The Problem Of Prison Overcrowding Essay - 1773 Words

Since the tough-on-crime era began in the 1980s, the California prison system and parolee population have grown tenfold. This is in great part due to the three strikes law that passed in 1994. This law made it a requirement for any offender convicted of a felony with two previous felonies to go to prison for a minimum of twenty five years. This law sent many people to prison for longer sentences due to non-violent drug offenses, when in actuality they should have been sentenced to rehab. Prison overcrowding is an important topic that all Americans should care about, since according to The Bureau of Justice Statistics, over ninety-five percent of all prison inmates will be released at some point, with over eighty-five percent of them being placed under parolee supervision. Of this population, sixty-five percent suffer from substance abuse issues and meet the need for treatment for their addiction. Drug and alcohol abuse, specifically drug abuse, and crime are inextricably related. Un fortunately, the majority of those released from prison who suffer from addiction issues are not treated while incarcerated, and as a result end up back in prison. In California, there are in prison services for addicted inmates called substance use disorder treatment programs, or SUD. These programs are meant to rehabilitate offenders pre-release back into their community. The substance use disorder treatment program is an evidence-based program that is designed to assist those incarceratedShow MoreRelatedThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding1166 Words   |  5 PagesRealignment Prison overcrowding has always been a problem in California prisons. It has been growing over the year and has now lead the United States Supreme Court to take part in trying to find a solution to this problem. Because of this issue, Plata litigation came through and had a significant impact on the way we see community corrections. The ruling in the Plata litigation in turn lead to AB 109 or The Public Safety Realignment Act to be implemented as a solution to California’s growing problem of overcrowdingRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding1395 Words   |  6 Pagesjustice system is prison overcrowding. To examine a nation’s soul, all one has to do is look inside of its prisons. Even though we have 5 percent of the world’s population we have 25 percent of the world’s prison population. The makeup of our prison population range from first time drug offenders to serial killers. Prisons serve a necessary function in society if used properly to keep the worst of the worst of the streets. In the last 40 years prisons has become a hammer where every problem appears toRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding1767 Words   |  8 PagesHave you ever noticed the serious issue of prison overcrowding? Growth of prison inmates over the years. Since the late 1900 s the prisons have been filling rapidly and that has caused a huge problems in the 2000 s. Overcrowding is not as easy of a fix that everyone thinks it is there is way more to it and it is way more complex. There are many reason that the inmate population continues to grow. Throughout the years, there has been a huge debate on ways to lower crime rate so there won t be asRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding2447 Words   |  10 PagesPrison overcrowding is a major problem in our criminal justice system and it continues to be a hotly debated topic as to how we should address the problem. One of the main reasons our prison systems have a problem with overcrowding is drugs. More specifically, the war on drugs started by President Reagan in 1982 brought a dramatic increase to the number of people put behind bars for drug offences. Mandatory minimum sentencing and truth in sentencing are two policies which have sent drug offendersRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding1598 Words   |  7 Pagessolutions to the major problem of prison overcrowding and argue that the problem of prison overcrowding would not be ending anytime soon, due to the inadequate attempts by state governments to deal with the inhumane living conditions in overcrowded prisons. This article relates to the topic because the authors analyze how the federal government and some individual states, such as California and Florida, respond to the constrained resources causing unsuitable conditions in overfilled prisons. This source illuminatesRead MoreThe Overcrowding Problem in Prisons1800 Words   |  7 Pages The number of people held in prison facilities across the world is increasin g at a tremendous rate with each passing day. This comprises both the people who have already been sentenced and those that are at the pre-trial stage. The effect of this is an increase in the prison population which leads to the problem of overcrowding (Atabay, 2013). Overcrowding in prisons can be defined as a situation where the number of prisoners in a given penal institution exceeds the official carrying capacityRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding880 Words   |  4 Pages. They get very limited space, making it easier to pass infections or diseases along each individual in the cell. The reason why there is a congestion in prisons is because to construct a cell is very expensive. Each cell in prisons cost about $75,000 to construct. According to the textbook, it would cost approximately 31 million dollars to build a medium security facility. The state tries to overcrowd prisoners in a cell to save money because cells are expensive to build, but on the long run theyRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding1572 Words   |  7 Pagesthe past 30 odd years, California’s prison population has grown by 750 percent (â€Å"California’s Perpetuating Prison Crisis†). As this percentage perpetuates to make substantial gains, inmates are suffering in confinement cells, officials are negotiating over the issue, and the public is protesting to make their opinions count. The prison crisis has continued to grow over the years, causing a great uproar among all of California’s 32 state prisons. Prison overcrowding has been an increasingly vital issueRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding998 Words   |  4 PagesPrison overcrowding has been seen as an issue since the early 1990’s in California. It all began when California began to aggressively increased sentencing in the late 1980’s and 1990’s in response to a nationwide fear about crime rates. During this time period California â€Å"enacted more than 1,000 laws that increased sentencing in a five-year span to settle these fears† (Fuchs). The effect of these laws resulted in a high prison population when California prisons reached a number of 173,000 by 2007Read MorePrison Overcrowding Is A Serious Problem1448 Words   |  6 PagesPrison overcrowding is a result of the imprisonment of drug users and first time offenders of non-violent crimes. The number of people being incarcerated greatly outweighs the number of prisons across the country. Prison overcrowding is a serious problem beca use it can be dangerous to both prisoners and correction officers. When prisoners are forced to live in crowded situations, the possibility of violence is greater (Oliver 44). Issues such as assaults and rapes can occur when there is not

Preschool Programs And The Universal Preschool - 2914 Words

Preschool programs are designed specifically to make sure that children are ready for kindergarten and will be able to succeed in school by third grade. All preschool programs have three characteristics in common. They are governed by high program standards, are open to 3 and 4 year–olds, and focus on school readiness. The term universal preschool means that preschool programs are available to any child in a given state, regardless of family income, children’s abilities, or any other factors (Colker). Like Kindergarten in most states, the concept of the Universal Preschool Movement is to have a voluntary program, unlike compulsory elementary. Universal preschool would make preschool programs available to any child in a given state, regardless of family income, children’s abilities, or other factors. Several states are on the path to funding universal preschool currently. Some states have preschool programs that are not universal and have targeted audiences, either children from families with low incomes or children from families with various risk factors that could affect their learning. In Arkansas, for example, in addition to family income level, eligibility is based on children having risk factors including placement in foster care, a parent on active military duty, or family violence (Arkansas DHS). Many states have similar programs intended to help high risk children attend preschool. Universal preschool would give every family the opportunity to send their children toShow MoreRelatedEarly Childhood Education Is The Potential For Many Significant Outcomes1460 Words   |  6 Pagesmany significant outcomes if universal preschools were put into place. Early childhood education has many benefits and there is the potential for many significant outcomes if universal preschools were put into place. Some feel that children who start kindergarten without previously attended preschool sometimes lack certain skills such as social and communication skills and an inability to follow routines. There were also studies done that found attending preschool could help to close the achievementRead MoreShould the Government Fund Public Preschools?1739 Words   |  7 PagesEarly Childhood Education is a core foundation for providing children the head start to develop into successful life long learners. Public preschool programs around the nation have been established to help children with learning difficulties, language barriers, health disabilities and who come from poverty, to become successful in school. Early intervention programs set forth aspirations to close the academic achievement gap in our nation. The importance of early intervention for children and their familiesRead MorePre K For All By Mayor De Blasio Essay1657 Words   |  7 PagesPre-K to all 4-year-old New York City children under New York’s Universal Pre-K program. His goal was to increase the number of free full day program seats from the 19,287, in 2013-2014, to 53,604 by 2014-2015. (â€Å"Mayor de Blasio Announces Over 68,500 Students Enrolled in Pre-K for All†, 2015) The program succeeded at reaching ddeBlasio’s goals and by 2014-2015 school year, 65,563 children were enrolled in Pre-K for All programs. (â€Å"Mayor de Blasio Announces Over 68,500 Students Enrolled in Pre-KRead MorePreschool Is Not Mandatory For Children1301 Words   |  6 PagesWhen most people think about preschool, they think about a group of 3-4 year olds coloring or playing as teacher watches them waiting for their parental guardian to pick them up after work. For some of us through we did not get to experience preschool, while we aren’t any less productive for it, we could have possibly achieved more with it. Preschool is not mandatory for any child to attend, many studies have been conducted which show the benefits of high quality early education. One of those benefitsRead MoreTeaching Children Of Poverty Can Be Very Challenging Essay1509 Words   |  7 Pagesschool. â€Å"Under universal pre-K, not only would more children of all backgrounds have access to high-quality early childhood education, but they would have the chance to learn in an effective type of preschool environment that’s currently rare among both public and private programs: an integrated classroom† (Potter, 2014, par. 6). More parents are placing their children in preschool due to the revelation that important brain development occurs in the early years of life, preschool has long-term benefitsRead MoreThe Need For Universal All Day Pre Kindergarten1255 Words   |  6 PagesThe Need for Universal All Day Pre-Kindergarten in Texas Many Texans agree that high quality pre-k can no longer be considered a luxury for upper income families or a special program for the disadvantaged. Based on various studies conducted on children s brain development during these crucial years, pre-k has become just as necessary as kindergarten or first grade. Currently, nearly half of all kindergarten teachers report that their children have problems that hinder their success. ChildrenRead MorePreschool And Pre K Options1767 Words   |  8 Pagesnumerous preschool or Pre-K options available for young children throughout the U.S. At this time only Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma have truly universal preschool for all four year olds as nearly half of states with state pre-K programs limit enrollment to just low-income children (Mead, 2015). â€Å"Under universal pre-K, not only would more children of all backgrounds have access to high-quality early childhood education, they would have the chance to learn in an effective type of preschool environmentRead MoreHigh Quality Universal Pre K Can Reduce Achievement Gaps For Minority And Low Income Children1045 Words   |  5 PagesPolicy Brief Outline Professor Tim Gaffaney PolS 301 Erin Brannan High-Quality Universal Pre-K can reduce achievement gaps for minority and low-income children To: Barbara Boxer From: Erin Brannan Date: May 1, 2016 Re: High-Quality Universal Pre-K can reduce achievement gaps for minority and low-income children Statement of Issue: Many minority children and children from low-income families enter kindergarten without the academic skills they need to succeed. Math and reading abilities at kindergartenRead MoreEssay On Early Infant And Toddlers1451 Words   |  6 Pagesthese averages were collected. Since GELA is a center that serves both infants and toddler, as well as preschool-aged children, the expected expenses would be $10,343 for infants plus $10,015 for toddlers, plus the expenses of their existing full-year preschool programs for 3- and 4-year olds. That adds to about $35,000 each year to fund an average-sized and average-quality year-round program. The Massachusetts study estimates a possible cost difference of 13 percent when increasing center qualityRead MoreEducation Is A Sound Investment Essay965 Words   |  4 PagesPreschool Education is a Sound Investment Iglika Vatchinska FYEP 101 A high quality preschool education can boost cognitive and social development with deep-rooted benefits not only for the children’s academic success for years to come, but for the entire society’ prosperity. There are at least two broad classes of explanation why the preschool is so important. One view holds that the brain development occurs most speedily early in life. The other view is that increased the high school graduation

