Probation and Parole: Good or Bad Alternatives to Incarceration Essay

The crime problem is ever before the eyes of the society, and the financial and human costs of attempts to deal with it are the focus of much attention not only from the criminal justice system; it is of hot interest in the media, during public and parliamentary debates (Tonry â€Å"Punishment Policies† 6). Political lead ¬ers, no less than ordinary citizens, are concerned about the hardship and jeopardy that prison life inflicts on criminal offenders, yet they are justifi ¬ably fearful of the consequences for society if criminals are not incarcerated (Geerken & Hayes 552). This ambivalence pervades the central question that the probation/parole system seeks to answer: how can prisoners be released to supervised liv ¬ing in the community without endangering society? As permanent reformation of criminal justice system is on in the U. S. , reformers’ passions and persistence continue unabated. In every state and the federal system, calls are made for sentencing guidelines, mandatory penalties, and â€Å"three-strikes† laws; for more use of community penalties; for crime reduction through deterrence and incapacitation; and for crime reduction through treatment and prevention (Tonry â€Å"Sentencing Matters† 103). Such focus on the issue of alternatives to imprisonment of offenders signifies great importance of the question of efficacy of existing parole/probation system. The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which parole and probation resolve the problem of declining crime rates and accomplish two-fold task: ensuring smooth adjustment of ex-prisoner/convict to society, while at the same time protecting society. Toward this end we will consider the essence of parole and probation, examine how their effectiveness is evaluated, analyze statistics on the recidivism rates for those on probation and parole, explore factors influencing such rates, and make a conclusion. According to estimations, any given year during last few decades about 4 million offenders in the U. S. are on state or federal probation or parole (Roberts & Stalans 34). It means they are liberated from prison and allowed to stay under surveillance among the rest of the society while they accommodate to life in the free community. Probation and parole are similar in being substitutes for impris ¬onment. Probation offers full-fledged diversion, especially for offenders not previously exposed to incarceration, while parole short ¬ens the exposure to imprisonment (Petersilia 566). Probation is a treatment program in which final action in an adjudicated offender’s case is suspended, so that he remains at liberty, subject to conditions imposed by or for a court, under supervision and guidance of a probation worker. The word â€Å"probation† derives from Latin, its root meaning being â€Å"a period of proving or trial† (Tonry â€Å"Punishment Policies† 7). Probation program is designed to facilitate the social readjustment of offenders. The program rests upon the court’s power to suspend sentence. The probation period is served in the community rather than in a correctional institution. Should the probationer seriously breaches the conditions imposed, probation may be revoked, in which case the court will invoke the appropriate penalty (Petersilia 567). The word â€Å"parole† stems from French, meaning â€Å"promise†. Probably the term was first used in a correctional context in 1847, by Samuel G. Howe, the Boston penal reformer (Champion 163). Like probation, parole is a treatment program. But the parolee, unlike the probationer, has served part of a term in a correctional institution. His release is conditional, contingent upon satisfactory behavior. He is under supervision and treatment by a person trained in parole work (Petersilia 563). Both approaches are less costly to administer than the prisons because full surveillance and provision of basic needs for life are not necessary and be ¬cause human services in the community as those accessible to all residents can become available. To differing degrees, the two approaches contribute to preserving family ties, when such ties exist, and enable willing offenders to provide economic support for dependents (Tonry â€Å"Punishment Policies† 9). The return of convicted offenders to the community under supervision is authorized with some degree of official optimism that the selected individuals will undertake positive behavioral change either because of their self-correction or the influence of benign community forces (Geerken & Hayes 554). A common gauge of probation/parole effectiveness is recidivism of parolees and probationers (Allen 5). Some of them are returned to prison or changed to a different treatment program, depending upon whether they violate conditions of their probation/parole or commit new crimes and are convicted of them. With the rapid growth of community corrections, a greater variety of treatment programs exist to accommodate clients’ needs. Thus, for instance, eligible parolees may be permitted to participate in work or educational release options. Other parolees may be allowed weekend visits with their families. Yet others may be placed in halfway houses where they can readjust to community living from the more highly regimented prison environment (Champion 169). Statistics shows that in the U. S. around 2,000 community correctional programs are functioning, and a number of them are sponsored by the state. Many of the states’ probation and parole agencies currently experience an excessive caseload. For instance, in California and New York often the caseload per one agency officer amounts to 400 clients, although in countryside it is about 25 clients (Petersilia 574). This, unsurprisingly, leads to lowering efficacy of probation/parole programs. Thus, according to various estimations, just no more than 62% of parolees and probationers successfully accomplish their probation/parole period. Empirical studies demonstrate that two thirds of them perpetrate new offences within the period of three years after their sentence completing (Allen 4). Moreover, those on probation/parole often commit grave crimes such as murders; many are under court orders to undergo a course of medical treatment for their alcohol/drug addiction. About 300 thousand probationers are registered in the list of probation/parole agencies as absconders which means, actually, they are just hiding and ignore criminal justice system (Petersilia 571). Scholars exploring the topic of probation/parole effectiveness on the basis of empirical evidence often admit that parole surveillance has been shown to produce an unsatis ¬factory human relationship without proven effect (Tonry â€Å"Sentencing Matters† 132). Thus, as they argue, parole revocation, influenced by bureaucratic considerations, is an unfair process. Parole assistance, impaired by its linkage with surveillance and revocation, may do some good, but there is little evidence to this effect (Champion 173). But because release, surveillance, and assistance are late interventions in a person’s criminal history, parole can be only partially blamed or credited for outcomes – principally the degree of recidivism – that have a complex of causes (Roberts & Stalans 42). So, it is difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of probation and parole by themselves. Nevertheless, any evaluation must begin by reviewing the goals of probation and parole. The first and most frequently cited of both are to protect society and to help the person committed offence as it was mentioned above. This means protecting society from crime and helping the probationer/parolee toward a crime-free life, in short, to reduce criminal behavior. No one could quarrel with this goal, but efforts to achieve it are based on the theories of incapacitation and rehabilitation, with their consequent difficulties and costs: preventive incarceration of prisoners who might not return to crime and the errors, waste motion, and false hopes of treatment programs (Geerken & Hayes 551). It is evident, that the most effective community protection is that which results from change within the offender, so that he/she no longer wants to aggress against society. But statistics cited above confirms how difficult is to implement those theories into practice to achieve such inner transformation of ex-offender. In his tough and straight-out article George Allen, governor of Virginia, regards pretty high recidivism rates in the U. S. as a direct result of light sentencing policy and application of probation and parole programs (5). Surveys of public opinion demonstrate that majority in the society agree with such view. Thus, four out of five Americans acknowledge that they would be more likely to vote for a political candidate who advocated harsher sentencing (Roberts & Stalans 31). Allen argues that â€Å"3 out of every 4 violent crimes – murder, armed robbery, rape, assault – are [†¦] committed by repeat offenders†, that is why his administration abolished parole, established the principle of â€Å"truth-in-sentencing†, and amplified by a factor of five the amount of time that violent criminals in fact stay in prison (4). Allen advocates that the only perfect crime-prevention method is incarceration, and argues that measures undertaken by his administration resulted in noticeable decline in all categories of recidivism in Virginia, which for the period of 10 years could prevent about 26 thousand violent offences and save more than $2. 7 billion indirect costs for the state (6). So, as our study revealed, the issue of effectiveness of probation/parole system and its assessment is a very complex one, especially controversial question being effectiveness of existing treatment programs within this system. Approximately two-thirds of all criminal offenders are recidivists. Parole boards are not perfect in their decision-making, and frequently, offenders are released short of serving their full sentences only to commit new crimes within months of being paroled. Much uncertainty of purpose and practice in the decision-making of probation departments and parole boards, waste motion in supervision of probationers/parolees, injus ¬tice in methods of revoking parole, and inadequacy in the provision of community rehabilitative assistance are the issues to be resolved by policy makers in criminal justice system. Hence, advocates of harsher sentencing seem to have some rationality when they argue that violent offenders have to know that the state will not tolerate their crimes, and they will stay in jail for full sentence terms. They ascertain that would be the surer way to protect the citizens from community’s most dangerous members. But, at the same time, effectiveness of existing probation and parole treatment programs could be enhanced which would raise positive results of them in lowering recidivism rates. The measures to improve probation/parole system could include provision of adequate funding (which allow developing comprehensive community-based rehabilitation and intervention programs), ensuring effective management (e. g. educing caseload per probation/parole officer), and elaboration of reliable instruments for assessment of offenders’ risk and needs during decision-making on probation and parole releases. Finally, it seems that if community would be much more involved in helping ex-offenders to adjust to their life at liberty, they would be less willing to commit further crimes. If above-listed would be attained, probation/parole system would undertake the functions of assessment, diagnosis, monitoring, and quality control of interventions while currently it plays the role of just alternative punishment.

