Tuesday, November 26, 2019

How to Find the Aquila Constellation

How to Find the Aquila Constellation The constellation Aquila is visible in the northern hemispheres summer sky and the southern hemispheres winter. This small but significant constellation features several fascinating deep sky objects that amateur astronomers can view with a backyard telescope. Finding Aquila Aquila is outlined in faint blue, and its brightest star is Altair. Look for it just below Cygnus the Swan and near Sagittarius. From a dark viewing site, observers can see that Aquila lies in the plane of the Milky Way. Carolyn Collins Petersen   The easiest way to find Aquila is to locate the nearby constellation Cygnus, the Swan. Its a roughly cross-shaped pattern of stars that is high overhead on summer evenings beginning in mid-July. Cygnus appears to be flying down the Milky Way galaxy (which we see from the inside as a band of stars stretching across the sky) toward Aquila, which looks like a crooked shape of a plus sign. The brightest stars of Aquila, Lyra, and Cygnus all form a familiar asterism called the Summer Triangle, which is visible in the northern hemisphere from early summer to late in the year.   Historical Interpretations Aquila has been a known constellation since antiquity. It was cataloged by the astronomer Claudius Ptolemy and was eventually adopted as one of the 88 modern constellations charted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Since it was first interpreted by the Babylonians, this star pattern has virtually always been identified as an eagle. In fact, the name aquila comes from the Latin word for eagle.  Aquila was also well known in ancient Egypt, where it was seen as a bird accompanying the god Horus. It was similarly interpreted by the Greeks and, later, the Romans, who dubbed it Vultur volans (the flying vulture). In China, myths about family and separation were told in relation to the star pattern. Polynesian cultures saw Aquila in several different ways, including as a warrior, a tool, and a navigational star. The Stars of the Aquila Constellation The six brightest stars in this region make up the body of the eagle, set against a backdrop of dimmer stars. Aquila is relatively small, compared to nearby constellations. Its brightest star is called ÃŽ ± Aquilae, also known as Altair. It lies only about 17 light-years from Earth, making it a pretty close neighbor. The second-brightest star is ÃŽ ² Aquilae, better known as Alshain. Its name comes from an Arabic term which means the balance. Astronomers commonly refer to stars in this way, using lowercase Greek letters to indicate the brightest as alpha, beta, and so on, to the dimmest ones lower in the alphabet. Aquila features several double stars, including 57 Aquilae. It contains an orange-colored star paired with a whitish-colored one.  Most viewers can spot this pair using a good set of binoculars or a backyard-type telescope. Search out Aquila for other double stars, too. The entire constellation of Aquila shown with IAU boundaries and the brightest stars that make up the pattern.   IAU/Sky Telescope Deep Sky Objects in Constellation Aquila Aquila lies in the plane of the Milky Way, which means that there are a number of star clusters within its boundaries. Most are fairly dim and require good binoculars to make them out. A good star chart will help you locate these. Theres also a planetary nebula or two in Aquila, including NGC 6781. It requires a good telescope to spot, and its a favorite challenge for astrophotographers.  With a powerful telescope, NGC 6781 is colorful and striking, as seen below. A view through a backyard-type telescope is not nearly so colorful, but instead shows a slightly greenish-gray blob of light. The planetary nebula NGC 6781 as photographed through one of the telescopes of the European Southern Observatory in Chile. This nebula lies in Aquila and can be spotted with a good backyard-type telescope. ESO   Aquila as a Springboard for Exploration Observers can use Aquila as a jumping-off spot to explore the Milky Way and the many clusters and objects that lie in nearby constellations, such as Sagittarius. The center of our galaxy lies in the direction of Sagittarius and its neighbor Scorpius. Just above Altair lie two tiny little constellations called Delphinus the Dolphin and Sagitta the Arrow. Delphinus is one of those star patterns that looks like its name, a cheery little Dolphin in the starry seas of the Milky Way.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Questions you most wanted to ask about tree planting and need immediately

