Parent-Child Relationships in a Diverse Society Research Paper

Parent-Child Relationships in a Diverse Society - Research Paper Example Following this we will discuss how this issue has been viewed from a historical perspective and discuss the impact of the employment of women in the public sphere on relationships within the family unit. Following his, we will explore the change and challenges associated with this trend at both a personal and a societal level (MacKinnon, 1999). Gender is an underlying characteristic all societies and the social construction of gender roles, behaviors and expectations is an importance aspect of modern American society. In a lucid essay entitled â€Å"Gender Role, Behavior and Attitudes†, Aaron Devor explores the socially constructed nature of gender in modern society and persuasively argues for a reevaluation of traditional gender role expectations in modern society. Unlike sex, gender is artificially imposed and although based upon biological differences between men and women, gender is socially constructed. As a social construct, gender roles, behaviors, attitudes and expectations are created by society and enforced by social norms. The idea that a woman belongs in the home to cook, clean and raise the children is a socially constructed concept that many people believe without questioning. The funny thing about gender is that we are led to believe that it is innate and something that we are born with. As Aaron Davor so eloquently points out, gender is created, acquired and constructed by the greater society at large. Sex has a biological basis and is predetermined at birth. Gender, on the other hand, is a social construction and gender roles and expectations are unique to each and every society. As social actors, individuals play an important role in the construction and creation of gender roles, attitudes and expectations and are not simply passive recipients of societal expectations about how men and

Foreign Aid and US Politics

Foreign Aid and US Politics To Be Or Not To Be Involved In the year 1796, President George Washington gave his speech, the Farewell Address, directing to all fellow American citizens before he resigned from his presidential office concerning the young nation’s future. He warned the Americans to avoid political parties for it may tear the country apart, and to avoid creating permanent alliances and foreign affairs, but rather favor isolationism and temporarily alliances in cases of emergencies. It wasn’t until during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, World War I occurred that America began to shift away from the ideology of neutrality. Since then until today, the United States rose to become the world’s superpower and serves as the world’s â€Å"police† after the aftermath of World War II and the Cold War, ending the concept of isolationism. With many speculations regarding foreign issues, threats, attacks, helping hands that are not needed and the increase of the deficit spending, many Americans began to wonder whether or not being involved in other countries’ businesses would do more harm than good to the nation. After the World Wars, many Americans believe that the country should cut all ties from any foreign affairs, including aids. A number of people believe that the government is spending too much money on foreign affairs, not realizing that the money being â€Å"wasted† is used to help many undeveloped countries around the world. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan stated in his speech, ‘Remarks at a White House Briefing for the Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs,’ that America is actually spending less than what they supposed to on foreign policies, â€Å"Give away too much money without return? The truth is that now, and historically, weve spent very little on foreign affairs in terms of the overall budget of our government. In the late forties and early fifties, during the time of the Marshall plan, we spent 11 cents of every Federal dollar on foreign affairs. That figure had dropped to 4 cents on the dollar by 20 years ago and has continued to fall until, in recen t years, weve been spending less than 2 cents of each dollar to support our national’s foreign policy.†[1] However, over the years America has changed; America continued to develop and strengthen their economy and defenses as well as helping other unfortunate countries who are in need to the point that America is in a deficit with the national debt of about 17 trillion dollars compared to Reagan’s era which was only 1-2 trillion U.S dollars. President Bill Clinton made effort of lowering the national debt during his presidency, which he did briefly by -2.0%, and the United States was in a surplus for just that moment until George W. Bush came into power in 2001.[2] By having their complete focus on foreign affairs, the U.S has neglected the problems arising among their own people. As of today, thousands of Americans are unemployed and are being forced to continue to live in poverty. Many Americans argued that the billions of dollars the government is sending to foreign countries should be used for creating jobs and prevent poverty from spending throughout the country. Not only are thousands of Americans are living in poverty but also millions of foreigners around the world. Ironically, those billions of dollars the United States government sending is going to the Middle East, the most Anti-Americanized region in the world. [3] Americans questions why does the government even bother helping a country if they don’t want any interference from outsiders regarding their own domestic issues. Although America is trying their best to help as much as they can, half of those billions of dollars are going straight to the rich people’s pockets rather than the poor and receive nothing in return as a result. Foreign aid is supposed to help the lives of poor people who never had the chance to live a better life. For over 40-50 years, there are still children around the world roaming around on the streets to find food and help their parents’ labor; many of those children if not all are illiterate. For 40-50 years of receiving foreign aid, these people’s lives aren’t improving much at all. As William Easterly pointed out, â€Å"The West spent $2.3 trillion and Amaretch is still carrying firewood. It’s a tragedy that so much well-meaning compassion did not bring these results for needy people.† [4] And did the people even receive the full amount of $2.3 trillion of foreign aid? If the people in foreign countries truthfully received only about less than one-fourth of the original amount, what happened to the rest of the trillions of dollars? William Easterly cited that the money gets lost along the way to the World Bank, other agencies, rich people and corru pted politician leaders before the money finally arrives to the lower class citizens. And because the auxiliary countries usually don’t pay attention, they just stop at that, not realizing that the money they have sent to a country like Ethiopia in Africa has come extremely short. â€Å"So with a long chain of officials in charge of the money with no one looking over their shoulder to see how they’re spending it, there’s plenty of ways that it leaks.†[5] Unfortunately, the people who are more benefited with this amount of money are the rich. Isolationist and former U.S Congressman, Ron Paul expresses his foreign policy by stating that â€Å"the country needs to ‘downsize’ its foreign policy.† Despite being a conservative politician, Ron Paul opposes any type of foreign affairs and urges America to cut off foreign aid completely. He disapproves President Barack Obama continuously getting the nation too involved with the affairs which have already leaded to many misconceptions between the foreign countries and the United States. â€Å"’What I really want is [President Barack Obama] to downsize the foreign policy, because if you stay involved in 140 countries . . . stirring up trouble, and you downsize the military, you run into a problem. So, its our intervention that needs downsizing.’†[6] Paul also states that the countries should solve their own domestic policy issues without the United States constant interfering. Even if there’s no intervention among countries, foreign aid creates dependency of countries one another, especially upon the U.S. When President Obama denied Ukraine’s need for military aid in the early 2014, he received many critics of why he didn’t help aid, and why did he not send in troops into Ukraine. His response was â€Å"Why is it that everybody is so eager to use military force after we’ve just gone through a decade of war at enormous costs to our troops and to our budget? And what is it exactly that these critics think would have been accomplished? Do people actually think that somehow we sending some additional arms into Ukraine could potentially deter the Russian army? Or are we more likely to deter them by applying the sort of international pressure, diplomatic pressure and economic pressure that we’re applying?†[7]Obama had used the same tactic when issuing about Syria up until now. During the war in Libya, the Obama Administr ation intervention was poorly devised; the overall purpose of heading into Libya remained unclear. To add on more of the uncertainty of Libya’s affairs, Congress considered Obama’s action a violation against the War Powers of Resolution of 1973.[8] Speaker of the House John Boehner informed the president that the Obama Administration must withdraw.[9] Currently, the United States is involved with Syria’s Civil War since 2011 with Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad has warned against any foreign intervention that will be seen as an act of aggression to the entire country. After the deaths of five ‘Westerners’ in Syria by attempting to give aid to the civilians, especially children, U.S President Barack Obama continues to send in more troops into the foreign country, not only to stop ISIS but also overthrow the Syrian President. [10][11] However, the idea of foreign aid is not corrupt as some people may have interpret, but rather how much does the countries take role in foreign affairs. When a country does not seek aid but to resolve their domestic issues instead on their own, a foreign country such as America should not have the right to interfere. There is no use of one country getting involved in a foreign issue that has nothing to do with them. However, if they continue to get involved without consent, then the foreign country may have become new enemies to the problematic country that is facing its own civil war as long as the issue may impact the entire world. In 1796, U.S President George Washington knew the dangers of being involved in foreign affairs, and although President Ronald Reagan stated that â€Å"We are the leader of the free world. And that is not a role we asked for; its a role that was thrust upon us by history and by the hopes of those who aspire to freedom throughout the world.†[1], so l ong as America continues to engage deeply with foreign affairs that are deemed â€Å"threatening to the entire world of democracy†, America will continue making enemies and their economy will fall due to the large social gaps between the rich and the poor and the troubles the country is facing itself. Despite trying to not get involved with future affairs, many countries are already depending on the United States to resolve their problems such as the Ukraine Crisis. The best solution for America regarding foreign aid is less interference unless the situation is necessary. Cited Sources http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=33589 www.skymachines.com/us-national-debt-per-capita-percent-of-gdp-and-by-presidental-term.htm http://www.rightsidenews.com/2013072832963/us/politics/on-foreign-aid-duncan-stop-giving-money-to-countries-that-hate-us-they-can-hate-us-for-free.html http://www.cato-unbound.org/2006/04/02/william-easterly/why-doesnt-aid-work http://bigthink.com/videos/why-does-foreign-aid-fail http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/ron-paul-military-cuts-budget/2014/02/24/id/554467/ http://www.politico.com/blogs/under-the-radar/2014/04/obama-fed-up-with-foreign-policy-critics-187581.html http://www.cfr.org/libya/obamas-poorly-conceived-libya-intervention/p24494 http://www.speaker.gov/press-release/speaker-boehner-challenges-president-obama-legal-justification-continued-operations http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/09/syria-islamic-state-201491114243147712.html http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-house-approves-obama-plan-for-military-intervention-in-syria/5402679 The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality by Angus Deaton http://press.princeton.edu/titles/10054.html Ch.7 Aids and Politics http://press.princeton.edu/chapters/s2_10054.pdf