Nazca Lines

Earth scientists have been preoccupied with demystifying the secret behind the Nazca lines discovered in South Americas earth in the 1920’s. These precisely straight lines, still unfaded by over 3,000 years of rains, floods, winds, and dust appear to be impossible for any mortal to create. More than that, how they were drawn and why they were drawn is a challenge for the most intelligent minds to come up with any clues. The Nazca lines are as mysterious as the earth’s pyramids. The lines are forms of humans, birds, monkeys, and many other animals.From the information provided, all images drawn into the earth are some form of animals, or humans. Images can only be made out from an aerial view from the sky, such as an airplane or helicopter. These earth drawings are far to large to identify from the ground. â€Å"From ground level, earth drawings or geoglyphs as they are called, seem like a confused mass of lines. It’s only when viewed from the air, that one sees how the lines and figures convey a sense of purpose, of organization† (Stouse, 2007).Since the discovery of these lines, there has been studies and studies of these Nazca lines, intriguing people to find out more. http://www. timstouse. com/EarthHistory/nazcalines. htm Lines, Lines, Lines Without technology, even rulers and other measuring devices did not exist at this time, how can these drawings be so accurate and precise? Not only are they so accurately and precise, they are habitually accurate and perfectly straight over thousands of miles, cover several hundred feet of Peru. The lines are complicated, interweaving in and out one another, but consistently perfect.To the Incas, pottery was always a big part of their art. Their pottery contained intricate details engrained in the carvings. Scientists studying this always seem to mention their pottery art. Apparently, some significant connection has been related. One of the factors they are studying is the dry land these draw ings were sketched. Still they cannot figure out how it was done. http://www. timstouse. com/EarthHistory/nazcalines. htm No one has the right information required to unsolve the mystery. Scientists are extremely intelligent, which is a mystique in itself.They still do not have the right information to discover the hidden secrets behind the Nazca lines. Peruvians lifestyles or education from the time they were born would have to be studied. Maybe through their traditions while learning survival they acquired the ability to draw perfect lines and measurements. A twenty five year old does not wake up one day with the ability to draw so precisely. Drawing precise lines are a result of years accumulated by daily living habits beginning at a very young age.Since the images are so large, a group of people had to be involved in etching one drawing. The drawings had to be broken down into segments. Each person was assigned a section of the drawing. Another intriguing mystery about the earth ’s sketches, is these sketches are here to stay. They are not faded away, washed away, and are not desolved. If the sketches have been here for 3,000 years, they are going to be here 3,000 more. Even tombstones built of solid material to survive the earths conditions, corrode and break down after so many years.How are these drawings surviving? Once again, no one today has the right information to figure it out. The Peruvians must have had a way to draw all moisture out of the earth, to seal it off completely preventing anything to seep into the grains before they started the drawings. Water is natures most damaging resource. Water will put out and destroy fire. The sea has enormous strength and power. Almost nothing can stand up to damaging water hazards. Ancient Peruvians knew much more about the earth than what is known today. http://www.timstouse. com/EarthHistory/nazcalines. htm Reasons why the Peruvians were so motivated to create such drawings is another unsolved myster y. Their religion may provide clues to why they would take enormous amounts of time to do there drawings. Peruvians believed in sun gods and sun goddesses. Nothing is absolute certainty why they drew these sketches. One explanation, was to honor or please the gods, or the sun. Because the sketches can only be identified by an aerial view, these drawings probably were to send messages to something in the air.Studying the artists who are influenced by Peru’s culture can provide some leads to figure out how these drawings were etched into the ground. Some of the best artists have came from Peru. The artists influenced by Peru specialized in detailed measurements. (Wilepedia). An Inca artists, Joaquin Torres-Garcia, derive much of his art from Inca and Nazca Pottery. â€Å"Torres-Garcia’s style is based on grid patterns derived from the aesthetics of the golden section, a geometric proportion and surrealism†(encyclopedia article, http://encarta. msn. com/encyclopedi a_762507279/Joaquin_Torres-Garcia. html). Golden section is using straight lines and exact measurements. If art work inspired by Incas have a history of placing importance on such mathematical precision, then that has to be connected to their earth drawings. Geometrical figures, lines are somehow embedded into their culture. Conclusion: The Nazca lines today remain a mystery. They will probably remain a mystery forever. Sure enough, as soon as one scientists discovers something, another finds evidence that disproves it.But that is the process of learning or studying. Even when a theory is proven false, it reveals information. The Nazca lines can only be viewed from an Ariel view. And they did worship sun gods. These drawings probably had a very sacred meaning in honor of the sun. Notes: No author, no date Joaquin Torres-Garcia http://encarta. msn. com/encyclopedia_762507279/Joaquin_Torres-Garcia. html No Author, no date; Discovery Channel http://exn. ca/mysticplaces/Nazcalines. asp Stouse, Tim 2003, modified 2007 Nazca lines http://www. timstouse. com/EarthHistory/nazcalines. htm

Rock Ideology

Does popular music equate to commercial success? Is mass appeal enough to describe popular music? The answers to these questions may not come in handy. Oftentimes, what are considered to be popular music are the ones that are often played in the radio or promoted through various television shows and programs. Record sales and concert attendance are also important factors in determining (popular music). Yet, if one has to take a closer look, the above-given considerations can be summed up in achieving commercial triumph. However, for experts, there is a thing line that demarcates popular music from those that have emerged victorious from the economy of music making. Through the years, various musical genres have emerged. Their existence can be attributed for several reasons. First, music goes through a series of changes and transformations. Each and every generation of musicians and artists are on a constant experiment on how to create new sounds that can possible exceed the expectations of their predecessors. The other reason stems from the fact that the audience’s musical needs vary from time to time. Like food, music is a media commodity that must be constantly consumed by its specific target market or audience. But the moment wherein the peaks of satiety levels have been already reached, there is a strong tendency for an individual to look or crave for another media commodity that can attend to his or her demands. If music is viewed both as a commodity and a form of expression, then there is no doubt that being popular is also relative to being commercially triumphant. However, this generic notion tends to abolish music’s true meaning, essence, value and social significance. Commercial success, if such will be used as framework for what accounts as popular music stripped off the latter’s intrinsic and intangible characteristics and features. Each musical genre goes through such concerns. Musicians and artists alike are trapped within the norms of creating music for profit and at the same time maintaining their musical integrity and artistry. With regards to categorizing popular music, it is apparent that Rock and Roll often finds itself as the center of argument between music scholars and expert. Many Rock and Roll bands have managed to become commercially efficient, yet some stress that the lack of musical authenticity deprives them from being considered as popular music. On the other hand, it cannot be denied that there are some Rock and Roll bands which have remained popular only to a few selective audiences, their commercial appeal is not highlighted, yet they are often tagged as popular music. This discussion aims to tackle how Rock and Roll struggles to balance its profit-based orientation and at the same time preserve the pure and unadulterated nature of its music. The paper will also deal with rock ideology, its effect on the music’s fan base and youth culture and on the overall nature of Rock and Roll per se. Rockin the Youth Culture Beebe, Fullbrook and Saunders (2002) explained that Rock and Roll and youth culture are interrelated to each other. The two readily share a special relationship. Rock and Roll is the youth and the youth is Rock and Roll. The two seem to find it hard to be separated from each other. For one reason, a number of youth groups are able to relate to the themes perpetuated by Rock and Roll. The music became the youth’s language in articulating their own concerns and issues that cannot be overtly expressed through direct communication or confrontational scenarios. As Epstein (1998) emphasized, rock music played an important role within many youth subcultural groups wherein musical tastes and preferences provide a sense of belongingness and togetherness. Rock and Roll allowed these youngsters to relate and identify themselves to the youth’s basic needs and demands (Epstein, 1998). Gillet (1996) explained that Rock music is able to provide pleasure—the kind of satisfaction that no other musical genres can provide. But of course, this is something that extends beyond entertainment purposes. Through co-optation, as Grossberg (1997) maintains, the intersection of youth culture and Rock and Roll is preserved and sustained. Rock and Roll and Popular Music Kellog (2003) discussed that popular music is a representation or reflection of the cultural facets of society wherein it emanates. He added that the evolution of Rock and Roll is heavily influenced by the post-war era. In a time wherein a nation is trying to recover from war’s damages, the seemingly antagonistic and hostile nature of rock and roll would not really come as a surprise. It is not uncommon for such music to tackle social dilemmas that are experienced by the community. This is most especially felt during the times wherein Rock and Roll is on the process of growth and development. In Latin America for example, rock music functioned for propaganda purposes (Hernandez, L’Hoeste   & Zolov, 2004). Going back, it can be seen that such music is not merely used for entertainment activities. To give pleasure and at the same time take into consideration society’s critical issues transformed rock music into something that is revolutionary in nature. Commercially Popular Sterns (2001) emphasized that Rock and Roll is â€Å"eminently commercial.† The glitter and glamour that is associated with it is a concrete sign of a consumer-oriented music. There is the desire to garner mass appeal which is nonetheless avoided by those individuals that belong to the counter-culture (Sterns, 2001). Placing too much importance on form over substance makes Rock music prone to being a â€Å"consumer item (Sterns, 2001).† However, Hernandez, L’Hoeste and Zolov (2004) mentioned that under the circumstances wherein Rock music strayed from entertainment function, Rock and Roll as popular music has now differentiated itself from music that are commercially produced, this is of course in reference to the Latin American Rock music scene. Rock as popular music in contrast to rock as consumer item can be differentiated into four different ways. The latter’s differences are deeply characterized by its content and social function. First of all, rock as popular music possesses â€Å"intrinsic intent† which is to promote awareness to social and political issues (Hernandez, L’Hoeste & Zolov, 2004). Secondly, it breaks free from â€Å"bodily gratifications, wherein Rock is produced as something worth listening since it embodies the Pan Latin-American dream (Hernandez, L’Hoeste & Zolov, 2004). The lat but definitely not the least is that Rock has revolutionized the term â€Å"popular† wherein it previously refer to music created via the use of indigenous instruments (Hernandez, L’Hoeste & Zolov, 2004). In the meantime, going against commerciality, most especially as for the case of Rock and Roll bands may seem too complicated. This stems from the fact that these musicians earn their bread and butter from this industry. Yet, in as much as musical authenticity and artistry is concerned in popular music, Marshall (2005) explained that popular music must adhere to the canons of music making in the Romantic period. During those times, music creation was focused on maintaining the â€Å"truth† in artist and music’s intention, regardless of whether it would be socially accepted or not by many (Marshall, 2005). Rock Ideology In order to preserve authenticity in rock music, may bands have successfully practiced the so-called rock ideology (Frith, 2007). Rock ideology purports that the music has an exclusive   fan base or community that highlights their individualistic approach and orientations (Frith, 2007). This is in stark contrast to pop icons and celebrities whose popularities are attained through excessive media hype and exaggeration. In other words, rock to maintain its ideology must create music that is not present in other genres and would cater to a specific set of audience. In this aspect, rock and roll is famous but its scope and coverage is far by more limited and narrow. It can be categorized as popular music but only within smaller groups, compared to music that follows a certain kind of formula. Once and for all, rock as popular music is something that cannot be readily digested and appreciated by everybody else. And so through following its ideological threshold, the genre qualifies into the context of popular music—something that is worth listening and packed with cultural and social significance. References Beebe, R.; Fullbrook, D and Saunders, B. (2002) Rock Over the Edge: Transformation in   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Popular Music Culture.   USA: Duke University Press Epstein, J. (1998). Youth Culture: Identity in a Postmodern World. Massachusetts:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Blackwell Publishing Frith, S. (2007). Taking Popular Music Seriously: Selected Essays. Hampshire, England:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ashgate Publishing Gillett, C. (1996). The Sound of the City: The Rise of Rock and Roll. USA: Da Capo Press Grossberg, L. (1997). Dancing in Spite of Myself: Essays on Popular Culture. USA: Duke   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   University Press Hernandez, D; L’Hoeste, H and Zolov, E. (2004). Rockin’ Las Americas: The Global Politics   Ã‚   of Rock in Latin/o America. Pittsbyurgh, USA: University of Pittsburgh Press Kellog, W. (2003). American History The Easy Way. New York: Barron’s Online Bookstore Marshall, L. (2005). Bootlegging: Romanticism and Copyright in the Music Industry.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   London: Sage Publications Sterns, P (2001). Consumerism in World History: The Global Transformation of Desire. London: Routledge

