Green IT at City University †City Green Monitor

Abstract One of the main initiatives which have been employed by the City University within the Information Technology (IT) department is that of the Green Monitor, where a computing room has been set up by a group of students aimed at recording data from an environmental perspective (Green Dragons, 2014). This initiative is both effective now and in the long run, with wider possible uses in the future. This initiative is currently in its infancy, with the wider use under analysis here, as to how it can foster Green IT, going forward. The aim of this research is to develop this resource further and to create both policies and technology that will allow the IT department to support the Green Initiative across the City University, as well as across other institutions. Introduction The first issue which needs to be determined in this proposal is what precisely is meant by Green IT and what the impact of Green IT initiatives can be on an organisation or wider groups of organisations. In accordance with the guide produced by the Chartered Institute for IT, BCS (O,Neill, 2010) states that: â€Å"Green IT is a collection of strategic and tactical initiatives that directly reduces the carbon footprint of an organisation’s computing operation†¦ However, Green IT is not just focused on reducing the impact of the ICT industry. It is also focused on using the services of ICT to help reduce the organisation’s overall carbon footprint† This basic definition presents some interesting points of discussion, before going on to look at the precise nature of the work being undertaken here. Firstly, the issue of Green IT is thought to be linked to the workings of organisations and not to individuals themselves. This raises an important question from the outset: focussing on an organisation may be a false approach due to the fact that so many devices are now used by individuals and not as part of an organisation at all. Secondly, there is the notion that strategic and tactical initiatives may refer to a different approach to the strategies that may be seen as relevant for Green organisations, such as Greenpeace, thus creating a disparity in the overall objectives to be pursued. Finally, it is also noted in this definition that IT itself can be seen as a positive step towards environmental management, with factors such as the ability to work from home reducing travel emissions. This potential benefit of IT is not to be igno red and should be considered alongside the environmental costs. Moreover, O’Neill then goes on to argue that it is also necessary to look at the whole process of IT, including the manufacturing, transportation and disposal, not simply at the emissions and consumption when the item is operative. For the purposes of this research and in looking at the areas of Green IT projects within the City University, it is important to consider how the success or otherwise of the initiative may be judged. Bearing in mind the aforementioned discrepancy between strategy and tactical initiatives that may be pursued by the Chartered Institute of IT and the approach taken by environmental groups there is an immediate difficulty in producing a coherent plan for providing Green IT. In accordance with the BCS and the work by O’Neill, Green IT should be focussing on some key areas. Firstly, he argues that the area of Green IT should look at changing the ethos and culture within an organisation, so as to make sure that the corporate agenda of a company or organisation is reflective of the Green IT aim. As part of this, there should be initiatives in place to ensure that teams and individuals are able to enact Green IT initiatives that are established by the wider group. In addition, Green IT practices should be built into the wider organisational goals and processes, so that the infrastructure is purchased with Green IT in mind. By contrast, Greenpeace looks at Green IT as a means of pulling together energy efficiency and renewable energy, which is a somewhat different approach from that taken by the organisational strategy. In reality, and for the purposes of this analysis, a combined definition is to be pursued, with the suggested definition of Green IT being a set of realistic and practical measures which can ensure that IT is developed in such a way that is sustainable, energy efficient and friendly to the environment. It is this definition that will be considered for the purposes of the project being undertaken here. 1.1The Project at City University Monitoring devices created as part of this initiative are used in order to calculate the CO? emissions within the room itself. Using this information, energy consumption can then be ascertained. The aim of this initiative is to ensure that the students and staff across the University understand the impact that each computing hour has on the environment. This is, therefore, an initiative aimed at improving the environmental position in relation to the IT function and understanding how simple actions such as shutting down the PC at the end of the day or turning down the brightness on a monitor can have an impact on the CO? emissions (Curry et al., 2012). Bearing in mind the previous analysis of what precisely is meant by Green IT, it can be seen that the initiative as it currently stands within the City University deals with a minimal area of Green IT initiatives and requirements. The broader Green IT initiate needs to consider more than just the monitoring of the CO? emissions of the IT department. That said, this starting point provides the information that is necessary in order to be able to further the initiative into a working and sustainable policy, in the future. This initiative is an information gathering initiative which allows the University and then wider organisations to monitor the impact of their behaviours, in such a way that may influence behaviours, in the future. This paper will look at the strategy and concepts associated with power management in Green IT, before then going on to consider the likely behaviours and changes that are going to ensue, as a result of this Green IT initiative and then to draw conclusions on the impact of the initiative as the final section of the report. Power Management Concept within Green IT The notion of Green IT was established substantially by Murugesan, in 2008, stating that Green IT involves a wide range of activities, including designing, using and manufacturing not only the use of the computers, but also any systems associated with the renewal or purchase of such items, so that there is a minimal impact on the environment (Murugesan, 2008). Taking this on board alongside the earlier recognised area of Green IT, it can be argued that the issue of power management is a part of the overall objective which needs to be dealt with fully, before other aspects can be achieved. Without the knowledge that this type of monitoring produces, a wider IT strategy will equally not be possible. For example, if the research indicates that a certain type of screen is substantially better for the environment, then the next stage could be to roll out the provision of these screens across all departments within the University. There is a suggested indication from this perspective, that a monitoring initiative such as the one under discussion here is a suitable area for Green IT and arguably the crucial first step, as it is impossible to put in place improvements without understanding the changes and impacts, in the first place. A key strategy within this area of Green IT is to put in place approaches and processes that offer greater sustainability. For example, in this case, the use of remote monitors within the IT department could then be rolled out to usage in any other department which uses IT, or any other item that could be used more effectively to improve sustainability. Information is the lifeblood of any future initiatives that can be established. It is further noted that, in any modern IT system, there is a mixture of technology, people, hardware and networks. Therefore, any area of Green IT needs to consider all of these factors; for example, user behaviours and the broader impact on networks and hardware also need to be brought into the equation. Consider, for instance, the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) which is a standard used across the entire industry to allow the operation systems to change and control the way in which the power-saving aspects operate, so that the system to a certain extent manages itself (Therien, 2011). This can be done in an entirely automated way, or can allow users to set tolerated levels, for example, how long until a monitor goes onto â€Å"energy saver†. These strategies and approaches are critical to the monitoring area, as this is ultimately the aim of monitoring, so that changes can be put in place to improve overall sustainability.Possible Uses and Recommendations Having put in place monitoring through remote sensors, the IT department is now able to provide information to the next stage of the network, in order to develop mechanisms that will allow the IT itself to manage and improve the environmental impact that computers have. For example, it is shown that CRT monitors use more power than slimmer LCD monitors and having an understanding of a link such as this allows the University (and other organisations) to make decisions at the purchasing stage that will impact on what happens in the longer run. Similarly, it is noted that LCD monitors will use a cold cathode fluorescent bulb as a general source of light, with some of the newer displays using different technologies, such as LEDs, to ensure that less electricity is used (Infoworld, 2009). Fundamentally, the aim of monitoring in this way is to ensure that there is a greater understanding obtained of the usage of electricity by simple activities, so that this can then be used firstly to influence user behaviours and secondly can then be used to develop technologies which will create automatic controls within the technology items themselves. The first element of this research policy is to understand what information has been gathered, before then formulating it in such a way that can produce clear policy guidelines for the University to then import into the wider policies and strategies which it is required to undertake, over a longer period of time. Continuous data gathering and monitoring then allows for the company or organisation to establish and improve its policies, as and when required, and as part of continuous improvement. Conclusion In conclusion, this report indicates that one relatively simple initiative of monitoring the electricity usage within an Information Systems laboratory can lead to information which is then vitally important across a wide range of departments. For example, understanding that a change in the technology of a monitor can reduce electricity usage and improve sustainability will then allow companies and organisations to change their choice of monitors, over a period of time, and to train users to amend their use of the monitors by reducing brightness, all of which will come together to improve Green IT across the campus. Future research in this area could then look at using the information gathered as a means of then developing a policy for the future BASED on the information rather than simply having the gathering of information as an agenda in its own right. References Curry, E., Guyon, B., Sheridan, C. and Donnellan, B. (2012) â€Å"Developing a Sustainable IT Capability: Lessons From Intel’s Journey†. MIS Quarterly Executive. 11(2). pp. 61–74. Green Dragons (2014) City Green Monitor, Available at: http://www.green-dragons.co.uk/projects/citygreenmonitor/ [Accessed 01/12/2014]. InfoWorld (2009) Green IT. Available at: http://www.infoworld.com/d/green-it/used-pc-strategy-passes-toxic-buck-300?_kip_ipx=1053322433-1267784052&_pxn=0 Murugesan, S. (2008) â€Å"Harnessing Green IT: Principles and Practices,† IEEE IT Professional, January–February, pp 24-33. O’Neill, M. (2010) Green IT For Sustainable Business Practice, The Chartered Institute for IT. Therien, G (2011) â€Å"ACPI 2.0 Specification Technical Review, Intel Developer Forum† (ppt). Intel Corporation. Green IT at City University – City Green Monitor Abstract One of the main initiatives that have been employed by the City University within the Information Technology (IT) department is that of the Green Monitor where a computing room has been set up by a group of students aimed at recording data from an environmental perspective (Green Dragons, 2014). This initiative is both effective now and in the long run with wider possible uses in the future. This initiative is currently in its infancy with the wider use under analysis here as to how it can foster green IT going forward. Introduction Monitoring devices created as part of this initiative are used in order to calculate the CO2 emissions within the room itself, and then, using this information, energy consumption can then be ascertained. The aim of this initiative is to ensure that the students and staff across the University understand the impact that each computing hour has on the environment. This is therefore an initiative aimed at improving the environmental position in relation to the IT function and understanding how simple actions such as shutting down the PC at the end of the day or turning down the brightness on a monitor can have an impact on the CO2 emission (Curry et al 2012). This initiative is an information gathering initiative that allows the University and then wider organisations to monitor the impact of their behaviours in such a way that may influence behaviours in the future. This paper will look at the strategy and concepts associated with power management in green IT before then going on to look at the likely behaviours and changes that are going to ensue as a result of this green IT initiative and then to draw conclusions on the impact of the initiative as the final section of the report. Power Management Concept within Green IT The notion of Green IT was established substantially by Murugesan in 2008 stating that Green IT involves a wide range of activities including designing, using and manufacturing not only the use of the computers but also any systems associated with the renewal or purchase of such items so that there is a minimal impact on the environment (Murugesan 2008). There is a suggested indication from this notion therefore that a monitoring initiative such as the one in discussion here is a suitable area of Green IT and arguably the crucial first step as it is impossible to put in place improvements without understanding the changes and impacts in the first place. A key strategy within this area of Green IT is to put in place approaches and processes that offer greater sustainability.. For example in this case the use of remote monitors within the IT department could then be rolled out to usage in any other department that uses IT or any other item that could be used more effectively to improve sustainability. It is further noted that in a modern IT system there is a mixture of technology, people, hardware and networks. Therefore any area of Green IT needs to consider all of these factors, for example user behaviours the broader impact on networks and hardware need to also be considered. Consider for example the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) which is a standard used across the entire industry to allow the operation systems to change and control the way in which the power-saving aspects operate, so that the system to a certain extent manages itself (Therien, 2011). This can be done in an entirely automated way or can allow users to set tolerated levels for example how long until a monitor goes onto ‘energy saver’. These strategies and approaches are critical to the monitoring area as this is ultimately the aim of monitoring so that changes can be put in place to improve overall sustainability. Possible Uses and Recommendations Having put in place monitoring through remote sensors the IT department is now able to provide information to the next stage of the network to develop mechanisms that will allow the IT itself to manage and improve the environmental impact that computers have. For example it is shown that CRT monitors use more power than slimmer LCD monitors and having an understanding of links such as this allows the University (and other organisations) to make decisions at the purchasing stage that will impact on what happens in the longer run. Similarly it is noted that LCD monitors will use a cold cathode fluorescent bulb as a general source of light with some of the newer displays using different technologies such as LEDs to ensure that less electricity is used (Infoworld 2009). Fundamentally the aim of monitoring in this way is to ensure that there is a greater understanding obtained of the usage of electricity by simple activities so that this can then be used to firstly influence user behaviours and secondly can then be used to develop technologies that will create automatic controls within the technology items itself. Conclusion In summary this report indicates that one relatively simple initiative of monitoring the electricity usage within an Information Systems laboratory can lead to information which is then vitally important across a wide range of departments. For example understanding that a change in the technology of a monitor can reduce electricity usage and improve sustainability will then allow companies and organisations to change their choice of monitor over a period of time and to train users to amend their use of the monitors by reducing brightness, all of which will come together to improve Green IT across the campus. References Curry, E., Guyon, B, Sheridan, C and Donnellan, B (2012) â€Å"Developing a Sustainable IT Capability: Lessons From Intel’s Journey,† MIS Quarterly Executive, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 61–74. Green Dragons (2014) City Green Monitor, Available at: http://www.green-dragons.co.uk/projects/citygreenmonitor/ InfoWorld (2009) Green IT. Available at: http://www.infoworld.com/d/green-it/used-pc-strategy-passes-toxic-buck-300?_kip_ipx=1053322433-1267784052&_pxn=0 Murugesan, S (2008) â€Å"Harnessing Green IT: Principles and Practices,† IEEE IT Professional, January–February, pp 24-33 Therien, G (2011) â€Å"ACPI 2.0 Specification Technical Review, Intel Developer Forum† (ppt). Intel Corporation.

