Length paragraphs project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Length paragraphs project - Essay Example On the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1998), the UN also celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Vienna Convention on Drug Trafficking, and reaffirmed the resolve to intensify international efforts to eradicate this evil. This paper attempts to briefly examine the impact of laws and policies in this ongoing war, and to suggest possible changes and measures in order to accelerate the pace of international efforts in curbing the drugs menace. The war against drugs has assumed global dimensions, and almost resembles the crusades. The problem has apparently assumed alarming proportions primarily due to years of inaction by several governments, apart from the lack of clear policies, laws, and implementing machinery relating to drugs. Increasing drug use as such is not seen as the major culprit in compounding the crisis. It is estimated that in the U.S. alone, illegal drug trafficking accounts for over 8% of international trade revenues, totaling US$400 billion annually (Riley, 2001). Among other things, the evils propagated by the mushrooming drug industry include the following: â€Å"The need for an integrated approach to drug control is now well accepted, and was endorsed by the international community with the establishment in 1990 of the UN’s Global Program of Action† (Knaack, 1995, p. 349). This Program set out to implement â€Å"balanced strategies that are comprehensive and multidisciplinary in scope† and targeted at â€Å"combating all aspects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking† (1995), apart from tackling certain other related problems, such as: Unless tougher, more consistent and better-organized international action can be mounted against trafficking, we will continue to pour tens of thousands of billions of dollars into the ‘war against drugs’ without rooting out the evil. The potential profits are so enormous that major traffickers will always have an interest in stimulating demand and

The Kikuyu Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Kikuyu Culture - Essay Example It is still from the Kikuyu tribe that Africa's first African female Nobel peace prize winner called Wangari Maathai comes from (Bennett, Patrick R 2008) A child is considered as a blessing in the Kikuyu culture where the family identity is carried on by naming the first boy after the father's father, and the second after the mother's father. The same happens to the girl child, where the first is named after the father's mother and the second after the mother's mother. The rest of the children are named after the brother's and sisters of the grand parents beginning from the oldest to the youngest. The greatest value of a child in this culture is attached with the belief that the deceased grand parents' spirit that the child was named after would come into the new child. The child, male or female is greatly respected. However, the belief does not hold for the grandparents who are still alive, as their spirit still lies within them. (Bennett, Patrick R 2008) Most of the families under the Kikuyu culture do not have many children. A 1999 survey by the Catholic University of Eastern Africa showed that the average is three children per family, where the relationship between the parents and their children is mainly based on respect. As the children grows, the value of male and female children changes. The boy child is considered to be the protector of the family in the absence of the parents, a fact that results to the girl child being neglected. There is a cultural tendency in the Kikuyu tribe to educate the boy child whereas the girl child is left at home to keep the home tidy. This is to prepare the girl child to be a good house wife. (Bennett, Patrick R 2008) The Rites of Passage for Males and Females According to Frederick Mowlem (2006), "every modern culture, knowingly or otherwise depends on the aspects of their forefathers". The rites of passage for both the male and female used to be circumcision until the late 1950s when the church began fighting against female circumcision. For males, the circumcision ceremony is currently organized by age sets of about five year periods, where the boys become part of the same age-set, known as Anake, where the old ones teach the young ones the cultural expectations that they should abide with. On the other hand, the females have ceased to undergo circumcision as a rite of passage adopting a three day retreat organized by the older women (50 and above) where the young women are taught about the duties and cultural behavioral expectations that they should abide with. Kikuyu Children's Participation in Education and Labor Unlike the olden days when education was considered to be essential for boys only, there is currently a tendency for girl's education to be taken equally as important. The Kikuyu are known to have a desire to have knowledge and it is believed that all children should receive a full education. (DeLancey, V. 1990). Given the fact that the labor market in Kenya has always valued male and female workers equally, both the male and the female child has equal chances for employment as long as they are qualified. However, this has not always been the case because of the way children are raised, which might have an impact on the work mentality i.e. girls are raised to work in the house hold chores and the boys to work in the

