying that it is implied that â€Å"if it can be shown that there is really nothing special about fashion, and that more or less anybody can do it, then it ceases to occupy that special, sacred place in the public’s estimation, and thus in a sense it ceases to exist, as it is this system of belief which creates the thing†. The existence of a thriving fashion industry is balanced upon.

Managing Operations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Managing Operations - Essay Example In the second section, the supply chain of Subway has been evaluated. Through flow charts, the processes have been explained. In this section, based on the information accessed from online sources and the flow charts, the problems have been identified. To solve these problems the recommendations have been given in the end. New product development appears to be the weakest area of Subway’s operations. It is primarily because of the reason that the company has been giving more attention towards expansion instead of retaining the existing customers. After identifying this problem in this report, the recommendation has been provided at the end. In fact, new product development can appear as a potential advantage for the company. In the last, the evaluation of layout strategy of Subways has been done. Interestingly, Subway outlets are not following any standard layout strategy. This is one of the reasons, which is directly affecting the customer services of Subway. In consideration to the problems faced by Subway related to layout strategy, the recommendations have been provided at the end. In this report after explaining, the processes followed at Subway, the operation management and relevant theories have been discussed. After comparing the theoretical concepts and the actual practices of Subway, the problems have been identified. Moreover, the section of â€Å"impact on customers† is also highlighting the problems during the service delivery process. Finally, based on the theoretical concepts, customers’ experiences and other analysis, the recommendations have been provided to Subway. Since the recommendations have been developed purely after analysing the processes of Subway, therefore, they are actually reliable and useful. Moreover, the recommendations have been kept general, so that more aspects of operations of Subway could be covered under this

Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 20

Reflection Paper - Essay Example The consistency of their movements made it seem like one long snake twisting and twirling and doing all sorts of dance acts. Then suddenly the snake would burst open into many distinct snakes depending upon the number of dancers inside the aluminum tubes. It was the best combination of flashlights, intricate dance steps, and aluminum casings that made the experience of watching the show memorable. The dancers used aluminum casing in such ways to look like aliens or unknown creatures. Traditionally, a dance show is just about dancing skills of the performers. The audience tries to rate the show according to the extent of perfection in dancing skills of the performers. But this show was even more than just that in that the audience was made to think as if they were watching aliens dance. I particularly liked it when the dancers organized and structured themselves so as to give rise to a gigantic aluminum robot on the stage. Watching such a magnanimous thing tread past them must have been a pleasingly horrifying experience for the audience that was sitting there. I also liked it a lot when I saw the aluminum pipes blowing horns and moving as if they were singing the song. I never saw aluminum pipes singing and dancing. It was very cartoonish and enjoyable. The role of camera effects and lighting in making the show special cannot be undermined. The abrupt and unexpected change of lights from red to blue and other colors kept the audience engaged and their excitement elevated throughout the show. The changing of lights and colors was synchronized to the dance steps as well as the beat. The dancers displayed perfect timing with beats and light effects to make the experience overwhelming. The dancers perfectly used background lighting and effects to seamlessly change the attires and go from one shape to another. The best thing about the show was that the dancers used aluminum as a medium to showcase their dancing skills. They

Shift from mass production to lean production in craftsmen industry Thesis Proposal

Shift from mass production to lean production in craftsmen industry - Thesis Proposal Example The waste-elimination notion of producing in the lean method has conveyed important influences on diverse industries. Frequent devices and methods have been evolved to undertake exact difficulties in alignment to eradicate non-value-added undertakings and turn out to be lean. When the producers started thinking about taking up the leaner procedures, they did not pay much attention and the concept lost importance. Several metrics of lean production have been evolved for assessing the presence and following the improvements of lean manufacturing systems. However, if we look at each metric individually, focusing on an exact presentation facet will not comprise the general leanness stage (Elliott 2004). On the other hand, people practicing lean methods usually employ self-assessment devices to portray the present rank of their arrangement. However, reviews are prejudiced, and the predefined lean stages of a questionnaire may not adjust every scheme perfectly. Overview of Avandad Trading Company Solid surface fabrication and installation need a particular knowledge and ability. â€Å"Avandad is the first company to have introduced the solid surface products and services into Iran. It is at present dynamically involved in fabricating â€Å"solid surface products such as kitchen counter tops, bathroom sinks, commercial counters, etc†. Avandad was formed in 2003 and in an endeavor to present excellence in products; Avandad has selected poly-stone as its strategic associate and foremost provider of material.

Finding the Leadership in You Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Finding the Leadership in You - Essay Example I use more of an array of incentives to motivate individuals to perform their best. I am in a sense a transformational leader also. I go beyond to manage my day-to-day operations for the company, my lack of tolerance to uncertainty and self-objectivity affects my leadership abilities. My ability to get knowledge without inference or reason is low (Webb, 2013). My low intuitive abilities are affecting my capability to learn and solve the complex problem in a subconscious basis. It plays a vital part in the decision making process. I will work on developing my intuitive abilities in order to improve my decision making, avoid common mistakes and dissolve prejudices (Tidd & Bessant, 2011). I have a strong conflict management skill. My capacity to remain calm and absorbed in tense conditions is a crucial aspect of conflict resolution (Webb, 2013). I usually stay centered and in control of myself, which makes me avoid being emotionally overwhelmed intense conditions. I have a strong courteous regard to people feelings, and act as a facilitator in solving conflicts. My high Yield tendency facilitates courteous yielding to opinions, judgments, or wishes of other people. My forcing tendency abilities demonstrate my skill of ensuring that people act in a manner, which facilities’ resolution of conflicts (Tidd & Bessant, 2011). The high avoidance tendency demonstrates my ability to avoid tense situations, or conflicts. This ensures that I behave in a manner that does not facilitate conflicts, and ensure that an amicable environment exists at all time. The high compromising tendency shows that I am more than eager to compromise in order to take into consideration other people thoughts and feelings (Cummings & Worley, 2009). I possess strong problem solving skills. These skills demonstrate my ability to solve problem and offer solutions to complex and challenging situations. Time management skills demonstrate how someone is more aware to

Entrepreneurship 320 Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Entrepreneurship 320 - Movie Review Example complete factory that was later named, â€Å"North Shore Soap Factory.† Market gaps were identified, and the products were designed to capture prospective consumers. A spa inspired boutique was established. Product differentiation was undertaken after more original recipes were established. The two founders of the North Shore Soap Factory attribute their success story to the following reasons; Richard Schmelzer realized a potential business empire from an idea generated by his wife Sheri and their kids. The idea relied on decorating shoes with rhinestones and clay charms. Sheri Schmelzer is a witness that entrepreneurial skills can sprout from creativity, timing, and patience. Rich took the business idea and created Jibbitz. The company specializes on producing accessories for Crocs shoes. He attributes the success to timing. His business was defined by the ability to capitalize on ideas no matter how small they appear. Entrepreneurial skills do not necessarily arise from strong business ideas, ideas as small as those of Rich’s wife and kids bear potential success. Jibbitz success story revolves around the spheres of capitalizing on potential business ideas and establishing the appropriate time to capture the existing market trends (Hutt p

