Paraphrase Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Paraphrase - Essay Example This extends sources of the practitioners’ knowledge to available historical data through existing publications (Hoffmann, Bennett and De Mar, 2010; Akobeng, 2005). Systematic review is also important to knowledge development for new research. Its analytical approach that plays the same role as formal literature review allows researchers to consolidate existing knowledge on a subject and to identify knowledge gaps for possible new studies. The reviews, with this respect, contribute to new research through informing research objectives, research questions, and research hypotheses. In addition, results of systematic reviews identify theories from related research that can be used in proposed or future studies. Effects of the reviews also extend to influence on research methodologies of new studies through elements such as selection of research methods and design, sampling strategy, and data collection strategy and tools. Ability of systematic reviews to identify weaknesses of pr evious studies also offer a basis for corrective measures and therefore helps to resolve such problems like bias in studies (Booth, Rees and Beecroft, 2010). Data extraction is a process by which data is collected from their sources and is organized into desired form for presentation to the audience. Examples of forms in which extracted data can be communicated are tables and graphs that facilitate understanding. Data extraction is a fundamental process in systematic reviews and helps in identification of elements of a research such as a study’s methods and design, sample and population, and applied treatment and mode of application. The process of data extraction is however largely subjective to a researcher’s interest and opinion and therefore susceptible to bias (Cochrane Handbook, 2011; Petticrew & Roberts, 2006). Summary of studies’ findings is important to any form of analysis and

Decision Making Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Decision Making - Essay Example When a group experiences the threat of groupthink, as Freeman (1999, p. 249) opines, it would consider few alternatives in its decision making processes. Moreover, it heeds little attention to distinctive ideas and experts’ advice. At this juncture, the role of a project manager is crucial in leading the group to yield the best outcome. This paper will discuss the major impacts of groupthink on decision making and five major tactics that a project manager can put forth to evade this threat. Illusion of invulnerability As mentioned in the introduction, groups that experience groupthink presumably seek little advice from external sources or experts. It normally happens due to their illusion of infallibility or stereotypical nature. In order to avoid these threats, it is advisable to ‘invite different perspectives’ into the decision making process (Thompson, 2006, 177). The author also points out that the absence of different perspective has been the major causes of several corporate or governmental failures in the history (Thompson). Getting intimidated The bigger the team the higher is the chance to be vulnerable to groupthink. Therefore, the project manager should frequently monitor the size of the team so that it would ensure the spontaneous participation of all members. In addition, in order to get rid of members’ fear, the ‘risk technique’ could be implemented. ... Pressure of uniformity This is another identified symptom of groupthink. In a group that gives higher importance to uniformity, diversity of opinion is less expected. Subsequently members tend to suppress their personal perspectives with intent to preserve group cohesion. It will deteriorate the quality of decision as the group is less likely to consider various dimensions of the issue addressed. A leader who would stand impartial might be apt to this situation. In addition, the decision can be delayed by keeping the meeting for another occasion. As per this tactic, â€Å"teams may be given guidelines that emphasize continued solicitations of solutions, protection of individuals from criticism, keeping the discussion problem centered, and listing all solutions before evaluating them† (Maier, 1952 cited in Thompson, 2006, p. 176-77). Over dependence on leader Members of a group sometimes tend to rely on the abilities of its leader. This over dependence later gives way to their frustration as the leader would not meet the expected levels of performance in the overall task. This is also one of the negative outcomes of groupthink which can be avoided only by promoting the full-fledged efforts of every member. In order to ensure active participation, manager should confirm the size and structure of the group while assigning tasks. Once the group is identified for its passive response the assigned task, it can be asked for finding â€Å"a second solution or decision recommendation as an alternative to their first choices† (Thompson, 2006, p. 179). The process can be intensified further by using time pressure on members to reach decision by solving the problems assigned to each member. This tactic

Creating Law in the UK

Creating Law in the UK Parliament is the supreme law-making body in the UK. Statutes are above all, and Judges role is to apply and interpret the statutes. There are four rules of interpretation, which have developed throughout the history and some of which after long lasting disputes. Law in the UK is also dependant on the EU law, which should be stronger that domestic law. There are several courts in United Kingdom, on the top of the hierarchy lies the Supreme Court, any precedent set there, cannot be overruled by any other court. Judges job is to interpret statutes, and in some cases, to make law. But is it true that judges can make new law? Here I am going to discuss whether judges do in some cases make new law, or do they apply the existing statutes and common law cases. The Law in United Kingdom comes as legislation, from the Acts of Parliament, or, from Common Law decisions of the courts set as precedents. Legislation is superior to all other sources of law; judges job is to interpret and apply them in courts. Common Law is historically the oldest source of law in the UK, all the law used to be made by judges on authority of the monarch. Precedents ensure the development of the legal system. So, this raises a question: are judges still considered as law makers in United Kingdom? The traditional way of judicial law making is that judges should play no part in creative law making, they should just declare it. The declaratory theory of law, famously introduced by William Blackstone on the eighteenth century, stated the idea that judges do not make the law but only declare what it has always been[1]. The theory was famously opposed by John Austin in Lectures on Jurisprudence: Or, The Philosophy of Positive Law as childish fiction[2]. Nowadays the Decl aratory Theory is widely opposed, it does not seem to go together with todays changing society and technological development. In his book, Lord Reid called the opinion that judges only declare law and do not make it a fairy tale that is not believed anymore[3]. Therefore, there has been a lot of debate on whether Blackstones theory is correct and judges do not actually make law but merely declare it. After legislation comes Common Law precedents set by previous decisions of cases, which is also a source of law making in the UK. The Doctrine of Precedent It is based on two principles: position of a court in the court hierarchy and how similar is the mixture of law and fact in the two cases being considered. The key feature in common law cases is stare decisis, which means to stand by things decided. Highest is the Supreme Court (previously House of Lords), which is not bound by its own previous decisions. As said by Lord Chancellor Gardiner in The Practice Statement, that too rigid adherence to precedent may lead to injustice and restrict the development of the law, which is why House of Lords should be able to depart from previous decisions[4]. The Doctrine of Precedent is meant to lead to predictable and consistent development of legal principles, and the reason for the Practice Statement was that if courts are strongly bound by precedent the law cannot evolve. It is rarely use d, though, but sometimes controversially. Like the case of R v Howe[5] which overruled the case of Lynch v DPP for NI[6], and fundamentally changed the defence of duress. By decision made in the case of Howe, in my opinion, judges did not make new law, but rather complemented it. On the contrast, in the case of R v R[7], where marital rape was decided to be illegal, seemed like a making of a new law by judges. So, in some cases the courts can overrule a certain previous precedent and in some cases, make new law. The primary law in UK comes as statutes. Four rules have developed throughout history to interpret statutes: The literal rule, the golden rule, the mischief rule and the purposive approach, last one being the most modern. The Literal Rule states that the words of legislation should be given their ordinary natural meaning, though that might in some cases lead to an absurdity. Like in Fisher v Bell[8] where the flick knives sold were treated as an invitation to treat and was not therefore under the Act[9] which clearly had the aim of prevent the exact matter. The second one, The Golden Rule, was described by Lord Wensleydale in Grey v Pearson as that if a literal meaning leads to absurdity, the grammatical sense of the word may be modified to avoid it[10]. The Mischief Rule is laid out in Heydons case by four things to consider when interpreting statutes, which in summary consists of what was the common law before, what it was missing, and what is parliament trying to resolve [11]. Now , the most modern one of the rules is The Purposive Approach, which stresses the need to interpret legislation in a way to achieve its objectives. This approach gives judges a lot of flexibility of deciding cases, and might look like it gives judges the power to make law. About interpreting statutes, Lord Simonds stated in his opinion against interpretation of statutes other than in a literal way, that the duty of courts is to interpret words as they are, however ambiguous they are, it is still not up to the judges to travel outside them on a voyage of discovery [1] The Declaratory Theory of Law Oxford J Legal studies (2013) [2] The Declaratory Theory of Law Oxford J Legal Studies (2013), originally from John Austin: Lectures on Jurisprudence: Or, The Philosophy of Positive Law [3] Lord Reid, The Judge as Lawmaker (1972) 12 J Soc Public Teachers L 22 http://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/sptlns12div=10id=page= > assessed 18 march 2017 [4] The Practice Statement, House of Lords [1966] 3 All ER 77 [5] R v Howe and another and another appeal [1987] 1 All ER 771 [6] Lynch v Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland [1975] 1 All ER 913 [7] R v R(Rape: marital exemption) [1991] 4 All ER 481 [8] Fisher v Bell [1961] 1 QB 394, [1960] 3 All ER 731 [9] Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959, s 1(1). [10] John Grey and Others, -Appellants; William Pearson and Others, -Respondents (1857) 10 ER 1216 [11] (1584) 3 Coke 7a 76 E.R. 637

Hamlet Act III Sc iii Essay -- Essays Papers

Hamlet Act III Sc iii This scene is a dramatic peak in which both Claudius and Hamlet acknowledge their respective dilemmas. The King faces the question of how to repent and so save himself, at least, from spiritual damnation. Hamlet’s theological problem with killing Claudius becomes yet another hurdle and he becomes increasingly trapped by his own indecision. Claudius makes his first admission of regicide in this soliloquy. He uses disease imagery, continuing the motif, heightening our awareness of the terrible thing he has done. The King refers to the ‘primal eldest curse’, an allusion to the Biblical story of Cain and Abel. This parallel is apt, not only because they were brothers, it represents a terrible sin against God -- in this case because the natural order has been violated. There is no evidence to suggest Claudius was particularly pious prior to this crime, but the need for Grace in the eyes of God would have been very important to him. Ironically he is unable to pray, for forgiveness, because his ‘stronger guilt defeats my [Claudius’] strong intent’. His intent could also be his original desire for kingship, meaning that his guilt is so severe he can’t appreciate the rewards. Curiously the strength of his language, regarding his crime, is only matched by Hamlet. Claudius is under pressure, both from his conscience and Hamlet’s cloak of madness which threatens to unmask him. Just prior to this soliloquy he was arranging for the removal of Hamlet to England...

Causes of Climate Change. Is It Nature of Negligence?