Island of the Sequined Love Nun Chapter 37~38 Free Essays

string(162) " paddled around at the inside edge of the reef, watching anemones pulse in the current while small fish in improbable neon colors darted in and out of the coral\." 37 Bombs and Bribes The itching started a week after the first flight. It began on his scalp and a few days later, as the wounds on his arms, legs, and genitals healed, Tucker would have stripped off his skin to escape it. If there had been some other distraction, something to do besides sit in his bungalow waiting to be called for a flight, it might have been bearable, but now the doctor came only once a day to check on him, and he hadn’t seen Beth Curtis since they landed. We will write a custom essay sample on Island of the Sequined Love Nun Chapter 37~38 or any similar topic only for you Order Now He read spy novels, listened to the country western radio station out of Guam until he thought that if he heard one more wailing steel guitar, he’d rip the rest of his hair out. Sometimes he lay under the mosquito net-ting, acutely aware of his comatose member, and tried to think of all the women he had had, one by one, then all the women he had ever wanted, including actresses, models, and famous figures from history (the Marilyn Monroe/Cleopatra double-team-in-warm-pudding scenario kept him dis-tracted for almost an hour). Twice a day he cooked himself a meal. The doctor had set him up with a double hot plate and a pantry full of canned goods, and occasionally one of the guards dropped off a parcel of fruit or fresh fish. Mostly, though, he itched. Tuck tried to engage Sebastian Curtis in conversation, but there were few subjects about which the missionary was not evasive, and most re-minded him that he had left some pressing task at the clinic. Questions about Kimi, the guards, the lack of cargo, his personal history, his wife, the natives of the island, or communication with the outside world evoked half-answers and downright silence. He asked the doctor for some cortisone, for a television, for access to a computer so he could send a message back to Jake Skye, and while the doctor didn’t say no outright, Tuck was left empty-handed except for a suggestion that he ought to go swimming and a reminder of how much money he was making for reading spy novels and scratching at scabs. Tuck wanted a steak, a woman (although he still wasn’t sure he could do anything but talk to her), and a chilled bottle of vodka. The doctor gave him some fins, a mask and snorkel, and a bottle of waterproof sunscreen. When, one morning, Tuck spent an empty hour trying to will his member to life by mentally wrapping his fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Nelson, in Saran Wrap, only to find his fantasy foiled by her insistence that he had no lead in his Number 2 pencil, he grabbed the snorkeling gear and made his way to the beach. Two of the guards followed at a distance. They were always there. When he looked out the window, if he tried to take a walk, if he wanted to check on the Lear, they clung to him like stereo shadows. They stood over him as he sat in the sand, pulling the fins on. â€Å"Why don’t you guys go put on some trunks and join me? Those jumpsuits have to be pretty uncomfortable.† It wasn’t the first time he’d tried to talk to them, and it wasn’t the first time he’d been ignored. They just stood there, as silent as meditating monks. Tuck hadn’t been able to discern if they understood a word of English. â€Å"Okay, then, I’m going to do the Cousteau thing, but later let’s get together for some raw fish and karaoke?† He gave them a wink. No reaction. â€Å"Then let’s play some cards and talk about how you guys recite haiku while blowing each other every night?† Tuck thought that might do it, but still there was no reaction. As he started toward the water, Tuck said, â€Å"I heard the Japanese flag was modeled after a used sanitary napkin. Is that true?† He looked over his shoulder for a response and his fin caught and bent double on a rock. An instant later he was facedown on the beach, sputtering to get the sand out of his mouth, and the guards were laughing. â€Å"Asshole,† he heard one say, and he was on his feet and looming over the Japanese like a giant rabid duck. â€Å"Just back off, Odd Job!† The guard who had spoken stood his ground, but his companion backed away looking lost without his Uzi. â€Å"What’s the matter, no submachine gun? You chickenshits so busy crawling up my back that you forgot your toys?† Tuck poked the guard in the chest to punctuate his point. The guard grabbed Tuck’s finger and bent it back, then swept the pilot’s feet out from under him and drew a Glock nine-millimeter pistol from a holster at the small of his back and pressed the barrel to Tucker’s forehead hard enough to dent the skin. The other guard barked something in Japanese, then stepped forward and kicked Tuck in the stomach. Tucker rolled into a ball in the sand, instinctively throwing one arm over his face and clenching the other at his side to protect his kidneys as he waited for the next blow. It didn’t come. When he looked up, the guards were walking back to the compound. Getting them to leave him alone had been the desired result, but the process was a little rougher than he’d expected. Tuck wiggled his finger to make sure it wasn’t broken and examined the boot toe print under his rib cage. Then the anger unlocked his imagination and plans for revenge began. The easiest thing to do would be to tell the doctor, but Tuck, like all men, had been conditioned against two responses: You don’t cry and you don’t rat. No, it would have to be something subtle, elegant, painful, and most of all, humiliating. Tuck almost skipped into the water, running on his newfound energy: adrenalized vengeance. He paddled around at the inside edge of the reef, watching anemones pulse in the current while small fish in improbable neon colors darted in and out of the coral. You read "Island of the Sequined Love Nun Chapter 37~38" in category "Essay examples" The ocean was as warm as bathwater, and after a few minutes with his face in the water, he felt de-tached from his body and the color and movement below became as meaningless as the patterns in a campfire. The only reminder that he was human was the sound of his breath rushing through the snorkel and the images of cold revenge in his mind. He looked down the ragged curve of the reef and saw a large shadow moving across the bottom, but before fight-or-flight panic could even set in, he saw it was the shadow of a loggerhead turtle flying through the water like a saurian angel. The turtle circled him and cruised by close enough for Tuck to see the movement in the creature’s silver-dollar-sized eye as it studied him, and a message there: â€Å"You don’t belong here,† it said. And that part of Tuck that had recognized the saltwater as its mother re-belled and he felt alien and vulnerable and cold, and a little rude, as if he had been attending a black-tie dinner only to realize as dessert was served that he was wearing pajamas. It was time to go. He lifted his head, took a bearing on the chain-link fence that ran to the edge of the beach, and started a slow crawl toward shore. As the water went shallow, he banged his knee on a submerged rock, then stood and slogged through the lapping surf as his fins tried to drag him back off the beach. Once clear of the water, he fell in the sand and tore the fins off his feet. He threw them up the shore without looking and a half a breath later a deafening explosion lifted him up and he landed ten feet away, stunned and breathless, as damp sand and pieces of swim fin rained down upon him. Tucker stormed through the clinic door trailing sand and water across the concrete floor. â€Å"Mines! You have fucking land mines on the fucking beach?† Sebastian Curtis was seated at a computer terminal. He quickly clicked off the screen and swiveled in his chair. â€Å"I heard the explosion, but birds and turtles have set them off before. Was anyone hurt?† â€Å"Other than I’m going to hear a high-pitched wail for the rest of my life and my sphincter won’t relax until I’m dead a couple of years, no, no one was hurt. What I want to know is why you have mines on the beach.† â€Å"Calm down, Mr. Case. Please sit down.† The doctor gestured to a folding metal chair. â€Å"Please.† He looked sad, not at all confrontational, not like the kind of man who would mine a tropical beach. â€Å"I suppose there are some things you need to know. First, I have something for you.† He opened a drawer under the keyboard, withdrew a check, and handed it to Tuck. Tucker’s rage dropped a level when he looked at the amount. â€Å"Ten grand? What’s this for?† â€Å"Call it a first-flight bonus. Beth said you did very well.† Tucker fingered the check, then brushed the sand off it and read it again. If he had any self-respect, he’d throw it in the doctor’s face. He didn’t, of course. â€Å"This is great, Doc. Ten grand for picking up a case of wine. I’m not even going to ask you what was in the cooler she gave that guy, but I was almost killed on the beach a few minutes ago.† â€Å"I’m very sorry about that. There’s a lot of Japanese ordnance scattered around the island. The area at the edge of the fence used to be a minefield. The staff and the natives all know not to go there.† â€Å"Well, you might have mentioned it to me.† â€Å"I didn’t want to alarm you. I told a couple of members of the staff to keep an eye on you and steer you away from there. I’ll speak to them.† â€Å"They’ve been spoken to. I spoke to them myself. And I’m a little tired of being watched by them.† â€Å"It’s for your own safety, as I’m sure you can see now.† â€Å"I’m not a child and I don’t expect to be treated like one. I want to go where I want, when I want, and I don’t want to be watched by a bunch of ninjas.† The doctor sat bolt-upright in his chair. â€Å"Why do you refer to them as ninjas? Who told you to call the staff that?† â€Å"Look at them. They’re Japanese, they wear all black, they know martial arts – hell, the only thing they’re missing are T-shirts that say, ‘Ask me about being a ninja.’ I call them that because that’s what they look like. They sure as hell aren’t medical staff.† â€Å"No, they’re not,† Sebastian said, â€Å"but I’m afraid they are a necessary evil, and one that I can’t do much about.† â€Å"Why not? It’s your island.† â€Å"This island belongs to the Shark People. And even this clinic isn’t mine, Mr. Case. As I’m sure you’ve guessed, we are not financed by the Methodist Mission Fund.† â€Å"Yeah, I kinda figured that.† â€Å"We do have some very powerful corporate sponsors in Japan, and they have insisted that we keep a small contingent of security men on the island if we want to keep our funding.† â€Å"Funding for what, Doc?† â€Å"Research.† Tuck laughed. â€Å"Right. This is the perfect environment for research. No sense using some sterile high-tech facility in Tokyo. Do your R and D out on the asshole of the Pacific. Come clean. What’s really going on?† The doctor pointed to the check Tucker was holding. â€Å"If I tell you, Mr. Case, that’s the last one of those you will see. You make the choice. If you want to work here, you have to work in the dark. There is no compromise. It’s research, it’s secret, and the people who are paying for it want it to stay that way or they wouldn’t have hired the guards and they wouldn’t allow me to pay you so well.† He pushed back his gray hair and stared into Tucker’s eyes, not threatening, not challenging, but with the compassion of a physician concerned about the welfare of a patient. â€Å"Now, do you really want to know what we’re doing here?† Tuck looked at the check, looked back at the doctor, then looked at the check. If it was good, it was the largest amount of money he’d ever possessed at one time. He said, â€Å"I just want the guards to lighten up, give me some room to breathe.† The doctor smiled. â€Å"I think we can do that. But I need your word that you won’t try to leave the compound.† â€Å"To go where? I’ve seen this island from the air, remember? I can’t be missing much.† â€Å"I’m only interested in your safety.† â€Å"Right,† Tucker said, as sincerely as he could muster. â€Å"But I want a TV. I’m going nuts sitting around in that room. If I read one more spy novel, I’ll qualify for a Double-O number. You guys have a TV, so I know you have one of those satellite dishes hooked up. I want a TV.† Again the doctor smiled. â€Å"You can have ours. I’m sure Beth won’t mind.† â€Å"You gave him what?† The Sky Priestess looked up from a copy of Us magazine. She was draped in a white silk kimono that was untied and cascaded around her into a shimmering pool at the foot of her chair. Her hair was pinned up with ivory chopsticks inlaid with ebony dragons. The Sorcerer stood in the door of her chambers. He’d felt rather proud of himself until the tone in her voice struck him like an ice pick in the neck. â€Å"Your television. But it’s only temporary. I’ll have another one waiting for you at the airstrip on the next flight.† â€Å"Which is when?† â€Å"As soon as I can set up an order. I promise, Beth.† â€Å"Which means that I also have to do a performance without my soaps. I depend on my soaps to practice my sense memories, Sebastian. How do you expect me to play a goddess if I can’t find my emotional moment?† â€Å"Maybe, just this once, you could try emotions that don’t come by satellite feed.† She dropped her magazine and bit her lip, looking off to the corner of the room as if considering it. â€Å"Fine. Give him the TV.† â€Å"I gave him ten thousand dollars, as well.† Her eyes narrowed. â€Å"What does he get if he blows himself up again, a night with the Sky Priestess?† â€Å"If I can bargain him down to that,† the Sorcerer said. He turned and walked out of the room smiling to himself. 