How the existence of cheat codes could hurt Johnsons argument about Case Study

How the existence of cheat codes could hurt Johnsons argument about video games - Case Study Example Some of these regions are in dire need of security and other resources that are basic for human existence like food, shelter and clothing. The UN is has presence in most parts of the world with different organizations, within it, having key roles to play in promoting people’s wellbeing and improving security. Though the initial charter does not state that the UN should participate in peace keeping, the organization has been influential in keeping peace, for example, in Eastern Europe and Africa. As such, the UN participates in prevention of recurring wars and any spread of warfare to other areas. Therefore, the United States should take the UN as an asset that enhances development and sustainably. The UN has been influential in promoting peace, sustainability and development in many regions which are vital in the economic and political development of the US and the whole world. The most notable peace keeping missions in which the UN was heavily involved are centered in the Mid dle East. There has been a recurrent eruption of war in the Middle East, which has affected the world’s economy. Many countries in the world are affected by these war eruptions, which is a disadvantage to the development of many economic regions. The Middle East is known to have massive oil deposits. It is explicitly reflected that the management of world’s oil deposits is vital to the world economy. As such, any detrimental effects in these nations will affect the world oil prices and thus increase the cost of production the world over. When there instability in this region the first effect is always reduced oil production followed by increased oil prices. The countries in the Middle East are likely to record unfavorable balance of trade as their exports reduce during war or instability. This is an issue that directly affects the US as it is the single-most largest consumer of oil and related products. Were it not for the UN, the Middle East case would have been much worse than it is today. Similarly, diminished trade between the US and the Middle East countries has a direct impact on the economy of the US. If the wars in the Middle East are to continue for the next decade, the economy of the US will be worst affected. Therefore, the indulgence of the UN should be considered an asset as it strengthens the peaceful coexistence in the region. If these indulgences started after the WWI, there would be peace in this region. The activities of the UN should be enhanced to make the organization have increased positive influence worldwide. In addition to this, the UN has been influential in helping Cyprus. This nation has been adversely affected and the UN has stepped in to solve the situation. 6. Evaluation of the United Nations in the Middle East In the recent times, Syria has experienced unrest which led to the displacement of over 350, 000 refugees. As per the year 2012, Iraq recorded the highest number of refugees coming from the country, others ge tting into the country and many others displaced internally. According to statistics, the number of refugees from Iraq was recorded at 1.4 million while internally displaced persons were recorded at 1.3 million. This is a large number of people that need protection and other humanitarian assistance. The UN has since established its mission in the area to help these persons. According to the UN strategy in 2013, the organization is hosting 148, 000 refugees which are particularly from Syria. The r4ecent financial report states that the UN has used a total of 453,386, 000 USD. The UN has been effective in maintaining peace in the Middle East from its ongoing peace missions. The Middle East is

Sources Of International Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Sources Of International Law - Essay Example 2. Customary law: International customs are the oldest and the original source of international as well as of law in general.3 Article 38 (b) of the statute of international court of justice recognises international custom as evidence of general practice accepted as law. Elements of customary law. i) Long duration: - This is true of a custom in municipal law. However, this requirement is not necessary in international law. Article 38 of the statute of the international court of justice directs the world court to apply international custom as evidence of a general practice accepted as law. Emphasis is not given on a practice being repeated 3.Oppenheim's International Law, note 4 p 25. ii) Uniformity and consistency: The custom should be uniform and consistent. In the asylum case4 the International Court of Justice observed that the rule invoked should be in accordance with a constant and uniform usage practiced by the states in question. Article 38 of the statute of the court, which refers to international custom as evidence of a general practice, accepted as law. In its judgment of 27 June, 1986 in the case concerning Military and paramilitary activities in and against Nicaragua5 while referring occasional violations of the principles of non- intervention the International Court of Justice observed: "It is not to be expected that in the practice of states the application of the rules in question should have been perfect in the sense that states should have refrained, with complete consistence, from the use of force or from intervention in each other's internal affairs. The court does not consider that, for a rule to be established as customary, the corresponding practice must be in absolutely rigorous...Whenever an international court decides an international dispute its first endeavour is to find out whether there is international treaty, the decision of the court is based on that treaty. According to article 2 of the Vienna convention on the law of the Treaties, 1969, "A treaty is an agreement ii) Uniformity and consistency: The custom should be uniform and consistent. In the asylum case4 the International Court of Justice observed that the rule invoked should be in accordance with a constant and uniform usage practiced by the states in question. In its judgment of 27 June, 1986 in the case concerning Military and paramilitary activities in and against Nicaragua5 while referring occasional violations of the principles of non- intervention the International Court of Justice observed: "It is not to be expected that in the practice of states the application of the rules in question should have been perfect in the sense that states should have refrained, with complete consistence, from the use of force or from intervention in each other's internal affairs. The court does not consider that, for a rule to be established as customary, the corresponding practice must be in absolutely rigorous conformity with the rule."6 iv) Opinion juris et necessitates: - According to arti