Half-Full or Half-Empty?

Half-full or Half-empty? How many of us grew up believing in Peter Pan philosophies that thinking happy thoughts would make everything better? Or at â€Å"every clouds has a silver lining†, â€Å"the glass is always half-full? † and that no matter how awful life is has been â€Å"there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. † Otherwise, you were at varied enormous principle, raised on the belief that by thinking the worst of everything and everyone, you’d be better prepared for disappointment†¦ Psychologists believe that an optimistic attitude is the stairway to success and contentment.It has shown that a positive thinker is more resilient in the fare of difficulties, but they also have healthier lifestyle habits and can cope with stress more easily. And being an optimist has also some benefits, it can reduce tension and enhance emotional being. They’re noted for their ability to see the good of everything, viewing the world as a place of f ull adventure and opportunity. Pessimism brings loss. It ruins hope and possibilities. If a person is pessimistic, he/she doesn’t hope for a better future neither do something to achieve. He doubts his ability to overcome the obstacles along the way.At the end, he/she will just stay where he/she is, without making progress. Because pessimism, people can waste years, even their whole lives. There are ways on how to overcome pessimism and be an optimistic. First, find a cause you believe in. A â€Å"cause† from the bottom of your heart has a blazing courage that can overcome any pessimism. For example, if you think that you can’t pass the test in your school, just bear in mind your true purpose of that test and make you inspiration as a tool for you to make it. Read inspiring stories and connect to your spiritual source. We all know that are strength is limited.By praying, you connect a supernatural force that gives strength you need. For many people, this is the stronger power source. Focus on the possibilities, not in the impossibilities. Of course people become pessimistic when they focus their mind on the impossibilities. All they see is the darkness of the challenges ahead. In that way, all they think is overwhelmed by the difficulties. So remember to focus your mind on the possibilities. See how can you go through all these and be victorious. Pessimism is something we face now and then. Let’s overcome it so that we qualify as leaders in life.

The topic about reading A Thousand Splendid Suns Essay

The topic about reading A Thousand Splendid Suns - Essay Example Miriam becomes an orphan sometimes later in life when she tried to visit her father prompting her mother to commit suicide. She is later forced to marry a widower in Kabul when she goes to stay with her father Jalil. Laila also a character in the story is a beautiful girl and a daughter to the ethnic Tajiks. Her parents pass on when she is still little and at the same time realizes she is expecting Tariq’s child. Laila is adopted by Rasheed and Mariam who afterwards made her his second wife. The thesis of the paper is therefore to show the way in which Laila meets the definition of a heroine because of her courage and the noble purpose she serves in the society. Laila fits the definition of being a heroine because of the courage that she shows in her deeds. Laila gives birth to her second child without using drugs to comfort herself. Contrary to the birth of Aziza her first child, her second experience is something that can be said to be of a courageous person. To date, any woman on the verge of undergoing a caesarian operation needs to be sedated so as to help abate the pain that comes with it. The courageous act of Laila however was when she refused to lose her child and thus accepted to be operated on without an aesthetic. â€Å"Tell me what’s going on! Laila said, she had propped herself up on her elbows. The doctor took a breath, then told Laila that the hospital had no anesthetic. But if we delay, you will lose your baby. Then cut me open, Laila said. She had dropped back on the bed and drew up her knees. Cut me open and give my baby.† (Hosseini pg.174). Another act of courage from Laila was when she was preparing to escape her marriage which had only lasted a few years. One is considered a hero or a heroine if he or she does things which the rest of the people cannot dare to do. Many at times most women in marriages are mistreated by their partners but because of the fear they have they decide not to do anything to change

Technology and Organizational Behavior in the Future Paper Assignment

Technology and Organizational Behavior in the Future Paper - Assignment Example More research aimed at further improving the technology levels is ongoing (Schein, 2010). The article herein will examine the current effects of technology on the organizational behavior and apply these to predict future impacts. The article considers both the positive and negative effects of technology on the organizational behavior. Specifically, the paper will consider the AT&T Company. AT&T Company is an electronics company specializing mostly in the production of mobile phones. The company is highly committed to providing satisfactory working environment to their customers. The company has so far upgraded its technological components aiming at improving employee satisfaction, information distribution and products. The second annual general meeting in 2011 conducted to discuss how the company could embrace technology on their various operations yielded diverse results. The company proposed to create YouTube channel for employees, leverage social networking to expand its market, use quick videos to inform employees, and create Twitter accounts as a medium of information distribution. Most of the company’s objectives aimed at improving employees’ access to information through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. These proposals could have both positive and negative results depending on the management’s approach. The company proposed to improve their Information Technology (IT) levels to promote job satisfaction and organizational culture thereby improving productivity. Improved IT will ensure smooth management in all the company’s departments such as the finance, human resource, manufacturing and security departments (Murphy, 2003). The company will also minimize errors and mistakes brought about by humans while operating the tools used in manufacturing and designing purposes. Furthermore, the company will get a more competitive advantage in the global market as the management will readily get updates of