38 Native Customs Tucker Case spent the next week watching the compound, trying to get a clue to what was going on. The doctor had brought the TV as he promised, and even loaned Tucker a seven iron, but since then Tuck had only seen him from a distance, making his way back and forth from the clinic to one of the small bungalows at the other side of the beach. The guards still watched him, following him at a distance when he went for a swim or a search-and-destroy mission for roosters, but there had been no sign of Beth Curtis. If indeed the doctor was doing some sort of research, there was no hint as to what it involved. Tuck tried stopping by the clinic several times, only to find the door locked and no response when he knocked. Boredom worked on Tuck, pressed down on him like a pile of wet blankets until he felt as if he would suffocate under the weight. In the past he had always fought boredom with alcohol and women, and the trouble that ensued from that combination filled the days. Here there was nothing but spy novels and bad Asian cooking shows (the doctor had refused to let him hook up to the satellite dish) and although he was pleased that he now knew nine different ways to prepare beagle, it wasn’t enough. He needed to get out of the compound, if for no other reason than because they told him he couldn’t. Fortunately, over the years, Tuck had acquired an encyclopedic knowledge of women-in-prison movies, so he had at his disposal a plethora of escape strategies. Of course, many of them weren’t applicable. He immediately rejected the idea of seducing and shiving the large lesbian matron, and faking menstrual cramps would only get him sent to the clinic with a Mydol IV, but strangely enough, as he was acting out the gratuitous shower scene, his plan burst forth: soap-slathered, silicone-enhanced, and in total defiance of time, gravity, and natural proportion†¦ The shower drain opened directly onto the coral gravel below. He could see it down there, the ground, and a small hermit crab scuttling to escape the soapy water. He’d lost weight, but not enough to slide down the drain. The entire bottom of the shower was no more than a tray of gal-vanized metal. He bent, grasped the edge, and lifted. It didn’t come free, but it moved. A little time, a little patience, and he’d have it free. Planning and patience. Those were the keys to a successful escape. So he could get out of the bungalow without being seen. The next obstacle would be the fence. Tuck found out early on that the fence around the compound was electrified. He’d found a rooster stuck to the wires, doing a convulsive imitation of the funky chicken while its feathers smoldered and sparks shot from its grounded foot. Satisfying as the discovery was, Tuck realized that there would be no going over the fence, and the gate to the airfield was locked with a massive chain and padlock. The only way past the fence was around it, and the only place to get around it was at the beach. Sure, he could swim out and come in farther down the beach, but how far did the minefield extend? He began testing it by hitting rocks into the minefield with his seven iron under the auspices of practicing his swing. He managed to produce several impressive craters and scare the guards with the explosion before finding the edge of the minefield some fifty yards down the beach. He decided to risk it. He picked up a coconut on his way back to the bungalow, then climbed into bed and waited for darkness to fall. After the sun set and the three-quarter moon rose, Tuck waited for the guard to peek through the window, then as he heard him crunch away, began building the decoy (a trick he learned from Falling Fingers: Leper Bimbos Behind Bars II). Two pillows and a coconut head made for a reason-able likeness, especially when viewed by moonlight through mosquito netting. He slipped out of bed and crawled below window level to the bathroom, where he had left his mask, fins, and a candle. He shoved a towel under the door to keep the light from leaking out, then lit the candle and began working the metal shower tray out of its frame. After five minutes of tugging, stopping for a moment when he heard the guard’s boots crunching outside, he released the shower tray and leaned it up on its side. Tuck blew out the candle and dropped to gravel four feet below, then reached back and pulled his fins and mask through the opening. The coral gravel felt like broken glass on his tender feet, but he decided to endure the pain rather than risk the noise of shoes. Tuck heard the guard coming again and dropped to the ground where he could look out under the bungalow into the courtyard. The guard thumped up the steps, paused as he looked through the window, then, satisfied that Tucker was asleep, walked across the compound to the guards’ quarters and sat in a folding chair outside the door. Tuck checked behind him, then scrambled out of the crawl space into the grove of coconut palms. He paused and caught his breath, then planned his path to the beach. He would have to cover fifty yards between his bungalow and the clinic, fifty yards that weren’t completely open but visible from where the guard sat. He could hop from tree to tree, but if the guard happened to be looking that way, he was done. A lizard scampered up the tree he was leaning on and Tuck felt his heart stop. What was he thinking? There could be scorpions out here, sharks and barracudas and other creepy stuff in the dark ocean. And what happened when he got to the other side of the fence? More sand and scorpions and possibly hostile natives. He was waiting, thinking about how easy it would be to crawl back through the shower and go to bed, when a lighter flared across the compound and he saw the guard’s face illuminated orange, and Tuck bolted for the rear of the clinic building, hoping the lighter would blind the guard long enough for him to cover the fifty yards. Halfway across, he dropped a fin, then fell to the ground beside it and looked up. The guard was smoking peacefully, watching blue streams of smoke rise in the moonlight. Tuck grabbed the fin and crawled on his belly the final ten yards to the clinic, fighting the urge to cry out as the gravel dug into his elbows. A hermit crab scuttled over his back sending a bolt of the electric willies shooting up his spine to speed him to cover. The guard didn’t look up. Tuck climbed to his feet, dusted himself off, and made his way to the beach. A light breeze rattled the palm leaves and Tuck could hear the surf crashing out on the reef, but at the shore the waves lapped only shin high. Tuck waded into the warm water carrying his fins. When he was waist deep, he crouched and slipped them on, then paddled out on his back, looking back toward shore. There were lights on in both of the Curtises’ bungalows. He could see Beth Curtis moving past the windows. She appeared to be naked, but from this distance he couldn’t tell for sure. He tore himself away and swam out past the surf line to make his way down the beach. It was an easy swim to the fence, the biggest challenge being to keep his mind off what might be lurking under the dark water. He swam another hundred yards down the beach, then started toward shore. When his hand brushed a rock, he reached down and pulled off his fins. He gritted his teeth as he put his feet down to stand, expecting the shooting pain of an urchin or a ray. He cursed himself for not bringing his sneakers. As he slogged up the beach, Tuck heard a rustling in the trees and looked up to see a flash of color in the moonlight. He ran up the beach, dove behind a log at the high-tide line, and lay there watching as tiny crabs clicked and crawled around him. She emerged from the trees only ten yards from where Tucker lay. She was wearing a purple lavalava, which she unwrapped and dropped on the sand. Tuck stopped breathing. She walked by him, only a few feet away, her body oiled and shining in the moonlight, her long black hair playing behind her in the breeze. He risked lifting his head and watched her walk into the water up to her knees and begin washing, splashing water on her thighs and bottom. From the time he had left Houston he had carried images in his head of what it would be like to live on a tropical island. Those images had been buried by cuts and scrapes, typhoons and humidity, sharks and ninjas and enigmatic missionaries. This was why he had come: a naked island girl washing her mocha thighs on a warm moonlit beach. He felt a stirring under him and almost leaped to his feet, thinking he was lying on some sea creature. Then he realized that the stirring came from within. It had been so long since he’d felt signs of an erection that he didn’t recognize it at first. He almost burst out laughing. It still worked. He was still a man. Hell, he was more than just a man, he was Tucker Case, secret agent, and for the first time in months, he was packing wood. The girl walked out of the water and Tuck ducked his head as she passed. He watched her wrap the lavalava around her hips and disappear into the trees. He waited until she was gone, then followed her, enjoying the tension in his trunks as he crept into the trees. Malink looked up from pouring tuba for the men at the drinking circle to see Sepie coming down from the village. This was an outrage and an em-barrassment. No women were allowed near the drinking circle. It was a place for men. â€Å"Go home, Sepie!† Malink barked. â€Å"You are not to be here.† Sepie ignored him and kept coming, her hips swaying. Several of the young married men looked away, feeling regret that they wouldn’t be bedding down in the bachelors’ house tonight. â€Å"There’s a white man following me.† Malink stood. â€Å"You talk nonsense. Now go home or you’ll have another week away from the ocean.† He noticed that the ends of her hair were wet and drops ran off her legs. She’d already broken her punishment for talking with the Japanese guards. â€Å"Fine,† Sepie said. â€Å"I don’t care if a white man is sneaking around in the bushes. I just though you would want to know.† She flipped her hair as she turned and made her way back up the beach. As she passed the tree that Tuck had ducked behind, she said in English, â€Å"The fat loud one is chief. You go talk to him. He tell you who I am.† And she walked on, head high, without looking back. Tuck felt his face flush and his ego deflate along with the swelling in his pants. Busted. She’d known he was there all along. Some secret agent. He’d be lucky to get back into the compound without getting caught. He watched the men on the beach passing around the communal cup. From the way they moved he could see that some of them were pretty drunk. He remembered the warning of Jefferson Pardee about not drinking with these latent warriors, but they looked harmless, even a little silly with their loincloths and shark tattoos. One young man reached to take the cup from the old guy who was pouring and fell on his face in the sand. That did it. Tuck stepped out from behind his tree and started toward the circle. Whatever was being poured from those jugs was probably not gin and tonic, but it would definitely get you fucked up, and getting fucked up sounded pretty good right now. â€Å"Jambo,† Tuck said, using a greeting he’d heard in a Tarzan movie. The whole group looked up. One man actually let out an abbreviated scream. The fat old guy stood up, a fire in his eyes that cooled as Tuck moved out of the shadows. Mary Jean had always said, â€Å"Doesn’t matter if it’s a senator or a doorman. No one is immune to a warm smile and a firm handshake.† Tuck held out his hand and smiled. â€Å"Tucker Case. Pleased to meet you.† Malink allowed the white man to shake his hand. As the others looked on, still stunned, Malink said, â€Å"You are looking better than the last time I saw you. The Sorcerer made you well.† Tuck’s eyes were trained on the three-gallon jugs of milky liquid at the center of the circle. â€Å"Yeah, I’m feeling on top of the world. You guys think you could spare a sip of that jungle juice?† â€Å"Sit,† Malink said, and he waved the young men aside to make space for Tuck on one of the sitting logs. Tuck stepped in and sat as Favo handed him the coconut shell cup. Tuck downed the contents in one gulp and fought to keep from gagging. It tasted of sulfur, sugar, and a tint of ammo-nia, but the alcohol was there, and the familiar warmth was coursing through him before he’d even stopped shuddering from the taste. â€Å"Good. Very good.† Tuck smiled and nodded around the circle. The Shark men smiled and nodded back. Malink sat beside him. â€Å"We thought you died.† â€Å"So did I. How about another belt?† Malink looked embarrassed. â€Å"The cup must come around again.† â€Å"Fine, fine. Drink up, boys,† Tuck said, smiling and nodding like a madman. â€Å"How you come here?† Malink asked. â€Å"A little stroll, a little swim. I wanted to get out and meet some people. You know, get to know the local customs. Gets pretty boring up at the clinic.† Malink frowned. â€Å"You are the pilot. We see you fly the plane.† â€Å"That’s me.† â€Å"Vincent said you would come.† â€Å"Who’s Vincent?† The men, who had been whispering among themselves, fell si lent. The pouring and drinking stopped as they waited for Malink’s reply. â€Å"Vincent is pilot too. He come long time ago, bringing cargo. He send the Sky Priestess until he come back. You see her with the Sorcerer. At hospital. She have yellow hair like yours.† Tuck nodded, as if he had any idea what the chief was talking about. Right now he just wanted to see the cup finish its lap and get back to him. â€Å"Yeah, right. I’ve seen her. She’s the doctor’s wife.† Abo, who was drunk and for once not angry, laughed and said, â€Å"She is nobody’s wife, you fuckin’ mook. She’s the Sky Priestess.† Tuck froze. A plane crash and a talking bat rose like demons, ruining his oncoming buzz. Malink looked apologetic. â€Å"He is young and drunk and stupid. You not fuckin’ mook.† â€Å"Where’d you hear that?† Tuck asked. â€Å"Where’d you hear ‘fuckin’ mook’?† â€Å"Vincent say that. We all say that.† â€Å"Vincent? What’s Vincent look like?† The young men looked to Favo and Malink. Favo spoke. â€Å"He is American. Have dark hair like us, but his nose point. Young. Maybe as old as you.† â€Å"And he’s a pilot? What’s he wear?† â€Å"He wear gray suit, sometimes a jacket with fur here.† Favo mimed a collar and lapels. â€Å"A bomber jacket.† Malink smiled. â€Å"Yes, Sky Priestess is bomber.† Tuck snatched the cup from one of the Johns and drained it, then handed it back. â€Å"Sorry. Emergency.† He looked at Malink. â€Å"And this Vincent said I was coming?† Malink nodded. â€Å"He tell me in a dream. Then Sarapul find you and your friend on the reef.† â€Å"My friend? Is he around?† â€Å"We no see him now. He go to live with Sarapul on other side of island.† â€Å"Take me to him.† â€Å"We drink tuba now. Go in morning?† â€Å"I have to be back before morning. And you can’t tell anyone that I was here.† â€Å"One more,† Malink said. â€Å"The tuba is good tonight.† â€Å"Okay, one more,† Tuck said. How to cite Island of the Sequined Love Nun Chapter 37~38, Essay examples