BRETT LUCAS TRINITY COLLEGE L6 SCIENCE GEOGRAPHY CLIMATE CHANGE: NATURE OR NEGLIGENCE The climate of our world is changing, but why? There is a great debate going on in the scientific community on whether our current climate change crisis is a natural occurrence over millions of years – as what has happened on the planet of Mars – or this natural process is being accelerated by man’s negligence. But first we must establish what is climate change? Climate Change is a long-term shift in the statistics of weather (taken from weather. gov October 2007 article on Climate Change).Throughout our planets long history our climate has changed between hot and cold in each time period from the Precambrian period to today. The Earth’s climate has always been considered dynamic with changes occurring through a natural cycle. What we are all concerned about here on earth is whether the changes that have happened today have been accelerated because of man’s living trends. Scientists from classrooms to NASA specialists study climate change, and evidence such as tree rings, pollen samples, ice cores and sea sediments provide vital information.Scientists have all agreed that causes of climatic change are of two types – those that are due to natural causes and those that are created by the main inhibitors of earth, Man. Natural Causes Continental Drift This has been happening on our planet from the beginning of time, which is caused by the continuous movement of our tectonic plates. The proof of our theory is that the western side of Africa and the eastern side of South America seems to be able to fit like a jigsaw puzzle and they have similar fossils.In the past all of the continents formed a massive super continent called Pangaea. When the continent separated it caused great changes to the earth’s ocean current pattern, therefore causing a the fresh and salt water cycle to be off balance thus affecting our planet’s climate. Volcanoes During volcanic eruptions large volumes of greenhouse gases (sulphur dioxide (SO2), water vapour, dust, and ash) are dispersed into the earth’s atmosphere. These gases trap heat from exiting the atmosphere after the earth has absorbed what it can from the Sun.For example, in April 1991 Mount Pintoba in the Philippines erupted emitting tonnes of gases into the atmosphere. The volcano in its eruption destroys natural life on the land surface with its lava. When the volcano is an undersea volcano it can displace great amounts of water during an eruption especially when the undersea volcano creates an island, which can further affect the ocean currents. The Earth’s Tilt The earth, which is tilted at an angle of 23. 5Â ° to the perpendicular plane of its orbital path, makes a full orbit around the sun in one year.For half of the year the northern hemisphere is tilted towards sun, which is summer for the North Pole (6 months of daylight). In the other half the no rthern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun therefore the North Pole will have winter (6 months of darkness). If there was no tilt, there wouldn’t have been any seasons. If the tilt was more the summers and winters would have been intensified whilst if the tilt was less, the summers would have been cooler and the winters would have been warmer. Greenhouse EffectThe greenhouse effect occurs when heat energy from the sun enters the earth’s atmosphere and most is being absorbed by the earth. The reflected heat energy rays is sent back into the atmosphere but most is then stopped by the greenhouse gases (such as water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons) which keep most of the reflected heat energy from escaping and reflecting it back down to earth with more heat energy from the sun. With this continuous action the earth’s surface temperature will rise. Ocean CurrentsThe world’s oceans are major components in the climate s ystem. They cover approximately 71% of the earth and absorb about twice as much of the sun’s radiation as the atmosphere or the land surface. The ocean current moves heat around the earth (which is about same as the atmosphere). Winds push horizontally against the sea surface and drive ocean current patterns. Ocean currents influence certain parts of the world more than others. For example the Humboldt Current that flows along the coastline of Peru directly affects the coast off of Peru and other adjoining regions.The El Nino in the Pacific Ocean affects the climatic conditions all over the world due to the ocean currents. Ocean currents can affect places that share the same latitude in Europe and North America. Any of these phenomena can have an impact on the climate, as is believed to have happened at the end of the last Ice – Age, about 14000 years ago. Human Causes Use of Oil, Coal and Natural Gas With the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th Century, we s aw the large-scale use of fossil fuels (such as Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal) for industrial activities (factories, electricity).These activities created jobs and over the years people moved from rural areas to cities. In the present day we use these fossil fuels on a much larger scale to power almost every thing, which in turn let out millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide each day increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which creates more heat coming down to the earth, melting our polar ice capes and raising sea levels. Further heated seas will increase the number and intensity of hurricanes and other climatic natural disasters around the world (for example hurricane Ivan which hit the country of Grenada in 2004).How we all contribute Every Day All of us in our daily routines contribute our bit to this change in climate. For example: * Electricity is the main source of power in urban areas. All our gadgets run on electricity generated mainly from thermal power pla nts. These power plants run on fossil fuels. * Cars, buses, trains, aircraft and trucks are the most common ways of transportation for goods and people in and out of cities. These means of transport need to be powered to move therefore its usually powered by petrol or diesel. Large quantities of waste are generated in the form of plastics that remain in the environment for many years and cause damage. * Many trees are destroyed to facilitate the high demand for paper, which is being used in our work at school and offices. Trees are also destroyed for timber. With the continuous destruction of our forest this will increase the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. * With our global population increasing at a rapid rate, we will need food to feed this population.Therefore more farms will be needed for the growing of the food, thus more fertilizers being used to grow the crops better. Due to the high use of fertilizers large amounts of nitrous oxide is emitted into the atmosphere ad ding to the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Global Warming This is I caused by man’s intense use of the earth’s resources creating a high above normal greenhouse gas levels. These high levels of greenhouse gases are warming up the earth and depleting our ozone layer.A hole has been formed over Antarctica, which was caused by global warming. This hole is allowing more sunlight to enter the earth’s atmosphere thus melting our polar ice caps and raising our sea levels (the sea is rising at a rate of 3. 33mm per year – NASA). With the warming up of the earth the sea will also be warmed thus creating stronger hurricanes and longer hurricane seasons. Conclusion There is no doubt that the earth in its own natural evolution would have created significant occurrences of climatic change.Thing such as continental drift, volcanoes, the earth’s tilt, the greenhouse effect and ocean currents are all parts of the natural order. We know scientifical ly that the earths has been around for millions of years and there is no definitive time when these natural causes would have impacted climate change to the point where earth would have deteriorated to a stage similar to the planet Mars. What is clear though is that the impact of man’s lifestyle has negatively affected climate change to the point where the destruction of earth is now in the foreseeable future.Governments of nations around the world, advised by scientist have now embarked on programs to decelerate the speed of climatic change by developing green engineering – which is the design, commercialization, and use of processes and products that are feasible and economical while minimizing the generation of pollution at the source and risk to human health and the environment. Green engineering embraces the concept that decisions to protect human health and the nvironment can have the greatest impact and cost effectiveness when applied early to the design and dev elopment phase of a process or product. (United States Environmental Agency) Man must now act to determine the survival of Earth Existence. Bibliography 1Climate InstituteClimate. org 2Causes of Climate ChangePhysical Geography. net 3Global Climate ChangeNational Aeronautics and Space Administration 4Causes of Climate Change 5Geography for ASEditor – Clive Hart 6Geography – An Integrated ApproachDavid Waugh

To what extent has the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR’s) case law recognised and protected the right not to be discriminated against on the ground of sexual orientation, in relation to marriage.

