Thursday, October 31, 2019

Press Release Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Press Release - Essay Example Simultaneously a warrant was served on Weinman’s mother’s house. The police searched the mother’s house, plus a shed in the backyard according to The Miami Herald. No reports are available on what, if anything, the cops seized. Weinman hired attorney David Macey, who spoke with WSVN-Channel 7 according to The Miami Herald. David Macey proclaimed his client’s innocence. Macey will be ready for the arraignment tentatively set on Monday. Weinman’s bail was set at $154,500, which has not yet been met. Weinman’s downfall occurred when he signed up for a Facebook group called â€Å"Catch the Cat Killer† reports The Miami Herald. More than 1,000 members had joined this group in hopes of catching the cat killer. A news conference was held this morning. Three police agencies worked this case. One Miami-Dade Police Major was Julie Miller. Apparently Miller tracked Weinman on tips from the local communities’ posts on Facebook, YouTube, and MySpace. What led to the arrest is the community talking and bringing us information, Miller said The Miami Herald states. No motive was suggested for the horrible attacks. Weinman’s parents are divorced living in the area. Apparently the teen felt comfortable in the area where the cats were found mutilated, since his mother and father lived in the areas. A report had been mentioned at a community meeting about a teen living between two homes in the two communities where the attacks occurred. Weinman’s parents have not released any comments. Weinman has had several run in with the laws before reports The Miami Herald. Apparently Weinman had been arrested twice as a juvenile on unknown charges. As recently as May 29, Weinman was arrested for possession of marijuana. Profilers advised the police to look for a loner, Jeffery Dahmer type. So the whole community was surprised by Weinman’s arrest. Weinman was a Swim Gym Aquatic Summer Camp counselor, a class

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Employment Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Employment Law - Assignment Example An employee is deemed to have been wrongfully dismissed if there is no adequate notice by the employer as per their employment contract. Notwithstanding a breach of contract, unfair dismissals occur if they do not fall under one of the six fair reasons allowed by law. Besides, unfair dismissal occurs if the employer has not followed a fair procedure and has acted unreasonably in the dismissal of the employee. Under certain circumstances, employer must comply with the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedure failing which the Employment Tribunal will find for the employee. The Tribunal has the discretion to increase the award by 25 % if the employer has not complied with the Code. Employees have the right to insist on reasons for dismissal in writing under section 92(1) of the Employment Rights Act 1996. (ERA) since a written statement can serve as evidence in any subsequent Tribunal proceedings. If the employer has not shown lawful reasons for dismissal, not foll owed the set procedure and not given sufficient notice, the employee can claim unfair or wrongful dismissal. Requirement of a notice depends on the terms of employment contract i.e whether the employment is for a fixed period or an indefinite period. If indefinite, the contract must have a provision for the period of notice by the employer or employee. In case of notice period mentioned in the contract, a reasonable notice is a must though the length of notice can vary according to circumstances and industry norms. However, an employer is required to give a statutory minimum period of notice i.e one week’s notice if the employee has worked continuously for one month or more but less than two years. If the period of service is two years or more but less than 12 years, one week’s notice is required for each year of continuous employment. If the employee has worked for 12 years or more, employee is entitled to minimum 12 weeks’ notice. This is regardless of any sho rter period mentioned in a contract, though longer period than statutory period is allowed. A notice already issued cannot be withdrawn without a mutual consent. If there is no notice given by the employer, it will amount to wrongful dismissal entailing payment of damages equivalent to the wages and benefits for the stipulated period of notice. In case of a PILON (payment in lieu of notice) clause in the employment contract, it will not amount to breach of contract if the employer has given money to the employee in lieu of notice. However, if the employee has committed serious or gross misconduct, summary dismissal without notice with immediate effect is justified. The seriousness or gross nature of misconduct will depend upon the circumstances. Theft, fraud, physical violence, serious negligence or serious breaches of health and safety rules are instances of serious misconduct. Examples are usually illustrated in the disciplinary procedure prescribed by the employer. For claiming w rongful or unfair dismissal, an employee must have put in one year of continuous employment with the employer. The qualifying period of employment has been increased to two years from the date of 6 April 2012. This will not apply to those employees whose qualifying period commences before 6 April 2012. A fair dismissal exists in the following circumstances as mentioned in section 98 (1) of the ERA: Lack of skill or qualifications. 2. Misconduct by the employee. 3. Redundancy. 4. Retirement. 5 Breach of an Act in case of continued employment. 6. Any other reason of substantial nature. Even then, it is expected of an employer to follow a fair procedure to dismiss the employee as mentioned in section 94(4) of the ERA. Of these reasons, conduct on the part of the dismissed employees herein is of immediate relevance. In order to decide whether the employer has acted fairly in dealing with his employee’

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Health Issues in Urban Areas

