Being Congruent

Anchored on Carl Rogers’ theory on the person-centered approach of understanding behavior and applying such an understanding to the â€Å"healing† process, the concept of congruence is among the highlights of this renowned theorist’s perspective. It is understood as a concept which usually starts or initiated by the therapist or practitioner and modelled to the client whereby the former displays more of the real person that he/she is and reducing denial of the real struggles or feelings that tend to be kept inside (Smith, 1997; Rogers, 1951).In the process, the client learns to unveil the real self rather than assume a facade which not only masks the real problems, make the therapeutic relationship increasingly difficult (Rogers, 1959). Rogers probably in his long years of exposure to different clients or patients, found commonality in his interactions that help facilitate better recovery and congruence as modelled by a therapist eventually gained its place in hi s approach. My list (Roman numeral #I) reflects specifically what I am like and readily present a sketch on my person. There are obvious similarities and the differences are there as well.I have many characteristics that I wish I have such as what I had just enumerated in the second set of list (II). The reason that there are differences especially the yearning on my part, for instance, to be â€Å"less temperamental† spring from the fact that because I am too tired from being dedicated and serious which are manifested in the works I do, I tend to be short-tempered or easily get irritated. In order for this to be attained, the legitimate need to be less serious or work-aholic and have more fun then, is easily understood or acceptable.This actually portrays a healthy tug of being real and aspiring to be more real to others in more ways than I am at present. Sufficient to say, basing on the idealization of the self by Rogers, I appear to be a congruent person because I gain mor e insights of who I am. IV. Include an action point that provides details on how you will strive for more congruency between your actual and ideal self. Action Point: There are some â€Å"steps† that had been coined by Rogers to put the theory in â€Å"action, so to speak. To elaborate, the following are some of the most important things that I will be doing or implementing for a targeted schedule.– Step 1: I will examine my values; what I cherish and make me thrills are among the things that are found under this step. – Step 2: Start to honour the values that I know are my treasures. – Step 3: I would probably pay attention to my body – such as my physical reaction to the things I don’t want to do but was just forced to do because of what people might think – increases incongruence. Every time I do this, I begin to enhance and increase my ability to say no, or being real especially. Sensing the inner peace and – Step 4.As muc h as possible, I will start to remove or minimize encounters or activities leading to incongruence. The more I listen to the inner prodding that the most important things are given priority, and this vantage point becomes a pathway within the person to experience more confidence in expressing the real issues inside of him. The more I check whether what my actions are, no matter how seemingly trivial they may be, the more I’d realize whether the discrepancies do exist and there are perhaps few improvements to narrow the dividing line.This results to being a contented person, able to fully accept inner failings and realizing that people eventually tend to follow suit. Reference: Rogers, Carl . R. 1951. Client-Centered Counseling, Boston: Houghton-Mifflin. Rogers, Carl . R. 1959. A theory of therapy, personality and interpersonal relationships, as developed in the client-centered framework. In S. Koch (ed. ). Psychology: A study of science. (pp. 184-256). N. Y. : McGraw Hill. Sm ith, M. K. (1997, 2004) ‘Carl Rogers and informal education', the Encyclopaedia of informal education. [www. infed. org/thinkers/et-rogers. htm

Predominate Symbols and Their Meanings

Predominate Symbols and Their Meanings Defined Symbolism â€Å"is the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things with a symbolic meaning or character. A symbol is an object, action, or idea that represents something other than itself, often of a more abstract nature. † (Wikipedia) Authors use symbolism to give their stories a deeper meaning. Symbols make you look beyond the obvious and see the deeper meaning. † Symbols have emotional and intellectual power beyond their literal importance, and writers often use them to compact large ideas into simple words or phrases. (SPC Blackboard) Authors Shirley Jackson (The Lottery), Susan Glaspell (A Jury of Her Peers), and Katherine Ann Porte (The Jilting of Granny Weatherall) all effectively use symbolism is their stories to convey a deeper meaning, the symbolism in their stories help connect you on a different level. In Jackson’s The Lottery, there are many instances where symbolism is used to repr esent something else. The first symbol which is probably the most obvious is the title of the story.When you think of the word lottery you think of a prize of some sort, â€Å"In this story the lottery serves as an ironic symbol–something which begins in a harmless and sociable way but ends in tragedy. † (Enotes) Another symbolic reference in this story is the black box that is used to draw from. The box is dilapidated and in need of some major repair, yet it is still used year after year. ‘They base their attachment on nothing more than a story that claims that this black box was made from pieces of another, older black box. (SparkNotes) The black box symbolizes tradition; the people of the town are attached to the box just because it has been around so long they don’t know anything else. There is no reason the villagers should be so attached to the box, just as there is no reason they should continue to hold the Lottery but they do because of tradition. (SparkNotes) The third and most disturbing symbol from The Lottery is the actual stoning. â€Å"Stoning is one of the oldest and most common forms of execution, but it is also one of the most symbolic. (Bright Hub Education) It is symbolic because in reference to the Bible stoning was the way to execute innocent people. It was also important the â€Å"winner† of the lottery be stoned so that there was not just one executioner. â€Å"This means that no single person has passed judgment or has to carry the guilt for taking a life alone†, the lottery was an institution of the society and not the individual. (Bright Hub Education) Jackson uses symbolism in this morbid story to reference the Bible and make you read between the lines, just like Glaspell does in A Jury of Her Peers.In A Jury of Her Peers by Susan Glaspell there is an abundance of symbolism. Basically every small detail in this story is symbolic of something else. The most significant symbols in this story ar e the bird and the birdcage. Mrs. Hale describes Minnie, before her marriage, as †real sweet and pretty, but kind of timid and fluttery† (Learner) which can also describe a bird. The bird in its cage represents Minnie trapped in the relationship with John. She is also trapped because there is no lifeline or communication with the outside world, she is having the life drained from her.John figuratively strangles the life out of Minnie like he literally strangles the bird. When he kills the bird, he kills the last bit of Minnie’s spirit. Minnie â€Å"didn't know what she was about† (Learner) anymore. Another symbolic reference is way Minnie killed her husband, Minnie strangled the life out of John like he strangled the life out of her bird. (Literature Essays) The setting in this story is also symbolic because like Minnie it was very isolated and â€Å"It had always been a lonesome-looking place. (Learner) Minnie reached a breaking point and took matters int o her own hands. During this time period there was no divorce or separation, so the woman had either to suffer through it, die, or kill her husband. Her house is also very symbolic of her life, her kitchen was described as â€Å"being in disorder with unwashed pans under the sink, a dishtowel left on table, a loaf of bread outside the breadbox, and other disarray. † (Learner) Just like her kitchen, Minnie’s life was in complete disarray because of the abuse she endured.Like Glaspell, Katherine Ann Porte author of The Jilting of Granny Weatherall, uses symbolism to relate everyday events and objects to traumatic life events. The title itself is symbolic; to â€Å"Weather† means that someone has gone through a lot and experienced a lot of hardships during their life. Granny had â€Å"weathered† a lot during her life but had forced herself to rise above these situations. Even though she is a weak and dying she wants everyone to think she is fine and doesnâ⠂¬â„¢t need anyone’s help. Some f the symbolism that takes place in The Jilting of Granny Weatherall has to do with Granny’s denial. Granny Weatherall is in denial about most of the aspects of her life. She refuses to admit that she is dying, refuses to let anyone think she had her heart broken by the man who left her at the altar. Before she dies she wants to make sure everyone knows she lived a good life and did everything anyone else would do, married a good man, had kids, and lived a good life, even though her heart still pangs because she was jilted. The color blue is also symbolic throughout the story.There are many references to the color throughout the story and as Granny comes closer to dying the color slowly starts to fade. â€Å"At last, blue becomes the color of the light in Granny’s own mind, the light she snuffs out herself. ‘She stretched herself with a deep breath and blew out the light. ’ (EBookBrowse) It comes to symbolize the fin al stage of Granny’s life, when she is easing into death. † (SparkNotes) These symbols tug at your emotions and make you feel the pain Granny Weatherall has endured throughout her life. By using symbolism, these authors add layers to their stories.These layers make the stories more effective on an emotional level. They force you to read between the lines and force you to see the hidden importance in even the smallest of details. Works Cited Bright Hub Education. n. d. 27 October 2012. . EBookBrowse. n. d. 29 October 2012. . Enotes. n. d. 28 October 2012. . Learner. n. d. 28 October 2012. . Literature Essays. n. d. 28 October 2012. . SparkNotes. n. d. 28 October 2012. . SparkNotes. n. d. 29 October 2012. . SPC Blackboard. n. d. 27 October 2012. . Wikipedia. n. d. 26 October 2012. .

