Negative Effects on Children Essay

Parents are too busy earning a living so that they can feed, cloth and educate their children. Consequently, they spend much time away from home and from their children. Since their parents are not around, the children have no choice but to spend their time in front of the television. It then goes without saying that children spend a lot of time in front of the television set where they are exposed to sex and violence. The question then is; does the exposure to sex and violence have negative effects on children? There is no simple or obvious answer. Some people may argue that the sex and violence on television does not have negative effects on children. This group of people believe that that the amount of sex and violence on television is not enough to warrant the change in the behavior of the children. More over, that some children are too young to understand the scenes on television, anyway. Others yet may argue that exposure to sex and violence, however limited it may be, does have negative effects on the children. It influences them to commit antisocial and sometimes immoral behavior. Nevertheless, it is important to analyze the issue critically before settling for any one conclusion. SUMMARY OF INFORMATION The media has both positive and negative influences on children. On the one hand, it provides their growing minds with information. On the other hand, it also provides them with negative information in the form of sexual and violent content that corrupts their young minds (Singer & Singer, 2002). According to Josephson, when children watch television, they understand the content in very different ways. How they understand the television content is highly influenced by their ages, their attention spans and also their life experiences (1995). Case in point. Think about children who are less than five years old and the kind of attention span they have. Yes they may take the time to sit in front of the television, but after a few minutes they will have gotten restless and moved on to some other activity, say playing with their toys or just running around. More over, even though these children may appear to be paying close attention to the scenes on television, it is very likely that in their minds, they may fail to register what the exact content of program is. It is only the mature, much older, children and adults who are capable of discerning program content. According to Cameron, this is because most children under that age of seven cannot easily tell fantasy and reality from each other. To them it’s all one and the same thing. At this stage of their development, it is hard for the children to understand the motives and justifications for the violence on television (2009). Children are unaware of whether the characters on television are real or not. Consequently, Bugs Bunny is just as real as the news anchor. Therefore, since the child does not know what is real and what is not, it is then possible then possible that they will also not be able to distinguish whether or not to copy what they see. It is for this reason that it would be incorrect to conclude with certainty that indeed all the sex and violence on television does have negative effects on children. It is only after the age of two that children begin to really pay attention on what is on television. As the children grow older, they learn to differentiate between what they see on television and reality. By the time these children grow into teenagers and adulthoods they shift their focus from television preferring to instead spend their time on other activities such as developing relationships with their peers of the opposite sex. Nevertheless, it is during adolescent that sex and violence on television may have a greater impact on the children. Those without guidance may try out what they see on television. Thus, it is important to note that it is the amount of time that a child spends in front of the television that really matters. According to Huesmann, children who consistently watch violent programs on television are more likely to be negatively affected than their counterparts who do not. Think about it. A child who frequently watches Monday night wrestling, which by all standards may be described as a violent program, is more likely to try wrestling with his friends. What is even more interesting is that the child may also attempt using the same wrestling behaviors, as seen on television, as a way of solving conflicts with others (2001). Thus, children who watch/are exposed to violence on television are more aggressive (Jonassen & Harris, 2003). According to Greenspan, in the process, these children are bound to injure not only themselves but others in the process (2007). Concurrently, children who habitually watched television programs raced with sexual content were much more likely to be involved than their counterparts who were not. According to Stein, frequent watching of sexual content on television was a big influence in teen pregnancy (2008). It is probable that the children may want to try out what they may have watched and the consequences in this case are teenage pregnancy. Nathanson & Cantor (1998), argue that at some point in time children will be exposed to television; it is unavoidable. It may not happen in their homes. Children may go visiting their friends where they may have to watch television meaning they may be exposed to sex and violence. It is therefore up to parents to protect their children from prolonged exposure to sex and violence on television. The simplest way of doing this is by restricting the number of hours that children actually spend in front of the television. Rather than letting children watch television after school, parents may choose to enroll their children in such after school activities such as soccer practice or ballet. Such activities are sure to keep children away from exposure to negative TV programs. Even when children are left under the care of a nanny, parents should leave strict instructions on just how much time their children should be allowed to watch television. It would also be important if the parents themselves were to change their television watching habits. In most instances, toddlers are heavily influenced by their parents (Josephson, 1995). Therefore, if the parents were to stay away from the television but instead partake in other activities, their children would follow suit. This way the parent’s would not have to worry about the television negatively affecting their children. Another way that parents may protect their children is by letting children watch television programs that have PG rating. The idea behind this concept is that parents should watch a television program first before they let their children. The main idea here is for the parents to determine the suitability of the program. PG also means that parents should watch the program with their children so that they may offset any negative effects. By all standards, PG rating is good and workable idea. However, according to Cameron, very few parents may want to do this (2009). SUMMARY OF THE RESEARCH STUDY Most of the research that has been carried out has focused on the effects of television violence on children. However, according to Eyal & Kunkel, there has also been research whose aim was to show the association between the watching of sex on television and pregnancy among teenagers. The argument is that there is a relationship between the exposure of children and young adults and their expectations about sex and also their engagement in premarital sex (2008). One such study was published in 2008 in the Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics. According to Chandra, Martino, Collins, Elliot, Berry, Kanouse & Mlu, while there was increasing evidence (from previous studies and research) that the exposure of children/youth to sexual content on television is a big influence on their sexual attitudes and behavior, the studies were yet to establish the king of association that existed between the exposure of children to sexual content and adolescent/teen pregnancy. Accordingly, the study by Chandra et al, sought to establish this relationship (2008). The participants were some 2000 children between the ages of 12 and 17 years. These children were tracked for period of three years; till they were aged 15 and 20 years. The participants by interviewed by telephone. According to Chandra et al, the participants who constituted the sample were drawn from a list of house holds that had been commercially purchased. the researchers were careful to select the households that had a high probability of housing adolescents aged between the ages of 12 and 17 years. The final study sample therefore comprised of 57% males, 665 white, 12% Hispanics and 17% blacks all of them adolescents with an average age 18. 1 years. Survey, was the chosen research design. The survey was meant to measure and collect data on the television viewing habits of the adolescents, their knowledge of sexual matters, In addition, their behaviors and attitudes towards sex plus demographic and psychosocial variable, such as age, sex and education level which are known to predict sexual behavior, were also measured (2008). As a way of encouraging the participants to respond to the survey questions, the survey was conducted in private. From the survey, it was established that to a great extent the exposure of children/teens to sexual content on television was a big predictor of teen pregnancy. From the research, the teens that were exposed to high levels of sexual content on television were found to be twice as likely to experience pregnancy in the subsequent three years. The reverse was true for those who had lower levels of exposure. So, 25% of those who watched frequently watched sexual content on television were involved in a pregnancy. The number was high compared to that of the adolescents who watched the least; which stood at 12% (Chandra et al, 2008). The results of the study go to show that indeed habitual exposure to sexual content on television does have negative effects on children. From the study, most of the children who frequently watched sexual content on television were subsequently involved in a pregnancy compared to their counterparts who did not watch sexual content on the television much. Accordingly, there is a link between the exposure of children to sex and sexual content on television and the negative effects of pregnancy. Thus, it is clearly evident that sex, and even violence, on television has negative effects on children, more so when the exposure is frequent, prolonged and unsupervised. It is for this reason that the exposure of children and violence on television should be restricted. For instance, by watching television with their children and discussions the depictions of sex on television, they may be able to tone down the influence of the sex and the violence (Chandra et al, 2008). CRITICAL ANALYSIS Most of the information contained in internet sites, into the question of whether all the sex and violence on television has negative effects on children, does indeed provide information to the affirmative. Children spend a lot of time in front of the television from an early age. When children are young, say between the ages of two and five, the sex and the violence cannot be said to have influence on them. This is because children are very young and are not able to tell fantasy from reality. More over, they have a limited attention span which makes their concentration and internalization of the content on television impossible. However, it is when children are all grown up, into their teens that the sex and violence can be said to have some kind of effect on children. When children are older, they are also more mature and therefore able to differentiate fantasy from fiction. Furthermore, the fact that they are older means they may try out what they watch on television. There is strong evidence behind this information. For instance, it has been reported that children who watch wrestling duplicate the same aggressive behaviors that they watch on television. They are openly aggressive towards their peers. Sometimes, they even use the same behaviors to solve their conflicts with their peers. However, the internet information goes on to explain that children have to be exposed