Explanation Of The Digestive System And Associated Diseases Biology Essay

Explanation Of The Digestive System And Associated Diseases Biology Essay Digestion is the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food, a process required for survival. Without the capability to break food down into molecules small enough to enter the blood stream, an organisms energy levels would not support life. In humans and animals, blood cells must maintain a constant supply of energy for growth, repair, and reproduction. This energy is derived through ingested food that is broken down to a usable form through digestion. The digestive system is a contributor to the internal stability maintained for health and overall survival (Ch. 3: Human Organization, n.d). There are five stages of digestion that the human body goes through. Movement is the first stage; it is necessary to, first, propel food through the digestive organs so the following stages can occur. Stage two is glandular secretions that are released as a response to specific stimuli. These digestive juices assist in the chemical break down of food. In stage three, digestion breaks down food to a small enough form that will enable the molecular components to cross plasma membranes in cells, which allows stage four to take coarse. In stage four, absorption occurs as the molecules are passed into the bodies interior, or passed throughout the body if the molecules are unnecessary for the health of the organism. Finally, stage five, the process of the passing of the unneeded molecules discovered in stage four. The body must eliminate waste and undigested food in this final stage. Each stage involves appointed organs to do specific jobs along the process of digestion (Audersirk, Audersi rk, & Byers, 2008). HOMEOSTASIS Picture how a well oiled machine works, or a fine tuned orchestra; each instrumentalist working as an individual to produce one intricate melody. The individual string players produce one sound within the melody, the percussion produce another contributing sound, the winds, another, and so on. The equilibrium of such a scenario is very similar to how the human body performs homeostasis. Each different organ system maintains stability within the human body by contributing its own specific function through individual organs. These functions involve coordinated responses to abnormal stimuli or situations, and then work together to alleviate the abnormality (Audersirk, et al., 2008). There are five main functions that are involved in human homeostasis. The protective skin; featuring hair, nails, sweat and oil glands is known as the integumentary system. Support and movement of the body is provided by the muscular and skeletal systems. Survival, integration and control of the human body are supported by the nervous system, which senses stimuli and allows the body to control itself through thought; musculoskeletal system, where the muscle and bone functions combine to produce reflexes and strength, glandular system, producing chemicals for cellular stability; and endocrine system, releasing hormones. Continuance of the species relies on the reproductive organ systems, gametes such as sperm and eggs, and endocrine systems to release hormones. The overall maintenance of the body relies on several organ systems that are cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, and urinary and last, but certainly not least, the digestive system (Ch. 3: Human Organization, n.d). The digestive system keeps the conditions of the body normal, contributing to the tissue fluids that bathe cells with needed nutrients. Blood and tissue need to maintain a constant composition for cells to function and support the organism life. Although the endocrine and nervous system act as the composers of the hypothetical symphony that is homeostasis by coordinating organ system activities, the digestive system is a key member. This organ system is important because it helps maintain levels of energy in the cells through the absorption of nutrients, fats and glucose. Those nutrients, fats and glucose provide support for other systems and their cells as well as the overall health of the being. The digestive system is a contributor to the dynamic equilibrium that homeostasis is (Ch. 3: Human Organization, n.d.). HOW THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM INTERACT WITH OTHER ORGAN SYSTEMS? The digestive system works in parallel with the kidneys and urinary (excretory system). While the digestive system collects and removes solids not digested, the excretory system filters compounds from the blood stream and collects them in urine. These systems work together to control the amount of water in your body. (Dowshen M.D., 2007) The circulatory system interacts with the digestive system to distribute the absorbed vitamins and nutrients through the body. To control the speed of digestion, the circulatory system carries chemical signals from the endocrine system (Dowshen M.D., 2007). The Endocrine system directs all the systems in the body to complete their intended functions. One way in which this occurs is through the release of hormones. Three major hormones, Gastrin, Secretin, and Cholecystokinin, control the digestion process. Produced and released through the mucosa of the small intestine, they travel through the heart, and arteries back to the digestive system where they stimulate digestive juices and organ movement. Other hormones in the digestive system that regulate the appetite are Ghrelin and Peptide YY. They work on the brain to help regulate the intake of food for energy (American Dietetic Association, 2008). The nervous system is also involved and supports the digestive system. Two nerves help control the action of the digestive system. The Extrinsic (outside) nerves come to the digestive organs from the brain/spinal cord. Acetylcholine, which causes the muscle layers in the digestive organs to squeeze with more force increasing digestive juices and the push of food through the digestive tract travels through these nerves. Adrenaline has the opposite effect, it relaxes the stomach and intestine, and decreases blood flow to the organs, slowing or stopping digestion (American Dietetic Association, 2008). The second is the Intrinsic (inside) nerve; it makes up a dense network embedded in the walls of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. This nerve is triggered when the walls of the hollow organs are stretched by food. It releases many different substances, which will speed up or delay the movement of food and production of juices by the digestive system. (American Dietetic Association, 2008). A perfectly functioning digestive system relies on many different systems to reach peak performance. Without the support and contribution of these systems the digestive system would be compromised affecting an individuals health. ORGANS IN THE DIGESTIVE SYTEM There are many organs in the digestive system that contribute to food digestion and the overall health of an individual. They include the oral cavity, salivary glands (Parotid, Submandibular, and Sublinqual), pharynx, epiglottis, liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine and rectum (Audersirk, et al., 2008). The Oral Cavity (mouth) is where food begins its digestive journey. As food is taken into the mouth it is chewed into small bits and mixed with saliva from the salivary glands: Paratoid, Submandibular, and Sublingual. Saliva aids digestion through the contribution of Amylase which is a digestive enzyme used to form sugar from starch, helping to prevent bacterial infections, and making it easier to swallow. As food passes from the mouth to the Pharynx, swallowing occurs which activates the Epiglottis (muscle flap) to cover the opening to a persons airway. The Epiglottis is a director keeping food out of areas it doesnt belong and sending it into the esophagus (food highway). The Esophagus is a passageway that travels from the pharynx to the stomach. Food moves through the esophagus towards the stomach with the aid of peristalses (muscle contractions). As food moves through the esophagus mucus is released to coat the passageway and protect if from being damaged as food travels to the s tomach (Audersirk, et al, 2008). As the food reaches the Stomach it passes through the Lower Esophageal Sphincter which acts as a lid to prevent stomach contents from entering the esophagus. The stomach is a muscular plant that functions to regulate the flow of food into the small intestine create smaller pieces of food through muscular contractions, and breakdown food through chemical processes. Gastric glands located in the stomach lining add Pepsinogen (inactive digestive enzyme), hydrochloric acid, and mucus into the stomach cavity to aid in the digestive process. The Pepsinogen becomes Pepsin (the active enzyme) when it is introduced to the hydrochloric acid. This separation of substances prevents the stomach from eating itself. The pepsin then starts protein digestion while the food is within the stomach. The mixing and churning of the stomach created by peristalsis, and the digestive enzymes and substances released into the stomach produces Chyme (partially digested food and digestive secretions ( Audersirk, et al., pg. 698 2008]). Chyme is the substance released at a regulated rate through the pyloric sphincter into the small intestine. This portion of digestion can occur within 2 to 6 hours (Audersirk, et al., 2008). The Small Intestine is where the majority of digestion and absorption occurs. As chyme passes into the small intestine several enzymes and digestive secretions are released. The Liver contributes bile which is comprised of bile salts, water, other salts, and cholesterol. (Audersirk, et al., pg. 698, 2008) The salts contained within bile aid with the digestion and diffusion of fats within the chyme. The Pancreas disburses pancreatic juice (water, sodium bicarbonate, and digestive enzymes (Audersirk, et al., pg. 699, 2008]) into the small intestine which lowers the acidic levels of the chyme and aids in digestion. Digestive enzymes within pancreatic juice include pancreatic Amylase (effective carbohydrate enzyme), lipases (breaks down fats, lipids), and proteases (finishes protein breakdown). Once the useful substances contained in chyme (carbohydrates, protein, nutrients, lipids) are broken down, absorption occurs through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream, except f or glycerol and fatty acids. These must travel a different absorption route. Chylomicrons (groups of fat particles and protein) travel through the lacteal into the lymphatic system and end up in a vein close to the heart. The leftover waste is then passed into the large intestine (Audersirk, et al., 2008). The Large Intestine consists of the colon (ascending, transverse, and descending), and the rectum. The main function of the large intestine is to produce vitamins necessary for the body such as vitamin B12 and vitamin K. These vitamins are synthesized (produced chemically or biologically [MSN.Encarta Dictionary, 2008]) by bacteria within the large intestine and are then absorbed. This absorption triggers muscles (peristalsis) that contract the remaining waste into feces to be expelled from the body through the rectum (Audersirk, et al., 2008). THE ESOPHAGUS All the organs in the digestive system are formed specifically for the purpose of their function. Take the esophagus for example. The esophagus main purpose is get food from the mouth to the stomach, which makes its composition critical. Beginning at the base of the pharynx, the esophagus opens through the Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES) and ends at the stomach with the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). The UES directs food into the Esophagus while the LES keeps food that has already left the esophagus and stomach acid from getting into it. Approximately 10 in length it is comprised of various muscular tissues. The upper third of the esophagus is striated muscle which is triggered by voluntary impulses. Once past the upper third of the esophagus the muscles turn smooth becoming the smoothest in the bottom portion of the esophagus. Smooth muscle is operated involuntarily by the nervous system. These muscles are in two layers. The outer layer of muscle fibers of the esophagus run vertically, while the inner layer of muscle fibers surrounds the esophagus in rings. These muscles are what move the food down the esophagus to the stomach. Prior to food entering, the esophagus remains collapsed, but as food enters it a signal is sent to the nervous system that triggers peristaltic contractions. These muscular contractions are the power behind the movement of food (Rosenberger M.D., n.d; Pope, C.E., 2008). The muscular layers of the esophagus are joined to an internal mucous layer via the Areolar or sub-mucous layer. This mucous membrane covers the interior of the esophagus and is lined with stratified squamous epithelium consisting of a basal layer of two to three layers of cells Located within the sub-mucous layer are the mucous type esophageal glands. The mucous membrane protects the esophagus from damage and aids the movement of food toward the stomach (Coutsoukis, n.d.). The esophagus receives blood from the inferior thyroid artery, tracheobronchial arteries, and the left gastric artery. Its venous pathways (route blood leaves the esophagus) are the superior vena cava, azygous system, and gastric veins. The structure of the esophagus and the support of the circulatory and nervous system all combine to make the esophagus a highly complex organ capable of completing its function as a highly developed transportation system (Rosenberger M.D., n.d; Pope, C.E., 2008). DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DISEASES Several diseases and conditions can develop in the digestive system that can seriously affect an individuals overall health and quality of life. A person receives the nutrients that are necessary to sustain a healthy body through the digestive system, which makes its proper function critical to sustain life. Some of the diseases associated with this system develop due to a nutrient or vitamin deficiency in an individuals diet, consumption of excessive alcoholic beverages, or conditions that arise from a lack of development prior to birth. Two of these types of diseases are preventable through proper diet and good lifestyle choices, while the third is beyond the control of an individual to influence. In an effort to illustrate the differences, a disease from each type was chosen and discussed in the following paragraphs. Hirschsprungs is a disease caused by a birth defect, while Cirrhosis is caused from the consumption of excessive alcoholic beverages or exposure to Hepatitis A, B, or C (Audersirk, et al., 2008). Hirschsprungs disease (HD) is a condition that humans are born with due to lack of development in the large intestine or colon. This disease usually manifests in children and causes constipation or the complete inability to have a bowel movement. This occurs because the large intestine lacks the necessary equipment to do the job. Special nerve cells in the intestine, called ganglion cells make the muscles push. (Hirschsprungs disease, n.d.). These muscular contractions push the feces into the rectum so that it can exit the body. A child born with Hirschsprungs disease doesnt have these cells in parts of their intestine. As the stool enters one of these sections it stops creating a blockage. The stool then backs up into the small intestine and can cause a serious infection known as Enterocolitis. If left untreated, it can cause the colon to rupture creating the possibility of death. HD is common in children with Downs syndrome. Currently, surgery is the only available treatment and requires removing the section of diseased intestine. A colostomy bag is attached to the exterior of the body to receive bowel movements until the intestine heals. After it heals a second surgery is needed to reconnect the intestine with the anus. Children that receive the surgery can go on to lead normal lifestyles. The bodies inability to remove waste created from digestion created a life threatening situation (Hirschsprungs disease, n.d.). Cirrhosis of the liver is an example of a disease in the digestive system that is preventable. Cirrhosis is from damaged or scarred liver tissue. The scar tissue prevents the liver from functioning to its full capacity of making protein, fighting infections, cleaning the blood, assistance in digesting food and storing energy. Normal blood flow through the liver is blocked by the scar tissue. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is the main cause for Cirrhosis. However, it can occur in humans if hepatitis A, B or C is contracted. Some causes of the disease may not be identifiable even after blood tests and an examination by a physician. It can be life threatening, but is usually treatable if detected early. People with Cirrhosis have to be extremely careful about medications and alcohol intake since the liver acts as a catalyst in breaking down chemicals and nutrients which may cause the liver to stop functioning completely. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet can prevent contracting the disease. Vaccinations are also available for Hepatitis A and B, but not for C (Audersirk, et al., 2008). A digestive system must be whole in order to function appropriately. A persons best bet for digestive health is to eat a healthy well rounded diet full of fiber, fruit, and the vitamins and nutrients necessary to promote a healthy body. Taking preventative sensible measures wont guarantee a persons health but it will greatly increase the odds in their favor.

Public Nudity Should Not be Allowed :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Public Nudity Should Not be Allowed In the summer of 1996 Gwen Jacobs enjoyed a topless summer stroll during which she was seen by a local O.P.P officer, was apprehended and subsequently charged with indecent exposure. Gwen Jacobs pleaded not guilty in court and won the right to go topless in Ontario. This incident brought up an excellent question: should women be allowed to go topless on public beaches and in other public areas? The answer is strictly no, women should not be allowed to go topless anywhere outside of their own home. One of the many reasons why I believe that women should not be allowed to go topless is with respect to the safety of women. Men and boys have, in recent years, been using short, tight, skirts and shirts as an excuse for rape or date rape. Men have said that the girl was wearing a tight shirt and short skirt and it was obvious that she was easy and wanted the attention. This statement leads me to my next point. The average human being upon first contact with a stranger bases his initial impression of that person solely on the person's appearance. This is only natural as the only thing that we know about this stranger is what we see of them the first time we meet. We all are aware of the sayings "Preppy","Jockish","Skater","Sluty" etc. This final saying, â€Å"Sluty† is interpreted by 90 percent of North Americans as a tight skirt and tight tank top which happens to be the usual ensemble of a prostitute. This first impression of a girl in nothing but a skirt and a bare chest will no doubt elevate to the new version of a â€Å"Slut† and a girl that wants it. My second point is, what kind of questions will a mother be asked by her son when he sees a half nude woman walking down the street. The first question that this child will ask is why do these women have no shirt on and you do? Your reply will be well ahhh go talk to your father. This dilemma will no doubt be brought about as these and other questions about the sexual nature of the body will be put forth by young children. Questions that you as a parent do not feel should be answered truthfully to such a young child. My third point begins thousands of years ago when man first walked on the earth. When man first walked he hunted and his wife(clothless) cleaned the game and took care of the young.

The Fool in King Lear

â€Å"The Fool both emphasises and relieves the tragedy of the play. † Discuss. The fool is a continual character in the workings of Shakespeare. The Fool is usually a cunning peasant that uses his intellect to outdo people of a higher social status. This is particularly the case in the play King Lear. Lear’s jester, the Fool, is indeed a very strange character. He uses crazy talk and merry songs to give Lear important advice. Not only is he important in the development of the plot but he’s important in the development of Lear’s character and also has an important role in the development of the mood in the play.The Fool is one of the wiser, if not the wisest, characters in the play and emphasises the tragedy in that his sharp and mocking double-talk and his constant stabs at Lear’s dignity add depth while at the same time entertaining. He somewhat narrates and activates the audiences awareness of important issues in the play. This is especially so a t the end of Act III scene ii when the fool addresses the audience. â€Å"This is a brave night to cool a courtezan. I'll speak a prophecy ere I go:†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He is the voice of reason throughout the play which is ironic because of his part as â€Å"the fool†.Furthermore, the king’s jester has an important part in the development of the king’s character. It seems as if the Fool's purpose is to make Lear see the world as it is and to help him laugh at his horrors. He basically acts and speaks as Lear’s conscience. When Lear is foolish, he bluntly points out the mistakes he has made and tries to help his king see the results of his actions. The fool can get away with pointing out the horrid truth because he is supposedly mad but that means that people don’t always listen to his advice where they should.However, Lear almost treats his jester like the son he never had and therefore somewhat prioritizes what he says, even if most of the time it is not what he wants to hear. Perhaps the fool of King Lear is different to other Shakespearean fools because he is not the average comic fool. Some of what the fool says is funny, but mostly he emphasizes the horror of the tragedy. It is humor that lets him go further in helping Lear than Kent or Cordelia without being banished.After Act III scene vi the fool disappears and doesn’t return to the stage again; the reason why this happens is debatable. Most agree that this is because he is no longer dramatically useful to Shakespeare but all agree that the fools absence seems to darken the mood of the play. Once the king has reached his absolute lowest there is nothing more his surrogate son can do for him. He no longer needs to be told the stupidity of his actions because Lear has finally learned to recognize the truth for himself.

