History & stories of success Essay

History is shaped by stories of success and failure in foreign policy. What we however fail, as the public, to really perceive is the cause behind the success or failure of an operation. The reason behind either situation lies in the investigative work thousands of agents, analysts and governmental officials conduct. Intelligence is a very essential source of valuable information for the governments who base their actions mainly on these reports. But what happens if the intelligence and analytical work is wrong? What are the possible consequences of conducting a foreign policy operation based on wrong intelligence? Is it possible that intelligence can be in this way intentionally misrepresented to serve the goals of a policy that would otherwise not have been approved of by the public as some conspiracies claim? And what kind of real life intelligence failure events has history known as a direct result of false information? Intelligence failure can have disastrous consequences on large numbers of people and hurt both the image and well-doing of a nation. The most renowned cases of intelligence failure in recent history are the WMD false reports in Iraq, the 9/11 intelligence failure to prevent the event and the famous war of Vietnam whose failure has and continues to brand the American foreign policy as doubtful. Each of these events has had its impacts on the regular lives of millions of people both in the United States and in places as far as Afghanistan and Iraq. And each of these events has lead to the death of thousands of American citizens, soldiers and millions of foreign citizens. Could this have been avoidable if the intelligence did not fail? Intelligence in its broadest definition is information and in the case of politics it means information that sheds light on the field of national security threats. It follows therefore that intelligence gathering is essential to the functioning of any country and in the case of the United States as a world super power, it is critical and existential. But as stated before intelligence failure has damaged the image of the United States in an almost un-repairable manner. The wrong reports about the presence of WMD in Iraq for instance lead to the killing of hundreds of thousands and the destabilization of a region that has become as a result the hotbed of terroristic activity. Failing to gather the intelligence needed to know beforehand about 9/11 and be able to prevent it lead also to the death of thousands of Americans and the invasion of Afghanistan; an action whose consequences is too detailed to go into now. Vietnam is an older case but remains nevertheless interesting to look closely at since the consequences of the intelligence failure in this case lead to the death of millions and a war that went on for twenty five years. It is ironic to reflect on the fact that this started with a wrong report from the intelligence agency, something that has lead the conspiracies to target the United States for creating cheap excuses to invade other countries and thereby damaged it international reputation. The Vietnam War was fought between the communist North Vietnam and the government of South Vietnam that was supported by the USA. The war was a war between capitalism and communism. It was a war between the Soviet Union and the United States. It was a struggle for world wide power between two superpowers engaged in a heated competition that has come to be characterized and termed as the era of the Cold War. The USA declared to have entered the war to prevent communism from taking over the south of Vietnam but historians and political analysts have since then come up with critical arguments on how the war initially started based on wrong intelligence. President Johnson was officially granted permission to attack the Vietcong after the intelligence received about a supposed second attack on U. S naval vessels in the Gulf of Tonkin. The attacks actually never happened and the war was thus based on a false report. The Tonkin incident lead to major US involvement in the region that would continue for another quarter of a century. The intelligence reports were simply misinterpreted. The intercept that apparently proved the second attack was wrongly translated according to recently published records of the account. The Vietnamese word â€Å"military operations† can also mean â€Å"long movement† and what the intercept actually refers to is not a second attack on U. S naval vessels but just the presence of two North Vietnamese patrol boats at a distance. What remains critically confusing in the aftermath of such an explanation is the government’s response to the event. Johnson moved the USA into a war that lasted for years and cost billions of dollars and thousands of American and Vietnamese lives on the foundation of a wrong and unverified intelligence report that has come to be one of the most embarrassing intelligence failures in U. S history. The question is how could this happen? How does intelligence failure occur? Intelligence failures can be categorized into several groups. Overestimation of information is the first case. The exaggeration of a report can lead to wrong conclusions and thus an intelligence failure. This happened in the Tonkin. The opposite case of underestimation of intelligence where the governmental agencies misinterpret the information and therefore give the enemy an opportunity to stay a step ahead is also possible. Over-confidence is the third case. The USA displayed too much confidence in the perfection of its intelligence system and its ability to win the war quickly. Overestimation and over-confidence lead to the disastrous war of Vietnam that could all have been preventable if the intelligence was verified accurately. Intelligence failure can be caused by several factors all affected by the political atmosphere and sentiments regarding the target of the intelligence. Prejudice and fear can obstruct the judgment and bring about an underestimation or overestimation of the enemy’s potential and intentions. This is how intelligence failure occurs and its consequences are the best exemplified in the case of Vietnam, Iraq and 9/11. The results of misinterpreted or missed intelligence can cause a lot of damage to a country and the United States as a world power needs to pay extra attention to the effectiveness of its intelligence regarding the effects a wrong foreign policy move can have on its status and power. References Grier, P. (2008). Declassified study puts Vietnam events in new light. Retrieved July 1,2009, from http://www. csmonitor. com/2008/0109/p04s01-usmi. html Goodman, MA. (2008). Failure of intelligence: the decline and fall of the CIA. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. Reynolds, P. (2004). Long History of intelligence failures. Retrieved July 2, 2009, from http://news. bbc. co. uk/2/hi/middle_east/3883605. stm

Samsung Introduction

Founded Samsung Introduction-2 Important points, 1970’s subsidized, In 1938, Samsung began as a small business trading produce and consumer goods. Almost 70 years later, Samsung has transformed itself into a global powerhouse whose superior products and services now range from semiconductors and LNG ships to fine chemicals and financial services, just to name a few. 1938-1970 Samsung Beginning On March 1, 1938, founding chairman Byung-Chull Lee started a business in Taegu, Korea with 30,000 won (South Korean currency).At first, Mr. Lee's little business was primarily in trade export, selling dried Korean fish, vegetables, and fruit to Manchuria and Beijing. But in just over a decade, SAMSUNG – meaning literally â€Å"three stars† in Korean – would have its own flour mills and confectionery machines, its own manufacturing and sales operations, and ultimately become the roots of the modern global corporation that still bears the same name today. 969-SAMSUNG- Sanyo Electronics established (Renamed SAMSUNG Electro-Mechanics in March 1975 and merged with SAMSUNG Electronics in March 1977) 1969-SAMSUNG Electronics Manufacturing incorporated (Renamed SAMSUNG Electronics in February 1984) 1970-1980 Samsung Industrial Era Throughout the 1970s, SAMSUNG laid the strategic foundations for its future growth by investing in the heavy, chemical, and petrochemical industries.The company's second â€Å"Five-Year Management Plan,† announced in August 1973, targeted these industries and also introduced SAMSUNG to the shipbuilding industry Another burst of growth for SAMSUNG came from the burgeoning home electronics business. SAMSUNG Electronics, already a major manufacturer in the domestic (Korean) market, began to export its products for the first time during this period. Another significant development was SAMSUNG's 1974 acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Korea Semiconductor, further consolidate SAMSUNG Electronics' reign as a leader in semic onductor manufacturing. 980-1990 Entering the global technology marketplace The late 70s and early 80s represented a time of increasing diversification and global growth for Samsung’s core technology businesses. In 1978, SAMSUNG Semiconductor and SAMSUNG Electronics became separate entities as new products were introduced to the global market. SAMSUNG Precision Company (established in 1977) laid the foundation in another high-tech industry – aerospace.Renamed SAMSUNG Aerospace Industries in February 1987 (now known as SAMSUNG Techwin), SAMSUNG has been developing its aerospace capabilities with unprecedented speed ever since. Future plans include the development of future space stations – and even space facilities for the Moon and Mars in the early 21st century. SAMSUNG's increasing focus on technology led to another key development in the mid-80s with the creation of the company's two Research & Development institutes, SAMSUNG Economic Research Institute (S ERI) in 1986.SAMSUNG Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) in 1987. Together, these two pioneering R&D organizations have helped SAMSUNG expand its reach even further into electronics, semiconductors, high polymer chemicals, genetic engineering, optical telecommunications, aerospace and new fields of technology innovation from nanotechnology to advanced network architectures. On November 19, 1987, SAMSUNG's founding Chairman Byung-Chull Lee passed away after almost fifty years at the helm of the company. His son, Kun-Hee Lee succeeded him as the new Chairman.On the 50th anniversary of SAMSUNG's founding in 1988, he announced the â€Å"Second Foundation† of the company, directing SAMSUNG's growth towards becoming a world-class 21st century corporation. For this â€Å"Second Foundation,† SAMSUNG challenged itself to restructure old businesses and enter new ones with the aim of becoming one of the world's top five electronics companies. The merger of SAMSUNG Electro nics and SAMSUNG Semiconductor & Telecommunications was undoubtedly a key strategic moment in the progress towards this goal.For the first time in the group's history, SAMSUNG was now in a position to maximize its technological resources and develop value-added products. 1990-1997 Leaping onto the Global Stage New management Era New Management is more than a mere re-engineering of SAMSUNG but rather an entire revolution dedicated to making world-class products, providing total customer satisfaction, and being a good corporate citizen. In retrospect, New Management was a decisive turning point for SAMSUNG, the moment when the entire company was repositioned on the basis of â€Å"Quality first. During this period, 17 different products – from semiconductors to computer monitors, TFT-LCD screens to color picture tubes – leaped into the ranks of the top five products for global market share in their respective areas. There is no doubt that part of SAMSUNG's success in these areas is due to its rigorous enforcement of quality control at all its plants across the world.? Thanks to the â€Å"Line Stop† system, any employee can shut down the assembly line when inferior products are discovered.Production is simply halted until the problem is solved. SAMSUNG also adheres to the â€Å"Six Sigma† concept of total quality management. 1997-2000 Digital Frontier 1997 was a dark year for nearly all of Korea. That year, nearly all companies in Korea shrank. SAMSUNG was no exception. The company restructured by reducing the number of its affiliated companies to 45, decreasing personnel by almost 50,000, and improving the soundness of its financial structure.Although the news was bleak, SAMSUNG was one of the few companies able to continue growing thanks to its leadership in digital and network technologies, and its steady concentration on electronics, finances, and related services. 2000-Present Pioneering the Digital Age With the start of the s econd millennium, SAMSUNG begins its second century. The digital age has brought revolutionary opportunities and changes to global business. The SAMSUNG Group has responded to these changes and is currently upgrading its business structure, management perspective, and corporate culture to meet global standards.Our commitment of being â€Å"World's Best† has won us the number one global market share for thirteen of our products. We succeeded in achieving the global competitiveness through continually improving our financial structure and profitability, as we examine the structure of our own organization. The quick pace of our development is reflected in our management philosophy â€Å"We will devote our human resources and technology to create superior products and services, thereby contributing to a better global society. â€Å"