to prolonged sex and violence on television for there to be negative effects. More over, that the children who are frequently exposed to the sex and violence on television are more susceptible to the negative effects. It is for this reason that parents restrict how much time their children spend in front of the televisions. The research study also goes to provide information on the link between frequent exposure of children to sexual content in television and negative effects, in this case pregnancy. There is strong evident in support of this. Of the 2000 children who were surveyed in the research, 25% of those who had frequent exposure to sexual content were found to be more likely to be involved in a pregnancy in subsequent years. This was as compared to 12% of those who were not as frequently exposed to sex and sexual content on television. Just like the information compared in the internet sources, as soon as children are old enough to differentiate between fantasy and reality it is very likely that with prolonged exposure, they may want to try out what they see in television. Again, it is prolonged exposure that makes all the difference. The best way of mitigating the negative effects of exposure to sex and violence on television, parents should watch and discuss how sex and even violence is portrayed in television. This would also help to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies. CONCLUSION It is evident that television content, sex and violence, has some negative effects on children. It is true that quite a large number of children watch television and are therefore exposed to sex and violence. Nevertheless, it is important to note that not all these children who are exposed are susceptible to the negative effects. Certain groups of children are more prone to acting out what they see on television. It is this group that is likely to aggressive and or immoral. This is the group of children that has prolonged and frequent exposure to sex and violence on television. It is for this reason that exposure to television is limited. Thus, it may be correct to conclude that all the sex and violence on television has negative effects on children. However, it is also important to note that it is only prolonged exposure to the sex and the violence that results in the negative effects. It is the children who frequently watch television programs laced with sex and violence that are more likely to be aggressive and promiscuous as compared to their counterparts who do not. According to the information contained in this report, negative influences of sex and violence on television only become visible when the children are much older. Thus, it remains largely unclear as to why frequent exposure of adolescents to violence and sex on television influences then negatively, After all, are they not at an age where they are capable of differentiating right from wrong; fiction (what is on television and reality (what they should not do); and therefore refrain from engaging in certain activities? More research may be necessary to provide insight into the reasons why children prefer to act out the negativity they view on television rather than on the positive. Is there, for instance, more gratification in doing what is considered negative as compared to doing what is right? Answers to these questions may shed more light on to why sex and violence has negative effects on children at all. REFERENCES Cameron, J. (2009). The view on TV violence. iafrica. com. Retrieved 15 April, 2009 from http://lifestyle.iafrica. com/parenting/fatherhood/274094. htm Chandra, A. , Martino, S. , Collins, R. , Elliot, M. , Berry, S. , Kanouse, D. & Mlu, A. (2008). Does watching sex on television predict teen pregnancy? Findings from a national longitudinal survey of youth. Pediatrics. 122(5): 1047. Eyal, Keren & Kunkel, D. (2008). The effects of television drama shows on emerging adult’s sexual attitudes and moral judgments. Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media. 52 (2): 161.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular nutritional oil derived from the flesh of matured coconuts. Coconuts have long been a primary source of food throughout the tropics and their many industrial and cosmetic applications have made them a valuable commodity. Coconut oil is heat stable, making it suitable for cooking at high temperatures, it’s slow to oxidize, resists rancidity and has a shelf life of approximately two years or more (virgin coco creme created through a wet-milling process has an indefinite shelf life). Coconut oil’s compositionCoconuts have a variety of health benefits due to their fibre and nutritional content, but it’s the oil that makes them a remarkable source of food and medicine. Coconut oil has definitely earned its reputation as the healthiest oil in the world despite the fact that its high saturated fat content was once falsely claimed to be unhealthy. What makes coconut oil different? Oils and fats are composed of molecules known as fatty acids. They are classified either according to saturation or based on molecular length and size of the carbon chain within each fatty acid.Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are an example of the first class. The second classification is based on molecular size or length of the fatty acid’s carbon chain. Long chains of carbon atoms consist of each fatty acid with an attached hydrogen atom. There are short chain fatty acids known as SCFA, medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) such as coconut oil and long chain fatty acids (LCFA). Whether unsaturated or saturated, the majority of fats and oils in our diet are composed of long chain fatty acids.In fact, a majority of the fatty acids commonly consumed are LCFA. Coconut oil is predominantly medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) and the effects of the MCFA in coconut oil are distinctly different from the LCFA found in other foods. In fact, the saturated and unsaturated fat in milk, eggs, meat and even in plants and most vegetable oils are made of LCFA. Why is this relevant? It’s important because our bodies respond and metabolize each fatty acid differently. The MCFA found in coconut oil makes it special because these fatty acids don’t have a negative effect on cholesterol.In fact, they’re known to lower the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis. There are only few dietary sources of MCFA, and one of the best sources by far is coconut oil. The liver and gall bladder don’t need to digest and emulsify MCFA, resulting in instant energy, increased metabolic rate and subsequently greater heat production and increased circulation. Anyone with an impaired fat digestion or removed gallbladder will benefit from coconut oil as this oil is  easily digested. Lauric acid Many of coconut oil’s health benefits are attributed to its lauric acid.Lauric acid in the body is converted into monolaurin, a compound that’s highly toxic to viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms because of its ability to disrupt their lipid membranes and virtually destroy them. Monolaurin is effective for treating candida albicans, fungal infections and athlete’s foot. It also targets bacterial infections and viruses like measles, influenza, hepatitis C and even HIV—researchers from the Philippines are studying the effectiveness of lauric acid against HIV/AIDS due to its strong antiviral properties.Moreover, lauric acid is non-toxic, making it a better alternative to modern drugs prescribed for viruses, fungal and bacterial infections. Without lauric acid, monolaurin cannot be produced by the body. Breast milk is the only other source of lauric acid, which could explain the lower incidence of infections among breast-fed infants. Regular consumption of coconut oil has also been found to boost immunity and reduce the frequency of sickness. The health benefits of coconut oilHair care  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ The unique fatty acids in coconut oil have a small molecular structure and pas s freely into the hair’s cell membrane, allowing the oil to penetrate the hair’s shaft, which brings out the deep conditioning from within as compared to other conditioners that work from the outside in. Massaging the oil into the scalp can offer relief from dandruff. Dandruff is caused by dry skin or an internal fungal condition that reached the scalp. With regular use, coconut oil can kill the fungus and eliminate dandruff issues. For  deep hair conditioning, a teaspoon or two on damp hair left for as long as possible can give a nice shine.Leave it on overnight and see startling results. Skin care  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Coconut oil is an excellent skin conditioner that contains medium-chain triglycerides, naturally occurring fats which deeply penetrate, moisturize and act as a protective barrier against environmental and free radical damage. The oil also provides sun protection by screening 20 per cent of ultraviolet exposure. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and the natur al microbial and antibacterial agents caphrylic and capric acids. Its ability to smooth the skin while infusing with antioxidants make it a perfect anti-aging moisturizer.Moreover, it contains vitamin E, another antioxidant popular for hastening the recovery of skin abrasions, burns and other trauma. Weight loss  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil can speed up metabolism faster than long-chain fatty acids because they are easily digested and converted into energy. In fact, a  study reported  medium-chain fatty acids to be three times more effective in raising metabolism than long-chain fatty acids, leading researchers to conclude that effective weight loss can be achieved by replacing long-chain fatty acids with medium-chain fatty acids.Natural remedy for pneumonia  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ The American College of Chest Physicians found that coconut oil offers pneumonia patients faster and more complete relief from symptoms. This could be a welcome development for many a s this means a shortened hospital stay, lower medical expenses and lower exposure for the patient to a hospital environment. Moreover, it’s an  inexpensive addition to traditional antibiotics  and has no known side effects.Lowers risk of diabetes, heart disease and improves cholesterol levels  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ In a study of 20 to 40-year-old women, half were instructed to take a 30 ml soybean oil supplement while the other half were instructed to take a 30 ml coconut oil supplement while maintaining a moderate exercise routine over a 12-week period. Results showed that although both groups of women had a decrease in body mass index (BMI), only the women who were taking coconut oil showed a notable decrease in waist circumference, significantly lowering the risk of conditions like type II diabetes and heart disease.Furthermore, the study also showed that the subjects who experienced an improvement in their cholesterol profile along with higher HDL levels and higher HDL to LDL ra tio were the ones taking coconut oil. Those taking soybean oil did not receive the  same benefits  but reflected a higher total cholesterol as well as higher LDL cholesterol lower, lower HDL cholesterol and a lower HDL to LDL ratio. Assists in bone health and chronic fatigue  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Research has found coconut oil to help prevent osteoporosis because it helps in the nutrient absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium – important minerals that fight steoporosis. Moreover, the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil  produce energy  rather than body fat, thereby improving metabolism and preventing fatigue. The oil has also been shown to destroy organisms in the body that sap its strength and contribute to the condition of fatigue. Alzheimer’s Disease  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Dr. Mary Newport, after failing to get treatment for her husband’s dementia, discovered that coconut oil contained natural medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). The same substance was used in a drug trial her husband failed to qualify for.So, she gave her husband 1 tbsp. of coconut oil twice a day for a month and a half