The White Dog Cafe

After careful consideration of the case, â€Å"Walking the Walk: Putting Social Responsibility into Action at the White Dog Cafe,† we believe that Judy’s main obligation is to find a qualified employee that has the same instrumental values as herself, and who can maintain the company’s philosophy of corporate social responsibility. The chapters used in this proactive social responsibility strategy are â€Å"Management’s Social and Ethical Responsibility† and â€Å"Influence, Power, and Leadership. For White Dog Cafe to be successful and to be able to keep up with their current frantic pace they need to hire multiple managers with equal skills and values as Judy, and balance social responsibility and restaurant quality. If there comes a day that Judy is no longer able to formally lead the organization, her main responsibility is to find ethical advocates with equal management skills that will be a positive reinforcement to the White Dog Cafe, and keep the tradition of Madame Blavatsky’s spirit and commitment to others. Judy’s high involvement within the company leaves her no time to go through the hiring process for when she decides to step down from her position. Being an altruistic manager, Judy is capable of balancing not only an abundant amount of projects and programs for the community but also a four-star restaurant. When the restaurant was first established, Judy had enforced the four-part philosophy to the company; she had made it well known to the employees and influenced the stakeholder audits of what she wanted to accomplish. Even though Judy was able to achieve an immense amount of tasks, it would be more efficient for the company to hire different transformational leaders for specific areas of White Dog Cafe. By promoting several employees to the manager positions, the company can be assured that they will not only thrive in the restaurant, but also in the ethical social responsibility aspect of the company. If Judy were to hire someone outside of the company, White Dog Cafe could risk losing their balance causing an iron law of responsibility. For instance, Ben & Jerry’s and The Body Shop had been bought out by two different companies that did not support the amount of social responsibility that the original companies were known for. This could be avoided by hiring current employees for the management positions because they already understand and abide by the company’s philosophy. By whistle blowing the new managers, the employees, can reassure the existence of the White Dog Cafe’s philosophy, and make certain that the managers understand how reacting with reactive social responsibility strategies is not acceptable. White Dog Cafe needs to promote its enlightened self-interest of community service by letting their customers know what the company is accomplishing; it will open the eyes of their clientele, and may lead to more loyal customers. Through Judy’s legitimate power, employees can promote their projects and programs by hanging wall decor of awards and pictures on their restaurant walls, descriptions on their menus, and a website explaining everything they achieve. Customers come into the restaurant for the exquisite food, exceptional customer service, and friendly atmosphere; however, if White Dog Cafe ever had been bought out by amoral managers, the customers and employees can stand their ground with continuous reinforcement and protest any managers that don’t qualify for the legitimate position that is of importance to the company. In the long-term future, when Judy decides to step-down from her high power position, she will have promoted several managers, creating even more empowerment within the company. By advertising all of their accomplishments and support to their community, White Dog Cafe will gain vast amounts of attention for more than just their service, attracting a wide variety of customers. The White Dog Cafe’s manager position is really stressful with all of the planning and organizing within the company; these managers need to possess emotional intelligence. We believe that with proper leadership skills, and accommodative social responsibility strategies that White Dog Cafe can prosper in Philadelphia’s community.

History of Electric Christmas Lights

History of Electric Christmas Lights Like so many things electrical, the history of electric Christmas lights begins with Thomas Edison. During the Christmas season of 1880, Edison, who had invented the incandescent bulb the previous year, hung strings of electric lights outside his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. An article in the New York Times  on December 21, 1880, described a visit by officials from the New York City government to Edisons laboratory in Menlo Park. The walk from the train station to Edisons building was lined with electric lamps was illuminated with 290 light bulbs which cast a soft and mellow light on all sides. Did You Know? The first use of electric Christmas lighting was by Thomas Edison in 1880.The first illuminated Christmas tree was shown off by one of Edisons employees to reporters who visited his Manhattan house in 1882.Electric lights were very costly at first and required the services of a trained electrician.When the cost of electric lights became affordable, their use quickly spread as they were much safer than candles. It doesnt appear from the article that Edison intended the lights to be associated with Christmas. But he was hosting a holiday dinner for the delegation from New York, and the novel lighting seemed to fit in with the holiday mood. Up to that time, it was common to illuminate Christmas trees with small candles, which could, of course, be dangerous. In 1882, an employee of Edison put on a show with electric lights that was fully intended to establish the practical application of electricity to the celebration of Christmas. Edward H. Johnson, a close friend of Edison and the president of the company Edison formed to provide illumination in New York City, used electric lights for the first time to illuminate a Christmas tree. The First Electric Christmas Tree Lights Johnson rigged up a Christmas tree with electrical lights, and, in typical style for the Edison companies, he solicited coverage in the press. An 1882 dispatch in the Detroit Post and Tribune about a visit to Johnson’s house in New York City may have been the first news coverage of electric Christmas lights. A month later, a magazine of the time, Electrical World, also reported on Johnson’s tree. Their item called it â€Å"the handsomest Christmas tree in the United States.† Two years later, the New York Times sent a reporter to Johnson’s house on the East Side of Manhattan, and an astoundingly detailed story appeared in the edition of December 27, 1884. Headlined, A Brilliant Christmas Tree: How an Electrician Amused His Children, the article began: A pretty as well as novel Christmas tree was shown to a few friends by Mr. E.H. Johnson, President of the Edison Company for Electric Lighting, last evening in his residence, No. 136 East Thirty-sixth Street. The tree was lighted by electricity, and children never beheld a brighter tree or one more highly colored than the children of Mr. Johnson when the current was turned and the tree began to revolve. Mr. Johnson has been experimenting with house lighting by electricity for some time past, and he determined that his children should have a novel Christmas tree. It stood about six feet high, in an upper room, last evening, and dazzled persons entering the room. There were 120 lights on the tree, with globes of different colors, while the light tinsel work and usual adornment of Christmas trees appeared to their best advantage in illuminating the tree. An Edison Dynamo Rotated the Tree Johnson’s tree, as the article went on to explain, was quite elaborate, and it rotated thanks to his clever use of Edison dynamos: Mr. Johnson had placed a little Edison dynamo at the foot of the tree, which by passing a current through from the large dynamo in the cellar of the house, converted it into a motor. By means of this motor, the tree was made to revolve with a steady, regular motion. The lights were divided into six sets, one set of which was lighted at a time in front as the tree went round. By a simple devise of breaking and making connection through copper bands around the tree with corresponding buttons, the sets of lights were turned out and on at regular intervals as the tree turned around. The first combination was of pure white light, then, as the revolving tree severed the connection of the current that supplied it and made connection with a second set, red and white lights appeared. Then came yellow and white and other colors. Even combinations of the colors were made. By dividing the current from the large dynamo Mr. Johnson could stop the motion of the tree without putting out the lights. The New York Times provided two more paragraphs containing even more technical detail about the Johnson familys astounding Christmas tree. Reading the article more than 120 years later, it’s obvious that the reporter considered the electric Christmas lights to be a serious invention. The First Electric Christmas Lights Were Costly While Johnson’s tree was considered a marvel, and Edison’s company tried to market electric Christmas lights, they did not become immediately popular. The cost of the lights and the services of an electrician to install them was out of the reach of the general public. However, wealthy people would hold Christmas tree parties to show off electric lighting. Grover Cleveland reportedly ordered a White House Christmas tree that was lit with Edison bulbs in 1895. (The first White House Christmas tree belonged to Benjamin Harrison, in 1889, and was lit by candles.) The use of small candles, despite their inherent danger, remained the popular method of illuminating household Christmas trees until well into the 20th century. Electric Christmas Tree Lights Made Safe A popular legend is that a teenager named Albert Sadacca, after reading about a tragic New York City fire in 1917 caused by candles lighting a Christmas tree, urged his family, which was in the novelty business, to begin manufacturing affordable strings of lights. The Sadacca family tried marketing electric Christmas lights but sales were slow at first. As people became more attuned to household electricity, strings of electric bulbs became increasing common on Christmas trees. Albert Sadacca, incidentally, became the head of a lighting company worth millions of dollars. Other companies, including most notably General Electric, entered the Christmas light business, and by the 1930s electric Christmas lights had become a standard part of holiday decorating. Early in the 20th century the tradition began of having public tree lighting. One of the most famous, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., began in 1923. A tree, place on the ellipse, at the southern end of the White House grounds, was first illuminated on December 24, 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge. A newspaper report the following day described the scene: As the sun sank below the Potomac the President touched a button which lighted up the nations Christmas tree. The giant fir from his native Vermont instantly blazed with myriad electrics which shone through tinsels and reds, while those who surrounded this community tree, children and grown-ups, cheered and sang. The crowds on foot were augmented by thousands who came in motor cars, and to the music of the singers was added the discord of horns. For hours the people thronged to the ellipse, which was dark except in the spot where the tree stood, its brilliancy heightened by a searchlight which shed its rays from the Washington Monument overlooking it. Another prominent tree lighting, at Rockefeller Center in New York City, began modestly in 1931 when construction workers decorated a tree. When the office complex officially opened two years later, the tree lighting became an official event. In the modern era the Rockefeller Center tree lighting has become a yearly event carried live on national television.