Analysing Biopower And Agency Linked To Euthanasia Philosophy Essay

Analysing Biopower And Agency Linked To Euthanasia Philosophy Essay Human life can be perceived as a way of being that ensures autonomy upon the physical body. However, state authority, surveillance and law are moderating this individual freedom and moral decision-making. Nowadays, euthanasia remains a highly controversial and sensitive medical and ethical issue. My research and final thesis for the master will focus on the narratives of people, residing in houses for the elderly in Antwerp, Belgium. Emphasis is placed on whether upcoming media interest in euthanasia influences elderly thoughts and decision making regarding assisted suicide. Wishes about end-of-life decisions, opinions of relatives and law interpretations of medical practitioners are being investigated in this study. And finally the way governments authority influences peoples agency in end-of-life decision making. With this paper, I intend to widen my knowledge of two main anthropological topics linked to the subject of euthanasia, namely biopower and agency. Biopolitics concern the political implications of social and biological facts and phenomena, with political choice and action directly afflicting all aspects of human life. Agency, on the other hand, can be seen as an alternative attempt to maintain autonomy in ones own life and death, under the influence of the states disciplining interference. Both forms of power are studied in this paper, and their interrelationship is critically viewed. Keywords: Biopolitics, Agency, Power, Health, Ethics 2. The history of biopower In Foucaults The Birth of Biopolitics (Lectures at the College de France, 1978-1979), an analysis of liberalism and neoliberalism as forms of biopolitics is presented. According to Foucault, biopower can be perceived as a technology of power, intending to manage individuals as a group. This political technology differentiates because of its ability to control populations as a whole, and is thus essential to the development of modern capitalism (Foucault, 2008). This shift from the managing and micro-controlling of individuals to disciplining a population emerged in the eighteenth-century. Even though this seems as an opportunity to gain more natural rights and liberty for individuals, this liberal government no longer limits state power because of the incompatible tension between freedom and security (Foucault, 2008, McSweeney, 2010). As Foucault argued, liberalism concerns the biopolitical. For liberalism promotes an imagined self-governing of life through a certain capture and disc iplining of natural forces of aggression and desire within the framework of a cultural game, governed by civil conventions and instituted laws (Foucault, 2004). In this conception, life is as much of a cultural construct as is law, although the naturalness of life, thought of as innately self-regulating, is always insinuated. Both in economics and in politics, liberalism rejoice in an order that is supposed to emerge naturally from the clash of passions themselves (Milbank, 2008: 2). Rabinow and Rose seek to enlighten the developments in Foucaults concept of biopower, which serves to bring into view a field comprised of more or less rationalized attempts to intervene upon the vital characteristics of human existence (Rabinow, 2006: 196-197). Foucault distinguishes two poles of biopower: the first one focuses on an anatomo-politics of the human body, seeking to maximize its forces and integrate it into efficient systems. The second pole entails biopolitics of the population, focusing on the species body, the body imbued with the mechanisms of life: birth, morbidity, mortality and longevity (Rose, 2007: 53). Thus, according to Rabinow and Rose, we can use the term biopolitics to embrace all the specific strategies and contestations over problematizations of collective human vitality, morbidity and mortality; over the forms of knowledge, regimes of authority and practices of intervention that are desirable, legitimate and efficacious (Rabinow, 2006: 197). In order to clarify the concept of biopower, three elements must be included. The first one comprises one or more truth discourses about the vital character of living human beings, and an array of authorities considered competent to speak that truth. Secondly, the strategies for intervention upon collective existence in the name of life and health, and lastly, modes of subjectification, through which individuals are brought to work on themselves, under certain forms of authority. Biopolitical analyses also explore how poverty, body commodification, and notions of risk and control are lived and shaped by the intersections of state imperatives, local traditions, and the global reach of medicine (Kaufman, 2005: 320). It is been inextricably bound up with the rise of the life sciences, the human sciences and clinical medicine. It has given birth to techniques, technologies, experts, and apparatuses for the care and administration of the life of each and of all, from town planning to heal th services (Rose, 2007: 54). Nevertheless, we need to be untrammeled by obligations to authoritative states and international bureaucracies, as most crimes against humanity are committed by powerful states (Farmer, 2004: 242). 2.1 Criticism Rabinow and Rose are critical of Agamben (1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2005) and Negri (2000), who suggest that contemporary biopower takes the form of a politics that is fundamentally dependent on the domination, exploitation, expropriation and, in some cases, elimination of the vital existence of some or all subjects over whom it is exercised (Rabinow, 2006: 198). The following fallacies in Agamben and Negris work are mentioned. Firstly, their use of biopower as a totalizing term in which biopower serves to secure the dominion of a global form of domination that they term Empire (ibid.: 198). Rabinow and Rose agree that it is necessary to extend the scope of traditional analyses of economic exploitation and geopolitics in order to grasp the way in which the living character of human being is being harnessed by biocapital. However, this expanded concept of biopower leaves little room for analytical work. Therefore, Rabinow and Rose agree that this version of the concept of biopower is an tithetical to that proposed by Foucault because it can describe everything but analyse nothing. Secondly, Agambens view of the Holocaust as the ultimate exemplar of biopower and use of the obscure metaphor of homo sacer. According to Rabinow and Rose: the power to command under threat of death is exercised by States and their surrogates in multiple instances, in micro forms and in geopolitical relations. But this does not demonstrate that this form of power commands backed up by the ultimate threat of death is the guarantee or underpinning principle of all forms of biopower in contemporary liberal societies. Nor is it useful to use this single diagram to analyse every contemporary instance of thanatopolitics (ibid.: 201). And lastly, Agambens interpretation of contemporary biopolitics as the politics of a State modelled on the figure of the Sovereign, and of all forms of biopolitical authority as agents of that Sovereign. Rabinow and Rose believe that this interpretation fails to notice the dependence of sovereign rule on a fine web of customary conventions, reciprocal obligations and the like in a word, a moral economy [] sovereign power is at one and the same time an element in this moral economy and an attempt to master it (ibid.: 200). States can only rule because of the ways in which they manage to connect themselves to the ever-growing apparatuses of knowledge collection and problematization that formed alongside the state apparatus since the 19th century. Furthermore, in the analysis of biopower, Rabinow and Rose focus on three topics that they believe condense some of the biopolitical lines of force active today. The first one embraces race. At one point, the link between biological understandings of distinctions among population groups and their socio-political implications seemed broken and race was crucial as a socio-economic category, a mark of discrimination and a mode of identification that remained extremely salient socially and politically, from the allocation of federal funds to the manifestations of identity politics. However, at the turn of the new century, race is once again re-entering the domain of biological truth, viewed now through a molecular gaze (ibid.: 206). A new molecular deployment of race has emerged seemingly almost inevitably out of genomic thinking. Funding for research in DNA sequence variations has been justified precisely in biopolitical terms, as leading towards and ensuring the equal health of the pop ulation in all or some of its diversity (ibid.: 207). Rabinow and Rose believe that new challenges for critical thinking are raised by the contemporary interplay between political and genomic classifications of race, identity politics, racism, health inequities, and their potential entry into biomedical truth, commercial logics and the routine practices of health care (ibid.: 207). The second topic entails reproduction. Since the 1970s, sexuality and reproduction have become disentangled, and the question of reproduction gets problematized, both nationally and supra-nationally, because of its economic, ecological and political consequences. Reproduction has been made into a biopolitical space in which an array of connections appear between the individual and the collective, the technological and the political, the legal and the ethical (ibid.: 208). According to Rabinow and Rose the economy of contemporary biopolitics operates according to logics of vitality, not mortality: while it has its circuits of exclusion, letting die is not making die (ibid.: 211). They argue that changes are about capitalism and liberalism and not eugenics. And lastly; genomic medicine. Rabinow and Rose narrate how the first biopolitical strategies concerned the management of illness and health and how these provided a model for many other problematizations operating in terms of the division of the normal and the pathological. This model was popular in liberal societies because they establish links between the molecular and the molar, linking the aspiration of the individual to be cured to the management of the health status of the population as a whole (ibid.: 212). Whether or not genomic medicine will lead to the creation of a new regime of biopower depends on both the uncertain outcome of genomic research itself, and on contingencies external to genomics and biomedicine. If the new model of genomic medicine were to succeed, and to be deployed widely, not only in the developed but also in the less developed world, the logics of medicine, and the shape of the biopolitical field, would be altered. New contestations would emerge over acc ess to such technologies and the resources necessary to follow through their implications. Additionally, as the forms of knowledge generated here are those of probability, new ways of calculating risk, understanding the self and organizing health care would undoubtedly emerge (Rabinow, 2006: 214). It is important to see that in this, the political and social implications are shaped more by the political side of biopolitics than the medical side, which is also mentioned by Vaughn (2010). Milbank (2008) is discussing this topic from an alternative point of view. Laws typically proceed from sovereign power granted legitimacy through a general popular consent as mediated by representation. In so far as such a procedure is taken to be normative, it can be seen as embodying a natural law for the origin of legitimate power from the conflicts in human life (Milbank, 2008: 5). To conclude; within the field of biopower, the term biopolitics is used to embrace all the specific strategies and contestations over problematizations of collective human vitality, morbidity and mortality, and can therefore be linked to the implementation of the euthanasia law. It includes a form of power expressed as a control that extends throughout the depths of the consciousnesses and bodies of the population (Rose, 2007: 54). At the end of life, ethnographers have focused their attention in the distinction between the social and biological death of the person and the practical and ethical quandaries created by the late modern ability and desire to authorize and design ones own death, and the ways in which death is spoken, silenced, embraced, staved off, and otherwise patterned (Kaufman, 2005: 319). The policy of euthanasia can thereby be seen as an array of authorities considered competent to judge a humans quality of life. In one sense, to say that the sovereign has a right of life and death means that he can, basically, either have people put to death of let them live, of in any case that life and death are not natural or immediate phenomena which are primal or radical, and which fall outside the field of power. [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] In any case, the lives and death of subjects become rights only as a result of the will of the sovereign (Foucault, 1997: 24). 