and saw him recover almost completely. Other benefits: †¢ Protects against cancer, HIV and other infectious diseases †¢ Kills bacteria and parasites like tapeworm and liver flukes †¢ Eases acid reflux and aids in proper bowel function †¢ Lowers incidence of hemorrhoids †¢ Heals and relieves intestinal problems †¢ Soothes earaches †¢ Deals with symptoms connected with prostate enlargement †¢ Strengthens the liver and protects against degeneration Reduces incidence of epileptic seizures †¢ Reduces joint and muscle inflammation †¢ Eases neuropathies and itching from diabetes. How much oil should be taken? According to researchers, an adult should consume around 3 1/2 tbsp. of coconut oil daily: an amount equal to the MCFA a nursing infant would receive in one day. The benefits of coconut oil are derived fr om the nutritional value of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA’s), and the best comparison in nature as to the percentage of MCFA consumed in a diet is in human breast milk.For those who aren’t used to having coconut oil in their diet, it’s best to start out with a smaller amount and see how the body reacts before following the recommended amount. Does coconut oil have any adverse side effects? Coconut oil has no known side effects. However, if you’re used to a low-fat diet, a common adverse reaction would be diarrhea. It’s probably not advisable to start with a large amount right away. Spreading the recommended amount over the course of one day and building up to a larger dose can help to avoid unwanted effects.In coconut-producing countries, it’s considered beneficial for pregnant and lactating women to enjoy coconut oil; Westerners used to a low-fat diet, however, are cautioned not to experiment with coconut oil while pregnant if the body is not used to it. If you’ve been consuming coconut oil regularly with no adverse reactions, there’s no reason to discontinue consumption. Read more at  http://www. themindfulword. org/2012/coconut-oil-health-benefits/#XF4RhFfeAcAAu3hx. 99 Coconut Oil Coconut oil is a popular nutritional oil derived from the flesh of matured coconuts. Coconuts have long been a primary source of food throughout the tropics and their many industrial and cosmetic applications have made them a valuable commodity. Coconut oil is heat stable, making it suitable for cooking at high temperatures, it’s slow to oxidize, resists rancidity and has a shelf life of approximately two years or more (virgin coco creme created through a wet-milling process has an indefinite shelf life). Coconut oil’s compositionCoconuts have a variety of health benefits due to their fibre and nutritional content, but it’s the oil that makes them a remarkable source of food and medicine. Coconut oil has definitely earned its reputation as the healthiest oil in the world despite the fact that its high saturated fat content was once falsely claimed to be unhealthy. What makes coconut oil different? Oils and fats are composed of molecules known as fatty acids. They are classified either according to saturation or based on molecular length and size of the carbon chain within each fatty acid.Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are an example of the first class. The second classification is based on molecular size or length of the fatty acid’s carbon chain. Long chains of carbon atoms consist of each fatty acid with an attached hydrogen atom. There are short chain fatty acids known as SCFA, medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) such as coconut oil and long chain fatty acids (LCFA). Whether unsaturated or saturated, the majority of fats and oils in our diet are composed of long chain fatty acids.In fact, a majority of the fatty acids commonly consumed are LCFA. Coconut oil is predominantly medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) and the effects of the MCFA in coconut oil are distinctly different from the LCFA found in other foods. In fact, the saturated and unsaturated fat in milk, eggs, meat and even in plants and most vegetable oils are made of LCFA. Why is this relevant? It’s important because our bodies respond and metabolize each fatty acid differently. The MCFA found in coconut oil makes it special because these fatty acids don’t have a negative effect on cholesterol.In fact, they’re known to lower the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis. There are only few dietary sources of MCFA, and one of the best sources by far is coconut oil. The liver and gall bladder don’t need to digest and emulsify MCFA, resulting in instant energy, increased metabolic rate and subsequently greater heat production and increased circulation. Anyone with an impaired fat digestion or removed gallbladder will benefit from coconut oil as this oil is  easily digested. Lauric acid Many of coconut oil’s health benefits are attributed to its lauric acid.Lauric acid in the body is converted into monolaurin, a compound that’s highly toxic to viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms because of its ability to disrupt their lipid membranes and virtually destroy them. Monolaurin is effective for treating candida albicans, fungal infections and athlete’s foot. It also targets bacterial infections and viruses like measles, influenza, hepatitis C and even HIV—researchers from the Philippines are studying the effectiveness of lauric acid against HIV/AIDS due to its strong antiviral properties.Moreover, lauric acid is non-toxic, making it a better alternative to modern drugs prescribed for viruses, fungal and bacterial infections. Without lauric acid, monolaurin cannot be produced by the body. Breast milk is the only other source of lauric acid, which could explain the lower incidence of infections among breast-fed infants. Regular consumption of coconut oil has also been found to boost immunity and reduce the frequency of sickness. The health benefits of coconut oilHair care  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ The unique fatty acids in coconut oil have a small molecular structure and pas s freely into the hair’s cell membrane, allowing the oil to penetrate the hair’s shaft, which brings out the deep conditioning from within as compared to other conditioners that work from the outside in. Massaging the oil into the scalp can offer relief from dandruff. Dandruff is caused by dry skin or an internal fungal condition that reached the scalp. With regular use, coconut oil can kill the fungus and eliminate dandruff issues. For  deep hair conditioning, a teaspoon or two on damp hair left for as long as possible can give a nice shine.Leave it on overnight and see startling results. Skin care  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Coconut oil is an excellent skin conditioner that contains medium-chain triglycerides, naturally occurring fats which deeply penetrate, moisturize and act as a protective barrier against environmental and free radical damage. The oil also provides sun protection by screening 20 per cent of ultraviolet exposure. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and the natur al microbial and antibacterial agents caphrylic and capric acids. Its ability to smooth the skin while infusing with antioxidants make it a perfect anti-aging moisturizer.Moreover, it contains vitamin E, another antioxidant popular for hastening the recovery of skin abrasions, burns and other trauma. Weight loss  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil can speed up metabolism faster than long-chain fatty acids because they are easily digested and converted into energy. In fact, a  study reported  medium-chain fatty acids to be three times more effective in raising metabolism than long-chain fatty acids, leading researchers to conclude that effective weight loss can be achieved by replacing long-chain fatty acids with medium-chain fatty acids.Natural remedy for pneumonia  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ The American College of Chest Physicians found that coconut oil offers pneumonia patients faster and more complete relief from symptoms. This could be a welcome development for many a s this means a shortened hospital stay, lower medical expenses and lower exposure for the patient to a hospital environment. Moreover, it’s an  inexpensive addition to traditional antibiotics  and has no known side effects.Lowers risk of diabetes, heart disease and improves cholesterol levels  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ In a study of 20 to 40-year-old women, half were instructed to take a 30 ml soybean oil supplement while the other half were instructed to take a 30 ml coconut oil supplement while maintaining a moderate exercise routine over a 12-week period. Results showed that although both groups of women had a decrease in body mass index (BMI), only the women who were taking coconut oil showed a notable decrease in waist circumference, significantly lowering the risk of conditions like type II diabetes and heart disease.Furthermore, the study also showed that the subjects who experienced an improvement in their cholesterol profile along with higher HDL levels and higher HDL to LDL ra tio were the ones taking coconut oil. Those taking soybean oil did not receive the  same benefits  but reflected a higher total cholesterol as well as higher LDL cholesterol lower, lower HDL cholesterol and a lower HDL to LDL ratio. Assists in bone health and chronic fatigue  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Research has found coconut oil to help prevent osteoporosis because it helps in the nutrient absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium – important minerals that fight steoporosis. Moreover, the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil  produce energy  rather than body fat, thereby improving metabolism and preventing fatigue. The oil has also been shown to destroy organisms in the body that sap its strength and contribute to the condition of fatigue. Alzheimer’s Disease  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Dr. Mary Newport, after failing to get treatment for her husband’s dementia, discovered that coconut oil contained natural medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). The same substance was used in a drug trial her husband failed to qualify for.So, she gave her husband 1 tbsp. of coconut oil twice a day for a month and a half and saw him recover almost completely. Other benefits: †¢ Protects against cancer, HIV and other infectious diseases †¢ Kills bacteria and parasites like tapeworm and liver flukes †¢ Eases acid reflux and aids in proper bowel function †¢ Lowers incidence of hemorrhoids †¢ Heals and relieves intestinal problems †¢ Soothes earaches †¢ Deals with symptoms connected with prostate enlargement †¢ Strengthens the liver and protects against degeneration Reduces incidence of epileptic seizures †¢ Reduces joint and muscle inflammation †¢ Eases neuropathies and itching from diabetes. How much oil should be taken? According to researchers, an adult should consume around 3 1/2 tbsp. of coconut oil daily: an amount equal to the MCFA a nursing infant would receive in one day. The benefits of coconut oil are derived fr om the nutritional value of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA’s), and the best comparison in nature as to the percentage of MCFA consumed in a diet is in human breast milk.For those who aren’t used to having coconut oil in their diet, it’s best to start out with a smaller amount and see how the body reacts before following the recommended amount. Does coconut oil have any adverse side effects? Coconut oil has no known side effects. However, if you’re used to a low-fat diet, a common adverse reaction would be diarrhea. It’s probably not advisable to start with a large amount right away. Spreading the recommended amount over the course of one day and building up to a larger dose can help to avoid unwanted effects.In coconut-producing countries, it’s considered beneficial for pregnant and lactating women to enjoy coconut oil; Westerners used to a low-fat diet, however, are cautioned not to experiment with coconut oil while pregnant if the body is not used to it. If you’ve been consuming coconut oil regularly with no adverse reactions, there’s no reason to discontinue consumption. Read more at  http://www. themindfulword. org/2012/coconut-oil-health-benefits/#XF4RhFfeAcAAu3hx. 99