Health Issues in Urban Areas HEALTHY SETTING INTRODUCTION Currently, more than half of the world’s population lives in an urban area. It is estimated that by 2050, more than two-third of the world’s population will be living in towns and cities (WHO 2015). Rapid urbanization leads to significant changes in our standards of living, lifestyles, social behaviour and health. Living in urban area offer many opportunities, including potential access to better health care. However, today’s urban environments can concentrate health risks and introduce new hazards. Health problems in cities include issues of water, environment, violence and injury, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol. (Eckert Kohler 2014; WHO 2015). The prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases are worsened by pollution. Urban air pollution kills around 1.2 million people each year around the world (WHO 2015). A major proportion of urban air pollution is caused by motor vehicles, although industrial pollution, electricity generation and in least developed countries household fuel combustion are also major contributors. Mass marketing in urban areas, availability of unhealthy food choices and accessibility to automation and transport all have an effect on lifestyle that directly affect health (WHO 2015). These environments tend to discourage physical activity and promote unhealthy food c onsumption. Community participation in physical activity is poor due to by a variety of factors including overcrowding, high-volume traffic, and heavy use of motorized transportation, poor air quality and lack of safe public spaces and recreation or sports facilities (WHO 2015). Apart from that, urbanization affects the spread of diseases including tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS. Incidence of tuberculosis in New York City is four times the national average. While in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 83% of people with tuberculosis live in cities. Setting like recreational park in urban area is supposed to be a place for healthy activities such as jogging, exercise and some sports. However, for some people they use this park for negative behaviour such as sexual misconduct including indecent exposure, offensive touching, sexual acts, or prostitution. This behaviour may lead to unintended pregnancy and subsequently some of them will desperately dump the baby especially among teenagers. THE CONCEPT STRATEGY OF HEALTHY SETTING Healthy Settings as one of health promotion approaches, involve a holistic and multi-disciplinary method which integrates action across risk factors. The goal is to maximize disease prevention via a whole system approach. This approach begins in the WHO â€Å"Health for All† strategy and, more specifically, the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. Key principles of Healthy Settings include community participation, partnership, empowerment and equity. The best-known example of a successful Healthy Settings programme is Healthy Cities. This programme initiated by WHO in 1986 and have spread rapidly across Europe and other parts of the world. Building on this experience, a number of parallel initiatives based on similar principles were established during the late 1980s and early 1990s within a number of smaller settings such as villages, schools, or hospitals. The Healthy Settings movement came out of the WHO strategy of â€Å"Health for All† in 1980. The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (1986) clearly explained this approach. These documents were important steps towards establishing the holistic and multifaceted approach embodied by Healthy Settings programmes, as well as towards the integration of health promotion and sustainable development. Then, in 1992, the Sundsvall Statement called for the creation of supportive environments with a focus on settings for health. The Jakarta Declaration in 1997 subsequently emphasized the value of settings for implementing comprehensive strategies and providing an infrastructure for health promotion. Nowadays, various settings are used to facilitate the improvement of public health throughout the world. Figure 1: Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (WHO 1986) WHO defined setting for health as the place or social context in which people engage in daily activities in which environmental, organizational, and personal factors interact to affect health and wellbeing (Health Promotion Glossary 1998). A setting is where people actively use and shape the environment and it is also where people create or solve problems relating to health. Settings can normally be identified as having physical boundaries, a range of people with defined roles, and an organizational structure. Examples of settings include schools, work sites, hospitals, villages and cities. Health promotion through different settings can take many forms and these often involve some changes to the physical environment or to the organizational structure, administration and management. Settings can also be used to promote health as they are vehicles to reach individuals, to gain access to services, and to synergistically bring together the interactions throughout the wider community. Healthy setting programmes took off predominantly in Europe and the Americas following the Ottawa Charter and Jakarta Declaration. The primary form of implementation has been the Healthy Cities programmes. Through pilot projects and expansion efforts, many other Healthy Settings have been established throughout the two regions. Today, efforts have been made in all WHO regions to expand the movement. Other settings include villages, municipalities and communities, schools, workplaces, markets, homes, islands, hospitals, prisons, universities and healthy ageing (Figure 1). Approach in healthy settings involves a focus on both structure or place and agency or people. It should be understood that a setting not only as a medium for reaching ‘captive audiences’ but also as a supportive context and environment which directly and indirectly impacts wellbeing. Apart from that, it is a commitment to integrating health and wellbeing within the culture, structures and routine life of settings. Healthy City is defined as a one that is continually creating and improving those physical and social environments and expanding those community resources which enable people to mutually support each other in performing all the functions of life and in developing to their maximum potential (Hancock and Duhl 1988). Healthy Cities Initiative features political commitment in multi-sector to health and well-being in the most ecological sense; commitment to innovation; community participation; and the resultant healthy public policy. Health and well-being must be planned and built ‘into’ cities and presented as everyone’s business. Political endorsement is important in ensuring inter-sectorial collaboration. Systems for participatory decision-making must be developed to ensure that all voices are heard, especially those of marginalised people (Baum 1993). Healthy Cities is essentially an empowerment process that embeds the Ottawa Charter’s core definition of hea lth- â€Å"The process of enabling people in a community or city to increase control over and improve all the many different factors that affect their health† (WHO 1986). Healthy Cities is based on the recognition that city and urban environments affect citizens’ health, and that healthy municipal public policy is needed to effect change (Ashton 1992). In the early stages of the Healthy Cities approach, 11 key parameters were identified for healthy cities, communities, and towns (Hancock and Duhl 1988): A clean, safe, high-quality environment (including housing). An ecosystem that is stable now and sustainable in the long term. A strong, mutually supportive and non-exploitative community. A high degree of public participation in and control over the decisions affecting life, health, and well-being. The meeting of basic needs (food, water, shelter, income, safety, work) for all people. Access to a wide variety of experiences and resources, with the possibility on multiple contacts, interaction, and communication. A diverse, vital, and innovative economy. Encouragement of connections with the past, with the varied cultural and biological heritage, and with other groups and individuals. A city form (design) that is compatible with and enhances the preceding parameters and forms of behaviour. An optimum level of appropriate public health and sick care service accessible to all. High health status (both high positive health status and low disease status). Hancock (1993) conceived of a Healthy Cities and Communities model in which human health and wellbeing – or human capital – is the ultimate outcome of a sustained, integrated effort to build community (social) capital, environmental capital and economic capital (See Figure 2). Figure 2: Healthy Cities Model Healthy Cities approach built on community involvement; political commitment, in which the local government is a major player; partnerships between sectors; and enabling, healthy public policy to create conditions for health. These approaches build on local capacity, by building on assets, strengths and resources. The application of the concepts, principles and practice of health promotion at the local level is important. Central to local health promotion is the key role played by local government. Many of the major determinants of health are within the scope of local government. WHO (1997) offers a systematic strategy for progressing through three phases of development of a Healthy Cities initiative in their document, Twenty Steps for Developing a Healthy Cities Project. Three main phases are start-up, initiative organisation and areas for action and strategic work. Twenty Steps makes it clear that the role of a Healthy Cities initiative is to offer effective advocacy to promote healthy public policy. Figure 3: Twenty Steps for Developing a Healthy Cities Project LESSONS LEARNED Healthy Cities Europe As the site of the first pilot Healthy Cities initiatives by WHO in the mid-1980s, Europe has in many ways served as the engine house of Healthy Cities concepts and approaches. WHO Europe has developed a legacy of theory and practice; strategy and methodology, buttressed by a huge bureaucratic initiative. Typically, the European approach has featured large cities, in which local governments play a key role as both planner and health provider. Many HC initiatives are administered at the senior corporate level of a city (such as Copenhagen or Dublin). The European Healthy Cities approach has typically involved the establishment of a peak intersectoral working group, supported by a project team. The European Healthy Cities approach has progressed through several phases: First phase 1986-1992; Second phase 1993-1998; Third phase 1998-2002; Fourth phase (2002 onwards). Only the European region of WHO has had rigorous entry requirements to the Healthy Cities initiative. For all phases of HC initiative, member cities have had to demonstrate: (i) a political commitment to Health for All and the Healthy Cities vision; (ii) that they have adequate resources to employ a full-time initiative coordinator and support staff in a HC office; and (iii) commitment to specific objectives leading to development of local health policies (De Leeuw, 2001). During the first phase of the Healthy Cities initiative, a primary objective for all cities was to establish an Urban Health Profile through completion of a Healthy Cities Questionnaire. This phase produced the well-regarded document, Twenty Steps for setting up Healthy Cities Initiative which is described in detail below. The second phase objective for cities was to create a City Health Plan. ‘A City Health Plan is a policy document including the Health Profile identifying health challenges, their determinants, and roles various actors should play in targeting those challenges’ (de Leeuw, 2001, pp. 37-38). This phase produced a plethora of case studies and models of good practice. The third phase objectives were to produce a City Health Development Plan, and engage in rigorous internal and external monitoring and evaluation. A City Health Development Plan builds on Phases I and II in that it ‘identifies strategic development issues, incorporating also urban planni ng, sustainable development and equity concerns on a longterm basis’ (de Leeuw, 2001, p. 38). In Phase III of European HC initiatives, City Health Development Plans were required to embody a more rigorous internal and external monitoring and evaluation process to identify the impact of actions identified in Health profiles and City Health Plans. WHO established an extremely comprehensive (some would argue over-bureaucratic and unwieldy) requirement that HC initiatives would assess their performance against ‘health determinants analyses, and sound and responsible approaches towards influencing determinants of health’ (De Leeuw, 2001, p. 41). Initial annual reports were eventually received from 25 out of 40 cities: many struggled with the human resources needed to complete the reports. Over 1000 HC-related activities were reported. However, ‘very few of those activities showed a strategic perspective, thus underscoring [a] degree of ‘projectism’ in cities†¦ that would hinder the development of healthy urban policies’ (De Leeuw, 2001, p. 42) and thus City Health Development Plans in Phase III. It was anticipated that the requirement to produce these Annual Reports might help create a cultural shift away from ‘projectism’ towards a more strategic planning approach. Phase IV of Healthy Cities (2003 – 2007) has attempted to address health development comprehensively, with an emphasis on partnerships, determinants and governance. This phase has also focused on developing knowledge, tools and expertise on core developmental themes of healthy urban planning, health impact assessment and healthy ageing: Healthy urban planning. Urban planners should be encouraged to integrate and supported in integrating health considerations in their planning strategies and initiatives with emphasis on equity, well-being, sustainable development and community safety. Health impact assessment. Health impact assessment processes should be applied within cities to support intersectoral action for promoting health and reducing inequality. By combining procedures, methods and tools, health impact assessment provides a structured framework for mapping how a policy, initiative or initiative affects health. Healthy ageing. Healthy ageing works to address the needs of older people related to health, care and the quality of life with special emphasis on active and independent living, creating supportive environments and ensuring access to sensitive and appropriate services. (WHO 2003) Healthy Cities and Communities USA The Healthy Cities scene in Europe compares interestingly with that in the United States. Leonard Duhl noted that whilst the Europeans made Healthy Cities a bureaucratic initiative, the Americans have seen it as a pseudo-anarchic process (personal correspondence, 10 September 2004). The approach adopted in the United States, for instance, has been driven more at a grassroots level, reflecting the realities of an individualistic cultural tradition of ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ and small government (National Civic League, 1998: 287), from which the collective notions of the Ottawa Charter may be viewed by some with suspicion (Baum, 1993). Furthermore, with a somewhat chaotic private health care system, much government attention in the US is focused on ensuring access to basic health care, rather than addressing, at the intersectoral community level, the social determinants of health advocated in Healthy Cities (Wolff, 2003). The long and ‘embeddedâ €™ history of the involvement of health care industry in US health policy also needs to be considered. Wolff argued that the term ‘healthy communities’ is a problem in a country like the US, in which ‘health’ is dominated by privatized health care industry. Although many community organizations may be working along the lines of the Ottawa Charter to enhance population health through civic engagement and community building, they may not in fact identify ‘health’ as a primary goal of their efforts. Intersectoral collaboration has frequently been harder to achieve in the US than in countries such as Australia or Canada, in which government is expected to provide some sort of leadership (Twiss and Duma 2003, Wolff 2003). Taiwanese and Chinese examples In contrast to European, American and Australian experiences, the Taiwanese expression of Healthy Cities reflects a strong Confucian tradition of the integration of politics and academe. Many senior government personnel met during Dr Iain Butterworth’s visits to Taiwan in 2004 and 2005 – including the Ministers for Health and Culture had held academic positions. As a result, strong national government support existed for forging collaboration across sectors. As a relatively new democracy with a culture evolving as a reaction to mainland China, there also exists a strong commitment to grass-roots civic engagement and participation. In comparison, Chinese Healthy Cities-style initiatives might be characterised by central government-mandated edicts to establish initiatives and for various sectors to participate. Western notions of democratic participation led by grass-roots activists with the potential to advocate and dissent do not translate readily or easily into a desc ription of a Healthy Cities initiative led and driven by a more centralised, interventionist state. In Shanghai, one of the approaches for healthy setting includes availability of Healthy Path Building and people were encouraged to do ‘Walking 10,000 Steps Everyday’. Apart from that, there were constructions of exercise sites in communities and training personnel for sports instruction. Other activities include ‘Healthy Rhythm’, ‘Stair Climbing’, ‘Three calisthenics’ and ‘Three Balls’ Activities During the 3rd round of Shanghai Healthy City Initiative evaluation conducted in 2011, the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was administered among 3,999 Shanghai residents. The result showed that 81.2% of the respondents were physically active (37.0% were highly active), and 73.6% of the residents investigated were active in walking (13.4% were highly active). REFERENCES Eckert, S. S. Kohler 2014. Urbanization and health in developing countries: a systematic review. World Health Population 15(1): 7-20. WHO. 2015. Urbanization and health. World Health Organization, Bulletin of the World Health Organization (BLT). http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/88/4/10-010410/en/ (Accessed 1/3/2015). WHO (1986). Ottawa charter for health promotion. Available: http://www.euro.who.int/AboutWHO/Policy/20010827_2. Accessed 3 March 2015.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Sexual Harassment In The Workplace :: Quid pro quo harassment, hostile environment

The phrase â€Å"sexual harassment† became highly publicized in 1975 as activists and writers began addressing the problem. Shortly after 1980, articles and publications in regards to sexual harassment spread rampantly as the result of congressional hearings, increased litigation, and the adoption of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines. Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Right Act 1964. Title VII states, â€Å"Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment; submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting the individual; or such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Sexual harassment consists of verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, imposed on the basis of sex, by an employee or agent of a recipient that denies, limits, provides different, or conditions the provision of aid, benefits, services or treatment protected under Title VII.† [1] Sexual harassment is categorized as a form of sexual discrimination, which constitutes this behavior as illegal under existing federal and state laws. To enforce these laws, Congress has mandated federal agencies accountable for ensuring the full compliance of workplaces and educational establishments. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was established to enforce Title VII and to investigate allegations of discrimination. In November 1980 the EEOC published specific guidelines on sexual harassment, which lucidly states that sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination. The EEOC uses a very complex definition, but everything in regards to sexual harassment is covered within the confines of these guidelines. These guidelines cover many key points. These key points, plus court decisions provide the legal definition of sexual harassment and spell out the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees. Section A of the guidelines states, that unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment In The Workplace :: Quid pro quo harassment, hostile environment The phrase â€Å"sexual harassment† became highly publicized in 1975 as activists and writers began addressing the problem. Shortly after 1980, articles and publications in regards to sexual harassment spread rampantly as the result of congressional hearings, increased litigation, and the adoption of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines. Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Right Act 1964. Title VII states, â€Å"Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment; submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting the individual; or such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Sexual harassment consists of verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, imposed on the basis of sex, by an employee or agent of a recipient that denies, limits, provides different, or conditions the provision of aid, benefits, services or treatment protected under Title VII.† [1] Sexual harassment is categorized as a form of sexual discrimination, which constitutes this behavior as illegal under existing federal and state laws. To enforce these laws, Congress has mandated federal agencies accountable for ensuring the full compliance of workplaces and educational establishments. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was established to enforce Title VII and to investigate allegations of discrimination. In November 1980 the EEOC published specific guidelines on sexual harassment, which lucidly states that sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination. The EEOC uses a very complex definition, but everything in regards to sexual harassment is covered within the confines of these guidelines. These guidelines cover many key points. These key points, plus court decisions provide the legal definition of sexual harassment and spell out the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees. Section A of the guidelines states, that unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