The Food Fight Essays - Avocado, Hawaiian Cuisine, Persea

The Food Fight Essays - Avocado, Hawaiian Cuisine, Persea Daniel Kang Ms. Menard Honors English 8 12 February 2014 The Food Fight A long, long time ago, in a time even before the fearsome dinosaurs, there was food living on the Earth. Talking food. The food was divided into 2 main categories: the divine fruits and the extravagant vegetables. These two groups lived together happily and as a big joyous family. They caught food such as fish together, ate together, and even slept together. There was only one frustrating problem; the weather was always searing hot. There were always complaints among the fruits and vegetables about the hotness. An apple would say, Its so hot, Im going to dry all up! And a piece of broccoli would say, Its so hot Im going to get steamed! Still, the fruits and vegetables got on happily with life until, one day a humongous explosion followed by a mushroom cloud so tall that it touched the sky was seen and heard. A few seconds after that, everything from 10 to 20 miles from the explosion felt the forceful shockwave of the ginormous explosion. BOOOM!!!! went the explosion. Then the cute baby carrots started to bawl their eyes out, WAAAAAAAAAA! The fruits that were playing volleyball were blown away from their original position several yards. The leader of the fruits, Avocado Lincoln, was a handsome and strong general that had a soft center and tough and sort of greenish outer look. And the leader of the vegetables, Jefferson Garlic, who was a great manager with a small head and a grotesquely large midsection got together to have a meeting about what action they should take. They both agreed and said, We should go and see what it was. The next day, Avocado Lincoln rounded up the strongest and the fittest of the fruits and Jefferson Garlic rounded up the most ferocious and fat vegetables. They were setting out on unknown territory not knowing what was out there. They set out when the rooster crowed, Cock-a-doodle-doo! The lady fruits and vegetables packed the mens bags and loaded it with food for the journey saying, Come back safe! while sobbing. As they set out, it was noticed by complaining that it was yet another hot day with the fiery sun hanging right above the foods heads. Its soooo hot!! and Im going to dry up! Even their usually shadows were too hot to show themselves. Then suddenly, a big and thirsty monkey attacked one of the apples yelling, Hoohoo HaHa! The monkey was red, blue, and white striped. To save the apple, which was ravenously getting ripped apart, the vegetables and the remaining fruits attacked the monkey and drove it off the apple. He was bitten to the core in a couple places. Lincoln had no hope for the apple. He said to Garlic, Hell never make it through the journey. The all settled down for the night so the fatally wounded apple could have some rest. Apple was found dead but looking peaceful the next morning. Avocado Lincoln said some prayers over his body. This day also yielded another scorching hot day. This time at high noon, they crossed paths with an angry arachnid. Things did not go well for the apple named Frank. He did not get hurt fatally, but he needed rest so they had to camp out early that day. The fruits kept on getting eaten and wounded by different animals each day until on the 10th night of the journey, most of the fruits were wounded in some way and tired. There was moaning and groaning everywhere, Aughhhhh! and Ow! Ow! that hurts! The next day, Avocado Lincoln woke up first and saw something on the horizon. It glinted a hue he had never seen before in his life. He called it, It was so wonderful. It was like magic! He woke all of fruits and veggies up and started marching to the big and shiny thing. As they walked towards it, it got bigger and Bigger and BIGGER until it was a towering mass of shiny standing right before them in a humongous crater the size of the moon. All the fruits and veggies were staring in awe at the thing. It looked like 2 boxes

Challenges of E Commerce to Traditional Contracts

Challenges of E Commerce to Traditional Contracts Disclaimer: This work has been submitted by a student. This is not an example of the work produced by our Law Essay Writing Service . You can view samples of our professional work here . Challenges of E Commerce to Traditional Contracts As Information Communication Technologies progresses so do new media technologies such as the internet. Many individuals and businesses have moved towards such means as an opportunity for expansion in commerce.   [ 1 ]   This new path of business has been referred to as E-Commerce. It is defined as any business transaction that has been negotiated over an online system and where the parties interact electronically rather than by physical exchange or contact.   [ 2 ]   Due to this ICT revolution, information held by businesses can now be accessed by a wider group of people due to the availability of the internet. The principles of Contract law that governs online transactions continues to progress as businesses that are based online change and grow. Agreements can be as simple as clicking on a box to agree to purchase terms, or complex contracts covering intellectual property or consumer privacy.   [ 3 ]   As it continues to grow, e-commerce maintains its roots in traditional contract law however, as a result of the old and new complexity there are some challenges that e-commerce poses to the traditional model such as issues regarding offer and acceptance, jurisprudence and globilisation, state of mind and enforceability of electronic contracts as opposed to the traditional model of contract. OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE The basic concept of effective communication in contract formation is the concept of offer and acceptance.   [ 4 ]   E-commerce poses a major problem in relation to this issue. It is important to identify the offer and acceptance because they fix the precise time and place of the agreement, thus determining which jurisdiction is relevant.   [ 5 ]    Often in e-commerce transactions between parties never meet each other face to face. This is an immediate issue and challenge to the traditional form of contract as it makes it difficult to ensure the parties act lawfully and that the tra nsaction itself is legal and has undergone the steps necessary to regard it a contract.   [ 6 ]   When speaking of bilateral contracts, an offer is a clear statement of the terms in which a person (the offeror) promises to be bound and the other party (offeree) accepts the offer and it is through acceptance of this offer that a contract is created.   [ 7 ]   On the internet, it is difficult to determine whether a webpage is considered an offer or an invitation to treat. However, The Electronic Transaction Act however, in s14 states that a message is deemed sent under s14(1) when it ‘enters a single information system outside the control of the originator’ thus is deemed sent.   [ 8 ]    The words used in an online offer can often be considered misleading, and different legal systems may have different approaches to these problems. An acceptance is a final unqualified agreement to the terms of the offer.   [ 9 ]   Generally, it must be communicated to the offeror and the parties are free to vary by agreement.   [ 10 ]   E-mail is a common method of acceptance in ecommerce environment. Acceptance of an offer becomes effective at the moment the indication of assent by the offeree reaches the offeror.   [ 11 ]   Whilst E-mail is a common method of acceptance in the e-commerce it proves to be problematic. The ‘Postal Acceptance Rule’ states that when parties have agreed to transact a deal by post, the contract is deemed concluded when the letter of acceptance to the offeror is posted by the offere whether the offeree gets it or not. This rule does not apply to e-commerce. The Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (Cth) deems a message received under s14(3) when ‘the electronic communication enters [the addressee’s] information system’   [ 12 ]

MGT501 - Mgmt. and Org. Behavior session long project 2 (Jung Typology Essay

MGT501 - Mgmt. and Org. Behavior session long project 2 (Jung Typology Test.) - Essay Example This feature is true however has gone unnoticed throughout my life. The results show that in an organization I will be very decisive and that I am a very organized person. This along with my strong interpersonal skills together will prove to be my strengths in an organization. I believe, and as confirmed by the test, I have the excellent entrepreneurial abilities and have the ability to juggle between numbers of responsibilities. This I believe is my biggest strength and is my mode of opportunity in a workplace as well. One of the other features that the test has brought out is the fact that I follow the open door policy and am ready to be interrupted by other admits my work. I provide undivided attention, and this I think will be very useful in a work place. One of the few things that I might have a problem with includes my sensitive nature and my â€Å"thinner psychological boundaries†. Truly as an individual I tend to go out of the way to help others and in a number of cases, I tend to get into trouble because people tend to take advantage of me. This I feel will be one of the biggest issues that I might face in an office environment. In order to improve my overall managerial competence, I believe that I need to practice being stronger and need to learn to say ‘No’. This I can achieve by taking up the self improvement courses and with the help of my friends and family. I will also practice this in all aspects of life so that I do not become a push over and people do not take advantage of me. In conclusion I feel that this assessment of my nature and personal managerial competence is very accurate. The ENFJ category of people are referred to as, ‘the Caregivers’, which I feel is a true portrait of my nature. This assessment has brought out the best of my qualities as well as the biggest of my weaknesses and has provided me with a chance to learn and improve

The Importance of the Various Internal As Well As External Essay - 4

The Importance of the Various Internal As Well As External Environmental Factors of Tesco in Determining Its Strategies - Essay Example The researcher states that the principal objectives of Tesco plc have been centralized towards serving the customers with better satisfaction as well as with the motive of developing the communities where the company is operational. Moreover, the company also seeks that the employees, customers as well as shareholders are treated in a fair manner and with loyalty. Contextually, it can be stated that strategic positioning or the company, along with its available strategic choices and strategy in action plays a vital role to determine its competencies in the targeted market. Based on this perspective, the discussion henceforth will emphasize on the strategic position, strategic choices and strategy in action as the core elements of strategic management in Tesco. Hence, the discussion will aim to reveal the importance of the various internal as well as external environmental factors of Tesco in determining its strategies as well as in improving its business operational efficiencies crea ting a strong impact on its core elements of strategic management. In this regard, it can also be argued that the company has been facilitated with positive political support. Economic factors have also been significant considerations for Tesco imposing a direct impact on the demand for its products and/or services, pricing structures, costs incurred and profits obtained by the company. It is in this context that Tesco has been responding well towards the global economic fluctuations in order to perform its business operations with greater profitability, targeting the rapidly developing customer groups and also by offering competitive pricing benefits as per the convenience of the customers in the worldwide periphery. Additionally, when operating in the global market, Tesco has to comply with a diverse range of customer preferences owing to the prevalence of distinct cultural dimensions. Hence, it often becomes a challenge for the company to function with equal competencies in every sphere of its global market constituting its social environment. Perhaps, it has been influenced by this particular factor that Tesco has been performing significantly better than compared to its performances in the global marketplace. Similarly, when concentrating on technological factors, a country with more advanced technology is likely to assist the company in performing its business operations in an effective manner. It is in this context that Tesco has been facilitated with technology advancements in the UK while it had to witness significant competition in integrating technology within the global platform. Environmental factors can also be observed to have a significant influence on the effective strategic performances of Tesco.