A Review Of Recent Evidence

A Review Of Recent Evidence PROJECT MANAGEMENT EMERGED FROM DIFFERENT FIELDS OF APPLICATION INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, AND DEFENSE AS A DISCIPLINE. THE 1950S MARKED THE BEGINNING OF THE MODERN PROJECT MANAGEMENT ERA. BEFORE 1950S, PROJECTS WERE MANAGED ON AN AD-HOC BASIS USING GANTT CHARTS, OR INFORMAL TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS. PROJECT MANAGEMENT IS THE DISCIPLINE OF PLANNING, ORGANIZING, SECURING AND MANAGING RESOURCES (I.E. MANAGEMENT) TO BRING ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SPECIFIC PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. B: DISCUSS PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ELEMENTS ONCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT IS PUT IN PLACE ORGANIZATIONS GET THE NECESSARY TOOLS AND INFORMATION THAT ARE NEEDED TO COLLABORATE AND MANAGE THEIR WORKLOAD AS A TEAM. FOLLOWING ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS FOR BETTER PROJECT MANAGEMENT: 1. CLASSIFY -DEFINE THE TYPE OF WORK: IT HELPS EVERYONE UNDERSTAND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE E.G. NEW FEATURE, ACTION ITEM, DEFECT ETC. 2. TARGET -TARGET SETS YOUR PROJECT ¿Ã‚ ½S MILESTONES. MEASURING PROGR ESS IS EASY WITH METRICS WHEN REMAINING TASKS AND ISSUES CAN BE RELATED BACK TO THE PLAN, KEEPING TEAM MEMBERS FOCUSED AND WORKING TOWARD A COMMON GOAL. 3. PRIORITIZE – EACH TEAM MEMBER SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE PRIORITY SYSTEM. 4. COLLABORATE -RIGHT TASKS BE ASSIGNED TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE. MAKE SURE THAT OWNERSHIP BE CLEAR AND REASONABLE. WORKLOAD HAS TO BE BALANCED AND FAIR AND IT SHOULD BE EASY FOR PEOPLE TO GET HELP IF NEEDED FROM OTHER TEAM MEMBERS. 5. CHECK STATUS -TASK STATUS SHOULD BE REGULARLY TRACKED. IT SHOULD BE EASY TO SEE WHAT IS COMPLETED, WHAT REMAINS TO BE COMPLETED, AND WHAT ISSUES EXIST. 6. TRACK COMPLIANCE – KEEP A COMPLETE HISTORY FOR EVERY TASK. IT HELPS YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT ISSUES REMAIN, HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR PLANS, UNDERSTAND AND CORRECT PROCESS ISSUES, AND COMPLY WITH APPROPRIATE INDUSTRY STANDARDS LIKE ISO9000 CERTIFICATION ETC. C: DISCUSS EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS INFLUENCING PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROJECT MANAGEMENT CAN BE AFFECTED BY THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FACTORS IN A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT. THE EXTERNAL FORCES THAT AFFECT PROJECT MANAGEMENT INCLUDE SOCIOLOGICAL, POLITICAL, ECONOMICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL. EXTERNAL FACTORS: 1. SOCIOLOGICAL: IT INCLUDES THE DEMOGRAPHIC STATUS, TRENDS, WORK ETHICS, PERSONAL VALUES, AND GENERAL CULTURES. THESE FACTORS INFLUENCE DIFFERENTLY ON HOW A PROJECT MANAGER ACCOMPLISHES ITS GOALS. THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT IN EACH COUNTRY IS UNIQUE AND AS THE BUSINESS BECOMES INTERNATIONAL, MANAGEMENT HAS TO UNDERSTAND THESE UNIQUE ENVIRONMENTS IN ORDER TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE AND DESIGN PRODUCTS FOR A PARTICULAR GROUP OF PEOPLE. 2. ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL: IT INCLUDES THE ESSENTIAL FACTORS SUCH AS COMPETITORS, SUPPLIERS AND CUSTOMERS. PROJECT MANAGEMENT MUST STUDY THE ECONOMY AND POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT FOR A CONTINUAL AND DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP. BY STUDYING THE COMPANIES, SUPPLIERS, COMPETITORS, CUSTOMERS AND CURRENT POLITICAL FACTORS, THE MANAGEMENT IS CAPABLE OF MAKING EFFECTIVE MANAGERIAL DECISI ONS. THUS THE PRODUCTS DESIGNED UNDER THIS POSSES PLACE, FORM AND TIME UTILITY TO SUCCEED IN THE MARKET PLACE. 3. TECHNOLOGY: TECHNOLOGY HAS THE MOST DRAMATIC EFFECT ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT AS ANY CHANGE IN THIS EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT IS OFTEN QUICKLY FELT BY FIRM. AS THE MARKET CAN CHANGE OVERNIGHT THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE IN A POSITION TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT WILL PUT THE COMPANY IN A FLEXIBLE POSITION TO ADAPT WITH THE TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES.

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

Research Paper Example Because the updating of the insurance form is very important, even a small error in the form could lead to big problems. So the updating process should carried out in a correct manner. Introduction: Medicare insurance is a governmental program offered to the elderly of the United States population, which has essential and inherent problems as the needs of the aged population grows. â€Å"Medicare is a centralized health insurance program that compensates for hospital and medical care for elderly and disabled US citizens† (Getting Started, n.d.). Many health organizations and common companies are using Medicare services and, therefore, companies use Medicare insurance for their employee’s health security. These organizations would need to get the updates and new information from the insurance company. So a permanent relation between both the parties is necessary. To get the updates from the insurance company, the employees should maintain permanent contacts with the comp any. Body: The situation in this case is that the billing assistant is sick and the manager has asked me to fill in. I decided to quickly review the office protocol for Medicare insurance billing. I noticed that a new form is now required and that the office is not currently following it. I brought this problem to the office manager’s attention. He asked me to update the office’s Medicare form.

Economic Competitiveness of the EU in the Light of Growing Trade Essay

Economic Competitiveness of the EU in the Light of Growing Trade Expansion from China - Essay Example The study will try to understand the competitiveness by taking into consideration of the emergence of China. However, it is not possible to consider all the above mentioned aspects in accordance to their merit due to space restriction. This can be referred as the major limitation of this report. Trade Deficit between EU and China International trade between EU and China has been increased in last decade, for example, export of EU to China has been increased by 110 billion euro during the year 2000 to 2011 (Eurostat, 2012). However, import from China to EU has been increased by 173 billion euro in the same period of time (Eurostat, 2012). The trend is showing that balance of trade is declining for EU and dependency on Chinese export is increasing. Export and import deficit of EU in context to China can be depicted in the following manner. (Source: Eurostat, 2012) Although the trade deficit between for EU has been decreased from 75 billion euro to 67 billion euro in the first six month of 2012 but still the amount of deficit is large enough to impact the competitiveness of EU. After the economic recession, the trade deficit between EU and China has been improving but still the difference is large enough to affect the economic strength of EU nations. According to the above table only Germany and Finland have trade surplus to china while other European countries have trade deficit with China. However, Germany and Finland were unable to convert the trade deficit into trade surplus prior to recession. Careful analysis of the chart shows that growth rate of export from EU nations to China has been outpaced the growth rate of import from China. For example, export volume of Greece to Chine has been doubled... This essay presents a modern comprehensive analysis of the changing nature of economic relationships between China and European Union. It is shown in the essay, that China gradually improve its level of competitiveness in these relationships, by increasing its exports to the EU, to an extent with the help of such practices as protectionism, intellectual property rights violation and dumping. International trade between EU and China has been increased in last decade, for example, export of EU to China has been increased by 110 billion euro during the year 2000 to 2011. However, import from China to EU has been increased by 173 billion euro. The trend is showing that balance of trade is declining for EU and dependency on Chinese export is increasing. Although the trade deficit between for EU has been decreased from 75 billion euro to 67 billion euro in the first six month of 2012 but the amount of deficit is large enough to impact the competitiveness of EU. After the economic recession, the trade deficit between EU and China has been improving Harsh fact is that there cannot be a single recommendation which can help EU nations to improve its competitiveness in overnight manner. It is shown through that low cost advantage of China cannot be depleted easily by EU manufacturers. EU can use the concept of vertical specialisation to decrease its dependency on Chinese imports and give the domestic players some breathing space. In vertical specialisation model, EU needs to identify sectors which need immediate attention.

Representation of war in media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Representation of war in media - Essay Example The media is said to assume a dichotomous coverage of the war where the conflicting sides are portrayed either as good/evil, innocent/guilty, heroic/despotic, united/fragmented and other descriptions that tends to put one side on the positive light and assassinate the character of the other. (Martin, 1993) This paper seeks to analyze the film Jarhead with regards to the way it represents war. I will be laying out the relevant concepts by providing a historical context thru the use of two other films namely Platoon and the Green Berets. I will then proceed into a contextual analysis of the Jarhead film and illustrate its significance thru the application of the audience theory. It is hoped that this paper could show how the media can affect the psyche of the audience with regards to war and conflict. According to Martin and Pedro (2006), author of the book Rethinking Global Security: Media, Popular Culture, and the War on Terror, the utilization of the media for the war effort has been one of the focus of PSYOPS which is an integral part of modern military affairs. This can come in the form of using printed leaflets, radio and television broadcast and even internet press release all of which try to persuade enemy combatants to surrender peacefully and avoid further harm. The use of the media is not directed towards enemy combatants alone, they are also directed towards the populace of the projected protagonist side. Slater (1991) relates that military officials have long recognized the benefits of using the film industry to influence public opinion due to its wide reach and popularity. In the United States, the Pentagon has a special department called film liaison office that works with Hollywood in making war movies. The relationship is as follows: Hollywood gets to use military equipment such as tanks, helicopters, aircraft carriers, troops and even live munitions for free. In return, the Pentagon is given the right to approve the script and edit it so that the U.S. military is portrayed in a positive light while the enemies are depicted as evil and abusive. The relationship has other uses as well such as propaganda for recruitment. Martin and Pedro (2006) observe that the military "know that when positive images are portrayed in movies and television shows, they see huge spikes in recruitment. The military is really pressing to get into these pictures". 2.2 The Green Beret and the Vietnam War One perfect example of how the military establishment and the film industry worked together for propaganda purposes was in the film The Green Berets which was a cinematic portrayal of the lives of U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. The cinematic treatment of the Vietnam War took time to develop because American society was very sensitive about the discussing the war which created deep divisions, exhausted the treasury and sacrificed many of its soldiers but ultimately resulted to their defeat in spite of numerous successful military campaigns. It does not mean, however, that there was no film produced during the war. (Studlar and Desser, 1990) The Green Berets (1968) was the only film addressing the Vietnam War produced while the war occurred. The film was directed by and starred John Wayne,

The UK Football Industry and CSR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

The UK Football Industry and CSR - Essay Example The present research has identified that British football clubs rely more on the strong ties they have developed with their communities over the years than on CSR principles for the success of their CSR initiatives. Embracing innovation for the good of the public – organizations, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, should embrace technological and other innovations not just for the achievement of their goals, but also for the benefit of the communities that host them. Putting people at the center of CSR initiatives – the members of a community, in most cases, know what is best for them. As a result, an organization should facilities the participation of a community throughout a CSR initiative. Spreading economic opportunity – the primary way through which organizations do this is by employing locals. Organisations may also implement this principle by educating children from disadvantaged backgrounds, thereby empowering them to pursue the economic opportunities that come their way. Exceeding the profit maximization motive – even though businesses exist primarily to make profits for their owners, they must go beyond that goal and give back to the communities that support them and enable them to make a profit. CSR in English football dates back to the 1800s, but back then it was not referred to CSR as the concept did not exist (it was Andrew Carnegie who first wrote about CSR in 1899); people simply acted ethically.