My work2 Essay

INTERACTION WITH ENVIRONMENT The earliest civilizations formed on fertile river plains. These lands faced challenges, such as seasonal flooding and a limited growing area. Geography What rivers helped sustain the four river valley civilizations? POWER AND AUTHORITY Projects such as irrigation systems required leadership and laws—the beginnings of organized government. In some societies, priests controlled the first governments. In others, military leaders and kings ruled. Geography Look at the time line and the map. In which empire and river valley area was the first code of laws developed? SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Early civilizations developed bronze tools, the wheel, the sail, the plow, writing, and mathematics. These innovations spread through trade, wars, and the movement of peoples. Geography Which river valley civilization was the most isolated? What factors contributed to that isolation? INTERNET RESOURCES †¢ Interactive Maps †¢ Interactive Visuals †¢ Interactive Primary Sources 26 Go to classzone.com for: †¢ Research Links †¢ Maps †¢ Internet Activities †¢ Test Practice †¢ Primary Sources †¢ Current Events †¢ Chapter Quiz 27 Why do communities need laws? The harvest has failed and, like many others, you have little to eat. There are animals in the temple, but they are protected by law. Your cousin decides to steal one of the pigs to feed his family. You believe that laws should not be broken and try to persuade him not to steal the pig. But he steals the pig and is caught. The law of the Babylonian Empire—Hammurabi’s Code—holds people responsible for their actions. Someone who steals from the temple must repay 30 times the cost of the stolen item. Because your cousin is unable to pay this fine, he is sentenced to death. You begin to wonder whether there are times when laws should be broken. 1 The Babylonian ruler Hammurabi, accompanied by his judges, sentences Mummar to death. 2 A scribe records the proceedings against Mummar. 3 Mummar pleads for mercy. EXAM I N I NG the  ISSU ES †¢ What should be the main purpose of laws: to promote good behavior or to punish bad behavior? †¢ Do all communities need a system of laws to guide them? Hold a class debate on these questions. As you prepare for the debate, think about what you have leaned about the changes that take place as civilizations grow and become more complex. As you read about the growth of civilization in this chapter, consider why societies developed systems of laws. 28 Chapter 2 1 City-States in Mesopotamia MAIN IDEA INTERACTION WITH ENVIRONMENT The earliest civilization in Asia arose in Mesopotamia and organized into city-states. WHY IT MATTERS NOW The development of this civilization reflects a settlement pattern that has occurred repeatedly throughout history. TERMS & NAMES †¢ Fertile Crescent †¢ Mesopotamia †¢ city-state †¢ dynasty †¢ cultural diffusion †¢ polytheism †¢ empire †¢ Hammurabi SETTING THE STAGE Two rivers flow from the mountains of what is now Turkey, down through Syria and Iraq, and finally to the Persian Gulf. Over six thousand years ago, the waters of these rivers provided the lifeblood that allowed the formation of farming settlements. These grew into villages and then cities. Geography of the Fertile Crescent TAKING NOTES A desert climate dominates the landscape between the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea in Southwest Asia. Yet within this dry region lies an arc of land that provided some of the best farming in Southwest Asia. The region’s curved shape and the richness of its land led scholars to call it the Fertile Crescent. It includes the lands facing the Mediterranean Sea and a plain that became known as Mesopotamia (MEHS†¢uh†¢puh†¢TAY†¢mee†¢uh). The word in Greek means â€Å"land between the rivers.† The rivers framing Mesopotamia are the Tigris (TY†¢grihs) and Euphrates (yoo†¢FRAY†¢teez). They flow southeastward to the Persian Gulf. (See the map on page 30.) The Tigris and Euphrates rivers flooded Mesopotamia at least once a year. As the floodwater receded, it left a thick bed of mud called silt. Farmers planted grain in this rich, new soil and irrigated the fields with river water. The results were large quantities of wheat and barley at harvest time. The surpluses from their harvests allowed villages to grow. Identifying Problems and Solutions Use a chart to identify Sumer’s environmental problems and their solutions. Problems Solutions Environmental Challenges People first began to settle and farm the flat, swampy lands in southern Mesopotamia before 4500 B.C. Around 3300 B.C., the people called the Sumerians, whom you read about in Chapter 1, arrived on the scene. Good soil was the advantage that attracted these settlers. However, there were three disadvantages to their new environment. †¢ Unpredictable flooding combined with a period of little or no rain. The land sometimes became almost a desert. †¢ With no natural barriers for protection, a Sumerian village was nearly defenseless. †¢ The natural resources of Sumer were limited. Building materials and other necessary items were scarce. Early River Valley Civilizations 29

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Tartuffe: Truth and Religious Teachings

Dana Epstein Professor Morris ENG 2850 TR54C October 13, 2009 The Illusions That Define Us: Appearance versus Reality â€Å"Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration. † That quote by Nicollo Machiavelli is simply defined as, what you see is not always what you get and few men have the gift of being able to see through an appearance. In Tartuffe and Monkey, appearances are far from reality in many instances. Even though both texts were written in different milieus both societies focus strongly on religion and material value.Both characters are deceived by power, desires and the need to prove themselves. Spiritually is used to enlighten and religious teachings help Monkey to see the truth. However, Orgon needs to trust his senses because spirituality is used to deceive. The realization that is difficult for the audience to distinguish the difference between appearance and reality in both stories is very evident. In Tartuffe, Orgon is deceived by the holy zealous Tartuffe solely based on his false piety of religion. His need for power and prestige blinds his ability to see the truth about Tartuffe.He is so enthralled by Tartuffe because he enriches Orgon with power by appealing to his desires. Tartuffe is claiming to be a traditional figure of authority by presenting himself as a holy man and Orgon foolishly goes against everyone’s feeling towards Tartuffe and falls for his act. The audience is not told that Tartuffe is a liar or hypocrite but, through his words and the actions that follow, it allows the audience to differentiate between the lying Tartuffe and the honest family. In the first scene, Dorine states her feelings toward Tartuffe. You see him as a saint. I'm far less awed; In fact, I see right through him. He's a fraud. † Tartuffe, the hypocritical fraud, does no appear until act three, allowing the audience to see the other characters as honest witnesses to Tartuffe lies. As soon as he arrives, he over zealously informs Dorine that she is showing too much cleavage. His actions are seen as forced rather than genuine. Orgon is so blinded by Tartuffe that he does not even believe his own son when he tells him that Tartuffe is trying to seduce his wife Elmire.Orgon responds with â€Å"Ah, you deceitful boy, how dare you try to stain his purity with so foul a lie? † Orgon finally needs to perform a scientific experiment by hiding under the table to actually hear Tartuffe try and seduce his wife. Orgon’s mistake is that he needed to trust his senses rather then his spirituality and need to prove himself. His desire to be all powerful Orgon and control his children’s lives ended him in a bind where all his belongings were in the hands of Tartuffe. Orgon was deceived by religion and his desires to be all knowing and all powerful.The appearance of a â€Å"holy man† that Tartuffe presented completely blinded the reali ty that he was a con artist. Orgon chose to go against the intuitions of those he loves and trusts and is left struggling to define his own reality and truth in what spirituality means to him. The religious teachings and spirituality in Tartuffe leave Orgon to pick up the pieces of his fallen life and proves that trusting his senses was the key to defining reality. On the contrary, the religious teachings in Monkey help him to see the truth and define reality.Monkey’s journey consisted of many encounters where appearance is deceiving. The evil wizard is one of the most deceiving characters throughout the story. Through changing his appearance, he is able to disguise his true self as a lion of the gods to complete his task in teaching the king a lesson for being unkind to a beggar who was asking for help. The evil wizard pretended to help the king of the Crow-Cock Kingdom but instead shifts his form into the king and steals his throne. When Monkey confronts the evil wizard abo ut this change he then again shifts his form into Tripitaka so that Monkey cannot attack him.Through these appearances, the evil wizard was able to hide the reality that he was truly a lion on a mission. Though the evil wizard was one of the most manipulative characters, Pigsy and the Dragon both deceived reality with their appearances. Pigsy fooled those of the woman he married into believing he was a hard working young man, but once his true identity of a pig was known they soon became fearful of him. Another instance was when the white dragon was punished for eating the white horse so he was then transformed into Tripitaka's white horse for the journey.The appearances that deceived were all to complete their own missions and ultimately teach a lesson. Throughout the stories Monkey by Wu Ch`eng-en and Tartuffe by Jean-Baptiste Poquelin Moliere, appearance versus reality is a key theme. The audience can see the demise that Tartuffe had in store for Orgon all along. As for Monkey, t he reality throughout the story is layered between illusions and the supernatural, reality and truth. Both characters were deceived by opposite forces in which the quest for power and to meet their desires blinded their inability to decipher truth from false.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Elvis death essays

Elvis' death essays Most people know that the king of rock n roll was Elvis Presley, but do they know when he died? On August 16, 1977, at 3:30 PM he was pronounced dead, due to a heart attack, according to the Washington Post. He accomplished many things in music, some that people never would have thought of. At the age of 42 he was at the peak of his career, or so he thought. What did the doctors say? What did his fans say? How big of a surprise was it? All of these questions are asked regarding Elvis death, and the answers are as follows. First, a little background on his accomplishments as a singer. Through his whole career, he sold more than 500 million records worldwide and made 33 films. He was a millionaire living in his Graceland Mansion behind locked gates. He had more money then anyone could ever dream of having. Elvis appealed mostly to young people living in the 1950s, and influenced their whole way of life including the way they dressed, the way they behaved, and their attitude. He was recognized all over the world as the creator of rock n roll by almost everyone. Although, people like Jackie Gleason said, he cant last....... he wont be popular for long. Others like former Beatle John Lennon said that he will live forever and his music will never die. Finally a comment from Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys said, his voice was a total miracle in the music business. Many people liked Elvis, very few did not. So, how did Elvis Presley die at the age of 42? According to Dr. Jerry Francisco, an autopsy, done on August 16, showed that he died of cardiac arrhythmia, which he described as a severely irregular heartbeat and just another name for a form of heart attack. The autopsy was three hours long and reportedly uncovered no sign of any other diseases and no sign of drug abuse. Althoug...