Phosphates in Water Pollution Essay Example For Students

Phosphates in Water Pollution Essay Phosphates may be created by substituting some or all of the hydrogen of a phosphoric acid by metals. Depending on the number of hydrogen atoms that are replaced, the resulting compound is described as a primary, secondary or tertiary phosphate. Primary and secondary phosphates contain hydrogen and are acid salts. Secondary and tertiary phosphates, with the exception of those of sodium, potassium and ammonium are insoluble in water. Tertiary sodium phosphate is valuable as a detergent and water softener. The primary phosphates tend to be more soluble. Phosphates, which are an important component to metabolism in both plants and animals, help in the first step in oxidation of glucose in the body. Primary calcium phosphate is an ingredient of plant fertilizer. Phosphates have caused increasing attention recently. The focus is on the environmentally harmful effects in household detergents. Wastewater, from laundering agents, contains phosphates, which are said to be a water pollutant. We will write a custom essay on Phosphates in Water Pollution specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Most laundry detergents contain approximately 35% to 75% sodium triphosphate (Na5P3O10), which serves two purposes. Providing an alkaline solution (pH 9.0 to 10.5) is necessary for effective cleansing and also to tie up calcium and magnesium ions found in natural waters and prevent them from interfering with the cleansing role of the detergent. Eutrophication is the progressive over-fertilization of water, in which festering masses of algaes blooms, choking rivers and lakes. Phosphorus compounds act as a fertilizer for all plant life, whether free-floating algae or more substantial rooted weeds, and are implicated in eutrophication. Many countries control phosphate levels, whereas Switzerland has banned the use of phosphates. The marine environment is both fragile and more resistant than the terrestrial ecosystem. It is fragile for the reasons that nutrients are generally present in very low concentrations, permanently consumed by living organisms and pollutants diffuse rapidly.Lakes and rivers are extremely complex ecosystems. Nutrients are taken up by both algae and rooted weeds. The weeds act as a shelter for fish larvae and zooplankton, both of which eat algae and are, in turn, eaten by larger fish. Scientists have concluded that unpolluted lakes can absorb surprisingly large amounts of phosphates without uncertainty. When a fertilizer, such as a phosphate, is added more algae will grow, and consequently will the populations of zooplankton and fish. Difficulties only arise when the lake is already impure. Zooplankton are sensitive to their environment and many substances are toxic to them. If any of these substances, including phosphates, are present the zooplankton population cannot increase. Adding phosphates to this polluted system will case algae growth. The floating masses cut off the light supply. Weeds die and decompose using up dissolved oxygen, and causing sulfurous smells and plagues. Deprived of shelter and food, the fish larvae starve. The lake is well on the way to catastrophe. Without wetlands there would be a minimal amount of fresh drinking water due to the fact that wetlands filter the waters of our lakes, rivers and streams, sequentially reducing contamination of water. The plant growth in wetlands removes phosphates and other plant nutrients washed in from the surrounding soil, consequently restricting the growth of algae and aquatic weeds. This growth is a serious problem in some of Canadas major waterways, where dead and decaying algae deprive the deeper waters of their oxygen. Researches at Lancaster University have studied lakes whose plant and animal life has been killed by acid rain. The excess acid in the lakes can be neutralized easily by adding lime, but this makes the waters rich in calcium. Life will gradually return to the lake but, as these lakes should have low calcium levels, it will not be the same kind of life that existed in lakes before pollution. .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e , .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e .postImageUrl , .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e , .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e:hover , .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e:visited , .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e:active { border:0!important; } .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e:active , .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u095ce0e3739c9d0b09b6103eabbeb50e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Hamlet character analysis for Essay The answer, they have concluded, is to add phosphates. These phosphates work by shielding the water. This depends upon nitrate ions in the lake. Contradictory, these ions also are produced by acid rain, contain oxides of nitrogen from combustion sources. These fertilizers do not alter the pH level of the water. Instead, they stimulate the growth of plants. The plants absorb the dissolved nitrates, generating hydroxide ions, which in return neutralize the excess acid. Removal of phosphates from detergent is not likely to slow algae growth in containing substances. It may actually prove disastrous. Its replacement with borax will definitely be disastrous. Scientists are unsure of borax role in plant growth. It is not required by algae and other micro plants, but it is essential to higher plants. However in excessive quantities, about 5 micrograms of boron per gram of water, boron severely damages plant life. Highly alkaline substances, gel proteins and sodium hydroxide is hazardous substances. Another concern is the fact that each year thousands of children swallow detergents resulting in serious injuries or death. In conclusion, the only way to overcome the disastrous effects of phosphates is to find an alternate. However, an acceptable substitute for phosphates has not yet been found. Washing only with synthetic detergents would require so much detergent that the cost per wash would increase significantly. Another alternative is the substitution of synthetic nonionic detergents for ionic detergents in use. Nonionic detergents are not precipitated by Calcium of Magnesium ions. This would reduce the risk contaminating our lakes and rivers.