Malaysia Race Relation Essay

In my opinion, the state of race relations in Malaysia has been good despite the many political agenda that has been thrown onto us. Yes, there are many instances that we feel like our rights have been denied because of our racial background and certain races are given more preference. I have heard of the 1Malaysia concept, but I think we don’t need to be told to be united. We have come such a long way that it should already be embedded in our hearts and minds that we are united. Unfortunately, you can still see racial discrimination and polarisation. There is still this ethno-centric view that the Malays are the dominant group and their rights must be protected, and non Malays are forever the outsiders. For the concept to succeed, I think the government should stop with the race politics. It’s tiring, really. We grew up with application forms asking us to tick our race. We should stop painting a negative image of the other races, stop thinking about ‘us’ and ‘them’ and focus on ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘Malaysians’. No one should be made uncomfortable in their own home. A dear Chinese friend of mine said to me once, â€Å"I don’t feel patriotic because I am not made to feel like Malaysia is my home, and I don’t feel an affinity to China because I have never lived there. † But even with all this said, I think we have such a high tolerance for our fellow friends of different races. Even though there is ongoing racial tension, we do not take it out on the other races. We do rally for the well being of our own race without offending the others. A great example of our unity would be definitely seen during the festive seasons. Every single open house you go to regardless the festival, Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali or Christmas, it would be mix of every other race coming together. The food prepared are taken into consideration of the other races taboo. In conclusion, I think Malaysians are truly tolerant towards each other. In my generation, I personally think race is no longer a social issue and everyone gets along with every other person regardless the race.

Two different Neighborhoods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Two different Neighborhoods - Essay Example Air Pollution is the existence of chemicals, bio hazard gases (e.g. carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, etc) and other gaseous matter within the earth’s atmosphere. These major cause of air pollution is the emission of chemical, gases, etc into the earth’s atmosphere through various ways e.g. factories emitting dangerous gases into the air, carbon dioxide emission from the motor vehicles which are run on fossil fuel, etc. The emission of gases from motor vehicles releases certain small particles which affect the vascular system of human beings and increases the potential of cardiac diseases amongst them. . A study conducted by Dr. Robert Brook and his colleagues at the University of Michigan highlighted this aspect that the traffic smoke was very dangerous for the cardiovascular system. He analyzed that after the inhalation of these particles, a certain increase in the blood pressure was witnessed, which as a result increased the heart beat those individuals. It has been re ported that tens of thousands of people lose their lives annually owing to air pollution. Air pollution is also judged to be one of the major reasons for Asthma. Recent years have shown a great pattern in which steps are taken to curb the effects of air pollution. Efforts are taken so that those products are used which are environmental friendly e.g.

Plato's The Republic Criticism of Democracy Essay

Plato's The Republic Criticism of Democracy - Essay Example Instead, Plato favored the Republic as the best form of government. His depiction of a Republic was one where it was ruled by the lovers of wisdom and/or the lovers of honor. This is quite contrary to today's belief that democracy is the best and the only fully justifiable political system. Today's concept of democracy has been popularized specifically with the American view of democracy as a government of the people by the people and for the people. As much as it may seem surprising, Plato found inherent flaws in democracy as a political system and as a form of government. More surprising is the fact that although Plato's thoughts may seem to be outdated and ancient, his criticisms of democracy are quite in certain modern democratic societies. Plato's criticism of democracy is hinged on his belief that democracy has the tendency to degenerate into anarchy. This, he believes, is democracy's greatest weakness. Although such a belief may not seem as apparent in today's democratic societies, a deeper analysis of certain democracies today may reveal that there is indeed some truth to Plato's assertions. However, one must not be mistaken in thinking that the flaws of democracy that may be applicable to the modern form of democracy predominant in today's world cannot be changed. These flaws are not fundamental to all democracies today. There are but certain democratic societies that need to alter their political system because of cert ain flaws that are contrary to the fundamental principles of modern democracy. Plato views democracy as the second worst form of government. In his work, The Republic, he points out that the biggest weakness of a democracy is that it can easily lead to anarchy. Moreover, because of its essential features coupled with certain attributes of man, a democracy can lead to tyranny. His rationale behind his dislike for democracy is that democracy tends to lead to excessive freedom. Although Plato believes in the significance and true value of freedom, he asserts that with the form that democracy takes, it is not unlikely for people to exercise excessive freedom. When people have the freedom to do as they please, there is that tendency to lead to anarchy. Democracy is hinged on the ideology that every person has the equal right and equal capacity to lead. However, in Plato's point of view, he sees this as an avenue which may lead to a government that is ruled by individuals in pursuit of personal gains rather than for public good. In The Republic, Plato wrote; ....Is it not the excess and greed of this and the neglect of all other things that revolutionizes this constitution too and prepares the way for the necessity of a dictatorship... ...When a democratic city athirst for liberty gets bad cupbearers for its leaders and is intoxicated by drinking too deep of that unmixed wine, and then, if its so-called governors are not extremely mild and gentle with it and do not dispense the liberty unstintedly, it chastises them and accuses them of being accursed oligarch. In this sense, democracy is indeed highly corruptible. Democracy, viewed from this light, opens gates to demagogues, potential dictators, and can thus lead to tyranny. Before, one judges Plato's view, it must be noted that his conception of democracy is based on what he saw in Athenian democracy. In certain respects, not all of his thoughts and ideas may be applicable to

Addictive Behaviours Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Addictive Behaviours - Research Paper Example To better understand what can be done and what the genetic component to addiction means, we first have to analyse the concept of addiction and then examine how the genetic model compares with several other models which explain addictive behaviour as well as the reality that we have in treating and handling addiction as it dealt by with the courts of law and a morally guided culture. The Concept of Addiction As discussed by Peele et. al. (1998) the basic concept of addiction can be understood as the visible, quantifiable, and often pathological activity of an individual that displays its inability to leave a habit which creates a desire for a physical substance or the engaging in a particular act. This concept was further developed by Compton (2001) who adds that the addictive behaviour may be due to a mental or a physical dependence which is based on a person’s habit. This is certainly an improvement over the common understanding of addiction in which a person is said to be addicted if s/he continues to use a substance despite causing harm to his/her person. When a person is at such a state, the addictive behaviour exhibited by the individual can increase with time. This increase can be represented in several ways which include an increase in the amount or the frequency of using the addictive substance or exhibiting the addictive behaviour.

Global ethical Issues Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Global ethical Issues - Research Paper Example Just war theory is a philosophy which seeks to determine when wars are morally valid to fight and also seeks to establish the principles for waging them. There are two parts of just war theory, â€Å"Jus Ad Bellum† and â€Å"Jus In Bello† (MacKinnon, 2012, pp. 243-244). The first of these tries to establish when causes are just, and the second tries to establish how exactly wars should be fought in a just way. Both of these are extremely important for waging just wars, as â€Å"even if a war were fought for a just cause, with the prospect of achieving more good than harm, as a last resort only, and with the proper intention, it still would not be fully just if it were not conducted justly or in accordance with certain principles or moral guidelines† (MacKinnon, 2012, p244). â€Å"Jus Ad Bellum,† or the right to wage war, seeks to establish when it is morally valid to initiate a war. The simplest possible way of describing this part of just war theory is that unless you have a reason to initiate a war that is itself morally valid, there is no way the war will be morally valid. A few of the common criteria for just wars are â€Å"having just cause, being a last resort, being declared by a proper authority, possessing right intention, having a reasonable chance of success, and the end being proportional to the means used† (Mosely, 2009). If all of these criteria are met, then it may be just to wage a war, although it is worth noting that â€Å"the lack of a strict ethical framework means that the principles themselves are open to broad interpretations† (Mosely, 2009). Regardless of how strictly warring nations follow the Jus Ad Bellum principles, it is clear that they are informed largely by theories of consequentialist moral reasoning. This is the kind of reasoning which is not concerned so much with how something is carried out as it is with why. That is, â€Å"we should only be concerned about our actions in