One significant aspect from the book Narrative of the Life of Essay

One significant aspect from the book Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave - Essay Example Early on Douglass acquaints his reader with the dehumanizing aspects of slavery by making a subtle reference to horses. The reader learns that Douglass is not aware of his own age but he quickly points out that such a thing was common among slaves who â€Å"know as little of their ages as horses know of theirs.† (Douglass, 47) The underlying message here is that the connection between horses and slaves is a reflection of the attitude of slave owners who regarded slaves as mere property in much the same manner as animals are regarded. Another message conveyed by this comparison between the slave and the horse is Douglass’s way of demonstrating how the mind of the slave was shaped by the slave owner and the contained world in which he was forced to live. This world which is forged by slave owners dictates that slaves were not human and having been born in this environment the slave had nothing else to go on. In other words the slave is not permitted to attain personal growth and having been born and raised in the slave owners’ world the slave is not permitted to subscribe to independent thought. In keeping with the dependency of slavery and cultivating a passive acceptance of forced labour slaves were not educated. They were merely put to work. Education would bring in a measure of self-consciousness and with self-consciousness comes rebellion or resistance. Douglass comes to this awareness once he learns to read and write and comes to the realization that he is human. The irony is however, that once Douglass becomes self-conscious and learns about the world around him he also becomes poignantly aware of his containment and comments that he â€Å"...would at time feel that learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing.† (Douglass, 84) Douglass comes to the realization that it is the very essence of self-consciousness and independent thought that separates man from

Starbucks Analyse Marketing Activities and Performance Essay

Starbucks Analyse Marketing Activities and Performance - Essay Example It opened its very first outlet in Market Place, Seattle’s Pike. In 1986 it was acquired by Schultz, who envisioned it as a home coffee shop where people can get the best coffee with other complementary services. The company was expanded with proper positioning and marketing strategies soon after it was acquired by Schultz. Starbucks then reanalyzed its marketing activities which were solely based upon maintaining a personal and cherished relationship between customers and the company. This was done initially by reviving the experience of Italian Espresso Bars. The company’s primary focus was over the quality services extended to its customers and the overall in-store experience. Therefore they bought the best quality coffee and maintain a consummate brand image. The company had a mission statement stating the real purpose of existence i.e. to serve American population. In exact words: â€Å"To instigate and nurture the human strength through serving them one cup per p erson at a specific area† (Charles W. Lamb 22). After having successful business for twenty five years Starbucks expanded its business into the foreign lands. This was initiated through the opening of their first international outlet in Tokyo, Japan. Currently the company has more than 17,000 stores in 49 countries which has enabled the company to become the most recognizable and reputable brand of the world. From the time when it was established in 1971, the company has shown a significantly increasing growth trend which indicates its outstanding performance and enhanced satisfaction level of Starbucks’ customers (Charles W. Lamb 22). Organizational Chart (Starbucks) Product Portfolio Starbucks has a distinctive product portfolio which encompasses a wide range of coffee flavors. It is divided into five categories, namely: Starbucks, Creamice, Fontana, Tazo Tea and Supplies (Products: Our Complete Product Portfolio). Starbucks: It is further classified into ingredients of beverages which are mostly used in production of different drinks and coffees. They also have branded cups with the name of ‘Starbucks’. Additionally they have hot cocoa which is a very unique, high quality chocolate drink and resale merchandize which includes: ceramic cups, roasted dry fruits, biscuits, etc. Creamice: It includes all the beverages which fall into the category of frozen blend. These are served with flavor treats and customized syrups. It has been divided into further categories: Latte, Mango, Mocha and Raspberry. Fontana: It contains a wide variety of syrups and sauces which turns beverages into specialty offering i.e. unique to Starbucks only. The major categories includes: chocolate syrups, fruit syrups and sauces, nuts and essences. Tazo Tea: Coffee and tea are ever best companions and Starbucks has further intensified their relationship. There is a huge variety of tea which is sold in branded packaging. It is artfully blended to give a superior t aste to the customers. The extended versions include: Gallon Bulk Iced tea I, Gallon Bulk Iced Tea II, Filter bag and Tea Latte Concentrate. Supplies: They supply a wide range of products concerning coffee and tea. For instance, they have filters of different sizes, cleaning powders, brushes, pitchers, cream dispensers amongst other things. Broadly the supplies are categorized in to airpots and carefes, small wares, cups and cleaning stuff. SWOT Strengths (Starbucks SWOT Analysis): They have a wide range of p

English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 25

English - Essay Example In this regard, I found out that there are several channels (social media) one can use to learn English, and one of them is the television. The term social media is a term that has been lately on everyone’s lips as it plays a major role on how we speak and write, and on how we interact with other people. It affects our way of speech due to the numerous varieties of social media which we access in our daily life. What then is social media? Social media is termed as a very powerful human interaction tool that does include technologies that facilitate communication among individuals and several organizations. Over the years, it has been widely acknowledged that social media influence us in more ways than we can imagine. It is worth noting that the power of social media can be witnessed both negatively and positively. It is therefore imperative that we place a greater emphasis on harnessing the power of social media with regards to bring positive change to the society and English language. When it comes to social media and TV, Social TV was actually named one of the 10 most important emerging technologies with an element of social media in 2010 by the MIT tech review. Social TV as a general term does cover many areas that include voice integration and chat capabilities, video conferencing as well as TV recommendations. TV is known to be social media as it mines information related to TV programs from social media and integrates the results into TV programs or series (Qualman 19). TV is referred to as social media as it’s able to display and retrieve social media content that displays social discussions on certain TV shows. Social media on TV allows the recent technologies that concentrate on TV programs that are ported to online media resources such as You Tube. However TV plays a positive role in the buildup of an individuals language through news. News channels such as PPC it is very helpful, because the English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 27 English - Essay Example When the UAE starts its journey as an independent country in 1971, it had a scouts served as the mobile force of 1600 men. Present aspects may clearly distinguish between them. According to Department of Defense (DoD) the US Army has grown to 545,849 within 31th October, 2008. On the other hand amount of UAE troops is too few in comparison with the US Army. â€Å"In 2004 total active troops were estimated at 50,500 personnel: army, 44,000; navy, 2,500; and air force, 4,000. Estimates in 2005 raised the total to 59,000 personnel† (Pike). Mission of US army is to conduct successful battle that must discharge national achievement and retaining dominance through resisting all threats. The mission of the US Army is plotted and composed in the global frame work. As it is said in the organization’s website, â€Å"The Army’s mission is to fight and win our Nation’s wars by providing prompt, sustained land dominance across the full range of military operations and spectrum of conflict in support of combatant commanders† (US. Army). On the other side mission of UAE militaries is to establish proper protection for the Nation against threats and attacks. The UAE Army is orientated to maintain security of the Nation and Peace in the region. Recent issues and history prove that Military Control of USA has depicted over successfully in most cases in different countries especially third world countries and Middle East countries as well Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. till now. But as a faintly penetrated UAE arm force is appearing now growing up keeping friendly relation with US. Though economically getting rich now, UAE, now days, seems is going to receive healthy grounding in military whereas any threat will come. â€Å"On February 4, the Bush administration released its budget request for Fiscal Year 2009, which begins on October 1, 2008. For FY 2009, the White House is seeking $711

