Political Conventions Day-by-Day

The United States presidential nominating conventions are held during the spring or summer of each quadrennial presidential election year by most political parties fielding nominees in the November presidential election. Along with selecting the party’s nominee for president, delegates to the conventions adopt the party’s platform—the party’s principals and goals for its candidates presidential administration. Most delegates to the conventions are selected through the presidential primary elections and caucus process and are pledged to vote for a specific presidential candidate during the nominating process. Other delegates, called â€Å"unpledged delegates† are seated automatically due to their status in the political party and are free to vote for the nominee of their choice. The cities hosting the conventions are selected by the national party organizations based on factors including availability of meeting space, lodging facilities, entertainment opportunities, and economic incentives. As they have grown into major, highly-publicized events drawing intense media coverage, the conventions offer significant economic benefits to the host cities. Although the U.S. presidential nominations have largely been settled during the primary/caucus cycle in recent elections, the national political party conventions continue to be an important part of the American political system. As you watch the conventions, heres whats happening on each of the four days. Day 1: The Keynote Address Coming on the first evening of the convention, the keynote address is the first of many, many speeches to follow. Typically delivered by one of the partys most influential leaders and speakers, the keynote address is designed to rally the delegates and stir their enthusiasm. Almost without exception, the keynote speaker will emphasize the accomplishments of his or her party, while listing and harshly criticizing the shortcomings of the other party and its candidates. Should the party have more than one candidate seriously vying for nomination at the convention, the keynote speaker will conclude by urging all party members to make peace and support the successful candidate in the upcoming campaign. Sometimes, it even works. Day 2: Credentials and Platforms On the conventions second day, the partys Credentials Committee will determine the eligibility of each delegate to be seated and vote for nominees.  Delegates and alternates from each state are typically chosen well before the convention, through the presidential primary and caucus system. The Credential Committee basically confirms the identity of the delegates and their authority to vote at the convention. Day-two of the convention also features the adoption of the partys platform -- the stance their candidates will take on key domestic and foreign policy issues. Typically, these stances, also called planks, have been decided well before the conventions. The platform of the incumbent party is usually created by sitting president or the White House staff. The opposition party seeks guidance in creating its platform from its leading candidates, as well as from leaders of business and industry, and a wide range of advocacy groups. The partys final platform must be approved by a majority of the delegates in a public roll-call vote. Day 3: The Nomination At last, what we came for, the nomination of candidates. To win the nomination, a candidate must get a majority -- more than half -- of the votes of all delegates. When the nominating roll call begins, each states delegate chairman, from Alabama to Wyoming, may either nominate a candidate or yield the floor to another state. A candidates name is officially placed into nomination through a nominating speech, delivered by the state chairman. At least one seconding speech will be delivered for each candidate and the roll call will continue until all candidates have been nominated. At last, the speeches and demonstrations end and the real voting begins. The states vote again in alphabetical order. A delegate from each state will take the microphone and announce something very similar to, Mr. (or Madame) Chairman, the great state of Texas casts all of its XX votes for the next president of the United States, Joe Doaks. The states may also split the votes of their delegations between more than one candidate. The roll call vote continues until one candidate has won the magic majority of the votes and is officially nominated as the partys presidential candidate. Should no single candidate win a majority, there will be more speeches, a lot more politics on the convention floor and more roll calls, until one candidate wins. Due mainly to the influence of the primary/caucus system, neither party has required more than one roll call vote since 1952. Day 4: Picking a Vice Presidential Candidate Just before everybody packs up and heads home, the delegates will confirm the vice presidential candidate named in advance by the presidential candidate. The delegates are not obligated to nominate the presidential candidates choice for vice president, but they always do. Even though the outcome is a foregone conclusion, the convention will go through ​the  same cycle of nominations, speeches, and voting. As the convention closes, the presidential and vice presidential candidates deliver acceptance speeches and the unsuccessful candidates give rousing speeches urging everyone in the party to pull together to support the partys candidates. The lights go out, the delegates go home, and the losers start running for the next election.