Applied Pharmacology Module 1 Workbook Learning Activity Dropbox Essay

Applied Pharmacology Module 1 Workbook Learning Activity Dropbox - Essay Example They further will also indicate a specific timeframe for the implementation of the policies along with a detailed plan for the expenditure (How to Develop and Implement a National Drugs Policy, 2003). The key components include† selection of essential drugs, Affordability, Drug financing, Supply systems, Regulation and quality assurance, Rational use, Research, Human resources, Monitoring and evaluation† (How to Develop and Implement a National Drags Policy, 1988). As a paramedic, my estimation is that the role played by national strategy in formulating the greatest possible use of medicines to develop the health results of all Australians is very remarkable (About Quality Use of Medicines, 2008). This has also provided an opportunity for the paramedic like me to expand a consistent approach to prescribe medicines that supports quality use of medicines, safe practice, and effectiveness of healthcare services.   Hawthorn is a heart herb belonging to the rose family. It is white to brownish in color and united with its extremely rose-like, lobed leaves, and brown wooded stems. The herb also works well with other tonic herbs and, therefore, fortifies its effect on the patient’s body. The leaves, berries and flowers of Hawthorn are used by herbal practitioners in UK in combination with prescribed drugs to treat hypertension (Herbs and Dietary Supplement in the Pretension and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, 1954). â€Å"Hawthorn (Crataegus) may play a role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and in particular, congestive heart failure† (Research Update of Hawthorn Fruit Extras Hawthorn Leaves Extras, n.d). Evidence gathered show that hawthorn may lead to anti ischemia or reperfusion-injury, hypolipidemic, hypotensive and anti-arrhythmic effects. â€Å"Clinical trials have confirmed that hawthorn leaf and flower extracts are beneficial for

Name one of the subdisciplines of Psychology and describe it. Describe Essay

Name one of the subdisciplines of Psychology and describe it. Describe the DSM-IV. Why is Wilhelm Wundt an important figure in Psychology How does Behaviorism differ from Structuralism - Essay Example and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which has been created and published by the APA (American Psychiatric Association and is manual that consists of information regarding to various mental disorders that are experienced by human beings (Rutherford, 2004, p.239). Wilhelm Wundt is recognized as the father of psychology and he has been regarded with such prestige because he was the creator of first laboratory for the field of psychology and separated psychology from philosophy and recognized that psychology was a separate field and had separate issues to solve through separate methods. It was his contribution that provided support to the formation of behaviorism and methods used by him to study psychology are still under operation. Behaviorism studies human behavior under the light of psychology, this means that behaviorists try to determine the reasons due to which human beings behave in a certain manner. Structuralism focuses on the fact that the aim of psychology is to interpret how environment impacts the consciousness of an individual and the changes in behavior exhibited by individuals when they come in contact with different

An exploration of the relationship between learning organisations and Essay

An exploration of the relationship between learning organisations and the retention of knowledge workers - Essay Example The new economy has been defined as one which is technology based. In the new economy, knowledge workers are the most important employees for any organization because they facilitate the creation of knowledge which is critical for maintaining the competitive advantage. Therefore the findings from the paper would enable managers in the new economy to manage turnover intent so that an organization can create a long-term strategic advantage by creating human capital. The importance of knowledge management can be seen in the case of Starbucks, the leading brand in the specialty coffee industry (Pearlson & Saunders, 2008, pp. 56-60). The company has implemented the web 2.0 technology which has enhanced cooperation between employees throughout the organization. Web 2.0 facilitates knowledge management by enabling employees to collaborate online through information sharing. As a result the employees are able to participate in the decision-making process. This increases job satisfaction and decreases turnover intention. The company maintains a continuous process of innovation which is guided by knowledge management. For this reason HR managers have to formulate strategies aimed at motivating knowledge workers who can make the innovation process effective. The managers at Starbucks can apply the findings from the present journal.

Environmentally Friendly Sources of Energy Essay

Environmentally Friendly Sources of Energy - Essay Example The anger over high gas prices opened up an old debate over the world's limited fossil fuels, their effect on the environment, and solutions for the future. The course of action is clear, the United States must move beyond Fossil Fuels to more environmentally friendly source of energy. Pollution caused by car fuel is responsible for a number of natural and human afflictions. Topping that long list is acid rain, lung problems including asthma, smog, and global warming. The regulation of car emissions did not begin until 1970. After eighty years of neglect air pollution had become a problem that seemed uncontrollable. President Nixon and his administration struggled to pass legislation that would require vehicles to produce less emissions and be safer for the environment. They did succeed in passing the Federal Clean Air Act, the first in a series of actions meant to improve the quality of air in the United States. The first Act simply stated what was an acceptable amount of emissions and what was not. As the years went by and more provisions were made the Act was still weak, and was used more like a suggestion than a law (Conlin 807). Cars create pollution in a number of ways. The major contribution is ozone being released at a ground level. The World Resources Institute warns "breathing ozone concentrations of 0.012ppm, levels that are typical in many cities can irritate the respiratory tract and impair lung function causing coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. In addition to the effects that gas produced pollution has on the human body" (66), it can have a severe effect on the planet as a whole. Another component of car emissions is carbon dioxide, a compound which traps heat. Since the Middle Ages the amount of carbon dioxide in the environment has increased by 30% and the temperature of the planet has increased in a similar way. Global warming can cause many environmental problems including damage to coral reefs, spread of disease, droughts, the melting of the North Pole, and most recently documented severe weather conditions like tropical storms and hurricanes. The amount of gasoline used by cars is staggering. World Resource Institute cites that vehicles used for transportation consumed about 25% of the world's energy, and 80% of that is caused by cars. In 1996 the world's gas consumption topped a trillion liters. America easily uses more gas then it is able to produce. Petroleum is not a renewable resource. The United States imports 50% of the oil it uses (World 79). This leads to an additional problem with petroleum based fuel. The United States has become dependent on foreign countries for this fuel and therefore must maintain a good working relationship with other national governments which nurture terrorism and poor treatment of it's citizens. "Biodiesel is an American-made fuel that can be produced from any fat or vegetable oil, such as soybean oil. Biodiesel is cleaner burning than traditional diesel, and its production and use builds our U.S. economy, rather than our reliance on the Middle East" (Biodiesel, par 3). A shortage of petroleum gas leads to rising gas prices. Of course there are many simple ways that people can cut down on their gas usage. Many of them involved car pooling, not using gas powered machines on ozone days, and to relearn the virtues of taking and enjoying a nice long walk. However, the bigger

Health Administarion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Health Administarion - Essay Example ze and remember the mission, goals and objectives of this organization and ensure that whatever changes will be suggested about the quality improvement are in line with this mission and aim to achieve it. A mentioned earlier, the quality improvement goal of this health care organization is to focus solely on terminally ill patients by offering them several services that are not offered in a regular hospital and at the same time ensure that this health facility will be more like a second home to them than a hospital hence the relaxation atmosphere and freedom will be guaranteed as well as taking care of their health conditions in a comfortable manner. Some of the services in the quality improvement plan include counseling services, follow up on their drug administration and finally the most important of all is recreational facilities and services. This research will focus more on recreational services since it is not only unique from the other services mentioned above that are offered in a hospice but it takes the minds of these patients from their conditions and they focus their energy and time on more happy things that will be in the facility. Implementation of the above mentioned facilities will make this organization unique and hence famous. Fame will ensure that the quality of the health care organization will not in any way be compromised, more patients will be booked in the facilities , the facility will have more profits, hire more staff and hence create jobs and finally and most important is the fact that it will have fulfilled and achieved its goals, objectives and mission. This organization is solely a health care organization focusing on terminally ill patients and whose mission is to ensure that the terminally ill patients booked in this facility get to lead their sick days in comfort and peace. In order to fulfill the above stated mission, the organization will provide several services that will ensure that not only are the patients happy but so

Anna in the Tropics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Anna in the Tropics - Essay Example However, tragedy occurs when Juan, a lector, gets romantically involved with one of the wives of the factory men. This causes resentment and hatred towards the lectors. To add salt to an injury, Cheche’s wife leaves him for one of the lectors (Cruz, 57). It is psychological war. The hero suffers because they have good looks and are more enlightened. â€Å"Our culture [civilization] demands other sacrifices besides that of sexual gratification† (Hegel qtd in Aiello slide 29).     Ã‚   According to Hegel, tragedy occurs when there is a collision between â€Å"two goods†. Both heroes, the â€Å"two goods† end up in tragedy. From the play, the opposing goods can be loosely interpreted as follows: The lectors are supposed to teach the workers to be literate, so that they can start working with the machines in the farms. As a result of love and the tragedies they created, the workers hate them. This means that relationship within them will be sore. The adoption of machines as suggested by Cheche is not a welcome move to the workers who feel that they will lose their jobs. Conchita’s beauty causes tragedy (Cruz, 36). She leaves her husband and sleeps with Marela’s husband. In revenge, Marela sleeps with Juan. Lovers are doomed, and this affects work at the factory.   The collision between â€Å"goods†-what was originally perceived to be good-and the real turn of events, causes the misfortune at the end of the play.