Monday, October 21, 2019

The Symbolic Meaning of Dr. T. J. Eckleburgs Eyes essays

The Symbolic Meaning of Dr. T. J. Eckleburgs Eyes essays Many writers use symbols in their works in order to show different aspects of life. F. Scott Fitzgerald uses symbols in his most famous book, The Great Gatsby. There is a green light that represents Jay Gatsbys hope for a future with Daisy Buchanan. He sees the light from across the bay and believes that it a sign that he should try to win back Daisys affection. However, the most important symbol in the entire book is probably the enormous eyes painted on an advertisement billboard. First introduced on page 27, the billboard is an old advertisement for an oculist. The eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleberg, as they were named, are described as ...blue and gigantic their retinas (pupils or irises) are one yard high (p. 27) and ...dimmed a little by many paintless days under the sun and rain, brood over the solemn dumping ground (p. 28). The billboard overlooks the Valley of Ashes, a wasteland where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills, and grotesque gardens (p.27). People have long polluted this area with dumped ashes, garbage, and manure. The eyes are representative of the eyes of God. They look down upon the people who pass through the valley and judge them. It seems as though this God simply watches over the people and maybe even protects them, but near the end of the novel, that idea appears to be the opposite of what the God really does. Since these eyes watch over the people, they see all of the things that people do good or bad. They act as a judge of virtue and, in the end, they punish all of those who had questionable morals. The punishments began with the death of Myrtle Wilson, Tom Buchanans lover. Her death was a sentence for selling her soul for the love of money. It was also a penalization for Tom, since he lost his mistress when Myrtle died. Jay Gatsby was another person penalized because of Myrtles death. First, the fact...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Interacting Galaxies - Galaxy Mergers and Collisions

Interacting Galaxies - Galaxy Mergers and Collisions Galaxies are the largest single objects in the universe. Each one contains upwards of trillions of stars in a single gravitationally bound system. While the universe is extremely large, and many galaxies are very far apart, it is actually quite common for galaxies to group together in clusters. Its also common for them to collide with each other. The result is the creation of new galaxies. Astronomers can trace the construction of galaxies as they collided throughout history, and now know that this is the main way galaxies are built.  Ã‚   Theres a whole area of astronomy devoted to the study of colliding galaxies. The process not only affects the galaxies themselves, but astronomers also observe that starbirth is often triggered when galaxies merge together.   Galaxy Interactions Large galaxies, like the Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy, came together as smaller objects collided and merged. Today, astronomers see smaller satellites orbiting nearby both the Milky Way and Andromeda. These dwarf galaxies have some of the characteristics of larger galaxies, but are on a much smaller scale and can be irregularly shaped.  Some of the companions are being cannibalized by our galaxy.   The Milky Ways largest satellites are called the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. They seem to be orbiting our galaxy in a billions-of-years-long orbit, and may not actually ever merge with the Milky Way. However, they are affected by its gravitational pull, and may only be approaching the galaxy for the first time. If so, there still could be a merger in the distant future. The shapes of Magellanic clouds have been distorted by that, causing them to appear irregular. Theres also evidence of large streams of gas being pulled from them into our own galaxy.   Galaxy Mergers Large-galaxy collisions do occur, which create huge new galaxies in the process. Often what happens is that two large spiral galaxies will merge, and due to the gravitational warping that precedes the collision, the galaxies will lose their spiral structure. Once the galaxies are merged, astronomers suspect that they form a new structure known as an elliptical galaxy. Occasionally, depending on the relative sizes of the merging galaxies, an irregular or peculiar galaxy  is a result of the merger. Interestingly, while galaxies themselves may merge, the process doesnt always hurt the stars they contain. This is because while galaxies do have stars and planets, theres a LOT of empty space, as well as giant clouds of gas and dust. However, colliding galaxies that do contain a large amount of gas enter a period of rapid star formation. Its usually much greater than the average rate of star formation in a non-colliding galaxy. Such a merged system is known as a starburst galaxy; aptly named for a large number of stars that are created in a short amount of time as a result of the collision. Merger of the Milky Way With the Andromeda Galaxy A close to home example of a large galaxy merger is the one that will occur between the Andromeda galaxy with our very own Milky Way. The result, which will take millions of years to unfold, will be a new galaxy.   Currently, Andromeda is about 2.5 million light-years away from the Milky Way. Thats about 25 times as far away as the Milky Way is wide. This is, obviously quite a distance, but is quite small considering the scale of the universe.  Hubble Space Telescope data suggests that the Andromeda galaxy is on a collision course with the Milky Way, and the two will begin to merge in about 4 billion years. Heres how it will play out. In about 3.75 billion years, the Andromeda galaxy will virtually fill the night sky. At the same time, it and the Milky Way will start warping due to the immense gravitational pull each will have on the other. Ultimately the two will combine to form a single, large elliptical galaxy. It is also possible that another galaxy, called the Triangulum galaxy, which currently orbits Andromeda, will also participate in the merger.  The resulting galaxy might be named Milkdromeda, if anybody is still around to be naming objects in the sky.   What Will Happen to Earth? Chances are that the merger will have little effect on our solar system. Since most of Andromeda is empty space, gas, and dust, much like the Milky Way, many of the stars should find new orbits around the combined galactic center. That center may have as many as three supermassive black holes until they, too, merge.   The greater danger to our solar system is the increasing brightness of our Sun, which will eventually exhaust its hydrogen fuel and evolve into a red giant. That will start to happen in about four billion years. At that point, it will engulf Earth as it expands. Life, it seems, will have died out long before any kind of galaxy merger takes place. Or, if were lucky, our descendants will have figured out a way to escape the solar system and find a world with a younger star.   Edited and updated by Carolyn Collins Petersen.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

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

Buddhism Reflection - Essay Example It is because of this evolution and varying schools of thought that causes confusion when it comes to better understanding the underlying factors connected with the quest of man to achieve self-salvation. To begin with, most of the schools of thought are united in the idea that there are 4 Noble Truths that can guide the way of life of a person who is hoping to achieve Nirvana or a Buddha like status of self-salvation. These four truths include (â€Å"Buddhas Four Noble Truths†) : Acknowledging the above mentioned truths of Buddha is the beginning of enlightenment of a person. Through meditation, self-examination, and self-reflection, one can discover at what point of life he is at in relation to the four truths and in the process, help him analyze how he might move forward from his current point of being. Only by growing as a person, through the achievement of the four truths can a person claim to have achieved self-salvation. Regardless of which school of thought you subscribe to in Buddhism, be it the India or Chinese based school of proselytyzing, the goal of each school is the same, personal salvation. A sense of salvation that comes from within a person who, through the altering of his way of life, has finally managed to free himself from the constraints of the material world in order to achieve a higher sense of intellectual and spiritual achievement. This particular sense of salvation can only be reached by the person once he accepts that our world is not permanent and hence, should not be clung to. This will then allow a person to clean his thoughts and actions in an effort to achieve a Zen like status in life. The Four Noble Truths that guide the path of a Buddhist is what also helps him decipher how he can improve himself in order to benefit others. Buddhism, in my opinion, once viewed from the point of view of a symbiotic, sentient relationship between human beings, leads us to

Friday, October 18, 2019

Bank Regulations in Europe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Bank Regulations in Europe - Essay Example There are currently many regulatory transitions underway which will have multifaceted effects on how Banks are run in Europe and the ultimate investments they deem as adequate for progressive growth. The controversy surrounding these regulations stems from past success as well as the impact recent recession ratios have imposed on the market. The question this analysis will attempt to address is whether or not these regulations are necessary for European banks to progress in the years to come. Basel II is the second of the Basel Accords. These are recommendations set by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. The point of these laws is to apply some regulation to the worldwide banking system, an international standard by which all banks may abide. These regulations are an attempt to safeguard the Banking Market against many of the risks banks face yearly. They have seen as a safety net for the international banking market in the case that one major bank collapses. The main focus of the regulations is to reduce the amount of risk all banks take on. Through rigorous risk and capital regulations, Basel II is able to ensure that Banks are not able to take on more risk than they have solvency to maintain. Despite the Basel II regulations and their proven success throughout the past years, recent developments in the global economy have pointed to a need for more strict regulations. This can largely be connected to the massive recession that has occurred over the past two ye ars in the global economy. The nature of the European Banking system and its current need for BeselIII regulations is in reaction to the state of the Economy. The CIA World Factbook notes that the United States of America has the largest economy in the globe. "The recent failure in the U.S. housing and credit markets have resulted in a slowdown in the US economy. 2007 GDP growth was estimated at 2.2% but in 2008 it is projected to be just 0.9%, down from the 10-year average of 2.8% (St Labs, p1)." According to the United States Department of Labor, The Unemployment rate as of September 2009 was 9.8%, which is the result of a progressive growth 8.9% in April 2009. The Banks have followed suit with the housing industry as well as many of the corporations gout This effect in the west has impacted the Europes. University of Maryland economist Peter Morici declares "we are in a depression (Shinkle, p1)." He signifies a recession as an economic decline from which an economy can eventually recover but poses that the state the American economy is in today is much worse and can't be resolved with a quick fix. "My feeling is that if (the president) doesn't fix what's structurally broken, what caused this, we'll be back into this after the federal stimulus has had its effect," says Morici (Shinkle, p1). Many different aspects of the American economy have come under fire as the cause of this financial crisis, most infamous of these methods to date are credit default swap contracts and short selling. The very first credit default swap contract was constructed in 1997 by JP Morgan and it is given credit for what initiated the market to balloon up to a $45 trillion value in 2007 (Pinsent, p1).