Impact of Resolution Act of 1998 on Women

The Science Courses Needed for College Admission

The Science Courses Needed for College Admission When applying to college, youll find that requirements for high school preparation in science vary greatly from school to school, but in general, the strongest applicants have taken biology, physics, and chemistry. As you might expect, institutions with a focus in science or engineering often require more science education than a typical liberal arts college, but even among top science and engineering schools, the required and recommended coursework can vary significantly. What Science Courses Do Colleges Want to See? Some colleges list the science courses that they expect students to have completed in high school; when stated, these courses usually include biology, chemistry, and/or physics. Even if a college doesnt specifically outline these requirements, its probably a good idea to have taken at least, two, if not all three of these courses, as they provide a strong general foundation for college-level STEM classes. This is especially important for students hoping to pursue a degree in fields such as engineering or one of the natural sciences. Note that earth science does not tend to be on the list of courses colleges hope to see. This doesnt mean it isnt a useful class, but if you have a choice between, for example, earth science or AP biology, opt for the latter. Many colleges stipulate that high school science classes must have a laboratory component in order to fulfill their science requirements. In general, standard or advanced biology, chemistry, and physics courses will include a lab, but if youve taken any non-lab science classes or electives at your school, make sure youre aware of the specific requirements of the colleges or universities you apply to in case your courses dont qualify. The table below summarizes the required and recommended science preparation from a number of top American institutions. Be sure to check directly with colleges for the most recent requirements. School Science Requirement Auburn University 2 years required (1 biology and 1 physical science) Carleton College 1 year (lab science) required, 2 or more years recommended Centre College 2 years (lab science) recommended Georgia Tech 4 years required Harvard University 4 years recommended (physics, chemistry, biology, and one of those advanced are preferred) MIT 3 years required (physics, chemistry, and biology) NYU 3-4 years (lab science) recommended Pomona College 2 years required, 3 years recommended Smith College 3 years (lab science) required Stanford University 3 or more years (lab science) recommended UCLA 2 years required, 3 years recommended (from biology, chemistry or physics) University of Illinois 2 years (lab science) required, 4 years recommended University of Michigan 3 years required; 4 years required for engineering/nursing Williams College 3 years (lab science) recommended Dont be fooled by the word recommended in a schools admissions guidelines. If a selective college recommends a course, it is most definitely in your best interest to follow the recommendation. Your academic record, after all, is the most important part of your college application. The strongest applicants will have completed the recommended courses. Students who simply meet the minimum requirements will not stand out from the applicant pool. What If Your High School Doesnt Offer the Recommended Courses? Its extremely rare for a high school to not offer the basic courses in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics). That said if a college recommends four years of science including courses at an advanced level, students from smaller schools may find the courses simply arent available.   If this describes your situation, dont panic. Keep in mind that colleges want to see that students have taken the most challenging courses available to them. If a certain course isnt offered by your school, a college shouldnt penalize you for not taking a course that doesnt exist. That said, selective colleges also want to enroll students who are well prepared for college, so coming from a high school that doesnt offer challenging college preparatory classes can be a detriment. The admissions office may recognize that you took the most challenging science courses offered at your school, but the student from another school who completed AP Chemistry and AP Biology may be the more attractive applicant because of that students level of college preparation. You do, however, have other options. If youre aiming for top-tier colleges but coming from a high school with limited academic offerings, talk to your guidance counselor about your goals and your concerns. If there is a community college within commuting distance of your home, you might be able to take college classes in the sciences. Doing so has the added benefit that the class credits might transfer to your future college. If a community college isnt an option, look into online AP classes in the sciences or online science classes offered by accredited colleges and universities. Just be sure to read reviews before choosing an online option- some courses are much better than others. Also, keep in mind that online science courses are unlikely to fulfill the lab component that colleges often require.   A Final Word About Science in High School For any college or university, you will be in the best position if you have taken biology, chemistry, and physics. Even when a college requires just one or two years of science, your application will be stronger if youve taken courses in all three of those subject areas. For the countrys most selective colleges, biology, chemistry, and physics represent the minimum requirements. The strongest applicants will have taken advanced courses in one or more of those subject areas. For example, a student might take biology in 10th grade and then AP biology in 11th or 12th grade. Advanced Placement and college classes in the sciences do an excellent job demonstrating your college readiness in science.

Ethical Issues Of Race In Medical Research Essay

Ethical Issues Of Race In Medical Research - Essay Example Many doctors believed that them to have a wild sexual expression, which was a danger to the white society. They were thought to be inferior to the white people on intellectual bases and were also alleged of being attracted towards white women. Furthermore, most doctors held the belief that immorality and family problems amongst the Negro community had made them more prone to diseases such as syphilis, and treating them was next to impossible. Also high rates of syphilis in the Negro community had led to an increase in crime and insanity, making them a threat to the other communities. These set of ideas, all relating to racial discrimination against the Negro community, played a significant role in letting the health authorities to make the rural syphilitic Negroes, a part of this study. Thus, the origin of this study was also driven by the racial discrimination of the health authorities against the African-American community. The Tuskegee Study was certainly packed with ethical issue s. It was a display of racism and injustice on part of the health authorities, who showed a complete lack of concern for the African-American community. It was a study carried under ghastly circumstances resulting in many patients dying from painful deaths. Initially, being planned for six months, the study was extended up to forty years and showed no signs of stopping, regardless the number of deaths. No protest was carried out, and no significant actions were taken against the immoral and perilous nature of the study.

Mental Effects Of Vietnam War On Soldiers Research Paper

Mental Effects Of Vietnam War On Soldiers - Research Paper Example Following the end of the war the Americans lost 58000 lives and almost 350,000 were seriously injured. After the end of the war when the Americans returned home majority of them did not either want to talk about the war or they were so much frightened by the devastations of the war that they remained stunned and silent. The only war which the United States lost was this. An essence of moral degeneration also played very strong in the minds of the Americans. The dangerous guerilla warfare was adopted by the Vietnamese and the U.S. succumbed under their tactics of warfare ending up being confused and losing their lives or being tremendously injured. Continuous war fought by them and barrage of continuous gun firing and ‘shell shock’ jeopardized the mental state of the U.S. soldiers as they were traumatized. They were seriously affected by mental disorders like depression, hallucinations suicidal tendencies, conflict in marriage relations etc. Mental shock among the soldier s also came from the pessimistic behavior of the country. They were treated as second class citizens and were cursed and sometimes recognized as ‘baby killers’. Discriminations were faced by them in unemployment scenario also. They were devoid of grants and pensions and proper healthcare. So the paper focuses on the description of the mental disorders faced by the Vietnam veterans like shell shock, combat exposure and mental disorders occurring from spraying herbicides like Agent Orange, effects on family satisfaction and functioning, treatment of the soldiers from the country and in the VA hospitals (Sitikoff). Research focus The research question addressed in this paper is what are the effects of Vietnam War on the mental state of the soldiers and what are its implications? The topic has been selected in order to examine the factors which led to the psychological disorders among the Vietnam War veterans. The justification behind the selection of this topic is to analy ze the kinds of mental constraints faced by these soldiers and also the reason why these brave heroes succumbed to mental disorders despite being a part of this prolonged warfare. Literature review The states of mental disorders prevalent among the soldiers are invasive memories, major depression, night mares and loss of concentration (Cromie). A reevaluated study of National Vietnam Veterans Readjustments Study (NVVRS) states that war related PTSD which was developed among the men during their lifetime was 18.7%. A study by the Centers for Disease Control found that Vietnam veterans suffering from psychological problems were approximately twice as compared to the military veterans of the other countries like Vietnam and Australia (Aneli and Hendrix, 87). Research Methods A study about the different types of mental challenges faced by the soldiers has been described in this paper. Firstly a backdrop of the war and an account of overall psychological torment and deprivations of the V ietnam War veterans is provided and then in a synchronized manner the paper concentrates on seeking answer to the research question. For analyzing the different aspects of the mental disorders faced by the Vietnam Veterans qualitative analysis have been adopted from secondary sources like journals and authentic books. The focus of the study is on issues like ‘Shell Shock’ (Wood), mental problems suffered from spraying toxic herbicides like Agent Orange for clearing the forests (Singer and Hodge). A major focus has been entailed on the comparative analysis between the Vietnamese soldiers and the American soldiers who fought the Vietnam War in order to

