Cja 224 Week 1

CJA/224 Monday April 15, 2013 The American Criminal Court Systems The American criminal court systems are made up of Federal and State courts. The State court deals mainly with civil, traffic, and family issues. The Federal court handles more serious violations which include federal and government violations and issues between actual states. If the case is either federal or state trial courts determine guilt and convictions. Our court systems are very complex, but recently Community courts have been added and that is used for less offense, and mostly used for mediation.The Federal court consists are military courts, international courts and trading, and also includes ninety four district courts. The district courts are used for trials and convictions. The Federal court systems also deal with all tax situations. The Federal courts have twelve circuits in the appellate courts. The appellate courts are used for appealing cases that were once heard in trial. If you want to appeal your co nviction, the appellate court is where you should have your case heard. The Supreme Court is the highest possible court.It has nine justices with one chief justice. The Supreme Court only hears about two hundred cases a year, so it is very rare for the justices to accept to hear your case if you chose to try and appeal within the Supreme Court. The dual court system explains that both the Federal and State courts work separately under one judicial government. As I had stated above, the Federal court deals with national law and the State courts deal with state and civil. They both rarely work together, both courts work under one government but work almost completely separate from one another.The constitution of the United States is based off Federal laws which do apply to the country as a whole, which includes all the states. Federal laws are universal all over the country, as the state laws vary from state to state. Each state has the opportunity to create its own laws for that stat e, which is why you notice laws are different in one state to another. Our nation follows either common or civil law. Common law was first established in England in the Middle Ages, as civil law first was established in continental Europe around the same time and was also applied o Spain and Portugal. Common law isn’t based on statues as civil law is which can be confusing for most. Civil law is codified, which has shaped our court systems. This allows appropriate punishment for each offense brought to the court room. The Judge has a role to bring all the evidence out in a civil law system and the applicable code is applied to each case. This has shaped our court systems because the American court systems is strongly common law based which was brought from England in the Middle Ages.Civil law is practiced in America, just in a small amount, mostly in state courts. Louisiana is a great example of the civil law system. Louisiana has a strong French and Spanish influence, and th e civil system did once start in England and Spain. The Criminal justice system serves three main purposes in the United States. The three main purposes are to investigate, to prosecute, and to punish crimes. The most basic role in the criminal justice system is to investigate crimes and allegations.If the law enforcement feels as if the investigation is complete and needs further investigation the cases are sent to the correct attorneys. Prosecuting offenders is another purpose in the criminal justice system. If the alleged crime violated is deserving of prosecution then the cases is taken to court (state court) and is handled by the prosecuting attorney. The criminal justice systems doesn’t only investigate and prosecute, it also punishes offenders for their crimes. There are many different types of punishment which include fines, probation and jail time.Not only does the criminal justices system punish but it also has programs for prisoners to take once they are released f rom jail or taken off probation to help them from repeating the crime they were already punished for in the beginning. This is what the criminal justice systems call rehabilitation programs. References: 1. Walker, Samuel (1992). â€Å"Origins of the Contemporary Criminal Justice Paradigm: The American Bar Foundation Survey, 1953-1969†. Justice Quarterly  9  (1). 2. Neocleous, Mark (2004). Fabricating Social Order: A Critical History of Police Power. London: Pluto Press. pp. 93–94. ISBN

American Samoa

I’m from American Samoa Samuelu Tofiga PSY 202 Renee Bostick 2/25/2013 Outline Introduction Thesis: Here are my five characteristics that I want to share with you, I’m from American Samoa, one of the territories of the United States of America, I’m a proud Samoan, Family, and Culture and Tradition. I. American Samoa a. Beautiful island to take a vacation on b. Many myths and folk tales from the past c. The social, political and family issues are mere windows at forming the many facets and drawings that connect the cultures of the world II.One of the territories of the United States of America d. American Samoa is served by one major airline today and two computer, or smaller, airlines e. There is television and newspaper in print f. Telephone (including cellular phone service) and Internet service available and used by almost everyone on the island III. I’m a proud Samoan g. I am a full Samoan and I let you know that being a Samoan or live in Samoa takes y ou in a different place and we always love visitors from outside or around the world who wants to visit the beautiful island of American Samoa h.Some Samoans leave our island and move in different places but suddenly they will come back where they originated from and where they belong to i. No matter where you go, no matter how far you go, you will always be back where you belong to IV. Family j. Children are taught when they are young to respect their older siblings k. The father is the patriarch of the family and next to him is the mother. From there it is the children from oldest to youngest l. Within the family, giving and receiving tautua (service), fa‘aaloalo (respect) and alofa (love) are crucial in Samoan social relationsV. Culture & Tradition m. The concept of fa‘asamoa is essential to Samoan identity, and consists of a number of values and traditions: aiga (family), tautala Samoa (Samoan language), gafa (genealogies), matai (chiefly system), lotu (church), and fa'alavelave (ceremonial and other family obligations) n. Hospitality to outside visitors is a natural part of the culture, though it is most important to observe and respect local Samoan traditions o. When visiting Samoa, your resort, hotel or lodging will be pleased to advise you of other local customsRunning Head: AMERICAN SAMOA I’m from the beautiful island of American Samoa Samuelu Tofiga Ashford University of Iowa Abstract American Samoa is what some people called the joyful place or the island of the paradise. Hi my name is Samuelu Tofiga I’m from the territory and the island of American Samoa; I welcome you to the story or some important facts of my beloved island to you folks all around the world. You almost can’t find my island on the globe or the map, but it’s a tiny rock where we live at and it’s in the Pacific Ocean and its closer to the equator.I want to take you to the interesting story of where I’m from and tell you we are hu man beings too. You will be able to enjoy my writing and explore the new information from my island. I’m from the beautiful island of American Samoa Don’t shrink your dreams, super-size your courage and abilities (â€Å"Salmonsohn). Welcome everyone to my island of American Samoa; if you want to explore one of the passion islands in the Pacific Ocean, you should visit American Samoa. In the past, my island was form from small tiny rocks, they break apart and become lands.Here are my five characteristics that I want to share with you, I’m from American Samoa, one of the territories of the United States of America, I’m a proud Samoan, Family, and Culture and Tradition. First of all, American Samoa is a beautiful place; an island to take a vacation on, if you want to go to someplace warm, you should visit American Samoa it’s closer to the equator. We have many myths and folk tales from our own ancestors in the past, up until now we usually maintain t hat fact from the past.It is very important for people all around the world that American Samoa is very helpful, people are very kind and I know many people from different countries are likely to live, stay and make their family here in American Samoa. American Samoa is a wonderful example of a culture and a people that, over the years have developed into a diverse structure; the traditional and the modern. Comparing and contrasting these two can include many elements, but the economy and religion are two that affect almost every area of both groups of these people.The social, political and family issues are mere windows at forming the many facets and drawings that connect the cultures of the world. Secondly, American Samoa is one of the territories of the United States of America. As an unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States and administered by the Office of Insular Affairs and the United States Department of the Interior Independence, the America Samoa milit ary activities take place within the United States. American Samoa is served by one major airline today and two computer, or smaller, airlines.There is television and newspaper in print. Surprisingly though, telephone (including cellular phone service) and Internet service available and used by almost everyone on the island. A proud Samoan should have knowledge and familiar with the Samoan Culture, the pride to be a Samoan, and understand and loves to communicate and work together with the people of Samoa. I am a full Samoan and I let you know that being a Samoan or live in Samoa takes you in a different place and we always love visitors from outside or around the world who wants to visit the beautiful island of American Samoa.Some Samoans leave our island and move in different places but suddenly they will come back where they originated from and where they belong to. No matter where you go, no matter how far you go, you will always be back where you belong to. Family is a key to t he Samoan people because it ties altogether with the culture and tradition. â€Å"Children are taught when they are young to respect their older siblings. At the same time their older siblings are being taught to respect their elders. There is always someone older than you to give respect to. The structure of a Samoan family follows a hierarchy. The father is the patriarch of the family and next to him is the mother. From there it is the children from oldest to youngest. This structure becomes very important as the children learn faaaloalo because the siblings are very much involved with each other’s learning. The central element in Samoan culture is the aiga (family). Within the family, giving and receiving tautua (service), fa‘aaloalo (respect) and alofa (love) are crucial in Samoan social relations.Young people are expected to serve and show respect to elders, and can expect to receive love, protection, honor, a name to be proud of, and defense by the family when it is needed. The Samoan Culture and Tradition is very important. The concept of fa‘asamoa is essential to Samoan identity, and consists of a number of values and traditions: aiga (family), tautala Samoa (Samoan language), gafa (genealogies), matai (chiefly system), lotu (church), and fa'alavelave (ceremonial and other family obligations).There are also the associated values of alofa (love), tautua (service), fa‘aaloalo (respect), feagaiga (a covenant between sibilings and others) and usita‘i (discipline). Hospitality to outside visitors is a natural part of the culture, though it is most important to observe and respect local Samoan traditions. These include not giving money to children, removing footwear before entering a fale, never standing when a local elder is sitting, asking permission before taking photos in a village, avoiding skimpy attire, wearing a lavalava (sarong or cloth wrap) when visiting churches or villages.Nude or topless bathing is prohibited. Wh en visiting Samoa, your resort, hotel or lodging will be pleased to advise you of other local customs. As of now, you understand and really enjoy the short story from where I am from, and if you really wanted to visit or you want it a proof come and visit my island and you will definitely wanted to go back where you came from. You will enjoy your staying and wanted to live in American Samoa forever.Likewise I wanted to inform you again my five characteristics; American Samoa is where I am from, one of the territories of the United States of America, proud Samoan, family, culture and tradition. References Salmonsohn, K. (n. d. ). Cute & Inspirational Sayings. In notsalmon. com. Retrieved February 8, 2013 (2001). In http://amsamoa. net/. Retrieved February 10, 2013 The Family Faaaloalo (2005). In www. saolelei. com. Retrieved February 10, 2013 Samoan Culture (1998). In www. teara. govt. Retrieved February 10, 2013 Samoa – its culture and traditions (2013). In www. samoaholidays . co. uk. Retrieved February 10, 2013