Marriage in Reformed China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Marriage in Reformed China - Essay Example In China, marriage reform began in 1949. Women’s rights were a personal interest of Mao Zedong's, and a common issue amongst intellectuals. Up until this time arranged or forced marriages, concubinage and the inability to get a divorce influenced the lives of many women. Chairman Mao enacted the New Marriage Law of 1950 which marked a radical change from existing patriarchal Chinese marriage traditions. Through the marriage law of 1950, everybody in China was given freedom to choose his or her partner in marriage. However, meeting potential mates especially in the countryside was not easy, hence low chances of getting a marriage partner (Niida, 2010, p.2). There was limited privacy for courtship and in the villages, flirting or close conversation between unmarried women and men was not allowed. Parents usually proposed or chose matches for their daughters and sons. This was because, even with the new law, marriages were between families rather than just between individuals. So cial classes Social class refers to grouping of people based on their economic status. In China social class was one of determining factors in 1950’s .This is because marriage was taken to be an affair of the two marrying parties and their parents at such a time. Moreover, it was expectation of the society that the two marrying parties came from the same class in terms of social status. In a situation in which the two matches came from different social classes it was expected that the groom’s family was of a higher status as compared to bride’s status. The New Marriage Law, enacted by Mao himself, removed previous restrictions on marriage such as kin prohibitions, in order to further the notion of â€Å"Free-choice Marriage.† Now individuals were free to marry based on their own preference and not the opinion of others, race, social status, occupation or property (Croll, 1981). Furthermore, a significant change was seen in marriages in the1960’s si nce inherited wealth which was a significant figure was eliminated. This occurred because prior to the law, marriages were often a political or financial alignment between two families, designed to further the interests of both. The changes in law meant that people of varied social classes could marry one another. However, was still expected that the groom should be of a higher social class than the bride. Eventually new criteria for the ideal marriage partner were often socially created based on political consciousness, although relationships and marriages were still sometimes formed on other ideas. Zhitong dahoe or a political and ideological agreement became a sought after quality in potential relationships. Many magazines and periodicals of the time began supporting the idea that one’s spouse should share similar political views, attitude towards work, style of life and quality of thinking. Such philosophies paved the way for what anthropologists call heterogamous marriag es between people of varying professions like laborers and educated professionals (Croll, 1981). Marriage choice and the establishment of alliances have been attributed to problems of stratification and socio-economic differentiation in China for years. Anthropologists and social theorists differenciate between closed marriage systems that suggest a spouse be chosen from one or more designated socio-economic categories and open marriage system that allow almost much anything except for incestuous relationships (Watson,

Children's behaviour towards undirected recreational play Research Paper - 1

Children's behaviour towards undirected recreational play - Research Paper Example Some of these common play activities include: hide and seek; peek a boo et cetera. Michael (2009) argues that to children, play tends to be instinctive. According to research conducted by American Association for Physical activity (2012), it illuminates that besides play being fun and exciting, it also facilitates the development of a child’s cognition, and motor skills including imagination, problem solving, creativity and social skills. Perhaps, this explains the notion that children who are playful usually tend to be intelligent and emotionally stable. Gray (2008) points out that one way of categorizing child play is directed and undirected play. Directed play is where play is controlled by adults. Gray (2008) further asserts that this mainly occurs in schools particularly early childhood classes such as Early Years, and primary. The adults engage the children in organized activities where the children have to follow the rules outlined by the adults. Moreover, the objective and focus of play, which is mostly to win in accordance to the stipulated rules, is dictated by the adults. Undirected play, on the other hand, takes place without the supervision of adults. In this play, the children are simply left to create their own forms of play. One common instance is during break time in learning institutions where children are left to play on their own. Several research studies have focused on the impact and importance of play among children. However, it will be prudent to focus on the impact and importance of a specific category of play. This main objective of this research paper, therefore, is to determine children’s behavior towards undirected play. To achieve the above objective, a specific objective will focus on identifying the importance and impact of directed and undirected play among children, as well as the behavioral problems. Gray (2008) focuses his literature work on the value of play. He

Self-awareness and Career Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Self-awareness and Career Management - Essay Example The developments and changes in the job market is changing and the trend is expected to continue this way in the future for instance, need of a wider variety of job dealings, and communication with a wider base of people; broader abilities, greater desire and enthusiasm is required for a successful career development. The self awareness theory: this theory states that when people centre their concentration on themselves, they evaluate and make comparisons of their character and their internal values and standards. People hence become conscious of themselves as aim assessors of themselves (Boniwell 2006). Several emotional states are increased by the concept of self awareness and people may in some cases attempt to run away from this by watching television, taking drugs and/or playing games. I realize that some people get to align their behaviour with the standards and this may have a negative impact on them if they do not meet these standards. I believe that the self awareness will help me to discover my inner standards inspiration and energy to work hard and achieve my goals. The business environment today in experiencing very dynamic changes as companies are expanding, restructuring, merging, de-merging, making new acquisitions and getting globalize (Boniwell 2006). Other aspects of the government and private institutions have also been affected this factors. The job market is exciting and showing a lot of demands as well as competition. I will carry out frequent personal review since these presenting conditions make career development very complicated. I have learnt a lot of theoretical approach to dealing with these conditions from studying this course. The important techniques I have obtained have helped me a lot to develop self concept which means am more self aware and discovering my true inners self in terms of weaknesses and strengths (Boniwell 2006). Before undertaking this module I did not actually get to understand the direction I was to take, the specific career to choose or what to target in future for future developments. I only believed that I would luckily land on a job, get rich and be happy; by making me to think about what I like doing and what makes me happy in life, my inspiration, and my strengths, I feel like am in a better position to explore my potential and to know how to use it in the future developments (Inkson 2006) Knowledge is expressed as power and this is a precise when referring to some people. This also applies to the way we understand ourselves. Psychologists have referred to this as a paradox. The first paradox is the imagination that people have. This can be enlightened by analysing them as they have no boundaries. When a person is imagining, he/she can do anything in his/her thoughts including flying, climbing to the highest mountain and win very great event (Boniwell 2006) However the reality is different and people's lives are restricted by boundaries like the law, inability, beliefs among others. The second paradox is the human spirit, this is the source of inspiration to most f the human activities, motivation and the reason people can overcome their frailties (Brown & Hesketh 2004). I have discovered that the human spirit is very important in realizing self awareness as it provides us with the desire

The State Children's Health Insurance Program Essay

The State Children's Health Insurance Program - Essay Example Before the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was enacted, Medicare and Medicaid was the only available, federally funded health insurance program offered by the government. Medicare was specifically designed to help the aged, the retirees, the survivors, and the disabled among others, pay for health care services like: inpatient hospitalization, home health care, hospice care, physician consult, outpatient hospital, prescription drugs, and the like (Klees, Wolfe, & Curtis, 2010). Medicaid, on the other hand, is the biggest source of government funding that covers medical, and other health-related services for the poorest people in the United States (Klees, Wolfe, & Curtis, 2010). However, Medicaid does not provide for all poor people; it covers only those who qualify for the inclusion criteria set by the legislators (Klees, Wolfe, & Curtis, 2010). The State Children’s Health Insurance Policy was established in 1997 to afford health care services to unins ured, low-income children; who were not eligible for Medicaid (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], 1997).