Case Problem Stateline Shipping and Transport Company Essay

Case Problem Stateline Shipping and Transport Company - Essay Example Polychem has six sites that are available to pick waste of Stateline. Polychem then would like Stateline to transport the waste for disposal to any of the or one of the three sites. Stateline has to transport the waste to the site and incur costs for the same (Bernard, 2010). In order to do so, Rachel needs to see what the less costly shipping routes are. This is basically the transportation problem for the issue such as cost minimization. The problem face by the company is that it has six collection centers from where the company wishes to pick up the waste and transport it to the nearest three disposable centers which should be at a minimum cost. The following below table summarizes the costs from the collection centers to the disposable sites. Since the company has the option to drop and load back at certain points i.e. plant or disposal center without any extra cost, we can find roots in this model too. It is considered to be cheap to drop and load back at intermediate places then shipping them directly. The company will enjoy the cost advantage by dropping the waste at a certain intermediate points as described in the below table. All such roots with the lowest cost are given in the following table. Using the original problem the minimum cost of the company without using any intermediate comes out to be $2822. But by using some intermediate points the original problem was modified and solves once again to check the minimum cost. The results showed that by using intermediate points and the new model caused a reduction in the transportation costs. The cost was reduced to $2630. In order to achieve this company must follow the following transportation roots as described above. Waste from the Kingsport to duras should be transported to Macon first and then Macon to Duras. Waste from the Macon to Los Canos should be carried to Selma first and then from Selma to Los Canos. Waste from Selma to White water should be carried to Columbus first and

The four works that communicate about the nature warfare Essay

The four works that communicate about the nature warfare - Essay Example They conducted all manners of techniques, strategies, and efforts of winning against their enemies who aimed to stop their raging mission of controlling much of European territories. This led to battle and violent mission by the military personnel, aimed at retaining their superiority power. However, their defeat by Allied Forces in May 1945 led to the end of war in Europe. Among the authors who use their literal works to describe the nature of war, include the Randall Jarrell in his poem Eight Air Force. The poem depicts the Eight Air Force of the US that was just established in 1944 to act as one of the components of US Strategic Command tasked to combat in air and engaging the operations to fight in the World War II. It helped to carry out strategic bombings of enemies in Nazi Germany, France, and other countries in the Northern Europe. At some point, Randall described the war as the death trap by saying â€Å"The other murderers troop in yawning† in the second stanza (Gardner, p. 400).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Randall Jarrell also wrote another literal work dubbed The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner published in 1945. It described the death of a gunner in the ball turret during the Second World War in an American aircraft. In the third line, the author described the death by saying â€Å"Six miles from earth, loosed from its dream of life† (Cornelius, p. 3). They were on a mission to fight in the European territories to fight their enemies such as Nazi Germany. Elie Wiesel’s Night is another work that described the nature of war. The author describes his experiences with his father where they were staying in concentration camps of Nazi German from 1944 to 1945. Wiesel’s narrative demonstrates the way they suffered where his father declined to a helpless situation. In this case, his father regrets that â€Å"If only I could get rid of this dead

A case on Mergers & Acquisitions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

A case on Mergers & Acquisitions - Assignment Example me concepts such as FDI1, which is the acquisition of ownership of assets by a foreign country in another country with the intention of having direct control over manufacture, distribution and sales of a firm in the host country. Foreign investment basically means the gap in a country’s requirement for investment and its savings rate (Yuang, 1998 p.63). The host country for FDI stands to benefit in a number of ways in terms of capital formation, export diversification, technology import, management system improvement, and enhanced market competition, infrastructure development to support economic activity, financial sector growth and markets development (OECD, 2001 p.13). FDI is a powerful engine in helping to achieve country objectives such as those about poverty reduction, development and international integration, and it is perceived to be an international investment route that most developed economies have embraced. Low income countries in Africa, for example, have not taken this advantage and are thus being excluded from the globalization benefits of FDI. This research paper seeks to explain general aspects of international trade and economic blocs as well as critically evaluate the economic environment for FDI in the United Arab Emirates focusing on business risk for a firm keen on investing in UAE and considering key aspects of the international business environment such as culture, ethical practices, legal systems, purchasing power, income, consumption patterns, taxes, infrastructure, economic prospects and stability in general among others. Picking on a specific product or service, the paper will explain distribution and marketing strategies and provide guidance on the extent to which the firm’s performance may be put at risk based on last five years. International trade deals with the dynamics around movement of goods and services including intellectual property across country borders and it affects not only a country’s economic, social and

Critical Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Critical Reflection - Essay Example More importantly, the book showed me that it is possible that it was not only me to blame, and gave me a sense of hope that other students feeling this way now, can be helped more than I was. Rose looks at the foundations of such feelings, starting from the effects of labeling children: â€Å"The designation remedial has powerful implications in education – to be remedial is to be substandard, inadequate† (Rose, 1989, p. 209), and I recognized my own sense of myself, throughout school, in this. When teachers publicly separated me from the rest of my classmates, with good intentions, I am sure, because of the learning difficulty I have, it was devastating. As a Third Grader, my need to belong to the group was great, and the challenges I experienced were not only with the learning difficulty, but equally significantly, with the teachers’ and other children’s perception that I was different. I internalized their view of me and became unconfident and negative about myself and my abilities. At school, my classmates called me names, and I was no longer a â€Å"cool† friend. At home, my mother was supportive, but I could not get away from the feeling that I was disappointing her, because I could not so well at school. This isolation is another aspect of my life that I identified with in Rose’s book – a boy â€Å"Harold† writes: â€Å"I am lost in the woods. I cannot find my way out. I yell and yell. No one answered me. I climbed a tree then I fell out of the tree and broke my arm† (Rose, 1989, p. 119). While my situation was perhaps not as bad as Harold’s, I did see many of my classmates, struggling more than I did, even more isolated from the mainstream. Mike Rose realized that this boy was a lonely child, feeling rejected, and that it was these feelings, more than the boy’s learning challenges that caused him to not be able to perform well academically. This is

External and Internal Environmental Analysis - Apple Research Paper

External and Internal Environmental Analysis - Apple - Research Paper Example The current business environment is volatile and changing. In order to survive and thrive in this competitive environment, firms will have to monitor and analyze the internal and external environment conditions before taking any business decision. In the present research paper, an external and internal environment analysis of Apple has been done. EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT External environment can be described as the factors, entities, conditions and events surrounding a firm, which influence its choices and activities. In a multinational organization, external environment analysis is essential. Apple is a global organization operating worldwide. Thus, external factors surrounding the parent company and the subsidiaries and branches will have an effect on the overall decision making process. An external environment is also known as an operating environment. Apple Corporation falls in the consumer electronics sector and is involved in designing and manufacturing of computer hardware, softwa re and other computer related operations. The major external factors which influence the decision making process and the computer industry are: 1. Rising price competition 2. Rapid changes in technology 3. Changing consumer preference Slow market growth and growing competition from local brands are the major reason for the rise in price wars (Knox, 2004). The majority of emerging countries have witnessed a host of local brands, selling brands and variants akin to iPhones and smart phones. They are sold at low prices, and there is an increasing pressure among bigger brands to decrease their price. In case of developed countries, price competition arises because of availability of a large number of variants from the same brand. Thus, competitors such as Samsung, IBM, HP, etc. launch more versions in developed counties, thereby intensifying competition. Rapid changes in technology have decreased the shelf life of electronic goods. More and more companies are now able to replicate the a vailable technologies. By adding a few features in those technologies, these brands gain a competitive advantage. Apple faces major competition in personal computers and mobile laptops. Apart from that, a slow market and product similarities among most of its product categories have also resulted in an increased competition. Changing consumer preferences is another external operating condition, which impacts the decision making process of Apple. Consumers have become more conscious as a result of the recent economic downturn. As a result, the sale of high-end smart phones and laptops has decreased, especially in emerging nations. Considering that emerging nations are the highest growth contributors for companies such as Apple, monitoring and establishing proper strategies will be crucial for a sustainable future growth. INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT Innovation and creativity have always been the internal strengths for Apple (Rufat-Latre, Muller, & Jones, 2010). Designing and developing most distinctive products and capturing a market share on the basis of innovation has made Apple one of the most renowned computer software companies of the world. However, with the advancement of technology and modern capabilities, it is not taking much time for other brands to imitate Apple’s design and launch in the market with added features. Apart from that, it is very difficult to patent each and every design which Apple produces. Technology and human resource can be described as the most important and crucial

Teenagers using steriods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Teenagers using steriods - Essay Example S is suggested to be ddictive in some users nd especilly in teengers. In ddition, teengers often use other illicit drugs nd there is the risk for spred of heptitis nd HIV to originlly low-risk popultions through shring needles in S injection (DuRnt et l., 2003). S use in teengers my cuse premture closure of the growth pltes over the bones resulting in permnent short. The initition of S use hs mostly been found to tke plce sometime during teengers. The prevention of S use should therefore be considered n importnt tsk not only within sports but lso for the public t lrge. The serch for risk nd protective fctors for S use in teengers is vitl. Rte of lifetime use mong United Sttes high-school students vries between 4% nd 12% for mles nd 0.5% nd 2% for femles (Bhrke et l., 1998). Lower figures hve been reported in other countries; rtes vry between 1.2% nd 3.2% for mles nd 0.2% nd 2.0% for femles in ustrli (Beel et l., 1998), for exmple. One report showed firly similr rte (12-month) in Cnd (4.1% in mles nd 1.5% in femles) (Cndin Centre for Drug-Free Sports, 2003). Prevlence of S use mong frikns-speking sport prticipnts hs been reported to be in the sme rnge (e.g., 2.5%), wheres much lower rtes were found in the generl dolescent student popultion in South fric. Studies from different regions in Sweden hve provided vrying lifetime estimtes for dolescents: 5.8% for mles nd 1.0% for femles versus 2.1% nd 0.2%, respectively (Kindlundh et l., 1999). Substntil regionl differences hve lso been found in the U.S. s well s in South fric. With the exceptions of Cnd, ntionl dt re lcking. The current knowledge bout S use, therefore, need s to be supplemented by lrge-scle nd ntionlly representtive smples from sites outside North meric. S reserch hs been mostly descriptive in nture. There hve been some ttempts t more theoreticlly driven reserch, but differing theoreticl perspectives hve rrely been contrsted. Theories of S use hve hd t lest three different viewpoints. First, mny studies hve tken sports perspective, nd these studies hve noted such motives s winning nd performing well in thletics. Thus, the prevlence of S use mong top thletes hs been reported to be high in such sports s footbll, trck nd field, weight lifting, body building nd possibly lso self-defense sports nd mrtil rts (Fields et l., 2004). High rtes of use hve been found t subelite levels nd mong college nd high-school thletes (Bhrke et l., 1998). Second, muscles not only mke you win, they fit the present-dy body idel. For men, this body idel implies upper torso strength nd mesomorph body type. For women, this is defined s slimness, prticulrly from the wist down, coupled with lrge brests (Wichstrom, 2000). To look good or to be big re the prime motives for S use mong gym-bsed weight triners nd mong the top two motives in the generl dolescent popultion. Eting problems nd concerns hve been found in mle body-builders nd S users. Possibly "reverse norexi" (Pope et l., 2000) nd hence S use hve prtly the sme etiology s eting disorders, including poor self-concept nd poor body stisfction. However, mong norml dolescents one of the prime motives for looking good is to enhnce one's chnces with the opposite gender, nd one could therefore