Abstract There has been much discussion as to whether the ECHR’s attempts to recognise and protect the right not to be discriminated against on the ground of sexual orientation have been successful. This is because, although the UK has in recent years made positive changes towards the equality of same-sex couples, discrimination is still prevalent in many other countries. This study aims to identify the extent to which such discrimination still exists and consider how effective the ECHR has been in preserving these rights. Introduction It will be examined the extent to which the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR’s) case law has recognised and protected the right not to be discriminated against on the ground of sexual orientation. This will be examined in respect of same-sex marriages and by considering whether same-sex couples are still being discriminated against or whether the ECHR has been successful in helping to protect the interests of such couples. Various case law of the ECHR will be examined and a review of the academic literature in this area will be conducted. These will be acquired by accessing relevant text books, journal articles, online databases and governmental reports. Once all the applicable information has been gathered an appropriate conclusion will then be drawn demonstrating that the ECHR has made significant attempts to protect the rights of individuals when it comes to their sexual orientation. However, it will be demonstrated that whilst this has proven successful in the UK, othe r countries are still reluctant to employ the ECHR’s approach. Literature Review The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 came into force on the 13 March 2014 to legalise same sex marriages as this was previously prohibited under section 11 (c) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. This prohibited led to much debate and controversy for a number of years as it was felt that same-sex couples were being discriminated against and that their right to equality, as provided for under Article 14 of the European Convention of Human Rights 1951 (ECHR), as incorporated by the Human Rights Act 1998, was being violated. This controversy occurred regardless of the fact that civil partnerships were introduced under the Civil Partnership Act 2004 since it was still being argued that same-sex couples entering into a civil partnership were not provided with the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples under a civil marriage. Inequality therefore still existed as the status of marriage was not capable of being acquired by same-sex couples. This was considered highly d etrimental and it was argued by Francoz-Terminal that; â€Å"if at one time homosexuality was considered as a choice that implied no procreation, nowadays legal systems have had to face a new factual reality.†[1] This highlights the importance of equality and it seems as though there has never been more of a pressing need for the provisions contained in the ECHR to be implemented. Not all agree that same sex-couples should have been permitted to marry rather than merely enter into a civil partnership, yet because of the increasing recognition of same-sex couples in many European countries it was evident that the permitting of gay marriages have been relevant when discussing reforms in England and Wales.†[2] There was clearly a pressing need for reform in this area since the 2004 Act had proven ineffective in providing same-sex couples with equal rights to heterosexual couples when it came to marriage. Nevertheless, whilst it was argued by some that civil partnerships were simply marriages under a different name, this was not entirely true. This is because the equal rights and responsibilities that were given to heterosexual couples were not being given to same-sex couples. For example, same sex couples were not allowed to get married in a church or other religious on the basis that these types of places are prohibited from conducting civil partnership ceremonies under the law. This was considered highly unfair given that some ministers were willing to marry same-sex couples; however they were prevented doing so by law. Modern beliefs that all people should be treated equally were therefore not being ascertained and all of the traditional views of marriage were upheld. Not all agree with the new changes, however, as churches can still refuse to marry same sex-couples which leaves same-sex couples open to further discrimination.[3] Yet, it is believed that the law should not restrict a person’s choice and that churches ministers should still have the ability to choose whether or not they would like to marry same-sex couples. This provides a fairer system overall because although some churches will permit same-sex marriages whilst others will not, the fact that marriages can be conducted in churches in the first place is a major step forward.[4] The debate as to whether same-sex marriages should be permitted has been going on for some time, and the courts have attempted to protect an individual’s right not to be discriminated against on grounds of sexual orientation on marriage. In The Attorney General for Ontario v M and H[5] it was held by the court that; â€Å"provincial governments are to take legislative action to ensure that individuals in same-sex relationships are afforded equal treatment with others in marriage-like relationships.† Regardless of these views, it wasn’t until the ECHR began to recognise such rights that Parliament decided to take action. In Schalk v. Kopf v. Austria[6] it was made clear by the ECHR that; â€Å"a failure by a state to allow same-sex couples to marry amounted to a violation of the article 12 right to marry.† This decision highlighted the need to make amendments to section 11 (c) of the 1973 Act so that same-sex couples were not being discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation when it came to marriage. It was quite surprising when the 2013 Act was implemented given the widespread concerns that existed and as put by Norrie; â€Å"the trouble with gay and lesbian people is that they are never satisfied. Give them a crumb and they want a slice of bread. Give them a slice of bread and they want a full meal.†[7] Nevertheless, although changes were made under the 2004 Act to provide same sex couples with equal rights to heterosexual couples, the ECHR did not believe that this went far enough and still found that discrimination subsisted. It could be said that civil ceremonies were the same as marriages, yet because the nature of the ceremonies were different as well as the rights that were provided to married couples, it was clear that further changes were needed if complete equality was to be attained. It was argued by Eireann that the 2004 Act was akin to marriage in that it allowed same-sex couples to â€Å"formally declare their allegiance to each other, register their partnership and commit themselves to a range of duties and responsibilities.†[8] On the other hand, because equality of choice and opportunity was removed from same-sex couples, their rights under the ECHR were not being fully recognised[9], which is why drastic changes to the law were implemented in 2013. Whether all 47 countries will follow the ECHR’s decision in Schalk is questionable[10], given the political backlash that some countries will be subjected to. Although the ECHR is of the view that same-sex marriages should be permit ted, they are also aware of the fact that not everyone agrees with this position. As a result, they made it clear in their judgment that the choice to marry same-sex couples should still remain with the minister conducting the ceremony and that the rights of ministers should also be upheld.[11] Therefore, whilst it is important that the rights to equality are being maintained when it comes to the marriage of same-sex couples, it is also important that the rights of ministers not to be discriminated against if they choose not to marry such couples are also preserved. The ECHR has made great attempts to recognise and protect the rights of individuals not to be discriminated against on grounds of sexual orientation over the years, which is enunciated in various case law decisions. An example of this can be seen in the Niemietz v Germany[12] case where it was made clear that the right to a private life under Article 8 of the ECHR included the right to establish relationships with other human beings regardless as to whether they were of the same sex or not. Therefore, the fact that there were laws against same-sex marriages demonstrated that the right to a private life under this Article was also being violated. This was also identified in Bensaid v United Kingdom[13] where the court held that â€Å"gender identification, name and sexual orientation and sexual life† were all capable of protection under Article 8. Arguably, the ECHR has been a pioneer for same-sex relationships for some time and has clearly made significant attempts to eradicat e discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. In Mata Estevez v Spain[14] the Court held that same-sex relationships could be protected by the right to respect for private life, although it was held that homosexual relationships could not be protected by the right to a family life. However, this has since been resolved in the Schalk case above. The Schalk case is a major development within this area of the law, yet because many states have not yet legalised the marriage of same-sex couples it is manifest that the development of this area does remain ongoing. It remains to be seen what changes, if any will be made by other Member States because although this was a positive decision inferences were not drawn by the Court. This leads to confusion as to whether puzzling all States should follow suit and as has been noted; â€Å"the door may have been unlocked but remains closed (or half open) for now?†[15] Consequently, even though same sex marriages are now being permitted in the UK, inequality will still exist by the ability for ministers to refuse to marry same-sex couples. Whether this will ever be changed is doubtful since all individuals still have the right to freedom of belief and religion under Article 9 of the ECHR. Hence, there will still be many churches that will refuse to allow such marriages to take place, yet nothing can be done to stop this as this too will result in a violation of human rights. At present an attempt to strike a balance between these competing interests has been made and it is unlikely that discrimina tion on the grounds of sexual orientation with regards to marriage will ever be fully eradicated. Still, the rights same-sex couples have to marry has increased substantially over the years, though there will continue to be different views in relation to the acceptance of such marriages by society. Every person has a right to have an opinion and by forcing ministers to conduct same-sex marriages would seriously contravene. In addition to the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and Canada, also allow same-sex marriages to be conducted, which demonstrates the movement that is being made towards achieving greater equality across the globe. This is believed highly desirable and as noted by the court in Fourie and Another v Minister of Home Affairs and Others;[16] â€Å"the limitation of marriage to opposite sex couples was unconstitutional.† Same-sex marriages should therefore be recognised in all countries as societal views are continuously changing and same-sex couples are starting to become the â€Å"norm.† It is questionable whether this will be implemented by all and as stressed by Herring; â€Å"the tensions between the traditional family ideal of what a family should be like and the realities of family life today indicate that family law is quite different from family law 30 years ago and where family law will be in 30 years time is hard to predict.†[17] Now that same-sex couples are able to marry under the 2013 Act, such couples are now able to claim a family status. This is necessary given that there is â€Å"no institution of a de facto family† as pointed out in McD v L & Another.[1 8] It is thus in the best interests of a child to be served in a marriage-based family and because same-sex couples can adopt, it is necessary for them to be able to marry also; N and Another v Health Service Executive & Ors[19] Nevertheless, because same-sex marriages are not permitted in all countries, such as France, it cannot be said that the ECHR’s approaches have been completely successful. It was recognised by Francoz-Terminal that the emergence of same-sex families has been challenging for French Law, yet it has been said that the courts do actually seem prepared to meet these challenges.†[20] Attitudes towards same-sex marriages have changed considerably over the years and are likely to continue to do so until such marriages are considered a normal part of society. As a result, â€Å"the married family can no longer be assumed to be the near-universal institution of civil society it once was.†[21] Because of the changes that continue to be made within society, it is vital that the law is able to keep abreast with such changes which can be achieved by making sure individuals are not discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation. Conversely, it has been said that marriage is being undermined as a result of this,[22] yet the courts should not be able to interfere in one’s beliefs as shown in Burden and Burden v UK.[23] The right to marry is enshrined in human rights law and is thereby considered a â€Å"fundamental part of the freedom of the individual to form personal relationships according to his or her own inclination.†[24] Resultan tly, individuals should have the right to marry whoever they wish regardless as to whether they are of the same-sex or not, though it remains to be seen whether other European countries will adopt the same approach as the UK in protecting such rights. Conclusion Overall, it is evident that the ECHR has recognised the rights of same-same couples for a number of years and has made great attempts to recognise and protect the right not to be discriminated against on grounds of sexual orientation. Nevertheless, it is only recently that the UK has implemented changes to reflect the stance taken by the ECHR by enacting the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013. This Act makes it permissible for same sex couples to marry in religious settings. Although the Civil Partnership Act 2004 was said to provide similar rights, these were not considered enough and same-sex couples were still being subject to much discrimination. Since the 2013 Act was implemented, greater equality is now capable of being attained in the UK. The ECHR in Schalk is considered a major breakthrough in this area as this decision is what sparked the introduction of the new law. Nevertheless, because not all countries have followed the same approach as the UK, the ECHR still has some way to go in attaining equality for all. This is likely to prove difficult given the divergence of opinions that exist in this area, yet because the marriage of same-sex couples is becoming the ‘norm’, it is likely that other European countries will follow suit. The fact that ministers are able to choose whether or not to conduct same-sex marriages also ensures that their rights are also being protected. This maintains a balance between the rights of individuals not to be discriminated against on grounds of sexual orientation with the rights of belief and opinion. Bibliography Books Herring, J. Family Law, Longman, 4th Edition, (2009). Lowe, N. and Douglas, G. Bromley’s Family Law, OUP Oxford, 10th Edition, (2006). Probert, R., Family Law in England and Wales, Kluwer Law International, (2011). Standley, K. Family Law, Palgrave MacMillan, 7th Edition, (2010). Troyer, L. Church in Society, Xulon Press, (2011). Journals C F Stychin, ‘Not (Quite) a Horse and Carriage: The Civil Partnership Act 2004’ (2006), Feminist Legal Studies, Springer 2006, Volume 14, Number 1, 79-86. Doughty, S., Conservative UK: Most Britons Still Oppose Gay Marriage, The Daily Mail, (2011), Available [Online] at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2040783/Conservative-UK-Most-Britons-oppose-gay-marriage.html Eireann, D., Parliamentary Debates, Volume 697, Number 1, (2009), Available [Online] at: http://debates.oireachtas.ie/Xml/30/DAL20091203.PDF Francoz-Terminal, L, From same-sex couples to same-sex familiesCurrent French legal issues, Child and Family Law Quarterly, Issue 4, [2009] CFLQ 485, (2009). Matheson Ormsby Prentice, Civil Partnerships and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, Client Update, (2010), Available [Online] at: https://marketing.mop.ie/rs/vm.ashx?ct=24F76A1FD4AE4EE0CDD881AED12B921991907ABFDA9818CF5AE175767CEAC80BDF417 Norrie, K. Two by Two, by Two, The Journal Online, The Members Magazine of the Law Society of Scotland, (18 October, 2010), Available [Online] at: http://www.journalonline.co.uk/Magazine/55-10/1008759.aspx Peroni, L., Gay Marriage: Unlocking the Door but Keeping it ClosedStrasbourg Observers, (25 June, 2010), Available [Online] at: http://strasbourgobservers.com/2010/06/25/gay-marriage-court-unlocks-the-door-but-keeps-them-closed/ Probert, R. and Barlow, A. Displacing Marriage – Diversification and Harmonisation Within Europe, Child and Family Law Quarterly, [2000] CFLQ 153, Issue 2, (01 June, 2000). Ross, T., Archbishop Attacks Cameron’s ‘Gay Marriage’ Plan, The Telegraph, (2011) Available [Online] at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8809548/Archbishop-attacks-Camerons-gay-marriage-plan.html Rothwell, R. Why Civil Partnerships for Heterosexual Couples Could be a Good Idea, The Law Society Gazette, (11 August, 2010), Available [Online] at: http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/blogs/news-blog/why-civil-partnerships-heterosexual-couples-could-be-a-good-idea Sohrab, J., Recognising Aquired Gender, New Law Journal, 154 NLJ 1018, Issue 7135, (02 July, 2004). Tatchell, P., in BBC News, Gay Church ‘Marriages’ Set to Get the Go-Ahead, BBC, (14 February, 2011), Available [Online] at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12442375 The Office for National Statistics, Marriages, (February 11, 2010), Available [Online] at: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=322 Wintemute, R. Consensus is the Right Approach for the European Court of Human Rights, The Guardian, (12 August, 2010), Available [Online] at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2010/aug/12/european-court-human-rights-consensus Cases Bensaid v United Kingdom (2001) 33 EHRR 205 Burden and Burden v UK [2008] All ER (D) 391, Application No 13378/05; (2008) 47 EHRR 857 Fourie and Another v Minister of Home Affairs and Others Application No. 56501/00, 10 May 2001 Niemietz v Germany (1992) 16 EHRR 97 Mata Estevez v Spain Application No. 56501/00, 10 May 2001 McD v L & Another [2009] IESC 81 N and Another v Health Service Executive & Ors [2006] I.E.S.C. 60 Schalk v. Kopf v. Austria [2010] ECHR 30141/04 (25 June 2010) The Attorney General for Ontario v M and H [1999] 2 SCR 3