Malaysian Legal System

TUTORIAL CHAPTER : MALAYSIAN LEGAL SYSTEM. Q1) The Federal Court is the highest court in Malaysia. The Federal Court may hear appeals of civil decisions of the Court of Appeal where the Federal Court grants leave to do so. The Federal Court also hears criminal appeals from the Court of Appeal, but only in respect of matters heard by the High Court in its original jurisdiction i. e. where the case has not been appealed from the Subordinate Courts. The Court of Appeal generally hears all civil appeals against decisions of the High Courts except where against judgment or orders made by consent.In cases where the claim is less than RM250,000, the judgment or order relates to costs only, and the appeal is against a decision of a judge in chambers on an interpleaded summons on undisputed facts, the leave of the Court of Appeal must first be obtained. The Court of Appeal also hears appeals of criminal decisions of the High Court. It is the court of final jurisdiction for cases which began i n any subordinate courts. Somewhat like the former Quarter Sessions in England, the Sessions Courts have jurisdiction to try offences which are not punishable by death.They are presided over by Sessions Court judges (formerly Sessions Court Presidents). The Sessions Courts also hear all civil matters of which the claim exceeds RM25,000 but does not exceed RM250,000, except in matters relating to motor vehicle accidents, landlord and tenant and distress, where the Sessions Courts have unlimited jurisdiction. The doctrine of Judicial Precedent works in two ways, vertically and horizontally. Doctrine of judicial precedents works in vertically with the superior courts bind all courts subordinate to it.In horizontally, it works with the courts that usually an appellate court is bound by its own previous decision. First,vertical doctrine shows the Superior Courts which include Federal Court, Court of Appeal and High Court. It also contains the subordinate courts which are Sessions Court, Magistrates’ Court, Juvenile Court and Penghulu’s Court. Horizontal doctrine shows the flow from High Court which is Federal Court to the lower court that is Penghulu’s Court. It is bound by its own previous decision, of its predecessors and coordinate jurisdiction.Second, judicial Decisions can be found in the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Federal Court and the then Supreme Council, Federal Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privacy Council. Decisions of these courts are still being made, systematically by the use of what is called the ‘doctrine of binding judicial precedent’. Judges do not decide cases randomly. They follow certain accepted principles commonly known as precedents. Precedents are basically decision made by judges previously in similar situations.For example The Federal Court (Superior Court in Malaysia) have decided that a minor or those who below 18 years of age, is not liable under a contract. If a minor is sued in Hig h Court for not fulfilling his obligation in a contract, the High Court will follow previous decisions made by the Federal Court. If a judge applies existing rules without extending it, his decision may be called a declaratory precedent; whereas if the case before him is without precedent, then the decisions made by him are called an original precedent.Because of the way the judging is done, judges are constantly contributing to the growth of unwritten law in this country. Q2) Written law refers to the laws contained in the Federal and State Constitutions and in a code or a statute. The written laws are much influenced by English laws as the Malaysian legal system retains many characteristics of the English legal system.. The â€Å"Written law† includes the Federal and State Constitution, Legislation and Subsidiary Legislation. Malaysia is a federation of 13 states with a Federal Constitution and 13 State Constitution.The Federation Constitution is the supreme law of the coun try. The Federal Constitution also provides for the â€Å"Yang di-Pertuan Agong† who owes his position to the Constitution and act accordance with it. The Constitution can only be changed by a two-thirds majority of the total number of members of the legislature. The Federal Constitution comprises many Articles concerning the religion of the federation and many other related subjects. Besides the Federal Constitution, there is a state constitution where each state has their own constitution regulating the government of that state.Legislations refers to the laws that are established by the Parliaments at federal level and by the State Legislative Assemblies at the state level. The Parliament and State Legislatures are not supreme and so they have to enact laws subject to the provisions set out in the Federal and State Constitution. In the Federal Constitution, Article 74, it states that parliament may make law with referring to matters provided in the List I of the Ninth Sched ule while the state legislatives may make law with referring to matter provided in List II.As for matters on List III which is the Concurrent list, are in the authority of both parliament and state legislatives. Matters that are not in the lists are within the authority of the States. Subsidiary Legislations are made by the people or bodies who are authorized by the legislatures. The Interpretation Act 1967 defines subsidiary legislation as rules, regulations, by laws, order, notifications made under legislations. The Legislatures provide basic law, so subsidiary legislation is very important is unsufficient to govern day-to-day matters. That is why the authority is delegated to delegate their legislative powers.In Article 150 of Federal Constitution, Parliament can pass the power to legislate any subsidiary legislation during emergency, even if there are any contradictions with the Federal Constitutions involved. The people or bodies who are authorized by the legislatures are the Y ang di-Pertuan Agong who is the nominal head of the executive and the Prime Minister and cabinet is the real executive. The Cabinet is answerable to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the nominal head of the executive in the country. However, according to the democratic ruling system, the Chief Executive is the Prime Minister.This does not mean that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is unable to voice any opinion, but rather that he must act on government advice, whatever his personal view might be. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints a Cabinet to advise him on country's matter. The Cabinet consists of the Prime Minister and a number of Ministers who must all be members of Parliament. Besides that, the Government has set up various agencies to ensure the smooth enforcement of the law. It comprised of three main components, namely ministries, departments and statutory bodies.Lastly, Islamic law is also a major source of Malaysian law which is enacted under the Federal Constitution. It is only appli cable to Muslims and is administered by a separate court system, the Syariah Courts. The State legislature has authority over the constitution, organization and procedure of the Syariah Courts and is also allowed to make Islamic laws pertaining to persons professing the religion of Islam. Q3) The Unwritten law does not mean that the law is literally unwritten. It refers to the laws which are not enacted by the Legislature and which are ot found in the Federal and State constitutions. This category of law comes from cases decided by the Courts and the local customs, which is otherwise known as common law. The unwritten law mainly comprised of the English law, judicial decisions and custom law. The English Law can be divided into two which are the English Commercial Law and English Land Law. In section 5(1) of the Civil Law Act 1956 provides that The English Commercial Law is applicable in Peninsular Malaysia except Penang and Malacca as it stood on 7 April 1956 in the absence of loca l legislation.On the other hand, Section 5(2) of the same act, applies in Penang, Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak as the law administered in these states will be the same as law administered in England, in the like case at corresponding period. As for the English Land Law, none of the English Land Law concerning the tenure, conveyance, assurance of or succession to any immovable property or any estate, right or interest therein applies in Malaysia. In Malaysia, National Land Code is the law that governs the land matters.There is no any allowance for English land law, except in so far the National Land Code might expressly provide. Approaching the judicial decision, judges do not decide arbitrarily. Instead, they are bound to follow certain accepted principles known as precedents. Precedents are defined as ‘a judgment or decision of a court of law cited as an authority for the legal principle embodied in its decision†. The system of binding judicial precedent is called stare d ecisis. It is created by the English judges and introduced into Malaysia upon colonization.The Malaysian Court system is similar and in fact, influenced by the English Court system which is divided into the Superior and Subordinate Courts. Under the Subordinate Courts, the Penghulu Court is the lowest level and the state government will appoint a headman to preside the court for the specific district. Relating Sabah and Sarawak, both are equally related to the Native Courts that relates to the indigenous people's customs. A level above is the Magistrate's Courts which deals with minor criminal and civil cases and at the highest level are the Sessions Courts.However, the Superior Courts are made up of the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court (which is the highest court in the land). Customs are another important source of unwritten law. Every race has its own customs. Hindu and Chinese customary law applied to the Hindus and Chinese respectively. Besides that, natives in Sab ah and Sarawak have their own customary law which relates to the land and family matters. In Malaysia, there are two types of Adat which is the Adat Perpateh and Adat Temenggung.Adat Perpateh is practiced among the Malays in Negeri Sembilan and Nanning in Malacca. It uses the matrilineal system which belongs to mother's lineage, meaning to say it involves the inheritance of property, names or titles from mother to daughters. It also concerns with matters such as land tenure, lineage, inheritance and election of members of lembaga and Yang di-Pertuan Besar. As for Adat Temenggung, it is practiced in other states and it uses the patrilineal system which belongs to father's lineage.