Questions you most wanted to ask about tree planting and need immediately Planting a tree can have tremendous influences on communities. Tree planting improves our environment. Planting a tree can add to our incomes and decrease energy costs. To plant a tree can enhance our quality of life and improve our health. I cant think of many things that touch us so completely as does planting a tree. My point is, we need trees to be planted! Q: How do you plant a seedling or sapling?A: There are actually two major methods of tree planting. One is planting a tree with an intact root ball. The trees can either be bound by fabric and string or potted in a plastic container. These trees are designed to plant...read more. Q: When is the season for planting trees?A: Bare-root tree planting is done during dormant winter months, most often after December 15th but before March 31st. Q: Do I really need to mulch my new tree?A: New seedlings and saplings need plenty of moisture. Lack of water is the main cause of severe stress to newly planted trees. Mulch is a trees best friend. Q: How do I know I am ready to plant a tree?A: Are you prepared to plant and rear a healthy tree? Take this tree wellness quiz to see just how prepared you are to successfully raise a healthy tree...read more. Q: Where can I buy trees to plant?A: Trees can be purchased in most states at private, industry and government nurseries. You need to check with your state forester for specific sources suited for your planting area...read more. Q: Where can I buy tree planting equipment?A: Before you begin a big planting job you need to purchase the right planting equipment. Using proper equipment correctly will insure proper planting and will be easier on the planter...read more. Q: Where should you plant a seedling or sapling?A:Use common sense when planting a tree. If the tree is expected to grow tall or expand widely give it the room it needs for future growth. Understanding species moisture, light and soil needs is extremely important. Q: What are root balled tree saplings?A:Root balled saplings are usually older than two to three year-old seedlings and are dug from commercial or government nursery plots. They are delivered individually with roots covered by an earth ball enclosing. Q: What are bare-root tree seedlings?A: Bare-root seedlings are usually two to three-year-old trees and lifted from commercial or government nursery beds. They are delivered in bulk with roots covered in only a very moist medium or slurry. Q: How many trees are planted in the United States?A: Hundreds of nurseries in the United States grow over 1.5 billion trees annually, which reforests nearly three million acres. This number represents over six trees.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

CEO of General Electric Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

CEO of General Electric Company - Essay Example As the discussion outlines, people in general impression of Reg Jones was additionally high, as he had been perceived the CEO of the decade and he was highly respected in numerous meetings. Welch must be dependent upon the errand of supplanting a man that a lot of people in the business considered a legend. An alternate real test Welch faced that cant be disregarded is the external environment when he assumed control as CEO. In the meantime he was accused of replacing his successful antecedent, Welch likewise needed to manage a U.S. monetary subsidence. Moreover, there was an expanding measure of competition from a worldwide rivalry that aggravated the issues being confronted by the lazy economy. It would be one thing if Welch was entering his new position under perfect monetary circumstances, yet he was consistently tested with the mission to keep on growing GE with numerous powers conflicting with him. A third element that made Welch's test so difficult related to the multifaceted nature of the association. Under Jones and his concentrate on developing the key arranging procedure, GE had bloomed into a huge association with upwards of nine levels of the progressive system. Welch was quoted saying that they used to go from the CEO to small groups and businesses but due to the multifaceted nature of the organization it became hard for them to continue with the reporting structure. It creates the impression that Jack Welch took care of the numerous difficulties he confronted viably. Obviously, as with best CEO’s, they have to make numerous and regularly difficult decisions. Welch hit the ground running when he was designated CEO and from the earliest starting point, he had an objective of extremely rebuilding the company and keeping in mind the end goal of attaining the desired change was looking for.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

JMC 620 Final Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

JMC 620 Final Exam - Essay Example Set objectives will be measured against achieved results. Some of the evaluation tools that will be used include website hits, number of enquiries and questionnaires. Marketing can at times be so discouraging, it becomes even more daunting if there is no budget for the marketing tasks. Even so, it is possible to market the Kentucky Boat Show and increase the attendance without a budget. Some of the ways I would use include; We would build relationships within the community to help the business and the show gains exposure. The network would include online influencers, we would share their comments with friends and ensure we are discerned in their platforms. The link to our sites will always be included whenever we give comments. Print advertising has had a tremendous comeback in the recent years. It is affordable and always brings value to the investment (Parente, 2006). We are going to use a multi-faceted approach to our visual communication by making the fliers and posters in different ways though conveying the same message. The visual advertisements will be visually captivating and appealing. The posters will attract the eyes and be convincing to the mind. It is in line with recent research that suggests that an attention drawing advertisement with a quick response code draws just as much attention as a well written copy. Higher institutions of learning are rich in skills and creativity. Our plan is to organise a contest for creating fliers and banners of all types with awards for every acknowledged entry. Fliers will be given to customers, employees and sent to shareholders. Banners will then be placed about the business premise and at strategic places in town where there is large human traffic to ensure a large audience is reached. Multiple fliers made in different ways will ensure that the attention of several people is grabbed The effectiveness of this approach is expected to be high. Our method is aimed at grabbing attention