3. Agency In the previous chapter it has become clear that biopolitics can be perceived as an empowered discipline which reduces humans to mere life and biological statistics and processes. But has a human being no other destiny then to be at the mercy of the puppet master called the state? According to Mahmood (2005), it is quite clear that the idea of freedom and liberty as the political ideal is relatively new in modern history. Nor, for that matter, does the narrative of individual and collective liberty exhaust the desires with which people live in liberal societies? How do we then analyze operations of power that construct different kinds of bodies, knowledges, and subjectivities whose trajectories do not follow the entelechy of libratory politics? It encourages us to conceptualize agency not simple as a synonym for resistance to relations of domination, but as a capacity for action that specific relations of subordination create and enable (Mahmood, 2005, 22). Ortner believes agency and social power are very closely linked. In her article Power and Projects: Reflections on Agency (2006), she agrees with Ahearn that oppositional agency is only one of many forms of agency and that domination and resistance are not irrelevant, but that human emotions, and hence questions of agency, within relations of power and inequality are always complex and contradictory (Ortner, 2006: 137). She also mentions Giddens viewpoint that the concept of action is logically tied to that of power because of its transformative capacity, but that the transformative capacity of agents is only one dimension of how power operates in social systems. Ortner sees agency as part of her theory on serious games. The concept of serious games is grounded in practice theory, because as in practice theory social life in a serious games perspective is seen as something that is actively played, oriented toward culturally constituted goals and projects, and involving both routine practices and intentionalized action (129). However, it moves beyond this in looking at more complex relations, namely power, and more complex dimensions of subjectivity, those involving intentionality and agency. Although agency is considered universal, the agency exercised by different persons is far from uniform and differs enormously in both kind and extent. At the ethnographic level, however, what is at stake is a contrast between the workings of agency within massive power relations. In the most common usage agency can be virtually synonymous with the forms of power people have at their disposal, thereby implying that people in positions of power have a lot of agency. On the other hand, Ortner notes that the dominated too also have certain capacities, and sometimes very significant capacities, to exercise some sort of influence over the ways in which events unfold. Resistance is then also a form of power-agency (ibid.: 144). Thus, Ortner believes that the less powerful seek to nourish and protect by creating or protecting sites on the margins of power. These cultural projects can be simple goals for individuals, related to intention and desire, but many projects are full-blown serious games, involving the intense play of multiply positioned subjects pursuing cultural goals within a matrix of local inequalities and power differentials (ibid.: 144). Agency becomes the pursuit of (cultural) projects, but it is also ordinary life socially organized in terms of culturally constituted projects that infuse life with meaning and purpose. Hence, the agency of projects is not necessarily about domination and resistance; it is more about people having desires that grow out of their own structures of life. Ortner views this as people playing their own serious games in the face of more powerful parties seeking to destruct these. So this is not free agency, as the cultural desires or intentions [] emerge from structur ally defined differences of social categories and differentials of power (ibid.: 145). To Ortner, the point of making the distinction between agency-in-the-sense-of-power and an agency-in-the-sense-of-(the pursuit of) projects is that the first is organized around the axis of domination and resistance, and thus defined to a great extent by the terms of the dominant party, while the second is defined by local logics of the good and the desirable and how to pursue them (ibid.: 145). She considers that the agency which is involved in significant cultural end, is inevitably involving internal power-relations. Consequently, the agency of project intrinsically hinges on the agency of power. 3.1 The free individual? The ultimate purpose of the serious games theory is always to understand the larger forces, formations, and transformations of social life. The way Ortner sees social agents is that they are always involved in, and can never act outside of, the multiplicity of social relations in which they are enmeshed (ibid.: 130). Thus while all social actors have agency, because of their engagement with others in the play of serious games they can never be free agents. This social embeddedness of agents takes two forms; the first one being relations of solidarity among friends and family. The second form involves relations of power, inequality and competition. Ortner emphasizes that agency is never a thing in itself but is always a part of a process of what Giddens calls structuration, the making and remaking of larger social and cultural formations (ibid.: 134). Ortner admits the dangers of overemphasizing agency as this gives precedence to individuals over context and that too much focus on the agency of individuals and/or groups results in a gross oversimplification of the processes involved in history, thereby ignoring both the needs and desires of human beings and the pulse of collective forces and losing sight of the complex, and highly unpredictable, relationship between intentions and outcomes. However, Ortner believes the solution is the framework of practice theory within which neither individuals nor social forces have precedence, but in which nonetheless there is a dynamic, powerful, and sometimes transformative relationship between the practices of real people and the structures of society, culture, and history (ibid.:133). Furthermore, Ortner believes that agency can be said to have two fields of meaning, one being about intentionality and the pursuit of (culturally defined) projects), the other about power, about acting within relations of social inequality, asymmetry, and force (ibid.: 139). However, agency is never merely one or the other. Intentionality refers to a wide range of states, both cognitive and emotional, and at various levels of consciousness, that are directed forward toward some end (ibid.: 134). There exists a continuum between both soft and hard definitions of agency. In soft definitions, intentionality is not taken into account or not seen as being consciously held in the mind. However, what is then the distinction between agency and routine practices? On the other end of the spectrum, and Ortner shares this viewpoint, are those definitions of agency that emphasize the strong role of active intentionality in agency that differentiates agency from routine practices. Pre-modern thought did not conceive of agency solely in terms of individual freedom or else in terms of explicit representative sovereign action leaving a consequent problem of the apparent spontaneous patterning of the unplanned. This was because it did not think of an act as primarily an expression of freedom or as something owned by the individual or the sovereigns will or motivation. Instead, it paid more attention to the fact that every act is always pre-positioned within a relational public realm and in turn cannot avoid in some way modifying that realm, beyond anything that could in principle be consented to by the other, since the full content of any act is unpredictable (Milbank, 2008: 23). In conclusion, Ortner advocates that a distinction should be made between agency as a form of power (agency of power) and agency as a form of intention and desire, as the pursuit of goals and the enactment of projects (agency of projects). While they form two distinct fields of meaning, they are also interrelated as both domination and resistance are always in the service of projects. Thus, agency is a complex term whose senses emerge within semantic and institutional networks that define and make possible particular ways of relation to people, things, and oneself. Yet, intention , which is variously glossed as plan, awareness, willfulness, directedness, or desire is often made to be central to the attribution of agency. Although the various usages of agency have very different implications that do not all hang together, cultural theory tends to reduce them to the metaphysical idea of a conscious agent-subject having both the capacity and the desire to move in a singular historical d irection: that of increasing self-empowerment and decreasing pain (Asad, 2003: 78-79). 4. Conclusion After thoroughly having examined both the subjects of biopower and agency, and following the course Theory and Practice, awareness has grown once again in realizing how much ones been lived. Disciplining of the state interferes in such a wide array of human life; consisting of for example the school system, employment, medicines and ultimately death. It becomes clear that agency, performed in ways we have discussed in class, simply does not exist, because of the dominant and prevailing power of the state. It is not owned by social actors, but interactively negotiated and best seen as a disposition toward the enactment of projects. Despite of this negotiating, individuals never become free agents. This and other research shows that the law and the policy of euthanasia influencing peoples right to determine their own life. Today, most requests for euthanasia to end a life with dignity are denied, because people do not fit into the criteria and the so-called carefully requirements the l aw states. But to what extend do such institutions of power have the moral right to determine and monitor personal decisions of individuals? As Foucault (2003) states: the very essence of the right of life and death is actually the right to kill: it is at the moment when the sovereign can kill that he exercises his right over life. In my opinion people should maintain autonomy over their own life and death, and that the government should not intervene from above into such personal, subjective and fundamental choice. However, apart from the awareness of the fundamental mediation of the state, we remain political animals. In the end, everyone wants to pursuit personal goals in life, and in order to accomplish those, we cannot do much more than just put up with the fate of being obliged well-behaved citizen.