Social Media called PATH Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Social Media called PATH - Assignment Example The decision to have limited contacts was based on psychological research findings that prescribe that people have a limit for workable social connections. In addition, there are limitations imposed together with the provision for users to personalize how they share each post to facilitate greater personal information sharing by ensuring it is confidential to the user’s social inner circle contacts. Operant conditioning theory comes in use in that the users’ minds have to adjust to maintain the ideal ethics while socializing; any failure to follow the social ethics risks the account termination. With too many social networks in the market, Path faces a great challenge upfront. Nowadays market favor only rigorous business minded entrepreneurs (Quester et al. p. 35). Many people are already contented with the social network they use so economic model of information search is handy. However, path has come up with a prudent tactic to lure more users using expectancy value theory. They intensify on the issue of having not to keep on managing friend list as with Facebook, so they ask you to join for a world of easy connection with people close to you. Path as a social site is primarily designed for a few friends. It was launched back in 2010, and was the only social media likely to grant Facebook an overwhelming challenge. However, the reputation in the market has been deteriorating and they have to get back into the market and utilize variety of marketing theories and convince people to use their software. Being concerned about the consumer should be the first priority in marketing of the social site. The consumption theory dictates that the management team should be aware of the needs of the consumers prior to making decisions. Motivational theories puts it that the social site user must be attracted by a certain motivational factors as privacy of the information and free accessibility of the site, a concept path has failed to

Framing Theory Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Framing Theory - Research Paper Example The field of economics also widely applies the theory of framing. In general, framing can apply to any situation given that it involves the perception of a theory as portrayed by a given individual or group of individual (Laurah, 2012). The theory of framing has several sub-theories that clarify the variances present in its application. First of all, it has considerations in one of two ways. It is either considered as frames in thought or frames in communication. Its consideration as frames in thought consists of certain mental simplifications of reality, representations, and interpretations. On the other hand, when considered as frames in communication, framing consists of the communication frames between different actors. Another sub-theory of this concept is its view either as being negative or positive. In this view, the positivity or negativity depends more or less on the constituents of a given audience and the kind of information being passed to this audience (Judith, 2010). A further division of framing is it being viewed either as equivalence frames or emphasis frames. As equivalence frames, framing represents the logical equivalent alternatives that are portrayed in different ways. In this view, the information in the presentation is often based on the same fundamentals (Shanto, 1994). The frame, though, that is presented shifts with the result that a perception that is dependent on the reference is created. On the other hand, having emphasis frames simplify reality with a focus on a given subset of the aspect relevant to the prevailing situation. These theories and sub-theories have daily applications whereby the same basis of facts is often used to portray different perspectives of a given phenomenon. For example, one may be quoted and their information interpreted in very many different ways thus yielding different frames to different people. Beside the information being received by the audience, members of the audience also receive the

Essay on the biochemical assessment of a named disease

On the biochemical assessment of a named disease - Essay Example When the body uses these hormones, the thyroid creates more to replace them. The pituitary gland monitors the amount of the thyroid hormones in the bloodstream and adjusts the production of its own hormone accordingly. The pituitary gland also sends this information to the thyroid gland so the latter knows how much hormone it needs to produce (Endocrine Web, 2006a) Thyroid diseases occur when the thyroid gland produces more hormones, which prompts the body to consume more energy. This disorder is called hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid gland produces fewer hormones, the body is prompted to lessen its energy consumption. This condition is called hypothyroidism (American Academy of Otolaryngology, 2006) Thyroiditis, a disease which can either be painless or painful, can trigger the thyroid gland to produce more hormones, thus, causing hyperthyroidism to occur in short periods of time. The painless type usually happens to women who have just given birth. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism include severe irritability and nervousness, muscle tremors, unpredictable and infrequent menstrual periods in women, sudden weight loss, inability to sleep, enlarged thyroid, eye irritation, and sensitivity to heat. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are fatigue, heavy and frequent menstrual periods in women, severe forgetfulness, sudden weight gain, dry hair and skin, raspy voice, and sensitivity to cold (The Cleveland Clinic, 2006) Doctors perform various thyroid diagnostic tests to determine if the thyroid gland is functioning well. These tests include the T3 and T4 tests, the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test, and ultrasound of the thyroid gland. The TSH test is usually done first, as it is the best measure of how well the thyroid gland functions. When the blood levels of TSH is high, the thyroid glad is under active; and when it is low, the thyroid

Analyzing the play 'A Doll's House' by Henrik Ibsen from a critical Essay

Analyzing the play 'A Doll's House' by Henrik Ibsen from a critical psychoanalytical perspective - Essay Example In the story A Doll’s House, Henrik Isben skillfully uses figurative language, symbolism, and irony to create a literary movement through which the reader is able to identify with the plight of the oppressed female. Figurative language includes the use of devices such as similes, and metaphors. Figurative language becomes increasingly important in terms of the main conflict within the story. Helmer describes his wife by using the metaphor of â€Å"little squirrel† which implies that Nora moves frantically around completing task with no overall goal or intention (Isben, 1889). This implies that her actions are meaningless, and insofar as Nora’s actions are an extension of herself, she feels as if he is calling her existence meaningless. This is evident in the fact that Nora metaphorically refers to herself as a â€Å"doll-wife† (Isben, 1889). A doll implies that the object has no control over their own actions and is directed by the will of the person pulli ng the strings. This trend can be identified in modern society, evident in the fact that women produce 80 percent of the food on the planet, but receive less than 10 percent of agricultural assistance. In terms of the psychoanalytic approach, Nora’s desire to have a sense of self control forced her to disassociate herself from her husband and began to paint (Isben, 1889).

Stratigic management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Stratigic management - Essay Example The following analytical tools namely: SWOT analysis, PESTEL analysis as well as Porter’s Five Forces model analysis will be used in this case. The essay starts by outlining a brief historical background of the organisation in question for the sake of easier understanding then followed by an analysis of the above mentioned tools for scanning the environment in which the organisation operates. Environmental scanning plays a pivotal role in helping the marketing managers of an organisation to be in a better position to know the situation taking place on the ground for them to be able to gain a competitive advantage especially in view of the competition that may exist. Background Red Bull GmbH is widely acknowledged as the creator of the 'energy drink' category and has managed to maintain a close association with sports from the time it was launched in 1987. It is known for its sponsorship especially of extreme, alternative sports like white water kayaking, hand gliding, wind sur fing and snowboarding. Through the use of unconventional marketing strategies, Red Bull GmbH has come to be a force to reckon with in the energy drink market. SWOT analysis â€Å"A SWOT analysis is a useful instrument for helping managers to identify internal strengths and weaknesses of a business and external opportunities and threats facing it,† (Strydom J. p 31). Basically, SWOT stands for strengths (S), weaknesses (W) while on the other hand the external environmental factors are regarded as either opportunities (O) or threats (T). This analysis is very important to the managers as it allows them to focus on key strategic issues based on the notion that an effective strategy fully utilises the strengths and opportunities of a business and strives to minimise the weaknesses and threats. Potential internal strengths The major potential strengths for Red Bull include branding strategy. Red Bull was positioned as an energy drink that 'invigorated mind and body' and 'improved endurance levels' of the individual. The company’s slogan 'Red Bull gives you wiiings' also played a great role in reinforcing the positioning of the brand. This strategy played a very big strategic role in product development as well as strategic marketing. The branding strategy gave the company a major strength in that the product is completely different from the other energy drinks available in the market. This differentiation strategy has played a significant role in product development as well as marketing strategy as a result of the uniqueness of the product. The other major strength of the company in its product development and marketing strategy is that it uses unconventional marketing strategies. It targets the students and these are used to market the product. This is a major strength is the way the brand is positioned to the people whereby the aim is to attract consumers and appeal to their interests through its visibility. The packaging strategy has greatly enhanc ed the development of the product which is unique. Potential internal weaknesses The major notable potential weakness is that Red Bull did not rate very high with consumers on the taste dimension. It has been reported that the drink had a medicinal flavour though it smelt sweet. The taste was bitter and few people actually liked the taste of Red Bull. The company however did not focus on the aspect of taste in its promotions of the

Present, Review and Analize anOrganization Research Paper

Present, Review and Analize anOrganization - Research Paper Example GMC became a part of General Motors incorporated in 2009. GMC has incorporated strong operational and financial policies after a short period of losses and has reverted back to high profits in 2010 after a strong audit over its financial and accounting policies. 1) Identify the core functions of each department, their strengths and weaknesses, and make recommendations for improvement, as appropriate. GMC is world’s largest automobile manufacturing company based in the US. It provides employment opportunity to more than 200,00 people. They manufacture cars and trucks under many brand names. Marketing is an important activity for all firms. Regarding the marketing department of GMC, they have their presence all over the world. Besides, they are one of the leading brands in automobile industry and this is an opportunity for them. They have goodwill and reputation among customers. Though the competition in this field is stiff, they are in a position to tap their good will and repu tation to exploit the opportunity and can convert to sales. They also have some threats because they are facing a severe competition from Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota etc. As a marketing strategy they are still using celebrity. However, it appears that using social advertisements media and internet marketing will be helpful to cover a wider segment of audience. Their Sales Department focuses on expanding their sales and wants to maintain existing volume. GMC has registered good sales figures at this time and this is a good opportunity for them to expand the market. Globalization and the subsequent economic in many countries have boosted vehicle market all over the world and GMC has potential to cash in on this opportunity. â€Å"General Motors dealers in the United States reported 214,915 total sales in July, an 8-percent gain compared to July 2010† (Sales & Production: GM U.S. Sales Increase 8 Percent in July on Cruze, Crossover Demand, 2011, para. 1). While considering the pr oduction department, they have plants in all major regions, which offers them the opportunity to capture the market easily and can reduce production cost. This is also strength for them because they will be able to easily remain in touch with customers. The accounts department of GMC controls all financial activities and for the last few years they were under the grip of financial difficulties. This had led to bankruptcy, which was a weakness for the department. However, but soon they recovered now their liquidity position in the present is good. It also needs to be appreciated that their debts have reduced considerably, which can be a major strength for future growth. 2) Identify and describe the underlying problem or conflict. During the year 2009, GMC has faced severe allegations of bankruptcy due to which they did not reveal their exact figures in the balance sheet. â€Å"The bankruptcy system is based on the theory that a debtor will make full disclosure of all assets and liab ilities so that the final disposition is in accordance with the requirements of the law† (Brown et al., 1999, p. 1). The management has tried to convince people that business is running on profit but in fact they have sustained heavy loss. Therefore, they concealed the statement of accounts and produced wrong information. The bank account of GMC was shrinking by $ 1 billion every year and this also showed that their financial