Terms Comparison Paper Essay Example for Free

Terms Comparison Paper Essay Within the world of health care economics, the United States â€Å"for-profit† health care system, strife with inflated costs and barriers to access, is in a process of reform. Rising insurance premiums, capitation, and market competition that discourage the consumption of unnecessary services currently reward providers for their focus on acute, episodic treatments, rather than encouraging improved health outcomes or disease prevention. The supplier-induced market has forced medical providers to base treatment recommendations on economic necessity. Complex billing and insurance operations have caused administrative costs to skyrocket. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aims to correct these inefficiencies by reducing personal health care costs, improving community health, and increasing access to quality care. The following discussion will examine the interplay of capital resources, Meaningful Use, and financial incentives within the world of health care economics and system reform. Capital Resources Capital resources refer to assets used by a health care organization that facilitate the delivery of services. As the United States’ health care system evolves from an institution dependent on the acquisition of revenues from hospital admissions and procedures to one focused on managing health and wellness, the careful utilization and deployment of capital resources is critical to economic growth. Computer programs are a beneficial capital resource that supports the practice of medicine, such as computerized order entry or clinical decision support systems. For example, a computerized order entry system reduces the duplication of diagnostic testing while clinical decision support systems help providers manage chronic conditions. Industry experts agree the adoption of health care information technology (HIT) is necessary for improving quality and efficiency, although, as of 2006, only 12% of physicians and 11% of hospitals invested in technological improvements to their capital resources (Congress, 2008). Meaningful Use Meaningful Use refers to standards of quality demonstrated when using electronic health records (EHR) to deliver services. Traditionally, quality improvement initiatives evaluated services on a case-by-case basis; for example, was a procedure performed properly, were there complications, was  the patient satisfied, and was the provider properly trained? The ACA’s movement towards health care reform expands the focus on reducing individual errors to addressing system performance and community health. Through data capture and sharing, health care organizations gain the ability to use this information to analyze and advance clinical processes. For instance, through the aggregation of real-time patient data early warning systems can reduce medical emergencies, transitions to intensive care, and mortality rates. Even though the ACA does not mandate the adoption and Meaningful Use of EHRs, after 2015, all Medicare providers not participating in the EHR incentive program may be sub ject to financial penalties (Impact, 2012). Financial Incentives Financial incentives refer to monetary rewards and penalties offered to health providers for creating a stronger primary care system that expands access, provides improved quality, and delivers better health results. Under the current fee-for-service system, providers do not receive payments for time spent with a patient discussing medical histories, alternative treatment options, concerns, between visit follow-ups, or even care coordination and management; instead, reimbursements occur through procedures, such as surgeries or diagnostic testing. Under ACA, primary care physicians receive a temporary increase in both Medicare and Medicaid payments. Financial incentives are also available for providers who encourage their patients to obtain preventative care services and for patients, through the elimination of coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments for approved preventative services and tests, such as blood pressure and cancer screenings. Moreover, the ACA Medicaid expansion will p rovide over 32 million people with health coverage, resulting in improved health and less uncompensated care (Abrams, Nuzum, Mika, Lawlor, 2011). Discussion Within the world of health care economics, access to health care services becomes restricted through a fee-for-service model that authorizes third-party payers to prioritize reimbursements for the delivery of acute, episodic treatment over preventative care and wellness. As purchasers, patients have little ability to evaluate the quality of services received or  negotiate fair prices. The ACA serves as an advocate, shifting the focus of the health care system from personal health to community health. As part of this initiative, providers receive financial rewards for investing in technological improvements, such as EHR adoption. Through the development of a national HIT infrastructure, capital resource investments enable data capture and sharing. When combined with Meaningful Use incentives, providers receive encouragement to create real-time monitoring solutions to improve health and reduce costs. Together, the ACA offers a path where primary care providers have the means to devel op a stronger health care system that provides expanded access, improved quality, and increased wellness. Conclusion The United States â€Å"for-profit† health care system, conflicted with inflated costs and barriers to access, is in a process of reform. The ACA aims to correct these market failures by reducing costs, improving health, and increasing access to quality care. The change in focus from reducing clinical errors to addressing system performance and community health is an essential aim of the ACA. Through the adoption of HIT, health care providers strengthen their capital resources and increase their ability to deliver quality, cost-effective care. Once adopted, Meaningful Use incentivizes the use of community health data to establish real-time monitoring programs that detect the need for medical intervention. The ACA offers several economic initiatives to encourage providers to evolve from a for-profit mentality to one focused on health and wellness. The economics behind health care reform will redefine health care demands and the types of services delivered. Over time, the focus on preventative care and wellness will reduce the demand for costly treatments, lowering national health care costs. References Congress of the United States, Congressional Budget Office. (2008). Evidence on the costs and benefits of health information technology (2976). Retrieved from website: http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/ftpdocs/91xx/doc9168/05-20-healthit.pdf Impact Advisors. (2012). Meaningful use stage 2: Understanding timing and penalties. Retrieved from website: http://www.impact-advisors.com/assets/news/document/ IA_Primer_on_MU_Stage_2_Timing_and_Penalties.pdf Abrams, M., Nuzum, R., Mika, S., Lawlor, G. (2011). Realizing health reform’s potential. The Commonwealth Fund. Retrieved from http://www.commonwealthfund.org/~/media/Files/ Publications/Issue%20Brief/2011/Jan/1466_Abrams_how_ACA_will_strengthen_primary_care_reform_brief_v3.pdf

Hamlet Theme Analysis Essay Example for Free

Hamlet Theme Analysis Essay In William Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet, the title character’s logical soliloquies, and over thinking of situations inhibit his abilities to act on his passions. It’s safe to say that Hamlet was a logical and reasonable person right from the start. In the society he was raised in most actions carried out through passion were considered taboo. Take jealousy, lust and vengeance for example; in the play all of these passions are put into satisfying action by the people surrounding Hamlet. Everyone but Hamlet makes a move based on emotion; Claudius murdered his brother for his crown, Gertrude quickly married Claudius, and Laertes takes revenge on Hamlet. The prince, instead, takes the path of thought and only allows himself to do what he makes himself believe is the most logical. In the beginning Hamlet is distressed. He feels no compassion for his new stepfather considering him â€Å"a little more than kin and less than kind† (I.ii.67), as Claudius is not a replacement for his father and Hamlet refuses to accept that. He most definitely does not stand for Claudius referring to him as ‘son.’ His relationship with his mother isn’t any better. Hamlet feels a strong resentment toward this whole marriage business and expresses his displeasure through riddles in court. â€Å"Ay, madam,† he says disdainfully toward his mother’s insistence that he stop mourning and that death is a common occurrence, â€Å"it is common† (I.ii 76). In Hamlet’s eyes she has betrayed his father by marrying so soon, in fact by re-marrying at all; especially to Claudius, the king’s brother. Claudius attempts to make it look like everyone is friends in the eyes of the court by trying to sympathize with Hamlet but ends up just telling him to suck it up and deal with his father’s death like a man. â€Å"Take it to heart? Fie! ‘tis a fault to heaven/A fault against the dead, a fault to nature† (I.ii 104). Hamlet’s mourning is not natural to his family much as their marriage is not natural to him. So when his new daddy dearest refuses to let him out of the country to go back to school Hamlet feels even more out of place because now, he can’t escape. In every soliloquy we hear from Hamlet there is talk of suicide. The most obvious of all, â€Å"to be or not to be, that is the question:† (III.i.63) Or earlier mention of self harm after the coronation of the new king. â€Å"Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d/His canon ‘gainst self-slaughter† (I.ii.134). However, Hamlet is a logical guy and he knows suicide would cause a big mess and besides, in the first soliloquy it is evident that Hamlet would rather be anywhere but Denmark, even the grave but he finds there are better things to be ranting about; like his mother’s remarriage. â€Å"O God! a beast that wants discourse of reason/Would have mourn’d longermarried with my uncle,/My father’s brother, but no more like my father/Than I to Hercules† (I.ii.154). Hamlet can’t find a single good thing to come out of this union and his opinion of his mother has been flipped onto its head. So he deals with an internal conflict; â€Å"But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue!†(I.ii.162), he can’t exactly go around telling everyone that his mother is a whore. She’s the queen and he the prince, it would be more trouble than it’s worth to go about making accusations especially since Claudius made it clear that he was weird for mou rning for so long. So, onward goes Hamlet’s little self/Claudius loathing party. Hamlet’s trusted friend Horatio tells him some very interesting news. Horatio tells Hamlet that his father’s ghost had been spotted in the courtyards and that it wouldn’t answer to anyone no matter what. Horatio believes that our young prince must see what this ghost has to offer. Hamlet is excited to say the least when the ghost appears â€Å"That I will speak to thee. I’ll call thee Hamlet,/King, father, royal Dane. O answer me!†(I.iv. 47). He follows the ghost and the ghost tells Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius and that Hamlet must avenge him. He isn’t sure what to make of this ghost at first, how can Hamlet be absolutely positive the ghost isn’t lying or tricking him? After all, murder is a big order, he can’t dive head first into that pool of accusations without verification. Hamlet decides he will ‘act’ mad so to not draw attention to his plans to kill Claudius. This works for a while, no one suspects he knows of Claudius’ deed, not even Claudius himself. He definitely wouldn’t suspect the prince to come into his chambers and catch him while praying; which is exactly what happens. Hamlet is given his prey on a silver platter and decides against it. â€Å"Now might I do it pat, now he is praying;and now I’ll do’t. And so he goes to heaven† (III.iii.76). A reasonable explanation as to why Hamlet didn’t kill Claudius is because he was scared. He was afraid to act on his passions thus, his mind gave him a reason not to do it; if he killed Claudius while the man repented, his soul would be unfailingly sent to heaven. However, this is not the case â€Å"That cannot be; since I am still possess’d/of those effects for which I did the murder†(III.iii.55). Claudius does not regret his decision, nor would he leave what he had gained through murder even for heaven. This hesitation revealed that Hamlet does not kill Claudius in the most logical and perfect time to do so because his passions had muddied his ability to think clearly. And so he continues with his ‘mad’ facade. Everyone has noticed the prince’s new attitude and his mother grows worried for his sanity. â€Å"Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended† (III.iv.9) If there is anything ‘crazy’ Hamlet has latched onto as a vehicle upon which to launch his insanity, it is any mention of his late father. Especially mention that he has somehow failed his father. The queen claims that Hamlet’s behavior has upset his father and shamed the family. But quick and clever Hamlet simply quips â€Å"Mother you have my father much offended†(III.iv.10). Gertrude is appalled by her son’s behavior and wants him to stop, but bringing up the late King Hamlet wasn’t the best way to go around that. As I’ve said, Hamlet is using any mention of his father’s death to flip the tables around and around and drive any serious conversation off course with puns and quips of his mother’s hasty remarriage. â€Å"Come, come, you answer with an idle tongue† (III.iv.11). â€Å"Go, go you question with a wicked tongue† (III.iv.12). At one point during the conversation between mother and son it is hard to determine where Hamlet’s insanity begins and his act of madness ends. We are given, throughout the entirety of the play, one single act of passion from Hamlet that was done to simply give a larger voice to his slip on sanity. His murder of Polonius. He feels no remorse for the act, although he believed it to be Claudius and states after his mother’s cries â€Å"A bloody deed. Almost as bad, good mother/as kill a king and marry with his brother† (III.iv.31). He continues â€Å"Peace! sit you down/and let me wring your heart;for so I shall,/if it be made of penetrable stuff;†(III.iv.38). Hamlet doesn’t feel sorry for his mother either. He could care less if she was disturbed by her son’s murder of Polonius, he was going to tell her that he was right and she was wrong and sinful and disgusting, because it fit with the appearance Hamlet was trying to portray. Hamlet allowed this one, small, passionate outburst for the potential sake of avenging his father but even smart, logical Hamlet couldn’t have predicted the consequences of this one act of passion because he didn’t give himself the time to think it over. He never would have thought that their father’s death would lead poor Ophelia to madness or that Laertes would be so spited by it, or that it would get around that Hamlet himself had committed the murder. But all of these things do happen and they happen because of Hamlet’s one moment of passion. The prince discovers why acting passionately is a bad thing for him; he’s just not good at it. He can’t judge when to, the whole ‘could kill him now but I’m not going to even if it’d be so freaking easy,’ thing with Claudius and the ‘I’m gonna stab the curtain and see what happens,’ moment when he murdered Polonius. After Polonius’ murder and the discovery by Laertes that his sister is beyond mental, Claudius approaches the boy and tells him he can help avenge his father’s death. Laertes listens and latches to Claudius’ every word â€Å"And where the offence is let the great axe fall./I pray you go with me† (IV.v.234). The end of act four introduces a bit of a mess. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were sent with Hamlet to see him killed in England, however, Hamlet is on his way back to Elsinore and Claudius is none too pleased. However, he quickly turns this information into a plan he can work with. He has Laertes swear allegiance to him â€Å"will you be ruled by me?† (IV.vii.63) and recruits the younger man into the ‘let’s kill Hamlet club.’ Thus, Hamlet finds himself in an unfortunate pickle. He had planned to kill Claudius and Laertes and they had planned to kill him, but Laertes acted sooner. Laertes let his passions guide his sword through Hamlet’s gut and Hamlet let logic lead him to the moment of his death; logic led by the very vengeance he had sworn for the former king. A passionate vengeance called upon to give Laertes strength to murder the prince. Hamlet’s ability to look at a situation and make a logical, well- thought out choice made him a strongly intelligent character. However his inability to act on passions or make a decisive decision drew him closer to death in every page. Had Hamlet acted on his earlier plans and ideas, he may not be dead.