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Leaders in the Local Church Essay Example for Free

Leaders in the Local Church Essay Lay leaders can simply be defined as persons chosen from the congregation by ordained leaders to serve as helpers performing such duties as may be delegated or assigned to them in accordance to their church ordinances. More and more ministers are finding themselves weighed down by the demands of the ministry. They are thus unable to be effective in meeting the changing needs of their flock. This has created a need to have different other people taking off some of the less sensitive responsibilities from the ordained clergies’ hands. The concept of lay leadership is however not just a modern day phenomenon; it is deeply rooted in the Bible. Deuteronomy 1:9-13 gives an account in which Moses appoints leaders to take off from him some of the responsibilities that were threatening to overwhelm him. Similarly in the book of 1 kings 19:19, Elijah acquires an attendant in the person of Elisha to serve as a helper in his duties as a prophet. The Apostle Paul also surrounded himself with spiritual people like Timothy and Titus to mention a few to whom he delegated different duties in his mission to preach the good news to the gentiles. The clearest illustration of the significance of lay leadership is however to be found in the New Testament book of the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 6 form verse 1 onwards. In this account, the Apostles as well as the entire group found it wise to appoint seven Godly men to take over responsibilities that were important but did not warrant the attention of the Apostles. In this paper, different lessons will be gleaned from the above scriptures and many others to help in the understanding of the issue at hand. Church leaders are different from either organizational or political leaders and only leaders who seek Gods grace and lead by the grace of the Almighty will be able to maintain the Satan inflicted jolts that characterize today’s ministry of the word of God. 1 The church is undergoing enormous statistical growth but the same is not being experienced in discipleship. Leadership of the church requires individuals who are able to rise above their individual capacities and seek Gods guidance. Shallow leadership is the reason why the church today is struggling to meet the seemingly insurmountable challenges. 2 The church needs godly leaders who are able to fully submit to Jesus Christ and be in complete communion with the Creator. Leaders, who can be disciple makers, honor God and be able to fulfill His Will. There are times when Gods reassuring gift in leadership is obviated making the leadership journey long, arduous, bumpy and jerky akin to rides across rocky mountains. At times the leadership might seem long, dry and desolate often punctuated with seasons when we feel that our leadership is devoid of Gods assistance. It is these experiences that call for insistence on Gods reassuring grace and guidance. Developing leadership in the church is no mean treat as it not only requires leaders to develop a strong rapport with the creator for their own souls but also for the souls of the followers of Christ. God’s spirit reassures, inspires, instructs and guides leaders in the Church as they take that long arduous journey to sainthood and spiritual maturity as our creator commanded. However, it is not easy to develop leaders in the church without succinctly analyzing the philosophy of spiritual leadership. Through, spiritual instruction, God used criticism of leadership or trials to stimulate spiritual revival or to inspire fresh visionary leadership for the future ministry of the word of God. The Biblical desert trek under the leadership of Moses was such an instance when God used the desolate desert to create new frontiers in leadership. By working through the hands of servant leaders, a new vision is created to circumvent, surmount or wade through the challenges required in developing a spiritual oversight and even in building new teams in the church. 1 ii. Importance of Leadership Development Strategies for Training Leaders in the Local Church. Training leaders in the church is an ongoing process that cannot be done haphazardly. It requires a leadership development strategy that helps in identifying, recruiting and training potential lay leaders in any church. The health, the growth and the success of any church or its local branches is solely dependent on the availability of effective and efficient church leadership program that not only inspires the congregation to spiritual; maturity but also discovers and builds the innate potentials of leadership and service in others. Consistency in training of lay leaders may well determine the level of growth and spiritual well being of entire churches. Humanistic philosophies permeate from our culture and these in turn affect the strategies we use in developing leadership in churches. These humanistic philosophies spread a desire that we should be whoever we want to be. Contrarily, God disdains such attempts and instead calls upon humanity to be as his only begotten Son Christ was. This means that good leadership is not a result of a personal ambition but a Godly desire that can only be achieved when leaders are trained to act as our Creator instructed us to act. That is why good leaders can only be shepherds but not saviors; they can only be leaders but not lords and guides to the congregation but not gods of the people of God. 1 In the book of Acts of the Apostles chapter 6, the process of choosing the seven men was done prayerfully and the chosen men were dependable men filled with the spirit. It is important therefore that the process follow the biblical example. Otherwise, when leadership strategies in the church deviate from the Gods commands and instructions on good leadership and instead focus on improving on human efforts alone, spiritual leaders achieve positions of worldly power but not the grace of God. Strategies for leadership should only train leaders to carry out their spiritual obligations as a reflection of what Christ wanted. It is testament today guidelines for church leadership are being drawn from secular platforms without a succinct review of the Christian authoritative text for standard protocols for servant leadership. Because of this reason church leaders are being removed from a worldly instituted office and recycled in various capacities that are only temporary in nature while ideally spiritual leaders are lifetime learners who are obligated by the scriptures to offer lifetime guidance to the flock. It is only by the grace of the Lord that leaders can be able to learn and consequently act as leaders with a spiritual disposition that is created only by the Holy Spirit. In this stride, spiritual leaders should be confident in God but not exhibit self confidence, they should not only know men but also know God. In making decisions they should seek Gods will and not solely rely on their own human capability in making decisions. In Spiritual leadership by J. Oswald Sanders, spiritual leaders should be able to humble in leadership and not be overly ambitious, they should never seek personal rewards but they should love God and other with all their powers. One who enjoys command, treasures independent leadership and creates his own methods of leadership can only be said to be driven by fleshly ambitions. On the other hand, Godly leaders delight in their obedience to God and follow His instructions while shunning the lusts of the flesh. They do not treasure independence in leadership but tend to depend in God and follow His examples.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Moral Ambiguity of Charlie in The Little Drummer Girl Essays -- Little