Claim to Cancel the Legitimacy of Gambling Essay

Claim to Cancel the Legitimacy of Gambling - Essay Example The organization and development of my presentation were divided into three points. The first category was to clarify some misconceptions about gambling. For instance, people perceive gambling as a hobby. I persuaded them to understand that gambling is a serious business. In addition, I informed the audience that, as individuals, we cannot control chance or luck. The second point elaborated on the health risks associated with gambling. Here, I mentioned the serious disease associated with people addicted to gambling. The diseases were such as liver disease, high blood pressure, increased rates of heart diseases and angina. My final point was ideally to support my presentation goal. I was able to convince them to claim to cancel gambling indirectly via clearly showing the existing relationship between gambling and increased rate of crimes and drug business. As a matter of fact, I made an outline to my professor to make sure that my structure was easy to follow. I provided enough testi mony when I used the statistic. Throughout my presentation, I used transitions to navigate from one point to another. Unfortunately, my conclusion ended abruptly as my time was already out. Therefore, I was unable to conclude what I had prepared for my audience. My use of verbal communication was fine as everyone could get me clearly. This was evident from the various questions asked by the audience. However, I had some weakness in pronouncing some words but that did not stop me from continuing with my presentation. With nonverbal delivery, I tried my level best to maintain eye contact with my audience. This is because eye contact helps in establishing a relationship with the subjects in question. In addition, I tried to smile when appropriate to create a friendly environment.  

Analysis of Decker Repairs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Analysis of Decker Repairs - Essay Example An enterprise-wide system (ERP) can be developed so as to capture the different modalities of the business and integrate into one big system. A proper relational database must be also established to take care of the information which needs to be dealt with. 2. The problem of recording the customer service info is telephonic based which can be problematic with respect to phone line busy due to traffic, phone line damages which hinder loss of customers and requirement of many front desk personnel to handle it. Solution: A web-based system (Client-Server Model)can be developed for the customers to browse the service required and the request can be placed accordingly. It cuts down all phone barriers and traffic at the service provider’s end to record the requests. Solution: The service bill can be delivered online after the customer confirms the service request to be closed. After that, the payment is made online and feedback is sent out. The online payment system can be implemented for customer ease. The DSS will capture all the processes currently occurring in an organization and make decisions on the basis of that. From the time of creating a service request and to the final obtaining of the feedback of the customer, it will cater to all. The internal processes also need a good management. The training of the technicians and the job of scheduling and routing can be managed and tracked well using the system. The DSS employed here will be acting as a system as a whole which will further modularize itself into subparts to handle the internal and external entities effectively. The interaction among the various processes needs to be closely monitored and taken care well and DSS is fit to handle it. Â  

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Wwek2 dicussions Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Wwek2 dicussions - Case Study Example Secondly, an individual may also fill the tax advice document claim form to inquire on how to handle non-disclosure matters. It mainly helps the taxpayer to provide information that he ought to have filed with the tax return but was discovered late. In addition, individuals may also fill the tax contextual information disclosure form. The option implies to the IRS that the taxpayer is sincere and may not recommend any audit process to unveil any undisclosed income information. Thirdly, a client may also make a voluntary disclosure in the case of offshore accounts since it makes them become compliant and avoid criminal prosecution. Such an option shows the taxpayer is willing to cooperate, and, therefore, the IRS may waive the penalty and may not indulge auditing team to probe the client. Finally, the client may decide to take the risk and wait to be summoned by the IRS for non-disclosure. However, this option may land the client in trouble. As a practitioner, I recommend that the client becomes sincere and retrieves the missing information from his partner. After that, he should voluntarily disclose to the IRS all the income information that were not disclosed. One should file the amended return information or contact IRS immediately to avoid penalties or any criminal prosecution that may arise. Acting sincerely without any push helps the client avoid IRS audits. Desai, R., & Roberts, R. (2012). Deficiencies in the Code of Conduct: The AICPA Rhetoric Surrounding the Tax Return Preparation Outsourcing Disclosure Rules.  Journal of Business Ethics,  114(3), 457-471.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

What Is and What Is Not Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

What Is and What Is Not Science - Essay Example To be alive requires breathing; it is to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Life generates a significant amount of chemical free energy which skips not only limitations but also inefficiencies linked to transfer of power within the planet’s thermodynamic hierarchy. Some people such as Frank Drake believe humankind is alone in the universe. Drake argued that if there were aliens in deep space, their communication would have been discovered. Enrico Fermi believed otherwise. Fermi argued that there existed extraterrestrial intelligence in nearby systems. According to Fermi, we are not the only humans in the universe. Only Drake’s argument is a science. Science involves qualitative and quantitative testing; Drake believed if there were other humans in the universe, their communication would have been discovered. Fermi’s argument is not science because he used only observation to make his claim.  Radiocarbon dating determines the age of a material or object. C arbon decays at a constant rate (5,730  ± 40years), the date at which an organism died can be estimated by measuring the sum of its residual radiocarbon. Radiocarbon measurements were made a shroud that was believed to have covered Jesus to determine its age. The result of the study which took place in Turin showed the shroud was made in1260-1390 AD. The current controversy of the shroud shows that the shroud is 2000 years. Giulio Fanti used infrared and Roman spectroscopy to determine the amount of cellulose in the shroud fiber.  

Wwek2 dicussions Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Wwek2 dicussions - Case Study Example Secondly, an individual may also fill the tax advice document claim form to inquire on how to handle non-disclosure matters. It mainly helps the taxpayer to provide information that he ought to have filed with the tax return but was discovered late. In addition, individuals may also fill the tax contextual information disclosure form. The option implies to the IRS that the taxpayer is sincere and may not recommend any audit process to unveil any undisclosed income information. Thirdly, a client may also make a voluntary disclosure in the case of offshore accounts since it makes them become compliant and avoid criminal prosecution. Such an option shows the taxpayer is willing to cooperate, and, therefore, the IRS may waive the penalty and may not indulge auditing team to probe the client. Finally, the client may decide to take the risk and wait to be summoned by the IRS for non-disclosure. However, this option may land the client in trouble. As a practitioner, I recommend that the client becomes sincere and retrieves the missing information from his partner. After that, he should voluntarily disclose to the IRS all the income information that were not disclosed. One should file the amended return information or contact IRS immediately to avoid penalties or any criminal prosecution that may arise. Acting sincerely without any push helps the client avoid IRS audits. Desai, R., & Roberts, R. (2012). Deficiencies in the Code of Conduct: The AICPA Rhetoric Surrounding the Tax Return Preparation Outsourcing Disclosure Rules.  Journal of Business Ethics,  114(3), 457-471.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Improving ones own performance Essay Example for Free

Improving ones own performance Essay Every fortnight on a Friday morning my line manager and I have a meeting to discuss my progress. This meeting is also for her feed back so she can see if there is anything I am struggling with, anything I need help with or I am not happy about. To the right is a picture of the scheduled meetings. This is on our Microsoft outlook account. The reason for this is so that if there are areas I am slipping with, for example my time keeping, we can discuss these issues comfortably and resolve them before they become an occurring issue. The need for these meetings is very important. They help monitor my progress by reflecting to my manager what I’ve been working on and how fast/slow I’ve been completing them. By doing these meetings it improves my performance by clearly showing my improvements giving me job satisfaction. I can also gain benefits from theses meetings too as I am improving my performance I may be more likely to be put forwards for a promotion because when my manager sees my hard work, she will inform the managing director and update him upon my progress. She gives me feedback on how I’ve been working and encourages me to do the same as without this I wouldn’t know what to improve or keep the same. Its adds value to my work as I am continuously improving, it also strengthens our relationship as I know what to do next time. During these meeting I have been asked to keep a record of achievement. I have also been asked to evaluate my own performance with a SWOT analysis every six months, so we can compare if there are any changes or areas of improvement. At times she suggest ways of possibly improving my work this helps me greatly as I may not have thought of the idea myself or even have tried it as I am not used to the method. It sometimes saves me a lot of time; this benefits my team and I as I can take on new tasks as I have spare time. Throughout my work I am constantly improving as I am learning new things all the time. As discussed by my manager and me, I have picked up a lot of important information just being in the office. When I am continuously learning it is helping me as when I learn something new I can apply it to situations, where needed. When I am enhancing my skills this helps me too as I know and understand more making my more aware. With my knowledge that has grown I will, in the future, apply it to other companies/organisations. This will benefit my career as I will know crucial information needed, not only to help me with an interview but help me secure another job. In my later life I would like to either study more business administration at university or possibly stay in the world of work and work my way up to become a manager in an office environment. At the end of my contract with Medilink I hope they would keep me on as I could grow my skills to adapt to learning about the other opportunities such as finance or even international work. Throughout my working life I use a PDP to show my achievement that aren’t actually a credited for. This adds great value to me as when I am going for an interview I can show this to my possible new employer. When Sarah and I have our fortnightly meeting I ask for feedback and on the occasion I write this down in my note book as I can reflect on it at a later date. This is because I won’t forget what she has said. I accept it with open arms as this will help me and is not said in a spiteful manor to upset me. It is constructive criticism, this is being assertive. If she wasn’t being assertive then it wouldn’t be good within our working environment. The benefit to this is that she can put her point across without sounding nasty and putting her point across in a respectful manor. I myself also have to be assertive too, for example if I get given a task and I have too much on I simply have say no as I would miss my deadline from taking over someone else job. I will offer an alternative if I can help as we work as a team and if I can save time for someone else I will. Plus when someone one is helping me and I do not agree with a certain way I voice my opinion and suggest to improve their performance, like when Tina was helping me with finding contacts on our database I suggested to sure the search bar rather than looking under the subheadings and finding them by trial and error. When having this meeting sometimes my manager, Sarah and I discus targets for when work needs to be completed. The reason for this is so that I get used to deadlines and can work to realistic target as my input is as important in these discussions as hers. It benefits me as I know I can structure myself to meet these target and they are within my reach. For example: I was given a task to go through the international managers, charlottes, mailing list in correspond to the members list, and our data base to update all three and ensure they are all up to date. We decided because there was 217 contacts on charlottes list that I would be given 22 working days to complete as this allows me to complete 10 a day so I could pick it up and put down the task in hand here and there amongst other tasks. With these discussions about targets we also discus the quality of my work. I set high standards as there are always room for improvements and if I am constantly aiming for the highest possible standard then overtime I should up the bar of my skills. This resulting in be being more knowledgeable. During day to day work there are setbacks that I may come across to overcome these and move forwards I first must accept these otherwise I can’t overcome them. When dealing with them there is one major benefit, it makes me a stronger worker as I know how to tackle them if they occur in the future. Everyday at work there are new challenges and the reason why I adapt the taking them on is because it will be a learning curve and will benefit my future. By adapting to change I grow my personality and move with the time, I am constantly growing my knowledge base and understanding what I need to take in. Treating others with respect honesty and consideration add to the business environment it ensure that the atmosphere we working in is enjoyable. When it is comfortable it promotes more effective working. When helping and supporting others at work, it saves them time as they don’t need to look for the answers and it add to the relationship within the working environment. To do this it is useful and very helpful. To show my targets in order of priority for my own work; is attached a sheet, listed in a random order but there is a coloured key to follow on the back. As you can see I have highlighted them corresponding to the coloured priority. In one of our meetings with Sarah I renegotiated the dead line of the previously mentioned task, the mailing list for Charlotte, in conjunction with the members list and our database. The reason for this was because we had a lot on for the awards event and I slipped behind due to bad time management therefore not being able to complete my task. On a weekly basis I like to achieve the highest possible outcome I can, to do this I set myself high standards. Such as: exceeding my targets. When helping Paul with his signs I completed them up to a brilliant aesthetic look and before my deadline. I laminated each one and got them all ready before he needed them. I was so committed that I stayed behind on one of the days to finish them off before my deadline. This demonstrated my passion for my work. I use my own needs to complete a task and it is my own right to use my own time during work to finish what I have been given. Like last week for example, I used my time during work to start a task I have been given by one of our members of the PR team, Martin. I treat all of my colleagues with respect, as I speak to them all with the right tone. Like in our weekly team briefing, I talk with politeness and do not use harsh tones.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Tourism At Sabah In East Malaysia Tourism Essay