Topic in Environmental Chemistry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Topic in Environmental Chemistry - Essay Example 2). They are usually made of 60-90 different congeners. PCBs with high number of chlorine tend to be more stable and resistant to biodegradation and favored by many industries, thus higher health and environmental risks. It is used by industries as insulation fluid in capacitors, transformers and electrical systems. Due to industrialization and constant dumping of PCBs by the factories surrounding the river, it is accumulated deeply into the sediments found at the bottom, can easily spread though out the river once disturbed and caused bioaccumulation in the food chain, from the aquatic plants, microorganisms, fishes then to humans. PCBs are harmful to human health and it is believed to cause several diseases to those who consumed contaminated fishes and water such as male sterility, birth defects and reproductive disorders, liver dysfunction, headache and fatigue (Barbalace par. 3-4). Sources of PCBs in the Hudson River were traced using analytical chemistry techniques that provided congener specific analysis of Aroclors. Aroclors are trade name of some commercial PCB mixture and can be used to trace their company manufacturer. This method provided information to the scientists on how PCBs behave in various media, a cutting edge scientific technique was used to determine the sources and destinations of PCBs (Manning part 1 par. 7). Aside from recycling mills with a dumping rate of 2.3 kg/year, General Electric Company, having two manufacturing plant in Fort Edward and Hudson Falls, New York, was the major source of PCBs with a dumping rate of 5000kg/yr into the Hudson River. For twenty five years, (1952 to 1977) GE has been dumping PCBs into the Hudson River, which made the PCBs accumulated in the seabed through the years and contaminating the fishes and other aquatic resources which people consume and considered a great health and environmental risk (Manning par t 1 par. 8-10). Contrary to the people in the community think, the

Information Technology In Agriculture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Information Technology In Agriculture - Essay Example Information exchange and dissemination, therefore, remain serious constraints on the agricultural production potential in the country. The rapid development and applications of the Internet and other forms of ICTs in the agricultural sector have presented a whole new dimension in the transfer and access of agricultural information, which previously was difficult and expensive to obtain. It is expected that these technologies will improve communication and provision of agricultural information among agricultural researchers, extension workers and other actors involved in research and extension. Through the application of ICTs, free flow of information would be enhanced and this could facilitate the adoption of agricultural technologies ultimately improving agricultural productivity in the country. It should, however, be noted that for ICTs to improve the provision of agricultural information other inputs and/or conditions such as skill development, policy, and regulatory framework, and conducive infrastructure is necessary (Ajit, 2003). The lack of computer and Internet skills by the majority of workers in the field of agriculture is a major constraint to use of ICTs. Lack of comprehensive national and institutional policy on ICTs is also mentioned as a constraint to diffusion of ICTs in the agricultural sector. In addition, lack of monitoring and evaluation system made it difficult to know the performance, effectiveness, and efficiency of the adopted ICTs and whether they were sustainable in the long run.

Managing Information and Technology in Samsung Electronics Case Study

Managing Information and Technology in Samsung Electronics - Case Study Example This helps develop strategic information systems, which support the competitive position as well as strategies for the enterprise. The various information systems like the TPS, MIS and DSS help organizations gain competitive advantage, decrease competitive disadvantage and meet strategic objectives for the enterprise (Stair & Reynolds, 2014; Khosrow-Pour, 2006). Michael Porter shows that a firm is capable of having long-term success once the business successfully creates strategies for confronting the five competitive forces which shape the structure of competition within an industry. It is possible to develop various competitive strategies to assist a business to confront the five competitive forces. This can be achieved through knowledge presented to business professionals by information systems that include the main forms of IS. Information systems can provide knowledge regarding strategies on cost leadership, differentiation, innovation, growth and even alliance (KhadraouI & Herr mann, 2007; Heijden, 2009). Just over a decade ago, In 1993 Korea’s Samsung launched an initiative with the goal of rising to the ranks of global leading companies. From that time onwards, the company worked hard in refining its business focus and even alter the prevailing businesses strategies to achieve the ambition. Today Samsung is among the finest global corporations in terms of sales and earnings as well as innovative technological design. The company’s earnings and sales performance have surprised the world. As one of the planet’s largest makers of memory chips, Samsung creates many digital consumer gadgets, appliances, semiconductors, and even telecommunications devices. Since the 1993 initiative, Samsung electronics invested heavily in establishing its presence as an international iconic brand and manufacturer (Lee, 2006).

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Health disparities - Research Paper Example ANs had a shorter life expectancy than the general population and constantly suffered from increased prevalence of disease such as rheumatic fever and tuberculosis (US Public Health Service 17). This paper will examine health disparities among AI/ANs, discussing the degree to which current health care system are meeting the health needs of this underserved population. Following advances in public health and medical care systems over the last half century, the AI/AN population has also transitioned with the rest of the population from a period of pandemics primarily of infectious diseases to one of degenerative, as well as lifestyle diseases. This progression has enhanced the recognition of health disparities encountered by the AI/AN communities from conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, drug abuse and cancer, which are essentially noninfectious. While epidemiological information regarding the AI/AN population is largely incomplete or prone to inaccuracies chiefly due to racial misclassification in official records, a vast majority of the comparisons with non-Native populations are extremely dramatic. For example, among AI/AN adults who utilized Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities in 2002, the age-adjusted incidence of diabetes was approximately 15.3%. This is significantly greater than the 7.3% incidence among all American adul ts (Kunitz 163). The rate of heart disease has traditionally been lower among Native Americans than among the white population. However, this trend is rapidly reversing since heart disease is currently the leading cause of death among the AI/AN population. In addition, deaths from violence and unintentional injuries are a substantive problem among native communities. Between 1996 and 1998, the age-adjusted death prevalence among AI/ANs across the US was nearly twice that of the population of other races in the US. The death rate for unintentional injuries, on the other hand, was at least thrice that of the rest of the US

Chinese Language and thoughts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Chinese Language and thoughts - Essay Example It was not that English language did not have the required word in it; instead, it was that I had forgot that word because of my poor memory and small vocabulary. He was at least 20 years older to me, so I did not express my disagreement overtly out of respect for him, but deep inside, I did not feel good about what he had said and I also disagreed with him on the matter. I still disagree with him that our thinking ability depends upon the language we speak. An argument that I found most appealing on one side of the debate was lack of empirical support â€Å"for the view that language determines the basic categories of thought or that it ‘closes doors’† (Wolff and Holmes, 2011, p. 261). Lack of explicit encoding of an ability in a language does not, in any way, deprive people of the ability to make conceptual distinctions. This is elaborated as the English speakers’ ability to tell loose fit from tight even though their spatial preposition system does not encode this distinction. In other words, people are not dependent upon words to understand and describe reality (Pinker, 2007, p. 124). On the contrary, the least convincing argument I found on the other side of the debate was that speakers of a language other than English may be remarkably good at staying oriented â€Å"and perform feats of navigation that seem superhuma n to English speakers† (Boroditsky, 2010) simply because instead of saying â€Å"left† or â€Å"right†, they use phrases like â€Å"theres an ant on your south-west leg† (Boroditsky, 2010) because they do not have words similar to â€Å"left† and â€Å"right† in their language. This sounds unappealing to me because a language that lacks simple and straight-forward substitutes to â€Å"left† and â€Å"right† would confuse its speakers way too much to be rightly guided in complex scenarios where directional guidance is