Moral Ambiguity of Charlie in The Little Drummer Girl   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In George J. Lennard’s, â€Å"John le Carre† critical assessment of the ending of Little Drummer Girl, he claims that â€Å"Charlie can not continue to act in the theater of the real...she can no longer return to the romantic fluff of Western middle class society.† Charlie’s last line in the novel, the theater of the real, are â€Å"I am dead† (pp.659), which confirms Lennard’s statement. Charlie, an actress, by nature and craft is a coerced into a scheme to infiltrate a terrorist ring, against her convictions. By playing upon Charlie’s insecurities and her need for acceptance, this scheme forms a kind of moral ambiguity and uncertainness inside Charlie. When it ends, her world is shattered, and she becomes â€Å"dead† in a figurative sense.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The theater of the real forces Charlie to give a performance of a lifetime as her own life is at stake. In the beginning Charlie, willing and naive, accepts the script given to her by Joseph. Joseph himself, trains Charlie how to act in this scheme, much like an acting coach trains an inexperienced theatrical student. Along the way, Joseph gives her important pieces of advice such as â€Å"stay with the logic of the fiction...weaken and you will ruin the operation...we’ll repair [any] damage (pp. 468), advice which Charlie does not closely follow. In a world that will be turn upside down for Charlie, Joseph is her one remaining constant.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The people Charlie comes in contact with can be best described as characters or actors in fiction as well. The characters names change almost as frequently as Charlie’s views of her situation. The changing names give way to the belief that the characters, under disguise, can not really be held responsible for their actions as they are in costume. As the novel progresses, Charlie also changes costumes much like a chameleon changes with its environment. When Charlie’s character is the Israelites, she is sympathetic to them; likewise, when she is with the Palestinians, she takes on their beliefs, which in it self creates a chaos and provides substance to the theme of moral ambiguity in le Carre’s novel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Charlie begins her journey into moral ambiguity with the death of Michel, a Palestinian terrorist. Following her script carefully, Charlie infiltrates the terrorist ring, convincing them that she was Michel’s lover. Charli... ... [into the real] is futile† (pp. 600). And so, Charlie enters back into the world of the real changed and alone, even â€Å"dead† because she is unable to ever be the same.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Charlie’s character deals with concerns of terrorism, the persuasive power of love and the moral ambiguity on both sides of the fence. Perhaps her most important discovery is when she realizes the cost of violence to those who preform it. Although Charlie is clearly the protagonist of the novel, she makes an important discover which seems to eliminate the conflict of moral ambiguity: there is good and evil in everyone. This lesson affects Charlie in ways the writers of her script never could have known. Like the writers of a good novel, she has already begun to miss the character she has fallen in love with– herself. Charlie now, neither belongs in the theater of the real no in the real world– she will no longer fit in either as she once did, Making her â€Å"dead† to herself and everyone who once knew her Le Carre leaves us with an image of Charlie preforming works of art in a theater for a real audience. Significantly because Charlieà ¢â‚¬â„¢s ambiguity of herself can best be seen by playing the characters of others.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Solving Prison Overcrowding with Drug Courts