Argumentative Research Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Argumentative Research Report - Essay Example One of the strong arguments for legalization of drugs stems from the inadmissibility of the continuation of the current state of affairs, when hundreds of thousands of people are arrested every year and kept behind bars for possession of illegal substances for personal usage, and not for sale (Inciardi, 2005, p.133). At the same time, realistically looking at things we have to confess that even under such a harsh regime there has not occurred a significant reduction in drugs use, and there seems to be no perspective for such reduction at all, because for many people drugs offer a much valued ability to escape from the unpleasant aspects of our reality. Thus, the measures of prosecution and compulsory rehabilitation of drugs addicts substitutes one evil for another as they only add to the unhappiness of people who depend on drugs by intensifying in them an atmosphere of psychological tension that may actually contribute to the drug-oriented behavior and addiction (Zimmer and Morgan, 2 001, p. 36). Moreover, the illegal status of drugs is the single greatest boon for the criminal narco-mafia, which has become a proper symbol of evil to be fought with, and which is in fact interested in the prevention of legalization of drugs. Considering the above-mentioned, we may infer on sound grounds that the current state of affairs regarding policies towards drugs abuse are often based on superficial understanding of the essence of the phenomenon they are aimed against, so they often lead to ineffective and even damaging consequences. In fact, experiments with prohibition are definitely well known for the United States, one has just to recollect the 18th Amendment that in 1919 outlawed the production and sale of alcoholic drinks. Needless to remind that criminal activity surged, and health of now illegal drinkers was threatened by illegal alcohol of dubious quality (Haynes and Harding 2004, pp. 262-278). Besides, efforts

Case study 2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

2 - Case Study Example They fail to understand why the separation has happened and then end up having so much stress in themselves. Relationships however do not just work on the basis of inherent and goodness nature of the human beings (Cushman and Cahn 87). Another source of stress in relationships is the fact that there are frantic efforts to change the partners. Such things hardly happen because there are so many people that have backgrounds that have created them into the people that they are. Past experiences have made it possible for people to have specific characteristics. The anger and resent that follows these efforts are so critical that there so much stress that follows up (Romero 43). There are also some issues that happen in relationships and these may be a cause of a lot of stress if they are not handled well. One of them is the issue of blame game. There are people who are difficult to deal with and all the blame is always diverted to the other person. With the sense of guilt by virtue of no t having taken part in the issue that caused the concern, it becomes very hard for the ‘victim’ to take the blame. People are created differently. The issue of ‘kicking your seeing-eye dog’ supports the source of this stress. This issue is based on the principle that opposites attract (Fine and Harvey 22). One person may be a fanatic of sports for instance while the other, loathes sports. There is no clear cut point of focus as far sharing the hobbies is concerned. This culminates into not spending so much time together hence a stress of loneliness and misunderstanding. Some people handle relationships and stress differently. These are people who view stress as not being a big part of relationships but should be part of relationships. These people understand the fact that there are stresses that are acquired in the relationship and others are experienced outside the relationship. Therefore, combining these two is a suicidal issue that poisons the relationsh ip. Stresses that are obtained from the relationship should therefore be handled in the relationship amicably and the stresses experienced outside the relationship should also be handled outside (Rockwood 471). The situation as expressed by Mary is that of need for understanding in a situation where there are people with two different goals in the relationship and in life. She is so much into the other person Dewayne but he does not feel the same way. An analytical view of the case in which she confronts him after spotting him with another girl entering a restaurant is not proof enough to warrant a confrontation. Equally important is the fact that DeWayne lied to her that he was going for some study only to be seen with another girl. The fact that they had also discussed about later commitments in life makes the case even more complicated for Mary. She is suffering from the stresses of trusting him so much yet there are indications that she did not understand him to the required lev el, possibly due to lack of effective communication. Mary’s perceptions about the relationship were very valid and realistic going by the length of time they had been together. Two years allow individuals in a relationship to be able to understand each other and create a relationship that is bound to withstand the waves of time. DeWayne tends to adapt the characteristic of an individual considered to be difficult by social psychologists. This is the

Area of Study Journeys Essay Example for Free

Area of Study Journeys Essay In a Journey, a traveller can gain new perspectives of themselves and the world around them by taking on opportunities to learn. The novel ‘Raw’ by Scott Monk demonstrates these ideas by writing about a young boy named Brett, who hates authoritative figures such as the police. A change is perspective is shown in the late chapters when Brett is at the farm, meeting new friends and learning how lucky he is. What also changes Brett’s attitude to himself, other people that are the friends that he makes during the novel and a girl that he is willing to meet, even if he goes the prison. Brett’s punish for escaping from the Farm has change view of making decisions. Instead of judging and disliking a person, Brett has shown to change his views of other people on his journey. The Poem, ‘The road not taken’ by Robert Frost also exhibits the opportunity to gain new perspectives in the poem, through the use of an extended metaphor about the journey of life. This is shown in the poem when the persona apologises for not being able to take both sides of the road. Disappointment is shown when the persona gives a ‘sigh’. This shows how melancholic he is by giving a deep audible breath. A personal voice is used in the poem to create immediacy. In ‘Raw’, Brett’s journey to the Farm to meet new people and serve as a sentence instead of jail, has given him the opportunity to gain new perspective of himself and the world around him. Because of his journey, he decides to change how he feels about people such as his warden Sam and the police. The change made in the novel is that he chooses to call the police how they are called in instead of ‘pigs’. He has proven himself to be a selfless person when he saw his younger friend Frog, being tricked by a grown man. Immediately, he steps in to take Frog back to the Farm, even though he is up against an obstacle greater than himself. This noble act would not have happened at the beginning of the novel, because early in the chapter Brett feels that he is hated by everyone. His decision to prevent Frog from taking drugs is due to forming a close friendship with him and Brett’s guilt for allowing his friend to leave his sight. This is evident from the quote, ‘Give it back to him, Robbie’. Brett has also gain a new perspective of him after listening to Josh’s unfortunate story of his past. Josh’s story has made Brett thought of how promising his life can be because of the parents he has. He has learnt that the world has nothing against him and that he is only isolating himself from people who wish to know him. There is a lot of change in Brett, because at the beginning of the novel Brett is shown to be an extremely unpleasant person when speaking and looks at the police in a negative way. This is a contrast between Brett’s pre journey when he ran at the streets stealing a bott le store to his after journey, learning that only he can change his life. Brett’s Stream of consciousness can be seen by the readers a where he moves from his immature attitude to a wiser person when he listens to others and thinks about what he is doing. Brett and Josh have shown to have a friendlier approach to each other after Josh covered his fight with Smiling Joe. This demonstrates a change in Brett’s perspective because of Brett’s first run in with Josh, they immediately judged and dislike each other, treating one another like criminals. Whereas now they are able to understand each other. The reason for this is because of Brett appreciating Josh’s help. This is another contrast in Brett’s Journey, changing how he feels about others. We know how appreciative Brett is when he said ‘Thanks for that’ and ‘Sticking up for me’ After Brett’s escape from the Farm, not only is he punished but everyone else at the Farm is also punished for his actions. This is what makes Brett learn that there will always be consequences for his behaviour on the farm. Because of the punishment, Brett no longer tries to make an escape at Farm, after his first attempt. He also does not lie to the police when they ask him about stealing liquor from a man. This is because on his journey, meeting Caitlyn changes his decision of giving himself up and finish his sentence in jail instead of running away from the police to hide. A feeling of regret is made at the beginning of the poem for not being able to take both sides of the road. The persona in the end found that the path he took was a choice that he should not regret since not all opportunity can be taken and that it is very unlikely that he will ever comeback for the other path to discover what it is like. This is because after one road, he may encounter another and have to neglect the other. His wordchoice, ‘sorry’ conveys his feeling of regret. ‘The road not taken’ presents us the decision made in the journey of taking only one path of a diverged road because the persona may not be able to take the other path in future. The path he has taken is the one less travelled by and has changed his life. He has made an indication to us that the choice he decides is the more difficult one out of the two but the difference is that his one has been rewarding. This is said is the last two lines of the last stanza. There is a change in tense in the last lines, showing that he is happy with his decision. The past tense signifies that he want to look back at his decision later in life. A personal tone is used throughout the poem by having the persona speaking in first person. The composer allows the reader to observe what the personas knows or sees. This creates an immediate connection with the readers and persona. With this technique, we are drawn into his world, life and mind. We see what he tells us when he could not take both paths and later shows the he is satisfied with his choice. To sum up, A journey give the traveller a change in their attitude themselves other people. It is shown by composers with techniques to demonstrate the idea in the text such as the contrast of a person’s pre and after journey, when we track their inner thoughts through Stream of Consciousness. Our Wordchoice can expose how we feel in what we say and the use of first person allows us to connect with the persona.