Language of the land :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Traditional African art plays a major part in the African society. Most ceremonies and activities cannot function without visual art. Such ceremonies include singing, dancing, storytelling, spiritual dreams, and relationships with the opposite sex. According to James Stephenson, â€Å"art is a way to express trust in your own words†¦drawn to create a symbol that is pulled out of you.† He believes art, or literature should illustrate the lifestyles or problems of a certain group of people. In the book Language of the Land, James Stephenson discusses about the Hadzabe tribe. James Stephenson uses many glimpse of art, or literature to portray African art.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are three basic themes of African art. The first is the realism among the people of the bush. Most African tribes, particularly the Hadzabe, embellish the details when they are telling stories. This embellishment is done to create the mood of the story. For example, when Jemsi is at Mama Ramadan, he describes the cowgirl as a â€Å"superstar flying in spaceships filled with thousands of male lovers† (Language of the Land pg.67). Then some of the other Hadzabe says, â€Å"the cowgirl was their girlfriend† (Language of the Land pg.67). When Jemsi says he is making it up, all the Hadzabe start telling there own exaggerated stories. This proves that their art of story telling engages your mind, feelings, and body. Another similar example of how Jemsi captures the minds of the Hadzabe is when he talks about â€Å"the bear†¦its claws are the size of Sitoti’s arms, it is fast as the lion. It can cut trees down with its claws, and hunts, e ats men. Sometimes it will come into camp the camp, and sleep next to you. Then if you wake and move; it will kill you, or do the jiggi-jiggi with you† (Language of the Land pg.117). This just shows how gullible the tribesmen are toward each other’s stories. This type of visual or spoken art describes the Africans ability to over express the idea to the extreme.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The second theme of African art is the problematic relationships between the sexes. The Hadzabe are shown as the type of people who would use harmless devices to deal with the problems and issues concerning the relations between the sexes. For example, when Sitoti was telling one of his stories of how he scared Swahili girls by â€Å"wading up like a slow moving crocodile †¦[and leap] at the women washing their clothes† (Language of the Land pg.

The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse EPILOGUE – CHOICE

JACOBBLACK â€Å"Jacob, do you think this is going to take too much longer?† Leah demanded. Impatient. Whiney. My teeth clenched together. Like anyone in the pack, Leah knew everything. She knew why I came here – to the very edge of the earth and sky and sea. To be alone. She knew that this was all I wanted. Just to be alone. But Leah was going to force her company on me, anyway. Besides being crazy annoyed, I did feel smug for a brief second. Because I didn't even have to think about controlling my temper. It was easy now, something I just did, natural. The red haze didn't wash over my eyes. The heat didn't shiver down my spine. My voice was calm when I answered. â€Å"Jump off a cliff, Leah.† I pointed to the one at my feet. â€Å"Really, kid.† She ignored me, throwing herself into a sprawl on the ground next to me. â€Å"You have no idea how hard this is for me.† â€Å"For you?† It took me a minute to believe she was serious. â€Å"You have to be the most self-absorbed person alive, Leah. I'd hate to shatter the dream world you livein – the one where the sun is orbiting the place where you stand – so I won't tell you how little I care what your problem is. Go. Away.† â€Å"Just look at this from my perspective for a minute, okay?† she continued as if I hadn't said anything. If she was trying to break my mood, it worked. I started laughing. The sound hurt in strange ways. â€Å"Stop snorting and pay attention,† she snapped. â€Å"If I pretend to listen, will you leave?† I asked, glancing over at the permanent scowl on her face. I wasn't sure if she had any other expressions anymore. I remembered back to when I used to think that Leah was pretty, maybe even beautiful. That was a long time ago. No one thought of her that way now. Except for Sam. He was never going to forgive himself. Like it was his fault that she'd turned into this bitter harpy. Her scowl heated up, as if she could guess what I was thinking. Probably could. â€Å"This is making me sick, Jacob. Can you imagine what this feels like to me? I don't even like Bella Swan. And you've got me grieving over this leech-lover like I'm in love with her, too. Can you see where that might be a little confusing? I dreamed about kissing her last night! What the hell am I supposed to do with that?† â€Å"Do I care?† â€Å"I can't stand being in your head anymore! Get over her already! She's going to marry that thing. He's going to try to change her into one of them! Time to move on, boy.† â€Å"Shut up,† I growled. It would be wrong to strike back. I knew that. I was biting my tongue. But she'd be sorry if she didn't walk away. Now. â€Å"He'll probably just kill her anyway,† Leah said. Sneering. â€Å"All the stories say that happens more often than not. Maybe a funeral will be better closure than a wedding. Ha.† This time I had to work. I closed my eyes and fought the hot taste in my mouth. I pushed and shoved against the slide of fire down my back, wrestling to keep my shape together while my body tried to shake apart. When I was in control again, I glowered at her. She was watching my hands as the tremors slowed. Smiling. Some joke. â€Å"If you're upset about gender confusion, Leah . . . ,† I said. Slow, emphasizing each word. â€Å"How do you think the rest of us like looking at Sam through your eyes? It's bad enough that Emily has to deal with your fixation. She doesn't need us guys panting after him, too.† Pissed as I was, I still felt guilty when I watched the spasm of pain shoot across her face. She scrambled to her feet – pausing only to spit in my direction – and ran for the trees, vibrating like a tuning fork. I laughed darkly. â€Å"You missed.† Sam was going to give me hell for that, but it was worth it. Leah wouldn't bug me anymore. And I'd do it again if I had the chance. Because her words were still there, scratching themselves into my brain, the pain of it so strong that I could hardly breathe. It didn't matter so much that Bella'd chosen someone else over me. That agony was nothing at all. That agony I could live with for the rest of my stupid, too long, stretched-out life. But it did matter that she was giving up everything – that she was letting her heart stop and her skin ice over and her mind twist into some crystallized predator's head. A monster. A stranger. I would have thought there was nothing worse than that, nothing more painful in the whole world. But, if he killed her . . . Again, I had to fight the rage. Maybe, if not for Leah, it would be good to let the heat change me into a creature who could deal with it better. A creature with instincts so much stronger than human emotions. An animal who couldn't feel pain in the same way. A different pain. Some variety, at least. But Leah was running now, and I didn't want to share her thoughts. I cussed her under my breath for taking away that escape, too. My hands were shaking in spite of me. What shook them? Anger? Agony? I wasn't sure what I was fightingnow. I had to believe that Bella would survive. But that required trust – a trust I didn't want to feel, a trust in that bloodsucker's ability to keep her alive. She would be different, and I wondered how that would affect me. Would it be the same as if she had died, to see her standing there like a stone? Like ice? When her scent burned in my nostrils and triggered the instinct to rip, to tear . . . How would that be? Could I want to kill her? Could I not want to kill one of them? I watched the swells roll toward the beach. They disappeared from sight under the edge of the cliff, but I heard them beat against the sand. I watched them until it was late, long after dark. Going home was probably a bad idea. But I was hungry, and I couldn't think of another plan. I made a face as I pulled my arm through the retarded sling and grabbed my crutches. If only Charlie hadn't seen me that day and spread the word of my â€Å"motorcycle accident.† Stupid props. I hated them. Going hungry started to look better when I walked in the house and got a look at my dad's face. He had something on his mind. It was easy to tell – he always overdid it. Acted all casual. He also talked too much. He was rambling about his day before I could get to the table. He never jabbered like this unless there was something that he didn't want to say. I ignored him as best I could, concentrating on the food. The faster I choked it down . . . â€Å". . . and Sue stopped by today.† My dad's voice was loud. Hard to ignore. As always. â€Å"Amazing woman. She's tougher than grizzlies, that one. I don't know how she deals with that daughter of hers, though. Now Sue, she would have made one hell of a wolf. Leah's more of a wolverine.† He chuckled at his own joke. He waited briefly for my response, but didn't seem to see my blank, bored-out-of-my-mind expression. Most days that bugged him. I wished he would shut up about Leah. I was trying not to think about her. â€Å"Seth's a lot easier. Of course, you were easier than your sisters, too, until . . . well, you have more to deal with than they did.† I sighed, long and deep, and stared out the window. Billy was quiet for a second too long. â€Å"We got a letter today.† I could tell that this was the subject he'd been avoiding. â€Å"A letter?† â€Å"A . . . wedding invitation.† Every muscle in my body locked into place. A feather of heat seemed to brush down my back. I held onto the table to keep my hands steady. Billy went on like he hadn't noticed. â€Å"There's a note inside that's addressed to you. I didn't read it.† He pulled a thick ivory envelope from where it was wedged between his leg and the side of his wheelchair. He laid it on the table between us. â€Å"You probably don't need to read it. Doesn't really matter what it says.† Stupid reverse psychology. I yanked the envelope off the table. It was some heavy, stiff paper. Expensive. Too fancy for Forks. The card inside was the same, too done- up and formal. Bella'd had nothing to do with this. There was no sign of her personal taste in the layers of see- through, petal-printed pages. I'd bet she didn't like it at all. I didn't read the words, not even to see the date. I didn't care. There was a piece of the thick ivory paper folded inhalf with my name handwritten in black ink on the back. I didn't recognize the handwriting, but it was as fancy as the rest of it. For half a second, I wondered if the bloodsucker was into gloating. I flipped it open. Jacob, I'm breaking the rules by sending you this. She was afraid of hurting you, and she didn't want to make you feel obligated in any way. But I know that, if things had gone the other way, I would have wanted the choice. I promise I will take care of her, Jacob. Thank you – for her – for everything. Edward â€Å"Jake, we only have the one table,† Billy said. He was staring at my left hand. My fingers were clamped down on the wood hard enough that it really was in danger. I loosened them one by one, concentrating on that action alone, and then clenched my hands together so I couldn't break anything. â€Å"Yeah, doesn't matter anyway,† Billy muttered. I got up from the table, shrugging out of my t-shirt as I stood. Hopefully Leah had gone home by now. â€Å"Not too late,† Billy mumbled as I punched the front door out of my way. I was running before I hit the trees, my clothes strewn out behind me like a trail of crumbs – as if I wanted to find my way back. It was almost too easy now to phase. I didn't have to think. My body already knew where I was going and, before I asked it to, it gave me what I wanted. I had four legs now, and I was flying. The trees blurred into a sea of black flowing around me. My muscles bunched and released in an effortless rhythm. I could run like this for days and I would not be tired. Maybe, this time, I wouldn't stop. But I wasn't alone. So sorry, Embry whispered in my head. I could see through his eyes. He was far away, to the north, but he had wheeled around and was racing to join me. I growled and pushed myself faster. Wait for us, Quil complained. He was closer, just starting out from the village. Leave me alone, I snarled. I could feel their worry in my head, try hard as I might to drown it in the sound of the wind and the forest. This was what I hated most – seeing myself through their eyes, worse now that their eyes were full of pity. They saw the hate, but they kept running after me. A new voice sounded in my head. Let him go. Sam's thought was soft, but still an order. Embry and Quil slowed to a walk. If only I could stop hearing, stop seeing what they saw. My head was so crowded, but the only way to be alone again was to be human, and I couldn't stand the pain. Phase back, Sam directed them. I'll pick you up, Embry. First one, then another awareness faded into silence. Only Sam was left. Thank you, I managed to think. Come home when you can. The words were faint, trailing off into blank emptiness as he left, too. And I was alone. So much better. Now I could hear the faint rustle of the matted leaves beneath my toenails, the whisper of an owl's wings above me, the ocean – far, far in the west – moaning against the beach. Hear this, and nothing more. Feel nothing but speed, nothing but the pull of muscle, sinew, and bone, working together in harmony as the miles disappeared behind me. If the silence in my head lasted, I would never go back. I wouldn't be the first one to choose this form over the other. Maybe, if I ran far enough away, I would never have to hear again. . . . I pushed my legs faster, letting Jacob Black disappear behind me.