Rochester Business Plan Essay -- essays research papers fc

A Marketing Plan to Retain Rochester’s Youth   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Rochester’s 18-28 year old population has been leaving this city in mass amounts. This is common knowledge, and our plan is targeted towards the target audience in efforts to keep them here for a longer duration of time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We feel that there are several beautiful attractions that make up the Greater Rochester Area of which this target audience is unaware. This marketing plan aims to get this market out into the suburbs and city of Rochester to see the diversity and unique options that our area provides. This will alleviate the negative stigma held by the 18-28 demographic by bringing to their attention the ample business and recreational opportunities available. We seek to build a stronger sense of community through interactions with businesses, local marketing campaigns, and more effective communication with this demographic.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With our creative and influential ideas we intend to retain Rochester’s young adults so that the city will flourish with a new generation of hope. 1. Current Situation  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  page 2 2. Target Audience  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   3 3. SWOT 5 4. Trends  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   6 5. Benchmark Cities  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   7 6. Evidence   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   9  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   7. Marketing Objectives and Goals  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  &... ...nbsp;  $97,470  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  $126,080  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  $146,102 Mass Transit  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  10.50%  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  36.70%  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3.30%  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1.80%  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2.80% Bike/Walk  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  9.00%  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  11.10%  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4.10%  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4.60%  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  5.70% Sunny Days  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  170  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  207  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  171  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  217  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  213 Source: www.bestplaces.net  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Works Cited www.bestplaces.net www.cincinnati.com www.ci.rochester.com www.detnews.com www.dol.gov www.Menshealth.com NYSDOL-http://64.106.160.140:8080/lmi/index.html www.pittsburghlive.com http://www.rbj.net/PDF_Files/AnnualEst.pdf www.retainthebrains.com Mills, James Edward. â€Å"Magnet Aims To Keep Young Professionals In Madison.† Wisconsin State Journal, July 2004. http://www.madison.com

Continuous Deionization and Continuous Electro Deionization Systems. Essay

Continuous Deionization and Continuous Electro Deionization Systems. Our electrodeionization systems remove dissolved inorganics effectively and do not use any chemicals, which translates into cost savings. They require no chemical regeneration, no chemical disposal, no resin disposal, and low energy. These systems could reduce operating costs within your water treatment system, provide a safer workplace and require fewer regulations. The main usage of EDI systems are in electronics, pharmaceutical, power generation, and cooling tower applications. Our water experts can answer any questions or concerns that you may have. How does EDI and CEDI work? Electrodeionization utilizes an electrode to ionize water molecules and separate dissolved ions (impurities) from water. It differs from other water treatment technologies because it does not use chemicals and is usually a pretreatment to reverse osmosis (RO). EDI is a continuous process. The ion exchange resins are being continuously being regenerated by the DC electric field. There is no â€Å"breakthrough† of ions as happens in conventional ion exchange operations, therefore the quality of the water remains at a constant high level of purity. The electric field also provides a bacteriostatic environment inside of the EDI cell, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other organisms. commercial/industrial ion exchange systems and water deionizers. Total water provides ion exchange systems for production of high purity water. Our ion exchange systems utilize water deionization and demineralization to remove undesirable ions and replace them with acceptable ones. These ion exchange systems are used to purify water for laboratory, biotech, pharmaceutical, medical, food and beverage, hydrometallurgical, metals finishing, chemical and petrochemical, ground and potable water, nuclear, softening, industrial water, semiconductor, power and other applications. Our certified ion exchange water experts can address any questions or custom industry applications that you may have. The deionization process uses synthetic ion exchange resin to remove dissolved solids from water by ion attraction and exchange. This synthetic resin is charged with either hydrogen (H*) or hydroxide (OH) ions which causes the resin to release their ions in exchange for the positively charged cations (Mg+2, Ca+2, Na+, etc.) which may be present in the raw feed water supply. Two typed of deionizers are commonly used, mixed bed and separate bed. A  mixed-bed deionizer combines both cation and anion resins in a single vessel. Mixed-bed deionizers can produce very high quality water that approaches the theoretical limits of purity (18.24 megohm-cm resistivity at 25C) and natural ph of 7.0. A separate bed system consists of separate vessels of cation and anion resin. Separate bed deionizers have the economical advantage of 16-40% greater. Custom water demineralization systems for your water needs. Demineralized water (also known as Deionized Water) is water that has had its mineral ions removed. Mineral ions such as cations of sodium, calcium, iron, copper, etc. and anions such as chloride, sulfate, nitrate, etc. are common ions present in water. Deionization is a physical process which uses specially-manufactured ion exchange resins which provides ion exchange site for the replacement of the mineral salts in water with water forming H+ and OH- ions. Because the majority of water impurities are dissolved salts, deionization produces a high purity water that is generally similar to distilled water, and this process is quick and without scale buildup. Demineralized water systems are the main equipment used in the preparation process of high purity water and treatment water. convenient production of high quality water with less capital investment. Unlike permanent-bed deionizers, portable deionized water systems do not require capital investment, chemical handling, waste management or maintenance. Even though they are portable, they can be used for many high purity water applications such as laboratory, dialysis, pharmaceutical and other industrial applications. The systems are more flexible for different applications or flow rates and easier to integrate into treatment systems. Our certified water experts can help determine if a portable DI water system would work for you. How does portable deionization work? It uses ion exchange resin in movable tanks or cylinders. These tanks are typically lined, fiberglass pressure vessels of varying sizes (usually volumes of .25 ft ³ to 3.6 ft ³). Each size will accommodate specific total production capacities and flow rates to fit various situations precisely. Service deionization is a clean and simple way to produce purified water. All of the equipment, regeneration, maintenance and repair is provided by  the service company. The deionizers are installed on your tap water and operate on line pressure to provide ionic contaminant removal. Eventually the ability of the deionizers to remove ionic impurities becomes exhausted and the service exchange company sends a serviceperson to remove the tanks on site and replace them with freshly regenerated units.