Dabur PESTEL Analysis

Dabur PESTEL Analysis INTRODUCTION The Dabur company was established in 1884, a young doctor armed with a degree in medicine and a burning desire to serve mankind. This young man, Dr. S.K. Burman, laid the foundations of what is today known as Dabur India Limited. The brand name Dabur is derived from the words Da for Daktar or Doctor and bur from Burman. From those humble beginnings, the company has grown into Indias leading manufacturer of consumer healthcare, personal care and food products. Over its 125 years of existence, the Dabur brand has stood for goodness through a natural lifestyle. An umbrella name for a variety of products, ranging from hair care to honey, Dabur has consistently ranked among Indias top brands. Its brands are built on the foundation of trust that a Dabur offering will never cause anyone slightest of harm. The trust levels that this brand enjoys are phenomenally high. Dabur India Limited has marked its presence with significant achievements and today commands a market leadership status. There story of success is based on dedication to nature, corporate and process hygiene, dynamic leadership and commitment to their partners and stakeholders. The results of their policies and initiatives speak for them. The company has kept an eye on new generations of customers with a range of products that cater to a modern lifestyle, while managing not to alienate earlier generations of loyal customers. Dabur India Limited is the fourth largest FMCG Company in India and Dabur had a turnover ofapproximately US$ 750 Million (Rs. 3390.9 Crore FY 09-10) Market Capitalisation of over US$ 3.5 Billion (Rs 15500 Crore).Dabur Amla, Dabur Chyawanprash, Vatika, Hajmola and Real are the brands of Dabur. Dabur is an investor friendly brand as its financial performance shows. The companys growth rate rose from 10% to 40%. The expected growth rate for two years was two-fold. There is an abundance of information for its investors and prospective information including a daily update on the share price (something that very few Indian brands do). Theres a great sense of responsibility for investors funds on view. This is a direct extension of Daburs philosophy of taking care of its constituents and it adds to the sense of trust for the brand overall. The company, through Dabur Pharma Ltd. does toxicology tests and markets ayurvedic medicines in a scientific manner. They have researched new medicines which will find use in O.T. all over the country therein opening a new market. Dabur Foods, a subsidiary of Dabur India is expecting to grow at 25%. Its brands of juices, namely, Real and Active, together make it the market leader in the Fruit Juice Category. PESTEL ANALYSIS ON DABUR INDUSTRY (P)OLITICAL FACTORS: Government intervences : Government support the industry to expand to export its products to grow. Trading policies : Trading policies are also favourable for dabur company so it can export its products it also help him to expand to grow. (E)CONOMIC FACTORS: Consumer focus : they are continuously focussing on analysing the consumer needs develop products to fulfill there needs. This is the main reason for the growth of Dabur company. Living standard : Rise in the living standard of people have increased their production level, produce high quality variety of products. National income : National income is important factor as if affect the growth of the organisation. If per capita income is more the amount spend will be more if it will be lower the amount spent will be less. Inflation rate : Inflation means the rise in the value of all the product in the economy, if inflation rate is higher the cost of products will be higher if inflation rate is lower the cost of product will be lower. This directly affect the growth of the organization. (S)OCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS: Demographics : Demographics is the study of human population in the economy. It helps the organzation to divide the markets in different segments to target a large of customers. For Example- according to race, age, gender, family, religion, sex. Distribution of income : This shows that how income is distributed in the ecconomy. It directly affect the purchasing power of the buyers. And ultimately leads to increase or decrease in the consumption level of the products. Consumerism : This indicates that a large number of options are available while purchasing of goods to consumers, so the choice becomes easy quality products can be choose by consumers. So while purchasing a consumer have different choices to select product according to his needs. Education levels : Education is one of the most important factor which influence the buying power of consumer, while selecting a particular good a consumer should know all its features so it can differentiate them with another products. Law affect social behaviour : Different laws are made by the government to safe guard the rights of consumers. For example- Consumer protection act, this law indicates that a consumer can file a case against a seller if he finds that he is cheated. (T)ECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS: Discoveries innovation : Continuous innovation in products processes is the basis of there services. They provide consumers with innovative products within easy reach Build a platform to enable Dabur to become a global ayurvedic leader. Advancement in technology : Focus on growing there core brands across categories, reaching out to new geographies, within and outside India, and improve operational efficiencies by leveraging technology. Automation : Change in technology will leads to automation, this means that with new technology labour required is less as machines are automatic. All the works are done automatically by the machines as earlier it is labour oriented. Now all the work is machine oriented. Obselete rate : Day-by-day new inventions are made so the rate of obselete is higher, as in Computer LAPTOPS have replaced the PC. This shows that the technology becomes obselete very fast. Research development : This department plays a vital role in the development of the organization. As this department always do research that what are the demand of the markets how to make advancements so the organization can survive in the competitive world. (E)NVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Environment regulations : The preferred company to meet the health and personal grooming needs of there target consumers with safe, efficacious, natural solutions by synthesizing the deep knowledge of ayurveda and herbs with modern science. Environmental protection : Responsible company to protect Ecological system use Eco-friendly products. (L)EGAL FACTORS: Companies law : The company fulfill all the Company law requirement so as to grow develop to sustain in the compitative market. Employment law : Employment law provides equal opportunities to every citizen to work earn his livelihood. It provides equal opportunities to every citizen. Consumer protection : This law helps to protect the rights of consumers he can file a case against seller if he find that he is cheated. Industry-specific regulations : These laws are related to industry for example- no industry can establish in between cities i.e. it should be outside the cities.

Early Attempts on Gene Modification

Early Attempts on Gene Modification Gene Modification Using Virus as Vehicle In 1974, a geneticist studied the use of a virus as a vehicle for gene therapy by injecting a gene-modified SV40 virus into early mouse embryonic cells. There were two unexpected findings: (1) Even though the viral genes were present in the cells of the newborn mice, the delivery of the viral genes into sperm and eggs was extremely inefficient; and (2) The expression of the viral genes was completely shut down, resulting in an inert gene that did not make RNA or protein. After this setback, there were no major advances in gene therapy for a decade, until biologists discovered embryonic stem cells, or ES cells, in 1981. Gene Modification Using Embryonic Stem Cells A stem cell is a cell that can (1) give rise to other functional cell types, such as nerve cells or skin cells, through differentiation; and (2) renew itself i.e., divide to produce more stem cells. Most stem cells live in particular organs and tissues and can only produce special types of cells. Stems cells in the bone marrow, for example, can only produce blood cells. But embryonic stem cells, which live in the inner sheath of an organisms embryo, are pluripotent, i.e., they can give rise to every cell type in the organism. ES cells also possess some unusual characteristics: (1) they can be isolated from the embryo of an organism and grown in Petrie dishes in the lab; (2) they can be frozen in vials and thawed back to life; (3) the cells can be propagated in liquid broth for generations; and (4) genes can be inserted into their genome or excised from their genome with relative ease. Using stem cells, a scientist could incorporate a genetically-modified gene permanently into the genome of an animal to form transgenic animals. In early 1990s, hundreds of strains of transgenic mice had been created in laboratories around the world to decipher the functions of genes. With gene alterations, one mouse would grow in the dark under blue lamps; others would develop Alzheimers disease, epilepsy, or premature aging.   In 2014, researchers created a mouse carrying a mutation in a gene that control the communication between neurons in the brain. These mice have substantially increased memory and superior cognitive function. Much of the work on ES cells including transgenic modification of embryos had been done using mouse cells. Could this technique be used for humans? In the early 1990s, when human ES cells were derived from early human embryos, scientists found out that human ES cells did not behave in culture. You cant clone them. You cant use them for gene targetingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦They are very different from mouse ES cells, which can do everything. So the transgenic modification of human embryos was out of the question for a while. Gene Therapy Trial for ADA Deficiency Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency is caused by mutations in the ADA gene, depleting the T-cells, resulting in the collapse of the immune system. The only treatment is to the use of a medicine called PEG-ADA, which has to be injected into the blood every month. In 1990, a team of gene therapists, led by William Anderson and Michael Blaese, used variants of retroviral vectors to deliver the ADA gene into children with ADA deficiency. The plan was to put the virus into the T cells taken from the blood of ADA patients, and delivered the cells back into the blood of the patients. The T-cells might live just long enough to make the ADA protein and correct the deficiency. Although the T cells would fade from the blood, the procedure could be repeated. In September, 1990, with the approval of the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee, Anderson and Blaese performed the gene-therapy trial on two children with ADA deficiency. Did the gene-therapy experiment work? We do not know and perhaps we will never know, because both patients were allowed continued treatment with PEG-ADA. Any effect of the gene therapy was confounded by that medicine. Gene Therapy Trial for OTC Deficiency OTC deficiency is a hereditary disorder caused by the mutation in a single gene involved in metabolism. The mutation causes accumulations of ammonia in the blood, damaging blood vessels and cells, resulting in the slow poisoning of neurons in the brain. In 1993, two pediatricians in Pennsylvania, Mark Batshaw and James Wilson, experimented with gene therapy to cure children with OTC deficiencies. The form of therapy that Wilson and Batshaw had in mind was more radical than the protocol used by Anderson and Blaese for ADA deficiency. Batshaw and Wilson would create a virus carrying the OTC gene and deliver the virus into the liver through the bloodstream, leaving the virus to infect cells in situ. The virus-infected liver cells would produce the OTC enzyme, correcting the enzyme deficiency.    In the summer of 1993, Batshaw and Wilson injected the modified adenovirus into mice and monkeys. The mouse experiments worked as predicted, but the monkey experiments were more complicated: some monkeys had liver failure and one monkey died. Wilson and Batshaw changed the virus, and reduced the potential human dose to ensure the safety of the virus. In 1997, they received the approval of the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee to perform the trial on patients with mild variants of OTC. On the morning of September 13, 1999, Jesse Gelsinger, an eighteen-year-old patient with mild variants of OTC, received the viral injection. Jesse died on the fourth day after the gene delivery. Investigation into the OTC Trial A postmortem the OTC trial reveal a damming pattern of incompetence, blunders, and neglect, compounded by fundamental gaps in knowledge. An analysis of Jesses blood at autopsy found antibodies highly reactive to the virus dating back even before the viral injection. The hyperactive immune response, which was possibly triggered by a prior exposure to a common cold, had spiraled out of control for unknown reasons In January, 2000, when the FDA inspected twenty-eight other trials, nearly half of them required immediate remedial action. Justifiably alarmed, the FDA shut down nearly all the trials.