Questionable Hospitality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Questionable Hospitality - Essay Example However, the most striking statistic is the difference in pay rates amongst different travel areas around the world. Europe in particular is a very strongly growing travel destination and a great place to work as a human resources employee for a travel organization 2. Ever since the events here in the United States since 9/11, the hospitality industry has been suffering, whereas the industry has been growing exponentially in other parts of the world. Whenever catastrophic events such as 9/11 do occur, they always effect multiple industries, but it has been proven time and time again that it's usually only localized, and not permanent. This is apparent with the steady growth within the last couple years. In 2004 alone, the entire travel industry within the United States has grown in revenue by 7.6%, with profits increasing by 11.4% in the same time period 3. The strength of the American economy coupled with a renewed interest in travel is just a few of the factors effecting such growth. But probably the largest player in the recent spurt of production has to be within the human resources departments at many of these organizations. In the early years of the new millennium, many hospitality organizations were simply trying to brace for the effects of 9/11. With crackdowns in security at airports and hundreds of flight cancellations, most businesses within the United States lost a lot of their revenue. They could only offer odd hours to many of their employees to make up for their lack of labor funding, and often times couldn't afford to pay most employees like they used to. What 1would normally cause uproar within an industry was left fairly silent within most businesses. However, European and especially Caribbean hospitality industries experience an unparalleled amount of growth. According to a study of salary comparisons within human resource departments done in 1997, Caribbean employees were grossing approximately $48,000 USD for a salary, Europe averaging roughly 1$28,000 USD, compared with the world average of $22,000 USD 4. There are many factors that some businesses are finally starting to follow here in the United States which allowed these two areas to become so strong. Europe has many organizations which help the hospitality industry. It's always been within European culture to travel the world, it is the great land of exploration. One of the most prominent organizations within Europe effecting travel is ATOL (Air Travel Organizer's License), which is a type of travel insurance organization. It is a requirement within London for travel organizations to be ATOL protected. ATOL provides insurance to travelers who get stranded somewhere because a company or business is foreclosed, and additional travel insurance can be purchased from ATOL. This removes a lot of the work a human resources representative has to take care of, and gives them more time to focus on team building, skills training and marketing. Thus, employees of hotels and travel agencies can work better hours and are often trained better than in other parts of the world. The United States has an absence of such organizations, partially because of our strict policy of laissez-faire. Many b usinesses would benefit from a government sponsored organization such as ATOL within the United States. However, the focus has been on the human resources department