Emile Berliner and the History of the Gramophone

Emile Berliner and the History of the Gramophone Early attempts to design a consumer sound or music playing gadget began in 1877. That year,  Thomas Edison invented his tin-foil phonograph, which played recorded sounds from round cylinders. Unfortunately, the sound quality on the phonograph was bad and each recording only lasted for only one play. Edisons phonograph was followed by Alexander Graham Bells graphophone. The graphophone used wax cylinders, which could be played many times. However, each cylinder had to be recorded separately, making the mass reproduction of the same music or sounds impossible with the graphophone. The Gramophone andRecords On November 8, 1887, Emile Berliner, a German immigrant working in Washington D.C., patented a successful system for sound recording. Berliner was the first inventor to stop recording on cylinders and start recording on flat disks or records. The first records were made of glass. They were then made using  zinc and eventually plastic. A spiral groove with sound information was etched into the flat record. To play sounds and music, the record was rotated on the gramophone. The arm of the gramophone held a needle that read the grooves in the record by vibration and transmitted the information to the gramophone speaker. Berliners disks (records) were the first sound recordings that could be mass-produced by creating master recordings from which molds were made. From each mold, hundreds of disks were pressed. The Gramophone Company Berliner founded The Gramophone Company to mass manufacture his sound disks (records) as well as the gramophone that played them. To help promote his gramophone system, Berliner did a couple of things. First, he persuaded popular artists to record their music using his system. Two famous artists who signed early on with Berliners company were Enrico Caruso and Dame Nellie Melba. The second smart marketing move Berliner made came in 1908 when he used Francis Barrauds painting of His Masters Voice  as his companys official trademark. Berliner later sold the licensing rights to his patent for the gramophone and method of making records to the Victor Talking Machine Company (RCA), which later made the gramophone a successful product in the United States. Meanwhile, Berliner continued doing business in other countries. He founded the Berliner Gram-o-phone Company in Canada, the Deutsche Grammophon in Germany and the U.K based Gramophone Co., Ltd. Berliners legacy also lives on in his trademark, which depicts  a picture of a dog listening to his masters voice being played from a gramophone. The dogs name was Nipper. The Automatic Gramophone Berliner worked on improving the playback machine with Elridge Johnson. Johnson patented a spring motor for the Berliner gramophone. The motor made the turntable revolve at an even speed and eliminated the need for hand cranking of the gramophone. The trademark  His Masters Voice was passed on to Johnson by Emile Berliner. Johnson began to print it on his Victor record catalogs and then on the paper labels of the disks. Soon, His Masters Voice became one of the best-known trademarks in the world and is still in use today. Work on the Telephone and the Microphone In 1876, Berliner invented a microphone used as a telephone speech transmitter. At the U.S. Centennial Exposition, Berliner saw a Bell Company telephone demonstrated and was inspired to find ways to improve the newly invented telephone. The Bell Telephone Company was impressed with what the inventor came up with and bought Berliners microphone patent for $50,000. Some of Berliners other inventions include a radial  aircraft  engine,  a helicopter, and acoustical tiles.

mis essays

mis essays Let's face it, in today's world we are using computers more and more. The growth of accessibility to the Internet has given us a brand new definition to connectivity, thus exponentially widening the wealth of information at our fingertips. Those of us who are computer and Internet users have experienced this rapid growth, yet many users do not understand some the "trade-offs" that have been made to bring this level of user-friendly technology to desk-tops all over the world. It's just so easy. Buy it, bring it home, plug it in, insert a disk, and your on the Internet. From the users perspective this is an incredible leap in the right direction. However, from a business point of view we must be very cautious. Due to the numbers of business who are involved in the production of computers and the fact that Microsoft has been not only a corner stone in development, but a household name since the very beginning, creates a potentially hazardous business environment. This has been t he topic for many heated debates. The main question Microsoft has been confronted with is weather or not they have created a monopoly or merely experienced a large market share and a competitive advantage stemming from their dedication to provide more efficient systems. Historically, the United States has set a precedent to penalize companies who demonstrated monopolistic actions. In the Sherman and Clayton Anti-Trust Acts, the United States officially made monopolies against the law. However, companies like AT The reason why Microsoft is currently under investigation is a result of some of the following ideas and events: Ø Users have extremely limited operating systems that are compatible with existing hardware and the only operating system in ...

Biography of Norman Rockwell, American Painter

Biography of Norman Rockwell, American Painter Norman Rockwell was an American painter and illustrator best-known for his  Saturday Evening Post  covers. His paintings depict real American life, filled with humor, emotion, and memorable faces. Rockwell shaped the face of illustration in the mid-20th century and with his prolific body of work, its no wonder hes called Americas Artist. Dates:  February 3, 1894–November 8, 1978 Rockwells Family Life Norman Perceval Rockwell was born in New York City in 1894. His family moved to New Rochelle, New York in 1915. By that time, at age  21, he already had a foundation for his art career. He married Irene OConnor in 1916, though they would divorce in 1930. That same year, Rockwell married a school teacher named Mary Barstow. They had three sons together, Jarvis, Thomas, and Peter and in 1939, they moved to Arlington, Vermont. It was here that he got a taste for the iconic scenes of small-town life that would make up much of his signature style. In 1953, the family moved a final time to Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Mary passed away in 1959. Two years later, Rockwell would marry for the third time. Molly Punderson was a retired teacher and the couple remained together in Stockbridge until Rockwells  death in 1978. Rockwell, The Young Artist An admirer of Rembrandt, Norman Rockwell had a dream of being an artist. He enrolled in  several art schools, starting with The New York School of Art  at 14 before moving on to The National Academy of Design when he was just 16. It wasnt long before he moved on to The Arts Students League.   It was during his studies with Thomas Fogarty (1873–1938) and George Bridgman (1865–1943) that the young artists path became defined. According to the Norman Rockwell Museum, Fogarty showed Rockwell the ways of being a successful illustrator and Bridgman helped him out with his technical skills. Both of these would become important elements in Rockwells work. It did not take long for Rockwell to start working commercially. In fact, he was published many times while still a teenager. His first job was designing a set of four Christmas cards and in September 1913, his work first appeared on the cover of  Boys Life.  He continued working for the magazine through 1971, creating a total of 52 illustrations. Rockwell Becomes a Well-Known Illustrator At the age of 22, Norman Rockwell painted his first  Saturday Evening Post  cover. The piece, titled Boy with Baby Carriage appeared in the May 20, 1916, issue of the popular magazine. Right from the start, Rockwells illustrations carried that signature wit and whimsy that would make up his entire body of work.   Rockwell enjoyed 47 years of success with the Post. Over that time he provided 323 covers to the magazine and was instrumental in what many called The Golden Age of Illustration. One could say that Rockwell is easily the best-known American illustrator and most of this is due to his relationship with the magazine. His depictions of everyday people in humorous, thoughtful, and sometimes wrenching scenarios defined a generation of American life. He was a master at capturing emotions and in observing life as it unfolded. Few artists have been able to capture the human spirit quite like Rockwell. In 1963, Rockwell ended his relationship with the  Saturday Evening Post  and started a ten-year stint with  LOOK  magazine. In this work, the artist began to take on more serious social issues. Poverty and civil rights were at the top of Rockwells list, though he did dabble in Americas space program as well. Important Works by Norman Rockwell Norman Rockwell was a commercial artist and the amount of work he produced reflects that. As one of the most prolific artists in the 20th century, he has many memorable pieces and everyone has a favorite. A few in his collection do stand out, though. In 1943, Rockwell painted a series of four paintings after hearing President Franklin D. Roosevelts State of the Union address. The Four Freedoms addressed the four freedoms Roosevelt spoke of in the midst of World War II and the paintings were appropriately titled Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want,  and Freedom from Fear. Each appeared in the  Saturday Evening Post,  accompanied by essays from American writers. That same year, Rockwell painted his version of the famous Rosie the Riveter. It was another piece that would fuel patriotism during the war. In contrast, another well-known painting, Girl at the Mirror in 1954 shows the softer side of being a girl. In it, a young girl compares herself to a magazine, throwing aside her favorite doll as she contemplates her future. Rockwells 1960 work entitled Triple Self-Portrait gave America a look into the quirky humor of the artist. This one depicts the artist drawing himself while looking in the mirror with paintings by the masters (including Rembrandt) attached to the canvas.   On the serious side, Rockwells The Golden Rule (1961,  Saturday Evening Post) and The Problem We All Live With (1964,  LOOK) are among the most memorable. The earlier piece spoke to international tolerance and peace and was inspired by the forming of the United Nations. It was gifted to the U.N. in 1985.   In The Problem We All Live With, Rockwell took civil rights on with all his painterly might. It is a poignant picture of little Ruby Bridges flanked by the headless bodies of U.S. marshals escorting her to her first day of school. That day marked the end of segregation in New Orleans in 1960, a monumental step for a six-year-old to take on. Study Norman Rockwells Work Norman Rockwell remains one of the most beloved painters in America. The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts was established in 1973, when the artist gave most of his lifes work to the organization. His goal was to continue to inspire arts and education. The museum has since become home to over 14,000 works by 250 other illustrators as well. Rockwells work is often loaned out to other museums and frequently becomes part of traveling exhibitions. You can view Rockwells  Saturday Evening Post  work on the magazines website as well. There is no shortage of books that study the artists life and work in great detail. A few recommended titles include: Claridge, Laura. Norman Rockwell: A Life.  New York: Random House, 2001.Finch, Christopher. Norman Rockwell: 332 Magazine Covers.  New York: Artabras Publishers, 1995.Gherman, Beverly and Family Trust Rockwell. Norman Rockwell: Storyteller With A Brush.  New York: Atheneum, 2000 (1st ed.).Rockwell, Norman. Norman Rockwell: My Adventures As an Illustrator.  New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1988 (Reissue edition).Rockwell, Tom. The Best of Norman Rockwell.  Philadelphia London: Courage Books, 2000.

