Police Brutality in NYC

such incidents may exist. With increased attention being paid to incidents of police brutality, lawsuits being brought against both the officers and the government for which they work, and a focus on the psychological conditions that may affect those officers that violently abuse citizens, there is hope that police brutality can be better understood, reduced, and eventually eradicated. When Americans think of the history of police brutality, there are several historical events that form the backdrop for this social problem.Although thousands f undocumented and unrecorded incidents of police brutality undoubtedly have occurred, it was not until the advent of videotape that Americans who previously had no knowledge of police brutality began to truly understand this issue. The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s was accompanied by many incidents of police brutality committed against African Americans and their supporters. The pictures and videos of these incidents, broadcast on national television, included nonviolent protestors being tear-gassed, beaten with billy clubs, and even sprayed with fire hoses.In February 2012 in New York City, an amateur video posted online shows four New York City police officers kicking and punching a nineteen year old man who was laying on the ground unarmed. His mother said that her son required staples in his head and arm. Jatiek Reed, the nineteen year old Bronx resident, who has suffered from constant headaches and nightmares since then, announced he was requesting a special prosecutor to investigate. Reed's attorney said the Bronx district attorneys office wasn't capable of investigating because its close relationship with police.The fficers involved have been placed on desk duty and their guns and shields have been removed while the New York Police Department investigated, according to US News Online in 02/09/2012 and AP Regional State Report-New York City, 02/0112012. Many police killings receive little mention in the media. T herefore, the topic usually goes unnoticed by general public until an incident hits home or a major tragedy occurs. According to recent statistics by October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, 21 people were killed by New York police throughout 2012, averaging two killings per onth.It increased the previous year's sum by seven fatalities. The same statistic shows that nearly 90 percent of those killed were Black or Hispanic. Last year's victims of police shooting varied in age: Antwoine White, 17 years old, was killed in Bushwick, Brooklyn, on January 29; Ramarley Graham, 18 years old, was slain in his own Bronx bathroom Just four days later. On August 24, Jeffrey Johnson, 58 years old, was shot dead by the New York Police Department outside the Empire State Building after killing a former co-worker he had a grudge against.Shereese Francis was killed in the basement of her house in Queens. The New York Police Officers used excessive force by pressing her face into a mattress w hile handcuffing her, causing her to suttocate. Then on June an e Davis was snot in a vehicle in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. There was no weapon involved and she didn't represent any threat to the police to warrant the use of deadly force. (New York Amsterdam News from January 31 to February 06, 2013). Still, though, the Justice Department has failed to prosecute the vast majority of police brutality cases.This problem stems from, among other things, difficulty in proving allegations, absent evidence such as unbiased eyewitness testimony, or videotape recordings of the abuse. Also, there exists a perception in society that police officers are to be believed and trusted. Because such a high percentage of police officers can be trusted and do not engage in police brutality, Juries and Judges often encounter difficulty in disbelieving an officer's testimony that he or she did not abuse a citizen. Most people who become police officers do so because they ave a strong desire to protect thei r communities and its citizens.They work hard and receive appropriate training on how to handle a wide variety of situations, both ordinary and dangerous. Unfortunately, despite the fact that most police officers work very hard to keep their communities safe and provide a good example to its citizens, there are some individuals who abuse the power and authority they receive as a result of their positions in law enforcement. Sadly, allegations of police brutality are not uncommon, with many accusations coming from people in poor eighborhoods, minority neighborhoods, and major cities.Because police forces are governmental entities, common citizens–either individually or through their elected officials–do have a say in how their local police force is operated. If police departments make attempts to increase sensitivity and participate in training designed to reduce violence, and if groups of citizens actively work to encourage their local police departments to reduce viol ence and adopt enforceable early warning systems, police brutality can be reduced.However, while the vast majority of olice officers are good and honest people, the problem of police brutality is significant enough that it cannot be ignored. Sources Citations: Ethnic News Watch 21 killed by the NYPD in 2012. (2013, ). New York Amsterdam News. Retrieved fromhttp://www.proquest.com/connect/https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T98899 https://learnaboutrussia.wordpress.com/2009/12/13/hermitage-museum/http://weblib. ucc. edu:2233/ic/ovic/NewsDetailsPage/NewsDetailsWindow? e=&scanld=&documentld=GALE

Dry Leaves as Sand Substitute for Blocks

Caraga State University Cabadbaran Campus Cabadbaran City Dry Leaves as Sand Substitute for Blocks Submitted by: Dime Rose Diola Jerzeld Villalon Lyka Lou Arogancia Natasha Anne Payot Adviser: Prof. Nathalie Daminar Chapter 1 The Problem Background of the Study A leaf is a lateral photosynthetic appendage of the stem of a plant, commonly broad, flat, thin and of a green color. Leaves (plural) are the â€Å"food factories of plants, the sites where most of the plant’s energy is produced [1]. There are leaves that provide a protective service when a plant is under attack.Leaves may also serve as a storage sites or help obtain food for a plant [2]. For plants, as defense, leaves protect them from enemies such as animals, diseases, and environmental extremes through specific defense mechanism [3]. The most important contributions leaves make to our planet’s ecosystem are through their processing of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Oxygen, though a waste product of photosynthesis is essential to plant, animal, and human survival. As leaves break down carbon dioxide and release oxygen, they also help determine global climate patterns [4].On the other side, a block is a molded rectangular brick of clay or sand enclosed in a molder and hardened for long hours and used as a building and paving material. Bricks were often used for reasons of speed and economy [5]. The researchers aimed to make dry leaves into use not only by preserving it and use as decorations but by making it as one of the main component for concrete blocks. Also, to support the RA 9003 or known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act for implement. Objectives of the StudyThis study primarily aims to make dry leaves as one of the main component in making concrete blocks to lessen dry leaves in the surroundings since some of us burned dry leaves which disrupt our ecosystem by creating harmful gases through smoke. Since the depletion of the ozone layer is coming to its worst, the researchers fi nd some way to control this problem and to have temporary solution that will lead to a permanent solution on how to lessen dry leaves without burning it or by causing some harm both to the planet and to the people.And to support the waste management campaign in the country. Significance of the Study This study which aimed to find out if the dry leaves can be one of the main components in making blocks is significant to different sectors for various reasons: * Serves as an eye-opener for those who have problems regarding on how to reduce dry leaves in their community/area. * Provides durable and economical product. * Helps in controlling ecological waste. * Provide information to citizens with respect of continuous burning of dry leaves that destroys the planet or causing global warming. * Serve s motivating factor for home owners, construction workers and construction materials manufacturers to strengthen their capabilities for developing blocks and other processes to maximize the u se of dry leaves in the society. Furthermore, the outcome of the study will provide empirical information to policy makers in Ecological Solid Waste Management (RA 9003). Dry leaves are usually burned down elsewhere and eventually produce hazardous gases in the air. Conducting this experiment does not only support RA 9003 but it also opens an avenue to develop technology in bricks in the community.Likewise, this provides all people an opportunity to enjoy living in a clear, clean and hazard-free environment. Scope and Limitation Creating dry leaves as one of the component for concrete blocks is the main concern of this research. This study is limited only in using dry leaves, cement, water and a little use of small stones and if the study is a success, it can be use in constructing buildings. Review of the Related Literature The oldest discovered blocks, originally made from shaped mud and dating to before 7500 B.C and were found at  Tell Aswad, Egypt. The first sun-dry blocks wer e made in Mesopotamia (what is now Iraq), in the ancient city of  Ur  in about 4000  BC, although the arch used for drying the blocks was not actually found. Other examples of civilizations that used mud brick include the  ancient Egyptians  and the Indus[6]. In Europe, blocks were often used for reasons of speed and economy, even in areas where stone was available. The buildings of the Industrial Revolution in Britain were largely constructed of block and timber due to the demand created [7].In  pre-modern China, brick-making or block-making was the job of a lowly and unskilled artisan, but a kiln master was respected as a step above the former [8]. Bricks of concrete with sand aggregate can be made using a simple machine, and a basic assembly line method. A conveyor belt adds the mixture to a machine, which pours a measured amount of concrete into a form. The form is vibrated to remove bubbles. The form is then raised to reveal the wet bricks, spaced out on a plywood s heet. A small elevator then stacks these palettes, after which a forklift operator moves them to the brickyard for drying.Definition of Terms carbon dioxide- a colorless, odorless incombustible gas somewhat heavier than air. In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are absorbed by plants, which synthesize certain carbohydrates and release oxygen into the air. oxygen- odorless, colorless, tasteless, gaseous chemical element that occurs free in the atmosphere. photosynthesis- the production of organic substances, chiefly sugars, from carbon dioxide and water occurring in green plant cells supplied with enough light to allow chlorophyll to aid in the transformation of the radiant energy into a chemical form. zone layer- an atmospheric layer within the atmosphere absorbing ultraviolet radiation and preventing some heat loss from the earth. climate change- is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather  patterns over periods ranging from decades to mi llions of years. kiln- a furnace or oven for drying, burning or baking something as bricks, grain or pottery. Chapter 2 Research Methodology Research Design The researchers will use experimental method wherein the study focuses on the acceptability of the said topic.Several data were gathered before coming up with a procedure. Research Instruments Materials used in the study: * Brick molder * Cement * Dry Leaves * Water * Shovel Procedure: 1. Pulverize the gathered dry leaves. 2. Mix the pulverized dry leaves, 3 cups cement and 2 cups water. 3. Using a shovel mix thoroughly then put in a block molder. 4. Shape mixed substance. 5. Wait for the block to dry. Research Locale The study was conducted at one of the researcher’s home in Brgy. 12, Cabadbaran City. The place is complete with materials that are use in the study.

