Lost Boys by James Garbarino: A Review

Through the ‘Lost Boys, by Dr. James Garbarino discusses the phenomenon of youth violence in America, with emphasis on understanding its causes as a major tool for dealing with the menace. This essay seeks to explore the main points and arguments pointed about in the book, ways in which society has failed in curbing the disorder, and what can be done to INTRODUCTION: A TYPICAL SCENARIO A 15-year African American Ken lived in the inner-city trouble zone of Los Angeles, with parents who are both poor and uncaring. He grew up to protect himself, seeing the world as an unsafe place: He saw form his point of view, that life is unbearable and one must be aggressive to make your way through life, especially to possess the material things that mattered to him. He understood that he was not cared for by his parents, but seen as an outsider; he was detached. On many occasions when he was young, he had been abused by his father, bullied seriously at school and for that he developed an aggressive approach to living as he grew up. He also hated his father for his violent activities and unwholesome behavior of drinking and smoking. At his age, he got hooked up in a gang of five boys who called themselves ‘Fox Army’. Because of his dedication to these gang activities, his performance at school dwindled. For this, his father expresses serious harsh words on him, telling him he would never be anything good in life. In the whole of this picture stood a fearful mother who was always quiet and strictly aligned to the father’s opinion. Ken wondered on several occasions why he and his siblings were treated as such. He was ashamed of himself and his family. Having being threatened by his violent father with guns on several occasions, he felt the gun was a tool to silence enemies. In the gang, they all seem to share the same experiences of parental neglect and abuse, depression and confusion about the essence of living. They never felt any emotions nor did they perceive anything positive about schooling, family and other things around them. They share same schema of life: fight to protect yourself, enemies are out there in the world planning to eliminate you. The faster of us win to survive and see the light of another day. To see another to get others, use illegal means to make money and acquire material possessions in an attempt to use such things to eliminate the deep-seated feelings of worthlessness and shame. They were eager to make money by all means; so, they got into illegal drug sales. They also started smoking and drinking, adventures they felt would relieve them of the burden they carried. In no time, they had access to the guns of their parents for protection. Even with these, Ken did not make as much money as his friends. He got really frustrated and distressed because he needed the money to add up to that he got from his parents to stay in school. He woke up one morning by hammering slaps of his violent father who accused him of theft. He was guilty of the offence; yet, he denied it. His father started threatening hi with guns again. He left his bedroom and headed to the sitting where he kept his gun: he reached for it, and with it, killed his parents. In this vexation, he started saying all sorts of things like: ‘Fox soldier, go for the bait. Kill the enemy with sharpened teeth of the fox. Go and deal with the wicked world’ He kicked the main entrance door open and shot in the crowd of school children going early to school. He shot continuously, until he became so vexed and put the gun into his head, pulled the trigger and said, ‘it all ends here’. As the noise of the approaching cop intensifies, he pulled the trigger and shot himself. It was reported that five people died including Ken. The news was carried by a local newspaper. The only national daily that featured it described the teenager as ‘brutal’ and ‘horribly terrible’. And that was where it ended. Nobody wanted to know more. ‘WHAT IS NOT SEEN AT THE SCENE’ The main intention of the writer is to draw the attention of the Public to the menace of youth homicide with emphasis on understanding what is not seen at the scene, as a tool to stemming its tide. The scenario created above typifies the main point and arguments enunciated in the ‘Lost Boys’. The ideas launched in the text were based on statistical date from reliable sources, the experiences of those who have been affected in one way or the other by acts of youth violence and a ‘systematic’ approach to understanding what is not seen at the scene of the incident. He also drew ideas from the research and writings of other experts in the field to arrive at the following salient points: Youth violence is a major societal disorder that is quite extensive. However, it is obscured from its staggering reality by the national homicide picture which is reportedly stable. Lethal violence is common among the poor African-Americans and Hispanics, those who form the minority groups, with only few cases by Americans. These groups are concentrated in the inner city and suburbs of the South. As a result of those involved, the media and the general Public ignore ‘making sense’ of such crimes giving limited attention to it. This is claimed to be as a result of racism and class bias, as well as the perceived immunity Native Americans think they have. With the current tide of the menace sweeping to the abode of the ‘immunized’, he argues that no one is really immune. The current incidents recorded with new white faces awakened the Public to the reality of the issue: white teenagers are joining the train. With this pointed established, everyone sees a problem to be checked and it is easier to do. Having established that everyone is endangered, he seeks to lay a foundation for finding lasting solutions. First, he emphasizes the need to understand why the killers kill others and themselves. He believes that this would invariably be achieved by learning from the lives and experiences of those who have lived with it for the past two decades. Drawing form this point of strength where everyone’s attention is drawn, he shows that the accumulation of risk factors such as smoking, involvement in gang activity and illegal drug deals, access to guns, family history of violence, psychiatric disorders is central to the distorted behavior of killers.   He emphasizes that the causes of youth violence are complex and cannot be associated with a single factor. He notes that culprits are no animals but humans who have been strongly influenced by risk factors they grew with, and only live to bury their deep-seated shame by acts of violence; they are like Ken, who did not see any cogent reason for living. THE WAY OUT Having stated the reality of violence, the ‘Southern’ location of its prevalence because of prevailing factors and the lessons of the past, he then proposes ways of dealing with the violence: Both the individual and the community, are involved.   The individual needs proper parental care, protection, training and mentoring; these would help to build a strong self-image and create positive outlook to life. The home is the first community that is pertinent in building a good child: this should be stable, loving and full of positive affirmations for the growing child; necessary needs should also be met. The government has a major role to play; it should enact laws that reduce crime, promote community campaigns against violence and crime, provide funds for educational and health institutions. A credible and fair justice system must be on present. He particularly suggested a ‘Visiting Nurse Program’. He also emphasized good working relationships between professionals involved with the menace of youth violence. In conclusion, a society who fails to wake up to the roar of a wandering lion by getting hunters ready, should be prepared to dance to the music of the Vulture that would feast on their carcasses.   