Machinery and Integrated Cropping Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Machinery and Integrated Cropping - Essay Example Potato residues are in small amounts, and add very little organic matter in the soils. However, sweet corn adds more refuse that is decomposed by the forage. It also consumes phenoxy herbicides and act as a pest control measure. The rotation provided uses crops with a different nutrient portion to maintain fertility and recovery. Rotation schemes should factor in the cost of production, economic gains and long-term disease and pest control measures to manage potato production. Rotation farming in large tracks of land requires adequate and modern equipment to reduce the cost of labor cost and time. Due to the intense and time-consuming procedures involved, it is important to use zero-tillage. Specifically, this entails the use of 45hp tractor that cultivates at a rate of 1 acre/hr. (Nutbey, 2010, p 26). Notably, the purpose of this machine is to pull equipment such as Rotavators, planters, cultivators, digger elevators and harrows. However, the farmer must decide whether to buy or hire the 45hp tractor. The net present value method of analysis helps the farmer to determine whether to buy or hire this equipment. Net Present Value is a method of analysis that gives an answer to this dilemma. Precisely, it adopts the dollar as the base of this calculation and assumes the formula {PVF= 1/ (1+i) n}, where ‘i’ is the rate of discount and ‘n’ is the number of years (Gollier, 2010, p 17). The data represent the monetary pros and cons of hiring and purchasing, and shows buying as the best option. The purchase Net Present Value is $10,696 less than the annual hire Net Present Value. Therefore, it is profitable to buy than to hire the tractor. Drought resistant crops are grown in arable lands. For this reason, the 200ha arable land can be used to grow wheat, barley, sugar beet, and the grass under rotational farming. Wheat farming will serve as animal feed and human food. I thus recommend

PTSD in Adolescents Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

PTSD in Adolescents - Research Proposal Example Also, it useful in obtaining information regarding a phenomenon’s current status, in this case, PTSD in adolescents and possibility for the use of technology in research. The population for this research study will be adolescents aged between the ages of 13 and 19 who meet the DSM IV criteria for PTSD. In addition, the guardians or parents will have to provide written permission for the participation of the minors. The participants will be recruited via purposive sampling that will only consider a specific subset of the population (Bryman & Burgess, 2009), in this case, adolescents presenting with PTSD symptoms. Data will be collected from both primary and secondary sources. Secondary sources will include previous research studies and peer-reviewed articles, while primary data will be collected through interviews. The secondary data will provide information about the earlier use of technology in PTSD research, while the interviews will present information about perceptions and behavior of adolescents with PTSD. The interview will have a general inquiry plan with no specific set of questions or any particular order to avoid making the participants uncomfortable (Bryman & Burgess, 2009). The Structured Interview for PTSD has been utilized in numerous studies and assesses symptoms of PTSD, as well as behavioral guilt, survival, and risk factors (Bryman & Burgess, 2009). These are the issues, which the research study is seeking to address. It has 17 items that assign severity rating reflecting intensity and frequency. This method was chosen because it takes less time, around 20-30 minutes, which is important given the mental state of the participants. Other methods that could have been used include document review and observational methods.

Widget Wonders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Widget Wonders - Essay Example Microsoft Word 2013 would as well be vital for the purposes of processing manufacturing and distribution information documents. Apart from use of Microsoft Excel software mostly used by various organizations for the purpose of preparing and analyzing spreadsheets, I would also recommend installation of Kingsoft Spreadsheets 2013 as alternate software for analyzing spreadsheets. Kingsoft Spreadsheets 2013 is fast, cheaper, dependable spreadsheet software and capable of reading and even editing XLS and XLSX file formats. At times, the processed information is presented to the management or the different stakeholders this is why I would recommend installation of emaze online presentation software. This software is capable of doing the slideshows and video presentations in a 3D presentation. This will be incorporated in the direct 3D Modeling Express 6.0 software that I will also emphasize for this particular Information system. The files and documents in any information system are vital since in them is the company’s data that is vulnerable to different impending threats including viruses and hackers (Maram et.al, 2012). For security and safety measures of such documents and files therefore, first, I would recommend the use of Norton AntiVirus 2014 for it has established superiority as one of the best AntiVirus software for its capabilities of running comparisons which are cloud-based on a file against an infected edition of the same file. Second, I would recommend the installation of Intelex Document control software. Third, I would also recommend the use of Box cloud storage service to enhance the control and privacy of the files and lastly the installation of Zone Alarm software so as to keep off hackers from interfering with the company’s

War on terrorism vs. Human Rights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

War on terrorism vs. Human Rights - Essay Example When the truth was finally revealed by Miliband, questions were raised about the honesty of the government. And because the public already knew that there were two cases of renditions that have happened, there were doubts that maybe out of the 170 stopovers in the United Kingdom, there might have been more than two renditions that have transpired. As Tom Porteous, the Human Rights Watch' London Chief would put it, "We now know that in at least two cases, the U.S. didn't ask permission. How many other times did the U.S. fail to inform the British government" 3 The said confession on the controversial matter thus stained the trust of the people to their leaders in the government. But what was more disturbing on this matter is that there were human rights violated in the said extraordinary renditions done by the CIA. group, both locally and internationally, which firmly believe in the possibilities that there were rights violated in the said measures of renditions. ... about kidnapping and secret detention."4 And even if one views such matter in so many ways and in different perspectives, it will never look all right. Just the thought of detaining and torturing the suspects is already unfair and discriminatory. Though it is given that "Extraordinary rendition violates the universal declaration of human rights,"5 it is still not enough reason to physically abuse the suspects. They are called as suspects because they are not yet convicted to have committed the accused crimes. Now, if justice would always be done in this way- people without even undergoing the proper court proceedings, we might as well disregard the promulgated laws because the reason that the laws exist is for the people to be protected. In this case, these people- the suspects- are not protected. It is stated under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights that there is a "fair trial before an independent tribunal, andsuspects are innocent until proven [sic] guilty." 6 In this light, suspects, no matter what, are still human beings entitled with their own rights. And for that reason, I believe that they too have the claim to exercise their civil liberties and human rights. These norms then that protect people from various places around the world against 4BBC News,"UK Apology Over Rendition Flights"; available from http://www.khilafah.com/kcom/index2.phpoption=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=2005; 5 David Weissbrodt et al., "Extraordinary Rendition: A Human Rights Analysis," Harvard Human Rights Journal 287, Vol. 19 (2006), http://www.law.harvard.edu/students/orgs/hrj/iss19/weissbrodt.shtml. 6Sabina Zaccaro, "Rights: European Parliament Turns Policeman Over Renditions, http://ipsnews.net/news.aspidnews=36499. several forms of abuse, torture, and

Skiing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Skiing - Essay Example In USA, the first record of the use of skis was in Wisconsin in the year 1841 with the first ski race being held in 1867. Other famous events in the ski history in the US were held in the 1930s in locations such as Utah, Idaho, Stowe, Sun Valley and Ulta among others. Recreational skiing, which is the most popular type, has been traced to have originated in the Scandinavian countries with Norway being the location where it was most used. Initially, skiing was used as a method of movement (travel) as used by hunters across the snow-bound regions. In this period, steering and stopping techniques were developed while also various types of skiing such as Alpine and ski jumping were established as well. With the migration and traveling of the Norwegians around other parts of the world, there was an emergence of skiing as a sport. 1n 1924, the first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix, France where skiing sport was part of the military competitions. During this time, the ski equipment was greatly improved while the transportation devices for carrying skiers were also developed. With a growing interest in the recreational activity, there was an emergence of ski resorts largely in the urbanized areas. By the World War II, skiing sport had grown into a large industry that went beyond the traditional hardcore group such as the college club students and ski jumpers. After the war, the skiing industry experienced a rapid growth that was characterized by an increase in the number of ski areas and an improvement of ski equipment among others. The Winter Olympic games of the year 1960 were televised, making the sport more popular among the American population. The post-1970s years have seen a continuous growth of the sport that has seen the skiing industry become what there is in this day (Goeldner & Standley, 105-106). Today, there are numerous types and styles in which the sport enthusiasts enjoy it.

Construction Projects Funding Sources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Construction Projects Funding Sources - Essay Example The researcher states that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has outlined special requirements which are to be adhered to in construction projects. All public construction contracts must contain these requirements so as to enable the funding of these construction projects. The applicable state construction contract rules should be adhered to in acquiring contracts for the projects funded under the ARRA. The following are some of the ARRA requirements; all the workers employed by contractors should be paid at rates that are not less than those that other workers doing similar projects in the same locality. The Buy American Act; all the construction materials being used in the construction projects of public property should be manufactured in the country. The construction contract will be terminated if these rules will not be adhered to. ARRA is always strict that these funds should be committed to the projects fully. In contract funding, there is a wide variety of fund ing methods. One of the funding sources is through the use of Cash reserves. This is money that is deposited in the bank accounts of clients. A client can fund a construction project through the use of short-term bank deposits in form of savings or fixed deposits, cash deposited in bank accounts in the form of savings or money that was invested in the money markets and treasury bills. Money market instruments are financial instruments that are given by banks and other financial institutions or from the government. These instruments can vary from treasury bills and certificates of deposit that are thought to be of very low risk. Most of these instruments have low returns, but, at the same time, they are very safe since they are supported by the state and reputable institutions. A client might have invested in the money markets, hence, if the client wants to fund a construction project, then the client will have to sell the treasury bills or certificate of deposits and use the cash ac quired to develop his/ her construction projects.