Poems by Emily Dickinson: An Overview

However, to most efficiently express her thoughtful yet Judicious mannerisms would be through her choice of words to create an Image. Emily Dickinson uses Dalton (a style and choice of words) and Imagery (a description of a setting or Image) to paint a picture of splendor and stoically. For Instance, In the poem â€Å"Some keep the Sabbath,† when she writes words Like â€Å"Bobolink† Instead of easy terminology like, hem, a bird! Other Interesting words she chooses to use are â€Å"Chorister (a choir singer), â€Å"Dome† (a church roof Sabbath† (Sunday), â€Å"Surplice† (robes for the choir) and â€Å"Sexton† (the person who tolls the bells for a church).Not only are all of these words unorthodox, but they are all capitalized, whereas all the other words not beginning each verse are lower case, as if they are of another allegorical importance. She also shows the reader a halcyon orchard, where the birds sing as beautifully as the church choir , where the songs ring as delicately as the bells. Emily Dickinson uses the same type of diction in â€Å"There is no Frigate. She writes words like â€Å"Coursers† (horses), â€Å"Traverse† (a journey), â€Å"Toll† (she's expressing no cost), and the word â€Å"Frigate† itself (a large boat or vessel).With a new intention and theme of travel, Dickinson uses word choice in yet another didactic poem. And she draws the reader a new purpose to read, a chance to let go, and enter a utopian world, without a penny's cost. Through her diction and imagery, Emily Dickinson personifies majestic beings and animals into humans, and also personifies objects into vessels persons use. With bird and human-like attributes, Emily Dickinson uses personification (the attribution of human characteristics to things) illuminate a pleasant natural setting.As Dickinson says she sees a â€Å"Bobolink,† she personifies it as a â€Å"Chorister,† but the â€Å"Sextonà ¢â‚¬  who â€Å"toll[s] the Bell† is entitled to sing, which is only an action that can be taken by a human or bird. When she notes God, she claims him to be a â€Å"Clergyman† (a Christian minister). She also writes about how she wears her â€Å"Wings† instead of â€Å"Surplice,† which signifies freedom and naturalist views. Emily Dickinson uses personification In â€Å"There Is no Frigate,† nevertheless, in a peculiarly different way.. She turns man's use of vessels and travel Into miscellaneous things through comparison.She compares a â€Å"Frigate† to a book and â€Å"Coursers† to pages of poetry. Progressively, Dickinson becomes more abstract and makes a connection between a â€Å"Chariot† and the human soul. It Is almost as If she Is making negative connotations about ways of travel, compared to the more special things like the Imagination a person uses, the special feeling a person gets room reading a book in the comfor t of his/her own home (which In turn enlightens the human soul). Lastly, Emily uses biblical allusions and references to God in both poems, to slightly tenet elastic themes.According to most Talent, Is Like ten ultimatum. Or the Lord of all that is categorized as objective or subjective. Emily Dickinson uses God variously in her poetry, there are a plethora biblical allusions (references) and Godly references because of her religious background. The fact that she writes about wearing a pair of â€Å"Wings† caught me by surprise.. To be honest, at iris, we thought she meant a bird, but now we are almost positive Dickinson is saying she will become an angel and return to Heaven.Even mentioning â€Å"Heaven,† going to â€Å"Church† on â€Å"Sabbath† and â€Å"God† preaching are all biblical allusions. Unlike her poem â€Å"Some keep the Sabbath,† which is buzzing with all sorts of allusions, we could only find one relevant reference to the bibl e in â€Å"There is no Frigate. † When the Bible was written, the common way of transportation was by â€Å"Chariot. † In the Bible, the king of Canaan owned nine-hundred chariots, Philistines had thirty thousand chariots.. There were even horses designated to carry the chariots, and there were chariots made for war alone.

Writing Comparison and Contrast Essays

Writing Comparison and Contrast Essays Writing Comparison and Contrast Essays Writing Comparison and Contrast Essays Among different kinds of essays you have to write at school, comparison and contrast essays are perhaps the most interesting ones. Writing comparison and contrast essays develops your analytical skills, you can improve your ability to compare and make conclusions. Well, if you are not sure how to write a comparison and contrast essay, you are reading the right article. Starting your comparison and contrast essayTo make a good start of your comparison and contrast essay, make sure you know the basis for comparison. Start with providing some common features, after that find the characteristics which are different, and then make a conclusion. For instance, you do not know how to write a comparison and contrast essay on the Bible. Well, pick out one story which you like. For example, let it be a story about Cain and Abel. As a matter of common features, write that both of them worked very hard. Then, to contrast them, start with giving the infor mation that Cain worked in the field, and Abel was a shepherd. Then, write that Abel was humble and kind, and Cain was envious and mean. Once, both of them decided to make a sacrifice to God. While God accepted Abels gift, Cains sacrifice was neglected. That is why we can make a conclusion that God sees in a persons heart, it is impossible to hide anything from Him.Comparison contrast essay writing secretsWriting comparison and contrast essays, remember that it is important to sound emphatic. Sometimes it is not easy to find points to compare. For example, you may not know how to write a comparison and contrast essay on some modern book. Modern authors often avoid describing their characters as opposites; they want them to look like real people which have both positive and negative traits. This can complicate writing comparison and contrast essays. For instance, how to write a comparison and contrast essay on History? If you have to compare two poques, choose the main points to characterize. They can be the economical situation in the country, the demographical situation, the level of science development. Write some information about education and culture of these periods. Writing comparison and contrast essays on History, it is also important to mention the level of material welfare of people. In conclusion write in which poque peoples life was better. Now we think that you know how to write a comparison and contrast essay and you will easily complete your assignment.

Leading Causes of the American Revolution essays

Leading Causes of the American Revolution essays The American Revolution was by far the most important war in the history of the United States. The war gave the original 13 colonies their freedom from Great Britain and started a new country, the United States of America. Three leading causes of the American Revolution are new Enlightenment ideas, many acts imposed on the colonists, and the formation of the First Continental Congress and the Declaration of Independence. During the 1700's, a new way of thinking came about and it is known as the Enlightenment Period. Enlightenment can be defined as "a philosophical movement in 18th century that fostered the belief that one could reform society by discovering rational laws that govern social behavior and were just as scientific as the laws of physics." A British man by the name of John Locke in 1690 argued that governments were created to protect life, liberty, and property and that people had a right to rebel when a monarch violated those natural rights. This did not correspond with the traditional absolute monarch named by divine authority. In 1762 another writer named Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote that legitimate monarchs depended on the consent of the people and that had to be respected. More of these enlightenment ideas spread through pamphlets, newspapers, books, and many public venues. The colonists living in the 13 colonies had to deal with British Parliament controlling their settlement without representation and many acts were passed along with the Writs of Assistance. The Writs of Assistance angered many colonists because it allowed for British soldiers to search any house at any time without evidence for smuggled items. James Otis, the Kings advocate general, resigned instead of implementing the new policy, and later argued against it in court. He claimed that it threatened the privacy rights of citizens and allowed unreasonable search. Despite losing the case, authorities withdrew the policy. Otis later coined...

Fish Characteristics and Differences From Other Animals

Fish Characteristics and Differences From Other Animals Fish - that word may conjure up a variety of images, from colorful animals swimming peacefully around a reef to brightly-colored fish in an aquarium to something white and flaky on your dinner plate. What is a fish? Here you can learn more about the characteristics of fish, and what sets them apart from other animals. Fish come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes - theres the largest fish, the 60 foot long whale shark, popular seafood fish such as cod and tuna, and completely different-looking animals such as seahorses, sea dragons, and pipefish. In all, about 20,000 species of marine fish have been identified. Anatomy Fish swim by flexing their bodies, forming waves of contractions along their muscles. These waves push water backward and move the fish forward. One of the most notable features of fish are their fins - many fish have a dorsal fin and anal fin (near the tail, on the underside of the fish) that provide stability. They may have one, two or even three dorsal fins. They may also have pectoral and pelvic (ventral) fins to help with propulsion and steering. They also have a caudal fin or tail. Most fish have scales covered with a slimy mucus that helps protect them. They have three main types of scales: Cycloid (roundish, thin and flat), ctenoid (scales that have tiny teeth on their edges),  and ganoid (thick scales that are rhomboid in shape).   Fish have gills for breathing - the fish inhales water through its mouth, which passes over the gills, where hemoglobin in the fishs blood absorbs oxygen. Fish may also have a lateral line system, which detects movement in the water, and a swim bladder, which the fish uses for buoyancy.   Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: Chordata The fishes are divided into two superclasses: Gnathostomata, or vertebrates with jaws, and the Agnatha, or jawless fishes. Jawed fishes: Class Elasmobranchii, the elasmobranchs: Sharks and rays, who have a skeleton made of cartilageClass Actinopterygii, the ray-finned fishes: fish with skeletons made of bone, and spines in their fins (e.g., cod, bass, clownfish/anemonefish, seahorses)Class Holocephali, the chimerasClass Sarcopterygii, the lobe-finned fish, the coelacanth and lungfishes. Jawless fishes: Class Cephalaspidomorphi, the lampreysClass Myxini, the hagfishes Reproduction With thousands of species, reproduction in fish can be remarkably different. Theres the seahorse - the only species in which the male gives birth. And then there are species like cod, in which females release 3-9 million eggs into the water column. And then there are sharks. Some shark species are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Others are viviparous and give birth to live young. Within these live-bearing species, some have placenta-like human babies and others do not. Habitat and Distribution Fish are distributed in a wide variety of habitats, both marine, and freshwater, throughout the world. Fish have even been found as deep as 4.8 miles beneath the ocean surface.