Political Issues Regarding the Hispanic Population

Political Issues Regarding the Hispanic Population Courtney Warner ETH/125 Cultural Diversity Instructor Michelle Ward Saturday May 8, 2010 Political Issues Mexican Americans, Puerto Rican Americans, Cuban Americans, and Dominican Americans have separate cultures but both include strong family bonds and religious beliefs. These cultural groups are classified into the Hispanic American category because they share the Spanish language. â€Å"Although these groups share the same language each group has a different dialect and origin. Cuban and Dominican Americans have made the greatest developments in the social and political stand point. Puerto Rican Americans have made progress on the homeland in the economic view. While some groups resist assimilation into the American lifestyle, others have embraced it. † (Alba, 2006). Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Dominican Americans have many resemblances but still remain separate in their ethnicity and are descendants from a variety of immigrants. The main reason for these groups immigrating to the United States was for a safe environment free of political issues occurring in their countries and to seek a better way of life. Mexican Americans have attained both social and economic status, broken the language barrier, and achieved legal status in the United States. Most Mexicans that come to America are looking to work hard and overcome the obstacles they faced politically and economically in Mexico. The political issues facing Mexicans are typically the same as any foreign immigrant. Voting is a challenge. The voting of the Hispanic population is down because the majority of Mexicans are not legal citizens which prevent them from voting. According to the Census Bureau (2008), it is estimated that 1. 7 to 2. million percent of the United States population is illegal immigrants. The Hispanic population has not obtained political power equal to its proportion of population. Through years of protests and debates bilingual voting is now an option for counties with large numbers of non American speaking citizens. Bilingual education is also another very important political issue in the Mexican community. Origi nally schools in America only taught one language with the exception of extra credit language courses. With the rising number of immigrants the school boards in heavily populated Mexican communities are now offering bilingual classes. Immigration laws are also a constant debate with Hispanic members. After years of failed attempts at passing new immigration laws, with the new Obama administration hopes are high that immigration reform will be put back on the national agenda. English is the primary language of Puerto Rican Americans. English is taught in Puerto Rican elementary schools since Puerto Rico is commonwealth of the United States. Even though Puerto Rica is considered commonwealth it still has its own constitution, legislature, and governor but is subject to the rules and regulations of the United States. The commonwealth status allows all Puerto Ricans American citizenship, making them migrants not immigrants. Puerto Rican American assimilation has been both successful and problematic. Puerto Ricans living in the United States and Puerto Rico are still experiencing issues with drug use and crime. Lack of educational opportunities and failure in family structures are also causing struggles in the Puerto Rican population. The political involvement of Puerto Ricans and other minorities in the United States is small in comparison to their population size. Less than half of the Puerto Rican population has taken advantage of their voting privileges. Once Puerto Ricans become more settled as residents, they start to participate in politics. For most Puerto Rican residents their primary concern is to search for better economic conditions rather than become a member of a political party. The majority of these immigrants that chose this route are non-English speaking and not able to join or participate in an election. Instead, the immigrants are more likely to become members of religious organizations because they are accustomed to these religious ways in their country. Religion plays a major role in family and political life. Recent discussion amongst Puerto Rican government officials is pushing for Puerto Rico to become a legitimate U. S. state. Cuban Americans have asserted themselves politically and economically in the Miami, Florida area and are becoming the dominant ethnic community. In Florida this is where the most noteworthy Cuban American political organizations, research centers, and cultural institutions exist. Between 1989 and 1990, 78% of Cuban Americans registered to vote in comparison to 49. 3% of Mexican Americans, and 49. 9% of Puerto Ricans. Cuban Americans also seem to have a better economic security than other Hispanic groups. The average Cuban American income in 1986 was roughly $26,700 which was more than $6,700 for all Hispanic households. Cuban Americans are also highly educated; a vast majority has completed either college or graduate schooling. Cuban Americans are noted to be conservative politically and tend to vote for the Republican Party. The most important political organization in the Cuban American community is the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF). This organization is dedicated to restructuring U. S. olicy toward Cuba and removing Castro from Cuba. The CANF is also responsible for raising money for political purposes and lobbying elected officials. There has been much progress made in the Cuban American’s political role, they elected Cuban Americans to Congress and dominated the local political scene in the Miami area. However, the core issues still remain in the political debate of Cuban Americans; migration, Castro, and U. S. Republicanism. Dominicans view education to be a primary concern. Dominicans in the United States have fought one of their most important political battles over education. It was in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, that they organized together to voice to the local board of education. The school board consisted of no Dominican citizens but the school itself had a majority or Dominican school agers. The Dominicans protested to put a Dominican on board and they were successful in their motives. This began the political mobilization for Dominicans in the education arena. Other important political issue’s the U. S. Dominican community is concerned with is the status of undocumented migrants into the United States, citizenship status, and the police violence towards Dominicans. There have been several organizations and lobbies created to achieve these rights. As of now, Dominicans have not been involved in National politics, but have made efforts at local levels. The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) is a research, policy, and education organization dedicated to â€Å"developing and implementing programs that promote the integration of Latino immigrants into American society, developing future leaders among Latino youth, providing assistance and training to the nation's Latino elected and appointed officials and †¦ conducting research on issues important to the Latino population†. With the recent election of an African American into U. S. Presidency demonstrates how our society has evolved. The important fact to understand is not that we have a black president, but we have come to terms and not dismiss a candidate based on race. WE need to consider other important issues like this election has brought understanding that new opportunities have been made available for minorities in the political world. Our modern day society is beginning to change by taking positive steps in the right direction. References Alba, R. (2006). Mexican Americans and the American dream. Political Science & Politics_. American Political Science Association. _ Retrieved April 30, 2009 from http://www. apsanet. org/imgtest/PerspectivesJun06Alba. pdf Ballasy, N. (2010). Top Puerto Rican Government Leaders Argue for Statehood on Capitol Hill. Retrieved from http://www. cnsnews. com/news/article/65006 Countries and Their Cultures. (2009). Multicultural America. Retrieved from http://www. everyculture. om/multi/index. html Mongillo, I. (2010) Yale-New Haven Teacher Institute. Puerto Rican Cultural Differences in Politics. Retrieved http://www. yale. edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1980/6/80. 06. 08. x. html NALEO Educational Fund. (2010). Action Urgently Needed on Comprehensive Immigration Reform. http://www. naleo. org/ Pew Hispanic Center (2010). Key Issues for Hispanic Voters Include Education, Economy and Health Care. Retrieved from http://pewhispanic. org/newsroom/releases/release. php? ReleaseID=14 Pew Research Center Survey (2006). Chapter 7: Ideology and Policy Issues. Retrieved from http://pewhispanic. org/files/reports/75. 7. pdf Reshaping politics. Economist, 00130613, 1/9/2010, Vol. 394, Issue 8664 Retrieved from http://search. ebscohost. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/login. aspx? direct=true&db=a9h&AN=47437302&site=ehost-live Schaefer, R. (2006). Hispanic Americans. Week Seven Reading: Chapter 9. Retrieved from ETH/125—Cultural Diversity website. References Insert References Here.

Why Teachers Are Important

Why Teachers are Important Teachers are important because they educate the students by preparing them for a triumphant future. The number of human beings in the world is increasing every second of every day which is why it is not a surprise that teachers other than special education teachers hold about three point five million jobs (McKay, Dawn R. ). As each child grows older, he/she needs to learn in order to survive; teachers are the ones to instill knowledge (DeRoy). Every single person needs an education. To start most careers, a college degree is required.In order to get that college degree, an individual must complete grade school and high school and receive a high school diploma or GED, then complete college courses to learn the degree of choice. Children must be prepared for school and this starts with parents teaching them basic understandings of their alphabet and numbers (Archived: Early Childhood Education). If the students are not equipped with the basic knowledge, then they are bound to drop out of school (Shargel 19). Throughout the world, there are seventy two million children who are not getting the proper schooling they need (DeRoy).These children cannot better themselves through life without an education that can help them through the struggles of everyday life that only schooling can support. In those schools, teachers teach every single person how to write, how to read, how to do multiplication and addition facts, and how to write essays (McKay, Dawn R. ). Many people can think back and remember every teacher they have ever had, and if they cannot remember every one, then they at least remember their favorite one. Teachers are the ones who educate generations of people globally (DeRoy).There are many different teachers all over the world. There are teachers, who teach driving; there are teachers who teach art, and teachers who teach pupils how to construct machines. There are even teachers who teach teachers! All teachers however have to st art off somewhere, and that’s in a class room. Once schooling requirements have been met and some experience has been made, some teachers can become school administrators or can even get additional training and become a school librarian or a guidance counselor. Public school teachers in every state are required to have a achelor’s degree (Haugen, Lee). There are many states in the U. S. that even require a Master’s degree within a certain time frame. The future teacher must have fulfilled an official training program that includes earning a specific amount of educational credits. When it comes to teaching early education such as preschool, the requirements for training differ; some states require a bachelor’s degree while others accept just an associate’s degree (McKay, Dawn R. ). Absolutely all teachers, in every state, and the District of Columbia are required to be licensed.To get a teaching license, one must generally pass an exam that demonstr ates proficiency in basic skills and proficiency in the subject area that is desired. Licenses are normally issued by state boards or departments of educations (McKay, Dawn R. ). Since the world’s population is growing the teaching occupation is growing exceedingly as well. Employment of kindergarten through secondary school teachers alone will grow as quickly as all occupations through 2018. Location is key. Jobs are not meant to be everywhere in the world, if that was so then jobs would be given to anyone with a high school diploma.Also grade level and the subject specialty will have a great affect on job opportunity (McKay, Dawn R. ). In many schools today, students are required to have at least three years of a language course. People who have completed up to three years of a language are more likely to get a job over a competitor who has not had this extra information. Teachers are more likely to get a job over someone else if they indeed, can speak another language beca use they can help students who do not have English as their first language, which produces maximum learning efficiency (DeRoy).The most basic and most important teachers in the world, however, are grade school and high school teachers. Every single student must pass each grade in elementary school in order to go on to high school. Then in high school, the student must pass grades nine through twelve in order to receive one tiny piece of paper that gives individual opportunities in life. That piece of paper is called a diploma (McCourt). That one little piece of paper can make or break a person’s entire life. A diploma or equivalent, GED, is without any exception, required for college. There is no way to skate around it and hope to get in without one.Teachers need to be able to handle students, and teach them the curriculum that is required for the grade level. What makes a great teacher so incredible is their personality. They capture the minds and attentions of their pupils and without realizing it, get the students to understand the topic and remember it. Many students become teachers themselves because they loved their teacher and wanted to follow in the footsteps of them (College Board). A man named Eric Hanushek says that â€Å"teacher’s quality matter so much that a student is likely better off in a bad school with a good teacher than a good school with a bad teacher. If the teacher is good at his or her job, then odds are that student is going to do well academically no matter what. An author and teacher William Sanders once wrote that : â€Å" although an effective teacher can facilitate excellent academic gain in students during the years in which they are assigned to them, the residual effects of ineffective teachers were measurable two years later, regardless of the effectiveness of teachers in later grade. † In simpler words Sanders is saying that if a pupil has one exceptional teacher, then their learning can become corrupt f or years to come.Teachers indeed have an impact. Those students whose guardians are poor may have a hard time in school, but if they were to receive excellent hard working teachers who are willing to teach them, that problem could very well disappear entirely (Hanuskek). There are many ways that a parent or guardian can put their child through schooling. The government is here to help everyone be the best that they can be in this world, for themselves and for the community as a whole (Archived Early Education). Many people sending their children to school worry about their food consumption.They worry that the kids will sit astray with no food while others have a plentiful lunch and snack. Proper schools will not let that happen. A child will not go hungry or thirsty while a teacher or administrator is in that building. These are formative years in children’s lives, and the education and attention that every student requires is very important in determining the future of those pupils (Teachers: Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary). College teachers and professors are more tough on their students than those who teach younger levels.This is because those teachers know what the real world is like (DeRoy). They have hands on experience. Each and every teacher knows how hard it is to get into college, get good grades, graduate, and get hired in a respectable school. They know that students need to get the degree of their choice in order to start a career. The individual needs to buckle down and get to work. Some students may have had bad study habits or bad learning habits in general and the college teacher will help to improve these abilities but will not however hold one’s hand while doing it (Haugen, Lee).College teachers typically teach about seven courses in their subject for example ranging from calculus, statistics, algebra and geometry. Not only may they teach graduates, but they could very well teach undergraduates as well. The tea chers in college do not necessarily teach pupils who have just gotten out of college and are not yet twenty years of age. They can teach all different ages that have no limit. A professor could be teaching someone that is the same age as their grandmother. Knowledge has no age limit and everyone is capable of retaining new material (Teachers—Postsecondary).Many teachers have very different and complicated schedules. Unlike grade school and high school classes that take place all day everyday Monday through Friday without change, these teachers have different obstacles. They may teach three classes a week and each class may be at different times every day. Many college teachers find the environment intellectually stimulating and rewarding because they are surrounded by others who enjoy the subject that they are teaching (Teachers Count). This is very different from younger grades and can be very stressful on students but teachers normally grow accustom to their hectic schedule . Teachers—Postsecondary) An impact that a teacher has on a student is extraordinary. Students spend more time with their teacher than they do with their parents or family while going to school. Teachers are no longer just training their pupils mind for an education but are affecting the intellectual, emotional, and social development of each student they meet (Teachers Count). Teachers are respected by others because they are viewed as knowledgeable about different subjects of school and because they take care of society’s children.Students look up to their teachers for guidance when they are most vulnerable (Rose, Mike). If a student is unsure about something they ask their teacher and trust that the answer given to them is the right response. A teacher spends an entire year with a handful of students. In that time they should have a pretty general idea about each and every pupil in the seats before him or her. Through the teacher’s words and through their act ions, they are being a role model to a student. The teacher provides a special window for the student on a possible future (Adviser, Teacher, Role Model, Friend).Teachers make the world go round. Teachers have the ability to shape and mold the attitudes and values that their pupils possess. This possession can be beneficial with extraordinary outcomes. The society needs decent human beings who know right from wrong and who know how to help the community so the world can be a better place. By teachers enlightening students with more in-depth attitudes they are shaping the world with a strong society (Adviser, Teacher, Role Model, Friend) Teachers are the foundation of this world.They bestow knowledge to all people of every age. Teachers do not just instruct math skills or English skills. They teach moral lessons to everyone willing to learn. When it comes to knowledge, the poorest person in the world could be rich, rich with knowledge. A teacher cannot just stand in front of a room a nd teach. The material in which they preach must be accurate and the students must understand it. One cannot call himself or herself a teacher if the students are not learning the material. The opinions of society can be very influential.If teachers are being viewed negatively than the students are not going to take the teachers seriously and will not respect them not soak up the information that they need (Shargel 19). A proper and positive learning environment is not all that is needed to educate students. Teachers need to radiate positive attitudes and let their students know that they are in charge and that they are there to help the students for a triumphant future that they will need to survive in the world full of seven billion people (McKay, Dawn R. ).