Skiing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Skiing - Essay Example In USA, the first record of the use of skis was in Wisconsin in the year 1841 with the first ski race being held in 1867. Other famous events in the ski history in the US were held in the 1930s in locations such as Utah, Idaho, Stowe, Sun Valley and Ulta among others. Recreational skiing, which is the most popular type, has been traced to have originated in the Scandinavian countries with Norway being the location where it was most used. Initially, skiing was used as a method of movement (travel) as used by hunters across the snow-bound regions. In this period, steering and stopping techniques were developed while also various types of skiing such as Alpine and ski jumping were established as well. With the migration and traveling of the Norwegians around other parts of the world, there was an emergence of skiing as a sport. 1n 1924, the first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix, France where skiing sport was part of the military competitions. During this time, the ski equipment was greatly improved while the transportation devices for carrying skiers were also developed. With a growing interest in the recreational activity, there was an emergence of ski resorts largely in the urbanized areas. By the World War II, skiing sport had grown into a large industry that went beyond the traditional hardcore group such as the college club students and ski jumpers. After the war, the skiing industry experienced a rapid growth that was characterized by an increase in the number of ski areas and an improvement of ski equipment among others. The Winter Olympic games of the year 1960 were televised, making the sport more popular among the American population. The post-1970s years have seen a continuous growth of the sport that has seen the skiing industry become what there is in this day (Goeldner & Standley, 105-106). Today, there are numerous types and styles in which the sport enthusiasts enjoy it.

African American Gay Rights Essay Example for Free

African American Gay Rights Essay I cannot begin to argue about African American/Hispanic LGBT, living in New York City and their civil rights without remembering the public outcry against black civil rights. Although the focus of this paper is on African American/Hispanic LGBT living in New York City and Their Rights to Marriage I have decided to start my paper of by discussing the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The civil rights movement of the 1960s and the continuing struggle against race-based discrimination were rooted in the struggle against slavery. As early as the eighteen hundreds the United States legislative had laws known as segregation laws that limited certain freedom to them. They had to live in separate neighborhood, attend separate schools, drive in the back of public buses verses in the front where Whites were; African American would not dare go against these laws back then because if and when they did, they were unjustly imprisoned, beaten lynched and more for just trying to exercise human rights. In the 1960s African Americans led a fight to remove the legally codified vestiges of slavery from our constitution and from state and local laws. Most repulsive among these, were Jim Crow laws that required racial segregation; African Americans had to endure all these things until The Civil Rights Movement. The modern concept of civil rights was pioneered by African Americans in their long struggle to become full citizens of the United States. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 to May 17, 2004, the LGBTQ movement has made some tremendous gains into mainstream society, a reality that has not been afforded to African Americans. The African American Civil Rights Movement gave birth to many other civil rights movements in the 1960s. African Americans not only made new law, their success gave new hope. Among the many efforts sparked by the African American Civil Rights Movements were the efforts to end discrimination against women, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, people with disabilities and lesbians and gays. Some African American still has one more river to cross because now African American LGBT are fighting a new civil war, the fight for same sex marriage; the right to be legally married. Currently, marriage has two distinct components: civil marriage and the religious ritual of marriage. Mixed-gender couples can have a civil marriage without the religious ceremony/ritual. Couples can have a religious ceremony/ritual, without a civil marriage. Some couples can choose both. However, to receive the legal protections of marriage, a couple must have a civil marriage, which is the only marriage that can be addressed by courts or legislatures. The LBGT believe that the rights and legal protections of civil marriage that are given to mixed-gender couples and families should also be extended to couples and families who are headed by same-gender couples. These include the rights of survivorship, inheritance, insurance, joint income tax filing, and a myriad of rights that many mixed-gender couples take for granted. For African American LGBT, state regulation has been particularly harsh. State sodomy law has had a way of preventing LGBT from acquiring some of the rights they are entitle to. Today, fewer than half the state has sodomy laws. LGBT recognizes New York City for being the birth place for many modern gay movements; however, New York has not yet passed any law giving LGBT legal protection and political support, (right to marriage being on of them). New York State gay rights bill, first introduced in 1971, still has not become law. While other states, like Vermont has established civil unions for LGBT, New York has not. Andy Humm writes that the biggest gay-related debate throughout the country right now is over government sanction of same-sex elationships. Vermont has gone the furthest, establishing civil unions for gay couples that confer almost all of the rights to which a married man and woman are entitled, though stopping short of full legal marriage. New Yorkers may travel to Vermont for the civil ceremony as of July 1, but there is some question as to what legal weight it will carry back home. The federal government enacted the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996 when it looked as if Hawaii might give same-sex couples marriage licenses. It barred federal recognition of legal same-sex marriages performed in any state and gave the other states the right not to honor such a contract. Thirty-two states have passed laws barring recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states, even though no state or nation allows gay couples to obtain a marriage license. (Holland will likely be the first in 2001. ) A New York version of the Defense of Marriage Act is pending in Albany, but has not had a vote in either chamber. Bibliography Diane Silver et al. , The New Civil War: The Lesbian and Gay Struggle For Civil Rights (New York; New York:1997), 25-26 Andy Humm, The State of gay rights in New York, Available http://www. gothamgazette. com/iotw/gayrights/ (Accessed May 16, 2005).

History of Slavery in Chesapeake

History of Slavery in Chesapeake The development of slavery in the Chesapeake was due solely to the economic needs of white settlers. Do you agree? History can never adequately provide answers regarding the motives of men and women throughout recorded history; what it can do, however, is to provide a prism through which to gauge the consequences of their actions. With regards to slavery, the consequences of the Southern United States’ intrinsic involvement in the practice of slavery were truly seismic, resulting in the American Civil War and the cementation of the world’s most powerful economic and military force. The role of the Chesapeake in this tumultuous domestic conflict should not be underestimated such was the deep seated nature of the region’s association with slavery. Certainly, economic necessity appears to be at the forefront of this historical fact with the rich tobacco and other grain industries flourishing in the South as a direct result of the burgeoning slave trade. Indeed, as Fogel (2003) underscores, even the slaves themselves could be traded amongst white settlers for economic profit. For the purpose of perspective, the following analysis into the development of slavery in the Chesapeake region must adopt a critical stance attempting to show that economic reasons were indeed the dominant paradigm in the region’s development of a sophisticated slave trade while also underscoring the complex and diverse nature of the early American slave trade. First, however, a conceptualisation of the issue must be attempted. It is important to note that Chesapeake differed markedly from the slave trades operating in the Georgia Low Country after the first arrival of enslaved African workers in the early seventeenth century (transported by Dutch merchants to replace a dwindling European labour force in the North American colonies). Unlike in other English colonies, the Chesapeake was a locale that was only colonised for economic reasons with a sparse colonial population in the days immediately prior to the introduction of slavery. Likewise, the differences within the Chesap eake itself highlight the way in which the values of trade, profit, production and the economy were central to the genesis of slavery in the region, as Philip Morgan (1998:9) details. â€Å"By the late seventeenth century, Virginia had a plantation economy in search of a labour force, whereas South Carolina had a labour force in search of plantation economy.† From the very beginning, therefore, a symbiosis began to form between the determining economic factors of the white settler communities and the introduction of large numbers of slaves into the colonies, with the number of African workers increasing from 13000 to 250000 in the Chesapeake Bay area between 1700 and 1770. The fact that this unprecedented level of African recruitment was accompanied by a drive to attract more female slaves to the colonies so as to increase the plantation population is testimony to the economic imperative at the heart of slave development in the Chesapeake. If slavery were a temporary measure to increase population levels in the area then the imposition of female slaves would not have occurred; only because of the permanence of the economic necessity for slaves did this phenomenon occur. Furthermore, the sheer expanse of the New World landscape required the development of slaves to even begin to cultivate the land for economic production. After the introduction of rice crops in the 1680’s, Boyer (2003:85) estimates that a farmer planting 130 acres of the crop would require at least 65 slaves to do so. With the rapid reduction of the white indentured slaves after the turn of the eighteenth century, the absolute economic need for African slaves in the Chesapeake further increased so that the white plantation owners were utterly dependent on slave manpower in order to function as viable enterprises, competing with highly productive colonies such as the West Indies. Without the slave trade, the Chesapeake region of America particularly the states of Virginia and North Carolina could never have emerged as a major player in the expanding trans‑Atlantic trade system. It was not just for economic reasons that slaves were seen as integral to the rise of the Chesapeake. Health imperatives likewise played a part in the development of slavery during the early years of the colonial era. The African workers were immunised against the malaria that came with the imported rice and grain crops – a disease that rendered white workers obsolete during the formative years of the Chesapeake’s economic development. Moreover, the hot and humid climate of the Chesapeake was wholly alien to the white settlers from the colder European climate while the African workers imported to work on the plantations were much better equipped to cope with the working conditions in the New World, though Oscar and Mary Hadlin (1950:199-222) refute this claiming that it is unjust to blame nature for barbaric human institutions. It is also important to recognise, as Edmund Morgan (2003:314-344) points out, that the slaves were important for sociological and cultural reasons, helping to underpin the rigid class structure that flourished in the southern American states. By taking away the need for a white working class, the slaves of the Chesapeake performed the task of cultural underdogs, which was an integral part of the economic rise of the region as a world exporter. Despite the diverse range of cultural and sociological factors prevalent in the development of slavery in the Chesapeake there is no escaping the pre‑eminence of economic imperatives. Indeed, the manufacturing of the term ‘slave trade’ implies the significance of economic issues in all parts of America that indulged in slavery with the transaction of human beings working in tandem with the production of profits garnered from the rich plantations. As Winthrop Jordan (1976:110-115) details, the underlying prejudice of the white settlers incorporating a profound sense of racial and ethnic superiority facilitated the evolution of slavery as a comprehensive way of life in the Chesapeake. The fact that the Chesapeake was willing to go to war with the Yankees for the perpetuation of the profits generated by the slave trade proves beyond doubt that economic reasons were the catalyst behind the development of slavery in the region. References Boyer, P.S. et al (2003) Enduring Vision: a History of the American People: Fifth Edition New York: Houghton Mifflin Breen, T.H. (Ed.) (1976) Shaping Southern Society: the Colonial Experience Oxford: Oxford University Press Fogel, R.W. (2003) The Slavery Debates, 1952-1990: a Retrospective Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press Morgan, E.S. (2003) American Slavery, American Freedom London: W.W. Norton Co. Morgan, P.D. (1998) Slave Counterpoint: Black Culture in the Eighteenth Century Chesapeake and Low Country Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press Selected Articles Jordan, W. (1976) Unthinking Decision: Enslavement of Negroes in America to 1700, quoted in, Breen, T.H. (Ed.) Shaping Southern Society: the Colonial Experience Oxford: Oxford University Press Journals Hadlin, M.F. and Hadlin, O. (April 1950) Origins of the Southern Labour System, quoted in, William and Mary Quarterly, Volume 7, Number 2