Conclusion Families Essay Example for Free

Conclusion Families Essay Families are viewed differently by various people in the world. Some individuals have cherished this institution. And others have not. Origins of the family article try as much to discuss what a family is and its origins. The traffic in women is an article that describes who is a woman and for many centuries what treatment women have gone through socially and mentally. This paper will give a detailed account of each of the article and lastly it will compare and contrast the contents of the two articles. Origins of the family Different views are expressed about a family around the world whereby it has been discovered that people share common backgrounds even though extremely far apart. The most primitive people in the world including the original American Indians have their way to describe what a family is. The American Indians were the first group that was studied so that an overview or a general idea about a family was created even though the studies have been extended to many other regions around the world, there where many other observations that were carried out or taken into consideration. One of the main issues that passively describe a family is the system of name calling or relations in the extended family. For instance, cousins never called each other cousins but brothers and sisters. Young people who grow in that setting have no questions to ask but the join the system and that kind of trend has been very natural with and for them. This kind of phenomenon was first noticed in the New York state among the few remaining Indian American tribe Iroquois by name and the Seneca tribesmen and women adopted it. Wonders did not cease there, some indigenous tribes in India where also practicing the same. This kind of naming and relating is known as consanguinity. Families are not only found to exist in man but animals and birds as well. This is the reason why animals are found in herds or groups. Animals exhibit a unique behavior that exhibited by man or birds. For instance during the mating period of these animals is the most tempting moments that may destroy or temporarily relinquish the family relations. The males fight to retain supremacy over one another and during this period it is rare to notice animals walking or doing things in a group as usual. This behavior has been related to the living animals that are close to human i. e. primates which now have human like characteristics. Apes also fight while mating whereby males seriously engage in fights to gain and maintain supremacy over the others; this is the time group work or family relating ties temporarily wane. What does this tell us about human family? The human family is different from any kind of animals or birds or primates because members of a family do anything out of reasoning and nothing else. But it is the great quest for knowledge that leads to many discoveries. For example birds practice monogamy form of families and while observing them these birds fly in pairs. People also practice monogamy but some practice polyandry and polygamy. Polyandry is a practice where a woman is married to many husbands and it is not done secretly but it is well known and polygamy is when a man is having many women, it is not a secret. This switches the topic to sexuality and family. Sex life is a must do thing to sustain and ensure continuity of any family lineages. All peoples in the world this fact and even the most primitive people know that for the continuity of the family system sex has to be practiced. Nevertheless, it is interesting that many of these people in the world where research has been conducted, they in a way respected the institution of marriage and more so sex whereby they never treated women as commodities of sex even though polygamy was practiced. They had special times of the month or year when they practiced sex and theirs was not for pleasure but procreation. People like the Savages were believed to be very harsh and took women as tools for and of sexual intercourse to give birth to as many children as possible but this was not the case. Marriage was a respected institution where a man and a woman possessed one another. There was no jealousy and instances of men sharing women and women sharing men unless otherwise in some primitive communities where some sexual related activities occurred. Like in some communities it was a taboo to engage in sex with someone outside with members who were perceived to enemies and it could be rather better with a close family member that that perceived enemy. However in some communities it was not a taboo for brothers and sisters to have sexual intercourse. In some communities or family groups of the ancient Greece, sexual intercourse was not prohibited among brothers and sisters because this was one an assured way of multiplying quickly and another reason was not to endanger the security of fellow countrymen by marrying from outside but with time this practice came to a halt. One interesting trend of families that have been found in t world is where men marry many wives and naturally if a visitor comes by and he takes a night in that homestead, the visitor will be offered one of the wives to entertain for the long he will stay around no matter the visitor is known or not known to the family and this means even any strangers enjoyed that right. In a research that was conducted in Australia, there is a sub-tribe that practices a peculiar tradition that all women in another sub tribe known to them are naturally wives to men in their tribe and it does not matter whether you have married one woman from that sub tribe but all the others by default they are wives. Sex among sub tribe members is strictly forbidden. The trend of a man being entertained sexually far away while sojourning is or was a practice by the aborigines in Australia. In the world today the family trends are still intriguing for example some indigenous tribes are taking deliberate measures to sustain or maintain their people who are being swallowed up by wider communities especially the settlers until they resort to conducting marriages among themselves that are among sisters and brothers. It is not their fault because since time immemorial the practices took place even in ancient Biblical times. Through a man God trusted in the town called Sodom and Gomorrah that was Lot, slept with her daughters after their mum had perished in the inferno and their was no righteous man who could have married them by then. Regardless it was their father they managed to bore children and the family of the generation continuity was established. Who know these things may be going on without the knowledge of other people or the family members themselves. More other family customs are like the ones that are yet conducted by people all over the world, for instance, the American Indians of California have had festivals where tribes come together purposely for a promiscuous sexual intercourse. This kind of tradition is also in and practiced in Australia. In Australia some older men and magicians exploit wives in their community and monopolize many of the women for themselves. These kinds of practices have been witnessed in Hos, Santals, etc of India and others in many parts of Africa. In many other places like the continent of South America, some communities in India, young girls enjoy sex until the get married. Families have gone through many different stages as the issue of polygamy is a hot debate whether it should be allowed or not. Some have preferred a simple family that is monogamy. Many practices of sex are not the things that should be taken for granted as diseases are popping up that are incurable and therefore families must be protected through all means. For instance many have accepted monogamy because this is the only form of or type family that better ideals are practiced. For instance there is an assurance of save sex and true expression of love among family members more especially husband and wife. Traffic in Women Traffic in women starts with the origins of women oppression and social discrimination and the discussion of this will light to the trend of fighting for the rights of women. Further excavation of the truth may measure whether the fight for equality will bear fruit from men and among women because for a long time women have been perceived as their own enemies. After doing a round of history on women and the cause of their discrimination and yet the have comparatively done excellent work in family circles from raising children and working tirelessly to sustain their families. One main issue is the analysis of the cause of this oppression or discrimination against women, and then it will be easier to change and achieve a society of equality. There have been situations where men were degraded like the slavery debacle, this affected women even ten times more than men. They suffered double tragedy as sex slaves and plantation slaves. They suffered physically, socially and emotionally. Marxist theory argues that women are not suffering as they work, they are as a reserve force for labor and their low wages is a way capitalists get surplus. But the Marxist theory only handles matters pertaining to labor which truly is not oppression. Marxist theory is the best way to describe the usefulness of women in societies around the world, so an analysis of suffering women using Marxist theory is very wrong. Maybe his (Marx) statement was or is misinterpreted to portray a tendency that women are suffering when they earning whichever meager resources to sustain their families. Unfortunately there are societies who use this excuse to oppress women. Examples have been given that some societies portray women as sex objects and nothing else. The Amazon region and New Guinea highlands are the examples in the world where women are simply known as sex objects and they are gang raped by marauding men. On the other hand, the origin of the tendency that women are home keepers is not known but is assumed that when Marxist theory came into use men were really wanted to work, the hard labor that required the enduring energy at home hence many a times women were left at home to take care of the families. The interpretation came to be precisely referred to as historical and moral element that it is a necessity for any worker to be married or have wife. The tendency of women kept at home for child rearing and general home keeping gave birth to a belief that women can not inherit property, serve God and lead. Capitalism bred this clear cut difference of masculinity and femininity. Some quarters up to date believe that sex oppression is part of capitalism as a social form. Due to social activities and the changes that come with it, human sex and gender have also as well changed over time. Women are expected to reproduce but it wise to differentiate between economic systems and sexual systems to avoid a scenario where women are assumed to be for only reproduction and nothing else. Great changes have been noticed in many societies where women have been opportunities to lead in various activities that have been traditionally meant for men. Therefore, it is consequently wrong to use capitalism to assume that women are meant to sexually reproduce and not economically reproduce. All in all kinship plays an extremely important role in any society and therefore kinship will place us and social researchers in a point where every will understand social obligations that are directly associated with men, women and then both of them. Kinship as many anthropologists may say and believe is system of categories and statuses which contradict the actual genetic relationships. A good precedent is where women or a woman is married to another woman and the marrying takes the responsibilities of a husband by paying dowry and bringing up the children. This practice is rife in many societies almost in very continent. Thus, it is not wrong to quip that kinship defines all social activities in a given society, be it economical, sexual or social activities. Kinship enjoys the status and statutes of the principle of anthropology but there are many underlying things that should be looked into and some of which are controversial like close family intermarriages, for example a cousin marrying a cousin. But it should be born in mind that kinship systems differ from one another in culture which includes taboos and marriage. In all endeavors of kinship, marriage is one of the issues that seem to be treated with respect even though there are those primitive societies and not all of the that still use the excuse of kinship to undermine family values. These societies that treat marriage as special they call it a gift and this a very positive sign in a way that nobody will be foolish enough to destroy the gift that has been bestowed upon him. Now, this is the most important part of kinship or the positive role that kinship plays in a society. Through the exchange of the gift family ties get stronger, solidarity and trust is established, in this case the women given away in marriage is more a gift than a man. Interestingly some people have claimed that this is a commercial venture because dowry exchanges hands. The result of a gift in form of a woman is more profound and appreciated than other gift transactions because the relationship that is established is not just one of reciprocity but one of kinship. And this is a strong message of a society to other people who mistaken women to be sex slaves and child bearing machines. The exchange of partners also establishes their descendants related by blood. Two people may exchange gifts and quarrel or fight but in for intermarriage connects them in a permanent way. In some communities or societies gifts giving through marriage are not as simple as it may sound. For some people the exchange of gifts in form of women sound commercial and they term it as a transaction of giving and taking making a woman who is given away as a conduit of relationships but which is true. In such occasions, oppression of women is not expected and the rate of exploitation is minimal. The term traffic in women can be clearly defined at this point. Very apart from the normal and culturally accepted gift in form of a woman, some societies give women away for just the exchange of favors during famine, war and even some are sent away as a tribute. Then complexities start arising at this point because women are treated like commodities just given at will and at a price. In history this has happened and it differs from one cultural group or culture to another. At this very point some anthropologists argue that the issue of women trafficking came with the advent of culture meaning that culture explosion let to the exchanging and or trafficking of women. To a wider extent this was and is not true. The exchange of women in some societies it is intended for the well being of the community and for proper procreation. However some communities or greedy individuals capitalize in the venture to traffic women for economical or material gain. These women end up being mistreated and are used as sex tools to enrich the buyers or traffickers. There must be a clear cut distinction between those ones given as gifts in marriage and those other ones given away or trafficked to enrich unscrupulous individuals. That is why somewhere in this paper it is noted that some people envy the occasion when women are given as gifts and they feel it should be a commercial venture instead. But the genuine exchange of women in marriage is regarded as a fundamental principle of kinship. This ends up in an organized relationship of gender and sex. However, it does not oppress the women or degrade them. The analysis of a social system that touches sensitive issues like sex and gender generates very hot debates and this is the time when differing opinion are heard and some are very sentimental in nature. This is the time when kinship and its principles are put into temptations and negative scrutiny. Comparisons of the two topics The main objective of this paper as it was clearly stated in the introduction part of it was to compare and contrast the two issues or items i. e. the origins of the family and the traffic in women. It is of the essence to first have elaborated points in each item so that a few things are mentioned or the comparisons are done in form of a summary under this topic. First and foremost, the items have elaborated about family while the item ‘origins of family‘ concentrates on the family relationships and the close knit ties and cousins do not regard and call each other cousins but brothers. This piece of item has also highlighted the important role women play is society and the many dangers and challenges the face in their daily operations and life. The other item ‘traffic in women’ elaborates more on the treatment of family members especially women. It has highlighted the same occurrences in women of many societies around the world. This item on its part has elaborated on the trafficking of women for commercial reasons hence a disgrace to the society but in the way round, there is a good show on the value of women as they are exchanged as gifts in marriage which portray the importance of women in the society. But the item continues to analyze the repercussions of the exchanging a woman as a gift and the repercussion is some people in society have extended this to trafficking women for their personal gain. In both pieces of items the comparisons and contrasts do not adventure outside the family circles even though they both talk about communities or societies around the world. They have featured and analyzed about the indigenous societies or communities among them the native red Indians in the United States, the aborigines in Australia, some primitive tribes in New Guinea and many others. Women are given more attention by both items because of the mistreatment they faced and they are facing so that this studies that were and are conducted will offer solutions to the many demeaning or dignifying problems women face. Last but not least, sex is discussed by both stories but the first story which deals with the origins of a family deeply discusses sex which is viewed as evil and the way women have been misused, while the story or item two that deals with traffic in women depicts how women have been sold for sex purposes and it is becoming a culture. The main theme of the two pieces of stories is family values which encompasses many other sub themes that are clearly depicted here. Some of the sub themes are sex, family ties, kinship or family relationships and women responsibilities. Conclusion Families have been raised and nurtured for as many years as the age of the universe and societies have done their part in raising and teaching families their values but of all that women have played a very extremely important role. Women are the cornerstones of families and through these two items this has been strongly confirmed. Therefore the statement that they are cornerstones of families must not be controversial. However, it is sad that those women have been abused and degraded by in and by all means in our society. Society means the world in this case.