Exploring the connections between the mask of masculinity and the mask Essay

Exploring the connections between the mask of masculinity and the mask of femininity - Essay Example A study of the first chapter ‘Saplings in the Storm’ of Mary Pipher’s Reviving Ophelia and the first chapter ‘Inside the World of Boys: Behind the Mask of Masculinity’ of William Pollock’s Real Boys give an insight into the complex psyche of adolescent girls and adolescent boys in coping with societal expectations and norms. ‘Saplings in the Storm’ and ‘Inside the World of Boys’ approach the same issue from two different perspectives. Both take us back to the world of adolescence. While ‘Saplings in the Storm’ tells us about the distress of adolescent girls, ‘Inside the World of Boys’ presents the struggle of teenage boys. In both the cases the young boys and the girls are trying hard to be masculine and feminine rather than naturally grow up into men and women. A girl has always been an enigma to a boy and vice versa. It is but natural that adolescent girls and boys fall on and off in love. A fantasy soon gives way to disillusionment as one sees the other without the mask. They are in love with the mask which is based on unreal concepts of masculinity and femininity. The adolescent boys and girls pass through the same experience of trying to fit into the mask. They struggle to play a certain role and sink in depression when this unnatural struggle takes a toll on their mental health. Today most of the young girls would go to any extent to be the femme fatale with killer looks and a perfect 10 figure or be that pretty young thing. Sadly enough, this is the recent trend of femininity. Pipher begins her chapter ‘Saplings in the Storm’ with the example of her cousin Polly who gave up her tomboyish and spontaneous self to become a social butterfly only to be accepted by her peers. (Cited in Schmidt et al) Pollock in his ‘Inside the World of Boys’ points out to a similar situation of how boys try to live the myths about masculinity. (Cited in Schmidt et al) Boys don’t cry, boys are tough, boys are

Hewlett Packard Swot Analysis Essay Example for Free

Hewlett Packard Swot Analysis Essay The Hewlett-Packard and Compaq merger decision case study provided many points necessary in the understanding of why these two companies would undergo a risky business venture. Compaq was a company that began successfully with record setting financial statements, but in an attempt to expand its market, threatened company stability. With the acquisition of Tandem Computer and Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq experienced decreased revenues resulting in their inability to fully recover. In a competitive information technology market, HP was one of the industry leaders. Due to a failure to be proactive to market changes, HP grew stagnant and looked to reinvent company strategies through newly appointed President/CEO Carly Fiorina. Competitive advantages for both HP and Compaq included imaging and printing segment and high performance PC technology respectively. Management’s reasons for the merger included their assumption that together, HP and Compaq would be able to replicate and overtake competitors. Oppositions to the merger included a decrease in shareholder interests, a reduction of focus for company core competencies, and an unprofitable future. Several financial advisors and industry analysts were in agreement that the proposed merger would not be in the best interests of either company. Despite the uncertainties, information gathered and forecasts projected were in favor of the merger, which resulted in shareholder approval and the merger of Hewlett-Packard and Compaq Computer. SWOT Analysis In researching Hewlett-Packard’s present-day company position, a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted. Strengths found include HP’s strong market position internationally and on the domestic end, a successful growth throughout large acquisitions, and a considerable brand value. HP currently has a 28.6% market share in the United States of America while internationally they stand at 17.7%. As the current number one leader in PC sales, HP has a solid market position. Although the strengths are allowing HP to maintain market position, there are also weaknesses present in all companies. Compared to other companies in the same industry, Hewlett-Packard lacks significant software product and management consulting services. As a result, Hewlett-Packard’s weakness is its weak market segment integration. HP is able to answer consumer demand when it comes to PC technology and imaging and printing software, but they fall short in t he software product creation and consulting services to combine with their successful departments of PC technology and imaging and printing services. As Hewlett-Packard continues to grow and seek an increase in market position, opportunities surface. A spin-off of the PC technology business, entering the cloud computing market, and expanding imaging and printing solutions portfolio are opportunities HP has going forward. In placing more emphasis on the PC technology aspect of the company, HP may find that this venture will become as profitable as the imaging and printing department in the long-run. With the announcement of this spin-off, their share of US PC shipment increased from 25.4% to 28.9%. This positive reaction from consumers is an early indicator of possible success as a result of placing resources to build up the PC technology department. Cloud computing is a fairly new concept in which resources and software are delivered through a network, mainly over the Internet. As this is market quickly growing in demand, HP’s introduction of HP Cloud Assure is a great opportunity for future prosperity. With success comes o pportunities of threats, and Hewlett-Packard is no exception. With projected decrease in information technology (IT) in the near future, an increase in demand for non PC devices, and competitors with more diversified portfolios, HP’s threats are numerous. Industry analysts have projected a decrease of IT in upcoming quarters which will decrease HP’s profitability. HP has already witnessed a decrease in consumer spending during last quarter’s back-to-school spending. If analyst projections prove to be true, changes will quickly need to be made. As more and more consumers are entering the non PC device era, HP is losing a segment of the market with their inability to provide products for this demand. HP’s more diversified competitors such as Dell and Samsung are able to easily capture the demand for these tablets. Future of the Company Through the case study, present-day SWOT analysis, and outside research conducted on Hewlett-Packard, the group has concluded that the company will remain constant, but unless strategies are implemented to answer more consumer demands, they may lose market share. New CEO Meg Whitman has a technology visionary that will shift HP’s focus to answering consumer demands. Her leadership capabilities and projections for company future are a desirable mix for a company to achieve sustainable future relevance. With the implementation of HP Cloud Assure, a new venture capitalizing on the growing consumer interest of cloud computing, HP is already adapting to answering the demands of consumers. As long as the company continues to anticipate and provide the products and services desired, sustainability will be maintained. Questions 1. What are the strategic challenges that HP is facing? Strategic challenges: Cost- reduction initiatives that included â€Å"difficult but necessary voluntary- severance programs† and manufacturing consolidations. â€Å"Unacceptably high expense growth† contributed to a decline in earnings from operations and net earnings. HP had a weak macroeconomic environment and competitive price pressures that led to slumping sales. Management was unable to keep pace of the changing market conditions which were a key contributor. HP management failed to follow Dell’s lead in adopting a low- cost, Internet based direct sales channel to offset its reliance on the retail channel. * Accelerating growth in existing businesses * Streamlining the existing decentralized operating model to fuel growth opportunities * Implementing a â€Å"total customer experience† approach * Taking advantage of HP’s strong balance sheet and cash generation capability to fund new growth initiatives * Leveraging HP’s market position * Creating e- services ecosystems and placing HP at the center 2. Is the proposed merger likely to address these challenges? Benefits from the merger included personal systems, improved economics, and innovation. HP management believed that the combined company would have a lower cost structure due to economies of scale. HP would also be able to leverage Compaq’s progress in developing a direct sales channel, yielding a more flexible distribution model. Complementary leadership in key markets: Compaq’s strength in industry standard servers, coupled with HP’s Linus and UNIX offerings, would result in an industry- leading product line spanning the entire server category. By adding HP’s strength in high- end storage, the combined company would be the industry leader in both the enterprise storage segment and the fastest growing sub-segment storage area networks. Doubling HP’s sales force, the merger would allow HP to increase account coverage and better compete for important customer engagements around the world. IT Services: Strengthened Business Provides Critical Mass in Key Growth Market- Management believed the merger would significantly strengthen HP and Compaq’s combined services business for several reasons. Financial Benefits- As predicted the merger would yield $2.5 billion in annual cost saving by mid-2004. Yes, we do believe the proposed merger is likely to address the challenges HP faces. 3. How do you interpret the market’s reaction to the proposal deal? We interpret the market’s reaction to the proposed deal to be negative. Just two months of the Merger announcement, HP’s share price trailed the preannouncement level by 27%, representing a loss of $12.3 billion of market share value at the same time comparable companies increased 9.9%. 4. If you were a shareholder of HP, how would you vote on the deal? If we were shareholders of HP, we would vote against the deal. It is obvious the company is losing a great deal of money at the same time other companies in the same industry are making money. The merger is not looking out for the best interest of the shareholders so we would not vote for the merger. Sources Bloomberg Businessweek http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-10-12/hewlett-packard-gains-pc-market-share-after-mulling-spinoff.html CNN Money http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2005/02/07/8250437/index.htm http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/22/technology/hp_ceo_fired/index.htm Hewlett-Packard Website http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2009/090331xa.html Hewlett-Packard Case Study â€Å"Hewlett-Packard – Compaq: The Merger Decision† Marketing Research http://www.marketingresearch.com/marketing/swot-analysis-hewlett-packard Jennifer Brown Synopsis The process of completing this assignment has helped me discover how to view business decisions in a more analytical way. When approaching this one it seemed overwhelming at first. I began pulling outside sources and background information that helped me gain a better understanding of the project at hand. That extra research was very useful in explaining what the companies were going through and giving different perspectives as to why. I was able to apply what I have learned in my accounting classes when the case study and articles referred to financial ratios and provided financial reports. That was helpful when trying to answer the questions assigned. Working with a group was also beneficial because there were several times my group members made great points that I may have missed working alone. Our group has met several times since the project has been assigned. I have been present at each meeting. Before we met the first time we decided we would read the case study in full to have an understanding of what we would need to do. Our first meeting we discussed the case study and our stance on what HP should do. We also discussed the questions within the case study and started our outline for our power point. Outside of the meeting I researched articles to gain background information. Our group had several more meetings at which we outlined our strategy report and assigned each person a portion of the report. When we were finished with our portion we would submit it to the rest of the group for proofreading. Everybody completed their task as set and we came together as a group and finalized the report. I, as well as the other members of the group, contributed to the makeup and layout of both the strategy report and the power point. Charnele Hodge Synopsis Being that this has been my first time in a group doing a strategy report on a company, I took away a few key elements. I have learned, understood, and properly used the purpose of a SWOT Analysis. I know this form of analysis will be used in my future endeavors, so I know it will be very beneficial to me. Also, I learned while in a group setting how to effectively achieve a SWOT Analysis to inform and persuade others to understand and see our point-of-view on our particular position. As a Business Management major, this group project has helped me realize that in not every group setting, that there needs to be a set leader. In my group, I felt that everyone meshed well with each other and there was not a constant need for someone to be in charge. Every group member knew what was at stake and that being at meetings and pulling her part in the group was essential. My individual contribution to the group was making sure that I gave my opinion on the different positions that we would be taking on the SWOT Analysis. I made it my individual objective to make sure that I pulled my part in completing each and every task that I volunteered to work on, that it was done properly, as well as completed on time. Being a Business Management major, I believe I helped bring balance among my other peers that are majoring in different genres in the college of business. I took a more realistic, rational approach to the group, in who would be better fit for particular objectives. Sakina Middleton Synopsis Conducting a strategy report required using resources from all aspects of my undergraduate studies. I was able to read the Hewlett-Packard and Compaq merger decision and understand the different aspects used to compile the information. In utilizing marketing concepts, I was able to conduct a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of Hewlett-Packard’s present company structure. My management background allowed for an understanding of company decisions made, such as whether to undergo a merger. Finally, the accounting knowledge I have acquired thus far has enabled me to read and comprehend the many financial statements used to decide which options should be made based on the factual numbers provided. Overall, my primary takeaway was my ability to read, comprehend, and analyze a case study regarding two merging companies with the knowledge and education provided by Savannah State University’s College of Business Administration. Throughout this project I was able to increase my ability to problem solve in a group of my colleagues. No one group is perfect, but the communication skills I have acquired allowed me to handle all situations appropriately and in a timely fashion. For this strategy report, I was responsible for arranging all group meetings regarding the collection and accumulation of information for the paper. I was the initiator of correspondence and also the channel of delivery for every member’s designated portion of the paper. My personal contribution includes the compilation on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the present-day company Hewlett-Packard. I was also responsible for the editing of the final paper. Summer Wilcox Synopsis In March 2002, Hewlett- Packard’s current CEO and president, Carleton Firiona announced the acquiring of HP’s rival company, Compaq Computer. The merging of the two companies was designed to put Hewlett- Packard/Compaq in a position to challenge one of its top leaders in the industry, IBM. The merger was also designed to create a global technology powerhouse that would provide consumers with products and services demanded by profitable enterprise customers. After reading over the case, I started to feel like the merger was not going to be a success. The merger presented itself to be too risky. Although Hewlett Packard was aiming to become the industry’s leader by expanding into new markets, the idea of the merger just didn’t seem to look out for the best interest of the company. Management felt that HP and Compaq needed to improve their whole business structure to effectively compete with Dell which was the industry’s leader. They also felt that HP and Compaq’s leadership would complement each other in key markets such as the enterprise storage segment and storage area networks, and by having a broader portfolio of products and services. Management believed that HP and Compaq had a weak combination of products and services, and merging would strengthen that area. While some thought that the merger would be a success to Hewlett- Packard, there were some who were against it. Among those few were the director and son of HP cofounder William Hewlett, Walter Hewlett. Walter Hewlett was HP’s second largest shareholder and had a very powerful, important voting privilege of HP. Walter was against the merger for 4 main reasons. He felt the proposed merger would be worse, the integration risk of the proposed merger would be substantial, the financial impact on HP’s stockholders would remain negative, and the position of the company would not improve. I agree with opposing the merger of HP and Compaq. They knew from the beginning stages that the merger was going to be risky. Shareholders would lose and ample amount of value on their shares. Stockholders would get a very small amount of the combined company’s contribution to earnings. The merger would drown the stockholder’s interest in the imaging and printing business which is the most profitable of HP already. The merger would not improve the position of the company. Furthermore, HP had no experience with handling a merger of that size. All HP had to do was invest and focus more on the printing and imaging part of the company. The printing and imaging varied in low-end printers and supplies to commercial printing solutions. Instead of taking such a risky acquisition, they could have focused on something that proved already successful for the business. My contribution to the overall strategy report was to research where HP stands now. I also found official documents filed by both HP and Compaq to the SEC about the planned merger. The documents further explained forward- looking statements, assumptions, uncertainties, and risk of the planned merger between the two companies.