Victim by Oliver Smithfield

In this essay I intend to explore the narrative conventions and values, which Oliver Smithfield presents in the short story Victim. The short story positions the reader to have negative and sympathetic opinion on the issues presented. Such as power, identity and bullying. For example Mickey the young boy is having issues facing his identity. It could be argued that finding your identity may have the individual stuck trying to fit in with upon two groups. The main character Mickey is represented as valuing the outcasts of society.He is at an age where identity is important to find and seeking power to prove he can fit in. The issues facing this character have values and attitudes reflecting his actions. Another essential feature of an example is showing the Mickey is trying to prove he is strong, but not tough enough to harm another person so he uses his anger to think about making an irrational decision. â€Å"I – I – I’m gonna k – k – kill it! He cried. † This example shows how Mickey is unsure of his decision.As a main character presented we as readers feel sympathy toward him because he is forced to act in a certain way that others will accept him. Power is defined as an ability to do or act; it represents strength, control and position of authority. Victim is based on identity and how power can have conflicts in certain groups of people, in more in depth a culture. Benda is another main character that represents physical power. This is shown through the way he looks and acts towards other people. â€Å"Butch, sensing Mickey’s uncertainty snarled, â€Å"You’re such a reject. They began to close in on him pushing and laughing. † Butch is described as â€Å"a muscly, thick-set boy with a shaved head. † Ras is a character who is also an outcast but has the ability to show he is not afraid to say what he thinks or feels. â€Å"Michael†¦Ã¢â‚¬  said Ras softly, â€Å"It is not the way. † Mickey is a character who struggles with power and doesn’t know how to show the ability of self-control. These individual characters show different qualities of power and give the reader the ideas of how power can be shown.Narrative conventions are used through out this short story. The main narrative conventions used are setting, theme, descriptive language and conflict. The setting is based in a school ground, which represents innocents of youth. The theme represents society and power, the power between characters and finding our identity in society. Descriptive language is used through out the short story to help us feel sympathetic towards the outcasts in this instance we feel for Mickey and Ras.The conflict in this short story is about man vs man, man vs society and man vs self. Man vs man is portrayed through the bullies and Mickey, man vs society is struggling with identity and man vs self is the struggle with inner self power. Narrative conventions have been u sed to position the reader to respond sympathetic and have the view on how identity also power are important for one’s self. The issues presented in Victim are shown through Mickey wanting to fit in by killing a creature smaller than himself.I believe Mickey has found his identity by not killing the creature because he shows self control and has qualities which others maybe intimidated by using descriptive language it positions the reader to not only think deeper in the short story but possibly reflect upon themselves. I believe this short story has made me think how others are affected when people do not accept them for whom they are. As a young person it is important to feel wanted and accepted in society. Victim has shown as a light view on how hard it is to fit in society now days because people are still scared of what and who is different.This essay explored the narrative conventions and values, which is represented in Oliver Smithfield’s short story, Victim. We learn the influence of others may find us wanting to have a different identity and can inflict one’s self on how we interoperate the power we have. It can be seen that more than these issues can lead to not only wanting to find identity but the issues of power. I believe reading Victim, it has not only presented certain issues of power and identity but has shown society in a negative light. As I have argued though out this essay I believe identity is an aspect of showing who you are. Victim by Oliver Smithfield In this essay I intend to explore the narrative conventions and values, which Oliver Smithfield presents in the short story Victim. The short story positions the reader to have negative and sympathetic opinion on the issues presented. Such as power, identity and bullying. For example Mickey the young boy is having issues facing his identity. It could be argued that finding your identity may have the individual stuck trying to fit in with upon two groups. The main character Mickey is represented as valuing the outcasts of society.He is at an age where identity is important to find and seeking power to prove he can fit in. The issues facing this character have values and attitudes reflecting his actions. Another essential feature of an example is showing the Mickey is trying to prove he is strong, but not tough enough to harm another person so he uses his anger to think about making an irrational decision. â€Å"I – I – I’m gonna k – k – kill it! He cried. † This example shows how Mickey is unsure of his decision.As a main character presented we as readers feel sympathy toward him because he is forced to act in a certain way that others will accept him. Power is defined as an ability to do or act; it represents strength, control and position of authority. Victim is based on identity and how power can have conflicts in certain groups of people, in more in depth a culture. Benda is another main character that represents physical power. This is shown through the way he looks and acts towards other people. â€Å"Butch, sensing Mickey’s uncertainty snarled, â€Å"You’re such a reject. They began to close in on him pushing and laughing. † Butch is described as â€Å"a muscly, thick-set boy with a shaved head. † Ras is a character who is also an outcast but has the ability to show he is not afraid to say what he thinks or feels. â€Å"Michael†¦Ã¢â‚¬  said Ras softly, â€Å"It is not the way. † Mickey is a character who struggles with power and doesn’t know how to show the ability of self-control. These individual characters show different qualities of power and give the reader the ideas of how power can be shown.Narrative conventions are used through out this short story. The main narrative conventions used are setting, theme, descriptive language and conflict. The setting is based in a school ground, which represents innocents of youth. The theme represents society and power, the power between characters and finding our identity in society. Descriptive language is used through out the short story to help us feel sympathetic towards the outcasts in this instance we feel for Mickey and Ras.The conflict in this short story is about man vs man, man vs society and man vs self. Man vs man is portrayed through the bullies and Mickey, man vs society is struggling with identity and man vs self is the struggle with inner self power. Narrative conventions have been u sed to position the reader to respond sympathetic and have the view on how identity also power are important for one’s self. The issues presented in Victim are shown through Mickey wanting to fit in by killing a creature smaller than himself.I believe Mickey has found his identity by not killing the creature because he shows self control and has qualities which others maybe intimidated by using descriptive language it positions the reader to not only think deeper in the short story but possibly reflect upon themselves. I believe this short story has made me think how others are affected when people do not accept them for whom they are. As a young person it is important to feel wanted and accepted in society. Victim has shown as a light view on how hard it is to fit in society now days because people are still scared of what and who is different.This essay explored the narrative conventions and values, which is represented in Oliver Smithfield’s short story, Victim. We learn the influence of others may find us wanting to have a different identity and can inflict one’s self on how we interoperate the power we have. It can be seen that more than these issues can lead to not only wanting to find identity but the issues of power. I believe reading Victim, it has not only presented certain issues of power and identity but has shown society in a negative light. As I have argued though out this essay I believe identity is an aspect of showing who you are.

Criminal Law (Advise Katarina, Paula, and Jenny as to their potential Essay

Criminal Law (Advise Katarina, Paula, and Jenny as to their potential liability for homicide) - Essay Example There are three ways of commissioning homicide a) killing with motive where one may have the chance of partial defence b) gross negligent conduct causing death and c) dangerous harm that culminates to death (Ashworth 2006). In scenario â€Å"a† referred to as above, is a "voluntary manslaughter". The remaining attempts fall within the ambit of â€Å"involuntary manslaughter†. Mens Rea The intention of crime falls within the definition of Mens rea that deals with the state of mind of a defendant at the time of committing a crime to determine criminal liability. In order to fix the responsibility of crimes of a defendant, mens rea at the time of committing crimes is essential under the criminal act. In other words, motives refer to the reason that compelled the defendant to commit criminal act. Take the examples of Fred and Wilma whose matrimonial relationship last for about twenty years. Later on, Fred began to suspect that his wife was having sexual affairs with Barney, which made him enraged. He bought gun and shot her to death. The case under reference indicates criminal act of Wilma and the intent of Fred to kill her. The motive was very clear (Ormerod 2011). It is to be noted that only motive is not enough to attack a criminal. Other supportive evidences are also required to establish a case against the defendant. Contrary to that, public prosecutor proves that the motive of the defendant was to kill. Therefore, it is not necessary to prove criminal liability.... ves the motive and not the mens rea, there is a strong chance that the defendant must be acquitted by the competent court of law, no matter how bad is the intention. Further if a public prosecutor proves the mens rea with the actus reus, the defendant will not escape from conviction, no matter how noble his motive is (Ormerod 2011). In this respect you may please refer to the cases of Hyam vs DPP (1975), R v Ried (1992), State v. Asher (Ark. 1888). Actus Reus The other way round, actus reus  in accordance with the broader definition of criminal law  comprises all ingredients of a crime other than the state of mind of a criminal.  In a nutshell,  actus reus  may have the following components a)  conduct b) outcome c) state of affairs and d) omission (Loveless 2012). Here we may refer to the cases of R v Miller (1982), R v Adams [1957], Devlin J, Armstrong, R v [1989] Owen J and Cox, R v  (1992) Winchester Crown Court, Ognall J. Coincidence of Actus Reus and Mens Rea A th orough study of Criminal Law: Theory and Doctrine (2010) of Simester and R. Sullivan revealed that according to general rule, the actus reus and mens rea of a crime may have coincidence in terms of behavioural and circumstantial elements with regard to actus reus, which occur at the same time thus satisfying the requirements of mens rea (Simester et al 2010). Potential Liability Holder We have analyzed the whole situation on the mentioned parameters of homicide, which makes Katarina, responsible for the murder of Victor. Her motive for murdering her married boyfriend speaks of â€Å"jealous personality syndrome†. Because said boyfriend refused to spend the night with her since he selected another girlfriend Audrey for having a sexual pleasure in the night. Katrina felt insulted and made up her mind to