Macroeconomices Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Macroeconomices - Research Proposal Example Few economists would argue that the birth of modern macroeconomics can be dated back to the upsetting incidents of the 1930s and most particularly the perspectives of John Maynard Keynes (1936) conveyed in the General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money which is basically a response to these traumatic events. Prior to the Keynesian revolution the prevailing classical assumption was that while consumerist economies would be subjected to episodic distresses, market forces would function promptly and successfully to restore complete employment equilibrium (Ahiakpor 2003). In such conditions government intervention to calm down the economy was judged to be neither essential nor favorable. The Great Depression, which bears witness to a terrible collapse in output and increase in unemployment rate, seemed to blow apart the classical theory that complete employment was the normal state of affairs (ibid). Writing in this setting, Keynes argued that capitalist market economies are intrinsically unstable and can only be stabilized at less than complete employment for protracted periods. This insecurity was for Keynes largely the consequence of fluctuations in collective demand. The Great Depression, he disputed, resulted above all from a razor-sharp reduction in the level of investment expenditure â€Å"occasioned by a cyclical change in the marginal efficiency of capital† (Snowdon & Vane 1999: 2) with the related harsh uncontrolled unemployment illustrating a state of scarce aggregate demand. The indication of Keyne’s analysis was that government intervention, in the structure of flexible fiscal and monetary policy, could assist improve such aggregate insecurity and even out the economy at full employment mode. Capitalism could be resurrected but not in accordance to the nineteenth-century laissez-faire belief (ibid). The immediate acceptance of Keynesian in the intellectual community and policy-making societies guaranteed that throughout the 1950s

Acadia University Marketing analysis and suggestion Essay

Acadia University Marketing analysis and suggestion - Essay Example media networks such as blogs, online video sharing, podcasts, microblogging and virtual worlds have eventually become tools for public relations (Thulasiraman, He & Hu, 2007). Social Media is has also become an essential marketing tool for universities. Universities have had a number of challenges including decreased funding from governments, declining enrolment and increased competition. Since the university is a very wide marketplace, Acadia University will utilize the social media to advertise its courses and dates of enrollment. This is a cost effective marketing tool that will ensure the University reaches more than one billion users of social media across the globe at a very low cost. The international market for university education is a good opportunity for Acadia University. This is because the international market has the advantage of improving the levels of enrollment and revenues for the institution. Some of the key regions and countries that represent the international market for Acadia include India, Europe and Asia. India is considered to be the country with the highest population in the world. This is a good market for University because it presents a market with high levels of enrollment (Hunt, Bromage & Tomkinson, 2006). The university will also be able to attract international students from Asia and Europe given the fact that the two regions put much emphasis on education especially overseas education. The other opportunity within the international market is the ability of international students to pay higher fees in time. This will boost revenues for Acadia University and the money will be used in the expansion of the institution to cater for the expected increase in student enrollment (Wise, Vault Editors & Hauser, 2007). Education remains a key sector in the growth of any economy and as such the government is ready to offer assistance to the education sector. In most cases, government assistance comes in form of grants and incentives. The

Clothing and Uniforms School Uniforms Essay Example for Free

Clothing and Uniforms School Uniforms Essay School uniforms are a set of standardized clothes worn primarily for an educational purpose. Uniforms can range from formal to informal. The most popular uniforms include khakis and polo shirts of varying colors. Wearing school uniforms can reduce issues related to students wearing inappropriate clothing. Students are less likely to be ridiculed by others due to the kind of clothes they wear. Uniforms are cost effective and are less expensive than street clothes and wearing uniforms are a positive way to bridge the gap between social classes. We live in a society where appearance is everything which makes kids feel pressured to fit in and dress a certain way. Money plays a big part in the clothing students wear. Not all styles are affordable to everyone. Some students are criticized because they cannot afford the â€Å"name brand† clothes. This makes parents feel pressured to purchase the popular and more expensive clothing just so there kids â€Å"fit in. † Some students may even feel the need to steal to get the â€Å"in† clothes. The average cost of a year’s worth of school uniforms is approximately $200 which is a lot less than name brand clothing. Uniforms can help reduce peer bullying and criticism, since all students are wearing the same thing. It also reduces stress and conflict to look a certain way. The great thing about uniforms are they can be worn for more than one year (if they still fit), making them even more cost effective and less expensive than regular clothes. There are many styles of clothes, some that are appropriate to wear to school and others that are not. Students are influenced by the clothing styles they see on television as well as the styles worn by their mentors and idols. Violence and stereo-typing are big concerns for schools. Clothes play a factor in what people who are part of a gang wear. These gang members wear specific clothing to identify themselves and express their power as well as separate them from other gangs. Uniforms could help cut-down the growth rate of these gangs as they would be harder to recognize which could lead to less interest in them. Generally, uniforms are navy or white shirts and navy or khaki pants. These are pretty neutral colors that are not distracting. More than likely, they are colors a lot of students would where anyway. A lot of the popular styles are navy and khaki, which make uniforms more stylish. Many people think wearing uniforms are uncomfortable and boring. However, uniforms actually unite the school as a whole and promote a team atmosphere. Placing less emphasis on clothes will only increase the entire academic outcome. Wearing school uniforms can benefit students academically, financially, and socially. A person should not be defined by their clothes but by who they are as an individual. I think it would benefit all schools to have a school uniform.