Cornelius Eadys Brutal Imagination Essay -- Cornelius Eady Poetry Bru

Cornelius Eady's Brutal Imagination While most fictional characters are given a voice with which to express themselves, that voice usually does not stray beyond their realm of fiction and therefore is restricted from the power of the real world. The imaginary black man that Susan Smith falsely claimed had abducted her children in 1994, however, existed in reality in the minds of the American public for nine days until the truth surfaced about her infanticide. Cornelius Eady’s poetry cycle, Brutal Imagination, serves to give that imaginary black man (hereafter referred to as Zero), a voice that draws power from his simultaneous existence in both the real and fictional realms. Zero’s voice serves to explain a variety of aspects of his existence, including assertions of his own innocence, criticisms of Susan Smith, explorations of his paradoxical nature, and social commentary regarding the notions of free will versus powerful exterior forces. Zero is the product of Susan Smith’s and Cornelius Eady’s imaginations, and therefore lacks his own capacity for free will. Eady, however, allows Zero the seeming capacity for free thought and opinion, and therefore the opinions expressed by the character will hereafter be declared to be those of Zero, rather than Eady. Lucid of his lack of free will, Zero admits, â€Å"I float in forces / I can’t always control† (17). In the effort to discover what these external forces are, he feels compelled to explore his origins that caused his inception in the mind of Susan Smith. The attempt is made to explain various hypothetical examples of potential interactions that led to his ultimate creation. He assumes that at a young age, Susan was told that that â€Å"All [blacks] do... ...t actually be dead. â€Å"And here is the one good thing: / If [Zero is] alive, then so, briefly, are [the children]† (7). This abandonment of reality did not necessarily happen or may have been transient, but Zero simply maintains its existence as a possibility. Though described as â€Å"dull in his invented hide† (28) by â€Å"Uncle Tom in Heaven,† Zero is actually quite complex in his desire to articulate his ideas about his brief life with Susan and his life eternal. His complexity is compounded further by his paradoxical nature, especially his simultaneous existence as a â€Å"real† man and as a fictional product of Susan Smith’s brutal imagination. As an eternal symbol of the oppressed and abused, he could be said to maintain a symbolic reality regarding the existence of external forces acting against the oppressed, stripping them of the extent of their free will.

Symbols, Symbolism, and Metaphor in The Great Gatsby Essay -- Great Ga

Metaphors and Symbolisms in The Great Gatsby    In the novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses many different metaphors and symbolisms to express his point.   In this essay the point that I wish to make is how Fitzgerald uses colors to develop image, feelings, and scenery depiction to let the reader feel the emotions and other aspects being portrayed in that particular part in the book.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Like every other essay one must address the major points that will be addressed.  Ã‚  Ã‚   This essay suggests the hopefulness of Nick's venture in the East and of Gatsby's dream to win Daisy.   Fitzgerald uses the colors of white and green as suggestions of future promise.   As the novel unfolds and the uselessness of the dream is developed, the colors become garish shades such as gold, silver, and pink.      Ã‚  Ã‚   White and green are shown throughout the beginning of the novel, first, through green and white luminous light.   Daisy is constantly shown in white. When Nick first sees his cousin (Daisy), she is wearing a white dress.   In my mind, white depicts virginity, innocence, honesty, wealth, and the appearance of cleanliness.   Later on I will discuss how this image of Daisy is false. She is extremely corrupt, and all her actions are based on self-gratitude. Green is also portrayed in the earlier parts of this novel.   It is a symbol of hope.   This probably is referring to Gatsby's second chance at romance with Daisy, and his dream with America being able to make all your dreams come true.   Gatsby believes that there is hope for his future relationship with Daisy.   We view his r... ... being swollen with silver, as if to say that it was done in a bad way.      Ã‚  Ã‚   The last color portrayed heavily when discussing the character of Gatsby is pink.   Pink is a sign of embarrassment.   When Gatsby states that Daisy never loved Tom, she has always been in love with him, he was shocked to hear from her own mouth that she loved both of them.   This placed Gatsby in a very uncomfortable situation and   this event finally brought him over the edge.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Over the course of this novel we saw how the plot slowly changes from the rich and exquisite life of the wealthy, to the stubborn, arrogant, and selfish values that each of these characters possessed, especially Gatsby. Corruption reigned so high in their society; it was viewed as something to be of usual nature.    Symbols, Symbolism, and Metaphor in The Great Gatsby Essay -- Great Ga Metaphors and Symbolisms in The Great Gatsby    In the novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses many different metaphors and symbolisms to express his point.   In this essay the point that I wish to make is how Fitzgerald uses colors to develop image, feelings, and scenery depiction to let the reader feel the emotions and other aspects being portrayed in that particular part in the book.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Like every other essay one must address the major points that will be addressed.  Ã‚  Ã‚   This essay suggests the hopefulness of Nick's venture in the East and of Gatsby's dream to win Daisy.   Fitzgerald uses the colors of white and green as suggestions of future promise.   As the novel unfolds and the uselessness of the dream is developed, the colors become garish shades such as gold, silver, and pink.      Ã‚  Ã‚   White and green are shown throughout the beginning of the novel, first, through green and white luminous light.   Daisy is constantly shown in white. When Nick first sees his cousin (Daisy), she is wearing a white dress.   In my mind, white depicts virginity, innocence, honesty, wealth, and the appearance of cleanliness.   Later on I will discuss how this image of Daisy is false. She is extremely corrupt, and all her actions are based on self-gratitude. Green is also portrayed in the earlier parts of this novel.   It is a symbol of hope.   This probably is referring to Gatsby's second chance at romance with Daisy, and his dream with America being able to make all your dreams come true.   Gatsby believes that there is hope for his future relationship with Daisy.   We view his r... ... being swollen with silver, as if to say that it was done in a bad way.      Ã‚  Ã‚   The last color portrayed heavily when discussing the character of Gatsby is pink.   Pink is a sign of embarrassment.   When Gatsby states that Daisy never loved Tom, she has always been in love with him, he was shocked to hear from her own mouth that she loved both of them.   This placed Gatsby in a very uncomfortable situation and   this event finally brought him over the edge.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Over the course of this novel we saw how the plot slowly changes from the rich and exquisite life of the wealthy, to the stubborn, arrogant, and selfish values that each of these characters possessed, especially Gatsby. Corruption reigned so high in their society; it was viewed as something to be of usual nature.   

My Desires for and Commitment to a College Education Essay

Thirteen years ago my father came to America with no money or education believing that he would surely make something of himself. With his very low education he received a job washing dishes at a restaurant to put food on his plate and to pay for the one room apartment that he rented. After four years he was able to bring me along with my brother, two sisters and my mother to come stay with him. With all of us together he had to work two jobs to support all of us and that truly was difficult for him. He soon was able to send my mother to a school for adults so she have a diploma and help out with the bills and purchase some new attire for us to wear. Once I saw first hand how hard it was for my parents to survive with their low education my one desire and commitment was focused on my college education and coming from a family with does not receive much income I recognize how important it would be to me to receive my education which is why I will strive to receive it. My sister was also a big influence when I saw her graduate from FAMU with a bachelor’s degree and now is the credit manager of sears. Watching how successful she has become I knew I could do the same by going through any impediments which may stand in my way. After receiving a bachelor’s I will also head for a master’s to further open my education. As of right now I am currently employed as a student library for the Broward County Main Library in Florida. I was hired because of my integrity, intellectual personality, and my commitment to the job. This job has given me the opportunity to save up some money for college to pay for some of the books and tuition costs. Having this job has made my commitment toward my education the more important to me, as well as giving me a better understanding of hard work and dedication. I now feel confident that I have gained valuable experience with my work however, I now that earning a bachelor’s degree will further enhance the skills I need to work in my field of business. Once in college I will take the courses of Business Administration since IÂ  have always desired a career that requires innovation, educated risk, and foresight. I learned to respect these qualities from my father through his example I have learned firsthand the advantages and challenges of a person with a low education and a person with a high education -the reward to be gained and the total commitment required. Having a degree in Business Administration would be a significant asset in my account just in case if I were to plan on working for a business which involved management, finance, or marketing. Upon my second year in college I plan to enroll in the track courses of Entrepreneurial Studies. These classes will teach me advanced business techniques and their successful implementation. In addition, academic entrepreneurial organization would be both are both educational and enjoyable since I view these as an opportunity to meet students or teachers who share similar goals.

Does Sex and Violence on Television Have a Negative Effect on Children?

