Prayer Reflection On The Prayer - 1057 Words

Prayer is an openness to God. It is a means of being in a continual relationship with God. This prayer reflection report was based on praying earnestly for seven leaders who seemed in need of God’s leading in their roles. The seven leaders chosen were from the following backgrounds: pastors, departmental heads and school administrators. These leaders seem to lack Divine wisdom, vision, empathy and humility. The only solution to see a transformation in leadership is to pray fervently for leaders. â€Å"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availed much† (James 5: 16). The prayer journal activity was inspirational. As a first year, special education teacher, initially the feeling of failure seemed inevitable. Administrators and chairperson did not seem to understand how the true sense of mentoring instead they treated all first-year teacher as experts. Furthermore, the special education department seemed unprepared and unstructured at the beginning of a new school year. Eminently, the only solution to this chaotic situation was to pray for an intervention of Divine wisdom for administrators and departmental heads. On the other hand, church members appeared contentious and consistently made unconstructive criticism against the Pastors. Pastors were leading without listening to members’ concern. With God being the center of worship, members and pastors should endeavor to be united inShow MoreRelatedPrayer 750 Word Reflection Of Prayer1000 Words   |  4 Pages Evening Prayer 750 Word Reflection Prayer has been a part of the life of the Church from the very beginning. In Acts 2:42 Luke tells how the Christians â€Å"devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers†. In Acts 3:1 Paul tells of Peter and John going to the temple ‘at the hour of prayer’. The first Christians through remembrance, thanksgiving and prayer linked their daily lives to the story of God. While people offered prayer individuallyRead MoreThe Reflection Of The Prayer1054 Words   |  5 PagesEvery night before I fall asleep I say the Serenity Prayer. The prayer is one of my most treasured comforts and makes me feel like I have a clean slate very 24 hours. It allows me to exhale the toxic worries I have acquired throughout the day and leaves me refreshed and lighter. The prayer comes naturally to me: addressing God, asking for inner peace, and moving on to tell Him about my day until suddenly I am deeply, happily asleep. There is only one issue: I do not believe in God. From a youngRead MoreA Reflection On The Prayer Room1545 Words   |  7 Pagesatmosphere of Sunday morning Mass was unable to reduce the number of enthusiastic Christians, who were excitedly waiting for Mass. At the corner of the magnificent crowded Church, there was a relatively tiny gloomy room, called a prayer room. Genuflecting in the prayer room, I was emotionally and physically fatigued after spending the whole night before, confessing my intolerable guilt to God—my ridiculous infatuation with my brother’s friend. Surely, the chemical attraction between two ordinaryRead MorePrayer By Thomas Keating, Contemplative Prayer1515 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Contemplative prayer is a conversation initiated by God and leading, if we consent to a divine union. It is the way to pure faith.† Unlike with vocal prayers, in which we call out to God asking for things we need, with contemplative prayer our role is to allow God to be God. In other words, God directs Contemplative prayer, His grace opens our hearts and minds to the His presence inside us. Consequently, contemplative prayer begins with a centering prayer, which is a silent prayer that preparesRead MoreTheology: God and Prayer Essay1143 Words   |  5 PagesReflection Paper: Prayer and Character Development Twila S. Cooper Theology 104 November 16, 2012 Professor White INTRODUCTION The purpose of this paper is to reveal a direct correlation between prayer and character development. It is crucial that Christians fully understand this tool that has been put in place in order for us to be able to communicate with the Lord, our Creator. Praying and communing with the Lord leads to and builds not only a stronger relationshipRead MorePrayer Is An Essential Discipline Of The Christian Faith1228 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Prayer is an essential discipline of the Christian faith. History and cultural differences show us that many people engage in many different ways and techniques to pray and communicate with God. How do you find the right way for you? Summarise your original understanding of the discipline before the course started Having been a Christian for many years I thought that I had a fair knowledge of what it meant to pray. I was amazed and humbled by the idea that through Jesus’ restorativeRead MorePrayer in School Essay example1375 Words   |  6 Pagestoday are without school prayer, most schools have replaced prayer, with a Silent moment of reflection. Also, the assumption if there is a God or not is a big question as well. I think prayer should be re-instated into schools, because children should be able to express religion freely. I also feel that lack of discipline; youth pregnancy, dropouts, and violence in schools are other issues that can be more controllable if there were religious classes and school prayer. Public schools exist toRead More A Visit to A Mosque In America Essay1206 Words   |  5 Pagesis a fountain in front of the Mosque and a second fountain inside the vestibule. These fountains have come from as far away as Egypt, Syria and Saudi Arabia and are merely for decoration though in older times fountains were used for washing before prayer. Upon entering the Mosque, I enter into a vestibule with a decorative fountain in the middle and a hallway to each side lined with a shelf for shoes. Shoes are not worn in a Mosque because it is a place of worship to Allah, the Arabic word forRead MoreThe Themes Of African American Literature1345 Words   |  6 Pagesopinions and form a creation that is a reflection of what they believe. These creations, both literature and paintings, can contain certain topics that are quite alike. Ellis Wilson, and African American artist, created a painting that exhibits the theme of spirituality in his painting Prayer in the Field. This theme can be linked to at least three works from African American literature that broadens the way readers and spectators of art see spirituality. In Prayer in the Field, it is not difficult toRead MoreSpiritual Leader Peter At The Prison Gate930 Words   |  4 Pageswas not a dream. Realizing this he said, â€Å"The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what these people had planned to do to me. Peter was a leader in the church, so he had prayed for God to work things out. They were constantly in prayer. Once he was freed with the leading of the angel Peter took a visited to the home of Mary. While a group of people were gathered there praying, he knocked, and a servant came to answer the door. When she realized who it was, rather than open the door

Common Chromosomal Abnormalities Associated With Autism

Five other gene disorder that contributes to autism are (1) EN2 (Engrailed 2) involved in cerebellum development. (2) GABR (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid Receptor) regulates brain cell migration. (3) OXTR (Oxytocin Receptor) participating in the response to stress and social skills. (4) RELN (Reelin) involved in neuronal migration in the developing brain. (5) SLC6A4, a serotonin transporter gene† (Johnson, Giarelli, Lewis, Rice, 2013). As a result of all the researches done several chromosomal loci have been shown to be linked to Autistic Spectrum disorder including those at 2q24-2q31, 7q22-7q31, 7q34-7q36, and 17q11-17q21. Structural chromosomal changes involving deletions and duplication at 7q11, 15q11-15q13, 17p11.2, 22q11.2, and 22q13 have also been associated with forms of autism. However, the most common chromosomal abnormalities currently associated with autism include the fragile X mutation, other sex chromosome abnormalities, and abnormalities of 15q11-q13. â€Å"Evidenc e has shown that duplications of 15q11–q13 have led to higher risks of Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental and cognitive deï ¬ cits† (Flashner, Russo, Boileau, Leong, Gallicano, 2013). Chromosome 15q11-q13.1 region is subject to genomic imprinting, which is an epigenetic process that results in monoallelic gene expression. Duplications lead to autism and are usually maternal in origin. Deletion of the maternal allele of chromosome 15q11-q13 cause Angelman syndrome (AS) a neurodevelopmental disorderShow MoreRelatedAutism Spectrum Disorder ( Asd )909 Words   |  4 PagesAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that is characterized by abnormalities relating to social, behavioral, cognitive and language skills. The genetic architecture of ASD is comprised of a variety of rare mutations. These mutations include monogenic conditions involving autistic symptoms. Furthermore, single nucleotide variants and de novo copy number variants add to disease susceptibility. Inherited Factors Related to ASDs Autosomal recessive loci areRead MoreA Research Study On Autistic Spectrum Disorder802 Words   |  4 Pagesof ASD dates back to the year 1908 when the word autism was first used to describe a subset of withdrawn schizophrenic patients. The word autism was then used again in 1943 when American child psychiatrist Leo Kanner, M.D., published a paper called â€Å"Autistic Disturbance of Affective Contact† describing eleven socially isolated children who displayed the same desire for sameness and aloneness describing their condition as early infantile autism (Autism Speaks, 2013). A year later German scientist namedRead More The Etiology of Autism Essay1704 Words   |  7 PagesThe Etiology of Autism Autism is a syndrome that is characterized by the impairment of social interaction skills, verbal and nonverbal communication, and a decreased interest in participating in a variety of activities. In 1943, Kanner, the man who is attributed with the identification of this disease, hypothesized that autism might be a biological disorder as opposed to a psychological one. Numerous studies have been conducted supporting Kanner’s hypothesis. These studies have ranged from examiningRead MoreThe Characteristics Of Autism Spectrum Disorders ( Asd )949 Words   |  4 Pages 1. What are the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)? As described in the textbook, there is a broad range of characteristics associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). One of the first characteristics noted with ASD is language deficits, or using language in â€Å"odd† ways. As stated in the textbook, â€Å"Children with classic autism may be nonverbal. Alternatively, they may have significant language difficulties, so that their language may consist primarily of echolalia or delayedRead MoreEssay on Understanding Persons with Intellectual Disabilities1518 Words   |  7 Pages It is important to understand the terms that are associated with intellectual disabilities. The first term is disability. Disability is an individual performing which includes physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual mental illness impairments, and various types of chronic diseases. The next term involves intelligence. This term is the ability to think logically, reason out problems, prepare, understand difficult ideas, examine intellect ually, and the ability to determine quickly and or acquireRead MoreEffects Of The Pregnancy On Children1731 Words   |  7 Pagesdecisions about their pregnancies. Nuchal translucency screening tests are used to determine the probability of the fetus having chromosomal abnormalities (Gottfredsdà ³ttir, Bjà ¶rnsdà ³ttir, Sandall, 2009). Due to these technological advancements, there have been many debates raised in regards to terminating or continuing with the pregnancy if tests indicate abnormalities. In this paper, I will discuss he mental effects of the mother in both abortion and continuing cases, the physical effects in bothRead MoreEssay about The Etiology of Autism1313 Words   |  6 Pagesof 1 in 110 children have an autism spectrum disorder, â€Å"ASD† (Nirv, Shah 2011). According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, up to six out of every 1,000 children may be diagnosed with some form of autism. In addition, boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism. This means that as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. Unfortunately, the numbers appear to be increasing rapidly. Autism is a disability that frequentlyRead MoreThe Treatment Of Speech And Communication Disorders995 Words   |  4 Pagesindividualized evaluation. Sensory integration is a common treatment program used by occupational therapists. To evaluate the outcomes of the patient, the occupational therapist ensures that the goals set are being met, and makes changes to the treatment plan if needed (AOTA, 2017). Occupational therapists treat a variety of diagnoses including, but not limited to, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Down syndrome is known as a chromosomal defect due to a full or partial extraRead MoreAutism Essay1222 Words   |  5 PagesAutism Spectrum Disorder Essay What is ASD? The term Autistic Spectrum Disorder covers a wide range of conditions, including autism and Asperger syndrome that are characterized by impaired social interaction, communication difficulties and restricted, stereotypical and repetitive activities and interests. Autistic spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that is usually diagnosed in childhood. Children and adults with this condition have a wide range of intelligence. Some have learning disabilitiesRead MoreDetecting Fetal Abnormalities Through Ultrasound2205 Words   |  9 PagesDetecting Fetal Abnormalities Through Ultrasound Birth defects can have life threatening consequences for the fetus. Many birth defects can be detected during pregnancy by an ultrasound. Some of these abnormalities include abdominal wall defect, orofacial cleft, anencephaly, and down syndrome. Although at this time ultrasound is the safest way to observe a fetus, risks are still associated with it. Ultrasound An ultrasound is a test that sends sound waves into the woman’s abdomen