Virtual Hard Drives (VHD) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Virtual Hard Drives (VHD) - Research Paper Example Yet another type is the differencing one, which can be attached to any of the two other types, for increasing the performance of the system. The fixed sized disks do not have to specify for the minimum space required on the computer file system of the host, as it can automatically acquire the required space. On the other hand, dynamically expanding VHDs will take up the required space, according to their need. (Rouse) Virtual Hard Disk drives are the best alternative, when conducting cost-effective operations on computer systems. Using VHD, diverse operating systems can be loaded on the same PC, which allows the host to run different software programs on the same computer, while allowing the software developers to test their programs in a cost-effective manner. During February, 2013 Microsoft purchased the Virtual Hard Disk software from Connectix Virtual PC Software, which was originally responsible for creation of this software. Thereafter, Microsoft renamed this product as Microso ft Virtual PC. (VHD) Virtual Hard disk Formats Apart from the fixed and dynamic formats, as mentioned above, there is another format of VHD called ‘Differencing’ type. Each format can perform different tasks, as they vary in performance. Fixed size VHD The space required by this type of VHD is allocated on the physical Hard disk storage, while creating the VHD. While the fixed size can be increased, in an offline operation, the software does not support reducing the size. The fixed size characteristic of this type ensures optimum efficiency in operation of the system. However, due to the commitment of space allocated, it cannot be used by the physical drive, incase the VHD does not utilize any portion of the given space. Dynamically expanding VHD This file format counters the disadvantage of the fixed type VHD, as the space utilized by dynamically expanding VHD will depend on the actual requirement for the data size that is being written to it. However, ‘on-disk m eta-data’ size will add to this requirement. The file size can vary from as small as 43 KB in a VHD of this type to 20GB. The choices of optimization of performance are available with this type of VHD. However, the performance can be slower, for read or write functions, than the fixed size type VHDs. Differencing VHD This type of VHD can be associated with either of the above two types. While they can implement many additional features to their parent VHD, they also are responsible for prevention of any changes to the parent hard drive. The advantage of using this type is that space taken from physical hard drive can be reclaimed by compacting a differencing VHD.(Ranjana1) Native VHD boot Native boot VHD configuration is available in Windows 7 and Windows server 2008 R2. This allows the user to use the VHD as the computer running operating system without requirement of any parent system or hypervisor. In addition, Native boot provides full access to all the files in the PC sy stem, as the virtual volumes are visible, after the VHD portions are automatically attached to the system. Native VHD boot supports all the tree types of VHDs. However, the system will fail in case the expanding VHD requires more than the space available with the physical host drive. Only BIOS-based and UEFI-based firmware supports Native VHD boot. (Frequently Asked Questions) VHD vs. VHDX Windows Server 2012 has made available another VHD format, called VHDX. It has many advantages. The main

Employment At Will Doctrine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Employment At Will Doctrine - Essay Example Under Employment-at-Will doctrine, the employer has the free will of terminating an employee’s contract term or erasing the employment terms with or without substantial grounds to do so. This is always effective and applicable provided the employee does not belong to any rights movement. The employee lacks the requisite expertise to respond competently to her duties and responsibilities. The organization has tried its best in putting her through further training in order for her to gain enough skills to enable her to do her work yet she cannot perform in a way that fulfills her responsibility. As a manager, the most important decision that is in the best interest of the company is to relieve her of her duties since she has even failed to benefit from the support and training the company has given her. She has failed to comply with the competency of her position.The fact that she knows and understands her rights does not entitle her to be irresponsible to undertake her duties d uly and as required by the policies, rules, and regulations of the company. According to the employment rule and liability, an employee ought to be responsible for her actions and be responsible for the duties she has been assigned. It is important to outline that all employees are flexible to corrections of their mistakes as observed by the management and other employees. As a manager, under the employment-at-will doctrine, I have the responsibility to terminate her employment with or without any reasonable ground to do so.... Employment-at-Will doctrine, the employer has the free will of terminating an employee’s contract term or erasing the employment terms with or without substantial grounds to do so. This is always effective and applicable provided the employee does not belong to any rights movement. In this case, the employee lacks the requisite expertise to respond competently to her duties and responsibilities. The organization has tried its best in putting her through further training in order for her to gain enough skills to enable her to do her work yet she cannot perform in a way that fulfills her responsibility. As a manager the most important decision that is in the best interest of the company is to relieve her of her duties since she has even failed to benefit from the support and training the company has given her. She has failed to comply with the competency of her position and job capacity (Cihon, 2008). Case Two The fact that she knows and understands her rights does not entitle h er to be irresponsible to undertake her duties duly and as required by the policies, rules and regulations of the company. According to the employment rule and liability an employee ought to be responsible for her actions and be responsible for the duties she has been assigned. It is important to outline that all employees are flexible to corrections of their mistakes as observed by the management and other employees (Twomey, 2010). As a manager, under the employment-at-will doctrine I have the responsibility to terminate her employment or contract with or without any reasonable ground to do so. In this case, the employee appears defiant, and threatens the top management with her acknowledgement and awareness of her rights (Twomey, 2010). There is enough ground to prove that the employee has

Strain Theory Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Strain Theory - Thesis Example It is therefore critical that criminology as a social issue is given multidimensional approach that will consider various observed behaviors. The social environment is significant in influencing the behavior and conduct of individuals and this explain crime rate differences across gender. While studying the crime theory, it would be important to highlight such social parameters that influence behavior outcomes in people. In this case strain theory would serve as an important theory to unveil the causes of crime in the society. In various disciplines there are theories that explain a given phenomenon and criminology is not exceptional. Many scholars and researchers have diverse definition of theory but the common denominator is the aggregate application in explain any observed phenomenon in the society. Theory is generally a set of principles that are devised to explain a group of facts. It emphasizes proof of ideas behind principles that have repeatedly been tested and widely accepted as responsible for a given phenomenon. In regard to strain theory, it explains the factors that push an individual to develop criminal behavior in the society (Agnew, 2006). Although each man is born free, the emerging character is shaped by many external environment factors and this serves even crime mind development. Criminological theory plays a central role as far as understanding of crime is concerned. Past research indicates that criminology theory explains the forces behind emotional and psychological transformation t hat shapes a criminal mind. There are incidences across the world where people commit outrageous crimes that one can never imagine of. The mitigation measures towards reoccurrence of such criminal acts require understanding of theory of criminology. Development of theory constitutes critical analysis of a given phenomenon by establishing the variables and their relationship. Such relationship among variables must be taken through a

Personal Impact of Substance Abuse Research Paper

Personal Impact of Substance Abuse - Research Paper Example You came light at night and that is what made your eldest son to bring you over here. You need to see the fact that your kids need you right now. They are also going through the same phase as you are but they are trying to cope with it. They have already lost their mother and they do not want to lose their father as well. If you will go on to take alcohol like this, you won’t only destroy your life but you will also be responsible for snatching away the future of your kids. Instead of being calm and patient with them, you shout at them and indulge in arguments with your loved ones (Wolfenden, 2010). Whenever you drive with alcohol in your body and mind, you are risking your life. You exhaust yourself, you make yourself numb through alcohol and thus you do not have the energy to talk to your kids. It is necessary that you communicate with them. In this way, not only you will feel better but your kids will also feel better. If you will keep on taking alcohol, you will be subjecting yourself to heart diseases (Wolfenden, 2010). Moreover, these habits also lead to high blood pressure which in turn leads to strokes, acute kidney failures and in many sever cases, cancer. When you said that you have tried to stop, but could not, it is because you cannot get rid of this problem in a day. You need medical supervision when you withdraw from this alcohol abuse. The symptoms are direr when you stop taking it after a period of over dose. You will suffer from headache, nausea; increase in the heart beat level, decrease in appetite, tremors, exhaustion and sometimes insomnia (Wolfenden, 2010). But you should not worry because this all is normal when you withdraw from alcohol. After a month or two you start to feel immensely better. You will also be given some medicines to curb the urge of drinking alcohol. These medicines will be temporary and will be stopped after a certain time period. You need to organize your life once again, and I understand that it is easier said

The Armed Forces Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Armed Forces - Essay Example It was a professional field where individuals had the opportunity to save the lives of others without considering the effects that their actions may have on their personal life. Despite of my liking for the armed forces personnel, I never wanted to opt for this career. This was because of my own confused feelings with regard to this profession. Though I did believe that it was a position of authority and dignity to fight for your country in difficult times, I could not analyze the fact that how people could actually consider the lives of others to be more precious than their own lives. But I have understood now that it is with maturity and greater understanding of the world that a person understands the true meaning and essence of many important things in this world. My maternal uncle was working for the army of the United States and had been on the rank of sergeant major. I really looked forward to visiting him and asking him about his experiences. He had gone to many places across the world and his knowledge and experiences were very different from the other people I had ever met. He was not like the other members of my family. There was an air of authority and dignity when he was around. We respected him a lot and I used to enjoy asking him questions about the various occurrences in his life. I always wished to ask him about why he had opted for this profession as he was not home for most of the year. He missed important family events and occasions. I wanted to ask him that was his profession worth all the losses that he was facing. I wanted to know if it was worth the fact that he had not been present on the occasion of the birth of his first child. Despite of my desire, I could never raise these questions in front of him owing to his poise and his love for his profession. Time went by and even if my uncle was not home, they had a happy family. Everyone was really happy when he visited and brought with him gifts and shared his experiences with everyone. Eve ryone looked forward to his arrival and eagerly waited for him. Life is very unpredictable and these happy moments were not meant to last for long. The war in Afghanistan started in 2001 and my uncle was deployed in the country to participate in the war. It was a very sad farewell as the consequences of this war were not known. I had expected my uncle to be sad and reluctant but I was surprised to see that he was very happy and was confident as he always was. When he was about to leave, his daughter asked him if it was necessary to leave. He replied by telling her that he was going to fight for her and for their family. He told her that he was going to fight to make her future secure so that she could lead a happy life and that no one could harm their country and their family. His words had a very deep meaning and I was highly touched. He left to never return again as he lost his life in a suicide attack carried out on the armed forces by the militants in Afghanistan. Though he did not return, but his words left a great impact on me and my life. I realized the reason for his dignity and his confidence at all times. I also understood that he seemed to be different from others because he was not like the other people and his priority was the benefit of others. I did not opt for a career in the military but my thoughts with regard to the armed forces changed. All the questions in my mind were answered. If I would be capable enough, I would