Gender Subjectivity, By Judith Butler - 841 Words

Gender subjectivity is another important aspect of the debate around gender because it focuses on a move away from the idea of innate sexual identity characteristics that divide human beings into male and female (Encyclopedia of Critical Psychology, 2014). This type of view challenges the essentialism of sexual difference into something more then a binary between male vs. female, heterosexual vs. homosexual, etc., as it recognizes that these dichotomies are problematic because the term of gender encompasses a whole range of identities across a spectrum. In particular ideas like what does it mean to be equal? (Butler) and seeing division of gender into binary conceptions of identity can be seen as a process of ‘othering’ (de Beauvoir) are some of the areas that this topic examines. Undoing Gender by Judith Butler This book features a collection of Judith Butler’s essays and her primary intention with this collection is to â€Å"focus on the question of what it might mean to undo restrictive normative conceptions of sexual and gendered life† (12). These essays look at the construction of gender and the way certain conceptions of it are normalized and reproduced in potentially harmful and limiting ways. Butler uses a feminist poststructural framework to critique the normalizing/marginalizing views of gender that exist because the â€Å"terms that make up one’s own gender are, from the start, out-side oneself, beyond oneself in a sociality that has no single author (and that radicallyShow MoreRelatedJudith Butler on Gender Trouble, Sex and Identity717 Words   |  3 Pagesof subjectivity. In Judith Butlers gender/sex/desired gender trouble, identities are defined as subjects created through discourse and have no axiomatic definition. Butler attempts to show the reader that identities formed to gender and sex are singular forms of linguistic categories that are subjective to change. Gender for instance, rephrase to the socially constructed characteristics of masculinity and femininity. Inasmuch as identity is assumed to the stabilizing concept of sex, gender, andRead MoreCultural Studies: What is Subjectivity? Essays1126 Words   |  5 PagesSubjectivity is a major aspect in every day life. It happens every second of the day, people are subjective and they have no idea that they are being that way. It comes naturally from people’s influences because it is the world we live in today. Subjectivity is culturally constructed rather that innate and naturally occurring, this will be discussed in depth through examples within performance/performativity and the examples used throughout the discussion of the importance of habitus. In the worldRead MoreThe Role Of Subjectivity And Its Impact On Identity1847 Words   |  8 Pagessocial identity and therefore subjectivity. Theorists such as, Michel Foucault, Pierre Bourdieu and Judith Butler are a minor fraction of academics that believe that subjectivity is not inherent and naturally occurring but dynamic and adaptable according to society and our ever-changing culture. It is through the concepts of performativity and habitus that the ideas surrounding subjectivity being dynamic and fluid are presented. Subjectivity â€Å"We think about subjectivities as actors’ thoughts, sentimentsRead MoreBodies That Matter By Judith Butler1341 Words   |  6 Pages In her book Bodies That Matter, Judith Butler discusses how reality is constructed by language, writing specifically about gender and sex. While there are biological facts, she points out the ramifications of affirming those facts. By forcing bodies into two categories, and then assigning certain traits to those two categories, bodies that do not fit into the defined binary become neglected and possibly hurt. In the film Boys Don’t Cry, the main character Brandon does not fit into this defined binaryRead MoreThe Fact Of Blackness By Frantz Fanon1223 Words   |  5 Pagesfrom Black Skin, White Masks describes the anxiety felt while held in the gaze of the colonizer. A reading of Judith Butler’s Gender Trouble in conjunction with Fanon’s work raises questions and possible strategies on how to reject neocolonialism and c ontemporary white supremacy. Fanon’s idea of blackness is performative but not for the gain of the black man, rather for the white man. Butler suggests that regaining control of the black man’s fate comes from interpellation, the act, of interruptingRead MoreFrom Undoing Gender By Judith Butler960 Words   |  4 PagesJudith Butler’s approach in â€Å"From Undoing Gender† lets the audience see a different side of opinions regarding gender. Judith’s presence and way of speaking lets us look at things in a way we never had before. She demonstrates her way of thinking, acknowledges other peoples ways of thinking and also goes outside the box in creating her own definition of undergoing gender. When we look up gender in the dictionary it states â€Å"Although it is possible to define  gender  as â€Å"sex,† indicating that theRead MoreAn Analysis Of Haraway s Manifesto Manifesto Essay1375 Words   |  6 Pagesmarriage equality, the conversion of oppositional consciousness into fashion trends and franchises). Perhaps this is why the transgender/genderqueer/non-binary communities, long transparent about their advocacy of fluid Selfs and liminal-based subjectivities, find such fierce resistance in response. In a culture that has come to rely on particular dichotomies to halt language slippage and stabilize itself, legal maneuvers such as North Carolina’s House Bills #2 and other similar legal maneuvers becomeRead MoreFilm, Paris, Burning, By Jennie Livingston, Director Of The 1990 Documentary Film2760 Words   |  12 Pages1990 documentary film, Paris is Burning, challenges the public to revisit their judgments on race, gender, and sexuality as she prov ocatively attempts to unravel the dynamic world of â€Å"ball culture† in New York City â€Å"and the African-American, Latino, gay, and transgender communities involved in it† (Livingston). It was Livingston’s investigation that affirmed the link I was uncovering between the gender performance popularly described as drag and spirit possession. The act of men embodying women throughRead MoreThe Queer Of Queer Youth889 Words   |  4 Pagesof additional resources. Purpose Statement I am interested in identifying specific discursive moves that sustain, interrogate, complicate, or upset the hegemonic imposition of particular types of performances (Butler, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2004) that relate to and regulate queer subjectivities in high school media center resources about and for queer youth. I want to examine the ways in which those discursive moves factor into high school media specialists’ and administrators’ processes for selectingRead MoreThe Socialization and Medicalization of Gender: A Biocultural View1988 Words   |  8 Pages Gender is one of the most socially ingrained social constructs. The rigid enforcement of gender is harshly controlled by the medicalization and what I will refer to as the construction of the illness of gender transgression. I postulate that there are two forms of gender transgression: a general rejection of gender norms and a rejection of these boundaries in manners that do not fit into the dominant script of gender ( i.e. deciding to transition). When someone â€Å"transgresses† the boundaries of gender