Cal by Bernard Mac Laverty - Critical Evaluation Essay Example for Free

Cal by Bernard Mac Laverty Critical Evaluation Essay Cal is a romantic-tragedy novel written by the Irish author, Bernard Mac Laverty. It is a fiction story about a young man living in Northern Ireland during the troubles of the 1970s. The writer conveys a number of significant themes through skilful writing and the novels plot, such as guilt, hypocrisy and bigotry. In this essay, I will be focusing on the themes of the story, the purpose of why the novel was written and the authors use of imagery to enhance his writing. The events of this story take place in Northern Ireland in the 1970s. During the period of time in which this story is set in, Northern Ireland was going through what we would now refer to as being The Troubles. This was a period of conflict involving republican and loyalist paramilitary organisations and included conflicts and violence. Cal is about a young adult named Cal who is living in Northeren Ireland at this time. He is a Catholic living in a Protestant area with his father, Shamie. This leads to him being the victom of many bigotry driven attacks, such as his house being burnt down and to him being insulted on his own street. He starts to fall in love with a woman named Marcella, which, from the very beginning, is a doomed relationship. This is because a year earlier Cal was reluctantly involved in the murder of a Protestant policeman, who was, in fact, Marcellas husband. Cal becomes closer and closer to Marcella as the novel goes on, and you find out more about the murder as the plot develops. He then lands himself a job at Mrs. Mortons farm, the mother of Marcellas husband, Robert. This brings him even closer to Marcella and they start to have a relationship with each other. This relationship becomes even more intense when Cal is offered to stay in Mrs. Mortons outhouse (as his house had been burnt down). He is then arrested at the end of the novel, for the murder of Robert. The ending of the story was very skilfully done. Near the end of the story, Mac Laverty builds up massive tension through certain events in the plot. It is then all concluded in a small, yet effective, paragraph. It tells us enough information to feel satifsfied, yet wanting to know more. It leaves key questions in the readers mind such as whether he deserved it or not and what will be his fate. I believe that the plot is a very important aspect of the story as it develops the mood and atmosphere and it is the events which take place which allow the themes to be conveyed. All the characters in Cal have complicated lifes. Most of them have good and bad sides and are all affected in different ways by the troubles. Cal is nineteen years old. He lives with his father and he is a Catholic. He is caught up with the IRA (Irish Republican Party) and takes part in a number of crimes which he does not want to be part of. After he joined, he had to do what they asked, such as when Cal thinks of the things the IRA do: They shoot deserters even deserters who protested that they had never joined in the first place. This quotation shows that Cal is scared of Crilly and Skeffington (members of the IRA) and that he is in danger. It also shows that Cal never wanted to take part in the violence making it sound stupid that they would shoot him. This whole section shows that Cal is vunerable. The writer makes out that Robert is a hard working loving man throughout the story. For example, when Marcella is telling Cal about her husband: He was so plausible one of those people that everybody likes in company. This quote shows that Robert was popular and was a worthy man, and there is also evidence showing that he was witty and intelligent. However, we later find out that he was not all what he was meant to have been, as Marcella confesses to Cal: He told lies, Cal. All the time. About his affairs I know he had two or three at least about his drinking and the money he spent This is an example of how the characters have both good and bad characteristics. Despite this, Marcella still loved him and was distraught when he was murdered. This also makes the characters more realistic, which lets the reader relate to the different characters in Cal. It also creates the question of who was too blame for The Troubles which relates to the theme and purpose of the novel, which I will be discussing later in this essay. All of the characters are affected by the troubles as well, as most of their problems are due to that situation. For example, if it was not for the troubles, then Cal would not have been involved with the IRA and Robert wouldnt have been murdered, taking problems out of all of the characters lives. All of the characters features reflect the themes, such as Cals characteristic of being vunerable, leading to his self loathing and guilt. There are many themes in the novel Cal. One of these themes that I will be focusing on is the theme of hypocrisy. Hypocrisy means the pretence of possessing virtues, beliefs or qualities that one does not really have, especially in matters of religion or morality. One way in which the author displays this theme is via specific characters, such as Crilly. Crilly is part of a gang who are fighting for independence from Great Britain. For example, when Skeffington is talking about Crilly: There are not many aspects of our culture which interests Mr Crilly. But hes a useful man. This quote shows that Crilly does not care about Irish independence and culture but is only in the gang as he likes the thrill of violence. It also shows that the IRA are not offended about his beliefs but just want him to help with their struggle. This shows them being hypocritical as they kill people who do not believe or reject their views, but someone who does not care about Irish independence can help with the violence. Another way in which hypocrisy is showing is through thoughts of characters and their dialogue. This is taking from a part where Dunlop (Cals Protestant employer) is talking to Cal about the situation in Northern Ireland: Would you do the same to the Loyalist prisoners every time a Catholic was murdered? Dunlop thinks that for any Protestant policeman who is murdered by a Catholic, two Catholics should be shot. This quotes shows that Dunlop is a hypocrite as he would shoot two Catholics every time a Protestant policeman was murdered but not if it was the other way around. This also shows that Dunlop is a bigot, which ties in with my next theme, bigotry. A bigot is a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to their own religion, or opinion. Bigotry is the main cause of fear and violence in the story. One night, Cal and his father receive a note stating: GET OUT YOU FENYAN SCUM OR WELL BURN YOU OUT. THIS IS YOUR 2ND WARNING, THERE WILL BE NO OTHER UVF This clearly diplays pure bigotry. Cal and his father are being threatened to leave their home of many years, just because of their religion. This quote also shows how ignorant the UVF are, as they have spelt fenyan wrongly. This leads to Cal and his father being fearful, for example: Shamie was putting the gun beneath his pillow and climbing into bed This shows that Cals father has to keep a weapon underneath his pillow as there is a constant threat of violence. Another theme which has been cleverly developed is the theme of guilt. Cal feels guilty about his involvement in the killing of Robert, which leads to his self-loathing. At the start of the novel, the writer makes this very obvious: Merde. Crotte de chein. Merderer. Cal hates himself so much, that he makes up words to describe himself. The word merderer has a possible two meanings; it shows that he is guilty and secondly it shows his self loathing. As he becomes more and more involved with Marcella, his guilt increases: Now that he felt safe from the world outside he was being attacked from within his own head This quote is taken from the section where he is living and working with Marcella. It shows that guilt is eating him up and is destroying him and his life. The author also uses writing techniques to convey the theme of guilt: It was as if idleness had allowed dirt to accumulate on his [Cal] soul, to clog his mind, and work moved him through it untouched Mac Laverty uses this metaphor to show how Cal was brooding over Mortons death and his involvement. It also shows that he thinks that he deserves to go to hell for what he has done. When Marcella tells Cal about what Robert was really like, it complicates his guilt as he now knows that Robert sometimes brought misery to Marcella, and maybe it was good that Robert was murdered. All of these themes show the writers purpose in writing. He shows bad and good sides to both Protestant and Catholic organisations, leading to us to wonder which is the good side in the novel. The story also shows us how difficult and violent Northern Ireland was at that time in history, and how deeply everybody was affected. To an extent, the way the author writes also shows aspects of him being a bit ashamed of his country, due to the negative details and feelings he writes about. Mac Laverty uses a range of techniques to create the mood and atmosphere in the novel. One of these techniques, is his use of imagery. The story starts with this mood with the author describing the scenes taking place in an abattoir: It was immediately winched up by one of the hind shanks and its throat cut The author uses a lot of violence and blood imagery at the start of the novel to set the tone of the book. Other evidence which shows this use of evidence is that there are a lot of deaths and murders mentioned in the novel. An example of this is when Cal and his father are watching the news and the author describes the events that had happened, which were mainly murders and violence, in a way which seemed to be normal. Death permeates the novel as does religion. There are often references to the Bible and to religious symbols throughout the novel. Symbolism is another technique that Mac Laverty uses. There is also symbolism to certain fairytales, such as when Marcella is talking to Cal about her daughter, Lucy: Lucys favourite story at the minute is Repunzel This is significant as Marcella feels like she is trapped because she tries to do the right thing. The plot has been structured in a sophisticated way. The story has two climaxes: one in the middle and the other at the end. The first one occurs when the writer tells you about the death of Robert. This is significant as there is a huge tension built up before you find out. The author does this via short clues which are spread out throughout the novel and short sentences. The second climax is done in a similar way, but the paragraph in which it concludes, is quick and snappy and tells of only the most significant point, which is Cal being arrested. The dialogue of the novel is very realistic. The author does this by using Irish forms of slang, such as da instead of dad, and explicit language. The writer also uses great techniques to enhance his writing: His sin clawed at him, demanding attention The writer personifies the idea of the sin, describing the feeling of it clawing, to give the idea of Cals guilt and how is is destroying him and is eating him up. The verb clawing is associated with violence and adds to the imagery that the author uses to enhance his novel and to create the atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cal. It made me realise how lives can be ruined due to situations which do not even involve them. The themes of the novel also made me more aware about some peoples views and how they can sometimes be full of violence and hatred. It showed me what life was like in Ireland in those days and how we have to try to avoid anything so destructive from happening again.