Top Down Approach To Water Resource Managment

Top Down Approach To Water Resource Managment Ever since the period of Enlightenment, scientists and academics have adopted a top-down approach to managing the environment and its associated resources. The downfall of this persistent ideology is that it solely values or prioritizes professional expert scientific knowledge as a basis for formulating environmental policies and guiding decisions concerning the environment (Smith et al, 2008). The consequences of prioritizing expert knowledge was that the local knowledge and experiences of the surroundings of people at the grass roots level, were not taken into consideration during decision making and was normally regarded as irrelevant (Smith et al, 2008). In the context of water resource management, this approach meant that the policies, plans and programs formulated were technical and exclusively scientific in nature, lacking the dynamics of the social realm and use of social theory (Smith et al, 2008). The technical nature of policies formulated proved to be locally unsustainable and unacceptable because water resource management is an area that deals with a resource that integrates basic human rights and is central to all life (Smith et al, 2008).Some examples of the consequences of this non-participatory approach to water resource management is the construction of large dams for water supply and irrigation which results in the displacement of thousands of intended beneficiaries or how some government have even intentionally used the water policies formulated under this approach, to harm the disenfranchised (Jansky et al, 2005) Along with being purely technical in nature and non-participatory, conventional water resource management approaches focused primarily on the supply of water resources particularly for development and other economically inclined purposes. 2.2 Supply-driven approach It has been recognized that the evolution of water resource management is greatly interconnected with the growth of the worlds population (Al Radif, 1999). Until the end of the 19th century, water resource management was primarily focused on the supply of water to users for agricultural, domestic and industrial uses which proved to be successful throughout the 19th century due to the low population growth during this period. This approach to water resource management known as the supply-driven approach proved successful because the available water resources during this time period were adequate to meet the needs of the population (Al Radif, 1999). As shown in the Figure 1 above, when the worlds population was approximately 2 billion in the 19th century the fresh water ecosystems basically functioned undisturbed as a user, provider of goods and services and a regulator of both water quality and quantity which assumed a sustainable approach was being implemented however, when the population grew to 3 billion over 60 years, the approach was quickly undermined (Al Radif, 1999). This was mainly due to the governments focus on the supply of water resources by diverting water resources from the original stores to new store pathways. The approach to water resource management resulted in the deterioration of water quality, stresses on water supplies and the degradation of water resources (Al Radif, 1999). 3. INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 3.1 Definitions, principles and objectives According to the Global Water Partnership (GWP) 2000, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) is viewed simultaneously as a philosophy, process and approach which promotes the coordinated development and management of water and related natural resources, in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems (GWP, 2000 as cited by Funke et al, 2007). IWRM is also described as a guiding principle that necessitates the interdisciplinary, participative and strategic approach to managing water resources, stressing the co ordinate interaction between and within both human and natural systems with the aim of achieving sustainable development (Guipponi et al, 2000). Since there is no unambiguous and universally accepted definition the examination of the Dublin principles which form the core of IWRM, allows a clearer understanding of the key issues that define IWRM (Funke et al, 2007). The Dublin principles state that: The worlds fresh water is finite and a vulnerable water resource vital for human survival, development and the correct functioning of the environment. Water resource management should be a participative process involving all users planners and policy makers at all levels. Women play a key role in the management of water resources and therefore should be involved in decision making. Water should be recognized as an economic good. IWRM emerged in response to the sector by sector technical conventional water resource management approaches and is more holistic in that it recognizes the various dimensions of water and accepts that water comprises an ecological system formed by a number of interdependent components, where each component influences the other (Matondo, 2002). This recognition results in management directed to joint consideration of aspects for example water supply, water treatment and disposal and water quality (Mitchell, 1944). While water is a system it is also recognized as a component and therefore its interactions with other systems need to be taken into consideration as changes in one system may have consequences in the other, therefore IWRM is a much broader perspective or approach to managing water resources (Matondo, 2002). IWRM does not only take into consideration the complex interconnections of the human and natural systems, it has even broader interpretations as it considers the interrelationships between water and socio-economic development where the main concern is the extent to which the available water supplies is both an opportunity for barrier against economic development and how to manage the resource to ensure sustainable development (Mitchell, 1944). IWRM compared to conventional water management approaches, recognizes and accepts that water resource planning and management can have physical, social and economical impacts and is therefore multi and interdisciplinary involving a wide range of disciplines such as engineering, economics and social science (Matondo, 2002). The aim of formulating multidisciplinary teams in IWRM is communication to view the various perspectives on water resources to ensure the maintenance of ecological functioning and the conservation of water resources (Al Radif, 1999). 3.2 Bottom- up approach By the end of the 1980s the conventional supply-driven management approach proved problematic and incapable of delivering portable water and proper sanitation especially in developing countries. By the mid 1980s early 1990s, the realization and acceptance of the fact that actions at the grass root level is what makes or breaks policies, resulted in the popularization of a more participatory approach to environmental management termed the bottom-up approach (Smith, 2008). In context of water management, conferences held in New Delhi in 1990, Dublin in 1992 and Rio de Jeneiro in 1992 endorsed community participation which was officially adopted universally as a key guiding principle in sustainable water resource management (Smith, 2008).The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Jeneiro specifically proposed that local communities should be involved in all stages of decision making with regard to the management of water resources to ensure that decisions made are locally appropriate, accepted and sustainable (Smith, 2008). The concept of involving communities in all stages of decision making such as policy and plan formulation and project and program implementation, were based on the fact that local people themselves are considered experts of their own local environment and therefore their knowledge should be highly appreciated (Smith, 2008). Unlike the conventional top-down approach, the bottom-up approach encourages local people to work together on environmental issues within their surrounding environment which consequently provides capacity building and empowerment opportunity to communities that are able to define their specific needs, wants and aims in relation to local water access and management (Smith, 2008). IWRM encompasses all aspects of the environment namely economic, environmental and social aspects however, the approach pays little attention to the ecosystems role as a provider of goods and services which resulted in the suggestion of an ecosystem-based approach (Jewitt, 2002). 3.3 Ecosystem-based approach Conventional water resource management approaches were typically a command control type of approach in the sense that it aimed to control the hydrological cycle through the construction of hydrological structures to harvest goods and services and produce predictable outcomes (Jewit, 2002). The reduction of ecosystem variation and functioning, decline in the goods and services provided by ecosystems and resilience of the systems were some of the consequences of adopting this approach (Jewit, 2002). The key components of the ecosystem based approach as shown in figure 3 include capacity building, partnership, policy and planning and the assessment of water resources (Al Radif, 1999).The correct functioning of ecosystems such as headwaters, wetlands and floodplains is vital for human survival since society derives a wide variety of important life sustaining benefits and biodiversity from these systems (Al Radif, 1999). In the context of water resources ecosystems regulate water quality and quantity, habitat resources and provide vital information to society (Al Radif, 1999).Additionally, ecosystems are highly complex systems and the exclusion of vital aspects of the system regarding the environment such as ecological functioning during decision making due to the poor understanding of the systems dynamics results in undermined and unsustainable decisions (Jewit, 2002).This lack of understanding and lack of political willingness to accommodate non-quantitative aspects of ecosystem dynamics results in an incapable management system (Jewit, 2002). An ecosystem-based approach to managing water resources is a realization that management systems need to be flexible anticipatory and adaptive to deal with the complexity of ecosystems. The approach is similar to IWRM however the approach prioritizes ecosystem functioning and its related goods and services (Jewitt, 2002). 4. IWRM IN DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES Despite the universal acceptance of the Dublin principles which form the core of IWRM, The effective implementation of IWRM in each individual country is dependent on the nature and intensity of the water problems that reside in the country (Funke et al, 2007). The argument put forward by the European Union regarding the five fundamental principles of good governance for the effective implementation of IWRM in each country, is not entirely relevant in developing countries as it is in developed countries (Funke et al, 2007). This is mainly because the situations that occur in developing countries differ on many levels compared to those that reside in developed countries (Funke et al, 2007). The openness, participation and transparency of governance in developing countries are hampered by more factors compared to developed countries such as illiteracy and widespread poverty and mistrust of government leaders (Funke et al, 2007). Lack of budgets and human resource capacities in developing countries create a gap between water resource management and the application of new legislations, strategies and institutions in practice and it is therefore clear that with the uniquely characterized problems that reside in developing countries, the solutions to managing water resources in developed countries will prove inapplicable (Funke et al, 2007). IWRM principles and practices therefore need to take into consideration the local conditions which reside in developing countries such as Africa, if the management approach is to prove sustainable in a long run (Funke et al, 2007). 4.1 IWRM in South Africa South Africa is recognized universally as being at the forefront of adopting IWRM as a water resource management regime (Jonker, 2000). The need for IWRM in the countries stems from climatic, historical and political perspectives all of which differ from developed countries and make the successful and effective implementation of IWRM a challenge (Jonker, 2000).From climatic perspective large parts of the country is water limited due to the low average and highly variable rainfall received in the country. The inequitable patterns of both industrial and agricultural development from a historical perspective and the apartheid social engineering and planning legacy from a political perspective, resulted in the unequal access to and use of water resources and more concentrated water demands in particular areas of the country (Jonker, 2000). An additional challenge to IWRM in South Africa aroused when the citizens of the country took part in a national democratization process and now have the growing need to participate in decision making processes at all levels (Jonker, 2000). This has its benefits challenge although the problems come in when decision makers have to decide the extent to which citizens are able to have an influence on decisions made and the challenge of trade offs (Jonker, 2000). The management approach embraces a multitude of stakeholders in South Africa which include environmentalists, government at all levels, NGOs and local organizations such as subsistence farmers, traditional leaders and women groups (Shculze et al, 2004). The political transformation in South Africa the mid nineties was used as an opportunity by the water sector for formulating new water law policies and a new water act in 1998. IWRM formed the basis of this transformation and both the constitution and National Water Act (NWA) of 1998 make fundamental facilitations for the effective and successful implementation in South Africa (Jonker, 2000). 4.2 The Constitution and National Water Act of 1998 Despite the peaceful political transition to democracy in South Africa, in the context of water resource management, the allocation and management of water resources was still regulated by the 1956 Water Act which is primarily based on the riparian system water rights making no provision for the integration, equity or facilitation for transparent and open decision making, ecological sustainability or the reduction of poverty (Dollar et al, 2010). The inclusion of the concept of sustainable development into the South African Constitution due to the initiation of a water reform process in 1995 resulted in a major shift towards IWRM because the Constitution forms the basis of all policies laws and practices for water management ( Dollar et al, 2010). The values entrenched in the Constitution include equity, the right of access to sufficient water and a healthy environment and thus provides the enabling environment for the formulation and implementation of a new democratic water act ( Dollar et al, 2010). It took over three years for the NWA of 1998 to come into law in South Africa and the NWA recognizes that water is a powerful tool for restructuring society (Dollar et al, 2010). The act encompasses values such as human rights, social justice principles and provides policies and legal frameworks required to ensure the equal, efficient and sustainable supply of water resources (Asmal, 1998). Despite the fact that the NWA does not contain the term IWRM, it encompasses the principles and objectives of the water management approach as set out on the White paper policy document of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (Jonker et al, 2000). The act also makes noteworthy provisions and fundamental provisions for the effective implementation of IWRM (Asmal, 1998). Some of the provisions include the recognition by the act that water for basic human needs and proper ecological functioning must be taken as first priority before commercial and other water uses, the change from water rights to water-use rights and makes provision for levies to be charged for all major water users for their consumption (Asmal, 1998). This provision was made to ensure equity and efficiency but was met great resistance from the agricultural sector (Asmal, 1998) mainly because the agricultural sector is highly dependent on water resources for irrigation purposes (Schulze et al, 2004). The NWA also facilitates public participation which is one of the core principles of IWRM and stresses that government should involve local communities and all affected and involved stakeholders during legislation and policy formulation, and take their comments seriously however, even though the their catchment is their responsibility government remains the overseer (Schulze et al,2004).Another important provision of the NWA is the focus on the arrangements and establishment of institutions which resulted in a significant shift to more integrated and co operative approaches to water governance and stakeholder participation to ensure IWRM (Asmal, 1998). The act acknowledges that political boundaries prove inappropriate for water management and watersheds are more relevant. Part of IWRM is to ensure that there is equitable use of shared rivers and development cannot occur in isolation, another highlight of the NWA (Asmal, 1998). These provisions in the NWA of 1998 set the foundation for the implementation of IWRM in South Africa however; despite the top quality of the act implantation fatigue occurs due to capacity constraints and other challenges to the effective implementation of IWRM (Asmal, 1998). 5. CHALLENGES TO INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 5.1 Conceptual shortcomings The views of authors regarding universally accepted definition of IWRM provided by the Global Water partnership 2000 as being a hamper to the effective implementation of IWRM (Sherwill et al,2007). One of the arguments put forward is that the definition is narrow, incomplete and unchallenging and that this conceptual shortcoming tempts the water resource manager continue implementing the conventional water management practices and labeling it as IWRM (funke et al, 2007). Some authors argue that for effective implementation, the definition should include allocation to compensate for the inevitable political processes that reshape IWRM. While other authors argue that poverty should be included into the restricted definition the European Union suggests a complete name change of IWRM to Constructively Engaged IWRM Allocation and management which will emphasize the importance of practically implementing IWRM with prime focus on stakeholder involvement (funke et al, 2007). In the context of South Africa, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) defines IWRM as a management strategy aimed to achieve the sustainable use of water resources by all affected stakeholders at catchment, regional, national and international levels while maintaining the integrity of water resources at catchment levels. (Schulze et al, 2004). Universally, apart from the conceptual shortcomings of IWRM which hamper its effective implementation, IWRM is first and foremost an institutional challenge that demands institutional capacities for integration which is in short supply (Van de Zaag, 2005). 5.2 Institutional challenges The management of resources and formulations of projects and plans have been fragmented, uncoordinated and implemented in a top-down approach however, according to the Global Water Partnership 2000 one of the most fundamental pillars of IWRM is integrated and coordinated institutional frameworks through which policies, strategies and legislations can be implemented (Funke, et al 2007). The integrative capacity of many countries lie at district level were various government departments such as health, environmental and education participate in implementing multi sector rural development programs ( Van De Zaag, 2005). South Africa on the other hand overrides existing management structures creating a structure alongside but separate from existing structures that are defined by hydrological boundaries and is regarded a waste of institutional resources (Van de Zaag, 2005). The South African NWA of 1998 mandates the establishment of water management institutions resulting in the neglecting of focus on the practical implementation of IWRM (Van de Zaag, 2005). Institutional fragmentation still persists in South Africa because the countries environmental, water and land-use legislations and administrations are administered by separate lines of functions in government ministries (Van de Zaag, 2005). 5.3 Governance and politics Effective implementation of IWRM is regarded as a product of good governance as it enables tradeoffs to be made between competing users for a resource with the aim of mitigating any conflict, enhancing equity, ensuring sustainability and holding officials liable for their actions (Funke et al, 2007). Participative, open and transparent governance plays an important part in forming the framework required for the successful implementation of IWRM. The issue however is that inefficient capacity and inefficient government processes and structures reside in countries with relatively ground democracies such as South Africa (Funke et al, 2007). Governance in developing countries lack the economic technical and human resources to implement IWRM and the challenge of politics and tradeoffs when making decisions regarding the allocation of water resources are unavoidable as they form part of the problem and solution (Funke et al, 2007). With reference to South Africa, after the modification of the countries water law to address post inequities, makes it more challenging for the successful implementation of IWRM in the country (Funke et al, 2007). 5.4 Public Participation Although public participation has been highly valued and recognized as being a fundamental component for the effective implementation of IWRM, there are inevitable problems and complexities that are associated with the process that needs to be taken into consideration (Smith, 2008). The four main problems associated with the process and highlighted by Smith 2008 is tokenism in terms of the degree to which local communities are involved in decision making, myths of regarding the community as a homogeneous coherent and cohesive body, local-level capacity constraints and critical lack of facilitator knowledge (Smith, 2008). The problem of tokenism is that communities are only considered important for the provision of local knowledge regarding their environment and are not involved in important and effectual positions in the different levels of decision making processes (Smith, 2008). This may be due to the unwillingness of government to devolve their power to local level communities. This results in plans and legislations that are locally inappropriate (Smith, 2008). With regard to the community myth, most communities are simplified as cohesive homogenous and harmonious entities with similar interests and goals instead of recognizing it as the complex heterogeneous organizations that they are (Smith, 2008). This fact must be included in management planning. This will then ensure locally appropriate outcomes. Other most problematic elements are the financial capacity constraints mainly experienced by bottom-up projects. Even though the community may be committed towards initiating a project, the essential element is economic material which local communities often lack (Smith, 2008). Therefore where there is community engagement the economic and social capacities needs to be considered (Smith, 2008). The final problematic element is the lack of knowledge regarding the process of public participation held by facilitators resulting in an influential process being facilitated by people without the necessary skills and capacities to initiate community participation initiatives (Smith, 2008). Despite the problems associated with public participation it is essential that the process be appreciated as an empowering, enlightening and sustainable approach to water resource management (Smith, 2008).