Short Critical Reflection Essay Free Essays

Some might say the crime of the 21st century will be white collar. If that is true, what will be the major types of cybercrime? How can we safeguard against it? As technology evolves, and monetary transactions become more commonplace over the internet, it is almost like an invitation is being sent out to give dishonest people an open arena for many types of cybercrimes. Computer viruses have evolved from the Brain, introduced in 1986 as a preventative measure against copying programs on floppy disks, to more dangerous ones today. We will write a custom essay sample on Short Critical Reflection Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now Over the years, computer viruses became a tool for criminals targeting internet banking and government websites. † (Groot-2011) Cyber criminals use such things as botnets (cybercrime infrastructures which consist of ‘hijacked’ computers used for illegal activities), phishing (using fake websites or e-mails pretending to be your bank or credit card company to collect your passwords and logins for internet banking), and Trojan, which disguises itself as a useful application, but allows third parties to gain access to personal data on your computer. There are tens of thousands of forms of malware out there, and they can do anything from compromise and wipe out bank accounts to access and threaten top secret government programs. One thing we as users can do is to remember that banks never ask for passwords or pin numbers through email, so if by chance we receive an email asking for this, DELETE it. Another way to safeguard against potential threats is by using security software. â€Å"The best protection is to install a virus protection application on your computer. (Bowles-2010) To help track down cyber delinquents, around 200 CERT (Cyber security and Incident Response Team) teams are in place in 43 countries around the world, which, originally established by the Dutch government, â€Å"doesn’t have investigative powers, but works closely with the police and Public Prosecution Office and uses the expertise of anti-virus companies to limit damage. † (Groot-2011) Our own Department of Justice â€Å"has a Computer C rime and Intellectual Property Section that is responsible for finding those individuals who are abusing the powers of computers and breaking the law. (Bowles-2010) Hopefully, more and more of these types of cyber agencies will emerge and help slow down the instances of cybercrime. Online education has evolved over the last ten years as much as the cell phone. Given this, what have been some of the major improvements and changes in the digital classroom? One of the major improvements in the digital classroom, at least the ones at Ashford, is having the accessibility of online text books. My 19 year old daughter is taking college classes online through another school, and she has to order all of her text books and wait for the mailman to deliver them. More than once, the books have arrived after her class began, which left her so behind in her studies. Online education also offers the benefit of working and studying at our own pace and leisure, while also offering us (students) the ability to connect to learning opportunities anywhere, anytime. Being a mom, I have also noticed how my children’s’ school has started adopting technology in their classrooms; for example, using smart boards instead of the traditional chalkboards that we had in our day. The teachers post homework assignments online, as well as grades, attendance, and schedules. My three high school students email back and forth with their teachers, coaches and musical directors. As stated in our text book, â€Å"Most educators see online learning as essential for the long–term success of their schools. † (Bowles-2010) I am inclined to agree with that, as I see daily interactions between my teenagers and their teachers. In addition, with all the crazy laws out there de-personalizing the school relationships between students and teachers in the school setting, where a simple hand on the shoulder could lead to a teacher’s dismissal, this at least gives students the sense that their teachers view them as important. Technology can fundamentally change the learning process so it’s more engaging and tailored to students’ needs and interests. † (ed. gov-2010) If I post a poem on my Facebook site and someone cuts and pastes it on their site is that a case for stealing my intellectual property? The answer to this lies in anoth er question. Who is the original author? If you post a poem that is the creation of someone else in the first place, (and if you did and it is, you had better give credit to said author! ), then the answer would be a resounding no. Someone else cutting and pasting an already referenced work cannot be considered an act of plagiarism. However, if the poem in question is an original example of your own talent as a poet, then I would say you have a case for that person stealing your intellectual property. That being said, if you post a poem online, then you obviously had intent of sharing it, which anyone proud of their accomplishments would want to do. At the same time, you wouldn’t wish for someone else to take credit for your idea(s). â€Å"One option is the traditional copyright, and another is available from Creative Commons. (Bowles-2010) The traditional copyright gives the originator of innovative creation absolute rights to it, usually for a limited time. It also â€Å"gives the copyright holder the right to be credited for the work, to determine who may adapt the work to other forms, who may perform the work, and who may financially benefit from it. † (Wikipedia-2012) Nevertheless, if the co pyright runs out, the content becomes public domain, where anyone can use, distribute, or otherwise utilize the work, without legal implications. Another alternative is Creative Commons, a nonprofit organization that promotes legal sharing and remixing. â€Å"Authors and artists can submit their work with copyright terms attached, such as â€Å"all rights reserved,† â€Å"some rights reserved,† or â€Å"no rights reserved. † (Bowles-2010) References: Willemien, Groot (2011) Cybercrime is the threat of the future Retrieved from http://www. rnw. nl/english/article/cyber-crime-threat-future ed. gov 11/09/2010 The Digital Transformation in Education: U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s remarks at the State Educational Technology Directors Association Education Forum Retrieved from http://www. ed. gov/news/speeches/%E2%80%9C-digital-transformation-education%E2%80%9D-us-secretary-education-arne-duncan Bowles, M. D. (2010) Introduction to computer literacy. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc Retrieved from https://content. ashford. edu/books/AUINF103. 10. 2/sections/sec8. 1 The United States Department of Justice Computer Crime Intellectual Property Section Retrieved from How to cite Short Critical Reflection Essay, Essay examples

Cultural Anthropology Exam Study Guide free essay sample

Lucy- a Australopithecus fossil, found in Ethiopia Lewis Henry Morgan- supporter of evolutionism/uni-lineal evolution, came up with the hierarchy of cultures (savagery, barbarism, civilization) * Napoleon Chagnon- studied the Yanamamo, was banned from the villages by the governments and Catholic church for misrepresenting the people * Carol Stack- studied â€Å"fictive kin† in African American communities. Nisa- a member of the ! Kung San peoples of the Kalahari desert, studied by Marjorie Shostak * Karl Marx- supported conflict theory, which says societies are held together by power/strife * Julian Steward- developed the concept and method of cultural ecology (the study of human adaptations to social and physical environments) * Marjorie Shostak- wrote about the ! Kung San people from the Kalahari desert (! Nisa) * Leslie White-said the most important aspect of human culture is the use of symbolic systemsCulture- a people’s total way of life that is learned within the culture and shared within the society * Artifacts- objects made or altered by human hands Cultural consultant/key informants- choosing someone in the community to work with and get connections from (someone who is respected and in the know) * Naturalized concepts- deeply embedded ideas about how the world should operate, are viewed as normal and natural Cultural models- * Fieldwork- the hallmark of the discipline, anthropologists try to establish a rapport, have to follow the AAA code of ethics * Ethnography- the documentation of a single culture * Ethnology- comparative study of cultures Physical/biological anthropology- one of the 4 subfields of anthropology, the study of humans as biological beings, includes primatologists, paleoanthropologists, and forensic anthropologists * Archaeology- one of the 4 subfields of anthropology, the study of human remains of past cultures * Linguistics- one of the 4 subfields of anthropology, the history and structure of language and its social aspects * Ethno-linguistics- study the relationship between a language and its culture * Socio-linguistics- study how context and status impact language and its usage (nonverbal communication and silent language) * Cultural knowledge- knowledge about prevailing social norms, practices, beliefs, and values in a culture * Participant observation- going into a culture and experiencing it through emic eyes * Emic- seeing the culture as a member of that culture * Etic- scientific and objective study of a society and its practices * Ethnocentrism- judging another based on one’s own cultural standards and views (ex. We will write a custom essay sample on Cultural Anthropology Exam Study Guide or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Gross, nasty) * Cultural relativism- understanding cultural traits from within the context of the culture * Cultural ecology- is the study of human adaptations to social and physical environments * Cultural universals- common human features (food, family, education, beauty, etc. ) * Attributes- the size, color, shape, purpose, material, etc of an artifact * 3p’s- * Power- ability to get what you want over the objections of others * Prestige- your social honor/reputation, ex. honorifics * Property- material wealth and other resources, ex. Cows or money * Anthropological theories- a framework to generate hypotheses that explain various aspects of the culture. Empiricism- challenged evolutionism, direct observation and objective description are important for understanding culture * 4. Functionalism/structural functionalism- Says societies are giant physical organisms held together by cultural traits * 5. Conflict theory- Says societies are held together by power/strife (the haves vs. the have-nots) * Eco-facts- remains of plants and animals that can be found near living sites * Heterogeneous culture- members have few shared traits * Homogeneous culture- members have many shared traits * AAA (American Anthropological Association)- governs fieldwork, anthropologists must: * Respect subjects, both human and animal * Respect the environment Respect the discipline Get informed consent * Transparency- let people know what your goal is * Just compensation * First do no harm * Culture shock- all the feelings one has when exposed to a new environment (culture) * Enculturation- Learning one’s culture from infancy or while growing up in the culture * Socialization- learning how to fit in your culture, it is a lifelong process since culture constantly changes * Life shock- Sudden unexpected experience; Can lead to fainting, hysteria, and puking * Field techniques- includes participant observation, interviews (formal and informal), and life history * Field anthropology- anthropologists who do fieldwork Applied anthropology- refers to the application of the method and theory of anthropology to the analysis and solution of practical problems * Rapport- a harmonious relationship with the people you are studying * Life histories- getting someone’s life story to understand them better * Polyphony of voices- getting many opinions and stories when doing fieldwork * Cultural symbols- Things that represent ideas and concepts to people in a culture * Cultural consensus- getting an accurate description of what really happens in a culture from many people in that culture * Taboo- behaviors or actions that are prohibited in a culture * Components of culture: cognitive (what we think), behavioral (what we do), and material (our artifacts)