Culture and Diversity in Decision Making Essay Example for Free

Culture and Diversity in Decision Making Essay The definition of the mission and goals of the enterprise is the foundation for any business. Mission is the answer to the question, what is the activity of the company is and what it intends to do. Procter Gamble has a pretty clear statement: We are there to improve your life After the mission, the organization needs to define the purpose. In this case, the goal to produce goods and services of the highest quality and customer value that improve the lives of todays and future generations around the world. Consumers help to take a leading position in terms of sales, to ensure the prosperity of the business that contributes to the well-being of employees and shareholders, as well as those areas where employees live and work. The goal unites workers for the common cause of the growth strategy. It has great potential due to a simple idea to improve on daily lives of consumers around the world. It is this setting allows P ; G to achieve maximum full growth. So, from the above we can highlight the important goals of the company: A. Providing quality products, customer focus; B. Creating a stable, growing company. 3. About the P;G company’s culture signs. The company provides a certain amount of self – dependence divisional governance structure that provides greater flexibility and faster response to changes in the business environment compared to the linear and linear- staff. Managerial responsibility for the activities of the company both in the domestic and foreign market is shared between them. This type of structure combines centralized coordination and control of centrally managed. Key figures in the management of an organization with a divisional structure not heads of functional units, and the managers in charge of the production department, the so-called divisions. The company groups are formed by categories, each of which includes experts in marketing, sales and advertising. These narrow specialists provide each its part under the direct control of the manager category. The level of the manager is very high. 4. Factors that caused the organization to embody this particular culture. P;G company has been working toward keeping its reputation and standards in all field. Since it was established, P;G has built rich heritage of touching consumers’ lives with brands that make life a little better every day. Here is to motto says â€Å"Do the Right Thing – For each other† The culture of the company is based on the basic moral and ethical values leadership, striving for the victory, the hosts respect, honesty and trust. These values are not something abstract they define the actions of the company. 5. What type of leader would be the best? In my opinion there are many reasons that this leader structure will be effective. First, as part of a huge company it managed to create an environment where every employee is interesting to work with. The responsibility of each employee, including the manager is the main driving force effectiveness. And this is the result of the constructed system of management, whose main task is to create conditions for the moral and material interests of each employee. Second, the complexity of management and collective management style in this company is proposed to use a single control method. The management system is structured in a complex of  functional subsystems. That is, they include highlights key subsystems within each of which formed goals, measurable indicators are introduced, developed a system for calculating them are formalized standards, business processes and organizational procedures. Disconnected from the management of the business functions of the companys managers are moving to a collective system of integrated management of business functions. 6. Imagine that there is a decline in the demand of products. What the change in culture would be need to be in response to this situation. I think company’s CEO should work with the sale’s department. Look up their regular planning and control of the department and its employees, hiring, selection and adaptation of staff; employee motivation, training, exchange of experience, the general debriefing, evaluation of the department, the calculation of cost of sales, cost of sales regulation, evaluation of individual performance of employees. In one word they have to find out their mistake and fix it, because without a reason demand not decreasing itself. References CNBC television channel – Documentary film about Procter ; Gamble company. Retrieved from http://www.hulu.com/watch/286095 Charan, R. (2008, August 26). P;G’s innovation culture: How we built the world-class organic growth engine by investing in people. Retrieved from http://www.strategy-business.com/article/08304?pg=all Procter and Gamble. (2013). Our worldwide business conduct manual. Retrieved from http://www.pg.com/en_US/downloads/company/governance/Policy_Worldwide_Business Conduct_Manual.pdf Schermerhorn, J. R. (2012). Organizational behavior (12th ed.). Danvers, MA: John Wiley ; Sons, Inc

The Thickness of Ice and Twice Shy Essay Example for Free

The Thickness of Ice and Twice Shy Essay The Thickness of Ice is poem about the different stages a couple go through in a relationship. The main themes in this poem are friendship and love and how these two can blend together. The title has been chosen by Loxley to show a positive side to relationships. The Thickness of Ice is positive as Thickness shows stability and safety. During this poem, Thickness is an oxymoron as well. The speaker in this poem is Loxley herself. I think this is true because the poem seems quite personal and sounds like it comes from a females perspective. It is also emotional and very meaningful. It seems that Loxley is trying to explain to us the different stages a relationship can go through if not taken seriously. In this poem she tells us one way that is the most often way in which a relationship goes in. This is what makes it so powerful and yet sounds so personal. I think she wrote the poem to show us how she felt after a bad experience in a relationship and could also be a warning to all of us about what might happen if people dont play fair in a relationship and end up hurting each other. I know this because the language used in the poem is so strong and powerful that we know that she is upset and hasnt got over something or someone. Throughout this poem we can see that she is planning what will happen. This poem is written in the future tense and makes us think that she can tell what is going to happen and why. She seems to think she can tell what is going to happen from a past experience. This past experience might not have worked out as we can tell from this poem. Also throughout this poem there is a sign of hope. Loxley chooses to use an interesting method of repetition throughout this poem to demonstrate her feelings about the situation she is in; though secretly Ill be hoping well become much more and hoping that that youre hoping that too. Loxley shows us how eager she is to get into a relationship with someone and how she isnt worried about anything and is completely besotted with this person. The poem has a well ordered structure. Connectives such as First Later Last of all give the poem a steady flow. The structure also relates to the theme of the poem that by using these connectives, it gives the poem the same continuous flow of that in a relationship. The relationship that Loxley has written about in this poem is about how two people would meet, fall in love, fall out and go their separate ways. People would naturally use the words first and last of all to describe different parts in a relationship. This shows the comparison between the structure of the poem and that of a relationship. I think Loxley chose to use this structure because it is usually used as a list or an order and the person who wrote this poem (whether it be Loxley or not) obviously thought the relationship was like a list of things that were going to happen. The person who is speaking out in this poem is sure of what is going to happen and there is predicting what she shall do and to me; this is a sign of a list which, in my opinion, is why Loxley chose to use this structure. The tone is this poem is mostly about love and lust. The one tone is most shown in this poem is love. It is what the whole poem is written about. All about falling in love or lust and being hurt in the outcome. This is a very opening poem as it gives the message not to rush into things so that you dont get hurt in the end. If it is Loxley writing the poem from a personal experience then it understandable that she doesnt have any strong feelings towards relationship and that she doesnt really like the way that they can break you. Sher writes about heartbreak and selfishness a lot in this poem and it is quite noticeable that she thinks that all relationships turn out the same as one that she may have experienced before. The tone at the end of the poem does change into a positive outcome when she uses the metaphor; Last of all well be like children, having learnt the thickness of ice this shows that they have learnt a lesson about what happened and that they might have future together but as friends and not in a relationship.