Mental health nursing exam

Mental health nursing exam Phil Maude and Alistair Ross Question 1. (6 marks) Search for the Victorian MH Act on the web and define the following terms 1.1. Approved Mental Health Service The Mental Health Act (1986) defined an approved mental health service as a service or premises which either proclaimed to be an approved mental health service under section 94 or declared to be one under section 94A as a place where treatment can be provided to patients under the Act. For example, the psychiatric in-patient units of public hospitals are typically proclaimed as approved mental health services. 1.2. Community Treatment Order Community treatment order (CTO) is an order made by an authorised psychiatrist for a person having mental illness and under involuntary treatment order while not detained in an approved mental health services. However, this order does not affect patients in approved mental health services or a prisoner having mental illness (Mental Health Act, 1986). 1.3. Community Visitor The Mental Health Act of 1986 stated that community visitors of each region are whom appointed by councils governor under recommendation directly from the minister. 1.4. Involuntary Patient Mental Health Act (1986) specified a patient being subject to an involuntary, community or hospital transfer treatment order as an involuntary patient. This particular patient is also influenced by some conditions under section 12 and section 93 of the Act. 1.5. Mental Illness Mental illness refers to a person who is medically and mentally ill with significant disturbance of thought, perception, cognition, mood or memory (Mental Health Act, 1986). 1.6 Mental Health Review Board Mental Health Review Board is the Board established under theMental Health Act to conduct reviews of, and hear appeals by, involuntarily treated psychiatric patients either as inpatients or on community treatment orders (Mental Health At, 1986). Question 2. (5 marks) Using your reading of the Victorian MH Act explain the involuntary admission process for a person who is suspected to have a mental illness. Ensure you mention the correct forms that will be required The involuntary admission process for a person suspected having a mental illness is detailed with the following steps: Admission and detention for an involuntary patient can only occur in a public funded approved psychiatric hospital. This patient may be admitted or detained according to the Mental Health Act only if he or she presents or appears with psychological illness and need immediate treatment that can be achieved by admission to and detention in an approved mental health service. Additionally, in order to improve or prevent a deterioration in physical or medical conditions of that patient and protect the public members, the patient may be admitted to an approved mental health service to receive adequate and appropriate treatment rather than stay in less restrictive of that persons freedom and action. The person needs to be referred to a registered medical practitioner by himself or herself, family, relatives, health professional officers, police personnel or others related to the referral. Medical practitioner satisfies that person meets the criteria for involuntary treatment which is under section 8(1) of the Mental Health Act 1986. Otherwise, he will either provide the service or refer the examined patient to other mental health or health services. A request form must be completed by the person, who is over the ages of 18 years, making request for the admission and a recommendation signed by registered medical practitioner following patients examination made not more than three days prior to the admission of that patient. The request and recommendation cannot be signed by the same person making the recommendation. Consequently, the patient who is subject to an involuntary treatment order is taken to an approved mental health service by police officers, ambulance, any person authorised by the person making the request or arrangement admission made by that approved mental health services. At the approved mental health service, the registered medical practitioner who is employed by this health service or mental health practitioner must make an involuntary treatment order under section 12AA(2) and necessarily detain patient for his or her own safety according to section 12AA(4) of the Victorian Mental Health Act 1986. The registered medical practitioner can possibly release the person from detention to await examination by the authorised psychiatric if they suspected the criteria in section 8(1) of the Act and consulted with the authorised psychiatric involving section 12AA(5). Then, authorised psychiatrist will examine the person as soon as after the registrar making the involuntary treatment order or within 24 hours following the order to confirm the involuntary admission (Mental Health Act, 1986, s. 12AC). If the consultant is whether satisfied with the criteria under section 8(1) or not, he or she will either discharge the person from the order or confirm the involu ntary treatment order. In addition, the authorised psychiatrist confirm the involuntary treatment order under subsection 2(b), the CTO can be placed on the person under section 14 (Mental Health Act, 1986, s. 12AC). Question 3. (5 marks) Thinking about the forms and roles and responsibilities of people who may be associated with an involuntary admission of a person under the MH Act, what roles could the following people have and what forms would they be able to complete 3.1. Carer of a family member who has a mental illness The Mental Health Act (1986) suggested that a carer has the authority to make a request to a registered medical practitioner for admitting an involuntary patient. He or she has the responsibility to take or authorizes any person, for example a community nurse, either taking the person to an approved mental health service or arranging for one to admit the person. The carer is able to complete the â€Å"Request for Person to Receive Involuntary Treatment from an Approved Mental Health Service† form under schedule 1prespribed by the Mental Health Regulations 1998 to the registered medical practitioner employed by an approved mental health service or a mental health practitioner. 3.2. Community Mental Health Nurse In case of the registered medical practitioner is unavailable for a reasonable period of time for making the recommendation, the person may be taken to an approved mental health service for examination after being assessed by an mental health nurse who must complete an â€Å"Authority to transport without recommendation† form under schedule 3 of the Mental Health Regulations 1998 (Mental Health Act, 1986). 3.3. General Practitioner The general practitioner has the responsibility to make a recommendation in a prescribe form which is â€Å"Recommendation for a person to receive involuntary treatment form a approved mental health services† form following a the persons examination (Mental health Act, 1986, s. 9) (Victoria Government, 2009) 3.4. Registrar Registrar who is a medical practitioner employed by an approved mental health service is responsible for assessing the person according to the request and recommendation. He or she has to make the involuntary treatment order under section 12AA(2) and detain patient for safetry issue according to section 12AA(4) of the Victorian Mental Health Act 1986. The registrar may release that person to await for the psychiatrists examination if they suspect the criteria in section 8(1) of the Act applying to the person and consulted with the authorised psychiatrist involving section 12AA(5) (Mental Health Act, 1986, s. 12). The registrar has the authority o complete the following forms: Schedule 4 Form 1 Restraint for the purposes of safely transporting a person to an approved mental health service† Schedule 4 Form 2 Sedation for the purposes of safely transporting a person to an approved mental health service Schedule 6 Involuntary treatment order. (Victoria Government, 2009, Schedules section) 3.5. Consultant A consultant means a authorised psychiatrist who should examine the person as soon as after the registrar making the involuntary treatment order or within 24 hours following the order to confirm the involuntary admission (Mental Health Act, 1986, s. 12AC). If the consultant is whether satisfied with the criteria under section 8(1) or not, he or she will either discharge the person from the order or confirm the involuntary treatment order. In addition, the authorised psychiatrist confirm the involuntary treatment order under subsection 2(b), the CTO can be placed on the person under section 14 (Mental Health Act, 1986, s. 12AC). Under the power of the Mental Health Act 1986 section 12AD, the authorised psychiatrist may give written consent on behalf of the involuntary patient if this patient refuses to necessary treatment or unable to consent to the treatment for his or her mental disorders. The authorised psychiatrist has the authority o complete the following forms: MHA1 Examination of involuntary patient by authorised psychiatrist MHA3 Examination of security / involuntary / forensic patient by authorised psychiatrist MHA4 Treatment plan MHA6 Community treatment order MHA16 Discharge from involuntary patient status. (Victoria Government, 2009, Mental Health Act Forms section). Question 4. (4 marks) Once a person has been received under the MH Act under what circumstances can an emergency registrar administer sedation? If the emergency registrar believe that it is essential to sedate the person in order to take him or her to the approved mental health service safely. The emergency registrar is also able to direct an authorised person to administer sedative medications to the patient. In addition, they must specify the particulars required by the prescribed form and deal with this form according to the regulations (Mental Health Act, 1986, s.10). Question 5. (2 marks) A patient must be seen by a Psychiatrist to confirm admission as an involuntary patient. Once a patient is received what time frame must be observed for the Psychiatric review? The authorised psychiatrist should examine the patient as soon as the involuntary treatment order is made by a medical practitioner employed by the approved mental health service or within 24 hours following the order (Mental Health Act, 1986, s.12AC). Therefore, the patient should be observed in that time frame until he or she being seen by the authorised psychiatrist. Question 6. (4 marks) (section 15 ) If a person is discharged from the inpatient unit on a Community Treatment Order, what restrictions can be placed on the patient? If the authorised psychiatrist considers that it is appropriate and for the good and wellness of patient, the psychiatrist can discharge him or her from the approved mental health service on CTO. The person who had the community treatment order upon is influenced during the duration of the order which is not over 12 months. The person has to stay where it is specified by the order for the treatment. The order sets out the term that a person must accept therapy and medication, conselling, management, rehabilitation and other related health services while living in the coummity. The person is provided compulsory care authorised by the CTO. In case of the person breaches the CTO by not complying with the conditions, the person may be taken to a mental health service and given appropriate treatment and care (New South Wales Government, 2007, what is a community treatment order (CTO)? section). Question 7. (4 marks) How often must a Community Treatment Order be reviewed and what is the maximum length of time a Community Treatment Order can be imposed? At least once a month, the supervising psychiatrist or a medical practitioner such as general practitioner will visit you to decide whether the order should continue or not. If the psychiatrist, at the end of three months period, can extend the order for another three months (Government of Western Australia, 2005, what will happen while I am on the order? section). A CTO can be made for period of up to 12 months and ends on the date stated on the order and if no date is stated, it will expire 12 months after the order was made (New South Wales Government, 2007, when does a CTO come to an end?). Question 8. (5 marks) What is a Special Warrant and what powers does this provide? Special Warrant apply where a member of the police force or any other person has reasonable ground to believe a person who appears mentally ill is unable to care for him or herself due to mental illness. In this case, â€Å"the member of police force or that other person may give information oath to a magistrate† (Mental Health Act, 1986, 11, para. 5) and seek a special warrant. Under section 12 of The Mental Act (1986), a police forces member who accompanied by a registered medical practitioner is authorised and directed by the magistrate in the form of a special warrant in the prescribed form to visit and examine the person. Additionally, police personnel who act under special warrant with assistance as required have authority to legally enter any premise and use such force as necessary so that the registered medical practitioner can examine that person (Mental Heal Act, 1986, 12). Question 9. (5 marks) (No need to cite references for these answers) True or False 9.1. A patient can be detained in a Private Psychiatric Hospital bed as an involuntary patient False. A patient who is under involuntary treatment order can only be detained in a public funded approved psychiatric hospital. 9.2. The Victorian Mental Health Act makes provision for voluntary patients False. Admission of voluntary patients has been deleted by the amendment of 1995. As a result, they are treated as other voluntary patients and need consent to all treatments provided. 9.3. Any patients can be given Electro Convulsive Therapy against their consent. False.Written consent needed from the patients to perform electro convulsive therapy. 9.4. Any one who commits violent acts in the Emergency Room can be restrained True. A person doing harm to him or herself ,patients, staffs other surrounding people in the emergency room will be restrained for safety issue. 9.5. An involuntary patient who refuses required surgical treatment can have this imposed upon them by the Psychiatrist False. For major medical or surgical procedures, the psychiatrist needs consent from the Guardian and Administration Board. 9.6. Lobotomy is legal in Victoria. True. In Australia, psychosurgery is performed by a select group of neurosurgeons. In Victoria, each individual operation must receive the consent of a Review Board before it may proceed. 9.7. Patients who have difficulty with budgeting can have their accounts taken over by the Guardianship board False. The Guardianship board appoint another person who is managing patients account. 