Grader Wins Essay on What Freedom Means to Me free essay sample

The state or quality of being free; a) exemption or liberation from the control of some other person or arbitrary power; liberty; independence b) being able to act, move, use etc. without hindrance or restraint, confinement or repression. Freedom. What a beautiful word. A gift endowed upon us. Our birthright as an American citizen. Freedom has a very special meaning to me. I know what the price of freedom is. It does not come without a very high cost. Every man, woman, and child who lies their head down each night in peace, does so because some other American, at some time, layed down their life for them. I know this because I lost my dad in Iraq on May 2nd, 2004. He was a Navy Seabee sent there to help rebuild a country. He was killed, along with six of his fellow comrades when their camp was mortared. I will never forget the day that the Naval Chief and Chaplain showed up at my front door. We will write a custom essay sample on Grader Wins Essay on What Freedom Means to Me or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I was only seven at the time but the words about to be uttered would change my life forever. The chief saluted my mom and myself, â€Å"The United States of America regrets to inform you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  My mom started to cry. I knew something very bad had happened. I was right. So much tyranny has been fought against through the years. From our WWI warriors to the young soldiers of WWII, sent overseas to save us from an inconceivable evil. They are truly ‘The Greatest Generation. ’ Sadly we watch as so many of them depart us each day. Years later the Vietnam generation heeded their nation’s command. On September 11th, 2001 our beloved nation was attacked. Today we continue to fight for our most sacred possession. The right to live as a free people. With freedom comes responsibility. Envied by many, challenged by some. We must never become complacent. We have a duty to preserve our way of life. It is how we repay our debt to our fathers and forefathers. It is ironic how people perceive freedom. So many take this precious gift for granted. Yet there are many others who are deeply grateful. In the last six years I have had the opportunity to meet some really special people. Some have been celebrities or military figures. But a lot have been regular folk who just ‘get it. ’ I’ve met a lot of other kids like myself and their families. It grieves me when I go to events such as TAPS, Arlington, dedications and memorials. There are a lot of people who have lost someone who can never be replaced. Because of my dad’s death, I have traveled to places and met people, I very well may never have. But I would trade all of that in a moment to get my dad back. Because none of that can fill the gap left in my heart when he died. My dad and I had many great memories that never will be forgotten. Although I get really sad sometimes, I am so thankful to have known my dad. Some children were born afterward and never got that chance. So when I see the flag waving or hear the Star-Spangled Banner or pledge my allegiance to the flag, I feel a real sense of pride. I truly hope our nation never forgets because I know I never will.

Political and social effects that shaped the 60s generation essays

Political and social effects that shaped the 60s generation essays Massive black rebellions, constant strikes, gigantic anti-war demonstrations, draft resistance, Cuba, Vietnam, Algeria, a cultural revolution of seven hundred million Chinese, occupations, red power, the rising of women, disobedience and sabotage, communes they were thought of as being pot smoking, freeloading vagabonds, who were trying to save the world. As this small pocket of teenage rebellion rose out of the suburbs, inner cities, and countrysides, there was a general feeling that the hippies were a product of drugs, and rock music; this generalization could have never been more wrong. The hippie counterculture was more than just a product of drugs and music, but a result of the change that was sweeping the entire western world. These changes were brought about by various events in both the fifties and the sixties, such as: the end of the "Golden Years" of the fifties, the changing economical state from the fifties to the sixties, the Black Panther Party, women moving into the w ork force, the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy Jr., the war in Vietnam, the Kent State protest, and finally the Woodstock festival. The electric subcurrent of the fifties was, above all, rocknroll, the live wire that linked bedazzled teenagers around the nation, and quickly around the world, into the common enterprise of being young. Rock was rough, raw, insistent, especially by comparison with the music it replaced; it whooped and groaned, shook, rattled, and rolled. Rock was clamor, the noise of youth submerged by order and prosperity, now frantically clawing their way out. The winds of change began to sweep across America in...