Childhood Obesity And Health Inequalities

Childhood Obesity And Health Inequalities Childhood obesity is distributed disproportionately in different regions. Socio-economic status, racial groups, (lobstein et.al., 2006) being more common in lower expectary and morbidity are common in lower. Socio-economic group in developed countries like U.K (Wilkison.R Marmot R) considering these several factors. Sociological models strives to explain health inequalities in society which contributes to childhood obesity. The second back report (exworthy 2003) identified inequalities in health and the (Acheson 1988a) concluded that socio-economic inequalities and this explore a mode with individual life styles, socio-economic status (Dahlgreen social determinants whitehead 1991) with several model which explains the health inequalities includes- Individual behavior- lifestyle culture. In this individual behavior the food habits of the children plays an important role in children from lower-income groups are more vulnerable to obesity due to high calorie, high-fats in cheaper foods and limited physical activity ( Kumanjika 2008). In westernization or modern social trends snacking, beverages, fast foods in restaurants and restricted physical activity by parents contributes for prevalence of childhood obesity in higher income groups. In support for this explanation about physical activity level or sedentary activity levels by children have declined in U.K activity inactivity acts as domains to represent the prevalence of obesity (Gortmaker et., al) This individual behavior is chosen to avoid unhealthy food habits, inactivity in children and to adopt healthy habits to overcome ill-health. This individual behavior model provides explanation on life style or culture of the parentschildren and this avoids focus societal factors for childhood obesity. Mostly it is individualistic and change in behavior should not itself health inequalities for enough to explain childhood obesity. Other social factors are to be considered which contributes for another model- The materialist Structuralist: This model focuses on social factors and poverty as the main factors for ill health relating to child hood obesity à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ In U.K children from low socio economic groups have slightly higher odds than children from higher income groups (Stamatkis et. Al., 2005).Statically evidence shows that children from lower income groups accounts for (31%) to the child hood obesity (Wardle et al.,2006). This explanation supports poverty, as the main cause for ill health in children of the lower social groups. The morbidity rates are stable from 19th century in low socio economic classes and even started unexpectedly increasing from last years of 20th century (Mackenbach.P.J 2006). The government stated no existence of poverty in Britain as consumer durable ownership is even high in low income groups (Goodman et. al., 1997).This statement failed by Breadline Britain Surveys which evidenced 20% households are below poverty line (Gordon 1997). This explanation contributes information to government to focus on low social classes to improve the living standards to overcome ill health in children. This explanation is supported by: Marmot review report- The social gradient of health inequality evidences if lower socio economic status the poorer is the health with inter related factors like- unemployment, housing etc.,(Marmot Review Report 2010). This explanation specifies that lack of resources, low wages, poverty are responsible for ill health in children and these factors are out of control by the individual and to improve wages, resources to the working class emphasis on politics i.e., government is made which adopts a model Neo-Materialist model and this model em phasize on social, political, economic factors which affects the health and these are out of control of individual and includes outcomes from organizations like schools, fast food chains etc.,(White.K 2010). This laid to an approach by government in providing low fat snacks meals in schools. This materialistic model explanation is significant to explain about the capitalist country like U.K. The government is with increasing inequalities in health and income levels (Mackenbach P.J. 2006). This indicates that policy making by the government should look after the wagestaxes of the working class. This explanation is supported by the fact that U.K poverty is reversed to 1930s from 1980s (Gordon 1997). And widened income levels in U.K from 1980s (Wilkinson R.G). This materialistic model has been expanded to life course approach model- as the childhood obesity is underlying risk factor for chronic diseases like cardiac diseases, diabetes mellitus , hyper tension etc., ( Gortmaker.S.L et al., 1993) supported by childhood obesity continuous to adult and is affected by socio economic circumstances (Viner M.R, Cole.T 2005). The materialistic model explanation indicates that individual health or behavior is strongly influenced by factors beyond the individuals control and this adopts a socio economic model (Acheson 1998a) lack resources in the society like unemployment, higher prices, low wages, lack of houses etc., are the social determinants which contributes to ill health (Wang 2004). This provides explanation on relationship between individual and their surrounding studies suggests that social circumstances play an important role in individual behavior. Children from low socio economic status are more vulnerable to obesity due to faulty, cheaper food high calorie diet and limited physical activity. This lack of resources by parents of low income class obstructs children form healthy diet, physical activity and this support that the ill health, obesity is influenced by social circumstances rather than individual. The material resources is supported by: Marmot Review Report- The annual estimated cost o f health inequalities is between  £36 billion to  £40 billion and is with social justice for overcoming health inequalities (Marmot Review Report 2010). This supports that justice in material resources to lower income class overcomes health inequalities in further generation of children. The socio economic model explores in considering psychosocial factors for child hood obesity which is supported by children with obese mothers, lower cognitive stimulation, lower income levels are with increased risk for obesity. This psychological factors focus on low self-esteem, children with unhealthy behavior. Social processes that are involved in childhood obesity are concluded by formulating hypothesis à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ Relative poverty effects on children child hood obesity, Living standards, family influence on childhood obesity, comparison of status by children in society.

How Genuine is the Paradox of Irrationality? :: Davidson Paradoxes Irrational Essays

How Genuine is the Paradox of Irrationality? ABSTRACT: In light of interpreting a paradox of irrationality, vaguely expressed by Donald Davidson in the context of explaining weakness of will, I attempt to show that it contains a significant thesis regarding the cognitive as well as motivational basis of our normative practice. First, an irrational act must involve both a rational element and a non-rational element at its core. Second, irrationality entails free and intentional violation of fundamental norms which the agent deems right or necessary. Third, "normative interpretation" is only possible for objects that are both natural events and capable of mental operations which presuppose some freedom of will as well as constructive representation of the surrounding reality. Fourth, there is always a question of whether we strike the best balance between fitting individual mental items consistently with the overall behavior pattern and keeping our critical ability in following certain normative principles which constitute our ra tional background. Fifth, the paradox of irrationality reflects and polarizes a deep-seated tension in the normative human practice under the ultimate constraints of nature. Finally, the ultimate issue is how we can find the best lines on which our normative rational standards are based-"best" in the sense that they are close enough to limits of human practical potentialities and are not too high as to render our normative standards idle or even disastrous. In "Paradoxes of Irrationality," Davidson has the following remark, which arises from, but is not limited to, the explanation of weakness of will: The underlying paradox of irrationality, from which no theory can entirely escape, is this: if we explain it too well, we turn it into a concealed form of rationality; while if we assign incoherence too glibly, we merely compromise our ability to diagnose irrationality by withdrawing the background of rationality needed to justify any diagnosis at all. (1) Many theorists who try to provide an adequate explanation of weakness of will and its bearing on the issue of rationality fail to fully appreciate the implication of the above remark, which I believe is an important thesis for any attempt to understand the source of many apparent puzzles around akrasia. Perhaps this failure is partly due to the fact that Davidson himself does not make it clear how central this thesis will be for exploring the cognitive as well as motivational basis of our normative practice. In this paper, I shall discuss in section I the conceptual ingredients of being irrational, viz.