Issues In Criminology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Issues In Criminology - Essay Example 295). Intense gender discrimination, like the refusal of numerous law schools to give access to women, the frequent segregation of women from juries, and the habit of imposing to female and male ‘offenders’ different punishments for the same offences went mostly unquestioned (Lanier & Henry, 1998, 279). The scale of the victimisation of girls and women indicated that the lack of attention on the role of violence in the lives of women was the prime issue to appeal to the interest of feminist scholars and advocates. Due to this, a large volume of literature exists on the issue of victimisation of women, particularly in the subject matters of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. Meanwhile, the identification of the breadths and forms of female victimisation had a considerable influence on policy making, and it is perhaps the most concrete contribution of radical feminism to mainstream criminology (Almeder, Koertge & Pinnick, 2003, 18). The influence of cr iminology and especially criminological theory was varied, although, partly because these crimes did not at appear to challenge. The impact on the field of criminology and particularly criminological theory was mixed, however, in part because these offenses did not initially seem to dispute androcentric criminology as such (ibid, p. 18). Rather, the notions of ‘victimology’ and ‘domestic violence’, while crucial in the development of feminist perspective of criminology, also provided mainstream criminologists and several practitioners of criminal justice an alternative way of understanding criminology theory and research (Flavin, 2001). The objective of this essay is to discuss the development of feminist criminology, focusing on the post-war period, especially the 1960s and 1970s. More particularly, the essay will focus on the contribution of the three feminist perspectives, namely, (1) feminist empiricism, (2) standpoint feminism, and (3) feminist postmod ernism to British criminology theory and research. Feminist Perspectives of Criminology Feminist perspectives have remarkably grown in areas that have more established practices of interpretive knowledge like history and literature (Flavin, 2001). On the contrary, the tradition of criminology persists to be profoundly ingrained in the scientific method (ibid, p. 273). A great deal of British mainstream criminology is founded on principles that ‘science is value neural’ (Flavin, 2001, 273). Research can be duplicated, as argued by positivism, since researchers generate knowledge in related ways, making criminologists similar with each other (Almeder et al., 2003, 20). Richard Powers of the New York Times recognised the ‘vesting of authority in experiment’ (Flavin, 2001, 274) as the most outstanding thought of the new century. Yet, Powers (1999) argued that scholars â€Å"from Ludwig Wittgenstein to Thomas Kuhn and beyond† (ibid, p. 81) have mentioned, ... that fact and artefact may be closer than most empiricists are comfortable accepting... That great empiricists have rejected initial data on hunches, until their observations produced more acceptable numbers. That

Do you think that access to water is a human right If you had to Essay

Do you think that access to water is a human right If you had to choose whether you would have a water spout in (or near) your home or electricity in your home, which would be your priority Why - Essay Example Contaminated water jeopardizes both the physical and social health of all people. It is an affront to human dignity† (Water as a human right, n. d). The creator at the time of creation has provided human enough resources needed for his survival on earth. He has given us food, water, shelter and enough natural resources to find our livelihood. The creator was aware of the importance of water on human life and he has given us great oceans, rivers, streams at the surface of earth. Moreover he has kept a large stock of water at the underground also. He has kept water sources everywhere on earth for the living things to utilize it. He has not limited it to some part of the world which means that access to water sources is given as a basic right not only to the human but to all the living things as well. Lack of safe water or drinking water is a major source of many diseases and millions of people die every year because of lack of safe drinking water. Water is contaminated because of the over industrialization and unwise disposal of industrial wastes to seas, rivers and streams. When cooking food using this water, germs enter into the bodies of the human and severe heath problems would be the result. Natural resources belong to all the people irrespective of the rich or poor, developed country or underdeveloped country. Nobody has the right to spoil the nature’s resources or deny the natural resources to others. Water, along with food and oxygen, is an essential component for sustaining life on earth. Human can survive even if they don’t have electricity. Animals are not enjoying the luxury of electricity and still they are able to survive. Moreover, electricity has come to the life of human only in the nineteenth century. In other words, Human was able to sustain their life even without electricity. On the other hand even without food we can survive for one or two weeks. But it is difficult to manage even a day without consuming water. So, in my

Therapeutic encounter exercise with reflective piece Essay

Therapeutic encounter exercise with reflective piece - Essay Example Despite of that, the patient shows strong long-term memory and upper body. He is sociable and is partially-independent. With his current state, the barriers, goals and facilitators were discussed as his findings had shown. The goal of the nurse is to assist the patient to become independent as much as possible with support and care that he needs especially for the tasks that he cannot perform. Therapeutic encounter involves the life-changing perceptions of the client towards himself with the assistance of health practitioner who regularly reflects and makes great influence to the client (Pickhardt, 2011, paragraph 7). The practice is related to helping the client cope up with his situation and changing his perspective in life for the better. With that in mind, empathy becomes an important factor in therapeutic encounter which is known as a â€Å"cognitive attribute that involves an understanding of experiences, concerns and perspectives of the patient, combined with a capacity to communicate this understanding,† (Convingtonn, 2003 as seen in Rakel et.al. 2011). The existence of empathy then creates a bond that allows the health practitioner to assist to connect and to help the patient in the process of healing. For the case of the study, the therapeutic encounter was linked to Orem approach which is a model that allows the nurse to assist the patient with self-care. The patient slowly learned how to take care of himself through the guidance of the nurse instead of the nurse doing everything for the patient (Pearson, Vaughan, and Fitzgerald, 1996, p. 5). Enhancing the capabilities of the patient to take care of himself would render him to be self-sufficient in some ways. The following information is divided into four sections: findings, facilitators and barriers as well as one main nursing goal with thorough discussion for each. The findings are based on the

Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada v. Bell Research Proposal

Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada v. Bell Canada - Research Proposal Example case between the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada and Bell Canada emerged from the dilemma that exists on the extent of the right to access copyrighted information (Hovenkamp 48). With the laws that govern intellectual property being clear on the legality of the limited access to copyrighted songs on the internet, the demand for royalty from the authors causes confusion on the extent of justified free access to such songs. The case between the two entities begs the question of where to draw the line between the freedom for information access and the copyright laws. This research aims to explore the flawlessness of the Canadian copyright laws that stipulate that the free previews comprise fair dealing for the intent of research. This investigation hinges upon methods and mechanisms that aim to uncover answers to the research questions. The selected methods of research emanate from the significant research needs. The sources that the research utilizes are also accessible and available for analysis. This study shall take into consideration some legal principles and beliefs as regarding the application of the copyright law and the right of access to information in Canada and the world through. The study will concentrate on the information that exists and the interrelation of different entities on the validity and significance of copyright laws in a society with special interest to Canada and focusing on the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada v. Bell Canada scenario. The research will use different methods of investigations namely, documentary sources, interviews and questionnaires. The documentary sources to use will include both the published an unpublished material focusing on the legal aspects of information in society and the view of different entities in the freedom and need of access to information. The documentary sourced that the research aims to apply includes previous research materials, published and

Fashion Journalism and Scholarship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fashion Journalism and Scholarship - Essay Example The paper "Fashion Journalism and Scholarship" talks about the fashion Scholarship and Journalism. According to McRobbie, (2013), fashion journalism emphasize on visual information so that the magazine, newspapers and computer writings published by fashion journalists are scarce in written information but have many visual objects used to take into custody of the attention of the audience thus being able to influence them. Therefore, fashion journalism integrates fashion designs and journalism skills to present media information that has the potential to influence people. It also facilitates writing, reporting and criticizing of fashion design aspects. Scholarship of fashion provides detailed information about fashion designs, their purpose and the people to whom the fashion trend is applicable. Thus, unlike fashion journalism, scholarship journalism does not aim at increasing money from the designs by using visual information but provides appropriate details from which consumers are able to make their decisions. Fashion journalism promotes making of uniform decisions because individuals are influenced by what they see in the newspapers, magazines or articles and do not pause to ask its relevance to them while in scholarship journalism individuals have details that enhance proper decision making. In scholarship fashion individuals have to gather information that will convince consumers that their designs are better than others and why so that they are convinced to purchase them.