Ethical Debates on Music Sharing

Ethical Debates on Music Sharing To file share or not to file share? That is the question. Should free music off the internet be legal? Who is in the right- Napster or the music industry? There are some of the topics I hoped to discuss when I invited four journalists to my house to debate the controversial issue of online music. Ding-dong! â€Å"Uh-oh†, I think, wiping my hands on a paper towel. â€Å"They must be here early.† Its six-thirty, my guests arent due to arrive until seven, and I am already a half-hour behind. The lobsters are still boiling on the stove, the chunky potatoes are rock-hard and my spinach salad lies in pieces all over the kitchen floor. Things arent off to such a good start. I am supposed to be hosting a small, informal discussion tonight with a few journalists. The topic of the forum concerns the recent legal uproar about online music organizations such as Napster, Morpheus and Kazaa. I have invited a variety of people; some of whom have clashing opinions. I am looking forward to a heated and intellectual discussion; which will be good because I am planning on writing a book on the subject of online music. I havent decided yet whose side I am on; the music industry or the internet music providers. Hopefully, tonights discussion will provide me with some insight as to which side to stand on. Or maybe, I wont have to choose a side†¦who knows? As I walk to the front door, I cant help but feel just a little bit anxious, but excited at the same time. â€Å"I wonder who it is†¦who had the nerve to be fifteen minutes early?† I think to myself. I open the great oak door to find Tobey Grumet, a journalist from Popular Mechanics magazine. â€Å"Hows it going?† he asks casually as he walks through the entryway. â€Å"Its nice to finally meet you.† I say. I cant help but stare at him. I had heard that he was good looking, but geez! He has shoulder-length blonde hair that he has pulled back into a ponytail. He has chiseled features, but not too chiseled. He is wearing gray tweed pants that are only slightly baggy, a black woolen sweater and a hemp necklace. â€Å"Wow, nice place,† he remarks as he walks into my dining room. â€Å"Do you own this house?† â€Å"Yeah, I do..† I reply, shaking my head to get out of my trance. He follows me into the kitchen, and, seeing the state that it is in, offers to help me get ready. â€Å"Its a good thing I got here first. I dont think that Michael Miller would appreciate this†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he remarks as he is chopping up a tomato for the salad. â€Å"That guy is a total corporate pushover† he continues, his chopping getting a little bit more intense. I smile politely. I want to be completely impartial tonight, and I try very hard not to let what Tobey is saying affect my opinion of Michael Miller, a journalist a PC Magazine. We work in silence for about ten more minutes. By the time the doorbell rings again, the only thing left to do is drain the water out of the potato pot. â€Å"Thank you so much for all your help,† I exclaim as I walk to answer the door. â€Å"You are a lifesaver!† â€Å"No problem!† Tobey shouts after me. Who should be at the door, but Michael Miller. â€Å"Nice to meet you† he says to me in a grave manner. He is a short, thin man of about 45, with graying hair. His gray Armani suit looks a tad bit too big on him. â€Å"Goodness, Mr. Miller,† I exclaim. â€Å"You are making me feel like a bum in my jeans and turtleneck!† â€Å"Please,† he replies, â€Å"I apologize for the way Im dressed. You must forgive me; I just came from a journalists convention downtown. I didnt have time to change.† â€Å"No worries,† I assure him. One by one, they all arrive; Brian Smithers and Margaret Popper. We chat informally for a few minutes in the study over bourbon. I am mostly quiet, making mental observations of the ways my guests treat each other. For the most part, they seem to be enjoying each others company. Even Tobey seems to be getting along with Michael Miller. Next, my guests are all seated while I bring out the food. Our conversation starts out very formal. Then, I bring out the big question: â€Å"So, does anyone have any thoughts on the new online music providers like MUSICNET?† There is a short silence. My guests look at their plates, as if thinking about the best way to answer the question. I know all of them are thinking hard about the question; being journalists to major technology magazines, this kind of issue is a major obsession with them. It was finally Michael Miller who breaks the ice. â€Å"Well,† he says, putting down his fork, â€Å"I think its obvious that the Napsters of the world were breaking the law and cheating legitimate musicians out of money.† â€Å"Wait a second,† protests Tobey. â€Å"Dont you think its a little bit unfair to say that? Its not like the ‘musicians arent getting enough money anyways. And it isnt the musicians who are getting gypped, its the multi-million dollar music companies like BMG.† â€Å"The real issue isnt about money, its more about the reputations of musicians,† says Margaret Popper, a journalist at Business Week. She tucks her short brown bob cut back behind her ears. â€Å"Doesnt it concern anyone here that free online music allows people to essentially preview albums? Most people wont buy an album just for one song if they can listen to it beforehand for free. These online music providers are contributing to a complete decrease in album sales.† â€Å"Look,† says Brian Smithers, â€Å"you are all missing the point. Free online music is about more than just getting music. Did you ever stop to think that independent musicians use these providers to get out there? It is a fabulous resource for people who arent affiliated with the music industry giants like EMI and BMG.† I sit back and watch interested. So far, Ive got two for free online music, two against it. I ask another leading question. â€Å"Do you think it should be legal to create and share music files online for free?† Again, there is a slight pause. Brian Smithers raises his shaven head and replies, â€Å"Well, yes, absolutely. I mean, think about it. You are already paying for internet service. Why shouldnt the music be free? The internet is a place where everyone can come together and share things. It is a community. It should be free.† â€Å"No,† snaps Michael Miller, â€Å"the music that is shared online is part of an industry. An industry has a major goal to make a lot of money. How are industries supposed to make any money, and keep the economy going, if people can get music for free? It is cheating them out of money.† Brian looks directly at Miller with a glare in his eyes. His eyebrow ring glints in the light. â€Å"This is exactly what I am talking about. People who are obsessed with corporate America. Well, I hate to break it to you, but life isnt all about corporations. Its the little people who matter too.† â€Å"Whoa, hold on there partner!† exclaims Miller. â€Å"I am not suggesting that. But when something is copyrighted, by law that copyright cannot be broken. Its a legal thing.† As the night wears on, the conversation grows more and more heated. My guests remain stubborn and stick to their original points until it is time for them to go. As the last car drives off down the street, I head to the kitchen to wash dishes. My mind starts to wander. Napster launched in early 1999. It was the first of its kind; the idea and technology for sharing music files online had never been dreamed of before. (Brown) It quickly became wildly popular; after all, what music listener could argue with free music? Soon after its emergence, several other Napster copy-cats came onto the scene. Also soon after its launch, the Recording Industry Association of America made Napster its â€Å"public enemy number 1† (Brown). Napster was the first to be hit with claims of illegality by the music industry. According to Janelle Brown in her article on www.salon.com, bands such as Metallica complained that they were being cheated out of copyright money, and they claimed that CD sales were dropping. The Supreme Court ultimately decided that the music industry was correct to demand that Napster shut down (Brown). One by one, the music industry and the courts put a stop to all free online music. Napster wanna-bes continue to emerge, but they will be br ought to court sooner or later and receive the same fate as Napster. Although the ruling has been made final, there are still many activists who continue to argue the validity of free online music. My guests on both sides had brought up valid points. But in order to write my book, I realize I would have to take a side. This was not a black and white issue. I think about the opposing sides. I definitely agree with Michael Miller about the legalities of free online music. Copyrights are protected under the law. But, on the other hand, it is very difficult to monitor what goes onto the internet. There are plenty of things on the internet that are supposedly protected under copyright laws, but they are still there and can be accessed for free. No one is bothering to go to the Supreme Court over these things. I dont think that it should be different for music. Additionally, Margaret Poppers point that free online music hurts musicians reputations is very hard to swallow for me. I dont believe that big name bands like Metallica care about their reputations as much as they care about milking as much money as they can. The same goes for companies like EMI and BMG. Brian Smithers had br ought up an interesting point about the internet being a community. I think about how this remark could potentially add to my book. The idea that the internet is increasingly replacing traditional social settings has always been a topic of major interest to me. I find it fascinating how much things can change over time, yet not really change. People are still communicating with each other and participating in a community, but many have found a different medium for doing so: the internet. Instead of sitting around in a coffee shop discussing the latest popular album that everyone just has to buy; now people can congregate on the internet. Most online file-sharing sites have a place where you can talk to people and share your opinions on the music. The more I think about it, I also like the idea of being able to preview an album before I actually decide to buy it. There are a lot of albums out there that, in my opinion, only have one good song on them. I dont want to be throwing seventeen dollars down the drain if I can save that money by realizing beforehand that the album might not be very good. I dont think that this is the case a lot of the time. Most likely people will preview an album and then decide that they really like it, so they will go out and buy it. If anything, being able to preview an album is a good thing because it puts pressure on mainstream musicians and record companies to produce the finest work they can. Most songs on an album are â€Å"filler songs†, that is they are there simply to take up space on the album, and arent usually very good. Ive come to the conclusion that I will write my book on the advantages of online music file-sharing. Before I started this project, I really didnt have strong feelings either way about online file-sharing. I have used free sharing, such as Kazaa and now Lime Wire, but I never stopped to think about what I was doing. I did have more of a bias towards favoring online file-sharing, but mostly because it allowed me to download music for free. I also never knew very much about the Napster court case. To me, that was the defining moment of sort of the end of free music downloads. I knew that Napster was going to not be free anymore, but I didnt know why. Now I know the specifics of the case, and I favor Napsters side. As an avid music lover, and a consumer, I think I have the right to listen to music for free before I go out and buy it. It might decrease CD sales by a small percentage, but the music industry is still huge. And perhaps putting musicians on the spot by listening to their songs for free and then deciding whether or not to buy their album is a good thing. It puts more pressure on them to spend time making their music as good as it possibly can be. I think that the most compelling argument for me was Tobey Grumet. He argues that the controversy, although it is claimed to be about reputations, is more about money. This is absolutely true the more you think about it. Many little band names do not have a problem with free file sharing. It is the very popular bands signed under big label names, like Metallica, that are causing an uproar. I dont see how their songs being on Napster is harmful to their reputation. If anything, its good because it means that people like their songs. It doesnt harm their reputations as musicians; it more than likely helps it and allows them to be recognized as a very influential band in the history of modern rock music. My sources, I think, were all very legitimate. They all came from magazines that our library subscribes to. Salon.com is most likely biased towards free online file sharing, but the information that I got from them was purely fact-based, like when Napster was launched and so forth. I think that I got a good variety of journalists opinions on the issue of online file-sharing. Each of them had to take an opinion on the subject because it is part of their job. And, for the most part, I dont believe there was any kind of prior incentive to their taking one side or the other. Each of them has an extensive technological background and I think they looked at the issue pretty objectively. I learned a lot about online music from this project. I never realized what an important part of the technology community it plays. It is fun to download free music, rate it, and perhaps even discuss it with fellow music lovers. And it is convenient and thrifty to be able to check out albums before you decide to buy them. My final decision is that online music is a positive aspect of the internet that I hope, somehow, will continue to remain free and entertain music lovers through the means of the internet.

Comparing The Corner Residents and Dostoevsky’s Underground Man Essay

Comparing The Corner Residents and Dostoevsky’s Underground Man      Ã‚  Ã‚   I am a sick man.... I am an angry man. I am an unattractive man. [...] I don't understand the least thing about my illness, and I don't know for certain what part of me is affected. I am not having any treatment for it, and never have had, although I have a great respect for medicine and for doctors. [...] No, I refuse treatment out of spite. (Dostoevsky 1864: 17)    Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote these words around 1864 to describe the mental state of a hyperconscious retired bureaucrat whose excessive analysis and inability to act separate him from the mainstream of the society in which he lived. Dostoevsky's underground man, as he termed his character, is characterized by alienation, spite, and isolation. Dostoevsky presents the life of his character as a testimonial to the possibility of living counter to an individual's own best interests.    Frequently, the public debate over the those problems which occur in poverty-ridden urban environments is presented as if the inhabitants were copies of Dostoevsky's underground man who differed mainly in that they frequently had less education and more pigment in their skin. That is to say, although there are valid comparisons that can be drawn between the Underground Man and the inhabitants of west Baltimore who are so vividly depicted in The Corner, there are also important differences that make any claim of strict equality between a Russian intellectual from the nineteenth century and a 20th-century tout or slinger an absurd caricature. Moreover, the intent of portraying inner-city residents as Underground Men and Women is, frequently, to blame these people for all of their own problems, something t... ...and we may be in for another string of disappointing years in the War on Poverty and the War on Drugs.    Works Cited and Consulted: Dostoevsky, Fyodor. (1864) Notes from Underground. Trans. Jessie Coulson. Middlesex, England: Penguin Books. Hacker, Andrew. (1998) Two Nations: Black and White, Separate, Hostile, Unequal. In Reading Between the Lines: Toward an Understanding of Current Social Problems. Ed Amanda Konradi and Martha Schmidt. London: Mayfield Publishing Company. Simon, David & Burns, Edward. (1993) The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood. New York: Broadway Books. Wilson, William Julius. (1998) "Ghetto-Related Behavior and the Structure of Opportunity" in Reading Between the Lines: Toward an Understanding of Current Social Problems. Ed Amanda Konradi and Martha Schmidt. London: Mayfield Publishing Company.