atomic bombing :: essays research papers

Nuclear war was brought about through the invention of the atomic bomb. The atomic bomb was first thought of in 1939. The Manhattan Project was devoted to researching and constructing the bomb (Serendipity: Manhattan Project para.1). Six years and 2 billion dollars later the Manhattan Project produced the first atomic bomb in history (Serendipity: Manhattan Project para.5). The bomb was tested in northern New Mexico on July 16th, 1945. The creators of the bomb watched the first detonation. One creator quoted from the Bhavad Gita saying, â€Å" I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.† The testing of the bomb in New Mexico was the first detonation, however it was not the last (Serendipity: Manhattan Project para.10). The atomic bomb was again set off in Hiroshima on August 4th, 1945. This time the bomb was used in warfare (Serendipity: Detonation para.1). Two aspects of these bombings were the injuries to the people caused by the bomb and the long-term effect the bombing ha d on the culture. There were three main kinds of injuries caused by the bombing: burns, mechanical, and radiation. The burns were due to the flash radiation of heat. The mechanical injuries were caused by debris in the air thrown by falling buildings, etc. the radiation injuries were from the gamma rays produced from the nuclear bomb itself (Avalon: Characteristics of Injuries para.1). Without exact numbers it is hard for experts to determine the actual death rate caused by each injury. Most would say that that majority of the deaths were caused by either radiation or mechanical injuries (Avalon: Characteristics of Injuries para.2). Two different kinds of burn were reported after the bomb, flame burn and flash burn (Avalon: Burns para.1). People that had any sort of protection or shielding around them were protected from flash burns (Avalon: Burns para.4). Japanese experts estimate that burns caused at least 50 percent of the deaths in Hiroshima. They say that most burn victims died instantly (Avalon: Burns para.5). The second form of injury due to the bomb was referred to as mechanical injuries. These injuries were cause by flying objects, falling buildings, crumbling walls, etc. People that were injured from these things experienced fractures, lacerations, concussions, abrasions, etc (Avalon: Burns para.1). The third and most talked about injury caused by the bombing were the radiation affects on the human body. Most people were expected to experience the affect of radiation seconds after the bombing.

Free Bluest Eye Essays - Learning to Hate :: Bluest Eye Essays

The Bluest Eye - Learning to Hate Many American's today are not satisfied with their physical appearance. They do not feel that they are as beautiful as the women on television or in magazines. The media is brainwashing American females that if they are not slim and have blonde hair and blue eyes, they are not beautiful. This causes women not only to hate the ideal females, but also hate themselves. In Toni Morrison's novel The Bluest Eye two of her main characters, Claudia and Pecola show hatred toward others, and themselves because they are not as beautiful as the supreme females. Claudia's hatred starts at the beginning of the novel when she and her sister are staring at Rosemary Villanucci. Rosemary has what Claudia and Frieda want. They want the things that white people have. "We stare at her, wanting her bread, but more than that wanting to poke the arrogance out of her eyes and smash the pride of ownership that curls her chewing mouth."(Morrison, p.9) Claudia and Frieda hate Rosemary because she has all of the things that Claudia and Frieda will never have or be, particularly Rosemary's white skin. This forces a feeling of self-hatred for being black upon the girls. You can see Claudia's hatred again when she receives a white baby doll for Christmas. Instead of adoring and cradling the new gift, as most other children would have done, she mutilated and destroyed the doll. "Adults, older girls, shops, magazines, newspapers, window sign - all the world had agreed that a blue-eyed, yellow-haired, pink-skinned doll was what every girl child treasured. `Here,' they said, 'this is beautiful, and if you are on this day `worthy' you may have it.'" (Morrison p. 20-21) She hated the doll's blonde hair and blue eyes staring back at her, reminding her of how different she looked from the doll. She knew that she was wrong for destroying the doll, but she could not refrain herself from doing it. The doll, symbolized the perfect girl, and she knew she was very far from looking like her. In Emily Prager's essay "Our Barbies, Ourselves", she "reveals the damaging effect of a doll that establishes such an impossible standard of physical perfection for little girls.

Media Frames and Hip Hop Culture

The media has an increasing presence in all of our lives, and there has been a lot of research conducted on the various ways that it affects the very ideas that pop into our heads, the impressions we formulate of other cultures and musical genres, on foreign policy and the things that we buy. It’s obvious that the media is playing a role in our daily lives, but to what extent is it affecting the way hip hop music and the culture itself are understood by the average citizen, specifically children?Via the radio, the newspapers, magazines and most commonly, the television and internet, is it possible to see just how these easily available media are influencing younger people and those of an older age bracket and notice what kinds of frames the media are using with regards to hip hop? This paper will take a look at the available literature sources on the subject of media messaging and hip hop culture and review the established theories, as well as use household surveys to examine just how much exposure children in America actually have to mass media.Media framing is the process by which the media chooses its context for a news story and portrays it with a certain slant – common framing is done with a conservative viewpoint or a liberal one, and often as pertains to the hip hop culture the frame is that of a violent, consumerist culture (Robinson 20). Media framing is a technique by which journalists and reporters give basic context to their stories, and framing can tend to promote a particular political or social agenda or because of a fundamental lack of knowledge on the subject. Ramsey (pp 22-40) thinks that it is a case of the latter, since researchers and sociologists tend to regard hip hop cultures in American as being quite separate from the rest of the population to begin with.This isolation, to whatever degree it is actually apparent in these subcultures, is portrayed by the media and therefore understood by all viewers and listeners as the tr uth. Americans who are not a part of the hip hop culture are easily made to notice themes in hip hop music that relate to violent gang mentality and blatant consumerism that sees younger black people showing off expensive clothes, jewelry and cars. Mukherjee calls this media frame the â€Å"ghetto fabulous† and explains how what was originally an isolated feature of the hip hop culture has become widespread due to media attentions. This primary isolation is one of the major frames used by the media to portray a specific picture of hip hop culture, and these depictions are undoubtedly helping to shape the hip hop scene in the mind of the average television viewer and magazine reader.Saunders describes the generalized version of hip hop culture as a group of thieves, graffiti artists, vandals, drugdealers, sex-obsessed men, objectified women and joyriders (37-134), and unfortunately although this is a part of the underground culture of both the hip hop artist and the people lis tening to the music, the author accepts that there is more to it than this perception. Although it has been correctly noted that these themes are recurrent in rap music, an individual listener could easily fail to notice these same themes – or any other recurrent themes, for that matter – inherent in other types of music or even literature and film.The media has honed in on the negative themes in rap and hip hop music, however, and uses such sensationalist aspects of the culture and music to deliver a message of negativity, and create fear. The attentions unrelated groups of people have tried to intervene and have such songs and music videos censored. This has not generally had a positive effect on hip hop lyrics, and in fact has actually helped to raise the popularity of such music and the culture surrounding it (Davidson 74).Where once hip hop was purely restricted to the groups of black Americans forming their own subculture, now media attentions (both positive and negative) have brought hip hop and rap music to larger numbers of people who wouldn’t have originally had access to it. With the widespread hip hop scene, people of other ethnic origins and social situations are discovering the music and starting to participate in the culture, and this can be attributed in a large part to the success of the Motown Corporation (Neal).Some of the aspects featured in hip hop music, like graffiti, can be looked at as holding a specific role within the culture itself. Graffiti, for example, can be viewed as a â€Å"microcosm of how people communicate, participate, and learn within a community† (Rahn 137), specifically within the hip hop communities of urban America. Although it seems unlikely that media bodies realize exactly what they are portraying to viewers and readers of popular magazines, stories about graffiti artists involved in the hip hop lifestyle are being framed in such a light as to highlight the rebellious qualities of the su bculture.Graffiti is portrayed in a conflicting way; negative in that it defaces public and private property and can be used to mark gang territory, but also mildly positive in that it is obviously an artistic outlet. The artistic aspect has a negative side as well, however, since the media can only seem to look at graffiti art in a good way if it is an expressive emotional outpouring from an impoverished neighborhood (Rahn).Basically, hip hop artists are only getting attention from the media for negative qualities in their music and lifestyles, at least as perceived by the media itself and the majority of average citizens watching the news and reading the magazines and newspapers. People see rappers on TV when they are involved in gang related crimes and gun violence, or when their lyrics have come under scrutiny for what is deemed unsuitable content. Although every genre of music has questionable lyrics, hip hop artists are the primary suspects when it comes to bringing out the ce nsors.The media frames hip hop and rap artists in an unfavorable light the vast majority of the time, citing them in one all encompassing category that is violent, untrustworthy and obsessed with material possessions. Unless a person is directly involved in the hip hop scene, they are very unlikely to hear about positive things going on within the culture. The media on the whole simply reports on negativity within the hip hop world, something that many artists are understandably frustrated with.What this media framing is proving to the hip hop culture is merely an ignorance on behalf of media and the general viewing audience towards black American society. With very few years – relatively speaking – of freedom and equality between black people as a minority group in America and the majority whites, black Americans have found themselves grouped together in poor areas still facing huge difficulties in achieving better standards of living. These societal factors have had a huge impact on the subculture of blacks themselves, resulting in part in hip hop music as both a rebellious act and a validation of black survival in an often hostile larger environment.Mollyanne Brodie used her book Kids and Media in America: Patterns of Use at the Millenium to discover just how much of an impact media images such as these portrayals of hip hop culture are affecting young children throughout the country. The results of these surveys are instrumental in understanding the role of media framing in American children with regards to hip hop music and culture. She noted that although there are ways of discerning how long a television set is on during the day in the average household, there is no real way of knowing which programs or advertisements are seen by which members of the family.With specialized surveys distributed to households in the United States, Brodie collected answers from members of different families to work out just how much time children were spendin g watching which kinds of shows on the TV during the day. â€Å"The ‘in-home’ sample consist[ed] of 1,090 young children, ages 2 through 7 years, and relie[d] on parent responses to questionnaires† (Brodie 18). Keeping in mind that children can lack vital information about the programs they are watching and other related questions, it was up to parents to share the viewing habits of their children and this data was collected to get a firm, solid look at the American child and media influences.The conclusions were that today’s young person in the United States spends more time with media sources than any other preceding generation, and that this is likely to increase in the near future. With the television, computers, the internet and advanced mobile technologies, kids have access to more information than ever before and the media therefore has access to the kids as well. For this reason, the media has taken on a more powerful role than ever before in human history.The findings of these surveys were conclusive in revealing the simple fact that kids can go about their daily lives without fully realizing how they are being affected by the barrage of media images, and when it comes to the hip hop culture this is no different. Negative comments, news stories and lyrical debates are at the forefront of a young person’s mind, since survey statistics have proven that music is the most important aspect of a child’s life, especially in the teenage years. Hip hop has infiltrated the routine of the average youth due to censorship issues, gang reports and all kinds of negative imaging, however it is with this younger generation that the truth behind the hip hop culture is beginning to be truly appreciated.The average youth experiences difficulties that are thematically similar to that of the oppressed and underprivileged black American who is a part of the hip hop culture, and kids are able to make this connection when they take a l ook at the music coming out of such groups. Rap and hip hop were born out of frustration and the need for freedom of expression, which is just what the average teenager is looking for as well. With this fundamental likeness, youths turn to hip hop music as a way to bond with each other and feel validated in their opinions and feelings of loneliness and desperation.Lyrics about gang violence can represent the need to fit into a group, while songs featuring bling and ownership can represent the ultimate triumph over adversity. Kids can really relate to this kind of music despite media imagery that portrays it as negative, because they are used to having themselves portrayed in a negative way by their parents, schoolteachers and other authority figures.Media framing of the hip hop culture might not be affecting the youth of America in a straightforward way, but it is affecting them nevertheless. The older generations are reacting in the expected manner, however, when they tend to latch onto the negative side of hip hop and work to eradicate it from the American music scene. Parents are becoming concerned about their children participating in what they consider a different culture of music and behavior, and the media is merely serving to continue this sort of thinking.When people see rap music videos, they have years of pre-conceived notions in their minds, placed there by the media, and so it becomes very difficult to differentiate between real opinion and actual negativity. A person tends to consider issues such as this based on the information they already have, and then value that information on the source that it came from. If the source is trusted, a person will tend to follow that train of thought; if not, they might look further into the issue to find features of it they can relate to themselves.It is this characteristic of each individual person that leads them to a certain degree of media influence. Where an adult who trusts major news sources and hears that rap music is synonymous with violence and crime might believe it with few questions, a teenager who has become wary of any older authority figure who hears the same thing will probably not accept this as the complete truth.Brodie’s surveys helped to prove what most of us already thought to be true: the media is playing a huge role in our perception of the world, particularly with the younger generations. â€Å"A typical 11- to 14-year-old gives more than 6 ½ hours per day to media, and because he or she often uses several media simultaneously, encounters almost 8 hours per day of media content† (Brodie 190). These conclusions do go to support secondary sources like the essays The Ghetto Fabulous Aesthetic in Contemporary Black Culture and Sold Out on Soul: The Corporate Annexation of Popular Black Music.Both papers solidify the notion that the media has a great impact on hip hop portrayal throughout America in every aspect, particularly in music and consumerism. Researchers are in agreement with statistical evidence that proves children in America are incredibly susceptible to media influence, although it is clear that there are other factors that determine just how a young person will react to the same media frames in hip hop.Works CitedBrodie, Mollyanne, Ulla Foehr, Donald Roberts and Victoria Rideout. Kids and Media in America: Patterns of Use at the Millennium. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2003.Davidson, Sandra. Bleep! Censoring Rock and Rap Music. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1999.Rahn, Janice. Painting without Permission: Hip-Hop Graffiti Subculture. Westport, CT: Bergin and Garvey, 2002.Mukherjee, Roojali. The Ghetto Fabulous Aesthetic in Contemporary Black Culture.Neil, Mark. Sold Out on Soul: The Corporate Annexation of Black Popular Music.Ramsey, Guthrie. Race Music: Black Cultures from Bebop to Hip-Hop. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2003.Robinson, Piers. The CNN Effect: The Myth of News, Foreign Po licy, and Intervention. London: Routledge, 2002.Sanders, Bill. Youth Crime and Youth Culture in the Inner City. New York, NY: Routledge, 2005.