Project Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Project Management - Research Paper Example The project management institute defines project management as application of skills and knowledge along with tools and techniques to meet the project requirement (Barkley, 2006). Hamilton, (2004) divided project management into 5 components i.e. initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control and lastly closure of project. This report discusses some of the most important concepts related to project management. The report starts with defining the project life cycle management and its benefits. Then the report discusses about project organizations and project team building. Moreover, important concepts such as project scope, work breakdown structure and contingency planning have been discussed. Also the report analyzes the importance of reviewing the project and need for an integrated project management software for project management organizations. Then the researcher shares his own experience about a project in which he was involved. Project life-cycle indicates all the project phases that a project has to go through in order to be completed. In other words, it is a collection of project phases that are divided so that the project can be controlled and managed accordingly. According to Kerzner (2009) project life-cycle is divided into four phases that indicates the beginning and ending point of a project. Furthermore, according to Kerzner (2009), the first phase of project life-cycle is the initiation phase followed by project planning, project execution and project closure. Each of the phases mentioned by Kerzner (2009) is further divided into activities which need to be done to accomplish the goal of project management. In order to further elaborate the project life-cycle, each of the phases is separately presented along with the activities involved within the particular phase. The aim of this phase is to identify the problems along with the opportunities that the business could focus upon. This phase also includes solutions to the

Lucretius Short Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Lucretius Short Paper - Essay Example nological revolution brought out civilization depressed and stressed human beings, and I claim that if we are to lead a happy life, we should follow the concept of Epicurus – to free our mental and psychological distress from the mind in order to restore the connection with the inner self and with the nature. The Epicurean standpoint about the highest good in life is pure pleasure, both literary and figuratively, and it does not involve either psychical or psychological pain. Jones (1989) states that as a moral reformer, Epicurus’s concepts for happy life were based on his understanding of the natural world which surrounds us and on the beliefs that there is a relationship between human body and soul. â€Å"Many people pursue philosophy for the sake of (wealth or reputation) as though they will obtain these things from private persons of kings who come to believe that philosophy is some great and costly possession. But we have not hastened to undertake the same study so that any of the above rewards should come to us also, but so that we may be happy, gaining possession of the end and purpose of life sought by nature (Philosophy 304, 2008, Dr. Alexander, 24).† Mans unhappiness stemms from his own vain desires to possess knowledge, goods and people. However when people are unable to find comfort in the material possessions they are unhappy. Thus, people surrounded with technological innovations who do not find them pleasurable any more end up being unhappy. The supreme good for Epicureanism is the absence of pain from the body and the soul. People nowadays have mainly soul troubles. Epicurus concluded that "freedom from pain in the body and from trouble in the mind" is the ultimate aim of a happy life (Epicurus cited in Clay 1983, 65).† The Homeric outlook about happy life can be best described by the story of Odyssey. After the end of the Trojan War, he was supposed to go home. However, his homecoming has been delayed for ten years due to the anger of the

A Casualty Clearing Station Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

A Casualty Clearing Station - Essay Example Dr. Hayward started by explaining how the conditions at war were not as one expected them to be but they were rather tougher and difficult to cope up with. To support this stand, he began his narrative by stating that he had worked for twenty years as a surgeon in the general hospitals in an area and he also had an exposure to war like situations as he had served as a surgeon at British Red Cross Hospital, Netley during the initial period of the War. But the author explains in his narrative that this familiarity with war like situations was in no way close to the experiences that he gained at the Casualty Clearing Station (C.C.S) at Crouay where he got posted upon his request in July 1918. This was because the C.C.S received patients directly from the war field and this was different from his working at the British Red Cross Hospital. Thus, Dr. Hayward provided an inside picture of the C.C.S by beginning his compilation from his normal days of work and ending it after his work at the C.C.S. The firsthand account of Dr. John A. Hayward is a text that provides historians with not only geographical evidence but also with historical and cultural evidence. From the geographical perspective, his writing narrates the war experiences of the different regions in France beginning with the Base Hospital at Trouville where he only dealt with minor injuries. This was followed by his work at the C.C.S at Crouay where he treated patients who were pouring in from the battlefield.  