Marijuanas Pros and Cons Essay Example for Free

Marijuanas Pros and Cons Essay Have you ever wondered what marijuana can do to your body? Many people say marijuana is bad for the health. That it can cause long term effects. Some actually believe that marijuana can have positive effects, such those for medical use. After a long research this paper will talk about the positive and the negative results of marijuana. One argument for the legalization of marijuana is that itsn’t more harmful than alcohol or tobacco if it is used in moderation (Messari). There has been many much researches done showing that if the use the drug in moderation its not harmful at all. One of the researchers called CARDIA, proved that smoking one joint per day in an overall of 20 years can actually help lung function. The researchers dont know why light-to-moderate pot use might subtly improve lung function. It could be that marijuana users inadvertently train themselves to be good at the inhalation and exhalation test because they practice deep breathing when they smoke pot, Kertesz told LiveScience. The airflow increase, then, is not necessarily an indicator of healthier lungs (Wanjek). An argument for the legalization of marijuana is that according to many doctors marijuana has medical benefits, especially for cancer patients. Marijuana has been used for medical reasons since ancient times (edicine). Medical marijuana also offers relief to patients suffering from multiple Sclerosis, Glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, and breast Cancer (White). Marijuana is promoted to relieve pain, control nausea and vomiting, and stimulate appetite in people with cancer and AIDS. Researchers also report that Cannabis used in medical purpose decreases pressure within the eyes, therefore reducing the severity of glaucoma. Some supporters claim that marijuana has antibacterial properties, inhibits tumor growth, and enlarges the airways, which they believe can ease the severity of asthma attacks. Others claim that marijuana can be used to control seizures and muscle spasms in people who have epilepsy and spinal cord injuries (Zuardi). One argument against the legalization of marijuana is that according to many researchers and medical studies marijuana is often used as a stepping-stone drug. Many doctors say Children who have used marijuana are 85 times likelier to use cocaine than children who have not used marijuana (Glitter). According to Dr. Eric Voth Chairman, marijuana is a stepping-stone drug. Dr. Chairman points out in one of his interviews Yes it is, the medical literature documents this and IOM understates it. Alcohol, tobacco and marijuana all have serious primary effects but all serve as gateway drugs. (Wanjek) An argument against marijuana is, that there are lots of long term effects caused by the drug. Many studies have investigated whether long-term use of cannabis can cause or contribute to the development of illnesses, such as heart disease, bipolar disorder, depression, mood swings or schizophrenia (Ramstrom). A group of scientists in California examined the health status of 450 daily smokers of marijuana but not tobacco. They found that the marijuana smokers had more sick days and more doctor visits for respiratory problems and other types of illness than did a similar group who did not smoke either substance (Buddy). There are lots of adults who started in their teenage years, to smoke â€Å"weed†. Most of them by the age of 18 were already adicts. â€Å"I started using on a lark, a dare from a best friend who said that I was too chicken to smoke a joint and drink a quart of beer. I was fourteen at that time. After seven years of using and drinking I found myself at the end of the road with addiction. I was no longer using to feel euphoria, I was just using to feel some semblance of normality. â€Å"Then I started having negative feelings about myself and my own abilities. I hated the paranoia. 1 I hated looking over my shoulder all the time. I really hated not trusting my friends. I became so paranoid that I successfully drove everyone away and found myself in the terrible place no one wants to be in—I was alone. I’d wake up in the morning and start using and keep using throughout the day. † —Paul (Marijuana Facts) There is also long term effects for men such as fertility. Reproductive hormones are decreased. In men, there is less testosterone, causing decreased sperm counts and possible erectile dysfunction by use of the drug. In women, there may be irregular periods. Both problems would result in a decreased ability to conceive but not lead to complete infertility under the consume of marijuana(Short). There are many other effects of smoking marijuana, that this paper didn’t even talk about. Like the different ways marijuana can be used, to make fuel and paper. Or how it can make your no you brain slower, and kill many cell membranes. Its up to the people to decide what they choose to believe. For me, marijuana should be legalized. After all it has more benefits than negatives if its used correctly.