Why Prostitution Shouldn’t Be Legal?

Prostitution is a world wide controversial matter that has been around for many years. Prostitution itself is an old profession, but what about it leads to controversial arguments and opposing view points from our society? The idea that prostitution poses of selling one's body in exchange for money has had a negative impact in our society since it was first introduced into our presence. The many risk factors that follow prostitution, for example HIV, are one of many problems associated with going against legalizing prostitution. However, many people feel that diseases will be less frequent with legalizing prostitution.I would like to further explore this topic throughout the course of the semester, and gain an enhanced insight involved on each opposing side's point of view towards the issue, while finding the relevant information needed to back up my ideas and theory for this particular topic. â€Å"Prostitution is an extreme form of gender discrimination. Legalization of this viole nce to women restricts women's freedom and citizenship rights. If women are allowed to become a legitimate commodity, they are consigned to a second-class citizenship. Democracy is subverted† Donna Hughes Making the Harm VisibleThere is intense debate surrounding the legalization of prostitution. Full legalization involves prostitution taking the same status as any other occupation, i. e. giving sex workers access to social security and healthcare, regulating their places and terms of employment, etc. In many EU countries prostitution is de-criminalized, in other words, it is not a criminal offence to work as a prostitute. In the words of Hughes: â€Å"Considering the documented harm to women who are trafficked and prostituted, it is only logical that women should not be criminalized for being the victim of those abuses.Decriminalization also means that women will not fear arrest if they seek assistance and may be more likely to testify against pimps and traffickers. † Hughes goes on to argue that profiting from the services of a prostitute should be a crime in law, be this as a man buying sexual services, or as anyone gaining financial profit from a sex worker's activity: â€Å"But there absolutely should be no decriminalization for pimps, traffickers, brothel owners, or the men who buy women in prostitution. All legal reforms should aim to stop these perpetrators and profiteers. In her Factsheet on Prostitution, Melissa Farley argues that prostitution is: a) sexual harassment b) rape c) battering d) verbal abuse e) domestic violence f) a racist practice g) a violation of human rights h) childhood sexual abuse I) a consequence of male domination of women j) a means of maintaining male domination of women k) all of the above The well known Andrea Dworkin is part of the feminist camp which claims â€Å"Violation is a synonym for intercourse† (Dworkin, Intercourse), and prostitution is no exception; Beyond that, prostitution is the not only the affirmation, but the result of male supremacy.In a 1992 speech called Prostitution and male supremacy, Dworkin claims: â€Å"When men use women in prostitution, they are expressing a pure hatred for the female body. It is as pure as anything on this earth ever is or ever has been. It is contempt so deep, so deep, that a whole human life is reduced to a few sexual orifices, and he can do anything he wants. † Dworkin too asks how to define prostitution, she provides an answer: â€Å"Prostitution is not an idea.It is the mouth, the vagina, the rectum, penetrated usually by a penis, sometimes hands, sometimes objects, by one man and then another and then another and then another and then another. That's what it is. † Andrea Dworkin was speaking at a symposium with the focus of translating ideas from academia to action, but Farley claims Dworkin's brand of feminism is dead. Citing Catharine MacKinnon: â€Å"[In the past, we had a women's] movement which understood that the choice to be beaten by one man for economic survival was not a real choice, despite the appearance of consent a marriage contract might provide. .. Yet now we are supposed to believe, in the name of feminism, that the choice to be fucked by hundreds of men for economic survival must be affirmed as a real choice, and if the woman signs a model release there is no coercion there. † Farley's factsheet publishes results from one study which found 75% of women working as escorts had attempted suicide, and Hughes too points to the harm done to women through prostitution: â€Å"Prostitution causes extreme harm to the body and the mind.Women, who survive the beatings, rapes, sexually transmitted diseases, drugs, alcohol, and emotional abuse, emerge from prostitution ill, traumatized, and often, as poor as when they entered. † Calling on governments to realize that ‘women's bodies and emotions belong to them', Hughes says that is a state permits prostitution to flouri sh, a certain portion of each generation of young women will be lost. â€Å"Prostitution should not be legalized. Legalization means that the state imposes regulations under which women can be prostituted. In effect, regulation means that under certain conditions it is permissible to exploit and abuse women. In 1998 the Swedish government brought a bill to parliament which would in effect criminalize the buyers of sexual services, punishing them with a heavy fine or 6 month in jail. The bill as cited by EUROPAP states: â€Å"This new prohibition marks Sweden's attitude towards prostitution. Prostitution is not a desirable social phenomenon. The government considers, however, that it is not reasonable to punish the person who sells a sexual service. In the majority of cases at least, this person is a weaker partner who is exploited by those who want only to satisfy their sexual drives†¦It is also important to motivate prostitutes to seek help to leave their way of life. They s hould not run the risk of punishment because they have been active as prostitutes. † The legislation in Sweden was not only the result of lesser social acceptance of prostitution, but also an effort to eradicate trafficking. Legally able to sell her body, albeit for a short period of time, women become commodities. Commodification of women not only leads to women becoming second class citizens, but it also normalizes the concept of a human being becoming the property of someone else.For Hughes, there is no difference between trafficking which is by now universally recognized as a severe violation of human rights, and prostitution, which in Europe is widely tolerated, occasionally partly legal, and in the case of Holland, entirely so: â€Å"Prostitution is consuming thousands of girls and women and reaping enormous profits for organized crime in post-communist countries. In addition, each year, several hundred thousand women are trafficked from Eastern European countries for p rostitution in sex industry centers all over the world.The practices are extremely oppressive and incompatible with universal standards of human rights. The sex trade is a form of contemporary slavery and all indications predict its growth and expansion into the 21st century. † The European Parliament reports that police do not expect the sex trade to grow substantially in the Nordic region, however, the Swedish government hopes â€Å"By prohibiting the purchase of sexual services, prostitution and its damaging effects can be counteracted more effectively than hitherto.The government is however of the view that criminalization can never be more than a supplementary element in the efforts to reduce prostitution and cannot be a substitute for broader social exertions. † Hughes would agree that there is a wider social context; however she says â€Å"Above all, state bodies and non-governmental organizations should understand that prostitution is a demand market created by men who buy and sell women's sexuality for their own profit and pleasure.Legal reforms should therefore create remedies that assist victims and prosecute perpetrators† The perception of the prostitute as a victim is one which resounds through the literature against legalization of sex work. For Dworkin, the prostitutes is a victim of male supremacy, poverty and/or incest, and Catharine MacKinnon puts prostitution in a wider context in Prostitution and Civil Rights: â€Å"The legal right to be free from torture and cruel and inhuman or degrading treatment is recognized by most nations and is internationally guaranteed.In prostitution, women are tortured through repeated rape and in all the more conventionally recognized ways. Women are prostituted precisely in order to be degraded and subjected to cruel and brutal treatment without human limits; it is the opportunity to do this that is exchanged when women are bought and sold for sex. † An alternate school of feminism s ees sex work as empowerment, and the sex worker as willfully exerting and exploiting her power over the client.For Hughes, the concept is impossible: â€Å"Most arguments in favor of legalization are based on trying to distinguish between ‘free' and ‘forced' prostitution and trafficking. Considering the extreme conditions of exploitation in the sex industry, those distinctions are nothing but abstractions that make for good academic debates. They are, however,

Harris County essays

Harris County essays Harris County has a population of approximately 3.6 million residents. Its head of government is the Judge, who is elected by the population of the county. He presides over a Commissioner's Court of four elected officials who are elected by different precincts. This is the governing board of county (Page 11). The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) in question is for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2005. The general fund has two sets of budget figures presented, an adopted budget of, through which most revenues and expenditures pass, $1.310 billion and an adjusted budget of $2.134 billion (100). This difference was funded through the issuance of debt (33). The major initiatives of the county funded by this debt include flood control districts, toll road improvements, precinct road improvements, and repairs and improvements to county buildings (15). The flood control project involves buying real estate in a pre-disaster mitigation program (34). Harris county seems to be financially healthy. The net assets of the county exceed the liabilities of the county by $9.54 billion, at a time when many northern cities are near bankruptcy. The total assets of the county are approximately $15 billion (39). The majority of this is capital investments, which net of related debt account for 89% of the assets of the county. The government makes it a practice to reserve enough funds to pay the following year's debt service. In addition, the general fund has extra money as well. At the end of the fiscal year, unreserved fund balance for the General fund was $204,852,123, or 20% of total general fund expenditures and 21% of general fund revenues. In addition, the General fund had a reserved fund balance of $112,291,065. (24) Like most county governments, the major source of revenue is property taxes. Harris county's thriving real estate market has a great deal to do with the government's financial success. ...