Technology in Education Free Essays

Software Support Tools According to Rogers (2008), â€Å"the landscape of the classroom is being transformed, with technology becoming a driving force† (p. 92). In today’s classroom there are numerous software support tools available to enhance learning and cater to the needs of all learners. We will write a custom essay sample on Technology in Education or any similar topic only for you Order Now Roblyer and Doering (2010) presented six categories of software support tools. They listed these as: material generators, data collection and analysis, graphics, planning and organizing, research and reference, and tools for the content areas. Material generators are software tools that are used for making instructional materials such as posters, brochures, quizzes, tests, rubrics, puzzles, worksheets, games, awards, and IEPs for special education students. Many teachers regard these tools as essential to the day-to-day operation of the classroom. Wellert (2008) stated that the use of games allow teachers to directly cater to the learning style needs of the visual and tactile learners, and that games can expedite the learning process when constructed with the different learning styles in mind. Data collection and analysis software tools allow teachers to collect information about their students and closely monitor their performance and progress throughout the year. According to Roblyer and Doering (2010), the electronic grade book is preferred by many teachers because of its special feature to analyse data from tests and print reports based on the information given. Student information systems (SIS) help teachers keep account of students’ data such as attendance and test scores. Roblyer and Doering also referred to computerized testing systems which offer benefits such as immediate feedback of results. Additionally, it allows students to take tests on screens or scanned sheets. According to the authors, these simplify test scheduling because everyone does not take the test at the same time. Graphic tools consist of draw/paint programs, image editing tools, charting/graphing tools, and clip art animation, sound, video, and font collections (Roblyer Doering, 2010). These allow teachers and students to create, illustrate, modify, and combine drawings, illustrations, clip art, pictures, charts and graphs. They also give students the opportunity to create their own designs and show them on paper or screen. Additionally, teachers and students can insert these into documents and reports to give a more professional look. Catchings and MacGregor (as cited in Roblyer Doering, 2010) believed that these programs aid in the development of students’ visual-verbal literacy and creativity. Planning and organizing software tools entails outlining and concept mapping, software, lesson planners, and scheduling and time management tools. Outlining tools assist students in outlining their story ideas and help them to get their stories started, while the other tools help teachers organize their time and prepare for instruction. Research and reference tools such as electronic encyclopedias, atlases, and dictionaries help facilitate research. Electronic atlases and maps are useful in the classroom because students get to see and learn information being taught, and are especially helpful because they are interactive. Wellert (2008) stated that students need to have active participation and involvement in lessons that include technology. Furthermore, student engagement is vital to ensure motivation during the learning process. Finally, the last category of software support tools put forward by Roblyer and Doering (2010) is content area tools. These support teaching and learning in the different content areas. Multimedia Multimedia refers to multiple media or a combination of media. Media can be still graphics, and photographs, sound, motion video, animation, and or text items along with products used to communicate information in multiple ways. Multimedia impacts the classroom in various ways. For example it increases motivation as it offers a variety of options for the user and encourages the learner to be proactive. For students who might not be strong in written expression but have visual aptitude, multimedia offers flexible learning modes. It also fosters the development of creative and critical thinking skills as it opens up creative avenues for students to apply higher thinking skills.. For those who struggle with organizing and presenting information, multimedia offers improved writing process as students are equipped to create characters and linking dialogue to it rather than simply creating a lengthy story. Creativity is encouraged by this process. The use of multimedia also decreases the time it takes to present lengthy presentations as information is presented in chunks as oppose to monotonous reports. According to Mayer and Moreno, 1998; Moreno and Mayer, 2002 (as sited in Roblyer and Doering, 2010) learners exhibited greater comprehension and retention of learned materials when pictures were accompanied by spoken words rather than by written words. They observed that the â€Å"split attention† effect was consistent with a model of working memory that had separate visual and auditory channels. As oppose to chalk and talk which rarely engage students, the use of multimedia encourages interaction and positive immediate feedback. Students are prompted when answers are incorrect giving them the option to correct their answers. Multimedia also provides easy navigation with clearly defined procedures. It is learner controlled for those who are less experienced as well as those who are advanced in technology. Color is also used to bring certain elements to the learner’s attention. Utility provides assortment of functionalities and features necessary to accomplish their instructional tasks, while usability deals with the effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction of the user. Aesthetics on the other hand, represents elements of design which enhance or heightens the learner’s experience as oppose to just satisfying the pedagogical or instructional objectives. In addition (Lavie Tractinsky, 2004; Wilson, 2005), research on emotion suggests that aesthetically pleasing objects positively influence our emotions which in turn help students to actively process material. Commercial multimedia products include instructional software such as tutorials, drills, simulations, instruction and problem solving tools. It also includes interactive storybooks and eBooks for toddler’s right up to adults. There are digital libraries, Google books, listening to books online, Grimm Fairy Tales as well as Clifford Interactive Storybooks. In addition to these, these products include reference materials such as Encarta (Encyclopedia), Almanacs, Atlases, newspapers and newsletters, collection of development resources like Clip art, Audio clips, Video clips and Animations, all of which can be used for learning. When producing power points and graphics, fancy fonts and animation can all be incorporated. Multimedia tools also provide editing systems which allows the polishing of the end product. The question about how to effectively integrate support tools, multimedia, and hypermedia into teaching and learning for the highest potential relative advantage, this question can be answered by simply choosing the right tools to meet specific needs of the audience being taught. It is no longer debatable whether or not these tools are relevant, but which tools are relevant for what and who is being taught. Hypermedia According to (Roblyer and Doering, 2010), Hypermedia is also known as â€Å"linked media†. It is a system in which information stored in various media is connected, often through the internet. Most multimedia products are also hypermedia products. There exist a synonymous connection of their uses and alternative purpose. The ability to get information using multimedia tools, from one media element to another, makes them hypermedia. There are six kinds of hypermedia formats, such as: commercial hypermedia software, presentation software, video production and editing systems, hypermedia design and development software, virtual reality environments and Web 2. 0. Hypermedia has been impacting the educational system in many ways. Students are able to attend classes in the comfort of their home. Teachers are able to peruse through a wide variety of activities to effectively and efficiently deliver lessons. Hypermedia is geared at providing multiple channels by which students are able to learn and process information. It has been stated by researchers that students who learn through verbal and visual means are better able to solve problems in comparison to those who learn only through verbal means. In using hypermedia in the classroom, it saves time. Students and teachers are able to search through multiple types of information in a short length of time, with little or no cost. It can be stressful and frustrating for those who are not fully equipped with the skills of navigating. Users can also use hypermedia to add, modify or share information. The software is designed to be easy to use and understand. The programs available can incorporate video and audio of CD’s and DVD’s on the web. This creates a merger of both concepts which can realize learning at its maximum relative advantage. In considering Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, we can integrate support tools multimedia and hypermedia into teaching and learning. This can be done in various ways. Software programs that supports tutorials, drill and practice, simulation, instructional games and problem solving can all be incorporated using an interactive approach. Students as well as teachers are motivated to learn and present information. According to Edyburn (as cited in Roblyer Doering, 2010), the accessibility capabilities of special needs students are often challenging. Special programs are provided along with software for these students, but in order to use the programs, one must be especially skilled. Roblyer and Doering (2010), further stated that in order for hypermedia to be used effectively, some hardware are needed in order for the software to function, such as: computer with keyboard, mouse and monitor, digital cameras, scanners, video digitizers, camcorders and other video output, microphones and audio speakers. Financial resources are necessary for this system to take place. Adobe Flash Reader has become the standard for creating interactive web based animation and other software tools. Flexible learning modes exist but teachers must carefully select programs that promote higher order thinking, which are few in the case of reading and language. The response based methods are critical and students are able to use their creativity to access information. Students can also make the distinction between various texts and think critically about which is appropriate and applicable. Teachers are able to assess students based on the outcome of assigned projects while challenging them to learn independently at times. Students use the Web 2. 0, and presentation software such as Microsoft Power point Presentation to deliver work the way they understand. Hypermedia helps students to generate new ideas, raise the bar for creativity and independence and thus provide a, variety of sources which students can use to understand and interpret information, thus reaching their highest potential relative advantage. Factors Influencing the Effective Integration of Technology Gorder (2008) stated that integrating technology is not about having technology available in the classroom, but more about how teachers use technology as a tool for learning. To effectively and successfully integrate support tools, multimedia and hypermedia into teaching and learning for the highest potential relative advantage, certain factors need to be considered. Franklin (2008) outlined four factors that influence the integration of technology: availability and access to technology, teacher preparation and training, good leadership, and time. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (as cited in Franklin, 2008), the availability of classroom technology correlates to teacher use of computers. This means that when more computers are available in the classroom, teachers tend to incorporate more activities involving technology. While the average elementary classroom in the United States has two computers (NCES, as cited in Franklin, 2008), classrooms in Belize are yet to experience that luxury. Access to computers in Belizean elementary schools is very limited, often through a computer lab. Oftentimes many of these computers are outdated, or not working. The lack of hardware and software tools do very little to promote the use and integration of technology in education. Teacher preparation and training is also an important factor in the effective integration of technology. Franklin (2008) indicated that teachers who feel better prepared to use technology are more likely to have their students use technology than teachers who feel unprepared. With the advent of numerous new technological advances, more experienced teachers are feeling unprepared to face the technological world. The NCES (as cited in Franklin, 2008) reported that only one third of elementary teachers in the United States felt they were well prepared to use technology in the classroom. Gorder (2008) referred to this as a change from educating students for the industrial age, to one of educating students for the technological age. This change will require teachers to become students again, seeking assistance from fellow teachers as well as from their own students. In light of this change, Ash (2007) felt that for teachers to implement technology effectively in the classroom there needs to be some form of professional development. Ash reported that in order to meet the professional development needs of teachers, some school districts have encouraged teachers to form on-line learning communities with their colleagues where they can seek technology advice, share resources and tips. Additionally, Ash suggested having a technology specialist on staff to assist teachers with new technology as well as to provide training for teachers in the form of after school training and workshops. Pitler (2006) said that most importantly teachers need to be provided with ongoing technology professional development. Ash (2007) believed strong leadership is required to effectively integrate technology into teaching and learning and considered the principal as the key factor to ensuring the successful integration of technology into the school curriculum. Hope and Stakenas (as cited by Gosmire Grady, 2007) suggested three primary roles for the principal as technology leader: role model, instructional leader, and visionary. They stated that principals themselves need to have a good working knowledge of technology tools and be able to use these for their own administrative and managerial duties. When principals have a good working knowledge of technology they are more committed to its importance in teaching and learning and tend to impart this to their teachers (Franklin, 2008). Furthermore, principals are the instructional leaders of the school and are primarily responsible for overseeing technology integration. As a result, principals need to have a good knowledge of technology hardware and software to be able to acquire those that best fit the needs of their school. Hope and Stakenas emphasized that the most important thing is for principals to have a vision for technology in their school. They need to have a clear understanding of how technology will be used by teachers and students to better facilitate teaching and learning. Franklin concluded that principals who provide strong leadership â€Å"help create a climate in which experimentation with technology is looked on with favour and given encouragement† (p. 55). Finally, the fourth factor that influences the integration of technology is time. Franklin (2008) believed that for technology integration to be effective it is necessary to provide the time for teachers to learn, practice, and plan how they will integrate technology into the curriculum. She stated that this might, at times, require teachers to be released from their regular classroom duties in order to facilitate this experience. Apart from the time teachers need to learn and plan for technology, students also need time to use technology. Franklin indicated that time needs to be placed in the daily schedule when students will be using technology. Schacter and Fagnano (1999) also suggested several practices to aid in the successful implementation of technology in the classroom. These include: (a) getting students involved in discussions and debates where they will be required to work with a team to evaluate their work, as well as the work of others, (b) allowing students to analyse situations and think independently through self reflection and thought, (c) getting students to design programs that encourage critical thinking, judgement, and personal involvement, (d) using project-based learning activities, (e) engaging students in contextualized and meaningful projects, and (f) teaching students how to use computers to design projects. The authors emphasized that the effective use of technology increases students’ learning, understanding, achievement and motivation as well as develops their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Conclusion Hence, it is clear that in order to integrate technology into teaching and learning for the highest potential relative advantage, it is not just about having the technology and being knowledgeable about its use and benefits, but also about having a vision and plan of how technology will be integrated into the school curriculum and providing the necessary training for teachers. Pitler (2006) stated that all the new technologies in the world will not impact student achievement if the school does not have a clear vision of how and why they will use the technology. It is important to understand that the acquisition of technology alone will not improve the quality of instruction. Day (2010) emphasizes that â€Å"the fundamental determinants of instructional quality have always been the course content, the teachers, the learning activities in which the students are engaged and the students themselves† (p. 49). How to cite Technology in Education, Essay examples Technology in Education Free Essays Nowadays, the technology has become essential in people’s daily life because it makes human beings’ lives more colorful. In the same way, technology also changed traditional education in many ways. For example, technology makes education more efficiency, more interesting, and more flexible. We will write a custom essay sample on Technology in Education or any similar topic only for you Order Now However, it also has negative effects in education. Technology makes education more efficiency. Students use smartphones in their daily lives, which is providing some ways to let student have access to internet, and therefore making things such as checking their email in palm of their hand. Technology make education more interesting. For example, â€Å"prezi† have the same functions as power point, but it looks more interesting because it has more animations to show you ideas when you make presentation. Which makes a presentation more visually appealing. Now prezi is used at some of university, for instance,Oregon state university and Dwight school and also elsewhere in primary education and higher education. Prezi can achieve that a group present a same presentation, but allow students present their knowledge in different learning styles. (http://en. wikipedia. rg/wiki/Prezi) Technology also make education more flexible. Not everyone has the schedule that fits to enroll a traditional school to take a class. Some people will take online classes, which gives them access to get degree they want. And more and more people are earning their degrees online, by doing this, they can further their education, and are open to more opportunities as well. Although, technology can be convenient for people with special needs, it also have the negative effects in education. For example, technology makes it easy, fast, and convenient to type or write an essay. The downfall to this is that student’s handwriting skills are reduced, due to the fact that students rely on technology too much. And other negative points for technology in education is easy to make students distracting when they use technology products (smart phone or laptop) on class. Students cannot put 100% attention on teacher, they will spent too much time on twitter or facebook. In conclusion, education become more efficiency, interesting, and flexibly, however, there also are negative effect because of technology. But, there are more benefits than limit, so technology push forward education develop quickly. How to cite Technology in Education, Essays