Research Critique Part 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Research Critique Part 2 - Essay Example The study is from the journal of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published in 2006. While HPV-16 vaccine has been shown to significantly prevent persistent HPV infections, the ultimate objective of the study is to validate whether the vaccine is also effective to prevent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2-3. In this study, risks and benefits especially on the use of placebo were identified and presented to participants. Voluntary participation was noted and participants were tested on HPV-16 infection before the onset of the study. Institutional approval was also obtained for a period of up to 48 months. Furthermore, informed consent was secured from the participating women and was readily available for revocation once the participant opts to withdraw from the study. In fact, 94 women were actually dropped from the list of participants due to consent withdrawal. Thus, although the study aimed at producing an acceptable evidence to promote the utilization of HPV-16 vaccine, human rights were still taken as of primary importance and the rights of the participants to withdraw from the study was exercised. The variables are explicitly stated in the research title and resemble the exposure variable and outcome variable. The independent variable includes the type of treatment applied, either the vaccine or the placebo depending on what the participant actually received. The incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2-3 was compared among the two treatment groups and therefore served as the dependent variable of the study. The data collection method was scheduled on day 1, month 7, and then 6-monthly thereafter until the 48th month. Genital samples for HPV-16 DNA, Pap tests, and antibody titers were collected during each collection time. This method was specifically formulated because CIN 2-3 may need a certain period

Children With Sickle Cell Disease Research Paper

Children With Sickle Cell Disease - Research Paper Example The quality of life was measured with the TNO-AZL Adult Quality of Life questionnaire. The groups were compared by the Mann-Whitney U test. The study was carried at 95% confidence interval. The results indicated that patients with sickle disease had a significantly lower quality of life on all subscales as compared to the Dutch norm population. The abstract of the study is a complete overhaul. It gives clear and more defined information of what to expect and what the study is all about. However, the objective of the study is not widely stated considering the fact that it is not mentioned anywhere else in the study apart from the abstract. Citation Type of study Location setting Variables Framework theory Study design Sample The study is quantitative in nature. The quantitative variables are well designed and explained. Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation of the Medical University of Bialystok All female caregivers or mothers of children with SCD who visited the outpatient clinic o f the study center at least one year ago were invited to participate in the study. The dependent variable: quality of life of caregivers of children with sickle cell disease. Independent variables: socio-economic and ethnic background. Control group: female caregivers of healthy children. Considering the fact that the study is quantitative in nature, the existence of both independent and dependent variables is justified. The theoretical perceptive of the study is not discussed. This compromises the validity of the results because there is no link between the theoretical literature and the results of the study. However, the study does borrow some empirical perspectives from other studies. But empirical studies without theoretical perspective still limit the results of the study. All female caregivers or mothers of children with SCD who visited the outpatient clinic of the study center at least one year ago were invited to participate in the study. Because the study is a qualitative t ype of study, a questionnaire on the social and financial consequences of caring for children with a chronic illness was developed as part of a larger study. the questionnaires are designed in a way that it took one hour to complete the whole questionnaire. In addition, the study used the TAAQoL questionnaire for persons above 16 years, to measure the health status problems and limitations. SPSS was used to analyze the data and the results were well conveyed using the statistical methods of presenting data. The research design matches the approach and research hypothesis. However, one limitations of the study design is that it does not give much comparisons between the independent, dependent and control groups. Another limitation of the design is that it doesn’t clarify the type of data required for the study and instead it describes methods of colleting and analyzing data. The study used a sample of 700 from the reference population of similar gender and ages as the caregive r of the children with SCD. But the absence of the formula used to calculate the sample size makes the validity of the sample size in question. Strengths The study has a strong research design.

Herodotus Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Herodotus - Assignment Example The ancient Greeks were active seafarers seeking opportunity to find new independent cities to trade with at the coast across Mediterranean Sea. These new cities act as their trading station. In these stations Greek goods such as pottery ( 2009.529), bronze, silver, gold vessels olive oil, wine and textiles were exchange for luxury items and toxic raw materials that were in turn worked by Greek craftsmen. They established trading enclaves within existing local communities. The port town of Naukratis (1972.118.142) served as a commercial headquarters for Greek traders in Egypt. A well established maritime trade routes around the Mediterranean basin enable foreigners to travel to Greece. After the military campaign of Alexandra the great (336_323 B.C.), more extensive trade routes were opened across Asia and extending towards Afghanistan and Indus River Valley ( History 101, lecture 4). The population of the Greeks and their interaction with other societies greatly increased due to trading activity they were involved in. They also had no wring emphasis they only had oral forms of interaction. Since early Greeks had no political administration and institution, local communities were dominated by â€Å"big man† (History 102, lecture 4). The big man was not a king or official or someone with inherited position within an institution but a popular guy and a good warrior who attract followers. The Greeks were greatly involve in warfare unlike other society. They were notoriously aggressive warriors (Drews & Robert, 2009). They â€Å"fought to live and lived to fight† and ‘drunk the blood of their enemies and used the scalps as napkins†. The heavily armed soldiers were standing in a long, parallel

Self Management of Diabetes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Self Management of Diabetes - Essay Example Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of diabetes and the numbers of people that are becoming obese is increasing rapidly. It is the major cause of premature mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular, renal, ophthalmic and neurological disease. It is widely accepted that control of the lifestyle situation including diet and exercise decrease the risk of complications and control the Hg1c (Porth & Matfin, 2007). This paper will discuss recent studies affecting the overall Hg1c with combined strength and aerobic exercise programs. Self management of diabetes includes diet, exercise, medication, and blood sugar control. Exercise, however has been shown to be highly important. Lean muscle mass improves Hg1c (Sigal, Kenny, Boule et.al. 2007). There has been some controversy in determining whether that exercise should be aerobic or strength or both. In researching this, studies relating to diet and other controls were eliminated and a search was conducted for supporting evidence that both types of exercise included in routines for these patients improved overall blood glucose control and limited complications from the disease. Five peer reviewed studies were retained from many found as they included both exercise routines against controls. Historically, aerobic exercise has been used to attempt to improve glucose levels in diabetic patients. However, there is a great deal of literature available now that shows a great deal of merit for adding resistance exercise to this routine for control. It appears that glucose control is only one of the benefits of this kind of routine for diabetic patients. Strength, endurance, and power are benefits received (Marcus, Smith, Morrell, 2008). There is also an increase in lean tissue mass which creates an increase in metabolic rate. The importance of physical activity in these patients cannot be denied. It is considered not only preventative but also therapeutic (Tokmakidis, Zois, Votaklis, et.al. 2004). The change that occurs in muscle mass coupled with effects on glucose uptake are the reasons for better control. This occurs even in people with insulin resistance. In operationalizing this data, education is the key. Over the past years, diabetics have been taught that walking is the perfect exercise to control their HgA1c and to some point that is true, it is the perfect exercise. However, there is a gap in the education as far as adding the needed strength training. It may be clearly important, due to the large numbers of diabetics now, to design and implement diabetic exercise programs that are couple with regular education programs. Certainly controlling blood sugar and preventing complications of this disease proves to be financially needed for both the patients and the healthcare system. Sigal, Kenny, & Boule et.al. (2007) published a study in the Annuls of Internal Medicine on this very issue. Previous studies evaluated by them determined that the effects of aerobic exercise alone provided for better glucose control. They felt that there was likelihood that a combination of aerobic and strength exercises would lead to better control. They performed a randomized control trial set in 8 community based facilities. Included in this study were 251 adults age 39 to 70 with type 2 diabete (Sigal, et.al., 2007). Patients were

Herodotus Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Herodotus - Assignment Example The ancient Greeks were active seafarers seeking opportunity to find new independent cities to trade with at the coast across Mediterranean Sea. These new cities act as their trading station. In these stations Greek goods such as pottery ( 2009.529), bronze, silver, gold vessels olive oil, wine and textiles were exchange for luxury items and toxic raw materials that were in turn worked by Greek craftsmen. They established trading enclaves within existing local communities. The port town of Naukratis (1972.118.142) served as a commercial headquarters for Greek traders in Egypt. A well established maritime trade routes around the Mediterranean basin enable foreigners to travel to Greece. After the military campaign of Alexandra the great (336_323 B.C.), more extensive trade routes were opened across Asia and extending towards Afghanistan and Indus River Valley ( History 101, lecture 4). The population of the Greeks and their interaction with other societies greatly increased due to trading activity they were involved in. They also had no wring emphasis they only had oral forms of interaction. Since early Greeks had no political administration and institution, local communities were dominated by â€Å"big man† (History 102, lecture 4). The big man was not a king or official or someone with inherited position within an institution but a popular guy and a good warrior who attract followers. The Greeks were greatly involve in warfare unlike other society. They were notoriously aggressive warriors (Drews & Robert, 2009). They â€Å"fought to live and lived to fight† and ‘drunk the blood of their enemies and used the scalps as napkins†. The heavily armed soldiers were standing in a long, parallel