Radiographic Modalities in Detecting Suspected Child Abuse

Radiographic Modalities in Detecting Suspected Child Abuse The actions individuals take against a child in order to inflict emotional or physical harm are, unfortunately, limited only by the imagination. Child abuse has been formally defined as the shaking, punching, battering, hitting, poisoning, scalding or burning, suffocating or drowning a child and/or otherwise participating in actions that lead to the child’s physical harm (Safeguarding Children 2006). As of the last several years, the definition of child abuse has also integrated the failure to prevent harm to a child (Safeguarding Children 2006). In 1946 paediatric radiologist John Caffey first utilised radiographic images in the diagnosis of child abuse when fractures of the long bones were accompanied by subdural hematomas (Longman, Baker Boos 2003). In 1962 Kempe et al. (as cited by Longman, Baker Boos 2003) offered the term battered child syndrome to describe injuries seen in children consistent with patterns of abuse, with skeletal anomalies the most common injuries seen in this syndrome. For example, bone fractures are seen in upwards of 55% of abuse cases (Longman, Baker Boos 2003). As current research indicates (Freeman 2005; Zimmerman Bilaniuk 1994), the radiographer is often the first healthcare provider that child sees who is in a position to suspect or determine the presence of a non-accident injury (NAI). Davis (2005) points out the radiographer sees the child undressed and is in a position to notice strap marks and other bruising indicative of child abuse while seeking to identify other areas of trauma throu gh the radiographic examination; thus noticing unusual bruising or other inappropriate bodily marks on the patient can help establish a pattern of abuse in conjunction with the radiologic findings of trauma. While Silverman (1987) states that radiography can be used to determine both nature of injury producing force as well as time of injury caution is also advocated as other issues that radiography classically is used to identify can be confused with child abuse, such as the radiologic evidence of scurvy, osteogenesus imperfect, self-sustained injury and infantile cortical hyperostosis. Child abuse statistics Longerman, Baker and Boos (2003) relate staggering statistics for child abuse. In the US alone during 2000, 1,200 children were fatally injured in episodes of child abuse, For example one to two children are fatally abused by a parent or other caregiver on a weekly basis (Safeguarding Children 2006). Norris (2001) states that upwards of 27% of cases presented as unintentional injuries were actually due to incidents of child abuse. Child abuse related fatalities among children less than 1 year of age constitute 41 44% of reported cases of abuse or neglect (Offiah 2003’ Longerman, Baker Boos 2003). Radiographer responsibilities by law The law is quite explicit regarding the role of the radiographer in cases of suspected child abuse. For example, the Children’s Act of 1989, Section 27 explicitly requires each healthcare provider to perform any and all examinations requested by other healthcare professionals or legal authorities when cases present with suspected child mistreatment or abuse (Aspinell 2006; Freeman 2005). As an adjunct to the 1989 Act, with specific regard to healthcare professionals, The Children Act of 2004 mandates an added responsibility beyond individual practice guidelines when working with an abused child or suspecting mistreatment, and requires that healthcare practitioners work together to share information as appropriate and cooperate in such a way as to offer the best treatment for the child (Aspinell 2006; Davis 2006). Additional guidelines on the radiographer’s role in cases of suspected child abuse are readily available (Freeman 2005). However, whether law or not, ultimately, the radiographer has legal, professional and personal responsibilities in detecting cases of suspected child abuse and has many imaging modality options. Stover (1986) tells us specifically that radiographic examinations can help the identification of the injury, mechanism of trauma such as shaking, twisting, traction of a limb or direct blow. Additionally and more importantly, the radiographic examination can identify prior injury and determine evidence of healing processes; all of which are paramount in situations of suspected child abuse, mistreatment or endangerment (Stover 1986). Therefore, this essay will review the range of radiographic imaging modality options available when child abuse is suspected. It is considered beyond the scope of this essay to discuss the legal roles and responsibilities of the radiographer in cases of suspected child abuse and as such, information relating to this will be explicitly excluded beyond those acts and guidelines highlighted above. Similarly, it is considered beyond the scope to discuss radiographic diagnostics in relation to imaging technologies. The remainder of this essay will focus strictly on imaging modalities. Standard radiographic x-ray Kirks (1983) believes that standard radiographic x-ray (SXR) imaging is appropriate for injuries associated with skeletal fractures, pneumoperitoneum, gastric dilatation or injury to the pulmonary parenchyml, which are common in cases of child abuse. Researchers tell us that skeletal examinations are particularly relevant in cases were non-accidental injury (NAI) is suspected (Gutanunga, Evans Harrison 2007, Johnson 2007; Summerfield et al. 2007; Offiah 2003) and is the strongest radiologic based indicators that child abuse or mistreatment has taken place (Diagnostic imaging 1991). In particular, Alexander and Kleinman (1996) believe that in children less than 2 years of age presenting with injuries consistent with child abuse the skeletal survey is critical. Parks (2002 as cited by Imaging suspected NAI 2002) tells us that although the most appropriate in cases of suspected NAI, the skeletal survey is one of â€Å"the most difficult examinations to perform† given general reluctance of the small child to submit to the examination, the emotionally charged scenario surrounding the skeletal survey request and the frequent urgency required. The skeletal survey typically consists of the following images: AP/PA chest, oblique v iew of the ribs, lateral skull survey in an older child, AP pelvis/femora, AP tibia/fibula, AP humeria, AP forearms, DP/AP hands, Half axial/Townes skull projection, AP 20 degrees skull projection and lateral skill projection in younger children, lateral spine and DP of the feet (Parks 2002 as cited by Imaging suspected NAI 2002). In order to minimise radiation exposure to the developing tissues of young children, special paediatric imaging systems have been modernised to use special cassettes, films and intensification screens (Diagnostic imaging 1991). In children older than five years of age, Alexander and Kleinman (1996) tell us the skeletal survey is virtually of no use when screening for injuries, but clinical indicators should dictate whether or not such a radiographic examination is performed. A newer radiographic adjunct to skeletal surveys is the bone scintigraphy, also referred to as radionucleotide scintigraphy (Conway et al. 1993; Howard, Barron Smith 1990), advocated by current research as a complementary procedure to the skeletal survey rather than a replacement when NAI and child abuse are suspected (Mandelstam et al., 2003). Mandelstam et al. (2003) documented the ability to detect bony anomalies that evade traditional radiographic skeletal images. For example, 20% of those studied by Mandelstam et al. (2003) reported normal skeletal surveys; however injuries were evident upon bone scintigraphy. This example evidences the increased sensitivity of the bone scintigraphy noted by Conway et al. (1993), creating an advantage in assessing soft tissue injuries in addition to trauma to bone structures. Apgar (1997) stresses SXRs can be of paramount importance for assessing potential child abuse or mistreatment through the imaging of hands and feet to assess for fractures . In particular, Apgar (1997) tells us that bone scans and skeletal surveys that focus on an oblique view of the hand or foot combine to document fractures in the hands and feet through evidencing healing at multiple stages as well as identifying fractures from bending or twisting a limb or digit rather than inflicting a direct blow. Alexander and Kleinman (1996) believe the skeletal survey should not be used as a primary diagnostic modality, but should be used in conjunction with SXRs. Generally a GP or primary care physician will request a skeletal survey be performed when child abuse is suspected to assess current and age of prior injuries. CT Scan Non-accidental head injuries (NAHI) are the leading cause of death or neurological dysfunction seen in infants (Jaspan et al. 2003). Researchers agree CT scans are the ideal radiographic modality to assess paediatric head trauma from which to evaluate injury and/or family circumstances that might lead to NAIH conclusions indicative of child abuse or mistreatment (Jaspan et al. 2003; Hymel et al. 1997; Alexander Kleinman 1996). Fell (2007) tells us CT is recommended over standard SXR as SXR are known to delay diagnosis; however SXR in a triage setting when CT is not available when coupled with patient observation is still an option. Stover (1986) believes that a head CT should be considered mandatory for incidents of paediatric head trauma. Unfortunately, as Jaspan et al. (2003) indicate, there are no uniformly agreed upon protocols for radiographic imaging of NAHI. Additionally, Alexander and Kleinman (1996) believe that CT scans without the use of an MRI may underestimate the exten t of injury sustained, for example, MRIs can image subdural hematomas, which according to Alexander and Kleinman (1996) may be â€Å"the only objective imaging evidence of child abuse.