Analyze the Market Environment of Blackmores †Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Analyze the Market Environment of Blackmores. Answer: Introduction: The importance of business strategy in ensuring organizational success cannot be overstated. It should be noted that even if an organization works towards the accomplishment of a pre-determined set of objectives, it will fail to achieve the same, if its objectives are not backed up by effective strategies. An organization that lacks an organized, strategic approach towards its business problems will fail to sustain itself in future. While often mere management of business activities are being confused with business strategies, it is important to note that business strategies help an organization to distinguish itself from competitors, rather than merely conducting business. Thus, any effective business strategy adopted by a company enables it to explore a variety of business opportunities beyond its standard business practices. Blackmores, founded more than eighty years ago, is being deemed as ne of the most trusted and valuable healthcare brands of Australia. Founded by Maurice Blackmore, the company ensures the health and well-being of its consumers, by offering a mixture of the goodness of traditional herbs and the latest, scientific knowledge of nutrition. The company, since its inception, has not only been able to expand beyond Australia, in New Zealand and selected parts of Asia, but it has also grabbed and maintained its position for eight long years as the Australias Most Trusted Brand for vitamins and supplements. However, since a last few months, the organization has been encountering a sharp decline in its sales (approximately 26%), and hence it would be important to critically examine its strategies, and recommend new strategies for its future growth (Donaldson 2017). Discussion: Key Concepts of Business Strategy As discussed before, a strategy is like an action plan that helps a company identify its long-term objectives, and help them guide resource utilization in order to achieve long-term sustainability in future. However, before setting the business objectives, and adopting an innovative strategy, it is important to analyze the business environment of the organization. Hence, a SWOT Analysis of Blackmores is being conducted, as follows: SWOT Analysis: Strength: The company is operating in the Australian health industry, that considering the huge number of old people in Australia, shows a general trend of higher profitability (53%) (Brandt et al. 2014). Despite being a pharmaceutical company, it offers a diverse range of products- nutritional oil, weight management products, as well as health and skin care products. Huge brand recognition in the Australian market. Weakness: It requires incurring huge expense in the field of research and development activities. 85% of its business operations take place in Australia, and the companys over-reliance on the domestic market can be troublesome (Johnson 2015). The vitamins and supplements produced by the company are considered discretionary spending, and thus many people might not invest in these products. Opportunity: The company can expand globally, and especially the Asian market has huge prospects for it. The economy of Australian market is expected to grow, and thus its domestic market will benefit from the growth. It can acquire some of the leading health care companies of countries like China, which enjoy opportunities for R D activities. Threat: Encounters tough competition from companies like Cenovis, Natures Own and Microgenics. The increase in labor cost. The pharmaceutical industry of Australia is witnessing the arrival of new entrants. In order to assess and analyze the external business environment of Blackmores Limited, it is equally important to assess and analyze the business environment of the company through the PEST Analysis as follows: PEST Analysis: Political Factors The shift to a Liberal government in Australia clearly implies lower taxes and deregulation that can favor the growth of the company in Australia. The political and financial instability of Malaysia and Thailand can pose a threat to the growth of the company. Economic Factors The Mining Bloom of Australia had a huge negative impact on the economy of Australia. Thailand however, is the fourth richest nation enjoying the second largest economy of South East Asia. Social Factors In the South East Asian region, improvement in overall standard of living can hinder the business growth of the company. Australia has a huge elderly population, making its consumers compelled to buy more and more of vitamins. Technological Factors There is a good scope of R D activities in Asian countries, especially Malaysia and China. People are more interested in online shopping that the company is yet to develop in future (Reid 2014). As it can be seen from the above table, despite its strong brand reputation, Blackmores is encountering problems in retaining its position, owing to huge competition from rival products, confined market and its over-dependence on the Australian economy. Just like the external business environment, the internal business environment of an organization also deserves special mention. Hence, he internal environment of the organization is conducted below: Internal Analysis of Blackmores: Senior Managers Quality: One of the major reasons why Blackmore has been able to achieve competitive advantage over other organizations, is that it the company hires senior managers who are highly qualified and experienced in the field of business administration. With a strong brand marketing strategies, the managers has helped the company achieve a remarkable sales growth of nearly $350 million last year (Evans 2015). The experienced business leaders have helped the company diversify and expand, invest in BioCeuticals and transform its cost profile. Resources: Goodwill and brand recognition are the two of the most important assets of the organization. It has already been awarded as the most trusted brand in Australia for vitamins and supplementary products. Since it offers nutrition products to its consumers, it is able to gain competitive advantage over the artificial medicine suppliers. Besides, the human resources of the company have equally played an important role (Page 2014). Besides, the essence of innovation underlying each strategic decision of the company, such as the development of a new recyclable polypropylene pack for larger bottles of capsules and tablets has also helped the company achieve sustainable growth. Capabilities: The most important capability of Blackmores lies in its R D capabilities. It not only refines its products and creates new ones, but at the same time, Blackmores joint venture with a research team at the Southern Cross University places it at the forefront of research and development (Blackmores 2017). Strategy Options needed to be Adopted by Blackmores: A very important component of business strategy is the set of strategic goals and objectives that the organization should set up for it. Each organization has a distinct mission and vision that helps it understand the important strategic goals that it intends to achieve over the coming year as well as in future. While the Mission Statement of the organization states that the company intends to achieve its competitive growth by providing the best quality products to its consumers, its Vision Statement claims its dedication to adopt a holistic approach to consumer health and well-being. Being drive by its vision, Blackmores has been able to achieve competitive growth over its competitors, simply because it does not offer artificial medical products, but rather introduces a more herbal and natural approach to health care provision. However, the unflinching standard of quality as achieved by the company needs to be communicated to the audience in an effective way. Blackmores has usually been focused on traditional marketing strategies, and does not have a strong online presence (Tsimonis and Dimitriadis 2014). Since the company is deciding to venture into new markets of Asia, it should try its best to attract consumer attention by creating an impactful presence on social media sites. Instead of limiting itself to English marketing strategies, it should also opt for local language marketing as well. Another important strategic option available to the company that can facilitate its corporate growth is the diversification of its product range. It should also build new sources of revenue. Hence, although the company produces a variety of vitamin products, minerals and nutritional products, it should try to expand its business by producing new products such as baby care products, skin care products, chest and respiratory healthcare products as well as cough syrups and baby soaps. It s evident from the above environmental analysis that companies like Cenovis, Natures Own and Microgenics offer throat-cut competition to Blackmores, and hence in order to sustain itself, it must necessarily diversify its products (Grant 2016). Besides, an improvement in the healthcare in South East Asian region has also led to the reduced dependence of the consumers on vitamin producing companies. Hence, in future, the company may also consider the idea of investing in medical equipments and diagnostic products. The product differentiation is also an important business strategy that can help a company ensure long-term sustenance in a market. While a consumer is confused while making choice between similar products, a minor variation in one product can make him choose it over the other. Although the Asian market has emerged to be a huge revenue generating market for Blackmores, the company has been encountering tough competition from companies like Amway. For example, Amway in the Chinese market is the leading healthcare industry, and with its portfolio of diverse products it has been able to gain competitive edge over other brands, including Blackmores. Hence, Blackmores, in order to gain its competitive edge over Amway, it must offer innovation in its products. The company can achieve this, by making its vitamin tablets available in a variety of flavors such as strawberry and vanilla that can appeal to the young consumers. Besides, in the local as well as the foreign market, the company sho uld introduce innovative marketing campaigns. For example, it may donate money and free vitamins to the impoverished people. As a CSR strategy, it will help the company earn greater brand recognition among the masses in a new market, while also revealing their responsible approach to business, that will help them capture the attention of foreign consumers more easily (Kang 2014). International Growth Options for Blackmores: The foreign expansion policy of any company helps in enhancing its profit generating capacity, ensuring its sustainability in future. Although Blackmores enjoys a strong presence in Australia as well as in 11 markets across the Asia-Pacific region, the company needs to expand further, considering higher competition and the need for greater global recognition. While the company enjoys more or less impressive presence in the Australian and Asian markets, it can benefit considerably by expanding in Africa. The value of the African pharmaceutical market was worth $20.8bn in 2013, and is expected to reach approximately $US60bn by 2020, and thus it will be easier for Blackmores to engage in different research activities for further innovation. It is estimated that by the year of 2013, 1.1 billion Africans will be of working age, and the change in the lifestyle will lead people to suffer from non-infectious diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, that will in turn be benefi cial for companies like Blackmores (Banalieva, E.R. and Dhanaraj 2013). However, in order to permeate the African market, the company can merge with Australian start-up healthcare firms, such as ClaimSync and MobiSure. The chief advantage of investing in Africa lies in the fact that the African healthcare market is yet to be explored by other healthcare brands, and hence establishing a dominance over the market, can help it gain competitive advantage. Conclusion: The business strategy of an organization can help it achieve long-term sustainability as well as immense business growth in future. Although Blackmores is already a company that has been able to achieve much recognition in the market, it should consider the strategic options stated above. It should not only diversify its product range, but it must also expand itself in new markets. However, along with its international expansion policy, it must ensure that the employees, especially the expatriate employees are sufficiently trained, so as to conduct business in a foreign business environment. References Banalieva, E.R. and Dhanaraj, C., 2013. Home-region orientation in international expansion strategies.Journal of International Business Studies,44(2), pp.89-116. Blackmores. (2017).2014 Natural Leaders Report. [online] Available at: https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/B/ASX_BKL_2014.pdf [Accessed 18 May 2017]. Brandt, S.D., King, L.A. and Evans?Brown, M., 2014. The new drug phenomenon.Drug testing and analysis,6(7-8), pp.587-597. Donaldson, C. 2017.How HR drives Blackmores business growth and success. [online] Inside HR. Available at: https://www.insidehr.com.au/how-hr-drives-blackmores-sales-growth-and-business-success/ [Accessed 18 May 2017]. Evans, S., 2015. Blackmores gives six weeks' pay to staff as share of profit bonanza. Grant, R.M., 2016.Contemporary strategy analysis: Text and cases edition. John Wiley Sons. Johnson, B. and Australia, W., 2015. A game changer.Australian Pharmacist,1. Kang, J., 2013. The relationship between corporate diversification and corporate social performance.Strategic Management Journal,34(1), pp.94-109. Page, T., 2014. Notions of innovation in healthcare services and products.International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development,8(3), pp.217-231. Reid, P., 2014. Be our guest: Profession Innovation-pharmacy's blind spot?.Australian Pharmacist,33(2), p.12. Tsimonis, G. and Dimitriadis, S., 2014. Brand strategies in social media.Marketing Intelligence Planning,32(3), pp.328-344.