Tourism At Sabah In East Malaysia Tourism Essay Sabah its one of the states located in East Malaysia is known as Land below the Wind, because of its location just south of the typhoon-prone region around the Philippines. Sabah is Malaysias northernmost state and together with Sarawak and it is mountainous with lush tropical rain forests and its population of nearly two million is made up of 32 colourful ethnic communities. Known mostly for its two Mountains; Mount Kinabalu, the underwater mountain of Sipadan or Layang Layang Island absolute isolation will adore this place with beautiful views of the surrounding sea with Gomantong Caves are a group of limestone caves as well know for its high valued birds nest. Access to Malaysia eastern gateway is through Sabahs capital, Kota Kinabalu, which receives flights from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, Brunei, Jakarta, Seoul, and Taipei. Domestic travel in this vast state is via daily flights between Labuan, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Tawau, though large a reas are still inaccessible. A rail network stretches from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom, and buses, taxis, and boats are also available. Sabah is an enchanting mosaic of cultural diversity with at least 30 groups with their rich cultures and interesting traditions and using more than 50 indigenous languages and not less than 80 dialects.   The main ethnic groups are: the Dusun and Kadazan the largest group who make up nearly one third of the population, the Murut, the Paitan and the Bajau. Other indigenous groups include the Bonggi, the Iranun, the Idaan and the Brunei. In addition, the Chinese make up the main non indigenous group. Therefore, the people of Sabah are varied in their respective cultural backgrounds. The tamu, a weekly open bazaar, offers a vivid glimpse into the colourful blend of local cultures. The tamu is where natives gather to trade in farm produce, local curios, handicraft, food and even buffaloes. Kota Belud is a favourite spot for tourists to capture this exotic occasion. Nowadays, Sabah has blossomed into a thriving commercial centre and holiday destination. A short boat-ride away takes one to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman park, a haven for camping and sea sports for all generation. Tropical Beaches As we know Sabah is a wonderful opportunity to relax and unwind on a secluded tropical beach or dive at Jacques Cousteaus favorites tropical island dive spot and the Caribbean Islands may be the current popular choice for an ultimate Tropical Island Vacation but Sabah offers a truly complete tropical island vacation package as it is a land of tropical wonders from ocean deep to mountain high. The 1st popular place in Sabah is the topical beach. Where you can simply laze around underneath a coconut tree on your deck chair with your heavily sun-tanned body soaking all the tropical sun you can get, a cocktail in one hand and a good book in the other, white and soft sand beneath your feet, the sound of the ocean waves echoing in the background, and seagulls passing by above you, your mind will be relax and forget all the busys life in the city. Sabah has an abundance of excellent tropical beaches that can make your dream tropical vacation a reality. Most of the best beaches with developed infrastructures are located in the West Coast of Sabah. Tropical Island Beside that the TAR Marine Park  is also is one of the perfect tropical islands in the whole of Borneo for the sun and sea lovers,this is because they are all well sheltered from the rough waters of the South China Sea and most islands are well developed in terms of tourist facilities to provide a memorable tropical island vacation of a lifetime.   In the other hand Sabah has numerous getaway locations where you can stay at quaint seaside accommodations or chalets. The best place for a tropical vacation getaways have to be at the 5-star  Tropical Vacation Resorts  getaways such as Shangri-Las Rasa Ria Resort and Nexus Karambunai Resort, both at Tuaran, about about 40-50 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah. Nestled far away from the city life, both international standard resorts are perfect for a great tropical vacation getaway.   An alternative setting for a tropical getaway is at the many idyllic  Tropical Island Vacation  getaways such as the nearby islands off Kota Kinabalu coast at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. However, if you are looking for a simple and quaint location out of the city or if your budget is a bit tight, you can still enjoy a truly magnificent tropical vacation at budget-typed tropical seaside getaways. Tropical resort In Sabah got five best tropical resorts. Shangri-Las Tanjung Aru Resort, Kota Kinabalu. Shangri-las Rasa Ria Resort, Tuaran Nexus Karambunai Resort, Tuaran Nexus Karambunai Resort, Tuaran Pacific Sutera Hotel, Kota Kinabalu Shangri-Las Tanjung Aru Resort, Kota Kinabalu is located near airport and just need around 10 minit from airport.It is the epitome of the Shangri-La best.It boats some 495 charming rooms all equipped with the modern facilities. Shangri-las Rasa Ria Resort, Tuaran is situated at Pantai Dalit, Tuaran and need about 40 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah. The Shangri-Las Rasa Ria Resort also located at the point where the jungle meets the sea and surrounded by 400 acres of tropical gardens. Nexus Karambunai Resort, Tuaran is located 30km North East of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah on a secluded 45 acres of tranquil, natural beauty on the Karambunai Peninsular with wonderful white and sandy beaches. Nexus Karambunai Resort, Tuaran which Sprawling on 384 acres of prime sea-front land with the majestic Mount Kinabalu as its backdrop in Kota Kinabalu, the Magellan Sutera Hotel, a resort within the Sutera Harbour Resorts and Marina vicinity, is far more than just superb first-class tropical vacation resort. Although it is close to the city center, the Magellan Sutera Hotel can also easily be a tropical vacation retreat for those who believe in spoiling themselves with the delights of Borneos famous hospitality. The Pacific Sutera Hotel can be the best described as a cost-effective tropical vacation resort. Although it is positioned a bit further from the beach area and appears to look more like a business hotel compared to the nearby the Magellan Sutera Hotel, dont be fooled by its appearance. Adventure Vacation In Sabah got the adventure vacation from soft to hard as it will brings you a variety of adventure vacation activities that is not only unique to this region but also can unparallel in quality. The adventure got like mountain climbing it will conquer with relative ease the majestic Mounnt Kinabalu,the highest peak in South East Asia.In Mount Kinabalu you do not need any special skills or mountaineering gears. White Water Rafting is a brave adventure which is the exhilarating ride down the river rapids on a White Water Rafting adventure. Along the more challenging Padas River (Grade 111-1V moderate rapids) or the family Kiulu River (Grade 1-111 simple rapids). Jungle trekking is an adventure takes a guided hike/trek through million years old rainforest at Danum Valley or Maliau The Lost World Basin. Borneos rainforest is the oldest in the world at around 130 million years compared to the 60 million years old Amazon rainforest. River Cruise is an adventure take a boat cruise along the Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah,it is for a fun filled nature adventure on an ox-bow lake and to search for the elusive Proboscis Monkey and other wild life. Scuba Diving Vacation Sabah is fast gaining popularity as the latest premier Scuba Diving Vacation destination in the world. The exotic Malaysian state has some of the best dive spots in the region as well as worldwide. Besides the world-famous Sipadan, and its neighbouring islands like Mabul and Kapalai near Semporna in the East Coast of Sabah, the other top spots include Lankayan near Sandakan, and Layang Layang, situated some 300km off the West Coast of Sabah. Scuba diving Vacation at Sipadan,Mabul,Kapalai is three world-class dive destinations located within sight of each other are situated in the East coast of Sabah.Sipadan is the most well known, it is the legendary island of turtles. Mabul is an enchanting island where every coconut tree has its own number. Kapalai is an island resort built on stilts in the middle of the sea The standard dive package will include 3 boat dive combinations a day with professional a Divemaster as well as unlimited beach dives (minimum 1 hour surface interval). Diving boat and basic diving equipments such as tanks with air, weight and weight belt will be inclusive. Scuba diving vacation at Lakayan is regarded as the new diving frontier in Sulu Sea off the North-Eastern coast of Sabah. A jewel-like tiny island in the Sulu Sea and hour and a half boat rides north of Sandakan, Lankayan has been declared part of an immense Marine Protected Area. Its dive sites are all within minutes away from one another and boast unbelievably colorful macro fauna, fascinating wrecks such as the Lankayan Wreck, which was an ocean going fish poaching vessel appropriately demised in the area of its illegal activities. Lankayan is a virtually uninhabited island but there is one small resort that offers an accommodation service. Scuba Diving Vacation at Layang-Layang, it known as the Jewel of the Borneo banks, Layang Layang is a small oceanic atoll 14 sq km in diameter jutting some 2000m from the Ocean depths, making it a wall diving mecca. The exact location of Layang Layang is 7.5 degrees north of the equator and 114 degree east of the meridian, right in the middle of ancient South China Sea, 300km North West off the coast of Sabah. Besides its amazing dive features, Layang Layang is also renowned as a bird sanctuary, situated on the other end of the island. As for accommodation, there is only one resort on the island. The Layang Layang Island Resort is a modest three-star resort with 76 rooms and 10 suites. Its tropical hardwood structures and the likeness of a traditional Longhouse exude an unparalleled sense of hospitality and warmth. National Park Vacation Sabah also provides a very unique and nice experience of national park vacation. In Sabah, there is two famous national parks which is Kinabalu National Park and Mesilau Nature Park. Kinabalu National Park is about 90km or two hours drive away from the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu. It is a wonderful place that let you enjoy the green environment with refreshing and cool mountain air which can let you totally forget about busy life of urban city. Kinabalu National Park is one of the richest diversity of plant, animal, insect and bird life in the world which is well protected since 1964. Inside this national park, we can also found the world largest pitcher plant, Rajah Brooke and world largest flower, Rafflesia. Mesilau Nature Park just away from Kota Kinabalu about 108km and within Kinabalu National Park, about 30 minutes by road. This nature park is about 2000 metres above the sea level. In this park, there is a highest golf course in South East Asia, Kundasang Mt. Kinabalu Golf Course which is part of beauty scenic view of Mesilau Nature Park. The spectacular views of the Kundasang valley with terraced hill slopes planted with highlands vegetables also another attraction for nature lover. Nature Tour Sabah is a really nice place for a fascinating nature tour. No matter island or national park or tropical vacation, Sabah sure provides you a tour with taste of nature and eco friendly. There is a 160 millions years old rainforest which older than the Amazon, the Danum Valley. Go for a jungle trekking inside it sure gives you an ultimate experience with unspoilt flora and fauna. Enjoyful soft adventure is also available at the top of national park. Another unforgettable nature experience is go for a River Safari journey on a boat. Rich and colorful multi-cultural of Indigenous Peoples must be discovered during trip to Sabah. Family Vacation Escape from busy city life, bring your family and spend couples of night at Sabah might improve relationship among your family members. It must be a great experience to have a soft adventure in controlled adventure vacation site with family. Wild Adventure By having a over 100 millions years old rainforest, Sabah sure provide a great experience by wild adventures. Breathtaking sights of rare wildlife such as the Sumatran rhinoceros and the Asian elephants are available at the Lost World. Take a river cruise to witness natures Christmas Lights, fireflies which all around inside the rainforest or catch a glimpse of the long-nose Proboscis Monkeys must be an unforgettable experience. Conclusion Sabah is a wonderful place to visit or stay in especially to those who like the nature very much. Amazing gifts from the god are fully and well protected here. Impressive scene in Sabah will make every tourists who ever been there a unforgettable experience and fall in love with it, Sabah.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