Natural Order and Phenomena in Shakespeares Macbeth Essay -- Macbeth 2

"Is 't night's predominance or the day's shame / That darkness does the face of Earth entomb / When living light should kiss it?" (Macbeth 2.4.9-11). ¹ The reversal of night and day in William Shakespeare's Macbeth represents a reversal far more permanent and unnatural: that of a nation's hierarchy. When the title character makes the tragic decision to commit regicide and begin a dishonest ascent to kingship, the destruction of the natural order of Scotland commences, and this turn of events is reflected by the violent reaction of natural phenomena in the country. William Shakespeare, as an author contracted by King James I, sought to preserve a conservative monarchical system, promote the philosophy of the Divine Right of Kings, and please his patron through Macbeth: Pairing Macbeth's murder of Scotland's King Duncan with a series of unnatural events, Shakespeare illustrates to audiences the severity of such a crime and the displeasure of nature and God with its perpetrator. The use of violent natural imagery in Macbeth solidifies a monarch's place as the divinely appointed leader of a nation by displaying God's consternation with Macbeth, embodying the interruption of a nation's natural hierarchy, striking terror into the hearts of those disloyal to their monarch, and portraying the witches as supernatural forces of evil upon Earth. In order to understand Macbeth's historical context, one must examine the political culture of the reign of King James I Stuart. James reigned over Scotland from 1567 to 1625 and England from 1603 to 1625, and was the first of a wave of monarchs claiming a divine right to rule (BBC). As the first ruler of a consolidated Kingdom of Great Britain, James issued public statements affirming his... ...ial conservatism and makes for interesting analysis. Just as an eclipse darkens the sun, regicide creates a series of events that reverses the natural order of a divine right monarchy, and William Shakespeare effectively illustrates this idea through the use of natural imagery in Macbeth. Works Cited "BBC - History - Historic Figures: James I and VI (1566 - 1625)." BBC History. BBC, 2011. Web. 08 Apr. 2011. . Kreis, Steven. "James I, Speeches to Parliament (1609)." The History Guide. 12 May 2004. Web. 08 Apr. 2011. . McDonald, Russ. The Bedford Companion to Shakespeare: an Introduction with Documents. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2001. Print. Shakespeare, William, and Sylan Barnet. Macbeth. New York: Signet Classics, 1998. Print. Natural Order and Phenomena in Shakespeare's Macbeth Essay -- Macbeth 2 "Is 't night's predominance or the day's shame / That darkness does the face of Earth entomb / When living light should kiss it?" (Macbeth 2.4.9-11). ¹ The reversal of night and day in William Shakespeare's Macbeth represents a reversal far more permanent and unnatural: that of a nation's hierarchy. When the title character makes the tragic decision to commit regicide and begin a dishonest ascent to kingship, the destruction of the natural order of Scotland commences, and this turn of events is reflected by the violent reaction of natural phenomena in the country. William Shakespeare, as an author contracted by King James I, sought to preserve a conservative monarchical system, promote the philosophy of the Divine Right of Kings, and please his patron through Macbeth: Pairing Macbeth's murder of Scotland's King Duncan with a series of unnatural events, Shakespeare illustrates to audiences the severity of such a crime and the displeasure of nature and God with its perpetrator. The use of violent natural imagery in Macbeth solidifies a monarch's place as the divinely appointed leader of a nation by displaying God's consternation with Macbeth, embodying the interruption of a nation's natural hierarchy, striking terror into the hearts of those disloyal to their monarch, and portraying the witches as supernatural forces of evil upon Earth. In order to understand Macbeth's historical context, one must examine the political culture of the reign of King James I Stuart. James reigned over Scotland from 1567 to 1625 and England from 1603 to 1625, and was the first of a wave of monarchs claiming a divine right to rule (BBC). As the first ruler of a consolidated Kingdom of Great Britain, James issued public statements affirming his... ...ial conservatism and makes for interesting analysis. Just as an eclipse darkens the sun, regicide creates a series of events that reverses the natural order of a divine right monarchy, and William Shakespeare effectively illustrates this idea through the use of natural imagery in Macbeth. Works Cited "BBC - History - Historic Figures: James I and VI (1566 - 1625)." BBC History. BBC, 2011. Web. 08 Apr. 2011. . Kreis, Steven. "James I, Speeches to Parliament (1609)." The History Guide. 12 May 2004. Web. 08 Apr. 2011. . McDonald, Russ. The Bedford Companion to Shakespeare: an Introduction with Documents. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2001. Print. Shakespeare, William, and Sylan Barnet. Macbeth. New York: Signet Classics, 1998. Print.

Education for Learners with Special Needs: Introduction to Organization and Planning Essay

In 1990, statistics showed that there were well over 43 million Americans with one or more physical or mental disabilities (Dixon, Kruse, & van Horn, 2003). Historically, society has isolated and segregated these individuals. After the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and despite numerous laws and civil rights acts, discrimination against individuals with disabilities continues to be a serious social problem. This lecture briefly discusses the history of the laws and civil rights acts pertaining to Americans with disabilities i. e., how the laws and civil rights acts are being applied to learning in the educational system. Historical Factors That Shaped Special Education Today In 1975, Congress passed the Education of All Handicapped Children Act, now codified as the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004. When the Education of All Handicapped Children Act went into effect October of 1977 (after the regulations were finalized), it guaranteed a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for all special education children and youth between the ages of 3 and 21. The numerous amendments to Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990 expanded incentives for early intervention, preschool special education programs, and transition programs. Currently, IDEA (2004) supports efforts through several programs to provide coordinated service delivery systems for children with disabilities from birth through age 5. The two major programs serving this population are the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers With Disabilities and the Preschool Grants Program (ages 3 through 5). The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 1997) additionally established the Handicapped Infants and Toddlers Program for children from birth to their 3rd birthday. In the 1990s, Congress passed two important public laws. The first was the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the other was IDEA of 1990. The premise of these laws was to guarantee civil rights for all persons with disabilities. The aim of ADA was to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public services, and accommodations (Henderson, 2000). Today this law includes persons of any age having a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more of life’s major functions. These impairments include communicable diseases; health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis; severe asthma or allergies; mental health and behavioral needs; attention deficit disorder; and other physical disabilities. IDEA (1990) not only changed the name of the Education of All Handicapped Children Act to Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, it also changed the word handicapped to disabled. The amendments to IDEA of 1990 guaranteed all children with disabilities available and accessible free appropriate public education designed to meet the needs of students with special needs. The definition of special education was also expanded to include instruction carried out in the classroom, at home, in hospitals and institutions, and other settings. Related services are provided based on the needs of the special education student to benefit from instruction. In 1997, IDEA was amended once again. The amendment strengthened the academic expectations and accountability of children with disabilities. It also bridged the gap between the curricula delivered to children in regular classrooms and the curricula delivered to children in special day classes, with greater emphasis placed on the inclusion of the disabled child in the regular classroom (Hawking, 2004). Organization The category of learning disabilities is a large one, incorporating many diverse types of disabilities. IDEA (2004) defines specific learning disability as: A disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in a deficient ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations. This term includes such conditions as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. This term does not include children who have learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities; intellectual disability; or environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage (Knoblauch & Sorenson, 1998). Least Restrictive Environment Students with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment (LRE). LRE focuses on the degree of integration with nondisabled peers. Least restrictive includes students from a full-time regular education classroom with a consultant services specialist, to students who are home- or hospital-bound, based on their severity of needs. Most students with LD are serviced in the teacher consultant model, push-in model, co-teaching model, pull-out model, learning center, or special day class. Planning Planning for special education begins with the individualized education plan (IEP) team. The IEP team is composed of parents, school nurse, school psychologist, regular education teacher, special education, and others invited by the school and/or parents to participate. The goal of the IEP, according to the National Information Center for Children and Youth With Disabilities (NICHCY, 1996), is to have a variety of individuals who are knowledgeable about the students and their evaluation and placement options. Conclusion. Many laws and litigations have shaped special education, as we know it today. The process of identification and placement has changed over the years and will continue to evolve as parents advocate for the rights of their children. Most students with LD are serviced in the regular classroom with some degree of support, whether it is consultation or pull-out. The IEP team decides the best services for each child on an individual basis.