Cellular Biology Article Discussion-Gene Sharing Yields an Enzyme with

Cellular Biology Discussion-Gene Sharing Yields an Enzyme with Two Binding Sites in One Subunit - Article Example It is well recognized that mitochondria have an important role to play in the development of reperfusion injury. Against this backdrop, the paper titled, â€Å"Mitochondrial Death Channels† by Webster, K.A., addresses the actual mechanism of mitochondrial action of promoting reperfusion injury. The important and individual roles played by two mitochondrial death channels, the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and the mitochondrial apoptosis channel (mAC) in the promotion of infarction are described. It explains in detail, how, during a heart attack, mPTP, under the regulation of calcium and oxidative stress, causes necrotic death while both mPTP and mAC channels are involved in apoptosis. Apoptosis or programmed cell death is an intrinsic cellular process, just as mitosis is. Cell suicides are resorted to in the course of development for example, resorption of the tadpole tail during metamorphosis into a frog, or to destroy cells that represent a threat to the integrity of the organism, or when signals needed for continued survival are lacking. Apoptosis is different from necrosis in that it affects individual cells whereas necrosis affects groups of contiguous cells. Cardiovascular diseases which are the leading cause of death in all developed countries are characterized by the loss of cardiomyocytes due to cell death. Earlier, cell death in myocardial infarction was believed to be caused solely by necrosis. However, recent studies have shown the involvement of apoptosis, too, in the process of myocardial tissue damage subsequent to heart attack (Krijnen et al., 2002). Besides, apoptosis in cardiomyocytes is mediated by mitochondria through the two mitochondrial dea th channels namely, mPTP and mAC as shown in the current paper. Mitochondria are known to be important mediators of cardiac injury during ischemia and

We googled you case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

We googled you - Case Study Example For this purpose, the company required a winning team headed by a competent team head. However, the candidate, Mini Brewster’s, involvement in aggressive social campaigns, as recorded over the internet, was inhibiting the Hathaway Jones’ HR department to hire the candidate. Brining her over the company could potentially hurt the image of the business’ newly formed operations in China. The main issue involves Mimi Brewster’s acceptance into Hathaway Jones. The company’s CEO is positive about the candidate as Mimi is a very competent and qualified individual. However, the company’s HR manager, Virginia, has some reservations regarding Mimi’s former activities as a socially active student during her years at Stanford. Her reputation on Google based on the search results could damage the company’s image among its consumers and can especially damage the prospects of Hathaway Jones opening up in China. The CEO believes that such incidents that are revealed through the internet and social media could be forgotten because the talent pool is quite limited and Mimi seems to be the perfect fit. Also, the CEO is reluctant to call in the candidate so that they could hear her side of the story. Hence, the main issue is regarding letting go of minor discrepancies that come up after studying the internet history of a candidate. The first solution to the issue is to call Mimi Brewster for an informal meeting along with the HR manager in order to inquire about her previous activities and involvement in social campaigns during her university years. This would allow Mimi to clarify her side in case the internet and Google only predisposed a certain perspective regarding the issue thereby distorting the reality. The second solution is to find another candidate to fill the position whose search history seems to be historically clean. This would

The Human Being and Living The Good Life Essay Example for Free

The Human Being and Living The Good Life Essay This paper contains the different definitions of what it means to be a human being and living a good life. In this paper we will take a look at Hobbes and Augustine’s definition of the human being and the good life. Both of these philosophers give examples of what they think the good life is, and the desires of human nature. In this paper I will talk about Augustine and his thought of how in order to live a good life, one needs to seek God to find true happiness. I will also talk about what being a human being and living the good life means to Hobbes, and his thought of how human equality is the ticket to happiness and the good life. I think Augustine offers a more accurate description of the human being and the good life because I agree that true happiness can’t be found in earthly things. I believe there is much more to life than finding happiness and self-worth in success, money, fame, popularity, and etc. Life chasing after materialistic items won’t bring you happiness because you will always feel like there is something more you want and desire, the materialistic items won’t satisfy you. Augustine’s definition of the human nature is one that is a God-seeker. Augustine agrees with Plato that the human nature has a mind to think and choose. He also believes that human beings have the free will to choose between good and evil. He believes that the human beings search for ultimate fulfillment and happiness. He believes that the good life is a life following God. Augustine believes that the only way to find eternal happiness and live a fulfilled life is following God because human beings are born as natural sinners; only when we find God, the emptiness in our heart is filled with eternal love and happiness. His definition of the good life is not one free of suffering, troubles, or sorrow, but one with faith in God. He believes that the grace of God is what will make u s happy and a relationship with God is true happiness. He believes that when we seek materialistic existence it ultimately leads to despair. He believes that a person that chases materialistic items is one who is selfish, because that person is always thinking about what the world/ another person can do for me; A godly person is one who appreciates the world for who it is and  another person for who he/she is. A godly person finds the life fulfilled. He believes that because human beings are all sinners, chasing after materialistic items will only lead to more sin and addiction, it won’t give us the ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment. Augustine shares his personal experience with us about how he chased after materialistic items and stole for fun, but it was never enough to fulfill him. He talks about his lust and search for love, but he didn’t find true love, fulfillment, or happiness until he found God. Human beings are the same, they chase after fame, money, popularity, success, and material items, but they will always feel the void, emptiness, and unfulfilled. Materialistic happiness is only temporary. Ultimate fulfillment and happiness requires spiritual existence and not tangible existence. Hobbes believes that the definition of human nature is a person who desires happiness. Hobbes believes that happiness is relative to the individual. There is no universal happiness. Hobbes believes that human beings are self-centered, self- preservative, and desire power. Hobbes believed that the state of nature would lead to the state of war because there are no laws in the state of nature, human beings have absolute freedom and the absolute freedom will lead to a constant state of fear. Hobbes believes that human beings are self-centered and self-preservative because they think about themselves before thinking about others. Hobbes believes that the basic components of human nature are competitiveness, diffidence, and glory. We do whatever we can to defend what we have, which makes us diffident. We all seek to have the repetition that others admire, which makes us seeking of glory. Hobbes believes that human equality is the good life. He believes that humans are equal in terms of body and mind. We are equal in body because we all have the ability and strength to kill each other. We are equal in mind because of prudent and practical intelligence (knowledge gained through experience). We all share the ability to learn from experience. That is why for Hobbes, everyone deserves the same rights and all rights. He believes that the only way to reach happiness and the good life is equality because human beings are naturally competitive. If everyone and everything is equal, then the competition will not be there because everyone is getting all the same things and same rights and there is nothing to fight over, so there will be peace. I think Augustine gives a better description of the human being because I agree that chasing after materialistic items can’t fill the empty void that is felt in the heart, only the love and mercy of God can fill that empty void. I believe that God created us and we won’t feel that everlasting love or happiness until we find God again, and I believe that only He can fill that empty void in our hearts. The materialistic items can bring temporary happiness and joy but that happiness and joy will eventually go away, and you feel that emptiness again. I agree that all human beings are born as sinners and we go after materialistic items like money, fame, popularity, success, love, and etc., and even when we do have all those materialistic items, we always want more. Human beings are selfish and enough never seems to exist in our vocabulary. I can speak from my personal experience because I desire for money, success, love, fame, and popularity as well. Even though I have a part-time job and I’m making enough money for me to spend on food, daily necessities, clothes, entertainment, and enjoyment, it still doesn’t seem enough. I always want to make more money, because to me there is no such thing as too much money. I desire for success because being successful means you can make lots of money and get lots of fame and popularity. I like to feel loved, whether it is by friends, family, or a significant other. Like Augustine, I realized that all these materialistic items brings me temporary joy, happiness, and fulfillment but it doesn’t last because it still doesn’t feel like it’s enough to make me feel satisfied. It wasn’t until one of my friends starting bringing me to church, and I learned about God and the love and mercy He has shown us and given us; it was then that I realized that I need God in my life. After finding God and accepting Him, I felt the emptiness in my heart that I tried to fill with materialistic items and temporary happiness, was finally filled with eternal happiness and fulfillment. I knew that the good life and living a life following God didn’t mean that I wouldn’t be facing trouble or that life was going to be easy, that I wasn’t going to face trials, temptations, or sufferings, but I knew that a life following God meant happiness and faith and trust that God will be there for me no matter what. Having that faith in Him made me fill fulfilled. I also began looking at things differently, instead of thinking about myself and the things I can get from money, fame, popularity, or success, I began thinking about how I can give to others and society with  the success or money or fame I have or will have. I began to think of the things I can do for others or for society, instead of what others or the society can do for me. I became more selfless i nstead of being selfish. Even though my life isn’t perfect and I still face sufferings and trails daily, I feel fulfilled because I have God in my life; and I wasn’t able to feel this way or find this happiness when chasing after the materialistic goods. That is why I believe Augustine’s definition is an accurate one. We can spend our entire life searching for happiness and we can have all the money in the world, or all the fame and popularity in the world, and we can feel loved by our significant others and family members and friends, but we will still feel unhappy, empty, lonely, or something is missing. God alone can fill that emptiness and loneliness, no one or nothing else can fill it. That is why I believe that even though following God may not be perfect and easy, that everlasting happiness and eternal love is worth it. Hobbes is right that the human beings desire happiness and is selfish and competitive and want popularity. However, I disagree that there is no universal happiness. There is universal happiness for whoever finds God. I believe that because we were all born as sinners, accepting God as our savior and knowing that He loves us even after all the sin we commit, we’ve committed, and we will commit, will makes us feel loved and accepted by our Heavenly Father. That is the fulfillment we need. We can find everlasting love and eternal happiness in our Heavenly Father. That is why I believe that in order to have a good life, one has to seek God and live for and through Him.