Bruce Lee And His Martial Arts

Bruce Lee And His Martial Arts Martial arts became known to the world in the 1960s. This is largely due to Bruce Lee and is what he is known for. Still others are ignorant to this and only know that he is a movie star who fights his way to victory. But none of this would be relevant if it were not for the Chinese Americans before him. Malcolm Gladwell would argue that Lees success was handed down to [him] by the history of the community he lived in (Gladwell 204). People that Lee never knew and never had contact with would lead directly to his success. These men and women suffered horrible racist treatment and had no contact with their families overseas, but were the cause for change in American Chinese relations that is of such fundamental importance to the success of Bruce Lee. It was not only the direct men and women in Lees life that allowed him to succeed in America but the lives of an entire ethnic group. Without their suffering and hardships Lee would not have had success in his trials and painful experiences. Chinese Americans status in the United States began changing for the better at the start of WWII and Bruce Lees martial arts influence was the final indication that Asian Americans had successfully been accepted into the national culture. He became a hero to Chinese Americans for making the final advance towards social equality and accomplishing this through the medium of martial arts film. To understand Bruce Lees impact, one must realize the difficulties of times past. Chinese Americans in the late 19th and early 20th century had such a low status and are shunned and disliked by the great majority of [their] countrymen who live in California and are even called names such as sheepeye (Blonde Chinese 475). The Chinese Americans were treated unfairly such as having to pay a 4 dollar tax each month to fish in California and being required to pay for a foreign miners license in order to work in the mines of California while whites did not have to pay for any of these charges. White labor workers even attacked Chinese homes in an attempt to scare off their competition during economic crises and unemployment periods such as in the Panic of 1873. Eventually the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was passed and prohibited Chinese labor immigration. Up through the 1920s this exclusion act was reinforced by congressional acts and the Supreme Court such as the Geary Act of 1892 and i n the case of Fong Yue Ting v. United States (1893) (Tung 19). Justice Field stated that these Chinese laborers are not citizens of the United States; they are aliens (Fong v. US). This case, along with others, made it clear that the general views of Chinese Americans were of aliens that are just here temporarily even if they were born here. There were also continued attempts at preventing Chinese wives from entering the United States such as the 1924 Immigration act and the case of Chang Chan et al. v. John D. Nagle in 1924. Justice McReynolds decided to mandatorily exclude the wives of United States citizens of the Chinese race if such wives are of a race or persons ineligible to citizenship (Chan v. Nagle). This law made it difficult for Chinese Americans to start families and feel at home in the United States. This all soon changed during WWII when several anti immigration laws were created. These policy changes were not the result of public majority but of politicians who wanted to show the China that America cared about Chinas people. The U.S foresaw an alliance with them because China had been at war with Japan since 1937. The United States knew that Japan joining the Axis powers during WWII would lead to an alliance with China who now shared a common enemy and this is why the U.S. wanted to politically befriend the Chinese by changing policy. The first policy passed was the Nationality Act of 1940 that allowed for the naturalization of Chinese Americans and allowed those born in America to become citizens (Bleeker 14). Bruce Lee happened to be born on November 27 in America a month after the passage of the Nationality Act, allowing him to become an American citizen. Lees parents arrived to San Francisco on a tour with the Cantonese Opera Company and they had to return to Hong Kong shortly after Bruce Lee was born due to their visas expiring. Bruce Lees birth supports Gladwells argument of demographic luck playing a factor in deciding a persons opportunity and success. Gladwell states that the sense of possibility so necessary for success comesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦from our time: from the particular opportunities that our particular place in history presents us with (Gladwell 137). Lee came into the world at just the right time to become an American citizen and have martial arts success in this country. It was the perfect time to accomplish this success that acted as the medium for solidifying Chinese Americans identity. Bruce Lee was raised in Hong Kong. Coming from a humble upbringing, Lee was born into a relatively poor family and came into the world a fragile baby. He had cryptorchidism which is when the testicles fail to drop before the child is born. Bruce suffered from the consequences of this well into his college years. But he worked hard and was determined to excel in what he loved, martial arts. This disease impeded the growth of his bones, muscles, and psychological maturity. Overcoming this disease was a real show of his incredible hard work. Bruce was praised for his unbelievable body conditioning, speed, and definition but it was not a natural genetic possibility for Lee to have this body; he had to have an unmatched work ethic (Bleeker 15). But it would be quite some time before he finds his calling of martial arts. Bruce Lee first gained his heart for martial arts in a time of turmoil. It was 1941 and the British, who controlled the city, had surrendered Hong Kong to the Japanese during WWII; with no police power to keep control, the Triads grew exponentially. The postwar world was in one way or another influenced by these organized gangs. Bruce Lee had trouble adapting to a violent world and found no success in school. The hardships of the war left a mental scar on Bruce Lee which caused him to have somewhat of a temper. He would frequently get in trouble at school for acting up in class and fighting he would get suspended for it (Bleeker 16). Lee lost interest in school and by his teen years, he had gotten involved with gangs and soon got into street fights. He wanted to be the best fighter and became involved with martial arts. He went to different masters and no style satisfied him until his father introduced him to master Yip Man and the Wing Chun style. Lee searched for a style that was truly effective in combat and found it with Yip Man; at least until Lee became more knowledgeable about fighting. Lee became obsessed with fighting and was feared locally by his second year of intensive training. He made many Triad enemies and by 1958, his mother decided it would be best if he used his birthright privilege and move to America. When Lee arrived in America, the civil rights movement was in motion and Chinese Americans were beginning to find cultural acceptance. It brought on a new wave of activism by Chinese Americans who began to organize in multi-ethnic groups such as the Asian American Political Alliance and Orientals Concerned from the UCLA campus. Chinese Americans wanted to be socially integrated into America and sought to gain their identity as Americans. Bruce Lee adventurously arrived in Washington happy to be in a new place because for the first time in his adolescent-adult years he was not living the life of a street gang member in Hong Kong (Bleeker 23). Lee became engaged in the Chinese cultural acceptance movement, at least unintentially, by teaching martial arts to local students. He did this to make money and attend the University of Washington as a philosophy major but had to drop out in 1964 because he ran out of funds. This short college life proved to be useful because it allowed him to g ain enough students to open an official teaching location in Seattle which he would name the Jun Fan Kung-Fu Institution and it is where he found his wife-to-be, Linda Emery. He was among the first in the nation to openly teach non-Asians the way of Kung-Fu. This was good for competition for he had a larger customer base, but it was also bad because he became hated within the martial arts circle for allowing non-Asians to learn their ways; however, this helped him gain national recognition. Once Lee was starting to get established, he could now experiment with the martial arts style he was creating called Jeet Kune Do. This is where Bruce Lee blended his philosophy with martial arts. He sought to create a martial art thats sole purpose was efficiency and combat effectiveness that does away with the distinction of branches,[and is] an art that rejects formality, andà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦is liberated fromà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦tradition[s] established by ancient martial art styles (Little, Jeet Kune Do 47). He was frustrated with the current state of martial arts and hated how most solely focused on traditions and unnecessary movements that resembled dance. He argued that these fighting styles were once created by men who experimented to find effective means to fight. Lee is disappointed how society fails to see this and blindly follows abstraction and mystery [until their movements] resemble anything from acrobatics to modern dancing but [never] the actual reality of combat (qtd. in In osanto, Jeet Kune Do 48). Throughout his life Lee tried to spread his passion of rebellion from the traditional styles and was discovered by peers in America and soon the world. To show his commitment to his ideology, he never competed in a martial arts bout because it was limited by rules and restrictions. Lee would only fight if there were absolutely no rules; he was a true street fighter. Bruce Lee first gained national recognition at the first International Karate Championships held in 1964. He attended and showed off his new style and incredible abilities that lead to his discovery by a film producer. And the film career was soon launched and he first played Kato in the Batman TV series and then on the Green Hornet Series in 1966. This was the first time an Asian man was given a significant role in an American TV series (Fu, 29). It also provided a weekly awareness to Americans about martial arts. Up to this point, Kung FU was relatively unknown to the western work, at least to the general public. But his most famous work came from the films titled Fists Of Fury (1972) and Enter the Dragon (1973) (Little 17). These two films immortalized Bruce Lee as a pop cultural icon. But he would not live to see this through; he died suddenly on July 20, 1973 by a cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) caused by a pain killer given to him by Betty Ting, who he was working with a t the time. He started a rebellion against tradition that could not have come in no other time then the 60s and could not have occurred anywhere else except in America. It was a time when people did not want to follow the rules of a system that were created long ago and this was reflected in his martial arts style of Jeet Kune Do and in turn reflected by his short-lived success in the film industry. He brought an Asian cultural impact to America that effectively introduced Chinese culture to the broad society using the medium of film. This was done by combining Western techniques with Eastern motifs [that are] easily understandable [by] non-Asian audiences (Dresser 138). His work was somewhat of a soft-opener for the American people to witness and accept Asian culture and ultimately it proved effective. The word martial art is a general term that does not indicate a specific quantitative achievement of Lee. He went beyond simply introducing this large subject to the West; he started revolutions within the field. America proved to be Lees decisive point of origin for Jeet Kune Do, the popularization of cross-training, a scientific approach to martial arts, American freestyle karate, the widespread move towards mixed- or no-holds-barred-martial arts, and much in the way of self-help ideology (Bowman 179).

Jonathan Swifts Essay, A Modest Proposal -- Jonathan Swift A Modest P

Jonathan Swift's Essay, "A Modest Proposal" Jonathan Swift in his essay, "A Modest Proposal" suggests a unique solution to the problem concerning poor children in Ireland. Swift uses several analytical techniques like statistics, induction, and testimony to persuade his readers. His idea is admirable because he suggests that instead of putting money into the problem, one can make money from the problem. However, his proposal is inhumane. Swift wrote his proposal for those that were tired of looking at poor children of Ireland. He starts out explaining the situation in Ireland regarding single poor mothers that have three to six children and cannot afford to feed or clothe them. The children of the poor are a burden and a disgrace for Ireland. He suggests that a certain number of the kids be set aside for breeding and the rest be auctioned off for consumption when they reach a year old. Swift backs his proposal with six key points. One, there will be a reduction of "papists" in the country. Two, the poor will have some valuable assets to help them with their economic needs. Three, the new goods will burst economy. Four, the parent/s will gain money and will not have to support their children year after year. Five, "would bring great custom to taverns." Six, there would be a greater incentive to marry and better child rearing practices. Swift uses statistical information to back up his proposal. He claims that there are about "200,000 couple whose wives are breeders; ...

A University Education Provides Professional, Spiritual and Social skil

Both John Henry Newman and Jon Spayde argue the true meaning of a University education in their works titled â€Å"The Idea of a University† and â€Å"Learning in the Key of Life.† Newman defines a truly effective education as a liberal one. He believes that â€Å"The University’s art is the art of social life, and its end is fitness for the world† (47). Similar to Newman’s belief that a well-rounded education is necessary, Spayde also agrees that â€Å"Humanities are the foundation for getting along in the world, for thinking and for learning to reflect on the world instead of just simply reacting to current events† (60). It is certain, therefore, that a university education cannot be solely based on an academic concentration, but also has to offer the skills needed to produce well-rounded and diverse individuals in society. Hence a university education is essential to provide people with not only the professional, but also the spirit ual, and social skills needed to live a successful life. Any person who wants to be successful in life has to have a strong academic background, consisting of a certain specialization. A university is an institution that allows people to make such choices and develop their skills towards careers involving such majors. The advantage of this type of specialized system is the unique skill in that particular field a person learns and develops. Such refined qualities needed to be comfortable in a career allow one to be much more productive than someone who is not educated within a university. In addition, these skills boost one’s status on finding a highly paying professional job. Therefore a University education provides an individual with the knowledge and professional skills needed to find a better job ... ...social skills of an individual is supplying that person with the capability to be very successful in life. Finally, a university education, in order to be effective, is not one that offers only the specialized skills to succeed in one branch of knowledge. A true edification consists of not only the facts, but also the spiritual attachment to them, and the ability to interact and work around them. Therefore a well-educated individual holds not only the professional but also the spiritual and social skills needed in life. Works Cited Newman, Henry. â€Å"The Idea of a University.† The Presence of Others. 3rd ed. Ed. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruszkiewicz. New York: St. Martin’s, 2000. 46-49. Spayde, Jon. â€Å"Learning in the Key of Life.† The Presence of Others. 3rd ed. Ed. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruszkiewicz. New York: St. Martin’s, 2000. 58-63.