Can We Trust Our Emotions In The Pursuit Of Knowledge?

Mankind shares psychological phenomena known as emotion that is a natural state of mind deriving from a person. 1 By means of this special ability, trusting our emotions in the pursuit of knowledge can be questioned, as it is a circumstance that involves only an individual, there might be an increasing chance of being invalid. This generalization can be countered by the fact there can be influences of emotion in pursuing knowledge in many cases such as in two particular Areas of Knowledge: History and Natural Science.As such, the knowledge issues rose: To what extent does emotion hinder our acquisition of knowledge? This question examines what role emotion play in the pursuit of knowledge and whether or not emotion is a source of knowledge or otherwise, an obstacle to knowledge. In history, the sense of trusting emotions in the process of knowledge acquisition in History as a discourse is rarely ideal. The explanation for this is that emotions can wrongly paint our perceptions for pr oofs to prop historical facts and events.When referring to emotions, it is possible to develop a negative attitude from the evidence presented. There can be of a lot of benefits of the study in history discourse. History aids in understanding what is being studied, give insight of who did it and the approximate or the actual period a study or event occurred. Emotions restrain and influence rationality and thereby leading to distorted history and false facts. An example of emotion is probable forces involving the trial David Irving Vs.Deborah Lipstadt and Penguin publishers. David was accused of being a racist and anti-Semitic by claiming that Holocaust never happened. During a trial, he came up with the evidence to prop his claim that Holocaust never happened. In his evidence, he claimed that there was no official plan or policy to put the Jewish race into termination though there was a proof of the Wansee conference where the Nazis met to plan against the Jews.In the trial, the cou rt was also notified that he used to sing a racist song to his daughters2and based on this fact therefore, one can deduct that he had confirmation biasness owing from his emotions (hatred), towards Jewish race. This biasness therefore, masked the facts of the Holocaust causing the defendant to see things from one dimension which impacted on his judgment and reasoning. Irving was even consistence in his bias by claiming that the gas chambers were not met to exterminate humans but was for delousing. This claim was then discredited by doctors and remained as a conflictive issue.From this point therefore, emotions are not trustworthy in the process of acquisition of knowledge in history. Whilst emotions may negatively impact the history leading to distortion, some emotions can have a positive impact on history as a discourse. These emotions of liking and enthusiasm towards an event, thing, place or group may make one develop the sense of searching for more knowledge concerning the subje ct and therefore this leads to one quest for unearthing the deep hidden facts on the subject and hence producing facts require in History.Example here is: it is the deep sense of belonging and deep feeling of enthusiasm that led to the Egyptians Hussein Bassir, Ahmad Faschri, Sami Gabra, Zakaria Goneim, Labib Habachi among others venture into Egyptology (Study of ancient Egypt). 3 That affection gives these individuals challenges for unearthing more artifacts for ancient history that helps articulate the pieces of Ancient Egypt history and hence an example of positive contribution of emotion to history. 4 In natural science, emotions also may impact the acquisition for knowledge to a great extent.In pharmacology for example, a negative attitude of a researcher in determining the medicinal value, toxicity and the dosage of a certain physiologically active compound (P. A. C. ) from a given herbal might lead to biased research. This has the potential to lead to wrong administrations of bioassays and test of the very same dosage that may lead to negative result even if the P. A. C. is present in large quantities, the result are then pre-set to read negative due to the attitude of the researcher that is likely to affect his dexterity, carefulness and also  perception.This finally leads to a wrong conclusion that in the real sense lacks scientific approval or disapproval as the biasness brought about by emotions led to successive blunders in the following of scientific syntaxes and therefore wrong conclusion and results at the long run. A perfect example to this is a certain Biology class in High Ridge High school where, students were asked to observe different cells in blood samples under a light microscope.The students first perceived that one could not visualize blood cells since it was their first time to do so and more so did it against their wish of using the new microscopes as opposed to the old ones they were obliged to use. Due to the inbuilt feeling that the old microscopes were not as efficient as the new ones therefore, the students smeared their specimen on a slide and then mounted it on a microscope without staining the specimen and hence could not visualize blood cells.In their report to the respective tutor, the students wrote that there was absence of blood cells and the test was negative. The truth of the matter was the negative emotion of being denied the chance to use new microscope outflanked the result orientation in the minds of the students to the extent that they forgot the most crucial step that could lead to success of their scientific activity. Emotions, i. e.attitude, love, hatred, happiness, moods, affection and all others are not worth trust in the process of knowledge acquisition be it in History as a field of discourse, philosophy, natural sciences and even language since the perception of emotions occurs in brain and the knowledge acquisition still occurs in brain and therefore, negative conception of a cert ain idea might lead to biasness that might distort the much required fact either in history research or in natural science.Emotions mask one’s rationality to reason as per the expectations and therefore in that sense impair ones judgment. In the two cases that we have examined, Irving failed to acknowledge the eventuality of Genocide in Germany by the Nazi regime and went further to claim that the murderous gas chambers used were for delousing and not killing humans. Secondly, due to the preset emotions of the students, they fail to stain their specimens and this leads them to wrong results and subsequently conclusions owing to their negative attitude towards using old microscopes as opposed to new ones.The error that occurs is not as attribute of the microscopes but students’ ignorance and negative attitude. It is worth a note also that emotions are not always detrimental to acquisition of knowledge but at times beneficial to the process of knowledge acquisition if at all they are positive as per the case of patriotic Egyptians in their career as Egyptologist. Can we trust our emotions in the pursuit of knowledge? Mankind shares psychological phenomena known as emotion that is a natural state of mind deriving from a person. 1 By means of this special ability, trusting our emotions in the pursuit of knowledge can be questioned, as it is a circumstance that involves only an individual, there might be an increasing chance of being invalid. This generalization can be countered by the fact there can be influences of emotion in pursuing knowledge in many cases such as in two particular Areas of Knowledge: History and Natural Science.As such, the knowledge issues rose: To what extent does emotion hinder our acquisition of knowledge? This question examines what role emotion play in the pursuit of knowledge and whether or not emotion is a source of knowledge or otherwise, an obstacle to knowledge. In history, the sense of trusting emotions in the process of knowledge acquisition in History as a discourse is rarely ideal. The explanation for this is that emotions can wrongly paint our perceptions for pr oofs to prop historical facts and events.When referring to emotions, it is possible to develop a negative attitude from the evidence presented. There can be of a lot of benefits of the study in history discourse. History aids in understanding what is being studied, give insight of who did it and the approximate or the actual period a study or event occurred. Emotions restrain and influence rationality and thereby leading to distorted history and false facts. An example of emotion is probable forces involving the trial David Irving Vs.Deborah Lipstadt and Penguin publishers. David was accused of being a racist and anti-Semitic by claiming that Holocaust never happened. During a trial, he came up with the evidence to prop his claim that Holocaust never happened. In his evidence, he claimed that there was no official plan or policy to put the Jewish race into termination though there was a proof of the Wansee conference where the Nazis met to plan against the Jews.In the trial, the cou rt was also notified that he used to sing a racist song to his daughters2and based on this fact therefore, one can deduct that he had confirmation biasness owing from his emotions (hatred), towards Jewish race. This biasness therefore, masked the facts of the Holocaust causing the defendant to see things from one dimension which impacted on his judgment and reasoning. Irving was even consistence in his bias by claiming that the gas chambers were not met to exterminate humans but was for delousing. This claim was then discredited by doctors and remained as a conflictive issue.From this point therefore, emotions are not trustworthy in the process of acquisition of knowledge in history. Whilst emotions may negatively impact the history leading to distortion, some emotions can have a positive impact on history as a discourse. These emotions of liking and enthusiasm towards an event, thing, place or group may make one develop the sense of searching for more knowledge concerning the subje ct and therefore this leads to one quest for unearthing the deep hidden facts on the subject and hence producing facts require in History.Example here is: it is the deep sense of belonging and deep feeling of enthusiasm that led to the Egyptians Hussein Bassir, Ahmad Faschri, Sami Gabra, Zakaria Goneim, Labib Habachi among others venture into Egyptology (Study of ancient Egypt). 