Audio Lingual Method Essay Example for Free

Audio Lingual Method Essay Compare and contrast the Direct Method and the Audio-Lingual Method. (1) Both are oral-based approaches. (2) The Direct Method emphasizes vocabulary acquisition through exposure to its use in situations; the Audio-Lingual Method drills students in the use of grammatical sentence patterns. (3) Unlike the Direct Method, the Audio-Lingual Method has a strong theoretical base in linguistics and psychology. 2- How has the behavioral psychology influenced the Audio-Lingual Method? It was thought that the way to acquire the sentence patterns of the target language was through conditioning—helping learners to respond correctly to stimuli through shaping and reinforcement. (2) Learners could overcome the habits of their native language and form the new habits required to be target language speakers. 3- Define a backward build-up drill (expansion drill). State its purpose and advantages. (1) Definition: The teacher breaks down a line into several parts. The students repeat a part of the sentence, usually the last phrase of the line. Then, following the teachers cue, the students expand what they are repeating part by part until they are able to repeat the entire line. The teacher begins with the part at the end of the sentence (and works backward from there) to keep the intonation of the line as natural as possible. This also directs more student attention to the end of the sentence, where new information typically occurs. (2) Purpose: The purpose of this drill is to break down the troublesome sentence into smaller parts. (3) Advantages: (a) The teacher is able to give the students help in producing the troublesome line. Having worked on the line in small pieces, the students are also able to take note of where each word or phrase begins and ends in the sentence. 4- Define a repetition drill. Students are asked to listen carefully to the teachers model, and then they have to repeat and attempt to mimic the model as accurately and as quickly as possible. 5- Define a chain drill. State its advantages. (1) Definition: The chain of conversation that forms around the room as students, oneby- one, ask and answer questions of each other. The teacher begins the chain by greeting a particular student, or asking him a question. That student responds, and then turns to the student sitting next to him. (2) Advantages: (A) A chain drill gives students an opportunity to say the lines individually. (B) The teacher listens and can tell which students are struggling and will need more practice. (C) A chain drill also lets students use the expressions in communication with someone else, even though the communication is very limited. 6- Define a single-slot substitution drill. State its purpose. (1) Definition: The teacher says a line, usually from the dialog. Next, the teacher says a word or a phrase—called the cue. The students repeat the line the teacher has given them, substituting the cue into the line in its proper place. (2) Purpose: The major purpose of this drill is to give the students practice in finding and filling in the slots of a sentence. 7- Define a multiple-slot substitution drill. State its purpose. This drill is similar to the single-slot substitution drill. The difference is that the teacher gives cue phrases, one at a time, that fit into different slots in the dialog line. The students must recognize what part of speech each cue is, or at least, where it fits into the sentence, and make any other changes, such as subject-verb agreement. They then say the line, fitting the cue phrase into the line where it belongs. 8- Define transformation drill. Students are asked to change one type of sentence into another—an affirmative sentence into a negative or an active sentence into a passive.