The Historical Geography of Mesopotamia Essay -- History Iraq Papers H

The Historical Geography of Mesopotamia Mesopotamia is a historical region in southwest Asia where the world's earliest civilization developed. The name comes from a Greek word meaning "between rivers," referring to the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, north or northwest of the bottleneck at Baghdad. It is known as Al-Jazirah, or "The Island," to the Arabs (3). South of this lies Babylonia. However, in the broader sense, the name Mesopotamia has come to be used for the area bounded on the northeast by the Zagros Mountains, and on the southwest by the edge of the Arabian Plateau, and stretching from the Persian Gulf in the southeast to the Anti-Taurus Mountains in the northwest (5). Only from the latitude of Baghdad do the Euphrates and Tigris truly become twin rivers, the "rafidan" of the Arabs, which have constantly changed their courses throughout the ages. This region was the center of a culture whose influence extended throughout the Middle East and even the rest of the known world. This paper will focus o n the importance of geography in raising this small region to such a level of high importance in the history of the world. Explanation of the Applicable National Standards for Geography The National Standards for Geography are being employed into school education programs throughout the United States. The source for the standards is Geography for Life in which they are published. The book suggests the essential knowledge, shills and perspectives that students should master by grades 4,8,and 12. One of these such standards is "knows and understands the physical and human characteristics of places." This is very important to the extent that people cannot fully understand a place unless they first ... ...peoples. The geography of this area certainly played a central role in the importance and influence of these lands. Geography has had a heavy hand in the culture and history of Mesopotamia, as it does in all areas of the world. Works Cited 1. Fertile Crescent Civilizations. http://killeenroos.com/1/mesodata.htm (4-27-99) 2. Fertile Crescent Home Page. http://www.leb.net/~fchp/FC-MNFM.HTML (4-27-99) 3. Kramer, Samuel Noah. The Sumerians. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1963. 4. Mallowan, M.E.L. Early Mesopotamia and Iran. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1965. 5. "Mesopotamia." Encyclopaedia Britannica: Macropaedia. 15th ed. 1997. 6. Oates, David. Studies in the Ancient History of Northern Iraq. London: Oxford UniversityPress, 1963. 7. Oppenheim, A. Leo. Ancient Mesopotamia. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1964.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Comparing Dystopian Dream of Brave New World, The Handmaid’s Tale and GATTACA :: comparison compare contrast essays

The Dystopian Dream of Brave New World, The Handmaid’s Tale and GATTACA  Ã‚   In Utilitarianism, John Stuart Mill writes that â€Å"it is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied.† By this he meant there are qualitative degrees of satisfaction and if to be satisfied we’re lowered in status to that of a pig, it’s better for us to be dissatisfied humans. The film GATTACA and the books Brave New World and The Handmaid’s Tale create fictional places where the needs and desires of humans are met, but not as well as they should be and not without a price. Given the achievements in science over the last several decades, specifically in areas of genetics and biology, it is no wonder why we dream of altering our world in the name of progress. But with social progress in these tales comes repressed individuality, loss of personal freedom, and discrimination of those who aren’t the biological elite. Because such stories deal with these potential imperfections of utopia, they’re called dystopias, pessimistic vi sions of societies striving to be ideal but never reaching their goal. Utopian and Dystopian thinkers differ in their views of human nature. While Utopians see human nature as basically good, Dystopians cannot share such optimism. Human nature, in their view, is much like science, neither good nor bad, but varied and variable, potentially both good and evil. Even in the most ideal circumstances, Dystopians believe there’s no escaping those who desire power and control over others. (Dystopia Handout) In Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale those who seize power in the Republic of Gilead are the Commanders, men who arrange a right wing militant theocracy that demotes women and controls society. After a political massacre eradicates pre-Gilead government and environmental disasters threaten the proliferation of the human race, those women still capable of reproducing are forced to bear children for those who cannot. Those lucky enough to become Handmaids are spared from life in the Colonies handling toxic waste. Offred, the main chara cter of the book, finds herself stripped away from her family and her previous role in society. Instead of being a wife and a mother, she is what Lois Feuer calls â€Å"a walking womb,† useful only because she’s still fertile in a world where fertility is rare.. In GATTACA, as in The Handmaid’s Tale, reproduction is controlled by an elite group of males, but in a slightly different way.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Proposal for Fashion Industry Essay

Age: The consumer club of Espire company would like to know how customer spend their money every day. Many customers complain that they do not have enough money at the end of the month. The purpose of this questionnaire is to find out the inequity of our customer. It will determine where they go to shopping, How much they spend on items they buy, is the product is affordable and etc. The data will be kept confidential. Please return completed questionnaire to your introduce or put it in the envelope in front of room g15. Indicate your feeling about the following items by ticking ( / ) on the appropriate line. 1. What is your work status? Student Working Self-employed 0thers, please specify __________ 2.What is your annual spending on designer and fashion accessories in a year? Less than RM100 RM100-RM400 RM401-RM900 RM901-RM1500 More than RM1500 3.Do you think our products are affordable to buy? Yes No 4. How important are the following features of a shopping experience to you? Important Unimportant Price On-Trend Brand Convenient Location Store Atmosphere Product Quality 5. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement. Agree Disagree Espire has low prices Espire has a contemporary image Espire has a well known brand name Espire has a convenient location Espire produces high quality products Espire is a trendsetter Thank you for your cooperation ESPIRE COMPANY QUESTIONNAIRE Â  Name: Gender:Â  Age: The consumer club of Espire company would like to know how customer react on usage of real animal fur .Many customers complain that they don’t encourage the usage of real animal fur in our daily life. Meanwhile the others prefer to use real animal fur in our daily life.The purpose of this questionnaire is to find out which type of society is majority in this world. It will determine what type of material they use , what items they buy, is the product is worth it and etc. The data will be kept confidential. Please return completed questionnaire to your introduce or put it in the envelope in front of room g15. Indicate your feeling about the following items by ticking ( / ) on the appropriate line. Yes No 1. I do not use clothes and accessories made from real animal fur. 2. I change my clothes made from real animal fur regularly. 3. Clothes and accessories made from Real animal fur is popular among Teenagers and adults. 4. Where do you get information about products made from real animal fur? friend magazine tv/radio the internet newspaper other, please specify _________________ 5. Please rank the following criteria you use in materials used in fashion industry (1- Most preferred to 5 –lease preferred) real animal fur cotton pvc price brand name

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Music Therapy for Health and Wellness