Link between Law, Democracy, and Governement Essay

Link between Law, Democracy, and Governement - Essay Example Democracy does not concentrate on an individual’s opinion. The United States Government, though having republic states in it, the continuous violation of laws and the struggle of the employees seem to have created a unfaithful atmosphere for the employee surrounding. The link that goes in between law, democracy and the government policies focuses on an imbalanced situation where only least benefits are visible for the employee community. The survey reports given in some of the journals, magazines and in websites show us the consequences as well as the root causes for such an imbalanced attitude going amidst the government and the employees. The overall estimation is that the United In general all forms of democratic government depends on their acceptance of population be it aggregative or deliberative or participatory. The United State Government focuses on its hold, in the sense; less chance are given to the population to enroll in any participatory activities such as demanding their rights. United States follow the Federal Government, which works under the leadership of President, Vice-President, Congress and the Senate. This form of rule is the dominant trait of United States. Every citizen is subjected to obey the three governing bodies such as [1].The Federal Government, [2]. The State and [3] County. The State Government has its own responsibilities. The events taking place within a concerned state should come under the supervision of the State it self. The events or matters include property regulations, industry, business, and other public necessities and finally the criminal section of that particular state. The aim of the Federal Government is to look at the State as a republic and at the same time the State should not make a move in contradiction o the rules or laws of the Federal Government. The State Government on the Whole is looked upon

Considering the Concept of Perfection at Systemic and Individual Essay - 5

Considering the Concept of Perfection at Systemic and Individual Levels - Essay Example The systemic level will present a clearer picture of the imperfection nature of the world. Further, a relationship will be created between perfection and how it narrows down to individuals respect. To achieve perfection, there is a need to have some reference. Perfection is a relative concept and as such, no one can claim it. To say that one is perfect is to say another is not. Individuals must always try to be above their current status. (Krishnamurti, 13) This is part of the nature of human needs. This is one of the main reasons why individuals cannot be perfect. The study will attempt to rely heavily on the works of Krishnamurti (1895-1986) Krishnamurti (9) notes that individuals have the ability to free themselves from the tyranny which is presented by the society. It is through these ways that he has studied imperfection. He notes that imperfection may be appreciated, cognizant to the fact that reality is an elusive and relative concept. People’s minds are clouded with perception, which impedes their ability to think and make logical decisions. (Krishnamurti 10) Mostly the receptor organs determine how individuals reason. These factors reflect whether what individuals say are perfects or are not. Since there is no accuracy in perception, individuals cannot be completely perfect in their quest. We surrender ourselves to authorities. When we get foolish enough to receive systems as presented to us, then we would be merely copying, imitating, conforming as well as accepting and therefore if we do not do that then we would be creating conflict between us and the authority. Krishnamurti (9) reveals that accuracy may only be achieved through the combination of senses and critical reasoning.

THE FEASIBILITY OF DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES FOR PROVIDING FRESH WATER TO Essay

THE FEASIBILITY OF DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES FOR PROVIDING FRESH WATER TO ARID REGIONS OF THE WORLD - Essay Example There are two solutions which include; finding an alternate or extra water resource using conservative centralized approach. This report entails on different methods used in harvesting water to make it useful for human consumption and domestication. The methods include: a) Rain water harvesting b) Water diversions c) Desalination d) Water re-use e) Storing water in reservoirs f) Transferring water among basins 1. Rain water harvesting Rain water management which is also known as harvesting has received numerous renewed attentions as an alternative means of augmenting water sources. The method involves collecting and intercepting rain water where it falls to the ground before it gets contaminated to the extent of being harmful to human consumption (Pereira et al, 2002) as the author suggests. Water harvesting has been employed for a long time for the purpose of irrigation and restoration of lands’ productivity, used for drinking by both humans and animals, increase ground water resources, minimize risk in drought stricken areas and to reduce ( rain water harvesting, 2006 ) storm water discharge as the journal states. Water harvesting has a few advantages which includes; I. It provides a good supplement to other water sources and co- exists well with them, hence relieving pressure on the other sources of water. II. It reduces storm drainage and flooding in urban streets. III. Its maintenance, construction, and operation are not labor intensive, and the technology applied is very flexible. 2. Water diversions Water diversion is where water is directed to a certain direction where it is easily manageable and monitored. The technique used to deal with natural variability in flow consists of; diversion of water into ditches, recharge pits spreading basins and infiltrations lagoons. The practice of water diversion is widely applied in most countries especially the ones in the arid and semi-arid regions throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean terrains (UNES CO, 2000; Mahnot et al., 2003) as it was reported from the international organization focusing on water development in developing and developed countries. 3. Desalination This method is used only in water-scarce semi-arid and coastal- arid areas that are inland located where the only available source of water is either (brackish) ground water or saline. This technology of water harvesting has been used since the twentieth century as (Awerbuch, 2004; and Schiffler 2004) report about the global use of desalination capacity and its challenges. About fifty percent of worldwide desalination occurs in the Middle East, followed by North America and Europe. The future usage of desalination is emerging at a high rate with an increasing demand and up- scaling process. It promotes tourism and also acts as a recreation for the development of economy in the coastal regions (Pyne et al, 2004) as reported in the world water development report. 4. Water re-use It was recently summarized (Asano and Levine, 2004) that there are many challenges associated with water recovery and reuse. They stated that the technique used in water reuse has been employed in many countries such as the United States and Germany. Modern waste water treatment has facilitated its increased usage in up to date waste water treatment procedure. These technological processes can effectively remove environmental material, pathogens and nutrients leaving the treated water with a wide range of prospective applications. According to the water recycle survey (Mantovani et al,

It's a personal statement for graduate school major in education

It's a for graduate school major in education counslor - Personal Statement Example In light of this, I discovered that counseling was one of the indispensible roles in the learning journey for students. Given that I have bilingual and diverse culture background, I devote my life to assist those with similar challenges. I Lu Chen was born in China more than twenty years ago before moving to the United States at the age of 16. Being the first to join college in my family, I am among the first generation immigrants who are fluent in English and Mandarin, in both speech and writing. My long time objective is to be at the top in the field of counseling. This dream will be accomplished once I pursue a Masters of Arts degree in Education with specifications of Counseling and Student Personnel. I am always enthusiastic about working hard in order to make my dream come true. In this regard, I have to make certain that I utilize every distinct opportunity that comes my way, particularly in services that are attached to the San Jose State University. I have completed my first degree of Bachelor’s of Arts, a specialization in Child and Adolescent development in this University. My past academic life has intensively prepared me for a long time profession as a counselor. First, I have an interest in communicating, caring and solving challenges that affect the children especially those that have special needs. Moreover, my capacity to work with different people has made it possible for me to value and fulfill their diverse demands. I am in a position to assist children set up their schedule in a rational way by ensuring that they are able to have time for physical exercises after having their lessons. Likewise, I assist and participate with them in extracurricular activities such as MPM and Chess. On the other hand, through conferences held for parents, I am able to communicate with parents and express my opinions concerning their children in a respectful approach. My enthusiastic venture into

Research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 4

Research Paper Example Several organizations, especially human rights bodies, have worked on this problem. Their results were quite similar with my research, because they reflected creation of more opportunities and involvement of various relevant authorities towards the cause (Cohen 24). Women empowerment remains a major factor in community development. Since 1990, girls and women have made significant steps, but they cannot yet been sufficiently empowered since they have to fully gain gender equity. In this research, I have briefly reviewed some of the methods used to estimate and examine gender inequality, which is the main factor slowing down women empowerment. These methods I have reviewed can be incorporated in providing a critique of existing measures pertaining to women empowerment, which includes the first global gender indices which was launched in 1995. The Human Development Report – the Gender-related Development Index and the Gender Empowerment Measure – These indices are unique, because they include major issues which contribute to women empowerment like attainment of education and participation in economic and political affairs (Cohen 30). In this report, I have briefly mentioned how this data represents an important advance on existing global measures of women empowerment. The measures of the barriers for women increase awareness of the prevailing problems, which allow monitoring of progress towards women empowerment objectives, and help keep governments answerable. In this light, the Gender Empowerment Measure is designed to make known the magnitude to which the realization of a country’s women empowerment contribution potential is curtailed by gender inequality, and presents practical foundations for policy analysis and advocacy efforts. One can also compare these results with those of other indices, for example gender inequality indices, where you can find major