Lessons in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Essay Example for Free

Lessons in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Essay Pride and Prejudice is one of the most popular novels written by Jane Austen which was first published in 1813. It is more than a story of love which revolves around the lives of the Bennett family and the wealthy male visitors of Hertfordshire. Its wide variety of personalities in the story contributed to the novel’s attractive and compelling features; which provides several realizations to its readers and their view of social class, marriage and women status in the 19th century which can be attributed to each character’s personality. The Women and Men of the 19th Century The theme towards courtship and marriage is already explicitly stated in the first sentence of the novel. â€Å"It is a truth universally acknowledge that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife† (p. 3). In this initial sentence, Austen prepares the readers on what to expect. There is a big probability that the story will revolve in a fascinating chase: either a husband in search of a wife or a woman in pursuit of a husband. Marriage during 18th century was different compared to how marriage is viewed nowadays. It was a challenging and debatable social issue since marriage with love was not a necessity. At that time, marriage consisted of rules and standards that often ignore emotions or feelings. Moreover, community and family were major participants in establishing marriage. From that first sentence, considering the time the novel was created, the readers would expect a witty tone towards marriage and society The novel also portrayed several characters that are stereotypical in the 19th century. The diverse personalities of each character reveals how the era was like for the author and how the status of people were determined through their wealth, fame and gender. Apparently, the primary lesson that this novel has for its readers is the fact that in the past love was not a necessary element of marriage. Women were usually seen as mere wives for men. Nonetheless, in Austen’s story, she made use of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy’s conflicting characters to refuse the kind of stereotypical 19th century setting that the novel was set in. The two major characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, were clearly different kinds of people who later proved themselves to be the ideal match for each other. Clearly, the transformation of Elizabeth and Darcy’s characters were made possible by their own pride and prejudices against each other. This fact, therefore, illustrates the idea that the character transformation would most likely not occur without the shortcomings and hasty judgments of the two main characters of the Jane Austen’s famous novel. It was quite ironic though that the novel also conveys the idea that people do fall in love under the most unexpected circumstances. There is a short line expressed by the female protagonist Elizabeth Bennett which can be considered somewhat explanatory of the whole novel. â€Å"Books—oh!  No. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings† (p. 82). This is Elizabeth Bennett’s response to Fitzwilliam Darcy when he asked her about her thoughts on books. They were dancing on the ball of the Netherland Estate and trying to create a conversation. Based on Elizabeth’s response and her quick dismissals of the topic that Mr. Darcy brought up, her great dislike towards the wealthy young man was evident. This particular line of Elizabeth Bennett is considered an important line for the novel because it insinuates a symbolic image rather than a literal meaning for the main characters in the story. Her remark about how the topic of books would not be able to create a productive conversation because they probably would have not read the same book or have the same feeling towards it depicts that their personalities—similar or not—can still generate different interpretations. Even the title of the book itself can be considered characteristics that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy both possess, which caused them to make erratic conclusions about each others’ personality. The above statement from Elizabeth depicts that the novel primarily focuses on the theme of misunderstandings, false impressions, and lapses in judgment. Thoroughly reviewing the whole context of the story, the diverse personalities of the characters are what made it possible to provide the picture of the lifestyle of English people in the 19th century. Each character is provided a characteristic that is distinct to other characters. Elizabeth Bennett, an interesting character indeed, possesses traits which are very much different from her sisters. Here is one of her statements to Darcy included in Chapter 19 where she rejects him the first time he proposed to marry her and considered to be one of the pivotal turns in the story which caused the change in both Elizabeth and Darcy’s character: I have no pretension whatever to that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man. . . I thank you again and again for the honor you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. . . Do not consider me now as an elegant female, intending to plague you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart (p. 97). Elizabeth Bennett’s character speaks much of a strong personality which is extremely opinionated and bold. Unlike her younger sisters, she does not allow social status and wealth to interfere with her standards for love. However, in her statement, prejudices toward Darcy are evident for she has already judged him without knowing him well first. However, at the end of the story, she regrets having misjudged the man upon knowing the real Fitzwilliam Darcy. This theme of wrong first impression is very common in the personality of Elizabeth Bennet as she always seem to misjudge a man’s intent such as that of Darcy and Mr. Wickham. On the other hand, Darcy’s character also reveals how wrong he was on his first impression towards Elizabeth. His statement where she declared Elizabeth as tolerable but not beautiful enough to interest him because of her poor social status discloses how proud he was to avoid being acquainted with such a woman (p. 9). Similarly, he took back his word when he found out how interesting and intelligent Elizabeth was which led him to confess his feelings and offer a marriage proposal. Unfortunately, his first proposal was rejected. Upon the end of the novel, it is reasonable to conclude that Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy actually have similar characteristics which can be considered ironic. Both are intelligent, witty, opinionated, and proud. There are also instances when they have exposed acts of prejudices towards some characters in the story, primarily themselves. Elizabeth deemed Darcy to be an extremely arrogant and proud man when she accidentally heard him say that he was not interested in her due to her poor status in the society. She thought him to be a spoiled wealthy man who is unsociable and selfish. In return, Darcy also showed his prejudices towards her by thinking that she was not right for him because she belonged to the lower class part of the society. Hence, the situation indicates how their impulsive and superficial judgments of each other led them to take back their words and eradicate their pride and prejudices towards each other. They gradually transformed into humble beings who were capable of admitting and accepting their shortcomings. Thus, two people, even with similar characteristics may not have similar outputs and can still be regarded contradictory in terms of beliefs. Like the characters in the story, all have distinct personalities which enabled them to decide the way they did. If Elizabeth did not hastily judged Darcy in the first place which led her into rejecting his first marriage proposal, Darcy would not have humbled himself into further pursuing Elizabeth despite her initial rejection. He would not have rescued her family from social disgrace and reveal his true nature. Simply put, Elizabeth would not have change her opinion about Darcy and most probably reject him still. She would not have fallen in love with him and change her ways of being filled with prejudices. The following scenarios created a huge impact in the maturity and development of the characters in the story which proves that the transformation is indeed dependent on the characters’ actions and decisions. Upon understanding the difference between the main characters’ personalities, it is important to note that the focus of Darcy is to win Elizabeth’ heart to marry her. It is all about marriage from the start of the novel until the end. Austen made it really clear for women in the 19th century how big an issue it was to find someone rich and reputable to marry. Elizabeth’s mother had seemed to push them into marrying by taking them to social balls where rich men were most likely to come and select a wife. Conclusion Clearly, the arguments stated above identify the concept that Elizabeth and Darcy’s character transformation would not have been possible without their mistakes and initial false impressions of each other. This validates the fact that their development as individuals is highly rooted from their decisions and hasty judgments—or rather their own pride and prejudices. In addition, Austen’s ability to inculcate the stereotypes on the characters produced an image of the status of marriage and courtship in the 19th century. It becomes clear to the readers that there was too much consciousness and pressure on the physical attributes and reputations of women than in men. Men were more highly regarded than women as women only seem to serve as partners to men in marriage. The fact that there were balls where men can choose the women they want to marry is already an indication of the restraints that society puts on women. They are merely intended for domestic purposes only.