† CT scans are also appropriate for other areas. For example, one of the common sites for visceral abuse injuries is the abdomen (Kirks 1983). For blunt trauma injuries to the abdomen, particular for assessing the spleen, kidney or liver, Kirks (1983) believes the CT scan is most appropriate. Albanese et al. (1996) stress the importance of CT scans for blunt abdominal trauma as well, focusing on the modality’s use with contrast media. Serial examinations are considered the â€Å"gold standard† for perforations of the paediatric GI tract due to blunt force trauma (Albanese et al. 1996). However, Kirk (1983) adds that nuclear scintigraphy is appropriate for cases isolated to the liver or spleen alone. MRI The use of MRI’s in cases of suspected child abuse or mistreatment are many, with cervical spine MRIs cited by Feldman et al. (1997) as able to detect previously unsuspected damage to the spinal cord from child abuse in cases of head trauma. Feldman et al. (1997) demonstrated that frequently radiographic examination will show subdural haemorrhages or subarachnoid haemorrhages in the cervical spine level. Although considered a type of MRI modality, Whole-body turbo STIR MR imaging that is based on MRI technology â€Å"with turbo short tau inversion recovery tissue excitation† (Kavanagh, Smith Eustace 2003) is a non-ionizing high-resolution modality that allows for the detection of occult disease states. Stranzinger et al. (2007) advocates the whole body STIR MR imaging as an alternative to skeletal survey radiographic examinations, particularly as a mechanism of avoiding radiation exposure to growing and developing tissues of the child as well as the increased/enhanced modality sensitivity. For example, Stranzinger et al. (2007) found multiple rib fractures in a patient were evident on the STIR MR imaging and definitely suggested child abuse occurred whereas conventional radiographic images only allowed for partial recognition of the fractures and were inconclusive. Diffuse-weighted imaging (DWI) has also been highlighted by current research as superior in detecting post abuse NAIH, particularly when there were posterior aspects of the brain (Suh et al. 2001). DWI has demonstrated effectivity in enhancing traditional MRI use, particularly in its ability to assess trauma severity (Suh et al. 2001). Ultrasound Kirks (1983) believes that visceral abuse trauma for such issues as retroperitoneal hematoma, ultrasound radiography is the most appropriate modality. Stover (1986) states ultrasound imaging should be used in order to exclude visceral lesions in the case of paediatric head trauma. Barthel et al. (2000) found ultrasound to be the most reliable radiographic imaging modality for detecting and diagnosing simple fractures, although compound fractures and fractures of adjacent bone were still better identified and assessed through SXR. Particularly in infants where bone is more cartilaginous, ultrasound has been found a superior modality for assessing fractures in cases of suspected child abuse and/or mistreatment especially as it saves the child from exposure to ionising radiation (Barthel et al. 2000). When assessing ultrasound efficacy for fracture identification in the distal forearm, noted as the most common fracture site in children, Barthel et al. (2000) demonstrated an 89.4% positi ve correlation, with a 94.4% correct ultrasound fracture diagnosis noted in femoral fractures. Additionally, Barthel et al. (2000) note that ultrasound is an excellent radiographic modality to assess stress fractures missed by SXR. While each of the modalities above have been advocated by individual researchers as preferred methods as outlined, Offiah (2003) advocates the use of multiple imaging modalities in order to provide cross-sectional imaging, especially in cases of suspected abuse that result in the need for neurological assessments. In conclusion, Alexander and Kleinman (1996) tell us radiographic imaging may offer the first indication of child abuse. Child protection is a personal and professional responsibility for the radiographer. This essay highlighted the staggering figures of how frequently child abuse is perpetrated. It was also noted that failure to act on suspected abuse is also considered child abuse and endangerment; such that all Trust employees have the responsibility to ensure children are kept safe (Safeguarding our children 2006). This includes being as aware of all imaging modalities appropriate for the detection of suspected child abuse when warranted as opposed to relying on radiography strictly as a static imaging modality. For example, Zimmerman and Bilaniuk (1994) state that in paediatric head trauma, the radiographer has CT and MRI imaging technology available among others, however, based on the radiographer’s knowledge of the type of injury, age of the child and how the trauma occ urred, the appropriate imaging modality or combination of modalities can best identify injury and whether child abuse is a factor. References Albanese, CT, Meza, MP, Gardner, MJ, Smith, SD, Rowe, MI Lynch, JM. Is computed tomography a useful adjunct to clinical examination for the diagnosis of pediatric gastrointestinal perforation from blunt abdominal trauma in children? Journal of Trauma-Injury Infection Critical Care, 40, 417 – 421. Alexander, R Kleinman, PK. 2000. Diagnostic imaging of child abuse: Portable guides to investigating child abuse. Govt. Report NCJ 161235, 3rd Printing. U.S. Department of Justice: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Washington, DC. Apgar, B. 1997. Fractures of the hands and feet as signs of child abuse. American Family Physician. Retrieved from: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1:19988704 [Accessed 30 July 2008]. Aspinell, P. 2006. Child protection: Safeguarding and promoting welfare of children and young people. Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://www.phtlearningzone.org.uk/uploads/File/ChildProtection.doc [Accessed 29 July 2008]. Barthel, M, Halsband, H, Outzen, S, Schlicht, W. Hubner, U. 2000. Ultrasound in the diagnosis of fractures in children. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 82, 1170 – 1173. Conway, JJ, Collins, M, Tanz, RR, Radkowski, MA, Anandappa, E, Hernandez, R Freeman, EL. 1993. Seminars in Nuclear Medicine, 23, 321 – 33. Davis, M. 2006. It couldn’t happen to me Radiographers and the child and the law. Synergy. Retrieved from: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3:1095072611 [Accessed 28 July 2008]. Davis, M. 2005. The role of the radiographer in the protection of children. Synergy. Retrieved from: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3:910668571 [Accessed 28 July 2008]. Diagnostic imaging of child abuse. 1991. Pediatrics, 87, 262 – 264. Feldman, KW, Weinberger, E, Milstein, JM Fligner, CL. 1997. Cervical spine MRI in abused infants. Child Abuse Neglect, 21, 199 – 205. Fell, M. 2007. The demise of the skull radiograph. Synergy. Retrieved from: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1232668141 [Accessed 30 July 2008]. Freeman, C. 2005. The child and the law: The roles and responsibilities of the radiographer. Society of Radiographers, London, England. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://www.scor-managers.org.uk/pdf/issue8_pdf16.pdf [Accessed 28 July 2008]. Gutanunga, IP, Evans, A Harrison, S. 2007. Investigation of non-accidental injuries: Changes in local policy. Paper presented at the UK Radiological Congress 2007, Manchester, England. 11 – 13 June. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://bjr.birjournals.org/misc/Proceed_2007.pdf [Accessed 28 July 2008]. Howard, JK, Barron, BJ Smith, GG. 1990. Bone scintigraphy in the evaluation of extraskeletal injuries from child abuse. Radiographics, 10, 67 – 81. Hymel, KP, Rumack, CM, Hay, TC, Strain, JD Jenny, C. 1997. Comparison of intracranial computer tomographic (CT) findings in pediatric abusive and accidental head trauma. Pediatric Radiology, 27, 743 – 747. Imaging suspected NAI. 2002. Syngery. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3:354983461 [Accessed 28 July 2008]. Jaspan, T, Griffiths, PD, McConachie, NS Punt, JAG. 2003. Neuroimaging for non-accidental head injury in childhood: A proposed protocol. Clinical Radiology, 58, 44 – 53. Johnson, KJ. 2007. Invited review: Investigating NAI. Paper presented at the UK Radiological Congress 2007, Manchester, England. 11 – 13 June. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://bjr.birjournals.org/misc/Proceed_2007.pdf [Accessed 28 July 2008]. Kavanagh, E, Smith, C Eustace, S. 2003. Whole-body turbo STIR MR imaging: Controversies and avenues for development. European Radiology, 13, 2196 -2205. Kirks, DR, 1983. Radiological evaluation of visceral injuries in the battered child syndrome. Pediatric Annals, 12, 888 – 893. Longerman, GJ, Baker, AM, Morey, MK Boos, SC. 2003. Child abuse: Radiologic-pathologic correlation. Radiographics, 23, 811 845. Mandelstam, SA, Cook, D, Fitzgerald, M Ditchfield, MR. 2003. Complementary use of radiological skeletal survey and bone scintigraphy in suspected child abuse. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 88, 387 – 390. Norris, TG. 2001. Pediatric skeletal trauma. Radiologic Technology, 72, 345 -373. Offiah, A. 2003. Imaging of non-accidental injury. Current Paediatrics, 13, 455 – 459. Safeguarding children and young people. 2006. National Public Health Service for Wales. [Online]. Retrieved from: www.ich.ucl.ac.uk//Centre_for_evidence_based_child_health/CustomMenu_02/safeguarding_children_rcpch0.pdf [Accessed 28 July 2008]. Silverman, FN. 1987. Radiology and other imaging procedures. In RE Helfer and RS Kempe, eds. The Battered Child. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. Stranzinger, E, Kellenberger, C, Braunschweig, S, Hopper, R Huisman, T. 2007. Whole-body STIR MR imaging in suspected child abuse: An alternative to skeletal survey radiography? European Journal of Radiology Extra, 63, 43 – 47. Stover, B. 1986. 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Career Education in Many Forms :: Emplyoment School Essays