Immoral or Unconstitutional Government Decrees :: Politics Political Essays

Immoral or Unconstitutional Government Decrees Imagine this scenario and let's do a thought experiment. I'm ordered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to perform, without compensation, cleaning services at a local senior citizen retirement home. I've not been found guilty in a court of law of a crime for which I'm being punished. I've simply been ordered by DHHS to work at the senior citizen home in the name of promoting the public welfare. Failure to comply means going to jail. I might seek a court injunction against DHHS's edit. But suppose the court ruled that DHHS had the authority to order me to perform cleaning services at senior citizen homes. I might take my complaint all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court only for the Court to rule: yes, under the U.S. Constitution's welfare clause, and the authority it gives Congress, I'm compelled as ordered by DHHS to perform cleaning services. My question to you is now that the courts have ruled, should I simply comply? You might rejoin by suggesting that the question cannot be answered unless additional information is supplied such as: Did Congress properly vote to authorize DHHS to order me to clean senior citizen homes? Did DHHS single me out or are other Americans assigned similar tasks? In other words, was there invidious discrimination? My response to your first set of questions is what does a vote have to do with the rightness or wrongness of the DHHS mandate? Would one determine the rightness or wrongness of rape, murder, theft and slavery by whether there was majority vote? To the second question, I would also ask does the rightness or wrongness of an act depend upon the number of people, a hundred people or millions of people, forcibly used to serve the purposes of another? Was slavery in our country okay because 4 million blacks were enslaved instead of just one? Does equality in servitude make servitude just? One might rejoin by saying, "All those arguments are neither here nor there; the law is the law and people should obey." I say balderdash! South Africa used to have apartheid laws that strictly controlled where blacks could live, work, and eat. Nazi Germany had anti-Semitic laws. In United States there was the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Would you have obeyed those laws? Would you have approved of and sought prosecution of white employers who hired black workers in contravention of job reservation laws that were a part of South Africa's Civilized Labour Policy?

Curious Dog in the Night time Essay

Challenges Faced by Christopher Boone Christopher Boone is an autistic child who is the main character of the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night – Time by Mark Haddon. An individual must overcome difficult challenges in order to gain a sense of maturity. This will be demonstrated by examining Christopher Boone’s ability to learn to be persistent and to learn from his mistakes. He learns to be persistent by finding the killer of Wellington. He learns from his mistakes by taking a train to London to live with his mom. Christopher father and the murder of Wellington make Christopher persistent o investigate and find the killer. After leaving the police station Christopher’s dad constantly told Christopher to stop investigating. His dad says, â€Å"l said leave it, for God’s sake† (Haddon, 21). This quote shows that Christopher Just wants to help find the killer, since he likes dogs and Wellington was a friend and is persistent to find the killer. To escape the promise that his dad made him make, he starts a conversation with someone that knows about Mr. Shears or Wellington, so that the person can talk about it themselves in the conversation. After Mrs. Alexander asks Christopher to alk with her in the park he thinks, â€Å"And I thought that she might tell me something about Wellington or about Mr. Shears without asking her, so that wouldn’t be Shaikh 2 breaking my promise† (Haddon, 54). Clearly, Christopher does not want to obey his father and wants to find the person who killed his friend, which shows him being persistent, since his dad already told him not to investigate about the murder. After his dad tells twice not to investigate on the murder of Wellington, Christopher continuously looks for the killer and investigates even though his father told him not o. For the third time after finding Christopher’s book, his dad says, â€Å"What else did I say, Christopher? Not to go around sticking your fucking nose into other people’s business† (Haddon, 82). This shows that Christopher’s dad had already told Christopher also not to stick his nose into other people’s business, but he also kept sticking his nose into other people’s business, regardless of what is dad said. All of this information shows that Christopher is persistent and wants to find out who killed his friend, even if his dad constantly tells him to stop. Christopher going to London to live with his mother by himself makes him learn from his mistakes. Being autistic is it very hard to handle too many people near you. On the train there were too many people, due to the number of people wanting to go to London. Christopher says, â€Å"There were lots of people on the train, and I didn’t like that, because I don’t like lots of people I don’t know and I hate it even more if I am stuck with lots of people I don’t know, and a train is like a room and you can’t get out when it’s moving† (Haddon, 158). Christopher also relates to a memory where he is in car with two other kids. He says, â€Å"But I started screaming in the car because there were too many people in it (Haddon 158). Later on he also says, â€Å"l tried to get out of the car, but it was still going along and I fell out onto the road† (Haddon 158). This and Polly. To prevent Shaikh 3 himself from throwing himself out of the train and getting hurt he stood very still and didn’t move. Christopher says, â€Å"So I stood very still in the train carriage and didn’t move† (Haddon, 158). This quote shows that he doesn’t want to touch anybody, and cream, or toss himself out of the train and get hurt. Christopher learned from his mistakes because he thought about the injuries and then decided whether he would jump off or not. After Christopher got out of the car while it was still going he said, â€Å"l had to have stitches in my head and they had to shave the hair off and it took 3 months for it to grow back to the way it was before† (Haddon 158). This shows that he knows what is going to happen if he Jumps off the rain because of the number of people on the train. All of this information shows that Christopher learns from his istakes because this time on the train he thought about what will happen if he does jump off the train. An individual must overcome difficult challenges in order to gain a sense of maturity. This will be demonstrated by examining Christopher Boone’s ability to learn to be persistent and learn from his mistakes. He learned to be persistent, because he kept on investigating to find the person that killed Wellington, even though his dad constantly told him not to. He learned from his mistakes, by thinking about the injuries from the last time and then decided whether or not to Jump off. Christopher has gained a sense of maturity by being persistent and learning from his mistakes. Being persistent allowed Christopher to have more insight on things, such as finding his mom’s letters and going to London. Learning from his mistakes allowed Christopher to let others know about his mistakes, which made him confident. Before getting onto the train to London Christopher encounters a policeman and Christopher says, mfou mustn’t touch me† (Haddon, 150), because Christopher knows he will fght and scream like he did with the last cop that touched him.

Factors Affecting the School Readiness of Public Kindergarten Pupils in Lanao Del Sur I †B Essay