The Construction of the Postmodern Subject in Professional Writing

Entering the era of postmodernism, all spheres of social and political life have been affected by this movement, including music, art, literature, and education (Woods 9). Due to the appearance of the Internet, the process of writing has also undergone significant changes. It has become dependent from the computer screen being an alternative, postmodern method of knowledge acquisition and professional writing. In this respect, the problem of subjectivity has considerably contributed to the construction of the postmodern subject.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Construction of the Postmodern Subject in Professional Writing specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, the postmodern movement has also affected the style and character of the writing genre, making it more controversial and objective. The postmodern subject, thus, is now more focused on the connection between subjectivity and textual practice. The appearance of the so-called buzzwords as the result of cyberspace proliferation has altered the functions of texts that considerably affected the construction of the postmodern subject. In particular, the electronic text has become the ideological underpinning of the virtual world where people act as fictional characters (Lee n. p.) By changing the nature and the character of writing and text presentation, the matter of postmodern subject has undergone considerable changes as well. To be more precise, the ideology of cyberspace provided new approaches and methods for discussing different aspect of political and social life (Turkel 155). Besides, the revolution of computer technology has also influenced the nature and the character of the subject formation (Bolter 16).Therefore, while constructing the postmodern subject, the attention is riveted on disclosing the connection of the real world and the virtual world. Considering the issues of identity in postmodern era, the subject con struction is largely predetermined by the distorted identities created in cyberspace. In this respect, cyberspace identity as the basis of constructing a postmodern subject distorts the existing reality. Due to the fact that language in cyberspace also serves to mask the reality, the changes occurred to it also produce a considerable shift and constructing a meaning and subject of professional writing (Warschauer n.p). The rise of postmodern era has influenced the language and introduced new topical areas for discussion. The construction of postmodern subject is, therefore, closely connected with destruction of veritable meanings (Lyotard 154.). Although the purposes and conventions of meaning construction are still associated with disclosing the topic, the introduction of postmodern impact has changed the semantic grounds of topical writing (Dowson and Earnshaw 3). In particular, the main theme of postmodernism is narrowed to correlating between subjectivity and textual practice.Ad vertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This controversies lead to the creation of postmodern subject that contradict the actual facts by producing the ideas that object to the obvious (Lyotard 129). It should also be noted that the postmodern writing and postmodern text in particular has now acquired the new meaning and functions. With regard to this, the postmodern subject is nothing more but linguistic trick enumerating different components that do not suit each other and, therefore, cannot be put together into a coherent whole (Dowson and Earnshaw 60). In conclusion, the problem of subject construction in postmodern era is primarily predetermined by the introduction of cyberspace communication. In particular, the approach to professional writing is often guided by the alterations introduced by online communication and the internet. The problem is that the postmodern subject is concerned with disclosing the ideas that often objects to reality, which is often explained by excessive usage of the Internet. In addition, considerable shift in meaning radically influences the professional writing and construction of postmodern subject construction. It has become focused on the connection between the subjectivity formation and textual practice. Works Cited Bolter, Tay David. The Computer as a New Writing Space. Writing Space: The Computer, Hypertext, and the History of Writing. Hillsdale NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1991, pp. 15-31. Dowson, Jane, and Earnshaw, Steven. Postmodern subjects, postmodern texts. Rodopi, 1995. Lee, Erik Chia-yi. Thinking Cyber-Subjectivity: Ideology and the Subject. Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Web. https://web.archive.org/web/20160103053908/http://www.isoc.org/inet96/proceedings/e3/e3_4.htm Lyotard, Jean-Francois. The Postmodern explained: correspondence, 1982-1985. US: University of Minnesota Press, 1993.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Construction of the Postmodern Subject in Professional Writing specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Turkle, Sherry. Life on the Screen: Identity in the age of the Internet. NJ: Simon Schuster, 1995. Warschauer, Mark. Language, Identity, and the Internet. Race in Cyberspace. US: University of California, 2000. Woods, Tim. Beginning Postmodernism. US: Manchester University Press, 1999. This essay on The Construction of the Postmodern Subject in Professional Writing was written and submitted by user Yasmin Mendoza to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