Elizabeth Johnson was a model student. She was characterized by her teachers as hardworking, driven, and goal oriented. After being placed on the honor roll and graduating early from Morris High School in Will County, Illinois, she attended Northern Illinois University to become a lawyer. Within her first year at college, her life derailed. She was caught by the police and arrested for possession of marijuana. Johnson was expecting to be placed in prison but she found herself in a drug court, which assigned her mandatory drug rehabilitation. After graduating from the rehabilitation program, she went back to school at John Marshall Law School, and passed the bar exam. Now, after seven years of completing the drug program, she has not relapsed and works as a District Attorney for Will County. However, stories like Johnson’s aren’t common. For every story like hers, there are hundreds of stories where the drug user would be sent to prison, shattering his or her future (Cain). Our prisons, now host thousands of non-violent drug users. These prisons have high upkeep costs, and have led to overcrowding in some states (United States, Department of Justice). The establishment of drug courts, throughout the nation, would result in less economic costs to America, while still rehabilitating drug users successfully. Currently a large part of the Federal budget goes to the criminal justice system and more specifically in stopping drug abuse. In 2005, the government spent 135. 8 billion dollars stopping substance abuse and addiction (Lyons). This money is spent on creating new rehabilitation programs and testing facilities for drug users to attend. However, drug users attend these programs on a voluntary basis. They are able to join and leave the programs at any time (Lyons). The Federal Government is spending billions on increasing rehabilitation facilities available, but is still sending drug users to prison. The courts still assign prison as sentences for drug users, as opposed to rehabilitation (Vrecko). Now, the Department of Justice needs another $6. 172 billion, on top of their current budget, for the rise in costs of federal prisons (United States, Office of Management and Budget). Our current drug policy is failing to match the Federal Government’s initiative for rehabilitation. The current drug policy and harsh punishments has led to prison overcrowding. The New York Times reported that in California, there has been an increase of 45,000 drug users in prison. This increase has fostered the argument of California’s prisons being overcrowded. California’s prison system is overcrowded with 145% capacity. There has now been a surge of cases to the Supreme Court about the constitutionality of the prisons (Liptak). Much of the problem of prison overcrowding has been linked to drug users. In 2009, the Federal Bureau of Prisons reported that 51. percent of prisoners are in prison for drug related charges. For comparison, in 1995, the number of prisoners for drug related charges was 26. 7 percent. (United States. Department of Justice. ) The number of prisoners has nearly doubled due to harsher drug policies stricter punishments. Like California, many states are dealing with a surge in drug users in prison which has resulted in an increase in upkeep costs. For example, Washington will need to build three new prisons to ensure the constitutionality of their prisons. Peter Aldhous, who earned his PhD from the University of California Berkley, wrote that each prison will cost $250 million to build and an additional $45 million to run each year. Unless Washington changes some of its drug policies, they will likely see a continued rise in the amount of drug users in prison and â€Å"prison upkeep costs†. Moreover, Aldhous expects 4. 1 billion dollars to be spent on new prisons across the nation over the next decade. While this is a long-term cost to states, many states will need new beds and other items for their prisons. In Texas, the prisons will require 17,000 new beds (Lyons). In addition, states will have to hire more prison guards. In the end, the short term cost to the state may be around 1 million dollars (Mergenhagen). As the number of overcrowded prisons rises, drug usage while in prison also increases. Many drug users in prison have the ability to meet their friends and family on visits. During these visits, drugs have been given to the drug user in prison. However, the drugs that are exchanged are drugs that are hard to be traced during urine tests. As a result, inject able drugs, which leave no trace in urine, are the most likely to be exchanged. The drugs are then used in the prison cells where other cellmates may use the drug as well. In a study comprising of 13 prisons, the range of prisoners who used injectable drugs while incarcerated was 16% to 54%. (Lines). When sharing injectable drugs, the prisoners also share the needle. This has disastrous effects on the health of the prisoners. Sharing needles causes an increase likelihood of contracting diseases like HCV, HBV, and HIV (Lines). Another study, which looked at 43 prisons, found that the average HIV/AIDS prevalence is 3%. However, specifically in New York, the prevalence was 12. % (Mergenhagen). Outside of prison, America has a HIV/AIDS prevalence of . 3% (United States. Department of Health and Human Services). Drug users in prison are 10 times more likely to contract HIV/AIDS versus the average population. Finally, the recidivism rate has not fallen with the harsher drug policy. Within two years of being released from prison, 32% of the drug users are incarcerated again for drug charges (Fox). This high recidivism rate furthers the idea that the inmates are not receiving the proper attention in prison to deal with their drug addiction. Drug users are sent to prison typically at a young age similar to Johnson. In prison, they do not receive any â€Å"additional education, job training, or counseling. † They are then released back into society without any new resources to succeed. Instead, they carry a record which impairs them from obtaining jobs, and the psychological problems of being behind bars for an extended period of time (Phlisher). The recidivism rate remaining high, and lack of resources for individuals to succeed points to the need for a new solution rather than prison. â€Å"Drug courts† are the ideal solution. These drug courts are separate from the normal criminal court. Dr. Scott Vrecko, who obtained his PhD from the London School of Economics, claims that drug courts are specifically made for sending drug users to a rehabilitative program. If the judge feels as if the individual would be more successful in a â€Å"rehabilitative program as opposed to prison†, he or she will send the drug user to a program of the judge’s choice. If the drug user fails the program, he or she will be sent to prison. This option gives them the ability to have â€Å"education, job training, and counseling† while in rehab. However, the availability of drug courts is limited to only a few states with Florida being the largest. In these states, they have great success on limiting the toll that prisons bear for drug users. Yet, only 6% of drug users in the nation have access to a drug court (Gorsman). 6% is too small to have any far reaching impact across the nation. Increasing the number of drug courts available to the nation on a federal level would have a strong effect on lowering the cost for prisons and reducing the recidivism rate. The creation of drug courts would have a beneficial economic impact. First, it would lower the percentage of drug users in prison from 51. 4% to around 17% (Berman). This would vastly lower the economic costs of maintaining the prisons. Moreover, it would only cost 1. 2 billion dollars to create drug courts throughout the nation (Gorsman). The proposed 1. 2 billion dollars is a fraction of 135. 8 billion dollars the nation already pays for the creation of rehabilitative programs (Lyons). The rehabilitative programs are already built and running. These drug courts would enforce mandatory attendance to the program. In fact, it would save about 1. million dollars per 200 people per year. (Lyons). The estimated savings would easily cover the costs of creating the drug courts after a few years. Many of the drug users in prison are not there on their first arrest, but their second and third arrest. The largest drawback of the prison system, is its inability to reduce recidivism. However, drug courts have become more effective at reducing recidivism. In one study, the recidivism rate was 4% to 8% after two years of being released from the program (Berman). This number is significantly lower than the 32% recidivism rate for drug users who go to prison (Fox). The most extensive study was done by Brenda Newton-Taylor an M. D. from Stanford. The study involved 432 participants and factored out eight different variables including â€Å"length of drug usage, race, gender, income, and the specific drug used†. They found a recidivism rate at 6% for those who graduated from the rehabilitative program. Furthermore, those that failed the program used drugs less often than before after being released from prison. On average they used drugs about a third as much as they used to. This resulted in the individuals having better jobs and maintaining better lives. The creation of drug courts have been effective in reducing the recidivism rate and lowering the cost on prisons. Many of the present arguments against the establishments of drug courts is related to a theoretical rise in drug users due to a less severe punishment. However, this idea has been empirically disproved. In the certain areas where drug courts are present in America, such as Florida, there has not been a statistically significant increase in the amount of drug usage or drug users (Marlowe). Much of this has been applied to the continued social stigmatization of drugs. Although some states have taken a shift in their drug policy, the stigmatization of drugs still exists. Further, although the mandatory treatment program is not as harsh as prison, it is still not an appealing punishment (Marlowe). The average length to graduate from the program is about 8 months (Newton-Taylor). The time required to graduate still deters individuals from using drugs. If they fail the program, they will be sent to jail which still acts as a deterrent. (Marlowe). The argument of increased drug consumption lacks empirical evidence. The establishment of drug courts throughout the nation would help to solve some of the pressing needs of overcrowding within state prisons and the stagnant recidivism rates. Elizabeth Johnson has been pleading her case to the Illinois state government for the creation of drug courts in every county. Many representatives have joined her support of drug courts, and Illinois has seen large strides in reforming their drug policies. (Cain. ) With many large states such as Florida shifting to drug courts, the push for the federal government to enact the change will undoubtedly follow.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Body Ritual Among the Nacirema Essay