3 That affection gives these individuals challenges for unearthing more artifacts for ancient history that helps articulate the pieces of Ancient Egypt history and hence an example of positive contribution of emotion to history. 4 In natural science, emotions also may impact the acquisition for knowledge to a great extent.In pharmacology for example, a negative attitude of a researcher in determining the medicinal value, toxicity and the dosage of a certain physiologically active compound (P. A. C. ) from a given herbal might lead to biased research. This has the potential to lead to wrong administrations of bioassays and test of the very same dosage that may lead to negative result even if the P. A. C. is present in large quantities, the result are then pre-set to read negative due to the attitude of the researcher that is likely to affect his dexterity, carefulness and also  perception.This finally leads to a wrong conclusion that in the real sense lacks scientific approval or disapproval as the biasness brought about by emotions led to successive blunders in the following of scientific syntaxes and therefore wrong conclusion and results at the long run. A perfect example to this is a certain Biology class in High Ridge High school where, students were asked to observe different cells in blood samples under a light microscope.The students first perceived that one could not visualize blood cells since it was their first time to do so and more so did it against their wish of using the new microscopes as opposed to the old ones they were obliged to use. Due to the inbuilt feeling that the old microscopes were not as efficient as the new ones therefore, the students smeared their specimen on a slide and then mounted it on a microscope without staining the specimen and hence could not visualize blood cells.In their report to the respective tutor, the students wrote that there was absence of blood cells and the test was negative. The truth of the matter was the negative emotion of being denied the chance to use new microscope outflanked the result orientation in the minds of the students to the extent that they forgot the most crucial step that could lead to success of their scientific activity.Emotions, i. e.  attitude, love, hatred, happiness, moods, affection and all others are not worth trust in the process of knowledge acquisition be it in History as a field of discourse, philosophy, natural sciences and even language since the perception of emotions occurs in brain and the knowledge acquisition still occurs in brain and therefore, negative conception of a c ertain idea might lead to biasness that might distort the much required fact either in history research or in natural science.Emotions mask one’s rationality to reason as per the expectations and therefore in that sense impair ones judgment. In the two cases that we have examined, Irving failed to acknowledge the eventuality of Genocide in Germany by the Nazi regime and went further to claim that the murderous gas chambers used were for delousing and not killing humans. Secondly, due to the preset emotions of the students, they fail to stain their specimens and this leads them to wrong results and subsequently conclusions owing to their negative attitude towards using old microscopes as opposed to new ones.The error that occurs is not as attribute of the microscopes but students’ ignorance and negative attitude. It is worth a note also that emotions are not always detrimental to acquisition of knowledge but at times beneficial to the process of knowledge acquisition if at all they are positive as per the case of patriotic Egyptians in their career as Egyptologist.

Transformational Change

At each moment of every day, someone, of eminent importance or the subordinate drifting around the park is embarking on a transformational change of some specific nature. What does that suggest to us? It indicates that at some point in our life we will experience this transformation as well. A transformational change is a modification to your life, as you know it; the learning cycle begins by recognizing that there is a substantial problem with your life in its current state. Once this breakthrough has been exposed, you must establish a way to suppress the predicament in order to resolve it. From this point on it may be a brief or time-consuming journey to your new life; but the expedition can be excruciating nevertheless. â€Å"Transformation, though desirable, rarely comes easily. † (Alexander, M. Clugston, W, & Tice, E. , 2009, Ch 5, p7) One conclusion that you can count on is that the ordeal that you have been through was meaningful and advantageous to your growth and development. Personally, I have been through a significant amount of transformational learning experiences. A select few come to mind, such as: graduating high school and beginning college for the first time, getting married, having a child, getting a divorce, going to real estate and tax school, and the death of my grandmother. Each of these circumstances have taken a toll on me; but when it came to selecting the transformational change that I am presently engaged, I believe that my decision recedes back into position in my renewal experiential cycle. I have ineffectively accomplished my original educational goals; so instead of establishing a new target, I will be â€Å"embracing the opportunity† to attempt once more. I am certain that ninety percent of our class, at the slightest, is going through the same transition as I am; working tediously to get a college degree taking into account a cumbersome work schedule and a family. Those were the strongest decisive factors this time around. At this point in my life I sense it is now or never; I faithfully believe that God has a plan for all of us, and it is now my time to thrive. When change is openly engaged, growth inevitably results—allowing boundaries to be broken and a new sense of freedom to be experienced. † (Alexander, M. Clugston, W, & Tice, E. , 2009, Ch 5, p3) According to Jack Mezirow’s research, identifying the seven phases occurring in the learning process, I have fulfilled up to this moment the first six phases: * â€Å"Experiencing a disorienting dilemma† I have faced the reality that it is time to buy my own home to raise my daughter in, despite the issue that I will not be getting married. In order to do this I must be financially secure with a career and a college degree on the wall. * â€Å"Self-Examination† Am I ready? Can I handle the stress? Is it worth the trouble? Will I have the time? Am I going to have to give up something in order to accomplish my goals? Will my financial aid and all of my credits transfer I have already received? Yes to all, and it will be worth it as the result. * â€Å"Critical assessment of assumptions† Will there actually be a job or an innovative career opportunity available to me when I essentially receive my college degree? I assume there will be, but all I can do is complete school through graduation and explore then. * â€Å"Recognizing that others have gone through a similar process† My mother is my hero. She went back to school in her early thirty’s, the same age I am now, and she has three degrees on the wall. She actually started her doctorate degree, but decided to wait until the school relocated near us in a year and a half in order for her to go to classes on campus rather than online. Therefore, when she does get the doctorate she will have four college degrees and be a doctor. I cannot help but admire her. * â€Å"Exploring a process† Going to college online at Ashford University until I complete my Bachelor’s Degree is my plan. Then from there you cannot speculate what may happen. I may continue school until I am fifty years old. I genuinely love learning and education universally. * â€Å"Formulating a plan of action† This time in school I am majoring in a degree that will actually benefit me obtaining employment immediately when graduating. In addition, I have approximately twenty years experience in all aspects of business and management. My previous degree program at the last school I attended was Interior Design. I am highly interested, but the market is obsolete, just as Real Estate in which I hold a license. * â€Å"Reintegration† I am not certain that I have accomplished this phase at the present time. (Alexander, M. Clugston, W, & Tice, E. , 2009, Ch 5, p7) For me personally, the reintegration phase can be experiential in two different aspects; attending school and being acclimated by the end of my first class, which is undoubtedly fulfilled. On the other hand, it could indicate graduating and facing the world as a newfound pristine college graduate. If the later is the case, then I have ample time to set new short-term goals for my next class, and continue adhering to them until my ultimate goal of graduating categorically occurs. I have had numerous blessings in my lifetime; however, the day that I graduate from college will be the second most ecstatic day of my life, second to childbirth.