5 Essays - Accounting, Education, Corporate Finance, Balance Sheet

5 Essays - Accounting, Education, Corporate Finance, Balance Sheet 5 2. Our college I study at Zboriv College. Our college prepares specialists in such majors as: a computer programmer, a manager, a bookkeeper, a mechanic. We also have a department of vocational training. Such profession as welders, builders, computer operators, drivers are prepared here. Our college originated from a vocational school, then it was a technical school and in 1997 the technical school was restructured and named a college. The college teaching combine lectures, practical classes, seminars and self-directed study. There are one academic building and two workshops. The students coming from villages are provided with hostels accommodation with all the facilities necessary for normal study and life. The sport ground is closely to both the academic building and the hostel. The students can take part in different activities. The students may enroll in day-time or extramural department. 3. The fundamental accounting equation. Imagine that you don't owe anybody any money. That is, you don't have any liabilities. Then assets you have are equal to what you own (equity). Translated into business terms, you have a fundamental accounting equation. If firm has no debt , then: Assets=Owners' equity This means that the owners of a firm own everything. If a firm has debts: Assets-Liabilities=Owners' equity If you add an equal amount to both sides of the equation, you get new formula: Assets=Liabilities+ Owners' equity This formula is the basic for the balance sheet. 6 2. Economy Human wants are unlimited, but the resources necessary to satisfy those wants are limited. Thus, every society is faced with identical problem, the problem of scarcity . We can define economics as social science that describes and analyzes choices from among scarce resources to satisfy its wants. The study of economics will help you to live a fuller life . Economic forces affect decisions in the world of business. The development of modern economics began in the 17 th century. Economists have two ways of looking: macroeconomics and micro . The resources that do into the creation of goods and services are called the factors of production . They include: natural resources, human r-s, capital r-s and entrepreneurship. The price paid for the use of land is called rent . The price paid for the use of labor is called wages . Payment for the use of someone else's money or capital is called interest . The way in which a society goes about answer ing fundamental economic question is known as economic system. Economic systems may be classified as traditional, command or market system 3.Own business. I want to be an owner of some company in the future. A study at college and my speciality is accounting. I have some basic knowledge of economy, bookkeeping, analyzes and finance. I think it will help me in the future. Sometimes firm can be a lender if it has enough money. But don't forget to pay money to suppliers for products and raise salaries of workers. Also we can loan money to others firms. But we must be sure that we'll get money back. We have to prepare annual reports, which contain the information about financial condition and progress of our firm. The situation in the external market often changes so our profit can be not satisfactory. But new interesting ideas afford to solve this problem. 2 2. Education in Britain In Great Britain education is compulsory all children from 5 to 16 years of age. Most children start their educational in Infant School which is the first stage of Primary Educational. From 7 to 11 they attend Junior School -the second stage of Primary school. In Primary School children are taught reading, writing, arithmetic, elementary science At the age of 11 children transfer the Comprehensive Schools. These schools give general education. They also provide some vocational courses. Before the 1960s there were two main kinds of state schools in Britain: "grammar" schools and "secondary modern" schools. The grammar schools were for the most intelligent children and the secondary modern schools were for the less intelligent children. There are about 500 private schools in Britain. It's about 6% of the school population. At the age of 16 all children take the school-leaving examination and get a certificate

Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 10

Political Science - Essay Example In the United States of America, most of the decisions made by the court have involved civil liberties or human rights. In 1964, a civil rights act was enacted which restricted employment discrimination based on a person’s sex, religion, race, or color. The act provides that a person has a right to sue anybody who infringes on his or her rights or conspire to rob others of their civil rights. In education, the Supreme Court denounced discrimination of any form in terms of color or race in all public schools. This matter was included into the constitution under Equal Protection Clause in the 14th amendment of the constitution. The court held that segregating African American students made them inferior which in turn limited their opportunities to excel in life. For example, in the case between Brown versus Board of Education, the Supreme Court denounced racial discrimination as illegal. Therefore, the Supreme Court unanimously agreed that all schools be desegregated. This direc tive was issued by the Supreme Court to create a better racial balance in United States. In order to correct past discriminatory action based on sex and race, the affirmative action program was introduced. This move directed employers to employ minorities who in the past were discouraged from seeking jobs with them. Much of attention has turned to affirmative action in higher education when University of Texas School of law stated that the school giving admissions to minorities was not constitutional but Supreme Court held that admissions to schools was to be on equal basis and merit. The court made discrimination in private sector illegal and unconstitutional. A good example is the case between Patterson and Mclean Credit Union where the court barred racial discrimination in hiring employees as it was against civil rights(Abraham and Barbara 44-55). The courts have adopted double standard which aid in analyzing

Truth in painting - The kinds of meaning Assignment

Truth in painting - The kinds of meaning - Assignment Example The purpose of the paper "Truth in painting - The kinds of meaning" is to determine the kinds of meaning made possible by perspective in paintings. The perspectival systems which developed during the following period of Renaissance brought about a contrasting portrayal of space along with the â€Å"illusionistic presentation of objects†. The modern concept of perspective is considered to be a formal and defined branch of mathematics, emerging from Cartesian and Euclidean geometry. It is stated to be â€Å"meaningless† since this perspective refers to equations, and geometric functions such as lines, angles and points. The second perspective has great meaning, encompassing subjectivity, eternity and other concepts, as evidenced in various academic domains. This perspective which Elkins terms as â€Å"metaphorical perspective† is not in a complicated graphic or related to equations. It is the common type of perspective with which people view the world, and understa nd themselves as viewing subjects. The most common manifestation is the linear perspective. In this type, â€Å"all parallel lines or surface edges converge on one, two or three vanishing points located with reference to the eye-level of the viewer†. Linear perspective clearly defines a physical point of view, showing the â€Å"location, vantage and orientation of the viewer†. Linear perspective is one of the significant innovations of European art, with a great impact on the visual arts in the west from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Perspective provides perception.

Human Resource and bussiness strategy Assignment

Human Resource and bussiness strategy - Assignment Example The standards and measures that are needed to be taken within an HR department change with every passing day. Thus, it is suggested that the diversity of human resource must be the basic factor of HR strategy for Ford Motors. It is because most of the employees working for Ford Motors remain foreigners. The diversity factor will allow the company to get vibrant and variant ideas (Gilmore & Williams, 2012). The career section of the Ford Motors is quiet interesting as they have a wide portal of job openings that can be searched with the help of search tools. There are jobs from entry level clerks to the product development managers. There are different job opening such as Employee payment analyst who is responsible for communicating the implications. In addition, there is another job opening entitled Administration and research assistance. For such a job opening, it is required that the person is able to understand the research needed regarding administration because it is responsible for designing management strategies (Storey, 2007). The job designation that I would prefer is of the employee payment analysis. The reason behind preferring this job designation is because it is a challenging job and would require a lot of communication. In a company where employees from different countries are hired would be a helpful element in undertaking the job. The position is greatly associated with the payrolls that are an important aspect to be observed by an HR department. Motivations and rewards should be designed after careful analysis of payroll of employees. This position is in direct association with the HR management team thus it can be interrelated with other functional tasks of human resource (Wilton, 2010). Work and life balance is the best factor that can be considered for achieve g competitive advantage. This has been focused previously as well as in the form of campaign where employees were given hourly off on achieving excellence