In Horace Miner’s essay on the tribe of Nacirema, it takes little effort to determine that Nacirema is a depiction of a typical American’s health habits. This essay is important for two reasons: It teaches principles about our own culture and it makes us assess the value/downfall of looking at other cultures with an etic approach. Without a doubt, this essay personalizes the study of cultures and its respective peoples. Regarding the view of North American people, Miner clearly thinks we live with a level of vanity. We view the â€Å"human body [as] ugly† and we use â€Å"ritual and ceremony† to avert the unattractive characteristics. It takes extra focus to understand Miner’s terminology. But it becomes clear that he is pontificated on the use of the medical system, including dentists, psychiatrics, and hospitals. As a ritual, we spend extensive time and money on the idealistic notion of being disease-free. It is interesting that from our perspective, we view these efforts as improving the quality of our life. He, as a person looking in on our society, views these efforts as of entire self-interest. It is almost as if he respects more of a communal culture, rather than one of more singularity with some elements of communality. But it definitely makes me think about who is the corrupted one. In the end, he seems impressed by how advanced this particular civilization has become. Without being inside the culture, he appears to have missed how much we rely on each other, and how our cultural teamwork has created the car industry and computer empire—to name only a few. As hinted in the paragraph above, what this essay demonstrated was the uniqueness of looking at a culture from the outside. Inherently, the scientific approach is taken with upmost respect. It is seen as a view without bias. In bench work, this approach is vital. But when studying societies, too many variables can obfuscate the entire interpretation. Minor sees our rituals as defining our sense of truth. To that, he has a great point. We only have to looking introspectively to see how much work we exert toward the valueless—cars, houses, toys, etc. We sometimes do not put enough time in those of more value—family, friends, spiritually. That  is precisely why Minor is so critical. But what Minor misses by not being â€Å"in† our society is that he is inherently â€Å"blinded.† He cannot deduct the subtleties of the society. For example, those with obnoxious behaviors of greed (e.g., Donald Trump) are often shunned. In the end, it takes balance between the emic and etic views to make more accurate judgment of how â€Å"tribes† work. This essay certainly forced me to reflect on my personal rituals. It made me assess how much effort I make toward personal beauty. But it also made me think that we do these rituals for a purpose—to be healthy and to progenate. Thus, I accept these rituals. But now I do them with the full knowledge that they are cultural norms and my choice of doing them seems much less voluntary.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