Rene Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy Essays -- Existence Go

Rene Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy Rene Descartes’ third meditation from his book Meditations on First Philosophy, examines Descartes’ arguments for the existence of God. The purpose of this essay will be to explore Descartes’ reasoning and proofs of God’s existence. In the third meditation, Descartes states two arguments attempting to prove God’s existence, the Trademark argument and the traditional Cosmological argument. Although his arguments are strong and relatively truthful, they do no prove the existence of God. At the start of the meditation, Descartes begins by rejecting all his beliefs, so that he would not be deceived by any misconceptions from reaching the truth. Descartes acknowledges himself as, â€Å"a thing that thinks: that is, a thing that doubts, affirms, denies, understands a few things, is ignorant of many things† He is certain that that he thinks and exists because his knowledge and ideas are both ‘clear and distinct’. Descartes proposes a general rule, â€Å"that whatever one perceives very clearly and very distinctly is true† Descartes discovers, â€Å"that he can doubt what he clearly and distinctly perceives is true led to the realization that his first immediate priority should be to remove the doubt† because, â€Å"no organized body of knowledge is possible unless the doubt is removed† The best probable way to remove the doubt is prove that God exists, that he is not a deceiver and â€Å"will always guarantee that any clear and d istinct ideas that enter our minds will be true.† Descartes must remove the threat of an invisible demon that inserts ideas and doubts into our minds to fool us , in order to rely on his ‘clear and distinct’ rule. In constructing his argument for God's existence, Descartes analyzes several aspects of the nature of human thought. He begins by outlining the various types of thoughts we have, which include ideas, thoughts, volitions and judgments. Ideas, or images of ideas can only exist within the mind and are certain of existence. Volitions, or choices are firmly within the mind and are also certain. Emotions, such as love, fear, hate, all exist in the mind and are certain as well. Judgments involve reference to effects outside the mind and are subject to doubt. Therefore, judgments are not certain and distinct. Descartes believes that images, volitions, and emotions are never false but it is our judg... ... God alone remains; and, given the truth of the principle that whatever exists has a cause, it follows, Descartes declares, that God exists we must of necessity conclude from the fact alone that I exist, or that the idea of a supremely perfect – that is of God – is in me, that the proof of God’s existence is grounded in the highest evidence† Descartes concludes that God must be the cause of him, and that God innately implanted the idea of infinite perfection in him. Descartes second argument for proving God’s existence is very straightforward. He has four possibilities that created his existence. Through process of elimination he is left with God being his creator. Descartes succeeded in some parts of his proof for the existence of God, but failed in proving God’s existence from a logical point of view. Most religions prove that anybody can be right in his own description of existence of God. So, Descartes is right in his own way, but to others to accept his idea is totally up to them. No one is certain that God exists. Although there are many causes that could make one believe God is for certain, those causes which might be perceived, does not necessarily make them true.

Henna in Arab countries and India Essay

Henna is a type of temporary tattoo that dyes the skin for several weeks. Henna is made out of a plant that is dried, ground to a dust and then made in to a paste by adding essential oils. Henna got its start in the Arab culture and remains popular to this day and growing in popularity in other countries. The paste that is made is placed into a cone or bag that closely resembles that used by cake decorators. The paste is applied to the skin in intricate designs and as it dries and hardens it begins to fall off leaving behind an orange tint. Designs made from henna are completely free form and have no specific meaning and are meant for the sheer beauty of the art with no religious or cultural meaning. The henna tattoo can consist of nearly any pattern or series of patterns and the more elaborate the design the more erotic and sensual it is. Henna is made primarily of several design styles which include flowers, paisley designs, intricate lines, shading and doily designs. These pattern s can wrap around your fingers, wrist, ankle or any other curved part of your body. Henna in the Arab World Permanent tattoos in the Muslim world are greatly frowned upon, which makes henna a very popular alternative that dates back hundreds of years and is steeped in tradition. Henna makes it easy to get a tattoo without it being against Muslim traditions, since they only last a few weeks. These beautifully intricate designs are applied mainly to young women to glamorize themselves (older women will also sometimes wear henna) to their husbands after their wedding and during the ceremony. Arabic Henna throughout the World Henna can be seen in countries all around the globe despite its roots being firmly planted in the Middle East existing in India, Egypt, Pakistan, and Morocco among just a few. The typical style in the originating country is that of large floral patterns painted all over the body, but as the design spreads it changes to meet the needs of the people. The United States, for instance, has taken henna and made it into pure skin decoration. Unlike the Middle East, the main reason to get henna is for show and not some profound meaning. The sentimental factors involved have been removed and what’s left is something very basic and watered down. Henna done at the circus, carnivals and Renaissance fairs are just several examples of western style henna. I went to (global village) in Indian village to meet some women’s who knows more about the henna and I had an interview with an old lady that work there in henna shop she’s Indian: (Me): Could you tell us a bit about the tradition of henna and how it has transformed into a popular body art? (Old lady): Henna has been used down through the ages for thousands of years. Inscriptions place henna in use in Syria as early as 2100 BCE and in the Greek Islands from around 1700 BCE. Henna has usually been utilized with cultures that have a history of Goddess worship. Henna was relatively unknown ten years ago, and it has become more popular with women here in California and around the world. The art of henna is amazing, and now it can be embellished with jewels and glitter to make it sparkle and coordinate with your clothes. Women of all ages use henna for celebrations, and the art has improved and become more popular than ever before through word of mouth and the Internet. (Me): What exactly is henna dye, and what are the ingredients? (Old lady): Henna is the Persian name for a shrub known scientifically as Lawsonia Inermis. It is harvested twice a year, dried and ground into a fine powder. The powder is used to dye hair red and for the ancient eastern art of mehndi. The henna tannic acid is a natural safe vegetable dye that bonds with the collagen in your skin cells and the keratin in the hair leaving a lovely color. (Me): Is henna dye available in different colors or levels of intensity? (Old lady): Different colors or levels of intensity are achieved in several ways. Henna can be steamed on the skin to darken it, or it can be left on for different lengths of time to get darker and lighter stains. Henna will be a shade of red/brown. There are no other safe dyes and henna does not come in black or blue. Allergies Are Rare (Me): Should you test for an allergic reaction prior to applying henna dye to the skin? (Old lady): You can test for henna sensitivity although it is extremely rare. If you use 100% natural henna mixed with safe oils and lemon juice, there is little to no chance of an allergic reaction. If you suspect a henna allergy, please do not apply the henna and be sure to also test for citrus allergies. (me): Even though henna art is temporary, how long should the tattoo last? (Old lady): Henna typically lasts seven to ten days. However, it can last longer than that depending on several variables such as where the henna is placed on the body, how long the henna is on the skin, if the skin is clean, and if the essential oils and henna are good quality. (Me): Could you explain the difference between Indian style designs and Arabic style henna? (Old lady): Indian styles of henna are usually filled with lacy paisleys or flowers and everyday shapes from daily Indian life such as the mango and the peacock. Arabic style is usually a large floral that will have more open space, and the designs will not have a motif like faces or peacocks. Both styles of henna are amazingly beautiful. (me): Is it easy to apply henna yourself? What’s the process? ((Old lady): If you want to apply the henna yourself, you can purchase paste already made or mix it yourself. Henna Caravan sells henna ready to use inside applicator bottles and our Create kits let you mix your own. Which ever you choose, all you have to do is: * Fill your applicator, clean the skin and you are ready to begin. * After the paste is applied, leave the henna on the skin for four to six hours and scrape it off leaving the dyed skin. * The stain will continue to darken over the next 36 hours, and you will have great henna. Tools and Supplies (Me): What tools and implements are needed to create a henna tattoo? (Old lady): You can use a hand rolled cone, a jacquard applicator bottle or other bottle to apply henna. Henna has been applied with sticks, rolled into strings and pressed on the skin, taped areas or stencils and paintbrushes may also be used. (me): Are there any starter kits that are a good investment for a beginning henna artist? (Old lady): I think the Henna Caravan kit is a perfect beginner kit. It comes complete with everything you need to have a successful henna experience – bottles, premium henna, wonderful essential oils and all the tool and tips and patterns to get you started. The jacquard bottle is easy to refill. (me): What rituals or occasions are most popular for henna art? (Old lady): In our experience birthday parties are most popular for every age along with graduation parties and Bar/Bat mitzvahs, Blessing ways are also great fun and so relaxing for everyone. (Me): Summer is a great time of year to flaunt a henna tattoo. If someone is on the fence but wants to experiment with their first henna design, what’s your favorite placement and artwork style? (Old lady): Get something you like whether it is flowers or skulls or geometric patterns, and put it on your ankle or up the leg. If you want more, just repeat the pattern; make three flowers instead of one, so it flows on the body. (Me): Why are some henna darker than others? (Old lady): Mostly this depends on how the henna has been stored. Henna leaves plucked straight off the plant will leave the darkest stain. Leaves that have been powdered need to be carefully preserved; powdered henna that is kept cold in an airtight container is best in my experience. Henna has, today, become a part of all major festivals and celebration. Be it, Purim, Eid, Diwali, Karva Chauth, Passover, Nowruz or Mawlid, it has graced every occasion with its presence. Celebrations like wedding, birth of a baby and birthdays seem to be incomplete without the ceremony of henna. Brides, in the present time, typically have the most complex patterns of henna, to express their greatest joy and wishes for luck. With an improved technology being used for its cultivation, henna available today, has an enhanced dye content and greater artistic potential than earlier.