Social Responsibility - Profit and Ethics Essay

Social Responsibility - Profit and Ethics - Essay Example To this end, the notion of resolving business and social responsibility has been regarded as impossible. This notion has been fuelled by personalities such as Friedman who argue that the social responsibility of business lies in the maximization of profits so long as it is within the precincts of the rules of engagement (Friedman, 1970). To this end, Friedman argues that the decision concerning the social responsibility of business should be validated based on agreement with all the affected parties. In this case, Freidman asserts that business managers have an ethical obligation to act in the best interest of their employees and stockholders (Friedman, 1970). Consequently, if businesses managers conduct socially responsible policies, they are acting against the stakeholders’ best interest by forcing them into financing a foreign project. To this effect, it is true to some extent that the mandate of most for-profit companies is to generate maximum profit for their stakeholders . However, this notion is equally a stereotype that implies ethics and profits are untenable in any business set up. On the contrary, companies that solely pursue profits at the expense of profits, eventually collapse in the long term. As a testament to this, Friedman equally contends that profit making by companies should be founded on some ethical restrictions. Consequently, Friedman asserts that in exercising freedom, individual businesses, should take into consideration the harm or involuntary costs that they force on others. To this end, Friedman outlines four restrictions that should govern the pursuit of profit. These include; adherence to ethical norms, avoidance of fraud or deception, adherence to the law, and engagement in open and free competition (Friedman, 1970). Consequently, social responsibility involves the pursuit of profit making interests with due consideration of others freedom. At this juncture, the premise for advancing the notion that ethical responsibilities can be pursued in tandem with profit making is logically relevant. To this end, the foundations of the case involving the dispute between UK dairy farmers and large supermarkets and processors will aid in supporting the thesis. Case Background The background of the case concerning the UK dairy farmers, the retail supermarkets and processors revolves around the price cuts of the milk produce. According to the Guardian News, the prices for farmers’ milk have stagnated over the last 15 years since 1997 (Gray, 2012). This has been despite the fact that animal feeds have doubled in costs. However, the farmers ‘farm gate’ price of milk has been cut from 30p a litre to 25p (Collinson, 2012). To this end, the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers has expressed fears that many farmers will be driven into bankruptcy. The farmers have placed blame on the milk processors such as Dairy Crest, Robert Wiseman and Arla (Gray, 2012). However, the processors on their part bl ame the leading supermarket chains for their cut throat bargaining on the milk price. To this end, the supermarket retailers are blamed for sparking off price wars by manipulating the processors against each other. Consequently, it led to decrease of the milk prices. Financial variables indicated that processors decreased the price of milk to around 25p a litre for the farmers (Gray, 2012).

The Armed Forces Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Armed Forces - Essay Example It was a professional field where individuals had the opportunity to save the lives of others without considering the effects that their actions may have on their personal life. Despite of my liking for the armed forces personnel, I never wanted to opt for this career. This was because of my own confused feelings with regard to this profession. Though I did believe that it was a position of authority and dignity to fight for your country in difficult times, I could not analyze the fact that how people could actually consider the lives of others to be more precious than their own lives. But I have understood now that it is with maturity and greater understanding of the world that a person understands the true meaning and essence of many important things in this world. My maternal uncle was working for the army of the United States and had been on the rank of sergeant major. I really looked forward to visiting him and asking him about his experiences. He had gone to many places across the world and his knowledge and experiences were very different from the other people I had ever met. He was not like the other members of my family. There was an air of authority and dignity when he was around. We respected him a lot and I used to enjoy asking him questions about the various occurrences in his life. I always wished to ask him about why he had opted for this profession as he was not home for most of the year. He missed important family events and occasions. I wanted to ask him that was his profession worth all the losses that he was facing. I wanted to know if it was worth the fact that he had not been present on the occasion of the birth of his first child. Despite of my desire, I could never raise these questions in front of him owing to his poise and his love for his profession. Time went by and even if my uncle was not home, they had a happy family. Everyone was really happy when he visited and brought with him gifts and shared his experiences with everyone. Eve ryone looked forward to his arrival and eagerly waited for him. Life is very unpredictable and these happy moments were not meant to last for long. The war in Afghanistan started in 2001 and my uncle was deployed in the country to participate in the war. It was a very sad farewell as the consequences of this war were not known. I had expected my uncle to be sad and reluctant but I was surprised to see that he was very happy and was confident as he always was. When he was about to leave, his daughter asked him if it was necessary to leave. He replied by telling her that he was going to fight for her and for their family. He told her that he was going to fight to make her future secure so that she could lead a happy life and that no one could harm their country and their family. His words had a very deep meaning and I was highly touched. He left to never return again as he lost his life in a suicide attack carried out on the armed forces by the militants in Afghanistan. Though he did not return, but his words left a great impact on me and my life. I realized the reason for his dignity and his confidence at all times. I also understood that he seemed to be different from others because he was not like the other people and his priority was the benefit of others. I did not opt for a career in the military but my thoughts with regard to the armed forces changed. All the questions in my mind were answered. If I would be capable enough, I would

Value of Philosophy Essay Example for Free

Value of Philosophy Essay In the introductory lecture notes to this course I stated that we would start with a working definition of philosophy as being the â€Å"love of wisdom. † I have found, though, that just about every other definition attempted has many shortcomings. No one definition seems adequate to define what it means to engage in philosophy. Consequently, I think it is best to think of the philosopher in the somewhat imprecise term of a lover of wisdom. Someone who is continually in search of the truth. Though he/she might be ridiculed for pursuing the unobtainable, this search for truth/ knowledge can yield enormous benefits. It provides the tools to critically evaluate the world around us and the information we are given about that world. This ability to critically evaluate ideas is especially important given the role that such knowledge affects and shapes our lives—as we saw in the sections on B. F. Skinner, Positive Freedoms, and the Philosophy of Science. Furthermore, the changes in our society necessitate that we re-examine fundamental questions periodically. For example, advances in medical science have posed new ethical questions. Ethical judgments concerning genetic engineering (engineering certain characteristics into or out of our genetic make-up) calls into question fundamental ideas concerning freedom and individuality. Without some understanding of these subjects how can we frame answers to such questions? Even if we examine these questions, is our approach critical, authentic? Or do we choose to accept the answers given to us by society? Are we not then acting in a kind of Sartrean â€Å"Bad Faith? † How much of our humanity and freedom are we abdicating by not engaging in some kind of philosophical activity? Though we pride ourselves on being â€Å"rational† people, how rational are our thoughts and actions even if they are â€Å"proven? † Or, do we live up to Soren Kierkegaard’s remark in The Journals, â€Å"There are many people who reach their conclusion about life like schoolboys: they cheat their master by copying the answer out of a book without having worked the sum out for themselves. † Many of the great philosophers have attempted to justify and extol the virtues of the study of philosophy. I have put together a series of quotes of what I think are some of the more important passages addressing  philosophy’s role in education and our lives. As you read these quotes, consider whether or not philosophy practiced in this fashion and as it was studied throughout this course can actually lead one to be a lover of wisdom and help us—if not answer—at least understand some of the fundamental questions we have considered. Philosophy’s Role in Education Even the poor student studies and is taught only political economy, while that economy of living which is synonymous with philosophy is not even sincerely professed in our college. . . . Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. They are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which it was already but too easy to arrive at . . .. While civilization has been improving our houses, it has not equally improved the men who are to inhabit them. It has created palaces, but it was not so easy to create noblemen and kings. Henry David Thoureau, Walden It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied. And if the fool, or the pig, are of a different opinion, it is because they only know their own side of the question. John Stuart Mill, â€Å"The Utilitarian Calculus of Pain and Pleasure† You want to know my attitude towards liberal studies. Well, I have no respect for any study whatsoever if its end is the making of money. Such studies are to me unworthy ones. They involve the putting out of skills to hire, and are only of value in so far as they may develop the mind without occupying it for long. Time should be spent on them only so long as ones mental abilities are not up to dealing with higher things. They are our apprenticeship, not our real work. Why liberal studies are so called is  obvious: it is because they are the ones considered worthy of a free man. . . . Why then do we give our sons a liberal education? Not because it can make them morally good but because it prepares the mind for the acquisition of moral values. Just as that grounding in grammar, as they called it in the old days, in which boys are given their elementary schooling, does not teach them the liberal arts but prepares the ground for knowledge of them in due course, so when it comes to character the liberal arts open the way to it rather than carry the personality all the way there . . .. Words need to be sown like seed. No matter how tiny a seed may be, when it lands in the right sort of ground it unfolds its strength and from being minute expands and grows to a massive size. Reason does the same; to the outward eye its dimensions may be insignificant, but with activity it starts developing. Although the words spoken are few, if the mind has taken them in as it should they gather strength and shoot upwards. Yes, precepts have the same features as seeds; they are of compact dimensions and they produce impressive resultsgiven, as I say, the right sort of mind, to grasp at and assimilate them. The mind will then respond by being in its turn creative and will produce a yield exceeding what was put into it. Seneca, Letters from a Stoic Philosophy and the Uncertainty of our Answers to Fundamental Questions The value of philosophy is, in fact, to be sought largely in its very uncertainty. The man who has not tincture of philosophy goes through life imprisoned in the prejudices derived from common sense, from the habitual beliefs of his age or his nation, from convictions which have grown up in his mind without the co-operation or consent of his deliberate reason. To such a man the world tends to become definite, finite, obvious, common objects rouse no questions, and unfamiliar possibilities are contemptuously rejected. As soon as we begin to philosophize, on the contrary, we find . . . that even the most everyday things lead to problems to which only very incomplete answers can be given. Philosophy, though unable to tell us with certainty what is the true answer to the doubts which it raises, is able to suggest many possibilities which enlarge our thoughts and free them from the tyranny of custom. Thus, while diminishing our feeling of certainty as to what things are, it greatly increases our knowledge as to what they may be; it removes the somewhat arrogant dogmatism of those who have never traveled into the region of liberating doubt, and it keeps alive our sense of wonder by showing familiar things in an unfamiliar aspect. Bertrand Russell, The Problems of Philosophy Philosophy, then, is not an empirical study: not the critical examination of what exists or has existed or will exist—this is dealt with by common-sense knowledge and belief, and the methods the natural sciences. Nor is it a kind of formal deduction, as mathematics or logic is. Its subject-matter is to a large degree not items of experience, but the ways in which they are viewed, the permanent or semi-permanent categories in terms of which experience is conceived or classified. . . . These models [categories] often collide; some are rendered inadequate by failing to account for too many aspects of experience, and are in their turn replaced by other models which emphasise what these last have omitted, but in their turn may obscure what the others have rendered clear. The task of philosophy, often a difficult and painful one, is to extricate and bring to light the hidden categories and models in terms of which human beings think (that is, their use of words, images an other symbols), to reveal what is obscure or contradictory in them, to discern the conflicts between them that prevent the construction of mare adequate ways of organizing and describing and explaining experience (for all description as well as explanation involves some model in terms of which the describing and explaining is done); and then, at a still ‘higher’ level, to examine the nature of this activity itself (epistemology, philosophical logic, linguistic analysis), and to bring to light the concealed models that operate in this second-order, philosophical, activity itself. . . . The perennial task of philosophers is to examine whatever seems insusceptible to the methods of he science or everyday observation, for  example, categories, concept, models, ways of thinking or acting, and particularly ways in which they clash with one another, with a view to constructing other, less internally contradictory and (though this can never be fully attained) less pervertible metaphors, images, symbols and systems of categories. it is certainly a reasonable hypothesis that one of the principle causes of confusion, misery and fear is, whatever may be its psychological or social roots, blind adherence to outworn notions, pathological suspicion of any form of critical self-examination, frantic efforts to prevent any degree of rational analysis of what we live by and for. Berlin, â€Å"The Purpose of Philosophy† Philosophy’s purpose is to illuminate the ways our soul has been infected by unsound beliefs, untrained tumultuous desires, and dubious life choices and preferences that are unworthy of us. Self-scrutiny applied with kindness is the main antidote. Besides rooting out the soul’s corruptions, the life of wisdom is also meant to stir us from our lassitude and move use in the direction of an energetic, cheerful life. Epictetus, The Art of Living, 84 Philosophy and the Enlightened Character Who can doubt . . . that life is the gift of the immortal gods, but that living well is the gift of philosophy? . . . They [the Gods] have given no one the present of a knowledge of philosophy, but everyone the means of acquiring it. For if they had made philosophy a blessing given to all and sundry, if we were born in a state of moral enlightenment, wisdom would have been deprived of the best thing about herthat she isnt one of the things which fortune either gives us or doesnt. As things are, there is about wisdom a nobility and magnificence in the fact that she doesnt just fall to a persons lot, that each man owes her to his own efforts, that one doesnt go to anyone other than oneself to find her. What would you have worth looking up to in philosophy if she were handed out free? Seneca, Letters from a Stoic Let no one put off studying philosophy when he is young, nor when old grow weary of its study. For no one is too young or too far past his prime to achieve the health of his soul. The man who alleges that he is not yet ready for philosophy or that the time for it has passed him by, is like the man who says that he is either too young or too old for happiness. Therefore, we should study philosophy both in youth and in old age, so that we, though growing old, may be young in blessings through the pleasant memory of what has been; and when young we may be old as well, because we harbor no fear over what lies ahead. We must, therefore, pursue the things that make for happiness, seeing that when happiness is present, we have everything; but when it is absent, we do everything to possess it. Epicurus, Letter to Menoeceus I tell you . . . let no day pass without discussing goodness and all the other subjects about which you hear me talking and examining both myself and other is really the very best thing that a man can do, and that life without this sort of examination is not worth living . . .. Plato, Socrates Defense (Apology). In other occupations, the reward comes with difficulty after their completion, but in philosophy delight coincides with knowledge. For enjoyment does not come after learning, but learning and enjoyment come together. Epicurus, Vatican Sayings Philosophy, likewise, tells all other occupations: Its not my intention to accept whatever time is left over from you; you shall have, instead, what I reject. Give your whole mind to her. Sit at her side and pay her constant court, and an enormous gap will widen between yourself and other men. Youll end up far in advance of all mankind, and not far behind the gods themselves. Seneca, Letters From A Stoic 3