Project Example

Project Example Project – Term Paper Example BUSINESS STRATEGIES By Business Strategies Sales strategy is a deliberate and thoughtful activity that business owners use to achieve their desired goal which is particularly increasing their sales. In this regard, places and time to make a sale are determined through a rational process to facilitate the achievement of the highest profits. To develop a strategy, a plan has to be laid down since it is meant for future objectives. Effective approach involves understanding the target market, networking, and surveys, building relationships, and conducting a follow-up monitoring program. The idea is aimed at attaining the sales opportunities to rigor on what works and to get rid of what does not (Pride & Ferrell 2006, 47). The rationale of sales strategy is to analyze the business sales cycle to meet the long term goals. Categorically, the strategy can be direct or indirect. The former means the sales people are talking directly to the consumers about the product features compared to othe rs, while in the latter case talks on the features unavailable to the competitor’s product or services.To improve sales, business owners must also look on to the best channels of distribution of goods and services to the end-user or ultimate purchaser. This strategy focuses on how to reach the target market, however, to accomplish this, factors that have to be considered include, business location, market location, how to reach the market, stock warehousing, and transportation logistics. Businesspersons debate on whether to distribute their goods or services directly to the consumers or through the middlemen (Pride & Ferrell 2006, 53-63). Nonetheless, the ultimate aim is to reach the consumers faster, efficiently, and with minimal costs involved. It is worth noting that distribution is an important element of marketing in getting the best product to the customer in the right time.Business strategy also requires promotion, which in turn involves public relations, advertisement s, personal selling, and other forms of sales promotions. The marketing out of business is the most costly of all the strategies. Promotion is objected to expanding the customer or client base. It opens new window to opportunities for business growth and development. It, therefore, entails regards to time, labor, and costs. Distribution intermediaries, wholesaler, and retailers must also be contacted through proper communication channels (Pride & Ferrell 2006, 145-152). Direct calls, mails, use of media, social networks, and salespersons are some of the mechanism of updating them or reminding them of the product changes.In conclusion, marketing requires strategies in the various levels of production, warehousing, distribution, sales and promotion, and communication. It is about having the right product of required quantity to the right customer, within the recommended time.List of ReferencePride, w. M., & Ferrell, o. C. (2006). Marketing: concepts and strategies. Boston, Houghton Mi fflin Co.

Free sample - The Economic Report. translation missing

The Economic Report. The Economic ReportNational bank of Kenya limited is a financial institution engaged in the provision of services such as banking, financial and others related to these. The bank owns two subsidiaries namely: Natbank Trustee and Investment Services Limited and the Kenya National Capital Corporation Limited (Kariuki 2010). This bank has encountered several problems over the last few years and the country’s central bank which monitors the operations of all financial institutions in the country has predicted that unless the bank changes tact, it will be bedeviled by the same problems over the next couple of years. These problems include demand and supply problems, economic problems, non performing loans portfolio as well as technology problems (Kariuki 2010). According to reports from the central bank, the bank’s nonperforming loans accounted for about 43.5% of the total loans in the month of June (Kariuki 2010). This was above the industry range which was estimated to be 15.8%. These nonperforming loans can be attributed to reckless lending policies. Statistics from the central bank also indicate that the bank has a huge revenue deficit of four billion Kenya shillings (Kariuki 2010). This deficit is to be settled through realized profits. Economists from the central bank however indicate that this may not be feasible as the bank is unlikely to issue dividends, a move that may see many share holders desert the bank hence a profit dive (Kariuki 2010). The bank’s total capital base as a percentage of total risk weighted assets has not reached the statutory threshold which is placed at 12%. Its estimated to be at 10%, a fact that makes payment of dividends further impossible. Due to the huge nonperforming loans, the bank decide d to go slow on lending, a move that saw many of its customers move to the less risky investments. These investments include but not limited to: Government securities such as treasury bonds and treasury bills (Kariuki 2010). Statistics from the central bank show that the bank’s loans to private households declined by 19.7% while lending to finance and insurance sectors reduced by 25.3% last year (Kariuki 2010). The central bank predicts a further reduction in these two for the next few years. The emergence of many micro-finance institutions such as K-Rep, Jamii Bora Trust, and Kenya Women Finance Trust, which have captured the low-end of the market has compounded the problems facing the bank further (World Bank [WB] 2010). This is because, these microfinance institutions offer lower lending interest rates on their loans hence attracting many unbanked citizens who may have been absorbed by the National Bank (Kariuki 2010). The location of these micro-finance institutions enable them to capture more customers. This is because they are spread throughout the country’s rural areas where majority of the unbanked citizens reside. The bank adopted a policy of high interest rates on its loans so as to cover their level of exposure, a move that greatly reduced the demand for the bank’s loans (WB 2010) The introduction of mobile banking by the country’s leading telecommunication company, Safaricom limited has also been a thorn in the bank’s flesh. Many people in Kenya who had not been captured by the banking world found it simpler to start accounts with the telecommunication company (Omwansa 2010). This is because of the convenience involved in carrying out transactions which involves simply the use of mobile phones. Mpesa is the name given to the mobile banking of the telecommunications company (Omwansa 2010). Mpesa customers are able to carry out transactions such as paying bills, money transfers, shopping in supermarkets using phones, and many more other transactions. The demand for accounts in this bank and others in the country is expected to reduce as more people jump into the mobile banking band wagon (Omwansa 2010). The problem is expected to get worse as more telecommunication companies in the country have emulated Safaricom. For instance, the country’ s second largest telecommunication company by customer base, Zain Kenya has introduced a similar mobile banking program called Zap (Omwansa 2010). Many banks in the country have introduced a technology that enables bank customers to manipulate their bank accounts using mobile devices. Failure by this bank to follow suit has made it fail to attract potential customers (Omwansa 2010). This technology allows customers to transfer money from their banks to their mobile phones which they can then withdraw through the telecommunication companies’ money outlets such as Mpesa and Zap (Omwansa 2010). This saves them the inconvenience of travelling to the banks to transact. The country’s third largest telecommunication company by customer base, Yu has also entered the mobile banking band wagon through its Yu cash. This has captured even more customers whose destiny would otherwise have been in the banking world (Omwansa 2010). The country has witnessed an explosion of pyramid schemes which have lured many citizens into depositing money with them. These schemes have convinced many people to withdraw money from their bank accounts which has led to a poor performance by the banks (Jack 2010). This is because, money which the banks could have issued as loans is now disappearing into the pyramid schemes. These schemes operate on a simple principle; people who bank with them first benefit from funds brought in by subsequent customers when their pay time comes (Jack 2010). If the number of people qualifying for payment exceeds the amount of money brought in by new customers, the owners of the schemes disappear with all the investments. If the country’s central bank doesn’t control the operations of these pyramid schemes, then banks are expected to suffer more in the next few years (Jack 2010). The economy of the country performed poorly in the last financial year as a result of a post election violence. This has also greatly affected the bank since the government is its largest shareholder . Poor economic performance also translates to lack of funds to put into bank accounts by the bank’s customers hence the bank is affected adversely (Jack 2010). If the performance of the economy is not turned around in the next few years, then the bank is expected to perform more poorly. The diagram below shows the likely demand and supply situation in the bank over the next three years. This is still the current situation. Reduction in supply has been witnessed since the bank has been forced to close down some of its branches due to the poor performance. The bank is expected to close more of its branches in future if the problems are not solved. Closing down of accounts coupled with the problems discussed earlier has led to a decrease in demand for the bank’s financial services. To turn around this poor performance, the bank should consider a number of solutions. Firstly, the bank should consider expanding to the rural part of the country in order to capture unbanked people from the low-end of the market (Jack 2010). The bank should also consider a reduction in its loans interest rates in order to increase the demand of the same (Jack 2010). The bank should also consider introducing a technology that would allow customers to manipulate their bank accounts using mobile devices. However, for the bank to keep a competitive edge over the others in the same line of production, they should do this differently. Instead of cooperating with the existing mobile networks, the bank can consider coming up with its own platform. This is because, the telecommunications firms are also themselves involved in mobile banking, so collaborating with them amounts to collaborating with a competitor. This can only be to the advantage of the competitor (Jack 2010). The bank should a lso reduce the requirements for opening an account with them. These requirements include minimum deposit, passports, ATM processing fee etc. while passports are quite important, the bank can consider purchasing cameras for taking the passports without charging the customer (Jack 2010). The bank should also consider increasing the number of marketers so as to capture as many potential customers as possible. Opening many ATM machines throughout the country would also go a long way in helping the bank turn around its poor performance. Lastly, the bank should pressurize the central bank to come up with policies which discourage the mushrooming of pyramid schemes (Jack 2010). This paper has discussed the problems afflicting the National Bank of Kenya. These problems have included: nonperforming loans, huge revenue deficit, competition from micro-finance institutions which offer loans with lower interest rates, low customer base due to failure to capture rural areas, competition from telecommunications companies which have invested in mobile banking, failure to take advantage of modern technology involving mobile banking and finally competition from rogue pyramid schemes. Solutions which can turn around this poor performance have also been discussed. These have included: expanding to the rural part of the country in order to capture unbanked people from the low-end of the market, introducing a technology that would allow customers to manipulate their bank accounts using mobile devices, reducing the requirements for opening an account with them, introducing more ATM machines and finally pressurizing the central bank to come up with policies which discourage the mushrooming of pyramid schemes.