Violence in the Workplace Essay

Workplace violence includes threatening behaviors, verbal abuse and physical assault. In any given week about 20 workers are murdered in the United States (Bruce& Nowlin, 2011). This can include the harming of an employee or client/customer of an organization by another employee, client/customer, or member of the general public. Many internal and external factors, including socioeconomic conditions, problems related to drug and alcohol abuse, layoffs, dictatorial workplaces, stress over job security, and domestic problems, are leading causes of workplace violence. Organizations have to deal with human productivity and economic costs from incidents of workplace violence. For example, employees and customers or clients can be seriously injured or killed. In addition, a loss of productivity generally occurs during the incident because the business may be closed or on reduced hours pending investigation and employees may fear that another incident could occur within days or months. Some employees also may quit as a result of fear of another incident or dissatisfaction with the employer for failing to prevent or properly respond to the incident. Physical injuries or emotional difficulties that result from the violent incident may cause increases in workers’ compensation claims. Organizations with policies on workplace violence are more likely to implement practices that can reduce the potential for workplace violence. The managers in these organizations indicated that counseling for potentially violent employees, investigating unfairness in the workplace, disciplining/arresting people responsible for violent acts, mandating fair treatment for terminated employees, using mediation to resolve disputes that have the potential for becoming violent, and intervening in problems between employees were part of their workplace violence policies. These elements are further evidence that organizations that initiate formal policies for workplace violence are more likely to consider ways to be proactive, rather than reactive. Organizations must take steps to ensure that employees feel safe and secure. While organizations are unable to anticipate all situations, basic preventive measures can deter some violence in the workplace. While every employee with the potential for workplace violence cannot be pre-identified at the point of hire, organizations should have a variety of pre-employment assessments in place to ensure selection of individuals whose credentials, work experience, personality, and life experiences appropriately correspond to organizational needs and values. At the pre-incident strategy stage, the organization should create a zero tolerance policy. The organization should document all forms of aggression that have occurred against people and property associated with their organization. Employees should be encouraged to report incidents of which they are aware. Furthermore, for a second strategy, pre-employment screening should include psychological testing, background checks to validate an applicant’s resume, reference checking, employment history verification, or even integrity interviewing. Training should include interpersonal communication, conflict resolution techniques and hostage survival skills to ensure that employees are prepared for any violence that should occur in the workplace.

Principles of Time Management Essay

Time is one of the most difficult resources to manage. You can not take back what is already lost, you can not renew the times that you missed. Moreover, it is one of the measures that all men are created equal because everyone is just given 60 minutes in an hour and 24 hours a day. In our fast paced world where everything seems to run ahead of you and you just have to chase time after time to accomplish things, you need a real good time management. Ecclesiastes chapter 3 in the Bible talks about time for everything. â€Å"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven,† states in the first verse. This chapter alone teaches or urges people to set a time for everything to better manage time. There are a lot time management principles that we can suggest to a person however, it would be up to the individual to make the principles work. Dr. Jan Yager (1999) outlined seven principles in the book â€Å"The 7 Principles of Creative Time Management.† These include: Being active not reactive, setting goals, prioritizing actions, keeping focus, creating realistic deadlines, doing it NOW and balancing life. The D-O-I-T-N-O-W Principle states the following: Divide and conquer what you have to do. Break big tasks into little tasks and give each part of that task a realistic deadline. Organize your materials, how you will do it. Ignore interruptions that are annoying distractions Take the time to learn how to do things yourself. Now, not tomorrow. Don’t procrastinate. Opportunity is knocking. Take advantage of opportunities. Watch out for time gobblers. Keep track of, and in control of, how much time you spend on the Internet, reading and sending e-mails, watching TV, or talking on the phone. Before you know how to manage your time, you should first know what time is it. It is not telling the time in your watch but knowing the right thing to do at the right and proper time. However, you should also get a sense of time by tracking your watch. You can take control of your whole day if you know what time it is and what you should be doing on those times. Other than you good watch, you should still use other tool. One of which is a planner. Sometimes you can not memorize everything that you need to do in a day or in a week. Sometimes, you can not know if you have already done one job if you do have your list and you may result in doing it again; thus wasting your time. Grab a planner and make you checklist for the day. A planner use wisely will help you keep track your activities and help you evaluate regarding having balance. When you keep track on all your activities, you have a way to evaluate throughout the week and make it better if necessary. If you have the tools above and you still have the problem in managing your time, you need to identify the problem. Do you procrastinate? Do you always entertain interruption and waste your time in unproductive work?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Time management may be difficult but as the Bible says, make time for everything. Do not focus on how to manage

Facebook Comments Essay

The National Labor Relations Board’s most recent decision demonstrates that not all employee social media posts are protected by the National Labor Relations Act. Questions remain, however, about the extent to which employees can be disciplined over social media activity We can expect the NLRB to continue to address the topic of employee rights as they relate to social media. Employers should review their employee handbooks and employment policies to ensure compliance with the NLRA and the NLRB’s jurisprudence. Employers should also consider training managers about permissible and prohibited conduct under the NLRA. Finally, employers should consider conducting their own education programs, including reminding employees of social media policies. 1. DOES AN EMPLOYEEE HAS ANY LEGAL RIGHT TO DESCIPLINE OR DISCHARGE AN EMPLOYEE OVER COMMENT ABOUT THE COMPANY? In my opinion addressing employee terminations resulting from Facebook posts, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) determines that the comments were concerted activity protected by the National Labor Relations Act (NRLA or Act). This latest decision reinforces that employers must exercise caution before terminating or disciplining employees as a result of their comments on social media. The answer is no. Employers should take note of the NLRB’s continued focus on social media policies and its view of social media activity as akin to water cooler conversation. The decision should prompt all employers to evaluate their policies regarding employee social media usage and speech outside the workplace. Employers should also train supervisory personnel on how to respond to the increased use of social media. 2. would you willing to settle the charges voluntarily; would you do so or insist on legal right to a formal NLRB HEARING ON THE CHARGES? I would insist on my legal right to a formal hearing with the NLRB. The NLRB’s main concern is that any restrictions employers put on workers’ social media conduct do not violate their rights under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act to engage in protected concerted activity, such as discussing the terms and conditions of their employment with co-workers, even on Facebook. But that does not mean you have to let your employees run amok online. Your policy is more likely to survive scrutiny if you have made an effort to provide specific examples of what is and is not acceptable conduct. Here are some examples from the recent guidance on social media policies that are employee-tested, NLRB-approved: †¢Prohibiting â€Å"harassment, bullying, discrimination or retaliation,† even at home or after business hours. †¢Informing workers that they are â€Å"more likely† to resolve complaints by speaking with co-workers or going through the company, rather than posting grievances online. †¢Forbidding â€Å"inappropriate postings,† specifically threats of violence or discriminatory remarks. †¢Instructing employees not to reveal trade secrets or confidential information, as long as you detail the kind of information you mean, so there’s no chance of the policy being read to restrict Section 7 rights. 3. DID THE COMPANY COMMIT UNFAIR LABOR ACT? An employee was discharged lawfully after posting negative comments on Facebook critical of patient care, because the employee’s postings were merely an expression of individual gripes, as opposed to protected concerted activity. In this case, at least several coworkers responded to the posting; however, their messages reflected that the posting was individual and not group activity. The NLRB also rejects a policy requiring company approval for employees to identify themselves as employees on social networking sites or requiring the employees to state that their comments are their personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the employer’s opinions. Not surprisingly, the NLRB also found it is unlawful to discharge any employee pursuant to an overbroad social media policy prohibiting disclosure of private or confidential information of another employee because the policy did not provide guidance on what the employer considered confidential. This is how I feel it was unfair labor act: †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šA policy prohibiting employees from making disparaging comments when discussing the employer or its supervisors was unlawful because the policy did not make clear that it did not prohibit protected concerted activity. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šThe discharge of a paramedic i who posted demeaning comments concerning her employer’s clientele was lawful because there was no evidence of protected concerted activity: the comments did not mention any terms or conditions of employment, the posting was not discussed with any coworkers, and the comments were not for the purpose of inducing group activity or an outgrowth of collective concerns of the employee or her coworkers. The NLRB’s recent report provides helpful guidance to employers not wishing to become potential NLRB cases, including the following:†¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šCommunications that are not concerted are generally not protected. However, the cases highlight that a finding of concerted activity might turn on evidence not readily available to the employer, so caution is warranted. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šCommunications that are concerted (i.e., that are not merely an individual gripe) on matters of mutual concern to employees are likely to be found to be protected by the NLRA. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šCommunications that are protected do not become unprotected simply because the comments are communicated via the Internet and/or because they might be read by nonemployees as well. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šCommunications that are protected do not become unprotected just because they contain some critical (about the employer) or otherwise objectionable language. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šAn association policy that, reasonably interpreted, would tend to â€Å"chill† employees in the exercise of their rights under the NLRA is likely to be found unlawful by the NLRB if it is challenged. Given this new focus on social media, employers should: 1) Review their relevant employment policies to ensure that they are not overbroad and do not constitute potential unfair labor practices. 2) Proceed cautiously when determining whether to discipline an employee because of his or her comments in postings on Facebook, Twitter or other social media.