The Silent Era Of Hollywood Film Studies Essay

The Silent Era Of Hollywood Film Studies Essay The Silent Era of Hollywoods History was a great milestone in paving the way for todays film industry. With great actors and innovative technology, silent films poked fun at society and helped America get through some tough times. Happening between the end of World War I and the beginning of the Great Depression, silent films helped American audiences sit back and relax for an hour or two and laugh at society. Slapstick comedy made fun of high society and authority, absorbing the audience. Actors like Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks took the audience on adventures beyond any they had ever seen. In a world of black and white, silent films brightened up the lives of Americans everywhere. Whether it was a comedy, horror, or suspense, on television or at the theater, everyone in America has seen at least one movie. But have they ever stopped to appreciate how far the movie industry has come to produce outstanding special effects, eye-popping 3-D, and out-of-this-world colors? Where did all the film studios come from? Who paved the way for todays actors? Advancements and dilemmas in a world of silent black and white helped shape the movie industry forever. Early Beginnings. In 1873, a photographer was asked to find a way to photograph running horses to study their gait. Eadweard Muybridge set up twelve cameras and snapped his pictures. Each one had a half-second period of movement. He never went on to create films, but he certainly paved the way for many others. Émile Reynaud built a toy he called the Projecting Praxinoscope in 1877. It was a spinning drum where viewers saw various images in mirrors. In 1882, he found a way to project moving pictures using a lantern and mirrors. In 1888, Kodak started introducing film on paper rolls. This caught the eye of inventor Thomas Edison. He and his assistant cut the film and punched four holes onto one side so that gears could pull the film strips through the camera (Thompson Bordwell, 1994, pgs. 5-8). Early film was definitely primitive with choppy editing and jerky movements, but without it movies would have never come to existence. It took many years to perfect it, and by the time America needed enterta inment, film makers were ready. The Silent Era. Looking back, the roaring twenties was a great decade for directors, actors, and audiences in America. Post-World War I and Pre-Great Depression, America was the leading producer of movies, dealing with many of the societys problems and taboo topics. Scott Mintz of Digital History, described the silent movie era: American films were born in an age of reform, and many early silent movies took as their subject matter the major social and moral issues of the Progressive era: birth control, child labor, divorce, immigration, political corruption, poverty, prisons, prostitution, and womens suffrage. The tone of these films varied widely some were realistic and straightforward; others treated their subjects with sentimentality or humor; and many transformed complex social issues into personal melodramas. Yet there can be no doubt that many silent films dealt at least obliquely with the dominant issues of the time (2007). Film Studios. By 1926, over 400 feature films touching on societys problems were made and were emerging from eight different studios, five major and three minor. The Big Five produced 90% of films in America (Scott, 2005). Warner Bros. Pictures was the first of the five. Created by four Polish brothers, Jack, Harry, Albert, and Sam, Warner became prominent after first introducing talkies in the latter half of the decade. The studio later became infamous with Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes cartoons. The next great studio was Famous Players-Lasky Corporation in 1916. In 1935 it became known as Paramount Pictures, and generated many silent film stars such as Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, and talking stars including Bing Crosby and Bob Hope (Dirks, 1996). Paramount made a total of 101 movies in 1921 (Scott, 2005). The third studio was known as RKO (Radio-Keith-Orpheum) Pictures. It struggled in the 1920s until talking films came to the surface. The next studio is more commonly known as MGM o r Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Metro Pictures Corporation, Goldwyn Pictures Corporation, and Louis B. Mayer Pictures Company merged together in 1924. They are best known for the Tom and Jerry cartoons. The final big studio was a merger of two big studios, Fox Film Corporation/Foundation and 20th Century Picture Company. It became known as 20th Century Fox (Dirks, 1996). The last three studios may have just been minor then, but today two of them are top-selling studios. Universal Pictures was formed in 1912 and became known for the Woody Woodpecker cartoons. The C.B.C Film Sales Company was founded in 1920 and later became known as Columbia Pictures. They established fame with the first Batman serials. The last of the little three was United Artists, formed in 1919 by the top film stars of the time, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, and D.W Griffith (Dirks, 1996). Movie Palaces. Not only did the film companies create innovative movies, they also constructed deluxe palaces to showcase their films. By starting these movie theater chains, the movie industry skyrocketed. Between 1922 and 1930, investment jumped from $78 to $850 million, and movie patrons doubled from 40 million people a week to 80 million (Thompson Bordwell, 1994). The Strand Theater opened in 1914 with 3,300 seats. The 6,200-seat Roxy Theater opened in New York City in 1927. It closed in 1960 and became known as Radio City Music Hall in 1965. On the west coast, Sid Grauman built three theaters in Los Angeles: the Million Dollar Theater (2,345 seats), the Egyptian Theater (1,760 seats), and the infamous Chinese Theater (2,258 seats). Grauman decided to start a tradition of Hollywood stars leaving their imprints in front of the theater (Dirks, 1996). Many of todays stars have their imprints at the theater, including one of the best known silent film stars of all time: Charlie Chaplin. Charlie Chaplin. Charles Spencer Chaplin was born in London in spring 1889. His parents were both actors and singers, giving Charlie each a piece of their talents. Unfortunately, the sudden death of his father and the mental illness of his mother forced him out on his own at the age of 10. Having his first stage performance at the age of 14 in Sherlock Holmes, Charlie started doing vaudeville comedy and was immediately taken to America to showcase his talents (Overview). Easily recognized by the toothbrush moustache, bowler hat, and funny walk, Chaplin starred in 87 short films and became known for his trademark Little Tramp character (see figure 1) (Smith, Mini Biography). Chaplin became ambitious and starred in a drama that ridiculed high society. His audience, however, avoided a film without the Little Tramp. He brought the character back in two of his greatest films, The Gold Rush (1925) and The Circus (1927) (Thompson Bordwell, 1994, pgs. 166-167). Figure : Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp Not only did Chaplin star in almost 100 films, he also wrote and directed, financed and produced, and composed all the music for them. During his spare time he wrote four books and composed many other songs. His films always focused on the economic and social problems of the time, making him relatable to the public while still being a comedian. He died on Christmas day in 1977. He was married and divorced four separate times and was survived by nine children (Smith, Mini Biography). Douglas Fairbanks. Another co-creator of United Artists, and a great actor in the action genre was Douglas Fairbanks. Born in Denver, Colorado in 1883, Fairbanks moved to New York in 1900. He made his Broadway debut there in 1902 and quickly prospered in his career. Wanting to move on to bigger and better things, he was under close watch of D.W. Griffith and became a huge movie star. He starred in many social and romantic comedies, making him very appealing to his audience. During a World War I Liberty bond tour, he met his future wife and equally popular actress Mary Pickford. After divorcing their respective spouses, they were married. Divorces were frowned upon during this era, but at the time they were so popular that America forgave and forgot their divorces. The couple was known as the king and queen, the royal couple of Hollywood. He is best known for action films such as The Mask of Zorro (1920), The Three Musketeers (1921) (see figure 2), Robin Hood (1922), The Thief of Bagdad (1924), and The Black Pirate (1926) (Stars, 2004). Figure : Douglas Fairbanks in The Three Musketeers In 1927, Fairbanks and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) was founded. Together they created the Academy Awards, to acknowledge, appreciate, and reward excellence in film (Dirks, 1996). Fairbanks died suddenly of a heart attack in 1939, and was given a special Oscar for recognizing the unique and outstanding contribution of the first President of the Academy to the international development of the motion picture (Stars, 2004). Early Innovations in Color. Making these award-winning movies was no easy feat since technology was moving fast. In the 1910s, directors and cinematographers were placing semi-transparent fabrics over their lenses to give the shot a soft, blurry look. By the 1920s, special lenses were created that focused all attention on the main actors and scenery, while blurring out the background. Another major advancement was the development of panchromatic film stock. Film was only sensitive to purple, blue, and green. Yellow and red barely registered, making any object of that color appear black (like an actress lipstick, see figure 3), while blue and purple appeared white. The sky with clouds rolling by was hard to film since the blue washed out to white with the clouds. By 1925, Eastman Kodak starting producing panchromatic stock and film studios were quickly switching over (Thompson Bordwell, 1994, pgs. 177-178). While vibrant shades of gray and black becoming popular, a world famous icon was still just an idea. Figure : Mary Pickfords lips appear black and she clearly stands out from the background A Mouse for All Ages. Walt Disney started his own arts firm in 1919. After many failed attempts at short cartoons, he and his brother Roy started the Disney Brothers Studios in Hollywood. It would later grow into one of the biggest corporations in the twentieth century. A character Disney created was taken over by another during a legal battle (Thompson Bordwell, 1994, p. 179). In retaliation, Disney created Steamboat Willie, starring Mickey Mouse for the first time in 1928. Steamboat Willie was also the first cartoon with synchronized sound. Strangely enough, the first sound was not Mickeys voice, but background noises and music. Mickey didnt speak until his ninth cartoon when he said hot dogs!, using Disneys voice for Mickeys (Dirks, 1996). Lets Hear it for the Movies. As the decade came to a close, the arrival of sound was a major disturbance. Silent films could be distributed all over the world, having no language barrier. Now that actors were beginning to talk, the movies had to stay strictly in the US and audiences started to realize the actors lacked an appealing speaking voice. Many directors had to have their actors imported from Broadway, knowing they already had excellent speaking voices. Cameras were bulky and created a lot of noise, and immobile microphones attached to the actors limited their mobility. Soon the silent film studios became almost extinct and boom mikes, mounted cameras, and sound-proof stages were the most innovative equipment (Dirks, 1996). With the new microphones, actors could move freely and speak at their normal pace, giving films a new rhythm. The Bell Howell Rotambulator was also invented, giving cameras movement they never had before. The dolly could raise the camera vertically from 18 inches to 7 feet and pannin g, tilting, and tracking were simpler and easier (Thompson Bordwell, 1994, pgs. 241-242). Coloring a Black and White World Black and white was also becoming obsolete. People had tried in the past to paint or hand-tint the film strips, but their efforts were futile after realizing the films looked unrealistic. Kinemacolor was introduced and used alternating red and green filters, black and white film was projected through them. In 1915, the Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation was developed. They added the green and red color to the negative film strips and printed them together. A two-color system starting in the 1910s had evolved into a three-color system in 1932, due to Technicolor (Dirks, 1996). Effects of the Great Depression In addition to new advancements slowly deteriorating the Silent Era, The Great Depression also hurt everyone, including the film studios and their palaces. Theaters could no longer afford ushers, and they started selling popcorn, soda, and candy as an extra means of income. Since audiences had very little money to spend outside of necessities, theaters needed to create new sales pitches. Theaters began playing double and even triple features. Even though the last movie was a short, cheap B movie, audiences felt they were getting more for their dollar. Prize giveaways were also done at the door, giving away anything from pillows to dishes. Each week a new dish was given away, further persuading patrons to come back every week to collect and complete their dishware set (Thompson Bordwell, 1994, p 240). Never Forgotten. Even though many Americans think of silent films as ancient, boring antiques, they are so much more. In addition to addressing major social and moral issues, early films were laced with anti-authority themes, poking fun at bumbling cops, corrupt politicians, and intrusive upper-class reformers. Highly physical slapstick comedy offered a particularly potent vehicle of social criticism, spoofing the pretensions of the wealthy and presenting sympathetic portraits of the poor (Mintz, 2007). Silent films let audiences know that it was alright to laugh at the morally corrupt world after the first World War. They opened the door for great actors and actresses to pave the way for todays movie stars. Silent films are a major part of Hollywoods history and should never be forgotten.

Impact of Music of the Harlem Renaissance Upon the Artists of Today Ess

Impact of Music of the Harlem Renaissance Upon the Artists of Today   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Musicians during the Harlem Renaissance created a style and movement that simply took Americans by storm. Musicians such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong have inspired others all over the country. The Renaissance itself was not only an observation of life for African Americans, but it also showed Americans that they have a place in society. All of the musicians, writers, and artists shared a common purpose. This purpose was to create art that reflected the Afro American community. Through this era, African Americans provided themselves with their cultural roots and a promise for a better future. Music in this era was the beginning. It was the beginning of new life for musicians and African Americans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All types of music require musicians. In the H.R (Harlem Renaissance), there were many who contributed to this new style of music known as jazz. These musicians all have their own style and form. Each of these styles has in some way influenced the evolution of jazz. Louis â€Å"Sachmo† Armstrong is recognized as the most famous trumpet player of this time. His â€Å"hot bop† style was heard in places like the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theatre. Everyone from all over the country would come to see him. Armstrong recorded such works as I’m in the Mood for Love, and You Rascal you (http://library.thinkquest.org/26656/english/music.html). Another famous person during this era was Coleman Hawkins, a saxophone player. Hawkins is recognized as the first great saxophonists of Jazz. His most famous work was a piece named Body and Soul (http://library.thinkquest.org†¦). Hawkins has also recorded with artists such as Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellingt on. Other people such as Bessie Smith, Josephine Baker, Duke Ellington, and â€Å"Dizzie† Gillespie have also made many contributions to the development of Jazz.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By the end of World War I, Black Americans were facing their lowest point in history since slavery. Most of the blacks migrated to the northern states such as New York and Chicago. It was in New York where the â€Å"Harlem Renaissance† was born. This movement with jazz was used to rid of the restraints held against African Americans. One of the main reasons that jazz was so popular was that it allowed the performer to create the rhythm. With This in Mind performers realized that there could no... ...ty statement, some of the feelings and expressions that were used during the beginning of the era have diffused. With this jazz has become weaker, but well known. Jazz will always continue to have character. Jazz will always be art. Jazz will always have a story to tell.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Though Jazz has changed, the background behind it still inspires those today. Even though each artist has their particular style or expression, they all can agree that music is art. They can all agree that Music is emotions and feelings. Through the years, just as all things do, Jazz and Bebop have grown and flourished across America and the World. All in all Jazz for African Americans opened the doors in America, jazz alone opened doors and ears all across the Earth. Sources cited Http://www.acns.nwu.edu/jazz/styles/bebop.html: Net Zero. 6-2-02 Http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/4722/jazz.html: Net Zero. 6-2-02 Http://www.kennyg.com/biography.html: Net Zero 6-2-02 Http://library.thinkquest.org/26656/english/music.html: Net Zero. 6-2-02 Wintz, Cary D. The Harlem Renaissance. Houston Texas: Rice University Press, 1988 Http://www.wshs.fcps.k12.va.us/projects/im98/im981/jaz.htm: Net Zero 6-2-02

Viva La Revolution :: essays research papers

Viva La Revolution   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What would it take to stir up the courage to bear arms against the government? The courage remains hidden for now. But when the time is right, when the future becomes the present, and the scene is set the courage of the people will shine true. This scene must be set to trigger the emotion and release the nationalism. Some occurrences that could stir the needed courage, regardless of the consequences, would be, in my eyes, perhaps the reinstatement of the Draft’s Board or any dictatorship actions performed by the government. A revolt could take place even at a simple rise of taxes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Drafts Board remained in use through many wars. But these wars and these ways of thinking are behind the American people. And perhaps behind the thinking of the American Government also. And if it were by some sick twist of fate ever reinstated many veterans and others would be bound to take a stand. The young people of America deserve their right to chose if they want to defend their country in war. The very freedom they have been chosen to protect would be gone. Therefore they must retain their right to chose. Our country was created by the struggle of a common people for a democratic government. And who in their right mind would not fight to keep their right to choose the leader of their country. That is what a democracy is about. If the American people decided to just let the government standardize us into certain categories we would be denying the honor of those who died to give us our individuality in the first place. Our government defends those who are caught in a dictatorship political structure, then the people must defend themselves from being in need of defense like those who we currently aide. In this situation Americans would have nearly no choice but to defend themselves by revolting. As the saying goes, only two things in life are certain, death and taxes. Although taxes may seem like petty reasoning for taking up arms, it deserves more contemplation. It was a constant raise of taxes that began the revolt by Americans against the English government in the origin of our fine country.