The Great Depression - Main Causes Essay Example for Free

The Great Depression Main Causes Essay Introduction Like us, many of you had a loved one that lived during the Great Depression. Many of us have heard stories from our parents or grandparents of the horrific times of the depression; stories that told us how hard it was to find a job, put food on the table, and to provide shelter for the family. Learning how to live without things was a battle all by itself. Hearing the stories made me grateful to be born in a different era. However, each era has its own battles to fight that will change the direction of the economy and maybe the world. Many people feel that we are in a depression. Unemployment rising, business closing its doors, and poverty in the United States on a rise, would make you think that we are in a depression. However, after careful research from articles, books, videotape, and previously conducted surveys, on the main causes of the depression, we realize that the recession that we are in is far from the Great Depression. Our research also uncovered the impacts of the depression that played a role in reforming the economy. Also, our research will show us how Franklin D. Roosevelt solved the depression and got the economy rolling again. Finally, there were many lessons learned by banks, business owners, and the government. We hope that the details of the Great Depression will enlighten you with comparisons on our current recession. Main Causes The main causes for the Great Depression were a combination of unequally distributed wealth, the stock market crash, and eventually the bank failures. The unequal distribution of wealth existed on many levels. Money was distributed unequally between the rich and the middle class, between industry and agriculture within the US, and between the US and Europe. This imbalance of wealth created an unstable economy. The excessive speculations kept the stock market artificially high, but eventually lead to large market crashes. These market crashes, combined with the unequal distribution of wealth, and bank failures, caused the American economy to collapse. The distribution of national income became increasingly skewed in the 1920s. The nations total realized income rose from $74.3 billion in 1923 to $89 billion in 1929. However, the prosperity was not divided evenly amongst all Americans. According to a study done by the Brookings Institute in 1929, the top .1% of Americans had a combined income equal to the bottom 42%. That same top .1% of Americans in 1929 controlled 34% of all savings, while 80% of Americans had no savings at all. While the disposable income per capita rose 9% from 1920 to 1929, those with income within the top 1% enjoyed a staggering 75% increase in per capita disposable income. A major reason for this gap between the rich and the working-class people was the increased manufacturing output through this period. Thus, wages increased 25% as fast as productivity increased. As production costs fell quickly, wages rose slowly, and prices remained constant. In fact, from 1923-1929 corporate profits rose 62% and dividends rose 65%. The large and growing gap in wealth made the US economy unstable. For an economy to function properly, total demand must equal total supply. In the 1920s there was an oversupply of goods. It was not that the surplus of products was not wanted, but those who really needed them, could not afford them. The federal government also contributed to the growing gap between the rich and middle-class. Andrew Mellon, Coolidges Secretary of the Treasury, was the main force behind tax cuts that lowered federal taxes such that a man with a million-dollar annual income had his federal taxes reduced from $600,000 to $200,000. Our textbooks would indicate that the purpose behind this would be that $400,000 would be spent, thus stimulating the economy. Instead, they invested it into the stock market, and lost everything. The federal government favored the new industries (radio and automotive) as opposed to agriculture. During World War 1, the government subsidized farms and paid higher prices for what and other grains. Because the government was feeding the US and Europe, they encouraged farmers to buy more land, invest  in modern methods, and to produce more food. However, when the war was over, the US stopped helping farmers. During the war, the government paid $2 a bushel for wheat, but by 1920, wheat prices fell as low as 67 cents a bushel. Farmers fell into debt; farm prices and food prices tumbled. The federal government left American farmers in the cold. The problem with having large concentrations of wealth and dependence upon two industries is the economy relies on those industries to expand, grow, and invest in order to prosper. At the time, the main problem with the automotive and radio industries was that they could not expand because people could and would only buy so many cars and radios. When those industries went down, they took the American economy with them. In 1929, 1,124,800,410 shares were traded on the New York Stock Exchange. From 1928 to 1929, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose from 191 to 381. This profit was attractive to investors. Company earnings were not important as long as stock process continued to rise, and huge profits could be made. Through the convenience of buying stocks on margin, one could buy stocks without money to purchase them. By mid 1929, the total of outstanding brokers loans was over $7 billion, in the next three months, that number would increase to $8.5 billion. Interest rates for brokers loans were as high as 20%! Prices had been dropping since September 3, 1929, but people were still optimistic. Hopeful investors continued to flock the market. Then on Monday October 21, 1929, prices started to fall quickly. The volume was so high that the ticker fell behind. Finally, investors were afraid! Knowing that prices were falling but because the ticker was behind, they could not tell how far they had fallen, so they started to sell quickly. This caused the collapse to happen faster. The market stabilized for a few days, and then on Monday October 28, 1929 prices started dropping again. By the end of the day, the market had fallen 13%. On Black Tuesday, October 29, 1929, 16.4 million shares were exchanged. Although many were disturbed by the stock market crash, few realized that the  Great Depression was ahead. The Bank Failures would make the near future of the US economy clear. Trying to benefit from the investment boom, like many investors, banks tied their money (customer deposits) up in the stock market. When the market collapsed, brokers began calling in margin accounts, many banks were forced into bankruptcy closing their doors to depositors. Failures of individual banks generated runs on other banks as depositors became nervous about the security of their accounts. A high rate of insolvencies hit the banking industry and the nations stock of money in circulation plummeted. These developments prompted a rapid tumble of the GNP that was the defining characteristic of the Great Depression. This speculation and the resulting stock market crashes, acted as a trigger to the unstable US economy. More jobs were lost, more banks went under, and more factories closed. Unemployment would grow to almost 13 million by 1932. The Great Depression had begun. Impact of the Economy There were many psychological, cultural, and political repercussions of the Great Depression. These impacts played a major role in reforming the American economy for the future that was to come. During the horrific times of the depression, everyone in America got a glimpse, whether short or prolonged, to how the United States would be under an economic crash. As you can see from the main causes of the depression, numerous amounts of people lost their jobs, the prosperity rate significantly increased, businesses failed, and the overall condition of America was faced with pure turmoil and suffering. Among each major impact that the depression had on the American economy, the most extravagant circumstance was the rapid decrease in overall business. For instance, there were more than 100,000 businesses that failed as an impact of the depression. By 1933, more than 5,000 banks had failed. Not  only did this affect the government, but the general public and the entire economy felt the hit also. Within every bank that closed, there were public savings and checking accounts that were also demolished. With no type of security in place to protect their investments and or savings, peoples money and sometimes even life savings, were gone. This decline created a continuing affect that spread throughout the economy. As a result, the national income fell by 54 percent. Close to 90 percent of industrial production ceased. The foreign trade decreased by 70 percent, and new investment in plants and equipment had plummeted by 98 percent. Hundreds of thousands of home and farm mortgages foreclo sed, and there was no decent food, clothing, or shelter to be purchased. Obviously, due to the circumstances, business was put on hold for what seemed like forever to the American economy. Consequently to the many business failures that occurred during the depression, along with the steadily decreasing income and tremendous rise in unemployment, many people were forced to live in horrible, strict, confined, and discouraging circumstances. People were living on the streets of America striving to survive. As a result, starvation and malnutrition was a major factor that affected the general public. Thousands of people starved in the streets while unsold food piled up or went bad on the nations farms, due to the need for profit. More than 2 million Americans moved from cities to farms in the hope of being able to at least feed themselves. Despair overcame millions of people who survived the distress but could not find work for months or even years. Others were forced to work in fields in order to make the little money they could. Family tensions increased as many people lacked jobs, resulting in a major increase in mental health problems, and family violence. The loss of money and personal belongings resulted in the number of relatives in one household or apartment, doubling within a short amount of time. These situations developed very confined living conditions resulting in unhealthy and unhappy circumstances. Many children had to leave their schools because they lacked clothing or the local school boards simply could not afford to maintain buildings or pay teachers. Children were forced to provide for