Date Rape Essay Example for Free

Date Rape Essay Introduction Popular views on commital of rape are confined on the idea that a stranger, the supposed perpetrator settles on a secluded or dark area and forcibly attacking someone, before inflicting sexual contact. While this may appear to be true, it is now a basic reality that rapists aren’t just strangers. Even people we know: friends, acquaintances, relatives and co-workers are possible suspects. In fact, about half of the victims of rape know their perpetrators. Incidences of commital of the crime seemed to be alarmingly high as it comprised fifty to seventy-five percent of all accounted rape cases. But even these data do not speak of the actual figures. The University of Buffalo’s Student Affairs cited a conservative FBI statistics which provided that only three and a half percent of all forms of rape are reported. By examining and analyzing available results, this paper tries to answer questions surrounding date rape, which as follows: a) What is date rape?, b) How did it evolve?, c) What are its causes?, d) What are the risks factors?, and e) What are the necessary interventions? Anwering these questions would enable us to provide the necessary information regarding date rape. Definition and history of date rape Of the cases reported, majority of it appears that the perpetrator is a victims’s acquaintance. While it is assumed that most of this acquaintances, ranging from friends and acquaintances to dates, romantic partners, and spouses or domestic partners do not necessarily end up in violence, in certain instances and causes, rape happens. For this study, when forced sexual intercourcourse takes place between two acquaintances, it is called date rape or acquaintance rape (Homeier, et al., 2006). Date rape, on an initial public sense, is defined to be a subset of acquaintance rape where two people involved in a romantic relationship engage in nonconsensual sex. But in the case of acquaintance rape, relationship (romantic or professional) has no bearing of the situation; hence, it can be described as plain and pure sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact. The law refers sexual assault to include the commital of rape (oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse) or the force penetration of any foreign objects in the genitalia (dildo, vibrator, including finger) without consent from the victim. Meanwhile, one of the early advocacy movements on date rape in the US was pioneered way back in the 70’s in Delaware. The realization of an organization called Support Group for Victims of Sexual Offense (S.O.S.) founded by then Director of the Health Service Dr. Majorie McKusick was a driving force behind the idea to provide services to survivors of sexual assault. In 1988, SOS produced a brochure dedicated to date rape. At present, bearing a new name, the organization is continuing its efforts to raise awareness on date rape. III. Hypothesis But as to why many people fall on the verge of date rape and as to why individuals commit this crime, remains a broad subject open for discussion. Basing on facts and scientific studies though, leading experts and institutions underwent a series of researches about the topic, some of which have produced fair but contradicting results.   Given the extensive scope of this issue, this paper assumes that risk factors: perceived dating behaviors, external factors (drugs, alcohol), and attitudes of supposed victims and perpetrators constitute likelihood of dating violence and rape. Gravity of the crime Meanwhile, depending on the gravity of the case, non-penetration actions such as touching the private parts of the victim (e.g. buttocks, breasts, genitalia), naked or through clothing constitute an assault but not necessarily rape, albeit, these are detterent to the rape itself. Forcing another individual to touch another person’s private parts even against his/her will also constitute the same.   On the otherhand, the infliction of physical hostility, threats of aggression, or perform sexual contact with an unconscious, asleep, or intoxicated individual describe the force or advantage. Coercion, without the aid of force or hostility is also used such as grave threats, reaveling secrets, put the victim to shame, sack an employee or fail a student are forms of sexual harassment. The Crime scene Actions pertaining to date rapes are reported in strategic areas or venues, depending on the status and preferences of the supposed victim. As the name suggests, the crime usually pointed to locations related to the place of the date or meeting. The assault usually happens in secluded, dark, and private or even public and busy places (e.g. hotels, garden, beach, comfort rooms, cars or club houses). Some cases were reportedly committed in bushy, dark areas away from the human settlements. In the case of college students, date related violence was recorded within the university premises. This is proof to the fact that even the school is not even safe nowadays, more so, it has become a favorite venue for this crime. Commission of rape happens usually in a predictable and definite instance. This can be observed if the prospect is conscious of what is happening around him/her. But in most cases, the motives are already predisposed; hence, timing is of great consideration for the suspects to pursue with the aided or unaided sexual assault and for victims to escape the trap. Even in a promenade or a fair, where people are busy, perpetrators find a leeway to commit rape if not harassment. The targets While many people often think that rape only happens typically to women, this is not always the case. Even men also have experiences of sexual assault. Some even lead to rape, although it occurs frequently within heterosexual dating relationships. This scenario showed that date rape transcends gender, as in the case of people of every ethnicity, age, culture, religion, economic background, or sexual orientation. Just like the opposite sex sexual assault, the majority of same-sex cases occur between people who have close relationships. However, perpetrators as well as the survivors are not always gay or lesbian. Moreover, sexual assault can also be part of a bias crime against someone perceived to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered the perpetrator in this instance can be either the same or opposite sex as the survivor. Although girls and women are the most often victims of rape one in three women will be sexually assaulted in her life, men is also vulnerable to be raped. A study revealed that seven to ten percent of rape victims are male. Meanwhile, teenagers and young adults are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than women in all other age groups. A USF-Counseling Center for Human Development report showed: that 52% of women students have experienced some form of sexual victimization, 1 in 8 college women have been raped; 1 in 12 college men admitted to sexually abusing women but did not consider themselves rapists; of the women raped, almost 75% didnt identify it as such; 47% of rapes were by first or casual dates or by romantic acquaintances; and over 1/3 of the women didnt discuss the rape with anyone, and over 90% didnt report it to the police. Moreover, in a 1998 Minnesota Student Survey, approximately 9% of girls and 6% of boys had experienced date violence or rape. On the other hand, lifetime prevalence of date or acquaintance rape ranges from thirteen percent to twenty seven percent among college-age women and 20% to a high of 68% among adolescents. VII. Causes and Tendencies As to the cause of becoming a victim and becoming a rapist, an array of results from researches in the last decade revealed that behavior, perception, and external factors confronts both the victim and the perpetrator. On a study conducted on perceived causes of date rape, 142 undergraduates were presented with grids containing 9 causes listed by column and row. They were asked to indicate if they believed there was a causal link between each of the 72 causal pairings. The result placed emphasis on drunkenness, norms of dating, and societys attitude to date rape. Misunderstanding of men’s behavior, male attitude on the unimportance of date rape, and need by males for dominance were seen as prime causes (Bostwick DeLucia, 1992). Demographic characteristics that increase vulnerability to date rape include younger age at first date, early sexual activity, earlier age of menarche, history of sexual abuse or prior sexual victimization, and being more acceptable of rape myths and violence towards women.   Ackard Neumark-Sztainer (2002) on the other hand associated date rape with the higher rates of eating disorder behaviors and suicidal tendencies, and lower scores on emotional well-being and self-esteem scales.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Teenage girls intentionally hurt by a date in the previous date are more likely to experience sexual health risks, including vulnerability to human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections, or getting pregnant. Dating violence should also be included in reproductive health programs, and greater efforts to identify women experiencing violence while on date are needed among those providing care related to adolescent reproductive health (Silverman, 2004). Other risk factors include date-specific behaviors such as who paid the expenses, who drove, date, location and activity, as well as the use of alcohol or take drugs such as flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) (Rickert Wiemann, 1998). A benzodiazepine with pharmacologic actions is similar to those of diazepam that can cause anterograde amnesia. Some reports showed that it is used as a date rape drug and suggest that it may cause violent behavior. The US government has already banned the importation of this drug which was introduced in 1984. Alcohol consumption that occurs within the context of the date can lead to: the misinterpretation of friendly gestures or cues as sexual invitations and the females inability to ward off a potential attack. Kanin (1985) proposed that perpetrators’ deviant sexual behavior has often been portrayed as the result of frustrated but legitimate sexual exhaustion. This study of the perpetrators reveals that as a product of a hypersexual socialization process, these men are sexually active, aspiring, and successful. Due to an exaggerated desire levels viewed as responsible for instituting a high degree of sexual disappointment, this acute relative deficit is a significant process reponsible for the rape episodes. VIII. Interventions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dating violence happens among teemagers which bears common and unique risk factors for dating violence found across adolescents grouped by sex, race/ethnicity, and prior victimization. Rickert, et. al., (2002) described that efforts to lessen dating violence should (1) increase the use of screening tools that measure victimization as well as contextual parameters that will promote promote dating violence; (2) increase self-efficacy to promote safer sex; (3) reduce the use/abuse of alcohol and other drugs that facilitate dating violence; and (4) eliminate the influence of negative peer behavior. Interventions to prevent dating violence will likely also lower unwanted pregnancy rates, HIV-AIDS, and sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s)among young people.. Old town beliefs of a woman being unable to rape another woman and a man with another man these make survivors hard to find someone to talk to, avail services, or even believe themselves that they were raped. Survivors of assault by a same-sex partner or date may face various fears such as homophobia and heterosexist attitudes when disclosing the sexual ordeal or receive medical or psychologicalinterventions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Van Wie’s 1995 study on resistance to rape showed that participants in the category with perceived resistance conditions took a longer time to identify when the subject should abstain from pursuing sexual contact, thereby exposing them more to be raped.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Results of this study could be used to promote level of awareness on date rape, educate people about the risks and responses with date rape, and to strengthen rules regarding proper sexual behavior. Conclusion   Research designs and materials are needed to advance our our knowledge and understanding of sexual violence among teenagers and the most effective ways to eliminate it. Understanding and comparing research findings would be easier if consensus regarding the definitions of date rape, sexual aggression, and sexual assault was obtained. Finally, prevention programs on primary and secondary date and acquaintance rape must be enhanced and be subjected to systematic evaluation (Rickert Wiemann, 1998) Almost sixty percent of victims who experienced rape and attempted rape disclosed this information to one or more individuals, whereas only 47% of those who experienced verbally coerced sex told another person. Rickert, et. al., (2005) observed that alcohol addiction and a shorter dating history are important variables related with disclosure of rape/attempted rape as well as the time for disclosure. Meanwhile, factors affecting the disclosure of verbally coerced sex and the latency associated with it are less well defined A present survey based on 70% returns of a random sample of 200 women at one college indicated that, although 5% had been date raped, none reported the rapes to authorities due to feelings of self-blame and embarrassment. Rape scenarios that were not reported could perpetuate a self-fulfilling prophecy that rapes do not occur. A victim of rape may feel she is the only one against the world and is reluctant to exclude one’s self who will report. However, this denial by both victims and authorities does not encourage programs for prevention and treatment (Finkelson Oswalt, 1995). Increasing identification of the incidence of date/acquaintance rape (DAR) in the US, especially among women in college, has led to an understanding that the techniques needed to ward off attacks from acquaintances differ from the techniques used to prevent rape by strangers. This study proved and validated the following DAR constructs: perceived vulnerability, self-efficacy, relational priority which is neglecting self-interest to save a relationship, rape myth acceptance (believing myths about rape which makes women avoid facing their own vulnerability), and commitment to self-defense. These constructs were also correlated with scales for masculinity, self-esteem, and degree of belief in a just world. Finally, date and acquaintance rape is not only a womans issue. Men must also be actively aware of this issue, as they can help minimize rape by educating themselves and others. â€Å"Healthy relationships involve respect including respect for the feelings of others. Someone who really cares about you will respect your wishes and not force or pressure you to have sex.†          References:    Finkelson, L., Oswalt, R. (1995). College date rape: incidence and reporting. Psychol Rep, 77(2), 526. Kanin, E. J. (1985). Date rapists: differential sexual socialization and relative deprivation. Arch Sex Behav, 14(3), 219-231. Rickert, V. I., Wiemann, C. M., Vaughan, R. D. (2005). Disclosure of date/acquaintance rape: who reports and when. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol, 18(1), 17-24. Silverman, J. G., Raj, A., Clements, K. (2004). Dating violence and associated sexual risk and pregnancy among adolescent girls in the United States. Pediatrics, 114(2), e220-225. Walsh, J. F., Devellis, B. M., Devellis, R. F. (1997). Date and acquaintance rape. Development and validation of a set of scales. Violence Against Women, 3(1), 46-58.