Virtual project management

Virtual project management Section 1: Literature Survey Introduction: The virtual project management concept is gaining its importance due to globalization of industries. The report mainly focuses on the evolution of project management and changes in approach of project management methodologies. It also highlights the aspects of traditional project management and modern project management. The difference between classical project management approach, contemporary project management approach and virtual project management approach is also discussed with their advantages and disadvantages in this report. The drawbacks of virtual project management are discussed and their existing solutions are also highlighted along with the features of virtual teams. Project Management Institute has defined Project Management is application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques applied to project activities in order to achieve the goal.(PMI,2004) Evolution of Project Management: Project Management has been practiced for hundreds of years dating back to the Egyptian epoch. However in the min 1950s many organizations has started applying formal project management tools and techniques to various projects. Author Azzopadri has divided development of project management in four periods. [1] Prior to 1958: this period is known as ‘craft system to human relation due to evolution of technologies. During this time evolution of technologies such as automobile and telecommunication helped for minimizing project timings, because automobile contributed in resources allocation and mobility. Telecommunication system increased speed of communication. In addition to this Henry Gantt invented Gantt chart which helped for effective planning of project. [2]1959 to 1979: this period is known as ‘Application of Management Services because of significant development of technologies. The core project management tools like Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) were introduced. However this period was characterized by rapid development of computer technology. In 1970 effective project management tool Material Requirement Planning (MRP) was introduced.  Ã‚   [3]1980 to 1994 :this period is characterized by revolutionary development in the information management sector with introduction of Personal Computer (PC) and associated computer communication network facilities. This development resulted in managing and controlling complex project schedules. Furthermore project management techniques were more accessible due to low cost project management software for PC. [4]1995 to present: this period is dominated by development related to internet, which changed business processes dramatically in mid-1990. The internet has provided fast interactive and customized new medium that resulted in making firms more productive, more efficient and more client oriented. Furthermore the development in softwares and internet facilities lead to various approaches of project management. (Azzopadri, 2006) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) defines the traditional project management as set of tools and techniques that can be used together to an activity that seeks an end product, outcome, or a service. (PMBOK, 2004). As per Frame (2002) the reasons for the fall of traditional Project Management are success and failure is assessed against achieving scheduled, specifications and budget but not assessed against customer satisfaction. Another problem in traditional Project Management is it single minded approach for tools like scheduling, costing and resource allocation. This is fixed set of tools which involves CPM (Critical Path Method), PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique), Gantt charts, S-shape budget curves. (Frame, 2002) Modern Project management: Modern project management is well understood discipline that can give predictable and repeatable results. The methods used in modern project management are highly analytical, automated tools and developed project management softwares to support large projects.(Howes, 2001). In traditional project management, planning and control methods are very specific and controlled, once a phase is over the next stage will start and it will continue in decided sequence. However it is difficult to carry out perfect sequence in perfect time because of some factors as the world is not perfect. However in modern project management much more flexibility is built in system. It focuses on features of the project instead of focusing on every specific task. The sequence of the project can be adjusted to meet with environmental, business, material and other changes. This results in beneficial project management.(Rose, 2011) The rise of internet and development of collaborating softwares have introduced new aspect to Project Management. The success of project is recognised on the profit-loss status. Therefore, there is heightened pressure to assure that projects are successful in terms of deliverable results, cost, and delivery date. Global projects with virtual teams have developed a way by which the cost and duration of projects can be cut down while maintaining a sound control on quality and scope of projects. (Rad et al, 2003). The globalization of business has resulted in greater interest in more comprehensive suit of the best practices of project management. Virtual Project Management: Virtual Project Management is the system by which virtual teams work together for determinate period of time for specific goal.(Rolfs, 2006). Virtual teams are the merger of the Information Technology (IT) and organisational behaviour domains (Bissoonauth, 2002) and it is defined by Gignag (2005) as â€Å"a group of workers who are geographically dispersed but not distributed across expansive geographic locations. They are working together towards a common goal and using electronic communication as their primary medium†. The main difference of virtual teams from traditional teams is â€Å"separation by time and distance† (Cascio et al, 2003) Table 1 summarises huge changes in the area of project management. Actually it focuses on two particular periods classical and contemporary, considering that these boundaries differ from industry to industry. Classical Project Management Contemporary Project Management Virtual Project Management Aim/ Focus To Completing project on time in given budget To deliver good quality under budget and in time To achieve the best quality in least possible time and cost How to Manage Managing by walking Managing by tele-communication Managing by clarity of communication. Understanding on methodologies, goals and processes. Practice What was the last best in our company What is currently best in the world Best in the world but improvised to suit local environment. Standards Local National Global standards IS for supporting PM Outsourced Integrated in companies Information System /Information Technology (IS/IT) Part of companys Information System /Information Technology with dependency on outsourcing service providers Project Managers Selected ad-hoc from senior managers who are experienced in that area. Project Management professional requirements with special training Certified Project Management professional managers and multicultural exposure Manager Manages single Project Manages multiple projects with IS/IT support Manages multiple, multi-vendor, cross pole projects affecting multiple cultures Team Member Assigned to one project only Assigned to more than one project with support of IS/IT Afford to utilize specialized skill set available at any corner of the world with lowest cost possible Critical Resources Money, time, people Money, time, people, knowledge, IT support Money, time, people, knowledge, IT support and Global Outsource service providers Who is applying PM all sort of endeavours with engineering background In all business organizations and by individual entrepreneurs   Spreading in organizations and individuals encompassing areas that were unheard before like teaching, vendor negotiation, media, healthcare, office secretarial work. (Desai et al, 2006) The rise of Virtual project management: Due to changes and fluctuations of current global economy the pressure on enterprises has been increased. The management and organizations of various design, construction, production services and other projects has become more decentralized due to development of information technology, e-commerce and globalization. A virtual team involves project manager and certain virtual teams depending on company. In recent years virtual project teams has become first choice to many enterprises because it helps in reducing time and cost, sharing knowledge, making full use of capabilities of the staff, improving working environment, increasing the enthusiasm of the staff, carrying out cross cultural activities and enhancing the quality of product. The given figure shows major attributes of virtual project management. Virtual project management mainly involves controlling and leading of virtual teams. Virtual Teams are defined here as group of workers of geographically and organizationally dispersed knowledge works brought together across time and space through information and communication technologies in order to specific customer needs or to complete unique projects.(Krill et al, 1997). However, Peterson and Storh has defines virtual teams as a â€Å"group of individuals who work across time space and organizational boundaries with links strengthened by webs of communication technology. They have complementary skills and are committed to a common purpose, have independent performance goals, and share an approach to work for which they hold themselves mutually accountable†. Along with definition Peterson and Storh has introduced seven types of different virtual teams. The basic types of virtual teams are as follows Networked teams: group of individuals who act as a team to achieve common goal, membership is fluid and diffuse. Parallel teams: work in short term to develop solutions for improvement in process; membership is distinct Project teams: conduct projects for clients for a specific period of time, team has decision taking authority Production teams: perform regular work, clearly defined membership Service teams: support consumers in typical service role around the clock Management teams: work collaboratively on a daily basis within functional division Action teams: gives quick response and activated in emergency The significant advantage of virtual team is that the resources of virtual project organization can be arrange quickly and cost effectively (Rad et al, 2002). In addition to this Rad has stated that virtual projects allow organization to form joint ventures for short and specific time of period for significant purpose. Juhre (2001) notes, at a time skilled technical resources are required then virtual project becomes a success factor organization. Comparison of Virtual teams and traditional teams: The major difference in virtual teams and traditional teams is the diversity and different locations of team members as well as organizations. Features of virtual teams: Many sectors like construction industries, engineering (manufacturing, chemical and production), software development industries, customer services and call centre industries are using virtual project management for efficient outcome. The International Technology Association (2004) defines engineering as involving â€Å"the knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practices that are applied with judgement and creativity to develop ways to utilize the materials and forces of nature for the befit of human being†.(Joseph, 2005) Each step requires the skills and expertise of an engineer in different ways such to operate, teach the operation, or to sell the product.(Simpson, 2004) Offshore outsourcing is the generic term when companies are using virtual teams for the completion of project.(Lieberman, 2004) In software development industry virtual project management is widely used. Requirements of clients in software development industry changes time to time. And to find appropriate talent to give satisfied service to customer virtual project management is very essential in software development industry. Now a days many firms and companies are using Virtual project management for better performance. With the advent of latest internet technologies all the communication between the client, project manager and virtual teams is carried out through VOIP, email, Instant messages, online screen sharing etc. this enables the client to access the data regardless of the position of the virtual teams. The required data/source code is stored in repositories which are managed by the project manager. Hence project manager acts as an interface between the virtual teams and the client. Issues in Virtual Project management: The issues in Virtual project management are depending on areas of virtual world and factors which can impact on project management. The main areas of virtual world are Physical variable Culture Organization Depending on these three areas Virtual project management model (VPModel) has been developed. 1. Physical variables: This is the area of space and time. The issues raised in this area because of distance between project members. Geographical distance: By using software tools for (EPM) project team member communicate with project manager. But EMP decreases performance in poorly skilled teams which is expensive (Kanawattanachai et al, 2002). And creates stress rises ethical questions (Keyzermann, 2003) Different Time zones: Due to different time zones work can be done on continuous basis (Lau, 2004). In case where real meeting are essential, time and cost for travelling are expensive and due to jet lag efficiency of work can be reduced (Kayworth et al, 2002) and such disadvantages can decrease commitment towards project (Godar et al, 2004) Conflicts:Conflicts cab be raised by cultural difference, diversity and misunderstanding. Cooperation: It includes every issue that allows people to work together (Rehinhard et al, 1994) Cooperation includes virtual meetings, sharing of information etc. however cooperation is depend on communication style. 2. Culture: In the virtual project management all project members used to have different background culture and these people brought together to achieve common goal, so many fundamental issues arises in project management. Due to different culture virtual team differs in language, working methodology, which leads to lack of trust and misunderstanding between project members.(Kyzerman, 2003) One more disadvantage in working cross culture is use of technology. When modular and simple technology is used for minimizing the gap, then the possibility of error in executing project increases. (Dafermos, 2001) 3. Organization Organisational scattering refers to â€Å"the degree to which a virtual team consists of individual who work across organizational boundaries†(Shin, 2005). In organizational area the main issues are Electronic security, hackers are valid threat for virtual projects. And other major issue in this area is sharing of information in various organizations which are working on same project. 4. Other than above mentioned issues other issues are leadership quality and effective communication. This issue can be resolved by using multicultural exposed personnel as project manager who has optimum qualification. Summary:

Frantz Fanon and Cultural Nationalism in Ireland :: Essays Papers

Frantz Fanon and Cultural Nationalism in Ireland Only recently has Ireland been included in the extensive study of postcolonial societies. Our geographical closeness to Britain, the fact that we are racially identical, the fact that we speak the same language and have the same value systems make our status as postcolonial problematic. Indeed, some would argue it is impossible to tell the difference between Irish and British. However, to mistake Irish for English to some is a grave insult. In this essay, I would like to look at Ireland’s emerging postcolonial status in relation to Frantz Fanon’s ‘The Wretched of the Earth’. By examining Fanon’s theories on the rise of cultural nationalism in colonised societies, one can see that events taking place in Ireland at the end of the nineteenth century bear all the hallmarks of a colonised people’s anti-colonial struggle through the revival of a culture that attempts to assert difference to the coloniser and the insistence on self-government. The years 1870 to 1890 in Ireland saw the fervent battle of Charles Stewart Parnell and his Home Rule party for home rule in Ireland. This consisted of Ireland having its own parliament to deal with internal affairs while still remaining under the control of Westminster in international affairs. It was not the desire for a full separation from Britain that would come later. However, by 1890, problems in Parnell’s personal life lead to a breakdown in communication with the Prime Minister and to a split in the Home Rule party. According to M E Collins, this left a void in Irish politics and life that was filled with a new cultural awareness and a questioning of Irish identity: ‘the new movements were different. They stressed the importance of Irish identity, Irish race and Irish culture’ (170 M E Collins, Ireland 1868 - 1966). It is at this point that Fanon’s ‘Wretched of the Earth’ becomes relevant to Irish history. In his chapter entitle d ‘On National Consciousness’, Fanon stresses the colonised native fears of being assimilated totally into the culture of the coloniser, of being ‘swamped’ (169 Frantz Fanon, The Wretched of the Earth). These were the exact concerns that occupied the minds of the Irish people after the failure of home rule. They began to be anxious about what Collins terms ‘the distinguishing marks of Irishness’: ‘a culture and language that was different to Britain’s’.

Cultural Diversity and the Impossibility of a True Melting Pot Essay

Cultural Diversity and the Impossibility of a True Melting Pot The core standards of America are founded, in principle, on the basis of its diversity and equality among citizens. Begin- ning with its Declaration of Independence, the United States distinguished itself from other modern nation-states by establishing a country of men who were different but equal. Yet, despite the unifying images America projects within and beyond its borders, the idea behind E Pluribus Unum does not resound as one might assume it would. E Pluribus Unum was originally intended to be both a representation of the union of the thirteen colonies and an expression of the United States as a country formed by immigrants of many different backgrounds. Today, just the literal size of America would suggest the existence of a largely varied social atmosphere, even before one considers its influx of immigration from countries all over the world. In a way E Pluribus Unum-"out of many, one-is a contradiction. Many different cultures are represented within American citizenry and within the country's physical borders, and they remain distinctive. The outmoded idea of America as the "melting pot" has been replaced precisely because people are not going to disregard their first cultural traditions to adopt "American" ones. Rather, their differences tend to perpetuate separatist notions and delineate cultural groups as clearly as borders delineate the end of one country from the beginning of another. I believe that there are many advantages to embracing the diversity America has within its borders. Members of different cultures within the borders of one nation can benefit from each other, for example, by learning more about themselves through their varieg... ... I, too, have traveled outside of the United States and have discovered the advantages of being open to cultural differences. My experiences have allowed me to accept people on their own terms more easily than I would have were I not able to break out of my culture, even though only for a short period of time. I wish others could realize that cultural differences run only so deep-Middle Eastern Americans have as much pride for this nation as do Americans of non-Middle Eastern descent. Nevertheless, I remain confident that time will ameliorate problems associated with cultural difference. Notes 1. Name changed to ensure anonymity. 2. Name changed to ensure anonymity. 3. Elizabeth Fernea. Guests of the Sheik (New York: Anchor Books, 1969). 4. Ibid., 6. Bibliography Fernea, Elizabeth. Guests of the Sheik. New York: Anchor Books, 1969. Cultural Diversity and the Impossibility of a True Melting Pot Essay Cultural Diversity and the Impossibility of a True Melting Pot The core standards of America are founded, in principle, on the basis of its diversity and equality among citizens. Begin- ning with its Declaration of Independence, the United States distinguished itself from other modern nation-states by establishing a country of men who were different but equal. Yet, despite the unifying images America projects within and beyond its borders, the idea behind E Pluribus Unum does not resound as one might assume it would. E Pluribus Unum was originally intended to be both a representation of the union of the thirteen colonies and an expression of the United States as a country formed by immigrants of many different backgrounds. Today, just the literal size of America would suggest the existence of a largely varied social atmosphere, even before one considers its influx of immigration from countries all over the world. In a way E Pluribus Unum-"out of many, one-is a contradiction. Many different cultures are represented within American citizenry and within the country's physical borders, and they remain distinctive. The outmoded idea of America as the "melting pot" has been replaced precisely because people are not going to disregard their first cultural traditions to adopt "American" ones. Rather, their differences tend to perpetuate separatist notions and delineate cultural groups as clearly as borders delineate the end of one country from the beginning of another. I believe that there are many advantages to embracing the diversity America has within its borders. Members of different cultures within the borders of one nation can benefit from each other, for example, by learning more about themselves through their varieg... ... I, too, have traveled outside of the United States and have discovered the advantages of being open to cultural differences. My experiences have allowed me to accept people on their own terms more easily than I would have were I not able to break out of my culture, even though only for a short period of time. I wish others could realize that cultural differences run only so deep-Middle Eastern Americans have as much pride for this nation as do Americans of non-Middle Eastern descent. Nevertheless, I remain confident that time will ameliorate problems associated with cultural difference. Notes 1. Name changed to ensure anonymity. 2. Name changed to ensure anonymity. 3. Elizabeth Fernea. Guests of the Sheik (New York: Anchor Books, 1969). 4. Ibid., 6. Bibliography Fernea, Elizabeth. Guests of the Sheik. New York: Anchor Books, 1969.