Does sex and violence on television have negative effects on children? The issue that I am addressing is the effect of sex and violence in the media on children. As long as there has been television, there has been an association made between media and violence – children who repeated what they saw on cartoons leading to their death, teenagers injured while emulating a popular movie, and mass killings blamed on video games. Primarily this relationship has been assumed to be causal with television being the assumed central cause in violent or risky behavior.Once you begin delving into the roots of violent and risky behavior, however, the association between modeled violence and expressed violence becomes less and less obvious. Violence in society in general is complicated and requires unpacking so that each aspect of the roots of violence can be analyzed and ultimately discussed in a meaningful way, including acknowledging that the origins are just as layered and complex as the solutions. Summary of Internet Information I began looking into various studies and articles about violence in media to see what kind of information was already available on the subject.There were a number of points of view represented, however, none of them outright dismissed that there was some relationship between sex and violence in the media and violent behavior. The studies also generally agreed that the complexities of violent behavior may potentially be ultimately unknowable because of that complexity. What may drive one person to violence may have little to no effect on another or the level of exposure to images of sex and violence in combination with other influences, including parental and peer attitudes towards sex and violence, may be a stronger relationship than media influence alone.The article â€Å"It’s not all sex and violence† by Agustin Fuentes set the tone for how I came to look at my research because it brought up the important point that sex and violence are over emphasized in modern culture and can give the false impression that sex and violence are at the very center of every human motivation rather than showing the reality that sex and violence are merely two aspects of the human experience, rather than central or common. The topics are scintillating and therefore more discussed.I also included research done to determine the effect of three safe sex campaigns run on Netherlands television during the mid-1990’s in order to see if there were positive messages that were also being sent on television about sex and sexual behavior (â€Å"Can public campaigns effectively change psychological determinants of safer sex? †), an evaluation of three Dutch campaigns that determined that the campaigns were successful in their goals of increasing safe sex practices in the Netherlands.I wanted to see if positive messages about sex and sexual behavior also had an effect on teenagers and young adults as this could be assoc iated back to imitating modeled behavior in general. The determination in the case of the Dutch safe sex campaigns was that effectiveness of the televised messages was related not only to the message itself, but also to the amount of exposure the subject had to the message.Those who were more exposed to the messages were more likely to engage in safe sex than those who were less exposed or not exposed at all. In â€Å"Mass Media Effects on Violent Behavior† by Richard Felson discussed in detail the difficulties of studying the effects of media violence on children because it’s difficult to measure intent and the inherent issues present in building experiments that have the greatest possibility of delivering reasonable results.It was the most comprehensive and inclusive article that I read as it looked at a number of different methods of measuring media effects on children – ultimately demonstrating that there is a provable corollary between exposure to violence seen on television and later violent behavior, however, the media input was shown to be part of a greater set of environmental concerns.What I could determine from my sources was that the greatest issue faced by researchers interested in studying the possible corollary between seeing sex and violence on television and that exposure being the driving force for later acts of violence by the subject is that there is no consensus in the data. Replicating a real world experience in the laboratory requires introducing controls that may cause the subject or subjects to feel freer to engage in extreme behavior as the environment created in the experiment can lack the third-party controls that exist in the real world.There is also some difficulty in repeating the results regardless of the conclusions drawn from the data. Additionally, there are complications where the studies are not necessarily using the same metrics in their research so their conclusions may be similar or even confirm the findings of other research but not using the same methodology. The scientific method relies primarily on replication of results when executing the same experiment and that doesn’t seem to be happening in the research done on this topic.The shared determinations between each of my sources all acknowledged the shortcomings in the research; however, this did not prevent them from coming to some kind of conclusion. The most common conclusion was that there was a relationship, however, that relationship was not a direct one to one corollary. This was true for both negative and positive messages. The general acknowledgements is that while there is an association between exposure to messages in sex and violence in the media, that these messages were not necessarily a driving force in later acts of violence, but were certainly a factor in later acts of violence.Summary of a Research Study The research study that I am summarizing is â€Å"Can public campaigns effectively change psych ological determinants of safer sex? An evaluation of three Dutch campaigns† by M. C. Yzer, F. W. Siero, and B. P. Buunk. The research was designed to establish the effectiveness of Dutch safe sex campaigns that were run between 1994 and 1996. There were several metrics being measured, â€Å"improved attitudes, perceived social norms, self-efficacy and intentions regarding safer sex (Yzer, Siero & Buunk, 1999)The methodology of the study was to use a representative sample of the Dutch population and then ask them to answer electronic questionnaires where you could not advance through to the next question without answering previous questions in order to minimize missing data. Each participant was issued a unique PIN number in order to further identify the participants. There were also five waves of questionnaires, and an individual participant could be eligible for more than one of these waves, however, they could only participate in one wave.The PIN numbers were also used to e nsure that there were no duplicate participants from wave to wave. These methods were also employed to exclude testing effects, history effects, cultural changes and sample differences as alternative explanations for the data collected. (Yzer, Siero & Buunk, 1999) The questionnaires measured attitudes towards safe sex practices, social norms , â€Å"self-efficacy† (Yzer, Siero & Buunk, 1999), and whether or not the participant intended to engage in safe sex practices in the future.The key results in this study were that while the initial levels of positive attitudes and practices of safe sex, there was indeed room for an increase in those metrics. The increases were the most steep immediately after a campaign aired, but that uptick did not dip below the previous level but maintained over time. It was also shown that increases were not always across the board in every category during every campaign. There were different effects that depended on which campaign was aired.When sp lit out into separate categories, â€Å"self-efficacy was enhanced by the 1994 campaign, and that intentions were enhanced by the 1994 and 1995 campaigns. To summarize, all target variables were generally more positive with respect to safer sex after a campaign than before. † (Yzer, Siero & Buunk, 1999) The thesis of the experiment was the following: 1. Attitudes, social norms, self-efficacy and intentions would become more favorable towards safer sex in response to each of the 1994, 1995 and 1996 campaigns. 2.In the period of time after the 1996 campaign when no campaign was conducted (but in a similar time interval as between the 1994 but in a similar time interval as between the 1995 and 1996 campaigns), attitudes, social norms, self-efficacy and intentions would become less favorable towards safer sex. (Yzer, Siero & Buunk, 1999) The data showed that after the campaigns were aired, that all of the measured areas showed an increase both short-term and long-term. They also noticed that there was a quick uptick in positive feelings shortly after a campaign was aired.Overall, the campaigns served to uphold and enhance already present social norms and attitudes towards safe sex and safe sex practices. The conclusions of this study also confirmed the conclusions of a study done in Germany that evaluated German safer sex campaigns. How this relates to the issue of what effect sex and violence on television effects children is that there is here a strong relationship between media messages and future behavior and that this relationship is related to amount of exposure to the message.It was already well established that there was an agreed upon corollary between violence seen on television and violent behavior, however, this study shows that the relationship is also built on frequency of exposure to the medium. Additionally, there can be changes in different areas over time, which shows the diversity of how media messages influence people and how that influe nce can be different while still present. Critical Analysis of Internet Information and Research Study In â€Å"It’s not all sex and violence† by Agustin Fuentes, the information provided by Dr.Fuentes is factual and points out that human beings are diverse and complex beings driven by a variety of things. The overemphasis on sex and violence in media is pervasive and dangerous to how we see ourselves as human beings. The amount of cooperation, joy, sharing, etc. that human beings do far outweigh the amount of violence we engage in as a species. However, we as a species are also fascinated with sex and violence and seek out that information – drawing focus towards it, rather than acknowledging their purpose and role in life and placing it among everything else in life, maintaining perspective.The evidence that is used is a walk through the development of human societies and what scientists know about the behavior of our ancestors and the results of primatologica l research with social behavior of primates. He shows that the majority of the behavior that we engage in is positive and helping behaviors, rather than negative behaviors. The strength of the evidence is weak, but the piece is intended to be an emotional appeal that includes appeals to the intellect. Because of the rhetorical mode of the piece, this is to be expected and does not immediately remove it from consideration as a good source of information.In â€Å"Can public campaigns effectively change psychological determinants of safer sex? † there is a great deal of factual evidence supported by strong evidence with a reasonable and intelligent analysis of the data gathered from their research. The strength of the evidence is significant, especially in light of the inclusion of the information that a German study came to similar conclusions. â€Å"Mass Media Effects on Violent Behavior† is a research study that gathers a number of different research studies and provid es that data along with the conclusions of the author.The information is good and because of the amount of provided data, the reader can see where the author’s conclusions came from. Because of this article’s appearance in a peer-reviewed journal, it can be assumed to be a trustworthy source of information with strong evidence supporting its conclusions. Conclusion In answer to the specific question as to whether or not sex and violence on television is harmful to children – there is no simple answer. Through looking at the evidence, there is an undeniable effect of what people see on television and their future behavior, but that link is not causal.The factors that exist in order to drive an individual to violence are difficult to measure due to basic problems with creating appropriate test trials, the complexity of human nature, and the overwhelming amount of input that everyone has on a regular basis. A worthwhile avenue for research would be to measure expos ure to specific stimuli in media messages and whether or not it’s the amount of sex and violence that someone is exposed to that is the deciding factor in future behavior. Another avenue would be to do a longitudinal study of children of ifferent socio-economic backgrounds to see what other factors exist (exposure to violence in daily life, attitudes about sex, etc. ) along with measuring how the child is interpreting the media messages that it is exposed to along with the frequency of that exposure. It would be holistic, but perhaps prohibitively complex and long term to execute. What remains unknown is what the full impact of media messages on children is, there is an effect, that’s undeniable, but that effect is clearly influenced by a variety of factors and may only be a reflection of what the child has already learned elsewhere.References Bushman, B. (2013). Why do people deny violent media effects?. Psychology Today, Retrieved from http://www. psychologytoday. co m/blog/get-psyched/201302/why-do people-deny-violent-media-effects Felson, R. (1996) Mass media effects on violent behavior. Annual Review of Sociology, 22, 103-128 . Retrieved from http://www. jstor. org. libproxy. uml. edu/stable/2083426 Fuentes, A. (2013). Busting myths about human nature. Psychology Today, Retrieved from http://www. psychologytoday. com/blog/busting-myths-about-human- nature/201302/it-s-not-all-sex-and-violenceWalker, M. (1983). Some problems in interpreting statistics relating to crime. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, 146(3), 281-293 . Retrieved from http://www. jstor. org. libproxy. uml. edu/stable/2981656 Yzer, M. C. , Siero, F. W. & Buunk, B. P. (1999). Can public campaigns effectively change psychological determinants of safer sex? An evaluation of three Dutch campaigns. Health Education Research, 15(3), 339-352. Retrieved from http://her. oxfordjournals. org/content/15/3/339. full