Operation fly trap

However, all of this wouldn't be possible without the help she received from the Harry Guggenheim Foundation award. That grant helped her begin her fieldwork in 2005. Her fieldwork was conducted in the Pueblos neighborhood in Los Angles, this is where she got inside information from the gang members themselves. She also studied from the Los Angles Police Department (LARD), here she befriended a couple of FBI agents that were in charge of Operation Fly Trap. All of this fieldwork paved her way In writing a very objective book.She received individually received both sides of the Issue and wrote this book to give her point of view on the subject. In her Ellwood she would study the effects of the justice department and the consequence it has on the community and family of the criminals involved. The time she spent on the inside, with the people of the gangs and the lives they lead, would lead Phillips to question both the success of this operation and the methods used to conduct it (Phil lips 175).Los Angles was struck with dramatic economical times, the economy was unraveling In every way possible. The economy was hurt by the 011 crisis, depreciating international dollar, dwindle of union jobs, bifurcation of the manufacturing sector, ND an unchanging education system (Phillips 7). All of these factors would be reasons of why a good working class citizen would turn to dealing drugs, being a member of a gang, and/or using drugs. Drug money was â€Å"easy money† as one would say.You could make stacks of money fast, with little effort most of the time. The hard part was not getting caught. With the Increase In drug activity happening In Los Angles was the same Increase In prison sentences. It got so bad that Incarceration became Californians number one industry. It would grow to employ the largest umber of people in the state (Phillips). One of the other important factors that have to do with the increase in incarcerations was the fact that the state of Califor nia waged a war on drugs.The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) went from housing 21 ,539 Inmates In 1978 to 217,444 in 2011, making drug offenders 55% of the BOP population (Phillips 8). Although part of this prison rate Is In fact due to the aggressive policing and harsh sentencing the criminals were given. This made Phillips think and wonder if all of this was part of the solution or Just part of the problem. From her extensive field work she goes on to say that the way the LAP approached the drug problem was in fact producing one of the problems they were trying so hard to prevent. Here she needed to take the next step, on the inside. She began this step by living in the neighborhood of Pueblos, which was run by the African American and Hispanic race. She luckily befriended a local named Ben Kaplan and lived there with his family. From there she was able to get a first hand view point the ever so popular drug environment. She was also able to see different sides of the spectrum lik e how he environment affected the families and communities alike. How the laws and actions of the police affected them as well.There use of surveillance, through wiretaps and confidential informants, having a negative impact on the lives of the community. She figures out how the families are shaped through this involvement in crime. Phillips research in all of this goes to prove how unbiased her book really is, she practiced true reflexivity. All of her facts are hard facts that she went and lived first hand. She witnessed drug deals, witnessed people snorting cocaine, and dinettes the wiretaps that were given to drug dealers.All of this information she writes from is purely unbiased facts, writing from an etc perspective, her way of co- existing with the people, sitting back and observing them, was how she approached her story. Phillips goes on to write about how the incarceration of a family member affects the family as a whole. Unintended consequences include threaten or actual e viction, the involvement of child social services, desalination of families, depression in children, and high mortality rates among already vulnerable people (Phillips 20).Arresting a drug dealer for â€Å"slinging† coke may seem like a win for the police but in all reality it causes a snowball effect on the rest of the family that will have to deal with. Phillips findings go on to say how the police work unintentionally tears apart the family functionalism. The only way to prevent crime is to have a strong united family. Operation Fly Trap was the combined effort of the LAP that removed twenty-eight key members of the local, gang-related drug trade. They did a great Job in reducing drug related crimes, however did very little in the gang related activity.Where the police succeed in incarceration rates, they fail in the goal to build a strong community. Phillips lasting conclusion in this ethnography is that incarceration can lead to increased poverty rates, negative health o utcomes, rises in violence, and instability among already vulnerable families. Lastly the importance of manufacturing gangs as iconic, newly federalism villains (Phillips 21). Phillips, Susan A. Operation Fly Trap: L. A. Gangs, Drugs, and the Law. N. P. : n. P. , n. D. Print. â€Å"Susan A. Phillips. † Susan A Phillips. N. P. , n. D. Web. 26 cot. 2013..

Teen pregnancy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Teen pregnancy - Research Paper Example 750,000 teenaged girls get pregnant each year, according to the same study. One third of these girls will have abortion. It is difficult to realize the total consequences of unprotected sex in the initial stages. In case the teenager was aware of the consequences she would not have allowed herself to be complacent. By the time, the teenager realizes the full consequence of her actions, it is too late. This is not the only implication. There are social and economic implications as well. Teenage girls who get pregnant have problems concentrating on their studies with the added responsibility of bringing up a baby. Balancing studies and bringing up a baby can prove to be very exhausting. Also pregnant teens are looked down upon by their school colleagues. They do not get proper social treatment. The economies for bringing up a baby can be devastating. The cost of raising a baby is quite high and where is the money to come from? The problem is in the lack of information about the consequences of pregnancy. Teens have sex rather liberally these days. The chances of becoming pregnant are quite high even when there is only one time unprotected sex. Parents do not know how to effectively broach the subject. Teens are not clear about the topic to be able to constructively discuss the theme. Once pregnancy is noticed, the parents wish they had been more communicative about sex with their daughters. Condoms make sex safer. However, there is the possibility of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Girls do not use discretion of knowing the person they have sex with. This could lead to contracting STDs. The movies aggrandize sex. They even make movies on the theme of teenagers’ sex. Much of what is shown on the television set is gloss. The reality is hard hitting. Having babies may be a joy. But it is also a responsibility. It is good to think twice for teenaged girls before having sex. It is even better to think many times before having

Global warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Global warming - Essay Example Allegre et al argues that CO2 can’t be a pollutant yet it is colorless and odorless. According to Wenner, there are several research evidence that shows that human activities cannot change the climate in any way. Curry argues that several research proofs that climate is insignificantly sensitive to carbon (IV) oxide increase in the atmosphere. Therefore the argument that emissions related to CO2 should be reduced is baseless. Curry believes that those supporting global warming have been exaggerating their findings using fabricated data. She believes that an organization like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has been misled. â€Å"This pause in warming is at odds with the 2007 IPCC report, which expected  warming to increase at a rate of 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade in the early 21st  century.† The fact that even the International Panel on Climate Change, a body with both human and financial resources, cannot prove the existence of climate change shows that it doesn’t exist. The proof that the temperature of the world has been stagnant for more than a decade is a proof enough that global warming is not well researched as a field but

Active LNG 4 & 5 CRJ 520II Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Active LNG 4 & 5 CRJ 520II - Essay Example Yes, Motivational Interviewing should be taught to all Probation Officers including those with years of experience on the field of corrections. This should be done through training workshops. The training should focus on strengthening core skills, role play, and coaching. The trainers should have prior experience with probation services and on the field of corrections. According to Clark, Walters, Gingerich and Metzler (2006), Motivational Interviewing brings officers back into the "business of behavior change." Probation officers become enforcers of court orders, but not active participants in the offenders behavioral change. Motivational Interviewing helps probation officers to build a positive and collaborative relationship with offenders. This creates an atmosphere of trust where offenders can express themselves and talk about change (Clark et.al, 2006) Motivational Interviewing trains probation officers in basic listening and speaking strategies such as ask open questions, affirm positive talk and behavior, reflect what you are hearing and seeing and summarize what has been said. This technique enables probation officer to gather information about offenders such as their personal strength and assist them in planning (Clark et.al, 2006). Motivational Interviewing encourages officers to be honest with offenders about supervision and sanctions should they go wrong. Clark, M.D., Walters, S., Gingerich, R. & Metzler, M.(2006). Importance, Confidence and Readiness to Change: Motivational Interviewing for probation and parole. Journal of American Probation and Parole Association. 30(1), 37-45 The ability to conduct Motivational Interviewing is one of the essential skills of a Probationary Officer because it facilitates the "business of behavior change." While Probationary Officers may not be the active personnel to

Work and leading people Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Work and leading people - Essay Example Mark Williams (refer to the appendix). As can be observed from the CVs of the two referred personnel, both can be identified to possess considerable experience in their respective fields. While many of their features can be identified as similar, there are particular dissimilarities in their degree of versatility that must be taken into consideration when evaluating CVs for the intended position. For instance, Mr. Thomas Crown can be observed to have handled more staff members than Mr. Mark Williams. On the other hand, Mr. Crown had switched three jobs within his 2 years of professional career, with his first job assigning him for only three months. Contradictorily, Mr. Williams has been engaged into one organisation for his 5 years of professional career. This indicates that chances of attrition shall be higher in the case of Mr. Crown while on the other hand, Mr. Williams might offer the privilege and advantages of greater experiences and loyalty. As a precautionary measure, it wil l also be important to have a verification done for the information presented by the two candidates prior to taking any firm conclusion regarding their ultimate recruitment in the organisation. This will help to omit any possible chance of conflict or dilemma post their recruitment, making the trustworthiness and mutual cooperation of the recruited personnel more binding for the long-run. Besides evaluating the CVs, it will also be important to conduct face-to-face interviews with the personnel, individually, so as to learn about their personality features in a better way, before drawing any conclusion to the professionalisms of the candidates. Leadership styles are of different types that include democratic leader, autocratic leader and laissez-faire leader. From the provided scenario, it has been identified that Mr. Worthy is a type of leader who does not have a relationship with his employees though his office is in the top floor of the building, which is