Kindergarten marks the beginning of formal education. The child’s initial school experience can influence the way he feels and acts to future school activities. I will also affect the way he relates to other people and his environment for the rest of his life. Success or failure at this stage can affect his well-being, self-esteem, motivation and perspectives. Lack of kindergarten readiness may also lead to his being held back in the next grade level. School readiness is defined as the â€Å"ability to cope, learn, and achieve without undue stress†. In the Philippines public and private schooling begins with kindergarten, when a child is about 5 years old. Kindergarten is 3 to 4 hours a day or depending on the specific requirement of a particular school. While most of the activities in kindergarten are play activities like singing, storytelling, and drawing, children are also learning basic skills through these activities that will be needed throughout their lives. These skills include listening to direction, using and managing time well, being patient, sharing, and working in cooperation with others. Kindergarten helps children adjust to school slowly, going only a few hours each day. It bridges the gap between the age when kids spent their days playing at home or in a daycare or nursery school and the more formal learning that will begin once a child moves on to the next level. Many parents still believe that kindergarten is just an introduction to school. They merrily think that children just enjoy playtime, art, story time, and maybe even learn their colors, alphabet, and numerals while they are at it. However, at present the expectation s for kindergarteners have leveled up and are much stricter than before. Today, there is actually a set of curricum that must be followed and expected to keep up. Parts of the curriculum include reading readiness, writing, math, science, social studies and other subject related. Children are also taught about proper manners, classroom rules, hygiene and sanitation. Parents should take a personalized approach and focus as their children’s potentials and skills and see if they are already prepared for kindergarten school. Parents must take the initiative to actively participate in home base learning before they heed on out to school. It is important to keep an eye on the children and decipher their behavior, to come to conclusion if they are ready to attend kindergarten or not. Some children tend to develop skills a lilltle later depending on what they have been exposed to and how fast they can grasp these things depending on their surroundings. Specialists in the field of child development feel strongly that readiness is not something that a child is trained for but is the understanding of the child’s unique development and grow pattern and what types of activities will enhance the natural development of a child in the areas of motor development, visual processing skills, auditory processing skills, language skills, numerical skills, conceptual skills, and social-emotional behaviors. TheNatioanl Association For The Education Of Young Children (NAEYC) stated that school readiness is defined as the state of early development that enables individual child to engage in and benefit from early learning experience, As a result of family nurturing and interactions with others, a young child at this stage has reached certain level of social and emotional development, cognition and general knowledge, language development, physical well-being, and motor development. (AnneArundel and Harford) Parents are the first and most important teachers in their child’s life. Staying involved and providing children with a supportive, nurturing environment will help strengthen the learning process. Parents must allow their chilred to make choices and simple decision making so that children will achieve a reliable sense of right and wrong. Language helps to shape the brain, and teaching children to speak according to Jerome Brunner helps them not only organized words in a sentence but also helps organize their minds. Children need many types of language experiences which include being read with and also participation in family conversation. Storytelling, nursery rhyme and reading enrich the language experience. Parents must spend time with oral language activities for a strong foundation in reading and spelling (Graue. 1992). There are several factors affecting the school readiness of public kindergarten pupils namely: maturation, relevance of materials and methods of instruction, emotional attitude, personal adjustment, social status and tribe. Other contributors to the readiness gap are environmental stress, family income, parents’ literacy, nutrition premature birth, health, early childcare, experiences, low birth weight and genetic endowment. Maturation affects the readiness of the kindergarteners because the child has not reach yet a sufficient stage of mental and physical development needed to perform school tasks characteristics of that particular grade level which entails a higher level of performance than that of which he has at the moment. Experiences determine the kindergarten readiness for learning. Exposure to environment and varied activities will help the child learn. Children learn from seeing, hearing, touching and these experiences will help the child get to know his environment better. To interpret reality, children must experience their surroundings through imagination and discovery. Rooted in the experience of early childhood are the values that individuals will carve for themselves in later years, their capacity to live according these values, and their attitudes towards themselves and the human community. (Bredekamp,1987) Research shows that relevance of materials and methods of interest affects children’s readiness; children are more ready to learn if the material meet their needs and fits their interest. They are more ready to learn if they are having fun doing the tasks. (Karweit,1988) Emotional attitude and personal adjustment plays a great influence in children’s readiness. Emotional stress blocks them from learning especially those resulting from unmet needs, rejection from home, over protection, experience of failures, home difficulties, poverty, peace conflict, and other related issues. ( Shepard and Smith, 1986). Greg Duncan and Katherine Magnuson documented that children who live in poverty with poor socio-economic status are more likely not ready for kindergarten school since their parents will most likely spend for basic needs than materials for learning like books and other learning kits . Parents in families with low socio-economic status are less likely to talk with. Read with. And teach young children since they would rather spend their time looking for sources of income. Environmental stress affects school readiness according to Kimberly Noble, N. Tottenham, and B. J. Casey. They explained that chronic stress or abuse in childhood can impair development of the hippocampus the region of the brain involved in learning and memory, and reduces a child’s cognitive ability. Thus the impact of stress on brain development during childhood may explain a large portion of the gap in school readiness. Health is another factor that affects school readiness according to Janet Currie, child’s health combined with maternal health and behavior may account for success or failure of kindergarten pupils. Children’s who are not in the best health condition may not be always present in the classroom those will be missing development of skills and knowledge. Nancy Reichman reported that premature birth and low birth weight can seriously impair cognitive development. A renting which include nurturance, discipline, and home base teaching are greatly link to the development of children’s cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Feelings of self-worth develop as a child feels good about his environment and the way he interacts in that environment. The most important gift a parent could give his child is quality time. Children need unhurried periods to explore and experiment, to understand and affirm through idea of freedom. They must also be provided with the security, acceptance, love, thoughtful and appropriate restrictions. (htpp://www. mayoclinic. com/health/kindergarten-readiness) Everyone agrees that a child’s future academic success is dependent on being ready to learn and participate in a successful kindergarten experience. Yet, defining (readiness) can be a very difficult task. Due to children’s different prekindergarten education experiences and development, they enter kindergarten with varying skills, knowledge, and level of preparedness. Parents and teachers have different expectations for what children should know and be able to do before starting kindergarten. Furthermore, discussions of readiness do not always include how schools and community can enhance and support children’s and kindergarten readiness. It is within this premise that the researcher would want to conduct a study and find out the factors affecting the school readiness of public kindergarten pupils in Lanao Del Sur 1 B. Theoretical Framework This study is anchor on various theoretical perspectives. Several theories of child development of child development and learning have influenced discussions of school readiness. These have had profound impact on kindergarten readiness practice. These three theories include the maturationist, environmentalist, and constructive perspective of development (Powell, 1991). Maturationist Theory The maturationist theory was advanced by the work of Arnild Gessell. Maturationists believe that development is a biological process that occurs automatically in predictable, sequential stages over time (Hunt, 1969). This perspective leads many educators and families to assume that young children will knowledge naturally and automatically as they grow up physically and ecome older, provided that they are healthy (Demarest, Reisner, Anderson, Humphrey, Farquhar, and Stein, 1993). School readiness, according to maturationist is a state at which all healthy young children arrive when they can perform tasks such as reciting the alphabet and counting; these tasks are for learning more complex tasks such as reading and arithmetic. Because development and school readiness occur naturally and automatically, maturationist believe the best practice are for parents to teach young children to recite the alphabet and count while being patient and waiting children to become ready for kindergarten. If a child is developmentally unready for school, maturationist might suggest referrals to transitional kindergartens, retention, or holding educators, and parents when a young child developmentally lags behind his or her peers. The young child’s underperform at the level of his or her peers. Environmentalist Theory Theorist as John Watson, B. F. Skinner, and Albert Bandura contributes greatly to the environmentalist perspective of development. Environmentalist believe the child’s environment shapes learning and behavior; in fact, human behavior, development, and learning are though of as reactions of the environment. This perspective leads many families, schools, and educators to assume that young children and acquire new knowledge by reacting their surroundings. Kindergarten readiness, according to the environmentalist, is the age or stage when young children can respond appropriately to the environment of the school and the classroom (e.g. , rules and regulations, curriculum activities, positive behavior in group settings and directions and instructions from teachers and other adults in school). The ability to respond appropriately to this environment is necessary for young children to participate in teacher initiated learning activities. Success is dependent on the child following instructions from the teachers or the adult in the classroom. Many environmentalist-influenced educators and parents believe that young children lean best by rote activities. Such as reciting the alphabet over and over, copying letters, and tracing numbers. This viewpoint is evident in kindergarten classrooms where young children are expected to sit at desk arranged in rows and listens attentively to their teachers. At home, parents may provide their young children with workbooks containing such activities as coloring or tracing letters and numbers-activities that require little interaction between parents and child. When young children are unable to respond appropriately to the classroom and school environment, they often are labeled as having some form of leaning disabilities and are tracked in classroom with curriculum designed to control their behavior and responses. Constructivist Theory The constructivist perspective of readiness and development was advanced by theorist such as Jean Piaget, Maria Montessori, and Lev Vygotsky. Although their work varies, each articulates a similar context of learning and development. They are consistent in their belief that learning and development occur when young children interact with the environment and people around them (Hunt, 1969). Constructivist view young children as active participant in the learning process. In addition, constructivists believe young children initiate most of the activities required for learning and development. Because active interaction with the environment and people are necessary for learning and development, constructivist believe that children are ready for school when they can initiate many of the interactions they have with the environment and people around them. Conceptual Theory This study takes into account the independent variables and dependent variables. The socio demographic factors which include age, sex, health, parents’ literacy, socio-economic status, experience, child abuse and child stress. The independent variables are presumed to affect or influence the dependent variables which are the school readiness of kindergarten pupils which include gross motor skills, fine motor skills, visual discrimination skills, auditory discrimination skills, language skills, math-numeracy skills, and social-emotional behaviors. Base on the outcome of this studies, the writer aims to find the factors affecting the school readiness of the kindergarten pupils to insure that this children will have an opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge, and abilities. Furthermore it aims to encourage the parent to have hands-on training of their children. The researchers seeks to encourage the teachers to recognize pupils individual differences, re-enforce and extend their strengths, assist them in overcome their difficulties and develop in them sensitivity to community values. Finally, the writer would want to learn what the public kindergarten pupils in Lanao Del Sur 1 B know and able to do as they enter kindergarten level. The writer wishes to find an in-depth study for the strengths and needs of individual learners, motivation for learning instruction, and interventions. The researcher believes the child’s inputs, reflections, and self evaluation are essential to the process of leaning and development. ? Schematic Presentation of the Conceptual Framework of the Study Independent Variables Dependent VariablesResult Statement of the problem This study seeks to investigate the factors affecting the school readiness of public kindergarten pupils. It is the objective of the researcher to determine whether or not age, sex, health, parent’s literacy, socio-economic status, experience, child stress, child abuse, and socio-emotional behavior can affect or influence the school readiness. This study also aims to answer the following propositions: 1. ) What are the factors affecting the public school kindergarten pupils in terms of: 1. 1Gross motor skill 1. 2Fine motor skill 1. 3Visual discrimination skills 1. 4Auditory discrimination skills 1. 5Language skill 1. 6Math-numeracy awareness 1. 7Social-emotional behavior 2. ) What are parents, community stake holders, teachers, and schools intervention program to enhance pupil readiness for kindergarten? 3. ) Is there a significant relationship between this interventions and pupil’s school readiness? Scope and limitation of the study This study is conducted in the public Central School in Lanao Del Sur 1 B in the school year 2011-2012. The study is focused on the factor affecting the school readiness of puplic kindergarten pupils in Lanao Del Sur 1 B. The pupils, teacher, and parents are randomly selected. Data are gathered through the questioner which is composed of pupils, teachers, and parents questioners. This study is delimited to the public kindergarten pupils in the Central School in Lanao Del Sur 1 B. Significance of the study. This study aims to identify the factors affecting the school readiness of public kindergarten pupils to give life on the perceptions of the parents, teachers, and school administrators. Furthermore, it wishes to determine if parenting and nurturance, maturation, health condition, experience, teachers expectation, and school curriculum has some important role in the school readiness of the kindergarten pupil. This study would investigate the underlying reasons/factors which affect the school readiness of the kindergarteners. Finally this study aims to be a significant contribution to provide opportunity to enhance the skill, knowledge, and abilities of the pupil. This study will provide an assessment of young children not only in measuring it but in their ability to work through activities, to solve problems, to work independently, and to reflect on their thinking. To The pupils- this study could assist the young learners to respond appropriately to the environment of the home, classroom and community (rules and regulations, curriculum activities, positive behavior in group setting, directions and instruction from the teacher other adults in the school). To The parents- this study will help the parents to provide appropriate time and management to engage their children in learning task such as reading and writing the alphabet, basic counting skills, identification of colors, size and shape. This will also encourage the parents to be patient and loving, waiting for their children to become developmentally ready for kindergarten. The parents are urge to provide their young children with workbooks containing such activities in coloring, tracing letters and numbers. To The teachers- this research study will help the teacher to understand and support the child natural curiosity and the diverse way in which the child learns. The teacher is also encourage to give the child some individualized attention and customize the classroom curriculum to help the child address his difficulties. To The school administrators- being conscious of the factors affecting the school readiness of the kindergarten pupils the school  administrators could provide small classes with higher teacher-pupil ratio, teacher with bachelor degree and training in early childhood education, parents-teacher training component that will re-enforce what teacher are doing in school to enhance children’s cognitive, social and emotional development. To The Curriculum Makers- this study will give a new perspective that will lead to the formulation of a curriculum that is cognitively stimulating and child center base. To The Community of Lanao Del Sur 1 B- this study will act as a catalyst for positive change. Local government and community agencies will have to work together to enhance programs for the learning development of kindergarten pupils. Definition of terms The terms use in this study is conceptually and operationally define for better understanding and clarity. Maturation – conceptually defined as the appropriate stage of mental and physical development, when a child is ready to perform school tasks characteristics of that particular grade . Operationally it means the chronological age of a child which is legally acceptable to enter a grade level. Experience – means the teaching exposure, learning materials, methods of learning, practices, facilities, and structures in home and in environment which help the child learns and develops in ways that are most natural and suitable for their ages and levels of maturity. Operationally defined as the results of work done by the child in whom the child retains memory, mastery, knowledge, and skills. School readiness – conceptually means the ability to cope, learn, and achieve without undue stress. This is the proficiency level of the child in specific area of a grade level. It is also the developmental stage whom the child is ready to learn new things. Operationally it means that the child is already of age to enroll in a grade level. This could also mean that the child has the ability to participate in classroom activities, work as instructed and cooperate with his classmates in group works. Fine motor development – means the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers. These skills are essential to complete task such as writing, tracing, cutting, holding things, moving little pieces of object, putting together of parts of a whole. These skills are needed in taking precision in the hand-eye coordination. Gross motor skills- are the developmental awareness and coordination of large muscles activity. These skills are needed in walking, running, jumping, dancing, and playing. Visual discrimination skills- means the ability to visually differentiate the forms, and symbols in the environment . This is needed in the matching, and sorting of colors, sizes, shapes, and quantities. Visual memory skills – means the ability to recall accurately prior visual experience. It is also the ability to remember what has been done. Heard, touched, smelled, and tasted and seen.. Auditory discrimination skills refer to the ability to receive and differentiate auditory stimuli. It is the capacity and ability to identify ,distinguish, imitate, differentiate the sounds heard. Auditory memory skills – means the ability to retain and recall auditory information. It also means the ability to remember, recite, repeat, tell, and do what is heard. Receptive language skills – refers to the ability to express oneself verbally, to say what the child thinks and feels and to engage in simple group conversations. Comprehension skills – refers to the judgment and reason as the child understands his environment. It is the ability to make comparisons, understand differences and recognized cause and effect. Social – emotional behavior – refer to the ability to relate meaningfully to others and be accepted in both one-on-one and group emotions. This also means the ability to act among other children, to cooperate with the group, to show feelings, and to demonstrate responsibility. Math and number awareness – refers to the ability to identify and recognize numerals, to count on, recognize patterns, and sorting and classifying of objects.