Elements Of Struggle Between Passion And Reason

Elements Of Struggle Between Passion And Reason In nineteenth century literature a lot of importance was given to passion and emotional appeal in preference to reason and logic. Creative writing and fiction were usually charged with passion and struck a chord with the readers. For any work of fiction or non-fiction the main content needs to have a reasonable plot, theme, structure and organization for it to be of sustained popularity and wide readership. The books included in this study, Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley have elements of both passion and reason even though a clash between these two elements is evident in both stories. Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that is the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply. Let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the veld with fire. Let him not be too moved when the birds of his land are singing, nor give too much of his heart to a mountain or a valley. For fear will rob him of all if he gives too much (Paton 101). In the above lines from the story, the writer brings about the struggle between the feelings of ownership and belonging of the protagonist, Stephen Kumalo, and the fear of his beloved country falling apart because of racial discrimination and racial hostilities between the whites and the blacks in South Africa. The other theme of clash is between the route to progress and development for the blacks in urban centers like Johannesburg at the cost of the breaking up of families and tribes in rural South Africa. The dichotomy is between progress and urbanization on the one hand and preserving traditions and strengthening relationships on the other. The main themes are of the clash between the privileged and the colonized, the haves and the have-nots. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley has drawn the readers attention towards the clash between science and the occult. Victor Frankenstein who creates the monster represents reason and the monster represents passion. Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow (Shelley 50). In the above lines, the author has tried to elaborate on the pitfalls that the mere quest for knowledge devoid of responsibility and control can have on mortal lives. So the struggle in this story is between reason in the form of science and scientific invention against the passion of the monster which is a creation of the scientist. Frankenstein is a story of an irresponsible scientist who in the pursuit of knowledge creates a monster that nobody is able to control and the monster continues to perpetrate atrocities and chaos. It is a lesson for the reader to bear in mind that curiosity and the mission to gain knowledge is good but the seeker of knowledge must also be capable of taking responsibility and have courage to bear negative consequences in case a need arises. There are a couple of common themes in both these novels. The colonizing of black people in South Africa and disbanding families and tribes in order to profit from cheap labor created the monster of racial hooliganism and lawlessness in Johannesburg. The whites created the black labor force but did nothing to ensure that they remain happy and rooted. The abject poverty and dire living conditions of the black workers created the rift between the rich mine and factory owners and the displaced black laborers. Similarly in Frankenstein Victor Frankenstein created the monster but did nothing to provide a sense of belonging and ownership which encouraged the monster to feel disowned and become wild. The themes of colonialism and imperialism are present in both novels. It is the struggle between the white and black, the rich and poor, the rulers and the ruled in Alan Patons story while the theme of the creator and the created permeates Mary Shelleys novel. Isolation and the sense of lack of belonging have created both the monster and Absalom. The monster seeks the love and acknowledgment of his creator while Absalom leaves his village, Ndotsheni, to seek knowledge and employment. So both the monster and Absalom feel isolated from their people and take to ways that harms others more than they can control. Stephen Kumalo is the pastor of a small village in South Africa and lives in his own world, quite disconnected with the times and happenings in urbanized centers like Johannesburg. When he comes to Johannesburg to help rehabilitate his sister, Gertrude, he is brought face to face with the realities of life in South Africa. He realizes that his world was collapsing and that the main tragedy of his people was that things like relationships and innocence were breaking down and no one was doing anything to mend them. He says, It suited the white man to break the tribe, but it has not suited him to build something in its place (Paton 46). Stephen Kumalo is a man obsessed with a singular quest to seek his son and rebuild the community. Similarly, Victor Frankenstein is obsessed with seeking knowledge and acquiring power. He wanted to play God and test his ability to give life to an animal (Shelley 51). The conclusion of both the stories engenders calm and relative hope. In the end Absalom realizes his mistake and is reconciled to his fate and Stephen Kumalo is able to bring his sister and Absaloms pregnant wife back to the village to try and rebuild his tribe with the help of James Jarvis. The monster in Frankenstein grieves over the death of his creator and is reconciled to his self-imposed exile in the North Pole and subsequent death. He realizes that his atrocities in order to seek revenge did not yield the desired results and he continued to be abandoned and isolated. In both stories, there is a sense of catharsis with Absalom writing home to his parents and the monster grieving over his master. Even though both ends are tragic there is a faint ray of hope in both novels.

Trainning as a Recruitment Tool :: Free Essay Writer

Trainning as a Recruitment Tool The title of the article is â€Å"Training as a recruitment tool†. It begins by addressing the problem which is that although we are living in a time of good conditions like low unemployment rate, many employers fell so bad. In the last decade employers had a deep and wide pool of new college graduates and recently laid-off, trained workers from which to choose. The workforce was also faithful and had no interest in leaving the security of a paid job to join the unemployed. The article suggests that the cause of this frustration is recruitment and retention problems. In an attempt to solve this problem, many organizations are offering nontraditional benefits, which include training and development opportunities. Training is considered the number 1 attraction and retention tool followed by flexible work schedules and competitive salaries. The author points out that we shouldn’t just believe that more training will improve conditions. He bases his argument on a study that found that high performing organizations provided each employee with an average of only 30 hours of training, compared to the average of 45 hours of training for each employee in other organizations. So as a conclusion, if more training hours do not guarantee improved performance, then there must be other factors that needs fixing. The difference between high performing companies and all other organizations is the degree to which training is integrated into company culture and strategy. Despite less time was given for formal training, the employees were benefiting more. This is due to the environment of continuous learning in which nontraditional training opportunities were offered and encouraged. Another important factor is linking strategy and training. Training is considered an investment for the organization because it is potentially a company’s most critical asset. The author then goes on by providing a list of tools to help managers and employees think about contribution and development in a new way. The first tool is the human capital value chain. This model consists of the opportunities offered to employees in the work environment enabling them to engage in the overall business strategy. The second tool suggested is the value creation continuum. This model helps employers define employee contribution to the organization, independent of job title or position, and define growth through the development of competencies. As employees progress, they begin to contribute more by growing intellectual capacity and leveraging their work and the work of others.

Marine Insurance

MARINE INSURANCE Marine insurance is the indemnity for the loss of cargo or damage to ships during the shipment. The risks that marine insurance covers are fire, seizures, wars, accidents or causalities which take place over the sea. The winds and waves are not included as risks in the marine insurance. The Indian Marine Insurance Act, 1963 is imbibed from the Marine Insurance Act, 1906. Though the Marine Insurance Act is deep in its insurance coverage, it does not provide for losses that occur while the ship is sailing the waters.This has led to the introduction of another insurance called the Marine Cargo Insurance, which provides for losses to cargo while the ship is sailing the waters. This is very beneficial to oil tankers and heavy cargo ships. Types of Marine Insurance Since Marine Insurance is very vast, it provides for various types of insurance as per the need, specification and requirement. They are: Hull  Insurance  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ This insurance covers for both vessel and i ts apparatus such as fuel, tools, furniture, machinery etc. Freight Insurance  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ This insurance usually covers for the loss of freight.If the goods are safely shifted to the destination port, the owner of goods will have to pay the freight charges but if the ship faces any damages and losses, the shipping company will be under loss. Hence this insurance becomes a necessity to the owner company Cargo Insurance- This insurance covers the personal goods of the passengers and crew of the ship. It also covers the goods that are transported. Liability Insurance  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ This is the insurance which is utilized when the insured suffers losses due to liability to third party.This liability may be caused due to risks such as collision of ships or any other similar causality that may take place in voyage. Types of Marine Insurance Policies There are various types of marine insurance policies that the assured can opt for: Time Policy- This policy is taken for a time period of usuall y  one year Voyage Policy  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ This policy coverage is given only for a particular voyage say from starting point to the destination. Mixed Policy  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ As the name suggests it is a mixture of both voyage and time policy. Valued Policy  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ In this case, an additional fixed value is mentioned in the policy itself along with the value of goods.For example, along with goods the charges can also be added such as freight charges and shipment charges. Unvalued Policy  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Here no additional charges are mentioned. It is decided after the incident after proving it. Floating Policy–This policy is beneficial to exporter who provides regular supply of goods. This policy is taken for large sum of money for numerous shipments. Other Important Pointers: * Marine insurance is available in all general insurance companies. * The insurance amount may vary from one company to another. It is important that the insured makes a note of the coverage made by the insuran ce companies as few companies may not cover all the losses of the shipment. * With the increasing attacks by pirates and natural calamities, it is important to have a marine insurance that takes care of the risks aboard. PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE COMPANY. What is marine insurance? Insurance against loss or damage to cargo goods and merchandise during land transit/sea voyage/air transport from and to Cyprus. Insurance for shipments not involving Cyprus can also be provided. Prospective clients:  For all merchants, manufacturers, importers and exporters.TYPES OF POLICIES AVAILABLE Individual Policies:  One shipment of goods for one voyage I. E. â€Å"One Off† risks. Annual Policies:  Suitable for an irregular flow of business, deposit premium based on turnover, declarations at agreed intervals, annual adjustment and renewal. Permanent Open Covers:  Suitable for a regular flow of business, automatically covers all goods specified, declarations at agreed intervals, policies a nd premiums debited at agreed intervals. TYPES OF COVER AVAILABLE Institute cargo clauses (A):  Widest form of cover available, insures â€Å"all risks† with stated exclusions.Institute cargo clauses (B):  Restricted form of cover, insures against major accidents to carrying vessel or conveyance, can include specified additional perils. Institute cargo clauses (C):  Most restricted form of cover, insures against major accidents to carrying vessel or conveyance only. War and strike clauses:  Standard extension available   for (A), (B), and (C). Duration of cover:  Warehouse to warehouse during ordinary course of transit. Rates:  Individually assessed on merit, no tariffs other than war risks and overage of vessel. For commercial goods the sale contract governs the needs of sellers and buyers for insurance.

Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest Essay Example

Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest Essay Example Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest Paper Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest Paper Compare and contrast the ways in which Ken Kesey and Chuck Palahniuk explore the consequences of the use and abuse of power ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and ‘Fight Club’.  The use of power for good and the abuse of power, as well as their consequences, are elements that are explored in both ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ by Ken Kesey and ‘Fight Club’ by Chuck Palahniuk. ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Cuckoo’s Nest)’ contains characters such as R. P. McMurphy and Nurse Ratched, and ‘Fight Club’ contains the Narrator and Tyler Durden, all of whom may both use and abuse power. Both Ken Kesey and Chuck Palahniuk had rebellious streaks at some point in their life, and the fact that characters in their novels that have power and are shown to abuse it would suggest that they have a negative outlook on power, possibly believing it is a source of corruption. For example, Kesey formed the Merry Pranksters in 1964, a group that rebelled against those with power, such as the law enforcement, by taking large amounts of LSD and fleeing to Mexico. The novels therefore feature characters who have access to power and experience the consequences in similar and contrasting ways, which I will explore in further detail. : Firstly, characters in both novels use power to liberate others and give them their power back. McMurphy in ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’ influences the other patients on the ward through his laughter: â€Å"it’s free and loud and†¦ it’s lapping against the walls all over the ward.†[1] McMurphy laughs when he first enters the ward, and the power of his laughter is emphasised because of the way Kesey describes it as â€Å"lapping†, suggesting it fills the ward and envelops everyone. His laugh and rebellious nature eventually help to give the other patients the power of laughter back, who are at first too afraid to laugh because of Nurse Ratched and her power. One of the ultimate consequences of McMurphy and his power of laughter is to inspire the Chief to escape even after his death. This lasting effect on others is shown similarly in ‘Fight Club’. Tyler Durden at first gives men their power and masculinity back by creating ‘Fight Club’, as a man is described as a â€Å"loaf of white bread† but â€Å"six months later, and he looks carved out of wood. This guy trusts himself to handle anything†[2], using power similarly to McMurphy for the good of others to give men their confidence back, lost in the modern society due possibly to being raised by women and lacking father figures, ideas that Durden mentions later in the novel. The writer Bret Easton Ellis believes that ‘Fight Club’ â€Å"rages against the hypocrisy of a society that continually promises us the impossible: fame, beauty, wealth†[3], shown through how Durden rebels against the constricts of society and tries to free men through the creation of ‘Fight Club’. However, ‘Fight Club’ later escalates into Project Mayhem, which was based on the rebellious Cacophony Society Chuck Palahniuk became a part of in his adulthood in the late 1980’s or early 1990’s, who committed acts such as a public Christmas party involving pranks and drunkenness. Tyler is shown to then abuse his power as he treats the men as ‘space monkeys’, suggesting they are disposable and are used as a part of a goal to then be left to die. The men are required to have a uniform of â€Å"Two black shirts. Two black pair of trousers†[4], which suggests that the men are no longer being freed by Durden, but controlled and a part of Durden’s master plan that only he knows about. Similarly to the Chief escaping in ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’, even after Tyler Durden’s death, the way he uses his power has a lasting influence on the men who tell the Narrator at the end they â€Å"look forward to getting you back†[5], showing how they are waiting for Durden’s personality to come back to lead them, and that even though he is gone they still believe in his cause. Both McMurphy and Tyler Durden therefore use their powers to try to liberate others and create a lasting effect on them as a consequence, even after they are gone, suggesting Kesey and Palahniuk believe that power can have a great, lasting effect on others. Through the abuse of power, the emasculation of men and threat of castration is created in both ‘Fight Club’ and ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’. Tyler Durden’s ‘Fight Club’ is created to try to return men’s masculinity, which links with the time the novel was written in the 1990’s. At the time, ultimate fighting clubs had been thriving in various American cities, introduced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993, and were an influence on Palahniuk’s writing. Because of the decline of interest in professional boxing due to the corruption within it in the 90’s, American audiences wanted a new form of entertainment. The Narrator and Durden grew up without a father figure in their lives, and Durden describes the men in society as being a â€Å"generation of men raised by women†[6], and thus tries to restore their masculinity. This could also link to Chuck Palahniuk’s past, as his parents separated and divorced when he was fourteen, leaving him and his siblings to spend their childhood on their maternal grandparent’s cattle ranch. However, Durden hypocritically uses his power to introduce a threat of castration to any men who are a threat to closing any ‘Fight Club’s down, highlighting a theme of emasculation in contrast to Durden’s attempts at restoring masculinity. An instance of this is when Durden abuses his power to gather space monkeys and threaten to castrate the police commissioner until he calls off his investigation, and later also tells the space monkeys to threaten to castrate the Narrator. Durden also threatens to then send the commissioner’s testicles to newspapers, by saying that â€Å"If even one Fight Club has to close, we’ll send his nuts east and west. One goes to the New York Times and one goes to the Los Angeles Times†[7], which cr eates a similarity between it and ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’ through the use of the same rhyme, but whereas in ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’ it is used to represent McMurphy’s rebellion, here it is used as a representation of castration. Similarly, Nurse Ratched creates a threat of castration through the abuse of power in ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’ and emasculates the male patients by hiding her feminine nature as a way of controlling them as a part of the Combine. The Combine is a greater organisation that wishes to have power over society, the mental institute being one of the places under its control, and the way McMurphy rebels against it could link to Kesey’s outlook of power being a bad and corrupting presence, as Kesey himself was involved with the Beat movement in the 1950s, which rebelled against repression on society. A theme of castration is created when a patient named Rawler commits suicide by castrating himself, and the Chief remarks that â€Å"all the guy had to do was wait†[8], suggesting that he felt as though the castration was inevitable anyway and would have been done by Ratched if not himself, similar to the way Durden uses the threat of castration to control men. Critic Catherine Cooper commented on this also: â€Å"The men are all dehumanised and even emasculated, a fact which is emphasised by the first of three suicides in the novel, Old Rawler’s death by castration.†[9] I agree with her thoughts, and although Rawler’s suicide could be considered a consequence of Ratched’s abuse of power to emasculate the men, the suicides of Cheswick and Billy could be considered partly as a consequence of McMurphy’s use of power to disrupt the ward, which I will explore later in the essay. Also, similar to how Durden comments on the men being a generation of men raised by women, the male patients in ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’ have often been involved in relationships with overpowering women, for example in the Chief’s case he was raised by his powerful mother who made his father â€Å"too little to fight anymore and he gave up†[10], having an effect on the Chief and his father’s masculinity. Though Tyler Durden begins as a man who restores masculinity to men, he becomes one who also abuses power to create emasculation, similar to Nurse Ratched who abuses her power to emasculate her ward of male patients, both characters using it as a form of control, reflecting Kesey and Palahniuk’s possible views on how power can easily corrupt.

Show Tables Command in SQL

Show Tables Command in SQL MySQL is open-source relational database management software that website owners and others use to organize and retrieve data from databases. A database consists of one or more tables with several columns, each containing information. In relational databases, the tables can cross-reference one another. If you run a website and use MySQL, you may need to view a complete list of tables in the database. Using the MySQL Command Line Client Connect to your web server and log in to your database. Pick the database you want to use if you have more than one. In this example, the database is named Pizza Store. $ mysql -u root -pmysql USE pizza_store; Now use the MySQL SHOW TABLES command to list the tables in the chosen database. mysql SHOW TABLES; This command returns a list of all the tables in the chosen database. MySQL Tips Every MySQL command ends with a semicolon. If it is missing, the command does not execute.The MySQL command line is not case sensitive, but commands are usually written in uppercase, while  tables, databases, usernames, and text are usually in lowercase to make them easier to identify. When to Use a Database A database is a structured collection of data. Occasions when a database  might come in handy when you are working on your website include: If you have an online store, a database stores the products you sell, the customer information, and the orders.A database for an online forum stores member names, forums, topics, and posts.A blog uses a database to store blog posts, categories, comments, and tags. WhyUse MySQL Because it is open-source software, it is free to everybody.MySQL can be installed on lots of different platforms.MySQL is usually included in most web-hosting packages.Its easy to use.It works well with PHP to add functionality to your website.

Research Method Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Research Method - Essay Example With improvements in computing technology, information stored in online databases are accessible from distant locations when there is connection between the sources. The method used is keyword and subject headings describe the content of every item in the database. The keyword searching is how you typically search web search engines.   Searching by subject headings is the most accurate way to search literature in the databases. It is not normally easy to presume which subject headings or keywords to use in a particular database. The process is as follows: Combine your keyword to yield results that matches what you are searching by using word such as AND or OR. You can also apply dates to filter search and the time span with which the articles was published. Specify the database that you are going search and use keyword that can be accessed easily via that database. This stage allows you to establish the credibility of your search by considering factors such as the geographical area it covers, credibility and whether it is up-to-date. Other factors to consider include language used and whether it is consistent with the prevailing situation. Using web-based  service by creating a database of references, which will help in recognizing the sources the next time you visit the database. Also, create a list of references (bibliography), save and other website services that can help you trace the

Individual Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Individual Report - Essay Example And leadership must help the company to maintain its focus and momentum, which will naturally tend to deteriorate over time. Innovation with all its merits also carries some barriers along with it which tries to deteriorate growth. Many of the barriers comes from individuals who don’t believe in the merits of innovation, or those who believe that they wont either get funding or else their own life career might be jeopardized, if innovation fails. It is important for organization’s management to address these problems before venturing in a new project. As it is proposed by Mitch, an innovation consultant,† Real innovators challenge excuses. Real innovators challenge the status quo. They do not concede to current reality. They find a way over, around or through whatever obstacle is in their way - whether that obstacle is the lack of funding or the assumption that there is a lack of funding." Innovation completely rocks and rolls our lifestyle. It creates huge turns in way of life. Our lifestyles are the result of other people’s efforts to improve the human condition. They mixed ideas and inventions together to create the present world around us. Our innovation is going to multi tasked vending machine, vending music, multimedia content such as mp3 files; e-Books, audio books, maps and videos. The booths would be in the places such as airports, train stations and gyms. The booth is called the "mBooth". Here’s how it looks to the user – they walk up to our device and swipe a credit card. If they’ve used it before, they are recognized and their account information comes up. If not, an account is initialized. Either way they next go to a browser that lets them to select the criteria- music, books, audio books, maps. Upon choosing your option, it displays search list for available books or music or map by title, author, genre, etc. It May also have options for displaying their previous purchases through vending