themselves,  and their family. Uncertainty and unhappiness increased over the years. The overall living conditions of the depression were very unstable and unsatisfying to the American public. Feelings of distrust towards the government and the economy emerged from every single individual. The depression had a major impact on not just the current situation, future thoughts and actions were affected as well. Along with distrust from the public towards the economy, grew an extreme realization of poverty and distress for American society. The experience brought about a change in the viewpoints toward many aspects of life and business. Everyone was forced with making critical decisions that would forever change life situations. Ultimately, there was not one industry, bank, agricultural, or government aspect that was not noticeably affected by the depression. The impacts were felt at home in our society as well as across seas in other countries. Everyones living standards and situations suffered due to the depression. There was no true understanding of how these circumstances could have begun, and no knowledge of when it would end. Solving the Depression During the early years of the depression in the United States of America, President Herbert Hoover and his administration believed, as did many bankers, economists, and financial leaders, that left alone, the economy would eventually right itself. Business leaders operating through the spirit of competition would restore Americas prosperity and economic vitality. When the economy, during the depression, did not improve during Hoovers administration, Americans began looking for a new leader, a leader who would take decisive action against the economy. The people found a new leader in Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932, when they elected him president in a landside election. Roosevelt believed that the federal government should take bold steps to improve the economy. He blamed financial leaders and big business for Americas economic (depression conditions) and recommended government regulation of banks and industry. President Roosevelt had many accomplishments during his term of president during the time of the depression. Some of his accomplishments were:  ·Social Security Act provided for state-administered, federally funded unemployment insurance, welfare benefits, administered old age, and survivors pensions. Prior to this passage few states provided old age pensions and un-employment insurance.  ·Relations Act (Wagner Act) gave new life to the National Industrial Recovery Act. That act gave workers the right to collectively bargain and established the National Labor Relations Board to supervise union elections and investigate unfair labor practices by companies.  ·Revenue Tax Act increased income taxes on the wealthy and on corporations.  ·Banking act of 1935 gave the federal government additional control over the Federal Reserve System.  ·Public Utility Holding Company Act placed power, water, and other utility companies under the regulation of the newly created Securities and Exchange Commission.  ·The Farm Act came in three stages. First the administration was empowered to adjust farm production to effective demand as a means of restoring the farmers purchasing power. Second was an accompanying authorization to refinance and readjust farm mortgage payments. Third the part of the act was the power for controlled inflation.  ·Emergency Farm Mortgage Act (1993) funded loans for farmers in immediate danger of losing their farms.  ·Wagner-Steagal Housing Act gave 500 million in loans for low-cost housing.  ·Youth Administration was established to equalize opportunity for youth. It  was setup to give economically disadvantage youth opportunities that were previously denied them.  ·Tennessee Valley Authority Act Aubrey Williams stated Major Problems in the Rehabilitation of the South, address to the Southern Tenant Farmers Union and the United Cannery, Agricultural, Packing, and Allied Workers of America, Memphis, Tennessee, September 26, 1937. This act provided federal funding for the development of the Tennessee Valley.  ·Rural Rehabilitation Division of FERA later called Resettlement Administration funded work-study jobs, teachers salaries, free lunch program and construction of new schools.  ·Works Relief Act provided immediate increase in employment and corresponding stimulation to private industry by purchase of supplies.  ·Works Progress Administration (WPA) put 3.5 million jobless Americans to work on roads, parks, and public building. Moreover, the WPA provided jobs for artists, writers, musicians, and authors as well as laborers.  ·National Recovery Act encouraged business leaders to work together to create codes that would control wages and prices.  ·Gold Reserve Act was signed on Roosevelts birthday. This gave the Treasury greater control of credit and currency. In 1933, Roosevelt pushed toward a three-month period called Hundred Days when Congress enacted the most sweeping program of reform. Fifteen major laws went on the books; they dealt with banking, the gold standard, relief, mortgages, hydroelectric power and regional planning, the stock market, and reorganizing industry and agriculture. Roosevelt throughout his term during the depression years encouraged cooperation and optimism with his speeches, fireside chats, and press conferences, which made a powerful impression on many Americans. Lessons Learned The Great Depression caused enormous hardship for virtually the entire industrialized world. As we look back over the many causes of the Great Depression, there were many lessons to be learned. The depression started because of the unequal distribution of wealth and the extensive stock market crash. The economy was affected by the failure of a large portion of the nations banks, businesses, and farms. There were many lessons learned in the financial aspect of the depression. First, there was massive government protection to banks in the form of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. This was brought on by the turmoil that was felt in the banking sector. By implementing government protection the banking institutes were insured against withdrawals and the suspension of convertibility. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporations main benefit was having the central bank as the ultimate guarantor of the insurance system. As a result, during a pending financial collapse the bank removes any element of discretion about the behavior of its policymakers. Therefore, the central bank learned lessons regarding the function of the lender of last resort for short-term stabilization of the financial system. The reasons that stemmed government protection was noticeable bank weakness, poor depositor discipline, the unwilling of private associations to protect solvent banks from the threat of unwarranted runs, and the favorable agreement to have deposit insurance on economic grounds. Second, there was failure of the interwar gold standard. There were certain countries that caused the world money stock to decline substantially and rapidly. This brought about the fixed exchange rates and full currency unions. The gold standard of the interwar was referred to as a gold exchange standard and its main purpose was to establish and maintain a system of fixed exchange rates. Third, there was international trade and tariffs. Trade and payment policies were becoming very close and began to intertwine. In addition, when tariffs began they usually ended with trading blocs, bilateralism, and exchange controls. The lesson learned in this situation implies that deflation effects international trade through its impact on the real value of tariffs. Another lesson learned involved worldwide catastrophes. There was the use of cheap foreign labor to lower cost and improve profits, which drove imports of foreign made products and pushed labor offshore. There was a decline in domestic employment and it intensified the problems of the depression to the point in which caused a backlash. Then that is when the start of labor-union protectionism began. The lesson in this situation indicated that the 1930s protectionism assisted in the destruction of globalize. Eventually, the depression transformed national politics by vastly expanding government, which was increasingly expected to stabilize the economy and to prevent suffering. In order to create a stabilized economy, new plans, and policies for Social Security, unemployment insurance, and federal family assistance were established. In sum, the Great Depression was caused by the stock market crash, in which led to a poor banking system, causing low interest rates, brought on by an ineffective Federal Reserve policy. Therefore, knowing and understanding these lessons listed and many others, it is safe to say that as far as our current policies today, deflation is extremely costly and a gold standard is very dangerous. Conclusion The experience of the Great Depression brought about change in how we conduct business. For many people the depression brought on distrust in banks and our government; a trust that our government set out to regain in many years to come. Our government implemented federal laws and banking regulations  that would stabilize the economy for many years. Reorganizing industries, the stock market, and agriculture provided stability that lead to trust. Each era has had its own battles that has shaped and reshaped America into what it is today. Learning from battles such as racism, terrorism, and recessions will continue to form America into a better place. Works Cited Bender, David L. The Great Depression Opposing Viewpoints, 1994 Greenhaven Press, Inc. San Diego, CA Gerdes, Louise I. The Great Depression, Great Speeches in History, 2002 Greenhaven Press, Inc. San Diego, CA Gustmorino, Paul A III. Main Causes of the Great Depression. Gusmorino World. May 13, 1996. Online. James, Harold. The End of Globalization: Lessons From The Great Depression. Cambridge; London: Harvard University Press, 2001 Jeffries, John W., Nash, Gary B., Segrue, Katherine L., The Great Depression and WWII, 1929-1945. Encyclopedia of American History. Kutler, Stanley I. Dictionary Of American History. Third Edition. Charles Scribners Sons, Inc. May 2003. Kutler, Stanley K., Dallek, Robert, Hollinger, David A., McCraw, Thomas K., Kirkwood, Judith. The Great Depression, 1929-1939. Encyclopedia of the United States in the Twentieth Century. Volume III. Watkins, T.H. The Great Depression America in the 1930s. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1993.