Some questions Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Some questions - Personal Statement Example There have been recent cases of gunshot killings in American schools and universities which proves the fact that America is a violent society. The concept of gangs is also one of the major reasons which are dragging the American youth towards collective violence. Kids and teens feel good when they are in a gang. According to Zimring and Hawkins (A-21), the rate of violent death in United States is four to 18 times higher than in any other country, and the reason for this is extensive use of handguns in muggings and burglary. I am a female member of my society. If I was assigned the male gender at birth, then my life would have been totally different. Though, both sexes bring with them their responsibilities, duties and rights, but the male gender is always given a loose edge in almost every society around the globe, especially in societies where male chauvinism has deepened its roots. If I was a male, I would have received higher education which females are kept deprived of at times. I would have been able to hang out with friends, come late at nights and not being answerable to anybody. After marriage, I would not have to leave my parents house to go live with strangers who have no soft corner for the new arrival. I would have been allowed to work outside and enjoy the freedom. I would have been able to impose upon my subordinates whatever I thought is better. I would have been able to lead my family in my own way without having to look for permissions and consents of other members of the family. I wou ld relax and sleep till late hours without getting calls from my mom to get up and look for household chores. I would not be running after my kids and telling them to clean up the mess! The major advantage of school tracking is that it enables teachers to better decide what level of lessons to give to which group of students, keeping in mind their capabilities. This also enhances the

Managing Organisation Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Managing Organisation Change - Essay Example In an organization equipped for complete learning, communication and structures within the company should be flexible and open - and in a way, Sanyo with Nonaka, could be said to be equipped in these aspects. The process for innovation through the changes that had been introduced, at least was steered towards a cyclical process where learning is continuous as opposed to being linear and discontinuous. 2. How did Nonaka try to revolutionize learning and change and how did this relate to incomplete learning Identify the levels of learning if any. Which typology/s of learning best describes the events in Sanyo While Nonaka introduced process and systems-related innovation to Sanyo, the changes that she tried to accomplish was only done on a horizontal plane, and did not account the vertical integration of the new vision for the company. The levels of learning were limited to environmental and behavioral directions or cues for the company. However, the leaning was in a way incomplete because the changes did not seep down to the very purpose of the company, that is specifically charting the unique role of Sanyo which has to do with the identity or mission of the company. A company needs to be rooted to its values and belief systems that it has developed over time - for example Sanyo is proud of its heritage as a maker of refrigerators and batteries as well being known in its markets for this. The learning was incomplete also by which Nonaka's team failed sufficiently to take into account the capabilities of the company or the question of how its core competencies will be aligned with the e nvironmental cues for change. Thus, some stakeholders did not fall into line in supporting Nonaka's vision for Sanyo. The typology of learning that fits within the case of Sanyo may that of the model of organizational change, by which changes are done in the structural level, but not with the culture and the strategy of the company. Learning through organizational change is quite focused through changing from without, and not from within which takes intro consideration the cultural aspects and belief system of an organization. This kind of learning by organizational change, as opposed to deeper levels of learning that comes with organizational development or transformation. 3.What has this case got to do with exploration and exploitation Explain. The case of Sanyo with Nonaka at the helm when she tried to make changes can be called to have made too much of a call for exploration and failing at decisive exploitation. Nonaka was on the right frame of mind when she took into consideration at the way the world has increasingly looked at environmentally conscious products and businesses as the wave of the future, not only because of the projected demise of oil-based fuel systems but because a value-based respect for the environment has been gaining ground with consumers. By aligning Sanyo with the new paradigm, potentially Sanyo was at the leading edge in terms of technology and with its new products. However, exploration needs to be balanced with exploitation or that which has to do with what the company's ability to improve and refine

Managing Organisation Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Managing Organisation Change - Essay Example In an organization equipped for complete learning, communication and structures within the company should be flexible and open - and in a way, Sanyo with Nonaka, could be said to be equipped in these aspects. The process for innovation through the changes that had been introduced, at least was steered towards a cyclical process where learning is continuous as opposed to being linear and discontinuous. 2. How did Nonaka try to revolutionize learning and change and how did this relate to incomplete learning Identify the levels of learning if any. Which typology/s of learning best describes the events in Sanyo While Nonaka introduced process and systems-related innovation to Sanyo, the changes that she tried to accomplish was only done on a horizontal plane, and did not account the vertical integration of the new vision for the company. The levels of learning were limited to environmental and behavioral directions or cues for the company. However, the leaning was in a way incomplete because the changes did not seep down to the very purpose of the company, that is specifically charting the unique role of Sanyo which has to do with the identity or mission of the company. A company needs to be rooted to its values and belief systems that it has developed over time - for example Sanyo is proud of its heritage as a maker of refrigerators and batteries as well being known in its markets for this. The learning was incomplete also by which Nonaka's team failed sufficiently to take into account the capabilities of the company or the question of how its core competencies will be aligned with the e nvironmental cues for change. Thus, some stakeholders did not fall into line in supporting Nonaka's vision for Sanyo. The typology of learning that fits within the case of Sanyo may that of the model of organizational change, by which changes are done in the structural level, but not with the culture and the strategy of the company. Learning through organizational change is quite focused through changing from without, and not from within which takes intro consideration the cultural aspects and belief system of an organization. This kind of learning by organizational change, as opposed to deeper levels of learning that comes with organizational development or transformation. 3.What has this case got to do with exploration and exploitation Explain. The case of Sanyo with Nonaka at the helm when she tried to make changes can be called to have made too much of a call for exploration and failing at decisive exploitation. Nonaka was on the right frame of mind when she took into consideration at the way the world has increasingly looked at environmentally conscious products and businesses as the wave of the future, not only because of the projected demise of oil-based fuel systems but because a value-based respect for the environment has been gaining ground with consumers. By aligning Sanyo with the new paradigm, potentially Sanyo was at the leading edge in terms of technology and with its new products. However, exploration needs to be balanced with exploitation or that which has to do with what the company's ability to improve and refine

Ester Synthesis Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ester Synthesis - Lab Report Example Esters are also present in the animal fats and in most of the biological molecules and compounds. The process known for the production of an ester is called Esterification. It can either be formed in organic acids or in inorganic acids. In the organic acids of these esters, the liquids usually have no color, are impartial and have a pleasing smell (Clayden, Greeves, & Warren, 2012). The esters are usually prepared in large amounts for the purpose of saleable use. They are commercially used in perfumes, flavoring and as artificial fruits. Esterification has great importance and tends to perform a number of processes. The main importance of Esterification is to imitate acids such as the carboxylic acids and some groups of compounds or molecules that are considered to be functional. The process involved with Esterification is that of condensing. Example is the carboxyl acids and the hydroxyl alcohol as seen in the experiment. The process condenses these acids and eliminates water. This process is slow and temperatures used are at moderate Celsius. In most of the chemical industries throughout the world, the process of Esterification is used in various fields to perform different set of purposes. One of the purposes is seen in the removers of the nail polishing. The solvent that is used is called ethyl acetate. The amyl nitrite is used for the purpose of asthma treatments. ... There was the use of a reflux condenser and a conical vial container. In the conical vial container, about an ML of alcohol is kept inside the container. A spin vane which is found inside the conical vial is filled with acetic acid of about 1.5 ml. in the same container; about four drops of sulphuric acid were added. The sulphuric acid is concentrated. The equipment that was used was recapped. Inside the tube that was used, dryrite was used. Cotton was also used to make sure that the dryrite was dry and smooth for the experiment. The tube was later fused together with the condenser in a position that the conical vial is set to sit in the sand bath. In the sand bath, a thermometer is used with the view of measuring the temperature of the experiment. To prevent heat retention while the thermometer is in use, an aluminum foil is used as a cover. The reflux condenser is then set in the position of the tap to allow for the movement of water from the condenser. After the flow, the tap is s witched on to allow for the smooth running of water in the experiment. When the temperature inside the sand bath reached 170 degrees Celsius, the process of condensation began to take its roots. While condensation was happening, the temperature was maintained for about 60 minutes. After an hour of refluxing, the condenser, the heat were turned off and the contents inside removed. They were then allowed to cool (Guardia & Garrigues, 2012)Â   The mechanism of the reaction is based on the formation of ethyl ethanoate. In the presence of sulphuric acid, the ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid. The process is considered to be slow and reversible. To prevent for a reverse reaction, the ester is passed through the process of distillation. The steps in the mechanism reaction links with the