The Moors essays

The Moors essays The Moors who originated form North Africa were a military culture who started their invasions and attempted dominance in 711 ad. The purpose of the invasion was to bring their religion, politics, and their social standards to other parts of the world. But with this brought pain and suffering to where ever they went especially Spain. They were a group that were persecuted by the Christians and eventually expelled by the monarchy of King Ferdinand V and Queen Isabella who were Catholic. Despite the persecution that the Moors went though they left an ever-lasting impression on the development of the Spanish people as well as the culture. Many of the impacts that the Moors made during their invasion can still be seen today. The history of the Moors is an interesting one. Muslim Arab armies swept North Africa in the 7th century in a militant expedition to convert tribes to Islam. In the Northwestern corner of the continent, they encountered several indigenous peoples, collectively called Berbers. In 711 ad, A Berber-Muslim army under their leader Tariq ibn-Ziyad, crossed the strait of Gibraltar from North Africa into the Iberian Peninsula for a military invasion. They were confronted with Visigothic inhabitants, peoples of Germanic origin who had entered the peninsula via Gaul about 300 years earlier. The Visigoths had a hierarchical system of nobles and small kingdoms, similar to that of feudalism in medieval Europe. The invading Muslim armies destroyed this system and all the kingdoms in the region, and began instituting their own kingdoms. Goderick, the last of the Visigothic Kings of Spain was defeated at the battle of Rio Barbate in about 715. By 719, the forces were supreme from the Atlan tic Coast to the Pyrenees. They attempted to invade France in 732, but were turned back by the forces of Charles Martel, a Frankish ruler who was the grandfather of Charlemagne (Fletcher 1-13). For the first year of rule, the M...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Death as a Theme in Hamlet