Dietrich Bonheoffer makes a case that religious acts are not Essay

Dietrich Bonheoffer makes a case that religious acts are not necessarily a path to righteousness and salvation - Essay Example Other than that, he wrote to Bethge Eberhard where the prison warders helped to sneak them out of prison and became instrumental in building on the Christian faith. The execution order resulted from his alleged involvement with the Abwehr, which was a military intelligence group that planned to wipe out Hitler’s existence. Over time, Bonhoeffer’s letters have become the subject of debate in which this theologian introduced the ‘religionless Christianity’ where to date there is no concrete meaning to this phrase. With this, this essay will delve into the meaning that Bonhoeffer sought to bring in this letter and discussing on how righteous acts do not necessarily lead to a person’s salvation. II. Arguments surrounding Bonhoeffer thinking Ideally, many questioned Bonhoeffer authority to write about Christianity as he confessed to having been smoking at the time that he was writing the letters from prison. In essence, Bonhoeffer argued that the society had changed into one that associated with ‘religionless Christianity’ as many of those that perceived to be religious did not practice anything that the religious principles required. On the other hand, critics argued that this theologian wrote these letters about religion out of the situation that he was living in at that time as he was living in imprisonment while awaiting execution. However, Bonhoeffer maintained his stand that Christians only relied on the miracles and the blessings to confirm their association with God, but could not do so when faced with challenging situations. In making his arguments solid, Bonhoeffer used two ideologies in which one was the historical ideology while the other was on from the theological perspective (Higgins 83). Many were not in support of his theological ideologies mainly because he participated in the assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler despite the fact that this leader had caused too much suffering to the Jews. In many circ les, the interpretations of the letters that Bonhoeffer wrote to his friend have varied partly because of the nature in which he used to communicate his ideologies. III. The interpretation of religious texts in Bonhoeffer’s words To begin with Bonhoeffer intimates that religion had passed on and that was in existence did not portray the true ways that Jesus had called people to follow. As much as religion has lost substance, Bonhoeffer does not mourn of this, but instead welcomes it as a move to establishing true Christian religion. Many Christians only viewed God through the side of being a miracle worker and as one that cannot associate with suffering, which was a concept that was non-binding. According to Bonhoeffer, religion was a way of living and not a new religious concept that had never existed since the time that society started experiencing this relationship with God. However, Bonhoeffer argues that Christians were aware of the requirements of being a Christian, but they deliberately shut them out because they did not sit well with their belief. Further, Bonhoeffer asserts that the existing Christians did not interpret the scriptures as required, but only did so in ways that suited them, but not as Christ would want it. Philosophers had also established a way of interpreting concepts in the bible in a political way in order to suit their

National Federation of Independent Business v Sebelius Essay Example for Free

National Federation of Independent Business v Sebelius Essay Life was different back in the 1880s. The telephone had just been invented, James Garfield was president, and doctors used heroin and cocaine as medicine. Alas, many doctors knew very little about medicine. Oftentimes unsafe and unsterile practices were used on patients. The NY Times reports that, â€Å"At least a dozen medical experts probed the President [Garfield]’s wound, often with unsterilized metal instruments or bare hands, as was common at the time. Historians agree that massive infection, which resulted from unsterile practices, contributed to Garfield’s death. One man suggested that they turn the president upside down and see if the bullet would just fall out. † Because of their usual lack of success, doctors did not charge very much for their services; it was very affordable most of the time, even for middle class families. However, as time and technology progressed, the cost of healthcare and medical instruments dramatically rose. In his â€Å"New Deal† package, President Roosevelt proposed a state-run healthcare system with compulsory health insurance for state residents, but states could choose whether to participate. The federal government would provide some subsidies and set minimum standards that the state had to adhere by. While the proposal did not pass, the idea of universal healthcare coverage for everyone stuck. Since Roosevelt, every single Democratic President elected into office has attempted to pass a version of universal health care, but none have achieved the feat. That is, until President Obama was sworn into office in January 2009. In his 2008 presidential campaign, he made healthcare reform a central issue. Both parties adopted their version of reform, but since Democrats held a majority in the House and the Senate at the time, their version was the one that passed. On March 23rd, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (dubbed by many Republicans as â€Å"ObamaCare†). According to the White House, it claims four key components of the law: stronger consumer rights and protections (which includes a ban on lifetime limits, a ban on denying children health insurance based on pre-existing conditions, and a ban on coverage cancellations), more affordable coverage (Private insurers must provide justification for double-digit increases in premiums), better access to care (Preventative screenings for cancer are now free), and stronger Medicare (Provides relief to seniors who cannot afford prescription drugs). Since insurance companies are required to provide care, it makes sense to buy insurance only when you need it. In other words, wait until you get sick to buy insurance, because they cannot turn you down. In order to combat this, the law includes an individual mandate, which requires anyone that can afford it to buy health insurance, or pay a penalty to the IRS. In essence, this is the part of the law that pays for it all. This is also the section many Republicans hate. In their philosophy, the government cannot force someone to buy something they may or may not need. They argued that this law was unconstitutional, and they sued in federal court to have the law nullified. There were three cases overall: one from the states (Florida v. U. S. Dept. of Health and Human Svcs. ), one from the federal government (U. S. Dept. of Health and Human Svcs. v. Florida), and one from the National Federation of Independent Business (Natl Fed. of Independent Bus. v. Sebelius). Due to conflicting rulings from the lower courts in different jurisdictions, the Supreme Court decided to hear the case to settle the differences. From March 26th to March 28th, 2012, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments from both sides. On the first day, the court heard argument over whether the Tax Anti-Injunction Act passed into law in 1867 barred the Supreme Court from even making a decision in this case. The Tax Anti-Injunction Act says, â€Å"No suit for the purpose of restraining the assessment or collection of any tax shall be maintained in any court by any person, whether or not such person is the person against whom such tax was assessed. † Basically, it means that you cannot sue the government for a tax you believe is unfair, until you have already paid that tax. This was passed into law to prevent people from filing lawsuits against the government to avoid paying taxes. Potentially, this could mean that no one can challenge the constitutionality of the ACA (Affordable Care Act) until someone has actually paid the penalty. At the earliest, they could sue on April 15th, 2015. The Supreme Court held that since Congress specifically labeled the consequences of the mandate as a penalty rather than a tax, the Anti-Injunction Act did not apply to this case, and that the court had the authority to hear the arguments. On the second day, the court heard arguments over whether the ndividual mandate component of the ACA fell under the constitutional powers of Congress. There were two arguments from the Solicitor General’s side (the ones supporting the constitutionality of the ACA): the ACA was constitutional under the commerce clause, and that the ACA was constitutional under the taxing power of Congress. The states (the ones claiming the ACA is unconstitutional) argued that Congress could not create commerce for it to regulate, and that the law described the consequences of the mandate a â€Å"penalty†, therefore it is not a tax. On the third day, the court heard arguments on the severability of the law. They questioned whether the ACA could survive if the court struck down the individual mandate. In the end, in a 5-4 decision, the court upheld the individual mandate component of the ACA as a valid exercise of the taxing power of Congress. They concluded that a financial penalty for not buying something constituted a non-direct tax. Because it is a non-direct tax, it is not required to be apportioned among the several states. The justices that voted for the constitutionality of the law are the four liberal justices Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan, and the conservative Chief Justice John Roberts. The justices that voted against the constitutionality of the law are the other four conservative justices: Anthony Kennedy, Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia, and Clarence Thomas. John Roberts was the key swing vote. When asked why he voted for a law he is personally against, Chief Justice John Roberts responded, â€Å"The Framers created a Federal Government of limited powers, and assigned to this Court the duty of enforcing those limits. The Court does so today. But the Court does not express an opinion on the wisdom of the Affordable Care Act. Under the Constitution, that judgment is reserved to the people. In my opinion, I applaud the decision of the Court. From the beginning, I thought the penalty was a tax; I assumed it was called a penalty for political purposes. People would not like the idea of a tax increase. In reality, the penalty is collected in the same manner as a tax, so there are no real differences between the two. I have also gained a newfound respect for Chief Justice John Roberts. I think it is commendable to put the law in front of your personal beliefs. He has done exactly what is expected of a Supreme Court justice. If I were a Supreme Court justice, I would have made he same decision that he and the four liberal justices made. There are two types of consequences this law holds: political and provisional. The provisional consequences of the law are the ones directly stated in the law: a ban on lifetime limits, Medicaid expansion, etc. The political consequences of this law are not explicitly stated, however they can be inferred and speculated upon. There are three major political consequences. The first consequence is that Obama can claim a major victory. He can now say his law withstood a Supreme Court challenge and passed the constitutionality test. A defeat would have been bad for the administration and the campaign. Instead, he has a chance to re-energize his base and reinstate the flow of campaign cash. The second consequence is that now that the law is no longer a legal issue, it becomes a campaign issue. Both Obama and Romney must sell voters on Obamacare. The court ruling could have stir a shift in public opinion among independent voters, and both candidates must appeal to this shift. Obama will insist this law was the right thing to do, while Romney will propose a new healthcare reform bill. The third consequence is that the ruling will enrage Republicans and make them more eager to vote for Romney so he can repeal the law. Voter turnout is expected to be lower than it was in 2008, and anything that can increase the turnout will be beneficial for Romney. This law and its subsequent legal challenge have major political consequences. Whether you live in the 1880s or in the present day, chances are you will need health care at some point in your life. Ever since President Roosevelt proposed universal health care back in the 1930s, many politicians have tried to pass it into law. Until the ACA, it was considered politically impossible; the idea just did not appeal to voters. The law has withstood a major legal challenge, and it will be up to Obama and Romney to convince independent voters that their version of healthcare reform is the best. If Obama wins the election, in 2014 everyone that can afford it must buy health insurance, whether they want to or not. If they don’t, they will pay a tax equivalent to 1% of their income. If Romney wins the election, he will try to repeal the ACA and replace it with a reform package of his own. Only time will tell what will happen.