Managing Diversity in Global Companies

When a firm starts to function internationally, an understanding of culture and its impact on behavior, particularly management behavior and practices, becomes essential. Very often, people experience difficulties when they have to work in another culture because peoples’ world views and mental programs are different in different cultures. Culture has been called â€Å"the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes one human group from another† (Hofstede, 1980). Thus, the objectives of managing diversity in organizations emphasize the appreciation of differences in creating a setting where everyone feels valued and accepted. These objectives are: 1.) To monitor an organization's success or progress in managing diversity by organizational surveys of attitudes and perceptions, among other means. 2.) To create and shape the firm’s common set of values that will strengthen ties with customers, enhance recruitment, and the like 3.) To resist the fear of change in the organization itself and resist the discomfort of differences among the individuals in the organization. Even though there may be real economic benefits to expanding the world view of executives and corporations, developing recognition of the existence and benefits of diversity in global management does not come easily to US managers, who often have less exposure to multicultural realities in their workplace compared to their European or Asian counterparts. At present, most companies remain largely indifferent to changing corporate America's predominantly white status quo. But gradually, it is reassuring to know that some 300 or so companies that are aggressively pursuing diversity initiatives. They include companies such as General Motors and Starwood Hotels that have excelled at seeking out and doing business with black suppliers, many of which are represented on the Black Enterprise Best Companies for Diversity list of the nation's largest black-owned companies. To make the BE Best Companies for Diversity list, a company must demonstrate significant representation of African Americans and other ethnic minorities in four key areas: corporate procurement, corporate boards, senior management, and the total workforce. Others, such as Xerox Corp. and FedEx Express, are among the very best at bringing talented people of color into the senior management ranks of their companies, while PG&E and Marriott International are among those that have excelled at African American board representation. And when it comes to fostering diversity, corporations such as McDonald's Corp. and Verizon are old hands (Black Enterprise, July 2005). However, when companies decide to venture in the global arena, it is significant that the manager is reminded that the first imperative for effectively managing cultural diversity is cultural sensitivity. In fact, according to Clark (1987), one of the most recognized global brands, Coca-Cola, attribute their success to the ability of their people to hold and to understand the following perspectives simultaneously: Their corporate culture. The culture of their brand. The culture of the people to whom they market the brand. When global firms, small as well as large, service as well as manufacturing, have workforces that are distributed broadly across continents, and increasingly in emerging markets of the world. They include people from many countries and cultures, speaking many languages and educated in very different systems. The challenge for diversity for them would be twice as difficult. Thus, to manage diversity, domestically or globally, Laurent (1986) recommended espousing modern human resource strategy that requires these minimal orientations: An explicit recognition by headquarters that its own way of managing reflects the home culture values and assumptions. An explicit recognition by headquarters that foreign subsidiaries may have different ways of managing people, which may be more effective. A willingness to acknowledge cultural differences, and to take steps to make them discussible and, thus, usable. A commitment to the belief that more creative and effective ways of managing people can be developed as a result of cross-cultural learning. As companies continue to expand worldwide, human resource leaders are finding that a one-size-fits-all global solution to promote diversity that does not exist. According to Kurt Fischer, Vice President Business HR. and Diversity Officer of Corning Incorporated, HR managers often find that basic HR functions–compensations. benefits, staffing – no longer support their company’s business strategy. Leaders today are faced with the challenge of rethinking and restructuring how they will deliver HR services – and on a global basis. He suggested transforming HR globally through Centre of Excellence Approach (Stopper, 2003). According to Fischer, the Centre of Excellence approach provides content experts within the HR organization who focus on meeting strategic business needs. For example, a company's HR functions may be aligned with its businesses on paper but not in practice. This disconnect can be addressed through a Centre of Excellence approach, which provides content experts within the HR organization who focus on meeting strategic business needs. These experts serve as consultants to corporate business divisions and develop customised HR products and services to support business issues. For the Centre of Excellence approach to be effective, it should map to three levels of HR transformation: strategic, operational, and foundational. On the strategic level, HR leaders must work to define key HR objectives and a new value proposition with their client business divisions–in effect, changing HR’s positioning in the organization. A non-threatening way to accomplish this task is to participate with business divisions in developing their annual business strategy, and then craft an HR strategy to help each division meet its business goals. HR leaders must transform the organization's HR foundation, addressing core â€Å"people† elements of its change. Flexible networks of HR staff should be established to work cooperatively toward shared workforce management goals. A formalized HR reporting and organizational relationship system should be developed, and key HR performance requirements, accountabilities, and competencies defined. This right mixture of diversity is said to provide a wide-array of solutions to various problems and situations. On the other hand, it is also a venue for introducing conflict and disagreement. As the intense global competition zooms in largely on knowledge, creativity, and human talent, multinational firms are finding it more important to make full use of their entire workforce, tapping the creative energy and talents of all their employees. Their task is to find ways of succeeding not in spite of a diverse workforce, but because of it. At the same time, consistency is more important than ever. The integration of activities calls for close communication and reliable interaction, whereas the presence of global customers requires a single integrated approach to product delivery.   In view of this, Beamish et al. (2003) deemed that striving for consistency and fostering diversity is a continual process. There is no final resting point where a firm attains high consistency and high diversity once and for all. When managers cannot grasp consistency and diversity in a single step; they have to continually improve both. Thus, the actual challenge for global firms lies in their thrust for consistency and then their emphasis for diversity; this is also in consideration of their commonalities and deriving the full benefits from their differences. Works Cited Beamish, Paul W., Morrison, Allen J., Inkpen, Andrew & Rosenzweig, Philip M.   International Management: Text and Cases, (5th ed.), New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2003. Black Enterprise. The 30 Best Companies for Diversity: When it Comes to Minority Representation, These Corporations Mean Business. Earl G. Graves Publishing Co., Inc. 35.12 (July 2005): 112. Clarke, Jr., Harold F. â€Å"Consumer and Corporate Values: Yet Another View on Global Marketing,† International Journal of Advertising 6, (1987): 29–42. Hofstede, Geert. Culture’s Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values, Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications, 1980. Hunt, James G., Schermerhorn, J. R. Jr., and Osborn, R. N. Organizational Behavior, 8th edition, New York:   John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2003. Laurent, Andre. â€Å"The Cross-Cultural Puzzle of International Human Resource Management,† Human Resource Management, 25.1, (Spring 1986): 91–102. Stopper, W. G. Current Practices. Human Resource Planning, 26.2 (2003): 5.   

Impact Of Climate Change On Insurance

Change in clime is emerging up as a new type of issue in the security facet because of the manner it affects both the life and the wellbeing of homo ‘s in a extremely interconnected and delicate universe. ( Evans, 1994, 107-128 ) Changing clime is going a menace to the basic public assistance and survival demands of worlds across the Earth, including the production of nutrient, wellness, entree to H2O and the use of land. Environmental want lifting from different sorts of economical activities of worlds has increased the strength and frequence of natural catastrophes throughout the universe. Around the universe, there has ever been natural development in the conditions and clime events. In fact, the insurance companies have become experts in patterning the black hazards which has now become an integrated instrument in the insurance industry. This has helped a figure of concerns to digest the losingss from unexpected natural catastrophes without of import defaults. This has now led to the fact that insurance companies have become more refined in analysing, managing and understanding their recent hazards because of their natural catastrophes around the universe. Many of the companies in United Kingdom are observed to be bettering in pull offing and measuring their ways of covering with the hereafter tendencies and hazards of the industry. As a figure of UK insurance companies have started to observe it, depending on their old conditions conditions and forms for be aftering out schemes for future. For this, they must place the chance of losingss and additions related to endure conditions. The impact of clime alteration is on a really broad scope from increased sum of hurricanes, fires and inundations to wellness and life acquiring affected by altering forms of hot and cold conditions. ( Evans, 1994, 107-128 ) Physical impacts ‘ consequence on insurance companies: Companies of insurance and reinsurance are likely to confront the strong impact of the alterations in clime more than other parts of the fiscal concerns. There are a figure of illustrations where it is seen that that how highly upwind status can impact the insurance companies, the authorities and the sectors at catchers. Whilst there are illustrations of how the conditions alterations are impacting the insurance industry because of the flexibleness of the insurance sector, in other ways it is rather good positioned in accommodating the alterations in conditions events and forms. ( David, 2007, 28-38 ) Menace of clime alteration for insurance industry: The chief menace that is confronting the insurance industry is climate alteration. This menace affects both belongings and casualty insurance that the insurance people. Another concern: the two sectors will hold to accommodate to demographic alteration that is looming. This emerges from a survey by Ernst & A ; Young, in coaction with Oxford Analytica. Ernst & A ; Young has compiled a top 10 list of menaces that will face insurance companies after questioning 20 industry leaders worldwide. Harmonizing to Ernst & A ; Young, clime alteration tops the list because planetary heating is altering the clime and increases the likeliness of claims originating from inundations, hurricanes and other natural phenomena. â€Å" I ‘m non certain the industry is poised to get by with clime alteration, warned Tom Kornya, a spouse at Ernst & A ; Young, in an interview with Insurance Journal. Five old ages ago, this hazard was non even on the list. â€Å" Mr. Kornya adds that non merely the sector of harm insurance that will be affected by clime alteration, life insurance should besides cover with it sooner or later. Damage will come to insurance when clime alteration will ensue in air current storms and inundations. In life insurance, the effects will be gradual. With temperatures that may alter, life insurance companies will confront new jobs in wellness and mortality. So there could be different types of losingss. â€Å" The underwriting of these merchandises is dining and no 1 has yet measured that cause clime alteration. The success of the industry will travel through the development of advanced merchandises, which will confront great uncertainness, such as typing velocity and badness of clime alteration, â€Å" he said. The 2nd hazard that the industry faces is the demographic alteration with the reaching of the babe boomers retire, ensuing in new demands. Insurance companies would be under great force per unit area, they will necessitate to replace authoritiess. ( Rober, 2010, 34-33 ) In add-on to the force per unit area generated by this new function, insurance companies will besides cover than their rivals. â€Å" Banks, common fund companies and all fiscal establishments will fight to acquire the same dollar. There is a hazard at that place excessively. Insurance companies must stay advanced with their merchandises to maintain the advantage, â€Å" says Kornya. ( Rober, 2010, 34-33 ) â€Å" The environment in which insurance companies and pattern is invariably altering rapidly, † said Tom Kornya. We find that consumers are looking for simple, low cost merchandises and others who want more complex merchandises that are besides more expensive. A company that will non hold a multichannel entree could fall into the background if it does non utilize Internet, media and telephone. â€Å" The last two menaces on the list of the top 10 hazards of Ernst & A ; Young are the legal uncertainnesss and the possibility of geopolitical or macroeconomic perturbations. In the first instance, answerability and reform in footings of offense could take to fiscal losingss. For the 2nd, the house says that the menace of a terrible fiscal crisis due to derived functions and hedge financess could be damaging to the industry. Opportunities for insurance: Climate alteration nowadayss hazards but besides chances. The possible chances created by the effects of a altering clime may necessitate fostering through the dedication of attending and resources. Too frequently, intelligence coverage portrays climate alteration as a doom-and-gloom narrative of impending catastrophe. Surely, many of the possible impacts of clime alteration are likely to negatively impact us, and we must turn to them, but we should non disregard the possible chances that a altering clime could make in portion by proactively accommodating to them. Some economic sectors and concerns may make better because of the effects of clime alteration, and they should seek to place those new economic chances and put in prosecuting them. Turning back to the illustration the reduced trust on winter roads due to warmer mean temperatures disrupts supply ironss and increases costs for the excavation companies runing in the part. ( David, 2007, 28-38 ) . â€Å" It is a hazard for insurance companies, but besides a great chance, says Tom Kornya. There will be a great demand for pension merchandises. Baby boomers look for low-cost merchandises that generate gross. By cons, debate the function of authorities in the pension is non really advanced. Insurance companies will be required to take this topographic point and this is a new hazard to which they are unaccustomed. â€Å" Financing and advisory Companies in carbon-intensive sectors are already seeking finance to assist them diminish nursery gas emanations. In the populace sphere, big amounts of capital will be needed in the coming decennaries to develop, modify and regenerate cardinal energy, transit and inundation defence substructure across the universe. Climate alteration may look to be a slow burn issue for the fiscal sector, but companies would be wise to give it important attending, as much for the emerging tops of altering demand as for protecting themselves against the eroding of value in the long term. Hedging and trading The demand from the industry is increasing for a figure of hazard transportation instruments in order to protect the companies against the addition in the monetary values of energy, the altering forms of conditions and the likely failure of current freshly introduced engineerings. The happening of C among the trade goods that are tradable has grown higher to complex merchandises that are get downing to draw a big figure of fiscal organisations and let some farther misdemeanor and development of the merchandises. Consumer grosss The consciousness spread about the green issues encourages growing in socially responsible investings by the consumers and organisations likewise. Even though, the market for mortgages, insurance and loans that give wages to low C behavior is right now less, it may increase rapidly. Similarly, the increased consciousness of windstorms and inundations has started to increase the desire of clients who are at hazard for the belongings and casualty insurance. Deductions: There are a figure of activities that the insurance industry can make in order to better their apprehension of the impact and affects of alteration in clime, assist the society and authorities to understand in a better manner and fix for the hazards involved in the development in fire-prone or coastal countries and do points that could protect their clients from the harm induced by the climatic alteration. Following are some of the deductions in order to cut down the negative impact of the clime alteration on the insurance industry: ( Evans, 1994, 107-128 ) Most of the climatic scientists agree that the conditions conditions in future are most likely to differ that the old conditions conditions. Therefore, it will be reasonable for the insurance companies to understand in a better manner, what will be the hereafter if the anticipations of the scientists are true. Hazard theoretical accounts can be developed on the footing of these anticipations with the aid of expertness. We can besides set more possible for the research and surveies as they will supply more cognition and analytical capacity. It will besides assist in enabling the insurance companies to happen the concealed markets and new chances for their merchandises along with the hazard direction and educating consumers. ( Rober, 2010, 34-33 ) Work with the scientists in order to raise the economic relevance and accurateness for the climatic alteration mold. Disclose and acknowledge the hazards of climatic alteration in one-year security filings and by other concern communications. Should take a practical attack in order to act upon the planning and development of land usage, in fraction as most of the expected rise in the losingss are stemming out from the black events that could be prevented by good spacial planning. There are a figure of stairss that could be taken: 1 ) maintain the valuable belongings out of the hazard parts and 2 ) grant both the economic and environmental benefits.