Representation of War in the Media

Representation of War in the Media CHAPTER III : CASE STUDIES â€Å"War is fought with the will of the government, competence of the armed forces and the support of the nation† Carl Von Clausewitz There is no doubt that the global reach and immediacy of the new media communications technologies and the ability to shape both national and international public opinion has made media a major player in limited conflicts. Such developments could be expected to significantly impact the way conflict is reported and debated by international community. Given the rapid progress and far reaching advances in communications over recent years, correct engagement with the media acts as a force multiplier for the commander on ground to achieve a more comprehensive success. On the other hand, the incorrect media engagement leads to loss of operational security and makes the task of the military commander much more difficult. The media representation of wars has significantly changed over last years. Previously being just an instrument of coverage and propaganda, now media are considered a competent weapon. The war of real objects is partially being replaced by the war of pictures and sounds, information war[1]. Now we shall examine few significant national and international conflicts, where the media extensively covered these operations by the Armed Forces. Some were a success story while others left much to be desired form the way the Armed Forces engage the media. The Gulf War Control of the media during the Gulf war followed the pattern that was established in the Falklands and refined in Grenada and Panama[2]. The pattern included secrecy in planning, demonisation of the enemy, exploitation of the media to enlist national and international support, and the exclusion of the media during the initial phases of the operation[3]. The resultant news vacuum was filled by official  coverage favourable to the military. Later criticisms were stonewalled. In the Gulf, the media were excluded from the planning stages of the initial deployment and the deliberations leading to the change of war aims from that of the defence of Saudi Arabia to offensive action in Kuwait. The demonisation of Saddam Hussein was used to rally national as well as international support and the media was immediately co-opted into these tasks[4]. The Gulf also demonstrated the familiar pattern of exclusion of the media from the early action, when both the military and the administration were most vulnerable[5]. Before the commencement of the hostilities, USA set up the Joint Information Bureau to handle the media from a base in Dhahran. Journalists were formed into pools or Media Reporting Teams (MRTs).Guidelines were instituted, concurrent with the arrival of the first pool of reporters[6]. Subsequent guidelines gave detailed instructions how the information could be gathered. All interviews could be conducted only in the presence of a military escort, all reports, photos and videos had to be cleared by a security review system before transmission. Beyond these measures, however, the Gulf campaign lent itself to complete media management through absolute control over the means of communication, transport and access. So powerful was this weaponry that there was no need for actual censorship[7]. Censorship was achieved primarily through denial of access and delay in transmission, backed a blanket decision not to allow media access to any event that was a strictly controlled. This was offset by a flow of favourable military sourced information to fill the vacuum created by media restriction. Material ranged from information provided at carefully controlled briefings which bypassed journalists on the spot. The combination of credibility afforded by the briefings and novelty of the new weaponry was enough to satisfy audiences[8]. The realities of war and any real analysis were foregone in favour of a politically  acceptable, sanitised war which showed nothing but success. It was evident too that  the military used the media not only to present its own policies in the best possible light, but to deceive and misinform the Iraqis. Both the administration and the military clearly benefited from this control. CNNs coverage of the 1991 Gulf War, when it became the worlds only instant chronicler of a major conflict, seemed only to confirm the formidable role played by Western news agencies in covering and framing international events. The impact of this kind of media coverage has been dubbed â€Å"the CNN effect,† referring to the widely available round-the-clock broadcasts of the Cable News Network[9]. Indeed, by the mid 1990s, some scholars and certain policymakers had come to the conclusion that CNN in particular was having a measurable impact on the way governments conduct world politics. This proactive engagement of media by the Pentagon ensured that the military remains immune from scrutiny but also garners the voter benefits for the politicians. The only caution is that this form of media containment or partial exclusion can only work for a limited period. If, as in Vietnam; and as may well have happened in the Gulf, such a limited conflict becomes protracted and involves high levels of casualties, then the ascendancy of the military may be challenged and broken as the global media brings to bear the full weight of its capacity for independent news gathering and communications. The 1991 Gulf war was the first televised war of the century wherein pictures of the night sky lit up with firing of weapons. Operation Desert Storm was the most widely and most swiftly reported war in history. In addition to being called the first â€Å"CNN War† this war also marked a turning point for the American’s view of that relationship. US demonstrated will and military potential to influence developing world in consonance of her policies.[10] The world saw the live footage of the 1991 Gulf war. CNN activities during the war were a classic example of the role that civil broadcasts and journalists can play in any future war. Media can be allowed selective access with a view to influencing the international opinion. The media enjoys the support of high technology equipment and access to credible media outlets. The CNN broadcasts provided useful inputs to put into operation diplomatic damage limitation operations to counter the fallout of adverse reports. The examp le at hand is the demonstration of her will and the military potential by the USA in influencing the world opinion, including engaging the media[11]. The first Iraqi war was totally covered by the media and the general opinion was that the media was focussing all their attention on the wars victory and retreating troops. Very few journalists looked after the Arabian people; in fact the Iraqi refugee problem was simply overlooked. In general, the media was very supportive of the American troops in the Persian Gulf. Though the reporting was positive, the coverage did not tell the absolute truth on the battle field. Journalists were more or less welcomed by the battalion commanders. The army was silent to â€Å"embedding† the media, while the Marine Corps was proactive and welcomed media attention. Public satisfaction with press coverage can be largely attributed to the increasing media savvy of the military leadership, who were able to successfully use news coverage to enhance the military’s image and win public support for its operations. General Schwarzkopf was a master at these press briefings. He analyzed the impor tance of the briefings and prepared himself mentally. He decided not to repeat the mistake made in Grenada, where the relations between media and the military had been eroded to an appalling state[12]. Kargil A Water Shed for Indian Media The Kargil conflict was India’s first real war of the information age and it was significant for the impact and the influence of the mass media on the public opinion of both the nation states[13]. During this operation, both the military and the media were interacting for the very first time in the backdrop of the technological advances made in the last two three decades or so. The Kargil news stories and war footage were often telecast live on the TV, while many websites provided in-depth analysis of the war. This conflict became the first live war in South Asia[14]. The Indian Army tried to implement the â€Å"pool† methodology of the Gulf war after consulting some reputed and esteemed media persons. There were daily briefings in Delhi through the operational staff and journalists were allowed to enter the war zone[15]. The site tours were discontinued after some time and media persons got total freedom to move around on their own except where their lives could be in danger. But unlike the Gulf war, there was to be no censoring of media reports and there was to be no deviation from the truth[16]. The military and the media did not indulge in any deliberate disinformation drive. But they effectively exposed Pakistan’s lies and disinformation tactics. The media for once highlighted defence requirements of weaponry and ammunition which otherwise do not get any significance for reporting in the normal sequence of events.[17]. The ‘Kargil War’, also brought into focus the significance of both the print and the electronic media[18]. The nation made a very clever use of the Internet and dedicated an exclusive Website www.vijayinkargil.com to show case the heroics of the Indian Army. Trained PR officers manned chat sites on the web to establish a real time inter face with the youths of the country for possibly the very first time. Television was able to invade the living rooms of the people to shape public opinion. The war received a human face because of the wide scale coverage of the war by the news channels like Aaj Tak, Zee News and NDTV Network. The media both Indian and overseas was predominantly compassionate to the Indian cause, with editorials in newspapers based in the west and other neutral countries observing that our western adversary was in principal answerable for the conflict[19]. Some analysts believe that Indian media, which was both larger in number and more credible, may have acted as a force multiplier for the Indian military operation in Kargil[20] and served as a morale booster. As the fighting intensified, the Pakistani version of events found little backing on the world stage. This helped India gain valuable diplomatic recognition for its position. Media reportage on Kargil converged around a single dramatic image of a nation at war. In the initial phase, news coverage was restrained on the logic of operational security. The Army permitted first media coverage on 15 May 1999. In Jun 1999, travel permits of press personnel were cancelled again quoting compromise of security. The failure of understanding was due to incorrect handling of media by army as well as character and content of reportage. There was a tendency to trivialise and sensationalise news by many sections of media. The semantics of reportage of certain events like return of six tortured bodies, led to a proliferation of exaggerated stories. However, media did not act as the force multiplier throughout. At crucial junctures, the over ecstatic media reported the crucial attack plans of the Indian army on the news in advance. This gave the all important operational intelligence to the adversary. The glaring example of this was the attack on Tiger Hill, where in after capture of Tiger Hill, the captured Pakistani troops revealed that they received the inputs about the Indian Army’s plans through the news channels. Also the telecast at times showed the location of the artillery gun bases, deployment areas and the logistic installations which was then suitably interpreted by the enemy to bring out effective fire on these locations. Mumbai Terrorist Attacks of 26/11 Medias reporting of terrorist activities is fast becoming critical in today’s scenario when no country is left untouched by terrorism. War on terrorism is a test for the Indian media. How much should be broadcast, whether broadcast of terrorist actions amounts to glorifying terrorism and violence and whether it incites people, creates new recruits and gives publicity to terrorists who seek to grab world attention are topics of debate across nations in the post 9/11 world. Similar debates have begun in India, more so after 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The well coordinated terror attack on Mumbai brings about essential lessons, both for the media as well as the Armed forces. The news media with a lack of understanding of where the medium can reach in such a situation, reported the move of National Security Guard (NSG) from Delhi to Mumbai being declared by the Home Minister[21]. There is increasing questioning of the medias conduct in the face of such attacks and more so after the live telecast of the 60 hour long Mumbai attacks. Concerned over the way many aspects of its operations got â€Å"jeopardized† due to live images being broadcast by TV during the 6- hour siege, the National Security Guard (NSG) pressed for restrictions on media coverage wherever its commandos are engaged to combat[22]. The case in point is the way NSGs operations at Nariman House were broadcast live. Questions were raised over the way Havaldar Gajender Singh fell to a terrorists bullet at Nariman House. As per the narration of incidents by an NSG commando â€Å"TV broadcasted our commandoes landing from a helicopter on the roof over Nariman House. By the time our men landed and started taking positions, the terrorists were already waiting for us and opened fire[23]†. In contrast the operations at Oberoi could be conducted more smoothly since TV channels were kept beyond a one-kilometer radius[24]. This zone was put under virtual curfew with no access allowed to television crews. The operations there took the least time, just under 30 hours, as compared to the other two places. As per NSG officials while terrorists holed up inside probably did not have access to live TV images on the second and third day of operations, they still had phones and were probably getting â€Å"instructions† from people watching those live images on TV. The media in turn can question the NSG that was there any spokesman of NSG to guide the media? The media showed what they saw. Can you blame them for showing what was happening? [1] Gulf War Was A Perfect Television War http://www.ukessays.com/essays/media/gulf-war-was-a-perfect-television-war-media-essay.php> [2] Young and Jesser, Loc cit, pp 280-281 [3] Ibid, pp 176 [4] Ibid [5] Ibid, pp189 [6] Ibid [7] Ibid [8] Aradhana Sharma, Journalism in Democracies during times of war: Examining the Role of Indian and US Media, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi 2010 [9]The CNN Effect: Strategic Enabler or Operational Risk? Margaret H. Belknap http://strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/parameters/Articles/02autumn/belknap.htm [10] Brig VK Nair,VSM,Retd. War in the Gulf: Lessons For The Third World, Lancer Papers, pp 106. [11] Ibid [12] Vice Admiral J Metcalfe, The Press and the Grenada 1983, Franc Cass Co. Ltd, London pp 168 [13] Operation Vijay 1999 Victory Over Pak Treachery Col J P Singh, Retd News Bharti English 25 Jul 2014 [14] Kargil War –Wikipedia, online http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/kargil_war. [15] Kargil War –Wikipedia, online http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/kargil_war [16] Ibid. [17] Ibid. [18] Aradhana Sharma, Journalism in Democracies during times of war: Examining the Role of Indian and US Media, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi 2010 [19]Article titled The Significance of the Kargil Crisis pp18-19, RAND Publications http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monograph_reports/MR1450/MR1450.ch2.pdf [20] Ibid [21] Rahul K Bhonsle, Mumbai 26/11- Security Imperatives for the Future, New Delhi Vij Books (India) Pvt Ltd pp 50-51 [22] Media has Blood of NSG Commandoes http://nomadmolouges.blogspot.in/2008/12/media-has-blood-of-nsg-commando.html> [23] Ibid [24] Indian Media And War Maturity Essay http://www.ukessays.com/essays/media/indian-media-and-war-maturity-media-essay.php>