Symbolism in Desirees Baby by Kate Chopin Essay -- Desirees Baby Kat

Symbolism in Desiree's Baby by Kate Chopin "Desiree's Baby" is Kate Chopin's most well-known short story and most anthologized piece of work. The story takes place in southern Louisiana and her writing reflects her Creole-French descent. Chopin begins the story with a descriptive quote, "when she reached L'Abri she shuddered at the first sight of it, as she always did. It was a sad looking place...Big solemn oaks grew close to it and their thick leaved, far-reaching branches shadowed it like a pall" (185). The preceding quote gives the reader an eerie feeling and foreshadows an unpleasant ending to the story. Throughout "Desiree's Baby," Kate Chopin uses symbolism to convey her themes of racial prejudice, unequal gender roles, and social hierarchy in a patriarchal society. During Chopin's lifetime, African Americans were considered inferior to whites and often worked as slaves for the wealthy, white families in the south. Early in the story the narrator describes the scenery of the plantation, L'Abri, and says, "young Aubigny's rule was a strict one, too, and under it his negroes had forgotten how to be gay, as they had been during the old master's easy-going and indulgent lifetime" (185). This shows Aubigny's egotism and apathy toward his slaves. His treatment of the slaves as possessions rather than human beings reveals that Aubigny has no consideration when dealing with blacks. Chopin allows the audience to see Aubigny's sudden change in character once he falls in love with Desiree as a foreshadowing mechanism. Aubigny's fickleness is shown later in the story after he notices the uncanny resemblance between his child and the slave boys. Aubigny refuses to believe that he comes from African descent and instead forces ... ...eral important issues in her short story, including the nature of racism, social castes, and the fulfillment of a woman's identity. Chopin portrays Desiree as a woman whose self-worth is controlled by her husband. Kate Chopin is now recognized for her initial examination of sexuality, individual freedom, and exploration of the consequences of actions. Chopin successfully shows the themes of racism, gender prejudice, and social castes by using elements such as symbolism in the short story "Desiree's Baby." Chopin incorporates irony into her story in order to magnify important issues such as discrimination and the rise of feminism in a patriarchal society. Work Cited Chopin, Kate. "Desiree's Baby." Literature and the Writing Process. 7th ed. Eds. Elizabeth McMahan, Susan X Day, and Robert Funk. Upper Saddle River: Prentice, 2002. 184-188.