Death as a Theme in Hamlet Death permeates Hamlet right from the opening scene of the play, where the ghost of Hamlet’s father introduces the idea of death and its consequences. The ghost represents a disruption to the accepted social order – a theme also reflected in the volatile socio-political state of Denmark and Hamlet’s own indecision. This disorder has been triggered by the unnatural death of Denmarks figurehead, soon followed by a raft of murder, suicide, revenge and accidental deaths. Hamlet is fascinated by death throughout the play. Deeply rooted in his character, this obsession with death is likely a product of his grief. Hamlets Preoccupation With Death Hamlet’s most direct consideration of death comes in Act 4, Scene 3. His almost morbid obsession with the idea is revealed when asked by Claudius where he has hidden Polonius’ body. HAMLETAt supper ... Not where he eats, but where a is eaten. A certain convocation of politic worms are e’en at him. Your worm is your only emperor for diet. We fat all creatures else to fat us, and we fat ourselves for maggots. Your fat king and your lean beggar is but variable service – two dishes, but to one table. That’s the end. Hamlet is describing the life-cycle of human existence. In other words: we eat in life; we are eaten in death.   Death and the Yorick Scene The frailty of human existence haunts Hamlet throughout the play and it’s a theme he returns to in Act 5, Scene 1: the iconic graveyard scene. Holding the skull of Yorick, the court jester who entertained him as a child, Hamlet ponders the brevity and futility of the human condition and the inevitability of death: HAMLETAlas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy; he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? Your gambols? Your songs? Your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar? This sets the scene for Ophelia’s funeral where she too will be returned to the ground. Ophelias Death   Perhaps the most tragic death in Hamlet is one the audience doesnt witness. Ophelias death is reported by Gertrude: Hamlets would-be bride falls from a tree and drowns in a brook. Whether or not her death was a suicide is the subject of much debate among Shakespearean scholars. A sexton suggests as much at her gravesite, to the outrage of Laertes. He and Hamlet then quarrel over who loved Ophelia more, and Gertrude mentions her regret that Hamlet and Ophelia could have been married. Whats perhaps the saddest part of Ophelias death is that Hamlet appeared to drive her to it; had he taken action earlier to avenge his father, perhaps Polonius and she would not have died so tragically. Suicide in Hamlet The idea of suicide also emerges from Hamlet’s preoccupation with death. Although he seems to consider killing himself as an option, he does not act on this idea Similarly, he does not act when he has the opportunity to kill Claudius and avenge the murder of his father in Act 3, Scene 3. Ironically, it is this lack of action on Hamlet’s part that ultimately leads to his death at the end of the play.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Develop a marketing plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Develop a marketing plan - Assignment Example The company also expects to reach more consumers as well as tremendously diverse ideas via social media. Going online is a part of their mission to shift from traditional marketing into digital realm. Nike is American multinational organization that was started in 1957 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. The company designs, develops, manufactures, marketing and sells goods and services such as footwear, equipment, apparel and accessories all over the world. Twenty years down the line, Nike has joined the top companies in the footwear market. This was not as a result on TV advertisement but from positive appraisals by athletes they sponsor (Cendrowski, n.pg). For instance, the company made approximately 919.80 million dollars after Olympic players was seen wearing Nike in 1984 Olympics. The company’s mission is to innovate and inspire athletes in the world every day. Besides maximizing its profits the company also focuses on establishing environments that offer a platform for consumers to contribute into the company. Moreover, the company wants to build strong emotional ties with its consumers. The company’s target market is an active online 17-year-old user who is likely to spend 20% more to buy shoes in comparison to his adult counterparts. This is based on the fact that a significant population of young men has given up television to online communities. The company also targets over 5 million runners and other athletes to use their digital devices in determining their performance (Cendrowski, n.pg). Product strategy: currently Nike offers several apparel, equipment and accessories online such as the Nike+ running sensor, a performance-tracking tool. Nike+ running sensor has enabled over 5 million runners to check their performances. The company plans to include its new sport device, fuel band, which is able to track the energy output of its users (Cendrowski, n.pg). Price strategy: the current prices are either influenced by