How Technology Has Affected Teaching

How Technology Has Affected Teaching The unknown is full of fear. Technology can be a scary thing. Teaching can be a mind-blowing thing. If one is, the combination of all three is something that is only seen in schools today. Teaching with technology is a paralyzing fear that all teachers face on some level. With only a few hours available outside of the classroom, training is not available to all teachers. Such fear of the unknown and unavailable training, cause many teachers to reject technology on a wide scale. There has been technology the dawn of time. Technology 200 years ago meant nothing to do with electricity. It could be simply as a lever and pulley system for automatic door opening at Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson. Technology has always scared people as it is something new and unfamiliar to them. What people see as fancy technology today will only be a thing that the next generation is used to and feels is old. When the printing press was first invented by Johann Guttenberg the aristocracy was afraid of what the new machine would mean for the disseminating of information amongst the people. In the end they learned how to use it and took advantage of its abilities themselves. Adaptations have been made and new technology has been invented since, but the principle is still the same. Copy machines, fax machines, and scanners all use the same idea behind the machine. If you ask a student today to use a typewriter to write their paper and then type another copy for themselves they would look at you like your crazy. They would either write it on a computer and just print another copy or run to a copy machine. When it comes to finding the information that they use in their papers, students in the past decade have turned to the internet in increasing numbers. Students in college feel that libraries are a place to access the internet and a quiet place to study, not to look up information in the books that are on the shelves. The Dewey Decimal system in cataloging books has gone to the way side in favor of online version of texts that students can access. In its early stages, the internet was more or less just a collect of text based documents without the capability to display images or video files. Just as with any technology, the internet continues to evolve. With websites such as YouTube ©, Facebook ©, and Twitter © teachers have a wide variety of places to look up information and supplements to their lessons. However some sites have been criticized for the information they contain. Wikipedia is one site that when it first started was a place to allow people to post information about any topic that people could then look up all in one place. But along with new topics, people were changing the information that was already on the site with incorrect information. It was not until the death of actor Heath Ledger that the creators of the often cited source began to change how information was updated. While the site still allows most information to update without review, information about persons of high interest and information ab out government policies and laws must be approved before they are posted online. The majority of teachers do not think about technology they use on a daily basis. From their cars to get to school or their smart phones to access their email from parents, teachers use technology and the internet to make themselves a better educator. Problem Statement There is not much research available to how the internet has affected researching in teaching. While there is a plethora of information on teacher perspectives of technology and an abundance of articles dealing with the internet in schools, not much information is available to how teachers have changed their teaching style in dealing with any kind of research their students conduct. There is a varying degree to which teachers approach the internet now. From subject to subject, students are faced with different styles. If there was guide for all classes, students would be able to go to each class and know how to conduct research in a proper manner that all their teachers would accept. Research Statement In this phenomenological study, I will interview for Northern Virginia high school teachers on how the research process changes for them with the growth and availability of the internet. Significance of the Study With more and more school systems pushing for teachers to use technology, some teachers are weary in how it affects their students. The No Child Left Behind Law has forced teachers to address how they introduce material to their students. While the internet has been used by students to conduct research, it now the teachers that have become the students in an attempt to understand what their students are looking up and how they can use it in their classroom. But how has the internet changed how teachers address research? This study is seeking to determine to what extent a variety of teachers have done in an attempt to address their student quest for an education. Chapter 2 Review of Literature The unknown is full of fear. Technology can be a scary thing. Teaching can be a mind-blowing thing. If one is, the combination of all three is something that is only seen in schools today. Teaching with technology is a paralyzing fear that all teachers face on some level. With only a few hours available outside of the classroom, training is not available to all teachers. Such fear of the unknown and unavailable training, cause many teachers to reject technology on a wide scale. Technology in the Classroom Honey, Culp, and Craig (1999) gave a perspective in a paper they presented at a national conference, on where technology and educational research are heading. Based on their research, they found three main factors that made them think differently. The first dealt with the nature of technological elements. The second was the kinds of things that were being asked in research. The third one they mentioned was how the research itself was being done. The main focus of their research was Union City, New Jersey. In 1989, the school was failing almost all of the standards that the state uses to judge schools on their performance. In fact they only passed eight of the 52 that are stated. To face these, they went through a massive overhaul including extending class periods and increasing the in-services required for its teachers. Amongst these improvements, computers were added to each classroom to assist in learning. All of these as well as those in the local city office building, libraries, and others were joined by computer. After a few years of studying this school system, they determined that the technology that was brought in had the largest impact on the students. It bolstered several successes including those with creativity and the whole language approach. While new teachers are familiar with this information, Ertmer, Addison, Lane, Ross, and Woods (1999) examine what teachers believe the role of technology should be in the classroom. This study focused more on the elementary school level. Even with increased technology including smart boards and one if not more computers available in each room it is still hard for teachers to feel comfortable working with the new fancy equipment. While some felt that they did not want to teach with technology, some just felt that things were fine and nothing new had to be done. They found that the teachers they interviewed, observed, and surveyed mentioned on some level that technology supported what they were doing in the classroom. Some made references to the use of technology in regards to how it enhances their current curriculum, but any use beyond that is not being used. There were minimal references to any emerging technologies. One teacher described that she found that students were more likely to work in pairs and groups on assignments. When the eight teachers were asked what were their reasons were for using technology, student benefits were near or at the top of all the lists. While there were a number of other benefits, some of the teachers mentioned that several metaphorical barriers were present. They found that time was a big factor in how much technology they use. While once programs and other equipment is running, it makes several things run faster and smoother, the time it takes to make sure it runs properly can out-weigh the benefits. While the teachers faced the barriers, they found several ways to work around them through local college and community support. One of these ways is in parental support for teaching children about technology earlier. Bergen (1999) interviewed an 8th grader on how she views technology in the classroom. Kristen, the student, was raised on computer that were manly used for games that were made to be educational only. While she was in elementary school, a new computer lab was built and allowed her access to more programs. However, it was not until middle school that she was able to use computers more to help with reports and find icons to place in reports. They also found that many teachers were starting to increase use of technology as more and more attention was brought on individualism and the diverse programs available encouraging students to work harder. It is up to the individual teacher to foster creativity and help their pupils become better students. In a U.S. Department of Education study (2005), teachers were asked on their perspectives on technology available to them. Technology that could reach beyond the classroom ranked at the top of a list of technologies teachers felt were the most useful for them. Computers that had internet access were 68% the most essential amongst all teachers. Based on their 2000-01 survey, only 57% felt that the technology that they had was sufficient. That is just within the school. Only four percent said the same thing when it came to technology in the individual classroom. While this number has increased over the past five years, it is still lower than what most principals and school district wish they could do. A new wave of technological scare is the cell phone as Burns and Lohenry (2010) discuss in regards to their use in the classroom. With several schools now having policy against cell phones, more and more students are actually having them and secretly using them in the classroom. While it is essential to keep and maintain order in the classroom, student that were surveyed said that they would be more into the lesson if they were going to be able to use their cell phone. A number of professors at the college level have started to allow students to use their cell phones for texting while in class as long as have them on silent or vibrate. Phone calls and texting during a test is still off limits. Mason, Berson, Diem, Hicks, Lee, and Dralle (2000) take on the role of discussing how technology can be used to help prepare social studies teachers. They discuss how teachers are trained in college how to use technology to further their learning, they are often more knowledgeable or willing to learn newer techniques. In a recent National Center for Education Statistics study, 95% of schools and 63% of classrooms are connected to the internet. These schools have made use of the digital archives that many schools are creating to help with social studies research amongst students. One of the issues Mason et al (2000) bring up is the accessibility of inappropriate information. This is taken care of by a number of technological programs that prevent certain sites from being accessed. Some of these include peer to peer sites that allow the trading of music illegally. This is to help students stay on task while also keeping the school safe from legal action. Several programs are discussed that are accessible through online sources that students and teachers use alike to help within the classroom. While technology is important to use, its just as important as training to use it properly. Social Studies of course is not the only subject that is taught. Mathematics is one of almost all schools core subjects as it is used in most other classes. The Wang et al. (2008) article discusses about how effective technology can be in early learning environments. Their study was one of the first on early learning. Many studies deal with middle school and higher levels, while this study dealt with pre-school. While the lessons and the printed materials are still for a younger age, kids were seen using digital cameras, digital microscopes, and digital video recorders. They focus on the supports and what technology can mean to kids. In the age when electronic toys are the strong majority of the market, kids are introduced to electronics at a very young age. They recommend kids be introduced to the proper use of technology at a young age and that all children get an equal and fair access. Li and Ma (2010) take a different approach from the mathematics class point-of-view. They argue that since computer technology had become more popular that is undeniable that its role as an important tool for learning. They discuss some of the encouraging figures including their study in how mathematic scores have increased when teachers use technology. They actually argue that more research is needed to be done from a mathematics point of view. Uses of Internet in the Classroom While the internet is a form of technology, it takes it to a whole new level. The information available to students and teachers is astronomical and some of that unknown is scary to them. Scheuerell (2010) discusses some of the fears of allowing students to use the internet. Some fear that it will make more students work alone. Video games and other electronic devices have forced more students to seclusion. While this is true, they provide evidence that while the student might be at the computer for game console alone, they are often using the internet to play with others via voice-enabled communications. The internet is also used for video chatting which can enable students in different locations to collaborate on assignments. Scheuerell explains that students do better on assignments, even online ones, when they are tasked with interpreting what they have learned, more than just looking up information. They feel that they are part of the work and that it is just not some kind of busy work. Cooperative learning can be done even on a local network and not the full internet. Many colleges and universities have local networks that allow students to use multiple computer s to work on a project and then send to each other. The students that were observed and discussed in the article were tasked with creating a webpage about local history in Missouri. Fear can also be used to welcome in the internet. Bonk (2010) explains that it might take a catastrophe to have how people look at schools in regards to the internet. He goes on to say that Katrina enabled many high school and college students to take classes online from other states and other universities. Indiana University High School is an example of how the internet can be used as a virtual high school. Students who attend this 21st century high school range from rural students to pregnant teenagers. The coursework that is done is the same that would be done at a local school, but for those that are unable to attend on a daily basis for a number of reasons this increases the chance