9.8. Patients can not be kept in seclusion for more than 15 minutes False. For the purpose of safety and treatment, the patient can be restrained until he or she settle down. 9.9. The Psychiatrist must send a report of all seclusion that has occurred within a 12 month period to the Chief Psychiatrists Office. False.The psychiatrist has to send a report each month. 9.10. Electroconvulsive therapy is to a course of not more than 6 treatments given over a period with not more than 7 days elapsing between any 2 treatments True. It is what described in electroconvulsive therapy. Question 10. (10 marks) List 10 of the reasons why a person is not to be considered to have a mental illness and write a brief paragraph explaining why this is for each of these 10 reasons As stated in the Victorian Mental Health Act 1986 under section 8(2), a person is not considered to have mental illness due to the following reasons: â€Å"The person expresses or refuses or fails to express a particular political opinion or belief† (Section 8(2)). In Victoria, the law inhibits discrimination against people because of their actual or assumed political beliefs. (Victorian Equal Opportunity Human Rights Commission, 2007, para. 1) â€Å"The person expresses or refuses or fails to express a particular religious opinion or belief† (Section 8(2)). Freedom of religion and belief is a basic human rights which is protected by a number of international treaties and declarations that include article 18(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Australian Human Rights Comission, What is the freedom of religion and belief? section, para. 1) â€Å"The person expresses or refuses or fails to express a particular sexual reference or sexual orientation† (Section 8(2)). In 1973, because the influence of empirical data and changes in social norms along with the development of a political active gay community in the United States, the Board of Directors of the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality form the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The empirical evidence and professionals norm do not support that homosexuality is a form of mental illness. (Gregory, 2009, Removal from the DSM section, para. 1) â€Å"The person engages in or refuses or fails to engage in a particular political activity† (Section 8(2)). Political activity refer to a whether a person participate or refuse to take part in a lawful political activity (Victorian Equal Opportunity Human Rights Commission, 2007, What does ‘political beliefs and activities mean? section, para. 1). â€Å"The person engages in or refuses or fails to engage in a particular religious activity† (Section 8(2)). In a major research of Cruz et al. (2010), in the United States, many people use activity as a form of coping with life stresses. Over half of American population ranked the religions importance very high in their lives, attent religious activities regularly and pray daily. â€Å"The person engages in immoral conduct† (Section 8(2)). As an example, incest is defined as any sexuality between closely related people usually within an immediate family, which is either illegal or social taboo (Incest, 2009, Definition section, para. 1) â€Å"The person engages in illegal conduct† (Section 8(2)). Criminality is â€Å"specifically not a medical or psychiatric term, diagnosis, illness, or syndrome. The term refers to a pattern of human behavior or a specific act violating a law† (Menaster, 2008, introduction section, para. 1). â€Å"The person is intellectual disable† (Section 8(2)). Intellectual disability is a developmental disorder which affect almost one per cent of the population, where people have significantly more difficulty than others in understanding concepts and solving problems. It is not a mental illness (Government of South Australia, p.1) â€Å"The person takes drugs or alcohol† (Section 8(2)). Alcohol usually refers to drinks such as beer, wine, or spirits containing ethyl alcohol a substance that can cause drunkenness and changes in consciousness, mood, and emotions. Its effects lead to so many accidents, injuries, diseases, and disruptions in the family life of everyday Australians (Australia Government, para. 1). However, alcohol abuse should be consider mental illness. â€Å"The person has an antisocial personality† (Section 8(2)). The person expresses anti-social behaviour includes abusive or noisy neighbors, littering and graffiti (Directgov, para. 1) Question 11. (10 marks) An involuntary patient is found dead in a seclusion room by you? What is a reportable death and what are the responsibilities of the registered nurse? Coroners Act (2008) defined reportable death is a particular category of death which is investigated by a coroner according to the Act and it is considered reportable if it meets one the following criteria: The body, the death or the cause of death of the person is founded in Victoria. The person ordinarily stayed in Victoria when death occurs with unnatural, unexpected and resulted from a direct or indirect injury or accident. The death happen during or after following a medical procedure and this was not expected by the registered medical practitioner before the procedures operation. The identity of the death person is not known. The medical practitioner himself or herself has not signed or not likely to sign a death certificate. Death occurred outsite Victoria and the cause is not certified. The death of a person influenced under the Mental Health Act 1986 or under controlled, cared or custody of the Secretary to the Deparment of Justice or a member of the police force. Death of person who is subject to non-custodial supervision order under section 26 of the Crimes (Mental Impairment and unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 (Coroners Act, 2008). In the context of a patient found is death in a seclusion room, registered nurses division 1 or division 3 (Division 2 nurses are excluded) can ‘verify death since the law do not inhibit them for taking this role. ‘Verify death means competently undertake a clinical assessment of the death body to establish death has occurred (Victoria Government, 2009, p. 1). As guideline in Victoria Government (2004), the dead body should be disturbed as little as possible and the nurse is to inform the authorised psychiatrist and next of kin or carer of the death. The States Coroners Office is mean to be contacted for all reportable deaths occurred under the Coroner Act 1985. After copying the clinical record, the registered nurse is able to send the original or any other materials requested to the Coroner. The nursing staffs involved should provide appropriate and adequate support and debriefing to people affected by the death such as family, friends, staffs and those who have witnessed the death (Victoria Government, 2004, procedure to be followed in the event of a reportable death, para. 5). In case of patient died because of violence or suicide, chef psychiatrist needs to be notified on the day of the death and staff involve in the death should conduct a clinical review of the persons treatment and management (Victoria Government, 2004, procedure to be followed in the event of a reportable death, para. 6-9). Question 12. (10 marks) List the Axis contained within the DSM-IV (TR) and provide details of the focus of each including an example of a diagnosis that might be found on each of the Axis. Axis I Clinical Disorders Other Conditions That May Be a Focus of clinical Attention American Psychiatric Association (APA) of 2000 stated that Axis I focus on all the conditions and various disorders included in the Classification except for mental retardation and personality disorders. An example of this is schizophrenia. Axis II Personality Disorders Mental Retardation In a study by APA (2000), Axis II reports personality disorders and mental health retardation and also used for noting prominent maladaptive personality features and defense mechanisms. Personality disorders and mental retardation are listed in separated axis to ensure consider given to the presence of these two that might otherwise be overlooked when attention is directed to the more usual axis. For instance, borderline personality disorder is included in axis II. Axis III General Medical Conditions This one describes general current medical conditions which are potentially related to the understanding or management of individuals mental disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Axis IV Psychological and Environmental Problems In a major study (APA, 2000), Axis IV is identified for reporting psychosocial and environmental problems that are likely to affect the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of mental disorders classified within Axis I and Axis II. A psychosocial and environmental problem is possibly a negative life event, a familiar or other interpersonal stress, lack or inadequate of social assistance pr personal resources or other problem related to the context where a persons difficulties have developed. In addition, psychosocial is possibly developed as a result of a persons psychopathology or may constitute problems that are considered in the overall management plan (APA, 2010). For instance, problems with primary support group. Axis V Global Assessment of Functioning APA (2010) suggested that Axis V is used for reporting the clinicians judgment regarding a persons overall function level. This is helpful for planning treatment and measuring its impacts, also predicting the outcomes. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale is used as an appropriated choice in order to report the overall functioning of Axis V. In a research by APA (2010), this scale is rated respectably among psychological, social, occupational functioning and is not applied to impairment in functioning because of physical or environmental limitations. For example, GAF = 12 indicate some dangers of hurting self or others (e.g. frequently violent.) or occasional fails to maintain personal hygiene (e.g. smear faeces.) or gross impairment in communication (e.g. largely incoherent or mute) (APA, 2010). Question 13. (30 marks) Search the world wide web for Hildergaurd Peplau and do a search for her publication. Write at least 4 pages about her life, her theoretical frameworks, her publications and her major contributions to Mental Health Nursing. Life Hildergaurd Peplau was born in Reading, Pennsylvania , and in the year of 1909. She is the second child and middle daughter of immigrant parents who are an authoritarian father and a dedicated but emotionally remote mother preserving in a difficult marriage with the comfort of music and religion, and more acceptable in her time and place by immersing herself in baking and meticulous home making (Callaway, 2002). During childhood, Peplau was a child with intellectual curiosity, but stifled and physically abused by her domineering mother. The occur of World War I made her family even more difficult along with persecution form their neighbous due to their German immigrant roots †¦Cite. Her chosen nursing career had little to do with the idea of providing care for sick people. In Reading, she had worked as a bookkeeper, store clerk and payroll clerk while finishing courses at a business school and graduating as class valedictorian in 1928. Hildergard Peplau herself did not work in hospital or as private-nursing duty after successfully completing her nursing training. On the other hand, she found and a job as a staff nurse at Vermonts new elite but progressively to Bennington College. Callaway (2002) stated that because of her great impressive work, the college president decided to suspend admission requirement and admit Peplau for a degree course major in psychology. During World War II, Peplau enlisted into the U.S Army Nurse Corps and was posted to a psychiatric hospital in England with the purpose of treating scarred the soldiers and those with battle-fatigue sent back from the front lines (Callaway, 2002). She was always at the center of conflict and usually endured great personal hardship. She earned the nursing diploma, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees and ultimately rose to the top of her profession. Unfortunate y, she was disappointed by the lack of vision among co-workers and repeatedly betrayed by professional friends and sabotaged by the nursing leaders. Consequently, she decided to retired in 1974 from the faculty Rudgers University and sadden that all her years effort had seemingly come to naught. During the 25 years between the retirement from Rudgers University and her death in 1999, â€Å"She was awarded no less than nine honorary doctorates and was honored by the American Nurses Association with the establishment of the Peplau Hildegard Award, recognizing continuous contribution to the nursing profession† (Callaway, 2002, p. 2). In addition, she received both the nursing highest honors that are the Christiane Reimann Prize and the only nurse so recognised within â€Å"Fifty Great Americans† designated by Marquis Whos Who in 1997. Within her lifetime, she also earned the celebrity of being acknowledged by the American Academy of Nursing as a â€Å"Living Legend and an unofficial designation recognised by the University of California at Los Angeles as â€Å"Psychiatric Nurse of the Century†. However, her lifes story is not well known in nursing professional. Hildegard Peplaus professional life included: 6 years of general and private-duty nursing, 7 years as a student and the nurse in charge at the health service at Bennington College, 3 years in the Army Nurse Corps, 5 years at Teachers College of Columbia University, 1 year as a practicing therapist, 20 years as a professor at Rudgers University, and 1 year as Execituve Director and 2 years as President of the American Nurses Association the only person ever to serve in both positions. (Callaway, 2004, p. 6) Theoretical Frameworks Peplau had shown her theoretical framework for psychodynamic nursing in a manuscripts entitled Interpersonal Relations in Nursing which is published in 1952. It defined elements that are person, environment, health and nursing, and discussed about phases of the interpersonal process between nurse and patient. She also revealed variety in nurses role during the course of contact (Landry, 2009). In a recent studies of Alice Landry (2009), phases of the interpersonal process according to Peplaus theory consist of four sequential phase that are orientation, identification, exploitation, and resolution. There are related factors influence the orientation component of the experience such as personal values, cultures, beliefs, expectations and past related incidents. Role of nurses as described theatrically by Peplau are stranger, teacher, resourse person, counselor, surrogate and leader. Secondary roles play included technical expert, mediatoe, safety agent, researcher, tutor, and manager of environment. Publicati