Reviewing The Effectiveness Of Uk Drug Policy Criminology Essay

Reviewing The Effectiveness Of Uk Drug Policy Criminology Essay This paper argues that a meticulous review of the effectiveness of UK drug policy is urgently needed. Policy as contained in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (the MDA), Drugs Act 2005, Medicines Act 1968 and strategy document Drugs: Protecting families and communities]   is currently in a state of disrepair. The question suggests a contemporary over-influence of rhetorical bases in policy formation and evaluation, to the detriment of a frank review of its actual effectiveness, however I am unconvinced this artificial annexation of such broad notions will forge the more effective drug policy to which the question also refers. Rather, I propose that these notions describe the many authorities manipulated and dovetailed to produce and justify a much wider policy model. And it is this model, and the weight given to those authorities that currently hinders the effectiveness of the UK drug policy and deserves review. I call into question the way in which our current system is criminalised v ia the implementation of the MDAs class system, limited to non traditional drugs, and based on control as justified by rhetoric. I propose a more appropriate direction in the adoption of an evidentially based harm reduction model, in line with the home offices most recent policy. 2. UK Drug Policy In order to explore the necessity for a rigorous evaluation of the current UK drug policy; one must gain a comprehensive understanding of what the contemporary policy actually is, and why.  [2]  This can be demonstrated most thoroughly and accurately through a brief analysis of some of the most important policy models affiliated with our domestic drug policy. Through extrapolating the wider reasoning behind our current system I hope to decipher the influences on policy decisions and where the weight imposed on such factors is unsatisfactory the balance should be changed. 2.1. Medicalization A timeline stretching from the nineteenth century keynotes the first defined drug policy of full medicalization at the end of the century.  [3]  This stance places drug users within a medical paradigm, seeing addiction as a disease.  [4]  Whilst this ideology can still be seen as a strand within medicinal interactions with problem drug users, in terms of treatment and the Medicines Act 1968; it no longer works as the basis of domestic strategy. 2.2. A War on Drugs Nixons 1973 use of the metaphor of warfare in relation to drug policies has since seen the USA [wage] an ever-escalating war on drugs.  [5]  This has impacted the UK, where it is argued that criminal law and arguments of morality are deeply embedded in UK drug policy,  [6]  evidenced through a movement towards a largely American-inspired prohibitionist approach in post war years, simply echoing the Pharmacy Act 1869s earlier quasi-medical control of certain substances.  [7]  And I argue that this prohibitionist control still underpins UK drug policy today;  [8]  framing contemporary strategy documents.  [9]  My research suggests this ideology that has lead to drug policy becoming crime-focused to an extent that it can be viewed as distinctively and substantively different in the twenty first century.  [10]   2.3. Criminalisation Academics have noted that the home office has used its influence to try to push Britain towards a system similar to that of the USAreliant solely on control measures.  [11]  With the MDA regulating drugs using a complex legislative framework revolving around the criminalisation of a band of illicit drugs focussing on penal control, apparently based on risk assessment of the harms these drugs cause to the exclusion of traditional drugs such as alcohol and tobacco.  [12]  This was compounded further by the Drugs Act 2005 placing law enforcement and crime reduction [as] central features of the agenda, working alongside the MDA in criminalising the activities surrounding certain drugs.  [13]   The government has maintained that this fundamental purpose of providing a framework within which criminal penalties are set is correct, compounding the overwhelming priority of criminalisation in the current drug policy.  [14]  I argue this undermines current drug strategy aim to reduce the harm that drugs cause to society, to communities, individuals and their families.  [15]  Gower has expressed a deep concern regarding this over-reliance on criminalisation as the means of control, arguing that it lacks a clear grounding in evidence, and it does not achieve its objective to reduce the misuse of drugs.  [16]  This criticism coming from a strong academic feeling that criminalisation seems to define our current definition of the drugs problem, with critics calling into question this nonsensical and unjustified focus on punishment and enforcement.  [17]   2.3.1. Why has the drug-crime link come to be the principal lens through which the drug problem is viewed today?  [18]   The governments criminalisation of drug use is validated by suggestions that drug use and crime are linked in some way;  [19]  as demonstrated by the home office website.  [20]   This contemporary obsession with the drug crime link,  [21]  refers to a belief that the drug trade is linked to serious organised crime.  [22]  Officials argue that the coincidence of drugs and criminal activity can be understood through a theory of causation, and remains a key strand in current drug policy. However, this long history of exaggerated claims has been damned by experts, recognising that whilst there are links; it is surprisingly difficult to show that any of the commonly misused drugs directly cause any behaviour.  [23]  A number of studies have identified only vague correlations,  [24]  with limited evidence showing any causal connections between drugs and crime, somewhat questioning any conviction that drugs cause crime.  [25]  The perceived drug clime link is simply a rhetorical justification of the criminalisation of policy direction, lacking any real evidential strength.  [26]   2.2.2. The Role of the Media Consultation papers work as a key resource in the governments current evaluative process.  [27]  However, public opinion and thus their responses are fundamentally manipulated by the media. Newspapers work in many ways as a talking shop for politicians to inform much of what we know, or think we know, about crime; with careful choices by such outlets triggering a variety of public responses.  [28]  Schlesinger et al assert that media representations are a key moment in the process whereby public discourses concerning crime and justice are made available for general consumption.  [29]  Thus, in consultation papers recognised as conversations with the public and the limited existing form of evaluation medias interpretation is likely to implicate subsequent responses; somewhat negating the productivity of consultation.  [30]   Distorted media presentation of substances can influence popular belief about their harmfulness, which then directly implicates change in drug policy; with clear inconsistencies between reality and reports.  [31]  Mannings commentary on ecstasy depicts how a series of well documented media-led moral panics can lead to an evolution of the governments policy, based on individual tragedies and anecdotes rather than rational analysis of evidence and pragmatic public health responses.  [32]  The rushed classification of Mephedrone recently echoed this to the letter.  [33]  Whilst it denies reviews react to media attention,  [34]  I argue that through sacking David Nutt following such pressure,  [35]  government showed [its] willingness to [bow] to public mood, feeding policy with rhetoric.  [36]  I assert that this amplified role of media in the formulation of drug policy forges political moves driven by people pleasers, rather than evidence. 2.3.3. The role of ACMD The Advisory council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is a statutory body which aim[s] to advise the government on drug policy and treatment  [37]  . However, its validity is questionable. Firstly, ACMD has a statutory duty to consider both medical and societal harms when making recommendations,  [38]  with a number of factors feeding into decisions, including unconvincing theories, the media, culture and what the public is thought to think  [39]  . Secondly its remit seems to be restricted to those substances the government are concerned with notably excluding alcohol and tobacco. And finally, when scientific bodies bring evidence at odds with governmental direction; it is disregarded.  [40]  Despite Professor Wiles assertion that the Government does not interfere with the independence of the ACMD and that ACMD have freely decided not to advise them about traditional drugs,  [41]  their ambit is limited to illicit drugs, because their advice intended to be indepen dent at present, depends on government policy, not just scientific evidence. ACMD is forced to be political in nature; used as puppets of government in its attempt to legitimize a framework that simply does not correlate with the statistical evidence experts propose.  [42]   2.4. Cultural prejudice The government itself notes that the distinguishing factors regarding the illegality of drugs are based in large part on historical and cultural precedents  [43]  . Politicians are it would seem unwilling to tackle traditional drugs, simply because it would conflict with deeply embedded historical tradition and tolerance.  [44]  Safe.Sensible.Social promotes a sensible drinking culture rather than the prohibition of alcohol,  [45]  which is of stark contrast to any policy regarding what are regarded as illicit drugs. The reasoning for this polarity is defended though the social acceptability of alcohol and tobacco; which are void of any scientific basis.  [46]  This method of distinction questions the validity of our drug policy; emphasising how arbitrary the nature of the way in which we currently decipher which drugs fall within the ambit of the MDA really is.  [47]   2.4.1. Traditional Drugs Because of a preoccupation with illicit drugs in recent decades there has been, until relatively recently, much less discussion on alcohol. This is changing.  [48]  The government has introduced two alcohol policies, the most recent being Safe.Sensible.Social in 2007, however health professionals who had pressed for the alcohol strategy were critical of it when it appeared in 2004 and the 2007 review was thought to be little better.  [49]  Whilst the government discredit direct comparisons between illegal drugs and alcohol as inappropriate,  [50]  the evidence brought to government by the Health Select Committee covering a huge breadth of harms concludes that England has a drink problem.  [51]  Comparisons are appropriate and necessary. WHO deduces that two million deaths are caused by excessive alcohol consumption world-wide each year, with it being responsible for 11% of the total disease burden in Europe.  [52]  Alongside this, 90% of all drug related deaths ar e attributed to alcohol and tobacco.  [53]  In addition there are arguments of a strong correlation between binge drinking and offending,  [54]  even satisfying the flimsy drug-crime link precedent of the MDA. The governments response that the classification system under the MDA is not a suitable mechanism for regulating legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco;  [55]  is met with criticism of their complacency in the face of the seriousness of our current predicament.  [56]  Nutt expresses that it is this omission from the classification system that, perhaps more than any other, truly lays bare its fundamental lack of consistency, reasoning or evidence base.  [57]  If classified under any realistic assessment of toxicity, addictiveness and mortality rates both drugs would certainly be criminalised and prohibited under the current system  [58]  . There is a clear presumption; were alcohol introduced today it would be classified and criminalised.  [59]   2.5. Political rhetoric is far removed from the reality  [60]   The governments use of broad definitions, reliance on rhetorical justifications and a seemingly unconvincing distinction of legal and illegal drugs despite their harms, leads us to a strange statutory framework which legalizes drugs alcohol and nicotine that are equally, if not more, addictive and cause more death and ill health thanthe most feared illegal drugs.  [61]   The moral panics constructed by the failure of politicians promises of a drug free world, have lead to claims that the current policy is an embarrassment, unproductive, and based on a band of rhetoric amidst a failing model of criminalisation and penal thinking.  [62]  Whilst both the alcohol and drug policies suggest a dedication to minimizing the harms caused by drug use, the prevalence of tough talk and political posturing has invariably triumphed over common sense, with the key aim of harm reduction lost within the framework of a criminalisation model.  [63]  This clearly calls into question the legitimacy of the advisory council, politicians, and the effectiveness of our drug policy and legislation. 3. A Call for Evaluation The governmental strategy is ad hoc in its foundations, attracting a plethora of criticism regarding the artificiality of the dominant construction of criminality. ACMD suggest that there is scope to explore how effectively the current system is operating,  [64]  and Journalists are led to similar conclusions following indications of the insufficiency of current policy.  [65]  As reports continually conclude, this war on drugs has been a disaster.  [66]  With Boland encapsulating this exasperation in his assessment that the logic of continuing to pour huge amounts of public money into fighting a war that is patently not going to be won must be revisited with a more questioning mind.  [67]  Both scientifically and rhetorically, there are calls for evaluation with an eye to a more effective policy model in which evidential distinctions will thrive. 3.1. The Ambit of Evaluation An evaluation should cover all substances regarded as harmful drugs. Scientists and academics struggle to specifically define what a drug is; mainly retracting back to science with reference to mixtures of chemicals and their effects on users.  [68]  It is fundamentally the mission of the law to draw distinctions, writing laws that draw careful and appropriate distinctions between the permitted and the prescribed.  [69]  The war on drugs has become a war on certain (illicit) drugs, with traditional others such as alcohol and tobacco falling outside of the scope of the draconian enforcement of controls.  [70]  The one obvious basis for distinction between legal and illegal drugs are that illicit drugs are those that create a high risk of harm to the users or others, however even this has been proved to be, inherently flawed.  [71]   3.2. Drugs and Harm: A New Agenda for a New Government  [72]   Although law enforcement has been given a higher priority in recent yearsthey coexist with a quite different line of thinking and action, that of harm reduction.  [73]  An evaluation of the current policy should use an increasingly evidence based approach, with particular regard to the classification of traditional and non traditional drugs within this harm reduction model. If a harm reduction approach is adopted, the policy will work to reduce the harms that result from the misuse of drugs, which waste lives, destroy families and damage communities.  [74]  However, legislations hidden implication of harm reduction is currently insufficient.  [75]  Any such base has been overshadowed in recent decades through the MDAs more prominent regime of classification and subsequent criminalisation of illicit substances.  [76]  Through exploring classification in its present form compared to how it could be improved through using this model, I hope to illustrate how the governme nt could develop strategies which may lead the drug user into less harmful patterns of drug use, rather than simply enforcing the law and punishing wrongdoers.  [77]   4. Drug Classification: making a hash of it  [78]   Despite indications that the current classification system is indefensible;  [79]  the home office has said it has little intention of changing this framework, deciding not to pursue a review of the classification system at this time.  [80]  I counteract that this is a mistake, with the the methodology and processes underlying classification systems inherently flawed.  [81]  As per Forte et al, in a freedom loving society no conduct by rational adults should be criminalised unless it is harmful to others; I argue that a transparent evaluation of the way in which our policy works and should work is long overdue.  [82]   4.1. Policy needs to informed by evidence  [83]   Critics have, in many ways, attributed the failing classification system to it being closed to scientific evidence.  [84]  Many arguing that the MDA simply reflects official perceptions of relative harmfulness,  [85]  claiming that the government routinely cherry picks and spins figuresto give a misleading impression.  [86]  I suggest that this can be remedied through a clearer, more sagacious approach  [87]  . And support the notion that evidence should not dictate all aspects of drug policy, but that clear distinctions need to be made when policy is based on scientific evidence and when it is made on the basis of particular conception of what society should be like.  [88]  Nutt has said that people really dont know what the evidence is. They see the classification, they hear about evidence and they get mixed messages [with the] scientific probity of governmentundermined in this kind of way.  [89]  The public should be fully informed of the basis of the frame work presented to them, and the reasoning behind this. Rhetoric and cultural influences are an important factor in formulating policy decisions and communicating with the public and their impact should not be wholly negated, rather a limitation of rhetorics weighted influence in key decisions regarding the harmfulness of drugs is needed. 5. Policy Consequences Upon evaluation I suggest that the current system will be regarded as outdated, ineffective and in need of a complete regeneration. Whereas at present it seems the ACMD can only recommend prohibition,  [90]  I have not explored, nor will I advocate, the notion of legalisation or indeed the criminalisation of harmful substances. Rather, I suggest such an approach is unproductive, and envisage a two pronged approach; involving the current penal system as just that a system of punishment, running parallel with a more scientifically based approach. 5.1. One Policy In accordance with my discussion regarding the scientific evidence about alcohol induced harm, I believe that alcohol policys separation from the UK drug policy is unnecessary and unproductive. We must fully endorse harm reduction approaches at all levels and especially stop the artificial separation of alcohol and tobacco as non-drugs.  [91]  As it stands, there is no sign that the governments aims to reduce harmful alcohol consumption have been achieved.  [92]  Increasingly strong evidence suggests a long term trend towards the integration of traditional and non traditional drugs.  [93]  And I support a more comprehensive policy that amalgamates drugs and alcohol, using the evidence bases made available to the government to truly work to reduce the harms caused by drug misuse in the UK.  [94]   6.2. Rational Scale Based primarily on the work of Nutt, King, Saulsbury and Blakemore, I am calling for a second scale that doesnt simply masquerade itself as an indication of the harmfulness of drugs; but is an accurate scientific representation of the harmfulness of each drug. This would be decoupled from penalties, to give the public a better sense of the relative harms involved, working as a second pillar to a continued penal classification system, with very little change.  [95]  Transform has supported the pragmatic nature of this scheme, and my research would suggest that many critics would welcome this scientific inclusion,  [96]  offering scientific evidence of actual risks as a way of replacing perceived risk in the classification process  [97]  . A key issue with this approach is the deciphering of what harm actually is, however I propose that this scale would allow for flexibility in the interim period of its existence. Whilst Nutt has criticised the current systems lack of flexi bility,  [98]  he is confident that this modified scale is remarkably robust as data is added to it, clearly opening its doors to a workable and scien