Movement Of Small Intestine Biology Essay

Movement Of Small Intestine Biology Essay In much of the gastrointestinal tract, smooth muscles contract in sequence to produce a peristaltic wave which forces a ball of food called a bolus while in the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract and chyme in the stomach along the gastrointestinal tract. Peristaltic movement is initiated by circular smooth muscles contracting behind the chewed material to prevent it from moving back into the mouth, followed by a contraction of longitudinal smooth muscles which pushes the digested food forward. Catastalsis is a related intestinal muscle process.(Google) Movement of small intestine The small intestine is responsible for removing nutrients from food and bringing water and electrolytes in the body. It also moves food through a specific part of the digestive tract, into the large intestine Once processed and digested by the stomach, the milky chyme is squeezed through the pyloric sphincter into the small intestine. Once past the stomach a typical peristaltic wave will only last for a few seconds, travelling at only a few centimeters per second. Its primary purpose is to mix the chyme in the intestine rather than to move it forward in the intestine. Through this process of mixing and continued digestion and absorption of nutrients, the chyme gradually works its way through the small intestine to the large intestine. During vomiting the propulsion of food up the esophagus and out the mouth comes from contraction of the abdominal muscles; peristalsis does not reverse in the esophagus. Types of contraction.(Guyton pg# 786) There are two main types of contractions that occur in the small intestine as well as other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. These movements are known as mixing contractions or segmentation contractions and propulsive contractions. While these contractions are categorized separately, both perform similar functions. Mixing movements mainly churns food but also propels it. Propulsive movements primarily push food towards the anus but also spreads it out for allowing the digestive enzymes to mix with it. Mixing or Segmentations contraction When a portion of small intestine becomes distended with chyme,stretching of the intestinal wall elicits localized cocentric contractions spaced at intervals along the intestine and lasting a fraction of minute.The contraction cause segmentation of the small intestine.They divide the intestine in to spaced segments that have the appearance of a chain.As one set of contraction relaxes a new set often begins,but the contraction this time occur mainly at new points between the previous contractions.Therefore the segmentation contraction chop the chyme two to three times per minute. The segmentation contractions become exceedingly weak when the excitatory activity of the enteric nervous system is blocked by the drug atropine. (Guyton pg # 786) While mixing contractions also propels food through the small intestine, its main function is to churn the chyme with intestinal enzymes and mechanically break down some particles.(Google) Propulsive Movements or contraction Chyme is propelled through the small intestine by peristaltic waves.These can occur in any part of small intestine ,and they move towards the anus at a velocity of 0.5 to 2.0 cm/sec,faster in the proximal intestine and slower in the terminal intestine.They normally are very weak and die out after traveling only 3 to 5 cm.This means that 3 to 5 hours are required for passage of chyme from the pylorus to the ileolic valve.(Guyton pg #787) These contractions are concentric meaning that they run around the intestine as illustrated in the diagram below. These spaced segments relax and constrict a number of times thereby à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"choppingà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚  the chyme and mixing it back and forth with enzymes, mucus, water and ions in the intestine. These contractions occur about 10 to 12 times per minute in the duodenum (first part) and jejunum (mid) of the small intestine and diminish to about 8 or 9 contractions per minute in the terminal ileum (end portion).(Google) Control of Movement through the Small Intestine A number of hormonal and nervous factors initiate and maintain peristalsis and mixing. Nerve impulses which travel throughout the small intestine are triggered by the gastroenteric reflex (refer to Defecation Reflex) and localized distention of the duodenum. These impulses are propagated via the enteric nervous system, mainly the myenteric plexus, which is the gutà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s own internal network of nerves. It is further regulated by impulses from the central nervous system via the vagus nerve and sympathetic trunk.. The   digestive hormones, cholecystokinin (CCK), gastrin and motilin increase intestinal motility while secretin decreases the activity. In addition, serotonin and insulin can increase motility while glucagon can decrease motility.(Google) Ileocecal Valve The ileocecal valve controls the entry of chyme into the colon and prevents backflow of fecal matter into the ileum of the small intestine.A principal function of the ileolic valve is to prevent backflow of fecal contents from the colon in to the small intestine. It has valve lips that closes when the pressure in the cecum builds up. In addition, the end portion of the ileum, just proximal to the ileocecal valve, has a muscular sphincter called the ileolic sphincter. This is constantly constricted and restricts the flow of chyme from ileum into the cecum unless appropriately stimulated to relax and thereby open. The ileocecal sphincter ensures that intestinal contents stay within the small intestine long enough for sufficient absorption of nutrients.(Guyton pg # 788) Motility disorders in small intestine Problems in the small intestine occur when food is blocked, unable to move, or contains bacteria that cannot be broken down by small intestine cells. Intestinal Dysmotility is a dysfunction that hampers peristalsis, or the contractions that move food forward. When food cannot move forward, cramps and headaches occur in the patient because the digestive process has been stopped unnaturally. Bacterial Overgrowth is a condition that leads to immediate expulsion in the small intestine. If there is an overload of bacteria, the small intestine cannot handle it, and stomach pains and vomiting occur. Cancer can strike the small intestine, although it usually is detected in other parts of the body first. Worms and parasites can occasionally affect small intestine health, although these can most often be removed by careful surgeons or specialized medicines.(Google) Movement in large intestine Movement of food through the large intestine is caused by smooth muscle contraction called peristalsis the best way to describe this is to imagine how a snake moves its abdominal muscles to move. As opposed to the more continuous peristalsis of the small intestines, faecal contents are propelled into the large intestine by periodic mass movements. These mass movements occur one to three times per day in the large intestines and colon, and help propel the contents from the large intestine through the colon to the rectum.(Google) Principal functions of colon are It absorbs water from indigestible food matter and then passes useless waste material from the body. It absorbs all the calcium. Water is added to undigested food to digest it easily.It absorbs water from indigestible food matter and then passes useless waste material from the body. Actually no digestion takes place in the large intestine this organ is almost entirely for water absorption. In the colon, the major process that takes place is the reabsorption of water.(Guyton pg # 788) Types of movements or contractions The movements still have characteristics similar to those of small intestine can be divided into mixing movements or Haustrations and propulsive movements or Mass movements. Mixing movement In the same manner the segmentation movements occur in the small intestine large circular contractions occur in the large intestine,about 2.5 cm of circular muscle contracts.At the same time longitudinal muscles contracts.These combined contractions cause the unstimulated portion of the large intestine to bulge outward in to bag like sacs called haustrations. Mass movements Much of the propulsions in the cecum and ascending colon results from the slow but persistent haustral contractions requiring as many as 8 to 15 hours to move the chyme from the ileolic valve through the colon while the chyme itself becomes fecal in quality a semisolid slush instead of semifluid.A seriesof mass movements usually persists for 10 to 30 minutes .then they cease but reurn perhaps a half day later.When they have forced mass of feces into the rectum the desire for defecation is felt.(Guyton pg #789) Another very important type of motility that occurs in the large intestine is the high amplitude propagating contraction (HAPC). These contractions only occur 6-8 times per day in healthy people, but they are extremely strong contractions, which begin in the first part of the large intestine and sweep around all the way to the rectum; they stop just above the rectum.(Google) Motility Disorders of the Large Intestine Constipation Constipation is usually described as infrequent bowel movements (less than 3 per week), passage of hard stools, and sometimes difficulty in passing stools. The sensations associated with constipation can include a constant feeling of needing to go, or a sensation of bloating or fullness. In children, constipation often leads to fecal incontinence. Diarrhea The symptoms of diarrhea are frequent, loose or watery stools, and a subjective sense of urgency. Patients with diarrhea also may worry about loss of control over bowel movements. An excessive number of high amplitude propagating contractions can be a cause of diarrhea Hirschsprungs disease Hirschspurngs disease is a rare congenital (a person is born with it) disorder that is caused by absence of nerve cells (ganglion) in the rectum and/or colon. Usually the problem involves only the bottom portion of the colon, but in some it involves the entire colon or even part of the small intestine. The part of the bowel that lacks nerve cells (aganglionic) cannot propel stool toward the anus, and therefore results in obstruction, severe constipation, or inflammation (enterocolitis). Although symptoms usually begin within a few days after birth, some people dont develop them until childhood or even adulthood. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) The term irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is used to describe a group of symptoms that occur together. These symptoms include abdominal discomfort or pain and altered bowel habit, either constipation or diarrhea. Some people have both constipation and diarrhea, just at different times. Bloating or distention of the abdomen is also common. IBS symptoms are believed to be caused partly by abnormal motility.(Google)

Woodstock 1969 Essay -- essays research papers

The Woodstock of 1969 was a revolution in itself and responsible for redefining the point of view, respect, and attitude of the so-called "counter-cultured" youth of the late sixties. The attendants of the festival were youths from around the United States in ages ranging from 17 to 26. The overall mood of the festival was very relaxed and happy. Although there was a minimal amount of violence at Woodstock, there were financial problems, drugs, nudity, and traffic jams that seemed to go for miles down the old country roads surrounding Max Yasgur's dairy farm. Woodstock was a symbol of the rebellious society of the time. The youths that went were looking to vent out frustrations that their parents had forced upon them. For most youths, the "3 Days of Peace, Love, and Music" seemed to be just the place to balance their thoughts, relax with friends, and meet new people that hated their parents as much as they did. Two-hundred thousand people were expected to show for the Woodstock festival, and instead an overwhelming "400,000 youngsters turned up to hear big- name bands play in a field near the village of Bethel, New York state in what has become the largest rock concert of the decade". The attendents and the mood of the Woodstock festival in Bethel, New York was that of the counter-cultered young society of the late sixties. Max Yasgur's farm was transformed from a beautiful lush, green dairy farm field into a 400,000- person mudpit. Throughout the days of the festival, the attendants were "undaunted by rain, mud, wet clothes and chilly mountain breezes, thousands of youths sat on a rural hillside here for a marathon 19-hour session of folk-rock music". Drugs had also become increasingly more popular in the sixties, and Woodstock was no exception to the latest trend. Drugs were readily available and generously passed around through the crowds of youths all over the hillside. But the drugs weren't the reason that people generally attended the Woodstock festival. Most would agree with a man interviewed five miles away from his vehicle walking towards the festival in saying that " But it's more than that. I'm here for the same reason that Indians used to have tribal gatherings. Just being here with people like me makes it all worthwhile... ...ting with a lot of room, grass, trees, lakes. It was going to be a youth cultural exposition and that is where the culture of this generation expresses itself more naturally". Woodstock '69 has remained the icon of the sixties. After a "mind-blowing rendition of the national anthem, the hillside was cleared for the first time in nearly four days of the hordes of youths who came here for three days of music, companionship, and, in many cases, drugs". "Mr. Yasgur is gone, as is the farm. The meadow is green again, and very peaceful. Someone has built a small monument...commemorating the event, listing performers and dates". Today there are still people who believe in the philosophy of peace, love, and hapiness. They still have the hope that one day the government will "take the backseat" to an overcrowded music festival. A policeman after the music festival said what only can be imagined now-a-days, that those kids "have proven something to the world... that half a million kids can get together for fun and music and have nothing but fun and music."