Career Education in Many Forms Official federal support for career education began in 1974; although funding intensity has varied over the subsequent 20 plus years, career education continues to receive emphasis in the nation's schools. The most recent programs included under the umbrella of "career education" are titled "school-to-work" and "tech prep," programs that are receiving generous federal appropriations for 1996-97 (Hoyt 1996). School-to-work programs, which include tech prep programs, are characterized by their focus on bridging the gap between school and work. They draw upon education and business collaboration, and partnerships between education and other parts of society. They are designed to provide "school-based learning, work-based learning, and activities to connect the two" (Wickwire 1995, p. 7); in this way, they engage the community in the career education and development of youth. The coordinated support network promoted in school-to-work programs is "linked to school and relies on parents, mentors, employers, youth advocates, and social service agencies to assist youth" (Rochester City School District 1994, p. 1). Involvement of Community Businesses Whether through school-to-work or tech prep programs, businesses are increasingly approached for active involvement in the educational community. As they recognize the growing need for technically, academically, and socially prepared workers, businesses are becoming more and more enthusiastic in their desire to collaborate with schools to provide up-to-date education and training for the students who will be their future workers. Tech prep programs capitalize on the employers' need for qualified workers by drawing employers into the identification of skills necessary for employment in their industries--thus establishing benchmarks for education and skill achievement. Most partnerships between schools and businesses focus on the delivery and development of academic and vocational skills (which include skills for employability). Such collaborative efforts can help students develop relevant skills for the workplace through revised up-to-date curriculum, youth apprenticeships, and mentor ing experiences. Youth apprenticeships afford another avenue by which community businesses become involved in the career education and development of youth. Apprenticeships require a partnership between "educators--secondary and postsecondary--and business people who are willing to provide jobs and worksite learning experiences for young people" (Joyce and Byrne 1995, p. 44). They have the advantage of taking students out of the classroom and exposing them to the rapidly changing work environment, complete with new technologies and new management processes. Involvement of Community Agencies Community agencies, such as the Chamber of Commerce, are also valuable resources for student career development as they afford linkage to community leaders and community-based experiences.