Youth Drug Abuse In Hong Kong Social Work Essay

Youth Drug Abuse In Hong Kong Social Work Essay Drug abuse is nowadays a more and more urgency youth problem all over the world. As an international commercial city, Hong Kong is exposed to this social problem as well, which bring enormous social and economic cost to individuals, families, communities and the whole society there. It is really an issue which requires the public to pay much attention to. In this paper, the author introduced the contemporary situation of teenager psychoactive drug abuse in Hong Kong (including these young peoples population and age, as well as the tendency, the most often use chemicals and arenas), the negative impacts of drug taking on youths in the context of the timing points in human development. Then, the author utilized a bio-psychosocial model, discussed about the original risk elements conducing youth problematic behavior of drug abuse from three aspects: individual, family, and peers. At last, in terms with these relevant reasons, the author brought forward some suggestions for social worker profession, which may serve as useful strategies in coping with youth drug abuse in Hong Kong. Keywords: young, drug abuse, social work Introduction Literature review Definition Drug Is it a concept too simple to define? In fact, drug contains various components. After long-time being influenced by social-cultural context, it becomes more complicated to clarify. For example, is drug therapeutic, or not, or both? The World Health Organization (WHO) described drug in 1981 as any substance or chemical that alters the structure or functioning of a living being. Rassool went further on this phase in his book Alcohol and Drug Abuse (2001) as: A drug, in the broadest sense, is a chemical substance that has an effect on bodily systems and behavior. This includes a wide range of prescribed drugs and illegal and socially accepted substances. Many methods have been used to categorize drugs. For instance, counting in legal and moral, drug is divided into prescription medicine, illegal or illicit drug, and over-the-counter medication. However, they are often intersectional in actual society. Drug abuse Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, has its public health definitions and medical definitions, all of which express an implication of negative value judgment (Jenkins 1999). In universal meaning, it refers to the taking of drugs without following medical advice or prescription, or the indiscreet use of dangerous drugs for non-treatment purposes. An estimation the UN made tells us there are over 50 million regular drug users all around the world. Though the total number shows a decreasing trend recent years, the age begin to use drug evidently constantly lower. How people take drugs? Existing researches state that Narcotic, Marijuana, Hallucinogen, Cocaine and Amphetamine are all gebraeuchlich drugs, while Cocaine is always reputed as the champagne of drugs and enjoys the greatest appeal for drug users. To further extend oral, smoking, inhalation or sniffing, injecting are the most often routes of drug administration. Drug abuse not only makes impairment on users physical and psychological health, but also brings a host of social and economic problems to the domestic families and the whole community. Furthermore, illicit substance misuse is usually companied with many other deviant behaviors, like alcohol, organized crimes, anti-social activities and so on. It is no surprise at all that drug abuse is a serious social problem now owning to its enormous social and economic cost. Young people Young people, also called young person, youth, shares a communal meaning with teen and teenager, but is different from another purely scientifically-oriented phraseadolescent. In fact, the term youth is ambiguously the time between childhood and adulthood, thus its age boundary line is varied all over the world. In Hong Kong, as a rule, people between 14 to 21 years old are considered as youth. Youth is a predominantly important phrase in human development. Naturally, it is the time that young people: are encountered with dramatic changes in physics, psyche, emotion and social network; commence self-identity forming; urge and begin to seize power on experiencing, adventuring, risk-taking and authority challenging; are particularly possible to be influenced by surroundings on behaviors and lifestyle; are not so close to family and parents as before while attaching importance to peer group membership and peer approval. As far as we can see from below, youths are resourceful, while vulnerable at the same time. Current situation of Youth drug abuse in Hong Kong As stated by the Central Registry of Drug Abuses report in 2008, while the total number of reported drug abusers continually declined, young people below twenty-one years old showed a dramatically-increasing trend: 1002 youths involved in drug abuse in 2002, and then decreased to 2186 in 2004. After that, the number ceaselessly rose to 2894 in 2007. It should be mentioned that the age of lifetime trying of drugs has been dropping apparently (The 2004 Survey of Drug Use among Students, November 2005; Narcotics Division, Security Bureau, HKSAR; Chan, Chu, Wong, Yu, 2005; Chen, et al., 2005; N. W. T. Cheung Cheung, 2005; Ho Liu, 2005; Laidler Pianpiano, 2005; Lam, Weng, Wong, Tse, 2004; Sung, 2001; Youth in Hong Kong Statistical Profile, 2005: report submitted to the Commission On Youth). However, we shouldnt overlook that the real number of youth drug use should be far more. Memo ammonia ketone, which is also called K Tsui, is young peoples most frequently used drug, following is ecstasy and cannabis. Additionally, they often enjoy drugs in their own or friend houses, or public disco/karaoke. All in all, youth drug abuse in Hong Kong is already an alarming matter which should be tackled as soon as possible. It has posed a great threat to the families, the government, and the whole society. Impacts on youths Drug use in teenager group is usually association with physical and psychological morbidity, social disabilities, and presented as a mixture of them. WHOs discovery (2003-04) may offer us a clear angle of view about drug misuse influences on young people: Physical Peri-oral and peri-lesions caused by inhalation or snorting; physical injuries incurred during intoxication; agitation after poly-drug or prolonged use; needle tracks, thrombosis or abscesses owing to intravenous use; withdrawal syndromes; changing in brain structure. Psychological Mood changes (especially depression and anxiety); confusion; personality disorder; depression on withdrawal of simulants; irritability as part of withdrawal syndrome; deliberate self-harm or suicide attempt; psychosis due to drugs effects on neurotransmissions. Social Deteriorating educational performance; family conflict; crime such as petty associated with intoxication, theft to provide funds, dealing as part of more serious association with drug culture. However, many problematic youths preferably evade reporting their drug abusing problem due to two main reasons. Firstly, young people pursue freedom and independence, and resist pressure from legal, family or society on their difficulties with drugs (Milgram Rubin 1992). Moreover, most early drug users do not look themselves as substance reliers so that they do not seek any professional treatments until the problem gets too serious to recover. Latent drug abuse may go further to be a lifelong problem for teenagers. Origin of youth drug abuse In the last half a century, there has been a surge of interest in, and a plethora of studies on substance abuse in youths. Foremost among these are studies on drug abuse. Several theories are in the way to explain the original reasons for youth drug abuse, such as moral theory, disease theory, genetic theory, psychological theories and socio-cultural theories. Integrating all of their conclusions related to the origin of youth drug abuse, it is not a single factor but a combined effect of several risk factors predisposing young people to use illicit drugs, which can be divided into five levels in accordance with bio-psychosocial perspectives: biological determinations, youth psychological development characteristics, interpersonal elements (include family functioning elements and peer influencing elements), community variables, and societal factors. Weiner (1992) made a splendid contribution on clarifying causes of youth drug abuse. He referred to the achievements of Brook with his collaborators (Brook, Nomura, Cohen, 1989; Brook, Whiteman, Gordon, 1983), pointing out that personality, family, and peer determinants are the most closely related factors for teenager substance abuse. On the word of Weiner (1992), one factor exerting a particularly strong influence can be sufficient enough for a young person to become drug-involved, even though the other two factors are minimal. The triad of primary elements-teenagers personal variables, family functioning, and peer relationships-serves as the center of bio-psychosocial model related to young peoples involvement into substance abuse. Thus, we will focus point on these three and go over community and society as well. Personal factors When negative psychological characteristics, personality and personal experiences work together, young individuals will inevitably have ability of resiliency weaken. In other words, they will lack coping skills in case of environmental challenges, and lean to drugs either voluntarily or passively. Psychological characteristics of developing phase As what has been discussed above, youth is such a time people urge to grasp any chance to take adventure, challenge authority and enjoy the pleasure of independence. So, it is understandable that young people consider taking drug as an approach to show recreation, to alleviate boredom, to feel confident, and to be hard (Home Office, 2007). personality It has been demonstrated that lower teenagers self-efficacy, self-esteem and sense of competence are, more stress-vulnerable they are (Cowen et al., 1990). When internal or external difficulties happen, the ones will have more risk to take drugs, get buzz so as to escape from their problems, which winds them into a bigger possibility of indulging psychoactive substance. personal experience Young people who have miserable personal experiences now or in the past are especially vulnerable to problematic drug use. These groups include: truants, those excluded from school, the homeless, those look after by local authorities or in foster care, young offenders, those involved in prostitution, children from families with substance-abusing parents or siblings and young people with conduct or depressive disorders (Lloyd 1998). Family functioning As the primary environment for individuals growth, family shares a powerful and intimate connection to youngsters involvement, exacerbation, and relapse of drug problems. Family calls attention here because it shares a codependent relationship with youth drug problem, which means while addiction affects abusers family, the family are making effect on individuals substance taking at the same time. According to Muisener (1994), four categories of factors related to familys function in teenager drug misuse are: Major family life: changes in family structure, family composition, geography, ethnicity, socioeconomic status Family dynamics: leadership, boundaries, affectivity, communication, and task/goal performance Family dysfunction especially substance-abusing parent(s) Family relationship especially relationships between parents and youths In considering these four, relationship factors are most consisted with the childrens drug using problems (Brook, Arencibia-Mireles, Richter Whiteman, 2001). Parenting practices including low or excessive monitoring, ineffective discipline, and poor communication with children are all imperative variables in youths initiation and maintenance of drug abuse problems (Liddle, Rowe, Dakof Lyke, 1998; McGillicuddy, Rychtarik, Duquette Morsheimer, 2001). Peer relationship In the phase of youth, peer group is able to be as important as youngsters second family, and makes heavy impacts on their values, beliefs, and behaviors through interpersonal relationships with each other. As like family environment, peer relationships also serve as a perpetuating environment for teenagers involvement into substance abuse, mainly by two categories: Peer crisis It is also called as peer shock by Elkind (1984), and can be broken down into three types: the shock of exclusion, the shock of betrayal, and the shock of disillusionment. Substance-abusing peers This peer cluster can be a strong influence in youngsters initial and ongoing usage of chemicals (Oetting Beauvais, 1986). Friends reinforce others drug habit through driving them into this group activity, encouraging them to carry on drug using, and fostering their denial of drug problem (Shilts, 1991). In most cases, peer crisis and abusing peers are interacting with each other. For example, a young man who has been excluded from other friends enjoying psychoactive drugs together will have to pay the price of participation into the shared group activity, so as to maintain the membership in this peer group. Later on, he will suddenly find that he is eliminated by other groups. In order to have sense of belonging, he has no other choices but to stay there and develop into a drug abuser. Additionally, peer influence may become more powerful in situations where a young person lacks support, understanding or affection from parental figures. Community and society As part of youngsters surroundings, communitywhich is composed of schools, community organizations, police departments and criminal justice systems, other local government institutions and servicescan also act as risk factors increasing their likelihood of using psychoactive substances. In a larger scope of the whole society, youth culture and music, social acceptability and the media, may also lead to teenagers initiation and continuation of drug misuse. More direct and special, illicit chemicals are accessibility for youths in Hong Kong society. It is worth mentioning there are extra elements in continued substance use. Rather than by rational decisions, the reasons why people dont cut out taking drugs may be more related to combined factors, such as individuals physiological dependence on psychoactive chemicals, chaotic use, psychological fear of withdrawal symptoms, social exclusions, mental health problems and other environmental elements. Such situation is very common for most drug misusers: they actually have tried to stop taking drugs, but are only able to rationally do this for short periods of time rather than everlasting withdrawal from illegal substances. Strategies for social work on youth drug abuse Basing on information from the Narcotics Division, Security Bureau, HKSAR, the Hong Kong government has taken a number of measures related to youths drug abuse into action. These include law requirement, policy reinforcement, and promotion activities. On the other side, the jointed work of social worker and doctors is another universal type in running drug treatment and rehabilitation programmes in Hong Kong, such as compulsory placement programme, counseling programme and substance abuse clinic. Nevertheless, as new drugs are endlessly brought in, or old drugs are experienced again by a new generation, all the efforts only have a short-term effect on substance abuse among young people, and continued progress in eliminating drug abuse has gradually slowed down as well (Johnston et al., 2008). Social work is such a profession best prepared to deal with social problems and assist disadvantaged groups. In terms with the original reasons of youth drug abuse, social worker may also initially handle this problem from three aspects: individual, family, and peers. Individual Prevention and health education This method is widely conducted by doctors, government, mass-media and community. It is mainly used in drug preventive process and emphasis publicizing knowledge of drugs, consequences of use and promoting antidrug use attitudes to public at large. Social workers bring professional features in this process. For instance, social work may host discussion, experiential activities, and group problem-solving exercises in school, communities, and other public places. Further causes probing Since variety of negative factors are able to bring young people risk for contacting illicit drugs, social workers should try them best to find hidden and real causations, and prevent or healing problematic individual through coping with latent issues first. Individual counseling can be conducted this part. Self-potency enhancing According to Shamai (1994), some personality traits can typify youth in distress, such as impaired self-control, low self-esteem, self-confidence and self-satisfactory, sense of coherence, low level of aspirations and little hope for the future. Empowerment is one of the major measures social work profession utilizes. Setting in substance addicted teenagers, what social workers can do includes to bring youths a positive attitude towards their drug dependence, to help them develop skills against peer influence and pressure, improve self-efficacy and self-control capacity. Cognitive-behavior therapy is considered useful in self-potency enhancing for youth involved in substance abuse, which processes of instruction, demonstration, practice, feedback and reinforcement. Personal and social skills training Individual resources are qualities that enable youth to contend with negative life events and stressful situations (Ben-Sira 1993; Lazarus and Folkman 1984). Social worker may work with organization such as youth centers, communities here. To assist young people, either who have already taken psychoactive chemicals or who have the danger for touching drugs, to gain personal anti-drug skills, social work will teach them how to reduce their anxiety, how to apply generic skills to resist substance-use influences, to establish non-substance-use norms, and so forth. Useful methods include recreational activities, behavioral rehearsal, resistance-skills training, and practice via behavioral homework. In terms with social skills training, communication, use of same age or older peer leaders, vocational training, social and assertive skills, participation in community service projects are all possible methods social workers can make use of. Family According to a recent view of environments role in addiction (Nader and Czoty 2005), owning a less stressful and more privileged environment may help individuals enlarge the protection from addiction or relapse during recovery process. In this way, teenagers original family should be considered as a recovery environment and a focus of treatment. While family recovery and family therapy are widely used in recent years, social workers roles there are mainly releasing risk elements associated to youth drug abuse, and assist families to offer continuum of care and support for problematic young people in drug recovery. Family recovery skills can be categorized into family addiction awareness, family development awareness and strengthening family dynamics, in which social workers can serve as assistances and organizers. Peers In or before the process of giving up drugs, most of these problematic teenagers are usually faced with exclusion from young persons who do not take illicit chemicals. However, to get out of drug abuse, they should complete dual challenges or missions: giving up former young companions, and making new friends with others who do not abuse chemicals. Rather than force youths to get out of old friends, social workers should assist youths to make new friends for his support and social needs. Group work is an effective method here. One is group treatment, which includes chemical awareness group and abstinence support group. Teenagers in recovery get together, share their experiences, thoughts, feelings, and skills to avoid drugs. They can also claim to give up taking chemicals, which is demonstrated an impactful way. About another kind of group work, several addicted young people will be planned to stay with others who dont take drugs. By sharing their experiences and decision to avoid chemicals, the disadvantaged ones will enjoy the chance to make new friends, as well as get support from them, which is extremely important in preventing their doom to relapse in recovery.