Lilia Grabenstein Professor Lambert Hartman GWRTC 103 11 October 2012 How Does Music Therapy Affect Patient’s Psychological and Physiological Well-being? Many countries that you can travel to, have their own style of music that makes up their culture, which is incorporated into their lifestyles. Music was not only created around the world for enjoyment, but has been used as a form of comfort, a stress reliever, and a healer (â€Å"What Is Music Therapy? †).According to the American Cancer Society, in their Find and Support Treatment section, music therapy was developed in during World War II where it was used in US Veteran Administration hospitals to treat soldiers from suffering from shell shock (â€Å"Music Therapy†). From a personal experience, I feel that music eases my tension, helps me focus, and relates to how I am feeling. In addition to my personal experience and connection with music, I was curious to see how music can be even more therapeutic. I am int erested about the profession of music therapy as well as the effects that it has on patients and people with disabilities.For my research, I decided to choose the question, â€Å"What effect does music therapy have on various patients’ physical and mental wellbeing? † I wanted to examine this question more intently, because I believe that music therapy can provide evidence for a new method of healing for people that suffer from illnesses including cancer, disease, and depression as well as mental disabilities like autism. As I started my research, I first wanted to find out what music therapy was and what type of audience it was aimed toward.The first resource that I found to steer me in the right direction was the Music Therapy Association website where I read, â€Å"What is Music Therapy? † This provided me with the basic definition of music therapy and how it aimed to help their patients. Music Therapy is defined as, â€Å"the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program (â€Å"What is Music Therapy? †). Here, I learned that the entire website is geared toward people who find it difficult to express themselves and feel strengthened by the music that the program is creating for them. For many years music therapy has been developing and helping to ease the pain of many patients ranging from various ages with illnesses and disorders. Specialized in this area, music therapists are â€Å"trained professionals who assess the well being of the physical health, communications, and functions of client needs† (â€Å"What Is Music Therapy? ). Some of their main goals are to â€Å"promote wellness, alleviate pain enhance memory, and promote physical rehabilitation† (â€Å"What Is Music Therapy? †). The website gives you the opportunity to sign up as a Music Th erapist, attend conferences for the program, and provides many stories and quotes about personal experiences with musical therapy. Although this website was beneficial to the start of my search, I knew I needed more to do more in depth research about my topic.I decided to expand on my previous topic so I searched the LEO Library Website on the JMU page for further research. Here, I found a book called Interactive Music Therapy, where Amelia Oldfield shares her experience from traveling to a Child Development Center where she conducted a study the developmental relationship on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their parents. Since Oldfield specializes in studying children with ASD, I knew she would provide quality information for me to include.For eighteen to twenty-six weeks Oldfield studied ten children and their parents by video analysis, semi-structured parent interviews, music therapy reports, and Parenting Stress Index questionnaires. After hours of recording data at t he end of the study, nine out of ten parents felt the sessions proved to have a positive impact after participating in the program. The children resulted in increased levels of engagement, communication levels, playfulness, and interaction with their parents.Parents PSI levels all lowered, but it was proven that two pairs of parents PSI levels decreased dramatically. The video analysis data was not as positive as the music report, which proved to be more helpful in the study (Oldfield 157-169). After reading this excerpt, I gained more insight into understanding how interactions, communication, and even relaxation levels can increase based on music therapy treatments. At this point in my study, I knew that I had made progress in researching he topic of music therapy and how it increased interaction of children with ASD. I knew that I had to dig even deeper if I wanted to support my question. Oldfield’s study seemed like children with ASD were increasing their connection with their parents. I wanted to learn even more about how music therapy could potentially improve autistic children’s learning methods. In my next source, Hayoung A. Lim shares a perspective of children with ASD in the classroom. In addition to my last research source, I decided to go to the library to further my research.I took about six books off the shelf, and one that stood out to me was Developmental Speech-Language Training Through Music for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Hayoung A. Lim, which provided me with another variation of a test on children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In a study Lim shares, Carla Hoskins investigated sung and spoken versions of three standardized speech tests, which included a verbal test, verbal with pictures, and a sung version with guitar. This was used to see if it would produce better short-term memory.Through multiple tests with regular verbal talk, music, and music with words, there was a significant difference in learning ex perience of the children in each group. It appeared to be evident that the tests with the verbal music with pictures improved short-term memory, increased communication, created more focus in the classroom. The results of this research was the cause of enjoyment in accordance to the method using music and pictures, which took away from the boring learning atmosphere compared to other methods (Lim 73-77).After reading this excerpt, I came to the conclusion that these tests and studies on children with ASD and delayed speech development started to clarify the first part of my question about the improvement of the psychological well-being of people. This information gave me a clearer perspective of how music and learning combined makes it more exciting, especially for children to gain knowledge about certain subjects. Besides children, I wanted to understand how music could also affect adults and teens.Another great article that I found on the LexisNexis Academic database was about how music therapy can be an â€Å"effective tool in enhancing the quality of life among cancer survivors and people suffering from chronic illnesses† (Wee). May Wong Mei-lin found the Hong Breast Cancer Foundation after she experienced breast cancer herself, where the Hong Kong Music Therapy program had professionals perform for patients. A breast cancer survivor that attended Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, Pollina Ip Lai-chun, joined a program called Melody-in-Mind after experiencing depression after chemotherapy.She stated that singing lifted her spirits and she feels that she has become â€Å"more cheerful† (Wee). In Wee’s article, she included the four types of intervention in a music therapy session: performing including singing or playing instruments, composing, improvising, and listening. In addition, Wee included some studies in her article like one that was conducted in 2009 by the University of Maryland Medical center that found that, â€Å"Alzheime r’s patients who received music therapy experienced lower levels of anxiety and depression†.She also discovered a study from Drexel University by Joke Bradt provided that, â€Å"music can reduce anxiety in cancer patients, and may also have positive effects on mood, pain, and quality of life†. Lastly, another study included from Nature Neuroscience showed that listening to preferred music could cause the brain to release a dopamine chemical that improves our moods. This information created answers to my questions and even expanded on the side effects music therapy can have on the brain. This positive feedback made my research process look even more promising.After numerous amounts of research, I kept finding articles that discussed the improvement in psychological areas, but I was very adamant about learning if music therapy truly could help the physiological state of being for patients that had were in worse conditions of illness. If I could find more informatio n about physical improvement, I could answer my initial question confidently. In some cases, I have heard that music can be a factor in curing sicknesses and diseases, so I was also curious to see if this information was factual.In my final day of research, a study that I read from the American Cancer Society called â€Å"Music Therapy†, included that in a clinical trial, musical therapy provided for cancer patients was proven to reduce symptoms like high blood pressure, heart rate, insomnia, and breathing rate. This information provides evidence that music therapy can help our physiological state. While reading this article, I found the author included that music did help short-term pain after surgeries, but a key factor that I noticed was that he stated, â€Å"there were no difference in survival rates† (â€Å"Music Therapy†).Soon after I read this, I realized that the method of musical therapy might help emotional well-being and decrease in levels like stress , but it would not actually cure a patient of a medical illness. After I searched through different data bases on the LEO Library, my eye caught various titles like â€Å"Music Therapy Cures Stroke Patients† and â€Å"Music Therapy Cures Cancer Patients†. However, the articles and excerpts I read were very short and did not have factual evidence to support the claims. With that, I have concluded that Music Therapy does not help our physiological wellbeing as much as it helps our psychological wellbeing.Although I could not find too much supporting evidence about the physical aid that music therapy provides patients besides reducing things like heart rate, the last article I stumbled upon provided a new angle of vision toward my topic. Although I found many article about curing illnesses, this story provided a unique twist to my research about the use of music therapy in a hospice setting. The article â€Å"Music Therapy Taken To Hospice Patients†, Sarah Pitts, a trained musical therapist, worked in a four-year musical therapy program at the Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa.Pitts brought instruments like drums, which helped release tension in children that had cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Pitts saw improvement in patients who had overcome strokes and had other similar impairments. She even played music for a family that requested here while the patient died peacefully. As Pitts simply played on her guitar and sang for patients, she was able help reduce anxiety in her patients and even a few patients became well enough to leave hospice (â€Å"Music Therapy Taken To Hospice Patients†).This article did provide evidence of physical improvement in relation to patients with physical impairments, however, not enough information was provided that signified dramatic physical improvement. After hours of research spent in the library and online, I found that the art of music therapy provides a healing power for people everywhere. Whether we are elderly, youth, or teenagers, we all can find a comfort while listening to music. The goal of music therapists is to provide an interactive atmosphere where patients can socialize and physically watch a performance wherever they may reside.In response to my initial research question, I have concluded that music therapy is beneficial in augmenting the intellect of children with disabilities, lowering anxiety levels, easing tension, and lowering heart rate, to name few. In addition, my research provided that music therapy alone doesn’t cure cancer and illnesses. There is a possibility that it has cured patients, but many studies that I read concluded that the music only eased short-term pain. Overall, I have found that music therapy has been proven to increase our psychological well being more than our physical wellbeing.I would have to conduct more research about music therapy and its capability of physically curing patients fully in order to answer my research question more accurately. Annotated Bibiographies Lim, Hayoung A. Lim. Developmental Speech-Language Training Through Music for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2012. 73-77. Print. This book provides copious amounts of information for parents that are curious in learning about how they can help their child become more at ease by using music therapy.In the chapter I read, there was a test that was made for children that tested the short term memory of children with ASD which improved after testing with musical therapy. This article is important because it informs us about different ways autistic children can enhance their development of intelligence with this unique approach. â€Å"Music Therapy†. Find Support and Treatment. American Cancer Society. 1 Nov. 2011. Web 10 Oct. 2012. The article from the American Cancer society website about music therapy is geared toward readers curious about alternative methods of relieving the pain o f cancer patients.It talks about the benefits of attaining an overall sense of well-being that patients receive from music therapy at the bedside in hospitals. This article is helpful in providing information about the many physical reliefs that music can help to treat various cancer patients. â€Å"Music Therapy Taken to Hospice Patients†. Hospice Management Advisor (2010): LexisNexis Academic. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. Written for readers who are interested in methods of healing during hospice, this journal article provides how a music therapist improved spirits of patients in critical conditions.This article shares how being part of interactive musical therapy can help patients in hospice to ease their anxiety and maintain their peace by listening to therapists like Sarah Pitts. This information is valuable because it promotes the development of both psychological and physiological wellbeing that can improve attitudes of people that are suffering from illness. Oldfield, Amelia. I nteractive Music Therapy: A Positive Approach. Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2006. 157-169. Print. In this interactive online book, Oldfield creates her focus toward parents of children with disabilities.Specifically, in one of her studies, she observed interactions of parents and their children who took many music therapy tests and structured interviews. This chapter in the book provided that music therapy does have an impact on how children with autism interact with their surroundings, providing that they were more open to self-expression, learning, and interaction while listening to music during the tests. Wee, Margaret. â€Å"Music Therapy is Proving to be an Effective Tool in Enhancing the Quality of Life Among Cancer Survivors and People Suffering From Chronic Illnesses†.South China Morning Post (2011): LexisNexis Academic. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. This is a journalistic article that features a story written for readers who are curious about cures for breast canc er. While music therapy is not exactly a cure for breast cancer, this article provides information about how it acts as a temporary healer for patients suffering from depression and anxiety during chemotherapy. This is an important article because it provides valuable information that can help researchers gain more insight about the healing music therapy promotes. What Is Music Therapy? † Music Therapy Association. 2011. Web. 7 Oct. 2012. This website provides stories about various patient’s who experienced the healing of music therapy. The website provides an opportunity for music therapists to sign up online and join for a good cause. The website provides basic definitions and information about what the association is geared toward. From this there are many beneficial links about AMTA and how it is utilized in places like schools, nursing homes, and hospitals.