Interior Design of the Alhambra Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Interior Design of the Alhambra - Essay Example There is an attention to detail and patterns to where intricate forms are made. In addition to the interior aspect, it has a massive interior space but even so, the smallest corner has great significance in the entire presentation of the building. It then has these momentous domes that are loaded with art work and glass that allow light to enter the space making it a different place in different times of the day. I will now present a detailed description of the Alhambra and the meaning of its designs. The "red fortress" or the Alhambra is the only most significant and most conserved Arabian palace. The Alhambra is built by Moorish kings during the 12th and13th centuries and is located in the southern part of Spain. Its chief glory is its exceptional ornamentation. The name also refers to the color of the mountain to where it is built. The palace is an ensemble of exquisite artistic designs that can be attributed to the following inspirations such as religion, nature, music, culture, important personalities, and the foreign influences. It is a genuine expression of the once prosperous Moorish civilization and its architecture in Spain. The interior of the structure is decorated sumptuously with impressive examples of the honeycomb and stalactite-like vaulting1 of roof or dome which are eminent and typical of Islamic style of decoration. The famous beauties of the palace are: The Gate of Justice, The Court of Alberca; The Court of Lions with its alabaster basin peeling diamond drop s; The Hall of Ambassadors; The Tower of Canaries; The Court of Myrtles; The Hall of Justice; and several gardens, fountains, panoramas, chambers, towers, and balconies. Little and beautiful patterns containing vines and Arabic characters are interwoven into a structure of red, black, blue, and gold unspeakable richness. Decoration is simply defined as the act or process of putting ornaments to beautify, adorn, or enrich a place. Once all these concepts are implemented in the interior of a building or a structure, it now becomes interior decoration. In the Alhambra, the embellishment or decoration within the palaces epitomized the vestiges of Moorish dominion within Spain. The seclusion with the rest of the Islam, and the commercial and political relationship with the Christian kingdoms also influenced in the concepts on space; columns, muqarnas and stalactite-looking ceiling decorations, are visible in several chambers, and the interiors of numerous palaces are decorated with arabesques and calligraphy. Muqarnas is an Arabic word that illustrates a traditional element distinctive to Islamic architecture. They are small niche-like components that are combined with each other in successive layers to enclose a space and produce surfaces rich in three-dimensional geometric compositions.2 It is a unique Arabic/Islamic space-enclosing system used for the decoration and ornamentation of domes, minarets and portals. This type of design is often applied to domes, pendentives or devices used allowing the placing of a circular dome, cornices, squinches and the underside of arches and vaults. Indeed, the Alhambra is one of the olden structures to use the muqarnas. At the same time, arabesque is an elaborative application of repeating geometric forms that often resonates the forms of plants and animals. Usually this type of design is found in the walls of mosques. Arabesque designs found in the Alhambra did

Health education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Health education - Essay Example By coordination, it is meant that a number of stakeholders must be identified, encouraged to participate in meaningful ways, and persuaded that they can contribute to student health education, student health at the individual level, and to more expansive notions such as family health and community health. It has been noted, for instance, that â€Å"Children and adolescents are more likely to practice healthy behaviors when those behaviors are broadly supported at school, at home, and in the community† (Health Framework: 11). This broad type of support, therefore, must draw on people from the school itself, from the students’ support network at home, and from relevant health care and other professionals in the community. The best way to gain support is by enlisting networked groups, explaining the objective links between student health and performance, and then implementing a coordinated program with regular assessment periods. This is so important at these levels becaus e, as the data demonstrates, A variety of risk factors influence whether or not a child will be healthy and will maintain a commitment to health. The school, the home, the community, and the peer group are four major areas of a child’s life in which these risk factors may be found. The risk factors include, among others, economic deprivation, neighborhood disintegration, poor family-management practices, peers who use alcohol and other drugs, low expectations for children’s success, and academic failure. Although some risk factors are far beyond a school’s control, others can be addressed directly and effectively through health education supported by collaborative efforts that include parents, the school, and the community (Health Framework: 11-12). The significant point is that, because these risk factors derive from a variety of sources, the response must be comprehensive enough to ameliorate or otherwise create an

Nelson Mandela Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Nelson Mandela - Research Paper Example Mandela was born on the July 18, 1918. His name Rolihlahla literally means, â€Å"pulling the branch of the tree.† He was brought up in the village of Mvezo near River Mbashe in the district of Umata, the capital of Transkei. His home village was Thembu. The name of his father was the great, Gadla Henry Mphanyiswa. Mphanyiswa was a great chief of the high, Thembu village. His father lost his wealth due to some â€Å"ox† disputes, under unclear circumstances. His mother decided to travel to a village of Qunu, located northern of Mvezo. While at Qunu, Mandela used to spend his leisure time playing and wrestling with other young boys in the village. He could spend the nights together with these same boys. He used to look after the herds at the age of five. He discovered the techniques of collecting honey, birds, and edible fruits. He enjoyed drinking milk straight from the udder of the cow. The life in the field was full of fun. Mandela was a creative and a critical in thought. He could make devices and play with them. He had a passion for the study of nature. He liked climbing the back of the donkey and molding animals and birds using clay soil. The village of Qunu had several churches. He attended church service for the first time when he during baptism. The religion became like a ritual to him. His mother attachment to the church was just incredible. The only times he could miss the Sunday services was when he could go to fight with other boys. He realized that the fighting was like a transgression and vowed never to commit again. Mandela later traveled to Johannesburg where he first reached the offices of Crown Mines in the year 1886.The Witwatersrand in South Africa by then was the largest gold mine. He was very much disappointed in what he saw in the mining place as opposed to his expectations. He thought he could find the mining places to have well-furnished offices but instead the place was

Health education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Health education - Essay Example By coordination, it is meant that a number of stakeholders must be identified, encouraged to participate in meaningful ways, and persuaded that they can contribute to student health education, student health at the individual level, and to more expansive notions such as family health and community health. It has been noted, for instance, that â€Å"Children and adolescents are more likely to practice healthy behaviors when those behaviors are broadly supported at school, at home, and in the community† (Health Framework: 11). This broad type of support, therefore, must draw on people from the school itself, from the students’ support network at home, and from relevant health care and other professionals in the community. The best way to gain support is by enlisting networked groups, explaining the objective links between student health and performance, and then implementing a coordinated program with regular assessment periods. This is so important at these levels becaus e, as the data demonstrates, A variety of risk factors influence whether or not a child will be healthy and will maintain a commitment to health. The school, the home, the community, and the peer group are four major areas of a child’s life in which these risk factors may be found. The risk factors include, among others, economic deprivation, neighborhood disintegration, poor family-management practices, peers who use alcohol and other drugs, low expectations for children’s success, and academic failure. Although some risk factors are far beyond a school’s control, others can be addressed directly and effectively through health education supported by collaborative efforts that include parents, the school, and the community (Health Framework: 11-12). The significant point is that, because these risk factors derive from a variety of sources, the response must be comprehensive enough to ameliorate or otherwise create an

Upgrading Wastewater Treatment Facilities Coursework

Upgrading Wastewater Treatment Facilities - Coursework Example 1.0 Introduction With the inception of urbanization and the modern society, there has arisen a looming problem on water and sanitation. This has mostly been attributed to consequences resulting from population effects such as downgraded sewerage systems, poorly maintained wetlands just to mention but a few. This gives an evidence of the fact that wastewater and the methods used in its treatment have given lasting challenges to the society. Further, urgent measures have been necessitated by the history pollution abatement measures have had as entails the time factor; ever since industrialization, urbanization and similar revolutions were set on stage. At an earlier point in time, sanitation standards basically stipulated for the reduction of pollutions due to emissions emanating from pathogens and organic matter, but of recent times has been the focus on heavy metals and nutrients. Other than the modern approaches focusing on metallic compounds and nutrients, equally handy concepts ha ve been proposed accompanied by advanced levels of technologies that if effectively put in place, will push wastewater management practices to a newer level. The sewage treatment especially at individual homesteads has employed a variety of wastewater treatment concepts and philosophies among others. All these are aimed at achieving the ultimate goal of addressing current trends of wastewater both at the urban and rural levels. As a response to these strategies, various strategies including legislations have been put in place. A good example of such a legislation includes â€Å"The European Union Urban Wastewater Directive, 91/271/EEC; which states that agglomerations

Drink and Creative Writing Planning Essay Example for Free

Drink and Creative Writing Planning Essay Sometimes people choose to try things for the first time because they want to or they like trying new things or they are forced to. It was the day I was always waiting for, my first ever 9th grade party. I was so thrilled that the person even invited me, only the ‘cool’ people were invited to huge parties and well let’s just say I was an ordinary girl. My friend Adriana and got ready at my place with excitement and off we went to experience our one life opportunity with the popular groups. I walked in the big huge giant building I started to have goose bumps all over my body, my heart started to race as fast as a rocket, I was so nervous. It was all dark and the music was so loud my ears felt as if I was on a plane and about to take off. Everyone was dancing, drinking and doing all sorts of things I only thought happened in movies. I looked on my right and there was Adriana with some guy sitting on his lap and drinking, she moved quit fast. I went over to check if she was okay. She said she was but she sure didn’t look okay. I was already starting to regret coming to this party. I didn’t fit with these people, I was with all the ‘popular’ people but I still felt like an outcast. Sitting in the corner alone, then a loud voice crawled into my ear â€Å"Hey, what are you doing sitting down alone? Come with me! † I had never seen this girl in my life, or maybe I have but she was just covered by the heavy make-up. The strange girl handed me a drink, and told me to drink it, it’s nothing. Mum warned me about this, not taking drinks from random people. I hesitated and told the girl I don’t want the drink. But she kept implying that I should just take a little bit and I was in the middle of all her friends and I didn’t want to be humiliated. I took my first sip of alcohol and then I saw myself dancing and making a complete full of myself. The room started to spin uncontrollably. I don’t remember half of the things I even did; it was like I was a different person. I look to my right and I see two people fighting and Adriana in the middle. I was so worried she was in trouble so I headed over there to help her. I was pushed and shoved around trying to get to Adriana and all I remember is some aggressive boy picking up a bottle and I was on the floor. All I could see was a blurred vision of Adriana screaming my name and it all went blank. That night would have to be the worst night of my life. One single drop of alcohol changed my whole night. I regret every single decision I made that night. I wish I can take it all back. Who would’ve thought the impossible could be possible.