Report on Sonys Case Study

Report on Sonys Case Study Major Question: Outline evaluate Sonys strategic position at the end of the case study, including its management change. What strategic changes (if any) would you now recommend to Sonys management? Minor Question: Analyse Sonys resources, Capabilities Competencies as depicted in the case, explain why it has grown successfully in the competitive consumer electronics industry. As an atypical Japanese Corporation, Comment in the role played by Sonys corporate Culture? Introduction. This report is based on Sony Corporation. The report below is structured focusing on the issues provided as question for the Case study in the seminar group. There is a brief History Culture followed by the SWOT Analysis Financial Analysis, followed by the management change at Sony. Finally there are a few recommendation followed up with conclusion references. This case study was Robin John, from London South Bank University. 2. Acknowledgement We as a team would like to thank Robin John Dr. Leslie Gadman for their support and providing excellent knowledge about the topic, the case study and presentation feedback which has enabled us to deliver this report in acceptable form. 3. HISTORY CULTURE. The Sony Corporation is now a $ 124 billion (2009) Company with approximately 180,500 employees (2008). Sony was formed in 1946 by Masaru Ibuka Akio Morita. It was initially know as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo; in English language Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Company. The name Sony was chosen as a strategy which would help them to Globalise as the Co-Founder Morita had the vision to see early that there was a world rather than pure Japanese market for their Innovations. The first Sony-branded product, the TR-55 transistor radio, appeared in 1955 but the company name didnt change to Sony until January 1958. The current Sony Corporation has a unique culture which is firmly rooted in its history especially in relationship to its two founders, Ibuka and Morita. They both were geniuses above their business talents. Both gave insights and visions in what the company should make and how it should be made. Ibuka, especially, gave constant advice and suggestions to the engineers involved in projects from the earlier on transistor radios to Walkmans. This created the umbrella strategy in which Sony operates under, where the top management gives the general direction in which the lower engineers actively learns, develops and improves on the vision/idea. Therefore, although there is a planned direction, the actual product development through launching is emergent with great flexibility. Although the research and development section of Sony differs greatly from other companies with its great flexibility, Sony, in its essence is still a traditional Japanese company in many ways. There is life-time employment, with strong norms and values which in turn create strategies through their actions. Status is given (the crystal award) instead of bonuses (not significant amount) for superior achievement. There is also the strong seniority system such as the mentor and apprentice relationship that is typical of a Japanese firm. All this can be classified as the cultural school in which strategy formation is of collective behaviour. Collective vision and stress on human resource, which is typical of many Japanese, can be clearly seen in the mission statement Management Policies. Sony Corp has retained good things of Japanese Culture hasnt been reluctant to adopt culture which is not atypical Japanese in nature, which has resulted in building these huge electronic giant sustain it for more than five decades, looks for a future which is very bright. 4. SONYS CAPABILITIES, COMPETENCIES RESOURCES Sony Corporation is considered one of the worlds most successful companies, operating in the electronics, games, music, films and financial services industry (Hanson et al, 2001). Sony is known for creating products that stimulate the senses and refresh the spirit (Sony, 2007). Effectively managing a combination of its resources, capabilities and core competencies, has allowed Sony to create a strong sustainable competitive advantage. Assessment of Sony Corporations Resources and Capabilities Sony Corporation is committed on its efforts to continuously develop original technology that generates a high appeal to the general public due to its quality and cost effectiveness. Over the years, Sony Corporation has been able to build a substantial base meant to boost the companys designing and manufacturing capabilities. This enables the company to bring to markets truly original and more importantly mobile devices that are reasonably priced. The research and development team of Sony Corporation also plays a crucial role in the achievement of this feat. The company also believes that making a positive impact in the society through their quality products is the very essence of being a manufacturer. Sony Corporations Competitive Advantage Economies of Scale and Scope in manufacturing and research and development arising from its numerous facilities situated in Japan, the United States and other countries worldwide. Unique Quality Technology owing to heavy emphasis on research Sony Corporations commitment to research development activities has always been one of its top strategies to remain competitive in the market. Differentiated Products Through the production and marketing of differentiated products originating from their research and development activities, Sony Corporation is able to create its own firm-specific advantages. The continuous pursuit of research and development processes enables Sony Corporation to produce a steady stream of originally differentiated products which makes it difficult for competitors to find substitutes. Because of this differentiated approach, Sony Corporation is able to market their products worldwide, which enables them in turn to maximize the returns on research and development expenditures. Sony Corporations competitive advantages could be sustained provided the company would continue to focus on its core competencies. However, the company also has to be aware of the latest technological. Sony Corporations Resources: Resources refer to factors that a company owns controls and uses for the purpose of creating value (Hill et al, 2007). Sonys numerous tangible and intangible resources help to determine its distinctive competency, thus leading to maintaining a competitive advantage. When identifying Sonys resources, both its tangible and intangible assets are included. Tangible resources include assets that are financial in nature, or have physical properties (Hill et al, 2007). In 2007, Sony recorded a sales and operating cash flow of $70,303 million, an increase of 10.5 percent from 2006 (Sony United, 2007), as part of its financial resources. Land, buildings, machinery, and equipment are also part of Sonys tangible resources, and are worth approximately $14 million (Sony United, 2007). Intangible resources include those non-physical assets that the company uses to produce goods or provide services, or expects to generate future productive benefits (Hill et al, 2007). The Sony brand is considered one of the worlds most recognisable and trusted brands and was ranked 21st in the Business Week/Interbred list of the Worlds 100 Most Valuable Brands with an estimated value of US$14 billion (Singh et al, 2005). The Sony brand is associated with superior quality, innovation and style (Sony United, 2007), in the minds of its customers. 5. Sonys SWOT Analysis. Opportunities Development of new technology Growing trend customer base (Focus on BRIC Nations) Target consistent profitability in core hardware businesses (TV, game and digital imaging) Diversify in game producing for its hardware. Listen to Voice of Customer. Easy to use products. Threats New substitute products emerging Price competition. Economic pressure. Losing the dominance in key product categories.(TV, P.S, D.I) Due to poor financial performance could have less money for RD. Strength Strong sales marketing capabilities Business location or product exclusivity High quality product Excellent customer service Cost advantage (Discount) Good distribution network Weakness Weak financial performance (Low Profitability Low ROCE) Lacking a customer viewpoint Products with many feature but difficult to use. Lack of hit products Development of similar products Patent problem in the whole Industry. Particular 1997 Millions of Yen 2009 Millions of Yen Total Electronically Business 3,930,292 (69.4%) 5,032,920 (65.1%) Music 570,119 (10.1%) 50,541 (0.6%) Picture 438,551(7.7%) 717,513 (9.3%) Insurance 227,920(4%) 523,307 (6.8%) Games 408,335(7.2%) 984,855 (12.7%) Others 87,917(1.6%) 471,398 (5.5%) Total Revenue 5,658,253 7,729,993 (+136.62%) 6. Comparing Sales Revenue by Business Area for 1997 2009. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE. Particular 2008 2009 Sales 8,871,414 7,729,993 (-12.87%) R D Expenses 520,568 497,297 (-4.47%) Employees 180,500 171,300 (-5.1%) Profit Margin 4.2% -1.3% R D to Sales 5.9% 6.4% Current Ratio 1.25 time 0.95 time Gearing Ratio 21.04% 22.27% Return on Equity 16.4% -5.9% Roce 6.65% -2.13% 6.2 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS. Sonys financial condition is good but needs to be better for a matured Company like Sony which is in existence since 1946 more than 6 decades. It is acceptable but should be a top priority for the Management to make it better. Below mentioned are few observations: Majority of its earning in electronic Industry. Earning from music has reduced considerably could be because of piracy issues or Late M.Js bad public city. The best diversified product is gaming, so should look to diversify more in this area. (Game MFG.) Major problem with SONY is its low profitability. Gearing ratio is 22.27% which is good as has a scope for future borrowing if required. RD has just reduced by 4% ROCE Return for share holders are major concern for SONY. 7. Style of leadership and management The leadership style of Akio Morita the co-founder of Sony Corporation included the ability to imagine, design, implement and develop new products, marketing, brand management strategies and human resources skill as well. Akio Morita resigned from the post of the Chairman, during which he positioned Sony as the worlds most successful consumer electronics company. Sony was ranked 37 on the Fortune 500 global list. Under Moritas leadership, Sony developed many new products and technologies. One of the other key success factors of Sony was Moritas people skills and his trust in his employees. Sony continued its tradition of offering innovative products after Moritas death in 1999. Sony has been a modern Japanese company as they have promoted young Idei to President of Sony when he was 57 years small according to Japanese standard. It was under his leadership that they have recovered from the 1995 crisis have posted the highest ever profit. Idei also launched Transformation 60 which was not of a much success. The main purposes of Transformation 60 were: Reduce cost by 300 Billion Yen. Decrease workforce by 20000. Achieve profit margin of 10% march 06. By the early 21st century, Sony was facing several problems due to the slowdown in the global economy, but then they recovered well under the leadership of Sir Howard Stringer who was made the CEO Chairman of the Sony Corporation. A Non Japanese to senior management position was not a typical Japanese culture but has given them the desired result. So as a whole Sony Corporation has always been under a good senior management for all the years. 8. RECOMMENDATION Building of Strategy: Sony as a much international company with major branches in Europe and the United States and stocks listed in 23 stock exchanges, the Japanese cultural school strategy is not sufficient. Becoming a mature company, the strategy should also change to more profit orientated. There should also be greater emphasis on market share, especially in Japan where Sonys market is shrinking. Strategy should be aimed at greater control and communication between manager and workers, especially the engineers in the RD Department. Diversification: One direction which is possible is concentrating more on electronic know how in non-consumer business. Currently, the buyer has much more choosing power and competition is fierce. The competitors are also able to copy the product in a much shorter time. To create larger profit margins, Sony should concentrate on the business sector and industries, supplying high technology equipment and parts. This would make full use of the RD Department. Although the Sony name is often related to expensive, high-profit end of the market, the organization should also expand its product range by offering lower priced, simpler featured products that would compete head on with others. With the lower priced line, Sony can also increase its market shares in both overseas and Japanese markets. Alliance and Cooperation: Sony should try to become a leader instead of a maverick. The difference is great, the leader, besides a great innovator, should also be a great coordinator. Internally, the different RD groups should cooperate more. The product line should also be made more compatible with one another, i.e. no more secret projects. Products should be made with higher added value and longer life rather than making frequent model changes. This is also a shift from a manufacturer-orientated mentality to a consumer-orientated mentality, which is a way to save natural resources. The brand-line compatibility also builds brand loyalty for consumers. Cost Cutting: Cost cutting is important because RD plays an integral part in the success of Sony and cannot be cut drastically although it gobbles up 10% of sales. Therefore, the only way to improve profit margins is to cut cost. Sony is not fully making use of other lower cost areas in the world, especially Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines etc. By setting up factories in these countries, Sony can take advantage of their cheap labour and also get a head start in their budding consumer markets. Products should be refined instead of reinvented so that there would be less set up cost and greater automation could be achieved. This could also be seen as a long term strategy. Integration of production, design and marketing: In many ways, designing and developing of a product is separate from the production and marketing. RD should listen more to what the consumer needs and then innovate instead of always creating new product for markets. With great freedom, the designing team should also take on greater responsibility in making the product fit to the current production pattern and marketing aims. They should also be made more responsible to the profit and loss of the particular product. Empowering these three separate groups creates conflict, but it also brings these separate efficient groups together achieving synergy. Implementation: Internally, strategy should be reviewed beginning with renewing the corporate goals. It should integrate together both the Japanese work ethic and its western counterparts. This is possible, because Sony is a multinational corporation with employees and customers in many different countries. This involves writing the importance of profits and its responsibility to shareholders in the statement. Integration of the company, the designing, production and marketing should be encouraged, with increased communication between each group and the management acting as liaison and guidance. The management should be providing the organization with specific goals and strategies for the short and long term. These changes are intended to balance business Vs engineering. Setting up alliances with fellow electronic manufacturers / competitor is crucial to mutual benefit so should be pursued as soon as possible. 9. Conclusion. The reputed brand name is one the Sonys strength, but on the other hand, many competitors start to see Sony as their target and main competitor, which will inflict various threats against Sony. Sony also needs to concentrates on improving itself.   They collect Voice of Customer (VOC), which directly reflect the responses, expectations or suggestions from end-users. It could be observed that Sony is positively dealing with its competitors, through learning from failure and looking for room to further improve. Such strategy helps minimize the probabilities that their customers would turn to other competitors. It aims at retaining its present customers and keeping their Number 1 market position. Sony made full efforts to support the environment from 1989. Sony is using blue ocean strategy on the business. Toward this end, Sony has sponsored many package redesign projects and committed to considering the environment, not only to create environmentally-friendly design but also to reduce material use. Due to this heartfelt customer service, high-quality, reliable products that Sonys customers can use with confidence. At the end of this case study Sony is not in a very strong strategic position but it is also not in a very bad strategic position. The position of Sony is in between. The conclusion is that change is needed in Sony. However, even with strategically and structure change, the Sony spirit of Technovation(technological Innovation) should remain intact because that is what made Sony grow and would make it stay strong.