Advanced Audio Coding and Walkman Essay

Technology has played an important in part in market and in the society. It has brought positive as well as negative changes. The progression from sheet music to the invention of a phonograph to the walkman, CD player and the iPod has created a modernized society. People tend to move along with these changes creating a market. The idea of transferring digital music to your iPod without purchase of a CD or an audiotape may seem like an extraordinary idea but the idea of digital music has led to the downloading of illegal music. The Walkman may have been the turning point in the music recording industry. It was a chain reaction for later products such as the iPod and the CD player. Long before the iPod made its way into the market making millions; the Walkman was the trendy technology. Sony introduced the Walkman in the 1970s, a new invention that led to be a massive hit. Sony ended up selling around fifty thousand pieces by the end of two months after its release. Eventually, other famous brands such as Toshiba and Panasonic entered the walkman market creating a market in the early 1980s. Surprisingly, the production of the Walkman led to an increase in physical activities. This portable device could be carried anywhere and had a hook to attach to any item of clothing. People started exercising more as one can listen to his or her choice of music while working out especially in gymnasiums. This brought a change in the society as people began to implement physical training more often. This also had a disadvantage since people who had their headphones plugged in tend to be more indifferent to their surroundings. This created an environment, where everyone is tuned in into their little environment being oblivious to what is happening around them. With the creation of walkman, the sale of digital audio tapes also increased. As iPods are the 21st century popular forms of music player technology, the walkman was the latest thing. This generation became more ‘wired’ as teenagers started to grow apart from the notion of young people together singing the songs of the day or the old songs in front of their houses. Sheet music became obsolete, as fewer and fewer people moved to a more modernized technology and era. Comparing to the advances in the 21st century, the walkman is seen as an old portable audio cassette player, where rewinding and forwarding a song would take twenty or thirty seconds. The latest music technology, mp3s or iPod, have put people at an ease with sophisticated technology and its touch screen display has bought a change in this profit-making business. The slick structure and the advanced A Walkman today would cost you merely twenty dollar where as an iPod can cost anywhere from a hundred to a couple hundred dollars. How digital music is illegally downloaded and used today on music players, Walkman on the other hand required the purchase of audiotapes. As Paul Du Gay notes in his book ‘Doing cultural studies: the story of the Sony Walkman’, the walkman accustomed individuals to tune out from the surroundings and caused them to be reclusive. This also led to a cause of a gneration gap between teenagers and their parents or older siblings. The walkman was used by people when in crowded places, such as trains or buses as a means to drown away noises. This seemed as an effective way to creating your own space but this eventually leads to people tuning themselves out even when at home. Teenagers liked to keep their headphones on throughout the day; I believe this led to a distance between them and their peers. Eventually, a type of distance grew among people, sheet music was nearly extinct and the customary ritual of singing together was far disappeared. In conclusion, the Walkman has definitely been a jump from the traditional tape recorder players to portable audio players. Its creation has had its advantages and disadvantages. The increase in the level of physical activity has increased among the owners of Walkman due to the fact that it is portable. Although, on a downside the Walkman has also led to the creation of a secluded attitude.

Argument research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Argument research paper - Essay Example They also have a window through which they can counter the effects of the junk food; going for the workout and no one is pursuing either of these options. In deed junk food from the fast food restaurants have contributed to the spread of obesity that is now reaching the level of public health threat, many people are obese, especially in the US where billions of dollars is set aside in every financial year to fight the effect of obesity in the country. Most of the adults and the youths are obese and this does not only pose a health threat to the nation, it also means that they will be spending billions of dollars to curb the health problem as well as loosing most of the man hours. Most of the people who are obese are not able to completely work, they are sluggish, slow and not quick to act, this would interpret that substantial man-hours are likely to be lost if obesity is not put on a stringent check. Obesity results into about 100,000 deaths in the US and is consuming about $117 bil lion for preventive, diagnosis, and controls. About 30% of the population is obese; this situation that needs urgent measures to address (Schlosser, 2012). Despite the contribution of fast food restaurant in the spread of obesity, still they cannot bear the responsibility of menace because of several factors; firstly, there is no condition that the company applies that one must consume junk food; it is out of the customer’s free will and choice that they indulge in eating the junk food. This alone shifts the problem and the responsibility to the consumers, in fact, the best way to control the obesity is from the consumers end, if they can control the level of their consumption, then all can be right. Fast food restaurants like McDonald are only responding to the customers demand, every businessperson always wants to satisfy the demand of the customers and would do all that is necessary to see this happens. If there will be a drop on the demand of the junk food because healthy eating habits, restaurant like McDonald will have no choice but to reduce their production level (Schlosser, 2012). Secondly, the government is aware of the threat that comes with uncontrolled eating of the junk food, if they have noticed that fast food restaurant is posing a dangerous precedent in supplying too much unhealthy food to the people, they have the right to control the production or close all the restaurants that provides such foodstuffs. This will be in efforts to control the effect of obesity that is becoming a health problem in most of the nation’s today, this has not happened why? There is no connection in responsibility whatsoever with the fast food restaurant. If anything, then companies that make cigarettes and other tobacco products do pose acute health problems than the fast food restaurants. There should be a comparative analysis before any kind of responsibility is apportioned to the fast food restaurants, if in other companies, there is a warning sign to the consumers informing them of dangers associated with the product, but still there are a number of people who consumes too much of the product that results into their deteriorating health. This means that when one is obsessed with something it is difficult to convince them to opt otherwise, this is the case with junk food, they are