Managing The Human Resources Essay

INTRODUCTION: This assignment is based on a case study titled ‘Hot Work at the Aluminium Smelter in Lynmouth’, and it examines the current HRM principles being used within the organisation. The HR values that are being investigated are HRM or people management values, team effectiveness and the effect of motivation, communication and the culture in the organisation, and leadership qualities. The overall aim of this assignment is to provide appropriate business solutions that help in improving the effectiveness of the organisation, from the perspective of a HR consultant. HRM & PEOPLE MANAGEMENT VALUES: Armstrong (2000) argues that personnel practioners are often confused when asked about the difference between HRM and personnel management. According to Storey (1995) HRM is said to be fundamentally unitarist. This makes the management at Lynmouth more HR than personnel, as although the union’s membership levels were low and their influence was weak, they were recognised by management in respect of white-collar staff. Also teamworking was introduced with the cooperation of the plant’s trade union, and they were asked to recommend the number of posts required for the new line that was to open in 2000. This shows that the management did consider the unions before reaching a decision. The climate of employee relations could be characterized as suspicious and mistrustful, indicating to a model of personnel management (Sisson 1994). In HRM, rules, procedures and contracts are an obstruction to effective performances and there is an emphasis on strategy and devolved responsibility to line management (Storey 1996). At Lynemouth, there were rules and guidelines set for the team leaders and employee’s worked according to shifts, and pay was not performance related. Read more:  Personnel vs Human Resources Although these values point towards personnel management (Sisson 1994), Lynemouth also inculcates HRM values. Despite each plant having specialist staff that kept the plant within its operating limits, team leaders worked as line managers (Storey 1996) and were responsible for the coordination and scheduling of work. Also there are few job categories and teamwork is preferred to division of labour (Storey 1995). There is a great deal of task flexibility (Sisson 1994) in the teams, and in 2000 they were given greater autonomy. Boxall & Purcell (2003) states that HRM can be interpreted as having a ‘soft’ developmental humanist approach or a ‘hard’ situational contingent approach. The soft version emphasizes a people-centred approach to HRM, whereas the hard version emphasizes a resource-based approach (Thornhill & Saunders 1998). Although the organisation appears to be soft with the implementation of teams, they can be viewed as being hard economically, as the organisation aims were resource focused, there appeared to be low trust between employees, and there was also functional flexibility within the teams (Kane et al. 1999). Responsibility for hiring new staff, and for assessing applications for internal transfers, were devolved to shop-floor workers, thus making them more flexible. A hard approach is often seen as an essential part of cost-minimization strategy (Kane et al. 1999), which appears to be the situation at Lynemouth. TEAM EFFECTIVENSS & THE EFFECT OF MOTIVATION: A team is a work group or a unit with a common purpose through which members develop mutual relationships for the achievement of goals/tasks (Harris & Harris 1996). Vyakarnam et al (1999) states that a number of studies have confirmed that successful ventures are often established by teams rather than a single person, and the core competence of a successful team is to build and manage relationships around a common vision. The management team at Lynemouth haven’t clearly described the team goals or each individual’s specific task. It is essential that the first step in creating a team is to define the goal or goals that create the direction for the new group (Twomey & Kleiner 1996; Arroba 1996). Harris & Harris (1996) explain that teams are successful and effective when they overcome difficulties, achieved through interdependence. Teams also promote a sense of confidence and direction among the team members and helps becoming more flexible in nature (Arroba 1996). Among shop-floor workers at Lynemouth with regard to satisfaction and commitment, there was a greater sense of autonomy and participation. With regard to work organisation, there was an increase in multi-skilling, and there were clear examples of improved flexibility. For example, team members would work a crane as required, rather than waiting for a dedicated crane driver. The major difference between successful teamwork and unsuccessful teamwork is largely based upon team members sharing common goals and working together to achieve them (Tarricone & Luca 2002). They also state that ineffective communication, lack of resources and lack of trust are the key attributes that hinder the effectiveness of a team. At Lynemouth, the workers were clear that the divide between manager and worker was as sharp as ever and that the enforcement of discipline was not part of the team’s duties. There appeared to be low trust between them, and also communication with regard to specific tasks seems to be lacking. It is also advisable to establish a sense of urgency so that the teams don’t get complacent (Twomey & Kleiner 1996). Ritchie & Martin (2001) states that money and tangible rewards, the physical conditions and the structure are the three key factors motivating people in a working environment. Although teamwork was favourable from a shop-floor point of view, middle managers and technical staff had reservations about teamwork, feeling undervalued and lacking determination. Macaulay & Cook (2001) states that rewards and recognition processes help to focus attention on priorities, thus motivating individuals. Group leaders felt that the work they were being given was not sufficiently demanding, and technical staff felt that that their job territory was under threat. There seems to be a need for rules and guidelines in the work place, for direction and certainty (Ritchie & Martin 2001). Thompson (2004) concludes that people could be motivated further and made more effective if they were given appropriate encouragement and attention. COMMUNICATION & CULTURE: According to Connolly (1996) communication is a critical issue and everyone wants better communication within their team, between teams and across their organization. Employee communication should play a strategic role in an organization to work effectively (Barrett 2002). In the early 1990’s there was a wide perception at Lynemouth that communication was poor, and the climate of employee relations could be characterized as suspicious and mistrustful. Barrett (2002) also emphasizes that without effective employee communication, change is impossible, and in 1997 with Lynemoth’s future in doubt, the management realized the importance of communication and set about to win employee consent by reforming the communication system. With regard to this, teamwork was introduced with the cooperation of the plant’s trade unions, which encouraged further development in employee relations. However, with the success of teamwork, white-collar staff felt undervalued. Peng & Litteljohn (2001) asserts that structural arrangements may facilitate communication on the one hand, and create barriers for communication on the other. Group leaders felt that their status and authority were being eroded, and technical staff felt that their job territory was under threat, and changes were made without consulting the people involved, and there was a feeling that the appraisal system was not adequate, as the management did not seem to listen. Connolly (1996) states that to enhance communication, both the employer and the employee should realize the importance of effective communication. The author concludes by saying that perhaps the most effective ways of improving communication are also the simplest – taking the time to really notice the employees, listening to how they speak and more importantly to what they say. The management could create a system where employees are rewarded for their good work, as Storey (1995) states that the way in which employees are rewarded is central to the regulation of employment relationship. Handy (1986) states that every organization is different, and each organization has a different culture – sets of values and norms and beliefs. In 1990, many workers had been with the plant since it opened, and labour turnover was low. Majority of the workers were male, with few women being employed in clerical posts. There is a close and sometimes unclear relationship between organisational culture and it’s climate (Wallace, J et al. 1999). Although the climate of employee relations could be characterised as suspicious and mistrustful at Lynemouth, work organisation was considered to be fairly conventional. Handy (1986) argues that if organizations are to survive and meaningful jobs are to be created for all those who want to work, then both organizations and individuals will have to change the way they perceive jobs and careers. He also states that fewer, better-motivated people could create much more added value than large groups of unthinking, demotivated individuals. Lynemouth, with the introduction of teamworking could be seen as incorporating these values. However, the management at Lynemouth should create meaningful jobs for all employees. The structure of Lynemouth’s employees could be characterized under senior managers, middle managers and workers. Handy (1986) argues that organizations are not owned by anyone, but are a community of people who could be called citizens of the community rather than employees. Ogbor (2001) asserts that organisational culture should discourage dysfunctional work behaviours, and commit members of the organization to do things for and with one another that are in the best interests of the organization. LEADERSHIP QUALITIES: The American general, Dwight Eisenhower, once said that the essence of leadership is to make people do what you want them to with as much will, determination and enthusiasm as if they had decided for themselves (Popper & Zakkai 1994). Cacioppe (1997) suggests that recent reviews of the research and theories on leadership have consolidated the key areas of leadership into personality, transactional and transformational forms of leadership. He also states that honesty, inspiration, competent, fair-mindedness and supportiveness are the characteristics that people most admire in leaders, where as Tait (1996) suggests that vision, interpersonal skills, character and drive are the four attributes considered to be necessary personality traits for business leadership. Transactional leadership is based on the interplay between the leader’s guidance or direction and socio-emotional support, and the readiness or developmental level that followers exhibit on a particular task, function, or objective (Avery and Ryan 2002). The third major approach is the Transformational leadership which communicates a vision that inspires and motivates people to achieve something extraordinary (Cacioppe 1997). Transactional leadership remains highly popular among practitioners and it could be applied at Lynemouth. It appeals to managers because of its intuitive simplicity, ease of use, and perceived relevance to managerial roles (Avery and Ryan 2002). In 2000, with the end of direct supervision, management appointed team leaders from existing team members, following a formal application procedure. Team leaders were made responsible for team briefing and the coordination and scheduling of work, and they did receive an additional weekly allowance of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½100. The management at Lynemouth could also try to incorporate the transformational leadership values by providing every individual and team with a vision and also motivating them, thus improving leadership effectiveness at the team levels (Cacioppe 1996). Silverthorne (2000) believes that the readiness and willingness of subordinates to perform tasks are the important aspects that contribute to a leader’s effectiveness. CONCLUSION: This assignment investigated the current HRM principles being used within the organisation. A few key points in improving the effectiveness of an organisation are effective teams, effective communication between the teams and good leadership skills. Lynemouth could improve the effectiveness of their organisation by motivating each individual, improving the communication between the employers and the management, and also by providing individual, team and organisational goals for the leaders to follow. REFERENCE: Armstrong, M 2000, ‘The name has changed but has the game remained the same?’, Journal of Employee Relations, vol. 22, no. 6, pp. 576-593. Arroba, T 1996, ‘Why are common objectives so uncommon in top management teams?’, Journal of Team Performance Management, vol. 2, no. 1, pp 17-21. Avery, G.C & Ryan, J 2002, ‘Applying situational leadership in Australia’, The Journal of Management Development, vol. 21, no. 4, pp 242-262. Barrett, D.J 2002, ‘Change communication: using strategic employee communication to facilitate major change’, Corporate Communications: An International Journal, vol. 7, no. 4, pp 219-234. Boxall, P & Purcell, J 2003, Strategy and Human Resource Management, Palgrave, New York. Cacioppe, R 1997, ‘Leadership moment by moment!’, Leadership and Organization Development Journal, vol. 18, no. 7, pp 335-345. Connolly, C 1996, ‘Communication: getting to the heart of the matter’, Journal of Management Development Review, vol. 9, no. 7, pp 37-40. Handy, C.B 1976, Understanding Organisations, Penguin Group, London. Harris, P.R & Harris, K.G 1996, ‘Managing effectively through teams’, Journal of Team Performance Management, vol. 2, no. 3, pp 23-36. Kane, B et al. 1999, ‘Barriers to effective HRM’, International Journal of Manpower, vol. 20, no. 8, pp 494-516. Macaulay, S & Cook, S 2001, ‘Rewarding Service Success’, Journal of Team Performance Management, vol. 5, no. 1, pp 4-8. Ogbor, J.O 2001, ‘Critical theory and the hegemony of corporate culture’, Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 14, no. 6, pp 590-638. Peng, W & Litteljohn, D 2001, ‘Organisational communication and strategy implementation – a primary inquiry’, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 13, no. 7, pp 360-363. Popper, M & Zakkai, E 1994, ‘Transactional, Charismatic and Transformational Leadership: Conditions Conducive to their Predominance’, Leadership and Organization Development Journal, vol. 15, no. 6, pp 3-7. Silverthorne, C 2000, ‘Situational leadership theory in Taiwan: a different culture perspective’, Leadership and Organization Development Journal, vol. 21, no. 2, pp 68-74. Sisson, K 1994, Personnel Management – A comprehensive guide to Theory and Practice in Britain, 2nd edn, Blackwell, Oxford. Storey, J 1995, Human Resource Management – A critical text, Thomson, London. Storey, J 1995, ‘Is HRM catching on?’, International Journal of Manpower, vol. 16, no. 4, pp 3-10. Storey, J 1996, Blackwell cases in Human Resource and Change Management, Blackwell, Oxford. Tait, R 1996, ‘The attributes of leadership’, Leadership and Organization Development Journal, vol 17, no. 1, pp27-31. Tarricone, P & Luca, J 2002, ‘Employees, teamwork and social interdependence – a formula for successful business?’, Journal of Team Performance Management, vol. 8, no. 3, pp 54-59. Thompson, J. L 2004, ‘Innovation through people’, Journal of Management Decision, vol. 42, no. 9, pp 1082-1094. Thornhill, A & Saunders, M.N.K 1998, ‘What if line managers don’t realize they’re responsible for HR?’, Personnel Review Journal, vol. 12, no. 6, pp 460-476. Twomey, K & Kleiner, B.H 1996, ‘Teamwork: The essence of the successful organisation’, vol. 2, no. 1, pp 6-8. Vyakarnam, S et al. 1999, ‘Exploring the formation of entrepreneurial teams: the key to rapid growth business?’, Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 6, no. 2, pp 153-165. Wallace, J 1999, ‘The relationship between organisational culture, organisational climate and managerial values’, International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 12, no. 7, pp 548-564.

How Smoking Affects Your Body

How Smoking Affects Your Body There's hardly a part of the human body that's not affected by the chemicals in the cigarettes you smoke. Let's take a tour of your body to look at how smoking affects it. Starting at the Top As a smoker, you're at risk for cancer of the mouth. Tobacco smoke can also cause gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. The teeth become unsightly and yellow. Smokers may experience frequent headaches. And lack of oxygen and narrowed blood vessels to the brain can lead to strokes. Lungs and Bronchi Moving down to your chest, smoke passes through the bronchi, or breathing tubes. Hydrogen cyanide and other chemicals in the smoke attack the lining of the bronchi, inflaming them and causing that chronic smoker's cough. Because the bronchi are weakened, you're more likely to get bronchial infections. Mucus secretion in your lungs is impaired, also leading to chronic coughing. Smokers are 10 times as likely to get lung cancer and emphysema as nonsmokers. Smoking and the Heart The effects of smoking on your heart are devastating. Nicotine raises blood pressure and makes the blood clot more easily. Carbon monoxide robs the blood of oxygen and leads to the development of cholesterol deposits on the artery walls. All of these effects add up to an increased risk of heart attack. In addition, the poor circulation resulting from cholesterol deposits can cause strokes, loss of circulation in fingers and toes and impotence. Smoking and the Body's Organs The digestive system is also affected. The tars in smoke can trigger cancer of the esophagus and throat. Smoking causes increased stomach acid secretion, leading to heartburn and ulcers. Smokers have higher rates of deadly pancreatic cancer. Many of the carcinogens from cigarettes are excreted in the urine where their presence can cause bladder cancer, which is often fatal. High blood pressure from smoking can damage the kidneys. The Results The health effects of smoking have results we can measure. Forty percent of men who are heavy smokers will die before they reach retirement age, as compared to only 18 percent of nonsmokers. Women who smoke face an increased risk of cervical cancer, and pregnant women who smoke take a chance with the health of their unborn babies. But the good news is that when you quit smoking your body begins to repair itself. Ten years after you quit, your body has repaired most of the damage smoking caused. Those who wait until cancer or emphysema has set in aren't so lucky—these conditions are usually fatal. It's one more reason to take the big step and quit now.