The Year 1919 Essay -- American History, Woodrow Wilson

What makes a year special? What makes a year memorable? It’s the things that people remembered in the year. 1919 in American was a year where people were settling down. The World War One just ended, the World Series was rigged, there was an influenza epidemic, there was a president trying to make peace with other countries, and people wore brightly colored clothing. The America in 1919, Had a president who was really focused on peace for the United States. The President was Woodrow Wilson. Woodrow Wilson was the 28th president. After the war was declared over Wilson went to Paris get peace for the country. In Paris he helped create The League of Nations. Here he also helped Shape the treaty of Versailles. For his effort to form The League of Nations, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 (Gordon). Clearly Wilson’s ideas for peace were respected by the world. While Wilson was known for the League of Nations and the treaty of Versailles, he was also known for his Fourteen Points. These were 14 primary ideas set by Wilson to end World War 1, and set ideas for world peace. These principals were first introduced to congress, then to the League of Nations. Out of these fourteen principals only 6 were used. Point seven â€Å"evacuation of German troops from Belgium† (â€Å"President Wilson’s Fourteen Points†). Point eight that said, free all French territory and these places must be restored, along with France being freed In the matter of Alsace-Lorraine. The next point that was put into effect was that people of Austria-Hungary should be allowed the freest opportunity. They also put point eleven into use. This point said, â€Å"Rumania, Serbia, and Montenegro should be evacuated; occupied territories restored; Serbia accorded free and secure ... ...an’s bloomers cost $o.90(Derks 134), a men’s suit was $33.00(Derks 142). Finding a house in a good neighborhood was very important to some people just as it is today. A house in a good neighborhood would cost around $4,200(Derks 142). A mattress was a necessity, back then it would cost around $20.00(Derks 137). Magazines were a good way for people to get news or find new things. To buy just one copy of the magazine it would cost $0.15. A year’s subscription for a magazine would cost $1.50(Derks 142). Cereal brands were simple, a regular box would cost $0.12. A large box of Cereal would cost $0.30(Derks 137). A phonograph Record cost $1.50(Derks 137). Even though alcohol was illegal to have a gallon of whiskey would cost $3.50(Craven). Milk cost $0.32 for a gallon. The cost of basic goods was a lot less then what it would be today. So their cost of living was less.

Cultural Interviews and Assessment Essay

I am interviewing a 32-year-old male (X) from the India who has been a resident of the San Jose in the US state of California since the last 10 years. He is employed as a Software engineer in one of the software MNCs in urban parts of California. Regarding, the Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) population in the US, they are one of the fastest growing population in the US. In the year 1999, the population was about 11 million and it is expected to grow to about 20 million by 2020. In 1999, 4 % of the US population was APIA, 12 % Hispanics and 11 % African-Americans. The APIA come from several parts of the world including India, China, Pakistan, Polynesia, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, Vietnam, etc. One of the favorite locations in the US, the APIA population would like to settle is in the state of California. The APIA make up for about 12 % of the California population in 1999. They come from various cultural backgrounds and have diverse needs. They are one of the most diverse groups in the US, and it is difficult to fulfill their health problems due to diverse healthcare needs. Let us now go through the entire interview process: – Socio-economic factors – Mr. X earns about 45, 000 US dollars every month. He is employed in a software-MNC. None of his other family members are working. He is married and has one child. Although he came to the US in 1997, he brought his family down to the US about a year back. Mr. X feels happy that he is able to earn a good income in the US and is more or less settled. He feels that many of the Indians in the US are earning far less and are belonging to the poverty groups. However, he also feels that the organization he is working in is a small organization and the income provided is less compared to other organizations. Lifestyle – MR. X is not leading a very healthy lifestyle. Earlier as his family was not with him, he used to eat his food in eat-outs and restaurants. Due to this, he is unable to lead a healthy life. However, once his family has come home, he is able to eat a traditional Indian meal and due to this, his nutritional status has improved. He is now able to consume a balanced diet. Mr. X and his family members consume a vegetarian diet. Mr. X smokes about 5 cigarettes a day and consumes about 2 servings of alcohol (especially whisky and rum) on Saturdays and Sundays. He is able to sleep only for about 6 to 7 hours a day. This is due to excessive workload. Although his duty timings are only 8 hours, he puts in an extra 5 hours work at home. During the weekend, he has to work from home at least for 5 hours on Saturdays and Sundays. He usually gets together in family meeting and religious ceremonies on Saturdays and Sundays. Family Values – Mr. X has not had much of a family life in the US. This is because his wife and child were staying back in India, as they were unable to come to the US earlier. However, in the last one-year his wife and child have come down to California and are staying with him. His son is an 8-year-old kid, who has just joined a US Elementary school. The child goes to school for about 4 hours in a day, from Monday to Friday. Prior to this one-year, the only members of his family in the US were his cousins, uncles and aunts, who reside about 20 miles from his home. Mr. X feels that in India, family values are given a great amount of importance. Down in India, people stay in a common house with the family members. This is especially seen in villages and small towns. Family meetings are conducted every day and usually food is consumed and prayers are said in a family. During the earlier days when he had just come to the US, Mr. X had stayed with one of his maternal aunt in California. However, as his condition began to improve and his job was settled, he shifted to a separate residence. However, he continues to meet his family members during weekends. Mr. X also makes important decisions after taking the advice of the elders in the family. This is also the case in India, where elders are given a lot of respect and value. In case of any personal problem, he would first call up his uncle, a man of 67 years, and explain his problem to him. Religious preferences – Mr. X belong to a high caste Hindu family in India, and actively practice his religion. During the weekends, he attends for prayers in a temple in California. He usually makes a trip along with family members. He does follow intricate religious practices at home and at his workplace. He consumes a vegetarian diet and would take care especially whilst eating out. During the morning and before starting work, Mr. X chants a few short prayers. This he also does after he finishes work and before going to bed. His wife and child are also religious like him. He accompanies his family members during the weekends for a trip to their local temple. The local temple is about 25 miles away from their home. They also consume a vegetarian diet. In California, the number of vegetarian restaurants and eat-outs are less, due to which he has experienced problems. Health and practices – Mr. X enjoys a good state of health compared to the other APIA’s in the US. It is also important to note that the APIA’s enjoy a much better health status compared to the Whites, African-Americans and the Hispanics. In the year 1999, Mr. X suffered a bout of malaria. He suffered from the illness for about 15 days, and required admission in the Hospital. During his earlier days in the US, Mr. X did not have health insurance. Hence, he had to pay for his hospital bills. In the year 2000, the organization he was working with provided him with health insurance, which helps him to meet with his health expenditure. As Mr. X smokes excessively and due to his work-related habits, he suffers from asthmatic attacks frequently. He uses a small pump that provides Broncho-dilators. He has to consume two puffs twice a day as suggested by the physician. He also follows the advice on food and exercises suggested by the physician. Sometimes during winter months, Mr. X requires hospitalization for difficulty in breathing. This has occurred frequently in the last 4 years. His hospital bill is now covered by health insurance. The physician has repeatedly suggested to give up smoking and to follow better work-related practices, which Mr. X has ignored. The access to health is good, as Mr. X resides in an urban area. He has a hospital providing ultra-modern facilities located about 1 mile from his residence. The hospital also has physicians, specialists and nurses who are from an Indian background. This makes him a special patient at the hospital. He does feel that his physician is able to communicate with him appropriately and understand his health problem. As Mr. X has his family come in newly into the US, they do not have health insurance. However, he plans to subscribe to health insurance for them within the next six months. So far his wife and child did not require hospitalization. However, MR. X frequently takes his son for health checkups and immunizations to the pediatrician. His wife visits a female gynecologist frequently, to ensure that problems with her periods are addressed properly. She does prefer going to an Indian female gynecologist, but is unable to do so as there is a shortage of medical staff from other cultures in the US. Due to problems with financing (uninsured), she is unable to afford seeing an Indian gynecologist from another hospital. MR. X’s physician and pediatrician both belong to the Indian community. Child-bearing/parenting practices – Mr. X has just one son, and he plan to have one more child in the near future. However, he says that during the pregnancy period, he plans to send his wife and son back home to India, as he may be unable to take appropriate care of his wife. As family values are give great importance in India, Mr. X wishes that his son stays with him even after crossing the age of 16 or 18. He wants his soon to mix about with other children in the US, but at the same time follow Indian traditions regarding religion, diet and customs. Other issues – Mr. X and is family members do understand English and do not have any problem communicating with the people in the US. Mr. X may not consider preventive medical care. However, he does visit the local physician frequently to take medical advice and go in for routine checkups. Mr. X feels that more physicians, nurses and specialists from the Indian communities should be available to fulfill the need of the Indians in California. Mr. X also feels that the local government and the Federal government have not addressed several of the problems faced by the APIA communities in the US. This is with regards to health insurance, health access, education, working conditions, immigration status, etc. References: Ro, M. â€Å"Overview of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the United States and California. † Center for Alternative Policies. 1999. 9 Nov 2007. http://www. communityvoices. org/Uploads/om3gfk55hhzyvrn00n4nerbf_20020828090003. pdf Srinivasa, S. â€Å"Toward Improved Health: Disaggregating Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Data. † American Journal of Public Health 90. 11 (2000): 1731-1734. http://www. ajph. org/cgi/reprint/90/11/1731. pdf