that the student does not get frustrated. Bonk developed 10 methods that are available today. These include e-learning and blended learning to real-time mobility and portability. Digital books, as is discussed, are another step in using new technology in the classroom. With the iPad and Kindle, studen ts are able to access their books all at once, instead of carrying them around in a backpack or in their locker. These devices, especially the iPad, have several other uses including display programs and teaching programs that interact with the students and are more than just words in a textbook. With these, teachers can have an assignment tailored to each individual students needs without having to write or print out several directions or discuss individual directions out loud in front of the entire class. How can all these fears be relieved? Frye, Trathen, and Koppenhaver (2010) discuss the different needs that are met by using internet workshops and blog entries. Internet workshops are when teachers create a research based activity that students use to make a report on a subject. One of the top sites they mention teachers send students to is Delicious.com. Teachers are able to help guide students by creating social bookmarks that other students can use to help them, which cultivates the cooperative learning skill. They go into detail on how the internet workshops are built and designed by teachers to use it for more than just the one class, but available for multiple classes the student might have. The other topic they touch on is how the internet is used to keep up-to-date information available. Web-logs or blogs for short, are used along with internet workshops. Teachers can use blogs as journal entries for academic reasons and keep an accurate, detailed record of what the student( s) have been doing. It is not just teachers that need to know how to safely navigate these new technologies. Hardacre (2010) surveyed a number of students on various ways of communicating on the internet. In the early part of the 2000s a strong majority of student said they used MySpace compared to Facebook. Now the numbers have reversed. More and more teachers have begun using Facebook and other internet services to connect with their students. Libraries are increasing the number of computers and other technologies students can use to access the internet. Laptops are the top choice both amongst students and libraries to buy if they had money. But even if you relieve the fear of the use, the ability to use it could be difficult to come by. In the Technology Counts (2010) article, the topics of the problems in using and creating wireless networks are discussed. Connection issues have plagued wireless networks. From people not seeing a signal to slow speeds, wireless has its issues. The article states that if it is difficult for students to connect to a wireless network, they become frustrated; some even more so than what they would have been with paper texts. Networks are also expensive to create. With the number of people who would be accessing them, a good, professional level network is needed to accommodate the bandwidth. These can cost up to $125,000. That is just for the initial costs. A server administrator is needed to maintain and fix issues that arise. While a current staff member can serve this post, it is a full-time job that requires constant maintenance. They also discuss the benefits such as using smart phones to help alleviate some of the issues that the networks have. When the internet is used to such a large extent, that students need the internet to do their research and just function in school. Shiveley and VanFossen (2009) provide an explanation to how much the internet is actually used in the classroom. This literature review provides many sources as references, but states that there just is not much research out there for actual use in the classroom. Most of the material states what it should do and how it should help, but it does not provide detailed information on what teachers are specifically doing in class using the internet. They go on to discuss how in the social studies classroom, the attitude toward the internet is as a source of information only. Many teachers even limit the amount that a student can use as many false sources are on the World Wide Web. The full potential of the internet is not often realized by teachers who are afraid of false information. With many different programs and classroom materials available including WebQuests1 social studies teachers need to learn how much their curriculum can benefit from the internet. Mossbarger (2008) discusses the why the internet has actually become an addiction to some and should be included in textbooks. In his meta-analysis, Mossbarger mentions that more and more children are relying on the internet for social interaction and fail to see or understand the consequences. His data concludes that there are a few textbooks that deal with students and this addiction. The more attention, Mossbarger argues, that is brought to this, the more resources that will become available to treat it. Ratzan (1994) discusses how the problems faced in the earlier stages of the internet are still relevant today. One advantage of working with the internet environment is that things change quickly. One disadvantage of working win the internet environment is that things change quickly (p. 62). He discusses some of the different sources that are available including email and several types of books. These would all be available for students to do research on as a number of free sites are mentioned. There are a number of these that are geared primary toward a particular subject. Gayton (2008) explains the uses of teaching business in regards to the internet. All three of the teachers observed and interviewed, in a interpretive anaylsis found several flaws within uses of the internet. Most demonstrated and stated that the time it takes to create a lesson using the internet is too time consuming for their intended purposes. While being observed, each teacher was engaged in several poor teaching habits in regard to undirected usage. Gayton recommends that teachers, not just business ones get adequate training in use of technology and internet abilities and integrate them into their curriculum as its proven to have a positive impact on their students achievement. Most of the research available today comes from the public school sector. But with an increasing number of students attending private schools, thanks in part to school vouchers and school accountability, the internet has become a hub of information that these parochial schools have begun to incorporate. Gibbs, Dosen, Guerrero (2008) provide examples on how technology is used at the private school level, outside the money and restrictions of the public school systems. Their surveys concluded that while a few teachers use technology in different ways, for the most part Catholic school teachers used it very little. There is no church doctrine restricting what technology can be used, just on what information can/should be accessed. An overwhelming number of teachers, who used technology, use it to contact parents, presentations, and develop electronic portfolios of students work. They concluded that teachers used it as a preparatory instrument, but not as a teaching tool (p. 189). But after all is said and done, what is the current hot topic? Online universities have sprung up but as Doyle (2009) explains online high schools and colleges that were supposed to be used almost exclusively never took off like the industry hoped for. Despite universities like University of Phoenix, founded in 1976, which took online classes to a new level, it has not been until recent years that a larger push for people to take classes while not on a college campus. Singh, Mangalaraj, and Taneja (2010) discuss not just online universities but online classes in general. Research shows that online classes can be as effective as traditional classroom-based courses when appropriate technologies are used and sufficient interactivity is present (p. 299). They talk about the benefits of different programs that are available to students and teachers in these online courses. Remarks about each, whether they are good or bad are included in each of their research tables. This perspective allows teachers to see what programs are being used, where to find them, and how they can be applied to their classrooms. Conclusion Many teachers fear of technology and the internet stems from either a lack of training or fear of the unknown. The articles discussed are a combination of the positives and negatives. Some mention the benefits that teachers have learned from and used in their individual classrooms while others talk about the struggles and lack of training teachers have received to learn the potential of the internet. And while teachers might have a mind set against the internet, some students use their cell phones to access not only the world wide web but to text others. Some even use the technology to an unsafe level of addiction to such materials. Technology is ever changing and if we expect our students to change, then teachers to learn and understand it. The degree to which teachers use the technology is something only they can decide. Technology is all around us. Subjectivity I have always been surrounded by technology. My father is a computer system engineer since before I was born. We always had a computer. It might not have been the newest but we could always learn how to work with technology. Once I started doing research in school, I went to our computer at home. But when I was in school, I still had to use physical books. Most teachers I had did not have email or use the internet at all. So most of my research started on our computer but ended in books. Now that I am in college I have seen how teachers change how they allow students to do their research. Writing a literature review today is made a lot easier as articles are being published online or copies of them made available. Using laptops, desktops, and my iPod to access my emails and library resources have allowed for the literature review to be compiled. Chapter 3 Introduction The purpose of this study is to determine to what extent the internet has changed teachers perspectives on students conduct research in their classrooms. This chapter lists the procedures for the study while talking about the sampling strategies used to solicit volunteers. It also includes the design, measurement and instrumentation, data collection, limitations, and data analysis. Research Questions These questions were ever changing. In the preliminary stages, articles were abundant and research questions were being revised on a daily basis. After completing the literature review, the following questions were finalized through careful scrutiny. How has research changed with the internet? What are the struggles that students face while doing research? And to what extent is the internet used in all aspects of the classroom? Procedures The focus of this phenomenological study is on teachers in the Northern Virginia area. Interviews will be conducted to analyze the significance the internet has had on how these teachers view it in regards to how their students conduct research. Sample The sample for this study will be four teachers in Northern Virginia. The teachers will come from various subject areas with a varied amount of teaching experience. Permission as been granted from Liberty High School, Bealeton, VA (Appendix B) and Kettle Run High School, Nokesville, VA (Appendix C). Teachers will not be solicited based upon gender. A mix of public and private schools will be used. Design The research design is a collection of answers based upon responses to interview questions. The questions will be grouped together and discussed in regards to the answer of all the subjects at the same time. Data Collection The data will be collected by individual interviews, recorded on a digital voice recorder, with each subject. See Appendix A for a listing of the interview questions. Interviews will be conducted both at the school of each subject, per approval from the principal (Appendix B C) as well as other locations as needed to facilitate the needs of each subject. Each participant will have signed a copy of the Informed Consent Form (Appendix D). Each interview will be transcribed into a document. Some data may also be collected by follow up interviews, email, and phone calls. The additional data will be transcribed as well. Copies of any additional information subjects are willing to provide will be attached as an appendix. Data Analysis The data will be analyzed for answers to specific questions and a summary of each answer will be included. Subjects will asked to correct any information collected upon being provided a copy of the transcript. After all the data is compiled, each subject will be provided with a copy of all interpretations and asked to give feedback. This is to be used a check for validity. Ethical Issues See Appendix E for Institutional Review Board forms. Monitoring Subjectivity To help keep track of any possible subjectivity in my research, I will be writing a journal entry, in a Word document for each day that I work on my research. I will include a copy of my journal entries as Appendix E after my research is complete. Validity Measuring validity can be a tricky subject. According to Maxwell (2005) the two main threats to validity are research bias and reactivity. Researcher bias can be addressed in several ways including keeping a journal of activities throughout the research process (appendix F). In reactivity, I will conduct my research in the most comfortable location for my subjects. Conducting the interviews away from a school setting is one method of reducing the influence the interviewer has. My main methods of checking validity will be to give each subject a copy of their interview transcript and to give each participant a copy of the final paper to check for inaccuracies of both. Implications/Significance/Contributions Implications in this research are that teachers have changed their ideas on research. If no changes exist with the changing technology, the implication that there is could be offensive to come teachers. Significance is that this research can prove technology and the internet has changed the way teachers allow students to conduct research. contribution is that a compilation of thoughts and changes that have been made, if any, could be invaluable to teachers and administrators as the this research will cover teachers of all years of teaching experience as well as across all subjects Limitations This study was a based in a single area of the United States and thus had a certain number of limitations. The findings of the study were limited to four teachers in Northern Virginia. The teachers were personally asked to participate in the study. Another limitation would be the number of years the teacher has been teaching. While it is part of the design it is a limitation based on the interaction of materials used in the classroom in recent decades. While public and private school teachers participated, home school teachers were not interviewed. This prevents from getting a possible perspective on a section of teachers that rely on technology and the internet in their classrooms heavily.