Isadora Duncans New Dance Essay -- Essays Papers

Isadora Duncan's New Dance At the end of the 19th century, ballet was the most prominent form of dance. However, to Isadora Duncan, "ballet was the old order that needed to be overthrown, an embodied symbol of all that was wrong with oversymbolized 19th century living" (Daly 26). Duncan believed that the over-technical, over-standardization of ballet was not what dance should be about. Her vision of dance was one of emotions, ideas, social betterment, and the complete involvement of the body, mind, and soul (26). With these ideas in mind, she began to create a new form of dance; what she referred to as the "new dance" (23), and what is now known as modern dance. In creating this new dance, she was inspired by composers such as Beethoven, Nietzsche, and Wagner, writers like Walt Whitman, scientists Darwin and Haeckel, her Irish grandmother, and ancient Greek culture, as well as the spirit of America and its people (Duncan 48, 54). It was a combination of these influences that helped her to create the most expressive, soulful dance known today. Isadora Duncan was born in 1878 in San Francisco, CA. Her mother believed it was exceedingly important to surround Isadora and her siblings with art, music, Shakespeare, and poetry. This was Isadora's awakening to the arts (Terry 9). She trained in ballet as a young girl and was exposed to Delsartean principles that influenced her greatly later in life (12). In 1896, Isadora and her mother traveled to Chicago to further Isadora’s budding career. While there, she met Augustin Daly who then took her to New York and gave her roles in theater productions such as A Midsummer Night's Dream where she was first recognized by the press (25). While in New York she trained with ball... ...imed to suggest a particular character rather than an ideal type" (Daly 132). Duncan wrote extensively about dance, society, and art. She was part of the "lyrical left," a group of people who tried to spur cultural and political change. They "sought to fuse life and art, the personal and the political" (181). This political involvement and social criticism was especially evident towards the end of her career, whereas earlier in her career she focused more on issues having to deal with dance and children (179). Duncan had many beliefs on society, art, and the government, which she made sure to express clearly to her patrons. Overall, Isadora Duncan was an amazing and revolutionary person. She discovered intense emotions and a strong spirituality within herself, within her soul. She transformed her discoveries into a dance in order to share it with the world.

Of Mice and Men :: essays research papers

The title of the book is Of Mice and Men. The author is John Steinbeck. It was published by the Penguin Group in New York, New York. The copyright date is 1965. Of Mice and Men is a novel about two men, one named George and one named Lennie. George somewhat takes care of Lennie. As the book opens they are walking along the bank of the Salinas River. They are one the way to a nearby ranch to sign on as barley bucks. Slow-minded Lennie had cost them their previous job. They are trying to earn money so they will be able to own their own ranch someday. Lennie has an obsession with petting small animals especially rabbits. George tells Lennie that he if he gets in any trouble he wont be able to tend the rabbits at the farm. George uses this as a bribe to keep Lennie out of trouble. Once they were hired, both George and Lennie went right to work. Later, as they waited for lunch to be served, Curley walked in, the ranch owner's son. He was there to look over the new men. After Curley had gone, Candy, the bunkhouse swamper, warned them about the young man. A former prizefighter, Curley tried to show how much of a man he was by picking on others. He was also an insecure husband, he became insanely jealous of anyone who even got near his wife. Seeming to sense that Curley would bring them trouble, Lennie now became agitated and nervous about the job, but with no money to fall back on, the pair was forced to continue working at the ranch in order to make enough money for their dream farm. On the third day at the ranch Lennie was in the farm playing with a puppy that Slim, another worker at the ranch, had given him. The rest of the men were in town. While he was in the barn Curley’s wife walked in. She began to show him how soft her hair was because he seemed to like the soft feel of the dog. He began to touch her hair and he couldn’t let go. She began to struggle and soon after she suffocated and died. After he realizd she was dead he panicked. He covered her body with some hay and then ran and hid in the brush like George had told him to do if he got in any trouble.

The Jungle Descriptive

The Jungle As the sun rose over the horizon it awoke the jungle slowly and efficiently. Soon I could hear the morning birds chirp with all their heart and that triggered joy and excitement in my soul. A morning breeze toured the jungle making the flowers and leaves tango with rhythm and finesse as though they were experts. The lush evergreen trees stood so firm as if the roots were clinging for their very life, in the distance there was a Crystal River and a waterfall as its source.I could hear the rampaging rapids after the dip of the waterfall which slowly converted into a swift river forcefully turning at every bank. The river cut through the middle of the jungle and diverted into another as a tributary. Finally, the lions, the big boys of the jungle roared to announce their presence after their pleasant peaceful slumber after gnawing on a flavorsome gazelle the night before. The leopards however, refused to announce their presence not only because they are a conventionally shy sp ecies but to also stay under the radar so they could catch their morning meal more easily.I slowly knelt down and let my hands explore the terrain beneath me although it looked rough and sandy it was cool and comforting and after a few moments my body was persuading me not to let go, as I listened to my body trying to induce me, more and more I felt the urge not to let go I wanted to kneel there the whole day and let the sand satisfy my dry hands, but I did not let it manipulate me and slowly I started to get up. As I was getting up a chameleon caught my eye even though it was skillfully disguised, I bent down again then reached out to touch it.I could see the centre of the neck throbbing faster as I was getting closer, it was hesitating possibly thinking I was a new addition to the jungle and wanted to feed on it. It, however, did not move, as I reached its airspace I touched its skin with my bare finger tips, it felt rough and scaly. The throbbing on its neck soon slowed down as i t realized I had no interest in eating it, I slowly backed out of its airspace and stood hurriedly and once again I was mesmerized by the extraordinary view.As I observed the jungle I noticed a grape tree not too far from where I was, so I quickly dashed next to it and took a look at its beauty which put me in a day dream for about five seconds before I regained my senses. I spotted a ripe grape screaming â€Å"eat me†! I reached for the grape with all my soul, as my mouth began to water, I snatched it violently eager to please my taste buds and quickly placed it in my mouth. I let the grape roll underneath my tongue and back on top where I balanced it as my body prepared for godliness.As my mouth began to flood with saliva signaling it can’t wait any longer, I crushed the grape with my first molars and the flavor exploded as if I had set of a bomb. I could feel, taste and analyze all the different flavors and dyes as if I was a living chromatogram, my taste buds eased with satisfaction as the appetizing juice ran down my throat followed by the violet exterior. I stood there with my eyes closed, captivated by what I had just experienced and convinced that this was truly the work of God.The aroma of the vegetation of the whole jungle mixed all together and formed a smell that engulfed the air around me creating heavenly humid atmosphere. I took a deep breath in not wanting to exhale and wishing that it could be a replacement for oxygen, I could feel little drops on the tip of my nose that were tickling me. As I basked in this atmosphere it felt like I was in another dimension, and that I had escaped from this planet to paradise. As evening approached I laid back on the comforting sand witnessing the sunset which said â€Å"goodnight† to the whole jungle.The more the sun went down the quieter it became and the nocturnals would be saying â€Å"good morning† to each other and they would start preparing to catch their breakfast. The bird s were slowly returning to their nests, the lazy lions were already asleep, the lurking leopards had returned to their resting place and the sneaky serpents had swiveled their way home. Soon the sun had completely descended and the full moon appeared bright with is stars that were constantly winking at me. The whole jungle was pin drop silent; it had fallen asleep, as did I.