Ordinary People :: essays research papers

The book Ordinary People explains the troubles that occur in a typical American family. The family, the Jarrets, tries to maintain as much as a normal life as possible without a dysfunctional status. In the beginning of the story, the family deals with minor problems that had little impact to them. Since they had just moved to a new house in a new neighborhood, they try to establish relationships with other neighbors. Their son, Conrad, faces depression in which he must recover from through frequent visits to the hospital, and to his psychiatrist. The father of the family, Calvin, is a determined and responsible man, is positive on his outlook in life and looks forward to everything, including having a productive day at work. He tries to take care of Conrad by giving sending him to a psychiatrist. The mother, Beth, a strong working woman, is also like Calvin; she is responsible to the family as well. Obviously, the parents have no personal problems, but ironically they create conflic ts with each other. Although these conflicts are very minor, they eventually build up to separate the family later on throughout their marriage. An example of this was seen while the parents had troubles deciding where and when to go on vacation during their night out at dinner, because both their times conflicted with each other. The both of them always had minor conflicts that sprouted out every once in a while, but they were acceptable to each other. Conrad on the other hand had problems with his low self-esteem, grades in school, depression, suicide and interacting with other people. The loss of Buck brought Conrad down to his depression and low self-esteem, which eventually collapsed on his academic achievements in school. Also his social attitude towards society was weak, since his moods were always aimed towards quiet environments and loneliness. He took blame for his brother’s death in a boat accident and wanted to commit suicide. Conrad wanted to be in his own world, where he could relax and be in peace from all the annoying people in his life. The only people he really spoke with outside of his family were his teammates in his swim team, Lazenby, Bergen, his psychiatrist, Jeannine, and Karen. This did not necessarily mean that he liked the people he had relationships with. Conrad found his own teammates annoying, his psychiatrist too nosy in his life, and Karen wasn’t creditable either because she had similar problems like him, since they met each other at the hospital.

Moral And Psychological Atmosphere :: essays research papers

From its opening, the tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, plunges us into a world of mystery, intrigue and plotting. It is dark, enigmatic and yet resplendent court of Elsinor that we saunter into, a court dominated at different times by two characters. With Hamlet trying to prove Claudius's guilt, and Claudius trying to pierce the secret of Hamlet's madness, and using Polonius, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, Ophelia, and finally Gertrude as his pawns. This makes the atmosphere more and more gloomy and tense The play begins with the Changing of the guards on a cold winter's night at the castle of Elsinor. The men talk about ghost that they have seen, which is the dead king of Denmark. The scene is set on a dark cold night, causing the atmosphere to be gloomy, with tension that can be felt distinctively, foreshadowing of what is to come. This is the skill with which Shakespeare evokes a mood appropriate to this tragedy. The prince Hamlet's first moral struggle is seen in the soliloquy. He wishes to end his life for this world has become " weary, stale, flat and unprofitable". It is not just the death of his beloved father and king which has reduced him to this state of despair but also the fact that his mother's hasty marriage to his uncle Claudius. He perceives this marriage as unrighteous and is religiously wrong. This accounts for his wish to commit suicide. However according to the bible it morally incorrect, it is forbidden by the sixth of the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament. The question to live or to end his life is seen in another scene. "To be or not to be" This suggests that Hamlet is always in the tussle of morality. The atmosphere of the play is steeped in the odour of corruption as well as decay. These visible elements of corruption are reinforced by numerous words and images throughout the play. One of these is " something is rotten in the state of Denmark." This is said by Marcellus when he saw the ghost and aware of the cause of Old hamlet's death. This highlighted the theme of decay. Another example is when the Ghost compares Gertrude's sin to preying on garbage. In addition Hamlet warns Polonius of the way the sun breeds maggots in a dead dog. " For if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog,

Erich Maria Remarques All Quiet on the Western Front and Mary Shelleys :: Remarque Western Shelley Frankenstein Essays

Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein shows how the change in society has an effect on people. But they both take different methods of showing it. All Quiet on the Western Front shows how war takes the lives of others and the effects on people during the war.Frankenstein, even though it is fictional, tells a story of a distraught dream of science by artificial means of life. Both stories have different effect surrounding each character want and needs throughout the plot. First, to understand All Quiet on the Western Front and Frankenstein it must be analyze first. Then, they must be broken down for a compare and contrast. All Quiet on the Western Front takes place in Germany. The war that is being fought is World War I. There, the young are basically joined the military for the idea of adventure. First, they go to training relaxed and basically thinking nothing of the war that is ahead. As they enter the war, they are shocked to see the conditions of it. When on the battlefield they rush into trenches to avoid the on coming fire and shells. When solider go to hospital it wasn't uncommon for there boots to be taken. It was a way to how war leave mental scare on people. It was a kind of respect to show that a solider was important to others. After the death of Kemmerich, Paul kills a Frenchmen and looks at as he has killed a man. Instead of looking at the Frenchman death as a victory it is more of remorse because it was a death of a human being. Paul then goes though a metal state to help the family of the Frenchmen. He lost his frontline position and was sent home. As he tells his war stories, friend a family believed him to be a fool. The people in the town had no idea what effects of World War I had on people and left old soldier to be 'coward'. A few of the symbols in All Quiet on the Western Front where the boots of other men that dies in World War I and the life of what they missed at home. A pair of boots showed the loss of a fellow soldier as a way to move on. It leave behind that though that this was a man that died here, not a pawn that is uses for war. Also, the boots stood for a friendship that other soldier might have had for him.

Examining “Don’t Eat This Book” Essay

Morgan Spurlock’s book is an outstanding indictment on people’s eating habits and a marginally effective indictment of the big food industry. The reason for this â€Å"half and half† success is that while Spurlock does properly show that people are guilty of making poor decision that lead to obesity, he falters when he tries to place a large volume of the blame of the â€Å"Big Food† industry. While Big Food is definitely not the friend to people looking to lose weight as the Big Food industry places an amoral desire to boost profits at the risks of health, the bottom line is (and always will be) Big Food loses all its power when people cease to consume and people simply refuse to cease consuming. Spurlock does point out that there is only one method designed to lose weight: reduce calorie consumption either by reducing the amount that is eaten (a decent idea), increasing exercise (better idea), reducing food consumption and replace the bad food that is consumed with high quality food while increasing one’s activity level (the best plan of action). Spurlock confronts people with their decided lack of exercise and challenges people to get up and move! He also confronts people with their food choices. Where Spurlock succeeds magnificently is he enlightens people who may be somewhat confused as to why they cannot lose weight even though they follow fad diets and cut back on their consumption. By pointing out to people that most fad diets are designed to drop water weight and fool people into thinking they lost fat as well as pointing out that eating food high in sugar and fat means higher calories, Spurlock shifts people’s focus on where it belongs when it comes to diet. Their focus belongs on the basics: proper diet and exercise is the cure. Spurlock also successfully points out the reason why fast food is a surefire path to obesity because the processed nature of such food is a â€Å"recipe† for disaster. In a very interesting sidebar, Spurlock shows the sociological reasons why Big Food became as powerful as it is and how deceptive marketing leads to consumption. However, where Spurlock falters is in the silly belief that my regulating Big Food will yield results. To support his philosophy on this, he compares big tobacco to big food. On the surface, the comparison makes sense because emotionally we wish to see Big Food punished. When we think about the situation logically, we realize that the fault lies not in big food but in ourselves. The comparisons between Big Tobacco and Big Food are compelling on an emotional level, but there are some flaws in terms of the logic. Big tobacco was far more complicit in perpetrating a deadly fraud on the population as opposed to Big Food that merely cut corners that yield a higher fat and sugar content. That is, Big Tobacco knew full well that cigarettes were addictive and the tobacco companies also knew that cigarettes caused cancer, heart disease, etc. To make a bad situation worse, Big Tobacco companies increased and manipulated the levels of addictive nicotine in cigarettes in order to â€Å"hook† smokers. Eventually, the lie was exposed and the number of cigarette smokers in the United States has dropped from 54% of the population in 1964 to less than 25% today. When the truth about cigarettes was discovered, the sales of cigarettes declined dramatically. With Big Food, the truth was never hidden and when confronted with the truth, no one cared and the consumption continued. When it comes to Big Food, the problem of obesity not only lies in the fact that refined and artificial sugars, flavors and fats, all of which were designed to lower costs and increasing profits. The ancillary result of this is that calories will dramatically increase when natural products are replaced with refined products. This DOES NOT mean that the natural products are safe! Brown sugar and saturated fat are high in calories and will lead to obesity much in the same was as refined sugar and trans fat will. Furthermore, no one is so naive to believe that McDonald’s food will not make a person fat nor is anyone naive enough to believe it is healthy. Spurlock attempts to use the case of the two overweight girls in NYC as an example of how big food should be sued in the same way that big tobacco was sued due to complicity in the health problems of smokers. The case of the overweight girls was thrown out of court and for good reason: the girls were STILL overweight when the case was filed. They had never reeled in their food consumption habits and were looking to blame someone for their problems. Spurlock attempted to portray these girls as martyrs and it simply doesn’t work. As a sociological look at the over consumption of food and as a common sense approach to diet and weight loss, Spurlock’s tome is outstanding. As an indictment of the Big Food industry, it is only partially successful. Overall, it is a classic study of human nature that only comes along one in a generation. SPEECH There is an inherent problem that is part of human nature. That problem is the concept that if something brings pleasure, then it must be consumed. There is also another item that is part of human nature. That item is logic and reasoning. By logic and reasoning, we understand that something feels good because in our own minds, we make it feel good. We also understand that within our own minds, we define certain feelings as negative. The problem is that we accept things that feel good for the moment that lead to much misery and pain in the long run. Over consumption of food will make a person feel good for the 15 minutes that it takes to consume an abominable meal at a McDonald’s. When we over consume like this three times a day, seven days a week, we derive a combined amount of pleasure that equals less than four hours. The remaining hours in the weeks, months, years are left with the pain that comes from the obesity derived limitations on our social lives, our physical well being and our mental health. When a person stops to think about it, that isn’t pleasure at all. The consumed food is a mere diversion from a life that is ultimately limited and a limited life is a miserable one. What Mr. Spurlock points out is that if we stay away from the diet pills, stay away from the fad diets, refrain from feeding the Big Food machine with out dollars and cents, we can ultimately live a life that is free from the shackles of obesity. However, what we ask here is something that only a mature adult will understand and children are not mature adults. When a child grows up ingesting food that will ultimately make them sick, the adults who allow such things must be held accountable. Whether it is parents or school officials, there needs to be an external pressure designed to be sure that they place the welfare of the children taking the easy way out. As adults, as Mr. Spurlock shows, it is our responsibility to make the younger generation understand that the pleasure they receive from sugar rushes or the effect laboratory engineered trans fat has on the tastes buds is not real pleasure as it is a transitory gateway to a very limited and miserable life. We must educate and we must pressure and we must be successful at this or the negative cycle that has enveloped young children since the early 1970’s will be an unbroken cycle. Work Cited Morgan Spurlock, Don’t Eat This Book, New York: Putnam’s Sons, 2005.