Mrs. Fields Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Mrs. Fields - Case Study Example Mrs. Field’s cookies can be characterized as a quite successful organization. The growth of the organization in the US market should be related to the capabilities and the characteristics of its founders, Debbi Sivyer and Randy Fields. At the first instance, meaning the time when they met, the resumes of Debbi and Randy were different; Debbi was trying to explore her skills in cooking while Randy had graduated from a first class university, Stanford, aiming to develop his future in economics. From this point of view, the future of Debbi and Randy would be expected, then, to be different. There would be no expectations, then, that the above persons, with different background and skills, would cooperate in a business, such as Mrs. Field’s cookies. Instead, Randy would be expected to become a successful economist, while Debbi would be expected to continue working in different roles, possibly increasing her skills in baking. However, the marriage of Debbi and Randy can be c onsidered as having an important role in the opening of their business. In accordance with the information provided through the case study, Debbi and Randy had different goals in regard to their business. Debbi aimed ‘to bake great cookies’ (case study, p.2) while Randy thought the specific initiative as a profitable investment, taking into consideration the market needs for products of the particular characteristics. Under these terms, it is assumed that Debbi and Randy supported the opening of the first store for promoting their own aims, as described above. The potential existence of common interest, referring to the family income that would be generated through the particular project, was also a critical reason that led to the support of this initiative both by Debbi and Randy. The opening of the second store resulted to an important dilemma for Debbi: Debbi

Is it safe to keep wild animals as pets Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Is it safe to keep wild animals as pets - Essay Example Definition of pets, broad and can include wild animals (Steiger, 2006). Difference between wild animals and domestic pets: wild animals not suitable for human companionship, domestic animals are (Caesar, 2009). Statistics of injuries and mauling and the spread of disease by wild animals indicate that keeping wild animals as pets is intrinsically dangerous (Animal Legal & Historical Center, 2004; Define pets and wild animals. Wild animals cannot be domesticated and turned in to human companions, pets can be domesticated and converted to human companions (Caesar, 2009). Capture stats from Captive Wild Animal Protection Coalition and Euro Group for Animals. Extreme utilitarianism argue that it is ethical to keep wild animals as pets: animals are inferior to human beings, we already exploit them for food and for education. Moreover, keeping wild animals as pets improves the quality of their lives (Kreger & Hutchins, 2010). Rudy (2011) makes a compelling case for keeping wild animals as pets: the exploitation of the wild, animals are better off learning to live with human beings. Some wild animals have demonstrated adaptability (Rudy 2011). Perkins (2003) argues that keeping wild animals as pets can be a good thing: looks at the definition of pets and how keeping wild animals as pets can turn them into traditional concepts of pets as human companions. Mankind has a history of wanting to own and cultivate wild animals and this may be a trait inherited from our ancestors who were hunters (Bell, 2001). History informs that mankind has a tendency to rescue and rehabilitate wild animals. Amid much debate and controversy over the ethics and dangers of keeping wild animals as pets, people are known to keep wild animals in their homes as pets (Bell, 2001). The debate over the dangers and ethics of keeping wild animals as pets is represented by two philosophical perspectives. On the one hand, abolitionists take the position that cite

General Background for business plan Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

General Background for business plan - Thesis Example She considered the idea that construction litigation is in need of forensic experts in terms of mitigating claims for damages and other construction management services, and from there she founded CSI. The Owner & Management Team: Lily Iftner CSI is currently owned by Lily Iftner, a licensed civil engineer. She is also the brainchild of the business whose background includes a four-year experience in a construction site wherein she served as an insurance investigator. With motivation, she started her own business wherein she becomes one of the expert witnesses in terms of structure damages, and legal disputes in construction methods and materials. Because of the growing demand and changes in the industry, she needs to hire diverse construction professionals in order to deliver quality research, inspection, analysis, and report. The management team is composed of professionally licensed forensic engineers, particularly civil engineers with hands-on experience about scientific and prof essional structural issues. CSI Seattle Services CSI services are all about research, inspection, analysis, and report of construction and structural deficiencies in compliance with the standards and laws applicable. They serve in order to mitigate claims for damages in a quality and cost-effective way. ... CSI also presents sets of solutions so that clients can select the best possible solutions with corresponding evidences. They are also a â€Å"strong advocate of continuing education and community involvement, and maintain active participation in local construction industry organizations† particularly in Seattle (â€Å"Who We Are†). THE BUSINESS: Business Description According to Winkler and Chiumento â€Å"construction litigation can arise from any number of sources including delay claims, construction defects, professional liability allegations (errors and omissions), mechanics’ liens, personal injury, property damage, and insurance, subrogation, or professional bond claims† (179). Based on industry expert, construction litigation is growing and in demand considering that it now takes $5 billion USD in conflicts resolution and these costs are increasing 10% each year (Michel). This quantitative data is such an advantage for CSI considering that their cli ents would settle on larger amounts just for this dispute prevention and resolution. Definitely, the groundwork of this business is trust. The more the clients trust the business the better, for they will continue to seek the services the business offered. Value Proposition (s) Competition is always present in almost all business industries nowadays. And in order to survive, the business must develop value propositions which will create a strong gap between the company and the competitors. Value Proposition 1: CSI employed construction professionals who are highly equipped with experience and academic credentials - To have skillful employees suitable for the business, CSI developed specialized training and professional development which is

Human Freedom Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Human Freedom - Essay Example From this stance, freedom and responsibility becomes two sides of the same coin that are simply inalienable. Three of the most astounding quotations of Sartre with direct bearings to my thesis will be discussed in detail with the aim of setting a clear pattern that will not impede the coherence of my discourse as the paper advances. They are as follows: A quick analysis of any of the above quotations individually reveals the exclusive attributes of the message being portrayed by Sartre in one breadth and a striking presence of complementary interconnectivity as they converge to give credence to the core values underpinning the existentialist ideology. In the first quote for instance, like Plato he asserts to the principle of the object in man1. Sartre argues that any essence in life will primarily take root from a fore existence. Contingent with the above idea about man's absolute freedom, it can be said that this "freedom" is packaged in a complex paradoxical guise. He proves that freedom without determinism is terribly misplaced. It further does not exonerate the individual from being accountable for his actions and inactions, mindful of the fact that this freedom is highly pervasive because it is able to generate multiplier effects. Its effects are lumped in the various sub-categories of anguish, forlornness, bad faith, despair and authenticity. The third quote illuminates the challenges man is confronted with in his quest to exercise the discretionary power bestowed on him to make choices. His main difficulty has to do with the fact that his free choice also places a burden of responsibility towards other people directly unto his hands. For this reason man's individual choices as contained in his freedom is of universal significance. Global terrorism a twenty first century political and security challenge to the American people can be used as a sufficient illustration to drive home this point. The scale of the problem has left America in a position that makes it impossible for her to claim ownership of the war to overcome all forms of extremism and Semitism. It is for this reason that America is leading the global war against terrorism with the support of her allies as well as international security establishments like NATO. Viewed from another angle, it is a war that the terror organizations and their sponsors are determined not be vanquished, which makes the war a collective all encompassing war. On the question of responsibility, Sartre makes it known that being responsible towards oneself transcends individuality to include an extension into the wider community of the human family. Indeed, America's responsibility in the war is explained by her security and foreign policies and the extent to which these policies have affected other nations positively or negatively prompting extremism. Implicitly or explicitly, the war has had its fair share of criticism which includes among other things the US government mistakenly

Effects of Cocaine Abuse, its Prevention and Treatment Research Paper

Effects of Cocaine Abuse, its Prevention and Treatment - Research Paper Example A recent survey of 17 countries revealed that United States has the highest level of illegal cocaine use with nearly 16.2% of people in the United States having used cocaine in their lifetime (Science Daily, 2008). Cocaine is available in two chemical forms – hydrochloride salt which is taken intravenously (by vein) or intra-nasally (through the nose) and freebase which is smoked (Psychology Today, 2008). Issues Related to Cocaine Abuse Cocaine addicts are usually introduced to the drug after they have abused ‘gateway substances’ like alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. According to the national center on addiction and substance abuse (1994), 90 % of the people who tried cocaine had used all three gateway substances before moving on to cocaine. Impact on physical functioning Cocaine use can lead to some immediate physical consequences such as restlessness, euphoria and alertness (WebMD, 2008). These effects are felt within minutes of taking the drug and continue for a bout 20 to 120 minutes. Other physical effects include insomnia, vomiting, pupil dilation, nosebleeds, increased temperature and pulse rate and rapid breathing (WebMD, 2008). These effects are temporary and mostly disappear after a couple of hours. Studies reveal that prolonged use of cocaine can have an overwhelming effect on the ‘pleasure centers’ in the brain (Chen, et. al., 1996). The drug interferes, alters, damages and takes control of specialized cells that regulate pleasure, well-being and mood. Therefore, regular use can destroy the brain’s ability to feel normal without cocaine. Long term use can even cause permanent biological drug addiction. Since cocaine increases blood pleasure, heart rate, breathing and body temperature, long term use of the drug can cause cardiac and respiratory failures, strokes, coma, convulsions and death. The drug can damage the liver’s ability to detoxify blood and can reduce the production of critical enzymes needed for normal body functioning (WebMD, 2008). It can also cause liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Cocaine use results in the constriction of the blood vessels of the heart resulting in increased blood pressure. This can trigger heart attack, heart failure, irregular heart beat and sudden death. Use of non-sterile needles among cocaine users can result in contracting Hepatitis – a highly contagious disease resulting in serious liver damage and AIDS. Users may also pass these diseases to their sexual partners, unborn babies and others. Regular users of cocaine experience loss of interest in sex, decreased sexual performance and risk of impotence and infertility (WebMD, 2008) . In women, the drug use can result in miscarriages, developmental disorders and complications during birth. It can also cause premature separation of placenta from uterus leading to premature births or stillbirths. Smoking cocaine damages the ability of the cells in the lung to process gases. This results in the user experiencing constant cough and shortness of breath. Regular use can result in respiratory failure because the brain stops sending signals to the lung muscles that control breathing and they stop working (WebMD, 2008). Impact on psychological functioning Cocaine has been found to be