Red Scare America 1920 :: essays papers

Red Scare America 1920 World War I was finally over, however, there was a new threat to Americans. This threat was Communism, which was greatly feared by most U.S. citizens. Communism is "a system of social and economic organization in which property is owned by the state or group, to be shared in common or to be distributed among members of the community equally or in proportion to their respective needs."* In 1919, no more than one-tenth of the adult American population belonged to the newly formed Communist movement, and even this small percentage were greatly persecuted. Although American "Reds" caught most of the fury of the raids, it was not just the Communists who had stirred national panic. Emotions that had been building since the turn of the century were brought out during World War I, and then burst into a "xenophobic" (fear and hatred of foreigners) repression. Late in the afternoon of Friday, January 2, 1920, agents from the Department of Justice raided a Communist headquarters and began arresting thousands of people in major American cities throughout the nation. They poured into private homes, clubs, pool halls and coffee shops, arresting citizens and aliens, Communists and non-Communists, tearing apart meeting halls and destroying property. The Agents put their victims in jail, held them without an attorney, and interrogated them. The prisoners who could demonstrate that they *As quoted from The Lincoln Library copyright 1961 were American citizens were released. Aliens were released a few days later unless they were members of the Communist Party or the Communist Labor Party. These were the two groups that were formed from the American Communist movement. In two days, nearly five thousand people were arrested, and nearly five thousand were seized in the cleaning up that followed during the next two weeks. The arrests were carried out with total disregard for the rights of the prisoners. There are some psychological views that might help to explain why the events of 1919 -1920 took place. Some Americans during this time were always on the verge of attacking. They were hostile toward minorities, extremely patriotic, and ready to rid their nation of any intruder that seemed to threaten them. The postwar effort for "one hundred percent Americanism" may have left our citizens with the desire to keep our country pure. The Russian Revolution in the fall of 1918 also contributed to America's unrest. In a violent outburst, the Communists took control of the Russian government and murdered the Tsar and his entire family

Shedding a Different Spotlight on the Argument from Design :: Essays Papers

Shedding a Different Spotlight on the Argument from Design "Author is to book, as painter is to __________." Anyone who has taken the SAT is familiar with analogies similar to this one. The significance of analogies relies on the fact that analogies not only tell us about the meaning of words, but they tell us about the relationships of the world. In discussing our world, a well-known, much-debated topic has been the existence of God. Many arguments have been presented on both sides of this issue, the teleological argument (the argument from design) is one of the most discussed. This argument is better understood and supported using analogies. The key is to find an analogy that is grounded and plausible enough to stand up to sharp critiques. The teleological argument is a valid and plausible argument, because it allows enough evidence for the relationship of the Creator and the world to be analogous to that of a director and a musical. The basics of the teleological argument include the statement that the apparent design of the world suggests a Designer. William Paley, the populizer of this argument, uses an analogy that states the relationship of the Creator to creation is like that of a watch-maker to a watch (Rowe & Wainwright 155). The core of this argument is the claim that the design of the world suggests an intelligent designer. It further states that "something suggests intelligence if (1) it serves the sorts of ends that human minds typically propose to themselves†¦ and (2) the results are achieved in a reasonably effective manner" (Wainwright 52). This is the ground where this paper will begin to formulate an analogy that increases the plausibility of the design argument. The analogy I prefer is theatrical. The participants in a musical play include the musicians, actors, singers, dancers, stage and crew members. Each of these members is an integral piece in the body of the production. The director is the heart-beat of the production. Without the director, there would not be a musical. The director begins the formation of the musical with an end in mind-- a vision. The director uses a variety of methods to convey this vision to the players involved while guiding them in making that vision a reality. The players must cooperate with each other throughout the process and follow the director's instructions in order for the production to even resemble the director's vision.

How terrorism affect our economy Essay

Terrorism and terrorist activates are never intended to target an economy directly, instead it is designed to scare people who, overwhelmed by there trepidation destroy there own economy. The pliant economy of United States was misjudged in contrast with the September 11 terrorist attacks. Despite an estimated $120 billion of damage and a great deal of anxiety, one year following the 9/11 attacks considerable recovery was recorded in U. S economy. A disagreement between the Economists world wide has been shaping up over the affects of terrorism on the economy of USA, many feel that because acts of terrorism are usually aimed towards small portions of the stock of capital of a country so effect on economic activity are not very large(Enders and Sandler 2006). On the other hand, consciences of terrorism on the economy under pragmatic estimation suggest large and long term affects (Terrorism and the World Economy 40). If we review the federal budgets between FY 1998 and FY 2001 $ 48. 3 billion where available in surplus. Attacks of September 11 originated a blow to the economy of Manhattan, but not to that of Boston or Chicago. Terrorism creates a pessimistic affect on industries like air travel, hotels and insurance at large, but if we review economy’s overall performance, investment and demand shifted to other industries-especially when Federal Reserve eased credit in order to calm post-Sept. 11 markets. The immediate and the fore most impact that originate due to terrorism is the development of Paranoia attitude towards the economy through restrictive air travel and raising uncertainty, economy is drifting into a phase of recession. U. S economy has been diminishing even further after U. S invasion in Afghanistan and Iraq. Another way terrorism affected our economy is the lift in oil price which proved to be an economic jolt over the American nation who is now linking this oil situation with the upcoming elections and political agenda of American presidential candidates. The most direct damage that terrorism brought to our financial system is the deficit of U. S. government budget, which was a record of 413 billion dollars in 2004. A slight drop of $198 billion in deficit is being predicted by CBO for FY 2009 which is expected to increase moderately by 2010. If we analyze the reports released by CBO we will realize the shocking increase in the expenditure of war on terrorism over the last few years, federal finances for the department of home land security, and ever mounting cost of government beneficial social sachems such as medical & health care and social security has halted economical development. Economists are predicting an inevitable increase in red ink taxation; this is resulting in an increasing cost of housing and other basic amenities which is ultimately decreasing the consumption power of an American. (CBO) Terrorism creates a general sense of insecurity, this brings a huge expanse on U. S federal budget in shape of home land security dept, Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that federal resources devoted to homeland security activities were a total of about $41 billion in 2004, roughly double the amount allocated to those activities before September 11, By 2007 Spending for the Department of Homeland Security increased by about 6 percent, to $42. 7 billion this money was required to further strengthen the borders and aviation security. General Seance of insecurity also slowed the pace of economic growth in 2007; economists strongly feel that it will slacken further in 2008. According to CBO, the consistent problems in the housing and financial markets and the high price of oil has curbed spending on household and businesses this is also ensuing decrease in the growth of GDP. Laws and policies developed to control terrorism has overwrought federal resources to a total of $2. 9 trillion for 2008, while the revenue will total $2.7 trillion, which will result in budget deficit of $219 billion, this situation will be worsening with the additional $30 billion required to sustain military activates in Iraq and Afghanistan. (CBO 10) As a consequence American nation is facing a decline in funds allocation for national health dept, education, and Environment protection, the 2007 financial budget favored spending on defense which brought an overall decline in resources allocated for developing U. S social welfare programs Another worrying line of attack in which terrorism is affecting U. S economy is the current decline of the U. S dollar. By 2007, an 8% decline was recorded in U. S dollar’s performance in index compared to its six largest trading partners. According to the predictions made by Stephen Malyon, (a currency strategist at Scotia Capital in Toronto) the current weakness in dollar should persist for the first two quarters of the current financial year, while a rise of $1. 55 in Euro against dollar was also anticipated by him. (Ellis 2008) Terrorism creates an anxiety in the midst of American people who quite frequently hear about terrorist threats and the on going war on terrorism, while a general sense of insecurity has detained the business community, and this has created a lack of confidence among the main stream investors. Terrorism has also put the burden of humongous expense that the nation had to face in shape of Dept of home land security, ever since Sept 11, while this dept controls almost all issues related to national security and U. S intelligence, an increase in the federal resources and funds devoted towards this department, and as a consequence every year a considerable decline is recorded in social benefits such as education and national health care. Other affects of terrorism on American economy at large are the red ink taxes, increase in oil cost and the decline in dollar value; all of this is contributing towards decreasing the purchase power of an average American. Economists worldwide agree that the negative aspects and the decline in U. S economy is the cost that USA is paying for the war on terrorism. More over a large number of political & economical analyst feel that the issue of terrorism is being propagated by the American presidential candidates in there political agendas which is a major cause of nervousness among the nation. Many argue today about United States aggressive strategy to counter terrorism has been a mistake and think that a defensive strategy would have been a more appropriate choice in terms of the affects of terrorism on U. S economy. Work Cited; †¢ Enders Walter and Todd Sandler. The Political Economy of Terrorism. 1st ed. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University, 2006. †¢ Abadie, Gardeazabal. â€Å"Terrorism and the World Economy. † (2007): 40. †¢ Orszag, Peter R. United States, CBO. The Budget and Economic Outlook:Fiscal Years 2008-2017. Washington, DC: CBO, 2007. †¢ Ellis, David. â€Å"Dollar’s slide. † It’s the economy, stupid (2008 )