Deception Point Page 79

Silent black helicopters.The conspiracy theorists were deviation nuts over these. Some claimed the incursion of silent black helicopters was proof of sweet World Order storm troopers downstairs the authority of the United Nations. Others claimed the choppers were silent stranger probes. Still others who saw the Kiowas in nigh formation at night were deceived into thought they were spirit at fixed test lights on a much large craft-a single flying saucer that was plainly capable of vertical flight.Wrong again. besides the military loved the diversion.During a unseasoned covert mission, Delta-One had f low-tonedn a Kiowa armed with the close secretive new U.S. military technology-an tricksy holographic weapon nicknamed S M. disrespect conjuring associations with sadomasochism, S M stood for lot and mirrors-holographic images projected into the sky over foe territory. The Kiowa had used S M technology to project holograms of U.S. aircraft over an enemy anti-aircraft in st in allation. The panicky anti-aircraft gunners fired maniacally at the circling ghosts. When all of their ammunition was gone, the United States sent in the real thing.As Delta-One and his men displace off the runway, Delta-One could still hear the course of his ascendance. You have another mark. It seemed an egregious under-statement considering their new targets identity. Delta-One reminded himself, however, that it was not his place to question. His squad had been precondition an order, and they would carry it verboten in the make manner instructed-as shocking as that method was.I hope to hell the controller is certain this is the right move.As the Kiowa lifted off the runway, Delta-One headed southwest. He had seen the FDR Memorial twice, honorable straight tonight would be his first clock from the air.93This meteorite was originally observe by a Canadian geologist? Gabrielle Ashe stared in admiration at the young programmer, Chris harper. And this Canadian is now dead? harpist gave a sad nod.How long have you have it offn this? she demanded.A couple of calendar weeks. After the executive and Marjorie tench forced me to perjure myself in the pressure gathering, they knew I couldnt go back on my word. They told me the truth virtually how the meteorite was really spy.PODS is not responsible for finding the meteorite Gabrielle had no inclination where all of this information would lead, except distinctly it was scandalous. Bad in spotigence information for Tench. Great news for the senator.As I mentioned, Harper said, looking somber now, the true way the meteorite was separate was through an intercepted receiving set receiver contagious disease. Are you long-familiar with a program called INSPIRE? The interactional NASA Space Physics Ionosphere Radio Experiment.Gabrielle had perceive of it only vaguely.Essentially, Harper said, its a serial of very low frequency radio receivers near the North Pole that get wind to the so unds of the earth-plasma wave emissions from the northern lights, broadband pulses from lightning storms, that choose of thing.Okay.A few weeks ago, one of INSPIREs radio receivers picked up a stray infection from Ellesmere Island. A Canadian geologist was calling for garter at an exceptionally low frequency. Harper paused. In fact, the frequency was so low that nobody other than NASAs VLF receivers could perhaps have heard it. We assumed the Canadian was long-waving.Im sorry?Broadcasting at the low possible frequency to get maximal distance on his transmission. He was in the middle of nowhere, remember a criterion frequency transmission probably would not have made it far abounding to be heard.What did his message say?The transmission was short. The Canadian said he had been out doing ice soundings on the Milne Ice Shelf, had delineate an ultradense anomaly buried in the ice, suspect it was a giant meteorite, and while fetching measurements had become trapped in a storm. He gave his coordinates, asked for rescue from the storm, and signed off. The NASA listening post sent a aeroplane from Thule to rescue him. They searched for hours and finally discovered him, miles off course, dead at the back end of a crevasse with his sled and dogs. Apparently he tried to outrun the storm, got blinded, went off course, and furious into a crevasse.Gabrielle considered the information, intrigued. So suddenly NASA knew round a meteorite that nobody else knew about?Exactly. And ironically, if my software program had been working properly, the PODS satellite would have uneven that same meteorite-a week before the Canadian did.The coincidence gave Gabrielle pause. A meteorite buried for tierce hundred years was just about discovered twice in the same week?I get along. A little bizarre, but science can be the likes of that. Feast or famine. The point is that the administrator felt like the meteorite should have been our stripping anyway-if I had done my job correctly. He told me that because the Canadian was dead, nobody would be the wiser if I simply redirected PODS to the coordinates the Canadian had transmitted in his SOS. Then I could pretend to discover the meteorite from scratch, and we could salvage some respect from an pasty failure.And thats what you did.As I said, I had no choice. I had let down the mission. He paused. Tonight, though, when I heard the Presidents press conference and found out the meteorite Id pretended to discover contained fossils You were stunned.Bloody well floored, Id sayDo you think the administrator knew the meteorite contained fossils before he asked you to pretend PODS found it?I cant intend how. That meteorite was buried and untouched until the first NASA group got on that point. My best guess is that NASA had no whim what theyd really found until they got a team up there to drill cores and x-ray. They asked me to harp about PODS, thinking theyd have a moderate victory with a double meteorit e. Then when they got there, they realized just how forged a find it really was.Gabrielles breathing spell was shallow with excitement. Dr. Harper, will you testify that NASA and the smock House forced you to lie about the PODS software?I dont know. Harper looked frightened. I cant imagine what kind of damage that would do to the agency to this discovery.Dr. Harper, you and I both know this meteorite remains a wonderful discovery, careless(predicate) of how it came about. The point here is that you lied to the American people. They have a right to know that PODS is not everything NASA says it is.I dont know. I reject the administrator, but my coworkers they are good people.And they merit to know they are being deceived.And this march against me of embezzlement?You can erase that from your mind, Gabrielle said, having almost forgotten her con. I will tell the senator you know zilch of the embezzlement. It is simply a frame job-insurance set up by the administrator to keep you quiet about PODS.Can the senator protect me?Fully. Youve done nothing wrong. You were simply following orders. Besides, with the information youve just given me about this Canadian geologist, I cant imagine the senator will even learn to raise the issue of embezzlement at all. We can focus entirely on NASAs misinformation regarding PODS and the meteorite. Once the senator breaks the information about the Canadian, the administrator wont be able to risk laborious to discredit you with lies.Harper still looked worried. He fell silent, somber as he pondered his options. Gabrielle gave him a moment. Shed realized earlier that there was another troubling coincidence to this story. She wasnt going away to mention it, but she could see Dr. Harper needed a final push.