The Effect of Technology on My Life :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers

The Effect of Technology on My Life I roll around on my bed, tossing and turning. The blare from my alarm clock deafens my right ear, and I quickly throw an arm over to it and slam on the snooze button. It is 6 o'clock in the morning, and already technology has affected my life. I fall to my feet and walk towards the showers. Another form of technology is about to take over my life. Well, at least for the next ten to 20 minutes. The alarm clock, running water, these are only two of the millions of examples of technology I will encounter today. I place technology into two, well, three basic categories: Informative, which helps us obtain and use information, Communicative, which includes language, signs, and the like, and that help us communicate with each other, and Useful, such as electricity and running water. These are the things that make our lives easier and help us get through the day to day. Also, there are those things that we are taught. I believe that learning, such as being racist, is a technology. Okay, so I have four categories, all right? Education and Learning is the fourth. I believe this because you are not born a racist, you're your environment and those you are around teach you to be that way. Also, it ties in to other forms of technology. Like, when you're a baby, you can't speak, so you have no way to communicate how you fell. But as you grow older, you learn language t hat you hear being spoken around you. You slowly pick up on the words and phrases used to express desires and thoughts. This is learning and teaching as technology. This "story" is about how my life is affected by technology, and so I got to thinking: What better way to explain this than to take you (the reader) on a journey through a typical day in my life? Here we go. I've already woken up, and taken my shower, and now I trudge back to my room to get ready for my classes. I turn on my lamp (technology), without which I couldn't put on my make-up.

A Financial Analysis of G.Wilson

Construction is a cyclical business. During economic booms, both individuals and corporations tend to build too much and too quickly. Profit-seeking entities, anxious not to miss out on the economic potential of the boom, push up the demand for both construction materials and labor, which then increases the prices of those variables.In time, and with more and more infrastructure erected, an excess supply develops. When the economy suddenly turns downward, this excess supply, finding no demand, then pushes prices of related industry products downward.G. Wilson and Its Erratic EarningsG.Wilson is an example of a company that finds it hard to produce consistent earnings. In one sense it is inevitable for a company that is completely devoted to the production of construction materials to have cyclical earnings. While it has a solid balance sheet, G.Wilson is simply too vulnerable to the boom and bust cycles of the construction industry to realize stable and lasting profits.However, a cer tain level of innovation can help insulate the company from these systemic shocks, with one example being Mr. Monroe’s proposal of direct costing. By changing how the company estimated its costs for the production and sale of rebar, Mr. Monroe was in effect bringing a modicum of both clarity and stability into the earnings picture.  With the direct costing method, the price arrived at for the rebar was more precise, in contrast to the old method which used industry-approved, but inaccurately determined fixed costs, including items such as overhead. In this specific instance it was determined that out-of-pocket expenses for a ton of rebar averaged at $406, but fixed costs remained more or less constant, so that profits earned or losses realized depended on the amount of tonnage actually sold and shipped.The proposal to â€Å"add tonnage in the proposed job to the backlog for the month in which it is to be produced† was meant to produce a method by which a more prà ©c is costing could be arrived at, especially in relation to the fixed costs involved.When it came to selling the rebar to the contractors, the more precise costing would allow the company to see immediately which deals were going to produce a profit and which were not, thereby avoiding bad deals in the first place. Without this more precise costing, the company might enter into deals that would make little economic sense, and be saddled with costs that it will in essence pay for in future production.  

Latina

The Myth of Latin Woman Throughout life people may be involved in racial abuse, especially if they are Latin women; discrimination by people that believe they are superior just because they have born in a different or best country. In â€Å"Myth of the Latin Woman: I Just Met a Girl Named Maria† by Judith Ortiz Cofer, the writer tries to show part of her life and how people in different countries acts in the situation of having someone in front of them with a different culture or skin color, in this case Latin woman.In the essay, she had to fight with three situations of discrimination: (1) Stereotypes, (2) Culture Clash, and (3) media. First of all, the term stereotype is used as a negative sense. Throughout the essay, Ortiz writes about the experiences she passed through her childhood, her experience as a Latina woman and the stereotypes that involved a Latin woman. In paragraph 2, she is upset about how her Hispanic appearance called forth from many people she met from diff erent countries. Ortiz thinks that a Latin woman is seen as a sex object as a result of her way of dressing.She declares that her mother taught her how to do it. Our parents influence us in our way of dress. For example, if our parents are from an Indian region and they use Indian clothes, they are going to influence us to wear the same clothes. Also, she narrates about her experience on a bus trip when a white man started reciting the lines of â€Å"Maria† because she appeared to be Latino. Secondly, culture clash carries a big influence. She explains in her essay how hard it is growing up in a country with a totally different culture.Even, one day when she went to school to the Career Day, they had gone â€Å"dressed as if for a job interview. † She went dressed the way a Puerto Rican dresses. The way she dressed with too much jewelry made her a victim of mockery. Furthermore, some people who move to another country are victims of discrimination by people who believe that bringing their culture and traditions from another country is wrong, they think that if you move to a their country you need to adapt to their culture, and forget yours. These people not even think about mix cultures.Thirdly, the media plays a role not only in this essay, but in the real world too. The media have influenced the white people about Latina’s concept especially, those who see a TV series in which a Latina is inferior. In this case, she writes about her Chicana friend who worked at a major university. Even her incredulous doctor questions himself about how she knows â€Å"big words. † Regarding how the media sees Latina as inferior workers, Ortiz writes about her experience in Miami in one of her poetry events. When she was walking in, an old lady called her to her table to order for a cup of coffee.If Judith Ortiz Cofer was a white woman, it would not happen. In addition, the media nowadays influences everyone a lot about Latina women and their cultu re. In another way, she explains how people think about what jobs the Latina women can do, because white people believe that a Latina’s brown skin; white people think that they came from an inferior culture, a culture of servitude. For this reason, some people cannot believe when they see a Latina woman succeed in a country with their backward culture about Latinas.In conclusion, it is sad to see how people feel superior over others, chiefly because their skin color is different. It is also sad to see how others want to humiliate a Latina just because her culture is completely different to ours, or simply because they watch how the TV denigrates Latina women, regardless of their feelings. Ortiz focused her essay on how Latina women can be successful in this country regardless of stereotype, culture, or what the media says about them.

The effects of technology on teenagers

The modern technological world is swiftly changing and advancing before our very eyes. Technology has become part of our every day lives with, mobile phones, laptops, iPods, Wi-Fi spots available nearly everywhere, mp3 players and an enormous array of gaming consoles – there is no avoiding it. Technology has fully developed into the 21st century and seems to have brought with it an unending list of potential detriments. These especially have negative effects on teenagers although it is argued that technology may have also provided a positive impact on today’s youth, for instance, an increase in social activity. I myself, being a teenager of the 21st century cannot even begin to fathom the capabilities of technology. The possibilities are literally endless, however if used without discretion it could also create a generation that solely relies on technology for satisfaction and happiness. The first main problem technology brings to teenagers is the Internet – a global network connecting millions of computers. Now you may be failing to see what the problem is in this description but the budding dangers of the Internet are extremely high and are all around even if they don’t seem obvious at first. Seeing as the Internet is a huge part of a teenager’s life because it provides so many positive opportunities, it isn’t hard to fall into the easy traps of the Internet. For example information such as pictures, projects, videos and documents can be sent with a click of a button; it primarily simplifies teenage life. So, where is the issue in this? The key issue is that whatever goes on the Internet can never truly be gone, even after it has been deleted. The moment that something is posted online, it falls into the hands of millions of strangers who can then download that photo or video, or save a copy of that post. My main point is that what goes on the Internet stays on the Internet and could most likely end up downloaded on someone’s computer. Recently, this issue has affected more and more teenagers. This is mainly because the youth of today are so used to using the Internet, it has become a part of their life but so many are unaware of how to stay safe online. In addition to potentially putting yourself in danger at the click of a button, technology can also take a toll on your behaviour. As teenagers we are still discovering ourselves and establishing our identities. The majority of us have a strong desire for acceptance in society and the images that are available for teenagers to see on the Internet or on television have a strong effect on the process of becoming who we are. These images often stimulate the ideals of the perfect body or how you should behave, especially for young girls. In one study, 69% of girls said that models they see on television fix their idea of what a perfect body shape is. With this much influence from technology it isn’t surprising that eating disorders have grown 400% since 1970. Girls as young as eight years old are becoming conscious of their weight because of these ideals that are set by the world of technology. As upsetting as these statistics are, it does reflect life for young people in the 21st century. Most teenagers can say they have been influenced by the images they see online but the real problem that technology brings is that nowadays, more often than not; these influences are being taken to extremities. Most importantly, technology can be affecting our health. During the past 20 years, obesity in young people has risen drastically and the main contributor is technology. Today, teenagers spend a lot more time in front of the television, or playing video games or using computers. Technology has become a constant companion, completely replacing the idea of active play. More than 40 studies have proven that technology contributes to an inactive lifestyle and weight gain in teenagers. Therefore, this issue is also a reflection of teenage life nowadays as child obesity has become a social epidemic Overall, technology is the perfect example of what life is like in the UK in the 21st century. It is the one thing that has developed the most throughout the years; almost to an extent where people rely on it so much they cannot live without it. It is certainly a huge aspect of young people’s lives as a recent survey showed that 93% of all teenagers aged 12-17 uses the Internet or emails. The worrying statistic is that 58% of teens don’t believe that posting photos or other personal information on social networking sites is unsafe. Things like this are an even bigger aspect of teenage life and unfortunately also reflects life in the 21st century as teenagers are becoming increasingly active online and are at a high risk of falling into the trap of online predators. Nevertheless, I am not completely against technology. I am part of that 93% of teenagers and of course it does have its benefits too, such as educating us, making life easier and simply for its entertainment and social capabilities.