Assessment Critique

Assessment Critique Sandra Whitney California State University, Northridge SPED 501 M/M Dr. Haney A. General Information The Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, Second Edition (KTEA-II) is an individually administered measure of academic achievement for ages 4. 5 through 25. The test is available in 2 versions. The Brief Form assesses achievement in reading, math and written expression. The Comprehensive Form covers reading, math, written language, and oral language. It also provides an analysis of students’ errors.Examiners can obtain a Comprehensive Achievement Composite in about 30 minutes for younger children and 85 minutes for the oldest students. The Comprehensive Form has 2 independent, parallel forms (A and B). The KTEA-II was written by Alan and Nadeen Kaufman and is published by AGS Publishing. B. Brief Description of Test Scoring & Types of Scores Derived The KTEA-II was designed to measure student progress. Some of its applications include assessing achievemen t, identifying processes, analyzing errors, program planning, measuring academic progress, evaluating interventions/programs, and making placement decisions.After reviewing the Manual, I believe the KTEA-II would be a good measure of academic achievement and student progress. The KTEA-II’s authors examined literature reviews and recommendations from experts in different subject areas in order to define which skills should be measured in each achievement domain. Three national tryouts of the KTEAII Comprehensive Form Materials were conducted between 2000 and 2001. These trials illustrated whether each subtest had enough items to be reliable and provided adequate coverage of skills at each grade level.They also allowed for statistical analysis to identify and modify/remove items that had poor discrimination or were differentially difficult according to sex or ethnicity. Finally, the tryouts provided valuable information regarding item difficulties that was necessary for constru cting standardization forms that would be parallel in content and level of examinee performance. I believe the KTEA-II is well designed. I especially like the fact that it provides a Clinical Analysis of Errors and that the authors utilized input from experts when designing/selecting test items.The analysis of errors can help a teacher identify specific areas in which the student demonstrates weak, average, or strong skill development. I feel the KTEA-II’s design and norms make it suitable for most populations between the ages of 4. 5 and 25. As a special educator, a real positive feature is the inclusion of examinees with special classification or diagnosis. However, I do not feel the KTEA-II is suitable for English Language Learners. The manual specifically states that the test was normed to represent the US population of children and young adults who speak English.C: Validity, Normative Population Data, &Types of Scores Derived The norm sample consisted of 3,000 examinees aged 4? through 25. The grade norms are based on 2,400 of the examinees in Grades K-12. The standardization took place from September 2001 through May 2003. All age levels had between 100 and 200 participants, except age 19, which had 80. The KTEA-II sample was based on the 2001 Current population Survey and designed to match the US population with regards to sex, parent education, ethnicity, and educational status of examinees aged 18 to 25.The sample was representative in terms of geographic region, with a few exceptions at a couple of age levels. Examinees with special disability classification or diagnosis were also included in the standardization sample. These participants had a specific learning disability, speech/language impairment, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation, emotional/behavioral disturbance or were gifted and talented. One shortcoming in the norms is the failure to provide a breakdown of rural/urban participants.For internal consistency, t he overall Comprehensive Achievement composite coefficient was very reliable at (. 97). The core composites for Reading (. 96), Mathematics (. 96), and Written Language (. 93) are also highly reliable. However, the Oral Language composite (. 87) and Oral Fluency (. 85) fall below the desired (. 90) standard for reliability. The Sound-Symbol and Decoding composites are adequately reliable at all age levels. Because of the format for the subtests for the Reading Fluency composite, it is not possible to evaluate the internal consistency.The internal consistency coefficients are lower for subtests than composites. Most of the Reading and Mathematics subtests, and the Spelling subtest coefficients are sufficiently reliable. The majority of coefficients for the Oral Language subtests and the Written Expression subtest are less than (. 90). The coefficients for Nonsense Word Decoding are acceptable; but the majority of coefficients for the Phonological Awareness, Associational Fluency, and Naming Facility are below (. 90).To assess the stability of the KTEA-II scores over a period of weeks, the test was administered twice to 221 children from three grade ranges (Pre-K to Grade 1, Grades 2 through 6, and Grades 7 through 12). The retest interval ranged from 11 to 60 days and averaged 3? to 4 weeks. Alternate-form reliability was also examined in this analysis because about half the students took Form A first and Form B second; the other half took the test in the opposite order. The reliability correlations for the three grade ranges for the Comprehensive Achievement composite were (. 92), (. 94), and (. 5), respectively. For Pre-K to Grade 1, only the overall Reading and Decoding composites are sufficiently reliable. Coefficients for the Mathematics (. 87), Written Language (. 85), Oral Language (. 64), Sound-Symbol (. 84) and Oral Fluency (. 59) composites are all below (. 90). Letter & Word Recognition is the only subtest for Pre-K to Grade 1 with adequate reliabili ty (. 97). Coefficients for the rest of the subtests range from (. 47) to (. 88). For Grades 2 through 6 the Mathematics, Written Language, Reading Fluency, and Decoding Composites all had coefficients of at least (. 0). The Reading (. 87), Oral Language (. 68), Sound-Symbol (. 80), and Oral Fluency (. 67) composites are less than . 90. All subtest correlations are less than (. 90), except Spelling, Nonsense Word Decoding, and Decoding Fluency. Coefficients for the Reading (. 89), Oral Language (. 81), and Oral Fluency (. 76) composites are below . 90 for Grades 7 through 12. Correlations for the Mathematics, Written Language, Reading Fluency, and Decoding composites are all adequate. All subtest correlations, except Math Computation, are less than (. 90).Outside reviewers note that because stability and alternate-form reliability were not separated in this analysis, it is impossible to know whether results for some components are unstable, whether the forms differ, or both. The Ora l Language composite is problematic because of its internal consistency and stability correlations are consistently below (. 90). Interrater reliability was evaluated for Written Expression, Oral Expression, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, and Associational Fluency because they require judgment in scoring and are most susceptible to difference in scoring among examiners.The cases used 50 students at each of two grade levels. Students from Grade 2 or 3 completed Form A and students from Grade 8 completed Form B. Three or four examiners scored each level of each subtest. Correlations were all above (. 90), except Oral Expression at both grade levels (. 82 and . 88) and Associational Fluency at Grade 2 (. 82). The authors took many steps to ensure the validity of items on the KTEA-II. These efforts included literature reviews, consultation with experts in the field, and field testing.Intercorrelation of subtests and composites are provided at each age and grade level an d address construct validity. Moderate to high correlations were found between the majority of subtests and composites, except for the Oral Language domain. The average correlation between Oral Expression and Listening Comprehension was (. 46). Low correlations for these subtests and composite suggest they are measuring skills not closely related to other sections of the test. Factor analysis was used for the eight primary subtests of the KTEA-II Comprehensive Form, using the entire age-norm sample for Grade 1 through age 25.Confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence for a four-factor model (math, reading, written language, and oral language), as this model had good fit statistics and high loadings on the factors for all subtests. To evaluate concurrent validity, the KTEA-II Comprehensive Form was administered along with one or more achievement or cognitive abilities tests. Administration of the two tests occurred in counterbalanced order, with approximately half of the cases ta king the KTEA-II first and the other half taking it second.Administration of the two tests could occur on the same day or separated by as much as 60 days. When compared to the original Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (K-TEA), the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test–Second Edition (WIAT-II), the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement–Third Edition (WJIII ACH), and the Peabody Individual Achievement Test–Revised, Normative Update (PIAT-R/NU), high overall composite correlations were found (range . 84 to . 94). At the composite and subtest level, moderate to high correlations were generally found for the domains of reading, mathematics, and written language.However, the Oral Language composite correlations were mixed, with one as low as (. 08). When the KTEA-II was compared to the Oral and Written Language Scales (OWLS), a (. 75) correlation was found between the written expression subtests. Correlations in the (. 40’s) were found between the oral ex pression and listening comprehension subtests for the two measures. The relationship between the KTEA-II and several intelligence tests was also examined. Composites from the KTEA-II correlate in the low to moderately high range (from. 13 to . 4) with the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children–Second Edition (KABC-II;), the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Third Edition (WISC-III; Wechsler), the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities–Third Edition (WJ III COG). Students diagnosed with reading, mathematics, and writing learning disabilities; cognitive impairment; attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; and emotional or behavioral disturbance and those who were deaf or hard of hearing had mean scores below average on all subtests and composites. Children identified as high performing or talented received mean scores above average for all subtests and composites.In terms of validity, comprehensive evidence is provided in support of the testâ€℠¢s content validity. The addition of an Oral Language section to the KTEA-II seems beneficial, but is an area of particular concern in terms of both reliability and validity. I believe the Oral Language results should be interpreted cautiously. Outside reviewers caution that there is a danger of overestimating or underestimating a student’s performance due to steep item gradients on the KTEA-II. When tests have steep item gradients, a 1-point change in raw scores can result in a large change in standard scores when using the KTEA-II.In some cases, a 1-point change in a raw score results in a change of as much as 13 standard score points. Reviewers have also found that although the norms for the KTEA-II begin at 4 to 6, most subtests do not have adequate floors at this age. Instruments without adequate floors do not have enough easy items to discriminate between students with and without skill deficits. Several concerns exist in regard to the adequacy of some KTEA-II subtest f loors; thus, it is suggested that examiners check floor adequacy when assessing younger children. Using a subtest with an inadequate floor may overestimate performance at certain ages.